From Panay News (Sep 18, 2019): Gov’t to release P580M for reintegration of RPA fighters
ILOILO City – The national government is releasing P580-million worth of social package to 310 members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) who are set to undergo decommissioning this week.
Captain Cenon Pancito, chief of the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division’s Public Affairs Office, said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has given the go-signal to release the amount.
The package consists of social protection programs, capacity development, livelihood and employment assistance, housing assistance, financial aid, and projects to boost economic activity in RPA-ABB areas.
“We’re looking after their welfare,” Pancito said.
The demands of the group were jointly talked and approved with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The former combatants are from the cities of Cadiz, Kabankalan and San Carlos, and Cauayan town, all in Negros Occidental; Ibajay, Aklan; Maasin, Iloilo; and Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
Further, the group will be trained on the military way of peace and security operations for two months.
After the training, these former combatants will have their own detachments at the eight Peace Development Community sites manned by them.
They will be trained because their concern is that “they will be prone to abuse of their former comrades from the New People’s Army,” said Pancito.
The RPA-ABB is a splinter group of the New People’s Army. It claims to have influence in 100 barangays in the country, 91 of which are in Western Visayas.
“We call on the NPA operating in Western and Central Visayas to take a cue from this group,” Pancito said.
The RPA-ABB is currently known as Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Panlipunan. It signed a peace agreement with the government in 2000.
https://www.panaynews.net/govt-to-release-p580m-for-reintegration-of-rpa-fighters/
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Ranking communist leader nabbed in Laguna
From ABS-CBN (Sep 18, 2019): Ranking communist leader nabbed in Laguna
A suspected ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was arrested by authorities in San Pedro City, Laguna early Wednesday.
Antonia Setias Dizon, allegedly the secretary or head of CPP-NPA-NDF's national organizing department, was caught inside her house in Olympia Village, Barangay Rosario.
Her arrest stemmed from a warrant for a case of murder that was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
Search warrants over Dizon's alleged illegal possession of explosives were also served during the raid.
Seized from Dizon were a .38 revolver, blasting caps and wires, ammunition and several documents.
Laguna police director Eleazar Matta said Dizon's arrest would affect the leftist group.
He said Dizon reportedly replaced NDF consultants Rafael Baylosis and Adelberto Silva who were both arrested last year.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/18/19/ranking-communist-leader-nabbed-in-laguna
Antonia Setias Dizon, allegedly the secretary or head of CPP-NPA-NDF's national organizing department, was caught inside her house in Olympia Village, Barangay Rosario.
Her arrest stemmed from a warrant for a case of murder that was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.
Search warrants over Dizon's alleged illegal possession of explosives were also served during the raid.
Seized from Dizon were a .38 revolver, blasting caps and wires, ammunition and several documents.
Laguna police director Eleazar Matta said Dizon's arrest would affect the leftist group.
He said Dizon reportedly replaced NDF consultants Rafael Baylosis and Adelberto Silva who were both arrested last year.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/18/19/ranking-communist-leader-nabbed-in-laguna
ISIS-inspired terror group member arrested in GenSan
From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 17, 2019): ISIS-inspired terror group member arrested in GenSan
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Military and police operatives arrested Tuesday a suspected member of ISIS-inspired local terror group Ansar-Khilafah Philippines (AKP) during a raid Tuesday in Barangay Bawing, this city.
Photo via Joseph Jubelag/ Manila Bulletin
City police director Col Alden Lagradante identified the suspect as Jomar Maan, 23, who yielded an improvised explosive device, rifle grenade. a .38 caliber revolver and ISIS flag after security forces stormed his house in an outskirt village of Upper London, Barangay Bawing.
Authorities tagged the suspect as a trustee of slain AKP leader Mohamad Jaafar Maguid who took the former as his personal cook at the AKP camp in Barangay Daliao, Maasim, Sarangani in 2014 until 2017.
Maguid, who was tagged responsible in a string of bomb attacks in the city and nearby Sarangani, was killed in an encounter with security forces in January 2017 in Kiamba, Sarangani.
Police have filed charges for illegal possession of explosive and firearm against Maan who is presently detained at the detention facility of the local police station here.
Authorities are determining Maan’s involvement in the recent terror attacks perpetrated by the AKP in the city and nearby areas.
The AKP was tagged in the September 2018 bomb attack on a lying-in center in Barangay Apopong, this city which injured at least eight people.
Prior to Maguid’s death, AKP sought affiliation with the ISIS to establish an Islamic State in Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces.
GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Military and police operatives arrested Tuesday a suspected member of ISIS-inspired local terror group Ansar-Khilafah Philippines (AKP) during a raid Tuesday in Barangay Bawing, this city.
Photo via Joseph Jubelag/ Manila Bulletin
City police director Col Alden Lagradante identified the suspect as Jomar Maan, 23, who yielded an improvised explosive device, rifle grenade. a .38 caliber revolver and ISIS flag after security forces stormed his house in an outskirt village of Upper London, Barangay Bawing.
Authorities tagged the suspect as a trustee of slain AKP leader Mohamad Jaafar Maguid who took the former as his personal cook at the AKP camp in Barangay Daliao, Maasim, Sarangani in 2014 until 2017.
Maguid, who was tagged responsible in a string of bomb attacks in the city and nearby Sarangani, was killed in an encounter with security forces in January 2017 in Kiamba, Sarangani.
Police have filed charges for illegal possession of explosive and firearm against Maan who is presently detained at the detention facility of the local police station here.
Authorities are determining Maan’s involvement in the recent terror attacks perpetrated by the AKP in the city and nearby areas.
The AKP was tagged in the September 2018 bomb attack on a lying-in center in Barangay Apopong, this city which injured at least eight people.
Prior to Maguid’s death, AKP sought affiliation with the ISIS to establish an Islamic State in Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces.
ISIS flag, explosives seized from suspected terrorist in GenSan
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 17, 2019): ISIS flag, explosives seized from suspected terrorist in GenSan
Authorities confiscated a suspected flag of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an explosive device, and a rifle grenade from a suspected terrorist whom they arrested in General Santos City on Tuesday.
An initial report from the Soccsksargen police identified the suspect as Jomar Antang, alias Potpot, an alleged member of the Ansar Al Khilafah Philippines, who was arrested in Barangay Bawing at about 6 a.m.
Antang was arrested by virtue of two search warrants for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (Republic Act No. 10591) or and the law on the illegal manufacture, sales, and possession of firearms and explosives (Republic Act No. 9516).
Aside from the explosives and the ISIS flag, authorities also seized from the suspect a .38-caliber revolver loaded with four bullets.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1165685/isis-flag-explosives-seized-from-suspected-terrorist-in-gensan
An initial report from the Soccsksargen police identified the suspect as Jomar Antang, alias Potpot, an alleged member of the Ansar Al Khilafah Philippines, who was arrested in Barangay Bawing at about 6 a.m.
Antang was arrested by virtue of two search warrants for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (Republic Act No. 10591) or and the law on the illegal manufacture, sales, and possession of firearms and explosives (Republic Act No. 9516).
Aside from the explosives and the ISIS flag, authorities also seized from the suspect a .38-caliber revolver loaded with four bullets.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1165685/isis-flag-explosives-seized-from-suspected-terrorist-in-gensan
8 sundalong nasawi sa engkwentro sa Basilan at Sulu, ginawaran
From the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) (Sep 18, 2019): 8 sundalong nasawi sa engkwentro sa Basilan at Sulu, ginawaran
Ginawaran ng order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang walong sundalong nasawi sa pakikipagbakbakan sa teroristang Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sa Basilan at Sulu.
Tinanggap ng pamilya nina Technical Sgt. Alberto Garde, Staff Sgt. Jayson Sawit, Staff Sgt. Aldam Baginda, Staff Sgt. Kasir Riban, Cpl. Nelson Vidal at private first class Jake Ameglio ang parangal.
Ang mga nabanggit na sundalo ay nasawi noong Nobyembre 8, 2017 sa Sumisip, Basilan.
Samantala, pinarangalan din sina sina Pfc. Emie Pumicpic and Pfc. Benhar Ahajul na nasawi sa pakikipaglaban sa bandidong Abu Sayyaf sa Sulu noong Agosto a-siyete 2016.
Ginawaran ng order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang walong sundalong nasawi sa pakikipagbakbakan sa teroristang Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sa Basilan at Sulu.
Tinanggap ng pamilya nina Technical Sgt. Alberto Garde, Staff Sgt. Jayson Sawit, Staff Sgt. Aldam Baginda, Staff Sgt. Kasir Riban, Cpl. Nelson Vidal at private first class Jake Ameglio ang parangal.
Ang mga nabanggit na sundalo ay nasawi noong Nobyembre 8, 2017 sa Sumisip, Basilan.
Samantala, pinarangalan din sina sina Pfc. Emie Pumicpic and Pfc. Benhar Ahajul na nasawi sa pakikipaglaban sa bandidong Abu Sayyaf sa Sulu noong Agosto a-siyete 2016.
ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (17 September 2019)
Posted to the Relief Web (Sep 17, 2019): ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (17 September 2019)
Download PDF (529.86 KB)
The key trends in South and Southeast Asia last week include: significant Taliban incursions in northern Afghanistan; the ongoing security crackdown in Kashmir; border tensions between India and China; and continued clashes in Shan and Rakhine states in Myanmar.
In Afghanistan, following two of the deadliest weeks in the conflict this year, reported fatalities dropped significantly compared to the previous week. While there were fewer events of politically motivated violence overall, there was also a larger proportion of events with zero reported fatalities. This is common with failed attacks or when a source is unable to provide information on casualties from an attack, which is common among the Taliban’s claims.
Meanwhile, the Taliban reported significant territorial gains across five of the country’s northern provinces: Baghlan, Balkh, Kunduz, Takhar, and Samangan. In Samangan, the Taliban reportedly captured a large area near the provincial capital and further claimed to have gained control of a military base in a large district to the southwest of the provincial capital in Balkh. In Takhar, the group claimed to have fully seized three districts in the northwestern portion of the province along the Tajik-Afghan border. These areas are inhabited largely by non-Pashtuns, including Tajik and Hazara populations, and have previously served as sites of resistance against the militant group. However, some analysts point to gains like these as evidence that a long-term shift in the Taliban’s strategy of recruiting non-Pashtuns as fighters and commanders is paying off (Stars and Stripes, 10 September 2019).
In Pakistan, barring two attacks on security personnel in Pakistan’s western border close to Afghanistan, violence perpetrated by domestic armed groups decreased last week.
In India, even though communication services have partially and gradually been restored, the ongoing security lockdown in Kashmir continues to result in relatively low numbers of reported riot and protest events. The latest Kashmir crisis has also contributed to a further decline in India-Pakistan relations and renewed talks about the risk of armed conflict between the two nuclear countries. Over the past weeks, frequent clashes between Indian and Pakistani forces have been reported across the Line of Control (LoC). Meanwhile, nationwide Kashmir solidarity rallies continued in Pakistan. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed one of those rallies in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-Administered Jammu and Kashmir, warning that the Indian government’s latest move would push people into extremism (Al Jazeera, 13 September 2019).
In other news, border disputes also led to a flare-up of tensions between India and China last week. A scuffle broke out between Indian and Chinese troops after Chinese soldiers allegedly objected to Indian soldiers patrolling the banks of the Pangong Tso river in eastern Ladakh. Border disputes between India and China have long been a point of contention between the two countries. In April this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for an informal summit to improve bilateral relations and resolve border issues. Xi is scheduled to visit India next month for a second informal summit (Daily Excelsior, 12 September 2019).
In Myanmar, there was a decline in the number of battles last week between the Myanmar military and the Brotherhood Alliance, though clashes were reported in Kyaukme and Namhsan townships in Shan state between the military and an individual member of the alliance, the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA). Another member of the alliance, the Arakan Army (AA), continues to clash with the military in townships across northern Rakhine state. As battles between the military and ethnic armed organizations continue, several hundred youths in Kachin state staged a protest calling for an end to the many wars in the country. The protests come as two Kachin activists were recently sentenced for a performance in June marking the eighth anniversary of the start of renewed conflict in Kachin state (Irrawaddy, 6 September 2019).
In the Philippines, a suspected Abu Sayyaf Group member detonated a suicide bomb in front of a military camp, reflecting the increasing use of suicide attacks by the group (Asia Times, 13 September 2019). For the second week in a row, no events were reported concerning separatists in Thailand.
Several demonstrations were reported in Indonesia concerning proposed changes to the Corruption Eradication Commission Law. While some protests were in support of the proposed changes, others were opposed to the revisions. Those opposed believe that the new changes would weaken the independence of the commission in its efforts against corruption in the country (Transparency International, 10 September 2019).
https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/acled-regional-overview-asia-17-september-2019
Download PDF (529.86 KB)The key trends in South and Southeast Asia last week include: significant Taliban incursions in northern Afghanistan; the ongoing security crackdown in Kashmir; border tensions between India and China; and continued clashes in Shan and Rakhine states in Myanmar.
In Afghanistan, following two of the deadliest weeks in the conflict this year, reported fatalities dropped significantly compared to the previous week. While there were fewer events of politically motivated violence overall, there was also a larger proportion of events with zero reported fatalities. This is common with failed attacks or when a source is unable to provide information on casualties from an attack, which is common among the Taliban’s claims.
Meanwhile, the Taliban reported significant territorial gains across five of the country’s northern provinces: Baghlan, Balkh, Kunduz, Takhar, and Samangan. In Samangan, the Taliban reportedly captured a large area near the provincial capital and further claimed to have gained control of a military base in a large district to the southwest of the provincial capital in Balkh. In Takhar, the group claimed to have fully seized three districts in the northwestern portion of the province along the Tajik-Afghan border. These areas are inhabited largely by non-Pashtuns, including Tajik and Hazara populations, and have previously served as sites of resistance against the militant group. However, some analysts point to gains like these as evidence that a long-term shift in the Taliban’s strategy of recruiting non-Pashtuns as fighters and commanders is paying off (Stars and Stripes, 10 September 2019).
In Pakistan, barring two attacks on security personnel in Pakistan’s western border close to Afghanistan, violence perpetrated by domestic armed groups decreased last week.
In India, even though communication services have partially and gradually been restored, the ongoing security lockdown in Kashmir continues to result in relatively low numbers of reported riot and protest events. The latest Kashmir crisis has also contributed to a further decline in India-Pakistan relations and renewed talks about the risk of armed conflict between the two nuclear countries. Over the past weeks, frequent clashes between Indian and Pakistani forces have been reported across the Line of Control (LoC). Meanwhile, nationwide Kashmir solidarity rallies continued in Pakistan. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed one of those rallies in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-Administered Jammu and Kashmir, warning that the Indian government’s latest move would push people into extremism (Al Jazeera, 13 September 2019).
In other news, border disputes also led to a flare-up of tensions between India and China last week. A scuffle broke out between Indian and Chinese troops after Chinese soldiers allegedly objected to Indian soldiers patrolling the banks of the Pangong Tso river in eastern Ladakh. Border disputes between India and China have long been a point of contention between the two countries. In April this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for an informal summit to improve bilateral relations and resolve border issues. Xi is scheduled to visit India next month for a second informal summit (Daily Excelsior, 12 September 2019).
In Myanmar, there was a decline in the number of battles last week between the Myanmar military and the Brotherhood Alliance, though clashes were reported in Kyaukme and Namhsan townships in Shan state between the military and an individual member of the alliance, the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA). Another member of the alliance, the Arakan Army (AA), continues to clash with the military in townships across northern Rakhine state. As battles between the military and ethnic armed organizations continue, several hundred youths in Kachin state staged a protest calling for an end to the many wars in the country. The protests come as two Kachin activists were recently sentenced for a performance in June marking the eighth anniversary of the start of renewed conflict in Kachin state (Irrawaddy, 6 September 2019).
In the Philippines, a suspected Abu Sayyaf Group member detonated a suicide bomb in front of a military camp, reflecting the increasing use of suicide attacks by the group (Asia Times, 13 September 2019). For the second week in a row, no events were reported concerning separatists in Thailand.
Several demonstrations were reported in Indonesia concerning proposed changes to the Corruption Eradication Commission Law. While some protests were in support of the proposed changes, others were opposed to the revisions. Those opposed believe that the new changes would weaken the independence of the commission in its efforts against corruption in the country (Transparency International, 10 September 2019).
https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/acled-regional-overview-asia-17-september-2019
Military recovers 700 kilos of bomb components, mortar in Sulu
From the Manila Times (Sep 17, 2019): Military recovers 700 kilos of bomb components, mortar in Sulu
ABOUT 700 kilograms of bomb components and a mortar at an abandoned house in Patikul, Sulu were recovered, the military said on Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Gerard Monfort, spokesman of Joint Task Force Sulu, said the bomb component was ammonium nitrate, which was seized along with an 81-millimeter mortar fuse at about 10 a.m. in Barangay Latih.
Monfort said a local resident reported to the Philippine Army’s 63rd Mechanized Company of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) about the presence of a suspected explosive device in an abandoned house in the village.
This prompted military forces to cordon off the area “to ensure the safety of the populace living near the pinpointed abandoned house.”
Quoting Police Col. Pablo Labra, director of the Sulu provincial police office, Monfort said that the ammonium nitrate “is an explosive used by the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) because of its cratering charge effect when mixed with fuel substances.”
Brig. Gen. Leopoldo Imbang Jr., commander of the 1st BCT, said the troops didn’t expect huge explosive components during the search.
Monfort said the military was trying to determine those who left the explosives.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/17/news/latest-news/military-recovers-700-kilos-of-bomb-components-mortar-in-sulu/617737/
ABOUT 700 kilograms of bomb components and a mortar at an abandoned house in Patikul, Sulu were recovered, the military said on Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Gerard Monfort, spokesman of Joint Task Force Sulu, said the bomb component was ammonium nitrate, which was seized along with an 81-millimeter mortar fuse at about 10 a.m. in Barangay Latih.
Monfort said a local resident reported to the Philippine Army’s 63rd Mechanized Company of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) about the presence of a suspected explosive device in an abandoned house in the village.
This prompted military forces to cordon off the area “to ensure the safety of the populace living near the pinpointed abandoned house.”
Quoting Police Col. Pablo Labra, director of the Sulu provincial police office, Monfort said that the ammonium nitrate “is an explosive used by the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) because of its cratering charge effect when mixed with fuel substances.”
Brig. Gen. Leopoldo Imbang Jr., commander of the 1st BCT, said the troops didn’t expect huge explosive components during the search.
Monfort said the military was trying to determine those who left the explosives.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/17/news/latest-news/military-recovers-700-kilos-of-bomb-components-mortar-in-sulu/617737/
Basilan governor wants Army in ex-ASG camp
From the Manila Times (Sep 18, 2019): Basilan governor wants Army in ex-ASG camp
The provincial government officials of Basilan want soldiers deployed in the vicinity of the former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) camps in Sampinit Complex of Basilan to help protect tropical rainforests along the stretches of a new highway.
Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman on Monday said he also wanted the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) to put up an Army brigade headquarters in the Sampinit Complex.
Salliman said they were planning to make the timberlands and watersheds in the area converted to protected wildlife sanctuaries.
There is now a concrete road at the Basilan Transcentral Road, which cuts through the Sampinit Complex, a common project of the provincial government and the executive department of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The road network interconnects Barangay Tumahubong in Sumisip, Mahayahay in Maluso and Sta. Clara in Lamitan City, passing through mountain ranges where the Abu Sayyaf once ran a Taliban-style government, and held no fewer than 200 captives — many of them beheaded for non-payment of ransom.
“There are still some very short stretches of that road network that remains to be concreted but generally we can say we’ve done it, a challenging role that we hurdled. Thanks to the local communities, the police and the military for helping us achieve that goal,” Salliman said.
Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) vowed to help accomplish the project, whose completion was temporarily stop by the transition from the ARMM to BARMM.
“We can even name this road ‘BARMM Highway’ as manifestation of our support to the Mindanao peace process and our recognition of BARMM as a durable solution to the Moro secessionist issue hounding Mindanao since the 1970s,” Salliman stressed.
He also agreed that WestMinCom should consider setting up the military camp to protect the forestlands from poachers, adding the presence of more Army units along strategic stretches of the highway would also ensure the safety of motorists and commuters.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/18/news/regions/basilan-governor-wants-army-in-ex-asg-camp/617798/
The provincial government officials of Basilan want soldiers deployed in the vicinity of the former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) camps in Sampinit Complex of Basilan to help protect tropical rainforests along the stretches of a new highway.
Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman on Monday said he also wanted the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) to put up an Army brigade headquarters in the Sampinit Complex.
Salliman said they were planning to make the timberlands and watersheds in the area converted to protected wildlife sanctuaries.
There is now a concrete road at the Basilan Transcentral Road, which cuts through the Sampinit Complex, a common project of the provincial government and the executive department of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The road network interconnects Barangay Tumahubong in Sumisip, Mahayahay in Maluso and Sta. Clara in Lamitan City, passing through mountain ranges where the Abu Sayyaf once ran a Taliban-style government, and held no fewer than 200 captives — many of them beheaded for non-payment of ransom.
“There are still some very short stretches of that road network that remains to be concreted but generally we can say we’ve done it, a challenging role that we hurdled. Thanks to the local communities, the police and the military for helping us achieve that goal,” Salliman said.
Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) vowed to help accomplish the project, whose completion was temporarily stop by the transition from the ARMM to BARMM.
“We can even name this road ‘BARMM Highway’ as manifestation of our support to the Mindanao peace process and our recognition of BARMM as a durable solution to the Moro secessionist issue hounding Mindanao since the 1970s,” Salliman stressed.
He also agreed that WestMinCom should consider setting up the military camp to protect the forestlands from poachers, adding the presence of more Army units along strategic stretches of the highway would also ensure the safety of motorists and commuters.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/18/news/regions/basilan-governor-wants-army-in-ex-asg-camp/617798/
Duterte honors 8 soldiers killed in clashes with Abu Sayyaf
From ABS-CBN (Sep 18, 2019): Duterte honors 8 soldiers killed in clashes with Abu Sayyaf
President Rodrigo Duterte condoles with the kin of one of the killed soldiers as he posthumously awards the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kalasag during a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace on Sept. 17, 2019. Alfred Frias, Presidential Photo
President Rodrigo Duterte posthumously conferred Monday the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag on 8 soldiers who died in clashes with local terror group Abu Sayyaf.
Families of the slain soldiers received the award during a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace.
Soldiers honored included TSgt. Alberto P. Garde, SSgt. Jayson C. Sawit, SSgt. Aldam S. Baginda, SSgt. Kasir J. Riban, Cpl. Nelson Vidal, and Pfc. Jake A. Ameglio. They were killed during a firefight with the Abu Sayyaf in Sumisip, Basilan on Nov. 8, 2017.
Pfc. Emie Pumicpic and Pfc. Benhar Ahajul, who died during a clash with the local terror group on Aug. 7, 2016, were also conferred the award.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag is awarded to Filipinos who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.
Malacañang said President Duterte assured the families of the slain soldiers of support for their housing needs as well for the education of their children.
Read More: Rodrigo Duterte AFP Order of Lapu-Lapu
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/18/19/duterte-honors-8-soldiers-killed-in-clashes-with-abu-sayyaf
Families of the slain soldiers received the award during a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace.
Soldiers honored included TSgt. Alberto P. Garde, SSgt. Jayson C. Sawit, SSgt. Aldam S. Baginda, SSgt. Kasir J. Riban, Cpl. Nelson Vidal, and Pfc. Jake A. Ameglio. They were killed during a firefight with the Abu Sayyaf in Sumisip, Basilan on Nov. 8, 2017.
Pfc. Emie Pumicpic and Pfc. Benhar Ahajul, who died during a clash with the local terror group on Aug. 7, 2016, were also conferred the award.
The Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag is awarded to Filipinos who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.
Malacañang said President Duterte assured the families of the slain soldiers of support for their housing needs as well for the education of their children.
Read More: Rodrigo Duterte AFP Order of Lapu-Lapu
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/18/19/duterte-honors-8-soldiers-killed-in-clashes-with-abu-sayyaf
Philippine telecom deal rings China alarm bells
Posted to the Asia Time (Sep 16, 2019): Philippine telecom deal rings China alarm bells (By Richard Javad Heydarian)
Mislatel consortium, comprised of the local Udenna and Chelsea Logistics Holdings, Mindanao Islamic Telephone and China Telecom, signed on September 11 an anticipated memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the AFP.
China Telecom holds a 40% stake in the venture and is expected to provide most of the deal’s equipment. The state-run telecom company cooperates closely with Huawei in 5G, with the two sides jointly releasing a so-called “5G super uplink innovation solution” on June 27.
The MOA will pave the way for the China-affiliated consortium to install communications networks and facilities in Philippine military camps and installations, and is seen as a first major step in the new entrant’s expansion into local markets.
But it is also raising concerns that China’s technological presence in Philippine military facilities could undermine strategic relations with the United States, a mutual defense treaty ally which actively cooperates with the AFP in counterterrorism, training and maritime security.
The US has openly expressed its concerns about the introduction of Chinese-made telecommunication technologies and equipment, especially 5G networks that give Beijing greater control over communication flows, into the country broadly and in Philippine military facilities in particular.
Agreement to allow China Telecom consortium to build communication networks in military bases sparks spying scare
A China Telecom sign on a street in Manila. Photo: Twitter
The newest telecom operator in the Philippines, a local joint venture with state-run China Telecom, is already courting national security-related controversy in a newly brokered deal with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
A China Telecom sign on a street in Manila. Photo: Twitter
The newest telecom operator in the Philippines, a local joint venture with state-run China Telecom, is already courting national security-related controversy in a newly brokered deal with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Mislatel consortium, comprised of the local Udenna and Chelsea Logistics Holdings, Mindanao Islamic Telephone and China Telecom, signed on September 11 an anticipated memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the AFP.
China Telecom holds a 40% stake in the venture and is expected to provide most of the deal’s equipment. The state-run telecom company cooperates closely with Huawei in 5G, with the two sides jointly releasing a so-called “5G super uplink innovation solution” on June 27.
The MOA will pave the way for the China-affiliated consortium to install communications networks and facilities in Philippine military camps and installations, and is seen as a first major step in the new entrant’s expansion into local markets.
But it is also raising concerns that China’s technological presence in Philippine military facilities could undermine strategic relations with the United States, a mutual defense treaty ally which actively cooperates with the AFP in counterterrorism, training and maritime security.
The US has openly expressed its concerns about the introduction of Chinese-made telecommunication technologies and equipment, especially 5G networks that give Beijing greater control over communication flows, into the country broadly and in Philippine military facilities in particular.
Mobile telecommunication towers in the Philippines. Photo: Twitter
Under the agreement, Mislatel will be required to “furnish all equipment, labor, and materials necessary to effect the co-location of its facilities and will shoulder all expenses in connection with or incidental to the co-location.”
The consortium will also pay to train AFP staff in the use of equipment as well as its maintenance, upgrade and services.
The Philippine military will specify the exact location and use of Mislatel’s equipment to ensure its operations are not compromised, AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr said.
Duterte vowed to open the Philippines’ telecom market to more competition soon after his mid-2016 election win, part of his drive to challenge the country’s traditional business elites, or “oligarchs”, as he has referred to them.
Before Mislatel’s entry, Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) and Globe Telecom dominated the US$5.2 billion market. Mislatel is led by Dennis Uy, a rising Sino-Filipino tycoon from Davao with sprawling business interests including in energy and a long-time hometown friend and ally of Duterte.
The Philippine military’s Chief of Staff, General Benjamin Madrigal, was quick to defend the controversial deal, noting that similar AFP deals have been struck with the other two major telecom operators, namely Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.
“Our MOA with other telcos significantly improved the ICT [information communications technology] and infrastructure of the AFP, and we are optimistic that this opportunity will also bring great benefits to the armed forces.”
Speaking to concerns of possible Chinese spying or espionage, Philippine military officials are adamant that there are built-in guarantees that the devices, equipment and structures installed at the sites provided by the AFP cannot be used to gather or eavesdrop on classified information.
Under the agreement, Mislatel will be required to “furnish all equipment, labor, and materials necessary to effect the co-location of its facilities and will shoulder all expenses in connection with or incidental to the co-location.”
The consortium will also pay to train AFP staff in the use of equipment as well as its maintenance, upgrade and services.
The Philippine military will specify the exact location and use of Mislatel’s equipment to ensure its operations are not compromised, AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr said.
Duterte vowed to open the Philippines’ telecom market to more competition soon after his mid-2016 election win, part of his drive to challenge the country’s traditional business elites, or “oligarchs”, as he has referred to them.
Before Mislatel’s entry, Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) and Globe Telecom dominated the US$5.2 billion market. Mislatel is led by Dennis Uy, a rising Sino-Filipino tycoon from Davao with sprawling business interests including in energy and a long-time hometown friend and ally of Duterte.
The Philippine military’s Chief of Staff, General Benjamin Madrigal, was quick to defend the controversial deal, noting that similar AFP deals have been struck with the other two major telecom operators, namely Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.
“Our MOA with other telcos significantly improved the ICT [information communications technology] and infrastructure of the AFP, and we are optimistic that this opportunity will also bring great benefits to the armed forces.”
Speaking to concerns of possible Chinese spying or espionage, Philippine military officials are adamant that there are built-in guarantees that the devices, equipment and structures installed at the sites provided by the AFP cannot be used to gather or eavesdrop on classified information.
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gestures at the military headquarters of Camp Aquinaldo in Quezon city, metro Manila, February 9, 2017. Photo: AFP
Madrigal reportedly endorsed the approval of the deal to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, an independent-minded military leader who has often raised concerns over Chinese threats to Philippine national security, including through encroachment on Manila’s claimed territory in the South China Sea.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, however, said on September 16 that “[Lorenzana] texted me about it and he said he doesn’t know anything about it and he is going to investigate and ask the concerned people involved in the deal so we’ll wait for his findings.”
Panelo said that if there are any national security red flags, “this government can do something about it.”
Barring security-related delays, Mislatel, soon to be renamed Dito Telecommunity, is expected to quickly implement the agreement as the firm embarks on an ambitious five-year expansion plan that aims to break the market’s long-time duopoly.
“This partnership gives Mislatel a fair chance to compete with the other networks, given that the AFP also has similar partnerships with Globe and Smart,” Madrigal said
Uy, who has emerged as a major corporate player under Duterte’s presidency, was unsurprisingly upbeat about the deal, saying it was a much-needed stamp of approval from the Philippine defense establishment amid lingering public skepticism.
“We…are truly grateful to the AFP for this partnership. The rollout of Dito’s towers is indeed one herculean feat. With this partnership with the AFP, we are nearer our goal of building a wide and robust network,” Uy said.
Leading opposition figures, however, quickly labeled the deal as a clear and present danger to Philippine national security.
Madrigal reportedly endorsed the approval of the deal to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, an independent-minded military leader who has often raised concerns over Chinese threats to Philippine national security, including through encroachment on Manila’s claimed territory in the South China Sea.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, however, said on September 16 that “[Lorenzana] texted me about it and he said he doesn’t know anything about it and he is going to investigate and ask the concerned people involved in the deal so we’ll wait for his findings.”
Panelo said that if there are any national security red flags, “this government can do something about it.”
Barring security-related delays, Mislatel, soon to be renamed Dito Telecommunity, is expected to quickly implement the agreement as the firm embarks on an ambitious five-year expansion plan that aims to break the market’s long-time duopoly.
“This partnership gives Mislatel a fair chance to compete with the other networks, given that the AFP also has similar partnerships with Globe and Smart,” Madrigal said
Uy, who has emerged as a major corporate player under Duterte’s presidency, was unsurprisingly upbeat about the deal, saying it was a much-needed stamp of approval from the Philippine defense establishment amid lingering public skepticism.
“We…are truly grateful to the AFP for this partnership. The rollout of Dito’s towers is indeed one herculean feat. With this partnership with the AFP, we are nearer our goal of building a wide and robust network,” Uy said.
Leading opposition figures, however, quickly labeled the deal as a clear and present danger to Philippine national security.
Dennis Uy at the Philippine Stock Exchange on July 11, 2017. Photo: AFP/Ted Aljibe
Opposition critics have pointed to Chapter 1, Article 7 of China’s new National Intelligence Law, which states, “Any organization or citizen shall support, assist, and cooperate with the state intelligence work in accordance with the law…”
They argue that China Telecom could easily use its financial and technological influence within Mislatel to spy and surveil within Philippine military facilities, particularly in gathering sensitive information about the two sides’ disputes in the South China Sea.
“Why build these telco towers inside camps in the first place?” complained Senator Francis Pangilinan, a stalwart of the opposition Liberal Party. “The Philippine government has not only allowed the Chinese telco on our soil, it has laid the red carpet for Dito Telecoms inside our military camps,” he said in a statement released a day after the MOA’s signing.
The opposition senator warned that the deal “raises fears of electronic espionage and interference given the record of some Chinese firms for engaging in this illegal activity.” Under Duterte’s Beijing-leaning presidency, he opined, “Our security and foreign policies have become so absurd.”
Jose Antonio Custodio, a former National Security Council consultant, warned that China may “perceive what happened as a gauge of their success in co-opting elements from within the Philippine military,” and this will make the Philippines seem as “an unreliable ally” to the US.
During a visit to the Philippines earlier this year, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo openly warned, “America may not be able to operate in certain environments” if host countries adopt advanced Chinese technology, especially Huawei 5G networks.
Whether Philippine-US defense cooperation will actually suffer after Mislatel installs Chinese communications technology in Philippine military bases is yet to be seen. But by treating such sensitive China deals as business as usual, Duterte’s administration has blatantly ignored the publicly expressed concerns of its long-time treaty ally.
Opposition critics have pointed to Chapter 1, Article 7 of China’s new National Intelligence Law, which states, “Any organization or citizen shall support, assist, and cooperate with the state intelligence work in accordance with the law…”
They argue that China Telecom could easily use its financial and technological influence within Mislatel to spy and surveil within Philippine military facilities, particularly in gathering sensitive information about the two sides’ disputes in the South China Sea.
“Why build these telco towers inside camps in the first place?” complained Senator Francis Pangilinan, a stalwart of the opposition Liberal Party. “The Philippine government has not only allowed the Chinese telco on our soil, it has laid the red carpet for Dito Telecoms inside our military camps,” he said in a statement released a day after the MOA’s signing.
The opposition senator warned that the deal “raises fears of electronic espionage and interference given the record of some Chinese firms for engaging in this illegal activity.” Under Duterte’s Beijing-leaning presidency, he opined, “Our security and foreign policies have become so absurd.”
Jose Antonio Custodio, a former National Security Council consultant, warned that China may “perceive what happened as a gauge of their success in co-opting elements from within the Philippine military,” and this will make the Philippines seem as “an unreliable ally” to the US.
During a visit to the Philippines earlier this year, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo openly warned, “America may not be able to operate in certain environments” if host countries adopt advanced Chinese technology, especially Huawei 5G networks.
Whether Philippine-US defense cooperation will actually suffer after Mislatel installs Chinese communications technology in Philippine military bases is yet to be seen. But by treating such sensitive China deals as business as usual, Duterte’s administration has blatantly ignored the publicly expressed concerns of its long-time treaty ally.
AFP opens sea, land, air interoperability exercise
From the Business Mirror (Sep 17, 2019): AFP opens sea, land, air interoperability exercise
The Armed Forces of the Philippines officially opened on Monday its joint exercise “DAGIT-PA” at the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command at Camp Aguinaldo.
DAGIT-PA, which stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa,” is an AFP-wide exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability among the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army. It is geared to level up existing exercises by integrating the AFP’s Special Operations Forces, Cyber Group and reservists.
“This year’s reiteration of the AFP Joint Exercise will help us strengthen our territorial defense capabilities and our conduct of internal security operations,” said Brig. Gen. Francisco Mendoza, AFP assistant deputy chief of staff for education and training.
“The AFP chief of staff wants to ensure that we have the capability to apply the unilateral defense plan and AFP joint operating concept among many others to ensure the effectiveness of our troops when operating in a joint operations environment,” he added.
More than 1,500 soldiers, including reservists and selected AFP wide support and separate units are participating in the exercises, which include air and maritime interdiction operations in Palawan; amphibious landing in Zambales; airfield seizure and military operations in urban terrain in Nueva Ecija; and combined arms live fire exercise in Tarlac.
The events will focus on capabilities development in maritime security, military operations in urban terrain and amphibious operations.
The exercise traces its roots from the Navy Air Force interoperability exercise dubbed as “DAGIT” which features air-sea battle concept training which started in the early 2000s.
Meanwhile, all five provinces of Region 4A have activated their respective Provincial Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), which signal the region-wide implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s EO Number 70 in CALABARZON.
Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., commander of the 2nd Infantry Division which covers Southern Tagalog, said that Cavite was the first to activate the Provincial Task Force on April 4 through an Executive Order signed by then Governor Boying Remulla which was followed by Laguna on April 9, Quezon on April 11, Rizal on August 13 and Batangas on September 10.
“Through the unified stand of our local chief executives, we will finally be able to put an end to the 50-year communist insurgency that has been hampering our potentials and growth as a nation,” Burgos said.
Early this year, security forces reported the dismantling of Guerilla Front Honda, the NPA unit that used to operate in Batangas and Cavite, dealing a blow to the NPA in Southern Tagalog, which also saw the surrender of 122 rebels who are now enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Three provinces, three cities, eight municipalities and 184 barangays in Southern Tagalog have so far issued resolutions banning the presence of NPA in their communities.
“These resolutions denied them ( rebels) their much needed space and mass base support,” Burgos said.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/09/17/afp-opens-sea-land-air-interoperability-exercise/
The Armed Forces of the Philippines officially opened on Monday its joint exercise “DAGIT-PA” at the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command at Camp Aguinaldo.
DAGIT-PA, which stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa,” is an AFP-wide exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability among the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army. It is geared to level up existing exercises by integrating the AFP’s Special Operations Forces, Cyber Group and reservists.
“This year’s reiteration of the AFP Joint Exercise will help us strengthen our territorial defense capabilities and our conduct of internal security operations,” said Brig. Gen. Francisco Mendoza, AFP assistant deputy chief of staff for education and training.
“The AFP chief of staff wants to ensure that we have the capability to apply the unilateral defense plan and AFP joint operating concept among many others to ensure the effectiveness of our troops when operating in a joint operations environment,” he added.
More than 1,500 soldiers, including reservists and selected AFP wide support and separate units are participating in the exercises, which include air and maritime interdiction operations in Palawan; amphibious landing in Zambales; airfield seizure and military operations in urban terrain in Nueva Ecija; and combined arms live fire exercise in Tarlac.
The events will focus on capabilities development in maritime security, military operations in urban terrain and amphibious operations.
The exercise traces its roots from the Navy Air Force interoperability exercise dubbed as “DAGIT” which features air-sea battle concept training which started in the early 2000s.
Meanwhile, all five provinces of Region 4A have activated their respective Provincial Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), which signal the region-wide implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s EO Number 70 in CALABARZON.
Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., commander of the 2nd Infantry Division which covers Southern Tagalog, said that Cavite was the first to activate the Provincial Task Force on April 4 through an Executive Order signed by then Governor Boying Remulla which was followed by Laguna on April 9, Quezon on April 11, Rizal on August 13 and Batangas on September 10.
“Through the unified stand of our local chief executives, we will finally be able to put an end to the 50-year communist insurgency that has been hampering our potentials and growth as a nation,” Burgos said.
Early this year, security forces reported the dismantling of Guerilla Front Honda, the NPA unit that used to operate in Batangas and Cavite, dealing a blow to the NPA in Southern Tagalog, which also saw the surrender of 122 rebels who are now enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
Three provinces, three cities, eight municipalities and 184 barangays in Southern Tagalog have so far issued resolutions banning the presence of NPA in their communities.
“These resolutions denied them ( rebels) their much needed space and mass base support,” Burgos said.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/09/17/afp-opens-sea-land-air-interoperability-exercise/
Military tests new equipment in joint drills
From the Manila Times (Sep 17, 2019): Military tests new equipment in joint drills
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) got to test its new equipment during military exercises launched on Monday, which was participated by the Navy, Air Force and Army.
The “Dagit-PA” (Dagat-Langit-Lupa or Sea-Sky-Earth) exercises focus on territorial and cyber defense.
Around 1,500 soldiers from the three commands will join the 11-day drills that will be held in San Antonio, Zambales (amphibious landing), Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija (airfield seizure and military operations in urban terrain), Tarlac (combined arms live fire exercise) and Palawan (air-maritime interdiction operation).
Cdre. Adelius Bordado, commander of the Armed Forces’ Education, Training and Doctrine Command and the drills’ exercise director, said the exercises would be a chance to test some of the military’s newly acquired equipment, including amphibious assault vehicles, a naval landing dock, several Air Force aircraft and the BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39).
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/17/news/top-stories/military-tests-new-equipment-in-joint-drills-2/617223/
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) got to test its new equipment during military exercises launched on Monday, which was participated by the Navy, Air Force and Army.
The “Dagit-PA” (Dagat-Langit-Lupa or Sea-Sky-Earth) exercises focus on territorial and cyber defense.
Around 1,500 soldiers from the three commands will join the 11-day drills that will be held in San Antonio, Zambales (amphibious landing), Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija (airfield seizure and military operations in urban terrain), Tarlac (combined arms live fire exercise) and Palawan (air-maritime interdiction operation).
Cdre. Adelius Bordado, commander of the Armed Forces’ Education, Training and Doctrine Command and the drills’ exercise director, said the exercises would be a chance to test some of the military’s newly acquired equipment, including amphibious assault vehicles, a naval landing dock, several Air Force aircraft and the BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39).
https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/17/news/top-stories/military-tests-new-equipment-in-joint-drills-2/617223/
AFP-CRS: 2 rifles recovered by Army and PNP; 7 NPA auxiliaries surrender with 4 rifles in separate occasion
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): 2 rifles recovered by Army and PNP; 7 NPA auxiliaries surrender with 4 rifles in separate occasion
Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – An enemy camp was discovered by joint elements of the 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion and the 1st Provincial Maneuver Force Company of PNP Nueva Ecija which yielded two (2) Bushmaster 5.56mm M16 rifles. The discovery was made at Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on September 11, 2019.
The Alpha Coy, 91IB, led by 1st Lieutenant Jonemar I. Suarez, was making their way back to base when they chanced upon the empty enemy encampment. Their search resulted to the recovery of the rifles and three (3) long magazines.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Jose Mari F. Torrenueva, the 91IB Commander, the recovered firearms will soon be turned over to proper authorities for appropriate disposition.
In a separate event on the same day, seven members of Milisyang Bayan (MB), an NPA auxiliary, voluntarily surrendered to the joint elements of the 70th Infantry (Cadre) Battalion, the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police of a certain province.
The seven MB members brought with them 2 Caliber 5.56mm and 2 Caliber 5.56mm M6653 rifles with four magazines and 70 live ammunitions which they turned over to the government troops.
The surrenderees are currently at the Headquarters 70IB for routine interviews. They will also be assessed for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which provides financial aid and livelihood training programs, along with the surrendered firearm remuneration.
Major General Lenard T. Agustin AFP, Commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, commended the Army and PNP troops for their accomplishments, as well as the MB rebels who surrendered for their wise decision to surrender.
“President Duterte has ordered a ‘full scale’ operation against the communist rebels. We are mandated to perform as ordered. However, these recent accomplishments of the 7ID and PNP line units show that there is still time for misguided rebels to surrender and be with their families. We will help you as long as you take the peaceful road - but your time is running out – so do not attempt to threaten the peace, for we will hunt you down, and we will be relentless,” the 7ID Commander said.
https://www.afpcrs.com/single-post/2019/09/17/2-rifles-recovered-by-Army-and-PNP-7-NPA-auxiliaries-surrender-with-4-rifles-in-separate-occasion?fbclid=IwAR1rtgEaByRm5Jxxa0JgPPH1nnGpWmFClkOiI2w-0_VZ_Os9xZOYr3nSrpM
Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – An enemy camp was discovered by joint elements of the 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion and the 1st Provincial Maneuver Force Company of PNP Nueva Ecija which yielded two (2) Bushmaster 5.56mm M16 rifles. The discovery was made at Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on September 11, 2019.
The Alpha Coy, 91IB, led by 1st Lieutenant Jonemar I. Suarez, was making their way back to base when they chanced upon the empty enemy encampment. Their search resulted to the recovery of the rifles and three (3) long magazines.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Jose Mari F. Torrenueva, the 91IB Commander, the recovered firearms will soon be turned over to proper authorities for appropriate disposition.
In a separate event on the same day, seven members of Milisyang Bayan (MB), an NPA auxiliary, voluntarily surrendered to the joint elements of the 70th Infantry (Cadre) Battalion, the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police of a certain province.
The seven MB members brought with them 2 Caliber 5.56mm and 2 Caliber 5.56mm M6653 rifles with four magazines and 70 live ammunitions which they turned over to the government troops.
The surrenderees are currently at the Headquarters 70IB for routine interviews. They will also be assessed for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which provides financial aid and livelihood training programs, along with the surrendered firearm remuneration.
Major General Lenard T. Agustin AFP, Commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, commended the Army and PNP troops for their accomplishments, as well as the MB rebels who surrendered for their wise decision to surrender.
“President Duterte has ordered a ‘full scale’ operation against the communist rebels. We are mandated to perform as ordered. However, these recent accomplishments of the 7ID and PNP line units show that there is still time for misguided rebels to surrender and be with their families. We will help you as long as you take the peaceful road - but your time is running out – so do not attempt to threaten the peace, for we will hunt you down, and we will be relentless,” the 7ID Commander said.
https://www.afpcrs.com/single-post/2019/09/17/2-rifles-recovered-by-Army-and-PNP-7-NPA-auxiliaries-surrender-with-4-rifles-in-separate-occasion?fbclid=IwAR1rtgEaByRm5Jxxa0JgPPH1nnGpWmFClkOiI2w-0_VZ_Os9xZOYr3nSrpM
AFP-CRS: Army denies abduction, activist turned NPA surrendered voluntarily
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): Army denies abduction, activist turned NPA surrendered voluntarily
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705027706182603/?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
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705027706182603/?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: Another youth saved from the clutches of the of the CPP-NPA
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): Another youth saved from the clutches of the of the CPP-NPA
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705030466182327/?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
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705030466182327/?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: Minor recruited by NPA, surrendered
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): Minor recruited by NPA, surrendered
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705032692848771/?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
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705032692848771/?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: Calabarzon Provinces forge unity vs. NPA
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): Calabarzon Provinces forge unity vs. NPA
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705080309510676/?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
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705080309510676/?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: Army denies abduction, activist turned NPA surrendered voluntarily
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): Army denies abduction, activist turned NPA surrendered voluntarily
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705081192843921/?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
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705081192843921/?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: AFP formally opens joint land-sea-air exercise
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): AFP formally opens joint land-sea-air exercise
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705082629510444/?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
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705082629510444/?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
CPP/NDF-Bicol: Joselito Naag, Militar Hindi NPA! P100,000 Nakurakot ng Pulis at Militar sa Pagpaparada ng Kanilang Kabaro Bilang Sumukong NPA
NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 17, 2019): Joselito Naag, Militar Hindi NPA! P100,000 Nakurakot ng Pulis at Militar sa Pagpaparada ng Kanilang Kabaro Bilang Sumukong NPA
MARIA ROJA BANUA
Wala nang kasing-desperado ang pinakabagong pakulo ng PNP at AFP na pasukuin at iparadang NPA ang kanilang kabaro upang palabasing mayroong inaabot ang kanilang kampanya laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan habang malayang kinukurakot ang pondo para sa hungkag na ECLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program).
Nitong Setyembre 11, nakarating sa tanggapan ng NDF-Bikol ang balita ng National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) na nahuli ang isang Joselito Novelo Naag na isa umanong mataas na upisyal ng NPA sa rehiyon. Kumpleto ang kwento. Kasapi raw ang naturang indibidwal ng KLG 78 sa Albay at mayroong patong sa ulong P100,000. Sa katunayan, kasama pa nga umano siya sa Most Wanted list ng rehiyon. Nagpatawag pa ng midya ang mga pulis at magarbong ipinagyabang ang kanilang nasukol. Pinatambol nila ang usapin hanggang sa pambansang antas. Ngunit may isang napakakritikal na butas sa kanilang palabas. Nakalimutan nilang i-atas kay Naag na burahin ang kanyang Facebook account at ang kanyang mga litratong nakasuot pa ng uniporme ng militar. Ni hindi na kailangang maglinaw ng NDF-Bikol at magbuhos ng panahon upang patunayang hindi NPA si Naag. Sila na mismo ang humukay ng sarili nilang libingan.
Tiyak na hindi na naman magkakandaugaga ang militar, pulis at ang kanilang mga dalubhasa sa saywar, sa pag-apula ng napakalaking eskandalong ito. Ibinubunyag ng mga kaso ng militar-na-kunwaring-NPA at sapilitang-pekeng-pagpapasurender na modus operandi ang sukdulang kabulukan at kainutilan ng mersenaryong hukbo. Sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte, standard operating procedure (SOP) ng militar at pulis na gumawa ng samu’t saring kwento at pekeng balita nang kahit papaano ay may masabi sa harap ng kanilang mga hambog na deklarasyong ‘kayang ubusin ang NPA’. Kasabay nito, nagsisilbi ang ECLIP bilang balon ng korupsyon at promosyon para sa militar at pulis. Sa kaso ni Naag, tumataginting na P100,000 ang walang kahirap-hirap na naibulsa ng NCRPO. Sa rehiyon, umaabot sa 50,000 kada indibidwal ang napagpipyestahan ng 9th IDPA at PRO5 sa magagarbong palabas na tulad ng kay Naag. Kamakailan lang, 65 na naman umano ang sumuko sa Castilla, Sorsogon. Nangangahulugan ito ng panibagong P3,250,000 paghahati-hatian ng mga upisyales ng militar at pulis. Sa kabuuhang 304 sapilitang pinasuko ng 9th IDPA at PRO5 sa rehiyon, humigit-kumulang nang P15,200,000 ang kabuuhang halagang kanilang nakulimbat sa negosyo ng pekeng pagpapasurender. Liban pa ito sa pabuya at promosyong tinatanggap ng kanilang mga upisyales.
Habang patuloy na pinapatay sa kagutuman at kahirapan ang masang anakpawis sa napakataas na presyo ng bilihin at napakababang presyo ng palay, kopra at iba pang agrikultural na produkto, tigas-mukha namang inuubos ng militar at pulis ang kanilang panahon upang suyurin ang kanayunan para sa mga sibilyang sapilitang pasusukuin kapalit ng perang kanilang kukurakutin. Ngayong nauubusan na sila ng paulit-ulit na mukhang ipapalabas, maging ang kanilang kabaro ay pinagkunwari nilang NPA. Kung wala mang hati si Naag sa makukubra ng pulis at militar sa eskandalosong moro-morong ito, tiyak na mayroon siyang sikretong alam hinggil sa kanilang hanay kung kaya kinailangan na siyang ilaglag.
Kung hahabi na rin lamang ng kasinungalingan ang militar at pulis, sana’y tiniyak nilang naitago na nila ang lahat ng kanilang bakas. Sa laki ng pondo para sa maruming propaganda, sana’y tinitiyak nilang kapani-paniwala ang kanilang mga kwento at hindi sisingaw ang kanilang kainutilang pahinain man lamang ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan.
Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa lahat ng masang Bikolano na maging mapanuri at mahigpit na tutulan ang pandarahas at saywar ng militar at pulis sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapanatagan ni Duterte. Marapat lamang na ilantad ang ECLIP bilang hungkag na programang tumutustos lamang sa korupsyon ng mersenaryong hukbo. Sa halip na ibuhos sa militarisasyon at pasismo ang kabang-bayan, marapat lamang itong ilaan sa mga serbisyong panlipunang tunay na tutugon sa suliranin ng mamamayan. Sa patuloy na pagkabunyag ng kaliwa’t kanang eskandalo’t krimen laban sa mamamayan ng rehimeng US-Duterte, lalo lamang nagiging matingkad ang kawastuhan ng pagpapabagsak sa kanyang rehimen. Ibayo lamang nagiging malinaw sa masang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan na tanging sa landas ng rebolusyon makakamit ang tunay na pagbabago. Marapat tandaan ng buong pangkating Duterte na hanggat mayroong inaapi’t pinagsasamantalahan, anumang tindi ng saywar at pasismo, mananatiling matatag at masigla ang CPP-NPA-NDFP.
https://cpp.ph/statement/joselito-naag-militar-hindi-npa-p100000-nakurakot-ng-pulis-at-militar-sa-pagpaparada-ng-kanilang-kabaro-bilang-sumukong-npa/
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
Wala nang kasing-desperado ang pinakabagong pakulo ng PNP at AFP na pasukuin at iparadang NPA ang kanilang kabaro upang palabasing mayroong inaabot ang kanilang kampanya laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan habang malayang kinukurakot ang pondo para sa hungkag na ECLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program).
Nitong Setyembre 11, nakarating sa tanggapan ng NDF-Bikol ang balita ng National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) na nahuli ang isang Joselito Novelo Naag na isa umanong mataas na upisyal ng NPA sa rehiyon. Kumpleto ang kwento. Kasapi raw ang naturang indibidwal ng KLG 78 sa Albay at mayroong patong sa ulong P100,000. Sa katunayan, kasama pa nga umano siya sa Most Wanted list ng rehiyon. Nagpatawag pa ng midya ang mga pulis at magarbong ipinagyabang ang kanilang nasukol. Pinatambol nila ang usapin hanggang sa pambansang antas. Ngunit may isang napakakritikal na butas sa kanilang palabas. Nakalimutan nilang i-atas kay Naag na burahin ang kanyang Facebook account at ang kanyang mga litratong nakasuot pa ng uniporme ng militar. Ni hindi na kailangang maglinaw ng NDF-Bikol at magbuhos ng panahon upang patunayang hindi NPA si Naag. Sila na mismo ang humukay ng sarili nilang libingan.
Tiyak na hindi na naman magkakandaugaga ang militar, pulis at ang kanilang mga dalubhasa sa saywar, sa pag-apula ng napakalaking eskandalong ito. Ibinubunyag ng mga kaso ng militar-na-kunwaring-NPA at sapilitang-pekeng-pagpapasurender na modus operandi ang sukdulang kabulukan at kainutilan ng mersenaryong hukbo. Sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte, standard operating procedure (SOP) ng militar at pulis na gumawa ng samu’t saring kwento at pekeng balita nang kahit papaano ay may masabi sa harap ng kanilang mga hambog na deklarasyong ‘kayang ubusin ang NPA’. Kasabay nito, nagsisilbi ang ECLIP bilang balon ng korupsyon at promosyon para sa militar at pulis. Sa kaso ni Naag, tumataginting na P100,000 ang walang kahirap-hirap na naibulsa ng NCRPO. Sa rehiyon, umaabot sa 50,000 kada indibidwal ang napagpipyestahan ng 9th IDPA at PRO5 sa magagarbong palabas na tulad ng kay Naag. Kamakailan lang, 65 na naman umano ang sumuko sa Castilla, Sorsogon. Nangangahulugan ito ng panibagong P3,250,000 paghahati-hatian ng mga upisyales ng militar at pulis. Sa kabuuhang 304 sapilitang pinasuko ng 9th IDPA at PRO5 sa rehiyon, humigit-kumulang nang P15,200,000 ang kabuuhang halagang kanilang nakulimbat sa negosyo ng pekeng pagpapasurender. Liban pa ito sa pabuya at promosyong tinatanggap ng kanilang mga upisyales.
Habang patuloy na pinapatay sa kagutuman at kahirapan ang masang anakpawis sa napakataas na presyo ng bilihin at napakababang presyo ng palay, kopra at iba pang agrikultural na produkto, tigas-mukha namang inuubos ng militar at pulis ang kanilang panahon upang suyurin ang kanayunan para sa mga sibilyang sapilitang pasusukuin kapalit ng perang kanilang kukurakutin. Ngayong nauubusan na sila ng paulit-ulit na mukhang ipapalabas, maging ang kanilang kabaro ay pinagkunwari nilang NPA. Kung wala mang hati si Naag sa makukubra ng pulis at militar sa eskandalosong moro-morong ito, tiyak na mayroon siyang sikretong alam hinggil sa kanilang hanay kung kaya kinailangan na siyang ilaglag.
Kung hahabi na rin lamang ng kasinungalingan ang militar at pulis, sana’y tiniyak nilang naitago na nila ang lahat ng kanilang bakas. Sa laki ng pondo para sa maruming propaganda, sana’y tinitiyak nilang kapani-paniwala ang kanilang mga kwento at hindi sisingaw ang kanilang kainutilang pahinain man lamang ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan.
Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa lahat ng masang Bikolano na maging mapanuri at mahigpit na tutulan ang pandarahas at saywar ng militar at pulis sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapanatagan ni Duterte. Marapat lamang na ilantad ang ECLIP bilang hungkag na programang tumutustos lamang sa korupsyon ng mersenaryong hukbo. Sa halip na ibuhos sa militarisasyon at pasismo ang kabang-bayan, marapat lamang itong ilaan sa mga serbisyong panlipunang tunay na tutugon sa suliranin ng mamamayan. Sa patuloy na pagkabunyag ng kaliwa’t kanang eskandalo’t krimen laban sa mamamayan ng rehimeng US-Duterte, lalo lamang nagiging matingkad ang kawastuhan ng pagpapabagsak sa kanyang rehimen. Ibayo lamang nagiging malinaw sa masang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan na tanging sa landas ng rebolusyon makakamit ang tunay na pagbabago. Marapat tandaan ng buong pangkating Duterte na hanggat mayroong inaapi’t pinagsasamantalahan, anumang tindi ng saywar at pasismo, mananatiling matatag at masigla ang CPP-NPA-NDFP.
https://cpp.ph/statement/joselito-naag-militar-hindi-npa-p100000-nakurakot-ng-pulis-at-militar-sa-pagpaparada-ng-kanilang-kabaro-bilang-sumukong-npa/
CPP/NDF-Bicol: Duterte: Traydor sa sambayanan, tuta ng Tsina at iba pang imperyalista
NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 17, 2019): Duterte: Traydor sa sambayanan, tuta ng Tsina at iba pang imperyalista
MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
Malaking pagtatraydor sa sambayanan ang pagbubukas ni Duterte sa dayuhang panghihimasok sa West Philippine Sea. Maliban sa paglabag sa mga batas ng bansa at mga internasyunal na kasunduan at desisyon ng hukuman, kusang ipinagkaloob ni Duterte ang soberanya ng Pilipinas kapalit ng suporta ng mga imperyalista sa kanyang diktaduryang ambisyon.
Noong Setyembre 10, 2019, idineklara ni Duterte sa isang press conference sa Malacañang na papaloob ang Pilipinas sa isang joint venture kasama ang Tsina para sa eksplorasyon sa West Philippine Sea. Ani pa ni Duterte, napakamapagbigay na ng 60%-40% na hatian pabor sa Pilipinas sa anumang makukuhang produkto sa WPS. Lantaran niyang sinabing dapat munang isantabi ang arbitral ruling ng Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) upang bigyang-daan ang kasunduan sa Tsina.
Pagkatapos ng ilang taong paglaban, mula sa korte hanggang sa mga lansangan sa loob at labas ng bansa, kinilala ng PCA ang pag-angkin ng Pilipinas sa WPS bilang bahagi ng exclusive economic zone (EEZ) nito. Bilang bahagi ng teritoryo ng bansa, maaaring gamitin ng Pilipinas ang mga likas-yamang mahahanap dito at galugarin pa ang karagatan para sa pananaliksik at pagpapalawak ng rekurso ng bansa, tulad ng enerhiya at langis. Sinusuhayan ito ng mismong 1987 Konstitusyon ng Pilipinas sa Section 2 (2), Article XII, “The State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, seabed and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.” Sa ilalim ng Konsitusyon at UNCLOS, mga Pilipino lamang ang may karapatan sa extraction o pagmimina at pagporoseso ng anumang rekurso na matatagpuan sa West Philippine Sea. Ang pinapayagan lamang ay ang joint-venture para sa exploration at pananaliksik kung kaya’t labag sa batas at kasunduan ang pagpapahintulot ni Duterte sa 60-40% hatian sa mamimina o anumang makukuha sa karagatan. Anumang ikot at likot ng isip ng mga abogado ni Duterte, hindi niya pwedeng bigyan ng lisensya ang Tsina para pagkakitaan ang pagsuyod at pagsaid ng likas-yaman ng Pilipinas.
Mula nang maupo ang pangkating Duterte sa poder, pumasok ito sa mga tagibang na pandaigdigang kasunduan upang haranahin ang mga imperyalista. Ipinapatupad niya ang mga neoliberal na dikta ng mga imperyalista at ilinublob ang mamamayang Pilipino sa utang panlabas. Pinilay ng Rice Tariffication Law ang lokal na industriya ng bigas sa bansa at pinakalam ang sikmura ng taumbayan ng TRAIN Law. Ang lahat ng proyektong pang-imprastrakturang ipinagmamayabang ng kanyang rehimen ay pinondohan, inutang at para lamang sa kapakinabangan ng Tsina, US at iba pang kapitalistang bansa. Hawak ng Tsina si Duterte sa tenga dahil sa bilyun-bilyong pisong pautang nito para pondohan ang walang katuturang mga proyekto sa ilalim ng Build Build Build.
Maaasahan ni Duterte na sasalubungin ng matinding pagtuligsa ng mamamayan ang paglalapastangan niya sa soberanya at patrimonya ng bansa. Malinaw na batayan para sa impeachment ang pagsasalaula ng soberanya at patrimonya ng bansa at paglabag sa mismong Konstitusyon ng bansa at mga internasyunal na batas. Ang Kongreso ang magiging daluyan ng impeachment. Sa kalagayang hawak ni Duterte ang Mababa at Mataas na Kapulungan nito, magtatagumpay lamang ang impeachment sa pamamagitan ng sapat na pampulitikang pagtutulak ng mayorya ng mamamayan sa kanilang mga kinatawan. Sisiguruhin ni Duterte na hindi siya mapatatalsik sa paraan ng impeachment ngayong taon dahil sa mga teknikalidad na isang beses sa isang taon lamang maaaring maghapag ng impeachment laban sa pangulo.
Sa harap ng papatinding terorismo ng estado at kultura ng kawalan ng pananagutan, walang ibang pamamaraang itinitira ang estado para sa mamamayan kundi ang paggigiit ng kanilang soberanyang kapangyarihan at karapatang magrebolusyon upang ibagsak at papanagutin ang traydor, tiraniko at tutang pangkating Duterte. Binabaha ang publiko ng propaganda ng rehimeng US-Duterte na nagtatago, nagsasawalang-saysay at nagpipintang isang makademonyong pakana ang pagtutupad ng mamamayan ng kanyang soberanyang kapangyarihan sa isang tiraniko, terorista at pasistang estado. Wala itong pinagkaiba sa pagpipintura ng mga Espanyol na mangmang ang mga tulad ni Bonifacio, ng sinasabi ng mga Amerikanong tulisan sina Macario Sakay at Simeon Ola, ng pagbabansag ng mga Hapon na bandido ang mga Hukbalahap, at ngayong nagdaang dekada, ipinipilit ng estado na terorista ang lahat ng makaisip ng kanilang papel sa armadong pakikibaka.
Nagawang itayo ang estado ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng pag-aalay ng buhay ng milyun-milyong nagrebolusyong anakpawis. Magagawa ng bagong henerasyon ng mga rebolusyonaryong anakpawis na pabagsakin ang taksil sa bayang pangkatin at iluklok ang panibagong estadong makabayan at makamamayan.
https://cpp.ph/statement/duterte-traydor-sa-sambayanan-tuta-ng-tsina-at-iba-pang-imperyalista/
Malaking pagtatraydor sa sambayanan ang pagbubukas ni Duterte sa dayuhang panghihimasok sa West Philippine Sea. Maliban sa paglabag sa mga batas ng bansa at mga internasyunal na kasunduan at desisyon ng hukuman, kusang ipinagkaloob ni Duterte ang soberanya ng Pilipinas kapalit ng suporta ng mga imperyalista sa kanyang diktaduryang ambisyon.
Noong Setyembre 10, 2019, idineklara ni Duterte sa isang press conference sa Malacañang na papaloob ang Pilipinas sa isang joint venture kasama ang Tsina para sa eksplorasyon sa West Philippine Sea. Ani pa ni Duterte, napakamapagbigay na ng 60%-40% na hatian pabor sa Pilipinas sa anumang makukuhang produkto sa WPS. Lantaran niyang sinabing dapat munang isantabi ang arbitral ruling ng Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) upang bigyang-daan ang kasunduan sa Tsina.
Pagkatapos ng ilang taong paglaban, mula sa korte hanggang sa mga lansangan sa loob at labas ng bansa, kinilala ng PCA ang pag-angkin ng Pilipinas sa WPS bilang bahagi ng exclusive economic zone (EEZ) nito. Bilang bahagi ng teritoryo ng bansa, maaaring gamitin ng Pilipinas ang mga likas-yamang mahahanap dito at galugarin pa ang karagatan para sa pananaliksik at pagpapalawak ng rekurso ng bansa, tulad ng enerhiya at langis. Sinusuhayan ito ng mismong 1987 Konstitusyon ng Pilipinas sa Section 2 (2), Article XII, “The State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, seabed and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.” Sa ilalim ng Konsitusyon at UNCLOS, mga Pilipino lamang ang may karapatan sa extraction o pagmimina at pagporoseso ng anumang rekurso na matatagpuan sa West Philippine Sea. Ang pinapayagan lamang ay ang joint-venture para sa exploration at pananaliksik kung kaya’t labag sa batas at kasunduan ang pagpapahintulot ni Duterte sa 60-40% hatian sa mamimina o anumang makukuha sa karagatan. Anumang ikot at likot ng isip ng mga abogado ni Duterte, hindi niya pwedeng bigyan ng lisensya ang Tsina para pagkakitaan ang pagsuyod at pagsaid ng likas-yaman ng Pilipinas.
Mula nang maupo ang pangkating Duterte sa poder, pumasok ito sa mga tagibang na pandaigdigang kasunduan upang haranahin ang mga imperyalista. Ipinapatupad niya ang mga neoliberal na dikta ng mga imperyalista at ilinublob ang mamamayang Pilipino sa utang panlabas. Pinilay ng Rice Tariffication Law ang lokal na industriya ng bigas sa bansa at pinakalam ang sikmura ng taumbayan ng TRAIN Law. Ang lahat ng proyektong pang-imprastrakturang ipinagmamayabang ng kanyang rehimen ay pinondohan, inutang at para lamang sa kapakinabangan ng Tsina, US at iba pang kapitalistang bansa. Hawak ng Tsina si Duterte sa tenga dahil sa bilyun-bilyong pisong pautang nito para pondohan ang walang katuturang mga proyekto sa ilalim ng Build Build Build.
Maaasahan ni Duterte na sasalubungin ng matinding pagtuligsa ng mamamayan ang paglalapastangan niya sa soberanya at patrimonya ng bansa. Malinaw na batayan para sa impeachment ang pagsasalaula ng soberanya at patrimonya ng bansa at paglabag sa mismong Konstitusyon ng bansa at mga internasyunal na batas. Ang Kongreso ang magiging daluyan ng impeachment. Sa kalagayang hawak ni Duterte ang Mababa at Mataas na Kapulungan nito, magtatagumpay lamang ang impeachment sa pamamagitan ng sapat na pampulitikang pagtutulak ng mayorya ng mamamayan sa kanilang mga kinatawan. Sisiguruhin ni Duterte na hindi siya mapatatalsik sa paraan ng impeachment ngayong taon dahil sa mga teknikalidad na isang beses sa isang taon lamang maaaring maghapag ng impeachment laban sa pangulo.
Sa harap ng papatinding terorismo ng estado at kultura ng kawalan ng pananagutan, walang ibang pamamaraang itinitira ang estado para sa mamamayan kundi ang paggigiit ng kanilang soberanyang kapangyarihan at karapatang magrebolusyon upang ibagsak at papanagutin ang traydor, tiraniko at tutang pangkating Duterte. Binabaha ang publiko ng propaganda ng rehimeng US-Duterte na nagtatago, nagsasawalang-saysay at nagpipintang isang makademonyong pakana ang pagtutupad ng mamamayan ng kanyang soberanyang kapangyarihan sa isang tiraniko, terorista at pasistang estado. Wala itong pinagkaiba sa pagpipintura ng mga Espanyol na mangmang ang mga tulad ni Bonifacio, ng sinasabi ng mga Amerikanong tulisan sina Macario Sakay at Simeon Ola, ng pagbabansag ng mga Hapon na bandido ang mga Hukbalahap, at ngayong nagdaang dekada, ipinipilit ng estado na terorista ang lahat ng makaisip ng kanilang papel sa armadong pakikibaka.
Nagawang itayo ang estado ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng pag-aalay ng buhay ng milyun-milyong nagrebolusyong anakpawis. Magagawa ng bagong henerasyon ng mga rebolusyonaryong anakpawis na pabagsakin ang taksil sa bayang pangkatin at iluklok ang panibagong estadong makabayan at makamamayan.
https://cpp.ph/statement/duterte-traydor-sa-sambayanan-tuta-ng-tsina-at-iba-pang-imperyalista/
CPP/NDF-Bicol: Duterte’s betrayal on the WPS is a gross violation of the Constitution
NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 17, 2019): Duterte’s betrayal on the WPS is a gross violation of the Constitution
MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019
As a lawyer and former prosecutor, Duterte must be demented to think that he is above and beyond the clutches of the Constitution and international laws in his move to dismiss the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s arbitral ruling that favors the country’s claim to the West Philippine Sea (WPS). He is sorely mistaken in thinking that the Filipino people will let him freely give away parts of the country’s territory and its sovereignty and patrimony to China just to line his pockets.
After years of court battles and mounting public pressure through metalegal tactics, the Permanent Court of Arbitration finally recognized the WPS as part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in 2016. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) allows the coastal state to explore and utilize marine, energy and other natural resources in the EEZ.
Section 2 (2), Article XII on the National Economy and Patrimony of the 1987 Constitution provides, “The State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, seabed and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.” Although the Constitution allows the government to enter into joint venture agreements, this does not allow the foreign country to utilize the natural resources extracted from the EEZ for its own benefit. Even then, why would anyone expect generosity from an imperialist or emerging capitalist nation whose main objective has always been to monopolize sources of raw materials and superprofits?
As much as Duterte would like to portray the China joint exploration deal as a fair business agreement, it still amounts to a surrender of Philippine territory. China has never recognized the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and up to this day considers the WPS as part of their EEZ. By setting aside the Philippines’ claim, Duterte is expressing subservience to one of his imperialist masters – a clear act of treason against the Filipino people. If this pushes through, Duterte will set a precedent on all deals concerning the country’s patrimony and sovereignty. And as all Filipinos have learned through Duterte’s rule, he is not too keen on what he barters with as long as it keeps him and his military minions at the top of the food chain.
Duterte’s campaign to create a rift amongst the citizens of the country to weaken their resolve to fight against tyranny and fascism is being resolutely opposed by millions of Filipinos. The only thing that he has gained so far from this vicious campaign is the stewing hatred of the masses. When the question of nationalism is brought forward, however, Filipinos can quickly forge their strength against traitors, collaborators and usurpers. This has been the Filipinos’ history since the time of Andres Bonifacio, Macario Sakay and Simeon Ola and countless guerillas of the HUKBALAHAP. The CPP-NPA-NDF is waging a people’s war primarily because the fight for true and lasting political and economic freedom in the country still continues.
It is the people’s right to topple down a corrupt, tyrant and fascist and traitorous regime. When legal processes are denied from the people, the people are duty-bound to regain control of these rights and exercise its sovereignty over the state. It says so in the Philippine Constitution, and it says so in other international laws that the Government of the Philippines, itself, signed.
And more importantly, it says so in the annals of Philippine history.
https://cpp.ph/statement/dutertes-betrayal-on-the-wps-is-a-gross-violation-of-the-constitution/
As a lawyer and former prosecutor, Duterte must be demented to think that he is above and beyond the clutches of the Constitution and international laws in his move to dismiss the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s arbitral ruling that favors the country’s claim to the West Philippine Sea (WPS). He is sorely mistaken in thinking that the Filipino people will let him freely give away parts of the country’s territory and its sovereignty and patrimony to China just to line his pockets.
After years of court battles and mounting public pressure through metalegal tactics, the Permanent Court of Arbitration finally recognized the WPS as part of the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in 2016. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) allows the coastal state to explore and utilize marine, energy and other natural resources in the EEZ.
Section 2 (2), Article XII on the National Economy and Patrimony of the 1987 Constitution provides, “The State shall protect the nation’s marine wealth in its archipelagic waters, territorial sea, seabed and exclusive economic zone, and reserve its use and enjoyment exclusively to Filipino citizens.” Although the Constitution allows the government to enter into joint venture agreements, this does not allow the foreign country to utilize the natural resources extracted from the EEZ for its own benefit. Even then, why would anyone expect generosity from an imperialist or emerging capitalist nation whose main objective has always been to monopolize sources of raw materials and superprofits?
As much as Duterte would like to portray the China joint exploration deal as a fair business agreement, it still amounts to a surrender of Philippine territory. China has never recognized the decision of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and up to this day considers the WPS as part of their EEZ. By setting aside the Philippines’ claim, Duterte is expressing subservience to one of his imperialist masters – a clear act of treason against the Filipino people. If this pushes through, Duterte will set a precedent on all deals concerning the country’s patrimony and sovereignty. And as all Filipinos have learned through Duterte’s rule, he is not too keen on what he barters with as long as it keeps him and his military minions at the top of the food chain.
Duterte’s campaign to create a rift amongst the citizens of the country to weaken their resolve to fight against tyranny and fascism is being resolutely opposed by millions of Filipinos. The only thing that he has gained so far from this vicious campaign is the stewing hatred of the masses. When the question of nationalism is brought forward, however, Filipinos can quickly forge their strength against traitors, collaborators and usurpers. This has been the Filipinos’ history since the time of Andres Bonifacio, Macario Sakay and Simeon Ola and countless guerillas of the HUKBALAHAP. The CPP-NPA-NDF is waging a people’s war primarily because the fight for true and lasting political and economic freedom in the country still continues.
It is the people’s right to topple down a corrupt, tyrant and fascist and traitorous regime. When legal processes are denied from the people, the people are duty-bound to regain control of these rights and exercise its sovereignty over the state. It says so in the Philippine Constitution, and it says so in other international laws that the Government of the Philippines, itself, signed.
And more importantly, it says so in the annals of Philippine history.
https://cpp.ph/statement/dutertes-betrayal-on-the-wps-is-a-gross-violation-of-the-constitution/
Kalinaw News: Army in Negros nabs two CPP-NPA terrorists in Escalante, thwarts sabotage on Peace Summit
Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 17, 2019): Army in Negros nabs two CPP-NPA terrorists in Escalante, thwarts sabotage on Peace Summit
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – Soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion captured two armed members of the CPP-NPA Terrorist following an encounter with terrorist group at Sitio Maitom, Barangay Old Poblacion, Escalante City in Negros Occidental province at about 08:13 in the morning of September 17, 2019.
LTC Emelito Thaddeus Logan, Commanding Officer, 79IB identified the captured communist-terrorists as Jomar Agustin alias Mari and Revely Tayab alias Tara. Recovered from the possession of Agustin is a caliber 45 pistol and 3 rounds of ammunition while Tayab also possessed a caliber 45 pistol and 5 rounds of ammunition.
LTC Logan said they launch combat operations after they received a report from the civilian populace on the presence of more or less seven fully armed communist-terrorists planning to cast terroristic activities to sabotage 3-day peace summit in the city. The combat operations resulted to a 10-minute firefight after which the enemies withdrew towards west direction of the barangay.
“We successfully prevented another terror attack of the CPP-NPA Terrorist targeting 3-day Peace Summit in Northern Negros, and thus I am commending the local residents for giving us accurate information on the movement and whereabouts of the communist-terrorists,” Logan said.
“This is a clear indication that the populace are fed up with the ruthlessness of the CPP-NPA Terrorist who destroyed their peaceful communities. Sila na mismo ang nag-rereport sa atin dahil ayaw nila sa mga teroristang CPP-NPA. Gusto na nilang bumalik sa payapa at malayang pamumuhay na walang umaaligid na mga terorista,” he added.
None from the government side was hurt during the encounter. Recoveries from the encounter site include a hammock, one pouch of bandoleer, cellphone and kitchen paraphernalia.
For his part, MGen Dinoh Dolina, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division reiterated his persistent call to the remaining members and local leaders of the CPP-NPA to abandon armed struggle, go back to the folds of law and talk to their government. “Come down, join us and together we can resolve armed conflict through peaceful means. Your government together with your Army, PNP and the peace-loving people of Central and Western Visayas is more than willing to help you and your family start a new and normal life”, MGen Dolina added.
Division Public Affairs Office 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT CENON C PANCITO III (SC) PA
Chief, 3rd Division Public Affairs Office
Camp General Martin T Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
Contact: dpao.3idpa@gmail.com / 0917-124-1983
[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]
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – Soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion captured two armed members of the CPP-NPA Terrorist following an encounter with terrorist group at Sitio Maitom, Barangay Old Poblacion, Escalante City in Negros Occidental province at about 08:13 in the morning of September 17, 2019.
LTC Emelito Thaddeus Logan, Commanding Officer, 79IB identified the captured communist-terrorists as Jomar Agustin alias Mari and Revely Tayab alias Tara. Recovered from the possession of Agustin is a caliber 45 pistol and 3 rounds of ammunition while Tayab also possessed a caliber 45 pistol and 5 rounds of ammunition.
LTC Logan said they launch combat operations after they received a report from the civilian populace on the presence of more or less seven fully armed communist-terrorists planning to cast terroristic activities to sabotage 3-day peace summit in the city. The combat operations resulted to a 10-minute firefight after which the enemies withdrew towards west direction of the barangay.
“We successfully prevented another terror attack of the CPP-NPA Terrorist targeting 3-day Peace Summit in Northern Negros, and thus I am commending the local residents for giving us accurate information on the movement and whereabouts of the communist-terrorists,” Logan said.
“This is a clear indication that the populace are fed up with the ruthlessness of the CPP-NPA Terrorist who destroyed their peaceful communities. Sila na mismo ang nag-rereport sa atin dahil ayaw nila sa mga teroristang CPP-NPA. Gusto na nilang bumalik sa payapa at malayang pamumuhay na walang umaaligid na mga terorista,” he added.
None from the government side was hurt during the encounter. Recoveries from the encounter site include a hammock, one pouch of bandoleer, cellphone and kitchen paraphernalia.
For his part, MGen Dinoh Dolina, the Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division reiterated his persistent call to the remaining members and local leaders of the CPP-NPA to abandon armed struggle, go back to the folds of law and talk to their government. “Come down, join us and together we can resolve armed conflict through peaceful means. Your government together with your Army, PNP and the peace-loving people of Central and Western Visayas is more than willing to help you and your family start a new and normal life”, MGen Dolina added.
Division Public Affairs Office 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT CENON C PANCITO III (SC) PA
Chief, 3rd Division Public Affairs Office
Camp General Martin T Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
Contact: dpao.3idpa@gmail.com / 0917-124-1983
[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]
Kalinaw News: CPP-NPA Terrorist not welcome in San Carlos City
Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 17, 2019): CPP-NPA Terrorist not welcome in San Carlos City
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Army’s 79 th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion under the leadership of LTC EmelitoThaddeus Logan cited the boldness and unity of the peace loving-people of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental for declaring the CPP- NPA Terrorist as persona non grata.
Honorable Rene Gustilo, the city mayor led the the ceremonial declaration of the communist-terrorist group as persona non grata held during its Monday flag raising on September 16, 2019 . It was attended by city officials and employees, Local Government Agencies, Barangay Officials, 79IB, PNP, BFP and BJMP.
LTC Logan said that the people of San Carlos did the right and just decision to protect their communities from the menace of the communist-terrorists. “Apart from protecting their communities, the people of San Carlos also want to sustain the city’s harmonious
and flourishing socio-economic condition”, Logan emphasized.
LTC Logan added that the said declaration is manifestation of the support of the city’s people to the efforts of the government in ending local armed conflict.
The city of San Carlos passed and approved resolution no. 19 – 252 declaring CPP- NPA Terrorist persona non grata last September 12.
According to Mayor Guztilo, the resolution pointed out that the City of San Carlos adheres to the principle of peace and order as an indispensable element to the development and progress of the city and thus, condemns any illegal and unlawful activities of the CPP-NPA as it threaten the economic, social, and political stability of the city and its people.
The resolution added that the Sangguniang Panlungsod as the legislative department of the city government signifies its sentiment not to welcome nor accept any advocacies of the CPP-NPA and its members being an enemy of the state.
With this, the Army Commander in Central and Western Visayas MGen Dinoh Dolina encouraged other LGUs in Northern Negros Occidental to follow the bold step made by the people of San Carlos City in denouncing and declaring CPP-NPA Terrorist unwelcome in order to prevent the communist-terrorist from entering and casting terror and violence in their communities. “Marami ng bayan sa Northern Negros Occidental ang tumakwil sa CPP-NPA dahil batid nila na ang mga teroristang grupo ay walang lugar sa ating lipunan. Kung nagawa nilang manindigan laban sa CPP-NPA, sigurado ako na magagawa niyo rin ito. Gawin niyo ito para sa kapakanan ng inyong mamamayan at bayan,” MGen Dolina stressed.
It can be recalled that Escalante City also passed and approved a resolution declaring CPP-NPA Terrorist persona non grata last July 15; Municipality of Calatrava on July 08, and Municipality of Toboso on July 01, 2019.
Division Public Affairs Office 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT CENON C PANCITO III (SC) PA
Chief, 3rd Division Public Affairs Office
Camp General Martin T Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
Contact: dpao.3idpa@gmail.com / 0917-124-1983
[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]
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – The Army’s 79 th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion under the leadership of LTC EmelitoThaddeus Logan cited the boldness and unity of the peace loving-people of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental for declaring the CPP- NPA Terrorist as persona non grata.
Honorable Rene Gustilo, the city mayor led the the ceremonial declaration of the communist-terrorist group as persona non grata held during its Monday flag raising on September 16, 2019 . It was attended by city officials and employees, Local Government Agencies, Barangay Officials, 79IB, PNP, BFP and BJMP.
LTC Logan said that the people of San Carlos did the right and just decision to protect their communities from the menace of the communist-terrorists. “Apart from protecting their communities, the people of San Carlos also want to sustain the city’s harmonious
and flourishing socio-economic condition”, Logan emphasized.
LTC Logan added that the said declaration is manifestation of the support of the city’s people to the efforts of the government in ending local armed conflict.
The city of San Carlos passed and approved resolution no. 19 – 252 declaring CPP- NPA Terrorist persona non grata last September 12.
According to Mayor Guztilo, the resolution pointed out that the City of San Carlos adheres to the principle of peace and order as an indispensable element to the development and progress of the city and thus, condemns any illegal and unlawful activities of the CPP-NPA as it threaten the economic, social, and political stability of the city and its people.
The resolution added that the Sangguniang Panlungsod as the legislative department of the city government signifies its sentiment not to welcome nor accept any advocacies of the CPP-NPA and its members being an enemy of the state.
With this, the Army Commander in Central and Western Visayas MGen Dinoh Dolina encouraged other LGUs in Northern Negros Occidental to follow the bold step made by the people of San Carlos City in denouncing and declaring CPP-NPA Terrorist unwelcome in order to prevent the communist-terrorist from entering and casting terror and violence in their communities. “Marami ng bayan sa Northern Negros Occidental ang tumakwil sa CPP-NPA dahil batid nila na ang mga teroristang grupo ay walang lugar sa ating lipunan. Kung nagawa nilang manindigan laban sa CPP-NPA, sigurado ako na magagawa niyo rin ito. Gawin niyo ito para sa kapakanan ng inyong mamamayan at bayan,” MGen Dolina stressed.
It can be recalled that Escalante City also passed and approved a resolution declaring CPP-NPA Terrorist persona non grata last July 15; Municipality of Calatrava on July 08, and Municipality of Toboso on July 01, 2019.
Division Public Affairs Office 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT CENON C PANCITO III (SC) PA
Chief, 3rd Division Public Affairs Office
Camp General Martin T Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
Contact: dpao.3idpa@gmail.com / 0917-124-1983
[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]
Kalinaw News: MNLF members surrendered firearms to Army troops
Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 17, 2019): MNLF members surrendered firearms to Army troops
Headquarters Joint Task Force Central, Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – 37 members of the Moro National Liberation Front voluntarily surrendered their firearms this morning, September 14, 2019 at Buluan, Maguindanao.
Around 250 personalities claiming to be members of MNLF led by Ustadz Jamaluddin G. Abdullah from Brgy Kayaga, Pandag, Maguindanao conducted a thanksgiving and peace rally held at Buluan Municipal Gymnasium for their so called Federal Victory Achievement of the entire MINSUPALA. The activity was coordinated with the Local government of Buluan along with the security forces in the area.
Among the group were 37 personalities who are in military uniform with firearms. The group were reminded by the troops of 40th Infantry Battalion under Joint Task Force Central that wearing of military uniforms under arms is in violation of the peace agreement signed between the MNLF and GPH. As a result, the MNLF members voluntarily surrendered their firearms to the troops as a gesture of respect to the peace agreement between the government and MNLF.
Firearms surrendered were: 21 M16 rifles, 3 M14 rifles, 1 Ultimax, 2 M4A1 Carbine, 2 Garrand rifles, 1 BAR, 3 Cal. 45 pistols, 1 M203 rifle, 1 M79 rifle, 1 Springfield, and 1 Carbine.
“The troops of JTF Central were present in the area to provide security and to readily address any attempt by armed threat groups to disrupt the peace rally of our MNLF brothers” said Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon, Commander of JTF Central.
“MNLF members can converge for dialogues and other peaceful activities as long as they are not in uniform and under arms as this was prohibited in the security agreements indicated in the September 2, 1996 Government of the Philippines-MNLF final peace agreement,” the Commander added.
The Commander also commended the gesture of the MNLF to surrender their arms voluntarily to our troops.
Headquarters Joint Task Force Central, Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – 37 members of the Moro National Liberation Front voluntarily surrendered their firearms this morning, September 14, 2019 at Buluan, Maguindanao.
Around 250 personalities claiming to be members of MNLF led by Ustadz Jamaluddin G. Abdullah from Brgy Kayaga, Pandag, Maguindanao conducted a thanksgiving and peace rally held at Buluan Municipal Gymnasium for their so called Federal Victory Achievement of the entire MINSUPALA. The activity was coordinated with the Local government of Buluan along with the security forces in the area.
Among the group were 37 personalities who are in military uniform with firearms. The group were reminded by the troops of 40th Infantry Battalion under Joint Task Force Central that wearing of military uniforms under arms is in violation of the peace agreement signed between the MNLF and GPH. As a result, the MNLF members voluntarily surrendered their firearms to the troops as a gesture of respect to the peace agreement between the government and MNLF.
Firearms surrendered were: 21 M16 rifles, 3 M14 rifles, 1 Ultimax, 2 M4A1 Carbine, 2 Garrand rifles, 1 BAR, 3 Cal. 45 pistols, 1 M203 rifle, 1 M79 rifle, 1 Springfield, and 1 Carbine.
“The troops of JTF Central were present in the area to provide security and to readily address any attempt by armed threat groups to disrupt the peace rally of our MNLF brothers” said Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon, Commander of JTF Central.
“MNLF members can converge for dialogues and other peaceful activities as long as they are not in uniform and under arms as this was prohibited in the security agreements indicated in the September 2, 1996 Government of the Philippines-MNLF final peace agreement,” the Commander added.
The Commander also commended the gesture of the MNLF to surrender their arms voluntarily to our troops.
Division Public Affairs Office 6th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Maj Arvin G Encinas
Chief, Public Affairs Office, 6ID, PA
Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
+6391775226469
[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]
Maj Arvin G Encinas
Chief, Public Affairs Office, 6ID, PA
Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
+6391775226469
[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]
Kalinaw News: 14 BIFF surrenderers receive aid from government
Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 17, 2019): 14 BIFF surrenderers receive aid from government
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj Gen. Diosdado C Carreon presented the 14 members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), who recently returned to the fold of the law to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the Ministry of Interior and Local Government Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo in a press conference yesterday afternoon, September 12, 2019 at Officer’s Clubhouse.
During this activity, Minister Sinarimbo assured that this batch of former rebels will receive livelihood package and assistance from BARMM government even if they were not covered by the regular reconciliation program package like the E-CLIP (Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program) and peace agreement with MNLF and MILF.
“We will provide them with initial aid to make sure that the effort of the government will prosper in convincing other rebels to surrender,” Minister Sinarimbo said. He further explained that there is an existing program of BARMM covering the education and peace aspect to be allocated to the former BIFF rebels pending the regional program to be presented in the regional council meeting, which is hopefully to be implemented next year. The former rebels were given cash assistance amounting to P20, 000, personal necessities, and grocery items as initial aid courtesy of BARMM.
33 rd IB Commander Lt. Col. Elmer M. Boongaling facilitated the surfacing of the 14 BIFF members led by Commander Alimudin U. Malang last September 4, 2019. This group of BIFF members brought with them 3 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, 2 M16 rifle, one cal. 45 pistol, one M14 rifle, one 9mm uzi sub machine gun, and one cal. 50 barrett sniper rifle.
Accordingly, Commander Alimudin U. Malang, who joined the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1972, later became a member of the outlawed BIFF. Alimudin and 13 of his followers came from Rajah Buayan and Sultan Sa Barongis in Maguindanao.
Lt. Col. Boongaling said that this group of BIFF members saw the sincerity of the military in the government. With the help of the local leaders in their barangays this made them decide to finally return to the folds of law.
Meanwhile, Maj Gen. Carreon said that the decommissioning process of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has served as a motivator for the BIFF rebels to rethink their position in the group.
“We are looking at the possibility that other BIFF members will eventually go back to the MILF, with the assistance and verification of the AFP, so they will receive the same package in the decommissioning process,” Maj Gen. Carreon added. “A few months back, the group of BIFF led by Samad Simba has returned to 118 th Base Command when they heard of the decommissioning package that will be given to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forced (BIAF) accompanied by certain benefits,” the Commander said.
Joint Task Force Central Commander, also urged members of private armed groups (PAGs) to surrender their loose firearms that will complement the decommissioning of the MILF.
Division Public Affairs Office 6th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Maj Arvin G Encinas
Chief, Public Affairs Office, 6ID, PA
Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
+6391775226469
[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]
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj Gen. Diosdado C Carreon presented the 14 members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), who recently returned to the fold of the law to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through the Ministry of Interior and Local Government Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo in a press conference yesterday afternoon, September 12, 2019 at Officer’s Clubhouse.
During this activity, Minister Sinarimbo assured that this batch of former rebels will receive livelihood package and assistance from BARMM government even if they were not covered by the regular reconciliation program package like the E-CLIP (Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program) and peace agreement with MNLF and MILF.
“We will provide them with initial aid to make sure that the effort of the government will prosper in convincing other rebels to surrender,” Minister Sinarimbo said. He further explained that there is an existing program of BARMM covering the education and peace aspect to be allocated to the former BIFF rebels pending the regional program to be presented in the regional council meeting, which is hopefully to be implemented next year. The former rebels were given cash assistance amounting to P20, 000, personal necessities, and grocery items as initial aid courtesy of BARMM.
33 rd IB Commander Lt. Col. Elmer M. Boongaling facilitated the surfacing of the 14 BIFF members led by Commander Alimudin U. Malang last September 4, 2019. This group of BIFF members brought with them 3 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) launchers, 2 M16 rifle, one cal. 45 pistol, one M14 rifle, one 9mm uzi sub machine gun, and one cal. 50 barrett sniper rifle.
Accordingly, Commander Alimudin U. Malang, who joined the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1972, later became a member of the outlawed BIFF. Alimudin and 13 of his followers came from Rajah Buayan and Sultan Sa Barongis in Maguindanao.
Lt. Col. Boongaling said that this group of BIFF members saw the sincerity of the military in the government. With the help of the local leaders in their barangays this made them decide to finally return to the folds of law.
Meanwhile, Maj Gen. Carreon said that the decommissioning process of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has served as a motivator for the BIFF rebels to rethink their position in the group.
“We are looking at the possibility that other BIFF members will eventually go back to the MILF, with the assistance and verification of the AFP, so they will receive the same package in the decommissioning process,” Maj Gen. Carreon added. “A few months back, the group of BIFF led by Samad Simba has returned to 118 th Base Command when they heard of the decommissioning package that will be given to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forced (BIAF) accompanied by certain benefits,” the Commander said.
Joint Task Force Central Commander, also urged members of private armed groups (PAGs) to surrender their loose firearms that will complement the decommissioning of the MILF.
Division Public Affairs Office 6th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Maj Arvin G Encinas
Chief, Public Affairs Office, 6ID, PA
Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao
+6391775226469
[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]
Kalinaw News: AFP holds Joint Exercise Dagat-Langit-Lupa
Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 17, 2019): AFP holds Joint Exercise Dagat-Langit-Lupa
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officially opens its AFP Joint Exercise “DAGIT-PA” on Monday, 16 September 2019 at the AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command (APETDCOM), here.
DAGIT-PA which stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” is an AFP-wide exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability during joint operations of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army. It is geared to level up existing exercises by integrating the AFP’s Special Operations Forces, Cyber Group, and Reservists.
Brigadier General Francisco Mendoza, the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training represented Major General Erickson Gloria, the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff as guest of honor and speakers in the opening. Also present were top military leaders, officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP.
“This year’s reiteration of the AFP Joint Exercise will help us strengthen our territorial defense capabilities and our conduct of internal security operations. The AFP Chief of Staff wants to ensure that we have the capability to apply the unilateral defense plan and AFP joint operating concept among many others to ensure the effectiveness of our troops when operating in a joint operations environment,” BGen Mendoza said.
More than 1,500 soldiers including reservists and selected AFP Wide Support and Separate Units will participate in the exercises. Among which are the Air/Maritime Interdiction Operation in Palawan; Amphibious Landing in Zambales; Airfield Seizure and Military Operations in Urban Terrain in Nueva Ecija; and Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise in Tarlac. These events will focus on capabilities development in maritime security, military operations in urban terrain, and amphibious operations.
Commodore Adeluis Bordado, Commander of AFPETDCOM serves as the Exercise Director. The AJEX was officially conceptualized and executed in 2017 under the auspices of the newly activated AFPETDCOM. The exercise traces its roots from the Navy-Air Force interoperability exercise dubbed as “DAGIT” which features air-sea battle concept training which started in the early 2000s.
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officially opens its AFP Joint Exercise “DAGIT-PA” on Monday, 16 September 2019 at the AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command (APETDCOM), here.
DAGIT-PA which stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” is an AFP-wide exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability during joint operations of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army. It is geared to level up existing exercises by integrating the AFP’s Special Operations Forces, Cyber Group, and Reservists.
Brigadier General Francisco Mendoza, the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training represented Major General Erickson Gloria, the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff as guest of honor and speakers in the opening. Also present were top military leaders, officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP.
“This year’s reiteration of the AFP Joint Exercise will help us strengthen our territorial defense capabilities and our conduct of internal security operations. The AFP Chief of Staff wants to ensure that we have the capability to apply the unilateral defense plan and AFP joint operating concept among many others to ensure the effectiveness of our troops when operating in a joint operations environment,” BGen Mendoza said.
More than 1,500 soldiers including reservists and selected AFP Wide Support and Separate Units will participate in the exercises. Among which are the Air/Maritime Interdiction Operation in Palawan; Amphibious Landing in Zambales; Airfield Seizure and Military Operations in Urban Terrain in Nueva Ecija; and Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise in Tarlac. These events will focus on capabilities development in maritime security, military operations in urban terrain, and amphibious operations.
Commodore Adeluis Bordado, Commander of AFPETDCOM serves as the Exercise Director. The AJEX was officially conceptualized and executed in 2017 under the auspices of the newly activated AFPETDCOM. The exercise traces its roots from the Navy-Air Force interoperability exercise dubbed as “DAGIT” which features air-sea battle concept training which started in the early 2000s.
Public Affairs Office, Armed Forces of the Philippines
COL NOEL J DETOYATO GSC (INF) PA
Public Affairs Office AFP
Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Quezon City
911-6001 Local 6000 & 6700
COL NOEL J DETOYATO GSC (INF) PA
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AFP chief downplays Dito Telecommunity's Chinese connection
From Rappler (Sep 17, 2019): AFP chief downplays Dito Telecommunity's Chinese connection
'You are dealing with a Chinese company, not the Chinese government,' General Benjamin Madrigal Jr says of the Chinese government-owned China Telecom
NO WORRIES? Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr downplays Chinese espionage worries over the military's co-location deal with Dito Telecommunity. Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler
'You are dealing with a Chinese company, not the Chinese government,' General Benjamin Madrigal Jr says of the Chinese government-owned China Telecom
NO WORRIES? Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr downplays Chinese espionage worries over the military's co-location deal with Dito Telecommunity. Photo by Darren Langit/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Benjamin Madrigal Jr downplayed the Chinese government's connection to Dito Telecommunity, a telco in consortium with the Chinese government-owned China Telecom.
China Telecom owns 40% of Dito, formerly Mislatel, which is poised to become the Philippines' third major telco player.
"Remember, you are dealing with a Chinese company, not the Chinese government," Madrigal told reporters in a media conference on Tuesday, September 17.
Lawmakers and experts have expressed concern that the Chinese government may use Dito to spy on the Philippine military through a "co-location" agreement the AFP signed with the telco last Wednesday, September 11.
The deal allows Dito to set up communication facilities in "military camps and installations," which the AFP later clarified to mean towers and relay stations "not necessarily within military camps."
Madrigal said Dito's facilities would be "separate" from the AFP's communication lines, and the military leadership practiced "due diligence" in ruling out security threats that could arise from the agreement.
"Other than due diligence, good faith," the military chief added, emphasizing that Dito was selected through a public bidding, and it has since been licensed by the National Telecommunications Commission.
"It passed through our intelligence, it passed through our legal, and of course with our communications people. I'm recommending it for approval," Madrigal said of the deal, which he signed then submitted to the Department of National Defense.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said he was unaware of the deal at the time it was signed because he was traveling abroad, and that he would "carefully scrutinize" it before giving his approval.
Still out of the country, Lorenzana said he would be back in Manila on Friday, September 20.
All systems vulnerable
Madrigal denied accusations that Lorenzana was "left in the dark" or bypassed when he signed the deal, saying he followed the standard procedure of handling and initially approving such agreements before handing it over to the defense chief.
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the agreement. She questioned how the deal could have been made without Lorenzana's knowledge or approval.
Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto called the deal "an electronic Trojan Horse into our camps" that was done "stealthily." He said it should have gone through "a third party expert study."
Senator Francis Pangilinan pointed out that China's 2014 Counter-espionage Law and 2017 National Intelligence Law give the Chinese government license to compel Dito Telecommunity to hand over any information it may obtain through its operations on Philippine military installations.
"Actually, all systems are vulnerable, not just to China but to any other country, depending on their capability to get into the said systems. So it's up to us to be able to ensure that we're able to protect our facility,” Madrigal said in a mix of English and Filipino.
China disputes the Philippines' sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, as it seeks a joint oil and gas exploration deal with the Duterte administration.
China has reclaimed 7 reefs in the West Philippine Sea and turned them into military bases, some equipped with missile facilities.
Defending the deal, Dito pointed out the partial foreign ownership of the Philippines' other telcos: Globe Telecom by Singapore's Singtel, and Smart Communications by Japan's NTT. However, Singapore and Japan do not have any territorial dispute with the Philippines, and are in fact its allies.
It would be unfair if the AFP denied Dito a deal similar to what it already has with Globe and Smart, Madrigal said, adding that Lorenzana or any other higher authority may reject it if they find that it threatens national security.
"Wala naman tayong tinatago (We're not hiding anything)."
Madrigal is set to retire from military service on September 28.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/240371-afp-chief-downplays-dito-telecommunity-chinese-connection
China Telecom owns 40% of Dito, formerly Mislatel, which is poised to become the Philippines' third major telco player.
"Remember, you are dealing with a Chinese company, not the Chinese government," Madrigal told reporters in a media conference on Tuesday, September 17.
Lawmakers and experts have expressed concern that the Chinese government may use Dito to spy on the Philippine military through a "co-location" agreement the AFP signed with the telco last Wednesday, September 11.
The deal allows Dito to set up communication facilities in "military camps and installations," which the AFP later clarified to mean towers and relay stations "not necessarily within military camps."
Madrigal said Dito's facilities would be "separate" from the AFP's communication lines, and the military leadership practiced "due diligence" in ruling out security threats that could arise from the agreement.
"Other than due diligence, good faith," the military chief added, emphasizing that Dito was selected through a public bidding, and it has since been licensed by the National Telecommunications Commission.
"It passed through our intelligence, it passed through our legal, and of course with our communications people. I'm recommending it for approval," Madrigal said of the deal, which he signed then submitted to the Department of National Defense.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said he was unaware of the deal at the time it was signed because he was traveling abroad, and that he would "carefully scrutinize" it before giving his approval.
Still out of the country, Lorenzana said he would be back in Manila on Friday, September 20.
All systems vulnerable
Madrigal denied accusations that Lorenzana was "left in the dark" or bypassed when he signed the deal, saying he followed the standard procedure of handling and initially approving such agreements before handing it over to the defense chief.
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday filed a resolution calling for an investigation into the agreement. She questioned how the deal could have been made without Lorenzana's knowledge or approval.
Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto called the deal "an electronic Trojan Horse into our camps" that was done "stealthily." He said it should have gone through "a third party expert study."
Senator Francis Pangilinan pointed out that China's 2014 Counter-espionage Law and 2017 National Intelligence Law give the Chinese government license to compel Dito Telecommunity to hand over any information it may obtain through its operations on Philippine military installations.
"Actually, all systems are vulnerable, not just to China but to any other country, depending on their capability to get into the said systems. So it's up to us to be able to ensure that we're able to protect our facility,” Madrigal said in a mix of English and Filipino.
China disputes the Philippines' sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, as it seeks a joint oil and gas exploration deal with the Duterte administration.
China has reclaimed 7 reefs in the West Philippine Sea and turned them into military bases, some equipped with missile facilities.
Defending the deal, Dito pointed out the partial foreign ownership of the Philippines' other telcos: Globe Telecom by Singapore's Singtel, and Smart Communications by Japan's NTT. However, Singapore and Japan do not have any territorial dispute with the Philippines, and are in fact its allies.
It would be unfair if the AFP denied Dito a deal similar to what it already has with Globe and Smart, Madrigal said, adding that Lorenzana or any other higher authority may reject it if they find that it threatens national security.
"Wala naman tayong tinatago (We're not hiding anything)."
Madrigal is set to retire from military service on September 28.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/240371-afp-chief-downplays-dito-telecommunity-chinese-connection
Solon condemns red-tagging of ACT leader
From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Sep 17, 2019): Solon condemns red-tagging of ACT leader
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — ACT Teachers Party-list representative France Castro on Tuesday urged Congress to investigate the continued attacks against the leaders and members of unions of public school teachers in the country.
The progressive solon made the call following the latest incident of red-tagging against the president of Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in Northern Mindanao.
Last week, Ophelia Tabacon, ACT-10 regional chairperson reported that she was among the names of activists being red-tagged in flyers circulated anew in Cagayan de Oro City.
The said flyers with their photographs were seen posted on a wall outside the school where Tabacon teaches. She was branded as a “Communist teacher” while her son was also accused as an “NPA leader”.
The same flyers were also sent to Tabacon, disguising as a message from Representative Castro during a leadership training organized by ACT Teachers party-list in the city.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms another red-tagging incident against Alliance of Concerned Teachers Region 10 Union President Ophelia Tabacon. Elements harassing Ma’am Ophelia even used my name to disguise their package of terror,” Castro said.
“The terrorist tagging of Ophelia Tabacon is again an endangerment of our coordinator and the teachers she serves and an attack on union rights,” she said, adding that the group members were only fighting for the rights and welfare of fellow teachers.
Members of ACT across the country have been campaigning for the substantial salary increase of public school teachers. However, Castro criticized that the government repays the teachers with red-tagging and continued harassment.
“Under martial law, those who try to help other people and rescue communities that are harassed by the military, paramilitary and the police are tagged as kidnappers and child abusers, legal and humanitarian acts are considered criminal acts. Those who oppose the anti-people policies of the Duterte administration are tagged as terrorists,” Castro added.
ACT Teachers have also filed a resolution at the House of Representative, condemning the threats, harassment, and trumped-up chrages against Tabacon.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/solon-condemns-red-tagging-of-act-leader/
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — ACT Teachers Party-list representative France Castro on Tuesday urged Congress to investigate the continued attacks against the leaders and members of unions of public school teachers in the country.
The progressive solon made the call following the latest incident of red-tagging against the president of Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in Northern Mindanao.
Last week, Ophelia Tabacon, ACT-10 regional chairperson reported that she was among the names of activists being red-tagged in flyers circulated anew in Cagayan de Oro City.
The said flyers with their photographs were seen posted on a wall outside the school where Tabacon teaches. She was branded as a “Communist teacher” while her son was also accused as an “NPA leader”.
The same flyers were also sent to Tabacon, disguising as a message from Representative Castro during a leadership training organized by ACT Teachers party-list in the city.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms another red-tagging incident against Alliance of Concerned Teachers Region 10 Union President Ophelia Tabacon. Elements harassing Ma’am Ophelia even used my name to disguise their package of terror,” Castro said.
“The terrorist tagging of Ophelia Tabacon is again an endangerment of our coordinator and the teachers she serves and an attack on union rights,” she said, adding that the group members were only fighting for the rights and welfare of fellow teachers.
Members of ACT across the country have been campaigning for the substantial salary increase of public school teachers. However, Castro criticized that the government repays the teachers with red-tagging and continued harassment.
“Under martial law, those who try to help other people and rescue communities that are harassed by the military, paramilitary and the police are tagged as kidnappers and child abusers, legal and humanitarian acts are considered criminal acts. Those who oppose the anti-people policies of the Duterte administration are tagged as terrorists,” Castro added.
ACT Teachers have also filed a resolution at the House of Representative, condemning the threats, harassment, and trumped-up chrages against Tabacon.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/solon-condemns-red-tagging-of-act-leader/
Eight Davao City villages cleared of NPA influence
From the Mindanao Times (Sep 18, 2019): Eight Davao City villages cleared of NPA influence
Eight more barangays in Davao City are cleared of New People’s Army influence following a validation conducted on Sep 16, 2019 at the 3rd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District.
Col. Nolasco Mempin, the commander of 1003rd Infantry Brigade, identified the barangays as Baracatan, Catigan, Tibuloy and Tungkalan of Toril District; Tambobong of Baguio District; Tamayong of Calinan District; Talandang of Tugbok District; and Tapak of Paquibato District.
With the addition of the eight newly cleared barangays, Mempin said Davao City is left with only five NPA-influenced barangays at present.
The declaration was the result of the screening by the Joint AFP-PNP Area Clearing Validation Board comprised of personnel of the 10th Infantry Division and Police Regional Office XI. Their task is to check if the barangays have passed the standards set forth by the Joint Letter Directive Number 3, Series of 2019 which prescribes the parameters of a cleared barangay.
The Area Clearing Validation Board is chaired by Brig. Gen. Rodolfo B. Lavadia Jr, the assistant division commander of the 10th Infantry Division.
An area is declared clear if the political-military structure of the CPP-NDF-NPA is dismantled; existing organizations in sitios and puroks are insulated from the insulation of the communist group; local issues exploited by the NPA are also addressed; and barangay-based structures are established to deny NPA access.
Based on the records of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, 26 barangays in the region have already been cleared of the NPA while 31 are still affected. Of the total, five are in Davao City.
Eight more barangays in Davao City are cleared of New People’s Army influence following a validation conducted on Sep 16, 2019 at the 3rd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Barangay Malagos, Baguio District.
Col. Nolasco Mempin, the commander of 1003rd Infantry Brigade, identified the barangays as Baracatan, Catigan, Tibuloy and Tungkalan of Toril District; Tambobong of Baguio District; Tamayong of Calinan District; Talandang of Tugbok District; and Tapak of Paquibato District.
With the addition of the eight newly cleared barangays, Mempin said Davao City is left with only five NPA-influenced barangays at present.
The declaration was the result of the screening by the Joint AFP-PNP Area Clearing Validation Board comprised of personnel of the 10th Infantry Division and Police Regional Office XI. Their task is to check if the barangays have passed the standards set forth by the Joint Letter Directive Number 3, Series of 2019 which prescribes the parameters of a cleared barangay.
The Area Clearing Validation Board is chaired by Brig. Gen. Rodolfo B. Lavadia Jr, the assistant division commander of the 10th Infantry Division.
An area is declared clear if the political-military structure of the CPP-NDF-NPA is dismantled; existing organizations in sitios and puroks are insulated from the insulation of the communist group; local issues exploited by the NPA are also addressed; and barangay-based structures are established to deny NPA access.
Based on the records of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, 26 barangays in the region have already been cleared of the NPA while 31 are still affected. Of the total, five are in Davao City.
MisOr Province, LGUs declare CPP-NPA persona non grata
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 16, 2019): MisOr Province, LGUs declare CPP-NPA persona non grata
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Per initiative of the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, 16 of its 24 cities and municipalities and 200 out of 424 barangays have rejected the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and declared the communist terrorist group and its affiliated organizations "persona-non-grata.”
The 16 Municipal and City Local Government Units (LGUs) include: Alubijid, Balingasag, Binuangan, Claveria, El Salvador City, Initao, Jasaan, Lagonglong, Libertad, Magsaysay, Manticao, Medina, Opol, Tagoloan, Talisayan, and Laguindingan.
The denunciation came as President Duterte renewed his call for the entire citizenry to end the local communist instigated armed conflict that has stymied economic growth for the past 50 years.
The LGUs are fed up with the incessant atrocities perpetrated by the CPP-NPA against civilians and destruction of civilian properties.
Despite the call of the Regional Peace and Order Council - X to stop attacking civilians and civilian compounds, recently an NPA spokesperson even bragged over radio stations their attack of an undefended compound of Minergy Corporation in Misamis Oriental taking with them company properties.
The local chief executives are one in rejecting the entry of CPP-NPA terrorists in their respective localities for they are the ones creating instability that drives away potential investors. (DILG MisOr)
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - Per initiative of the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, 16 of its 24 cities and municipalities and 200 out of 424 barangays have rejected the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and declared the communist terrorist group and its affiliated organizations "persona-non-grata.”
The 16 Municipal and City Local Government Units (LGUs) include: Alubijid, Balingasag, Binuangan, Claveria, El Salvador City, Initao, Jasaan, Lagonglong, Libertad, Magsaysay, Manticao, Medina, Opol, Tagoloan, Talisayan, and Laguindingan.
The denunciation came as President Duterte renewed his call for the entire citizenry to end the local communist instigated armed conflict that has stymied economic growth for the past 50 years.
The LGUs are fed up with the incessant atrocities perpetrated by the CPP-NPA against civilians and destruction of civilian properties.
Despite the call of the Regional Peace and Order Council - X to stop attacking civilians and civilian compounds, recently an NPA spokesperson even bragged over radio stations their attack of an undefended compound of Minergy Corporation in Misamis Oriental taking with them company properties.
The local chief executives are one in rejecting the entry of CPP-NPA terrorists in their respective localities for they are the ones creating instability that drives away potential investors. (DILG MisOr)
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