Kalinaw News: LGUs and soldiers hand-in- hand on relief operations

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 3, 2019): LGUs and soldiers hand-in- hand on relief operations

MAGPET, Cotabato – Troops from the 72nd Infantry (Gabay) Battalion and the Local Government Units in the Municipalities of Magpet and President Roxas and City of Kidapawan strengthened its relief operations to the victims of the series and disastrous earthquakes that hit the Province of Cotabato last week.

The 72IB troopers under OPCON with 901Bde led by Lt. Col. Rey T Alvarado has been transporting relief goods and temporary shelter materials to far-flung areas affected by the earthquakes. Together with the Disaster Risk Reduction Councils (DRRMC) of the aforementioned city and adjacent municipalities, Gabay troopers worked day and night in repacking goods, assisting displaced families and brought them to evacuations centers. Responsible Officers of the battalion were designated in the Incident Command Posts (ICP) set up in respective affected municipalities to monitor the status of the victims and also help manage the rescuers in the area.

“We are intensifying our support to the Local Government Units in distributing relief goods to the affected families. We are deploying troops to distant barangays in our Area of Operation to assist and facilitate the delivery of government services; NGOs and CSOs donations to the victims,” Lt. Col. Alvarado said in his statement.

The province is still experiencing minor aftershocks up to this day. Donations are pouring in from different stakeholders for the victims of the tremor.

Source: 72nd Infantry Battalion Philippine Army

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https://www.kalinawnews.com/lgus-and-soldiers-hand-in-hand-on-relief-operations/

Cotabato welcomes military checkpoints in quake-hit areas

From Politiko Mindanao (Nov 3, 2019): Cotabato welcomes military checkpoints in quake-hit areas



The provincial government of Cotabato has welcomed the order of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to set up checkpoints in areas affected by series of earthquakes in Mindanao, including the province.

“The Provincial Government of Cotabato welcomes this development for this will help the province for its effort to establish strategic distributions of relief goods to our fellow Cotabateňos by properly monitoring the areas that already received goods to avoid duplication or concentrations of the distribution of relief goods,” the local government said.

Lorenzana, who is also the martial law administrator in Mindanao, in his directive to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the checkpoints shall control and screen the ingress and egress of the people in the evacuation centers in Davao del Sur and Cotabato that only legitimate and authorized relief workers are granted access and receive relief goods and supplies for distributions for the evacuees.

The provincial government said the checkpoints will also help them to properly account and monitor the resources coming from national government and agencies, local government units, organizations and private individuals.

As November 2, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has recorded 17 deaths, 271 injured, 25,016 displaced families, and 26,340 damaged houses.

A magnitude 6.5 earthquake recently struck parts of Mindanao, with epicenter at Tulunan, Cotabato. It was the third strong tremor that hit the province in a span of two weeks.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/cotabato-welcomes-military-checkpoints-in-quake-hit-areas/

Military organizes sniper company in Maguindanao

From Politiko Mindanao (Nov 3, 2019): Military organizes sniper company in Maguindanao



A military’s sniper company has been activated in Maguindanao.

The newly organized 61st Division Sniper Company (DSC) under the 6th Infantry Division is commanded by Capt. Judy M. Valera.

The activation of the company is a force multiplier to provide sniping capability to the Infantry Battalions of the Division for them to be more effective and efficient in accomplishing their respective assigned combat missions, military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said.

It also aimed to enhance the capability of land defense and support combat operations with minimum risk involved as well as conduct reconnaissance and surveillance operations to the supported unit, it added.

The 61st DSC is composed of personnel who are sniper-qualified and qualified rifle experts who will undergo regular organizational training to further enhance their skills and capacitate them with the required needed skills.

A ceremony for the 61st DSC was held on October 28 at Kampilan Grandstand in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin, Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/military-organizes-sniper-company-in-maguindanao/

Mayor Sayadi allays fear of Cotabateños vs ISIS

From Politiko Mindanao (Nov 4, 2019): Mayor Sayadi allays fear of Cotabateños vs ISIS



Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi has assuaged concern of the residents regarding the reported presence of ISIS in nearby area.

“Wala po tayong dapat na ikabahala sa kabila ng mga report na ating naririnig hinggil sa presensya ng ISIS sa ating karatig bayan,” the local chief executive said.

She said the city government, in partnership with the law enforcement agencies, is ready to defend the city from the terrorists.

Instead of fear, Guiani-Sayadi urged the public to be more vigilant and ensure that no terrorists could enter the city.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/mayor-sayadi-allays-fear-of-cotabatenos-vs-isis/

Wounded rebel transported to hospital by army soldiers

From the Mindanao Times (Nov 5, 2019): Wounded rebel transported to hospital by army soldiers

Soldiers of 29th Infantry Battalion saved the life of a wounded New People’s Army (NPA) fighter while another one was killed in an encounter in a forested area in Barangay San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte, Saturday, Nov. 2.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, the 4th ID commander, said the troops swore to adhere to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

They recovered one M4 rifle with sniper scope and another one M4 rifle with two magazines fully loaded with ammunition, two bandoliers, anti-personnel mines, medicine kit, one UHF handheld radio, one backpack containing other personal belongings of the NPAs, and subversive documents.

The wounded guerrilla, alias Kevin, was abandoned by his NPA comrades when they were outmanuevered by the soldiers.

“The Army troops immediately gave first aid to the wounded NPA combatant who is suffering from a gunshot wound on his right leg,” the division commander said.

He was then rushed to the nearest hospital to save his life.

“I commend the brave and professional troops of the 29IB for saving the life of the wounded NPA, for we believe that life is precious and every one deserves a second chance to live peacefuly,” he said.

“I continue to urge those who are still hiding in fear in the mountains to surrender and return to the folds of law and avail the programs of the government while you still can.”

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/11/05/wounded-rebel-transported-to-hospital-by-army-soldiers/

Gov't troops arrest 55 rebels; confiscate firearms, explosives

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 3, 2019): Gov't troops arrest 55 rebels; confiscate firearms, explosives (By 3ID DPAO-Philippine Army)

CAMP MONTELIBANO, Bacolod City – The Regional Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict 6 (RTF-ELCAC 6) through the Joint Elements of Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police conducted law enforcement operation simultaneously implemented Search Warrants for Violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law (RA 10591 ) issued by Honorable Cecilyn Burgos Villavert, Executive Judge of RTC Branch 89 in Quezon City at Brgys. 33, Bata, and Taculing, all of Bacolod City at about 5:45PM on October 31, 2019.

A total of 32 assorted firearms, three fragmentation grenade, two ammunitions of 40MM Grenade Launcher and assorted live ammunition were confiscated inside the searched premises during the conduct of search and seizure operation.

Incidental to the valid search resulted to the arrest of 40 identified members of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS) and 15 newly recruited individuals, 14 of whom are minors, coming from different areas of Negros Occidental who are undergoing combat related training and indoctrination were turned over to CSWDO Bacolod City.

The arrested CNTs which are considered HVIs include John Milton Lozande, Noli Lazera Rosales, Proceso Quiatchon, Albert Delacerna, Mary Anne Krueger y Villasica / Mary Anne DeLa Concepcion, Romulo Bito-on, Amaylin Chin-chin Bito-on, Danilo Tabura y Nacario, and Roberto Lachica y Dorio.

All the arrested members of CNTs were brought at the CIDG NOC Provincial Field Unit (PFU) for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.

The arrest of the suspects can be considered as a major setback to the ground work of the CNTs.

The state forces were able to prevent/weaken their mass base and military-building efforts in Negros Occidental.

The application of search warrants was an offshoot of validated information reports from concerned citizens of Bacolod City on the presence of suspicious armed personalities visiting the said searched premises. It was also reported that the said premises are being used for training and indoctrination of minors for illegal activities. (JBG/Capt. Cenon C. Pancito III/3ID-DPAO)

Source: Division Public Affairs Office, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029591

Airstrike in Las Navas in accordance with International Humanitarian Law

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2019): Airstrike in Las Navas in accordance with International Humanitarian Law

TACLOBAN CITY -- The airstrike in Las Navas is in accordance with the International Humanitarian Law, contrary to allegations of groups associated with the CPP-NPA, Major General Pio Q. Diñoso III, commander of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army based in Catbalogan, told the Philippine Information Agency.

MGen. Diñoso underscored that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is the protector of the people and will never put the lives of Filipinos in danger.

“The operation was planned meticulously and executed precisely to ensure that only the terrorist camp is destroyed in order to stop the bomb making activities of the NPA and also to stop them from further terrorizing helpless civilians,” Diñoso added.

The NPA encampment, Diñoso explained, was a bomb-making camp of the terrorists. Bomb components such as anti-tank mines, blasting caps, wires, etc., were found at the site.

The lair was a hiding place of rebel terrorists after attacks on military bases and soldiers doing community protection patrols.

The place was laced with booby traps of explosives not only fatal to foot soldiers but also to civilians.

Moreover, Diñoso disclosed that the site was in an uninhabited part of the town, about 2 kilometers away from the nearest community of Brgy. Caputoan. Civilians were prevented by the rebels to go near.

Besides, the precision bombs were released by pilots who have visuals of their targets to ensure no collateral damage is inflicted.

Information about the NPA lair have been provided by nearby residents themselves who have been victims of extortion, threats and intimidation by these NPA terrorists, Diñoso said. (OPT/PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029598

Murdered CAFGU’s partner cries for justice, begs for rights groups’ probe

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2019): Murdered CAFGU’s partner cries for justice, begs for rights groups’ probe

VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — The live-in partner of a Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) murdered by alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Valencia City is seeking justice and begged human rights groups to conduct an impartial probe.

Thirty-year-old Elizabeth Dela Torre was dazed with grief when she spoke to reporters Thursday morning.

“To those who killed my husband, be vigilant because I swore to avenge his death by capturing the killer. I will fight back and make sure that you will not go unpunished. All I want is justice. My family and friends promised me their support in this battle. I call for our human rights groups to conduct a thorough investigation. I just pray the people who did this rot in jail and in hell,” she said.

In an interview, Elizabeth said her 33-year-old husband Pedro Omblero was off from work on October 27 and was at home in barangay Vintar, Valencia City at around 8:30 in the evening when seven armed men barged in and introduced themselves as NPA. Five of them went in, while the other two stayed outside as lookouts.

Elizabeth said the masked armed men hog-tied and dragged her husband onto a motorcycle and carried them off to a remote area in nearby Purok 18, Batangan, Valencia City.

Upon reaching an isolated vacant lot, all had stopped and dismounted. The assailants walked their motorcycles a few steps away so as not to attract attention from anybody in the neighborhood, she said.

“There and then, I cried and begged to spare my husband’s life but one of the gunmen shot him, hitting the left eyebrow. I screamed for help. I thought it was my turn but they moved closer and warned him [Omblero] that anybody who committed his whole life to the government’s armed group should be punished because it’s a serious offense. Then I heard another gunshot—the second time. I saw the hitman fired his gun, hitting again the abdomen,” Elizabeth recounted in dialect as she began crying.

She added that through eight years in serving the barangay as a CAFGU, she does not know of her husband having a conflict with anybody nor with the NPA. Along with friends, neighbors, and barangay leaders, they vouched for Omblero’s good conduct. That’s why she was shocked by the scene.

“Why, how could they shoot him when we are unarmed and helpless? I could not imagine my husband would fall victim in the cruel hands of the CPP-NPA because he is a loyal and dedicated CAFGU assigned in Lumbayao Patrol Base of the 88th Infantry Battalion,” she said.

Appeal for rights groups’ probe

In her “Public Appeal (Panawagan)” aired over radio stations, Elizabeth was tough on her will to exhaust all means in getting help so that justice would be served.

“I am earnestly requesting the CHR (Commission on Human Rights) to help me in this fight. I trust CHR because I’ve heard they have been very active in helping the poor who have been abused by whoever. I also urged Karapatan, who works for the protection of human rights, to lead an impartial investigation. Finally, I call on the family members of NPA abuse victims to file cases against them (NPA) so they will be captured and punished for their crimes,” she said.

Stop harming civilians

The Philippine Army’s 403rd Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Edgardo De Leon, meanwhile, urged the NPA rebels to stop harming civilians and non-combatants.

“CAFGU Omblero was unarmed, off-duty, and has begged for his life. The NPA should have respected his rights enshrined by the IHL (International Humanitarian Law) as he can no longer be considered combatant because he was already captured, disarmed, and therefore has no capacity to fight back,” De Leon said.

He clarified that Omblero was considered a “captive” when he was abducted.

The Law [IHL] says that a “captive” is not a combatant, thus has the right to life and must be treated humanely.

More so, the captive was executed in front of his partner Elizabeth. Then, the more that the perpetrators are liable for IHL violation punishable under R.A 9851 because Elizabeth has no direct participation in the conflict and the law provides for the protection of the vulnerable — women, children, the aged, indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, the civilians, and non-combatants, De Leon added.

He said they will recommend to the city government of Valencia to create a Fact-finding Committee on IHL for an in-depth investigation.

“I also urged Karapatan, the self-declared watchdog of IHL, to investigate this case and release its findings to the public,” De Leon said. (RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029624

Army troops seize another NPA lair in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2019): Army troops seize another NPA lair in SurSur (By 402nd Brigade, CMO)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- Elements of the 36th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army under the 402nd Infantry "Stingers" Brigade seized recently another CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) lair at Sitio Suba, Brgy. Mabuhay, this city.

The CNT lair has an estimated area of about 50x100 square meters that can accommodate around 50 CNT members. It was believed to be abandoned days ago. After a careful search on the lair, the troops seized two anti-personnel mines (pipe type) with 50 meters wire, ½ sack of rice and CNT personal belongings.

The 402nd Brigade has intensified its operation against the CNTs in the outskirts barangays and the hinterlands due to the persistent appeal of the people to ensure safety and security so that peace and development efforts in their communities continue.

Since January 2019, the Stingers Brigade has already seized 57 lairs during armed encounters and routine security patrols. For the last quarter alone, a total of 14 CNT hideouts were seized wherein most of them were tipped off from the civilian residents. (Major Francisco Garello, Jr., 402nd Bde-CMO/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Source: Civil Military Operations, 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029329

PLEDS RTF-ELCAC 6 nabs 2 NPA leaders, firearms in Escalante City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2019): PLEDS RTF-ELCAC 6 nabs 2 NPA leaders, firearms in Escalante City (By 3ID DPAO- Philippine Army)

CAMP MONTELIBANO, Bacolod City – The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorist in Negros Island suffered another major setback following the arrest of its two leaders in Escalante City on November 1, 2019.

The Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 6 (RTF-ELCAC 6), through the joint elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, arrested Maria Lindy Balaobao Perucho, deputy secretary for finance of Northern Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyon- Negros, Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor (KR-NCBS) at Sitio Gaway-gaway, Barangay Jonob-jonob, and Imelda Pasinabo Sultan, deputy secretary for finance of the KR-NCBS in Barangay Balintawak.

Recovered from Perucho were 45 caliber pistol with ammunition, 38 caliber, and three 40mm grenade launcher ammunition while war items that include three caliber 45 pistol with 17 live ammunitions, seven grenade launcher ammunitions, two claymor type anti-personnel mines, three cellphones, state forces uniforms, and subversive documents were seized from Sultan.

The recovered uniforms attested the revelation of Ka Joross, a former rebel, that the CPP-NPA terrorists are using uniforms of state forces as disguise especially in conducting tactical offensives.



Aside from Perucho and Sultan, the government forces also applied search warrant at the house of an alleged NPA member in Barangay Hacienda Fe but the result is negative.

The result of our search operation at the house of the aforementioned subject is a concrete proof that we don’t plant evidences just to substantiate previous information that he is an armed member of the communist-terrorist group. If there is no recovery, we leave the situation alone as it is. If the result is negative, then it is. We don’t alter the truth.

On October 31, communist-terrorist group suffered a major loss after RTF-ELCAC 6 simultaneously implemented Search Warrants for Violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law against its leaders in Bacolod City. (JBG/Capt. Cenon C. Pancito III/3ID-DPAO)

Source: Division Public Affairs Office, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029639

1 killed, 1 injured in Agusan Norte clash

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2019): 1 killed, 1 injured in Agusan Norte clash (By 29IB Philippine Army)

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte -- Following the mandate of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to end the insurgency, the troops of 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army conducted an intensified combat operations in Agusan Norte areas. As a result, one member of the New People’s Army (NPA) died and another one wounded with two high powered firearms captured during the encounter in an uninhabited and forested area in Brgy. San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019.

The troops were conducting combat operations as a response to the report received by the unit from concerned civilians. The prompt and swift action of the troops resulted in an encounter with undetermined numbers of NPA, believed to be members of Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) 16A, Guerilla Front Committee (GFC) 16 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command (NEMRC) under the leadership of alias Kadong.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes after which the rest of the NPAs scampered and withdrew towards East direction leaving behind their dead and wounded cohorts with one M4 rifle with sniper scope and another one M4 rifle with two magazines fully loaded with ammunition, two bandoliers, one anti-personnel mines, medicine kit, one UHF handheld radio, one backpack containing other personal belongings of the NPAs and subversive documents. Bloodstains were also seen in the withdrawal routes indicating that the NPAs suffered numerous casualties.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, 29IB Commanding Officer, said that they will continue the offensive operations to make the NPAs come out from their hiding place.

"To the NPA members who are still in doubt with the government, I encourage you to come down and lay down your weapons while you still have your chance. Don’t wait for the time that we will meet each other in the mountains because if that happens, we will make sure that you will pay the just consequences of your actions,” Lt. Col. Criste said. (1Lt. Nonette B. Banggad, CMO Officer, 29IB, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Source: Civil Military Operations, 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029614

QC reconstitutes E-CLIP Committee

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2019): QC reconstitutes E-CLIP Committee

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (Photo courtesy of PAISD)

QUEZON CITY -- Mayor Joy Belmonte has ordered the reconstitution of the city government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) Committee which is tasked to provide further assistance, such as livelihood, educational and medical assistance, to rebel returnees or former rebels.

Through Executive Order no. 40, Belmonte reconstituted QC E-CLIP committee members, which now include the City Mayor as the chairperson, the Commanding Officer of the local Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP) reserve brigade as co-chairperson, and representatives from the Social Services Development Department (SSDD), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-QC, QC Police District, and Civil Society Organizations as members.

The committee is mandated to ensure the delivery of services under the national government’s E-CLIP as well as ensure proper documentation and referral needs of former rebels (FR) to appropriate agencies and partner institutions.

Under the EO, the SSDD is also mandated to facilitate the profiling of FRs, assist them in completing the E-CLIP enrolment form, assist in the preparation of their Former Rebel Integration and Business plans, and resolve issues and concerns affecting the implementation of the E-CLIP.

The SSDD is also mandated to assist the Philippine National Police and the AFP in providing security to FRs including their families and communities, facilitate the employment of qualified FRs in government offices, submit accomplishment reports to the DILG and Department of National Defense, monitor and maintain records at the local government offices, coordinate and monitor the E-CLIP implementation in the city, and provide updates to the QC Peace and Order Council.

While the DILG funds the E-CLIP under the General Appropriations Act (GAA), it is the local government that shoulders the administrative costs and expenses for the program. (PIA-NCR/QC PAISD)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029641

13 more SurSur villages condemn NPAs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2019): 13 more SurSur villages condemn NPAs (By 3rd Special Forces Battalion, PA)

SAN AGUSTIN, Surigao del Sur -- All 13 barangays of the municipality of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA) persona non-grata through resolutions citing the collection of revolutionary taxes, hostage-takings, harassments and killings of innocent and defenseless civilians as primary reasons for their decision to condemn the NPAs. The declaration was officially made public by the 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) official recently.

Lt. Colonel Joey Baybayan, 3SFBn Commanding Officer, expressed his gratitude to the local government unit (LGU) of San Agustin under the leadership of Mayor Libertad Alameda for their courageous stand against the NPAs.

“The San Agustin LGU's declaration is a courageous move and a concrete manifestation of their all-out support to the country’s Whole-Of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Not all local leaders have the guts to do this in some parts of the country,” Lt. Col. Baybayan said.

The 3SFBn warns the public to be more vigilant because the remaining NPAs have no other means to gain support but to intimidate and terrorize the indigenous people's communities, local leaders, investors and residents from far-flung areas, liquidation of personnel and destruction of government properties such as burning construction equipment to delay the government’s developmental projects just to show that they still exist.

“These terrorists are desperate now because they have nothing left but their deception-based propaganda, their failed and useless ideology, their firearms, and explosives intended to sow fear to the defenseless. Help us locate them through all forms of communication," LTC Baybayan added.

Meanwhile, an unarmed and off-duty CAA Pablo Omblero was executed by the alleged NPAs last October 27 in Valencia City, Bukidnon, a concrete proof of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) violation and another clear reason for all Filipinos and the international community to condemn the CNTs. (Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, CMO-3rdSFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Source: Civil Military Operations, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Philippine Army

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029610

Army saves wounded NPA youth in AgNor encounte

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2019): Army saves wounded NPA youth in AgNor encounter (By 29IB Philippine Army) 

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte – Troops of 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army saved a young New People’s Army (NPA) combatant who was wounded in an encounter that took place on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019 in Barangay San Isidro, Santiago town in Agusan del Norte.

The wounded NPA youth, identified as alias Kent, was immediately provided first aid by the 29IB operating troops and wasted no time in bringing him to the nearest hospital for further medication to save his life.

According to Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, the Commanding Officer of the 29IB, alias Kent was only 17 when he joined the communist movement and stayed with the group for more than two years.

Lt. Col. Criste was also deeply sad seeing as young as alias Kent already engaging in an armed struggle. "Deceived and fooled by the NPAs' lies and propaganda. This youth had almost lost his precious life like his comrade who died in the encounter earlier," he said.

"I know most of the youths who have been recruited just like alias Kent do not truly desire what they're doing. They have just been misguided, influenced and worst they have just been used for a lost cause by the NPA terrorist. Some of them were threatened and molested especially the young female recruits," Lt. Col. Criste added.

Lt. Col. Criste then called on other NPA members who are still in the mountains to come home and return to the folds of the law.

"Your families are waiting for you. We will gladly assist you back to mainstream society and live peacefully. We will continue to intensify our efforts to help and rescue those who have been deceived by the NPA especially the youths like alias Kent, we can do this with the support of the partner stakeholders in Agusan del Norte," Criste added. (1Lt. Nonette B. Banggad, CMO Officer, 29IB, Philippine Army/PIA Agusan del Norte)

Source: 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029615

Tagalog News: Mahigit 100 NPA, supporters sa Agusan Norte nagbalik loob sa gobyerno

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2019): Tagalog News: Mahigit 100 NPA, supporters sa Agusan Norte nagbalik loob sa gobyerno

LUNGSOD NG CABADBARAN, Agusan del Norte -- Dumarami na ang nagbabalik loob sa gobyerno at ngayon ay nakipagtulungan upang tuluyan para masugpo ang insurhensiya sa probinsya ng Agusan del Norte.

Sa isinagawang community immersion sa barangay Mahaba sa lungsod ng Cabadbaran, may 137 regular na miyembro ng New Peoples Army (NPA), militia ng bayan (MB) at underground mass organization (UGMO) members ang sumuko sa 29th Infantry Batallion, Philippine Army.

Kabilang sa mga sumuko ay si alias "Bem-Bem" na dating medic sa Guerilla Front Committee 21C (GFC 21C), na nanilbihan bilang isang medic sa loob ng 14 na taon.

Ayonn pa sa kanya, ang buhay niya sa bundok ay hindi naging madali kaya malaking tulong ang kanyang pagbabalik-loob sa gobyerno upang mamuhay nang tahimik at higit sa lahat ay makapagpatuloy na sa pag-aaral ang kanyang mga anak.

Ayon naman kay alias "Ondong," isang high ranking official at dating political infrastructure officer ng 21C, na nanilbihan ng sampung taon sa NPA, ang pagnanais niyang mamuhay ng mapayapa kasama ang pamilya, ang unang dahilan ng kanyang pagsuko.

Sa isinagawang community immersion, nanawagan din si Mayor Judy Amante ng Cabadbaran City sa mga NPAs na magbalik-loob na sa gobyerno. At bilang tagapangalaga sa lungsod, layunin niyang mapanatili ang kapayaapaan sa kanyang nasasakupan kung kaya’t mahalaga ang pagsagawa ng community immersion upang maipakita sa mga tao na tapat ang gobyerno sa kanila. (NCLM/MOA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029647

NPA surrenderee pinpoints high-powered firearm’s location in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 4, 2019): NPA surrenderee pinpoints high-powered firearm’s location in SurSur (By 3rd Special Forces Battalion, PA)

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur -- A squad leader of the Weakened Guerilla Front 30 (WGF30), Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) identified as alias Kakar surrendered to 7th Special Forces “Spartans” Company (7SFC), 3rd Special Forces “Arrowhead” Battalion (3SFBn) on Nov. 1 and pinpointed the location of one 5.56mm M4 Carbine Bushmaster Rifle at the hinterland of Purok Bombels, Awisan, this city. The said surrenderee is currently at the 7SFC headquarters in Mararag, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur for proper custodial debriefing.

According to Alias Kakar, 34 years old, he was recruited by a certain Otillo Galagate, a Militia ng Bayan member in barangay Tina, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur two to three years ago.

“Walay kaugmaon tungod sa korapsyon ng mga kumander (There is no future because of the corrupt commanders),” said Kakar.

He said that to be with the Communist NPA Terrorist is to live in a miserable life.

“Hindi na baling mahirap ang buhay basta kasama ko ang aking pamilya, ang anak at asawa ko,” he added.

The provincial government of Surigao del Sur’s all-out support to the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict has gained tremendous results and positive feedbacks all over the Caraga region. Recently, Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel was appointed as the Regional Peace and Order Council Committee Chairman for his steadfast commitment in initiating various peace and development efforts in the province.

Alias Kakar along with other new surrenderees will be enrolled in the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to receive benefits for choosing the path to peace. Based on the implementing rules and regulations of Administrative Order No. 10 signed by the president in 2018, Kakar, as a former rebel, is qualified to receive E-CLIP’s livelihood assistance, reintegration programs, firearms remuneration, and other benefits as provided by law for NPA surrenderees. (1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, CMO-3SFBn/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

Source: Civil Military Operations (CMO), 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029608

Re: Down with the Flu

Went to the local urgent care clinic and got a shot and some meds. Feeling a lot better now. We are back up and running again.

Best regards,
Retired Analyst

Legal defense readied for 50 trade unionists arrested in Negros Occidental

From the Business Mirror (Nov 4, 2019): Legal defense readied for 50 trade unionists arrested in Negros Occidental

LABORERS are now preparing the legal defense of over 50 trade unionists and activists who were arrested by authorities in Negros Occidental last week due to alleged involvement in rebellion.

In an SMS, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) Chairman Elmer Labog told the BusinessMirror they will help the concerned unionists and activists, especially since some of their affiliates are among them.

“We will definitely help them since they are our members,” Labog said.

Aside from those from KMU, also among the arrested are members of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Anakpawis, Gabriela and National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW).
Legal action

KMU Secretary-General Jerome Adonis said they already consulting their lawyers on how to hold accountable the people responsible for the arrest, which he maintained as legally questionable.
“We are currently studying if we can file charges against members of the raiding of PNP [Philippine National Police] and the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] [who made the arrest],” Adonis said.

In a related development, the BPO Industry Employees Network (Bien) said it will also extend legal aid to those arrested.

An official of the Manila-based Bien said the group’s parelegal is already in Negros Occidental. Bien said their priority will be to process the bail of those arrested.

DOLE intervention

The Federation of Free Workers (FFW) called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to investigate the incident, which it said may constitute a violation of International Labor Organization (ILO) 87 or the right to organize.

The FFW said in a statement they are “one with other trade unions in their call” for Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III “to take necessary measures, intervene and form a tripartite body to investigate the arrests and searches of trade union leaders and women activitists.”

The FFW said the DOLE should look into allegations that some of the pieces of evidence against those were arrested were “planted” by the police and military.

Last, the FFW reiterated its call on the DOLE to accept the proposed ILO High Level Tripartite Mission that will look into “the case of extrajudicial killings of workers and other violations of the right to organize.”

“Though [the] FFW does not identify ideologically with [the] NFSW or KMU to which it is affiliated, FFW is of the submission that an attack to one is an attack to all,” FFW said.

“An attack to a legitimate trade union will endanger the other trade unions who are also organizing workers for purposes of collective bargaining negotiation and mutual aid and protection,” it added.
Ongoing verification

TO recall, the ILO proposed sending the mission last June after local labor representatives claimed there were at least 43 labor-related deaths in the country.

Labor Assistant Secretary Benjo M. Benavidez said they will defer accepting the ILO mission until they could complete the verification of the supposed list of labor-related deaths.

“Our regional offices are now conducting the verification process. It is expected to be completed by November,” Benavidez told the BusinessMirror in a previous interview.

The DOLE earlier said it only had recorded five labor-related deaths.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/11/04/legal-defense-readied-for-50-trade-unionists-arrested-in-negros-occidental/

DSWD sets up emergency logistic hubs in North Cotabato

Posted to the Relief Web (Nov 2, 2019):  DSWD sets up emergency logistic hubs in North Cotabato

REPORT from Government of the Philippines
Published on 02 Nov 2019 —View Original

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has stepped up its relief operations for thousands of families affected by the series of earthquakes in North Cotabato through setting up of mobile logistic hubs in Kidapawan City to immediately address needs of affected families and individuals.

Two mobile storage units, one from the United Nations World Food Programme, will be set up today at the provincial grounds of North Cotabato in Amas to speed up the distribution of relief assistance.

Each logistic hub can store up to 1,600 cubic metric tons of goods.

Aside from the logistics hubs, DSWD Field Office XII will also set up a community kitchen in Barangay Masilasa in Makilala town.

Meanwhile, the Field Office is currently coordinating with the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for the transport of relief goods to remote areas, especially in communities that are impassable due to landslides.

Cebu Pacific Airlines and Air Asia are also extending their help in transporting for free relief supplies from the Department.

Enough relief goods

DSWD assures that it has enough relief supplies to augment the resources of local government units (LGUs) in Central and Southern Mindanao which were heavily hit by the series of tremors.

As of press time, DSWD has provided a total of ₱6,004,485 worth of assistance to a total of 29,349 families or 146,745 persons from 149 barangays in the two regions.

DSWD continues to facilitate the transport of additional relief supplies to the affected regions in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

On November 1, troops from the units of Eastern Mindanao Command unloaded cargoes sent by DSWD and Department of Health (DOH) which were carried by a C-130 at the Davao Airport.

DSWD Field Office IX also provided relief augmentation support to Field Offices XI and XII composed of hygiene kits, mosquito nets, blankets, towels, and cases of sardines.

Likewise, DSWD Field Office VI delivered malongs to Field Office XI and food packs to Field Office XII early morning today, November 2.

On the other hand, DSWD Field Office VII has coordinated with the Coast Guard for the transport of relief supplies to the two regions today.

To date, some 4,127 families or 20,635 persons are currently staying in 27 evacuation centers set up by LGUs, while 1,370 families or 6,850 persons are with their relatives or friends.

DSWD Field Offices XI and XII have recorded 20,913 totally and 6,397 partially damaged houses.

DSWD vows to continue to support LGUs in meeting the needs of their affected constituents until such time that they are able to recover from their disrupted lives due to the disaster.

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/dswd-sets-emergency-logistic-hubs-north-cotabato

Philippines: Tulunan, North Cotabato Earthquakes, Flash Update No. 3 (As of 4 November 2019, 5 p.m.)

Posted to the Relief Web (Nov 4, 2019):  Philippines: Tulunan, North Cotabato Earthquakes, Flash Update No. 3 (As of 4 November 2019, 5 p.m.)

REPORT from UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Published on 04 Nov 2019

Download PDF (132.12 KB)


Situation Overview
As of 4 November, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reports of 22 deaths and over 420 injured as a result of a series of earthquakes that occurred between 16 and 31 October.

Over 21,000 homes are destroyed and 7,200 partially damaged, mostly in the municipalities of Makilala and Tulunan in North Cotabato. More than 870 schools are reported damaged, which are frequently used as evacuation centres and has also hampered education of over 3,4 million of learners. More than 70 health facilities and 80 other public structures are also damaged, as well as over 25 bridges and roads in Region XI and XII.

Over 188,000 people are affected in some 240 barangays in Region XI and XII. Some 24,000 people are staying in evacuation centres, while nearly 7,500 are staying with host families. The municipality of Makilala has been hit the hardest, with over 100,000 people affected, most of whom are currently staying in makeshift shelters. The entire population of eight barangays in Makilala had to be evacuated over the weekend. Local authorities continue to assess the number of casualties and damages, and numbers are expected to rise as the full impact of the earthquakes is being verified.

Government response and humanitarian coordination

The national government is leading response efforts, assisted by the Philippine Red Cross in deploying rescue teams, providing water, food, health and relief assistance. Government line agencies and local humanitarian partners continue to assess damages and verify the number of affected people, especially in remote areas where access has been difficult due to landslides. Local authorities are coordinating with the Department of Transportation and the Armed Forces of the Philippines on the transport of relief items.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is distributing food and relief assistance to affected families and setting up temporary shelters, and has set up two mobile logistics hubs, one from the World Food Programme, in Kidapawan City, Cotabato. Each logistics hub can store relief items up to 1,6000 cubic metric tons. As of 4 November, over Ph₱11.8 million (US$232,000) worth of assistance has been provided by DSWD to the affected families. Humanitarian partners have deployed staff to affected areas and are assisting local authorities with damage assessment and providing relief items. The Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation is coordinating with its private sector members and providing water, food, relief items and logistical support to affected areas.

Families who have evacuated are concerned that their houses are structurally compromised with the repeated strong earthquakes and succeeding aftershocks. Many are staying in makeshift shelters next to their homes or in nearby open spaces such as roadsides which exposes them to monsoon rains, health and protection concerns. Considering cause and nature of the damage of the buildings, displacement situation in many affected areas is anticipated to continue for at least six months. Food, water, shelter and health support continue to be priority needs. As displacement becomes protracted and the livelihoods of those affected are disrupted, cash assistance, shelter and household items will be also be needed.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:
To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-tulunan-north-cotabato-earthquakes-flash-update-no-3-4-november-2019

Why Russia is Arming a Longtime US Ally in Asia

Posted to OZY (Nov 4, 2019): Why Russia is Arming a Longtime US Ally in Asia (By Dimitri Simes, Jr.)

WHY YOU SHOULD CARE: A quietly blossoming partnership between Moscow and Manila is reshaping the geopolitics of Asia.

Sharing the stage with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the prestigious Valdai Discussion Club Forum in early October, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was his usual brash self. He denounced the United States and Europe. The ostensible reason was the West’s opposition to his drug war that has killed thousands of Filipinos. But the audience before him — Russia’s foreign policy elite — was no coincidence.

Duterte’s visit to Russia was the latest move in a fast-blossoming security partnership that’s quietly reshaping Asia’s strategic chessboard — between the Philippines, a traditional American ally, and Russia, Washington’s top adversary. Since Duterte took office in 2016, Russian warships have visited the Philippines six times. Russia in 2017 donated thousands of assault rifles and helmets, nearly a million rounds of ammunition and 20 trucks to the Philippines.

The Philippines has also expressed interest in purchasing Russian submarines and helicopters, much to Washington’s chagrin. Moscow recently offered to help train the armed forces of the Philippines and host joint military exercises. And in September, Russia appointed its first defense attaché to the Philippines since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

"RUSSIA IS FOR THE FIRST TIME INTRUDING ON THE TERRITORY OF BOTH THE UNITED STATES AND CHINA." ALEXEY MASLOV, NATIONAL RESEARCH UNIVERSITY HIGHER SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS, MOSCOW

For Duterte, the relationship is one of growing necessity with Western governments increasingly reluctant to sell arms to the Philippines. In 2016, the U.S. blocked the delivery of 26,000 assault rifles to Manila following concerns that the Duterte government’s committed extrajudicial killings and other human-rights violations in its effort to root out drug dealers. But the Moscow-Manila bonhomie isn’t complicating only the U.S.-Philippines relationship.

Despite the Kremlin’s loud declarations about its new partnership with China, Russian political elites are increasingly concerned about becoming too dependent on their southern neighbor amid its estrangement with Europe and sanctions from the U.S., say analysts. They’re also growing frustrated with China’s lackluster desire to invest in Russia or join it in resisting the West’s sanctions against Moscow, says Alexey Maslov, a professor at the National Research University Higher School of Economics. To address this growing imbalance, Russian is seeking out partnerships with other players in Asia — including those that have a difficult relationship with China. The Philippines — which is locked in a maritime dispute with China — fits the bill perfectly.

“The Philippines are a very important partner in this sense, because Russia is for the first time intruding on the territory of both the United States and China,” says Maslov. “It is a new and very important step for us.”

Other reasons too are pulling Russia and the Philippines closer, starting with Duterte’s avowed admiration for Putin and his willingness to defy the West. Early in his presidency, Duterte praised Putin as his “favorite hero” and proclaimed his intention to balance the Philippines’ relationship with the U.S. by drawing closer to Moscow and Beijing.

Russia’s military support for the Philippines is also driven by a shared desire to see it prevail in a decades long-battle against jihadist rebels based in the southern part of the Southeast Asian country. Moscow is keen to keep Islamist insurgencies from spreading to Russia’s borders, says Dmitriy Mosyakov, a Southeast Asia expert at the Russian Academy of Science’s Institute of Oriental Studies.

“We understand that when it comes to these radical Islamic groups, today they are fighting in the Philippines, tomorrow they could be fighting in Syria, and the day after tomorrow they could be fighting in Central Asia or some other regions,” he says. “In such a situation, we are helping ourselves by helping the Philippines.”



Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (C front) receives a batch of Russian military goods from Russia’s Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (R front).  SOURCE VADIM SAVITSKY/GETTY

To be sure, tighter Russo-Filipino military cooperation faces considerable obstacles despite a strong shared interest. Viktor Murakhovsky, editor-in-chief of the defense journal Arsenal of the Fatherland, tells me that he’s skeptical that the Philippines will make any major Russian arms purchases given its limited military budget. He questions whether Moscow even has much to offer Manila in terms of weaponry. “The Philippines, due to their location, put an emphasis on naval equipment and aviation that can assist their navy,” he says. “We don’t have many arms in these areas which could even theoretically interest the Philippines.”

Having Russia train Filipino troops is also easier promised than done, he says. The two countries have never participated in joint military exercises, and the Philippines has never sent its officers to study at Russian military academies — important measures for building trust and exchanging information between two militaries. To move toward a structured, long-term military partnership, the two countries would have to begin practically from scratch and spend years just laying the foundation, Murakhovsky cautions.

While Duterte might take steps in that direction, Murakhovsky says he’s not confident subsequent administrations in the Philippines will buck pressure from Washington like the current president has. “It is important to remember that the entire military-political machine of the Philippines used to be oriented toward the United States,” he says. “Hoping that the whole machine would do a 180-degree shift would be very presumptuous.”

But other Russian analysts like Mosyakov point to the speed at which the Philippines has already pivoted toward Russia under Duterte, as a sign of optimism for future ties between Moscow and Manila. “The Philippines was the most closed-off country in Southeast Asia from Russia,” Mosyakov says. “If you look at what’s happened between 2016 and now, we’ve gone a long way.”

https://www.ozy.com/fast-forward/why-is-russia-arming-a-long-time-u-s-ally-in-asia/220634/

Bulatlat: Public urged to resist Duterte’s crackdown against opposition

Posted to the pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/National Democratic Front (NDF) online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Nov 3, 2019): Public urged to resist Duterte’s crackdown against opposition



Bulatlat@bulatlat
· Nov 3, 2019

Replying to @bulatlat


@teddycasino : Ang kini-criminalize dito ay pag-exercise ng rights


Bulatlat@bulatlat


Their call



1:19 AM - Nov 3, 2019
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“The ultimate objective of EO 70 is a national crackdown. Duterte wants to wipe out the opposition, legal and armed. Wala ng pag-iiba diyan. (No distinction anymore)”

By RONALYN V. OLEA
Bulatlat.com

MANILA — Progressive organizations labeled the Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 series of arrest and detention of 59 activists in Negros and in Manila as “part of government crackdown against critics.”

In a press conference Nov. 3, Ariel Casilao of Defend Negros and Anakpawis Partylist maintained that Duterte administration has upped the ante of repression, noting that the arrests in Negros targeted regional leaders of people’s organizations.

Casilao attributed the recent incidents to Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70, which creates the national task force to end the local communist insurgency (NTF-ELCAC).

“The ultimate objective of EO 70 is a national crackdown,” he said. “Duterte wants to wipe out the opposition, legal and armed. Wala ng pag-iiba diyan. (No distinction anymore)”

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division claimed that those arrested in Negros were members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army (NPA) who were undergoing combat-related training and indoctrination.

The military further claimed that they recovered 32 firearms, 130 rounds of ammunition, and five explosives as well as the subversive documents during the Oct. 31 simultaneous raids in three offices of people’s organizations and residence of Bayan Muna regional coordinator Romulo Bito-on in Negros.

A handgun and two grenades were supposedly recovered from the residence of Gabriela Metro Manila Spokesperson Cora Agovida and her husband Michael Tan Bartolome in Manila on the same day.

On Nov. 1, authorities claimed they recovered three caliber .45 pistols with 17 bullets, seven grenade launcher ammunition, two improvised explosives, three mobile phones, and subversive documents from the homes of Ma. Lindy Perucho and Imelda Sultan.

Leaders of progressive organizations belied the military’s statement, saying the 59 arrested were peasant leaders, trade unionists, human rights defenders, cultural workers, a community journalist, women’s rights activists as well as minors.

Incredulous

Joms Salvador, secretary general of Gabriela, noted that the tactics used in Negros and Manila were the same — one judge issuing the search warrants for Manila and Bacolod City raids and authorities recovering firearms and explosives specifically indicated in the search warrants.

“It is very insulting how we’re being made fools. What they’re saying is simply incredulous,” Salvador said in a mix of English and Filipino during the press conference.

Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas said it is unthinkable for Agovida and Bartolome to hide grenades in their small residence having with them their two children aged two and ten years old.

Reylan Vergara, Karapatan vice chairperson said that the evidence gathered from the raids were “all planted.”

Vergara swiped at Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar. “Andanar must be delusional to even put supposedly seized illegal firearms and explosives side by side with KMU flags, megaphones, microphones, and ‘subversive’ documents as evidence of their connections to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.”

Warrants questioned

Both Karapatan and the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) raised questions to the warrants issued by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 89.

Katherine Panguban of NUPL noted that Villavert met with Brigadier Gen. Debold Sinas, acting chief of National Capital Region Police Office, on Oct. 30, the same day she issued the warrants for Manila and Bacolod.

Karapatan said Villavert was also the one who issed the search warrants that led to the arrest of other activists such as Vicente Ladlad and Alberto and Virginia Villamor, Rey Casambre, Estrelita Suaybaguio, and Alexander and Winona Birondo.

“…all of which suspiciously yielded the same result: the planting of evidence and an immediate trumped-up case of illegal firearms and explosives. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, therefore, that the search warrants she issued were merely copy-pasted templates that only needed tweaking every time the State needs to arrest another activist,” Vergara said in a statement.

NUPL, in a statement, called on the Supreme Court to “look into the seemingly irregular issuance of search and arrest warrants essentially based on political designs.”

The NUPL also urged the high court to review the rule on issuance of search warrants in special criminal cases which, the NUPL said, “is or may be abused and weaponized by any branch of government to forum shop to silence dissent and criticism, slow down legitimate advocacies, foment fear and intrigue, and penalize the exercise of basic rights to association, speech, assembly, petitions for redress of grievances, and public participation.”

Resist the crackdown

Former Bayan Muna Teddy Casiño criticized what he called as “criminalization of exercise of rights.” “What is being criminalized is the exercise of the people’s constitutional rights such as the right to free expression, the right to organize, the right to seek redress of grievances,” he said.

“If activists were all arrested, who would oppose Duterte’s anti-people policies?” Casiño said.

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate likened Duterte to the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos who resorted to militarist solution in crushing the insurgency. “Duterte’s EO 70 and memorandum order no. 32, instead of ending the insurgency, would only result in the escalation of the armed conflict,” Zarate said in Filipino.

The memorandum no. 32, signed by Duterte in November 2019, orders the deployment of more troops in Negros, Samar and Bicol supposedly to crush “lawless violence.”

Makabayan coalition President Satur Ocampo said the recent incidents show Duterte’s desperation to quell all forms of opposition. He urged the public to resist Duterte’s tyranny.

https://www.bulatlat.com/2019/11/03/public-urged-to-resist-dutertes-crackdown-against-opposition/

PNP to prove activists’ link to CPP-NPA

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 4, 2019): PNP to prove activists’ link to CPP-NPA



Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa holds a press briefing on Monday, Nov. 4 at the PNP HQ. Noy Morcoso / Inquirer.net

The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed on Monday to prove that the activists arrested in simultaneous raids in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental are supporting the communist insurgency in the country.

Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, officer-in-charge of the PNP, said the 40 personalities arrested on October 31 should first answer to charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against them.

“Later on, we are starting to build up cases to prove to them that they are supporting the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army),” he said in a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Gamboa then lamented how some non-government organizations supposedly act as humanitarian groups but actually support the communist insurgency.

“Kaya ito nagkaganito sa Republika eh (That’s why this happened to the Republic). Some of the other NGOs na kunwari humanitarian sila (pretend they are humanitarian) but they are doing otherwise. Now they are starting to feel and get hurt on the campaign of government to end the local communist terrorists, and they will continue to do so unless they stop,” he said.

Gamboa said 40 persons, whom he described as “ranking CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) personalities,” were arrested while 14 “child warriors” were rescued in the simultaneous raids.

READ: Bayan Muna, Gabriela offices in Bacolod raided by military, police — Zarate

Those arrested were from offices of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Anakpawis, and Gabriela in Barangay Bata, as well the National Federation of Sugarcane Workers (NFSW) office in Barangay Taculing, and at a house in Barangay 33.

The military earlier said the minors, aged 12 to 17, are being trained as “rebel-warriors,” while the local police said the premises were being used for combat training and indoctrination of minors.

Rights and progressive groups, however, called the arrests a crackdown against activists. They also noted that the firearms and explosives recovered from the suspects are planted by the military and the police that launched the operation.

READ: Karapatan: Negros arrests prelude to crackdown on admin critics

But for Gamboa, this accusation against state forces is common.

“Let them prove themselves in court if they say that this is planted,” he said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1185355/pnp-to-prove-activists-link-to-cpp-npa

Soldier killed in Quezon blast

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 4, 2019): Soldier killed in Quezon blast

An improvised explosive device (IED) blast killed a soldier while two suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were captured in Quezon on Sunday, police said Monday.

The Quezon provincial identified the casualty as Private Kim Veluz of the Philippine Army’s 85th Infantry Battalion.

Police said Veluz was on his way to Lopez town aboard a motorcycle when an IED went off in Barangay (village) Sta. Rosa at around 4:30 p.m.

The soldier died on the spot.

Police investigators are eyeing the involvement of two NPA rebels.

Meantime in Mauban town, soldiers on patrol figured in a gun battle with around 10suspected NPA rebels at around 6:30a.m. in Barangay Cagsiay 2.

After the 15-minute clash, the rebels withdrew towards Barangay Abu-Abu also in the said coastal town.

During the follow-up operations, the soldiers recovered three magazines for short and long firearm of unknown caliber, one mobile phone with an active SIM card and an old jungle pack.

Police also reported that an 18-year-old woman, a suspected NPA rebel was taken into custody.

Last month, the Quezon provincial government declared the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA rebels as “persona non grata” in the province, once considered as a stronghold of Maoist-inspired guerrillas in Southern Tagalog. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1185428/soldier-killed-in-quezon-blast

CPP orders NPA to launch more attacks vs government troops

From Politiko (Nov 3, 2019): CPP orders NPA to launch more attacks vs government troops



The Communist Part of the Philippines (CPP) called on the New People’s Army (NPA) to intensify tactical offensives in response to the arrest of more than 60 suspected NPA rebels in Bacolod City.

“The Party urges the NPA in Negros and across the country to heed the Filipino people’s demand for justice against Duterte’s abuses. They must exert all effort to mount tactical offensives against the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) units, especially those behind fascist crimes,” the revolutionary group said.

In a statement, the CPP claimed that the mass arrest of activists in the capital city of Negros Occidental shows the heightening fascism of the Duterte administration.

“It is a brazen display of force and abuse of state powers. It seeks to terrorize the people and their democratic forces. It aims to silence the broad masses against worsening oppression under the Duterte regime,” they said.

The Party likewise dismissed the raids as “a dress rehearsal for a nationwide crackdown against all democratic forces.”

For its part, Malacañang commended the joint efforts of the local police and military that led to the arrest of individuals affiliated with NPA.

Evidence recovered from those arrested include assorted short caliber firearms, sub-machine guns, machine guns, live ammunitions, hand grenades, bladed weapons, Kilusang Mayo Uno flags, megaphones, microphones, and voluminous subversive documents, according to Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.

Andanar denied that the arrest was based on planted evidence as authorities have proof they were obtained through legal means.

“We assert that any allegations that the raids conducted were a form of harassment are simply false and we have hard evidence secured to prove our argument,” he said.

https://politics.com.ph/cpp-orders-npa-to-launch-more-attacks-vs-government-troops/

Troopers seize NPA camp

From the Philippine Star (Nov 4, 2019): Troopers seize NPA camp

Several firearms and war materials were recovered at the camp located in Barangay Minalwang, Claveria town, according to 1st Lt. Jefferson Mariano, civil military operations officer of the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion.   AFP/File

Army troopers have seized what authorities described as the last major camp of New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Misamis Oriental, officials reported yesterday.

Several firearms and war materials were recovered at the camp located in Barangay Minalwang, Claveria town, according to 1st Lt. Jefferson Mariano, civil military operations officer of the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion.

“The camp can accommodate up to 100 individuals and was believed to have been left abandoned for several days,” Mariano said.

The Army said it intensified its anti-insurgency efforts in the hinterlands and remote villages as residents are appealing for safety and security in their communities.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/11/04/1965699/troopers-seize-npa-camp

‘Philippines remains destination for foreign terrorist fighters’

From the Philippine Star (Nov 4, 2019): ‘Philippines remains destination for foreign terrorist fighters’

With Islamic State affiliates active in the country, the Philippines remained a refuge for foreign terrorist fighters from Indonesia and Malaysia and a potential destination for those fleeing Syria and Iraq, according to the latest annual country report on terrorism of the US Department of State.

The Country Reports on Terrorism 2018 noted that Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) affiliates active in the Philippines in 2018 included parts of the Abu Sayyaf, Maute group, Ansar al-Khalifa Philippines (AKP) and elements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The report said groups affiliated with ISIS-Philippines attempted to recover from losses sustained in the 2017 Marawi siege, recruiting and training new members and staging attacks with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and small arms, and targeting security forces and civilians.

“Government counterterrorism operations thwarted these attempts to occupy territory in the Philippines. Overall, terrorist incidents declined compared with 2017,” the report said.

The report noted that “terrorist attacks against civilians and security forces continued, though at a slower pace than the previous year.”

ISIS claimed that a German-Moroccan terrorist carried out a July 31 suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack in Lamitan, Basilan. The government linked the attack, which killed 10 people, to the Abu Sayyaf. It blamed radical factions of the BIFF, AKP and remnants of the Maute for other terrorist attacks in Western Mindanao.

The government held the BIFF responsible for IED attacks on civilian targets in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Aug. 28 and Sept. 2 that collectively killed six people and wounded more than 40.

The Abu Sayyaf continued terrorist activities in the Sulu archipelago, though defections from the group increased and Philippine media observed that kidnap-for-ransom operations declined.

Since defeating groups affiliated with ISIS at the siege of Marawi in 2017, the Philippine government has closely tracked terrorist groups that continue to operate in some areas, particularly in southern Philippines.

In 2018, the report said the government further deepened close counterterrorism cooperation with the United States, enhancing military and law enforcement efforts to address the full spectrum of terrorist threats. The Philippine government acknowledged threats from terrorist groups affiliated with ISIS and welcomed assistance from the US and other international partners. In 2018, the Philippines joined the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front made progress toward political settlement of long-running insurgencies. In July, the Congress passed and President Duterte signed the Bangsamoro Organic Law (also called the Bangsamoro Basic Law), to implement the previous administration’s peace agreement with the MILF.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/11/04/1965740/philippines-remains-destination-foreign-terrorist-fighters

OPAPP denies organizing Zamboanga MNLF peace forum

From the Philippine Star (Nov 3, 2019): OPAPP denies organizing Zamboanga MNLF peace forum

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has not authorized anyone to conduct a forum on the peace process and federalism to be participated by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Zamboanga City on Oct. 30.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Carlito Galvez Jr. issued the clarification amid reports, quoting certain individuals who claimed they were representing the government, that the OPAPP initiated the forum.

“To set the record straight, the OPAPP has not authorized any personality or their organization to carry out such activity,” Galvez said.

He said the people behind the supposed peace forum are misrepresenting the government, MNLF and OIC.

The uncoordinated arrival of MNLF members in Zamboanga City prompted residents of resettlement sites in two villages, which were destroyed in the 2013 siege, to evacuate for fear of an MNLF attack.

Police and military forces conducted zoning in Barangays Rio Hondo and Sta. Catalina to check the presence of MNLF men.

Zamboanga City Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said she received a letter asking for a permit from the supposed coordinators of the forum.

“We support the call of Mayor Isabelle Climaco-Salazar for authorities to look into this matter and prevent further misrepresentation that can create misunderstanding, confusion and unnecessary public alarm,” Galvez said.

Misuari

He said the government would continue to engage MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari to complete the remaining commitments of the group under the 1996 peace agreement.

Galvez said his office recently organized joint peace coordinating committees to ensure continuous dialogue, coordination and collaboration with the MNLF to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

“We are advising some quarters, particularly those who are not privy in the dialogues, to refrain from issuing premature statements that will derail the current peace efforts of the Duterte administration,” he said.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/11/03/1965464/opapp-denies-organizing-zamboanga-mnlf-peace-forum

Reds ‘have lots of explaining to do’: Negros Island Army exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4, 2019): Reds ‘have lots of explaining to do’: Negros Island Army exec



STATE TROOPS. Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo (right), commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, talks to his men during the reaffirming of their oath to the AFP Code of Conduct last week. In a statement on Sunday (Nov. 3, 2019), Arevalo assailed the leaders of militant groups for continuing to "deceive and tell lies" about the raids in the offices of their colleagues in Bacolod City last week. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army) 

A top Philippine Army official in Negros Island assailed the leaders of militant groups for continuing to "deceive and tell lies" about the raids in the offices of their colleagues in this city last week.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said contrary to the groups' claims, it is former Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares and his successor Carlos Zarate that “have a lot of explaining to do” regarding the presence of minors in the searched locations.

“Why were these children taken away from their families for many months under the cloak of deception? In the guise of practicing for a cultural presentation when in fact, they were being indoctrinated and taught NPA (New People’s Army) skills,” Arevalo said in a statement Sunday night.

On the afternoon of Oct. 31, police and military operatives served four search warrants to persons in the compound of progressive groups Bayan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Gabriela and Anakpawis in Barangay Bata, office of National Federation of Sugar Workers in Barangay 33, and a couple-members’ residence in Barangay Taculing.

Troops recovered, mostly in the Barangay Bata location, 32 firearms, 130 rounds of ammunition, and five explosives as well as subversive documents.

In the same compound, a total of 55 persons, including 14 minors were arrested. Of those apprehended, 40 have alleged links with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

“The people are asking if they (Colmenares and Zarate) really know or not, that their organizations are supporting the CPP-NPA. I challenge them to answer that in public instead of blabbering their usual red-tagging alibi,” Arevalo said.

The Army official scored Colmenares, a Negrense lawyer, “for trying to make fools out of the people of Negros”, adding that people like him “are the ones encouraging the NPA to do atrocities and violence against the people and endangering even the members of their organizations”.

“Colmenares was so quick in pointing the blame to the government when in fact, these were machinations and deceptions of the CPP-NPA and their political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF),” he added.

The CPP-NPA 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/1084928

CPP-NPA losing mass base in Surigao Sur town

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4, 2019): CPP-NPA losing mass base in Surigao Sur town



LOSING GROUND. Lt. Col. Joey B. Baybayan, commanding officer of 3rd Special Forces Battalion, commends the courage of officials of the 13 villages in San Agustin town in Surigao del Sur for declaring the NPAs persona non grata. With the declaration, Baybayan said the NPA rebels are now losing their grounds in San Agustin and warned residents to be more vigilant as the rebels might resort to desperate moves. (Photo courtesy of CMO, 3SFBn, PA)

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), are now losing more mass base in San Agustin town, Surigao del Sur, a top Army official in the area said.

In a statement on Sunday, the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) said all of the 13 villages in San Agustin have recently declared the NPA rebels as “persona non grata” through a series of resolutions issued by barangay councils, the latest of which were approved in October this year.

Lt. Col. Joey B. Baybayan, 3SFBn commanding officer, said the declarations made by officials of the 13 barangays in San Agustin revealed their “courageous moves and concrete manifestations of their all-out support to the country’s whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict.”

The whole-of-nation approach is incorporated in Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with the aim of realizing lasting peace and genuine development in areas long been disturbed by conflicts brought about by the presence of the communist movement.

In the same statement, 3SFBn Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Officer, 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan said the resolutions of the villages cited the terror acts committed by the CPP-NPA in the area, to include the collection of revolutionary taxes, hostage-takings, harassments, and killings of innocent and defenseless civilians.

The 13 villages that recently declared the CPP-NPA persona non grata include Britania, Buatong, Buhisan, Gata, Hornasan, Janipaan, Kauswagan, Oteiza, Poblacion, Pong-on, Pongtod, Salvacion and Santo Niño.

Baybayan also commended the local government of San Agustin town headed by Mayor Libertad Alameda and the League of Barangays in the area for their courageous stand against the NPA rebels.

Baybayan also asked the people in the area to be “more vigilant because the remaining NPA rebels have no other means to gain support but to intimidate and terrorize the Indigenous People communities, local leaders, investors and residents from far-flung areas.”

He added that NPA rebels will also liquidate personnel and destroy government properties such as burning construction equipment to delay the government’s developmental projects and to show that they still exist in the area.

Meanwhile, elements of 7th Special Forces Company (7SFC) under the 3SFBn recovered in the hinterland of Purok Bombels, Awisan, Tandag City in Surigao del Sur one 5.56mm M4 Carbine Bushmaster rifle.

In a separate statement on Sunday, 1Lt. Punsalan said the recovery of the high-powered firearm was made possible through the information provided by alias Kakar, a squad leader of Platoon 1, of Guerrilla Front 30 (GF-30) of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the CPP-NPA.

GF-30 is already considered by the Army as a weakened guerrilla front of the NPA in Surigao del Sur.

Alias "Kakar", 34, previously surrendered to authorities after joining the NPA movement for more than three years.

Punsalan said "Kakar" got tired of roaming around the hinterlands and living a miserable life under the command of corrupt NPA commanders.

“I have no future in the NPA movement. All I want now is to go back to my family,” Alias Kakar was quoted in the statement as saying.

Punsalan said "Kakar" will be joining the other surrenderers for enrollment to the Enhanced Local Integration Program of the government.

“He will receive benefits for choosing the path to peace,” Punsalan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084919

BRP-Conrado Yap arrives in Zambo for ‘show of flag’ mission

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4, 2019): BRP-Conrado Yap arrives in Zambo for ‘show of flag’ mission



SHOW OF FLAG. BRP-Conrado Yap, the newest vessel of the Philippine Navy, arrives in Zamboanga City Monday (Nov. 4, 2019) on a show of the flag mission. It was named after Capt. Conrado Yap, the most decorated Filipino soldier during the Korean War in 1950. (PNA photo by Teofilo P. Garcia Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is set to deploy its newest and most advanced Philippine Navy vessel to secure the Sulu sea against terrorism.

The vessel, BRP-Conrado Yap, arrived here Monday in line with her “show of the flag mission” and will stay here until November 7.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said BRP-Conrado Yap will be deployed in the Sulu Sea after it completes its show of the flag mission in the entire country.

The show of the flag mission literally means to display the flag of one’s country, especially as an expression of patriotic pride.

Sobejana said the mission also aims to provide opportunity to the local chief executives and other stakeholders to view the newest vessel of the Philippine Navy.

“They are here to showcase to the public the newest vessel of the Philippine Navy,” he said.

Sobejana said the deployment of the vessel, also known as Patrol Ship-39, will serve as a big deterrent “for the lawless elements to commit atrocities in our region.”

“It (BRP-Conrado Yap) will enhance our security posture here in Sulu Sea in securing the maritime domain,” Sobejana said.

He added the BRP-Conrado Yap plays a multi-role as it will be used against anti-smuggling, anti-human trafficking aside from anti-terrorism.

The BRP-Conrado Yap, which is commanded by Capt. Marco Buena, is a Pohang-class corvette of the Philippine Navy.

The vessel, which was acquired from South Korea, is the Philippine Navy's first modern corvette and, as of August 2019, it is the most heavily-armed unit.

It was named after Capt. Conrado D. Yap, the most decorated Filipino soldier during the Korean War.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084965

Disaster Command Center now operating in quake-hit Mindanao areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 4, 2019): Disaster Command Center now operating in quake-hit Mindanao areas



QUAKE DAMAGE. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) gathers data using drones to determine the extent of damage to the communities by the recent series of earthquakes through its Central Command Center. Operations of the center will cover all earthquake-affected areas in Davao and Cotabato Regions to aid swift relief response and data gathering, (Photo courtesy of MinDA chairman, Secretary Emmanuel Piñol)

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) on Monday announced that its Central Command Center in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato is now in full operation.

Situated at JCX Convention Center, the database will coordinate relief operations and gather data on the extent of damage brought about by the earthquakes which happened on October 16, 29 and 31.

The Command Center will serve as a coordinating unit for relief assistance and rehabilitation efforts for the earthquake victims in the Davao and Cotabato areas.

“The Central Command Center will cover all earthquake-affected areas in Davao and Cotabato Regions to aid swift relief response and data gathering,” Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, MinDA chairperson, said.

With the use of drones and digital technology on the mountainside communities, MinDA would determine the extent of damages to communities, and areas which need to be abandoned due to landslides.

“Many of the communities in the City of Kidapawan, Magpet, Tulunan and Makilala in North Cotabato and Magsaysay, Bansalan and Matanao in Davao del Sur may have to be abandoned by the residents,” Piñol said.

MinDA will soon complete a database that will register all victims and assistance needed.

“The database will register all victims, the damage they suffer, locations and the damage in their communities, and the support they needed,” Piñol said.

Further, he said that the database will guide donors and the line agencies in crafting post-disaster interventions to assist victims return to their normal lives, he added.

“We will recommend rehabilitation plans of the affected communities using the data gathered,” said Piñol, adding that information will be given to the Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is the Martial Law Administrator and designated officer-in-charge of government operations to help the victims.

MinDA accepts donations of relief goods and assistance for the quake victims in all its offices in Zamboanga, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Koronadal, and Davao City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084994