No foreign troops, nuclear warheads on Pag-asa island

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 9, 2019): No foreign troops, nuclear warheads on Pag-asa island – PRRD

The Philippines will prohibit the deployment of foreign troops in Pag-asa Island as well as oppose the entry of nuclear-powered missile systems in any part of the country, President Duterte declared Thursday night.

A Filipino soldier patrols at the shore of Pagasa island (Thitu Island) (REUTERS/Ritchie B. Tongo/Pool/File Photo/File Photo / MANILA BULLETIN)

The President said only the deployment of Filipino troops would be allowed on the Philippine-controlled island in the West Philippine Sea, insisting the country’s ownership of the territory.

“Even before, we were claiming it. Pag-asa has been there for 74 years? Ah that’s – 1974 rather. We already claimed Pag-asa, occupied, that’s why there’s a base there,” Duterte said during an interview with reporters at the Palace Thursday night.

“But I’d like to assure also. I would not allow any foreign troops. I do not want trouble. Not the Chinese, not the Koreans, not the Americans, not anybody else except Filipino troops,” he added.

The President is also opposed to any installation of missile systems including nuclear weapons by foreign allies in the country. “It is not allowed under our Constitution to be placing nuclear weapons here,” he insisted.

He made clear that his opposition to the installation of missile systems was not only directed to the United States but also Russia and China.

“I’m responding to all, not only the Americans. Russians, China. I will not allow the deployment of nuclear warheads because it is not allowed by our Constitution and we – I do not want it,” he said.

Early this week, the President asserted he would never allow the United States to install missile systems in the country. Although he recognizes the mutual defense treaty with the United States, he said installing nuclear arsenal in the country is against the Constitution.

 

Duterte declared his stand after US Defense Secretary Mark Esper earlier announced he was amenable to deploying ground-based missiles in Asia “sooner rather than later” apparently to counter the rise of China. Esper did not say where the weapons will be based although some suspect that Asian allies like Japan and Australia could be among the deployment sites.

Esper’s announcement came after the Trump administration pulled out of Cold War-era arms control treaty with Russia.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/08/09/no-foreign-troops-nuclear-warheads-on-pag-asa-island-prrd/

Philippine Defense Chief Accuses Communist Rebels of Using Child Soldiers

From BenarNews (Aug 8, 2019): Philippine Defense Chief Accuses Communist Rebels of Using Child Soldiers

New People's Army guerrillas march in the Sierra Madre mountain range, east of Manila, July 30, 2017.  AFP

The Philippine defense chief on Thursday slammed communist guerrillas for allegedly carrying on with recruiting child soldiers from school campuses, making the comments a day after senators held a hearing into minors being indoctrinated by leftist groups.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its New People’s Army (NPA) had recruited minors for decades, but the ongoing practice now shows “growing desperation” among the guerrillas and their “tremendously” diminished influence, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

Among those targeted for recruitment are mostly poverty-stricken minors, who are drawn into the outlawed CPP through “deceptive recruitment” by front organizations and later find themselves on the frontlines of guerrilla activities, Lorenzana said in a statement.

“Using legal front organizations that purportedly advance the people’s democratic rights, they have freely operated in democratic spaces, such as campuses and vulnerable communities, to lure our citizens into joining sectoral organizations and eventually, the armed movement,” Lorenzana said in a statement, referring to the CPP, NPA, and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, a coalition of leftist groups.

The leadership of these groups “does not care for the lives of children, since they will use anyone to forward their selfish agenda,” the Philippine defense chief said.

Captured rebels who have joined the government’s rehabilitation program have attested that they have been fighting since their teens, as young as 14 or 15, Lorenzana said, without providing more details.

The ex-guerrillas told investigators that they were initially kept as companions by the NPA to do menial jobs before they received firearms training and were ordered to fight, Lorenzana said.

“That is why the defense and military establishments are very vocal against the deceptive recruitment of young Filipinos in our schools and other institutions, and strongly condemn the abhorrent practice of using children in armed conflict,” he added.

Lorenzana issued the statement after a series of incidents since April where minors from the NPA ranks were involved in armed clashes with government forces.

He also made the comments after a Senate panel heard testimony on Wednesday from parents whose children had allegedly been recruited by leftist groups, including the communists, from high school and university campuses.

Lorenzana did not give an estimate on the number of children fighting for the communist guerrillas. Military estimates placed the NPA strength at more than 5,000 men scattered in more than 60 guerrilla fronts throughout the Philippines.

In March, government security officials claimed that the Maoist-inspired rebels had been recruiting volunteers for a series of protest rallies purportedly to raise awareness on indigenous rights in the southern Mindanao region. A local tribal chieftain had told the military about the plan, and a raid was carried out at a nearby village that led to the discovery of some firearms.

NPA fighters were later cornered and surrendered, among them a 15-year-old girl who was the group’s acting medic. She later told officers that she had been with the NPA’s care since she was a toddler. Two other teens were also captured.

Communist rebel spokesmen were not immediately available for comment.

Shortly after assuming office in 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte, a self-described leftist, opened peace talks with the CPP and released dozens of detained insurgent leaders as a goodwill measure.

The relationship soured months later when the rebels were accused of prolonging their attacks in remote areas of the country, despite the peace talks.

Duterte subsequently ended the negotiations formally after communist rebels were linked in an alleged plot with the political opposition to unseat him

The phenomenon of “child soldiers” has long been a problem in the Philippines, where military officials say extreme poverty in rural areas often drives many youngsters to join armed groups in the hopes of bettering their lives.

Apart from the NPA, which has been waging Asia’s longest-running insurgency since the 1960s, groups such as the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group and other Islamic State-allied organizations often entice the young with promises of a better life.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/philippines-communists-08082019124429.html

Joma Sison: NDFP negotiators' visit to Manila ‘impossible’ for now

From GMA News (Aug 9, 2019): Joma Sison: NDFP negotiators' visit to Manila ‘impossible’ for now
National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief peace negotiator Fidel Agcaoili and NDFP senior adviser to the negotiating panel Luis Jalandoni will not be visiting Manila to talk peace with the government, according to Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison.

"Duterte underestimates the revolutionary integrity, long experience and intelligence of the NDFP by presuming that Agcaoili and Jalandoni will walk into his trap and slaughterhouse in Manila," Sison said in a statement.

He underscored that a visit to Manila should not be expected unless Duterte removes the "despotic" measures that he implemented such as the Proclamation No. 360 which terminated peace negotiations, and Proclamation No. 374 which branded the CPP and its armed wing New People's Army (NPA) as "terrorist" organizations.

"GRP-NDFP peace negotiations and the Manila visit of Agcaoili and Jalandoni are impossible so long as Duterte is in power and does not remove the aforesaid obstacles that he himself is responsible for," Sison said.

He added that The Hague Joint Declaration, as well as other agreements, must first be reaffirmed.

"Otherwise the NDFP cannot do anything else but to further strengthen the Filipino people and the broad united front in their resolve and movement to oust the tyrannical, traitorous, brutal, corrupt and mendacious Duterte regime," Sison said.

On Thursday, Duterte said that the communist rebels insist on resuming peace talks.

“I don’t know but they are insisting on resuming the talks and ‘yung iba, I will not mention the name, they want to come home to talk. Sabi ko okay lang,” the President said in a speech.

He, afterward, said that Agcaoili and Jalandoni wanted to return to the Philippines.

The two, along with NDFP negotiating panel member Coni Ledesma, previously called off plans to visit Manila in November 2018 due to security concerns.

In 2017, Duterte terminated peace talks with the Reds through the Proclamation No. 360.

Last March, he said that the communist rebels should just probably talk to the next administration.

"I would like to announce that I am no longer entertaining any interventions or maybe persuasions in this democratic state of the Republic of the Philippines. My sense is that you can maybe talk to the next president of this republic one day," Duterte said.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/703957/joma-sison-ndfp-negotiators-visit-to-manila-impossible-for-now/story/

Lorenzana pushes for amendments to 'toothless' Human Security Act

From GMA News Online (Aug 9, 2019): Lorenzana pushes for amendments to 'toothless' Human Security Act
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Friday said he would recommend the lifting of martial law in Mindanao if amendments to the existing Human Security Act are passed by Congress.

"Because...the current security act is currently unhelpful to our enforcement agencies. Walang ngipin. It's a toothless Human Security Act," Lorenzana said in an interview on ANC.

"We need [to be] a little bit more stringent so that the enforcement agencies like the police or even the military are not afraid to enforce the law," he added.

Mindanao has been under martial law since May 23, 2017 when members of the ISIS-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City, sparking a months-long armed conflict.

Lorenzana said he has pushed for a tougher Human Security Law during a previous Senate hearing.

"I told him (senator) if they can pass an amended Human Security Law, immediately I'm going to recommend the lifting of martial law," he said.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/704001/lorenzana-pushes-for-amendments-to-toothless-human-security-act/story/

AFP: No violence from NPA in Cordillera for six months

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 9, 2019): AFP: No violence from NPA in Cordillera for six months

BAGUIO CITY — Communist rebels have not clashed with soldiers for the past six months in the Cordillera mountains, prior to the August 6 attack on a human rights worker in Ifugao, according to the latest military reports.
Only 84 armed members of the New People’s Army have been tallied in upland provinces, and have generally taken a low profile to regroup, replenish resources and recruit new members, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said during the Thursday quarterly assembly of the Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council at the Presidential Mansion.

“As evident by the decreased number of monitored activities of [the Nona del Rosario Command operating in two Ifugao towns and two towns in Nueva Vizcaya],” the military believes the command’s 17 rebels there have pulled back to a town bordering Ifugao and Benguet province where “they are more secure.”

The Leonardo Pacsi Command which the army dubbed Marco, that operates in 6 towns of Mountain Province and two towns in Ifugao, and the Lejo Cawilan Command dubbed Baggas, which operates in four towns and a city in Kalinga province, have been steering clear of military presence near their areas, the report says.

But their “non-violent activities” suggest the rebels are still trying to expand their base towards other upland towns as well as neighboring provinces, it adds.

The military has also kept tabs on the rebel command dubbed Ampis, which operates in two Mountain Province towns, a town in Benguet province, two towns in Ilocos Sur and a town in Abra, as well as members of the Danilo Ben Command who have operated in four towns of Apayao province and five towns in Cagayan province.

The military report did not make any reference to American Brandon Lee, who has been hospitalized for serious gun injuries after he was attacked on Thursday in Lagawe, Ifugao.

Lee is a paralegal volunteer of the Ifugao Peasant Movement, who was allegedly being tailed by army soldiers in Ifugao, according to the Cordillera Human Rights Alliance.

Earlier at the Mansion, Abra Gov. Joy Bernos almost delayed the confirmation of private sector representatives selected to join the Cordillera Regional Development Council (RDC), saying she did not want the body to be infiltrated by the Left.

Bernos urged the RDC to postpone the inclusion of 10 sector members until the military and the police verifies if they have sympathies or affiliations with leftist organizations.

She was supported by police and military officers at the meeting, but a majority of the RDC members voted to proceed with the confirmation of representatives of six Cordillera provinces, and sectors for indigenous peoples, the environment, economic development and social development.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1152251/afp-no-violence-from-npa-in-cordillera-for-six-months

AFP-CRS: Armed Forces of the Philippines is one with the nation in the celebration of "NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY"

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Armed Forces of the Philippines is one with the nation in the celebration of "NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY"



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2629193730432668/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Mothers of missing students recruited by leftist group recount ordeal (2)

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Mothers of missing students recruited by leftist group recount ordeal (2)



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2628852070466834/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Robin Padilla joins relief mission in Maguindanao

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Robin Padilla joins relief mission in Maguindanao



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2628863637132344/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Mothers of missing students recruited by leftist group recount ordeal (1)

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Mothers of missing students recruited by leftist group recount ordeal (1)



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2628855557133152/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: 2 Barangays declare CPP-NPA as persona non-grata in Surigao Norte

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): 2 Barangays declare CPP-NPA as persona non-grata in Surigao Norte



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2628851337133574/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: PHILIPPINE NAVY commissions first modern corvette into fleet

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): PHILIPPINE NAVY commissions first modern corvette into fleet



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2628850537133654/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Intel network vs Terrorists palalakasin

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Intel network vs Terrorists palalakasin



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2628845713800803/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Defense Chief on President's silence on the Peace Talks with CPP-NPA in the 2019 SONA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Defense Chief on President's silence on the Peace Talks with CPP-NPA in the 2019 SONA



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2628806847138023/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: 513 kabataan na-recruit ng CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): 513 kabataan na-recruit ng CPP-NPA



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2629114353773939/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: SND Statement on the recruitment of minors by the CPP-NPA-NDF (2)

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): SND Statement on the recruitment of minors by the CPP-NPA-NDF (2)



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2629123393773035/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS:LGUs crucial in ending insurgency in Negros Oriental

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): LGUs crucial in ending insurgency in Negros Oriental



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2629124497106258/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: St. Luke’s to offer world-class medical expertise to Army personnel and dependents

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): St. Luke’s to offer world-class medical expertise to Army personnel and dependents



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2629126303772744/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Leftist groups: Explain recruitment of minors

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Leftist groups: Explain recruitment of minors



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2629118943773480/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Ex-BIFF rebels get aid from Maguindanao provincial government

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Ex-BIFF rebels get aid from Maguindanao provincial government



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2629120460439995/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Elago's ‘no-show’ in Senate hearing disappointing

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Elago's ‘no-show’ in Senate hearing disappointing



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2629122533773121/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: SND Statement on the recruitment of minors by the CPP-NPA-NDF (1)

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): SND Statement on the recruitment of minors by the CPP-NPA-NDF (1)



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2629123993772975/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

AFP-CRS: Local terrorists, CNT supporters surrender in Lanao del sur

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Local terrorists, CNT supporters surrender in Lanao del sur



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2629125590439482/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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

PA: Philippine and Indonesian army agree to strengthen cooperation against terrorism

Posted to the Philippine Army Facebook Page (Aug 7, 2019):Philippine and Indonesian army agree to strengthen cooperation against terrorism

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Commandant of the Indonesian Army Command and General Staff College (IACGSC) Maj. Gen. Kurnia Dewantara paid a courtesy call to the Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Jesus B. Sarsagat here today, August 7, 2019.

The two senior leaders discussed the continuous cooperation of the two armies to combat terrorism through the conduct of various training exchanges here in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Dewantara is in the country heading a 61-member delegation from the IACGSC for an Overseas Study Tour from August 5 to August 9. The program aims to expose the students from the Indonesian Army to a holistic approach in international military affairs. It also aims to further strengthen the current ties of the Philippine Army and the Indonesian Army when it comes to training exchanges.

“We agree that the cooperation between Indonesia and Philippines should be maintained because we face the same threat of terrorism. Through these training exchanges, we are able to learn from each other to develop the best approach to fight it and then solve the problem together,” said Dewantara.

“As we face terrorism, we also have to deal with new threats like in cybersecurity. The Philippine Army also sees the importance of strengthening our information sharing and exchanges of intelligence as a way to defeat terrorism,” said Sarsagat. “We have sent our soldiers in Indonesia and they are learning a lot from your experiences in fighting terrorism,” he added.

After the courtesy call, the delegation was given a command briefing to acquaint them with the Philippine Army’s mission, functions, and organization.#




https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2323207661261112/2323207531261125/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2323207661261112/2323207574594454/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2323207661261112/2323207557927789/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2323207661261112/2323207597927785/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2323207661261112/2323207531261125/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/?__tn__=kCH-R&eid=ARAwNBAn2uzEmnuuqazGN-Ix8tX857toex4PBCISEorW3jlWnI1Twoal2IXNKo-5FRgmqafBXi5J2Kjk&hc_ref=ARQQ_nxakTELSYsn23ITZxno1WbsKJrTKPlR0MPMZ6vlT7QTewFOEzJIda_dot4r8e0&fref=nf

PA: US National Defense University delegates learn Army counterinsurgency efforts

Posted to the Philippine Army Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): US National Defense University delegates learn Army counterinsurgency efforts

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Delegates from the United States National Defense University College of International Security Affairs (US NDU-CISA) met with the Philippine Army (PA) Senior Officers to discuss the Army’s counterinsurgency efforts here yesterday, August 8.

Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto welcomed the delegates who aim to coordinate a Mobile Education and Training in the Philippines next year through their three-day visit that started last August 7.

During the courtesy call, Chair of Department of War and Conflict Studies, CISA, Dr. Kirklin J. Bateman, recognized the effective results of the Army’s civil-military operations through the whole-of-nation approach that addresses the root causes of insurgency in the country.

Alberto and the other PA senior officers also shared additional insights on the command’s experiences on issues pertaining to drug-funded terrorism and efforts on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism.

"The Philippine Army’s engagement with its other stakeholders strengthens not only the relationship of both parties, but also supports the bigger picture of combatting terrorism and attaining peace by developing solutions as created by the two countries’ shared knowledge and experiences", said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, the Army spokesperson.#




https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2324397851142093/2324397511142127/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2324397851142093/2324397601142118/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2324397851142093/2324397631142115/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2324397851142093/2324397541142124/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/?__tn__=kCH-R&eid=ARAwNBAn2uzEmnuuqazGN-Ix8tX857toex4PBCISEorW3jlWnI1Twoal2IXNKo-5FRgmqafBXi5J2Kjk&hc_ref=ARQQ_nxakTELSYsn23ITZxno1WbsKJrTKPlR0MPMZ6vlT7QTewFOEzJIda_dot4r8e0&fref=nf

PA: Army Reservist Robin Padilla reaches out to Muslim youth in Sulu to promote peace

Posted to the Philippine Army Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): Army Reservist Robin Padilla reaches out to Muslim youth in Sulu to promote peace

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Actor and Army reservist Robin Padilla challenged the Muslim youth to denounce violent extremism during his visit at the Vicariate Gym and Sulu State College in Jolo, Sulu yesterday, August 9, 2019.

As part of the Philippine Army's thrusts in Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), Padilla volunteered to appear before the people of Sulu as a Peace Ambassador to encourage the youth against false Islamic teachings.

"Ang tunay na jihad ay hindi giyera kundi ang pagbabago sa sarili. Dahil sa Islam, there is no compulsion in religion, walang pilitan. Islam is all about love," expressed Padilla. “[Sa mga taga-Jolo] tayo ay mga Muslim. Kahit anong sabihin natin, kahit anong tribu man o kahit ano ka, Muslim tayo. Yung brotherhood, sisterhood ang purpose natin [is to] defend Islam. Kung sino yung mga taong sumisira sa Islam, yun dapat ang pinagtutulugan natin na maayos. Yun ang impact nito. Hindi pwedeng ang message ng Islam ay terrorism. Hindi tayo dapat pumayag noon. Hindi yun ang Islam eh.”

PCVE is part of the Community Support Program of the Army which aims to prevent recruitment and the radicalization of members of local communities, especially the youth. About 2200 youth were among the participants during the talk where Padilla discussed the essence of being a Muslim.

After his talk, Padilla also paid a visit to the Headquarters of the 11th Infantry “Alakdan” Division, whose troops are the frontliners in the fight against terrorist groups in Sulu.

“The Philippine Army is grateful to Mr. Robin Padilla for helping us in educating our youth about the real message of Islam. We agree with him that violence has no place in our society, just as we stress that the last thing that a soldier wants to do is to fight. We firmly believe that we can end violent extremism by protecting our youth from being radicalized, and the Army is fully committed to accomplish that at all costs," Lt. Col. Ramon P. Zagala, Army Spokesperson.#




https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2324541687794376/2324541257794419/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2324541687794376/2324541304461081/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2324541687794376/2324541281127750/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/pcb.2324541687794376/2324541337794411/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/?__tn__=kCH-R&eid=ARAwNBAn2uzEmnuuqazGN-Ix8tX857toex4PBCISEorW3jlWnI1Twoal2IXNKo-5FRgmqafBXi5J2Kjk&hc_ref=ARQQ_nxakTELSYsn23ITZxno1WbsKJrTKPlR0MPMZ6vlT7QTewFOEzJIda_dot4r8e0&fref=nf&__xts__[0]=68.ARAMMx6rYWTbs2wtT0OjZukpzdhHaJBWPnh_9ZxRe-F2lgkeNjmhiFxOfxlyIHJvVLgpjCyMxhqOqzS9U3LpQaqkXHauNdAToOfDki4lBZDPdrQV6dSsPr9Cjby6tUDT2sBYtOvwgPaP-AZ9Nunq28mxTd-od-f0WKBkVcZIGczogieLAD0CXc2ry75RDXECyOUHvTJYuvXe_jfkUg9SxPtwe5-hjYSaC33ijlUwn0GtIlg65qvZQpvOxpWscBqiwQVMSAu7FYfBMAX_fuFjnoUyUz5zchq5ZclF7QO8UfFtz4Qnp1eSj5Q2uQ35YAVh0KYdr8DojQpTyKtJZjCwtqGfltsIp6GzypCxWUN--fAbe65Xjnvj_CmY-Hjo8Hdyab2e-G6FRKhX7YS3SaFny4w7qbGNyjDww-i7g7I2KIRKSlwqNcVv3IwV0YhvDqp_jmZ_OCUE_ATBAGTLCxC-tiqQCaXuR9f7C6_IRcHBa6IANjBmKROV0ad-gA

Balik Loob: United effort from government and citizens will help end communist rebellion

Posted to the Task Force Balik Loob Facebook Page (Aug 9, 2019): United effort from government and citizens will help end communist rebellion

As municipalities and barangays from different regions in the country declare CPP-NDF-NPA persona non-grata, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government (SILG), Sec. Eduardo Año, stresses that united effort from the government and citizens will help end rebellion.

#ECLIP
#BalikLoob
#BalikPamilya
#UniteForPeace

https://www.facebook.com/balikloobph/photos/a.247670742482572/453354598580851/?type=3&theater

[Task Force Balik-Loob was created by virtue of Administrative Order No 10 dated 03 April 2018 as a central coordinating body to supervise the government’s reintegration efforts for members of the CPP-NPA-NDF including their immediate family members.]

https://www.facebook.com/balikloobph/?__tn__=kCH-R&eid=ARB_qtPE6wJlDQ2y3VAEUXf8o46iC5tAUH9OAFn2XeS-sPs9MH8cSO3rji-wCzc5buEkH-zPuzeFqExf&hc_ref=ARSEvPHB7RQ-JegkUVIli8pbXRi6sbReT-TWcii77Epvt4y5lZz0uBHk98FSTG1ytL4&fref=nf

Kalinaw News: Four Communist NPA surrenders, yields arms cache

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 9, 2019): Four Communist NPA surrenders, yields arms cache

CAMP SANG-ANG, Labangan, ZDS – Four Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) surrendered and yielded arms cache to Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay Province, Thursday, August 8, 2019.

Two of the surrenderees were amazons, one of which is a team leader, while the other one is a medic.

According to Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo the surrenderees immediately revealed the location of the arms cache that consists one M14, one AK-47, one Carbine rifle, one calibre 38 revolver.

Two land mines, ammunitions, three cellphones and subversive documents with high intelligence value were also surrendered by the CNTs to the troops.

“Based on our initial debriefing, they’ve heard that their surrendered comrades felt the sincerity of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) intended for the former rebels”, Templonuevo said.

“The four connived, find ways to escape from the group and surrendered to our troops”, Templonuevo added.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, who has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga Sibugay said that, “we expect a snowball of surrenderees in the coming days as we’ve already created the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, part of the Executive Order 70 signed by our President”.

“We also anticipate that the four surrendered CNTs will encourage some of their comrades to follow their path”, Gaerlan added.

As of this year, 31 CNTs already surrendered to 102nd Infantry Brigade.

For his part, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded the troops for the successful surrender of the CNTs and the recovery of firearms in an arms cache.

“We also recognized the efforts of the government agencies who were part of the Regional Task Forces – ELCAC 9 and E-CLIP that sincerely welcomed our long lost brothers and sisters who have been victims of lies and deceit and wanted another chance to live peacefully”, added Ancan.

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.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/four-communist-npa-surrenders-yields-arms-cache/

Kalinaw News: 4th Infantry Division empowers task force on ending local communist armed conflict focal persons

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 9, 2019): 4th Infantry Division empowers task force on ending local communist armed conflict focal persons

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – With the full implementation of Executive Order 70 in Northern Mindanao and CARAGA Region, the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army conducted a 2-day Seminar and Workshop to the Focal Persons of the Brigades and Battalions held at the Division Clubhouse last August 05-06, 2019.

82 members of the Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) composed of Officers and Enlisted Personnel from the 4ID line units attended the said seminar and workshop.

With the objective to thoroughly impart to the participants the purpose and other essential information about TF-ELCAC, the Focal Persons created outputs to on how effectively implement the programs on the ground in collaboration with the concerned Local Government Units (LGUs), Local Government Agencies (LGAs), CSOs, POs and partner stakeholders.

Maj Kristopper Porras, Operations Officer of 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade said, “The activity is very fruitful and informative. We really need to understand the dynamics of TF-ELCAC for us to identify whom we should collaborate with and how to implement it on the ground properly in order for us to accomplish the given mission.”

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, Commander of the 4th ID said, “We have seen the dedication and hard work of the LGUs, LGAs and other stakeholders in their respective roles in ending local insurgency and we must reciprocate their efforts through capacitating our troops.” “We must continue our convergence of efforts backed with the Community Support Programs to bring the sustained delivery of basic services and social development packages in conflict affected areas and geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas so that peace and development will be attained by Regions 10 and CARAGA by year end 2019,” Gacal ended.

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

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/4th-infantry-division-empowers-task-force-on-ending-local-communist-armed-conflict-focal-persons/

Kalinaw News: 29th Infantry Battalion yields another batch of graduates of skills training in Agusan del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 9, 2019): 29th Infantry Battalion yields another batch of graduates of skills training in Agusan del Norte

CABADBARAN CITY, August 06– The 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion in partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other stakeholders of the province yields another batch of graduates of the skills training at the municipality of Santiago, Agusan del Norte on August 3, 2019.

A total of 151 beneficiaries composed of 105 graduates of Basic Driving and 46 graduates of Table Skirting completed the training and received their certificates. Their completion of the training marks another chapter in their life with regard to their personal development.

This activity is aligned with the Community Support Program (CSP) of the Philippine Army which makes use of the government’s development programs to address the known issues and concerns of certain barangays within the Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs).

Jie Anne G. Monton, one of the students of table skirting said, “Dako kayo ko ug pasalamat sa 29IB ug sa TESDA nga nagpahigayon niini. Tungod ani mitaas akong kumpyansa sa akong kaugalingon ug Pag-asa nga makakita ug mas maayong trabaho pinaagi niining akong Nakat-onan nga mkatabang sa pagpalambo sa akong pangibabuhian labi na sa pariha nako nga wala nakitiwas sa akong pagtuon. (I am very thankful to the 29IB and TESDA for conducting this training. Because of this, I gained confidence. I hope that I will be able to find a better job through the learning that I have gained. When I get a job, I will improve my way of living, considering that I wasn’t able to finish my studies.)”

Hon. Merly M. Quiaman, Brgy Captain of San Isidro said, “Dako akong pasalamat sa mga stakeholders ilabi na sa 29IB na nangulo sa pagpahigayon niini nga ginbuhaton. Pinaagi niini, mahimo akong makatukod o kaha mupahigayon ug usa ka programang pangpanginabuhian na mamahimong dakong tabang sa brgy sa paghulma ug produktibong katawhan. (I am very thankful to all the stakeholders especially to the 29IB who facilitated this activity. Through this, I can initiate livelihood programs which will be of great help to the barangay in making its citizens productive.)”

Lt.Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer, 29IB said that “We share the same objectives; first is economic progress, second is inclusive peace and lastly, sustainable development. Given this, let us work together in unity to support these good projects and programs of our government.”

“Rest assured that the 29IB troopers will continue to extend our support to whatever positive endeavors you will organize to provide opportunities for every Agusanon especially those living in the far-flung areas”, Criste added.

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

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/29th-infantry-battalion-yields-another-batch-of-graduates-of-skills-training-in-agusan-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: 29th Infantry Battalion, PNP, LGU mold another batch of youth leaders in AgNor

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 9, 2019): 29th Infantry Battalion, PNP, LGU mold another batch of youth leaders in AgNor

DEL PILAR, Cabadbaran City, August 4, 2019 – The 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion in partnership with the PNP and the Local Government Unit molds another batch of youth leaders as they formally close the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) at the municipality of Remedios Trinidad Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte on August 4, 2019.

Hon. Richard P. Daquipil, Municipal Mayor of RTR graced the closing ceremony of the three-day YLS which was conducted from August 2-4, 2019 and attended by 132 youth leaders coming from the three Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs) in the barangays of RTR namely: San Antonio, Tagbungabong and Balang-balang.

The YLS aims to level up the leadership skills of the youth for them to effectively work towards peaceful nation-building and fostering a drug-free community, and to develop them to become role models for other youths.

A certain Mary Jane, one of the YLS participants said in her message, “Dako akong pasalamat sa 29IB, PNP ug pagamhanan sa RTR tungod nianing YLS nga ginbuhaton nga siyang mitabang para maabrihan ang among alimpatakan sa kamatuoran nga walay maayong tumong ang NPA sa amo ug sa among brgy. ug dili namo pagatugutan pag usab nga malingla nila kami, kahibalo nami sa kamatuoran. (I extend my deepest gratitude to the soldiers of 29IB, PNP and LGU of RTR. Because of this activity, we realized that the NPA will not do any good to us and our barangay. We will no longer allow them to deceive us, for we already know the truth.)”

Hon. Bernarditha B. Daquipil, Sangguniang Member of RTR said in her message, “ Dili nato pasagdan nga tangtangon sa mga NPA ang atong prinsipyo dapat magkahiusa ta nga mubarog para batukan ang sakto ng kamaturan. Kamo ang makaawhag sa inyong isig ka kabatan-on nga unta magkahiusa ta para ang kalinaw makab-ot sa atong munisipyo sa RTR. (Let us not allow the NPA to take away our principles, but rather let us all take a stand in upholding that which is good and true. You are the ones who can help encourage other youths to cooperate to attain peace in the municipality of RTR.)”

Hon. Daquipil, Municipal Mayor of RTR said in his message, “This YLS activity will help you widen your perception of your role in the community and help you learn how to become strong and productive citizens of your barangay.”

Lt.Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB emphasized the importance of the young people in his message, saying “YOUTH, always bear in mind that the greatest wealth and strength of any nation is YOU. The quality of a nation’s youth determines the kind of future the nation will have. And the best and foremost way to strengthen you is to educate you. Not just with any kind of education, but the right kind of education such as this YLS which will equip you in making the right choices and decisions and for you to avoid being deceived by the NPA.”

29th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
MAJ RONALD C PUTOL (INF) PA
Civil Military Operations Officer
Contact Number: ‎09173065872

[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.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/29th-infantry-battalion-pnp-lgu-mold-another-batch-of-youth-leaders-in-agnor/