Sunday, June 23, 2019

Soldier, 3 rebels die in clashes

From Tempo (Jun 24, 2019): Soldier, 3 rebels die in clashes

A soldier and three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in separate encounters in Negros Oriental.

The first encounter happened in Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina town last Friday.

A firefight broke out when armed men attacked the patrol base of 12 Infantry Batallion (IB) in Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina past 5 a.m.

Police from the Sta. Catalina Police Station rushed to the patrol base to reinforce the 12 IB soldiers.

Police said the rebels lobbed a fragmentation grenade at the camp but it didn’t explode.

The suspected rebels retreated but not after two of their members were killed. One of the fatalities was identified as Antonio Cardinas.

A day later, an encounter also took place in Barangay Bantolinao, Manjuyod town.

Killed in the firefight was Corporal Leoter Cagape of the 94th IB. Also wounded were PFC Cris Emmanuel Paja and Pvt. Debyl Reyes.

Aside from one fatality, who remained unidentified, three other members of the NPA were also arrested.

“The rebels came from the combined forces of the Leonardo Panaligan and Apolinario Gatmaytan groups,” said Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Brigade commander.

The encounter happened after the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Central Command conducted a medical mission in Sitio Kambugtong.

“The place is known to be a haven of NPA rebels. That’s why early in the morning, no residents showed up in the medical mission because they wanted to make sure first that the place is secured,” said Police Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, PRO 7 chief.

Sinas said that during the clearing operation a day before the medical mission, police found eight holes where improvised explosive devise (IED) were supposed to be planted.

“They (NPA rebels) even went house-to-house and discouraged the residents from joining the medical mission,” said Sinas.

After the outreach program, some policemen and soldiers stayed behind to secure a mini concert staged by the PRO 7.

“We expected that those who conducted house-to-house visits will return at night some forces stayed behind,” Sinas said.

It was around past 11 p.m. where government forces spotted a group of armed men some 1.6 kilometers from where the medical mission was held.

“An encounter erupted after one of soliders tripped an IED,” said Madriaga.

The firefight lasted for more than hour.

“We condemned the use of landmines because it is very indiscriminate. We recovered five landmines. They are using banned explosives out of desperation,” said Madriaga.

There were indications that several NPA rebels were wounded in the encounter, said Madriaga.

http://tempo.com.ph/2019/06/24/soldier-3-rebels-die-in-clashes/

Intel chief: Gov’t losing propaganda war

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 24, 2019): Intel chief: Gov’t losing propaganda war

MANILA, Philippines — Despite the dwindling number of communist rebels, the government has been losing in the propaganda war, according to national security officials.

“They (communist rebels) are still using Marcos propaganda. They no longer apply but they are effective. They are good at it and we are at a loss,” National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) Director General Alex Paul Monteagudo said of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

In a recent meeting with Inquirer editors and reporters, Monteagudo said the government was launching its own information campaign aimed at bringing in everyone, particularly mainstream media.‘Most efficient, effective’

“We have to tell everybody the truth because if not, people will always be in the dark [as to what the CPP-NPA-NDFP is doing],” he said.

According to Monteagudo, the national task force to end local communist armed conflict is studying the NPA’s propaganda techniques “because they are the most efficient and effective in that area.”

“If there is an area where we are losing against the CPP-NDFP-NPA, it is in the arena of propaganda,” the Nica said in a PowerPoint presentation.
The Nica added that “the CPP-NPA-NDFP has exploited and deceived our people for 50 long years.”

“They have made our people believe that changing our present system of government is the only way to address the ills that supposedly plague our society,” it said.

Front organizations

Monteagudo noted that the communist rebels got 60 percent of funding secured by some nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), legal fronts of the CPP-NPA-NDFP, from foreign governments particularly from the European Union.

“Not all NGOs are front organizations but there are a lot, as in overwhelmingly a lot of NGOs,” he said.

A former communist rebel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that issue-based organizations were used as platforms for CPP-NPA-NDFP infiltration with the end of overthrowing the government.

“Not all members [of the groups] are members of the underground movement, but they get mixed up together without them knowing … Some of their members are invited [by underground members calling for armed struggle] for deeper learning, political education. They are different, but not separate because they are ran by the CPP-NPA-NDFP,” he said.

Monteagudo said that while the CPP-NPA-NDFP had only about 3,790 regular fighters, “the damage they inflict on government and bureaucracy and economy is such that we cannot prosper.”

He said around half of the number of NPA members were indigenous people, who were targeted for recruitment as fighters or as mass support base.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1133269/intel-chief-govt-losing-propaganda-war

Kalinaw News: ECLIP Turn-over of Financial Assistance to 71st IB FRs

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 23, 2019): ECLIP Turn-over of Financial Assistance to 71st IB FRs



Mawab, Compostela Valley – The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program committee thru Department of Interior and Local Government of Compostela Valley held the awarding of check to Former Rebels (FRs) at Social Hall, 4th Floor, Capitol Building, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province on last June 19, 2019.

For 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion, a total of nine (9) FRs received an immediate cash assistance worth Php 15,000.00 and livelihood assistance amounting to Php 50,000.00 which was formally handed by Honorable Jayvee Tyron L Uy, Governor of Compostela Valley together with Mr Noel C Duarte, Provincial Director of DILG Composte Valley, Brigadier General Gilbert F Saret AFP, Commander, 100st Infantry

Brigade, Colonel Oliver Maquiling, Deputy Brigade Commander, 701st Infantry Brigade Police Colonel Arnold M Palomo, Director, Compostela Valley Provincial Police Office and Provincial Board Members Hon Joseph T Jauod and Datu Felipe Masabo, IPMR.

After the awarding, Private Albert I Diez, a 2018 E-CLIP Beneficiary who turned to be an Enlisted Personnel of the Philippine Army stood in front of FRs to give testimony. As he shared his experiences, he said, “Before, I have convinced many innocents to go against government by joining the armed group. I have destroyed lives.”

“I am challenging all of you, let us work together to help them (active NPAs) to surrender and be able to experience what we are having now,” he said referring to the opportunities and privileges that Philippine Army and Local Government Units have for the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) who are willing to go back to the folds of the law.

Meanwhile, Governor Jayvee Tyron L Uy also challenges the FRs to help the Local Government and is also campaign for more rebel returnees in the province. He requested the FRs to help the government forces by inviting comrades to go back to the fold of law and received the fair benefit from government.

“We are all working for one common goal for peace and development. 71st IB troopers will continue its efforts to persuade remaining CNTs to be with their families and live peacefully by voluntarily surrendering,” said by Lieutenant Colonel Esteveyn E Ducusin, Commanding Officer of 71IB.




71st Infantry Battalion 7th Infantry Division Philippine Army
1LT Jhocell D. Asis
09956103794/09177350771
71ib7id@army.mil.ph
cmo_71ib@yahoo.com

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

Kalinaw News: People of Calamba, Misamis Occidental declare Communist Terrorist Group as Persona Non Grata

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 23, 2019): People of Calamba, Misamis Occidental declare Communist Terrorist Group as Persona Non Grata

People of Calamba, Misamis Occidental declare  Communist Terrorist Group as Persona Non Grata 1

People of Calamba, Misamis Occidental declare  Communist Terrorist Group as Persona Non Grata 2

CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur – The peace-loving people of Calamba, Misamis Occidental has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) as persona non grata through a resolution passed by the Municipal Peace and Order Council effective June 18, 2019.

During Municipal Peace and Order Council Meeting, the Resolution No. 1 Series of 2019 states that;

“The peace-loving people of Calamba, Misamis Occidentalstill aspire to bring their municipality closer to the peace that they always dreamt of.”

“The people of Calamba, Misamis Occidental must take a stand against the presence of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG) in their respective localities in order to show their sincerity and support to the call of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to once and for all end the communist insurgency in the country.”

“The people of Calamba, Misamis Occidental are already fed-up with the 50 years of lies and atrocities of these bandits against our people for their criminal acts and violations of the International Humanitarian Law.”

“The local chief executives (LCEs) and Municipal Vice-Mayor in Calamba, Misamis Occidental have stressed that their constituents want to live in a peaceful, prosperous and happy community.”

Lt. Col. John Andrada, 10th Infantry Battalion Commander, said that “This bold move is a great help in our effort to protect the communities from the atrocities of the communist terrorist group.”

“Likewise, this will ease our burden on neutralizing the CTGs because we expect more information from the constituents regarding their presence in the localities.” Andrada added.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr., commander of 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade which has operational jurisdiction of Misamis Occidental, states that “With the declaration, the CTG will have a small chance of recruiting our people especially the farmers, the youth, women and the indigenous people to join this terrorist movement.”

For his part, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded the local government unit of Calamba, Misamis Occidental on the declaration of the CTG as Persona Non Grata.

“This audacious action by the local government unit of Calamba, Misamis Occidental will ease and hasten our campaign against the terrorist group,” Ancan added.

“With the help of the local communities, local chief executives and other stakeholders, we can end the insurgency, attain a just and lasting peace and continue on with the progress and development of the province”, Ancan concluded.




Division Public Affairs Office 1st Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT CLINT ANTIPALA
Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 1st Infantry Division
E-mail: tabakdpao@gmail.com
Mobile Number: 09177938341

[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.]

Kalinaw News: Army in Nueva Vizcaya Brings Services to the Community

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 23, 2019): Army in Nueva Vizcaya Brings Services to the Community



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division conducted Medical and Dental Mission at Barangay Abaca, Dupax del Sur, yesterday.

There were set of activities prepared for the community including free haircut and free repair of appliances of the residents aside from the medical and dental services.

A total of 323 residents of Barangays Abaca and Talbec were the beneficiaries of the various services offered by the Kaugnay Division.

Together with the 84th Infantry (Victorious) Battalion, the 7th Civil Military Operations (GWAPO) Battalion provided entertainment for the residents. A Jollibee Mascot also brought joy to the community especially to the young ones.

Hon. Ruben Basconcillo Jr., Municipal Mayor of Dupax del Sur graced the activity together with the Officers and men of 7ID, 84IB and 7th CMO Battalion.

Major General Lenard T Agustin AFP, Commander of 7ID said, “The two barangays in Dupax del Sur were previously preyed on by the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) that is why we deemed it necessary to bring the medical and dental services to the people so that they will feel that the government always look after their welfare.”

“We would like to assure everyone that we will not let the CTGs to ruin the now peaceful life of the community in Dupax del Sur. We will do everything to keep the residents safe and secure, it is our priority,” MGen Agustin added.

“We thank everyone who supported our activity most especially to the local government unit of Dupax del Sur. We are looking forward to more programs such as these so all of the community within our area of responsibility will feel the government’s action towards their concern. This is one way of preventing the CTGs to infiltrate the community,” said Lieutenant Colonel Honorato Pascual, Battalion Commander of 84IB.




Division Public Affairs Office 7th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Catherine H Jubas
Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 7ID
Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija
09175547417

[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.]

Kalinaw News: Limamput anim (56) na batang katutubong Mangyan nabigyan ng Kagamitang pang eskwela, Hygiene Kit at iba pa

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 23, 2019): Limamput anim (56) na batang katutubong Mangyan nabigyan ng Kagamitang pang eskwela, Hygiene Kit at iba pa




San Jose, Occidental Mindoro- Mahigit limamput anim (56) na mga batang katutubong Mangyan ang nabiyayaan ng kagamitan pang eskwela at hygiene kit sa Naibuan Minority School ng Brgy Naibuan, San Jose sa pangunguna ng ROTARACT Clubs kasama ang DSWD, Punong bayan ng San Jose at ang 4th Infantry Battalion noong June 22, 2019.

Kasunod nito ang pagbibigay ng mga mono bloc tables and chairs at pagpipintura ng mga silid aralan. Tinuruan din ang mga magulang kung paano ang wastong paglilinis ng katawan at ang paghahanda kung sakaling may mga kalamidad kasabay ang pamamahagi ng mga First Aid kit kung saan ipinakita ng kasundaluhan ang paggamit nito.

Masayang nagpapasalamat ang mga estudyante, mga magulang at mga guro sa mga bumubuo ng aktibidad na ito lalo na sa ROTARACT Clubs sa pangunguna ni Mr Rhyan Satoquia sa DSWD at sa Punong Bayan ng San Jose.

Ipinapaabot ni Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Arbolado , Battalion Commander ng 4th IB ang taos pusong pasasalamat sa mga stakeholders sa pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga mag-aaral at sa mainit na pag tanggap ng eswelahan sa mga sundalo. Ito ay nagpapatunay na marami ang matutulungan sa pagakakaisa ng ibat ibang sector ng lipunan upang mapabuti ang kalagayan ng ating mga kapatid na katutubong Mangyan dito sa Occidental Mindoro.



4th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division Philippine Army
2LT KIMBERLY G VILLLUNA
Public Information Officer
Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro
Contact No: 09171572280

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/limamput-anim-56-na-batang-katutubong-mangyan-nabigyan-ng-kagamitang-pang-eskwela-hygiene-kit-at-iba-pa/

Kalinaw News: NPA big gun, cohort dead in police operations

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 23, 2019): NPA big gun, cohort dead in police operations



Nabunturan, CVP – Resisting arrest by the local authorities, a certain Jay Mendoza alias “Pogs” and his cohort known only as “Ondoy” were killed Sunday morning after exchanging fires with the police who were serving arrest warrants for the former who is wanted for numerous heinous crimes.

The Laak Municipal Police assisted by the 60th Infantry Battalion were set to serve four (4) warrants for Mendoza who is charged with murder, double murder with double frustrated murder, robbery in band, and serious illegal detention when Mendoza and Ondoy started firing at the arresting party before they could even reach the former’s safehouse. This prompted the authorities to return fire which eventually led to the killing of Mendoza and Ondoy.

Authorities discovered Mendoza and Ondoy’s cadavers with two (2) caliber 45 pistols, one (1) Uzi sub-machine gun with magazine and live ammunition, one (1) fragmentation grenade, one (1) blasting cap, one (1) meter Detonating cord, and one (1) mobile phone.

Mendoza is responsible for killing at least 2 army officers and 16 soldiers, several PNP personnel CAFGU Active Auxiliaries, and former rebels from 2006 to 2018. He was also involved in the burning of mining equipment, vehicles, and office of APEX mining in Maco, CVP in 2012; attack at Dasia Security Agency in Tagum last May 2014; attack on Gov. Generoso Municipal Police Station and abduction of its Chief of Police in 2016; burning of mining equipment in Banay-banay, Davao Oriental in January 2018; and numerous extortion activities in the region.

Mendoza is the Deputy Secretary of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 2, Sub-regional Committee 2, Southern Mindanao Command; member Executive Committee, SRC2, SMRC; and Head, RSOG, SRC2, SMRC.

Meanwhile, Ondoy is among the drug personalities under the PNP’s watchlist in Laak, CVP.

Source: 60th Infantry Battalion 10Infantry Division Philippine Army

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-big-gun-cohort-dead-in-police-operations/

Kalinaw News: Ilocos Norte declares CPP-NPA-NDF ‘Persona Non Grata’

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 23, 2019): Ilocos Norte declares CPP-NPA-NDF ‘Persona Non Grata’



LAOAG CITY — The Ilocos Norte Province has declared the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) as Persona Non Grata at the Provincial Capitol, Laoag City on Friday, 21 June 2019.

The declaration was made through a resolution during the Provincial Peace and Order Council at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall.

The approved resolution was proposed during the meeting which was attended by various stakeholders and presided by the outgoing Provincial Vice Governor, Hon. Eugenio Angelo Marcos Barba.

Said resolution was created in line with Memorandum Circular No. ‎2018-211 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, which prohibits support to the leftist rebel group, and Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creation of a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, and the adoption of a national peace framework.

Major General Lenard T Agustin AFP, Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division lauded the efforts of the local government units together with other government agencies in the recent development in Ilocos Norte.

“The declaration of Ilocos Norte against the CTGs as Persona Non Grata is a sign that they want to achieve just and lasting peace. It is also like raising its banner that they will deny the entry of those who will cause chaos in the community,” said by MGen Agustin.

“Rest assured that 7ID, through the Wildcat Battalion will continue to support the endeavors of the LGUs for the benefit of its constituents,” he added.

Lieutenant Colonel Jearie Boy P. Faminial, Battalion Commander of the 24th Infantry (Wildcat) Battalion shared that the province has been peaceful and free from the clutches of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) for the past seven years.

“We are always on guard and ready to protect the residents of Ilocos Norte against the threats and deception of the CTGs,” LtCol Faminial said.





Division Public Affairs Office 7th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Catherine H Jubas
Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 7ID
Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija
09175547417

Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

https://www.kalinawnews.com/ilocos-norte-declares-cpp-npa-ndf-persona-non-grata/

MILF: Editorial - Remembering the Atrocious Manili Massacre

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jun 23, 2019): Editorial - Remembering the Atrocious Manili Massacre

“The outstanding feature of the Manili massacre was its meaninglessness. There were no big political or religious issue at stake, no significant personality clash, no prospect of commercial gain for any party.”

Thus, T. J. S. George wrote in his book, ‘Revolt in Mindanao: The Rise of Islam in Philippine Politics.”

George was then the editor of Asiaweek in Hongkong.

The Manili massacre occurred inside a mosque in Barangay Manili, Carmen, North Cotabato on June 19, 1971. At least 79 Muslims (Moros) – men, women, children and elderly – were mercilessly killed by the Ilaga terror gang allegedly backed by the now defunct Philippine Constabulary (PC).

One of the women, a teenager, was raped before she was killed in a nearby house.

The residents of Manili were called for a meeting by some Christian leaders inside the mosque that fateful morning. Most of them did not have any hint that something tragic was about to happen to them.

When the PC troops and the Ilaga members arrived, they demanded that the residents surrender their firearms. The residents asserted that they could not surrender a firearm since they did not have any.

It was then that the murderers shot dead the community leader, Hajji Yusof Nagle, at close range outside the mosque. Afterward, they lobbed grenades to the people inside.

The Manili massacre was just one of the atrocities perpetrated against the Moros at that time that alarmed them and their leaders.

On July 21, 1971, concerned Moro politicians and religious leaders including groups of Moro nongovernment organizations, intellectuals, businessmen and students issued a manifesto, a part of which read:

“We urge the Catholic hierarchy and other Christian groups to exercise their moral and spiritual leadership to appeal to their co-religionists to respect Islam and Muslims as the basis for peace and harmony. We appeal to all progressive and well-meaning Christians to exert their efforts in bringing about unity in order to prevent the disintegration of the nation . . . . If we shall not get justice thru a peaceful and legal means – we hereby pledge today before God that despite our present personal positions, we shall do our utmost to preserve our community and land. Toward this end we are willing and ready to sacrifice our worldly possessions and even our lives as our forebears have done before us in defense of freedom and Islam.”

When the great Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, learned about the apparent genocidal campaign against the Moros, he sent assistance for the Moro refugees and later on even military and diplomatic support.

The survivors and the relatives of the atrocious Manili massacre are still awaiting justice.

They pin their hopes in the possible establishment of the National Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission for the Bangsamoro (NTJRCB) which will address the legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people, correcting historical injustices, and addressing human rights violations and marginalization through land disposition.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1828/remembering-the-atrocious-manili-massacre

MILF: BTA approves Transition plan from ARMM to BARMM

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jun 21, 2019): BTA approves Transition plan from ARMM to BARMM



In photo- BARMM Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad’ Ebrahim announced the approval of a plan that would serve as reference of interim regional leaders to run the region until the new set of officers would be elected during political exercises in 2022 on Tuesday (June 18, 2019). (Photo courtesy of BPI-BARMM)

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) approved the Bangsamoro Transition Plan (BTA) that will serve as reference of the new regional leaders until the new set of officers are elected during the 2022 regional elections.

The transition plan was drafted by the coordinating team for transition composed of members from the government such as Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Department of Budget and Management, Civil Service Commission, and ARMM, as well as Moro Islamic Liberation Front for the smooth transition from ARMM to BARMM, said a report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in its report on June 19, 2019.

Chief Minister Ebrahim said the plan will serve as a guide book for leaders named by President Rodrigo Duterte to man the new expanded autonomous setup in the southern Philippines.

“The transitional plan is a product of hard work of people in support to the endeavor of achieving sustainable peace and development in the Bangsamoro,” Ebrahim said.

“This document includes (steps) on how we will switch from ARMM to this newly-established form of government, the BARMM,” he added.

The BTP also includes organization chart for the various ministries, offices, and agencies from the BARMM, as well as its timeline for the gradual phasing out of agencies and offices under the now-defunct ARMM, the PNA report said. ( Source:PNA)

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1827/bta-approves-transition-plan-from-armm-to-barmm-

23 rebels surrender, 64 others cut ties with CPP-NPA

From GMA News Online (Jun 23, 2019): 23 rebels surrender, 64 others cut ties with CPP-NPA

Twenty-three members of various rebel groups surrendered to authorities, while 64 of their supporters cut with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army's (NPA) Underground Mass Organizations (UGMO).

On Thursday, seven members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Localidad (SPL) in Eastern Mindanao and 26 UGMO members voluntarily surrendered to the 1st Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

Also on that day, a certain Alias Aljun, an NPA team leader iin Kitaotao, Bukidnon surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion in Maramang town.

On Wednesday, three members of the communist rebel group surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion, bringing with them four International Humanitarian Law (IHL)-banned landmines and a Garand rifle.

Also on that day, two UGMO members left their group and sought help from the 65th Infantry Battalion at Barangay Dansolihon in Cagayan de Oro City. They surrendered two sub-machine guns: an M635 and an Uzi.

On the same day, two SPL members, two MB members and 17 UGMO members also surrendered to the 88th Infantry Battalion in Valencia City, Bukidnon.

In Monkayo, Compostela Valley Wednesday night, a certain Alias Puks, a member of the rebel group in the area surrendered to the 25th Infantry Battalion, turning in a .45 caliber pistol and two 25-kilogram IHL banned landmines.

On Tuesday, three NPA leaders turned themselves in to the 30th Infantry Battalion in Jabonga, Agusan Del Norte. Their surrender led the recovery of one M4 rifle, one AR 15 rifle, one AK47 rifle, and two IHL-banned landmines.

Meanwhile, a secretary of the UGMO surrendered to the 16th Infantry Battalion in Paquibato District in Davao City, carrying along nine IHL-banned landmines.

Nine other members of the UGMO in Maco town Compostela Valley also separated from the rebel group after reporting to the headquarters of the 71th Infantry Battalion at Mawab, Compostela Valley on Tuesday morning.

At the same time, two NPA members surrendered to Maj. Franco Boral of the 1st Special Forces Battalion in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon on Monday.

Also on Tuesday, four other NPA members escaped from their group in Lingig, Surigao Del Sur and surrendered to the elements of the 67th Infantry Battalion in Monkayo, Compostela Valley.

Thirty-eight other members of the UGMO voluntarily separated from the rebel group after appearing before the Community Support Team of the 30th Infantry Battalion in Malimono, Surigao Del Norte on Monday.

All the surrenderees are being debriefed and will be assessed for possible assistance.

All of them could also end up being enrolled in the Enhanced Local Integration Programs of their respective local government units.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/698635/23-rebels-surrender-64-other-cut-ties-from-underground-mass-orgs-last-week/story/

‘MMK’ episode trends, as netizens salute Filipino soldiers, their sacrifice

From ABS-CBN (Jun 23, 2019): ‘MMK’ episode trends, as netizens salute Filipino soldiers, their sacrifice


#MMKMedalOfValor claimed top spots in Twitter trends. screengrab from Twitter
"Maalaala Mo Kaya’s" episode on Saturday claimed the No. 1 spot on Twitter's top trends in the Philippines, with commenters waxing patriotic over the heroism of Filipino soldier Ian Paquit.

Using the #MMKMedalOfValor, netizens who watched the episode "Medalya" found themselves lauding the fallen soldiers who put their lives on the line for the country.
Netizens praised the cast for their acting, specifically Joshua Garcia, who played Paquit, and Janice De Belen, who played as Paquit’s mother. Many lauded them for “giving justice” to their roles.


Paquit was killed in 2013 while fighting Moro rebels in Zamboanga City.

Sacrificing his life, Paquit saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and resulted in the deaths of 15 MNLF fighters and the capture of 41 others.

In the same year, he was given the Medal of Valor.

“Medalya,” the Ian Paquit MMK episode is the third offering of the anthology TV series in celebration of its 28th anniversary.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/23/19/mmk-episode-trends-as-netizens-salute-filipino-soldiers-their-sacrifice