Monday, July 29, 2019

DBM releases SARO worth P3.8B for 3 AFP modernization projects

Posted to Mintfo (Jul 29, 2019): DBM releases SARO worth P3.8B for 3 AFP modernization projects

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved and released a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO-BMB-D-19-0008070) with amount of PHP3,875,727,389.00 on July 26 for three projects under Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

The three projects are: 

a) Light Armor System Upgrade Acquisition Project (P711,542,889.00);

b) Acquisition of 310 units 2 1/2 Ton Truck/Cargo Troop Carrier Project (P1,859,984,500.00);

c) Del Pilar Class Frigate Upgrade Acquisition Project (P1,304,200,000.00).

CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros: Two martyred Red fighters in Sta. Catalina honored

Propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom Blogsite (Jul 29, 2019): Two martyred Red fighters in Sta. Catalina honored

KA ESTRELLA BANAGBANAG
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-SOUTHEAST NEGROS
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

July 29, 2019

“They fought to their last breath for the people’s revolutionary cause. They remained unwavering in the face of immense adversity.”

This is how Ka Estrella Banagbanag, Rachelle Mae Palang Command – Southeast Negros Front spokesperson, described the two young red fighters who sacrificed their lives during an NPA action against the notorious paramilitary outfit in Sitio Kakha, Barangay Talalac, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental last June 21, 2019.

Antonio “Ka Marlo” Cardinas, 21, from Sitio Avocado, Barangay Talalac, and Lito “Ka Jessa” Sotabento, 19, of Barangay Dobdob, Valencia were killed in the ensuing firefight and battle maneuver.

Banagbanag said that despite being fatally wounded, Ka Marlo and Ka Jessa managed to stay in formation and, as they died, turned over their weapons to their unit to prevent these from being taken by the enemy.

The NPA in Southeast Negros launched a sniping-cum-sapper operation versus the SCAA/12th IB fascist troops of Kakha Detachment in response to the long-time clamor of the masses for justice in lieu of their long list of heinous crimes like murder, rape, robbery, harassment and the like, according to Banagbanag.

Foremost among these were the assassinations of Nagbinlod Barangay Captain Leonardo Magarsenio in Sta. Catalina, human rights activist Elisa Badayos and peasant leader Euleterio Moises in Bayawan City in 2017 and Negros Oriental District 3 farmer leader Franklin Lariosa last March 30 during the conduct of Oplan Sauron 2.

“Kakha detachment is a collection of misfits and criminal elements known for brutality and anti-social activities. Many of them have already been tried and convicted in the People’ s Court. The masses have since been demanding for the NPA to take action. Contrary to the millitary’s PR spin, the SCAA suffered several wounded and casualties,” Banagbanag said.

The demise of Ka Marlo and Ka Jessa, Banagbanag explained, will not enfeeble the efforts of the NPA and the revolutionary movement in Southeast Negros to intensify guerilla warfare.

“Their bravery, determination and sacrifice will inspire us more to advance the people’s war. The attack on Kakha detachment is only the beginning,” Banagbanag said.

Banagbanag called on the youth to follow the example of Ka Marlo and Ka Jessa in selfless devotion to the interest of the basic masses, as succinctly put in the slogan “Serve the People,” and join the revolutionary armed struggle by enlisting in the NPA.###

CPP: Duterte wants PCSO corruption for himself

CPP propaganda statement posted to the PRWC Newsroom Blogsite (Jul 29, 2019): Duterte wants PCSO corruption for himself



Duterte ordered the closure of PCSO in complete disregard for the welfare of thousands of PCSO employees as well the tens of thousands of beneficiaries who daily line up for medical subsidies.

For the nth time, Duterte, is using anti-corruption rhetoric as smokescreen for corruption. Without even a formal written order, he directed his police to close the operations of the PCSO is his latest bid to monopolize government corruption.

Duterte again exercised tyrannical powers. Invoking information only he knows, he removed the PCSO officials extrajudicially and arbitrarily without actually charging them in court. People are raising questions: does he really have the power to do so?

The people are questioning Duterte’s real motives. They are demanding proof of his so-called anti-corruption. And they are demanding accountability. Or will Duterte just let them pass through the revolving door as he has in the past?

The fact is, Duterte’s real aim is to wrest complete control of the operations of the corruption syndicates in the PCSO, as he did with the Bureau of Customs and other agencies. He is unsatisfied with the cuts he has been getting in the past. He is insatiable.

NDF/CPP-IB: CPP: Duterte incited Negros killing of civilians with baseless claims against NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jul 30, 2019): CPP: Duterte incited Negros killing of civilians with baseless claims against NPA



Information Bureau
Communist Party of the Philippines

July 29, 2019

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today said Rodrigo Duterte is “personally responsible for the relentless campaign of killings in Negros” which has already claimed at least eight lives over the past four days.

The CPP said Duterte “incited his armed minions in Negros to carry out the killings by making false claims of that four police officers killed in an NPA ambush last July 18 in Ayungon town, Negros Oriental were tortured.” He announced last July 25 that he will give a P3 million reward to anyone who can “bring the head” of the people behind the ambush.

The killings intensified since then, the CPP pointed out. Most of the victims were previously red-tagged or have been remotely linked to people’s democratic movement in Negros.

The CPP said “Duterte’s military, police and paramilitary death squads are targeting even civic-minded people as communists.”

The CPP dismissed as a fake the spray-painted words “Traidor sa NPA” left on the walls where some of the victims were killed. According to the CPP, those slogans were “obviously left to mislead and cover-up the real identity of the perpetrators.”

The CPP said the PNP is “utterly stupid” if it thinks the people will believe that the NPA is behind the killings based merely on those spray-painted slogans.

https://www.ndfp.org/cpp-duterte-incited-negros-killing-of-civilians-with-baseless-claims-against-npa/

NDF/NPA-Central Negros: On the continuing Oplan Sauron killings and illegal arrests in Central Negros

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jul 29, 2019): On the continuing Oplan Sauron killings and illegal arrests in Central Negros

Ka Dionesio Magbuelas
Spokesperson
Mt. Cansermon Command
New People’s Army
Central Negros Guerrilla Front

July 29, 2019

The NPA-MCC strongly condemns the continuing Oplan Sauron killings and illegal arrests in Central Negros. In their obsession with their failure of chasing the NPA, the AFP/PNP turned their wrath on innocent civilians.

Following their shameful defeat in Manjuyod last June 22, the 94th IBPA did not divulge all their casualties to avoid demoralization among their ranks. Daybreak after the defeat of their troops, the reinforcements desperately captured and shot-to-death a mentally ill farmer and declared him as an NPA casualty. Also, ordinary citizens and residents of Brgy. Lamugong, Manjuyod, Negros Oriental namely Teodore Casido, 49, his wife Rhea Casido, 31, Benan Cadelina, 61, and Danny Casido, 41, were illegally arrested and accused of being NPA members.

To whitewash their defeat against the NPA and coverup their human rights violations, the said troops mercilessly shot-to-death on June 28, Salvador “Bador” Romano who was a courageous human rights defender of Negros Oriental in Manjuyod.

Not less than a week after the killing of 4 police butchers in Ayungon, Negros Oriental, the AFP/PNP unleashed their fury again on civilians. They started their rampage on the murder of known human rights defender, Atty. Anthony Trinidad, in Guihulngan. But July 25 proved to be the bloodiest as 7 lives were taken including educators and a local government official in Guihulngan, Ayungon, Sta. Catalina and Siaton. Five more were killed in the next two days which made the civilian death toll to 13 in 4 days.

The series of attacks on civilians perpetrated by the AFP and PNP only shows that it is in the nature of the fascist mercenaries to retaliate against innocent civilians following their frustration and failure of chasing the NPA.

On the other hand, the NPA-MCC is in high spirits following the successful tactical offensives launched to respond to the resounding call of the people for justice for the victims of Duterte’s martial law and Oplan Sauron in the countrysides. ###

Ka Dionesio Magbuelas
Spokesperson
Mt. Cansermon Command
New People’s Army
Central Negros Guerrilla Front

https://www.ndfp.org/on-the-continuing-oplan-sauron-killings-and-illegal-arrests-in-central-negros/

AFP-CRS: "Ang mga NPA ay parang mga anay. Hangga't nandyan sila, patuloy nilang wawsakin ang aming mga bahay" -IP Leaders

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 29, 2019): "Ang mga NPA ay parang mga anay. Hangga't nandyan sila, patuloy nilang wawsakin ang aming mga bahay" -IP Leaders

Image may contain: 2 people, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2607967855888589/?type=3&theater

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

WESTMINCOM: Troops, NPA clash amid intensified ops in Lanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jul 29, 2019): Troops, NPA clash amid intensified ops in Lanao



Military troops engaged 10 communist terrorists in a fierce gunfight in Lanao del Sur on July 28.



Combined troops of 15th Division Reconnaissance Company and 49th, 55th, and 82nd Infantry Battalions discovered an enemy outpost while conducting security operations, resulting in a fierce gun battle with 10 communist terrorists in Barangay Sabala Bantayao, Lumba Bayabao at 9:15am Sunday.

Troops conducted the operation after being tipped off by civilians of the foraging and extortion activities of members of Guerilla Front 12, Sub-Regional Committee 5 in the area.

Two soldiers incurred minor wounds while casualties on communist rebels are yet to be determined.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner, Jr., 103rd Bde Commander, said military troops will exhaust every means to rid Lanao del Sur of the enemy’s presence and influence. He encouraged local terrorists to surrender and avail of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood and Integration Program.

“People’s involvement and vigilance are crucial in proactive actions taken to address insurgency and terrorism in the area. This is well emphasized in the whole-of-nation approach pursuant to Executive Order No. 70,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command.

“With more reasons we are convinced to engage and empower communities to take an active role in the realization of this holistic goal, but the armed forces will not be remiss in sustaining military actions to defeat terrorist groups in the area,” added Sobejana.

WESTMINCOM: 9 terrorists neutralized in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jul 29, 2019): 9 terrorists neutralized in Maguindanao



Nine terrorists died and three more incurred wounds in the ensuing offensives launched by the Joint Task Force Central against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Abu Torayfie Group in Maguindanao since July 25.

Abdul Mosaiden, Mohammad Satar, Hamid Ekal, Maula Samad, Esmail Kagui Malang, Muner Akbal, Musanep Kabelan and a certain Alimudin were among those neutralized in the spate of focused military operations, and JTF Central is currently validating those reports from the sources.

Local community in the area also revealed that Abdul Mama, Pagayao Sulaiman, and Omar Malayog incurred wounds during the series of deliberate offensives.

Troops engaged in a 10-minute armed confrontation with combined BIFF members and local terrorists in Barangay Dasawao, Shariff Saydona Mustapha at 11am on July 27.

A soldier suffered wounds during said gunfight and received immediate treatment at Camp Siongco Station Hospital.

On July 25, military troops conducted combat operations to thwart hostile plans of BIFF and Abu Toraypie groups in Barangay Dasawao, killing a soldier, identified as Sergeant Ahmad Mahmood.

Western Mindanao Command, led by Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, condoles with the bereaved family of late Sgt. Mahmood, who gave the ultimate sacrifice and displayed courage in fighting terrorists last week.

“Deliberate offensives against terrorists continue, inflicting more casualties and impeding any hostile plans of terrorists as military troops attempt to penetrate enemy strongholds in Maguindanao,” said Sobejana. “JTF Central troops currently beef up their campaign to pound terrorist groups and neutralize leaders in Central Mindanao.”

Government troopers, Reds clash in Lanao del Sur: 2 soldiers wounded

From the Mindanao Daily News (Jul 29, 2019): Government troopers, Reds clash in Lanao del Sur: 2 soldiers wounded



Some of the items found by the military after taking over a camp of believed to be members of the New People's Army in Sitio Pangulingan, Barangay Sabala Bantayao, Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur. Two Army soldiers of the 49th Infantry Battalion were wounded during an encounter with the armed men but they are now in a safe condition. (Photo courtesy of the 49th Infantry Battalion, PA)


Some of the items found by the military after taking over a camp of believed to be members of the New People's Army in Sitio Pangulingan, Barangay Sabala Bantayao, Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur. Two Army soldiers of the 49th Infantry Battalion were wounded during an encounter with the armed men but they are now in a safe condition. (Photo courtesy of the 49th Infantry Battalion, PA)

BUTIG, Lanao del Sur--Two soldiers of the army's 49th Infantry Battalion were wounded in an encounter on Sunday morning (July 28) with a group of armed men believed to be members of the Guerilla Front 12 of the Sub-Regional Committee 5 of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Pangulingan, Barangay Sabala Bantayao, Lumba Bayabao, Lanao del Sur.

Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, chief of the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion, said the government troops were able to discover an encampment in the area but before they have finally penetrated it, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded about 20 meters away from the camp, “beside an old logging road”.

The explosion hit the two soldiers identified as Corporal Harvey Robrigado and Private First Class Juland Rubio.


Robrigado was hit on his right rib while Rubio was hit on his right hand by shrapnel.

“They detonated the IED to delay the movement of the government troops. Our two wounded soldiers sustained shrapnel sounds due to 40mm blast. They are now in safe condition at a hospital in the 4th ID,” Villanueva said.

The three battalions of the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the 15th Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) started their combat operation on Friday (July 26) is in response to the reports from the community that around 50 armed men are camping in the area for almost a month.

Although it does not look like a training camp, Villanueva said, there is an indication that a “medical training” was conducted and several subversive documents were discovered in the area.

“Residents in the area reported that these armed men are ‘inviting’ selected families, Meranao and Christian, one at a time. It is their way of recruiting sympathizers,” Villanueva said.

Brigadier General Romeo Brawner, Jr., chief of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City, in this latest operation against the rebels, the military is sending a message that the NPA is not welcome in Lanao del Sur.

It started when the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) declared NPA a persona non-grata.

“In our assessment, the NPA would like to establish here in Lanao del Sur because this is their source of ammunitions and firearms and second, they know that a huge amount of money is coming for the rehabilitation of Marawi City and Lanao del Sur, they want to get a share. That is their activities, they are extortionists,” Brawner said.

http://mindanaodailynews.com/news/front-page/todays-top-stories/news-today-government-troopers-reds-clash-in-lanao-del-sur-2-soldiers-wounded

Military conducts outreach program in Basilan school

From Politiko Mindanao (Jul 29, 2019): Military conducts outreach program in Basilan school



Troops under Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), along with non-government organizations and the local government of Ungkaya Pukan, have conducted an outreach program in Basilan.

More than 400 students, parents, and teachers from Amaloy Elementary School benefited from the distribution of medical supplies and sports equipment, feeding program, Patriot’s band, and magic show conducted on Saturday, July 27.


Lawless group burned on July 9 two classrooms of Amaloy Elementary School, disrupting classes there.

“We are eager to be part of any resolution for peace and development in Basilan, and we are glad by the resolute effort and commitment of our partners,” said Westmincom Commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/military-conducts-outreach-program-in-basilan-school/

3 North Cotabato barangays declare NPA persona non-grata

From Politiko Mindanao (Jul 29, 2019): 3 North Cotabato barangays declare NPA persona non-grata



Three barangays in Arakan, North Cotabato have declared the communist New People’s Army (NPA) as “persona non-grata,” military said.

The declaration was made by the villages of Salasang, San Miguel and Kinawayan during the three-day consecutive Peace Rally on July 17-19.

“Our goal is to declare the whole Arakan Valley Complex as insurgency free that is why we are relentless in our effort in conducting focused military operations and community support program to all affected barangays in our area of operation,” said Lt. Col. Benjamin A. Dao-on, commanding officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion.


Of the 28 barangays in Arakan, nine have already declared the NPA as persona non-grata.

Last April, the province of North Cotabato also made similar declaration against the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF).

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/3-north-cotabato-barangays-declare-npa-persona-non-grata/

7 suspected NPAs rob gas station in Guihulngan

From Politiko Visayas (Jul 29): 7 suspected NPAs rob gas station in Guihulngan



At least seven suspected members of the communist New People’s Army robbed a gas station in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental and fled with some P50,000 cash.

Police said the robbers also made off with gadgets during the incident at Barangay Poblacion in Guihulngan last July 25.


Initial investigation showed the robbers had high-powered firearms and entered the gas station’s office by allegedly destroying its padlock (https://dailyguardian.com.ph/suspected-rebels-rob-gasoline-station/).

A pump attendant told police he was sleeping when one of the armed men woke him up and threatened him at gunpoint and asked him about his manager, who was not there at the time.

Before carting away a laptop and the monitor of a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera, the robbers then wrote on the wall, “Mabuhay New People’s Army (NPA)!”

They then tied the hands of a bystander who saw them at the gasoline station before fleeing aboard three white vans.

The robbery happened around 1:30 a.m., 35 minutes after a shooting incident occurred at the same village where Barangay Buenavista chief Romeo Arbole Alipan, 64, was gunned down by 20 armed men.

Army continues BIFF crackdown

From the Manila Times (Jul 30, 2019): Army continues BIFF crackdown

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao: The military are still running after militants, six of them foreigners fabricating explosives for the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), in a crackdown launched on Thursday.

According to The Philippine Army, the 6th Infantry Division (6th ID) and the police on Sunday tightened security in central Mindanao to forestall retaliations by the BIFF for the deaths of six gunmen in hostilities in marshes in the town of Shariff Saidona Mustapha, Maguindanao, close to the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Delta.


More than 300 ethnic Maguindanaon families were forced to relocate to neutral grounds for fear of being trapped in the crossfire.

Units of 6th ID were out to neutralize a group of BIFF bandits implicated in recent deadly bombings in central Mindanao.

The BIFF, which has three factions, uses the flag of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) as its banner.

The group has a reputation for setting off powerful improvised explosive devices in public spots and along highways to avenge losses in encounters with soldiers.


Members of different municipal peace and order councils in the adjoining North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces on Sunday confirmed that no fewer than six BIFF members perished in skirmishes that started Thursday.

Four of the six BIFF fatalities were identified as Oman, Andok, Salem and Kasim, all followers of the radical Abu Toraife, whose real name is Abdulmalik Esmael, leader of one of three BIFF factions.

An Army Ranger, Sgt. Ahmad Mahmood, a Muslim soldier, was killed in a gunfight Thursday against BIFF members in Barangay Dasawao, Shariff Saidona Mustapha.

Local officials also corroborated stories purporting the presence of six foreigners in the BIFF group.

Two of them have Middle Eastern features while the rest are Malaysians and Indonesians, according to barangay (village) leaders in Pikit, North Cotabato and in Datu Piang and Shariff Saidona towns in Maguindanao.

Military vows to eradicate Abu Sayyaf Group by year-end, at most

From the Business Mirror (Jul 30, 2019): Military vows to eradicate Abu Sayyaf Group by year-end, at most

I

In this Friday, June 28, 2019 photo, Philippine troops examine the scene of the suicide attack carried out by Muslim militants at a military camp in Indanan township, on the island of Jolo in Sulu province that killed five people and the bombers in the southern Philippines. Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana told The Associated Press Tuesday, July 2, 2019, that the family of the 23-year-old militant, Norman Lasuca, has identified him as one of the bombers who detonated a bomb on Friday at the gate of an army encampment in Sulu province's Indanan town. Lasuca is the first known Filipino militant to have agreed to carry out a suicide bombing, a development that has concerned Philippine security officials.

The military is looking at neutralizing the Islamic State (IS)-affiliated Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu within three months or even at the end of the year, as earlier ordered by President Duterte.

“We’re giving them [ASG] three months, three months to six months or the rest of the year…,” Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana told CNN Philippines.


The military currently has a division-sized unit deployed in Sulu that is running after the local terrorist group, including the group of ASG sub-commander Hadjan Sawadjaan, the acting head of the IS in Mindanao.

Earlier, the military said it would further intensify its operations in the province since the ASG is no longer holding any kidnap victim.

Lorenzana said there is imperative to contain the ASG in Sulu so that they could not move to other areas and conduct terrorist activities.

“We hope to contain them in Jolo, where they are now, so they cannot move to Basilan or Cotabato or Central Mindanao or even other places like Visayas and Metro Manila,” he said.

“That’s what we are guarding against,” he added.

Lorenzana said they were also confirming a report that about 100 foreign fighters have slipped into Mindanao, although he believed the report was not true.

“We are still confirming that. It’s still a news or a report, but according to our troops, our commanders in Central Mindanao, they cannot see where these 100 people are hiding because if there are so many of them, then they will be very obvious,” he said.

“There is none actually, they cannot detect them we have fielded a lot of our intelligence people there, plus talking to the civilians, especially the MILF [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] because they are with us now, and there is no confirmation of the 100,” he added.

Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana earlier said that there are only about seven foreign fighters in Mindanao, and they have been embedded, either with the ASG or the MILF.

He said they were also monitoring at least 40 foreigners on suspicions they could be members or associated with the IS.

Presence of Maute and Abu Sayyaf dwindles: WestMinCom

From the Daily Express (Jul 29, 2019): Presence of Maute and Abu Sayyaf dwindles: WestMinCom



COTABATO CITY: The Western Mindanao Command is optimistic of continuing peaceful days in two provinces troubled in past years by Islamic extremists, WestMinCom’s commander said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana of WestMinCom said there is peace now in Basilan and an improving security situation in Lanao del Sur due to the cooperation in maintaining law and order among provincial officials, the military and police units deployed in the two provinces.

Sobejana said remnants of the Dawlah Islamiya, or the Maute terror group, have been silent since their leader, Abu Dar, whose real name is Owaida Marohombsar, was killed by soldiers on March 14 in Tubaran town in the second district of Lanao del Sur.

“It was a big leap towards improving peace and order in Lanao del Sur. The provincial peace and order council there is helping us sustain our pacification efforts by supporting the community peace programmes there of WestMinCom,” Sobejana said.

He said besides the new governor of Lanao del Sur, Mamintal Adiong Jr., credit also has to go to Col. Madzgani Mukaram, Provincial Police Director.

Sobejana said the provincial police have been flexing extensively its capability in running after remaining Maute terrorists wanted for acts of terror.

Sobejana said while there are still more or less 20 Abu Sayyaf stragglers in Basilan, there is peace now in the province owing to the involvement of mayors and their provincial governor, Jim Salliman, in WestMinCom’s peacekeeping missions.

“We have from Basilan a good ‘template’ in addressing violent religious extremism using diplomacy and humanitarian manoeuvres to entice violent extremists to reintegrate into peaceful communities in the province,” Sobejana said.

He cited as example the surrender in batches of more than 200 Abu Sayyaf members Basilan, among them adolescents trained in fabrication of improvised explosive devices, from between 2017 to early this year to avail of a local rehabilitation programme offered by the provincial government and the erstwhile leadership of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, or ARMM.

Sobejana said the “peace manoeuvre template” he was referring to as applicable in other southern provinces is how reforming former Abu Sayyaf bandits agreed to return to the fold of law through the intercession of Salliman and the now Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, while he was governor of ARMM from 2012 to February this year.

There were recent isolated incidents in Basilan involving few Abu Sayyaf members but all seemed meant only to show that the group is still a “force to reckon with,” according to Sobejana.

“Basilan is generally peaceful and the provincial government and the mayors there are in control,” he said.

Sobejana said text messages circulated about two weeks ago in Basilan threatening teachers of abduction by Abu Sayyaf forces.

The threats did not even cause any problem in the operation of public schools in the province, he said.

“The text messages came out just days after 49 former Abu Sayyaf members from across Basilan finished a government accelerated education programme. Someone out there, a sour grape perhaps, could have circulated those text messages,” Sobejana said.

He said WestMinCom is thankful to the Department of Education, the provincial government of Basilan and to the former ARMM governor for helping the now reforming former Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Sobejana said WestMinCom has trust and confidence on Basilan’s provincial peace and order council.

“We have enough forces standing by. Any provocation shall be dealt with accordingly. Meantime, WestMinCom will continue working with the local government units in Basilan maintain the peace now spreading around the province,” Sobejana said. 

New Guidance on Abduction in Sulu-Celebes Seas

Posted to Marine Link (Jul 28, 2019): New Guidance on Abduction in Sulu-Celebes Seas



Map: ReCAAP ISC


The ReCAAP ISC has produced the “Guidance on Abduction of Crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and Waters off Eastern Sabah”.

The guidance focuses on the incidents of abduction of crew from ships for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and in the waters off Eastern Sabah. It provides the guidance and analysis based on the information collected from past incidents in order to assist the shipping industry and ships to enhance their situation awareness and avoid such incidents.

This guidance complements the general guidance contained in the “Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia”

The Sulu-Celebes Seas region covers the tri-boundary area of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. It is strategically located and most international shipping passes through its maritime sea lanes.

In the Sibutu passage alone, an average of 14,000 ships passes yearly. Prior to 2016, there were kidnaps for ransom on land in the region carried out by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), an Islamic extremist group based in Southern Philippines.

On 26 March 2016, the first abduction of crew from ship was reported. It involved the tug boat, Brahma 12 and 10 of the Indonesian crew on board the boat were abducted. Since then, a spate of abduction of crew incidents were reported in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

During the period of 2016 to June 2019, a total of 29 incidents of abduction of crew (comprising 18 actual incidents and 11 attempted incidents) were reported by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to ReCAAP ISC. In 2016, a total of 18 incidents of abduction of crew (comprising 12 actual incidents and 6 attempted incidents) were reported.

In 2017, the number of incidents reduced to 7 (3 actual incidents and 4 attempted incidents), and in 2018, the number of incidents further reduced to 3 (2 actual incidents and 1 attempted incident).

There was one actual incident reported in 2019 (as of June 2019). In the 18 actual incidents, 75 crew were abducted in total. Among them, 65 crew were released or rescued and 10 crew were killed or died. There is no crew held in captivity.

Despite the decrease in the number of incidents and military and law enforcement efforts by the Philippine authorities, the perpetrators of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) are still active in the region and looking for any opportunity to abduct crew from ships.

https://www.marinelink.com/news/new-guidance-abduction-sulucelebes-seas-468898

NBI arrests 2 suspected Abu Sayyaf men wanted for 2002 kidnapping

From GMA News Online (Jul  29, 2019): NBI arrests 2 suspected Abu Sayyaf men wanted for 2002 kidnapping

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday said it has arrested two suspected Abu Sayyaf men allegedly involved in the kidnapping of members of Jehovah's Witness in Sulu in 2002.

NBI agents and military and police officers arrested Anwar Sabarul Mohotoh and Julmain, who both face standing arrest warrants for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, on July 12 and July 17, respectively.

Anwar was arrested on the strength of the warrant in Quiapo, Manila after the NBI received information that he was hiding in Metro Manila, the bureau said.

Julmain, on the other hand, was arrested in Culiat, Quezon City, where the NBI said he had set up a food stall business and assumed the name "Maomar" while hiding from authorities.

The NBI said Julmain was a "trusted man" of the late Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, whom government forces killed in October 2017, and "was tasked to accompany other ASG sub-leaders to and from Marawi City and other areas of Mindanao and Palawan."


Citing information from its counterpart law enforcement units, the NBI said Julmain remained an active member of the Abu Sayyaf's Urban Terrorist Group - Special Operations Group while in hiding. He had also recruited members into the terrorist group before he was arrested, the bureau said.

A "victim/witness" in the kidnapping case positively identified the man prior to his arrest, the bureau said. After the arrest, the man said his official name is Adzhar Hadjula Mannan.

The two arrested men are wanted in connection with Abu Sayyaf bandits' abduction of six Jehovah's Witness members and their Muslim guides in Sulu on Aug. 20, 2002. Two of the kidnapped preachers were beheaded. Some victims escaped, and the last remaining victims were reportedly rescued by the government in May 2003.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/702177/nbi-arrests-2-suspected-abu-sayyaf-men-wanted-for-2002-kidnapping/story/

CAR stakeholders hold workshop for peace and development plans

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul  29, 2019): CAR stakeholders hold workshop for peace and development plans 



National security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., vice chairperson of NTF - ELCAC, in a press conference, explains the government's Whole-of - Nation approach in ending local communist armed conflict in the country that generally aims to bring in development and progress ln every community in the country. (CCD/PIA CAR)

BAGUIO CITY - - Through the guidance of the National Security Council, Department of Budget and Management, the National Economic Development Authority and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict(NTF – ELCAC), the regional TF – ELCAC set its program in motion with a regional planning workshop at Venus Park View Hotel here on July 25-26.

Attended by officials from the different line agencies, plans, programs and actions (PPAs) were laid out for the 12 key clusters of the NTF/RTF – ELCAC namely Situation Awareness And Knowledge; Local Government Empowerment; Legal Cooperation; Strategic Communication; Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building and Empowerment; Basic Services; Poverty Reduction, Livelihood And Employment; Infrastructure, Resource Management and Employment; Localized Peace Engagement; Peace, Law and Enforcement, and Development Support; E – CLIP and Amnesty Program and International Engagement.

National Security Adviser and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF – ELCAC) Vice Chairperson Hermogenes Esperon Jr. pointed out that there is no country that benefits from a long- grown conflict with its own people so it is high time that a whole nation approach must be implemented to clear the local communist armed conflict- affected and influenced areas especially in the geographically displaced and disadvantage areas that hinders the country from achieving lasting peace and in delivering the positive change and development for the country and the Filipino people.

Esperon said President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Good Governance” policy will be the primary arm of the campaign and will focus more in bringing in the government programs and services that the people need as well as the right information that will clear the dissatisfaction and controversies being stirred by the communist group, a negative ideology that they have been working on for the past 50 years for their own selfish cause that is holding the country in moving forward towards a peaceful and progressive life for every Filipino people.

DBM Assistant Secretary Achilles Gerard Bravo, representing DBM OIC Janet Abuel, the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security in the Cordillera on Thursday, stressed that the communist insurgency remains to be a major hindrance not only for the country to attain true and lasting peace but also in addressing concerns of poverty, social inequality, historical injustice and the severe lack of inclusivity in the national development process.

Bravo said the government has invested much in the social service sector that includes free quality tertiary education and skills development training, universal health care and social services program for poor households and the elderlies, among others.

The national government is also investing heavily on physical and technological infrastructures to bring in the needed roads and communication connectivity down to the remote barangays, he added.

Ending the local communist armed conflict and achieving peace and development in every region of the country is the primary goal of the whole of nation approach of the Duterte Administration and crafting of plans and actions are now being done in every region of the country. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025106

IP leaders back from 'Truth Caravan' in US

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul  29, 2019): IP leaders back from 'Truth Caravan' in US


IP leaders who are called "Ambassadors of Truth" cameback on Thursday from the US where they conducted the "Truth Caravan". (Photo by Gabriel Villanueva/PIA InfoComm)

QUEZON CITY -- A group of Indigenous People (IP) leaders from Mindanao came back Thursday from a monthlong tour to the United States were they conducted a “Truth Caravan” for various Filipino-American communities.

According to the group’s spokesman, Datu Jake Lanes, they also lodged a formal complaint before the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (PFII) Secretariat, asking them to launch an investigation into the attacks committed by the communist rebels against IPs in the Philippines.

Lanes said they have listed 17 violations of tribal culture and tribal rights including the recruitment of IP children to become child warriors; encroachment of tribal ancestral domain through the CPP schools without free and prior informed consent (FPIC); rape and molestation of IP children in these schools; trafficking of IP children by CPP allies; and the continuous killing of tribal leaders opposing the CPP-NPA programs in the ancestral domain.


Datu Jake Lanes, the group's spokesperson, shares their experiences during their mission in the US. (Photo by Gabriel Villanueva/PIA InfoComm)

Among their engagements in New York were meetings with the Patriotic Filipino Community, United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII), United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the New York-based Media Networks, Philippine Consulate, New York and Fordham University.

“We relay to various Fil-Am organizations the real intent of leftist groups who are part of a broad alliance organized by the National Democratic Front which is directly linked to the International League of Peoples’ Struggle (ILPS) led by Jose Ma. Sison,” Lanes said

“During our engagements, we told them to be vigilant in giving support to groups asking for financial assistance for it might be channeled to groups affiliated with the CPP-NPA,” Lanes added.

While doing their rounds, the eight-member group who were dubbed “Ambassadors of Truth” were allegedly harassed by leftist groups for telling Filipino-American audiences there that their monetary contributions went not into educating or teaching indigenous students but for the purchase of arms to terrorize local communities into accepting the communist ideology.

Another member of the group, Datu Nestor Apas said militant groups in US felt threatened that tribal leaders are finally standing their ground and speaking up against the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA.

“The militants want us to be silent on the issue. They were hurt by the truth, that’s why they harassed us by storming us during our activities,” Apas said in Filipino.

He said militants barged in and even attempted to hurt them during their activity in Washington DC.

“But we are not afraid anymore, it feels good to stand up for the truth. It feels good to help the country,” Apas said. (PIA InfoComm)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025188

Military reports 9 radicals killed in ongoing ops vs. BIFF

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul  29, 2019):  Military reports 9 radicals killed in ongoing ops vs. BIFF



ON GUARD. An Army soldier watches over their position in the ongoing conflict against Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the Shariff Aguak-Datu Saudi Ampatuan-Datu Salibo-Mamasapano area in Maguindanao province. The ongoing clashes entered its fifth day on Monday. (July 29, 2019). (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

COTABATO CITY – Nine members of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have so far been killed in ongoing clashes with the military in Maguindanao, a military official said Monday.

“Our information was based on the information relayed to us by local officials and from radio communications monitored by our ground troops,”
said Major Arvin John Encinas, spokesperson of the military’s Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), on Monday.


Encinas said a soldier, identified as Sgt. Ahmad Mahmood of the Army’s 601st Brigade, was also killed in the ongoing clashes.

“Three other BIFF radicals and an Army soldier were also reported injured so far in the fighting,” Encinas added.

The conflict began on July 25 after several sightings of massing up of BIFF elements under Abu Toraife in the so-called “SPMS box”, situated near the 220,000-hectare Liguasan marshland in Maguindanao.

The SPMS box is a military term referring to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Salibo and Mamasapano, which has become a jump-off point of the BIFF in launching planned attacks against military and police installations in the province.

Air and ground assaults were launched in the borders of Maguindanao and North Cotabato that the BIFF traverses through the channels of the huge Pagalungan River separating the two provinces.

Currently, close to 500 families living near the border of the two provinces have fled to safer grounds so as not to be caught in the clashes, following the death of an elderly woman and the wounding of her husband and grandson during the July 25 offensives.

The military operation is still ongoing in the marshland of Maguindanao as of this posting.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076301

Davao City villagers renounce support for NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul  29, 2019):  Davao City villagers renounce support for NPA


NO TO NPA. Villagers from Davao City's Toril District burn the flag of the communist New People's Army (NPA) on Sunday, during the culmination of the three-day peacebuilding seminar organized by the Army's 3rd Infantry Battalion. (Contributed Photo)

DAVAO CITY--Residents from five rural barangays in Toril District here have renounced their support for the New People's Army (NPA) during the three-day peacebuilding seminar that ended on Sunday.

The seminar was organized by Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Battalion (IB), line government agencies, the city government, and other partners, said 1Lt. Michael Diaz, the unit's acting civil-military operations officer.

Diaz said the seminar ended with a peace rally where the participants declared the NPA and its mother organization, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), as persona non-grata in their communities.


Out of the 200 participants, Diaz said 10 were former rebels, 35 former Militia ng Bayan members, eight former members of the NPA's Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad, and 150 former members of the rebels' Underground Mass Organization (UGMO).

The three-day seminar from July 26-28 included lectures among stakeholders and participants were given the chance to share their experiences in the CPP-NPA-NDF organization, Diaz said.

During the last day, he said tribal leaders conducted a peace pact called “Pakang”, a ritual of Bagobo-Tagabawa that signifies the cutting of ties, connections, relationship, and material and financial support to the CPP-NPA and its political arm, the National Democratic Front (NDF).

In his message during the seminar, Lt. Col Oscar Partuza, 3IB commanding officer, expressed his gratitude to Mayor Sara Duterte for establishing the Peace 911, the city's peace and development arm that seeks to develop conflict-ridden communities.

Partuza assured the communities that the military will continue to support initiatives for peace and economic growth in their areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076336

2 soldiers hurt in Lanao Sur clash with NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2019): 2 soldiers hurt in Lanao Sur clash with NPA



Google map of Lumba-Bayabao, Lanao del Sur province.

BUTIG, Lanao del Sur -- Two soldiers belonging to the Army's 49th Infantry Battalion were wounded in an encounter on Sunday morning (July 28) with a group of armed men believed to be members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the Lanao del Sur town of Lumba Bayabao.

Lt. Colonel Edgar Allan Villanueva, 49IB chief, said government troops discovered a lair in Sitio Pangulingan, Barangay Sabala Bantayao. But before they managed to penetrate it, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded and wounded two soldiers.

“They (the rebels) detonated the IED to delay the movement of the government troops. Our two wounded soldiers sustained shrapnel sounds due to 40-mm blast. They are now in safe conditions at a hospital in the 4th ID,” Villanueva said, referring to the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City.

Villanueva said the rebels are believed to be under NPA's Guerilla Front 12.

He identified the wounded soldiers as Corporal Harvey Robrigado and Private First Class Juland Rubio.

Villanueva said the three battalions of the 103rd Infantry Brigade and the 15th Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) started combat operations on Friday (July 26) in response to the reports from villagers that around 50 armed men were camping in the area for almost a month.

Villanueva said the site may have been used by the NPA as a “medical training” facility, where government troops managed to recover subversive documents.

“Residents in the area reported that these armed men are inviting selected families, Meranao and Christian, one at a time. It is their way of recruiting sympathizers,” the Army official said.

Brigadier General Romeo Brawner, Jr., chief of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade in Marawi City, said the ongoing military operations against the communist rebels "send a message that the NPA is not welcome in Lanao del Sur".

Brawner noted that Lanao del Sur's Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) recently declared the NPA as persona non-grata.

“In our assessment, the NPA would like to establish here in Lanao del Sur because this is their source of ammunition and firearms and second, they know that a huge amount of money is coming for the rehabilitation of Marawi City and Lanao del Sur. They want to get a share. That is their activities: they are extortionists,” Brawner said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076358

Gov’t forces overrun NPA training lair in Quezon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2019): Gov’t forces overrun NPA training lair in Quezon



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Government troops on Sunday overran a New People’s Army (NPA) training and indoctrination lair in Sitio Lagmak of Barangay Pagsangahan, General Nakar town in Quezon province.

Lt. Col. Christopher Diaz, commanding officer of 80th Infantry Battalion, said the combined forces of Philippine Army and Philippine National Police were conducting operations when they chanced upon the training lair, resulting in a clash with several NPA rebels.

“The operation was intelligence-driven and a calibrated response to information from a reliable source that the NPAs are conducting lectures and trainings in that area,” Diaz said on Monday.

He said the government troops were able to move closer to the NPA hideout while NPA members, belonging to Platoon 4A2 of KLG Cesar, SRMA-4A, were in their training session.

According to report that reached Camp Capinpin, the firefight lasted for over an hour and has left heavy casualties on the side of the NPA based on the heavy traces of bloodstains found on the rebels’ escape routes.

The NPA indoctrination lair has at least 20 fully-built huts and two lecture halls.

Col. Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, said the encounter is a manifestation that the NPA no longer enjoys mass base support.

Rillera also assured the people of Region 4A (Calabarzon) that their soldiers “will be unrelenting in pursuing our goal of winning the peace even if it means putting our lives on the line and facing the horrors of conflict.”

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., Commander of the 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID), commended the government forces their successful operation against the NPA, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“The encounter shows that your soldiers are on top of the security situation and that we are always a step ahead of the enemies of the state. Thus, I urge the remaining members of the NPA to surrender, lay down your arms and live peaceful lives with your families because you are waging a futile war against the duly constituted government and its people,” Burgos said.

He also reaffirmed the soldiers’ unwavering commitment to serve the people and “secure this part of our land from the communist terrorists.”

“The Filipino people’s aspiration is to continue to enjoy the fruits of peace, prosperity and development in this part of the country,” he added.

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/1076374

DND, military to play major role in Itbayat rehab: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2019): DND, military to play major role in Itbayat rehab: Lorenzana



The defense and military sectors will be playing a major role in the ongoing relief and rehabilitation of quake-battered Itbayat, Batanes.

This was disclosed by Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when asked what assistance the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) can provide to the Batanes quake victims.

"For the Itbayat victims of the recent earthquake, the following will be provided by the DND and military: 1. Search and rescue of the victims. 2. Transport of the victims from Itbayat to the Hospital in Basco. 3. Transport of relief goods and other supplies from Manila and elsewhere to Basco and then to Itbayat," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Monday.


Lorenzana added they will also be responsible for the transport of construction materials, intended for the repairs of damage government facilities and homes, from Manila and other places to Itbayat.

Aside from this, the DND and AFP will also participate along with other government agencies in the rehabilitation of the quake-battered community, he pointed out.

As this develops, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), in its 8 a.m. Monday update on the Batanes quakes, said government health facilities sustained some PHP47 million worth of damages.

This can be broken down into PHP40 million for the damages sustained by the Itbayat District Hospital and another PHP7 million for Itbayat Rural Health Unit.

Also, a total of 15 houses were reported damaged by twin tremblors along with two schools on Saturday.

The number of affected families remain at 911 which is equivalent to 2,963 individuals residing in five barangays in Itbayat. The number of deaths remained at eight, there is one person still missing and 63 others injured.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076280

BRP Davao del Sur joins Russian Navy Day celebrations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2019): BRP Davao del Sur joins Russian Navy Day celebrations



For the first time in its history, a Filipino warship, the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), participated in the Russian Navy Day celebrations in Vladisvostok, Russia on Sunday.

Lt. Randy Garbo, Naval Task Group 80.5 public affairs officer, said Filipino sailors and marines also manned the rails of the strategic sealift vessel to render honors to the passing ships of the Russian Pacific Fleet led by its head, Admiral Sergei Avakyants.

He added that the BRP Davao Del Sur, led by Commander Homer Gonzales, was in a fleet review formation along with other participating naval ships. The naval parade is considered as among the highlights of the Russian Navy Day activities.


As this develops, 45 members of Naval Task Group 80.5 headed by Captain Richard Gonzaga, together with the Vietnamese contingent, witnessed the event from the nearby waterfront along with ranking military and civilian spectators.

Navy Day is a national holiday in Russia held annually to honor the sailors in units of the Russian Navy.

Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad and his party, witnessed the main Russian Navy Day event in St. Petersburg.

"The PN’s active participation in this activity conveys the Command’s commitment to maintaining good diplomatic relations, rapport and cooperation in a regional maritime environment. It also provides our personnel and students onboard with hands-on training, competence and knowledge on naval customs and traditions," Garbo said.

The ship and the 300-man contingent aboard left Pier 13, Manila South Harbor last July 15.

It docked at Pier 33 of the Russian Navy Pacific Fleet headquarters in Vladivostok on Saturday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076284

300 SAF troops deployed on Negros Island over killings

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2019): 300 SAF troops deployed on Negros Island over killings



Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, on Monday ordered the deployment of more than 300 Special Action Force (SAF) troops to Negros Island to augment the local police in anti-criminality and internal security operations following the spate of killings in Negros Oriental.

“I have ordered the deployment of more than 300 SAF troops to Negros Island to augment local police unbits in anti-criminality and internal security operations against elements and dissident terrorist groups operating in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental,”
Albayalde told reporters during a press conference held at Camp Crame.


“The regional director (Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas) told us that their hot pursuit operations together with the AFP are continuing and that they are looking into all these killings,” he added.

Albayalde said that the local communist rebels are responsible for the series of killings.

The spate of killings occurred after four intelligence operatives of the police were tortured and killed in Barangay Mabato in Ayungon town on July 18.

From July 23 to July 28, a total of 13 people were killed; including a lawyer tagged as sympathetic to the NPA in Guihulngan City, a former mayor of Ayungon town, an incumbent councilor of Canlaon City, a barangay captain in Canlaon City, a school principal and his sister, who is an official of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Guihulngan City and a barangay captain also in Guihulngan City.

“There is also that possibility that the four police officers were tortured and summarily executed and there is also a scheme on the part of the CPP-NPA where they sacrifice their own and then blame government forces for alleged human rights violation. They are also pointing to government forces for these killings,” he explained.

In some of the killings, the gunmen would barge into the house of their target and would leave spray-painted graffiti that indicate the NPA is claiming responsibility.

"This is part of their propaganda. That they will execute their own and blame the government for it," said Albayalde.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076290

Gov’t to draw the line when people say enough of Reds’ lies

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2019): Gov’t to draw the line when people say enough of Reds’ lies



Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., (File photo)

An official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) lambasted anew militant groups pretending to be human rights defenders of the aggrieved, saying the government will set the limit if the people are fed up with communists’ deceptions.

“You have already done so much disservice to your nation with your duplicity. It’s time to let go and allow progress and genuine peace in our nation,” said Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations in a statement Monday.


He also reminded Karapatan general secretary Cristina Palabay and those who filed the petition for writ of amparo against government officials that they should know the bounds of their freedom.

Aside from Karapatan, Parlade also scored the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) for its continued silence on the series of killings in Ayungon, Negros Oriental which are mostly admitted by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) -- a terrorist organization declared by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

"In nine days, 21 people have been killed in Negros Oriental, mostly admitted by the NPA but Karapatan's Cristina Palabay and NUPL officials are mum about it, except for the lawyer killed, where they put the blame on the government, because the NPAs did not admit to it. Earlier four cops were tortured and summarily executed, with one whose throat was slit. If you are true to your advocacy why so silent?" he said.

He added that this lack of reaction from so-called human right defenders is in sharp contrast to the former US Ambassador John Maisto's pronouncements that, "If you are really interested in human rights, you are going to be interested in violations of human rights from whatever sources it is coming from."

Militants’ claims that the AFP is engaged in wanton human rights violations and abuses, Parlade said, have been rendered irrelevant as the military was recently was adjudged one of the top ten agencies of the government, as far as service and professionalism is concerned, by the Executive Outlook Survey of the Makati Business Club (MBC).

"You should welcome that development because that should keep you safer on the streets, even while you continue to air falsehoods. The world already knows that you do this only to mulct funds from European states and international organizations," he added.

Parlade also reminded communist rebel sympathizers that the CPP-NPA is very brutal and exploitative and known for sacrificing its own people for propaganda purposes.

"For this reason, we expect you to heed the call of the church leaders, stop your own colleagues in the CPP from killing more people. We recall again how the NPAs killed CPP cadre (Randy) Malayao in Nueva Viscaya, for sexual and financial opportunism, then blame the security sector. Need we cite all of those killed under similar circumstances? Listen to the IPs who recently came back from US tell the world the real story. They are the real victims, not the thousands you say were victims of militarization in Mindanao. Not the fake 'bakwits' orchestrated by the CPP," he added.

Malayao, 49, was shot and killed while aboard a passenger bus in Nueva Vizcaya last January 30. He was a National Democratic Front panel consultant on political and constitutional reforms under the Duterte administration.

"Your lolo (grandfather) from Utrecht, (CPP founding chair) Jose Maria Sison must be reeling off from disappointment out of this report on the AFP. Remember that the safer our situation in the Philippines become, the more likely that the European Union Court will rule on sending JMS to the Philippines, in order for him to answer for all his crimes against the Filipino people. 'Joma' Sison can no longer invoke the 'non-refoulement' clause’," he said.

Parlade added that the recent accolades given by the MBC to the military debunks claims that the present government is repressive.

"The report about the AFP debunks your claim that we have a repressive and tyrant government. Far from that, we allow critics and Joma's ilks like Palabay and the Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc, and their progressive allies in the media and the opposition, to continue to air their grievances and even lies. Up to a certain point this is still healthy for democracy," the NTF ELCAC official said.

Quoting the late US Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Parlade said “the greater the number of complaints filed, the better protected human rights are.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076315

Navy units now helping in Batanes quake relief efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2019): Navy units now helping in Batanes quake relief efforts



Naval units are now being deployed to help the residents of quake-battered Itbayat town in Batanes province.

"Units under Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) stationed in Itbayat collaborated with the local DRRMC (Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council) in the conduct of relief and rescue operations immediately after the earthquake struck," Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Captain Jonathan Zata said in a statement forwarded to reporters Monday.

Also, follow-on units such as relief-and -rescue and medical teams as well as command-and-control units, headed by NFNL deputy commander, Captain Karl Decapia, who is also Naval Task Force 11 head, already arrived in Itbayat on Sunday.

Zata added that the PN is also preparing BRP Tarlac (LD-601), one of its two strategic sealift vessels, to help in the ongoing relief operations.

"BRP Tarlac is currently taking on additional relief goods, equipment, and personnel. Itbayat LGU would also need assistance in the restoration efforts later on," he said.

A series of earthquakes hit Itbayat early Saturday, the first one with a magnitude of 5.4, damaging several stone houses and other structures while most of the residents were still asleep.

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake again struck after three hours.

A third earthquake struck at 9:24 a.m. with a magnitude of 5.8 while a weaker 4.9-magnitude tremor was recorded at 6:11 p.m.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076306

ASG member nabbed in Mandaluyong City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 29, 2019): ASG member nabbed in Mandaluyong City



Eastern Police District (EPD) director, Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan. (File photo)

Authorities nabbed on Sunday a suspected member of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Mandaluyong City.

Eastern Police District (EPD) director, Brig. Gen. Nolasco Bathan identified on Monday the suspect as Imran Sala-In Mutahayin, 24, who is based in Basilan.


He was arrested during an operation conducted by police officers in Barangay Barangka Ibaba around 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

Prior to his arrest, Mutahayin was the subject of a manhunt conducted by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD)-District Special Operating Unit (DSOU) in Barangay Kalawaan, Pasig City but he escaped.

Mutahayin has a standing arrest warrant for murder issued by the Basilan Regional Trial Court in Isabela City.

The suspected ASG bandit is currently detained at the EPD police station for documentation and elicitation of his factual personal identity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076331