Abra province declares NPA, CPP, NDFP ‘persona non grata’

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 9, 2019): Abra province declares NPA, CPP, NDFP ‘persona non grata’

BANGUED, Abra – Members of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Abra have declared the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and the left leaning organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) “persona non grata,” according to the Philippine Army based here.

First Lieutenant John Rey F. Barro, civil military operations officer (CMOO) of the 24th Infantry Battalion (24IB)confirmed on Monday the approval of the declaration of the Leftist groups as persona non grata in Abra in a recent meeting of the PPOC.

He added that the officials of the 27 towns of Abra have approved similar resolutions, declaring these groups as unwelcome in their respective areas.

“The Abra residents said the presence of the CPP-NPA –NDF (CNN) members in Abra are threats that hinder the continuous peace and development in the province,” said Barro.

“Just like in the Province of Abra; due to the atrocities and deceptions they (CPP-NPA-NDF) had brought to the province, these had caused worries and fear most especially to the populace who lives in the far-flung areas that only wants to have a peaceful life,” said Lieutenant Colonel Jearie Boy P. Faminial, 24IB commander.

“Preventing the entry and unwelcoming the presence of the members of CPP-NPA-NDF in the whole Province of Abra is the essence and product of the optimistic ideas of the local government in the province and I hope that we will not stop pursuing our goals to make Abra a peaceful and ready for continuous development in order for the people to enjoy and live a harmonious life in their ancestral land,” Faminial said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/09/09/abra-province-declares-npa-cpp-ndfp-persona-non-grata/

PH asks EU to revoke Joma’s refugee status

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 9, 2019): PH asks EU to revoke Joma’s refugee status

MANILA, Philippines — The government is seeking the revocation by the European Union of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison’s refugee status.

In an interview aired on Sunday over radio station dzBB, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said that he had spoken with a deputy ambassador of the European Union to ask that Sison’s status as a refugee in the Netherlands be revoked so he could be extradited to the Philippines to face charges filed against him.

Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina ordered last month the arrest of Sison and some 30 others for multiple murder in connection with the 2006 discovery of a mass grave in Inopacan, Leyte.

According to Año, it was a “good development” to bring back Sison and the other communist leaders to jail.

He claimed that the European Union’s response to his request was, so far, positive, adding that the EU assured its cooperation with the government’s efforts.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/179741/ph-asks-eu-to-revoke-jomas-refugee-status

PTSD-stricken PH soldiers caught between nightmares and machismo

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 9, 2019): PTSD-stricken PH soldiers caught between nightmares and machismo (By: Cathy Cañares Yamsuan)

(Editor’s Note: The identities and assignments of the soldiers in this report are kept vague in order to protect their privacy.)

(Last of two parts)

One month into the siege of Marawi City in 2017, “Big Daddy” started showing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which occurs when someone who experiences or witnesses a harrowing event is unable to recover from the distress.

The night after Maute terrorists brandished the black Islamic State flag around Marawi, Big Daddy saw his commanding officer (CO) bleed to death from enemy fire.

Big Daddy himself nearly died when a terrorist’s bullet hit him in the neck. The wound has long healed but he has yet to fully overcome the trauma of that gunfight.

A month after Big Daddy’s emergency surgery, his CO began appearing in his dreams, telling him to get up, they had something to do: “Bumangon ka, lalakad tayo.”

Thenceforth he was able to sleep for only two to three hours, usually in the day. There were intrusions—sudden and involuntary mental images—of his CO dying, gasping for air.

Speaking in Filipino and English, he said: “It was like a stain that I wanted to rub off. I would not tell my wife and three children when I visited. I didn’t want them to have a different view of me. I said I was doing office work the whole time.”

Back at the camp, Big Daddy would hide in his assigned foxhole and scream. His weight dropped from 78 to 56 kilos.

“For one year I was not aware I had PTSD until nagwala ako sa kampo,” he said, recalling the day he lost it. “I beat up a friend and I cannot recall what happened.”

‘Echelon 4’

In October 2018, around the first anniversary of the Marawi siege’s end, Big Daddy arrived at the mental health department of V. Luna General Hospital in Quezon City. The hospital is considered an “Echelon 4” military health facility that can provide the “highest level” of medical care and rehabilitation for soldiers.

He managed to keep his confinement a secret from his family until a friend who did not seek permission took his photo from the hospital and posted it on social media.

After 11 months of treatment, Big Daddy can now sleep soundly for eight hours.

But there’s something bothering him these days. Scheduled for discharge next month if he passes the necessary tests, he worries about how other soldiers will react when he returns.

He foresees the bullying that will happen if his comrades dismiss him as “baliw”—crazy.

So he is studying, and considering investing in, a business where customers insert coins into computers for humble increments of surfing time.

INDELIBLE STAIN The soldier, who initially hid his symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his family after seeing action in the 2017 Marawi siege, and who asked that he just be called “Big Daddy” in this report, has spent 11 months undergoing treatment at V. Luna military hospital in Quezon City. —PHOTOS BY CATHY CAÑARES YAMSUAN

“I’m just focusing on learning Wi-Fi vendo instead of fretting about being bullied,” Big Daddy said. “As of now, I’m still not ready to leave. I might go back to the military but I want to make sure I’m really OK when I leave.”

Stigma

Mental health professionals who tend to soldiers with PTSD recognize the stigma attached to it.

Maj. Jose Lorenzo Rollo, a military psychiatrist at V. Luna, said confinement in the mental health department attached much baggage to a patient.

“There is a prevalent mentality, and not only among soldiers, that someone who receives psychiatric care is crazy,” Rollo said. “The soldiers know it, and that stresses them more. They could be isolated when they return to work. They feel they are not trusted or are given only limited work, unlike before. There are a few cases here of patients who were readmitted because of that.”

Machismo also pressures distressed soldiers against seeking help.

“Refusal to seek help or consultation … makes it more difficult to identify what bothers them [and] makes it difficult for us to fully treat the patient,” V. Luna psychologist Mara Calagui said.

On the other hand, Army psychiatrist Maj. Christine de Jesus said certain patients insisted that being a soldier meant never showing weakness.

“Some cannot even admit to having those flashbacks when they are already exhibiting other PTSD symptoms like difficulty sleeping, irritability and hypervigilance,” she noted.

“It’s because we wear a uniform, Ma’am,” she quoted some as saying.

Mental health patients in V. Luna spend nothing for treatment because the Armed Forces of the Philippines covers all expenses. This is unlike a patient seeing a psychiatrist in private practice who charges an average of P2,500 per session.

V. Luna accepted 23 soldiers suffering from PTSD after seeing action in Marawi. This is “less than 10 percent” of all patients in the hospital who were confined for various reasons at the height of the siege, Rollo said, adding that aside from Big Daddy, only two more patients who acquired PTSD in Marawi remained in V. Luna.

There are a little over 80 patients in Rollo’s department now. He said they were handling more cases of depression and anxiety than PTSD among soldiers.

2 steps to cope

Doctors and other trained professionals involved in the mental health of Filipino soldiers usually observe two steps to help them cope with combat stress.

De Jesus mentioned psychological first aid, or Trauma Risk Management (TRIM), taught to the Philippine Army by members of the British Royal Marines.

Explained De Jesus: “Within the smallest units of the Army, soldiers are taught to identify symptoms of PTSD like changes in behavior or difficulty in sleeping. We also teach them about the referral system so they are equipped [to alert higher officers]. Your buddy is trained to see if you have PTSD symptoms.”

HEALING SESSION Soldiers being treated for PTSD at V. Luna General Hospital enjoy “Happy Hour” on Friday afternoons. Alcohol is prohibited but turns at the microphone are virtually unlimited.
Psychological first aid is followed by stress debriefing, which V. Luna psychologist Carrol Lyn Rosal described as “more of a group discussion or interaction where trained facilitators can conduct interventions [and] soldiers are allowed to discuss their feelings, reactions and how to cope with that kind of stress.”

These debriefings involve military doctors and psychologists, nurses, social workers and priests trained to help soldiers, Rosal said.

De Jesus and other Army professionals travel all over the country to teach psychological first aid to soldiers. V. Luna’s mental health team also do psycho-education missions so that a distressed soldier’s colleagues can keep an open mind and develop more empathy toward him.

More experts needed

But there are stumbling blocks, such as the sore lack of personnel. Handling V. Luna’s patients are three psychiatrists, three psychologists and eight residents. The hospital needs two more psychologists to ease the load.

“As for psychiatrists, we need three,” said V. Luna psychiatrist Audwin Fuentes.

The military’s three main branches—Army, Navy and Air Force—each have either one psychiatrist or one psychologist only.

Calagui, who conducted research in PTSD among soldiers, said V. Luna’s psycho-education efforts would be greatly boosted if more mental health professionals visited military camps and other venues. Also the hospital would easily attract licensed professionals if it could match, or at least offer salaries close to, the earnings of private practitioners.

Rollo said the AFP was now addressing the need for more medical corps officers to meet the required troop ceiling.

Dismal pay

Rosal wished that the government would also look into the situation of soldiers, especially the lowly paid. She described the low-ranking soldier’s dismal pay as “contributory to anxiety and depression.”

“They share these stories during stress debriefing,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English. “While out there is Marawi, the wife calls to say the baby has no milk or there is no tuition for a child. Or the children study just anywhere—because how much are soldiers paid? You can see the families of soldiers staying in slum areas because they cannot afford to buy a house.”

She added: “They also resort to many loans. Or they help [communities] … while their families are also suffering during floods and earthquakes back home. We expect our soldiers to be strong physically and mentally, when they [actually] feel like killing themselves.”

Rosal and Fuentes said those crafting the government budget should think beyond weapons when formulating the AFP’s next annual appropriation.

“The government provides weapons but after a war, soldiers should be provided aftercare to determine if they can still function,” Fuentes said, suggesting that the government could take a more proactive role in seeing to the welfare of those in charge of protecting civilians.

Rosal was more specific: Legislators should keep an eye on issues beyond burning headlines. “We should not only concentrate on [investigating] corruption [in the government],” she said.

More than the procurement of weapons for the soldiers’ use, Rosal said, lawmakers should pay attention to “the morale and welfare of soldiers.”

Happy hour

Rollo and his team are doing their best to help distressed soldiers reintegrate into society through psychotherapy, medication and counseling. The staff also conducts group activities, such as sports festivals, Zumba workouts, their version of regional fiestas like Bacolod City’s Masskara, and trips to museums.

Then there is the Friday-afternoon no-alcohol “happy hour,” in which patients of an entire ward push back their beds to make way for a videoke machine and space to serve as a dance floor.

For a few hours between lunch and dinner, the soldiers take turns being a lovesick balladeer, a rakista, or a Pinoy Michael Jackson. After all, a song can do wonders to heal one’s spirit.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1162162/pinoy-machismo-stigma-foes-ptsd-stricken-ph-soldiers-must-beat

OPAPP: RPA-ABB preps weapons for disposition

Posted to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Website (Sep 8, 2019): RPA-ABB preps weapons for disposition



CAMP MACARIO PERALTA, JR. JAMINDAN, CAPIZ  – Around 300 short and long firearms, and several explosives are currently being inventoried here in the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, under the command of Major General Dinoh A. Dolina, by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in preparation for the upcoming disposition of arms and forces of the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletariat Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade-Tabara Paduano-Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG).

The disposition of firearms of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG or KAPATIRAN is part of the agreements in the Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) signed by the group and the Philippine Government in July 19, 2019 towards the completion of the commitments in the 2000 peace agreement.

The CID, which serves as the final and absolute settlement of the 2000 peace deal, has five components: Disposition of Arms and Forces (DAF) and Security Arrangements; Social and Economic Reintegration of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG/KAPATIRAN; Release of the remaining Alleged Political Offenders; Transformation of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG into a civilian organization engaging in socio-economic and political activities; and Community Peace Dividends.

“This undertaking is a testament to the commitment of the KAPATIRAN to continue their journey on the path of peace despite the challenges and the continuing threats to their security,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. said.

Also part of the preparatory work for the disposition of arms and forces of the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG is the 45-day candidacy training for 267 personnel of the Community Defense Unit.

The launching of the disposition of arms and forces of RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG is scheduled between Sept. 16 and 18, 2019.

These activities come on the heels of the successful launching of the decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front last Sept. 7, which was attended by President Duterte, and saw the decommissioning of 1,060 combatants and 920 weapons.###

https://peace.gov.ph/2019/09/rpa-abb-preps-weapons-for-disposition/

NDF: Makabayan bloc calls for repeal of rice tariffication law

Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Sep 9, 2019): Makabayan bloc calls for repeal of rice tariffication law

Rice traders who are close to Duterte have a monopoly in the trading of both imported and locally produced rice. They make a multiple killing at the expense of the people and peasants by importing rice, driving down the price of local rice, buying the local rice at the driven-down price and then selling it eventually at a far a higher price together with the imported rice. That’s how monopoly of rice trading works, with the private traders in cahoots with Duterte and NFA. Joma Sison

Source: Politiko

The Makabayan bloc renewed its call for the repeal of the rice tariffication law, saying it “has visibly produced disastrous impacts to farmers, millers and consumers instead of the supposed benefits.”

“The signs of the times reaffirm the need to repeal a measure that has ensured immense profit for rice traders, has starved our farmers and their families, and has wreaked havoc to our local rice industry,” the group of opposition lawmakers said.

“As of the second week of August, retail prices of regular and well-milled rice remain high at P38.38 per kilo and P42.71 per kilo, respectively, despite massive importation of cheap rice,” tthe group said.

“This is a far cry from the projections of the Duterte administration’s economic team that the retail price of rice would drop to as low as P27 per kilo once cheap imported rice enters the local market under the rice liberalization and tariffication law,” Makabayan said.

Meanwhile, the farmgate price of palay has plunged to as low as P7 per kilo in specific provinces, causing huge income losses and bankruptcy among farmers and millers,” the lawmakers said.

“This is way below the average production cost of palay at P12 per kilo. This spells doom and hunger for at least 2.4 million rice farmers nationwide, and portends more closures and shutdowns of rice milling facilities in various regions. At present, more than 40 percent of rice millers have stopped their operations,” they added.

“President Duterte’s order to the National Food Authority to purchase palay from local producers is a welcome step. Government should embark on massive buying of all palay harvest nationwide and finance the P20 per kilo subsidy to rice farmers as immediate measures to aid our local farmers,” Makabayan said.

But beyond that, President Rodrigo Duterte should immediately move for the repeal of the rice liberalization and tariffication law, it added.

The group is composed of Bayan Muna party-list Reps. Carlos Zarate, Eufemia Cullamat and Ferdinand Gaite, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro and Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago.

https://www.ndfp.org/makabayan-bloc-calls-for-repeal-of-rice-tariffication-law/

NDF/Sison: Dutch government and the European Union will not violate international law just to accommodate the tyrannical and murderous Duterte regime

Jose Maria Sison statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Sep 9, 2019): Dutch government and the European Union will not violate international law just to accommodate the tyrannical and murderous Duterte regime

By Jose Maria Sison

NDFP Chief Political Consultant

Eduardo Ano does not know what he is talking about. He just wants to do empty-headed psywar to disinform the public. He does not understand how as a recognized refugee, I am well protected by the Geneva Refugee Convention and by the European Convention on Human Rights whose Article 3 give me absolute protection from being put at any risk of being subjected to torture and other inhumane and cruel treatment.

The current false charge against me is far more baseless and ridiculous than previous false charges made against me. When the fake Inopacan massacre was supposed to have occurred in 1985, I was under maximum security detention and had no authority whatsoever in the CPP or NPA. As soon as I was arrested in 1977, I lost my position in the CPP and was held under maximum security detention by the military.

In the entire European Union and entire world, the Duterte regime is notorious as a murderous violator of human rights. The people of the world know how much the Filipino people detest the regime as tyrannical, treasonous, murderous, corrupt and deceptive. The whole world knows that the regime red tags, frames up and kills people with impunity. The Dutch government and EU will not violate international law just to accommodate a tyrant and mass murderer like Duterte.

https://www.ndfp.org/dutch-government-and-european-will-not-violate-international-law-just-to-accommodate-the-tyrannical-and-murderous-duterte-regime/

Kalinaw News: Army Encounters Terrorists, Prevents Atrocities in Pantukan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 9, 2019): Army Encounters Terrorists, Prevents Atrocities in Pantukan



Mawab, Compostela Valley – The Troops of 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion encountered Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) at SitioKabaihan, BrgyTibagon, Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province on 07 September 2019, 10:00 o’clock in the morning.

While on combat operations, troops under Alpha Company of 71st IB encountered more or less thirty (30) CNTs believed to be members of Weakened Guerilla Front 2 (WGF 2), under Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2), Southern Mindanao Regional Command (SMRC).

The terrorists used Improvised Explosive Device (IED) to inflict casualties against the troops. Firefight ensued for 10 minutes forcing the terrorist CNTS to withdraw towards south and southeast direction.

In the encounter area, the troops recovered one (1) Improvised Explosive Device, forty (40) meters strip wires, one (1) circuit construction tester, two (2) pieces hammock, one (1) mobile phone, one (1) sling bag and some personal belongings.

Further, bloodstains were found, an indication of casualties among the terrorists.

Prior to the encounter, Lieutenant Colonel Esteveyn E Ducusin, Commanding Officer of 71IB ordered to conduct combat operations within the area of BrgyTibagon, Pantukan, Compostela Valley. The conduct of operation prevents terrorists from launching atrocities in the said barangay where Gov. Jayvee Uy of Compostela Valley, Hon Roberto Yugo, Pantukan Municipal Mayor and personnel from other government agencies visited last September 6, 2019 for a social preparation in connection with the proposed Dep-Ed School to be established at SitioSapangLubog, BrgyTibagon, Pantukan, Compostela Valley Province.

“We provide best effort to secure the land to pave a way for progress. In order for progress to happen, we will always be of service to protect the land and its people and together we will create progress, ” Ducusin said.

“However, the terrorists have been trying to sabotage the development because they are threatened,” Ducusin added.

LGU and the community decided to install a new school after Dep-Ed issued an order for closure of Salugpongan Community School.

The Kaibigan Battalion has been supportive to government initiatives for social progress and development.

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

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

Kalinaw News: 75IB has a New Battalion Commander

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 9, 2019): 75IB has a New Battalion Commander

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur-Camp Jaime N Ferrer Sr, Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City (Stn) – For two (2) years of leadership steered by the outgoing Battalion Commander of 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Jaime R Datuin has now relinquished the command to the newly designated Acting Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Warren C Munda during the Change of Command Ceremony held at Bislig City Cultural and Sports Center on September 7, 2019, Saturday.

The Change of Command Ceremony is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another. The said activity presided by Major General Franco Nemesio M Gacal, Commander 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army. The said activity witnessed by the Local Government Units, Non-Government Organizations, Indigenous People Sector, Army officers and enlisted personnel from different units of the Philippine Army based in Mindanao.

Lt. Col. Jaime R Datuin, the outgoing Battalion Commander acknowledged everyone who supported him throughout his two-year stint as the Commanding Officer of 75IB. “We are the soldiers of the Philippine Army and we must do what is better for our organization, to the people and the country. The unit’s overall accomplishment is nothing without the support of my troops, stakeholders, LGUs, LCEs, line agencies, Indigenous People’s Sector and the people of the communities.” Datuin said. The hard work and dedication to service of Lt. Col. Datuin in leading the Marauder Troopers that contributed to the overall accomplishment of the unit.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Warren C Munda, the newly designated Acting Battalion Commander in his assumption message during the Ceremony thanked the Almighty God for the opportunity to serve the people in the Area of his Responsibility now, the Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur. “I thanked Maj. Gen. Gacal who entrusted me to lead the 75IB. I accept the challenge and responsibility, the authority to give command, advice and likewise boost the morale and welfare of every troop of 75IB. I will give my 101% of Lt. Col. Datuin’s 100% dedication and hard work to put the Battalion at the top in terms of the mission accomplishment.” Munda said.

The stakeholders and LGUs, other organizations expressed their gratitude to the outgoing Battalion Commander for the service the 75IB had contributed to the Province especially in peacekeeping and participating in their different activities.

Moreover, Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio M Gacal expressed his deepest appreciation for the accomplishments contributed by the outgoing commanding officer and challenged the newly installed Acting Battalion Commander to continue the good work. “Let us always have that enthusiasm to serve and to do well. The devotion we put to our job speaks its purpose for us to serve the people and the country. And that purpose is to make our country a better and peaceful place to live. We gain more and losses some and sometimes we didn’t even lose at all because of the sound leadership and cooperation the troops’ exerted to attain every given task.” Gacal ended.

75th Infantry Battalion 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Edwin Leo Francisco
CMO Officer, 75IB, 4ID, PA
Bislig City, Surgao del Sur
09778474763

[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/75ib-has-a-new-battalion-commander/

Kalinaw News: NPA and Militia ng Bayan members of coy thunder surrenders in Bukidnon, yields guns and supplies

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 9, 2019): NPA and Militia ng Bayan members of coy thunder surrenders in Bukidnon, yields guns and supplies

MARAMAG, Bukidnon – Twenty-five (25) members of Militia ng Bayan and NPA regulars under Coy Thunder, SRC2, SMRC voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion at Maramag, Bukidnon at around five o’clock in the afternoon.

This unit conducted Community Support Programs in the areas of Sitio Mikatin, Brgy Kipaypayon and Sitio Log deck 5, Brgy Magsaysay, all in Quezon and unearthed members of the Militia ng Bayan. Through collaboration and dialogues, those MB members finally decided to turn their support in the government and surrender to the troops.

They also surrendered the following supplies being used by the NPAs in the area: one (1) Garand rifle, two (2) home-made shotguns, one (1) caliber .38 pistol, seven (7) Jerry cans container full of rice, two (2) generator sets, three (3) cell phones issued by the CNTs, two (2) rolls of electrical wires, one (1) Automatic Voltage Regulator, assorted medical and dental supplies, 34 rounds of calibre 30 ammunition, 8 rounds of 12 gauge shotgun ammunition and 5 rounds of calibre 38 ammunition.

According to @Junjun leader of the MBs, Nag lisod na kami sa kabukiran. Daghan sila ug pasalig nga hatagan me ug yuta ug mudaog ang pakigbisog apan bakak lang diay ang tanan. Nisamot kalisod ang among kahimtang sa bukid tungod kay sige ug operation ang kasundaluhan mao nag desisyon me nga mosurrender. Dako among pasalamat sa gobyerno, sa kasundaluhan ug kang mayor sa quezon sa tabang nga ilang gihatag kanamo para sa among pagkinabuhi nga malinawon. “We are so tired in the mountains. The NPAs promised to give us land if we won the war, but everything is just a lie. Our lives became more chaotic when soldiers operated in the area, which pushes us to surrender. We are so thankful to the government, to the soldiers and to the Mayor of Quezon for helping us to start a new life and supporting our families”.

Ltc Franklin F Fabic, Commanding Officer of 88IB, welcomed all the surrenderee for the right decisions they made to return to the folds of the law and be a beneficiary of government programs intended for them to start a new life. This influx of surrenders only manifests the effectiveness of our CSP in the Conflict-Affected Areas (ConAAs) in countering the lies and deception of the CNTs in the community. Likewise, our sustained military operations put the CNTs on the run which also causes demoralization among its rank due to hardship they are continuously experiencing in the mountains.

To the CNTs especially the Coy Thunder, better surrender now while you have still time or else the Dragon Warriors will relentlessly hunt you down wherever you go until your destruction, Fabic 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/npa-and-militia-ng-bayan-members-of-coy-thunder-surrenders-in-bukidnon-yields-guns-and-supplies/

Kalinaw News: Army reaffirms commitment, support to International Humanitarian Law

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 9, 2019): Army reaffirms commitment, support to International Humanitarian Law

TAGO, Surigao del Sur – The Army’s 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion reaffirms its commitment and support to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) today, September 9, 2019, during the flag-raising ceremony held at H36IB, Brgy Dayoan, Tago, this province.

The activity is in line with the National Observance of the International Humanitarian Law day, 70th Anniversary of the Geneva Conventions and 10th Anniversary of Republic Act 9851(Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and other crimes against humanity) dubbed as “IHL: Protecting the Defenseless in Times of Armed Conflict.”

1lt Jonald Romorosa, CMO Officer, 36IB led the pledge of reaffirmation of commitment and support to IHL. Wherein, it was stated in the pledge of reaffirmation that every soldier will strictly adhere and abide in the provisions of IHL in the discharge of any duties and functions.

Likewise, it was also stated that every soldier must distinguish at all time, and under circumstances between combatants and military objectives. Treat civilians and non- combatants humanely, including the wounded, sick and shipwrecked and treat all protected persons with the same consideration by parties to the conflict without discrimination based on race, religion, sex, or political opinion.

Moreover, Maj Ronald Basadre, Executive Officer, 36IB spearheaded the Flag raising ceremony and read the message of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea from the Office of the Presidential Human Rights Committee. The message conveys about the men and women who courageously stand on the ground who confront threats while upholding the role as protector of the people and adhering the IHL.

Meanwhile, in a statement, Ltc Xerxes Trinidad, Commander, 36IB said that the observance of the IHL day is to highlight the commitment of every member of the 36IB and the Philippine Army on its adherence and respect to the IHL side by side with its mandate in serving the people and securing the land.

“The pledge of reaffirmation is a strong and firm commitment of every valorian troopers guided by the principle of the IHL as a foundation of every soldier in times of war and in peace,” Ltc Trinidad ended. (1Lt Jonald Romorosa, CMO,36IB).

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

[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/army-reaffirms-commitment-support-to-ihl/

Kalinaw News: 4th Infantry Division observes IHL day 2019; warns parents on NPA recruitment of minors

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 9, 2019): 4th Infantry Division observes IHL day 2019; warns parents on NPA recruitment of minors

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – A simultaneous flag raising ceremony was conducted early this Monday morning in the whole area of the Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division in observance of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day 2019 today, September 9.

The activity was spearheaded by MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, Commander 4th ID, together with the officers and men of the Cagayan de Oro City based Division. As part of the program, the Diamond troopers conducted a pledge of reaffirmation of commitment and support for the International Humanitarian Law led by BGen Oliver
Vesliño, the Assistant Division Commander.

The message of President Rodrigo Duterte as read by MGen Gacal said, “In this year’s commemoration, we continue to impress upon everyone the Philippine government’s committed adherence to the guiding principles of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), while addressing the threats to national peace and security. This commitment is summed up in this year’s theme, “IHL: Protecting the Defenseless in Times of Armed Conflict.”

Along with the celebration of the IHL Day, the 4th ID warned parents on the revelations of former rebels that the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) are recruiting minors as young as 12 years old while the average age of recruit in Northern Mindanao and CARAGA Regions is 17 years old.

MGen Gacal, said that they are alarmed and wary with the latest data based on the result of the 4ID Custodial Debriefing Reports from 2016 to 2019. The recruitment of minors is a clear evidence of the continuous violations and deceptions of the CNTs.

It can be recalled that Alias Lalaine and Dina confessed last August 30, during the Talakayan sa PIA 10 in Cagayan De Oro City, how they were recruited inside the school premises by Front Organizations of theCNTs.@Lalaine said, “Una ko narecruit samtang gaeskwela ko sa Cagayan de Oro College, padayon pa ang pagpangrecruit sa mga eskwelahan dire sa dakbayan sa CDO kay ang mga kabatan-onan ang sumbanan aron mamahimong Cadre sa NPA.” (I was first recruited while studying in Cagayan de Oro College. The recruitment is still ongoing inside the schools in this City because the youth are the ones who will become Cadres of the NPA.)

“We are urging the parents to take action and protect your children because the CNTs will continue to recruit and destroy the future of our younger generation. Let us work together to end the vicious cycle of recruitment of the NPAs to save the precious lives of our Filipino children,” 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/4id-observes-ihl-day-2019-warns-parents-on-npa-recruitment-of-minors/

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom delivers basic services to Zamboangueños

Posted  to the Western Mindanao Command  (WESTMINCOM) Website (Sep 9, 2019): WestMinCom delivers basic services to Zamboangueños



Military troops handed over food packages and other supplies to residents of Sitio Mananang in Barangay Bolong, Zamboanga City yesterday morning, September 8.

The Western Mindanao Command’s Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Civil-Military Operations distributed the food packs, used clothes, and other supplies to 30 less privileged families in the barangay.



“Help will always be extended by the armed forces to the Filipinos, especially to the underprivileged, as we remain the armed forces you can trust in this campaign for growth and stability in Mindanao,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command.



Soldiers also visited the site of the masjid currently being constructed by troops and civilians in said sitio. Through Brigada Masjid, the Marine Battalion Landing Team-11 and the Erth-Ul Mustafa Organization commenced the construction of said masjid on August 14, 2019.

“This construction of a masjid underscores the value we place on religion and the respect we accord of the disparity. We want to foster a culture of harmony rather than of violence by bringing people with different beliefs together,” added Lt. Gen. Sobejana.



Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/westmincom-delivers-basic-services-to-zamboanguenos/

Gov’t decommissioning RPA-ABB combatants

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 9, 2019): Gov’t decommissioning RPA-ABB combatants

The government is set to decommission former combatants of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB), a breakaway faction of the New People’s Army in Western Visayas, and their firearms, this week, an Army regional spokesman said.

Capt. Cenon Pancito III, spokesman of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, yesterday said that the return to the folds of the law of the RPA-ABB in Western Visayas is the product of a localized peace talks, that also indicates that, contrary to claims, it is working.

At least 200 RPA-ABB combatants, who surrendered more than 200 firearms as well as explosives, to the government, were consolidated yesterday at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City, in preparation for a decommissioning ceremony, Pancito said.

The RPA-ABB and its political wing, Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Mangagawa-Pilipinas, founded by then CPP Visayas Commission secretary Arturo Tabara in 1996, entered into a peace agreement with the government in 2000.

Abang Lingkod Rep. Stephen Paduano, who used to be known as Carapali Lualhati, then commanded the more than 500-strong RPA-ABB combatants.

Pancito said the RPA-ABB, which is now known as Kapatiran sa Progresibong Lipunan, has denounced the leadership of CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison, and they have returned to the folds of the law.

Following their break up with the mainstream CPP-NPA, several leaders of the RPA-ABB and its political wing, RPM-P, were gunned down, including Tabara, who was murdered by NPA assassins in Quezon City, in 1998.

On May 8, suspected NPA rebels attacked a re-settlement area of the RPA-ABB in Brgy. Locutan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, killed two breakaway rebel faction combatants, and took several high-powered firearms, including an M-60 machine gun.

Pancito confirmed yesterday that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will train the 200 RPA-ABB combatants as Special Civillian Active Auxilliary (SCAA) to defend themselves and their communities from NPA attacks.

While their surrendered firearms will be decommissioned, he also said that the RPA-ABB combatants, who will undergo basic military training for two to three months, will be issued government-owned firearms, when they are deployed to their communities, under the supervision of the Philippine Army.

The AFP is providing P4,800as monthly allowance to each CAFGU or SCAA members.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and partner national government agencies are now working together on the realization of a three-year plan for the development of RPM-P/RPA-ABB-communities and the transformation of their members into productive members of society, Secretary Carlito Galvez earlier said.

OPAPP reports, have profiled 727 former RPA-ABB combatants and their families, as well as the firearms and explosives in their possession.

Galvez previously reported that OPAPP has already allocated about P500 million for the transition plan, which includes social protection programs, capacity development, livelihood and employment assistance, housing assistance and financial assistance to 727 former combatants and their families.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/September/09/topstory1.htm

Female ‘suicide bomber’ in Sulu blast was from Abu Sayyaf – military

From Rappler (Sep 9, 2019): Female ‘suicide bomber’ in Sulu blast was from Abu Sayyaf – military

The chief of the military’s Western Mindanao Command says terror groups in Mindanao could be weakening, while an analyst says they are evolving and could launch devastating attacks in the future



LESSONS LEARNED. Philippine Army soldiers survived a terror attack in Indanan, Sulu on Sunday, September 8, because of tactics drawn from past deadly bombings. File photo of soldiers in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao Province. Photo by Lito Borras/Rappler

The woman who self-detonated as she tried to attack a military checkpoint in Indanan, Sulu, on Sunday, September 8, was from a pro-Islamic State (ISIS) faction of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), said the region’s military commander.

“For sure, she was with the group of [Hatib Hajan] Sawadjaan, because only Sawadjaan maintains bombers among the sub-leaders under Radullan Sahiron, who is the overall head of the ASG in Sulu,” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said in a mix of English and Filipino on Monday, September 9.

Sawadjaan is “ISIS-inclined,” Sobejana added, but is somehow held back by Sahiron, who “does not want ISIS to prevail over their organization.”

Sawadjaan has earlier been described as the "head of ISIS in the Philippines" by Interior Secretary Eduardo Año.

On Sunday at around 4pm, the “Caucasian-looking” female attacker was spotted walking from the Philippine Army 35th Infantry Battalion’s Kilometer 4 detachment to the next checkpoint, Kilometer 3, in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu.

She was wearing an abaya, the long, flowing traditional garb of Muslim women. Witnesses who saw her had thought she was pregnant because of a bulge on her torso.

As she approached the Kilometer 3 detachment, the soldier on guard duty told her to halt but she kept walking slowly. It then became obvious that she had a bomb strapped to her body, Sobejana said.

"Yung paglalakad niya, para siyang confused, parang uneasey, tapos she was alone. Talagang ma-observe mo siya na very unusual yung kanyang galaw,” he added. (The way she walked, she seemed confused, as though uneasy, and she was alone. You really could observe that she was moving very unusually.)

The soldier called out to her, “Huwag kang lumapit (Don’t come near)!” But the attacker kept on walking, so the soldier shouted to alert the other members of the detachment that there was a “suicide bomber,” said Sobejana.

At this, all the soldiers went behind a bomb-proof barricade and dropped to the ground.

The attacker then cried “Allahu Akbar!” and blew herself up.

“She was holding the trigger mechanism, so we really can say that it was a suicide bombing,” Sobejana added.

He clarified an earlier statement that a severed hand recovered from the scene appeared to be from a man. It was a woman’s, investigators found after taking a closer look.

Lessons learned from 3 earlier alleged suicide bombing incidents paid off, the Westmincom chief said, because no other person was killed except the attacker.

Meanwhile, the suicide bomber has been hailed as an “ISIS martyr” in jihadist social media circles, said Sobejana.

No popular support

The Army's Kilometer 3 detachment secures Jolo town proper, which could be the reason the attacker targeted it, Sobejana said.

The fact that she was alone could be a sign that the ASG has weakened, because it might mean the group was trying harder not to be conspicuous.

“Wala na silang popular support ngayon. No support from the community. In fact, 'yung mga kapatid nating mga Tausug, galit na galit na rin sila sa ginagawa nitong mga teroristang grupo. With the loss of popular support, 'yung maneuver space nila, kaunti na lang. Kaya kung titingnan mo, dati dalawa, ngayon isa na lang,” Sobejana told reporters on the sidelines of a media forum on terrorism held in Manila.  (They do not have popular support anymore. No support from the community. In fact, our Tausug brothers and sisters are furious at what these terrorist groups are doing. With the loss of popular support, their maneuver space has been reduced. That’s why if you look at it, before it was in pairs. Now, it was just one [attacker].)

On January 27, an Indonesian couple self-detonated during Sunday mass at a Catholic cathedral in Jolo, killing at least 23 people. On June 28, two men blew themselves up as they tried to enter an Army camp in Indanan, killing at least 7. One of the bombers turned out to be a Filipino, the police and military said.

On July 31, 2018, 10 people, including a child, were killed when a van exploded in a military checkpoint in the outskirts of Lamitan, Basilan. The military suspect the driver, believed to be a foreigner, was a suicide bomber.

Sobejana said the military is still validating possible links among these attacks, and whether Sunday’s attempt, along with a separate blast on Saturday that wounded 8 people in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, had to do with the mass decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants in Maguindanao, also on Saturday, September 7.

Sobejana blamed the attack in Isulan on the Dawlah Islamiyah Torayfie Group, a pro-ISIS faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the MILF.

‘Tactical alliance'

At the forum, Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research chairman Rommel Banlaoi warned that terrorism is an evolving threat that will linger in the Philippines for the foreseeable future.

Jihadist groups in Mindanao will find ways to recruit members and gain firepower, Banlaoi added, and they will want to target Metro Manila.

“They will still continue to mount violent incidents. And this is the current trend right now, the future direction of terrorists will be more and more carrying out suicide terrorism,” he said.

Moro armed groups who do not subscribe to the Bangsamoro peace deal between the government and the MILF may consolidate their influence and give ISIS a foothold as it seeks to carve out a territory in Mindanao, Banlaoi said.

Factions of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters may form a “tactical alliance” with the New People’s Army in central Mindanao, if only to launch stronger attacks on government forces, he added.

Sobejana acknowledged the possibility of a “tactical alliance” between jihadist and communist insurgents, but he said none has been “consummated” so far, and any cooperation between the two groups would be “temporary,” resulting from government troops pressing either side.

The Westmincom chief did admit that 7 foreign terrorists with suspected links to ISIS are still at large in western Mindanao, while 60 others may be operating in central Mindanao.

The military hopes to contain the threat from these suspected terrorists within these areas, Sobejana said.

Mindanao has remained under martial law ever since the siege of Marawi City by the pro-ISIS Maute terror group from May to October of 2017, which killed more than 1,000 people.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/239696-military-says-female-suicide-bomber-sulu-blast-abu-sayyaf

2 alleged NPAs killed in clash with gov’t soldiers

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 10, 2019): 2 alleged NPAs killed in clash with gov’t soldiers

Two alleged communist rebels were killed in a series of encounters with government troops in Sitio Union, Barangay Binucayan, Loreto, Agusan del Sur on Sunday.

1Lt Amadeuz VJ Celestial, the Civil-Military Operations officer of 60th Infantry Battalion, said at least two bodies of suspected members of the Guerilla Front 3, under the NPA’s Sub-regional Committee 4, Southern Mindanao Command, were recovered at the encounter site.

One body was discovered after two hours of sporadic fighting on Sunday morning. They also recovered an M16 rifle, a 15-kilo improvised explosive device, and other subversive materials.

The second NPA killed, meanwhile, was recovered after a second firefight on Sunday afternoon between the troops of the 25th Infantry Battalion and the fleeing members of the same communist group.

An M16 rifle and some personal belongings, including some CPP-NPA uniforms were also recovered after the government troops scoured the area.

He said the troops also found a rifle grenade, 100 meters of IED detonating cord, several magazines and ammunition, and freshly cooked food.

Meanwhile, at least 220 families from Sitio Union and other nearby villages have been forced to vacate their homes due to the armed hostilities.

Loreto Mayor Lorife Magadan-Otaza directed the local government agencies to provide food, blankets, sleeping mats, and other basic necessities to the evacuees. Otaza, during a community assembly Sunday afternoon, assured the residents that the LGU will continue to assist them in times of conflict.

The identities of the killed men are still being confirmed as of this report.

Brig. Gen. Gilbert Saret, 1001st Infantry Brigade commander, expressed his sympathies to the killed rebels. He said they don’t take any “pride nor joy in killing our countrymen.”

“They have been blinded by the false promises and terroristic ideologies of the CPP-NPA. They are victims just as much as those innocent civilians caught in the crossfires are,” he said. “Therefore, we continue to call on them to surrender. Our troops on the ground means business,” Saret added.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/09/10/2-alleged-npas-killed-in-clash-with-govt-soldiers/

AgNor IP community disowns CPP-NPA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 9, 2019): AgNor IP community disowns CPP-NPA (By 23IB Philippine Army)

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- A Higaonon Indigenous People’s Community in Agusan del Norte declared recently the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), and their allied organizations and its supporters persona non-grata.

The declaration was passed through a Barangay Resolution initiated by the barangay council, tribal leaders and the residents of Barangay Lawan-lawan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte.

The weary IP community who were fed-up by the deception and manipulation of the CPP-NPA terrorists (CNTs) condemns and renounces their affiliation to any CPP-NPA organizations for killing of many tribal leaders and recruiting IP youths to be members of armed group.

“Let us not give the CPP-NPA a chance to once again deceive, manipulate and use our tribe especially the new generation,” said Punong Barangay More Migduyan. Let us renounce the CPP-NPAs and protect our tribe, as what you can see, our Brgy is on its developing process and it is far different from what it looks like before. Let us cut any ties and support to them until they will no longer exist in our area, Migduyan added.

Moreover, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco L. Molina Jr, Commanding Officer, 23rd Infantry Battalion expressed his gratitude to the barangay council and tribal leaders of Lawan-lawan for withdrawing their support from the CNTs.

“I am glad that without a second thought you showed support to the government on its campaign of putting an end to the Local Communist Armed Conflict in your area. Indeed, you made the right decision. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand in solving insurgency," Molina added. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026847

War materials, supplies seized in SurSur clash

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 9, 2019): War materials, supplies seized in SurSur clash (By 36IB, Phil. Army)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Various war materials, food supplies and documents with high intelligence value were seized in a clash between the government and the Communist terrorist group (CTG) on Friday, Sept. 6, 2019 in Lanuza town, this province.



A statement by the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion on Saturday said the encounter in a hinterland area in Lanuza occurred after the troops received information from locals about the presence of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the area.

According to 1Lt. Jonald Romorosa, 36IB civil-military operations officer, the rebels withdrew to different directions after the gunbattle, leaving backpacks, medical supplies, cellphones, anti-personnel mine switch, electrical wires, and other documents with high intelligence value. They also found batteries used for anti-personnel mine, food supplies, and personal belongings, Romorosa added.

In his statement, 36IB Commanding Officer Lt. Colonel Xerxes Trinidad said the operation was a result of the residents' commitment to end the communist insurgency in their area.

"The support of the community to the government and the Philippine Army is a manifestation that they want to live in peace and harmony," he said.

He further added that the community was already awakened in their 50 years of deception and lies.

"We will protect the peace-loving people of Surigao del Sur for them to feel the peace and security that they are longing for. To the remaining CTG (communist terrorist group), lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law. Avail the ECLIP of the government, and live together with your family," Trinidad said. (1Lt Jonald Romorosa, CMO,36IB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027030

Cebu Muslims double vigilance amid violence in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2019): Cebu Muslims double vigilance amid violence in Mindanao



REASSURANCE VS. VIOLENCE. Ustad Muhammad Najeeb Razul (left) greets other Muslim leaders in Cebu in an event recently held at the Archbishop's Residence in Cebu City. Razul on Monday (Sept. 9, 2019) said they are doubling their vigilance so as not to make Cebu at the receiving end of spillover of violence by extremists in southern Mindanao. (File photo/John Rey Saavedra)

An Islamic teacher on Monday reassured authorities here that Cebu will never be at the receiving end of violent extremist spillover as they are doubling their vigilance amid the explosions in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat and Indanan, Sulu over the weekend.

Ustad Muhammad Najeeb Razul, teacher of Islam and mufti or Islamic jurist in Cebu, said the Muslim community in Cebu has been working closely with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in preventing violence in Mindanao from spilling over to Cebu.

“We are working closely with the PNP and with the AFP. Dili mi maka-afford nga kanang mga extremist mobuhat og ngil-ad dire sa siyudad. Naa atong mga anak dire mang-eskuwela, naa dire ang negosyo (We cannot afford to let extremists do something harmful to the city. We have children who are studying here, we have businesses here),” Razul said in a radio interview.

Razul admitted that many Muslims from Mindanao have attempted to come here but they would quickly ask them to return to the southern Philippines.

According to him, the Muslim community in Cebu would not tolerate such an act nor provide aid to those who would take shelter here, stressing that they (the Muslims here) have been in peaceful co-existence with the Cebuanos, most of whom are members of the Catholic Church.

He said Muslims from Mindanao who wanted to come and live here were properly screened.

Razul suggested what he believed was the best way for the national government to stop the violent extremism that cost the lives of innocent civilians in different areas of Mindanao.

“My suggestion for the BaSulTa (Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi) is to organize a task force comprising the integrees from the defunct Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who are still actively serving with the AFP and put them in the area with only a mission to crush the extremist rebels lurking in the area,” Razul said in Cebuano.

The integrees, he said, have an ample knowledge of the terrain, especially in the island of Sulu, and they are known to belong with the warrior tribe, Tausug.

The Islamic scholar here said that the national government should also continue consulting with former MNLF chair and governor of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Nur Misuari, on the means to quell violent extremism in southern Mindanao.

Razul believed that Misuari still has a clout in the area.

He said the intelligence report from Malaysia and the warning from the Foreign Ministry of Turkey that Islamic State (IS) fighters from the Middle East are now in southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, have now been “validated” with a series of bombings.

Razul expressed dejection on the report that past explosions involved foreigners or foreign-looking suicide bombers, including women.

On Sunday, a woman suspected to be a bomber was killed after she allegedly attacked a checkpoint of the Philippine Army in Sulu. Seconds later, an explosion happened but there was no reported casualty on the side of the military.

The Indanan attack followed an explosion at a public market in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that wounded at least seven people last Saturday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079941

Ex-RPA-ABB combatants in NegOcc yield guns, explosives

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2019): Ex-RPA-ABB combatants in NegOcc yield guns, explosives



ARMS TURNOVER. Personnel of the Cadiz City Police Station in Negros Occidental receive the firearms, ammunition, and explosives turned over by former combatants of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG) at Sitio Alimatoc in Barangay Celestino Villacin on Sunday (Sept. 8, 2019). The turnover is in preparation for the disposition of arms and forces of the TPG, which is currently finalizing a peace agreement with the government. (Photo courtesy of Cadiz City Police Station)

Former combatants of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB) Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG) in Negros Occidental turned over their firearms, ammunition, and explosives to authorities on Sunday.

Col. Romeo Baleros, police provincial director, said on Monday the firearms were received by policemen in five collection sites across the province.

Surrendered were 207 long and short firearms, assorted explosives, and several rounds of ammunition.

These were collected in Barangay Bagonbon, San Carlos City; Barangay Celestino Villacin, Cadiz City; Barangay Dos Hermanas, Talisay City; Barangay Tabigue, E.B. Magalona; and Barangay Talacdan, Cauayan.

The turnover of the firearms was held ahead of the disposition of arms and forces of the TPG, which is currently finalizing a peace agreement with the government.

The activity was led by the Regional Firearms, Explosives and Ammunition Disposal Committee headed by Col. Remus Zacharias Canieso, deputy regional director for administration of Police Regional Office-6 (Western Visayas), together with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, Philippine Army, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The RPM-P/RPA-ABB TPG took on the name Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Panlipunan Inc. as part of its institutional transformation. The RPA-ABB is a breakaway group of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In December 6, 2000, it signed a peace agreement with the government, but later split into two -- the TPG led by Veronica Tabara and Stephen Paduano, and the Nilo de la Cruz Group. Eventually, only the TPG continued the process of finalizing a draft closure agreement with the government.

According to the OPAPP, the disposition of firearms of the Kapatiran, scheduled for launching on Sept. 16-18, is part of the agreements in the Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) signed by the group and the Philippine government on July 19, 2019 towards the completion of the commitments in the 2000 peace deal.

Included in the preparatory work for the disposition of arms and forces is the 45-day candidacy training for 267 personnel of the Community Defense Unit.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079974

4ID reaffirms oath to IHL, calls for end to NPA child recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2019): 4ID reaffirms oath to IHL, calls for end to NPA child recruitment



OATH TO PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS. Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, commander of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, led the pledge of reaffirmation of commitment and support for the International Humanitarian Law, along with other key military officers in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City, on Monday. (Contributed photo)

The Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) joined the country in the observance of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) on Monday by reaffirming the oath to protect human rights and calling on the communist rebels to end the recruitment of child soldiers.

The activity was spearheaded by Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander, together with officers and men of the Cagayan de Oro City-based Army division.

A key part of the observance is the pledge of reaffirmation of commitment and support for the International Humanitarian Law led by Brig. General Oliver Vesliño, the assistant division commander.

Gacal read the message of President Rodrigo Duterte to the troops, echoing the Chief Executive's directive to "continue to impress upon everyone the Philippine government’s committed adherence to the guiding principles of the International Humanitarian Law, while addressing the threats to national peace and security."

The commitment, Gacal said, is summed up in this year’s theme, “IHL: Protecting the Defenseless in Times of Armed Conflict.”

In his message, the 4ID chief also warned the parents on the revelations of former rebels that the New People's Army is recruiting minors as young as 12-years-old.

Gacal said they are "alarmed" with the latest data based on the result of the 4ID Custodial Debriefing Reports from 2016 to 2019, showing NPA's extensive recruitment among minors in Northern Mindanao.

"The recruitment of minors is clear evidence of the continuous violations and deceptions of the NPA rebels," he said.

Meanwhile, the 4ID's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) also took the oath of reaffirmation to IHL during the flag-raising ceremony at the Battalion Headquarters in Bukidnon on the same day.

Led by 1Lt. Kenneth Cabbigat, civil-military operations officer, the troops swore to strictly adhere and abide by the provisions of the IHL in the discharge of their duties and functions -- especially on protecting the civilians and non-combatants.

Dialogue with IPs

Recently, 8IB provided assistance to several Indigenous Peoples (IP) members in Bukidnon who were accused as communist sympathizers.

Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, 8IB commander, called on groups and individuals -- even government officials --engaged in "red-tagging" IP leaders to refrain from activities that he said may only sow division in the community.

“In winning the insurgency, we are counting friends not the enemies; I am reminding the friends of the government to stop tagging others to the NPA group," Illana said.

“If ever some of them support the terrorists, we knew that they were forced to do so, they were victims of threat and we are visiting them through our Community Support Program efforts," he said.

Illana said 8IB troopers met with the Higaonon elders in Impasug-ong town on Sept. 5 to answer all their concerns and clarify certain issues.

During the meeting, tribal chieftain Benny Cumatang reminded other Higaonons to "love our community. Let us live as one, and avoid accusing our colleagues as supporters of NPA-terrorists unless you have concrete evidence."

“We have our 8th IB Army and the PNP (Philippine National Police) to work on the insurgency problem and peace and order situation in our municipality, let us help them by giving information and guiding our community," Cumatang said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079983

Eastern Visayas Army scores in fight vs. NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2019): Eastern Visayas Army scores in fight vs. NPA



RECOVERED. Shown are some of the firearms recovered by the Philippine Army from the lairs of New People's Army in Eastern Visayas. Since the launching of intensified combat operations on August 1, seven NPA lairs have been discovered with nine gun battles fought, resulting in the death of four armed rebels, the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division (ID) said on Monday (Sept. 9, 2019). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army's 8th ID)

The month-long intensified campaign against the New People’s Army (NPA) is gaining grounds in Eastern Visayas region, the Philippine Army reported on Monday.

Since the launching of the campaign last August 1, seven NPA lairs have been discovered with nine gun battles fought, resulting in the death of four armed rebels, the Army's 8th Infantry Division (ID) said.

The military has also recovered 14 assorted firearms, 14 backpacks, and several magazines and ammunition.

“The government troops also suffered casualties because the NPAs used an improvised explosive device (IED), which is against the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). But despite the use of IEDs, the NPAs were forced to vacate their encampments and fled towards different directions to save their lives from the pursuing government troops,” said Major Bard Caesar Mazo, officer-in-charge of 8th ID’s public affairs office.

The military lauded residents for providing government troops with information. These informants decided to support government troops after suffering from extortion and forced collection of food by the jobless armed fighters, the military added.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

“Soldiers will never stop hunting the communist NPA terrorists. The NPAs can run but they cannot hide. Their best option is to return to the folds of the law and use the benefits being offered by the government under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to start new lives,” Mazo added.

Under E-CLIP, each former rebel is granted immediate assistance of PHP15,000 and livelihood assistance of PHP50,000. There are also other benefits specified in the E-CLIP implementing guidelines.

The 8th ID vowed to continue intensified combat operations to protect communities in the region through its more than 7,000 combat troops.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079922

Hands off our children: Saving PH youth from communism

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2019): Hands off our children: Saving PH youth from communism 



The fight has just begun.

This is what the parents of teenagers who have joined left-leaning youth groups have declared during a recent interview over Philippine News Agency's (PNA) One on Juan talk show.

Relissa Lucena, mother of Alicia Jasper who was recruited by Anakbayan, said she and other parents will not back down against the campaign of left-leaning youth groups.

“Nakita po kasi namin na systematic ginagawa ng maka-kaliwang grupo. Tinuturuan nila ang mga bata na maging rebellious sa mga magulang at kinokondisyon nila ang mga magulang na tanggapin na rebelde na ang mga anak nila (We saw that the leftist groups’ actions are systematic. They teach the kids to rebel against their parents and they condition the parent’s minds to simply accept the fact that their kids are already rebellious),“ Lucena said.

Hence, the parents have come together to establish “Hands Off Our Children”, a campaign that seeks to help families looking for their teenage loved ones who have been recruited by Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students (LFS), Kabataan Party-list and other youth groups.

“Ito po ay para matulungan namin ang mga magulang na may mga anak na nasa first stage palang ng (Through this, we’ll help parents whose children are still in the first stage of) rebellion so they can learn from our experiences,” Lucena said.

“They shouldn’t get angry at their children, rather, they must understand them and stop them from communicating with these groups,” she added.

Signs your child has become activist

Jovita Antoniano, mother of Trisha who was recruited by Anakbayan and LFS , said the first things she noticed about her daughter joining an immersion is the denial of God’s existence.

“Iyong anak ko, excited lagi magsimba kapag may piyesta sa amin pero noong nakaraang piyesta na umuwi siya sa amin sinabi nya na hindi ko na kailangan magsimba (My daughter used to be excited to hear mass during feast days in our place but the last time she got home on a feast day she said she doesn’t need to go to church),” she said.

Antoniano added that her daughter said she need not study at the university because the lessons they learn in the mountains are much deeper and important than the subjects taught in schools.

“Apat o limang beses lang siya umuuwi pero nag-cha-chat kami kasi nga nagpapadala ako ng pera pero hindi pala siya nakatapos ng Grade 12. Tumutulong daw siya sa mahihirap at nagtuturo sa mga lumad pero sabi ko paano ka magtuturo kung wala kang natapos na edukasyon (She goes home four or five times only but we always chat because I send her money and I didn’t know that she didn’t even finish Grade 12. She helps the poor and teaches the indigenous people but I told her how can she teach if she hasn’t finished her education?),” she said.

Meanwhile, Elvy Caalaman, mother of Lory who joined the Kabataan Party-list, said she noticed that her daughter started cursing, drinking and smoking when she became an activist.

“Hindi na siya nakikipag-usap sa mga pinsan. Ayaw niyang sumagot sa mga tanong at naging mapag-isa (She doesn’t talk to her cousins anymore. She doesn’t want to respond to questions and she became a loner),” Caalaman added.

As for Jacqueline Mendoza, she noticed that her daughter Queenilyn has become argumentative when she started joining rallies staged by Anakbayan.

“Lagi siya nakikipagtalo sa mga kapatid niya at may sagot siya sa lahat ng mga tanong. May sarili na siyang mundo at mga barkadang sinasamahan kasi bantay sarado siya ng grupo nila (She argues with her siblings and she always has answers to all questions. She has her own world and set of friends because her group members guard her closely) she said.

“Sumulat siya nung 2017, sabi niya, mama, ito na ang pinasok kong buhay, alam ninyo na isa na akong NPA (She wrote me in 2017, she said, mama, this is the life I chose, as you know I’m now part of the NPA [New People’s Army],” she added.

Citing that the common denominator among their children is age, Lucena said left-leaning youth groups take advantage of the youth’s passion and vulnerability.

“Iyong pagiging agresibo nila, curious sa lahat ng bagay, paghahanap ng belongingness, sinamantala ng mga grupong ito. Kasi parang ang mga anak namin ay naging overwhelmed sa new information nakukuha sa kanila ang mga anak namin (These groups use their being aggressive, curiosity about everything and search for belongingness. It seems like our children got overwhelmed by the new information they offer), she added.

Not their fault

While they are frustrated about what happened to their daughter, Antoniano said they are not angry at her because they know she can start over and build a bright future for herself if she chooses to come home.

“Wala kasalanan ang aming anak dahil biktima lamang siya ng mga organisasyon gaya ng LFS at Anakbayan na pinagkatiwalaan namin (Our child is not in the wrong because she is just a victim of organizations like LFS and Anakbayan who we trusted),” she stressed.

Addressing Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sara Elago, Caalaman said left-leaning youth groups are the true enemies of the Filipino youth because they destroy the young people’s dreams and opportunity to have a bright future and a whole family.

“Ginagawa ninyong aktibista ang mga anak namin at pinaakyat sa bundok. Maraming encounter sa bundok at maaring mamatay doon ang mga anak namin at uuwi na lamang sa amin na bangkay? Anong klaseng puso meron ka Sara Elago (You recruit our children to be activists and make them stay in the mountains and they could die from encounters and just return to us dead. What kind of heart do you have Sara Elago?),” she added.

Believing that the fight against youth activism and communism can be won, Lucena urged other parents of missing activist youths to join their group.

"We have a Facebook page, it's Hands Off Our Children. Kung gusto po ninyo kaming makausap o humingi ng payo, magpadala lang kayo ng mensahe at may sasagot sa isa samin at huwag po tayong matakot na ipaglaban ang mga anak natin (If you want to talk to us or if you want to seek advice, just send us a message and someone in our group will reply and don't be scared to fight for our children)," Lucena said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079689

PH reiterates adherence to rules of war: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2019): PH reiterates adherence to rules of war: DND



RULES OF WAR. Defense Undersecretary for Defense Policy Ricardo A. David Jr. delivers the message of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during the International Humanitarian Day 2019 celebrations at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City on Monday (Sept. 9, 2019). Lorenzana underscored the Philippines’ commitment to adhering to the international accepted norms or rules of conduct of war. (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

As the nation observes International Human Law (IHL) Day, the Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday stressed that the Philippines is reaffirming its commitment in adhering to the international accepted norms or rules of conduct of war.

In his message read by Undersecretary for Defense Policy Ricardo A. David Jr. during the IHL Day 2019 celebrations at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini of the Department of Foreign Affairs in Pasay City, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the IHL gives special treatment or protection to parties or sectors who are not involved in armed conflict.

"As we all know international humanitarian law aims to mitigate the ill effects of armed conflict for humanitarian reasons, seeks to safeguard persons who not are directly involved or who are no longer part of the hostilities. These are the wounded, the sick, the prisoners, and the civilians," Lorenzana said.

This year's theme is "IHL: Protecting the Defenseless in Times of Armed Conflict".

Lorenzana said the Philippines has enacted three important national legislations supporting this commitment.

These are Republic Act 9851 (An Act Defining and Penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide And Other Crimes Against Humanity, Organizing Jurisdiction, Designating Special Courts, And For Related Purposes), Republic Act 10530 (An Act Defining The Use and Protection of the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal Emblems, Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof And for Other Purposes), and Republic Act 11188 (An Act Providing for the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof).

He said RA 9851 reiterates what “our fundamental law has laid down, that the Philippine renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, and amity of all nations”.

“The said law emphasizes that the state values the dignity of every human person," Lorenzana's message further stressed.

The same law stressed the state's respect for human rights, including the rights of indigenous cultural communities and other vulnerable groups like women and children.

Meanwhile, RA 10530 reiterates the importance of respecting the Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal emblems by giving special protection to personnel and emergency response assets in times of armed conflict by allowing or disallowing the misuse of such symbols that can endanger the lives of humanitarian workers in war zones.

While RA 11188 assures the following children's rights which include their right to life, survival and development and right to special respect and protection against any form of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violation.

Lorenzana said the law also protects children from being recruited into government forces or any other armed groups and from participating in any conflict.

"The most important aspect of the law is that it recognizes children at the zone of peace," the DND official added.

He said all three legislation highlights the respect for human rights in the Philippines.

The national observance of IHL Day is pursuant to Executive Order 134 (s. 1999) that declares every 12th of August as such.

This year’s commemoration was, however, postponed by the ad hoc Inter-Agency Committee to September 9 during the DFA’s flag-raising ceremony.

Being a party to the four Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Additional Protocol II Relating to the Protection of Victims of Non-International Armed Conflicts, the EO 134 provides that the Philippines adheres to the principles of humanitarian laws or the laws of armed conflict.

The annual commemoration aims to enhance understanding by officials and personnel of government departments, law enforcement agencies, and local government units of the principles of IHL, and to raise the people’s consciousness and promote greater awareness of the same.

The activities for the observance of IHL Day are prepared by the ad hoc committee co-chaired by DFA and DND, and composed of representatives from DFA, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government, International Committee of the Red Cross-Manila, Philippine National Red Cross, Commission on Human Rights, and the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079920

PNP informs Interpol of arrest warrant vs. Joma

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9, 2019): PNP informs Interpol of arrest warrant vs. Joma



PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it had already coordinated with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for the warrant of arrest issued against Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leader Jose Maria "Joma" Sison and 37 others.

"Ito naman ay standard procedure natin, ang maimpormahan ang ating mga counterparts abroad patungkol sa mga tao o Pilipinong may standing warrant of arrest. (This is our standard procedure to inform our counterparts abroad about persons or Filipinos who have a standing warrant of arrest),” said PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, in a press briefing.

“Kinakailangan ding maimpormahan sila dahil concern din sila sa kani-kanilang mga security (They have need to be informed also because they are also concerned about their own security)," Banac added.

On Aug. 28, 2019, the Regional Trial Court Branch 32 in Manila issued the warrant of arrest against self-exiled Sison and 37 individuals including National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants Luis Jalandoni, Prudencio Calubid, and Geronimo Pasetes.

RTC Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina ordered the arrest of the 38 for their alleged involvement in the so-called Inopacan massacre in Leyte on Sept. 2, 1985. No bail was recommended.

Based on estimates of former rebels and the victims’ relatives, the Inopacan massacre, dubbed by the New People’s Army as “Oplan Venereal Disease”, claimed the lives of about 300 residents in Leyte province.

Banac said warrant of arrest will be immediately served once the PNP gets information from its foreign counterparts.

“Ang buong PNP ay nakaatanbay upang matugunan kung ano man ang mga information na makuha natin sa kinaroroonan ng bawat isa sa kanila, (The entire PNP is ready to respond to whatever information we will get on their whereabouts),” he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1079949