Cop killed, 3 others hurt in Isabela clash with NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2019): Cop killed, 3 others hurt in Isabela clash with NPA



Google map of San Guillermo, Isabela

SAN GUILLERMO, Isabela -- A police patrolman was killed and three others were wounded in a clash between lawmen and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a mountainous area of Barangay Burgos here on Tuesday.

Col. Mariano Rodriguez, Isabela police director, identified the fatality as Patrolman Henry Gayaman, who was brought to a funeral parlor for autopsy. Those wounded were Patrolman Alfred Italiano, Patrolman Stephen Olosan and Police Corporal Edison Binasoy.

They are all under the 205th Mobile Force Company (MFC) led by Police Lt. Edmund Calagui, of the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Regional Office.

The police team was patrolling in the area when they encountered an undetermined number of suspected members of the NPA's Central Front of Kilusang Larangang Guerilla-Cagayan Valley (KLG-CV) and engaged them in a running gun battle around 5:28 a.m.

The Isabela police had initiated pursuit operations against the rebels, who fled and believed to have dragged away their wounded comrades.

“We deployed platoons from the 2nd Isabela Mobile Force Company aside from the 205th Mobile Force Company and the Army’s 86th Infantry Battalion,” Rodriguez told the Philippine News Agency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083861

OPAPP slams Satur Ocampo for opinion piece on localized peace talks

From GMA News Online (Oct 22, 2019): OPAPP slams Satur Ocampo for opinion piece on localized peace talks

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Tuesday slammed former Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo for his October 12 opinion piece in which he claimed President Rodrigo Duterte set barriers to the peace process.

The OPAPP said it was the communists and not the Duterte administration that set barriers to the peace process by continuously recruiting students and attacking the government in the midst of talks.

“We believe it is crucial for local stakeholders to be directly involved in the peace process. As what we have witnessed, it is pointless to talk to leaders of an organization who employ deception and duplicitous tactics,” OPAPP Spokesperson Wilben Mayor said in a statement.

“By and large, localized peace engagements provide a stronger platform wherein the voices of the people who are the ones most affected by armed conflict, can truly be heard and whose sentiments can be acted upon,” he added.

In his newspaper column, Ocampo lamented the “localization” of peace talks through the signing of Executive Order (EO) 70, which he said “degrades – worse, sets aside – the substantive agreements/consensus already reached through high-level negotiations.”

Signed on December 4, 2018, EO 70 created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) and institutionalized the use of a “whole-of-nation” approach to attain “inclusive and sustainable peace.”

Ocampo said the National Democratic Front of the Philippines had long rejected this framework for being “divisive rather than unifying.”

Ocampo also criticized the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Armed Forces, and Philippine National Police for “pressuring” local government units to declare members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as persona non gratae.

“Is the persona-non-grata campaign part of ‘local peace engagements or negotiations and interventions’? How can it advance the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace?” he asked.

The OPAPP spokesperson meanwhile lauded the local governments that had declared CPP-NPA members as persona non grata.

“By doing this, people now have gathered strength, and are rising up and rejecting the communist terrorist group’s atrocities and twisted ideology. They are showing that their communities have no room for an organization that has only instilled fear, hatred, and violence among the people. Enough is enough,” he said.

Mayor underscored that Ocampo and his “comrades” were the “true and only remaining barrier to enduring peace and sustainable development.”

The NTF ELCAC has also slammed Ocampo for his column, branding him “the greatest scam of the century.”

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/712591/opapp-slams-satur-ocampo-for-opinion-piece-on-localized-peace-talks/story/

Cop slain, 3 others wounded in clash with NPA in Isabela

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 22, 2019): Cop slain, 3 others wounded in clash with NPA in Isabela

SAN GUILLERMO, Isabela –– A policeman was killed and three others were wounded when government troops clashed with suspected New People’s Army rebels here at dawn on Tuesday.
Police Col. Mariano Rodriguez, Isabela police director, identified the fatality as Patrolman Henry Gayaman of the 205th Mobile Force Company of the regional police office.

Wounded were Gayaman’s fellow policemen identified as Patrolman Alfred Italiano, Patrolman Stephen Olosan, and Corporal Edison Binasoy.

Rodriguez said rebels from the Cagayan Valley guerrilla front engaged the patrolling policemen in a running gun battle in the mountain village of Burgos here at 5:30 a.m.

Police and the Philippine Army have launched a pursuit operation against the rebels.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1180493/cop-slain-3-others-wounded-in-clash-with-npa-in-isabela

NPA rebel yields, leads soldiers to arms cache

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2019): NPA rebel yields, leads soldiers to arms cache



ARMS CACHE. Soldiers in Magpet, North Cotabato, seize a .30-caliber machine gun, two M-16 Armalite rifles and subversive documents on Monday (Oct. 21, 2019). A former New People’s Army combatant led them to the site where the firearms were kept. (Photo courtesy of 72IB)

A communist rebel who surrendered to government forces led soldiers to an area in Magpet, North Cotabato where high powered firearms of the New People’s Army (NPA) were kept, an Army official said.

Lt. Colonel Rey Alvarado, commander of Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion, said government forces found a light machine gun, M16 rifles, ammunition and subversive documents in Sitio Family, Barangay Basak in Magpet, North Cotabato on Monday.

Alvarado said a former NPA member, whom he identified only as “Ton-Ton” for security reasons, voluntarily surrendered to soldiers stationed at Barangay Perez Patrol Base in Kidapawan City.

“Ton-ton’s surrender was facilitated by Perez barangay officials,” Alvarado said.

He said “Ton-Ton” was a former squad leader of NPA Guerilla Front 53 (GF-53) operating in the second district of North Cotabato.

“He was the second NPA member who voluntarily surrendered lately and led soldiers to a site where rebel firearms were kept,” Alvarado said.

Earlier this month, Harold (not his real name), a full-time member GF-53 and the team leader of the NPA's Special Partisan Unit (SPARU in the province), was convinced by his family to yield earlier this month.

Alvarado said Harold, 30, of Barangay Balite, Magpet, surrendered and handed over to soldiers a .45-caliber pistol with ammunition and a hand grenade.

During interrogation, the military said “Harold” revealed the location of NPA firearms entrusted to its underground mass organizations (UGMO).

Harold then led the Army’s 72nd troopers to an area in Matalam, North Cotabato where four high-powered firearms with magazines and ammunition were kept.

The military said Harold also guided soldiers to a village in Pres. Roxas, North Cotabato, where hundreds of ammunition and improvised explosive devices were kept near the house of an unidentified UGMO member.

Alvarado said he foresees an end to the local communist rebellion, with the soldiers getting the support of government agencies and rebel sympathizers.

The Army official also underscored the government's "whole of nation approach" in ending insurgency on the ground.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083887

9 Northern Samar towns reject NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2019): 9 Northern Samar towns reject NPA



ANTI-NPA RESOLUTIONS. Copies of resolutions declaring the New People's Army (NPA) as persona non grata have been issued by nine towns in Northern Samar. The seven violent activities committed by rebels this year have prompted local government units to denounce the communist terrorist group, the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion said in a statement on Tuesday (Oct. 22, 2019). (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army’s 20IB)

Nine out of 10 towns in the second legislative district of Northern Samar have declared the New People’s Army (NPA) as persona non grata, a strong indication that people in the rebel group’s stronghold province reject the NPA ideology, the Philippine Army has reported.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion (20IB) based in Las Navas, Northern Samar welcomed the move of these local government units to denounce the atrocities of the communist terrorist group.

Just this quarter, the towns that condemned the NPA are San Roque, Gamay, Catubig, Las Navas, Silvino Lubos, Laoang, Mapanas, Pambujan, and Lapinig.
At least seven villages in San Roque town also declared the NPA persona non grata. As of this week, only the town of Palapag in the second district has not formally denounced the rebels.

Lt. Col. Juan Gullem, 20IB commander, said more local governments have been joining the campaign to wipe out insurgency by 2022.

“The people of Northern Samar can no longer tolerate the intimidation, chaos, and extortion activities brought by the Communist Party of the Philippines - NPA. In 2019 alone, various atrocities and activities by the rebels have been recorded,” Gullem said in a statement.

These include the shooting of military personnel doing community works in Quirino village, Las Navas town last April 13. After two days, armed rebels ambushed two soldiers conducting a survey with the Corps of Engineers on the proposed road project in Catoto-ogan village, also in Las Navas.

The incident that sparked public outrage was the death of 10-year-old Jay Raymunde when rebels detonated an anti-personnel mine in San Miguel village, Las Navas on April 17. The village chief was also killed by rebels on April 25.

Also in Las Navas, rebels harassed army personnel engaged in community support programs in San Francisco village on April 23.

Even the army patrol base securing the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project in Dulay village, Laoang, Northern Samar was not spared in the NPA attack on May 21.

The most recent was the assault launched against an army detachment in Poponton village, Las Navas town on August 9 and 11.

“The communist terrorist group has organized a series of anti-government demonstrations utilizing women, children, elderly and persons with disability in Las Navas, Northern Samar through the NPA front organizations. They call for the pullout of the military in Las Navas, but silent on the atrocities of NPA,” Gullem said.

These fronts organizations are the Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas - Karapatan (rights group), Northern Samar Small Farmers Association, Samahan han Gudti na Parag-uma (group of small farmers), and Alyansya han mga Parag-uma Kontra-gutom han Las Navasnon (alliance of farmers against hunger in Las Navas).
Northern Samar is considered to be the NPA’s stronghold in Eastern Visayas due to poor road network, thick forest, high poverty incidence, and low level of education in upland communities.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083885

Army chief Alberto leads donning of ranks to troops wounded in action

From GMA News Online (Oct 22, 2019): Army chief Alberto leads donning of ranks to troops wounded in action
Philippine Army commander Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto on Monday led the donning of ranks to 44 soldiers who were wounded in action, some of them involved in clashes during the Marawi siege in 2017.

The ceremony happened at the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Hospital in Quezon City, according to the Philippine Army on Tuesday.

“Our soldiers risked their lives faithfully carrying out the missions entrusted to them so that the rest of us can go about our daily lives in peace,” Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala said.

“Their promotion to the next higher rank is our way of recognizing their gallantry and an expression of our nation’s gratitude towards their sacrifices,” Zagala added.

The soldiers also received special financial aid from the Presidential Management Staff, as well as additional cash incentives.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/712544/army-chief-alberto-leads-donning-of-ranks-to-troops-wounded-in-action/story/

Russian envoy optimistic on chopper deal with Philippines

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 22, 2019): Russian envoy optimistic on chopper deal with Philippines



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte greets Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev who paid a courtesy call on the President at the Malacañan Palace on January 31, 2019. PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev is optimistic that Manila would soon enter a deal with Moscow for the purchase of combat helicopters.

“Both sides are working on that. I believe the outcome would be positive. Our Philippine partners will get the best helicopters,” he told reporters in a press conference in his Makati residence on Tuesday.

There were reports in late September that the Armed Forces of the Philippines would buy 16 units of Mil Mi-17 heavy-lift helicopters from Russia.

Khovaev did not confirm if this was the same deal that they are looking to enter into but expressed readiness to supply the Philippines with much-needed air assets.

“We are ready and I hope we will supply Russian helicopters for the Philippines… I’m sure we are on the right track,” he said.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said last week that the purchase for Mi-17 is still under study.

“There is an intention to (buy) their heavy-lift helicopters Mi-17. Evaluation and discussion with the Russians are ongoing. We believe that these platforms are ideal for combat operations, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster response and mercy missions,” he told INQUIRER.net.

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/181362/russian-envoy-optimistic-on-chopper-deal-with-philippines

Murad likely to join BARMM election in 2023

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 22, 2019): Murad likely to join BARMM election in 2023

Interim Chief Minister (ICM) Ahod Ebrahim, more known as Al-Haj Murad, is considering running for election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in the synchronized 2023 local, regional, and national polls to “preserve” the gains and unity in the fledgling region.



Al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim
(FJANSEN ROMERO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

Ebrahim’s lieutenants and close associates in the BARMM interim cabinet said they held serious talks to convince Murad to reconsider his decision not to seek an elective post in the autonomous region and remain as chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) central committee to serve as “advisory guide” over the new governance.

Since his designation as ICM by President Duterte in February this year, Ebrahim and his trusted peers avoided talking about politics, especially the 2023 elections ostensibly to focus on the transitional stage and operations of the autonomous government.

But some local traditional politicians had reportedly formed alliances in the May 2019 elections to put up strong bets for the 80 parliamentary seats in BARMM where the position of regular chief minister would be decided upon.

The “political realignments” were noted in the BARMM’s component areas, foremost of which had surfaced in the “vote rich” Maguindanao, sources in the interim regional cabinet.

Maguindanao has some 700,000 voters, almost one third of the BARMM’s 1.6 million voting population. Next is Lanao del Sur (including Marawi City), which has over 500,000 electors. The combined voters in other component areas like Basilan (including Lamitan City), Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, and Cotabato City as well as 63 barangays in North Cotabato are lesser compared to the total electorates in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.

Regional cabinet “insiders” said the new “political alliance” in Maguindanao is reportedly led by a former aspirant for regional governor in the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), and has embarked on mustering allies in Lanao del Sur as well as in the three island provinces.

They consider the unfolding political maneuvers as an affront to ICM Ebrahim’s thrust in building a “united” regime to flesh out President Duterte’s commitment to make BARMM a tool to “correct historical injustices” in the Bangsamoro.

When pressed to comment about the issue, BARMM spokesman and concurrent Mister of Local Government Naguib Sinarimbo has confirmed the conduct of “persuasive meetings” for ICM Ebrahim to consider seeking election in 2023 “for the sake of unity and upholding initial gains” of the fledgling autonomy.

“So far, we believe we have convinced the chief minister,” Sinarimbo told The Manila Bulletin.

Minister Sinarimbo, a lawyer, is a key official in the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), which the Commission on Elections had registered in 2014 as MILF’s official political party.

In an interview in 2014, Murad said the UBJP would field candidates for local and regional positions, but categorically stated that he would not be among the candidates.

“I would want to remain as chair of the MILF as an overseeing entity in the Bangsamoro governance,” he said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/10/22/murad-likely-to-join-barmm-election-in-2023/

WESCOM: Pahayag ng PTF-ELCAC Upang Pabulaanan ang mga Pahayag ng Karapatan Southern Tagalog

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 22, 2019): Pahayag ng PTF-ELCAC Upang Pabulaanan ang mga Pahayag ng Karapatan Southern Tagalog



https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=728854710918493&set=a.251273235343312&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESCOM: CYMI: MBLT- 3 CSP Team in Action

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 22, 2019): CYMI: MBLT- 3 CSP Team in Action

ICYMI: MBLT- 3 CSP TEAM IN ACTION

The Community Support Program (CSP) Team of MBLT-3 assisted the catchers and traders of Paly Island as they raise the issue of the incoming close season of Lapu-lapu (Red Suno). The "Kapisanan Kawilan ng Amihan" was conducted on October 21, 2019 at VGR Hall, Provincial Capitol, Puerto Princesa, Palawan together with the Provincial Governor, Board Members, and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) in order to address the said issue.

MBLT-3, bridging the gap, assisting the aid of Paly Island towards peace and prosperity not only of Dumaran Municipality but the entire Northern Palawan.

#TeamWESCOM
#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1321002961435700&set=pcb.1321003258102337&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1321003201435676&set=pcb.1321003258102337&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

15 policemen get medals

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 22, 2019): 15 policemen get medals

The Police Regional Office 6 yesterday recognized and honored 15 police personnel responsible for the arrest of eight alleged members of the New People’s Army that also resulted in the confiscation of several firearms and explosives in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

PBrig. Gen. Rene Pamuspusan, regional police director of Western Visayas, assisted by PCol. Romeo Baleros, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, led the awarding of Medalya ng Kagalingan to outstanding police personnel during the flag raising ceremony held at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City.

The awardees were PLt. Col. Arnel Solis, commander of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of NOCPPO, PMaj. Gil John Despi, Escalante City police officer-in-charge, Chief Master Sgt. Esperidion Canillo Jr., PMSgt. Jester Minguez, PSSgts. John Candelario, and Romel Aguilar.

PCpls. Eric Ignacio, Nelson Marino Jr., Ronilo Jabaybay, Isamel Mag-alasin Jr., Alberto dela Cruz Jr., Glend Mahinay, Demetrio Gruta Brillantes and Xander Barrios, and Pat. Carl Mark Delfin.

Led by Solis, the 1st PMFC troopers were on border control operations in Brgy. Jonob-jonob, Escalante City, on Sept. 18, when they intercepted the suspects, who were on board a vehicle.

The apprehension also yielded six .45 caliber pistols with ammunition, a .38 caliber revolver with ammunition, a KG 9 automatic pistol also with live ammunition, three rifle grenades and 22 molotov bombs.

But the arrested suspects, in radio and television interviews, vehemently denied possession of those firearms and explosives.

“I expect that this will serve as an inspiration to all our personnel, not only in Negros Occidental, but in PRO 6 as a whole as well, because this is really a very good accomplishment, Pamuspusan said in his speech during the awarding rites.

Pamuspusan admitted that insurgency is a serious concern in Negros Island, noting that insurgents took advantage of the vulnerability of those living below the poverty threshold, and make them believe that the only way out of their deplorable situation is through armed struggle.

“Aside from our aggressive operations ISO (Internal Security Operations), we also need to strengthen our awareness advocacy,” Pamusmusan said, He also ordered the Police Community Affairs Section to reach out to families in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially those in the far-flung areas, to educate them on the deceitful propaganda of the CPP-NPA.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/October/22/topstory8.htm

Local terrorist surrenders to the military in Lanao Sur

Posted to the Mindanao Daily News (Oct 22, 2019): Local terrorist surrenders to the military in Lanao Sur

A local terrorist fighter, who became the group's guide in several encounters in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City before the siege, surrendered to the military, around 2pm on Monday, October 21, in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur.

LtCol. Rafman Altre, commander of the Army's 82nd Infantry Battalion, identified the surrenderee as Aminudin Datu, also known in his aliases as Abu Jannah and Abu Nasraula.

Datu, who yielded his Browning automatic rifle, caliber 45 handgun, magazines and ammunitions, is known to have acted as one of the guides of the Dawlah Islamiya Lanao group, during the encounter in Piagapo town in April 2017, a month before the Marawi siege.

He also served as point person of the terrorists in several atrocities they did in Marawi City and Lanao del Sur according to Altre.

Around 5pm on Sunday (October 20), a certain Satar Emmandatu, an also known member of the armed group, surrendered to the 55IB his high-powered firearms he use when he was indiscriminately firing last October 16 in Barangay Ngingir, in Calanogas town.

At 7:00pm of same day, a M653 and M16A1 rifles, magazines and ammunitions were surrendered to the 82IB by an unnamed surrenderee.

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander of 103rd Infantry Brigade, who has operational command of the battalions in Lanao del Sur said that the developments are attributed to the "peace-loving local chief executives, constituents and stakeholders of Lanao del Sur”.

“We will continuously collaborate with them to encourage other local terrorist to surrender and yield their loose firearms to attain a just and lasting peace to their communities”, said Cuerpo in a statement to the media on Tuesday.

For his part, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded the troops and the local chief executives for the successful surrender of local terrorist and yield of loose firearms.

“Your 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, in collaboration with the LGUs and other stakeholders, remains steadfast in our campaign against local terrorist and will continue to seize loose firearms in our area of operation,” said Ancan.

http://mindanaodailynews.com/news/the-region/northern-mindanao/local-terrorist-surrenders-to-the-military-in-lanao-sur

SurSur Province stands firm to end insurgency with national level approaches

Posted to the Mindanao Daily News (Oct 22, 2019): SurSur Province stands firm to end insurgency with national level approaches











BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur – The scheme continued but failed again for Bayan Muna Representatives, Eufemia Campos Cullamat and Carlos Isagani Zarate with the militant group, Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) to compel Surigao del Sur Provincial Government to pull-out the community support teams during the peace dialogue in Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur yesterday (October 21).

The province cited that the military presence is crucial to further establish sustainable peace and development in the area through Executive Order No. 70. 

The Peace Dialogue intends to promote reconciliation, convergence, sustainable peace and synergy through exploratory and consultative discussions with the community, concerned government agencies including AFP and other sectors. Yet, MAPASU and Bayan Muna insisted on their demand to pull-out the Community Support Teams and discrediting the government’s Whole of Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict citing that it is not the right formula to end the conflict in the community.

The military, as an observer, never said a word but a clear and straightforward message of the province through the governor summed it all.

“With all due respect, I must tell you frankly, only President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), can order the Army personnel to move anytime and anywhere when needed. They have a mission to fulfill in line with the Whole of Nation approach to end local communist armed conflict that is very crucial to our national security,” Governor Alexander Pimentel said.

The presence of the military is not the issue said the governor and encouraged all attendees to move forward and focus on far more relevant issues on Education, Health, and Economic etcetera and let the military do their mandate and sworn duty to serve and protect the Filipino people from the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).

MAPASU and Bayan Muna discredit EO 70 and the AFP

Bayan Muna and MAPASU members strongly and vocally opposed the peace and development initiatives of Executive Order Number 70 and cited rehash false and malicious accusations against the military.

The governor challenged them, “Sabihin ninyo at ituro ngayon kung sino ang sundalo na nandito sa KM 9 ang nagcommit ng violation at ipatanggal ko agad o paalisin dito,” he said.

Those who accused cannot even present substantial evidence and pinpoint any Army personnel making their statements false and invalid. In fact, the ICRC is always present in the area because of their development project in KM 9 and constantly coordinates with the IP community and the Community Support Teams.

Datu Duhac and Datu Bucales said, “Only those who are connected with the Communist NPA terrorists fear the Army them. If you’re not in any way connected, there’s no reason to fear the military.”

The Lianga IP Council under their legitimate IP Political Structure show dismay to Bayan Muna, “We thought they would support ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) , but then again, they were not here for convergence, they are here to discredit the military and the EO 70 peace initiatives,” they said.

Nevertheless, despite Bayan Muna and MAPASU’s accusations, the Army personnel did not retaliate and showed respect. It is the local government and the IP Community who stood on their ground to defend the presence of military in the conflict affected area.

On Significant Issues

Bayan Muna representatives cited the issues on Mining, Education and Economy. Representative Cullamat and MAPASU said that due to the military’s presence the farm production outputs decreased.

The IP Community opposed it saying that their farm produce significantly increased because the farm-to-market road was rehabilitated with the effort of the Lianga IP Council, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, 544th Engineer Brigade, the Provincial Government and Lianga LGU. The rehabilitated road made it easy for the residents to transport their agricultural products from KM 9 to the market.

Cullamat and MAPASU accused that the reason for development is because of the coal mining interests of private investors. The provincial government said that there is no issue here because they have the right for self-determination and can oppose or prohibit from operating in lands covered by their ancestral domain.

On the education, no one in the government deprives the right of any IP to education. In fact, the provincial government plans to construct school buildings and even encourage ALCADEV and TRIFPSS to comply the requirements so that the DepEd can fully intervene on these schools to provide quality and much better education. Yet, MAPASU refused. So, it was very clear that MAPASU is the one who deprives the IP to have quality education.

http://mindanaodailynews.com/news/the-region/caraga-region/sursur-province-stands-firm-to-end-insurgency-with-national-level-approaches

Soldiers, cops, MILF fighters kick off joint security training

From Politiko Mindanao (Oct 22, 2019): Soldiers, cops, MILF fighters kick off joint security training



The second batch of the Bangsamoro peacekeepers has started its training in a military camp in Maguindanao province, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said.

The Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST), composed of 86 representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), 75 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and 152 from the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF), kicked off Monday, October 21, and ends on November 22 at Camp Gen SK Pendatun.

The training for the first batch of JPST members was held in the same camp in December last year.

Under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the government and the MILF in 2014, JPSTs will be tasked to support the maintenance of peace and order and stability in areas that will undergo the decommissioning process.

The decommissioning process is under the Normalization Track of the CAB, which aims at to help MILF combatants make the transition to peaceful civilian life, while their communities will be transformed into peaceful, progressive and resilient communities.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/soldiers-cops-milf-fighters-kick-off-joint-security-training/

PH, US, and Japanese Forces conclude KAMANDAG 3 exercise

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2019): PH, US, and Japanese Forces conclude KAMANDAG 3 exercise

Filipino, American and Japanese soldiers’ and marines’ enhances capabilities in warfighting and also humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during the conduct of KAMANDAG 3 execises. (Photo courtesy US Embassy PH Information Office)

The Philippines, Japan, and the United States conducted the closing ceremony of exercise KAMANDAG 3 at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, in Taguig City, Oct. 18, 2019.

The ceremony marked the end of the Philippine-led, bilateral military exercise, which was designed to increase readiness, improve joint responsiveness, and enhance partnership and interoperability between Philippine, Japanese, and U.S. forces.

“Our forces have enhanced capabilities, interoperability, and readiness through teamwork fostered by a true dedication to the attainment of excellence,” said Maj. Gen. Paul J. Rock Jr., 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade commanding general.

“Seeing the output of their hard work and expertise, I have the utmost confidence that our forces stand prepared in their mission to uphold peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

This year’s KAMANDAG marked two major exercise milestones: the Philippine Marine Corps successfully launched its assault amphibious vehicles (AAVs) for the first time alongside U.S. and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force AAVs to conduct a multilateral amphibious landing; additionally, significant advancements were made during bilateral air defense and threat reaction drills between Philippine and U.S. forces, which support territorial defense training.

The Philippine Marine Corps successfully launched its assault amphibious vehicles (AAVs) for the first time alongside U.S. and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force AAVs to conduct a multilateral amphibious landing. (Photo courtesy of US Embassy PHG Information Office)
“For the past nine days, we saw action, not on the battle field, but on the training grounds, and we sweat and did our best to enhance our Soldiers’ and Marines’ capabilities in warfighting and also humanitarian assistance and disaster relief,” said Brig. Gen. Ariel R. Caculitan, Philippine Marine Corps deputy commandant.

“The point is we must all be prepared whenever we need these capabilities, either warfighting or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and I think this whole exercise we have met the goals and objectives,” he added.

Throughout the exercise, Philippine and U.S. service members conducted training in amphibious operations, live fire drills, military operations in urban terrain, reconnaissance, low altitude air defense, aviation operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and other areas.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces participation in the exercise focused on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training scenarios. All three countries partnered during a variety of community relations events, including teaching hundreds of local civilians in the Luzon region about lifesaving skills, disease prevention practices, and overall personal wellness.

“I’m really confident that we have achieved the exercise objective to enhance our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operational capabilities and foster mutual understanding and relationships among the Philippines, U.S. and Japan” Col. Yoshikatsu Fujii, 2nd Amphibious Rapid Deployment Regiment, Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade commanding officer.

“We could not have reached the goal without the cooperation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States forces,” he added.

KAMANDAG, conducted from Oct. 9 to 18, is an acronym for the Filipino phrase “Kaagapay Ng Mga Mandirigma Ng Dagat,” which translates to “Cooperation of Warriors of the Sea,” highlighting the strong friendship, partnership, and alliance between the Philippine and U.S. militaries and peoples. (US Embassy PH Information Office)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029070

NPA continues to lose members, supporters to government

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2019): NPA continues to lose members, supporters to government



Six full-time members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and 106 Milisyang Bayan surrendered to government authorities while 52 supporters from the Tigwahanon tribe in San Fernando, Bukidnon cut ties with the communist group on Monday.

They were formally presented to San Fernando Mayor Levi Edma Sr. and 403rd Commander Brigadier General Edgardo De Leon in a ceremony held at the 88th Infantry Battalion (IB) headquarters in Maramag, Bukidnon.

The NPA combatants also turned over five Garand rifles, 13 homemade shotgun, and a .38-caliber pistol. 

403rd Commander Brigadier General Edgardo De Leon urges former NPA members and supporters to convince their kin and friends to return to the folds of the law and avail of government programs and services.

Brig. Gen. De Leon, who noted the effectiveness of localized peace talks, said the successive surrender of NPA members and supporters is a proof that the CPP-NPA-NDF is getting weaker as they are losing their regular and part-time members as well as their mass base.

“Simula ngayong araw na ito asahan ninyo na sunod sunod ang tulong na darating sa inyo galing sa iba’t -ibang ahensya ng gobyerno sa national, regional, probinsiya at munisipalidad. Maghahanap kami ng paraan na magkaroon kayo ng skills training at pangkabuhayan,” he assured surrenderers.

De Leon also urged them to convince their kin and friends to return to the folds of the law and avail of government programs and services.

“Kung gusto niyong tulungan ang inyong mga kasamahan sa bundok, sabihin niyo sa kanila na hinihintay namin sila. Bumaba na sila para maramdaman din nila ang tulong ng gobyerno,” he added.

Meanwhile, 33-year old Mitoy Mansuduan, a regular NPA member, said he surrendered when he realized he was being deceived by the CPP-NPA.

He called on his brother to also yield to the government. "Kibang, panaog na dire, ilang pasalig nga suportahan atong amahan wala gyud nahitabo. Gobyerno ray makatabang nato, dile tinood nga pamatyon tag mussurender sa gobyerno." (Kibang, go down now. Their commitment to support our father never materialized. Only the government can help us, it is not true that we will be killed by the army once we surrender.)

Lt. Col Franklin Fabic, 88th IB commander, said the mass surrender was realized through the joint efforts of the local government of San Fernando, municipal police, and the Community Support Team, CMO and Intelligence Sections of the 88th IB.

The surrenderers underwent debriefing, psychosocial and deradicalization activities. They are also undergoing profiling before their enrollment in the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

Under the E-CLIP, a former rebel can receive immediate cash assistance, livelihood assistance, and firearms remuneration, among others. (APB/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029054

Localized peace talk succeeds in San Fernando, Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2019): Localized peace talk succeeds in San Fernando, Bukidnon (By Capt. Ryan D. Layug)



MARAMAG, Bukidnon - An emotional Datu Mansuladi "Balakbakan" Umalis send a strong message to New People's Army (NPA) during the presentation of surrenderees in 88th Infantry Battalion headquarters, here.

Six regular NPA members and 106 Milisyang Bayan (MB) or part-time NPA members surrendered to the Local Government of San Fernando Bukidnon along with 52 members of the National Democratic Front and local Party Branch of the Communist Party of the Philippines who withdrew their membership.

They yielded to Mayor Levi Edma Sr. who then handed them over to 88th Infantry Battalion for processing of their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government. Members of the Tigwahanon tribe of Brgy. Halapitan in San Fernando, Bukidnon also witnessed the ceremony.

Datu Balakbakan narrated how an NPA leader alias Alab threatened him, "Basin gusto ka datu mugawas imo dila sa liog?"

"Bisag alas dyes sa gabie nanoktok sila, ila gusto akong mga sakop muapil sa rally bisag dile mi," Datu Balakbakan added.

Mitoy Mansuduan, a regular NPA appealed to his bother "Kibang" to come down and surrender. "Kibang, panaog na dire, ilang pasalig nga suportahan atong amahan wala gyud nahitabo. Gobyerno ray makatabang nato, dile tinood nga pamatyon tag mussurender sa gobyerno." (Kibang, go down now. Their commitment to support our father never materialized. Only the goverment can help us, it is not true that we will be killed by the army once we surrender.)

James Binayao, Chairperson of Mindanao Indigenous People Youth Organization and one of IP Truth Ambassadors who traveled to UN and Geneva said "Gatuyok mi sa lahilahi nga lugar ug nasod aron ipahibalo ang pagpang abuso ug panghimulos sa NPA ngadto sa Tribo, ang ilang paggamit sa ngalan sa tribo aron makahuthot ug kwarta." (We are traveling to different places to reveal the abuses and exploitations of NPA to the tribes, how they use the name of the tribes to make money.)

"Edukasyon ang usa ka example sa pangpang ilad sa kabataan nga gigamit sa CPP-NPA. Pananglitan ang MISFI, Salugpungan, ALCADEV. Pinaagi sa edukasyon tudluan ang kabataan nga masuko sa gobyerno." Binayao added. (Education is one of the examples used by the CPP-NPA to deceive the youth. Take the MISFI, Salugpungan, ALCADEV for instance. Through education, they teach the youth to be angry with the government.)

Meanwhile, Brigader General Edgardo De Leon, 403rd Brigade Commander who is also present during the ceremony informed the locals. "Protektado mo sa International Humanitarian Law, pero sinesekreto sa inyo yan ng NPA. Ngayon takot ang NPA na manakit sa inyo dahil alam nyo nang hindi kayo pwedeng saktan at idamay sa labanan.

He also stressed that the surrender has proven that local peace negotiation is effective. "Isang buong unit ng NPA milisyang bayan ang nagsurrender sala ang kanilang baril." Magmula 1986 hanggang 2017, walang nangyari sa national level peacetalks. Ngayon sa pangunguna ng local government, nagbalik-loob ang mga rebelde at nangako ng programang pangkabuhayan ang lokal na pamahalaan," he said.

The surrender was made possible through the joint efforts of the local government of San Fernando and the Community Support Teams of 88IB through reaching out to Sitios and Puroks for community-based dialogues to resolve conflicts and reverse the radicalization narratives of NPA cadres. (403rd Bde/PIA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029055

3 minor NPA recruits saved in Quezon province

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2019): 3 minor NPA recruits saved in Quezon province (By 2nd Infantry Division)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — Three minors who were recruited by the communist terrorist group New People’s Army as fighters were among those who surrendered to the military after a mass defection to the government last week.

One of the child-warriors, a 17-year-old girl, said that she was forced by the rebels to join their ranks after she was forbidden to leave a terrorist camp when she accompanied her friend in an “exposure”.

Brigadier General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division, strongly condemned the recruitment of child-warriors by the NPA and expressed his sympathy to the parents of the minors saying “no form of explanation will justify this dastardly act of putting Filipino minors in harm’s way.”

According to Burgos, there are written and unwritten rules in warfare that gives emphasis to the protection of women and children.

“We condemn in strongest sense the NPAs’ evil act of violating our children’s innocence,” Burgos said.

“Saving the youth from deception and recruitment of the NPAs and other lawless elements has been the subject of a recent senate inquiry and has become one if the Duterte administration’s priorities,” he added.

It was discovered during the public hearing at the Senate that several progressive party list groups have been acting as recruitment fronts of the terrorist group and have since been the subject of numerous parents’ pleas to return their children after their alleged abduction.

Burgos ended his statement by committing the “Jungle Fighters’ full military might in support to the entire government bureaucracy’s thrust to end local communist insurgency, including the NPA terrorists’ heinous act of recruiting and employing child-warriors.”

The two-day exodus of NPA members from Quezon Province last week saw 26 former rebels being enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP after turning over 14 firearms to combined elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

They are expected to receive the initial Php65,000, representing the immediate and livelihood assistance from the government, within four weeks. These are on top of the housing, employment, health care and scholarship benefits which they can avail after satisfying the requirements set forth by the program.

Lt. Gen. Gilbert I Gapay, Commander of the AFP’s Southern Command, attributed the series of accomplishments to the recent activation of Quezon’s Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

“Just several weeks after its activation, we can already feel the effects of our convergence of efforts” which, according to him, “led to the reduction of 26 NPA fighters and 14 firearms that could be used to coerce and threaten our people and violate their right to live peaceful lives”, said Lt Gen Gapay.

He also called on the “few remaining NPA terrorists to lay down your arms, enjoy the benefits provided under the government’s E-CLIP and be part of the solution rather than the problem so that altogether we may finally end the five decades of internal conflict which has caused so much suffering to our people.”

The child-warriors have been brought to the attention of DSWD for proper disposition and professional attention so that the victims may quickly recover from the physical and psychological trauma that they suffered after being forced to carry arms despite their innocence.

Their names are being withheld in accordance to existing laws of the land to protect not only their privacy but also their security from possible NPA aggressive actions following their surrender. (2nd Infantry Division)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029041

Motiong MTF-ELCAC sends off RCSP teams to affected barangays

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2019): Motiong MTF-ELCAC sends off RCSP teams to affected barangays (By 87IB, 8ID, PA)



MOTIONG, Samar -- The Motiong Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) sent off its Retooled Community Support Program Teams to their assigned barangays.

The send off ceremony was held on October 21, 2019 during the LGU’s flagraising ceremony at the municipal grounds with the Honorable Mayor and MTF-ELCAC Chair, Renato T. Cabael, spearheading the activity.

Send-off ceremony of the Retooled Community Support Program Teams to their assigned barangays held during the LGU-Motiong’s flag raising ceremony at the municipal grounds, October 21, 2019.
The members of Motiong MTF composed of the SB Members and Department Heads witnessed the ceremony. Also present were members of the Municipal PLEDS Cluster composed of personnel of the 87IB headed by Lt. Col. Reynaldo B. Balido Jr., INF (GSC) PA; Motiong PNP personnel headed by PCpt Ruel Cantillas, and Motiong BFP headed by SFO1 Fritz V. Uy.

In his message, Mayor Cabael reiterated the need to unite the efforts of all stakeholders in addressing the root causes of the long drawn insurgency problem. He added that MTF-ELCAC through the RCSP Teams will play an important role in finally ending the communist armed conflict.

By immersing in the conflict-affected areas (CAAs), it is hoped that the people’s sentiments and issues will be addressed through the RCSP, with the LGU as lead. In Motiong, a total of seven affected areas were identified: two for immersion while five are already on the sustainment phase. (87 IB, 8ID, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029065

7,000 decommissioned combatants to benefit from OPAPP-DOLE agreement

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2019): 7,000 decommissioned combatants to benefit from OPAPP-DOLE agreement (By OPPAP)

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Kr. and Labor & Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III with other officewrs of OPPAP and DOLE officers after the MOA signing Monday (Oct. 21) in Intramuros, Manila. (Photo courtesy of OPPAP)

Around 5,000-7,000 decommissioned combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and their families will benefit from the PhP 100M-worth of livelihood and employment assistance to be provided under a Memorandum of Agreement signed here on Monday between the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The fund will be utilized within the last quarter of this year for the implementation of programs under the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed between the national government and the MILF. The P100-million will cover this year’s decommissioned combatants, which started in late August.

These programs aim to strengthen the government’s efforts to help the combatants make the transition to peaceful and productive civilian lives.

“We have more or less 5,000 to 7,000 combatants to be decommissioned late this year and who were all subject for transformation. Their (combatants) next of kin are also qualified as beneficiaries of this program,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. said in his remarks during the signing ceremony.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. and DOLESecretary Silvestre Bello III sign the Memorandum of Agreement that will provide Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and their families livelihood and employment assistance. (Photo courtesy of OPPAP)

The Memorandum of Agreement is anchored on three key objectives namely: (1) assist the decommissioned MILF combatants to transition into civilian lives, and facilitate the transformation of their communities and of the six acknowledged MILF camps into peaceful and productive communities through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program and Emergency Employment Programs (DILEEP) and other employment programs such as Government Internship Program (GIP), Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), JobStart and capacity building activities such as the institutionalization of the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) services in strategic areas; (2) adopt the conflict-sensitive and peace promoting approach in the implementation of socio-economic and confidence-building related interventions in the Bangsamoro; (3) establish and operationalize institutional partnerships and coordination mechanisms at the national and regional/field office level to ensure that the first and second objectives are achieved.

DOLE is among the government agencies under the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) which was created by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte by virtue of Executive Order 79.

EO 79 aims to ensure that key government agencies will work together to effectively implement the normalization track of the CAB.

The CAB is a landmark agreement between the government and the MILF which represents the hopes and dreams of the Bangsamoro people.

The peace agreement’s political track paved the way for the creation of the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Normalization Track, on the other hand, is focused on the socioeconomic, security, confidence building, and transitional justice and reconciliation aspects that will help MILF combatants make the transition to mainstream society.

For his part, DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III highlighted the significance of the agreement to the Normalization process being carried out by the government and the MILF.

“Today is an important occasion for the DOLE because the Bangsamoro Normalization is indeed an important leg to the Duterte administration’s overall aspiration for peace with various sectors by 2022,” Bello said.

Galvez emphasized that the partnership between OPAPP and DOLE will bring much-needed socio-economic assistance to beneficiary-communities.

“We hope that through this agreement, we shall also be able to reach out to underserved, vulnerable sectors, and provide them with sustainable livelihood and employment programs,” he said. (PIA-NCR/OPPAP)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029071

SurSur guv initiates IP dialogue in Lianga town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2019): SurSur guv initiates IP dialogue in Lianga town

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- With the aim to resolve the issues and concerns raised by some Manobo tribal groups led by the Malahutayong Pakigbisug Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) in the upper communities of Barangay Diatagon in Lianga town, Surigao del Sur governor Alexander Pimentel has initiated a peace dialogue on Monday, Oct. 21 held in Km. 9, Sitio Simuwao, Diatagon, Lianga, this province.

Two Bayan Muna Partylist representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate and Eufemia Cullamat, a council member of MAPASU, attended the activity and both shared their thoughts and sentiments to the members of the MAPASU organization.

Hawudon Mario Mangadlao, a tribal chieftain, suggested during the open forum that there is a need to reconcile first within their tribe through the Indigenous Political Structure (IPS) judicial system based on the customary laws that they have. The majority of the IP leaders headed by indigenous peoples mandatory representative (IPMR) Datu Jimmy Guinsod had agreed with the suggestion.

It was the second activity that the governor had initiated. During the first dialogue conducted on September 11, 2019, the leaders of the said organization, accordingly, told the governor that they would push to conduct the mass evacuation if the government could not find the solution to their demands.

In the recent dialogue, they demanded for the pullout of the military from their respective communities; to cease the recruitment for Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) from their tribe and the establishment of the patrol base/detachment; and to stop criticizing the Lumad schools such as the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), which are both non-DepEd accredited schools, among others.

Pimentel, on the other hand, explained that the presence of the military in the area is part of their mandate coming from the higher up officials, and it is beyond his capacity as the governor to give them an order to withdraw. "The military personnel in the area are performing their duties and responsibilities to secure our land and the people," said Pimentel.

He further urged the people to support President Duterte’s call to institutionalize the Executive Order (EO) 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

"As a support to the president's order to end local communist armed conflict, we are here and we will be coming back together with other government agencies to bring the services and programs directly to the people in order to solve the primary issue of insurgency which is poverty,” said Pimentel.

Pimentel added that the provincial government will support the livelihood programs in the area and the construction of school buildings provided that they comply with the requirements such as the accreditation with the Department of Education (DepEd). (NGBarcena/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029056

Capiz LGUs form task force to counter insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2019): Capiz LGUs form task force to counter insurgency

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Majority of the local government units (LGUs) in Capiz have already created their respective task force to end local terrorism.

Department of the Interior and Local Government-Capiz Provincial Director John Aca Azarcon explains that the creation of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) will harmonize the delivery of basic services and social development especially in conflict-affected areas. (PIA photo)

Provincial Director John Ace Azarcon of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Capiz said starting from the provincial and city governments here, most of the towns have also formed their local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC).

Based on their record as of October 22, 15 of the 18 LGUs in Capiz have already approved their TF-ELCAC following a joint meeting of their local Development Council and Peace and Order Council.

The MPOC and MDC of the remaining towns, namely Dumalag, Dumarao and Panitan are set to meet this week to pass the resolution creating their TF-ELCAC.

The creation of the task force is mandated in an Executive Order No. 70 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte that institutionalizes the “Whole-of-Nation” approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in the countryside by putting an end to local insurgency.

Ivisan mayor Felipe Neri N. Yap welcomes the briefing on Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte iniated by the Philippine Information Agency for government public ifnormation officers and their local officials, October 15. (PIA photo)

Azarcon said that with the TF-ELCAC, the delivery of basic services and social development especially in conflict-affected areas will be harmonized.

During the recent meeting of the Philippine Information Agency-led Capiz Association of Government Public Information Officers in Ivisan town, Azarcon said that through addressing the problem on peace and order, development especially on tourism will spur.“EO 70 is very important in our tourism industry because for tourism to boom, it is dependent on the peace and order situation of the area,” he said, adding that tourism industry of Capiz will spur if there is no terrorism. (LTP/JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029076

Special Report: SurSur province stands firm in 'Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Insurgency'

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2019): Special Report: SurSur province stands firm in 'Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Insurgency' (By 3rd SF Battalion, Phil. Army)

The scheme continued but failed again for Bayan Muna representatives, Eufemia Campos Cullamat and Carlos Isagani Zarate with the militant group, Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) to compel the Surigao del Sur provincial government to withdraw the Community Support Teams assigned in Sitio Simuwao (Kilometer 9), Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

During the peace dialogue held on Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, the provincial government cited that military presence is crucial to further establish sustainable peace and development in the area through Executive Order No. 70.

The peace dialogue was intended to promote reconciliation, convergence, sustainable peace and synergy through exploratory and consultative discussions with the community, concerned government agencies including AFP and other sectors. Yet, MAPASU and Bayan Muna insisted on their demand for the immediate pullout of all Community Support Teams and discrediting the government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict citing that it is not the right formula to end the conflict in the community.

The military, as an observer, never said a word but a clear and straightforward message of the province through Gov. Alexander Pimentel summed it all.

“With all due respect, I must tell you frankly, only President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), can order the Army personnel to move anytime and anywhere when needed. They have a mission to fulfill in line with the Whole of Nation approach to end local communist armed conflict that is very crucial to our national security,” Gov. Pimentel said.

The presence of the military is not the issue, said the governor. He encouraged all attendees to move forward and focus on far more relevant issues such as education, health, and economic, among others and let the military do their mandate and sworn duty to serve and protect the Filipino people from the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).

MAPASU and Bayan Muna discredit EO 70 and the AFP

The Bayan Muna and MAPASU members have strongly opposed the peace and development initiatives of E.O. 70 and cited rehash false and malicious accusations against the military.

The governor challenged them to tell all, “Sabihin ninyo at ituro ngayon kung sino ang sundalo na nandito sa KM 9 ang nagcommit ng violation at ipatanggal ko agad o paalisin dito,” he said.

Datu Constancio Duhac and Datu Jumar Bucales said, “Only those who are connected with the Communist NPA terrorists fear the Army. If you’re not in any way connected, there’s no reason to fear the military.”

The Lianga Indigenous People's (IP) Council members under their legitimate IP Political Structure were dismayed to Bayan Muna, ”We thought they would support ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict), but then again, they were not here for convergence, they are here to discredit the military and the EO 70 peace initiatives,” they said.

Nevertheless, despite Bayan Muna and MAPASU’s accusations, the Army personnel did not retaliate and showed respect. It is the local government and the IP Community who stood on their ground to defend the presence of the military in the conflict-affected area. (1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, CMO-3SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029087

’Tired’ NPA officer in Kalinga surrenders

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2019): ’Tired’ NPA officer in Kalinga surrenders



HIGH-POWERED FIREARMS. “Ka Diwa” (center), a platoon leader of the New People's Army group in Kalinga province surrenders to the government through Police Cordillera director Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson (left) on October 16, bringing with him several high-powered firearms. Also in the photo is Col. Rene Pasiwen of the regional intelligence branch. (Photo courtesy of PROCOR PIO)

An officer of the New People's Army (NPA) operating in Kalinga province laid down his arms in exchange for a more peaceful life, even behind bars, if only to end the fighting and the endless death of innocent people.

“This only shows that ‘Ka Diwa’ is a gentleman who was lured into joining the NPA due to curiosity but now preferred to reveal the evils being done by the communist terrorists even if it meant facing the charges against him. He chose to surrender if only to somehow save minors from being enticed to join the CTG [communist terrorist group]," said Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson, Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) director in a statement sent to the media on Monday night.

“Ka Diwa”, platoon leader of the Lejo Cawilan Command, “Komiteng Larangan Gerilya Baggas” of the NPA surrendered to the Kalinga police led by Col. Job Russel Balaquit in the afternoon of October 16 at Camp Duyan in Tabuk City, Kalinga. He was brought to the PROCOR on Monday.

Dickson said he appreciates the courage of Ka Diwa to surrender despite the dangers that he could face for leaving the group.

Dickson gave financial assistance to Ka Diwa to cover his expenses while waiting for eligibility to avail of the benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The program provides surrendering communist rebels a holistic package benefits that they can avail of such as livelihood, medical assistance, education, housing and legal service as the government’s show its sincerity to end the hostilities by encouraging NPA members to re-embrace the law and the government.

Police Maj. Carolina Lacuata, PROCOR information officer, said “Ka Diwa” also surrendered a 7.62mm M60 machine gun without ammunition; two 60-mm mortars with three mortar ammunition; a homemade shotgun with three 12- gauge ammunition to show his intent to lead a new life, which will have a corresponding “amount”.

Lacuata said “Ka Diwa” surrendered to the police despite knowing that there are criminal cases filed against him, noting that the former NPA officer would rather face the charges than continue living in hiding and see young people die in non-sense battle.

Ka Diwa has warrants of arrest for attempted murder with a recommended bail of PHP200,000 and another case for four counts of attempted murder with a recommended bail of PHP120,000 for each count.

Disgruntled with the NPA system

“Ka Diwa” began to be demoralized due to their leaders’ inability to remain true to the principles that the organization purportedly is fighting for, aside from doubts after witnessing the breakdown of the discipline of the people in the organization.

Witnessing the recruitment of youth people made him realize that the next generation is sacrificed for a lost cause, making him decide to surrender.

His surrender of the high-powered firearms was a result of his thoughts to end the needless deaths caused by the armed struggle.

Lacuata said “Ka Diwa” remains in the custody of the Kalinga Police Office while awaiting promulgation of the criminal cases filed against him, which will also determine his eligibility to avail of the E-CLIP’s benefits.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083828

6ID leads interfaith service for peace, unity

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2019): 6ID leads interfaith service for peace, unity



INTERFAITH SERVICE. Catholic priest Clifford Baira of the Archdiocese of Cotabato presides over the ecumenical service for peace and unity inside the Army's 6th Infantry Division (ID) in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Monday (Oct. 21, 2019). The ecumenical service aims to seek guidance from the Almighty for a concerted effort to bring peace to the communities under the 6ID's area of responsibility in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – As part of the founding anniversary of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), an interfaith thanksgiving service was held at the division’s mini-park here Monday.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 6ID chief, said the ecumenical service was aimed at seeking guidance from the Almighty as the Army division prepares for its 32nd founding anniversary on October 24.

Religious preachers from different religious sectors gathered to grace the event and shared words centered on unity and peace.

Speaking during the service, Carreon urged the religious leaders to help the command to influence other sectors to join in the quest for peace and prosperity, not only in its area of jurisdiction but also in Mindanao and the country, as well.

“Let the whole community and the whole nation work together in solving the problems of peace and security,” he said.

Carreon said the interfaith service, the first in the Army camp, aims to demonstrate unity and harmony among the soldiers of Joint Task Force Central, despite the differences in religious beliefs and practices.

In attendance were Ustadz Ismael, chairman for Da’wah and Masjid Affairs in Cotabato City; Rev. Diane Leen Dizon of the Jesus Christ the Living Spring of Life International Fellowship; Rev. Fr. Clifford L. Baira, DCC, director of the Social Action Center of the Archdiocese of Cotabato;

Rev. Lyndon L. Ladera, senior pastor of the Cotabato City Alliance Evangelical Church; Rev. Pastor Jopito C. Segundo of the Awang Southern Baptist Church; and Minister Generico N. Gamboa, district minister of the Iglesia ni Kristo.

On the same day, Carreon spearheaded the Peace and Development Forum with Heria P. Dalantay of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Maguindanao, and 601st Brigade Commander Col. Jose H. Narciso, held at the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, old capitol compound, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

The forum was focused on the Community Support Program-Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (CSP-PCVE) and Executive Order (EO) 70, titled “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, and Directing the Adoption of National Peace Framework”.

Present during the event were local chief executives of Maguindanao who vowed to support the implementation of EO 70, issued by President Rodrigo Duterte.

EO 70 institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation” approach aimed to adopt a peace framework to address the root causes of insurgency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083816

2 Dawlah Islamiyah members yield in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2019): 2 Dawlah Islamiyah members yield in Lanao



Two Dawlah Islamiyah members separately surrendered and turned over high-powered firearms to government authorities in Lanao del Sur, officials said Tuesday.

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo, acting commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, identified the surrenderers as Satar Emmandatu and Aminudin Datu.

Cuerpo said Emmandatu surrendered to the Army’s 82nd Infantry Brigade on Sunday in Barangay Pawak, Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur. He turned over a .30-caliber M1 Garand, and two Armalite rifles with ammunition.

He recalled that it was Emmandatu who shot at the troops of the 55th Infantry Battalion on October 16 in Barangay Ngingir, Calanogas town. No one was hit.

Meanwhile, Datu surrendered around 2 p.m. Monday to the troops of the 82nd Infantry Battalion also in Barangay Pawak, Saguiaran, Cuerpo said.

Datu surrendered one Browning Automatic Rifle, one .45-caliber pistol, magazines, and ammunition.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, said Datu was involved in the series of skirmishes in Marawi City and the towns of Gacap, Piagapo, Mantapoli, and Marantao, prior the Marawi siege in 2017.

Altre said that Datu also served as the guide of the local terrorist group in their atrocities in Barangay Paridi, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

Cuerpo attributed the surrender of Emmandatu and Datu to the efforts of local officials and residents.

“We will continuously collaborate with them to encourage other local terrorists to surrender and yield their loose firearms to attain a just and lasting peace to their communities,” Cuerpo said.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, lauded the troops and the local chief executives for the successful surrender of two Dawlah Islamiyah members.

“Your 1st Infantry Division, in collaboration with the LGUs (local government units) and other stakeholders, remains steadfast in our campaign against local terrorists and will continue to seize loose firearms in our area of operation,” Ancan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083853

Anti-insurgency efforts in Aurora reach communities

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2019): Anti-insurgency efforts in Aurora reach communities



ANTI-INSURGENCY EFFORTS. First Lt. Adriano Muring Jr., commanding officer of the Alpha (Warriors) Company, 69th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, discusses the government's anti-insurgency efforts with the local officials of Dingalan, Aurora during their meeting last October 16, 2019. The Barangay Development Council and Barangay Peace and Order Council of Barangays Butas na Bato and Davil-Davilan in Dingalan town have passed resolutions for the activation of the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (BTF-ELCAC). (File photo of the Army's 69th Infantry Battalion)

DINGALAN, Aurora – The government’s anti-insurgency campaign in this province has started to roll down to the grassroots.

First Lt. Adriano B. Muring Jr., commanding officer of the Alpha (Warriors) Company, 69th Infantry (Cougar) Battalion, said on Monday that the Barangay Development Council and Barangay Peace and Order Council of Butas na Bato and Davil-Davilan, two of the villages in this town, have passed resolutions for the activation of the Barangay Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (BTF-ELCAC).

Muring cited the vital role of the barangay councils in ending the local communist armed conflict. He encouraged them to do their part in attaining peace.

In his meetings with the local officials of both villages, Agas discussed the rationale behind President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in fighting the communist insurgency in the country.

”We also discussed the retooled Community Support Program (CSP) of the Army and its purpose to let them know the efforts of the 69IB in the attainment of peace in Aurora,” he said.

Major General Lenard Agustin, for his part, said in an interview also on Monday that “this is the first step towards the goal of achieving lasting peace in the municipality of Dingalan". "With the activation of the BTF-ELCAC, barangay councils will be pro-active in addressing different social issues in the barangays," he said.

“Everything must be addressed at the grassroots levels, because it is where everything starts, and logically, it is where problems and issues must first be addressed, said Agustin, who is the commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division which has control over the 69IB.

Dingalan Mayor Shierwin Taay, in a phone interview, said that ever since, the local government units in this municipality have been in full support of President Duterte’s call for a whole-of-nation approach to fight insurgency.

“We condemn activists and terrorists in our local community. As I reiterated, we condemn and rejected their (NPA) presence in our town,” Taay said.

He pointed out that this town does not tolerate any terroristic actions of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its propagation of fear among the general public.

“We are doing our fullest efforts to prevent the rebels from entering and sowing terror in this place,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083866

Caravan of gov’t services set in Antique conflict areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2019): Caravan of gov’t services set in Antique conflict areas



GOV’T SERVICES AVAILABLE. A member of the Philippine Army gives free haircut during the provincial government-led activity in Barangay Tubudan, San Remigio in 2018. On Oct. 24-25, 2019, various services will also be made available during the first provincial medical-dental mission and info caravan in Antique's two towns, organized by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (Photo courtesy of Margie Gadian)

Some 1,500 individuals from conflict areas in the province of Antique stand to benefit from the two-day medical and dental mission and information caravan starting October 24.

The caravan of government services is facilitated by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) that was formed last Sept. 26 through Executive Order 119 signed by Governor Rhodora Cadiao.

“The PTF-ELCAC has chosen to conduct the medical, surgical and dental mission and information caravan in the identified conflict areas because of the continuing presence of the New People’s Army in San Remigio and Valderrama,” said Margie Gadian, Antique’s consultant on peace and order, in an interview on Monday.

She said government agencies such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines will bring in their military doctors to be joined by civilian doctors from the Department of Health for the mission in Barangay Osorio, San Remigio town on Oct. 24 and in Barangay Pandanan, Valderrama on Oct. 25.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will distribute used clothing to the indigents while the Department of Labor and Employment will provide school supplies for pupils in the hinterland barangays.

Gadian said the provincial government will provide medicines and vitamins aside from food that it will distribute during the activity.

Help desks by government front line offices would also assist those who would like to inquire or process some documents.

“We actually had been conducting a yearly medical-dental mission in the conflict areas but this year it is different because of the convergence of the different government agencies,” she said.

She said the activity will target those living in conflict areas so that they would feel the presence of the government through the delivery of basic services.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083849

164 NPA regulars, militias, supporters yield in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2019): 164 NPA regulars, militias, supporters yield in Bukidnon



LEAVING THE MOVEMENT. Local government and military officials lead the symbolic rite for the surrender of 164 regulars, militias, and supporters of the communist New People's Army on Monday (October 21, 2019). Leading the ceremony are (left to right) Maramag Mayor Levi Edma Sr., Brig. Gen Edgardo de Leon, 403rd Brigade commander, and Lt. Col Franklyn Fabic, 88th Infantry Battalion commander. (Photo courtesy of the 4th Infantry Division)

At least 164 communist rebels, militias, and supporters surrendered, burned rebel flags, and yielded firearms during a symbolic rite in San Fernando town on Monday.

In an emotional speech, Datu Mansuladi "Balakbakan" Umalis, one of the tribal leaders in the area, recalled how the New People's Army (NPA) threatened his life if he refused to join the communist rebel movement.

"Even at 10 p.m., they would knock on our doors. They want our community to join their rallies even if we don't want to," Umalis said in the dialect during the event.

In a statement, the Army's 88th Infantry Battalion based in this town said surrenderers consist of six NPA regulars, 106 Milisya ng Bayan, and 52 members of the National Democratic Front and local party branch of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) who withdrew their membership from the communist rebel movement.

According to the 88IB, the surrenderers first yielded to San Fernando Mayor Levi Edma Sr., who then turned over the group and their firearms to the Army.

Edma said the surrenderers will receive benefits under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for rebel returnees.

In the municipality alone, the mayor said an allocation of PHP2 million has been set aside for the former rebels' livelihood programs.

"The NPA has done nothing to help you. They even take away the rice that you planted. Do you want more of that?", Edma told the NAP supporters.

Mitoy Mansuduan, an NPA regular, said it was he who appealed for his brother "Kibang" to come down and return to the fold of the law.

"I told him, Kibang come down now and surrender. The NPA promised to support our father but even now he is still sick. Only the government can help us. It's not true that they will kill us if we surrender to the government," Mansuduan said.

James Binayao, chairperson of the Mindanao Indigenous People (IP) Youth Organization and one of IP Truth Ambassadors who traveled to the United Nations and Geneva, said their organization has been traveling to different places to spread information on the abuses and atrocities committed by the rebels.

"Education is one example of their deceits to the youths used by CPP-NPA. Examples are MSFI, Salugpongan, Alcadev. Through education, they teach our youths to be angry with the government," said Binayao, who attended Monday's surrender cermony.

Binayao was referring to the educational entities that have long been suspected of association with the NPA, often becoming recruitment and training grounds for the communist rebel movement.

Brigader General Edgardo de Leon, 403rd Brigade commander who was also present during the ceremony, said that all surrenderers are protected under the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and should not fear retaliation from the NPA.

De Leon said the NPA has deliberately kept IHL secret from its members to be able to resort to violence and instill fear among its ranks.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1083807