From the Manila Standard (Nov 9, 2019): NPA leader, 7 men surrender in Palawan
A leader of the Communist New People’s Army, identified as Almar L. Toting Jr. aka Ka Allan surrendered to the personnel of 3rd Marine Brigade, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2019 at Sofronio Española in Palawan.
Ka Allan, 32, is the Commanding Officer of Bienvenido Valleber Command of SRMA GU-4E, and concurrent Field Operational Commander of KLG-South. He gave up together with seven of his comrades.
Ka Allan and his men decided to surrender due to the difficulties they have encountered in evading the unrelenting operations against the communist rebels conducted by the military and police forces under Palawan Provincial Task Force ELCAC. Negotiating team from the 3rd Marine Brigade also contacted Toting’s family, to ensure that his way out of the Communist-Terrorist Group is the best solution in embracing a peaceful and meaningful life, the military said.
He had been instrumental in the surrender of other NPA comrades. He helped the authorities in convincing his fellow Communist-NPA-Terrorists (CNTs) to surrender and lay down their arms, the military said.
Seven other members of NPA who voluntarily surrendered were the following: alias Ka Resmi (squad member); alias Ka Wilme (squad member); alias Ka Honey(medical officer); alias Ka Troy (liason) and alias Ka Justine (squad member), all under KLG-South, SRMA GU-4E. A certain aka Ka Randy, a People’s Intel Network based in El Nido and a Ganap na Samahang Masa leader identified as Janeth from Maasin Brooke’s Point also submit themselves to the authorities.
Allan and his men also gave up the following: two M16 rifles; two 9mm; one shotgun; magazines; and ammunition.
Team WESCOM under Vice Admiral Rene V. Medina expressed his appreciation to the men and women of Joint Task Force Peacock; 3rd Marine Brigade; Joint CMO Task Group West; and Joint Intelligence Task Group West who facilitated the surrender of the rebels.
Medina lauded the cooperation and commitment of Ka Allan and other surrenderees in embracing peace and quitting their armed struggle against the government.
http://www.manilastandard.net/news/national/309629/npa-leader-7-men-surrender-in-palawan.html
Saturday, November 9, 2019
New top cop pitches community engagement versus insurgency
From the Sun Star-Pampanga (Nov 9, 2019): New top cop pitches community engagement versus insurgency
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Newly-installed acting regional director of Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon pitched for intensified community engagement to win the fight against insurgency.
“Central Luzon remains a major flashpoint for communist insurgency and in the white area operation. In recent years, insurgency was limited only to fighting the armed component of the enemies. We will take advantage of the potentials of community engagement to prevent industries from being infiltrated by communist agitators and insulate the youth from falling prey to the New People’s Army recruitment,” Police Brigadier General Rhodel Sermonia said during Tuesday’s Assumption of Command Ceremony.
Under his command, PRO-Central Luzon will implement the Joint Industrial Peace and Concern Office (Jipco) in the different economic zones from Subic to Clark to Mariveles and in areas of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija where industries are prevalent and labor unions are many.
“With Jipco, we are there to promote the morale and welfare of the labor sector and of course, protect the interest of every investor doing business in our area of responsibility,” he said.
Sermonia will also implement the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo which is a program that will protect the youth sector particularly the students in the different universities and school campuses.
“We are now implementing this nationwide in partnership with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. The program trains student-leaders for them to influence their fellow youth away from illegal drugs and the evils of communism and terrorism,” Sermonia said.
“Region III is considered a tourist destination area because of the pristine beaches and historic places that can be visited by both local and foreign tourists. That is why I want a program that will protect these tourist destinations. We want to protect the environment and secure the tourists through KaligKasan or Kaligtasan at Kalikasan Program,” he furthered.
In addressing the issues and concerns of the Urban Poor that are usually being used by the communist terrorist group, Sermonia plans to reinvent the Pulis Natin Caravan to an Expanded Caravan involving the other agencies of the government like the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) as well as the private sector so that people will feel not only the frontline services of the police but also all the services coming from the government.
Lastly, Sermonia sought to implement in Central Luzon the Rektang Konek Aksyon Agad program of the national headquarters where people can directly relay their concerns to the police for immediate action.
It is live from Monday to Friday, at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. through radio, TV, and social media.
“Rektang Konek Aksyon Agad program seeks to protect not only our kababayans here but more so those abroad from being influenced by the front organizations of communist terrorists,” Sermonia furthered.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Makatao Class of 1989, Sermonia previously served as Deputy Director of the Directorate for Police Community Relations and Director of Police-Community Relations Group. He was also Provincial Director of Bataan from October 2014 to July 2016.
He replaced Police Brigadier General Joel Napoleon M. Coronel who is the new head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco F. Gamboa served as presiding officer of the Assumption of Command Ceremony.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1831244
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Newly-installed acting regional director of Police Regional Office (PRO)-Central Luzon pitched for intensified community engagement to win the fight against insurgency.
“Central Luzon remains a major flashpoint for communist insurgency and in the white area operation. In recent years, insurgency was limited only to fighting the armed component of the enemies. We will take advantage of the potentials of community engagement to prevent industries from being infiltrated by communist agitators and insulate the youth from falling prey to the New People’s Army recruitment,” Police Brigadier General Rhodel Sermonia said during Tuesday’s Assumption of Command Ceremony.
Under his command, PRO-Central Luzon will implement the Joint Industrial Peace and Concern Office (Jipco) in the different economic zones from Subic to Clark to Mariveles and in areas of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija where industries are prevalent and labor unions are many.
“With Jipco, we are there to promote the morale and welfare of the labor sector and of course, protect the interest of every investor doing business in our area of responsibility,” he said.
Sermonia will also implement the Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo which is a program that will protect the youth sector particularly the students in the different universities and school campuses.
“We are now implementing this nationwide in partnership with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. The program trains student-leaders for them to influence their fellow youth away from illegal drugs and the evils of communism and terrorism,” Sermonia said.
“Region III is considered a tourist destination area because of the pristine beaches and historic places that can be visited by both local and foreign tourists. That is why I want a program that will protect these tourist destinations. We want to protect the environment and secure the tourists through KaligKasan or Kaligtasan at Kalikasan Program,” he furthered.
In addressing the issues and concerns of the Urban Poor that are usually being used by the communist terrorist group, Sermonia plans to reinvent the Pulis Natin Caravan to an Expanded Caravan involving the other agencies of the government like the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) as well as the private sector so that people will feel not only the frontline services of the police but also all the services coming from the government.
Lastly, Sermonia sought to implement in Central Luzon the Rektang Konek Aksyon Agad program of the national headquarters where people can directly relay their concerns to the police for immediate action.
It is live from Monday to Friday, at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. through radio, TV, and social media.
“Rektang Konek Aksyon Agad program seeks to protect not only our kababayans here but more so those abroad from being influenced by the front organizations of communist terrorists,” Sermonia furthered.
A member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Makatao Class of 1989, Sermonia previously served as Deputy Director of the Directorate for Police Community Relations and Director of Police-Community Relations Group. He was also Provincial Director of Bataan from October 2014 to July 2016.
He replaced Police Brigadier General Joel Napoleon M. Coronel who is the new head of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Archie Francisco F. Gamboa served as presiding officer of the Assumption of Command Ceremony.
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1831244
Solcom: 5 soldiers slain by NPA is ‘fake news’
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 9, 2019): Solcom: 5 soldiers slain by NPA is ‘fake news’
The spokesperson of the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) admitted that an encounter between government forces and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels happened in General Nakar, Quezon on Friday but denied that five Army soldiers were killed.
Solcom spokesman Lt. Col. Dennis Cana tagged the NPA report as “fake news.”
“There was a just an exchange of gunfire after residents reported their presence. As usual, they escaped with bloodstains found on their route of withdrawal,” he said in a short statement to the Inquirer.
But Eliza “Ka Eli” De la Guerra, spokesperson of the NPA Apolonio Mendoza Command, insisted on the truth of their claim that five soldiers were killed by Red fighters in a clash in Barangay Lumutan on Friday noon.
The spokesperson of the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) admitted that an encounter between government forces and New People’s Army (NPA) rebels happened in General Nakar, Quezon on Friday but denied that five Army soldiers were killed.
Solcom spokesman Lt. Col. Dennis Cana tagged the NPA report as “fake news.”
“There was a just an exchange of gunfire after residents reported their presence. As usual, they escaped with bloodstains found on their route of withdrawal,” he said in a short statement to the Inquirer.
But Eliza “Ka Eli” De la Guerra, spokesperson of the NPA Apolonio Mendoza Command, insisted on the truth of their claim that five soldiers were killed by Red fighters in a clash in Barangay Lumutan on Friday noon.
De la Guerra said Saturday that General Nakar police chief Lt. Christopher Paloyo “is in a state of denial” on the result of the purported ambush.
In a phone interview, Paloyo refuted the supposed encounter.
“There was no encounter here or we were not aware of that supposed incident,” Paloyo told the Inquirer.
In a phone interview, Paloyo refuted the supposed encounter.
“There was no encounter here or we were not aware of that supposed incident,” Paloyo told the Inquirer.
Two swimming instructors under investigation over death of PMA cadet
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 9 2019): Two swimming instructors under investigation over death of PMA cadet
At least two swimming instructors of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) were being investigated by authorities, after a first-year cadet was found dead at the bottom of a 15-foot deep pool of the academy on Friday, a spokesperson of the academy confirmed Saturday.
Philippine Military Academy (PMA / MANILA BULLETIN)
The PMA requested that the names of the two swimming instructors not be revealed yet as their culpability has yet to be proven.
Tindog assured no cover-up will happen as the probe on Telan’s death pushes through, and all individuals who will be found liable for the cadet’s death will be punished by the academy.
Initial investigation disclosed that Telan participated in his swimming class from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday.
Accordingly, Telan was with three other cadets when they dived onto the pool but only three of them surfaced.
The class took their next subject and when they did a head count, found out that Telan was missing.
A search was immediately conducted by authorities until they found Telan’s body at the bottom of the pool.
Tindog said efforts were done to revive Telan and he was rushed to the Fort del Pilar Station Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending doctor.
The Baguio police said Telan may have drowned during the swimming class. Probers are still waiting for the results of the autopsy to solidify their initial findings.
The PMA said they are grieving the loss of another one of its cadets.
“PMA deeply grieves for this unfortunate loss of one of our sons. All necessary assistance will be extended to the bereaved family and loved ones of Cadet Fourth Class Telan,” it said.
Meanwhile, all swimming classes of cadets were temporarily suspended until such time that the incident is addressed.
Telan was the third PMA cadet to have died inside the academy in just two months.
Telan’s batchmate, Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, died on September 18 due to hazing.
Meanwhile, Second Class Cedrick Gadia died from esophageal cancer on October 28.
At least two swimming instructors of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) were being investigated by authorities, after a first-year cadet was found dead at the bottom of a 15-foot deep pool of the academy on Friday, a spokesperson of the academy confirmed Saturday.
Philippine Military Academy (PMA / MANILA BULLETIN)
Captain Cherryl Tindog, PMA spokesperson, said they were already coordinating with the Baguio City Police which leads the investigation on the death of Cadet Fourth Class Mario Telan Jr., of the Alpha Company of the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP).
“No foul play was found as per initial police investigation,” Tindog told the Manila Bulletin.
However, Tindog said part of the ongoing investigation is determining the possible liability of the on-duty swimming instructors.
“We are currently investigating the two swimming instructors for possible security lapses which led to Telan’s death,” Tindog noted.
“All needed actions and protocols are being undertaken to deal with any infraction and/or irregularity,” she added.
“No foul play was found as per initial police investigation,” Tindog told the Manila Bulletin.
However, Tindog said part of the ongoing investigation is determining the possible liability of the on-duty swimming instructors.
“We are currently investigating the two swimming instructors for possible security lapses which led to Telan’s death,” Tindog noted.
“All needed actions and protocols are being undertaken to deal with any infraction and/or irregularity,” she added.
The PMA requested that the names of the two swimming instructors not be revealed yet as their culpability has yet to be proven.
Tindog assured no cover-up will happen as the probe on Telan’s death pushes through, and all individuals who will be found liable for the cadet’s death will be punished by the academy.
Initial investigation disclosed that Telan participated in his swimming class from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday.
Accordingly, Telan was with three other cadets when they dived onto the pool but only three of them surfaced.
The class took their next subject and when they did a head count, found out that Telan was missing.
A search was immediately conducted by authorities until they found Telan’s body at the bottom of the pool.
Tindog said efforts were done to revive Telan and he was rushed to the Fort del Pilar Station Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending doctor.
The Baguio police said Telan may have drowned during the swimming class. Probers are still waiting for the results of the autopsy to solidify their initial findings.
The PMA said they are grieving the loss of another one of its cadets.
“PMA deeply grieves for this unfortunate loss of one of our sons. All necessary assistance will be extended to the bereaved family and loved ones of Cadet Fourth Class Telan,” it said.
Meanwhile, all swimming classes of cadets were temporarily suspended until such time that the incident is addressed.
Telan was the third PMA cadet to have died inside the academy in just two months.
Telan’s batchmate, Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio, died on September 18 due to hazing.
Meanwhile, Second Class Cedrick Gadia died from esophageal cancer on October 28.
AFP denies red-tagging church council, confusing members ready to condemn
From ABS-CBN (Nov 8, 2019): AFP denies red-tagging church council, confusing members ready to condemn
Ecumenical groups and supporters hold a press conference to condemn the inclusion of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) in the AFP-DND’s list of “front organizations of local communist terrorist groups (CTG).” @ABSCBNNews
MANILA - A bit of confusion and contradiction hit the headquarters of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) in Quezon City Friday, after the group prepared to denounce their alleged inclusion in the military's list of communist front organizations, only to witness their chairman denying it.
In his opening statement, retired Justice Raoul Victorino, the NCCP chair, revealed that just a few hours ahead of the press conference, he met with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence Maj. Gen. Reuben Basiao, who Victorino said categorically denied that the NCCP was a communist front.
Ecumenical groups and supporters hold a press conference to condemn the inclusion of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) in the AFP-DND’s list of “front organizations of local communist terrorist groups (CTG).” @ABSCBNNews
Retired Justice Raoul Victorino, NCCP Chairperson, says he spoke directly to AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence Major General Reuben Basiao to question the NCCP being tagged by security forces as a communist front @ABSCBNNews
Victorino said Basiao told him that some of NCCP’s projects may have “wittingly or unwittingly” been served to benefit the communist movement, but that the military did not consider the NCCP itself as a communist front organization.
This statement visibly confused members of the NCCP at the venue, the panelists, and other support organizations who came prepared with their statements of condemnation.
At the photo opportunity where each member held up placards of protest, Victorino refused to raise a placard that said “Stop the Attacks,” saying “there is no attack.” He folded his placard in half, to only show the lines “Pray and Act for Peace and Justice.”
After Victorino’s clarification, groups continue to read their statements vouching for NCCP, still calling on the AFP to withdraw their accusation, saying their only intent is to “accompany the Filipino people towards the Biblical vision of a life in all its fullness” @ABSCBNNews
During the photo op, Justice Victorino refused to raise a placard that said “Stop the attacks,” owing to the AFP’s denial of inclusion of the NCCP. “If there are no attacks, why should I say ‘Stop the Attacks?’”
He folded his placard to only show half of it @ABSCBNNews
When asked to clarify whether the NCCP itself was mistaken in thinking they were being accused or whether the military was withdrawing its accusation, some support groups told Victorino Basiao had lied to him.
Another NCCP member said this was a grave mistake and that in fact, armed men in civilian clothes had already entered the NCCP office on Thursday, searching for certain individuals.
During the photo op, Justice Victorino refused to raise a placard that said “Stop the attacks,” owing to the AFP’s denial of inclusion of the NCCP. “If there are no attacks, why should I say ‘Stop the Attacks?’”
Ecumenical groups and supporters hold a press conference to condemn the inclusion of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) in the AFP-DND’s list of “front organizations of local communist terrorist groups (CTG).” @ABSCBNNews
MANILA - A bit of confusion and contradiction hit the headquarters of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) in Quezon City Friday, after the group prepared to denounce their alleged inclusion in the military's list of communist front organizations, only to witness their chairman denying it.
In his opening statement, retired Justice Raoul Victorino, the NCCP chair, revealed that just a few hours ahead of the press conference, he met with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence Maj. Gen. Reuben Basiao, who Victorino said categorically denied that the NCCP was a communist front.
Ecumenical groups and supporters hold a press conference to condemn the inclusion of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) in the AFP-DND’s list of “front organizations of local communist terrorist groups (CTG).” @ABSCBNNews
Retired Justice Raoul Victorino, NCCP Chairperson, says he spoke directly to AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence Major General Reuben Basiao to question the NCCP being tagged by security forces as a communist front @ABSCBNNews
Victorino said Basiao told him that some of NCCP’s projects may have “wittingly or unwittingly” been served to benefit the communist movement, but that the military did not consider the NCCP itself as a communist front organization.
This statement visibly confused members of the NCCP at the venue, the panelists, and other support organizations who came prepared with their statements of condemnation.
At the photo opportunity where each member held up placards of protest, Victorino refused to raise a placard that said “Stop the Attacks,” saying “there is no attack.” He folded his placard in half, to only show the lines “Pray and Act for Peace and Justice.”
After Victorino’s clarification, groups continue to read their statements vouching for NCCP, still calling on the AFP to withdraw their accusation, saying their only intent is to “accompany the Filipino people towards the Biblical vision of a life in all its fullness” @ABSCBNNews
During the photo op, Justice Victorino refused to raise a placard that said “Stop the attacks,” owing to the AFP’s denial of inclusion of the NCCP. “If there are no attacks, why should I say ‘Stop the Attacks?’”
He folded his placard to only show half of it @ABSCBNNews
When asked to clarify whether the NCCP itself was mistaken in thinking they were being accused or whether the military was withdrawing its accusation, some support groups told Victorino Basiao had lied to him.
Another NCCP member said this was a grave mistake and that in fact, armed men in civilian clothes had already entered the NCCP office on Thursday, searching for certain individuals.
During the photo op, Justice Victorino refused to raise a placard that said “Stop the attacks,” owing to the AFP’s denial of inclusion of the NCCP. “If there are no attacks, why should I say ‘Stop the Attacks?’”
He folded his placard to only show half of it @ABSCBNNews
But Pastor Marie Sol Villalon of the NCCP strongly disagrees, saying just yesterday 4 armed men in civilian clothes entered the NCCP office probing. She asked for added protection for NCCP staff. Other members told Victorino he had been lied to by the AFP @ABSCBNNews
In a separate interview, Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said the NCCP was indeed on their list of front organizations, but that not the entire NCCP was complicit. He said there were certain subgroups and individual members who have infiltrated the NCCP with the intent to serve the communist party.
Just like the other organizations, Parlade said, the communist movement operates with duplicity within these open civic organizations.
Parlade said they are willing to sit down with the NCCP to show evidence they have gathered and again challenge any critic to a debate.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/08/19/afp-denies-red-tagging-church-council-confusing-members-ready-to-condemn
But Pastor Marie Sol Villalon of the NCCP strongly disagrees, saying just yesterday 4 armed men in civilian clothes entered the NCCP office probing. She asked for added protection for NCCP staff. Other members told Victorino he had been lied to by the AFP @ABSCBNNews
In a separate interview, Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said the NCCP was indeed on their list of front organizations, but that not the entire NCCP was complicit. He said there were certain subgroups and individual members who have infiltrated the NCCP with the intent to serve the communist party.
Just like the other organizations, Parlade said, the communist movement operates with duplicity within these open civic organizations.
Parlade said they are willing to sit down with the NCCP to show evidence they have gathered and again challenge any critic to a debate.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/08/19/afp-denies-red-tagging-church-council-confusing-members-ready-to-condemn
NPA claims 5 soldiers slain in Quezon ambush, police denies encounter
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 9, 2019): NPA claims 5 soldiers slain in Quezon ambush, police denies encounter
LUCENA CITY, Philippines – The spokesperson for the communist New People’s Army (NPA) units operating in the province of Quezon has claimed that five Army soldiers were killed on Friday in an alleged encounter with NPA fighters in General Nakar town.
According to Eliza “Ka Eli” De la Guerra, spokesperson of the NPA Apolonio Mendoza Command, communist guerillas ambushed against an estimated 50 Army soldiers and police officers in Barangay (village) Lumutan at around 12:40 p.m.
In a statement, De la Guerra said the clash lasted until 1:11 p.m. and allegedly left five soldiers killed and one seriously wounded. There were no NPA fighters killed or hurt in the encounter, De la Guerra.
However, the chief of police of General Nakar town, denied the NPA claim.
“There was no encounter here or we were not aware of that supposed incident,” Lt. Christopher Paloyo, General Nakar police chief, said in a phone interview Saturday morning.
The Inquirer sent copies of the NPA statement to Lt. Colonel Dennis Cana, spokesman of the military’s Southern Luzon Command and Lt. Kaye Ducusin, acting head of the public affairs office of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division. Both of them have yet to send their replies.
De La Guerra said the encounter meant to show the NPA’s opposition against the Kaliwa dam project.
On Thursday, De la Guerra declared that the NPA will stage relentless attacks to stop the construction of the P18.7-billion dam project in the Sierra Madre mountain range in northern Quezon and Rizal provinces.
De la Guerra added that Red fighters are ready to engage military and police forces who will be sent to the area to secure the dam’s construction.
LUCENA CITY, Philippines – The spokesperson for the communist New People’s Army (NPA) units operating in the province of Quezon has claimed that five Army soldiers were killed on Friday in an alleged encounter with NPA fighters in General Nakar town.
According to Eliza “Ka Eli” De la Guerra, spokesperson of the NPA Apolonio Mendoza Command, communist guerillas ambushed against an estimated 50 Army soldiers and police officers in Barangay (village) Lumutan at around 12:40 p.m.
In a statement, De la Guerra said the clash lasted until 1:11 p.m. and allegedly left five soldiers killed and one seriously wounded. There were no NPA fighters killed or hurt in the encounter, De la Guerra.
However, the chief of police of General Nakar town, denied the NPA claim.
“There was no encounter here or we were not aware of that supposed incident,” Lt. Christopher Paloyo, General Nakar police chief, said in a phone interview Saturday morning.
The Inquirer sent copies of the NPA statement to Lt. Colonel Dennis Cana, spokesman of the military’s Southern Luzon Command and Lt. Kaye Ducusin, acting head of the public affairs office of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division. Both of them have yet to send their replies.
De La Guerra said the encounter meant to show the NPA’s opposition against the Kaliwa dam project.
On Thursday, De la Guerra declared that the NPA will stage relentless attacks to stop the construction of the P18.7-billion dam project in the Sierra Madre mountain range in northern Quezon and Rizal provinces.
De la Guerra added that Red fighters are ready to engage military and police forces who will be sent to the area to secure the dam’s construction.
Rights defender still missing; military denies involvement
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2019): Rights defender still missing; military denies involvement
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 09 November) — Where is Honey Mae Suazo?
Karapatan Southern Mindanao has accused the military of having a hand in the disappearance of Suazo, its former secretary-general who was last seen in Panabo City on November 2, exactly a week ago. But Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) spokesperson Lt. Col. Ezra L. Balagtey challenged Karapatan to show proof and file a complaint in court.
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DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 09 November) — Where is Honey Mae Suazo?
Karapatan Southern Mindanao has accused the military of having a hand in the disappearance of Suazo, its former secretary-general who was last seen in Panabo City on November 2, exactly a week ago. But Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) spokesperson Lt. Col. Ezra L. Balagtey challenged Karapatan to show proof and file a complaint in court.
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Honey Mae Suazo, former Karapatan-SMR secretary-general. Missing since 2 November 2019. Photo from Karapatan-SMR FB
In a statement, Karapatan-Southern Mindanao spokesperson Jay Apiag said they believe the military is behind the “abduction” of Suazo, the group’s secretary general from 2011 to 2016, for her work as a human rights defender.
Apiag said Suazo’s disappearance has something to do with “intensifying crackdown against activists and legitimate people’s organizations.”
During her five-year stint at Karapatan, Suazo faced multiple threats and malicious accusations from the military and continued to be a target even if she had left the group, according to Apiag.
“If her past experiences of continuous harassment are indicative of anything, it is that Honey May is still facing reprisal for her work as a human rights defender,” Apiag said.
Apiag said Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade linked Suazo to the communist movement after she assisted the family of New People’s Army leader Zaldy Cañete to visit him in the hospital after sustaining injuries in a clash with the state forces.
Apiag said Suazo’s photograph and name was “viciously appended in the posters” that were displayed in the cities of Butuan and Surigao in April this year, “accusing her as a terrorist.”
He said Suazo was “performing a mandate of a human rights advocacy institution to assist wounded combatants who are accorded protection and right to visitation of families as mandated under the International Humanitarian Law of which the Philippine government is a signatory.”
“Regardless of what the military is trying to insinuate, assisting families of combatants, including hors de combat, is not illegal or condemnable. They can double check with the IHL (International Humanitarian Law) provisions or go to the database and briefers provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross if they need a refresher, ” he added.
According to Apiag, Suazo and her partner Anelo Pabuaya visited their relative’s grave on All Soul’s Day in Tagum City and thereafter visited their friend’s house in Barangay New Site Gredu in Panabo City. At around 3 p.m. on same day, Suazo went ahead of her partner and decided to return home to Davao City alone.
He said Suazo called her partner to pick her up at the Panabo City Hall after realizing she did not have enough money for the bus ride.
“After a while, Suazo called Pabuaya again, saying she was tailed by a white pick-up truck. She asked Pabuaya to immediately come and fetch her. Pabuaya advised her to go to the nearest police station. When Pabuaya went to the station, he did not find Suazo. He tried to contact her mobile phone numbers but all were out of reach,” he said.
https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/11/rights-defender-still-missing-military-denies-involvement/
In a statement, Karapatan-Southern Mindanao spokesperson Jay Apiag said they believe the military is behind the “abduction” of Suazo, the group’s secretary general from 2011 to 2016, for her work as a human rights defender.
Apiag said Suazo’s disappearance has something to do with “intensifying crackdown against activists and legitimate people’s organizations.”
During her five-year stint at Karapatan, Suazo faced multiple threats and malicious accusations from the military and continued to be a target even if she had left the group, according to Apiag.
“If her past experiences of continuous harassment are indicative of anything, it is that Honey May is still facing reprisal for her work as a human rights defender,” Apiag said.
Apiag said Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade linked Suazo to the communist movement after she assisted the family of New People’s Army leader Zaldy Cañete to visit him in the hospital after sustaining injuries in a clash with the state forces.
Apiag said Suazo’s photograph and name was “viciously appended in the posters” that were displayed in the cities of Butuan and Surigao in April this year, “accusing her as a terrorist.”
He said Suazo was “performing a mandate of a human rights advocacy institution to assist wounded combatants who are accorded protection and right to visitation of families as mandated under the International Humanitarian Law of which the Philippine government is a signatory.”
“Regardless of what the military is trying to insinuate, assisting families of combatants, including hors de combat, is not illegal or condemnable. They can double check with the IHL (International Humanitarian Law) provisions or go to the database and briefers provided by the International Committee of the Red Cross if they need a refresher, ” he added.
According to Apiag, Suazo and her partner Anelo Pabuaya visited their relative’s grave on All Soul’s Day in Tagum City and thereafter visited their friend’s house in Barangay New Site Gredu in Panabo City. At around 3 p.m. on same day, Suazo went ahead of her partner and decided to return home to Davao City alone.
He said Suazo called her partner to pick her up at the Panabo City Hall after realizing she did not have enough money for the bus ride.
“After a while, Suazo called Pabuaya again, saying she was tailed by a white pick-up truck. She asked Pabuaya to immediately come and fetch her. Pabuaya advised her to go to the nearest police station. When Pabuaya went to the station, he did not find Suazo. He tried to contact her mobile phone numbers but all were out of reach,” he said.
https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/11/rights-defender-still-missing-military-denies-involvement/
50 ex-rebels get Php2.7 M aid under E-CLIP
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2019): 50 ex-rebels get Php2.7 M aid under E-CLIP (By 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)
50 ex-rebels receive government assistance during an E-CLIP awarding ceremony inside Camp Osito Bahian in Impalambong, Malaybalay City, November 8. (8th IB)
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, Nov. 8 --Fifty former rebels (FRs) who surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army received assistance from the government amounting to Php2,754,800 under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.
The 50 were among the 79 FRs who received E-CLIP assistance on Friday, November 8, inside Camp Osito Bahian in Impalambong, Malaybalay City.
The awarding was graced by representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10, Bukidnon Provincial Police, and Philippine Army who formally welcomed the former rebels to renew their lives.
Couple Dival and Jenecel who brought their M16 Rifles and received assistance worth Php400,000 thanked the government for giving them a chance to live a normal life.
They said they are very fortunate for being among the E-CLIP recipients as the assistance will help them have a fresh start together with their two children.
E-CLIP is one of the flagship programs of the Duterte administration that seek to address social healing and national unity towards the higher objective of having a just and lasting peace.
It aims to facilitate the mainstreaming of former New People's Army (NPA) rebels and Militia ng Bayan as productive citizens in the respective localities.
Ms. Yvette Tolentino-Sunga, DILG-10 Assistant Regional Director called on the recipients to give importance to the cash assistance they have received.
“Please use your money wisely. That is not a payment for your surrender but assistance from the government to help you start a new life. The E-CLIP is not going to be forever,” she said.
Aside from the cash assistance, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also provided skills training to prepare them to start a life outside the armed communities.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion said the unit is still open to accept and help NPA members of the Sub-regional Committee 1 and 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command who want to surrender and avail of the ECLIP. (8th IB/PA)
50 ex-rebels receive government assistance during an E-CLIP awarding ceremony inside Camp Osito Bahian in Impalambong, Malaybalay City, November 8. (8th IB)
IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, Nov. 8 --Fifty former rebels (FRs) who surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army received assistance from the government amounting to Php2,754,800 under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.
The 50 were among the 79 FRs who received E-CLIP assistance on Friday, November 8, inside Camp Osito Bahian in Impalambong, Malaybalay City.
The awarding was graced by representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 10, Bukidnon Provincial Police, and Philippine Army who formally welcomed the former rebels to renew their lives.
Couple Dival and Jenecel who brought their M16 Rifles and received assistance worth Php400,000 thanked the government for giving them a chance to live a normal life.
They said they are very fortunate for being among the E-CLIP recipients as the assistance will help them have a fresh start together with their two children.
E-CLIP is one of the flagship programs of the Duterte administration that seek to address social healing and national unity towards the higher objective of having a just and lasting peace.
It aims to facilitate the mainstreaming of former New People's Army (NPA) rebels and Militia ng Bayan as productive citizens in the respective localities.
Ms. Yvette Tolentino-Sunga, DILG-10 Assistant Regional Director called on the recipients to give importance to the cash assistance they have received.
“Please use your money wisely. That is not a payment for your surrender but assistance from the government to help you start a new life. The E-CLIP is not going to be forever,” she said.
Aside from the cash assistance, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also provided skills training to prepare them to start a life outside the armed communities.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion said the unit is still open to accept and help NPA members of the Sub-regional Committee 1 and 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Command who want to surrender and avail of the ECLIP. (8th IB/PA)
Source: 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army
TF Balik Loob distributes Php4.5M cash aid to 79 ex-Reds in Bukidnon
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2019): TF Balik Loob distributes Php4.5M cash aid to 79 ex-Reds in Bukidnon (By 403rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Nov. 9 -- Seventy-nine former members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Bukidnon received more than Php4,5 million worth of government aid from Task Force (TF) Balik Loob Friday, November 8.
Under the President’s TF Balik-Loob program, former NPA rebels are entitled to receive immediate cash assistance, livelihood fund assistance, and firearms remuneration funds for firearms turned-in of which the amount will vary depending on the type of weapon.
Aside from the cash assistance, the former rebels (FRs) also went through a series of psychosocial interventions as part of the process of their mainstreaming and reintegration into communities.
"These FRs are victims of circumstances and exploitation by the local communist whose desire is to grab political power at the expense of our indigent brothers and sisters. The local communist leaders deprived our people of the opportunity to improve their lives. The exploited youths could have finished school, found jobs, and spent time with their families. They were taught by NPA cadres to lie and cheat, that they even lie when asked of their names. They were taught to defy their parents so it would be easy for them to defy and rebel against the government, said Brigadier General Edgardo De Leon, Commander of Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade in Northern Mindanao.
He said NPA recruiters promised to provide a Php5,000 monthly allowance, one sack of rice, and land title if they join, only to realize that they were just fooled.
"The government helps them regain the dignity of a human being. DepEd provides them continuing education through the Alternative Learning System. TESDA and DOLE also provide skills and livelihood training for them. Just a few months ago, the Department of Agriculture gave us a farm tractor for the use of former combatants in their training and production. We made for them a model farm planted with adlai, dragon fruit, and vegetables which they could replicate in their settlement," De Leon added.
TF Balik Loob, the government's overseer of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), reported that Northern Mindanao is among the top 4 regions in the country in terms of ECLIP beneficiaries. The others are Regions 11, 12 and 13.
ECLIP, however, is not going to be forever. According to DILG 10 Assistant Regional Director Yvette Sunga, the government intends to end the local communist armed conflict soon by proactive efforts of preventing further NPA recruitment. Zero recruitment means zero NPAs in the future.
Sunga further clarified that those who already availed of E-CLIP would not qualify to avail again. This means that those who are thinking of rejoining the NPA will have to suffer the consequences of either being killed in military operations or being jailed. "We have a stringent process of monitoring and verification system," Sunga added.
403rd Brigade Spokesman Cpt Ryan Layug said Balik Loob Assistance Centers are now being set up in the municipalities, cities, and provinces in region 10 as grassroots level extensions of the E-CLIP Committees which is chaired by the Governors and City Mayors and Co-chaired by Army's local Infantry Brigade.
A program of President Duterte, E-CLIP also provides housing benefits from the National Housing Authority, scholarship for beneficiaries or their dependents, and other additional benefits that local government units desire to add.
Full-Time NPA members and Milisyang Bayan members may approach any conduits such as barangay officials, priests, media workers or other community leaders. Then the conduits will accompany them to the army or the police for enrollment to the E-CLIP, subject to validation procedures. (403rd Infantry Division, PA)
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Nov. 9 -- Seventy-nine former members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Bukidnon received more than Php4,5 million worth of government aid from Task Force (TF) Balik Loob Friday, November 8.
Under the President’s TF Balik-Loob program, former NPA rebels are entitled to receive immediate cash assistance, livelihood fund assistance, and firearms remuneration funds for firearms turned-in of which the amount will vary depending on the type of weapon.
Aside from the cash assistance, the former rebels (FRs) also went through a series of psychosocial interventions as part of the process of their mainstreaming and reintegration into communities.
"These FRs are victims of circumstances and exploitation by the local communist whose desire is to grab political power at the expense of our indigent brothers and sisters. The local communist leaders deprived our people of the opportunity to improve their lives. The exploited youths could have finished school, found jobs, and spent time with their families. They were taught by NPA cadres to lie and cheat, that they even lie when asked of their names. They were taught to defy their parents so it would be easy for them to defy and rebel against the government, said Brigadier General Edgardo De Leon, Commander of Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade in Northern Mindanao.
He said NPA recruiters promised to provide a Php5,000 monthly allowance, one sack of rice, and land title if they join, only to realize that they were just fooled.
"The government helps them regain the dignity of a human being. DepEd provides them continuing education through the Alternative Learning System. TESDA and DOLE also provide skills and livelihood training for them. Just a few months ago, the Department of Agriculture gave us a farm tractor for the use of former combatants in their training and production. We made for them a model farm planted with adlai, dragon fruit, and vegetables which they could replicate in their settlement," De Leon added.
TF Balik Loob, the government's overseer of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), reported that Northern Mindanao is among the top 4 regions in the country in terms of ECLIP beneficiaries. The others are Regions 11, 12 and 13.
ECLIP, however, is not going to be forever. According to DILG 10 Assistant Regional Director Yvette Sunga, the government intends to end the local communist armed conflict soon by proactive efforts of preventing further NPA recruitment. Zero recruitment means zero NPAs in the future.
Sunga further clarified that those who already availed of E-CLIP would not qualify to avail again. This means that those who are thinking of rejoining the NPA will have to suffer the consequences of either being killed in military operations or being jailed. "We have a stringent process of monitoring and verification system," Sunga added.
403rd Brigade Spokesman Cpt Ryan Layug said Balik Loob Assistance Centers are now being set up in the municipalities, cities, and provinces in region 10 as grassroots level extensions of the E-CLIP Committees which is chaired by the Governors and City Mayors and Co-chaired by Army's local Infantry Brigade.
A program of President Duterte, E-CLIP also provides housing benefits from the National Housing Authority, scholarship for beneficiaries or their dependents, and other additional benefits that local government units desire to add.
Full-Time NPA members and Milisyang Bayan members may approach any conduits such as barangay officials, priests, media workers or other community leaders. Then the conduits will accompany them to the army or the police for enrollment to the E-CLIP, subject to validation procedures. (403rd Infantry Division, PA)
403rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army
NPA still recruits minors as combatants in NorthMin, Caraga
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 9, 2019): NPA still recruits minors as combatants in NorthMin, Caraga (By 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army)
A 19-year old NPA combatant known as "Kent" reveals that he was recruited by the CNTs when he was still 17 years old. Kent was wounded and rescued by 29th Infantry Battalion troopers in an encounter at the hinterlands of Brgy. San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte on November 2, 2019.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 9 --The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division of the Philippine Army condemns the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNTs) leadership for blatant violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for recruiting minors as combatants and Militia ng Bayan members in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.
A 19-year old NPA combatant known as "Kent" revealed that he was recruited by the CNTs when he was still 17 years old. Kent was wounded and rescued by 29th Infantry Battalion troopers in an encounter at the hinterlands of Brgy. San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte on November 2, 2019.
Alias Bradex, 23-year old, confirms that the recruitment of minors by the CNTs is rampant. According to him, he was only 12 years old when the NPA used him as a courier. He became a full-time NPA combatant at the age of 16.
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 9 --The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division of the Philippine Army condemns the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNTs) leadership for blatant violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) for recruiting minors as combatants and Militia ng Bayan members in Northern Mindanao and Caraga.
A 19-year old NPA combatant known as "Kent" revealed that he was recruited by the CNTs when he was still 17 years old. Kent was wounded and rescued by 29th Infantry Battalion troopers in an encounter at the hinterlands of Brgy. San Isidro, Santiago, Agusan del Norte on November 2, 2019.
Alias Bradex, 23-year old, confirms that the recruitment of minors by the CNTs is rampant. According to him, he was only 12 years old when the NPA used him as a courier. He became a full-time NPA combatant at the age of 16.
Another former rebel confirmed that the recruitment of minors by the CNTs is rampant and he can attest to it. "I am only 12 years old when the NPA used me as a courier and I became a full-time NPA combatant at the age of 16,” said the 23-year old alias Bradex.
The revelation of the two former rebels was further confirmed by alias Karla, a 17-year old squad medic of NPA who surrendered last March 23, 2019 in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. “I was recruited and forced to join the NPA at the age of 14 which made my life miserable," she said.
4th ID Commander MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal said, “The presence of NPA child warriors is very alarming and everybody must take urgent action to stop the recruitment of our school children. It is a clear violation of Rule 136 of the IHL which prohibits the recruitment of minors by any armed groups involved in hostilities. I urge everyone, especially the parents to take care of your children and together let us protect their future, our future generation."
“We can prevent this recruitment of minors and totally end the local communist armed conflict through our convergence of efforts. Let us give our full support to EO 70 r the Whole-of-Nation Approach to end insurgency problem in regions 10 and Caraga," Gacal added. (4ID/PA)
Source: 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
The revelation of the two former rebels was further confirmed by alias Karla, a 17-year old squad medic of NPA who surrendered last March 23, 2019 in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. “I was recruited and forced to join the NPA at the age of 14 which made my life miserable," she said.
4th ID Commander MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal said, “The presence of NPA child warriors is very alarming and everybody must take urgent action to stop the recruitment of our school children. It is a clear violation of Rule 136 of the IHL which prohibits the recruitment of minors by any armed groups involved in hostilities. I urge everyone, especially the parents to take care of your children and together let us protect their future, our future generation."
“We can prevent this recruitment of minors and totally end the local communist armed conflict through our convergence of efforts. Let us give our full support to EO 70 r the Whole-of-Nation Approach to end insurgency problem in regions 10 and Caraga," Gacal added. (4ID/PA)
Source: 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army
79 rebel returnees get P4.5-M cash grant in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2019): 79 rebel returnees get P4.5-M cash grant in Bukidnon
CASH INCENTIVES. Officers of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade assist officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in distributing cash grants to 79 former communist rebels in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on Friday (Nov. 8, 2019). The former rebels will also receive livelihood training and educational assistance from the government. (Photo courtesy of 403Bde)
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon -- A total of 79 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received some PHP4.5 million in cash incentives here Friday.
The cash grants were part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), which provides former rebels with immediate cash assistance, livelihood assistance, and firearms remuneration.
Aside from the cash assistance, the 79 former rebels went through a series of psychosocial interventions as part of the process for their mainstreaming and reintegration to the community, said Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade (403Bde)
"These FRs (former rebels) are victims of circumstances and exploitation by the local communist whose desire is to grab political power at the expense of our indigent brothers and sisters. The local communist leaders deprived our people of the opportunity to improve their lives," de Leon said in a press release issued on Friday.
He said the "exploited youths” could have finished school, found jobs, and spent time with their families.
“They were taught by NPA cadres to lie and cheat, that they even lie when asked of their names. They were taught to defy their parents so it would be easy for them to defy and rebel against the government," de Leon added.
He noted that the former rebels were promised an allowance of PHP5,000 per month, a sack of rice, and parcels of land by the rebels.
The surrenderers, he said, "realized that they were just fooled."
De Leon said the former rebels would be provided with basic education and technical and vocational training by the Department of Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Department of Labor and Employment.
Northern Mindanao ranked fourth in the country with the highest number of ECLIP beneficiaries, he said.
Assistant regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Yvette Sunga, however, warned the former rebels that they would not be entitled to ECLIP benefits again should they rejoin the communist rebel movement.
"Those who are thinking of rejoining the NPA will have to suffer the consequences of either being killed in military operations or being jailed," Sunga said. "We have a stringent process of monitoring and verification system."
Capt. Ryan Layug, 403Bde spokesman, said ECLIP also includes benefits from the National Housing Authority, scholarship for t he beneficiaries or their dependents, and other additional benefits from the local government units.
He said NPA regulars and militiamen may approach local conduits who will accompany them to the Army or the police for enrollment to ECLIP, subject to validation procedures.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085506
CASH INCENTIVES. Officers of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade assist officials of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in distributing cash grants to 79 former communist rebels in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on Friday (Nov. 8, 2019). The former rebels will also receive livelihood training and educational assistance from the government. (Photo courtesy of 403Bde)
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon -- A total of 79 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) received some PHP4.5 million in cash incentives here Friday.
The cash grants were part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), which provides former rebels with immediate cash assistance, livelihood assistance, and firearms remuneration.
Aside from the cash assistance, the 79 former rebels went through a series of psychosocial interventions as part of the process for their mainstreaming and reintegration to the community, said Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade (403Bde)
"These FRs (former rebels) are victims of circumstances and exploitation by the local communist whose desire is to grab political power at the expense of our indigent brothers and sisters. The local communist leaders deprived our people of the opportunity to improve their lives," de Leon said in a press release issued on Friday.
He said the "exploited youths” could have finished school, found jobs, and spent time with their families.
“They were taught by NPA cadres to lie and cheat, that they even lie when asked of their names. They were taught to defy their parents so it would be easy for them to defy and rebel against the government," de Leon added.
He noted that the former rebels were promised an allowance of PHP5,000 per month, a sack of rice, and parcels of land by the rebels.
The surrenderers, he said, "realized that they were just fooled."
De Leon said the former rebels would be provided with basic education and technical and vocational training by the Department of Education, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Department of Labor and Employment.
Northern Mindanao ranked fourth in the country with the highest number of ECLIP beneficiaries, he said.
Assistant regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Yvette Sunga, however, warned the former rebels that they would not be entitled to ECLIP benefits again should they rejoin the communist rebel movement.
"Those who are thinking of rejoining the NPA will have to suffer the consequences of either being killed in military operations or being jailed," Sunga said. "We have a stringent process of monitoring and verification system."
Capt. Ryan Layug, 403Bde spokesman, said ECLIP also includes benefits from the National Housing Authority, scholarship for t he beneficiaries or their dependents, and other additional benefits from the local government units.
He said NPA regulars and militiamen may approach local conduits who will accompany them to the Army or the police for enrollment to ECLIP, subject to validation procedures.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085506
2 arrested militants in Escalante City charged in court
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2019): 2 arrested militants in Escalante City charged in court
GUNS AND BULLETS. Some of the firearms and ammunition recovered by the police and military in one of the search operations in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Nov. 1, 2019. Two suspected rebels were indicted by the Office of the Prosecutor in the northern Negros city on November 4, 2019, on charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)
BACOLOD CITY -- The two suspected rebels arrested in Escalante City, Negros Occidental last November 1 have been indicted by the Office of the Prosecutor in the northern Negros city on charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
The cases against Imelda Sultan and Ma. Lindy Perocho were recommended by Associate Prosecution Attorney II Ericson Cepida, with the approval of City Prosecutor Ranela de la Fuente. They will be filed before the Regional Trial Court in San Carlos City.
In the joint inquest resolution dated November 4, Sultan was indicted for violation of Article 5, Section 28, paragraph b (1) of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law.
Sultan was also charged for violation of Section 1 of RA 9516 or the Illegal Possession of Explosives. Both are non-bailable offenses.
Perocho was found with probable cause for violation of Article 5, Section 28, in relation to paragraph e (1) of RA 10591, with a recommended bail of PHP120,000. She was also indicted for violation of RA 9516, without recommended bail.
Capt. Cenon Pancito III, public affairs chief of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, furnished reporters copies of the resolution on Friday afternoon.
Sultan and Perocho, now in the custody of the Escalante City Police Station, were the subjects of separate search warrants issued on October 30, by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of the Regional Trial Court Branch 89 in Quezon City.
Sultan, arrested in Barangay Balintawak, allegedly yielded three caliber .45 pistols with 17 bullets, seven grenade launcher ammunition, two improvised explosives, three mobile phones, and subversive documents.
Perocho, apprehended in Barangay Jonob-jonob, was alleged to have in her possession a caliber .38, a caliber .45, and three grenade launcher ammunition.
Both were identified by the military as deputy secretaries for finance and former political instructors of the New People’s Army in northern Negros.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085532
GUNS AND BULLETS. Some of the firearms and ammunition recovered by the police and military in one of the search operations in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on Nov. 1, 2019. Two suspected rebels were indicted by the Office of the Prosecutor in the northern Negros city on November 4, 2019, on charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives. (Photo courtesy of 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army)
BACOLOD CITY -- The two suspected rebels arrested in Escalante City, Negros Occidental last November 1 have been indicted by the Office of the Prosecutor in the northern Negros city on charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.
The cases against Imelda Sultan and Ma. Lindy Perocho were recommended by Associate Prosecution Attorney II Ericson Cepida, with the approval of City Prosecutor Ranela de la Fuente. They will be filed before the Regional Trial Court in San Carlos City.
In the joint inquest resolution dated November 4, Sultan was indicted for violation of Article 5, Section 28, paragraph b (1) of Republic Act (RA) 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law.
Sultan was also charged for violation of Section 1 of RA 9516 or the Illegal Possession of Explosives. Both are non-bailable offenses.
Perocho was found with probable cause for violation of Article 5, Section 28, in relation to paragraph e (1) of RA 10591, with a recommended bail of PHP120,000. She was also indicted for violation of RA 9516, without recommended bail.
Capt. Cenon Pancito III, public affairs chief of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, furnished reporters copies of the resolution on Friday afternoon.
Sultan and Perocho, now in the custody of the Escalante City Police Station, were the subjects of separate search warrants issued on October 30, by Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert of the Regional Trial Court Branch 89 in Quezon City.
Sultan, arrested in Barangay Balintawak, allegedly yielded three caliber .45 pistols with 17 bullets, seven grenade launcher ammunition, two improvised explosives, three mobile phones, and subversive documents.
Perocho, apprehended in Barangay Jonob-jonob, was alleged to have in her possession a caliber .38, a caliber .45, and three grenade launcher ammunition.
Both were identified by the military as deputy secretaries for finance and former political instructors of the New People’s Army in northern Negros.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085532
50 ex-rebels in Bukidnon get P2.7-M cash aid
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2019): 50 ex-rebels in Bukidnon get P2.7-M cash aid
Google map of Malaybalay City.
IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon -- At least 50 former rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) who have surrendered to military authorities, received cash assistance of more than PHP2.7 million on Friday.
The cash assistance was part of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) intended to help former rebels start a new life with their families.
Given at the headquarters of the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) in Malaybalay City, the awarding of the cash assistance was attended by representatives of the regional offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as local police and military authorities.
Two of the beneficiaries, couple Dival and Jenecel, brought their M16 rifles when they yielded. The couple received cash assistance of PHP400,000, which they said would help them start a new life with their two children.
DILG 10 (Northern Mindanao) Assistant Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga called on the recipients to use the cash assistance properly.
“Please use your money wisely. That is not a payment for your surrender but assistance from the government to help you start a new life. The ECLIP is not going to be forever,” Sunga said.
She said the former rebels would also receive livelihood training and educational assistance from the government.
Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, 8IB commander, said the unit remains eager to accept NPA rebels who want to surrender and avail of the benefits under ECLIP.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085529
Google map of Malaybalay City.
IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon -- At least 50 former rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) who have surrendered to military authorities, received cash assistance of more than PHP2.7 million on Friday.
The cash assistance was part of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) intended to help former rebels start a new life with their families.
Given at the headquarters of the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) in Malaybalay City, the awarding of the cash assistance was attended by representatives of the regional offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development, as well as local police and military authorities.
Two of the beneficiaries, couple Dival and Jenecel, brought their M16 rifles when they yielded. The couple received cash assistance of PHP400,000, which they said would help them start a new life with their two children.
DILG 10 (Northern Mindanao) Assistant Director Yvette Tolentino-Sunga called on the recipients to use the cash assistance properly.
“Please use your money wisely. That is not a payment for your surrender but assistance from the government to help you start a new life. The ECLIP is not going to be forever,” Sunga said.
She said the former rebels would also receive livelihood training and educational assistance from the government.
Lt. Col. Ronald Illana, 8IB commander, said the unit remains eager to accept NPA rebels who want to surrender and avail of the benefits under ECLIP.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085529
NPA rebel surrenders in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2019): NPA rebel surrenders in Bukidnon
NPA SURRENDERER. Former New People's Army combatant Ryan Acuman, 22, yields with his firearm to the Army's 1st Special Forces Battalion on Friday in Barangay Ticalaan, Talakag town, Bukidnon province. Acuman says he no longer wants to associate himself with the communist rebels' atrocities in the province. (Contributed photo)
MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon – A 22-year-old member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Army's Special Forces (SF) in Talakag town, Bukidnon on Friday.
The surrenderer, Ryan Acuman, yielded to the 1st SF Battalion at around 3 p.m. in Barangay Ticalaan, Talakag.
Acuman claimed that he was a supply officer for a rebel unit belonging to the Sub-Regional Committee 5, Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA, the military said in a statement on Saturday.
He also surrendered a firearm and ammunition.
Interviewed by the military, Acuman said he surrendered because he no longer wanted to be associated with the atrocities of the NPA in Bukidnon.
"As a youth, it's hard to have no future. I returned to the government to continue my parents' dreams for me," the former NPA member was quoted as saying in the dialect.
Lt. Col. Sergio Macarandan Jr., 1st SF Battalion commander, said Acuman's surrender was a "positive response to our call through social media and other means to stop their more than five decades of futile struggle."
"We urge him to live a peaceful and better life with his family, free from fear and abuse and become God-fearing Filipino citizen. We want him to take part in promoting genuine peace and advancing sustainable development in his community through our capacity and development services in the region," Macarandan said in a statement.
Macarandan said the Army will help the surrenderer to get government assistance such as free housing, remuneration for a surrendered firearm, immediate cash assistance, and livelihood opportunities.
Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade, hopes Acuman's surrender would "encourage other members of the CPP [Communist Party of the Philippines]-NPA terrorists to finally lay down their arms and live a normal life with their loved ones."
The CPP, together with its armed wing NPA, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
“We will uphold our mandate of protecting our people and our sovereignty by continuing with our community support programs and focused-military operations in pursuing long-lasting peace and development here in Northern Mindanao," de Leon added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085545
MANOLO FORTICH, Bukidnon – A 22-year-old member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the Army's Special Forces (SF) in Talakag town, Bukidnon on Friday.
The surrenderer, Ryan Acuman, yielded to the 1st SF Battalion at around 3 p.m. in Barangay Ticalaan, Talakag.
Acuman claimed that he was a supply officer for a rebel unit belonging to the Sub-Regional Committee 5, Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA, the military said in a statement on Saturday.
He also surrendered a firearm and ammunition.
Interviewed by the military, Acuman said he surrendered because he no longer wanted to be associated with the atrocities of the NPA in Bukidnon.
"As a youth, it's hard to have no future. I returned to the government to continue my parents' dreams for me," the former NPA member was quoted as saying in the dialect.
Lt. Col. Sergio Macarandan Jr., 1st SF Battalion commander, said Acuman's surrender was a "positive response to our call through social media and other means to stop their more than five decades of futile struggle."
"We urge him to live a peaceful and better life with his family, free from fear and abuse and become God-fearing Filipino citizen. We want him to take part in promoting genuine peace and advancing sustainable development in his community through our capacity and development services in the region," Macarandan said in a statement.
Macarandan said the Army will help the surrenderer to get government assistance such as free housing, remuneration for a surrendered firearm, immediate cash assistance, and livelihood opportunities.
Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade, hopes Acuman's surrender would "encourage other members of the CPP [Communist Party of the Philippines]-NPA terrorists to finally lay down their arms and live a normal life with their loved ones."
The CPP, together with its armed wing NPA, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
“We will uphold our mandate of protecting our people and our sovereignty by continuing with our community support programs and focused-military operations in pursuing long-lasting peace and development here in Northern Mindanao," de Leon added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085545
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