From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 6, 2019): Australians warned vs traveling to some parts of Mindanao
The Australian government has cautioned its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” when traveling to parts of Mindanao due to ongoing risk of kidnapping, terrorist attack, as well as crime and violent clashes there.
In its latest travel advisory updated on Wednesday, the Australian government said “reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao due to the very high levels of violent crime and the high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.”
“Do not travel to central and western Mindanao due to the very high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups,” it added.
The Australian government’s updated advisory comes less than a week after a long-held Dutch hostage was killed in Sulu by his Abu Sayyaf captors.
READ: Dutch hostage, 6 Abus killed in clash
Ewold Horn was shot dead while he tried to escape during a fierce firefight between Abu Sayyaf and Army troops, a military official said.
“There is a very high threat of kidnapping in the southern Philippines, especially along the Zamboanga peninsula and in the Sulu Archipelago,” the advisory further said.
“Tourists in southern Palawan, southern Negros or Siquijor could also be targeted,” it added.
The Australian government, meanwhile, advised its citizens to “be alert to possible threats around locations that have a low level of protective security and places that could be terrorist targets” due a “high threat’ of terrorist attack in the Philippines, including Manila.
“Possible targets include commercial and public places frequented by foreigners,” it added. (
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1127457/australians-warned-vs-traveling-to-some-parts-of-mindanao
Thursday, June 6, 2019
3 terror suspects nabbed in raids
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 6, 2019): 3 terror suspects nabbed in raids
Three suspected members of the homegrown terror group Abu Sayyaf had been arrested in separate operations on Wednesday, according to police.
Police Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, police regional chief for Zamboanga Peninsula, said Jamik Ibrahim, Majuk Amil and Hashim Aming were separately arrested in counterterrorism operations by police and National Bureau of Investigation agents from Manila.
Aming was the first to fall, leading to the capture of the two other suspects.
Aming, according to police, was involved in the kidnapping of six Jehovahs Witnesses in Patikul, Sulu in 2001. Ibrahim and Amil were involved in the kidnapping of workers of Golden Harvest in June 2001.
Quidilla said the three suspects will be brought to Manila on Friday.
Police Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, police regional chief for Zamboanga Peninsula, said Jamik Ibrahim, Majuk Amil and Hashim Aming were separately arrested in counterterrorism operations by police and National Bureau of Investigation agents from Manila.
Aming was the first to fall, leading to the capture of the two other suspects.
Aming, according to police, was involved in the kidnapping of six Jehovahs Witnesses in Patikul, Sulu in 2001. Ibrahim and Amil were involved in the kidnapping of workers of Golden Harvest in June 2001.
Quidilla said the three suspects will be brought to Manila on Friday.
NegOcc ‘reformed rebels’ get financial aid
From Panay News (Jun 6, 2019): NegOcc ‘reformed rebels’ get financial aid
Reformed members of the New People’s Army take oath of allegiance before Negros Occidental governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. RICHARD MALIHAN
BACOLOD City – The provincial government in Negros Occidental extended financial aids to nine reformed members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
The former NPA fighters received P65,000 each from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. They previously surrendered to the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion.
“This shows the sincerity of the government in fulfilling its promise to allow the rebels to start anew and live normal lives again,” said Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo.
Aside from financial assistance, the reformed insurgents also received food packs from the Negros Occidental Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program health cards.
The assistance program is part of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
It was instituted by President Rodrigo Duterte geared towards surrendered enemy combatants. (With a report from 303IB /
https://www.panaynews.net/negocc-reformed-rebels-get-financial-aid/
BACOLOD City – The provincial government in Negros Occidental extended financial aids to nine reformed members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
The former NPA fighters received P65,000 each from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. They previously surrendered to the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion.
“This shows the sincerity of the government in fulfilling its promise to allow the rebels to start anew and live normal lives again,” said Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo.
Aside from financial assistance, the reformed insurgents also received food packs from the Negros Occidental Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program health cards.
The assistance program is part of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
It was instituted by President Rodrigo Duterte geared towards surrendered enemy combatants. (With a report from 303IB /
https://www.panaynews.net/negocc-reformed-rebels-get-financial-aid/
2 young NPA rebels surrender
From Panay News (Jun 7, 2019): 2 young NPA rebels surrender
ILOILO – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the police with the help of Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr.
Twenty-year-old Ka Princess, who also went by the nom de guerre Ka Nemia, and 21-year-old boyfriend Ka MJ Coda, was safely picked up by a team from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) led by director Police Colonel Marlon Tayaba in Barangay Pali, Mandurriao, Iloilo City at around 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
Through emissaries, the rebels asked Defensor to facilitate their surrender. The governor contacted Tayaba and gave instructions.
The rebels, who said their group operated in the central municipalities of the province, would be availing themselves of the national government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“They told us they were going hungry in the mountains and they wanted to have a normal life,” said Police Major Jonathan Pinuela of the IPPO.
Ka MJ said it was her girlfriend who first joined the underground movement one year and three months ago. After three months he decided to join, too, so he could be with her.
A “good news” was how Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion described the surrender of the two rebels.
“We encourage rebels to surrender and avail themselves of livelihood programs of the government,” said Batara.
https://www.panaynews.net/2-young-npa-rebels-surrender/
Twenty-year-old Ka Princess, who also went by the nom de guerre Ka Nemia, and 21-year-old boyfriend Ka MJ Coda, was safely picked up by a team from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) led by director Police Colonel Marlon Tayaba in Barangay Pali, Mandurriao, Iloilo City at around 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
Through emissaries, the rebels asked Defensor to facilitate their surrender. The governor contacted Tayaba and gave instructions.
The rebels, who said their group operated in the central municipalities of the province, would be availing themselves of the national government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“They told us they were going hungry in the mountains and they wanted to have a normal life,” said Police Major Jonathan Pinuela of the IPPO.
Ka MJ said it was her girlfriend who first joined the underground movement one year and three months ago. After three months he decided to join, too, so he could be with her.
A “good news” was how Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion described the surrender of the two rebels.
“We encourage rebels to surrender and avail themselves of livelihood programs of the government,” said Batara.
https://www.panaynews.net/2-young-npa-rebels-surrender/
Kalinaw News: Workers stop NPA from burning road construction equipment
Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 6, 2019): Workers stop NPA from burning road construction equipment
Workers of Venray Construction Corporation prevented the CPP-NPA terrorists from burning their construction equipment that were parked in their field office in Brgy Cabangahan, Malaybalay early morning today (June 6, 2019).
Employees woke up at 2:30AM with unusual noise and saw their company’s Bonggo truck lit by fire. This prompted them to respond and drive away the perpetrators who immediately escaped. The workers immediately doused the fire with water and fire extinguisher thus prevented it from spreading towards nearby Grader and Backhoe. Fire truck from Brgy Aglayan arrived minutes later to completely stop the fire.
Perpetrators were riding on 8 motorcycles and fled southwards according to witnesses
“Sunod sunod ang ginagawang karahasan ng NPA laban sa mga inosenteng sibilyan hindi lang dito sa Bukidnon, pati sa ibat-ibang panig ng bansa. Dapat pagpaliwanagin ang pamunuan ng CPP at NDF kung bakit hindi nila madisiplina ang hanay ng NPA sa patuloy na pag atake sa mga sibilyan na walang kinalaman sa labanan ng sundalo at NPA”, BGen Edgardo De Leon, 403Bde Commanders said.
Investigators are now focused on gathering information for the filing of appropriate case against CPP-NDF-NPA members and leaders. Line of investigations to check:
1. If the area that was attacked is a military camp or a civilian compound?
2. If the equipment burned owned by military or by civilian?
3. If the equipment burned ever used by military or involved in military operation against NPA?
4. If the people accosted by the NPA ever participated in military operations against the NPA?
5. If the Venray construction company involved in direct military operations against the NPA?
Should the result of initial investigation provides a strong case that the NPA attacked civilians, then appropriate case will be filed at CHR10 which handles investigation of IHL violations. A case will also be docketed at RTC Branch 25 in CDO City, the special court designated to try IHL case.
“We call on KARAPATAN, which claims to be a citizens watch that monitors IHL violations, to do a parallel investigation to determine if the NPA indeed violated IHL in this particular incident or not”, BGen De Leon added.
“We are very thankful to the workers’ courageous act of shooing away the NPA terrorists to prevent their equipment from being destroyed and for the quick response of BFP responders. This is the real essense of the “whole of nation” approach in preventing the communist NPA terrorists from sowing chaos in our place. This incident proves that the local communists terrorists are no match to people who unite and resist, even if the people are unarmed”, said MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID Commander.
Recently, a certain Pia Alonzo, a self-declared spokesperson of the NPA terrorists in Bukidnon claimed responsibility over the straffing of Brgy Tanods in Brgy Sto Niño, Manolo Fortich and for detonating Anti-Personnel Mines in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon that hit a convoy carrying foreigners who came to observe our IP’s best practices in preserving the tribal heritage. Karapatan is yet to issue statement on these incidents.
A similar NPA terrorist attack on construction equipment in Samar last week prompted Catholic Church leaders into condemning the CPP-NDF-NPA as it hampers economic development and deprives the people of the much needed infrastractures. Notably, Region 10 Peace and Order Council made an earlier resolution condemning the NPA’s atrocity committed against civilians. CDO City Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, as a member of RPOC10 recognized and expressed strong support to the Resolution and called upon the CPP-NDF leaders to direct the NPA to stop attacking civilians. The NPA seemed playing deaf on the pleadings.
403rd Infantry "Peacemaker" Brigade 4 Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Marcelito Quijano
CMO Officer, 403Bde, 41D, PA
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
09564177497
[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.]
Workers of Venray Construction Corporation prevented the CPP-NPA terrorists from burning their construction equipment that were parked in their field office in Brgy Cabangahan, Malaybalay early morning today (June 6, 2019).
Employees woke up at 2:30AM with unusual noise and saw their company’s Bonggo truck lit by fire. This prompted them to respond and drive away the perpetrators who immediately escaped. The workers immediately doused the fire with water and fire extinguisher thus prevented it from spreading towards nearby Grader and Backhoe. Fire truck from Brgy Aglayan arrived minutes later to completely stop the fire.
Perpetrators were riding on 8 motorcycles and fled southwards according to witnesses
“Sunod sunod ang ginagawang karahasan ng NPA laban sa mga inosenteng sibilyan hindi lang dito sa Bukidnon, pati sa ibat-ibang panig ng bansa. Dapat pagpaliwanagin ang pamunuan ng CPP at NDF kung bakit hindi nila madisiplina ang hanay ng NPA sa patuloy na pag atake sa mga sibilyan na walang kinalaman sa labanan ng sundalo at NPA”, BGen Edgardo De Leon, 403Bde Commanders said.
Investigators are now focused on gathering information for the filing of appropriate case against CPP-NDF-NPA members and leaders. Line of investigations to check:
1. If the area that was attacked is a military camp or a civilian compound?
2. If the equipment burned owned by military or by civilian?
3. If the equipment burned ever used by military or involved in military operation against NPA?
4. If the people accosted by the NPA ever participated in military operations against the NPA?
5. If the Venray construction company involved in direct military operations against the NPA?
Should the result of initial investigation provides a strong case that the NPA attacked civilians, then appropriate case will be filed at CHR10 which handles investigation of IHL violations. A case will also be docketed at RTC Branch 25 in CDO City, the special court designated to try IHL case.
“We call on KARAPATAN, which claims to be a citizens watch that monitors IHL violations, to do a parallel investigation to determine if the NPA indeed violated IHL in this particular incident or not”, BGen De Leon added.
“We are very thankful to the workers’ courageous act of shooing away the NPA terrorists to prevent their equipment from being destroyed and for the quick response of BFP responders. This is the real essense of the “whole of nation” approach in preventing the communist NPA terrorists from sowing chaos in our place. This incident proves that the local communists terrorists are no match to people who unite and resist, even if the people are unarmed”, said MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID Commander.
Recently, a certain Pia Alonzo, a self-declared spokesperson of the NPA terrorists in Bukidnon claimed responsibility over the straffing of Brgy Tanods in Brgy Sto Niño, Manolo Fortich and for detonating Anti-Personnel Mines in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon that hit a convoy carrying foreigners who came to observe our IP’s best practices in preserving the tribal heritage. Karapatan is yet to issue statement on these incidents.
A similar NPA terrorist attack on construction equipment in Samar last week prompted Catholic Church leaders into condemning the CPP-NDF-NPA as it hampers economic development and deprives the people of the much needed infrastractures. Notably, Region 10 Peace and Order Council made an earlier resolution condemning the NPA’s atrocity committed against civilians. CDO City Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, as a member of RPOC10 recognized and expressed strong support to the Resolution and called upon the CPP-NDF leaders to direct the NPA to stop attacking civilians. The NPA seemed playing deaf on the pleadings.
403rd Infantry "Peacemaker" Brigade 4 Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Marcelito Quijano
CMO Officer, 403Bde, 41D, PA
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
09564177497
WESTMINCOM: Memorabilia of Zambo siege hero unveiled in Pagadian City
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jun 6, 2019): Memorabilia of Zambo siege hero unveiled in Pagadian City
Military and public officials witnessed the unveiling of the memorabilia of Private First Class Ian Paquit, a Medal of Valor awardee, in a ceremony held in Pagadian City yesterday, June 5.
Pfc Paquit distinguished himself for his acts of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an automatic rifleman of the Special Operations Command during an armed encounter with factions of the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City in 2013.
“Nay, ang anak mo ay sundalo ng Republika ng Pilipinas na handang makipaglaban at mamatay mailigtas lamang ang ating bansa (Ma, your son is a warrior, ready to fight and to die just to defend our country,” said the late Pfc Paquit, despite repeated pleadings for him to leave the battleground.
“Pfc Paquit was one of the military men who fought to defend the city. He was hit on the neck and was rushed to the hospital. He was given a 15-day leave, but he did not avail of it. Instead, he went back to the battlefield,” said Arnold Cabantug, Otto Lingue National High School principal.
Despite the enemy’s massive fire power, Pfc Paquit adjusted his position to the most perilous spot to protect the troops and to deliver accurate fires toward the MNLF’s strongholds, causing him his life.
Cabantug said this was the first time for Otto Lingue National High School and even for the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur to have a graduate with a Medal of Valor at such a young age.
Pfc Paquit was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor in December 2013.
“Aking pinasasalamatan ang gumawa nitong recognition dahil ito pa lang ang unang ginawa at sa anak ko pa iginawad ang Medal of Valor. Nagpapasalamat rin ako sa mahal na Pangulo na nag-apruba nito (I want to thank the people who worked for this recognition. This is the first time that the memorabilia was made, and I am happy to learn that the same was made for my son),” said Eduard Paquit, the father of the Medal of Valor awardee,
AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Melchor Mison, Jr. said the armed forces take pride in the heroism of Pfc Paquit.
“Nay, tay, kami po ang magpapasalamat sa inyo dahil bayani ang inyong anak. Hindi mauubos ang pagpapasalamat ng Armed Forces. Kung may kailangan po kayo, lumapit lamang po kayo sa mga sundalo,” added Lt. Gen. Mison, Jr.
Dr. Julieto Fernandez, Department of Education Pagadian Division Superintendent, said: “This (recognition) will remind us that an ordinary man, who was once enrolled in this school, did an extraordinary job beyond his duty, and that made him great. I know that we can also do great things by doing things beyond our duty.”
The unveiling of Pfc Paquit’s memorabilia was held at Otto Lingue National High School, where the hero finished his secondary education.
Brigadier General Cirilo Thomas Donato, Jr., Western Mindanao Command Deputy Commander for Administration, and other officials graced the unveiling ceremony in Pagadian City yesterday.
“The courage and dedication displayed by our heroes, like Pfc Paquit, in the face of adversity shall continue to drive us to fight hard and to win our battles for our countrymen and for peace and development to thrive on our lands,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, WestMinCom chief.
http://www.westmincom.com/memorabilia-of-zambo-siege-hero-unveiled-in-pagadian-city/
Military and public officials witnessed the unveiling of the memorabilia of Private First Class Ian Paquit, a Medal of Valor awardee, in a ceremony held in Pagadian City yesterday, June 5.
Pfc Paquit distinguished himself for his acts of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an automatic rifleman of the Special Operations Command during an armed encounter with factions of the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City in 2013.
“Nay, ang anak mo ay sundalo ng Republika ng Pilipinas na handang makipaglaban at mamatay mailigtas lamang ang ating bansa (Ma, your son is a warrior, ready to fight and to die just to defend our country,” said the late Pfc Paquit, despite repeated pleadings for him to leave the battleground.
“Pfc Paquit was one of the military men who fought to defend the city. He was hit on the neck and was rushed to the hospital. He was given a 15-day leave, but he did not avail of it. Instead, he went back to the battlefield,” said Arnold Cabantug, Otto Lingue National High School principal.
Despite the enemy’s massive fire power, Pfc Paquit adjusted his position to the most perilous spot to protect the troops and to deliver accurate fires toward the MNLF’s strongholds, causing him his life.
Cabantug said this was the first time for Otto Lingue National High School and even for the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur to have a graduate with a Medal of Valor at such a young age.
Pfc Paquit was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor in December 2013.
“Aking pinasasalamatan ang gumawa nitong recognition dahil ito pa lang ang unang ginawa at sa anak ko pa iginawad ang Medal of Valor. Nagpapasalamat rin ako sa mahal na Pangulo na nag-apruba nito (I want to thank the people who worked for this recognition. This is the first time that the memorabilia was made, and I am happy to learn that the same was made for my son),” said Eduard Paquit, the father of the Medal of Valor awardee,
AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Melchor Mison, Jr. said the armed forces take pride in the heroism of Pfc Paquit.
“Nay, tay, kami po ang magpapasalamat sa inyo dahil bayani ang inyong anak. Hindi mauubos ang pagpapasalamat ng Armed Forces. Kung may kailangan po kayo, lumapit lamang po kayo sa mga sundalo,” added Lt. Gen. Mison, Jr.
Dr. Julieto Fernandez, Department of Education Pagadian Division Superintendent, said: “This (recognition) will remind us that an ordinary man, who was once enrolled in this school, did an extraordinary job beyond his duty, and that made him great. I know that we can also do great things by doing things beyond our duty.”
The unveiling of Pfc Paquit’s memorabilia was held at Otto Lingue National High School, where the hero finished his secondary education.
Brigadier General Cirilo Thomas Donato, Jr., Western Mindanao Command Deputy Commander for Administration, and other officials graced the unveiling ceremony in Pagadian City yesterday.
“The courage and dedication displayed by our heroes, like Pfc Paquit, in the face of adversity shall continue to drive us to fight hard and to win our battles for our countrymen and for peace and development to thrive on our lands,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, WestMinCom chief.
http://www.westmincom.com/memorabilia-of-zambo-siege-hero-unveiled-in-pagadian-city/
WESTMINCOM: Eid’l Fitr celebrated at 6th Infantry Division
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jun 6, 2019): Eid’l Fitr celebrated at 6th Infantry Division
The Muslim believers of the 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army gathered to commemorate the Eid’l Fitr or Feast of the Breaking of the Fast on June 5, 2019.
The military Muslim personnel were joined by their families and other civilians living near the camp in an early morning prayer in front of the 6th ID Grandstand yesterday.
This year’s celebration was led by Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs, Colonel Carlito Bueno, who greeted everyone with Eid Mubarak or blessing on their celebration.
“Ang kahulugan ng pag-aayuno sa Islam ay isang uri ng gawaing pagsamba sa Allah sa pamamagitan ng pagpigil at pag-iwas mula sa pagkain, inumin, pakikipagtalik, at sa iba pang nakakasira sa pag-aayuno, simula sa pagsapit ng madaling araw hanggang sa paglubog ng araw,” said Col. Bueno.
Col. Bueno, in his message, outlined the purpose of fasting, which is considered the holiest among the Islamic celebrations.
The 6ID Commander, Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, extended his greetings to the Muslim brothers and sisters of the 6th ID and stakeholders and thanked them for choosing the 6th ID camp to celebrate Eid’l Fitr.
“May the blessings of Allah fill your life with happiness and this worthy celebration will touch the love and peace to each and every one of us,” expressed MGen Sobejana.
http://www.westmincom.com/eidl-fitr-celebrated-at-6th-infantry-division/
The military Muslim personnel were joined by their families and other civilians living near the camp in an early morning prayer in front of the 6th ID Grandstand yesterday.
This year’s celebration was led by Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs, Colonel Carlito Bueno, who greeted everyone with Eid Mubarak or blessing on their celebration.
“Ang kahulugan ng pag-aayuno sa Islam ay isang uri ng gawaing pagsamba sa Allah sa pamamagitan ng pagpigil at pag-iwas mula sa pagkain, inumin, pakikipagtalik, at sa iba pang nakakasira sa pag-aayuno, simula sa pagsapit ng madaling araw hanggang sa paglubog ng araw,” said Col. Bueno.
Col. Bueno, in his message, outlined the purpose of fasting, which is considered the holiest among the Islamic celebrations.
The 6ID Commander, Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, extended his greetings to the Muslim brothers and sisters of the 6th ID and stakeholders and thanked them for choosing the 6th ID camp to celebrate Eid’l Fitr.
“May the blessings of Allah fill your life with happiness and this worthy celebration will touch the love and peace to each and every one of us,” expressed MGen Sobejana.
http://www.westmincom.com/eidl-fitr-celebrated-at-6th-infantry-division/
81 soldiers get medals
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 6, 2019): 81 soldiers get medals
The Philippine Army honored its 81 soldiers involved in two successful encounters against the New People’s Army in Negros Occidental, by awarding them with medals in separate ceremonies held Tuesday.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, personally conferred Military Commendation Medals on 38 soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and 43 troopers of the 79th Infantry Battalion for demonstrating exemplary performance of duties in combat operations.
The encounter of the 62IB on May 4 in Sitio Dawhan, Brgy. Buenavista, HImamaylan City, Negros Occidental, led to five rebel casualties, the apprehension of a minor recruited by the NPA, recovery of an anti personnel land mine, seven back packs containing personal belongings and subversive documents, to the 303rd Infantry Brigade reported.
On May 15, the 79IB also figured in an encounter with communist rebels in Brgy. Minautok, Calatrava that also claimed the lives of five more rebels, based on reports of the populace, and the recovery of ammunition for Garand rifle, assorted foodstuff and personal belongings.
The pinning of medals was held in the headquarters of the 79IB in Brgy. Bato, Sagay City, andn the 62IB in Brgy. L:ibas, Isabela, Negros Occidental, respectively.
Arevalo said the medals he conferred on his men are in recognition of their commitment to the service, hard-work and bravery in fighting the NPA, noting that well-motivated and appreciated troops will perform better than what is expected from them.
Military records show that 225 medals were already conferred by Arevalo on soldiers under 303rd Brigade, for the 12 successful encounters against the NPA in Negros Occidental, since his assumption as its commander October 29 last year.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/06/topstory3.htm
The Philippine Army honored its 81 soldiers involved in two successful encounters against the New People’s Army in Negros Occidental, by awarding them with medals in separate ceremonies held Tuesday.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, personally conferred Military Commendation Medals on 38 soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and 43 troopers of the 79th Infantry Battalion for demonstrating exemplary performance of duties in combat operations.
The encounter of the 62IB on May 4 in Sitio Dawhan, Brgy. Buenavista, HImamaylan City, Negros Occidental, led to five rebel casualties, the apprehension of a minor recruited by the NPA, recovery of an anti personnel land mine, seven back packs containing personal belongings and subversive documents, to the 303rd Infantry Brigade reported.
On May 15, the 79IB also figured in an encounter with communist rebels in Brgy. Minautok, Calatrava that also claimed the lives of five more rebels, based on reports of the populace, and the recovery of ammunition for Garand rifle, assorted foodstuff and personal belongings.
The pinning of medals was held in the headquarters of the 79IB in Brgy. Bato, Sagay City, andn the 62IB in Brgy. L:ibas, Isabela, Negros Occidental, respectively.
Arevalo said the medals he conferred on his men are in recognition of their commitment to the service, hard-work and bravery in fighting the NPA, noting that well-motivated and appreciated troops will perform better than what is expected from them.
Military records show that 225 medals were already conferred by Arevalo on soldiers under 303rd Brigade, for the 12 successful encounters against the NPA in Negros Occidental, since his assumption as its commander October 29 last year.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/06/topstory3.htm
Army battalion arriving Sunday
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 6, 2019): Army battalion arriving Sunday
The returning 11th Infantry Battalion is arriving Sunday on board a Philippine Navy Vessel, at a port in Negros Oriental.
Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that a welcome reception to be led by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo will be held, for the returning Army soldiers the next day.
The 11IB deployed for two years in Zamboanga City, was replaced by the 74th Infantry Battalion from Sumisip, Basilan.
Madriaga, who described the return of 11IB to Negros Oriental as a welcome development, said it will help fast track their objective of clearing the province of armed insurgents sooner than anticipated and make the whole Region 7 insurgency-free.
An Army battalion is composed of about 500 military personnel.
The 15th Infantry Battalion also returned from Marawi to Negros Occidental early this year.
The return of the 11IB will increase the number of Army battalions deployed in Negros Island to five.
On June 4, Mayor Beng Climaco, who hosted a thanksgiving dinner for the 11IB, cited the effort of the concerned Army unit in securing Zamboanga City that resulted to zero bombing and zero kidnapping incidents in the past years.
The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army in central Negros slammed the return of 11IB, that will have its headquarters in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, issued a statement alleging that the return of 11IB to Negros is part of the implementation of what he claims to be a de facto martial law in the island.
Regalado also linked to the 11IB the killing of a couple and three others in Guihulngan City, before they were deployed to Mindanao.
He also said that all LPC units were ordered to launch offensives against government forces and to immediately enforce the decision of the revolutionary court to punish those responsible for the implementation of Oplan Sauron 1 and 2 in Negros Oriental.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/06/topstory5.htm
Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that a welcome reception to be led by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo will be held, for the returning Army soldiers the next day.
The 11IB deployed for two years in Zamboanga City, was replaced by the 74th Infantry Battalion from Sumisip, Basilan.
Madriaga, who described the return of 11IB to Negros Oriental as a welcome development, said it will help fast track their objective of clearing the province of armed insurgents sooner than anticipated and make the whole Region 7 insurgency-free.
An Army battalion is composed of about 500 military personnel.
The 15th Infantry Battalion also returned from Marawi to Negros Occidental early this year.
The return of the 11IB will increase the number of Army battalions deployed in Negros Island to five.
On June 4, Mayor Beng Climaco, who hosted a thanksgiving dinner for the 11IB, cited the effort of the concerned Army unit in securing Zamboanga City that resulted to zero bombing and zero kidnapping incidents in the past years.
The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army in central Negros slammed the return of 11IB, that will have its headquarters in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, issued a statement alleging that the return of 11IB to Negros is part of the implementation of what he claims to be a de facto martial law in the island.
Regalado also linked to the 11IB the killing of a couple and three others in Guihulngan City, before they were deployed to Mindanao.
He also said that all LPC units were ordered to launch offensives against government forces and to immediately enforce the decision of the revolutionary court to punish those responsible for the implementation of Oplan Sauron 1 and 2 in Negros Oriental.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/06/topstory5.htm
Generals snub red-tagging hearing at Court of Appeals
From Rappler (Jun 6, 2019): Generals snub red-tagging hearing at Court of Appeals
The generals, including national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon and defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, are required to attend the hearing on July 11
WRIT OF AMPARO. (From left) Human rights lawyers Rachel Pastores, Czarina Musni and Edre Olalia attend a hearing before the Court of Appeals on June 6, 2019, on the writ of amparo accusing the Philippine military of red-tagging and harassment. Photo by Lian Buan/Rappler
The top brass of the Philippine military snubbed a hearing at the Court of Appeals (CA) on Thursday, June 6, frustrating human rights lawyers who sued them of red-tagging and continuous harassment.
“Their red-tagging is so vicious yet they don’t even show up, they don’t have the audacity to stand their ground,’ said National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) president Edre Olalia in a mix of English and Filipino.
The CA's Special 15th Division required the generals to attend the next hearing on July 11.
"The Court required the respondents to appear next hearing, July 11, and they committed to present, or that 7 generals will attend the next hearing," said Rachel Pastores, lawyer for petitioners NUPL.
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), representing the military, initially reasoned that they thought the generals’ presence were not required, but later cited conflict of schedule.
The hearing aims to thresh out the complaint of the NUPL that the military has been sanctioning harassment and red-tagging against their lawyers nationwide. The Supreme Court earlier granted the NUPL a writ of amparo, a legal remedy seeking a protection order.
The Court of Appeals will have to decide whether to give protection orders to the lawyers, which would be akin to a restraning order against the military.
Summoned to appear on July 11 were: national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon; defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana; Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal; AFP deputy commander for intelligence Major General Fernando Trinidad; Intelligence Service of AFP chief Major General Erwin Bernard Neri; Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto; and AFP deputy chief for civil military operations Major General Antonio Parlade Jr.
Olalia added that during the pre-trial conference, the OSG committed to put Parlade on the witness stand.
Parlade spoke before a convention in Singapore where he accused the NUPL of having links to communist rebels. Parlade is the same military official who accused certain non-governmental organizations of being front groups for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
The European Union (EU), which funds the NGOs, said it would conduct an audit to verify Parlade’s claims.
Condemning the accusation as red-tagging, the NUPL said Parlade’s statements are the peak of harassments against human rights lawyers since the start of President Duterte’s administration.
By its count, there have been 55 lawyers attacked and threatened since July 2016; 36 of them were killed.
Olalia said that the red-tagging and harrassment from the army is worse in the Duterte administration than in the Arroyo administration, whose anti-insurgency campaign was tainted by multiple allegations of human rights violations.
The most infamous case of the Arroyo era is Army Major General Jovito Palparan, who has been convicted of kidnapping activists and is serving lifetime imprisonment at the New Bilibid Prison.
“The Duterte administration is more vicious, more malicious, more unrelenting, in red-tagging. It is without let up, it is unscrupulous, and characterized by impunity,” Olalia said.
Olalia was the first witness of the NUPL to go on the stand. He had a slightly tense exchange with the OSG lawyer doing the cross examination who called the NUPL’s petition “nitpicking.”
Lawyer Czarina Musni from Cagayan de Oro also took the witness stand, testifying on her inclusion in several posters distributed in her province tagging her, other lawyers, priests and teachers as communist rebels.
President Rodrigo Duterte was included as respondent in the NUPL's complaint, but Pastores conceded that he cannot be compelled to come to the court "because he is the president."
https://www.rappler.com/nation/232442-military-generals-snub-red-tagging-hearing-court-appeals-june-6-2019
The generals, including national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon and defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, are required to attend the hearing on July 11
The top brass of the Philippine military snubbed a hearing at the Court of Appeals (CA) on Thursday, June 6, frustrating human rights lawyers who sued them of red-tagging and continuous harassment.
“Their red-tagging is so vicious yet they don’t even show up, they don’t have the audacity to stand their ground,’ said National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) president Edre Olalia in a mix of English and Filipino.
The CA's Special 15th Division required the generals to attend the next hearing on July 11.
"The Court required the respondents to appear next hearing, July 11, and they committed to present, or that 7 generals will attend the next hearing," said Rachel Pastores, lawyer for petitioners NUPL.
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), representing the military, initially reasoned that they thought the generals’ presence were not required, but later cited conflict of schedule.
The hearing aims to thresh out the complaint of the NUPL that the military has been sanctioning harassment and red-tagging against their lawyers nationwide. The Supreme Court earlier granted the NUPL a writ of amparo, a legal remedy seeking a protection order.
The Court of Appeals will have to decide whether to give protection orders to the lawyers, which would be akin to a restraning order against the military.
Summoned to appear on July 11 were: national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon; defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana; Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal; AFP deputy commander for intelligence Major General Fernando Trinidad; Intelligence Service of AFP chief Major General Erwin Bernard Neri; Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto; and AFP deputy chief for civil military operations Major General Antonio Parlade Jr.
Olalia added that during the pre-trial conference, the OSG committed to put Parlade on the witness stand.
Parlade spoke before a convention in Singapore where he accused the NUPL of having links to communist rebels. Parlade is the same military official who accused certain non-governmental organizations of being front groups for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
The European Union (EU), which funds the NGOs, said it would conduct an audit to verify Parlade’s claims.
Condemning the accusation as red-tagging, the NUPL said Parlade’s statements are the peak of harassments against human rights lawyers since the start of President Duterte’s administration.
By its count, there have been 55 lawyers attacked and threatened since July 2016; 36 of them were killed.
Olalia said that the red-tagging and harrassment from the army is worse in the Duterte administration than in the Arroyo administration, whose anti-insurgency campaign was tainted by multiple allegations of human rights violations.
The most infamous case of the Arroyo era is Army Major General Jovito Palparan, who has been convicted of kidnapping activists and is serving lifetime imprisonment at the New Bilibid Prison.
“The Duterte administration is more vicious, more malicious, more unrelenting, in red-tagging. It is without let up, it is unscrupulous, and characterized by impunity,” Olalia said.
Olalia was the first witness of the NUPL to go on the stand. He had a slightly tense exchange with the OSG lawyer doing the cross examination who called the NUPL’s petition “nitpicking.”
Lawyer Czarina Musni from Cagayan de Oro also took the witness stand, testifying on her inclusion in several posters distributed in her province tagging her, other lawyers, priests and teachers as communist rebels.
President Rodrigo Duterte was included as respondent in the NUPL's complaint, but Pastores conceded that he cannot be compelled to come to the court "because he is the president."
https://www.rappler.com/nation/232442-military-generals-snub-red-tagging-hearing-court-appeals-june-6-2019
Over 5,700 dead soldiers still got pension in 2018 – COA
From Rappler (Jun 6, 2019): Over 5,700 dead soldiers still got pension in 2018 – COA
The Commission on Audit wants to hold officials liable for the payment of more than P70 million to pensioners who were already dead
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) was flagged by state auditors for its payment of P70.25 million worth of pension to 5,721 soldiers who turned out to be dead.
The pension for dead soldiers made up 84.5% of the total amount that the PVAO paid in pension for 2018, according to the annual audit report on the agency.
"Comparison of the payroll of pensioners and list of reported deaths for CY 2018 disclosed that 5,721 or 84.5% out of 6,768 total reported deaths continuously received their regular monthly pensions which ranged from 1 to 64 months, thus [resulting] in the overpayment amounting to P70,250,300.00," said the Commission on Audit (COA).
COA recommended that the PVAO identify the officials involved in the lapse and "hold them liable."
This is apparently a lingering problem in the PVAO because from 2015 to 2016, the agency also paid pension to dead veterans. The agency, in fact, improved in 2018.
"The period covered for the continuous payment of regular monthly pension to deceased pensioners decreased to 1 to 65 months as compared to 1 to 132 months continuous remittance...for FYs (fiscal years) 2015 to 2016," said COA.
State auditors said that of the P70.25 million given to dead veterans, the PVAO has already recovered P33.79 million, which leaves them with P36.45 million more to get back.
"However, the recovered amounts were still deposited in PVAO servicing banks and not remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury in violation of Section 10 of General Provisions of [the] General Appropriations Act," auditors said.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/232446-dead-soldiers-still-got-pension-audit-report-2018
The Commission on Audit wants to hold officials liable for the payment of more than P70 million to pensioners who were already dead
The pension for dead soldiers made up 84.5% of the total amount that the PVAO paid in pension for 2018, according to the annual audit report on the agency.
"Comparison of the payroll of pensioners and list of reported deaths for CY 2018 disclosed that 5,721 or 84.5% out of 6,768 total reported deaths continuously received their regular monthly pensions which ranged from 1 to 64 months, thus [resulting] in the overpayment amounting to P70,250,300.00," said the Commission on Audit (COA).
COA recommended that the PVAO identify the officials involved in the lapse and "hold them liable."
This is apparently a lingering problem in the PVAO because from 2015 to 2016, the agency also paid pension to dead veterans. The agency, in fact, improved in 2018.
"The period covered for the continuous payment of regular monthly pension to deceased pensioners decreased to 1 to 65 months as compared to 1 to 132 months continuous remittance...for FYs (fiscal years) 2015 to 2016," said COA.
State auditors said that of the P70.25 million given to dead veterans, the PVAO has already recovered P33.79 million, which leaves them with P36.45 million more to get back.
"However, the recovered amounts were still deposited in PVAO servicing banks and not remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury in violation of Section 10 of General Provisions of [the] General Appropriations Act," auditors said.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/232446-dead-soldiers-still-got-pension-audit-report-2018
Tribal school report of continuing military harassment
From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Jun 5, 2019): Tribal school report of continuing military harassment
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – School authorities of two tribal schools in Davao Oriental and North Cotabato operated by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI) has reported of continued Army harassment, ranging from encampment nearby and asking residents around to refrain from sending their children to the MISFI school.
Teachers of the schools in Sitio Casunugan, Baranggay Mahan-ub and Sitio Limot, Barangay Binondo, Baganga town, in the province of Davao Oriental, said they saw soldiers in civilian houses and in a community church.
Leah Serra, area coordinator of MISFI told Davao Today in a phone interview that soldiers were only a few meters away from the MISFI school in the community. Serra said parents also complained that soldiers forced them to sign documents indicating that they will not enroll their children to a Lumad school.
Families also said they were allegedly threatened that they would no longer avail of 4Ps if they do enroll in MISFI, she added.
In Sitio Bantaan, Barangay Bagumbayan, Magpet, North Cotabato, teachers also reported about soldiers setting up camps in several households.
Davao Today tried to reach Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division for comment on the reported presence of soldiers in Lumad communities, but have not responded as of posting.
A recent report by Save our Schools Network shows that 89 Lumad schools in Mindanao were forcibly shut down affecting around 3,000 students since the start of the Duterte administration.
The SOS Network noted in its report that, 24 teachers, 17 members of Parent Teachers Community Association (PTCA) and nine human rights defenders are currently facing “trumped-up” charges. Twelve of them are still detained.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/tribal-school-report-of-continuing-military-harassment/
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – School authorities of two tribal schools in Davao Oriental and North Cotabato operated by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI) has reported of continued Army harassment, ranging from encampment nearby and asking residents around to refrain from sending their children to the MISFI school.
Teachers of the schools in Sitio Casunugan, Baranggay Mahan-ub and Sitio Limot, Barangay Binondo, Baganga town, in the province of Davao Oriental, said they saw soldiers in civilian houses and in a community church.
Leah Serra, area coordinator of MISFI told Davao Today in a phone interview that soldiers were only a few meters away from the MISFI school in the community. Serra said parents also complained that soldiers forced them to sign documents indicating that they will not enroll their children to a Lumad school.
Families also said they were allegedly threatened that they would no longer avail of 4Ps if they do enroll in MISFI, she added.
In Sitio Bantaan, Barangay Bagumbayan, Magpet, North Cotabato, teachers also reported about soldiers setting up camps in several households.
Davao Today tried to reach Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division for comment on the reported presence of soldiers in Lumad communities, but have not responded as of posting.
A recent report by Save our Schools Network shows that 89 Lumad schools in Mindanao were forcibly shut down affecting around 3,000 students since the start of the Duterte administration.
The SOS Network noted in its report that, 24 teachers, 17 members of Parent Teachers Community Association (PTCA) and nine human rights defenders are currently facing “trumped-up” charges. Twelve of them are still detained.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/tribal-school-report-of-continuing-military-harassment/
KAPALONG OFFICIAL: Rescued Haran residents still home with relatives
From the Mindanao Times (Jun 6, 2019): KAPALONG OFFICIAL: Rescued Haran residents still home with relatives
The Municipality of Kapalong in Davao del Norte dismissed reports that the Lumads it helped rescue last month are now back in the UCCP Haran compound.
In a text message with Jamal Magantor, the information officer of the Kapalong LGU, he said that as per monitoring of the local government unit team and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR), they are still in their respective villages.
On May 18, 31 people reportedly escaped the compound by climbing over the fence. They are now back with their families in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Meanwhile, left-leaning group, Pasaka, claimed that the “escape” was a mere publicity stunt.
There are reports earlier that the group were back at the compound nor the group were allegedly joining the New People’s Army (NPA) group.
But in the text message Magantor denied the said report saying that (the group) “they are still living with their relatives.”
The Municipality of Kapalong in Davao del Norte dismissed reports that the Lumads it helped rescue last month are now back in the UCCP Haran compound.
In a text message with Jamal Magantor, the information officer of the Kapalong LGU, he said that as per monitoring of the local government unit team and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR), they are still in their respective villages.
On May 18, 31 people reportedly escaped the compound by climbing over the fence. They are now back with their families in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Meanwhile, left-leaning group, Pasaka, claimed that the “escape” was a mere publicity stunt.
There are reports earlier that the group were back at the compound nor the group were allegedly joining the New People’s Army (NPA) group.
But in the text message Magantor denied the said report saying that (the group) “they are still living with their relatives.”
The Davao Police Regional Office also launched an investigation whether the families inside the UCCP Haran are being held against their will.
Maj. Jason Baria, the spokesperson of PRO XI, said the police are looking at violations on human trafficking, IPRA law, serious illegal detention, and violation of RA 7610 (Child Abuse Law).
“The discussion was not limited to the Haran 31 but all other incidents involving UCCP haran,” Baria said.
He said the investigators will interview the 31 Lumads who escaped to give significant information. One of the priorities right now is to identify the leaders inside the UCCP Haran, Baria said.
In its Facebook page, the Pasaka, a group reportedly composed of Lumads, claimed that plainclothes soldiers accompanied Datu Basing Balanban, Dol-om Tumagsa, Jovelyn Tiklunay—who were described as members of the Alamara—to force some families to leave the compound.
“Even if we want to go home, we are alarmed at how the Alamara, the military, and the state are forcing us to do so,” the group said in a statement. “Even if we want to return to our communities, would there be peace if the Alamara and the military will continue to harass us? This is the very reason why we evacuated from our communities.”
Maj. Jason Baria, the spokesperson of PRO XI, said the police are looking at violations on human trafficking, IPRA law, serious illegal detention, and violation of RA 7610 (Child Abuse Law).
“The discussion was not limited to the Haran 31 but all other incidents involving UCCP haran,” Baria said.
He said the investigators will interview the 31 Lumads who escaped to give significant information. One of the priorities right now is to identify the leaders inside the UCCP Haran, Baria said.
In its Facebook page, the Pasaka, a group reportedly composed of Lumads, claimed that plainclothes soldiers accompanied Datu Basing Balanban, Dol-om Tumagsa, Jovelyn Tiklunay—who were described as members of the Alamara—to force some families to leave the compound.
“Even if we want to go home, we are alarmed at how the Alamara, the military, and the state are forcing us to do so,” the group said in a statement. “Even if we want to return to our communities, would there be peace if the Alamara and the military will continue to harass us? This is the very reason why we evacuated from our communities.”
Communities’ support to EO 70 strengthens task force ELCAC—PCOO chief
Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): Communities’ support to EO 70 strengthens task force ELCAC—PCOO chief
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon --The dynamic involvement of local government unit leaders and civil society groups in the recent assembly at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater in Malaybalay City in support of the Executive Order 70, strengthened the Task Force ELCAC in carrying out its mission.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar conveyed the message via phone emphasizing the government’s resolve to end the local communist rebellion.
“This is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ versus insurgency,” Andanar said.
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon --The dynamic involvement of local government unit leaders and civil society groups in the recent assembly at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater in Malaybalay City in support of the Executive Order 70, strengthened the Task Force ELCAC in carrying out its mission.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar conveyed the message via phone emphasizing the government’s resolve to end the local communist rebellion.
“This is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ versus insurgency,” Andanar said.
The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in region 10, leads around 300 barangay leaders, mayors, civil society groups, including national and local government heads in doing their share during the “Validation of Needs” workshop at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater, Malaybalay City. As directed in Executive Order No. 70, the assemblage seeks to round up thoughts, ideas, and detailed outlines that describe the roots of communist insurgency so those various governing bodies would know how to deal with real issues. (BSGempisao, MCG/PIA Bukidnon)
Led by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in region 10, around 300 barangay leaders, mayors, civil society groups, including national and local government heads did their share during “Validation of Needs” workshop within the day of the assembly.
The assemblage seeks to round up thoughts, ideas, and detailed outlines that describe the roots of communist insurgency so those various governing bodies would know how to deal with it, considering the scope of setbacks in addressing peace and order issues.
In the pre-workshop briefing, Armed Forces of the Philippines 4th Infantry Division commander Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal said a “purely military option in combating terrorism and extremism” is not enough.
“Guns and cannons can’t do the job alone. All agencies aboard should do its share in ending communist insurgency across the country. Neither the armed forces nor any law enforcement squad alone can conquer insurgence. We need the support of all the stakeholders, the local government units,” Gacal said.
The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), in the same session, emphasized the value of information and communication to create healthy and peaceful communities.
“We need to inform and let people know what the government has been doing for them. The people, especially those in geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas, must be updated on various projects and programs that will benefit them. We also need to upgrade our communications system. People should know that everyone cares,” Plormelinda Olet, NICA-10 deputy director said.
Meanwhile, LGUs and community stakeholders’ workshop output showed poverty topped in the list on “why insurgency lives on.” Conversely, the list also showed that “the root cause of poverty is insurgency.”
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Northern Mindanao regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said “despite continuing triumphs of security forces in battlefields, beating the enemies spin in vain due to the recurrence of stubborn poverty.”
Hence, the government fortifies its counterterror scheme by creating NTF-ELCAC stipulated in Executive Order No. 70 (EO 7O) signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018, she said.
“The whole of nation approach is not new. We have been working hard for this in the past, but all weave in a slow marching step due to lack of synchronization of some agencies’ plans and programs to combat insurgency. Now we have EO 70 to make it happen,” Cariño said.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022779
Led by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in region 10, around 300 barangay leaders, mayors, civil society groups, including national and local government heads did their share during “Validation of Needs” workshop within the day of the assembly.
The assemblage seeks to round up thoughts, ideas, and detailed outlines that describe the roots of communist insurgency so those various governing bodies would know how to deal with it, considering the scope of setbacks in addressing peace and order issues.
In the pre-workshop briefing, Armed Forces of the Philippines 4th Infantry Division commander Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal said a “purely military option in combating terrorism and extremism” is not enough.
“Guns and cannons can’t do the job alone. All agencies aboard should do its share in ending communist insurgency across the country. Neither the armed forces nor any law enforcement squad alone can conquer insurgence. We need the support of all the stakeholders, the local government units,” Gacal said.
The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), in the same session, emphasized the value of information and communication to create healthy and peaceful communities.
“We need to inform and let people know what the government has been doing for them. The people, especially those in geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas, must be updated on various projects and programs that will benefit them. We also need to upgrade our communications system. People should know that everyone cares,” Plormelinda Olet, NICA-10 deputy director said.
Meanwhile, LGUs and community stakeholders’ workshop output showed poverty topped in the list on “why insurgency lives on.” Conversely, the list also showed that “the root cause of poverty is insurgency.”
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Northern Mindanao regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said “despite continuing triumphs of security forces in battlefields, beating the enemies spin in vain due to the recurrence of stubborn poverty.”
Hence, the government fortifies its counterterror scheme by creating NTF-ELCAC stipulated in Executive Order No. 70 (EO 7O) signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018, she said.
“The whole of nation approach is not new. We have been working hard for this in the past, but all weave in a slow marching step due to lack of synchronization of some agencies’ plans and programs to combat insurgency. Now we have EO 70 to make it happen,” Cariño said.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022779
NPA terrorists attack foreign observers convoy in Bukidnon
Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): NPA terrorists attack foreign observers convoy in Bukidnon
MPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- At least 10 were hurt when NPA terrorists detonated an anti-personnel mine on a convoy of vehicles bearing foreign nationals, local volunteers and soldiers escorting the group while passing Sitio Nasandigan, Brgy Kalabugao, Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon, May 30.
Among those hurt were seven army soldiers. In response, the soldiers returned fire and chased the perpetrators, hitting three NPA terrorists as revealed by the troops.
MPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- At least 10 were hurt when NPA terrorists detonated an anti-personnel mine on a convoy of vehicles bearing foreign nationals, local volunteers and soldiers escorting the group while passing Sitio Nasandigan, Brgy Kalabugao, Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon, May 30.
Among those hurt were seven army soldiers. In response, the soldiers returned fire and chased the perpetrators, hitting three NPA terrorists as revealed by the troops.
AFP troops discover two more anti-personnel mines that remained unexploded and left behind the fleeing terrorists. (4ID)
Foreigners from the IP communities in Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia came to Sitio Mintapod, Brgy Hagpa to observe the activity of local IP community volunteers belonging to Higaonon Amamag Malandang Olandok Gagaw (Hamog), a non-government organization which promotes cultural preservation in the area. The group is also supposed to have a forest visitation for their “Paunlay Ta Aghimicu" (forest visitation phase II).
Hamog sought the assistance of the Impasugong Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and the Philippine Army for security during their activity.
"We thought a tire exploded, then we heard burst of fire, somebody shouted duck," a foreigner said. We were afraid but we are very thankful to Filipino soldiers for providing us protection," she added.
"Our troops discovered two more anti-personnel mines that remained unexploded and left behind by the fleeing terrorists.
These AP mines could have injured the foreign observers. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now recovering those AP mines to avoid harming civilians passers through.
It is obvious that the incident this morning is a direct attack to civilians who are not involved and should be protected from any form of attack. This incident deserves international condemnation on the CPP-NPA terrorists," Col Edgardo De Leon, 403 brigade commander said.
After the incident, the foreign delegation proceeded to Laguindingan Airport for their flight to their next destination. (4ID)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022799
Foreigners from the IP communities in Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia came to Sitio Mintapod, Brgy Hagpa to observe the activity of local IP community volunteers belonging to Higaonon Amamag Malandang Olandok Gagaw (Hamog), a non-government organization which promotes cultural preservation in the area. The group is also supposed to have a forest visitation for their “Paunlay Ta Aghimicu" (forest visitation phase II).
Hamog sought the assistance of the Impasugong Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and the Philippine Army for security during their activity.
"We thought a tire exploded, then we heard burst of fire, somebody shouted duck," a foreigner said. We were afraid but we are very thankful to Filipino soldiers for providing us protection," she added.
"Our troops discovered two more anti-personnel mines that remained unexploded and left behind by the fleeing terrorists.
These AP mines could have injured the foreign observers. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now recovering those AP mines to avoid harming civilians passers through.
It is obvious that the incident this morning is a direct attack to civilians who are not involved and should be protected from any form of attack. This incident deserves international condemnation on the CPP-NPA terrorists," Col Edgardo De Leon, 403 brigade commander said.
After the incident, the foreign delegation proceeded to Laguindingan Airport for their flight to their next destination. (4ID)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022799
DepEd, Army ink MOU for IP soldiers' ALS program
Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): DepEd, Army ink MOU for IP soldiers' ALS program
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division and the 402nd Infantry Brigade in Caraga on Monday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) A&E Program of Indigenous Peoples (IP) soldiers held at the Kalayaan Hall, 402nd Brigade headquarters, Brgy Bancasi, here.
A total of nine IP soldiers will undergo a 10-month ALS program. Among the key personalities who attended the said signing include Romeo O Aprovechar, the Schools Division Superintendent; and Dr. Bevelyn Corvera, the Curriculum Implementation Division Head from DepEd Butuan City Division; and Col Maurito Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade.
The signing of the MOU is conducted to officially launch the partnership of DepEd and 402nd Brigade and 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.
Aprovechar in his speech inspired the participants by telling his life story. “Learning is a continuous process, don’t get discouraged," he said.
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,” he added.
After the launching, DepEd ALS Supervisor Ana Marie Ceniza, the ALS/IPEd Focal Person conducted an orientation to the participants. Classes for the IP soldiers will be every Friday and Saturday of the week, for 10 months.
BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division and the 402nd Infantry Brigade in Caraga on Monday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) A&E Program of Indigenous Peoples (IP) soldiers held at the Kalayaan Hall, 402nd Brigade headquarters, Brgy Bancasi, here.
A total of nine IP soldiers will undergo a 10-month ALS program. Among the key personalities who attended the said signing include Romeo O Aprovechar, the Schools Division Superintendent; and Dr. Bevelyn Corvera, the Curriculum Implementation Division Head from DepEd Butuan City Division; and Col Maurito Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade.
The signing of the MOU is conducted to officially launch the partnership of DepEd and 402nd Brigade and 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.
Aprovechar in his speech inspired the participants by telling his life story. “Learning is a continuous process, don’t get discouraged," he said.
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,” he added.
After the launching, DepEd ALS Supervisor Ana Marie Ceniza, the ALS/IPEd Focal Person conducted an orientation to the participants. Classes for the IP soldiers will be every Friday and Saturday of the week, for 10 months.
In his statement, Col. Licudine said the IP soldier program started last July 5, 2017 when the Army was given Special Enlistment Quota. President Rodrigo Duterte 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 years," he said.
“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. (Cpt Francisco P Garello Jr. (INF) PA Civil Military Operations Officer, 402IB/PIA Caraga)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022883
“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 years," he said.
“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. (Cpt Francisco P Garello Jr. (INF) PA Civil Military Operations Officer, 402IB/PIA Caraga)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022883
NPA couple, 3 others surrender in Agusan Sur
Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): NPA couple, 3 others surrender in Agusan Sur
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur -- A former commander of New People’s Army (NPA), his wife and three others recently surrendered to government forces held in Barangay Poblacion, Loreto, Agusan del Sur.
Javier and his wife Ann, a squad political officer, supply officers Ricky and Yaw, and team leader James (not their real names), surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB).
All five belonged to Guerilla Front 34 of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC). They reportedly operate in the boundaries of Caraga region and Compostela Valley Province.
They brought along with them assorted weapons and paraphernalia including two caliber .30 Carbine Rifles with three magazines, one caliber .30 sub-machine gun with two magazines, one KG9 sub-machine gun, two shotguns, one caliber .45 with one magazine, one fragmentation grenade, and one Anti-Personnel Mine (APM).
The couple’s decision to surrender came after realizing the deception they have fallen into for many years. Ann said the CPP-NPA never fulfilled their promises when they were recruited years ago. Instead, they were separated from their five children who were left to fend for themselves.
“Gusto nako bisitahon akong mga anak, pero among mga labaw dili musugot, bisan kahibalo sila na kinahanglan nako atimanon ang akong anak nga naay sakit. Ug ang ilang mga saad nga suporta para kanamo, wala matuman, ilabi na gyud pagka-hospital sakong anak, wala silay gihatag bisan piso. Dili gud sila uyon sa pamilya (I wanted to visit my children but our leaders did not allow me, even though they knew I needed to attend to my sick son. Also, the support they promised to us for our children never came especially when my youngest son was hospitalized. They did not even bother to provide a single centavo. They don’t care about family),” she claimed.
The couple finally found an opportunity to abandon the armed group after a friend told them about the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
Meanwhile, Ricky who was only 17 when he was recruited last year, also lamented about the hardship he suffered being a member of the NPA. “Kanunay mi managan kung adunay operasyon ang sundalo, ug usahay wala na mi kaon sulod sa duha ka adlaw kay dugay ang suplay sa pagkaon. Mao nang hinungdan nga niambak ko sa kalihukan samtang ako naggwardiya, para musurender (We were always on the run when there were military operations. Sometimes we don’t eat for two days because of delayed food supplies. We decided to escape while we were posted as guards because we cannot take it anymore),” he said.
Lt.Col. Romeo Jimenea, the 26th IB Commander said the five were all victims of the CNT’s vicious lies and propaganda especially Ricky who was a minor when he was recruited.
“The International Humanitarian Law prohibits the recruitment of persons under 18 years old to become combatant, even in local armed conflict,” Jimenea said.
He attributed the influx of surrenders from Loreto to the recent declaration of CNT and its supporters as “persona non- grata” by the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), and the Manobo Tribal leaders.
Records show that from January to date, 151 NPAs from Agusan del Sur have already surrendered to the government. They also handed-over 50 firearms of various calibers.
Col. Allan Hambala, 401st Brigade Commander lauded the troops for facilitating the peaceful surrender of the five former terrorists. He vowed to help them live normal lives again through the government’s ECLIP. He said the military will be relentless in its offensive operations against the few remaining armed terrorists as the entire nation strives to end the local communist armed conflict. (26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022890
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur -- A former commander of New People’s Army (NPA), his wife and three others recently surrendered to government forces held in Barangay Poblacion, Loreto, Agusan del Sur.
Javier and his wife Ann, a squad political officer, supply officers Ricky and Yaw, and team leader James (not their real names), surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB).
All five belonged to Guerilla Front 34 of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC). They reportedly operate in the boundaries of Caraga region and Compostela Valley Province.
They brought along with them assorted weapons and paraphernalia including two caliber .30 Carbine Rifles with three magazines, one caliber .30 sub-machine gun with two magazines, one KG9 sub-machine gun, two shotguns, one caliber .45 with one magazine, one fragmentation grenade, and one Anti-Personnel Mine (APM).
The couple’s decision to surrender came after realizing the deception they have fallen into for many years. Ann said the CPP-NPA never fulfilled their promises when they were recruited years ago. Instead, they were separated from their five children who were left to fend for themselves.
“Gusto nako bisitahon akong mga anak, pero among mga labaw dili musugot, bisan kahibalo sila na kinahanglan nako atimanon ang akong anak nga naay sakit. Ug ang ilang mga saad nga suporta para kanamo, wala matuman, ilabi na gyud pagka-hospital sakong anak, wala silay gihatag bisan piso. Dili gud sila uyon sa pamilya (I wanted to visit my children but our leaders did not allow me, even though they knew I needed to attend to my sick son. Also, the support they promised to us for our children never came especially when my youngest son was hospitalized. They did not even bother to provide a single centavo. They don’t care about family),” she claimed.
The couple finally found an opportunity to abandon the armed group after a friend told them about the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
Meanwhile, Ricky who was only 17 when he was recruited last year, also lamented about the hardship he suffered being a member of the NPA. “Kanunay mi managan kung adunay operasyon ang sundalo, ug usahay wala na mi kaon sulod sa duha ka adlaw kay dugay ang suplay sa pagkaon. Mao nang hinungdan nga niambak ko sa kalihukan samtang ako naggwardiya, para musurender (We were always on the run when there were military operations. Sometimes we don’t eat for two days because of delayed food supplies. We decided to escape while we were posted as guards because we cannot take it anymore),” he said.
Lt.Col. Romeo Jimenea, the 26th IB Commander said the five were all victims of the CNT’s vicious lies and propaganda especially Ricky who was a minor when he was recruited.
“The International Humanitarian Law prohibits the recruitment of persons under 18 years old to become combatant, even in local armed conflict,” Jimenea said.
He attributed the influx of surrenders from Loreto to the recent declaration of CNT and its supporters as “persona non- grata” by the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), and the Manobo Tribal leaders.
Records show that from January to date, 151 NPAs from Agusan del Sur have already surrendered to the government. They also handed-over 50 firearms of various calibers.
Col. Allan Hambala, 401st Brigade Commander lauded the troops for facilitating the peaceful surrender of the five former terrorists. He vowed to help them live normal lives again through the government’s ECLIP. He said the military will be relentless in its offensive operations against the few remaining armed terrorists as the entire nation strives to end the local communist armed conflict. (26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022890
150 Aeta residents in Capas benefit from AFP outreach activity
Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): 150 Aeta residents in Capas benefit from AFP outreach activity
BAYANIHAN SA TARUKAN. About 150 Aeta residents from Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas town benefitted from the outreach activity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Social services provided include free medical check-up as well as distribution of free medicines, school supplies and relief goods. (AFP 1st Civil Relations Group)
CAPAS, Tarlac -- About 150 Aeta residents from Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas town benefitted from the outreach activity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Social services provided include free medical check-up as well as distribution of free medicines, school supplies and relief goods.
AFP 1st Civil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao said the activity is line with the immersion phase of the Strategic Civil Military Operations of the Non-Commissioned Officer Course.
“We chose this community because we want to serve them together with other government agencies. We believe that through bayanihan we can build a better future for the youth that will serve as a hope of our motherland,” he stressed.
“To our beneficiaries, you should always remember that the government is always ready to serve and help you regardless of your race, gender, social status and tribes because we are all Filipinos under one flag,” Tagao emphasized.
In behalf of the beneficiaries, Chieftain Lito Diaz expressed his gratitude towards the community assistance program of the government.
“This is a big help to us, the Aeta community for we are chosen to receive this kind of assistance and services. We can say that even if we are afar, our government did not forget about us,” Diaz shared.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022899
CAPAS, Tarlac -- About 150 Aeta residents from Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas town benefitted from the outreach activity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Social services provided include free medical check-up as well as distribution of free medicines, school supplies and relief goods.
AFP 1st Civil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao said the activity is line with the immersion phase of the Strategic Civil Military Operations of the Non-Commissioned Officer Course.
“We chose this community because we want to serve them together with other government agencies. We believe that through bayanihan we can build a better future for the youth that will serve as a hope of our motherland,” he stressed.
“To our beneficiaries, you should always remember that the government is always ready to serve and help you regardless of your race, gender, social status and tribes because we are all Filipinos under one flag,” Tagao emphasized.
In behalf of the beneficiaries, Chieftain Lito Diaz expressed his gratitude towards the community assistance program of the government.
“This is a big help to us, the Aeta community for we are chosen to receive this kind of assistance and services. We can say that even if we are afar, our government did not forget about us,” Diaz shared.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022899
Tagalog News: 150 Aeta sa Capas nakinabang sa AFP outreach activity
Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): Tagalog News: 150 Aeta sa Capas nakinabang sa AFP outreach activity
Pinangunahan ni Armed Forces of the Philippines 1stCivil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao (kaliwa) ang pamamahagi ng libreng gamit pang-eskwela sa mga Aetang mag-aaral ng Sitio Tarukan Elementary School ng Sta. Juliana, bayan ng Capas. (AFP 1st Civil Relations Group)
CAPAS, Tarlac -- May 150 Aeta mula sa Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana sa bayan ng Capas ang nakinabang sa Outreach Activity ng Armed Forces of the Philippines o AFP.
Nagkaroon ng libreng check-up at pamamahagi ng libreng gamot, school supplies at relief goods.
Ayon kay AFP 1st Civil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao, ang aktibidad ay parte ng immersion phase ng Strategic Civil Military Operation ng kanilang Non-Commissioned Officer Course.
Napili aniya ang Sitio Tarukan dahil nais nilang mapaglingkuran ang komunidad katuwang ang iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan.
Naniniwala ang mga kasundaluhan na sa pamamagitan ng bayanihan ay kayang magtatag ng magandang kinabukasan para sa mga kabataan na magsisilbing pag-asa ng inang bayan.
Binigyang diin pa niya sa mga residente na ang gobyerno ay handang maglingkod at tumulong sa mamamayan na hindi tumitingin sa anyo, kasarian, tribo at katayuan sa buhay dahil lahat ay Pilipino na may isang bandila at lahing kinikilala.
Samantala, inihayag naman ng lider ng naturang komunidad na si Lito Diaz ang kanyang pasasalamat sa community assistance program ng pamahalaan.
Aniya, isang malaking bagay sa kanilang mga aeta na mapili upang tumanggap ng naturang serbisyo.
Dagdag pa niya, kanilang masasabi na bagkus napakalayo ng kanilang lugar ay hindi pa rin sila nakakalimutan ng gobyerno.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022900
CAPAS, Tarlac -- May 150 Aeta mula sa Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana sa bayan ng Capas ang nakinabang sa Outreach Activity ng Armed Forces of the Philippines o AFP.
Nagkaroon ng libreng check-up at pamamahagi ng libreng gamot, school supplies at relief goods.
Ayon kay AFP 1st Civil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao, ang aktibidad ay parte ng immersion phase ng Strategic Civil Military Operation ng kanilang Non-Commissioned Officer Course.
Napili aniya ang Sitio Tarukan dahil nais nilang mapaglingkuran ang komunidad katuwang ang iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan.
Naniniwala ang mga kasundaluhan na sa pamamagitan ng bayanihan ay kayang magtatag ng magandang kinabukasan para sa mga kabataan na magsisilbing pag-asa ng inang bayan.
Binigyang diin pa niya sa mga residente na ang gobyerno ay handang maglingkod at tumulong sa mamamayan na hindi tumitingin sa anyo, kasarian, tribo at katayuan sa buhay dahil lahat ay Pilipino na may isang bandila at lahing kinikilala.
Samantala, inihayag naman ng lider ng naturang komunidad na si Lito Diaz ang kanyang pasasalamat sa community assistance program ng pamahalaan.
Aniya, isang malaking bagay sa kanilang mga aeta na mapili upang tumanggap ng naturang serbisyo.
Dagdag pa niya, kanilang masasabi na bagkus napakalayo ng kanilang lugar ay hindi pa rin sila nakakalimutan ng gobyerno.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022900
New breed of candidate soldiers take oath to serve country
Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): New breed of candidate soldiers take oath to serve country
CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur -- The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army officially opened the three batches of Candidate Soldier Course Classes 592,593 and 594-2019 at the hallowed grounds of the Tabak Troopers here recently, with 663 new candidate soldiers.
The three batches of CSC 592, 593 and 594 are composed of 608 males and 55 females. They were selected by the Division Candidate Soldier Selection Board based on their physical, medical, and psychological fitness to undergo sixteen (16) weeks rigid military training to be conducted by the 1st Division Training School (1DTS).
The military training will transform them from carefree civilians to brave and tough soldiers and will also mold them into competent, confident and well-disciplined soldiers guided by the Army Core Values of honor, patriotism, and duty adhering to the rule of law, human rights, and international humanitarian law.
After the oath taking rites and opening ceremony with Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, the 1DTS training directorate headed by LTC Renante D. Besa, received the candidate soldiers through a reception rite that signaled the start of their military life.
“The best training program in the world is absolutely worthless without the will to execute it properly, consistently, and with intensity. This 4 to 5 months training will transform you from being “boys” into “gentlemen” and “girls” into “ladies” and instill in you the military doctrines and the Army tactics and procedures that will mold you into a reliable and responsive member of an Infantry squad committed to accomplishing the unit’s mission,” said Brigadier General Roberto Ancan AFP, 1ID Commander.
“Your new journey has just begun. Finish the training and prove your worth to be part of the Philippine Army that uphold the virtues of the Armed forces of the Philippines and perform with pride and honor in serving the people and securing the land,” BGen Ancan encouraged the new soldiers. (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/1ID Press Release)
CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur -- The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army officially opened the three batches of Candidate Soldier Course Classes 592,593 and 594-2019 at the hallowed grounds of the Tabak Troopers here recently, with 663 new candidate soldiers.
The three batches of CSC 592, 593 and 594 are composed of 608 males and 55 females. They were selected by the Division Candidate Soldier Selection Board based on their physical, medical, and psychological fitness to undergo sixteen (16) weeks rigid military training to be conducted by the 1st Division Training School (1DTS).
The military training will transform them from carefree civilians to brave and tough soldiers and will also mold them into competent, confident and well-disciplined soldiers guided by the Army Core Values of honor, patriotism, and duty adhering to the rule of law, human rights, and international humanitarian law.
After the oath taking rites and opening ceremony with Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, the 1DTS training directorate headed by LTC Renante D. Besa, received the candidate soldiers through a reception rite that signaled the start of their military life.
“The best training program in the world is absolutely worthless without the will to execute it properly, consistently, and with intensity. This 4 to 5 months training will transform you from being “boys” into “gentlemen” and “girls” into “ladies” and instill in you the military doctrines and the Army tactics and procedures that will mold you into a reliable and responsive member of an Infantry squad committed to accomplishing the unit’s mission,” said Brigadier General Roberto Ancan AFP, 1ID Commander.
“Your new journey has just begun. Finish the training and prove your worth to be part of the Philippine Army that uphold the virtues of the Armed forces of the Philippines and perform with pride and honor in serving the people and securing the land,” BGen Ancan encouraged the new soldiers. (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/1ID Press Release)
NPA continues to lose grip in Leyte: Army
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): NPA continues to lose grip in Leyte: Army
COUNTER-INSURGENCY STRATEGY. Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion (93rd IB) join a gift-giving activity in Leyte as part of its counter insurgency strategy. The absence of violent activities perpetrated by armed rebels in Leyte Island this year is an indication that the group is becoming irrelevant, Capt. Ronald Odchimar, acting executive officer of the 93rdIB, said on Thursday (June 6, 2019). (Photo courtesy of 93rd Infantry Battalion)
Intensified operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) have weakened the communist terrorist organization in Leyte province this year, the military reported on Thursday.
Capt. Ronald Odchimar, acting executive officer of the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion, said the absence of violent activities perpetrated by armed rebels in Leyte Island this year is an indication that the group is becoming irrelevant.
“In the first five months of the year, we only recorded non-violent activities such as movements, foraging, logistical procurement, and visitation in upland areas of Leyte Island,” Odchimar told the Leyte provincial peace and order council members during its quarterly meeting at Hotel Alejandro this city.
As a proactive measure, the military has been conducting community support programs in 26 villages of Ormoc City, Calubian, San Isidro, Baybay City, Mahaplag, Hilongos, and Inopacan in Leyte; and Bontoc, Southern Leyte.
“We have to bridge the gap between the government and people in the communities. They have issues that they want to raise, but they don’t know how to bring this to the attention of concern agencies,” Odchimar said.
The Army official said at least 581 operations have been conducted this year to fight insurgency in Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces. These operations led to the discovery of an NPA lair, recovery of firearms, seizure of anti-personnel landmines, and subversive documents.
Another major accomplishment is the surrender of Liberado Tarong, an NPA platoon commander and executive committee member of the rebel’s organization in Leyte.
“The sustained focused military operations of the unit coupled with intensified community support program operations will continue to keep the enemy on the run and prevent atrocities against government troops, flagship projects and vital installations in the area,” Odchimar added.
Government forces have stepped up its operations as the enemy is expected to continue their recovery efforts on former guerrilla zones and bases in Leyte Island.
The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is considered as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071668
Intensified operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) have weakened the communist terrorist organization in Leyte province this year, the military reported on Thursday.
Capt. Ronald Odchimar, acting executive officer of the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion, said the absence of violent activities perpetrated by armed rebels in Leyte Island this year is an indication that the group is becoming irrelevant.
“In the first five months of the year, we only recorded non-violent activities such as movements, foraging, logistical procurement, and visitation in upland areas of Leyte Island,” Odchimar told the Leyte provincial peace and order council members during its quarterly meeting at Hotel Alejandro this city.
As a proactive measure, the military has been conducting community support programs in 26 villages of Ormoc City, Calubian, San Isidro, Baybay City, Mahaplag, Hilongos, and Inopacan in Leyte; and Bontoc, Southern Leyte.
“We have to bridge the gap between the government and people in the communities. They have issues that they want to raise, but they don’t know how to bring this to the attention of concern agencies,” Odchimar said.
The Army official said at least 581 operations have been conducted this year to fight insurgency in Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces. These operations led to the discovery of an NPA lair, recovery of firearms, seizure of anti-personnel landmines, and subversive documents.
Another major accomplishment is the surrender of Liberado Tarong, an NPA platoon commander and executive committee member of the rebel’s organization in Leyte.
“The sustained focused military operations of the unit coupled with intensified community support program operations will continue to keep the enemy on the run and prevent atrocities against government troops, flagship projects and vital installations in the area,” Odchimar added.
Government forces have stepped up its operations as the enemy is expected to continue their recovery efforts on former guerrilla zones and bases in Leyte Island.
The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is considered as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071668
Workers stop NPA attack on Bukidnon construction firm
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Workers stop NPA attack on Bukidnon construction firm
Workers of a construction firm in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, took matters in their own hands to prevent armed men believed to be communist rebels who staged a predawn attack on Thursday (June 6), the military said.
Personnel of Venray Construction Corporation in their field office in Brgy Cabangahan were roused from their sleep around 2:30 a.m. when one of their company vehicles was set on fire, the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade said.
This prompted the workers to drive away the armed men, who scampered away onboard eight motorcycles and fled southwards, according to witnesses.
"The workers immediately doused the fire with water and fire extinguisher, preventing it from spreading" to the other equipment," the 403IB said, adding fire trucks from nearby villages responded minutes later to completely put out the fire.
"The NPA has launched a series of violent attacks on civilians not just in Bukidnon but in other parts of the country," Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, 403IB commander, said in Filipino.
De Leon added: "The leadership of the CPP and the NDF must explain why they can't discipline the NPA from continuously attacking civilians who are not party" to any armed conflict between the government and the rebel group.”
De Leon was referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA's mother organization, and the National Democratic Front, its own political wing.
According to de Leon, investigators are gathering information for the filing of appropriate cases against CPP-NDF-NPA members and their leaders.
In particular, the military official said the communist leadership should answer whether the area that the NPA attacked "is a military camp or a civilian compound; if the equipment burned owned by military or by civilian; and if the equipment burned ever used by military or involved in a military operation against NPA.
He added that the rebels should also answer whether "the people accosted by the NPA ever participated in military operations against the NPA, and if the Venray construction company involved in direct military operations against the NPA.
The 403IB said that "should the result of initial investigation provides a strong case that the NPA attacked civilians," appropriate cases will be filed before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
It said a case will also be filed at the Regional Trial Court Branch 25 in Cagayan de Oro City, the special court designated to try International Humanitarian Law cases.
De Leon also called on the leftist human rights group Karapatan, "which claims to be a citizens watch that monitors IHL violations, to do a parallel investigation to determine if the NPA indeed violated IHL in this particular incident or not."
Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4th Infantry Division commander, said he is "thankful to the workers' courageous act of shooing away the NPA terrorists to prevent their equipment from being destroyed and for the quick response of BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) responders."
"This is the real essence of the "whole of nation" approach in preventing the communist NPA terrorists from sowing chaos in our place. This incident proves that the local communist terrorists are no match to people who unite and resist, even if the people are unarmed," Gacal said.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071689
Workers of a construction firm in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, took matters in their own hands to prevent armed men believed to be communist rebels who staged a predawn attack on Thursday (June 6), the military said.
Personnel of Venray Construction Corporation in their field office in Brgy Cabangahan were roused from their sleep around 2:30 a.m. when one of their company vehicles was set on fire, the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade said.
This prompted the workers to drive away the armed men, who scampered away onboard eight motorcycles and fled southwards, according to witnesses.
"The workers immediately doused the fire with water and fire extinguisher, preventing it from spreading" to the other equipment," the 403IB said, adding fire trucks from nearby villages responded minutes later to completely put out the fire.
"The NPA has launched a series of violent attacks on civilians not just in Bukidnon but in other parts of the country," Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, 403IB commander, said in Filipino.
De Leon added: "The leadership of the CPP and the NDF must explain why they can't discipline the NPA from continuously attacking civilians who are not party" to any armed conflict between the government and the rebel group.”
De Leon was referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA's mother organization, and the National Democratic Front, its own political wing.
According to de Leon, investigators are gathering information for the filing of appropriate cases against CPP-NDF-NPA members and their leaders.
In particular, the military official said the communist leadership should answer whether the area that the NPA attacked "is a military camp or a civilian compound; if the equipment burned owned by military or by civilian; and if the equipment burned ever used by military or involved in a military operation against NPA.
He added that the rebels should also answer whether "the people accosted by the NPA ever participated in military operations against the NPA, and if the Venray construction company involved in direct military operations against the NPA.
The 403IB said that "should the result of initial investigation provides a strong case that the NPA attacked civilians," appropriate cases will be filed before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
It said a case will also be filed at the Regional Trial Court Branch 25 in Cagayan de Oro City, the special court designated to try International Humanitarian Law cases.
De Leon also called on the leftist human rights group Karapatan, "which claims to be a citizens watch that monitors IHL violations, to do a parallel investigation to determine if the NPA indeed violated IHL in this particular incident or not."
Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4th Infantry Division commander, said he is "thankful to the workers' courageous act of shooing away the NPA terrorists to prevent their equipment from being destroyed and for the quick response of BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) responders."
"This is the real essence of the "whole of nation" approach in preventing the communist NPA terrorists from sowing chaos in our place. This incident proves that the local communist terrorists are no match to people who unite and resist, even if the people are unarmed," Gacal said.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071689
Ex-Air Force internal auditor assumes as new Centcom deputy chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Ex-Air Force internal auditor assumes as new Centcom deputy chief
CEBU CITY – A former internal auditor of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially assumed Wednesday as the new deputy commander of the Central Command (Centcom).
Brig. Gen. Jose Mijares Benitez replaced Brig. Gen. Jose Ely Alberto, who compulsorily retired from the service last May 27.
According to Maj. Abel Potutan, Centcom’s information officer, the command’s Headquarters Company headed by Major Cyrus Neoman welcomed with arrival honors the new second in command of all military personnel in the Visayas.
Benitez was officially received by Col. Roehl Belleza, the assistant chief of unified command staff for personnel (U1) of Centcom, in a military ceremony in front of the Centcom headquarters in Camp Lapu-Lapu.
After the arrival honors, Benitez made a call to Centcom commander, Lt. Gen. Noel S. Clement, at the Lapu-Lapu Hall of the Centcom headquarters.
Benitez served as PAF’s internal auditor from August 2018 to May this year before moving to Centcom. He also served as wing commander of Tactical Operations Wing Southern Luzon (TOWSOL) from June to August of 2018.
The new Centcom deputy commander is a member of the PAF Flying School Class of 1987. He took up ground pilot training course in Forth Worth in Dallas, Texas, United States of America, and attended international air force education seminar in Tokyo, Japan.
He finished his Master in Development Administration-Public Administration at the Philippine Christian University in Manila.
He was a recipient of several awards and recognition from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and civilian sectors and has been consistently recognized for his excellence in the field of academics and physical proficiency.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071699
CEBU CITY – A former internal auditor of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially assumed Wednesday as the new deputy commander of the Central Command (Centcom).
Brig. Gen. Jose Mijares Benitez replaced Brig. Gen. Jose Ely Alberto, who compulsorily retired from the service last May 27.
According to Maj. Abel Potutan, Centcom’s information officer, the command’s Headquarters Company headed by Major Cyrus Neoman welcomed with arrival honors the new second in command of all military personnel in the Visayas.
Benitez was officially received by Col. Roehl Belleza, the assistant chief of unified command staff for personnel (U1) of Centcom, in a military ceremony in front of the Centcom headquarters in Camp Lapu-Lapu.
After the arrival honors, Benitez made a call to Centcom commander, Lt. Gen. Noel S. Clement, at the Lapu-Lapu Hall of the Centcom headquarters.
Benitez served as PAF’s internal auditor from August 2018 to May this year before moving to Centcom. He also served as wing commander of Tactical Operations Wing Southern Luzon (TOWSOL) from June to August of 2018.
The new Centcom deputy commander is a member of the PAF Flying School Class of 1987. He took up ground pilot training course in Forth Worth in Dallas, Texas, United States of America, and attended international air force education seminar in Tokyo, Japan.
He finished his Master in Development Administration-Public Administration at the Philippine Christian University in Manila.
He was a recipient of several awards and recognition from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and civilian sectors and has been consistently recognized for his excellence in the field of academics and physical proficiency.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071699
NoCot police exec, 11 cops receive ‘Medalya ng Kagalingan’
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): NoCot police exec, 11 cops receive ‘Medalya ng Kagalingan’
POLICE AWARDEES. Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, PRO-12 regional director, pins the Philippine National Police’s “Medalya ng Kagalingan” to one of the awardees during conferment ceremonies held on Monday, June 3, inside PRO-12 headquarters in General Santos City. (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)
COTABATO CITY -- A town chief of police and 11 police personnel received the “Medalya ng Kagalingan” earlier this week for an operation that resulted in the arrest of three communist guerillas.
Capt. Bernard Abarquez, chief of the Antipas police station, vowed Thursday to be more pro-active in law enforcement to ensure the safety of communities and to strengthen public trust on law enforcers.
Abarquez and 11 other policemen in the town were recognized Monday for the clearing operation on March 5, 2019 in Barangay Malatab, Antipas, that resulted in the arrest of three New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels and the recovery of one .357-caliber handgun, several improvised firearms and ammunition.
The other police medal recipients were Executive M/Sgt. Michael Aguasa Mapandi, M/Sgt. Jay Loquinario Canto, S/Sergeants Zalavy Shariff Jubilan Moreno, Melinda Caminero Dela Torre, and Arly Trespuentes Armada Jr.; Corporals Diosdado Espiritu Fontanilla Jr., Rembert Sumugat, Jeriel Prologo Catipay, Milo Cuyong Pagulong, and Demelyn Bernal Pagulong; and Patrolman Ian Aldous Biore Maugin.
“This is an honor for the people of Antipas, we as your law enforcers will continue to serve you day in day out so you can sleep soundly while we perform our duties,” Abarquez said.
Monday's awarding ceremony was held at the Police Regional Office-12 headquarters in General Santos City.
Abarquez also recognized the participation of the Philippine Army in the successful law enforcement in the town of Antipas.
NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071678
POLICE AWARDEES. Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, PRO-12 regional director, pins the Philippine National Police’s “Medalya ng Kagalingan” to one of the awardees during conferment ceremonies held on Monday, June 3, inside PRO-12 headquarters in General Santos City. (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)
COTABATO CITY -- A town chief of police and 11 police personnel received the “Medalya ng Kagalingan” earlier this week for an operation that resulted in the arrest of three communist guerillas.
Capt. Bernard Abarquez, chief of the Antipas police station, vowed Thursday to be more pro-active in law enforcement to ensure the safety of communities and to strengthen public trust on law enforcers.
Abarquez and 11 other policemen in the town were recognized Monday for the clearing operation on March 5, 2019 in Barangay Malatab, Antipas, that resulted in the arrest of three New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels and the recovery of one .357-caliber handgun, several improvised firearms and ammunition.
The other police medal recipients were Executive M/Sgt. Michael Aguasa Mapandi, M/Sgt. Jay Loquinario Canto, S/Sergeants Zalavy Shariff Jubilan Moreno, Melinda Caminero Dela Torre, and Arly Trespuentes Armada Jr.; Corporals Diosdado Espiritu Fontanilla Jr., Rembert Sumugat, Jeriel Prologo Catipay, Milo Cuyong Pagulong, and Demelyn Bernal Pagulong; and Patrolman Ian Aldous Biore Maugin.
“This is an honor for the people of Antipas, we as your law enforcers will continue to serve you day in day out so you can sleep soundly while we perform our duties,” Abarquez said.
Monday's awarding ceremony was held at the Police Regional Office-12 headquarters in General Santos City.
Abarquez also recognized the participation of the Philippine Army in the successful law enforcement in the town of Antipas.
NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071678
Improved services, E-CLIP entice NPAs to surrender
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Improved services, E-CLIP entice NPAs to surrender
The sincerity of the government in improving basic services in communities are sending communist insurgents and underground supporters back to the folds of the law, an Army official said.
Col. Nolasco Mempin, commander of the Army's 1003rd Brigade covering Davao Region areas, said Wednesday the strength of the New People's Army (NPA) is dwindling since the start of the intensified insurgency campaign in 2016.
Mempin said a great number of communist insurgents and supporters have surrendered since last year because of the government's effort to bring basic services closer to the people.
Mempin said the government, under its "whole-of-nation approach," is working on addressing the root causes of insurgency.
The sincerity of the government in improving basic services in communities are sending communist insurgents and underground supporters back to the folds of the law, an Army official said.
Col. Nolasco Mempin, commander of the Army's 1003rd Brigade covering Davao Region areas, said Wednesday the strength of the New People's Army (NPA) is dwindling since the start of the intensified insurgency campaign in 2016.
Mempin said a great number of communist insurgents and supporters have surrendered since last year because of the government's effort to bring basic services closer to the people.
Mempin said the government, under its "whole-of-nation approach," is working on addressing the root causes of insurgency.
He said the decrease in the number of NPA members can also be attributed to the Enhanced – Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (E-CLIP), a strategic flagship program of Duterte administration in achieving the government's peace and development agenda.
“As what we have remembered in early 2018, the Eastern Mindanao Command under former and now AFP chief of staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, there was mass surrender to avail the benefits offered by the government like housing, firearms remuneration and livelihood, and immediate cash assistance,” Mempin said.
"That is why in 2019 the area of 1003rd Brigade expanded until San Fernando and Kitaotao, Bukidnon because in the area of Davao City the Pulang Bagani Company 1, 2, and 3 have been weakened, including the Guerilla Front 56 operating in the area of Marilog," he added.
Mempin said the NPA "ideology is no longer working. It means that the majority of the people are really convinced that the democracy they are trying to project is not the solution."
Mempin is hoping that the remaining insurgents will decide to return to the folds of the law and lead different lives.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071698
“As what we have remembered in early 2018, the Eastern Mindanao Command under former and now AFP chief of staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, there was mass surrender to avail the benefits offered by the government like housing, firearms remuneration and livelihood, and immediate cash assistance,” Mempin said.
"That is why in 2019 the area of 1003rd Brigade expanded until San Fernando and Kitaotao, Bukidnon because in the area of Davao City the Pulang Bagani Company 1, 2, and 3 have been weakened, including the Guerilla Front 56 operating in the area of Marilog," he added.
Mempin said the NPA "ideology is no longer working. It means that the majority of the people are really convinced that the democracy they are trying to project is not the solution."
Mempin is hoping that the remaining insurgents will decide to return to the folds of the law and lead different lives.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071698
3 'Abu Sayyaf members' nabbed in Zamboanga City
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): 3 'Abu Sayyaf members' nabbed in Zamboanga City
Police arrested Wednesday three members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in this southern port city.
Police arrested Wednesday three members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in this southern port city.
The Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) identified the arrested ASG members as Jamik Ibrahim, Majuk Amil, and Hasim Aming. Ibrahim and Amil were arrested in Barangay Arena Blanco, while Aming in Magay, Barangay Zone 1.
Police said the three have standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention and were involved in the June 11, 2001 kidnapping of eight workers of the Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan, Basilan.
The three were also involved in the kidnapping of six members of the Jehovah’s witness on August 20, 2002 in Patikul, Sulu, police said.
Police said the three were placed under the custody of the Regional Intelligence Division-9 for proper disposition.
They were arrested by a joint team of police, military, and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071707
The three were also involved in the kidnapping of six members of the Jehovah’s witness on August 20, 2002 in Patikul, Sulu, police said.
Police said the three were placed under the custody of the Regional Intelligence Division-9 for proper disposition.
They were arrested by a joint team of police, military, and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071707
Picturing Marawi: A sneak peek into ground zero
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Picturing Marawi: A sneak peek into ground zero
Former journalist Mylah Reyes Roque takes on a personal mission to capture and record the memories in Marawi City after the devastating war and just before the government completes its full refurbishments.
After a few visits with the presidential delegation in Marawi City, former journalist Mylah Reyes Roque brought her professional camera with her and braved grounds that saw violence and destruction.
"It is a record of what Marawi looked before the government completes the rebuilding of the city," Roque said, adding that some of the old infrastructures destroyed by the firefight between terrorists and government troops are going to look different after the planned refurbishments.
After a few visits with the presidential delegation in Marawi City, former journalist Mylah Reyes Roque brought her professional camera with her and braved grounds that saw violence and destruction.
"It is a record of what Marawi looked before the government completes the rebuilding of the city," Roque said, adding that some of the old infrastructures destroyed by the firefight between terrorists and government troops are going to look different after the planned refurbishments.
This is the prayer hall where the mihrab is intact. The mihrab is the niche on the wall that marks the direction of the qiblah. The qiblah is the direction towards Mecca, where Muslims face during prayer.
The statue of Jesus Christ (A shot from Mylah Reyes Roques' exhibit)
People go through the shots of Mylah Reyes Roque of the Saint Mary's Cathedral in Marawi City. In a glance, the bullet-ridden roof looks like stars shining through the place of worship.
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, who flew from his city to attend the opening of Roque's photo exhibit at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, lauded the gesture and thanked the organizers for helping him bring the perspective to other people away from the ground zero.
"This installation will give other people a sneak into what Marawi City looks like after the war. It helps send the message of how massive the damage was and that it is clear now. My people are already into the moving on and starting again phase but we still need the other Filipinos to be supportive as we stand once more," Gandamra said.
Mall-goers can now revisit the tragic backstory of the Maranaos at SM’s Picturing Marawi Photo Exhibit featuring the heart-tugging photos of the Marawi siege aftermath immortalized by Roque from June 6 to August 31 in select SM malls.
“The exhibit memorializes the tragedy in Marawi with the aim to engage mall-goers and help them have a greater understanding of the conflict,” said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.
Picturing Marawi narrates the aftermath of human conflict through images of buildings, homes, and mosques that are deserted by the war but nevertheless speak of the community that used to make it alive. These are stories of a siege fought in close quarters.
Catch the photo exhibit in the following SM malls: Megamall (June 6 to June 11), Southmall (June 24 to 29), Sucat (July 22 to 28), Rosario (August 5 to 11), and Telabastagan, Pampanga (August 25 to 31). This endeavor is in partnership with the National Museum.
The Marawi siege was an armed conflict that took place in Marawi, Lanao del Sur -- a city filled with pulsating energy that was silenced by war. The battle started on the 23rd of May 2017 and lasted for five months, leaving the city in ruins and claiming the lives of many Filipinos.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071715
Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, who flew from his city to attend the opening of Roque's photo exhibit at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, lauded the gesture and thanked the organizers for helping him bring the perspective to other people away from the ground zero.
"This installation will give other people a sneak into what Marawi City looks like after the war. It helps send the message of how massive the damage was and that it is clear now. My people are already into the moving on and starting again phase but we still need the other Filipinos to be supportive as we stand once more," Gandamra said.
Mall-goers can now revisit the tragic backstory of the Maranaos at SM’s Picturing Marawi Photo Exhibit featuring the heart-tugging photos of the Marawi siege aftermath immortalized by Roque from June 6 to August 31 in select SM malls.
“The exhibit memorializes the tragedy in Marawi with the aim to engage mall-goers and help them have a greater understanding of the conflict,” said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.
Picturing Marawi narrates the aftermath of human conflict through images of buildings, homes, and mosques that are deserted by the war but nevertheless speak of the community that used to make it alive. These are stories of a siege fought in close quarters.
Catch the photo exhibit in the following SM malls: Megamall (June 6 to June 11), Southmall (June 24 to 29), Sucat (July 22 to 28), Rosario (August 5 to 11), and Telabastagan, Pampanga (August 25 to 31). This endeavor is in partnership with the National Museum.
The Marawi siege was an armed conflict that took place in Marawi, Lanao del Sur -- a city filled with pulsating energy that was silenced by war. The battle started on the 23rd of May 2017 and lasted for five months, leaving the city in ruins and claiming the lives of many Filipinos.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071715
'Bakwit' mural in Manila plain Red propaganda: Parlade
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): 'Bakwit' mural in Manila plain Red propaganda: Parlade
While citing that is artistically impressive, the mural depicting efforts of indigenous peoples (IPs) to survive despite the alleged violence caused by the invasion of military troops is just part of the lies and propaganda being disseminated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and its allies.
This was the reaction of Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), to the "Bakwit" mural painted by artist Archie Oclos on the wall of a 14-storey building in Malate, Manila.
"Art is a perfect medium for sending messages. It can capture images of places many of us have no chance of ever visiting, of people we have no chance of ever meeting. An artist’s interpretation of the place and people whose images he or she captures can also affect the message and how viewers understand the artwork," he said in a statement Wednesday.
'Art' of deception
While lauding Oclos for his passion, dedication and the risk the artist undertook in scaling and completing his mural, Parlade said the artwork is deceptive as it is part of the communist rebels propaganda to recruit additional cadres and paint a very different version of the government and the military.
"But for those who are informed and knows the workings of the Communist Party of the Philippines, that artwork is deceptive, especially with those text scribbled at the bottom. It is propaganda, plain and simple," the NTF-ELCAC official stressed.
He added that sowing lies and deception are easy for the CPP and the National Democratic Front (NDF) as they have been practicing these for the past 50 years.
"After 50 years they have perfected this art and have deceived us in many ways. As a result they have effectively infiltrated our ranks without us knowing it. Now they appear dressed in religious garb and pretend to be rural missionaries, some as religious brothers. In reality they are working for the destruction of the church (they are God-less, by the way) and are destroying our children in these schools called Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, Inc. (ALCADEV) and Salugpungan," said Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operation.
He also scored the CPP-NPA and its allies for representing themselves as human rights advocates and defenders of the poor but all they do is defend the rights of communist terrorists who have been killing IPs and hapless civilians not inclined to support their cause.
"They introduce themselves as progressive groups advocating ‘Save Our Schools’, but are in fact using this as a smear campaign to vilify government forces trying to prevent more killings by their NPA conduits. They introduce themselves as makabayan (patriotic) when all they do is rally in the streets, shoo away investors, recruit more children to become fighters, threaten businesses who do not pay their extortion demand, radicalize teachers to push their students to the streets and eventually to the hills," he added.
In the case of a talented artist like Oclos, Parlade said these individuals are encouraged to paint the alleged dire situation of the IPs once they are enticed to join CPP-legal front organizations like "ARTISTA" (Artista at Teatro para sa Sining ng Bayan) and "KARATULA"."Oclos is lucky if he is not yet a member of the underground mass organization of 'ARTISTA' which is 'ARMAS' (Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan), in which in case he could be a full-time CPP cadre already. In any case, scaling the mountains as a CPP-NPA cadre should not be a difficult task for him anymore," he added.
Parlade said the story depicted by the mural as "sublime" but debasing as it tells lies about the fabricated and exaggerated AFP human rights abuses considering that the military has no record of human rights abuse for the past several years.
"Stealing chickens may have happened during the Martial Law years but it is now 2019 and the AFP has zero human rights abuses for the last several years. They buy their chicken in Jollibee, and give some to our Manobo brothers. This is the same story they peddle, in Europe and UN, through CPP-front organizations like Ibon Foundation and Karapatan," he said.
The mural's subtle message, he said, is to arouse the sentiment of the youth and used that anger in mobilizing them to fight against the government
"How many more artworks will they create, not simply for art’s sake but for the purpose of AROUSING the sentiments of the youth and the innocent, using false narratives such as this. What will follow is ORGANIZING them into progressive allies, and finally MOBILIZING them to fight their government. Three important operative words that all communists propagandists use to destroy our society: Arouse, Organize, and Mobilize," he said.
'Bakwit' tactic
Parlade also explained what "bakwit" (evacuees) really means for the CPP-NPA is merely a tactic they employ to disrupt and derail government interventions and development programs in the IP communities which they have converted as their guerrilla bases.
"This is the story of the CPP’s artificial hamlet in the Haran Compound in Davao City. The testimony of the recent Haran Lumad escapees are glaring evidence of this deception of the CPP and its front NGOs which have been collecting millions of Euros from unsuspecting donors in Europe," the military official stressed.
Killing also became rampant among Manobos and IPs as trespassing CPP-NPA cadres have destroyed the cultural fabric of these communities.
"They have totally disregarded the norms and values, subverting their Bagani defense system, recruiting their leaders to fight those who would not support the CPP cause, radicalizing students of the AlCADEV and the Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao Del Sur (TRIFPSS), until the children would end up fighting and killing their elders. Emerito Samarca, the ALCADEV Director and Secretary of the CPP's Regional White Area Committee, who is in charge of infiltrating and organizing front organizations for the CPP, would have suffered the wrath of the IPs he have duped," he added.
Parlade also dismissed Oclos' claims that he got his inspiration after meeting and hearing stories from IPs in Mindanao who have allegedly experienced violence in the hands of the military.
"It is now 2019 and just recently last May 15, 2019, Edward Gultia, a former NPA and teacher of TRIFPSS for 19 years surrendered to the government and revealed that the school is indeed run by the NPAs. Jomar Bocales, municipal tribal chief of Lianga, Surigao Del Sur, and Rico Maca, IPMR (Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative) of San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur would reveal the same about the TRIFPSS and ALCADEV," he added.
Parlade also appealed to the media to help them in educating the public about the truth regarding the lies and deception being spread by the CPP-NPA and its allies.
He said communist rebels, for the past 50 years, have proven very skillful in using "press freedom" in fomenting rebellion as proven by the countless numbers of artists, lawyers, and youth recruited in their cause.
"How many more of our artist will be fooled by these commies. How many more of our lawyers will join NUPL in the belief that they are serving poor clients? How many more of our young will end up the mountains for sympathizing in this lost and futile cause of the CPP? How many more are joining Kabataang Makabayan and end up getting killed with the NPAs?" he added.
Appeal to media
Parlade also appealed to the media for its assistance in exposing the deception and lies of the CPP-NPA and its allies so that the insurgency threat can be finally beaten and peace and prosperity can reign in the country.
"(The) media is a very important partner in nation building, We pray that you will be enlightened in educating our people of the TRUTH and nothing else. It is all the NTF-ELCAC is asking. Just share the truth so we will spare our children from more violence. In the spirit of objectivity, fairness and impartiality we hope that you will all help in breaking the duality, duplicity and deception of these communist terrorists, so that, once and for all, we would enjoy peace and progress," he said.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071636
While citing that is artistically impressive, the mural depicting efforts of indigenous peoples (IPs) to survive despite the alleged violence caused by the invasion of military troops is just part of the lies and propaganda being disseminated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and its allies.
This was the reaction of Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), to the "Bakwit" mural painted by artist Archie Oclos on the wall of a 14-storey building in Malate, Manila.
"Art is a perfect medium for sending messages. It can capture images of places many of us have no chance of ever visiting, of people we have no chance of ever meeting. An artist’s interpretation of the place and people whose images he or she captures can also affect the message and how viewers understand the artwork," he said in a statement Wednesday.
'Art' of deception
While lauding Oclos for his passion, dedication and the risk the artist undertook in scaling and completing his mural, Parlade said the artwork is deceptive as it is part of the communist rebels propaganda to recruit additional cadres and paint a very different version of the government and the military.
"But for those who are informed and knows the workings of the Communist Party of the Philippines, that artwork is deceptive, especially with those text scribbled at the bottom. It is propaganda, plain and simple," the NTF-ELCAC official stressed.
He added that sowing lies and deception are easy for the CPP and the National Democratic Front (NDF) as they have been practicing these for the past 50 years.
"After 50 years they have perfected this art and have deceived us in many ways. As a result they have effectively infiltrated our ranks without us knowing it. Now they appear dressed in religious garb and pretend to be rural missionaries, some as religious brothers. In reality they are working for the destruction of the church (they are God-less, by the way) and are destroying our children in these schools called Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, Inc. (ALCADEV) and Salugpungan," said Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operation.
He also scored the CPP-NPA and its allies for representing themselves as human rights advocates and defenders of the poor but all they do is defend the rights of communist terrorists who have been killing IPs and hapless civilians not inclined to support their cause.
"They introduce themselves as progressive groups advocating ‘Save Our Schools’, but are in fact using this as a smear campaign to vilify government forces trying to prevent more killings by their NPA conduits. They introduce themselves as makabayan (patriotic) when all they do is rally in the streets, shoo away investors, recruit more children to become fighters, threaten businesses who do not pay their extortion demand, radicalize teachers to push their students to the streets and eventually to the hills," he added.
In the case of a talented artist like Oclos, Parlade said these individuals are encouraged to paint the alleged dire situation of the IPs once they are enticed to join CPP-legal front organizations like "ARTISTA" (Artista at Teatro para sa Sining ng Bayan) and "KARATULA"."Oclos is lucky if he is not yet a member of the underground mass organization of 'ARTISTA' which is 'ARMAS' (Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan), in which in case he could be a full-time CPP cadre already. In any case, scaling the mountains as a CPP-NPA cadre should not be a difficult task for him anymore," he added.
Parlade said the story depicted by the mural as "sublime" but debasing as it tells lies about the fabricated and exaggerated AFP human rights abuses considering that the military has no record of human rights abuse for the past several years.
"Stealing chickens may have happened during the Martial Law years but it is now 2019 and the AFP has zero human rights abuses for the last several years. They buy their chicken in Jollibee, and give some to our Manobo brothers. This is the same story they peddle, in Europe and UN, through CPP-front organizations like Ibon Foundation and Karapatan," he said.
The mural's subtle message, he said, is to arouse the sentiment of the youth and used that anger in mobilizing them to fight against the government
"How many more artworks will they create, not simply for art’s sake but for the purpose of AROUSING the sentiments of the youth and the innocent, using false narratives such as this. What will follow is ORGANIZING them into progressive allies, and finally MOBILIZING them to fight their government. Three important operative words that all communists propagandists use to destroy our society: Arouse, Organize, and Mobilize," he said.
'Bakwit' tactic
Parlade also explained what "bakwit" (evacuees) really means for the CPP-NPA is merely a tactic they employ to disrupt and derail government interventions and development programs in the IP communities which they have converted as their guerrilla bases.
"This is the story of the CPP’s artificial hamlet in the Haran Compound in Davao City. The testimony of the recent Haran Lumad escapees are glaring evidence of this deception of the CPP and its front NGOs which have been collecting millions of Euros from unsuspecting donors in Europe," the military official stressed.
Killing also became rampant among Manobos and IPs as trespassing CPP-NPA cadres have destroyed the cultural fabric of these communities.
"They have totally disregarded the norms and values, subverting their Bagani defense system, recruiting their leaders to fight those who would not support the CPP cause, radicalizing students of the AlCADEV and the Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao Del Sur (TRIFPSS), until the children would end up fighting and killing their elders. Emerito Samarca, the ALCADEV Director and Secretary of the CPP's Regional White Area Committee, who is in charge of infiltrating and organizing front organizations for the CPP, would have suffered the wrath of the IPs he have duped," he added.
Parlade also dismissed Oclos' claims that he got his inspiration after meeting and hearing stories from IPs in Mindanao who have allegedly experienced violence in the hands of the military.
"It is now 2019 and just recently last May 15, 2019, Edward Gultia, a former NPA and teacher of TRIFPSS for 19 years surrendered to the government and revealed that the school is indeed run by the NPAs. Jomar Bocales, municipal tribal chief of Lianga, Surigao Del Sur, and Rico Maca, IPMR (Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative) of San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur would reveal the same about the TRIFPSS and ALCADEV," he added.
Parlade also appealed to the media to help them in educating the public about the truth regarding the lies and deception being spread by the CPP-NPA and its allies.
He said communist rebels, for the past 50 years, have proven very skillful in using "press freedom" in fomenting rebellion as proven by the countless numbers of artists, lawyers, and youth recruited in their cause.
"How many more of our artist will be fooled by these commies. How many more of our lawyers will join NUPL in the belief that they are serving poor clients? How many more of our young will end up the mountains for sympathizing in this lost and futile cause of the CPP? How many more are joining Kabataang Makabayan and end up getting killed with the NPAs?" he added.
Appeal to media
Parlade also appealed to the media for its assistance in exposing the deception and lies of the CPP-NPA and its allies so that the insurgency threat can be finally beaten and peace and prosperity can reign in the country.
"(The) media is a very important partner in nation building, We pray that you will be enlightened in educating our people of the TRUTH and nothing else. It is all the NTF-ELCAC is asking. Just share the truth so we will spare our children from more violence. In the spirit of objectivity, fairness and impartiality we hope that you will all help in breaking the duality, duplicity and deception of these communist terrorists, so that, once and for all, we would enjoy peace and progress," he said.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071636
Muslims, Christians celebrate Eid'l Fitr at MILF's Camp Bilal
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Muslims, Christians celebrate Eid'l Fitr at MILF's Camp Bilal
EID’L FITR CELEBRATION. Abdullah Macapaar (2nd from right), a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander and now a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), leads distribution of food packages during Eid’l Fitr celebration at Camp Bilal in Munai Lanao del Norte on June 5, 2019. Officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Armed Forces of the Philippines and MILF joined Muslims and Christians in the celebration of Eid’l Fitr, the culmination of the month-long observance of Ramadan, Camp Bilal. (Photo by OPAPP Communications and Public Affairs)
MUNAI, Lanao del Norte -- Residents of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s Camp Bilal shared a meal with Christian visitors in the spirit of interfaith unity as they celebrate Eid'l Fitr, the culmination of the month-long observance of Ramadan Wednesday.
"This is the first time we are celebrating the Eid'l Fitr with our Christian brothers and sisters here at Camp Bilal," said Abdullah "Commander Bravo" Macapaar, an MILF commander and now a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
Part of the Duyog Ramadan program initiated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the celebration was participated in by Catholic priests, soldiers, and OPAPP personnel led by OPAPP Chief of Staff David Diciano, Director Andres Aguinaldo of PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn, Father Chito Suganob and Director Scheherazade Ruivivar of the GPH-MILF Implementing Panel Secretariat.
Duyog Ramadan is a multi-stakeholder effort spearheaded by OPAPP that aims to promote social healing and reconciliation among residents affected by armed conflict.
"This occasion signify unity between Muslims and Christians," Macapaar emphasized.
"My heart is for peace. We are determined to bring back the peace in Mindanao and strengthen the relationship between Muslims and Christians," he said in the vernacular.
Do not use funds for war
Once a feared Moro commander, Macapaar talked about the need to use the government resources not for internal armed conflict but for the upliftment of the people particularly those in the countryside.
"We spent billions of pesos during armed conflict. Let's not use our funds for war but instead use it to help our people," he added.
Macapaar led the fighting during the so-called 2000's "All-out War" campaign under the presidency of Joseph Estrada, and the fighting during the failure of the 2008's MOA-AD (Memorandum of Agreement-Ancestral Domains) under the Arroyo Administration.
As a member of the parliament, Macapaar, along with the leadership of the MILF, Moro National Liberation Front and other stakeholders in the BTA, is now actively involved in implementing reforms in the Bangsamoro region.
Also during the event, Father Teresito "Chito" Soganub, who was a hostage victim at the height of the Marawi siege, said the new chapter for peace in Mindanao is already here.
Soganub pointed out the need to strengthen interfaith dialogue, saying it is one of the effective ways to prevent the repetition of what had happened in Marawi two years ago.
"One of the reasons why we are here is because we support the development here in Camp Bilal although the area wasn't included in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)," Soganub said.
"We support the interventions of the OPAPP because the government will not leave you," he told the residents.
For his part, Diciano said Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. is in solidarity with the people of Camp Bilal as they celebrate the Eid'l Fitr.
In his message released earlier, Galvez said, “We are one with our Muslim brothers and sisters in prayers and reflection as we celebrate Eid al-Fitr.”
"This sacred occasion marks the culmination of the Holy Month of Ramadan, where Muslims fast to attain not only spiritual enlightenment but also lessons of tolerance and peace. The celebration of Eid al-Fitr brings us compassion, and love in our land, and strengthen our resolve to continue our pursuit of reconciliation and unity in the Philippines," Galvez said.
Diciano said the visit in Camp Bilal is part of the normalization process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the government and the MILF in 2014.
"Even if it will rain or we walk just to reach Camp Bilal, we will do it and be with the residents for the Eid'l Fitr celebration," he said.
Development of Camp Bilal
According to Diciano, Galvez said Camp Bilal will be "showcased" as one of the success stories in the normalization process.
"We will focus on the development of Camp Bilal," Diciano said.
Normalization process has four major components: the security aspect, socio-economic development program, confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.
Aguinaldo said the construction of the roads from the main highway in the town of Munai towards Camp Bilal will continue.
He said the government will bring the same development to other recognized camps as identified in the peace agreement.
Other camps include Camp Bushra, Camp Rajamuda, Camp Abubakar, Camp Bad’r, and Camp Omar.
Ruivivar affirmed that OPAPP and the leadership of the BARMM will continue to support those Moro-dominated areas outside of the territory of the BARMM.
"OPAPP will continue to engage the six towns of Lanao del Norte even if you're not part of the BARMM," he told residents here.
Aside from sharing of a meal, OPAPP also distributed 480 food packages, with three slaughtered cattles to the residents of the camp as part of the Eid'l Fitr celebration.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071662
MUNAI, Lanao del Norte -- Residents of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s Camp Bilal shared a meal with Christian visitors in the spirit of interfaith unity as they celebrate Eid'l Fitr, the culmination of the month-long observance of Ramadan Wednesday.
"This is the first time we are celebrating the Eid'l Fitr with our Christian brothers and sisters here at Camp Bilal," said Abdullah "Commander Bravo" Macapaar, an MILF commander and now a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
Part of the Duyog Ramadan program initiated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the celebration was participated in by Catholic priests, soldiers, and OPAPP personnel led by OPAPP Chief of Staff David Diciano, Director Andres Aguinaldo of PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn, Father Chito Suganob and Director Scheherazade Ruivivar of the GPH-MILF Implementing Panel Secretariat.
Duyog Ramadan is a multi-stakeholder effort spearheaded by OPAPP that aims to promote social healing and reconciliation among residents affected by armed conflict.
"This occasion signify unity between Muslims and Christians," Macapaar emphasized.
"My heart is for peace. We are determined to bring back the peace in Mindanao and strengthen the relationship between Muslims and Christians," he said in the vernacular.
Do not use funds for war
Once a feared Moro commander, Macapaar talked about the need to use the government resources not for internal armed conflict but for the upliftment of the people particularly those in the countryside.
"We spent billions of pesos during armed conflict. Let's not use our funds for war but instead use it to help our people," he added.
Macapaar led the fighting during the so-called 2000's "All-out War" campaign under the presidency of Joseph Estrada, and the fighting during the failure of the 2008's MOA-AD (Memorandum of Agreement-Ancestral Domains) under the Arroyo Administration.
As a member of the parliament, Macapaar, along with the leadership of the MILF, Moro National Liberation Front and other stakeholders in the BTA, is now actively involved in implementing reforms in the Bangsamoro region.
Also during the event, Father Teresito "Chito" Soganub, who was a hostage victim at the height of the Marawi siege, said the new chapter for peace in Mindanao is already here.
Soganub pointed out the need to strengthen interfaith dialogue, saying it is one of the effective ways to prevent the repetition of what had happened in Marawi two years ago.
"One of the reasons why we are here is because we support the development here in Camp Bilal although the area wasn't included in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)," Soganub said.
"We support the interventions of the OPAPP because the government will not leave you," he told the residents.
For his part, Diciano said Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. is in solidarity with the people of Camp Bilal as they celebrate the Eid'l Fitr.
In his message released earlier, Galvez said, “We are one with our Muslim brothers and sisters in prayers and reflection as we celebrate Eid al-Fitr.”
"This sacred occasion marks the culmination of the Holy Month of Ramadan, where Muslims fast to attain not only spiritual enlightenment but also lessons of tolerance and peace. The celebration of Eid al-Fitr brings us compassion, and love in our land, and strengthen our resolve to continue our pursuit of reconciliation and unity in the Philippines," Galvez said.
Diciano said the visit in Camp Bilal is part of the normalization process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the government and the MILF in 2014.
"Even if it will rain or we walk just to reach Camp Bilal, we will do it and be with the residents for the Eid'l Fitr celebration," he said.
Development of Camp Bilal
According to Diciano, Galvez said Camp Bilal will be "showcased" as one of the success stories in the normalization process.
"We will focus on the development of Camp Bilal," Diciano said.
Normalization process has four major components: the security aspect, socio-economic development program, confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.
Aguinaldo said the construction of the roads from the main highway in the town of Munai towards Camp Bilal will continue.
He said the government will bring the same development to other recognized camps as identified in the peace agreement.
Other camps include Camp Bushra, Camp Rajamuda, Camp Abubakar, Camp Bad’r, and Camp Omar.
Ruivivar affirmed that OPAPP and the leadership of the BARMM will continue to support those Moro-dominated areas outside of the territory of the BARMM.
"OPAPP will continue to engage the six towns of Lanao del Norte even if you're not part of the BARMM," he told residents here.
Aside from sharing of a meal, OPAPP also distributed 480 food packages, with three slaughtered cattles to the residents of the camp as part of the Eid'l Fitr celebration.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071662
Mindanao IP group rallies behind new NCIP head
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Mindanao IP group rallies behind new NCIP head
NCIP Chairperson, Undersecretary Allen Capuyan. (File photo)
The Mindanao Indigenous Peoples (IP) Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) said it will never support efforts to discredit newly-appointed National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) chair Allen Capuyan.
The group issued the statement Thursday following leftist group SANDUGO's strongly-worded protest to the former military officer's appointment to the NCIP which was made public Tuesday.
"The appointment of Capuyan speaks loudly of the NTF (National Task Force) to End Local Communist Armed Conflict that in fact targets the Indigenous Peoples organizations and leaders. These attacks against us with Capuyan at the helm of the NCIP will further intensify as if we are the enemies. The appointment of another soldier in a civilian post shows that the Duterte government is mustering all its agencies against. This is the core of the 'Whole of Nation Approach' in the government’s Oplan Kapayaan counter-insurgency program. These are instruments that Capuyan and Duterte’s other military minions will use hand in hand with direct military actions," the group said.
MIPCEL claimed there is nothing original with the statement issued by SANDUGO as it merely parroted it from Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay.
Such allegations, the group said, will never be supported by the IPs and the public in general.
Part of communist alliance
"SANDUGO, by the way, is a CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) established alliance whose main mission is to advance the concept of self-determination and liberation. This alliance is composed of the KATRIBU Kalipunan ng mga Mamamayang Katutubo ng Pilipinas and the Moro Sector," the group said.
It added that these organizations are linked and run by National Democratic Front (NDF) member organizations which include the Cordillera Peoples Democratic Front (CPDF), "Rebolusyonaryong Organisadong Lumad" (ROL) and the Moro Revolutionary Liberation Organization (MRLO).
The Mindanao Indigenous Peoples (IP) Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) said it will never support efforts to discredit newly-appointed National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) chair Allen Capuyan.
The group issued the statement Thursday following leftist group SANDUGO's strongly-worded protest to the former military officer's appointment to the NCIP which was made public Tuesday.
"The appointment of Capuyan speaks loudly of the NTF (National Task Force) to End Local Communist Armed Conflict that in fact targets the Indigenous Peoples organizations and leaders. These attacks against us with Capuyan at the helm of the NCIP will further intensify as if we are the enemies. The appointment of another soldier in a civilian post shows that the Duterte government is mustering all its agencies against. This is the core of the 'Whole of Nation Approach' in the government’s Oplan Kapayaan counter-insurgency program. These are instruments that Capuyan and Duterte’s other military minions will use hand in hand with direct military actions," the group said.
MIPCEL claimed there is nothing original with the statement issued by SANDUGO as it merely parroted it from Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay.
Such allegations, the group said, will never be supported by the IPs and the public in general.
Part of communist alliance
"SANDUGO, by the way, is a CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) established alliance whose main mission is to advance the concept of self-determination and liberation. This alliance is composed of the KATRIBU Kalipunan ng mga Mamamayang Katutubo ng Pilipinas and the Moro Sector," the group said.
It added that these organizations are linked and run by National Democratic Front (NDF) member organizations which include the Cordillera Peoples Democratic Front (CPDF), "Rebolusyonaryong Organisadong Lumad" (ROL) and the Moro Revolutionary Liberation Organization (MRLO).
Also, MIPCEL has no plans to support groups known to be calling for the abolition of laws and agencies mandated to serve the country's various IP communities.
"It is ironic that the same organizations are calling for the abolition of IPRA (Indigenous Peoples' Right Act of 1997) from whose provision established the NCIP. Why are they worried (on whose is to be) appointed as NCIP chair when they call for the abolition of IPRA and subsequently (the) NCIP," it said.
The group added that SANDUGO also rendered itself immediately useless by designating itself as "National Minorities", a concept already discarded as the Constitution has already recognized IP rights and so-called Indigenous Cultural Communities. MIPCEL said this eventually became the Constitutional basis of the passing into law of Republic Act 8371 otherwise known as the IPRA.
"Ironic also, because their cohorts are supposedly advancing the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the IPs (UNDRIP). But look, their dual revolutionary tactics are showing because now they are calling the Indigenous Peoples as National Minorities. What is really your truth? IPs or National Minorities?" the group pointed out.
MIPCEL also dismissed SANDUGO's claims that Capuyan had a hand in the incident where a large amount of “shabu” managed to pass through the Bureau of Customs sometime in May 2017.
"Your basis is the Senate Investigation that did not result in the filing of a legal case against the person. Why? Because it is an investigation only that give a right to any person to explain his side on the issue. It does not give judgment of any criminal liability. In fact, it was in the investigation that Undersecretary Capuyan provided a three-page report included in the five-page report of the DOF (Department of Finance) about the incident. USEC (Capuyan) reported the incident to both PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)," it said.
On claims that Capuyan's time as Task Force Gantangan commander in 2008 resulted in the setting up of several paramilitary groups which include the Alamara and Magahat-Bagani and reportedly are responsible for the murder of many Lumad leaders opposed to the entry of mining companies and agro-corporations in the ancestral lands, MIPCEL said that it was upon the request of Council of Elders and Leaders of the IPs in Mindanao to set up this military unit to safeguard their rights, as provided by the IPRA, which the communist rebels wanted abolish.
Rehash
SANDUGO also showed their true intentions when it made mention of Capuyan's post as head of the National Secretariat of the NTF-ELCAC.
"That in including his position as Executive Director of the NTF-ELCAC show their true intention and that is they are afraid that their National Democratic Revolution will soon become insignificant as the Whole-of-Nation and Whole-of-Government Approach are now in the pipeline. This explains that this is the first time, these CTG (communist terrorist group) Gangs are ganging against the appointed Chairperson of the NCIP," MIPCEL pointed out.
It added that tirades against the new NCIP chief are mere rhetorics of the communist rebels and their allies and just a rehash to foil ongoing efforts to make insignificant and totally defeat the CPP-NPA, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071679
"It is ironic that the same organizations are calling for the abolition of IPRA (Indigenous Peoples' Right Act of 1997) from whose provision established the NCIP. Why are they worried (on whose is to be) appointed as NCIP chair when they call for the abolition of IPRA and subsequently (the) NCIP," it said.
The group added that SANDUGO also rendered itself immediately useless by designating itself as "National Minorities", a concept already discarded as the Constitution has already recognized IP rights and so-called Indigenous Cultural Communities. MIPCEL said this eventually became the Constitutional basis of the passing into law of Republic Act 8371 otherwise known as the IPRA.
"Ironic also, because their cohorts are supposedly advancing the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the IPs (UNDRIP). But look, their dual revolutionary tactics are showing because now they are calling the Indigenous Peoples as National Minorities. What is really your truth? IPs or National Minorities?" the group pointed out.
MIPCEL also dismissed SANDUGO's claims that Capuyan had a hand in the incident where a large amount of “shabu” managed to pass through the Bureau of Customs sometime in May 2017.
"Your basis is the Senate Investigation that did not result in the filing of a legal case against the person. Why? Because it is an investigation only that give a right to any person to explain his side on the issue. It does not give judgment of any criminal liability. In fact, it was in the investigation that Undersecretary Capuyan provided a three-page report included in the five-page report of the DOF (Department of Finance) about the incident. USEC (Capuyan) reported the incident to both PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)," it said.
On claims that Capuyan's time as Task Force Gantangan commander in 2008 resulted in the setting up of several paramilitary groups which include the Alamara and Magahat-Bagani and reportedly are responsible for the murder of many Lumad leaders opposed to the entry of mining companies and agro-corporations in the ancestral lands, MIPCEL said that it was upon the request of Council of Elders and Leaders of the IPs in Mindanao to set up this military unit to safeguard their rights, as provided by the IPRA, which the communist rebels wanted abolish.
Rehash
SANDUGO also showed their true intentions when it made mention of Capuyan's post as head of the National Secretariat of the NTF-ELCAC.
"That in including his position as Executive Director of the NTF-ELCAC show their true intention and that is they are afraid that their National Democratic Revolution will soon become insignificant as the Whole-of-Nation and Whole-of-Government Approach are now in the pipeline. This explains that this is the first time, these CTG (communist terrorist group) Gangs are ganging against the appointed Chairperson of the NCIP," MIPCEL pointed out.
It added that tirades against the new NCIP chief are mere rhetorics of the communist rebels and their allies and just a rehash to foil ongoing efforts to make insignificant and totally defeat the CPP-NPA, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071679
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