Kalinaw News: 40 Farmers complete abaca training; Army

From Kalinaw News (Jul 12, 2019): 40 Farmers complete abaca training; Army

TAGO, Surigao del Sur, July 11 – A total of 40 farmers in San Miguel Town successfully completed the three-day abaca training spearheaded by Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) from July 9-11 held at So Sangay Brgy Libas-sud, San Miguel, this province.

The three-day activity was in line with the efforts of the Community Support Program (CSP) of the Army’s 36IB in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Local Government Unit of Brgy Libas-sud, San Miguel. Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, commander of 36IB said that the government is sincere in their gesture in helping the FRs return to the mainstream society and start a new life in peace and harmony. ”These benefits do not served as an end, but rather a means to aid the FRs in securing the foothold in restarting their lives”

According to Ltc Xerxes Trinidad, Commanding Officer, 36IB, the objective of the activity is to educate the farmer’s organization of Sitio Hayon and Sitio Sangay on the proper way of Abaca farming.

“This training will become their other source of income it will be applied to their daily farming activities,” said Ltc Trinidad.

Mr. Mark Quico, Ph. D., Provincial Agriculturist, DA, as guest lecturer together with Domingo Viduya and Ms Ivy Mae G. Boloron, representative of the DA as the instructor of the said activity. CSP teams of Bravo Company, 36IB under 1Lt John Marayag in cooperation with BLGU under Hon. Charlito M Intas, Brgy Captain of Brgy Libas-sud, SM, SDS supported the activity.

Ltc Trinidad added, that the training is just a part of the government intervention in alleviating the lives of our farmers and giving them the right track on farming methods and the right technology.

Lastly, Ltc Trinidad, again calling the remaining Communist NPA terrorist to surrender now, lay down their arms and join the government in achieving genuine peace. He concluded.

The beneficiaries of the three-day Abaca training were the member of Hayon Farmers Association and Sangay Farmers Association of Brgy Libas-sud, SM, SDS. (1Lt Jonald Romorosa, CMO, 36IB, PA) .

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



https://www.kalinawnews.com/40-farmers-complete-abaca-training-army/

Kalinaw News: Four armed NPA militia surrenders in Siay, Zamboanga sibugay

From Kalinaw News (Jul 12, 2019): Four armed NPA militia surrenders in Siay, Zamboanga sibugay



CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur – Four armed NPA Militia members surrendered to the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion in Brgy Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay 4:00 p.m. Wednesday July 10, 2019.

“Our initial custodial debriefing found out that they were no longer satisfied by the promises and lies of the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) in their community”, said Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, 44th Infantry Battalion Commander.

“Ang ilahang saad sa amoha nga tagaan mi ug maayong pamoyo ug protektahan kami sa mga abusado nga sundalo, apan nabali ang tanan, sila man hinuoy mga abusado. Ang among kunsumo sa bukid, sila man hinuoy nakapahimulos”, ingon ni alias Carol.
(“They’ve promise us a peaceful life and protect us from the abusive soldiers, however it was the way around. They were the abusive. They consumed our foods in the mountain,” said alias Carol).

The four NPA Militia also yielded one homemade shotgun (pistoled), three handguns and ammunitions.

“We urge other NPA Militia and CNTs in our area of operation to cooperate and surrender. We also encourage the local chief executives to engage and lead the localized peace talks among communist NPA Terrorists to address the issues and problems peacefully”, said Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander which has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga Sibugay.

“Rest assured that we will collaborate and support the activities of the local government in addressing peace and security in the area”, added Gaerlan.

Meanwhile, Major General Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops that led to the surrender of the four NPA Militia.

“We encourage other CNT members and Militia to surrender with their firearms, return to the folds of the law and benefit the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government”, said Ancan.

“Based on Executive Order Nr 70, a Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), we believed that the E-CLIP will be further enhanced and improved to be benefited by the former rebels in our country,” added Ancan.

“Convergence and synchronization of plans, programs and projects among the government agencies is vital and key to end the long decades of insurgency that only brought misery to our country”, 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.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/four-armed-npa-militia-surrenders-in-siay-zamboanga-sibugay/

Kalinaw News: Teroristang NPA patay matapos ipain ng mga kasamahan

From Kalinaw News (Jul 11, 2019): Teroristang NPA patay matapos ipain ng mga kasamahan

PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Isang di pa nakikilalang miyembro ng New People’s Army ang napatay sa bakbakan sa pagitan ng teroristang grupo at tropa ng pamahalaan sa Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad, kahapon ng umaga, Hulyo 10.

Ayon sa ulat ni Captain Michael Clemente, Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Officer ng 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) na siyang may sakop sa nasabing lugar, narekober ang bangkay ng rebelde matapos magsagawa ng clearing operation ang mga sundalo sa mismong lugar ng sagupaan matapos ang 15 minutong palitan ng putok.

Walang nakuhang pagkakakilanlan sa bangkay kaya hindi pa matukoy kung sino at saan ito maaring ilagak kaya agad din itong ibinaba mula sa bundok at dinala sa pinakamalapit na barangay. Kasama ng bangkay, nakuha din ng mga kasundaluhan ang isang M16 rifle, isang Improvised Explosive Device (IED), isang backpack na may mga personal na gamit, isang commercial radio, cell phone at galong may lamang 4 na litrong gasolina.

Ayon pa kay Captain Clemente, ang napatay na rebelde ay ginawang pain ng mga kasamahan nya upang hindi masundan at mapigilan ang paghabol ng mga sundalo sa tumatakas na mga terorista.

“Ito ang katotohanan sa loob ng kilusan, na kung saan ang mga pinakamababang miyembro ng NPA ang siyang ginagawang pananggalang at pain ng mga Kumander nila, upang sa ganoon, makatakas at mailigtas nila ang kanilang mga sarili, habang nagsasakripisyo ng sariling buhay ang mga elemento,” ayon kay Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Joey Baybayin, Commanding Officer ng 3SFBn.

Nangyari ang unang bakbakan kahapon sa parehong lugar bandang alas 8 ng umaga kung saan nagsagawa ng pursuit operation ang mga sundalo matapos ang sagupaan.

Makalipas ang isang araw, muling nagkasagupa ang dalawang grupo na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng rebelde. “Nakikiramay kami sa pamilya ng napatay na rebelde. Hindi kami nagkulang sa paulit ulit na paalala sa lahat ng natitira pang miyembro ng teroristang NPA na sumuko na at mamuhay ng mapayapa. Kayo ay niloloko lamang ng inyong mga kumander at ginagamit sa personal nilang interes, hindi na para sa kapakanan ng bayan ang inyong ipinaglalaban kundi kayo na ang sumisira nito,” dagdag pa ni LTC Baybayin.

Samantala, ang nasabing operasyon ay isinagawa bilang suporta sa ninanais ng Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Prosperidad, sa pamumuno ni Mayor Frederick Mark Mellana, na paunlarin at palakasin ang turismo sa lugar kung saan matatagpuan ang Bega Falls, upang mabigyan ng sapat na kabuhayan ang komunidad at masigurado ang kaligtasan at seguridad ng lahat ng turistang bumibisita sa talon.

Sa kasalukuyan, dinala na sa punerarya sa Bahbah, Prosperidad ang nasabing bangkay habang patuloy naman ang isinasagawang imbestigasyon ng Kapulisan sa pagkakakilanlan ng bangkay at eksaminasyon ng baril at iba pang gamit. Ayon naman kay Colonel Allan Hambala, Commander ng 401st Brigade, hindi na bago ang pangyayaring ito na ang madalas napapatay at minsan pa ay naiiwang sugatan sa engkwentro ay ang mga kabataang miyembro ng kilusan, gaya ng maraming halimbawa ng aktuwal na pangyayari sa Samar, Compostela Valley at Davao, na kung saan ang mga kabataan ang nagiging kawawang biktima.

401st Infantry Brigade, 4rt Infantry Division Philippine Army
Contact: MAJ RODULFO S CORDERO JR (INF) PA
E-mail Address: s7401bde_4id@yahoo.com
Contact Nr: 0917-711-1627

[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/teroristang-npa-patay-matapos-ipain-ng-mga-kasamahan/

Kalinaw News: 30th Infantry Battalion discovers arms cache in Surigao del Norte

From Kalinaw News (Jul 11, 2019): 30th Infantry Battalion discovers arms cache in Surigao del Norte

PLACER, Surigao del Norte – Soldiers from the 30th Infantry (PYTHON) Battalion discovered an arms cache in Barangay Ferlda, Alegria, Surigao del Norte last July 8, 2019.

Upon the confession of the Former Rebels who recently surrendered to the 30IB and pinpointed the location of the arms cache, the soldiers of the 30th Infantry (PYTHON) Battalion discovered four (4) AK47 along with four (4) magazines deliberately hidden in the mountainous part of Sitio Tumay-as, Barangay Ferlda, Alegria, Surigao del Norte.

The four (4) high powered firearms belonged to the members of Sandatahang Yunit Pang Propaganda (SYP) 16C, Guerrilla Front 16 (GF16), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) who were either killed in the previous encounters, went on lie low status, or left the armed revolution and deliberately concealed the firearms purposely to be issued once new recruits join their ranks.

It can be recalled that on June 20, 2019, a series of surrenderers holding vital position namely (aka Yam, Apol and Ronie) surrendered to 30IB followed by the surrender of aka Noname, Wella, RD and Mark.

“The surrenders resulted to a series of revelations and became a significant piece for us to expose mass supporters and disclose war materials and CNT locations. Seizure of said firearms will definitely affect their ranks in terms of fire power. The decision made by the surrenderers realizing the futility of the armed struggle paved the way to the discovery of said firearms”, said Lt Col Allen Raymund Tomas, 30IB Commanding Officer.

Meanwhile, Col Maurito L Licudine, 402nd Brigade Commander said, “the former rebels have cooperated with us because they have seen the efforts of the government in pursuing genuine peace and facilitating convergence to address the issues and concerns of the community”.

“The option left now for the CNTs and its supporters is to surrender. We reiterate our call on CNTs to lay down their arms, rest assured, we will work with other stakeholders to ensure their safety and well-being and that of their family”, Col Licudine added. (30IB/402nd Brigade)

30th Infantry "Python" Battalion 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
1LT KEN T ENCISO (INF) PA
Civil-Military Operations Officer
Contact Number – 0939-804-4369
Email Add: python.troopers@gmail.com

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/30th-infantry-battalion-discovers-arms-cache-in-surigao-del-norte/

Pio heads Army 8thID

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 12, 2019): Pio heads Army 8thID

Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso is back in the Visayas as commanding general of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division in Samar.

Dinoso, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1988, used to be assigned in southern Negros as 79th Infantry Battalion head. He later moved to Iloilo as commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade.
He was installed by Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto in a ceremony held at Camp Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan, Samar.

Dinoso replaced Maj. Gen. Raul Farnacio, who bowed out from military service, after reaching the mandatory age retirement of 56.
The area of jurisdictions of the 8ID covers the whole area of Eastern Visayas.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/July/12/topstory12.htm

Army denies involvement in alleged harassment in Iloilo City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12, 2019): Army denies involvement in alleged harassment in Iloilo City

NO INTIMIDATION. Photo shows Army soldiers at Camp Peralta, Capiz. Capt. Cenon Pancito III, chief of the Army's 3ID Public Affairs Office, said on Thursday (July 11, 2019) that no soldier was involved in the alleged harassment against a member of a cause-oriented group on July 7 in Jaro, Iloilo City. (File photo)

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) on Thursday said government troops were not involved in the alleged harassment of an urban poor leader in this city's Jaro district on July 7.

Wilfredo Panuela, a leader of the urban poor organization Kaisog, said that he and his wife were harassed by a certain Rey Gomez, who claimed to be an Army soldier and Art Diaz, who claimed to be affiliated with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Progressive groups protested outside the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 here on Monday to condemn the alleged harassment and attempted abduction of Panuela.

Capt. Cenon Pancito III, chief of the 3ID Public Affairs Office, on Thursday denied that Gomez is connected with the Philippine Army.
Pancito said he personally checked with the 3ID’s personnel department and assured that he is not part of the government troops.

“There is also no operational orders issued by the 3ID’s headquarters, as well as the subordinate units, more particularly on Jaro, Iloilo on that very day,” Pancito said in an interview.

He added that “it is unlikely” for the NBI and the Army to be in a joint operation.

Pancito explained that footage from the closed-circuit television (CCTV) in the area showed two men aboard a motorcycle approaching Panuela.

The two men, who identified themselves as members of the PA and the NBI, allegedly forced Panuela to go with them.

Pancito said the Army assured the family of Panuela that it would further investigate the said incident.

“We want to clear this because it’s the name of the Army that is at stake,” he said.

“We’ve been building our name for so long here in Panay and for just one instance, it somehow maligned our name,” he added.

Pancito said the 3ID and its subordinate units have not heard of Panuela's name. "He has not been an interest to us, how come he would implicate the Army in the situation?" he said.

Though Panuela belonged to Kaisog, which is critical of the administration, Pancito said he “has not been an interest to the Army.”

“We respect those who hold rallies. We just have eyes and ears on them but we don’t operate against these people,” he said.

He said the Army is more interested in armed groups, and not cause-oriented groups, to attain peace.

Pancito also believed that charges should be filed against those who use the Army’s name for their personal motives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074809

PNP-12 prepares units vs. suicide bombing threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12, 2019): PNP-12 prepares units vs. suicide bombing threat

Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12) director. (PNA File Photo)

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) has acknowledged the potential threat of suicide bombing in the region, even as he underscored the importance of raising law enforcement capability to better respond to violent attacks.

Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, director of the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO-12), said Friday police units around the region will continue to upgrade intelligence monitoring and security measures in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Rasco said policemen must also be equipped with skills and tools to better enforce countermeasures against suicide bombing, citing the terrorist attack on a military camp in Sulu that produced the first reported Filipino suicide bomber.

The PRO-12 chief called a regional command conference on Wednesday here to address the threat of suicide bombing. It was participated in by members of the regional police’s command group, directorial staff, provincial and city police directors, municipal police station chiefs and heads of the PNP operational support units.

Rasco said the meeting focused on the “pressing threat of suicide bombing” in the wake of the attack on a military camp in Indanan, Sulu on June 28 that killed eight people, including the two alleged suicide bombers and three soldiers.

Authorities later identified one of the suicide bombers as Norman Lasuca, and noted that it was the first officially confirmed case of a suicide bombing in the Philippines perpetrated by a Filipino.

Rasco said he has directed all city, provincial and municipal police chiefs to craft and implement contingency and camp defense plans against potential suicide bombing attacks.

“Our goal is to prepare our units to counteract and prevent any possible terrorist attack in the region,” Rasco said.

“We have to intensify our intelligence gathering and related preventive measures to ensure that no terroristic activity will ever succeed,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074777

'Oplan Pagbabago' outreach reaches far-flung ComVal village

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12, 2019): 'Oplan Pagbabago' outreach reaches far-flung ComVal village

Google map of Monkayo town in Compostela Valley province.

The government's multi-agency "Oplan Pagbabago, Tunol Serbisyo" program reached a far-flung and conflict-affected village in Monkayo town, Compostela Valley province Friday.

More than 500 beneficiaries in Barangay Rizal, an area that has seen hostilities between government forces and communist rebels, benefited from various government services and livelihood programs.

Monkayo, a first-class municipality, is famous for its Mt. Diwalwal gold-rush village but its border barangays have been known as flashpoints for New People's Army activities.

Residents availed of the fingerlings distributed by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; consultation and support program for crop insurance by the Department of Agrarian Reform; turnover of various projects under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan program amounting to PHP300,000; and cash assistance from various Department of Social Welfare and Development programs).

The Department of Agriculture, meanwhile, turned over a rice harvester unit, while information dissemination and mobile registration was conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority.

An information education campaign for integrated pest management and master listing of farmers was also conducted by the Philippine Coconut Authority, while the Department of Science and Technology provided food products that the villagers can manufacture themselves.

On the other hand, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority conducted training profiling and free haircut services, while the Department of Education provides schools supplies for schoolchildren.

The Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines also offered free slippers and haircut for children, as well as food items and medical and dental services.

Residents also availed of free legal consultations, notarization of documents, late registrations and other documents from the Provincial Attorney’s Office.

For its part, the Land Transportation Office conducted an information education campaign and student permit application while the Department of Labor and Employment conducted a registration program for rural workers' association and livelihood program orientation.

Residents were also provided fruit-bearing trees from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, while the Philippine Red Cross conducted an orientation on child protection policy for parents and group dynamics for children.

Private partners such as Sumiftu banana firm also conducted their own health and livelihood programs.

Compostela Valley province's "Oplan Pagbabago Tunol Serbisyo" program is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order 70, institutionalizing the "whole of nation approach" in delivering government services to isolated areas in the countryside.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074834

Live with us before accusing of spreading lies: tribal chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13, 2019): Live with us before accusing of spreading lies: tribal chief

SAN FRANCISO, California – Her tears were not a mark of weakness but of overwhelming grief, disappointment, and love.

Bae Christine Banugan, chief of Mandaya tribe in Caraga, Davao Oriental, was not able to hold her emotions when a young Filipino American (Fil-Am) stood up and chanted in US accent “Stop spreading lies” during a forum of Filipinos with eight indigenous peoples (IP) leaders at the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco on July 10.

“I am a victim of communist terrorists. Hindi ninyo naranasan ang mamatayan ng ama dahil pinatay ng NPA, ng komunista! (I am a victim of communist terrorists. You did not experience having a father murdered by the New People’s Army),” an emotional Banugan said.

The female Fil-Am "intruder" was no longer around, though, to listen to Banugan's emotional outbursts as she and a few companions were immediately guided out of the forum venue.

Banugan, who is Mandaya tribe chieftain in Caraga, Davao Oriental, said the narrative of the IP leaders is the reality of what is happening in their lands.

“We are the ones living in our ancestral domain and not those telling us that we are spreading lies,” she added.

She admitted that it is not easy to stand up to the truth against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed group, NPA, because it will hurt the group so bad. In fact, her family has been getting threats back home since she joined other IP leaders in ac speaking tour in the US since late June.

Love for tribal community

At a young age after college, Banugan had to assume leadership of their tribal community when her father was gunned down by communists in December 2016.

“28 years old, pero anong ginagawa ko? Puwede akong magtrabaho pero nandito ako dahil mahal ko ang tribo ko. Mahal ko ang papa ko na pinatay nila na walang kasalanan (I am only 28 years old and could have just worked outside my community but opted to lead my community because I love my tribe and my father who was killed for no wrongdoing),” she added.

She appealed to Filipinos at the forum, which was temporarily disrupted by the presence of some militant group members who made way to the 5th floor of the Philippine Consulate building from their picket line outside, to help them disseminate the truth about the deception of the CPP-NPA – which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

“Hindi ko alam ano ang basehan nila bakit kami sabihan na ‘stop telling the lies’. Pumunta kayo sa aming ancestral domain. Punta kayo doon, sumama kayo; bukas kung kailan kami mag-uwi (I don’t know what is their basis for telling us to stop telling lies. Go to our lands, come with us when we go home so you would know),” Banugan said.

She expressed extreme disappointment that there are Filipinos like the young Fil-Am and her several companions who accuse her and other IP leaders as liars.

“Were you brought up that way by your parents? Because our tribe didn’t. We did not come here to fight. We are here because we want the killings of IPs to stop. Enough of the bloodshed in our ancestral domain),” she said in Filipino.

Banugan also appealed to Filipinos in the US to discern all the information they get because the communist groups narrative is laced with deception.

“Puwede kayong mag-research about me. Hanapin po Christine Banugan, hanapin mo Copertino Banugan. Inamin ng NPA na pinatay nilayung papa ko – hanapin ninyo iyan. Nandiyan iyan sa news, nandiyan sa internet kung sinasabi ninyo na nagsasabi ako ng kasinungalingan(If you think I am lying, you can research about me, my father through the internet. It’s in the news that the NPA owned up to the killing),” she added.

Banugan went on to say that the militant forum intruder may have said she has been to Mindanao but it is only her tribes people, who lived in their lands since birth and experience sleepless nights due to continuing peace and order threats brought by communists presence.

“It hurts so much to be accused as liars. May you feel how it is to be a victim for you to understand how it is to have a family member murdered by communists,” she added.

Priceless lives

She also negated allegations the government funded the IPs US trip saying their lives are priceless.

“What we risk is our lives, for the future generation of our tribes that we want to protect because we aim to preserve our tribes even for next one hundred years,” she added.

No militarization

As a tribal chieftain, Banugan said the military coordinates with her anything that would require government troops to enter the Mandaya tribe domain, disproving allegations of militarization of tribal communities.

“The Army coordinates with me because they know about the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act. They know about the IP laws,” she said. “If the government indeed violates our rights, then we will be the first to rally against them.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074853

Rumors on Egyptian bombers ‘fake news’

From the Manila Standard (Jul 13, 2019): Rumors on Egyptian bombers ‘fake news’

Unverified reports about an Egyptian couple now roaming Sulu and planning to conduct bomb attacks upon instructions of Islamic State terrorists are doing the public more harm than good, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

Aside from causing undue alarm, the DND chief said the frequent release of such unverified reports have the tendency to make people skeptical and could make them ignore legitimate information on such matter.

“It is unverified news like this that unduly alarm the public. The downside is that if this happens often enough na hindi naman totoo (that it is not true), time will come when the people become inured to the news and will not believe even if it is true. It’s like the story of the boy who cried wolf,” Lorenzana said in a message to reporters.

In a related development:

The Philippine National Police has cited the need for lawmakers to understand the need to support measures that will enhance its capability to secure the country against the threat of terrorism.

PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said this after President Rodrigo Duterte asked the police and the military to be prepared for “dangerous times ahead”.

Citing the case of the first suicide bombing perpetrated by a Filipino in Sulu last June 28, the PNP chief said he had earlier warned Congress to prepare for these situations.

“I have been telling that [scenario] to Congress that we really have to prepare for this. I think no less than the President said that there are dangerous times ahead it’s because he foresees these kinds of global terrorism will not end in few years time,” Albayalde told reporters on the sidelines of a gun show in Mandaluyong City.

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it had yet to receive information regarding the Egyptian terror couple.

“We have no information on the alleged Egyptian couple in cahoots with local terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in IED [improvised explosive device] explosions in Sulu [as what was reportedly revealed by an academic analyst on terrorism],” AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo announced.

Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism head Rommel Banlaoi claimed that the two are already in the country and these individuals are linked to the Indonesians responsible for the bomb attack at the Jolo Cathedral bombing last January.

He added the couple is in the Philippines to conduct “intermittent bombing operations.”

“We are in the process of pursuing leads to the perpetrators of the IED explosions in Sulu and Basilan. But we have no report so far pointing to the participation of such Egyptian couple,” Arevalo stressed.

The AFP spokesperson said the military will continue to collaborate with other agencies of government, the local government, and local residents―to include private individuals―to punctuate the need for united efforts to prevent radicalism and counter violent extremism.

The country’s top cop said certain measures to improve the country’s response to terrorism was up for Congress to act on.

“We need a lot of equipment and even the laws, these need to be amended for it to be applicable to the present situation. There is need to amend especially the Human Security Act and the [National] ID system. There are various surveillance equipment. Many are offering that we really have to determine what do we need,” Albayalde said.

Albayalde said the PNP and AFP could not afford yet to improve on its surveillance capabilities because it is costly, for “political reasons” and because of the law which protects the people’s privacy.

Once amended, the country’s top cop said the Human Security Act could also boost the law enforcer’s surveillance capability and anti-terrorism and insurgency operations.

Since Duterte’s assumption in 2016, the PNP has been provided with not just operational requirements but also morale and welfare services, which have improved living standards of uniformed personnel and their families.

“Over the last three years, the PNP has been able to keep up with our modernization and development plan with the procurement of more and better equipment and recruitment of more personnel,” PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac said.

“Between now and three years hence, the PNP is in a better position to perform its law enforcement and public safety mandate through enhanced operational capability,” he added.

The June 28 incident is the third of its kind in Mindanao with the first in a military checkpoint in Lamitan, Basilan on July 31, 2018, killing 10 people.

The second was in a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu which killed 20 persons, including the alleged suicide bombers, last Jan. 27.

http://manilastandard.net/news/national/299686/rumors-on-egyptian-bombers-fake-news-.html

Philippine Authorities Capture 2 Pakistanis, Probe Possible IS Link

From BenarNews (Jul 12, 2019): Philippine Authorities Capture 2 Pakistanis, Probe Possible IS Link

Philippine soldiers conduct checks of motorists in southern Zamboanga province following the arrests of two suspected Pakistani militants, July 12, 2019.  Mark Navales/BenarNews

Philippine investigators are trying to determine if two Pakistanis captured by security forces in the south earlier this week have ties to the Islamic State (IS) militant group, authorities said Friday.

Officials announced that Salid Ali, 28, and Rahim Zada, 42, were captured in their hotel room in Zamboanga. The two had entered the country illegally in the southern Sulu Islands and apparently were among those being pursued by authorities, regional military spokesman Maj. Arvin Encinas told BenarNews.

“We are investigating if these two men have links with IS,” Encinas said.

Investigators did not say if the two were linked to an attack by two suicide bombers on June 28 that killed three soldiers and three civilians outside a military camp in Sulu – IS claimed responsibility for the blasts that wounded 22, mostly civilians.

DNA tests confirmed that one of the attackers was a Filipino while investigators have not been able to determine the identity or nationality of the second bomber. The Filipino was identified as Norman Lasuca, 23, an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a Filipino militant organization linked with Islamic State.

“The security threat remains, but we can address it. Our enemies have no capability of face-to-face combat except for bomb attacks,” Encinas said.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said officials were disturbed by the confirmation of the bomber’s identity.

“It’s a cause for concern, given that this is the first time that there is a Filipino suicide bomber. It goes against the grain of the character of Filipinos,” he said.

Military intelligence reports indicate that Lasuca was a member of an ASG faction controlled by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, a religious elder identified by the U.S. Defense Department as the new IS leader in the Philippines.

Sawadjaan succeeded Isnilon Hapilon, who was killed near the end of a five-month battle after he and other militants seized the southern Philippine city of Marawi in May 2017.

Sawadjaan’s group has been blamed for explosions that killed 23 people at a church in Jolo, the capital of Sulu, in January. That attack took place five months after a German of Moroccan descent drove a van filled with explosives through a checkpoint in southern Basilan island, killing 11.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/pakistanis-arrest-07122019154013.html

Albayalde suggests CPP behind UNHRC probe resolution

From GMA News Online (Jul 12, 2019): Albayalde suggests CPP behind UNHRC probe resolution

For Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), could be behind the United Nations Human Rights Council's (UNHCR's) move to adopt a resolution seeking a probe on the government's drugs war.

"Possible, it's because it's part of propaganda. Also, and you know, 'yung CPP-NPA is so against the Duterte administration now," Albayalde suggested on Friday.

As to how it was possible for the Philippine communist group to have such influence on the UNHCR, the PNP chief pointed out that the rebels had "contacts and connections."

"Alam naman natin na may mga other sectors in our society, in our community na secretly funding and supporting this underground movement. Hindi magiging more than 50 years ito kung walang suporta ito," Albayalde said.

On Thursday, the UNHRC passed a resolution which seeks probe on the thousands of killings from President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial war against illegal drugs.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro "Teddyboy" Locsin Jr. described the Iceland-led resolution as a "travesty" incited by "false information."

The PNP earlier said it would remain guided by instruction from higher authorities as to how to deal with the UNHRC resolution.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/700797/albayalde-suggests-cpp-behind-unhrc-resolution/story/

Mangyan folk displaced by armed clashes stage protest in Oriental Mindoro town

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 12, 2019): Mangyan folk displaced by armed clashes stage protest in Oriental Mindoro town

CITY OF CALAPAN –– Mangyan residents displaced by recent encounters between government soldiers and New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas held a rally Friday morning at the town center of Victoria in Oriental Mindoro province.

Tanie Malitao, municipal disaster risk reduction management officer, told the Inquirer in a phone interview that the rally was held between 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Holding placards, the participants were evacuees from barangays Loyal and Villa Cerveza, which were affected by the gunfights in the mountain.

“They demand peace, to spare them from the conflict,” said Malitao.

As of this posting, police have already given a permit for all evacuees to return to their homes as they were assessed to be already safe.

While Malitao could not say who organized the rally, he said July is National Resiliency Month. In the training that they conduct, since some years ago, they emphasize “resilient communities” against conflicts.

“If there are dubious and unknown people in the community, the people should inform the barangay officials who will also report to government agencies,” he said.

Disasters could either be natural or human-induced like the displacement of the Mangyans, he said.

“Preparedness should always start from the family and the barangay,” he said. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1141065/mangyan-folk-displaced-by-armed-clashes-stage-protest-in-oriental-mindoro-town

Army-led livelihood training benefits 40 ex-NPA rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12, 2019): Army-led livelihood training benefits 40 ex-NPA rebels

ABACA TRAINING. Former communist rebels attend an Army-led training on abaca farming in San Miguel town, Surigao del Sur from July 9 to 11. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 36th IB).

Tago, Surigao del Sur — A total of 40 rebel returnees in San Miguel town completed the three-day abaca training organized by the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) from July 9 to 11.

Held in Barangay Libas-sud, the three-day activity was part of the Army's Community Support Program (CSP) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the local government unit, said 1lt. Jonald Romorosa, 36IB civil-military operations officer.

Lt. Col. Xerxes Trinidad, 36IB commander, said the training reflects the government's desire to help former New People's Army (NPA) rebels "return to the mainstream society and start a new life in peace and harmony."

"These benefits do not serve as an end, but rather a means to aid the FRs (former rebels) in securing a foothold in restarting their lives,” Trinidad said Friday.

Trinidad said the training taught farmers on the proper methods of growing abaca and the current technology to increase yield.

"This training will become their other source of income, it will be applied to their daily farming activities," the Army official said.

The trainers included Surigao del Sur provincial agriculturist Dr. Mark Quico, as well as Domingo Viduya and Mae G. Boloron of the Department of Agriculture.

Trinidad thanked the village officials led by Libas-sud chairperson Charlito Intas for supporting the activity.

The beneficiaries of the three-day training are members of Hayon Farmers Association and Sangay Farmers Association of Baranga Libas-sud.

San Miguel, a largely agricultural town, is one of the flash-points for NPA activities in Surigao del Sur.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, 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/1074813

4 NPAs surrender in Zamboanga Sibugay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12, 2019): 4 NPAs surrender in Zamboanga Sibugay

DECEIVED AND ABUSED. Four New People's Army rebels surrender on Wednesday (July 10, 2019) to the Army's 44th Infantry Battalion in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay. They pose for a posterity photo with military officials after their surrender. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 44th Infantry Battalion/Western Mindanao Command)

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Claiming they were abused and deceived, four members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered in the Zamboanga Sibugay town of Siay on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, the Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion commander, said Friday the rebels turned themselves in to government troops in Barangay Balagon, along with a homemade shotgun and three handguns with ammunition.

Templonuevo quoted one of the surrenderers, alias Ka Carol, as saying that they regretted joining the NPA after suffering from various forms of abuses by their leaders.

“The New People’s Army has promised us a peaceful life and protection from abusive soldiers; however, it was the other way around. They were abusive,” Templonuevo quoted Ka Carol as saying.

The four surrenderers, he said, also felt deceived by the "promises and lies of the NPA in their community.”

Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, has called on local officials “to engage and lead the localized peace talks among the NPAs to address the issues and problems properly.”

“Rest assured that we will collaborate and support the activities of the local government in addressing peace and security in the area,” Gaerlan said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, commended the efforts of the troops that led to the surrender of the four NPA rebels.

Ancan called on the remaining NPA rebels to surrender and avail of the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

“With the promulgation of Executive Order 70, we believe that the E-CLIP will be enhanced to benefit more rebels in our country. Convergence and synchronization of plans, programs, and projects among the government agencies are vital to end the decades-long insurgency that only brought misery to our country,” Ancan added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074804

Duterte claims he faces a coup 'because tempers are rising in the military,' threatens to declare martial law

From Newsweek (Jul 10, 2019): Duterte claims he faces a coup 'because tempers are rising in the military,' threatens to declare martial law

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has "very reliable" information that there is a genuine risk of a military coup to oust him from power, according to his spokesperson, and that he could use martial law or the declaration of a revolutionary government to solve the country's problems.

Salvador Panelo, who is also Duterte's chief legal counsel, made the remarks in explaining a speech given by the president on Monday in which he called on Filipino politicians to revise the constitution to protect his leadership from the military, The Manila Times reported.

Duterte purportedly fears that the Filipino military will act on its constitutional role as protector of the people to forcibly remove him from office over the country's myriad problems, including official corruption, the brutal war on drugs, and terrorism.

According to CNN Philippines, Duterte said during his speech to new government officials taking an oath that if politicians "want to change the constitution, do it now. I'm still here…because tempers are rising in the military."

On Tuesday, Panelo told reporters that Duterte "can impose martial law, declare a revolutionary government, he can use other emergency powers," to tackle the country's problems, but that the military may soon grow frustrated if the situation worsens.

"I think it's a fair warning to all… If they get angry, they might stage a coup… He has very reliable information," Panelo said, The Manila Times reported. "Any coup attempt against President Duterte will certainly fail. It will not get the support of a critical mass of people who remain overwhelmingly supportive of PRRD [President Rodrigo Roa Duterte] and his administration."

Armed Forces of the Philippines Spokesperson Edgar Arevalo told CNN that the military "shall remain loyal to the flag, to the constitution, and to the Filipino people," playing down Duterte's talk of a coup.

Earlier this week, Duterte called on the U.S. to declare war on China over the territorial disputes in the South China Sea by deploying the U.S. 7th Fleet—some 70 to 80 ships and submarines—to the area, forcing Beijing from the waters.

"I have a proposal," Duterte said, according to Business Insider. "If America wants China to leave, and I can't make them… I want the whole 7th Fleet of the armed forces of the United States of America there.

"When they enter the South China Sea, I will enter," he said. "I will ride with the American who goes there first. Then I will tell the Americans, 'Okay, let's bomb everything.'"

Last week in another speech, Duterte accused the U.S. of "pushing us, egging us" towards war with Beijing, "making me the bait," according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. 

https://www.newsweek.com/duterte-philippines-military-coup-martial-law-1448494

Former Abu Sayyaf members graduate from learning program

From the Philippine Star (Jul 12, 2019): Former Abu Sayyaf members graduate from learning program

More than 40 former members of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan on Thursday completed a government Alternative Learning System program as part of their reintroduction into mainstream society. via John Unson

ISABELA CITY, Philippines — Their lives were troubled with misguided Islamic militancy and so they changed for good to start again via mainstream literacy.

More than 40 former members of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan on Thursday completed a government Alternative Learning System program as part of their reintroduction into mainstream society.

The former bandits, mostly minors, were awarded certificates of course completion during a graduation rite with around 500 other learners on Thursday at the gymnasium of the Basilan State College in Isabela City.

More than 200 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan have surrendered in the past three years through the joint intercession of Gov. Jim Salliman, the Western Mindanao Command and the governor then of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Mujiv Hataman, now congressman in Basilan.

Among the graduates of the accelerated study course is Moton Indama, a former commander of the Abu Sayyaf.

Indama and his followers operated along seaside villages in Basilan, where they extorted money from residents.

He was one of the Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered in exchange for an assurance of free education through the Program Against Violent Extremism, or PAVE.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/07/12/1934146/former-abu-sayyaf-members-graduate-learning-program

AFP warns soldiers: Coup plotters will be 'punished harshly'

From CNN Philippines (Jul 11, 2019): AFP warns soldiers: Coup plotters will be 'punished harshly'

Over the past three years, President Rodrigo Duterte visited military camps all throughout the country and doubled the salaries of uniformed men. (FILE PHOTO)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is policing its own ranks to ensure soldiers would not dare plot a coup d'état against President Rodrigo Duterte.

"If ever there are any AFP personnel contemplating to stage a coup ‘d etat, we warn them not to even make that losing proposition. We will never allow that," the AFP added.

It said the warning was being issued despite "the absence of validated reports of active military personnel planning to mount a government takeover."

The military leadership warned they will "prosecute vigorously and punish harshly" those who would stage a coup, or would commit any other violations to the Articles of War, the AFP Code of Ethics, and the AFP core values of honor, service, and patriotism.

The Armed Forces and Philippine National Police (PNP) earlier reiterated there is no brewing attempt within government forces to unseat Duterte through a coup.

Duterte himself brought up the matter again in a speech last week. He called on uniformed men, "Do not do it please during my term."

While the AFP and PNP clarified they are satisfied with their commander-in-chief, Malacañang on Wednesday said military officials may have told Duterte about the growing dissatisfaction amongst the troops, supposedly because of the country's problems, including corruption, drugs and terrorism.

Duterte has since renewed his call for charter change, saying the Constitution needs to be amended to avert any possible coup. It is not clear what changes in the charter are being proposed to specifically solve the problems supposedly raised by the military.

Filipinos have unseated at least two presidents. In 1986, a military coup supported by a "people power" revolt forced then strongman Ferdinand Marcos to flee to exile in Hawaii. In 2001, then President Joseph Estrada was forced to leave office amid massive protests following his aborted impeachment trial for plunder. The Philippine military has also staged a series of coup attempts during the term of President Corazon Aquino, who took over from Marcos.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/7/11/Coup-vs-Duterte-AFP-warning.html

[ANALYSIS] Philippine defense spending in 2018: What data tells us

Posted to Rappler (Jul 12, 2019): [ANALYSIS] Philippine defense spending in 2018: What data tells us (By Zachary Abuza)

The Philippines has to be smart about improving its security beyond defense budgets and military acquisitions and allocations



President Rodrigo Duterte has been calling on Congress to pass a spending bill with increased funding for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to complete their current round of modernization.

But before approving more funding, it is incumbent on the Congress and Filipinos to analyze Philippine defense spending and to put it into a regional context.

According to SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute), from which all of the following data was obtained, the Philippine defense budget was $3.8 billion in 2018, 9% of ASEAN total spending.

ASEAN’s total official spending was $40.8 billion in 2018, a 1.9% increase from 2017. Philippine defense expenditure grew at twice the ASEAN rate from 2017 to 2018, at 3.8%.



Yet much of the Philippine defense budget is eaten up by personnel costs and graft; an insufficient amount goes into modernization, though President Duterte approved a P300 billion (US$5.6 billion) 5-year modernization program for 2018-2022. Nonetheless, in the proposed 2019 budget, 73% of the requested funds went to personnel costs.

Since 2001, when the war on terror began, the AFP's budget has grown 86.3%; and 52% in the past decade. In pesos, the budget has increased 97% in the past decade. In 2019, this is expected to grow by P41 billion, to P251 billion, a 39% increase.

Over the last 5 years only two countries in the region have seen their defense budgets contract, Malaysia (-20.5%) and Myanmar (-4.1%), using constant 2017 $US. The Philippines saw the largest increase over a 5-year period of time (31.5%) followed by Vietnam (25.7%), Singapore (19.6%), Thailand (17.5%), and Indonesia (8.9%).

Philippine defense spending is only 5.4% of total government spending, well below the ASEAN average of 8.6%; it ranges from a low of 4.3% in Indonesia and Malaysia to 17.1% in Singapore. Since 2004, defense spending as a share of overall government spending has fallen steadily from almost 7%, with only one significant uptick in spending under President Benigno Aquino III in 2015-16.

The Philippines only spends 1.1% of GDP on its military. The government has kept spending between 1.1% and 1.3% consistently over the past decade, again only spiking to 1.5% for one year under Aquino.



This is low by regional standards. As a percent of GDP, defense spending in Southeast Asia ranges from 0.7% in Indonesia to 3.1% in Singapore, followed by Myanmar at 2.9%. The regional average was 1.9%.

On a per capita basis, the Philippines is amongst the lowest in all of Southeast Asia, at $35.4 million; only Cambodia and Indonesia are lower. Nonetheless, there has been growth: in 2004, the Philippines spent a mere $15 million.

The increases in defense spending have been marginal, and starting from such low levels, completely insufficient to deal with the range threats currently facing the Philippines.

The Philippines continues to be beset by insurgency and terrorism, from the Abu Sayyaf, the Maute Group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), as well as a handful of other pro-Islamic State groups. The Philippines continues to be a magnet for foreign militants, and we have now witnessed 3 suicide bombings, hitherto anathema to the Philippines, a sign of things to come. Maritime kidnappings continue to hinder regional fishing and commerce.

The Philippines also has the growing threat of foreign encroachment in its maritime domain, even though President Duterte has all but ceded sovereignty of the territory to China.



Despite the host of security challenges, including growing maritime threats, the Philippine military remains extremely under-resourced and relying on donated foreign equipment. The US has recently provided drones and an ISR plane.

Subsidized

It also remains heavily subsidized by the number of foreign donors. First and foremost is the United States, which provides on average $50 million a year in annual counterterrorism assistance, as well as additional Maritime Security Initiative funding for ISR platforms.

But more importantly the dozens of bilateral military exercises are subsidized by the United States. The same rings true for buying multilateral exercises with new partners, including Australia and Singapore.

President Duterte has lurched to the Chinese since taking office in mid-2016, and received a few consignments of small arms and small patrol craft, which he gushed over.

On a more positive note, the Philippines is going to take possession of a number of new airframes, including Super Tucanos and attack helicopters, that are far more useful in counter-insurgency, rather than the costly FA-50 jets that it purchased from South Korea.

Play smart

The bigger concern is not the spending, but how the money is spent: the repeated suggestion that the Philippine navy acquire a submarine is ludicrous. The Philippines cannot go after expensive platforms that they cannot afford to operate or do not need.

The Philippines is not a wealthy country, though it has enjoyed several years of strong economic growth. And a rapid increase of defense spending is unsustainable for the country. Yet the threats, posed by internal and external actors are very real. And those threats do hinder economic growth.

So the Philippines has to be smart about improving its security beyond defense budgets and military acquisitions and allocations.

Implementing the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front should go a long way in marginalizing groups like the BIFF and Mautes. The government must resume peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines. It needs to thoroughly commit itself to the reconstruction of Marawi.

It needs better maritime policing capabilities and greater cooperation with Malaysia and Indonesia to help stem the flow of foreign militants. It must end the corruption within the AFP. Does anyone ever ask the question where the Abu Sayyaf acquire their guns and ammunition?

Finally, the Philippines has to make itself a better ally and security partner to continue to engender the support of regional partners and the United States. – Rappler.com

The views expressed here are the author’s and do not reflect the opinions of the National War College or Department of Defense. Zachary Abuza is an independent analyst, specializing in Southeast Asian politics and security issues. He is also the author of Militant Islam in Southeast Asia: Crucible of Terror.

https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/235184-analysis-philippine-defense-spending-2018-sipri-data-tells-us