Moro group condemns plan to build military camp in Marawi

Posted to the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Dec 17, 2019): Moro group condemns plan to build military camp in Marawi (By Jigger J. Jerusalem)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – A Moro group has sounded alarm on the planned establishment of a military installation in Marawi City.

This after Pres. Rodrigo Duterte announced that Martial Law in Mindanao will no longer be extended beyond the Dec. 31, 2019 deadline.

“After reducing Marawi into ashes, Duterte commits yet another historical injustice against the Moro people by establishing a military garrison around a civilian population it has sweepingly treated and unjustly punished as ‘terrorists,’” said the Moro human rights group Suara Bangsamoro, in a statement released Tuesday (Dec. 17).

It said the proposed military camp in Marawi “is a far cry from promoting healing and recovery of the Maranaos who suffered the tragic loss of their land, homes, and culture.”

“The [Duterte] regime has been deliberately slow in rebuilding the city for the safe return of thousands of displaced families to the land of their ancestors after its excessive military operation and bombings flattened once thriving city to rubbles,” Amirah Lidasan, Suara Bangsamoro spokesperson, said.

She said an army camp will only “further breed distrust from the Bangsamoro towards a tyrannical government that killed thousands of civilians, bastardized our culture and religion and banished our brothers and sisters from their homeland.”

Lidasan said they stand with the people of Marawi and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) against the proposed military base.

“We commend the officials of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority of the BARMM, the Lanao del Sur provincial government, and the Marawi city government for passing a resolution opposing the construction of the camp,” she said.

She added the unpopularity of the proposal is attested to by more than 100,000 individuals who signed a petition opposing its construction in Marawi.

“The people of Marawi have spoken – they do not want a military camp in their hallowed land,” Lidasan said.

This strong public outrage over the proposed military camp, she said, is a continuation of the people’s condemnation of Martial Law that has brought further suffering and insecurity to the Bangsamoro.

“The three years of Martial Law in Mindanao have resulted to several unsolved cases of killings, illegal arrests, indiscriminate airstrikes, forced disappearances and various human rights violations perpetrated by the Manila government,” Lidasan said.

With the rush to build the military establishment, she said, “Duterte chose military occupation of our communities over securing evacuees back to their homes.”

“Instead of recognizing our rights to our territories, he encourages the sellout of our lands to big mines and plantations,” Lidasan added.

She further said that Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana’s recommendation not to extend martial rule in Mindanao does not hold any bearing as its reign in the region has paved way to the entrenchment of military structures in civilian communities.

In a recent press conference here, Eduardo del Rosario, chairman of the Task Force Bangon Marawi, said the proposed camp will only be a supplement of the existing Army base.(davaotoday.com)

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/moro-group-condemns-plan-to-build-military-camp-in-marawi/

CA confirms ad interim appointments of 14 senior AFP officers

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 17, 2019): CA confirms ad interim appointments of 14 senior AFP officers (By Christia Marie Ramos)



PROMOTED: Senate President Vicente Sotto III and other members of the Commission on Appointments (CA) pose with 14 military officers after the confirmation of their promotions Tuesday, December 17, 2019. (PRIB Photo by Joseph Vidal/17 December 2019)

The Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday swiftly approved the ad interim appointments of 14 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Before the plenary session, the body’s Committee on National Defense deliberated on and recommended the approval of the ad interim appointments of the senior officials.

Below is the list of confirmed ad interim appointments:

1. Amy Adona to the rank of Colonel, Medical Corps (Reserve)
2. Edgardo de Leon to the rank of Brigadier General
3. Norman Biola to the rank of Captain, Philippine Navy (Reserve)
4. Victor Mendoza to the rank Colonel, Philippine Army (Reserve)
5. Erickson Gloria to the rank of Lieutenant General
6. Nestor Abando to the rank of Brigadier General
7. Venus Bajarin to the rank of Brigadier General
8. Jeffrey Hechanova to the rank of Brigadier General
9. Aristotle Gonzalez to the rank of Brigadier General
10. Rey dela Cruz to the rank of Rear Admiral
11. Ernesto Baldovino to the rank of Commodore
12. Florante Amano to the rank of Major General
13. Facundo Palafox IV to the rank of Brigadier General
14. Antonio Lastimado to the rank of Brigadier General

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1202470/ca-confirms-ad-interim-appointments-of-14-senior-afp-officers

CA confirms 14 senior officers of Armed Forces

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 17, 2019): CA confirms 14 senior officers of Armed Forces (By Mario Casayuran)

The bicameral Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed Tuesday the appointments of 14 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) led by Erickson R. Gloria as Lieutenant General.



Armed Forces of the Philippines (MANILA BULLETIN)

The confirmation was made during the CA’s plenary session presided by Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III, concurrent CA Chairman.

The confirmation of the 14 senior AFP officers was recommended by Benjamin C. Agarao Jr., acting CA national defense committee chairman, after a public hearing.

Also confirmed were Florante M. Amano as Major General and Rey dela Cruz as Rear Admiral.
Seven Brigadier Generals, one commodore, two colonels and one Navy captain were also confirmed.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/12/17/ca-confirms-14-senior-officers-of-armed-forces/

DILG holds Joma Sison ‘personally responsible’ for NPA attack in Eastern Samar

From UNTV News & Rescue (Dec 17, 2019): DILG holds Joma Sison ‘personally responsible’ for NPA attack in Eastern Samar (By Robie de Guzman)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison is personally responsible for the bloody attack and massacre in Borongan City, Eastern Samar last week.

Three people, including a police officer, were killed when an improvised explosive device went off in Barangay Libuton. The incident also left 24 others injured, including a one-year old baby.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año believes the incident was perpetrated by the New People’s Army, the armed wing of the CPP, after Sison praised the carnage which supposedly proved the strength of the communist movement in the country.

Año added Sison should be held directly responsible for the incident as he exercises direct and absolute leadership over the NPA through the party branch inside every platoon.

The DILG chief cited the CPP founder’s statement from his base in Utrecht, the Netherlands, where he said that the Samar attack on civilians was their answer to the repeated claim of the Army and the police that they have finished off the NPA.

“The praise coming from the Netherlands simply shows that this was a premeditated attack on both the PNP and the civilians of Samar meant to deliver a message that the NPA is willing and able to terrorize the people no matter the cost,” Año said.

“This is another brazen act of terror against the people. Unfortunately for Joma, the death and wounding of so many civilians only proves to the people what they really are – a ragtag band of terrorist whose thirst for blood knows no equal,” he added.

The DILG chief also noted that Joma even predicted that with the attack in Borongan, the membership of the NPA in the country would continue to rise with the alleged oppression, violence, and corruption of the Duterte administration.

He also claimed that Sison said that the “successful offensive in Eastern Samar would inspire the NPA to stage more bloody offensives against state security forces.”

“We hold all of them responsible for this treachery against the people – Joma and his CPP for ordering this attack, its armed wing the NPA for carrying out this attack, and its political arm, the National Democratic Front for the intelligence, political, and logistical support that enabled the NPA to carry out this treacherous attack against the very people that they said they are fighting for,” Año said.

He called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) “to be true to its word” and conduct a fair, thorough and independent investigation on the incident as previously promised by its spokesperson.

The CHR earlier condemned the attack as a direct violation of humanitarian law, and said it would probe the incident.

“We are hopeful that they will be true to their word and find the Communist Terrorists guilty of crimes against humanity,” Año said.

The DILG chief, meanwhile, hailed the police officer killed in the explosion, Patrolman Mark Jerome Rama.

“The DILG honors Patrolman Rama as a hero and will render full honors to him. We also promise immediate assistance to his bereaved family as befitting his act of ultimate sacrifice in the service of the people,” he said.

https://www.untvweb.com/news/dilg-holds-joma-sison-personally-responsible-for-npa-attack-in-eastern-samar/

MILF: MBHTE Minister Iqbal: “We are here for a very lofty mission in life how to render public service to our people”

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Dec 16, 2019): MBHTE Minister Iqbal: “We are here for a very lofty mission in life how to render public service to our people”
(By Muhammad Musa, Luwaran)

In photo- MBHTE Minister Mohagaher Iqbal delivering his message during the ministry’s team building in Davao City-December 13-15, 2019

DAVAO CITY – In a recently concluded 3-day Team Building of employees of Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE) at the Davao Waterfront Insular Hotel from December 13-15, MBHTE Minster Mohagher Iqbal reminded the participants on specific mission why he and his employees are working in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)

“We are here not just for employment, we are here for a very lofty mission in life how to render public service to our people, and for all of those who believe in God, whether Muslims and Christians,” Iqbal stressed.

Team building, he said is the result of teamwork of the organization. “Iisa lang ang layunin natin ang tagumpay ng Bangsamoro dito sa Mindanao at yan ay national interest din ng Pilipinas,” he said in Filipino.

Iqbal explained that the Bangsamoro people and the government has one common objective and interest that is how the Bangsamoro become successful here in Mindanao. 

In Photo-One of the games contested by various teams

He said that to strengthen the BARMM, and to attain genuine peace, development and justice is in the interest of the Bangsamoro, and as well as in the interest of the Republic of the Philippines.

However, he emphasized that although the Bangsamoro people was given the right to govern themselves, it is not separate to the Philippine Republic.

“While na binigyan tayo ng autonomy at nakuha narin natin ang unang agreement natin sa MILF at Gobyerno ng Pilipinas at ito ay batas narin, na ang gobyerno ng Pilipinas ay kinilala ang Bangsamoro identity, ganun pa man ay hindi tayo hiwalay sa Pilipinas kasama tayo,” Iqbal pointed out.

He said that the Bangsamoro people has observed that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has good intention and the sincerity to resolve the problem in Mindanao.

Iqbal said that mostly in his statements to the public he repeatedly said that the MILF leaders who are now in BARMM are not their choice but by consequence.

“Napakatagal po ng struggle natin 50 years na po, the negotiation is 17 long years of engagement hanggang nandito na tayo sa BARMM, ibig sabihin ang nakamit natin ngayon ay talagang pinaghirapan natin,” Iqbal underscored.

Iqbal stressed that both the MILF and the Philippine Government have common observation that peaceful settlement to the long decades of conflict in the Bangsamoro region is paramount.

The various games contested by five teams were facilitated by Jovan Menardo Badlon, and Bobby James Badlon of Davao City.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1961/mbhte-minister-iqbal-----we-are-here-for-a-very-lofty-mission-in-life-how-to-render-public-service-to-our-people---

Alimodian mayor: What insurgency problem?

From Panay News (Dec 17, 2019): Alimodian mayor: What insurgency problem? (By Ime Sornito)



ILOILO – The municipality of Alimodian has no insurgency problem, snapped Mayor Geefre “Kalay” Alonsabe.

He was reacting to reports that Alimodian and five other towns with such problem have been ordered by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to create municipal task forces to end the local communist armed conflict in their respective turfs.

“I don’t believe there are lots of NPA rebels in my town. I visit far-flung barangays alone, there is no such feedback from the people,” said Alonsabe.

Alimodian may have been mistakenly perceived to have an insurgency problem because its neighboring towns have such problem, according to the mayor.

“In my understanding, Alimodian is just a passageway of rebels going to the municipalities of Tubungan, Miag-ao, Maasin, Janiuay, and Calinog,” said Alonsabe.

The mayor clarified, however, that he welcomed the presence of the Philippine Army in Alimodian as it could ensure peace and order in his municipality.

The Philippine Army recently reported that 13 barangays in Iloilo province have insurgency problems and these villages were in Alimodian (one), Maasin (one), Tubungan (one), Janiuay (two), and Lambunao (two).

Alimodian is a third-class municipality. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 38,408 people.

Alimodian has a total land area of 14,482 hectares, making up 2.89 percent of the provincial land area of Iloilo. It has some rugged terrains as well as ample flat lands for agriculture.

Mountain range which serves as a natural boundary with other towns is located in the northern hinterlands of Alimodian.

The town also boasts of producing bananas, corne, mangoes, root crops, sweet potatoes, legumes, bamboo, coconuts, as well as high yielding crops such as carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and strawberries.

Alimodian is 39 kilometers northwest of Iloilo City.

https://www.panaynews.net/alimodian-mayor-what-insurgency-problem/

W. Visayas’ RTF-ELCAC ‘in full swing’ next year

From Panay News (Dec 18, 2019): W. Visayas’ RTF-ELCAC ‘in full swing’ next year

Members of the Regional Peace and Order Council in Western Visayas gather for a meeting on Dec. 12. DENR WESTERN VISAYAS

ILOILO City – The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) will be in full swing next year, according to the peace and order council in Western Visayas.

Ariel Iglesia, regional director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in the region, said the RTF-ELCAC will be fully operational on Jan. 2020.

“The clusters (of the RTF-ELCAC) are already complete but not fully operational. The clusters are conducting efforts and hopefully next year, it will be in full swing,” Iglesia added.

The clusters include the local government empowerment, international engagement, legal cooperation, strategic communication, basic services, livelihood and poverty alleviation, and infrastructure and resources management.

The region has also put in place clusters such as peace and development, situational awareness and knowledge management, localized peace and engagement, the enhanced comprehensive local integration program, and sectoral unification capacity living and empowerment.

Iglesia said all of the provinces in the region have organized their respective provincial TF-ELCAC.

“On the level of municipalities, it is still not complete but our efforts are ongoing,” he added.

Aside from the thrust against insurgency, Iglesia said the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) was also tasked to oversee the situation of illegal drugs and the overall peace and order situation in the region.

The newly-appointed RPOC members chaired by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo gathered for their first meeting last week.

The meeting was attended by Environment secretary Roy Cimatu as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security.

The RPOC has set its regular meeting every Wednesday of the last month of the quarter.

“We will meet in March for the updating of accomplishments and plans,” said Iglesia.(With a report from PNA)

https://www.panaynews.net/w-visayas-rtf-elcac-in-full-swing-next-year/

We're Winning vs Reds--Army

From Panay News (Dec 18, 2019): We're Winning vs Reds--Army (By Ruby Silubrico)

ILOILO City – “We are gaining against the New People’s Army (NPA). We are on track to winning and ending the local communist armed conflict in Western Visayas,” declared Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), roughly a week before the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) marks its 51st founding anniversary.

Executive Order (EO) 70 has dealt a big blow to the CPP and its armed wing, the NPA, said Vinoya.

EO 70 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte institutionalized the “whole-of-nation approach” in addressing the insurgency problem. It is the synchronization of various government agencies’ plans and programs to combat insurgency because guns and cannons alone could not do the job.

“EO 70 aims to achieve genuine peace. Discrediting EO 70 is like rejecting peace,” said Vinoya.

He welcomed the surrender of many rebels this year, most of whom were NPA commanders.

Vinoya expressed confidence of ending the insurgency in Western Visayas by next year.

“Government forces are serious in fulfilling the people’s will to end the insurgency. We are trained to be always ready,” he stressed.

Vinoya warned the CPP-NPA, “Expect more intensified combat operations. You only have two options, surrender or die.”

He lauded local government units for establishing TF-ELCACs or task forces to end local communist armed conflict.

“Nasasaktan at natatalo na ang mga teroristang CPP-NPA dahil ang taongbayan na mismo ang umaayaw sa kanila. Sila ang bumabagsak ngayon at humihina ang lakas,” said Vinoya.

Various local government units have declared the CPP-NPA persona non grata.

“Hindi nila kayang banggain ang pinagsanib na pwersa ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno at ng taongbayan para sa isang layunin na mapuksa ang deka-dekadang pagmamalupit at pagpapahirap sa sambayanang Filipino,” said Vinoya.

By 3ID’s estimate, seven rebel fronts are operating in 87 barangays cross Western Visayas. Vinoya thus appealed for support from local chief executives and the public in general.

“We must be more aggressive, proactive and purposive in our efforts,” said Vinoya.

Good governance is key to ending the rebellion, he stressed, thus mayors and governors must “do their part…by ensuring that their mandate is carried out as expected.”

To the rebels, he further said, “You still have a chance to leave the armed movement and go back to the fold of law enjoying true freedom and various government basic services together with your loved ones.”

“I am determined to accomplish the mission given me using the full force of the Philippine Army. We are really serious in ending the insurgency. It is a menace to society,” he said.

On Dec. 26, the 51st founding anniversary of the CPP, there could be rebel offensives against government security forces and vital installations in Western Visayas, according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).

The CPP usually marks its anniversary with attacks against the police and military carried out by the NPA.

Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, regional police director, ordered police units across Western Visayas to step up anti-insurgency operations in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Intensify intelligence monitoring, maximize defense posture, he told them.

PRO-6 spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong said, “Our regional director also directed our policemen to carry both short and long firearms.”

In Iloilo province, towns with insurgency problems were told to be wary of strangers as these could be rebels.

These were San Joaquin, Guimbal, Miag-ao, Tubungan, Igbaras, Alimodian, Leon, Calinog, Maasin, Bingawan, Badiangan, San Enrique, San Rafael and Lemery, and the component city of Passi.

On the other hand, the Philippine Army already started troop deployment in the towns.

“We are ready. But we are asking the help of the community,” said Army Captain Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the 3ID.

The CPP was formed by Prof. Jose Maria Sison on Dec. 26, 1968. It was designated as a terrorist group by current Philippine president and Sison’s former student, Rodrigo Duterte in December 2017.

https://www.panaynews.net/were-winning-vs-reds-army/

Army troopers recover "contraceptive pills" in NPA hideouts

From the Mindanao Daily News (Dec 15, 2019): Army troopers recover "contraceptive pills" in NPA hideouts





MALAYBALAY CITY -- Government troops scouring the hideout left by the New People's Army (NPA) after a raid by government troops last December 10 in Mt. Obulan along Mt Balatucan Mt. Range in Misamis Oriental found boxes of contraceptive pills on the personal belongings of terrorist members.

It can be recalled that last October 22, a former NPA member belonging to Sub Regional Command 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee known as alias Michelle confessed that there are abusive NPA leaders having sex with female members. "Naa gyud mga abusadong lider nga gapanggamit ug mga babayi sa hukbo. Bisan minyo ang mga babayi basta batan-on, makighilawas sila. Ug nahadlok man ang mga babayi kay basin pasakiton ug patyon ug file musugot," she said. (There are really abusive NPA leaders that are having sex with female members. Even if they are married, as long as the woman is young, they will want to have sex with them. And these women are afraid to get hurt to killed if they refuse).

Republic Act (RA) 7877 or Anti Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 and RA 8353 or Anti Rape law of 1997 protect women from harassment and sexual exploitation.

Asst Regional Director Yvette Sunga of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) X said, "the effect of sexual exploitation is immeasurable, it shatters the complete well being of a woman having been violated and abused. They will remain prisoners especially if they are living with their perpetrators."

"If they cannot respect their own colleagues, how can they respect other people. We condemn in strongest terms the exploitation of women for political agenda much more for sexual pleasure. It is simply unacceptable," said 403rd Brigade commander, Brigadier General Edgardo De Leon.

He said the big number of contraceptives that are constantly being discovered among the personal belongings of the NPA clearly indicates that NPA members are not pro-life.

"The medical tools that were found with the contraceptives even suggest that abortion is possibly being performed by NPA medics to their pregnant colleagues. I remember a female former rebel telling me that she purposely asked his boyfriend to impregnate her so she would have the reason to go home. Thus, NPA commanders could be ordering their medics to perform abortion on their pregnant colleagues so they will not have the reason to go home. " he added. (403rd Brigade)

http://mindanaodailynews.com/news/front-page/todays-top-stories/army-troopers-recover-contraceptive-pills-in-npa-hideouts

Camiguin still insurgency-free; criminality is manageable

From the Mindanao Daily News (Dec 15, 2019): Camiguin still insurgency-free; criminality is manageable

Noting how the province enforces peace and order in keeping its people safe, Capt. Ryan Layug of the 403rd Infantry Brigade said the Retool Community Support Program (RCSP), designed to know the conditions of the communities where government workers themselves listen and take action to lessen problems, will help Camiguin sustain peace and attain development. (RTP/PIA Cagayan de Oro)

Gov. Romualdo on ID issuance Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo says during the Fourth Quarter Joint Full Council Meeting, December 12, once funds are available, all residents of the island will be given identification cards to prevent infiltration of terror groups and ensure all the people are well accounted for. (RTP/PIA Cagayan de Oro)

The Provincial Government of Camiguin holds the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC), Provincial Task Force on ELCAC, and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) Fourth Quarter Joint Full Council Meeting to discuss the updates on the Special Action Committee for anti-insurgency and preventing/countering violent extremism, anti-criminality and anti-illegal drugs, public safety, community-focused intervention, citizenship-building and empowerment, and environmental concerns, December 12 at Camiguin Convention Center, Mambajao, Camiguin. (RTP/PIA Cagayan de Oro)

MAMBAJAO, Camiguin — Even with its ability to remain free of insurgency, Camiguin still steps up its campaign on upholding peace and order through implementing the Retool Community Support Program (RCSP).

Ranking first in the anti-illegal drugs performance evaluation in the region and recording only 27 index crimes, 80 non-index crimes, and 36 public safety index crimes, Camiguin is still named a secured and peaceful area, where criminality is manageable based on the assessment of the 58th Infantry Battalion presented during the Fourth Quarter Joint Full Council Meeting, December 12, here.

To further maintain peace and order in the province, Gov. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo said once funds are available, all residents of Camiguin will be issued with an identification card making sure that the populace is well accounted for and terror group infiltration will not take place in the island.

As to managing sea vessels, Romualdo said all pump boats would be color and number coded based on the municipality where operators have registered their units. Such will aid the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) or even mere residents to determine the sudden entry of vessels with questionable identities or purpose.

Noting how the province enforces peace and order in keeping its people safe, Capt. Ryan Layug of the 403rd Infantry Brigade said the RCSP, designed to know the conditions of the communities where government workers themselves listen and take action to lessen problems, will help Camiguin sustain peace and attain development.

For their part, the 58th Infantry Battalion recommends the local government units to impose their authority to ensure that their constituents will not be exploited as the former continue their active deterrence and preemptive troop projection, intelligence monitoring and timely report closure, and partnership with groups and communities. (Recthie T. Paculba/PIA10)

http://mindanaodailynews.com/news/front-page/todays-top-stories/camiguin-still-insurgency-free-criminality-is-manageable

Coordinate relief donations with command post – Army

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 18, 2019): Coordinate relief donations with command post – Army (By Rhoda Grace Saron)

The Eastern Mindanao Command again appealed for donors to coordinate first with the incident command post to facilitate the relief assistance for the quake victims.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, the spokesperson of EastMinCom, said, “Let us help put order in our disaster response.”

“All organizations and individuals who wanted to provide intervention and assistance in the earthquake stricken areas are being advised to check-in and coordinate with the established incident command post,” Balagtey said.

On Dec. 16, as part of the rapid damage assessment and needs analysis, an aerial survey was conducted by the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council led by Mayor Caminero of Padada, Davao del Sur.

Minor landslides were observed in mountainous portions and coastlines of the municipalities of Padada, Kiblawan, Hagonoy, and Sulop.

On Sunday also, troops from 72nd Infantry Battalion were immediately dispatched to conduct clearing operations in a road in Balabag, Kidapawan City, North Cotabato. The road closed due to a landslide brought about by the 6.8 magnitude quake that struck parts of Southern Mindanao.

Units in the affected areas are closely coordinating with the different local disaster risk reduction officers for the Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, and search and rescue operations.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/12/18/coordinate-relief-donations-with-command-post-army/

25 former rebels finish training in automotive servicing

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 17, 2019): 25 former rebels finish training in automotive servicing (By TESDA Agusan del Norte)

BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 17 -- Former rebels have successfully finished their training in Automotive Servicing NC I.

The development came after a total of 25 former rebels received their Certificate of Training during the graduation ceremony on Thursday, December 12 at the camp of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army in Brgy. Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

In his speech, Lieutenant Colonel Francisco Molina, Jr., commanding officer of the 23rd IB emphasized that the training offered by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) through the Agusan del Norte Provincial Office paved a venue for the former rebels in achieving a long and lasting peace and development.

The official likewise expressed his thanks and gratitude to TESDA for the continuous partnership. He also explained that the government is not an enemy of the people, but rather a partner in attaining peace and development.

Molina further shared the quote of former United States President Benjamin Franklin which says, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Thus, he said teaching and telling is not enough for every graduate to experience.

“More importantly, after they will be equipped with the knowledge and skills that they need, we really have to involve them so that they will be able to practice what they have learned,” he added.

In a response message from the graduates, alias Dave who is one of the graduates said that he has already realized that what the leftists have taught them is not true.

“Karon pa nako nasabtan nga ang gipang-tudlo nga doktrina sa amo didto sa kabukiran usa diay ka dakong sayop. Maayo gyud diay ang atong gobyerno ug ang atong mga opisyales adunay taas nga panglantaw alang sa malahutayong kalinaw ug kalamboan. Daghang salamat sa tanan nga mga ahensya sa gobyerno nga mitabang kanamo aron mabag-o ang among kinabuhi (Now I understand that the doctrines that were taught to us in the hinterlands are not true. Our government and its officials have vision towards lasting peace and development. I would like to express my sincerest thanks and gratitude to all government agencies who have helped us in transforming our lives)," he said.

The graduates were recipients of Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), one of the scholarship programs of TESDA under the leadership of Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña for special clients that include former rebels, drug surrenderers, indigenous peoples (IPs), persons with disabilities (PWDs), inmates, among others.

The training provider is Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF), a TESDA-administered school in Matabao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. (Robert E. Roperos, TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031677

NPA leaders’ neutralization led to mass surrender in Southern Tagalog

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 17, 2019): NPA leaders’ neutralization led to mass surrender in Southern Tagalog (By 2nd Infantry Division)

Demoralized surrendering NPA militias will undergo assessment to qualify for E-Clip. (2nd Infantry Division)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal (Dec 17) -- Forty eight NPA militias surrendered to soldiers belonging to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division at San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on Saturday.

This was after the apprehension of Jaime Padilla alias Diego, one of the NPA leaders in Mindoro, at the posh Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan on Nov. 26.

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Arbolado, Commanding Officer of 4th Infantry Battalion which operates in the island provinces, said that “demoralization and fear of apprehension similar to the fate of Jaime Padilla was among the main reasons why they decided to return to the folds of law.”

He added that alias Diego’s arrest while enjoying high-end medical treatment became the “breaking point” of their commitment to the underground movement for “they realized the terrorists’ unfair treatment between the leaders and the ordinary fighters.”

Brigadier General Antonio R Lastimado, Commander of the 203rd Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over the area, said that “they will undergo assessment and once they qualify then will be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP so that they may enjoy government grants which they could use to start living peaceful lives with their families.”

It can be recalled that 79 former rebels received Php 1.185 million worth of assistance from the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict last November 26 during a ceremony at San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. Occidental Mindoro’s PTF ELCAC is under Gov Eduardo Gadiano and is considered as one of the most active and efficient in implementing the national government’s peace initiatives across Southern Tagalog.

Under the E-CLIP, a militia can received P15,000 cash assistance provided by the national government who decided to return to the folds of law and may also qualify for additional compensations in the form of educational, health services, employment and housing benefits among others.

BGen Lastimado added that "the proactive stance of Occidental Mindoro’s Task Force ELCAC is a testament of the government’s sincerity in its call for NPA terrorists to return to mainstream society so that peace, prosperity and development can finally be enjoyed by our constituents."

For his part, Major General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division which covers Southern Tagalog, expressed confidence that “through the government’s concerted effort at all levels in the implementation of the President's directive to end local communist armed conflict, we will be able to address the prevailing social issues thereby uprooting the causes of insurgency in the the countryside”.

He also cited that “the series of neutralization of hard core cadres in Southern Tagalog is a manifestation of the lingering demoralization among the enemy’s ranks as well as the reality that the NPAs no longer enjoy support from what used to be a solid mass base in the region.”

He ended his statement by assuring the people of Southern Tagalog that the government is on top of internal security situation in the region.

“I call on the few remaining NPA terrorists to put down their arms and peacefully return to the folds of law because sooner than later they will suffer the same fate either that of Armando Lazarte, who recently died, or Jaime Padilla who will be spending the rest of his life behind bars.”

Upon completion on the assessment stage, the qualified former rebels will undergo E-CLIP enrollment process wherein part of which is the DSWD’s needs assessment, profiling and counselling by health professionals to prepare them to their eventual return and reintegration to mainstream society. (2nd Infantry Division)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031462

Ikatlong yugto: Tagumpay laban sa mga komunista, terorista sa Palawan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 17, 2019): Ikatlong yugto: Tagumpay laban sa mga komunista, terorista sa Palawan (By Orlan C. Jabagat)

Ang dating miyembro ng NPA na nagbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan habang tinatanggap ang tulong pinansiyal mula kay Palawan Gov. Jose Ch. Alvarez. Ang tulong pinansiyal na ito ay sa pamamagitan ng Social Local Integration Program na ipinatutupad ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Palawan. (Larawan mula sa Western Command)

Noon pa man ay tinutulungan na ng gobyerno ang mga rebelde na kusang magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng iba't-ibang programa ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan.

Tutulungan ng Palawan Task Force-ELCAC na sumailalim sa repormasyon upang makabalik sa kanilang mga komunidad at magkaroon ng payapa at tahimik na pamumuhay kasama ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ang mga miyembro ng Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) na boluntaryong nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan.

Isinasailalim din ang mga ito sa mga pagsasanay sa pamamagitan ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) para mahasa ang kanilang angking talento sa iba’t-ibang larangan.

Binibigyan din sila ng mga pagsasanay sa pangkabuhayan mula sa Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) at iba pang ahensiya at tanggapan ng pamahalaan.

Nariyan din ang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) na ipinatutupad ng Department of Interior and Local Government kung saan binibigyan ang bawat isa sa mga ito ng tig-P65,000 bilang tulong pinansiyal ng pamahalaan para sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay.

Maliban sa E-CLIP mula sa DILG ay may karagdagang tulong din na ibinibigay ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Palawan. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng Social Local Integration Program (SLIP) sa ilalim ng pamamahala ng Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) kung saan ay nakakatanggap ang mga dating rebelde ng P25,000 bawat isa bilang karagdagang tulong pinansyal ng pamahalaan.

Patuloy din na susubaybayan ng pamahalaan ang mga ito hanggang sa tuluyan na silang makabalik sa kanilang mga komunidad.

Nananawagan ang Palawan Task Force-ELCAC sa iba pang mga nasa 'wanted list' na magbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan upang magkaroon ng payapa at tahimik na buhay kasama ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay lalo na ngayong Pasko at Bagong Taon.

Isinapubliko na rin ng PTF-ELCAC ang Hotline Number nito na 0917-680-2278 upang hikayatin ang lahat na iparating sa nasabing numero ang mga impormasyon sa lokasyon at kahina-hinalang mga aktibidad ng mga ‘communist terrorist group’ sa lalawigan. Sinisiguro naman ng PTF-ELCAC na mananatiling siktreto ang mga impormasyong ipinararating sa kanila. (OCJ/PIA-MIMAROPA, Palawan)

Sa hotline number na ito ng Palawan Task Force-ELCAC maaaring iparating ang anumang impormasyon kaugnay ng mga kilos at galaw ng mga makakaliwang grupo sa Palawan.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1030970

PNP-EV in full alert following ambush incident

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 17, 2019): PNP-EV in full alert following ambush incident (By Consuelo B. Alarcon)



PALO, Leyte, 17 Dec. (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas is now on full alert status following the recent ambush incident in Barangay Libuton, Borongan, Eastern Samar.

This is in accordance with the directive of the OIC PNP Chief Lt. General Archie F. Gamboa of the PNP national headquarters.

In a press conference held Monday at Camp Kangleon, this municipality, PNP-8 new acting Deputy Regional Director for Administration Police Col. Marvin Manuel P. Pepino said this means all men are not allowed to go on leave during these days.

"Cancel po ang mga leave namin because of the incident so we are in a full alert status. Full alert po kami. Ako, I'm from Davao City, hindi ako makakauwi sa Davao lalo na I am assigned here, so dirediretso na in the name of service," Pepino said.

On Sunday, Lt. General Archie F. Gamboa, officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP) met with the families of the policemen who were ambushed in Brgy. Libuton, Borongan Eastern Samar and personally handed over the financial assistance to them.

The PNP official visited the wounded policemen confined in hospitals in the cities of Tacloban and Borongan where he conferred the Medalya Ng Sugatang Magiting Award.

The wounded cops were identified as Patrolman Ric E. Capoquian Jr., Patrolman Kevin Operario, Patrolman Angelito Luterte and Patrolan Rey Sobrepena.

He likewise expressed sympathy to the family of the policeman killed in action identified as Patrolman Mark Jerome Rama whose wife is pregnant for their first child.

In a short interview with the official, General Gamboa gave some words of encouragement to the policemen.

"Lumaban tayo… sa PNP ito yung mandato natin na ibinigay ng Republika. Let's fight for the Republic. Huwag tayo magpadala kahit ganito ang paraan nila para mag-inflict ng injuries sa PNP," Gamboa said.

The PNP assured the wounded policemen and their families that the PNP will shoulder all the hospital bills.

On Dec. 15, three were killed including two civilians and 15 wounded when a patrol car was ambushed by armed men. (LDL/CBA/PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031710

PRRD cites Sulu-based troops’ ‘great strides’ vs. Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): PRRD cites Sulu-based troops’ ‘great strides’ vs. Abu Sayyaf (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

PRRD VISITS TROOPS. President Rodrigo Duterte hands over a vest to a soldier during his visit to Jolo, Sulu. The President graces on Saturday (Dec. 14, 2019) the first-anniversary celebration of the Sulu-based Army's 11th Infantry Division. Senator Christopher Lawrence 'Bong' Go joined the President in his visit to the troops battling the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Sulu. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

President Rodrigo Duterte praised government troops belonging to the Army’s 11th Infantry Division (11ID) for making "great strides" in the continuing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu.

Duterte, accompanied by Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, chief of the Philippine Army, visited Jolo, Sulu on Saturday to grace the first- anniversary celebration of the Army’s 11th Infantry Division.

The President conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kampilan, on soldiers of the Army division for gallantry in action in a ceremony held at Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, according to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in a statement on Tuesday.

“To our brave soldiers who are with us today, you are here because you have answered the call to serve your nation by ensuring peaceful and safe communities for all,” Duterte was quoted as telling the troops.

He urged the troops to sustain the momentum of the offensive against the ASG bandits.

Duterte also distributed financial assistance and packages to the soldiers.

“We are all the more motivated to continue our fight against terrorist groups for our peace and development campaign in Mindanao. We are all inspired by the full support and sincerity of the Commander-in-Chief. Nothing can inspire us more than knowing that we have his full support and sincerity,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief.

Also present during the activity was Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088921

Surfers’ safety assured amid recent NPA attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): Surfers’ safety assured amid recent NPA attack (By Roel Amazona)



SURFING. Some of the participants in the ongoing national surfing competition in Borongan City, Eastern Samar that started on Sunday (Dec. 15, 2019). Despite fears caused by the recent attacks by the New People’s Army, the local police here assured the safety of the competitors. (Photo from Surf in the City FB page)

BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar -- Despite fears caused by the recent attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA), the local police here have assured the safety of competitors of the five-day national surfing competition.

Both uniformed and policemen in civilian clothes are deployed in the venue of "Surfing in the City", which opened Sunday night.

Two weeks before the competition, Col. Douglas Eloja, Borongan city police chief, said security measures have been set for the safety of athletes from various parts of the country.

After the bomb attack on Dec. 13 in Libuton village that killed a policeman and two civilians and wounded several others, security measures have been tightened to secure and ensure the success of the event.

The Philippine Army has also deployed its men in the city to maintain peace and order.

A total of 103 surfers from across the Philippines are now in Borongan City, the capital of Eastern Samar, for the last leg of the Philippine Surfing Championship, dubbed the biggest tourism event so far for the city.

The event was organized by the Surfriders Club Eastern Samar (SCES), in cooperation with the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour (PSCT), and the Department of Tourism.

SCES president Rupert Ambil said they never thought of postponing the event despite security threats after the attack.

“There were people who asked us if the event will push through. We were concerned, but it never crossed our mind to cancel it,” Ambil said in an interview on Tuesday.

“What we did is we talked with the officials from the Philippine National Police and the military for them to lay down security measures because they are expert on it,” he added.

Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda said the incident has raised the level of vigilance of locals.

This is the second attack by the NPA on government forces this year. Last month, a landmine explosion in an upland village killed six soldiers and wounded 20 others from the government troops.

“We are trying hard to promote our tourism, we can't allow that incident like this will affect our enthusiasm,” Agda said.

"In general, Borongan is very peaceful. I'm appealing to people who wanted to destroy the peacefulness of our city to stop their plan. Think of the people who will be affected, the family that will be destroyed because of your actions," he added.

Borongan City is a 4th-class city and capital of Eastern Samar province with a population of 69,297. The city is 187 kilometers northeast of Tacloban, the regional capital.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088926

Cop chief ordered to stop 'senseless killings' in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): Cop chief ordered to stop 'senseless killings' in NegOr (By John Rey Saavedra)



SENSELESS KILLINGS. The lifeless body of Kalamtukan village chief Johnny Semillano Condez, 47, lies inside a pickup after the shooting incident in his barangay in Bayawan City, Negros Oriental on Saturday night (Dec. 14, 2019). Police Regional Office-7 chief Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon ordered Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office chief Col. Julian Entoma to intervene and stop senseless killings in the province. (Photo courtesy of PRO-7) 

Alarmed by the spate of killings in Negros Oriental, the top police official in Central Visayas has directed the provincial police chief “to stop the senseless killings” in the province.

Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, chief of Police Regional Office-Region 7 (PRO-7), said he ordered Col. Julian Entoma, chief of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO), to make interventions in order to prevent senseless killings in the province.

His directive came after another village chief and his nephew were killed in an ambush Saturday night in Kalamtukan in Bayawan City.

Incumbent Kalamtukan village chief Johnny Semillano Condez, 47, and Danny Marata Jr., 16, died instantly after gunmen opened fire on them around 7:30 p.m. in the sub-village of Candollon.

Danny Marata Sr., Danny’s father, was wounded but he and Edilito Magbanua managed to run towards a sugarcane plantation.

“Initial investigation showed that the nature of these killings was family feud. Magkakamag-anak na nagpapatayan. Dapat matigil ito. (Family members are killing each other. This needs to be stopped.) That is why I’m ordering the provincial director to intervene and stop these senseless killings,” de Leon said in a message sent to the Philippine News Agency.

He said Entoma confirmed that the deaths were due to family feud.

Condez was the primary suspect in a double-murder case against his own relatives, he added, quoting Entoma.

“In fact, a search warrant was already being sought against him on information that he was in possession of unlicensed firearms,” he said.

Police probers said Condez’s convoy went to the hill on board a government-issued rescue vehicle and two motorcycles to search for a mobile phone signal.

“Upon reaching the place, Condez disembarked from the vehicle, without knowing that the perpetrators were in the area. According to the witnesses, bursts of gunfire ensued hitting (him), Danny Sr. (and his son)… “While the perpetrators whom they (victims) have known well escaped to evade the responding (police),” they added.

Chief M/Sgt. Archer Birjes, investigator of NOPPO, said he found out that the victims also sustained hack wounds.

Recovered from the crime scene were 15 empty shells of M16 rifle; two live ammunition of 12 gauge shotgun; an empty shell of 12 gauge shotgun; four empty shells of caliber .45; three empty shells of 9mm Luger; a magazine of M16 with 30 rounds of live ammunition; and a live ammunition for .45-caliber pistol.

Acting on de Leon’s order, Entoma deployed “six tracker teams to go after the killers and bring them to justice".

Meanwhile, de Leon said he welcomes the probe to be conducted by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on the death of the village chief.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088905

Antique police on alert vs NPA this holiday season

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): Antique police on alert vs NPA this holiday season (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)



BURNED HEAVY EQUIPMENT. One of the three units of heavy equipment partially burned by suspected NPAs in Barangay Luyang, Sibalom, Antique on November 15, 2019. Lt. Col. Norby Escobar, Antique Provincial Police Office Deputy Director for Operations, said police personnel in Antique are on full alert from December 15 to January 5, 2020 to thwart any planned disruption to the peace and order situation of the province this holiday season. (Photo courtesy of Sibalom municipal police)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique -- The Antique Provincial Police Office (APPO) is preparing for any possible harassment that might be carried out by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists (CNTs) to disrupt the Christmas celebration.

APPO Deputy Director for Operations, Lt. Col. Norby Escobar, said on Tuesday that Philippine National Police officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, has placed the police personnel nationwide under full alert status from December 15 to January 5 to secure the holiday season as well as deal with any possible disruption by communist terrorists of the peace and order situation in their areas of responsibility.

“We are right now in full alert status in anticipation of harassment of the CNTs,” Escobar told the media in an interview.

He said the Antique police personnel will not let down their guard because of the presence of CNTs in the province.

Escobar also said that on December 13, elements of the Regional Intelligence Unit 6, Provincial Intelligence Team, APPO Provincial Intelligence Section, Sebaste Municipal Police Station, Antique Provincial Mobile Force Company, and 61st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, arrested Helen Maquirang Agustin, also known as "Helen Doe" or "Ka Marilou", a former assistant medical officer of the Northern Front Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Poblacion, Sebaste.

“Agustin was arrested by virtue of two warrants of arrest for the crimes committed while she was still an active member of the NPA,” Escobar said.

The warrants of arrest are for the double murder with criminal case number 2083-S issued by Judge George Valente dated April 17, 1990 of the 5th Municipal Circuit Trial Court and a crime of murder with criminal case number C-099 issued by Judge Niovady Marin dated September 29, 1993 of the Regional Trial Court 6th Judicial Region Branch 14 of Culasi, Antique.

Escobar said that Agustin is the wife of Ramy Agustin, also known as "Ka Bal" or "Romeo Agustin", the chief medical officer of their organization.

Agustin is now detained at the Culasi Bureau of Jail Management and Penology with no recommendation for bail.

The arrest of Agustin also came after the NPA was reported to have partially burned three heavy equipment used in a PHP2-million road construction in Barangay Luyang, Sibalom, Antique last November 15 for failure of the contractor to give in to their extortion activities.

Seven members of the CNTs were also killed on August 15, 2018 in Barangay Atabay, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique during their encounter with the police and army.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088993

942 NPA members, supporters yield to 7ID in 2019

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): 942 NPA members, supporters yield to 7ID in 2019 (By Jason De Asis)



ANTI-INSURGENCY DRIVE. Maj. Gen. Lenard T. Agustin, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, reports that 942 communist rebels and their supporters have surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division from January to December 13, 2019. He attributes the massive surrenders of the NPAs and their supporters to the "whole-of-nation approach" to end local communist armed conflict. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – A total of 942 communist rebels and their supporters have surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division from January to December 13 this year as a result of the implementation of the government’s campaign on ending the local communist armed conflict.

Of the figure, 49 are regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA); 58 members of Milisyang Bayan; 47 members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad; and 788 are supporters of the underground mass organization.
Maj. Gen. Lenard T. Agustin, commander of the Army’s 7th ID, said the massive surrenders of rebels and their supporters could be attributed to the "whole-of-nation approach" strategy the government has adopted, aimed at ending communist armed conflict.

He also cited the efforts of the soldiers with the full support and cooperation of the local government units (LGUs) and the people in Central Luzon.

“The accomplishments of our troops only showed that the NPAs have lost the support they were enjoying as it was the local populace themselves who reported their locations to our soldiers,” he said.

Meanwhile, Agustin said 10 NPA rebels were apprehended while three others were killed in action during the same period.
He added that 84 firearms were recovered from the rebels including seven from combat operations, 32 confiscated and 45 that were surrendered by the communist rebels and their supporters.

Agustin called on the remaining members of the NPA and their supporters to take the peaceful path to change.

“I am again calling the attention of the NPA members to return to their families and surrender to the government. There is no reason for us to fight. Let us help the country heal its wounds instead. But if you insist in threading the path of armed struggle, I assure you that we will come hard on you,” he added.

The 7ID’s area of responsibility covers Regions 1 (Ilocos) and 3 (Central Luzon), Abra, Besao and Tadian in Mountain Province, and Alfonso Castaneda in Nueva Vizcaya.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088953

Cordillera police on full alert during holiday season

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): Cordillera police on full alert during holiday season  (By Liza Agoot)



FULL ALERT. The personnel of the Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCOR) are on full alert as the Philippine National Police national headquarters has ordered a red alert status during the holidays. PROCOR chief, Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson said on Tuesday (Dec. 17) the declaration is timely as he noted the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26. (PNA file photo by Liza T. Agoot)

CAMP DANGWA, LA TRINIDAD, Benguet-- More than 6,000 policemen in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will be on full alert with all personnel ready to respond to any eventuality following the red alert order from the national headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Full alert ibig sabihin nito lahat kami on call, andito lang kami sa aming mga stations, and units ready for any eventuality (The meaning of full alert [status] is for all personnel to be on call, to be at their stations and units ready to respond to any eventuality),” Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PROCOR) director, Brig. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson said on Tuesday.

Dickson said the order of the national headquarters is timely as he noted the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on Dec. 26.

"Usually gumagawa ng celebration ng mga yan in the form of atrocities that could be inflicted on the government forces or vital installations. Itong full alert na ito, tamang tama din para mapaghandaan natin yun at mapag patrolan ang mga expected na pwedeng atakehin ng ating mga kalaban (They usually celebrate through atrocities inflicted on government forces or vital installations. The full alert status we are in is timely so that we can be prepared and patrol in areas they are expected to attack)," he said.

Meanwhile, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) commander, Lt. Col. Mario Mayames Jr. said he canceled all leave applications and privileges of the members of the unit who are assigned in combat operations.

He said the combat personnel will have their break after the New Year if the situation permits.

Only the personnel assigned to do administrative jobs and assigned in the offices will have a break because, by January, they will be required to be in the office to do the reports and other documentary compliances.

Mayames said he had requested training on the regional community support program for select personnel from the Special Action Force (SAF), RMFB and the different mobile forces in the provinces in support of Executive Order 70 or Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

He said the training which would be facilitated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will provide them the skills on information operation (IO) or intelligence information gathering in “white areas” or the urban areas where front organizations operate and hold rallies.

“Magaling dyan ang AFP at kailangan i-training ang mga tao natin sa PNP (The AFP is good at that and we lack skills so we need to have a training),” Mayames said.

He said the PNP is good at community relations but they need to work on their community relations that are coupled with intelligence information gathering.

“Sa January, ituloy namin yung joint training, sabayan namin yung combat operation ng information operation, because that is what we really lack in the PNP, the IO (In January, we will pursue with the joint training which we will conduct with the combat operation providing information operation),” he said.

Mayames said the IO is held in white areas while the tactical operation is done in red areas or where armed encounters happen.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088990

NPA 'militiaman' nabbed with IED in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): NPA 'militiaman' nabbed with IED in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)



BOMB-MAKING MATERIALS. The improvised explosive device confiscated by a team of police and military personnel after serving a search warrant on the residence of Ariel Sarida Azucena in Barangay Jaliobong, Kicharao, Agusan del Norte on Monday evening (December 16, 2019). Also confiscated were several bomb-making materials, including sacks of ammonium sulfate, a 52-meter electrical wire, and electric blasting caps. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

A team of police and Army personnel arrested an alleged member of the Militia ng Bayan of the New People’s Army (NPA), who was caught with an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte on Monday.

In a statement on Tuesday, Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., the chief of Police Regional Office-13, said personnel of Kitcharao Municipal Police Station and Army troops belonging to 29th Infantry Battalion implemented a search warrant for illegal possession of firearms and explosives against a certain Ariel Sarida Azucena.

Esquivel said Azucena was cornered inside his residence in Barangay Jaliobong, Kicharao town.

Esquivel said the suspect yielded several bomb-making materials, including sacks of ammonium sulfate, a 52-meter electrical wire, and electric blasting caps.

The confiscated items were already turned over to the custody of Kitcharao Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Esquivel said the serving of the warrant was part of the intensified security operation of the Philippine National Police to ensure the safety of residents during the Yuletide season.

Recently, PRO-13 said it has raised a full alert status until January 5 next year to secure the holidays.

He said a total of 7,325 PNP personnel and force multipliers are now dispatched in the whole region tasked to conduct maximum security coverage, public safety measures, contingency plans, and other support services for the Holiday season.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088999

Peace is the greatest Christmas gift, former rebels say

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): Peace is the greatest Christmas gift, former rebels say (By Gail Momblan)



PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS. Baby (left) and Jeffrey, former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), say a peaceful life and mind is the greatest gift one can have this Christmas, during an interview on Tuesday (Dec. 17, 2019). It will be Baby's and Jeffrey's first year to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones after spending years in the armed struggle. (PNA photo by Gail Momblan)

Former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Panay cannot ask for more this Christmas as they have already received the present they have been longing for in years.

"The greatest Christmas gift a person can receive does not come in adorned packages because it can only be attained within oneself," 26-year-old Jeffrey, who requested not to use his last name, said on Tuesday.

Speaking in Tagalog, Jeffrey told the Philippine News Agency (PNA): “I am already at peace and I will celebrate Christmas with that gift."

Jeffrey served as the finance and logistics officer of the Sibat Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay of the CPP-NPA. Having been recruited by the rebel group at 23 years old, Jeffrey said he used his knowledge and time in managing the rebels’ resources.

“We ask people for food or money, and I am the one who budgets our resources,” he said.

Life in the armed struggle has hindered Jeffrey from celebrating special days, including Christmases and birthdays.

While families and friends gather, exchanging gifts, eating their holiday feast, Jeffrey was in the mountains of Panay, wishing to also spend the special occasion with loved ones.

“They do not have Christmas there in the mountains. We spend it like just a normal day, wandering the mountains and looking for food. Every Christmas eve, I just cherished the moments I was with my family,” he said.

It is one of the reasons, he said, that he decided to finally leave the armed struggle and be together with his loved ones.

Jeffrey surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Batallion (61IB) in July this year. “I heard about the government’s programs for rebel returnees over the radio. I thought about it for a long time and finally decided to abandon the armed struggle. I want to live my life in peace, without enemies, and without anger,” he said.

Jeffrey shared his family was delighted to be freed from the mistaken doctrines of the rebels. “This Christmas, even if we do not have food preparation, we will still be happy. The most important thing in life is living in peace with your family,” he said.

Christmas will also be merrier this year for Baby, 33, a former political guide and medical officer of Squad 2, Suyak Platoon, Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay for five years.

She also surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 61IB in July.

Like Jeffrey, Baby said the greatest present one can receive this Christmas is freedom from any anger and enemies.

“You can give yourself the greatest gift not just this Christmas, but every day. One can attain peace through the decision he or she makes,” Baby told the PNA.

She said abandoning the wrong doctrines of the CPP-NPA is abandoning hunger, hardship, and constant fear for her life.

She recalled being in the armed movement and spending the special days away from her family. The Suyak Platoon, she said, celebrates Christmas but it was incomparable to the one she spent outside the rebel group.

“They also have fun when it is Christmas but for me, I remember my family, having a simple gathering over a table of food on special occasions,” she said.

Outside the CPP-NPA, Baby said she can have decent work and be able to support her family.

“I am glad that the government has programs to reintegrate rebel surrenderers like me back in the society,” she said.

Jeffrey and Baby both received immediate financial and livelihood assistance from their respective local government units (LGUs) after they surrendered.

The assistance from the LGUs are on top of the benefits they will soon be receiving under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip), as their enrolment is currently being processed.

Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, 61st IB commander, urged other members of the CPP-NPA to also return to the government fold.

“For so long a time, you (rebels) were away from your loved ones during Christmas. This is now the opportunity to abandon the armed struggle and spend the special days in your life with your families,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088918

Gov't may not pursue military camp in Marawi: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): Gov't may not pursue military camp in Marawi: Lorenzana (By Divina Suson)



Marawi City after the 2017 siege. (PNA file photo)

Officials and residents of Marawi City have expressed relief on the announcement of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that the government may not pursue its planned construction of a new military camp in Marawi.

In an interview over Radyo Pilipinas on Tuesday, Lorenzana said the government remains open to the calls of the residents not to pursue the plan.

"Pakinggan ko muna. Kung talagang ayaw nila hindi namin ipipilit, maghahanap kami ng ibang lugar sa Marawi City. Wala tayong problema diyan. Open sa panawagan kung ayaw nila," Lorenzana said (We're going to listen to their sentiments, if they don't like it we will not force it to happen and we will look for another place in Marawi City. We have no problem there. We are open on their calls, if they don't like it.)
Marawi Mayor Majul Gandamra said Lorenzana's statement showed that the national government is mindful of the sentiments of the people.

“We are thankful that our President (Rodrigo Duterte) respects and has high regard to the sensitivities of our Maranao people,” Gandamra said.

On October 20, Gandamra wrote to President Duterte to request the relocation of the planned military camp in the center of Marawi.

Gandamra said the camp should be constructed in "a strategic position that will not necessarily encroach or invade the privacy of the populace and simultaneously, recognize historical sites with heritage value".

In the letter, Gandamra also expressed gratitude to the national government for the city's rehabilitation program after the city was destroyed during the five-month siege in 2017.

The mayor also clarified that the local government will not object to the national government's enhanced security measures in Marawi, which includes the establishment of a military camp in the city to "prevent the resurgence of violent extremism and other forms of terror criminality".

Sensitive response

Zia Alonto Adiong, a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), described Lorenzana's statement as being "sensitive to the call of the residents because he is from Mindanao and he knows the culture”.

“This is not the first time he showed magnanimity of character. At the height of the Marawi siege, he was the first national official who came down to the evacuation centers in Iligan City and talked with the IDPs (internally displaced persons) and truly listened to them,” Adiong said.

In November, the BTA adopted a resolution of the provincial government of Lanao del Sur “appealing to President Rodrigo not to proceed with the setting up of additional military camp inside the most affected area in Marawi”.

On November 15, Duterte signed Memorandum Order (MO) No. 41 creating a technical working group to study the establishment of the camp.

Members of the TWG include the Department of National Defense, Office of the Executive Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Land Registration Authority, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Prayers, petition

More than 10 hectares of land in Barangays Kapantaran and Calocan East in the most affected area (MAA) and the city's commercial hub were almost destroyed by the fighting in 2017.

On November 1, thousands of Marawi residents were allowed to get inside the MAA to perform their Friday prayer for the first time since the siege.

Marawi-based civic groups Saksi Radio Forum and Ranao Confederation for Peace organized the prayer in a bid to convince the government to reconsider the construction of the camp.

The prayer was followed by the gathering of signatures from residents as a petition asking President Duterte to halt the plan.

The petition, which has around 200,000 signatures, was brought to Malacañang on November 15, according to Najer Alnor, the secretary of Saksi Radio Forum.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088954

DLSU student owes to ROTC her more disciplined, patriotic self

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): DLSU student owes to ROTC her more disciplined, patriotic self (By Christine Cudis)



FORMING LEADERS. De La Salle University student and ROTC Cadet Private First-Class Maxine Keeler says she was glad to join the military training after discovering herself being a more disciplined and patriotic leader. Keeler and 19 others were handpicked by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to represent the Cultural and Leadership Program hosted by Guam ROTC in November, this year. (Contributed photo)

A student from the De La Salle University entered the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) mainly for love of adventure.

But her plan to just try “something new” led her to discover a new part of herself that she is really proud of.

Private First-Class Maxine Keeler, who is taking up Behavioral Science Major in Organizational and Social Systems Development at the De La Salle University, said she had always looked up to the military. So when she had the chance to acquire the same kind of training, she picked ROTC for her National Service Training Program (NSTP).

“At first I was honestly afraid of what I got myself into. My whole life as a civilian had to change the moment I started training,” she said in an interview.

Keeler said her parents did not initially want her undergoing training to be a reservist since “they did not like it in their time,” but her curiosity and admiration for the soldier's work pushed her to join.

She also asked a few colleagues what to expect in the ROTC so she knew then that she would have a hard time. She said the training, albeit difficult, was fun and fulfilling.

“When I started (undergoing) training, I first thought, 'Oh my god what did I get myself into?' But that thought slowly turned into 'Oh my god this was so worth it',” she added.

As a college freshman, she developed a liking in the program and pursued the Cadet Officer Candidate Course (COCC) to become an officer even though it meant going through harder training.

“All our hard work from physical training early in the morning, reporting in our office for lectures and learning how to do corps staff work, to commanding cadets in the field, has contributed so much to the formation of my character,” Keeler said.

“Thankfully, I had my officers, training staff and DLSU personnel to guide me and my batchmates into becoming the snappy officers we are today. All that I’ve learned in training has helped me become more motivated and hardworking in other aspects of my life,” she added.

Her dedication was also noticed by her unit commandant, Col. Nestor Narag, Jr., and recommended her in the shortlist of Filipino delegates who were sent to Guam, USA for the Cultural and Leadership Program (CULP) held November 17 to 24 this year.

Cultural program

About 20 ROTC cadets from all over the country were handpicked by the three major services to represent the Philippines in the Cultural Understanding and Leadership Program (CULP), one of the partnership programs between Guam and the Philippines under the Philippines-United States Mutual Defense Treaty.

AFP Public Affairs Office chief, Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, also officer of the Office of the Philippine Army Reservists and Retirees Affairs, said the cadets were selected from various ROTC units based on criteria such as leadership potentials, aptitude, performance, and excellence.

From the Army, cadets Sgt. Destinee Noor, Sgt. Cres John Goldove, Sgt. Diosdado Taconing Jr., Sgt. Apriljoy Marindoque, Sgt. Jennifer Gavero, Sgt. Mary Jane Maghanoy, Sgt. Angelyc Juario, and Pvt. Lucino Rosas were selected.

The Navy picked Keeler, P03 Joshua Mellarpis, SN2 Aeron Rollon, SN2 Maryelt Robiso, PFC Jomalyn Alcover, and PFC Philip Castro.

While the Air Force had Sgt. Jules Danison Saplan, Sgt. Shiena Mae Ampongan, Sgt. Loui Umpad, Sgt. Francis Angue, Sgt. Jeslie Fajardo, and Airman Choline Jesse Marcial to represent.

For two weeks, the Filipino ROTC cadets engaged their American counterparts in a learning experience that were highlighted by educational tours, cultural events, military training activities, and exposure to American communities.

“We trained in the Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) and applied them in our FTX in Guam. Not only did we learn from the Guam ROTC cadets but we also shared our knowledge with them,” Keeler said.

In particular, she said she felt grateful for learning about the value of leadership and teamwork in their training with the Guam ROTC cadets.

Mandatory ROTC

Keeler also said her experience was one for the books and that she wishes that more students like her will share and appreciate what her training did to her.

“I can confidently say that I do not regret my decision at all. It was and still is the best decision I’ve made in my life so far,” she said.

After the ROTC was made optional in 2002, the number of reservists in the country has slowly declined.

From 2015 to 2016, there were only 59,637 graduates from both basic and advanced training. In 2017-2018, it reached a low of 46,936.

Reservist General Rolando Rodil, among those who drafted the proposed bill making ROTC mandatory among senior high school students, explained in an earlier interview that the ROTC seeks to instill discipline and love for country among the Filipino youth.

If the mandatory ROTC bill passes into law, it would require students to take the training to qualify for graduation. The AFP will conduct meticulous screenings for future instructors and will only allow officers in the best practice to teach students.

The role of reservists, the general added, are (1) based on the expansion of regular force in case of war, rebellion; (2) to assist in disasters, socio-economic development, (3) secure vital government utilities such as water and power, and help in defense preparedness; (4) and as warfighters.

First Presidential Silent Drill Competition

On December 20, ROTC cadets from selected colleges and universities and uniformed personnel in the country will attend a summit in Quirino Grandstand to celebrate and drum up support for the ROTC.

The event is organized by the Office of the President through the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) and Presidential Security Group, in coordination with the Department of National Defense and the AFP through the Office of the Reservist and Retiree Affairs (OJ9).

The activity will feature a silent drill competition from among the best in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA), Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA), Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP), Philippine Army Officer Candidate School (PAOCS), Philippine Navy Officer Candidate School (PNOCS), and Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School (PAFOCS).

The units are vying for the top prize of PHP300,000, PHP200,000 for the second placer, and the third will get PHP100,000.

A PHP50,000 consolation prize will be given each to the four other units.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089004

BrahMos missiles deal seen in 2020: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): BrahMos missiles deal seen in 2020: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

The contract signing for the medium-range ramjet supersonic BrahMos cruise missiles, which are being eyed for coastal defense missions of the Philippine Army (PA), will be signed by the early part of 2020, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday night.

He made this announcement when asked about the possibility of the Philippines having the missile on its inventory.

"Signing of the contract will be in 2020. Possibly on the first or second quarter," Lorenzana said in Filipino.

When asked on how many BrahMos units the Philippines will be acquiring, the DND chief said "two batteries".

A missile battery is equivalent to three mobile autonomous launchers with two or three missile tubes each.

Aside from the PA, the DND chief said the weapons can also be used by the Philippine Air Force. Lorenzana said the procurement will be via "government-to-government mode".

Once delivered, he said the BrahMos will be the first Philippine weaponry with deterrent capability.

"There is money for it as per our modernization program," Lorenzana earlier said when asked on whether the Philippines can support or provide funds for the acquisition of the missiles which was jointly developed by Russia and India.

The acquisition of a land-based missile system is under Horizon Two of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program slated from 2018 to 2022 for the acquisition of equipment geared for external defense and has a budget of PHP300 billion.

The PA in October activated its first land-based missile battery system which is under the supervision of its Army Artillery Regiment. The unit is currently working on its training programs before acquiring the equipment.

In the same month, ranking Army officials paid a visit to the "Shivalik"-class guided missile frigate, INS Sahyadri (F-49), to learn more about its missile capabilities which include the "BrahMos" cruise missile which can be launched from ship, aircraft, submarine or land and has a top of Mach 3 and capable of carrying warheads weighing 200 to 300 kilograms.

“The Philippine Army is interested in acquiring this type of missile as it will strengthen our coastal defense operations,” PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala earlier said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088911

PAF evaluating 2 aircraft types for multi-role fighter project

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2019): PAF evaluating 2 aircraft types for multi-role fighter project (By Priam Nepomuceno)



The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is currently evaluating two aircraft for its multi-role fighter (MRF) project, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday night.

"One of the aircraft being evaluated is from Sweden (the Saab JAS 39 'Gripen) and the other is the American (General Dynamics) F-16 (V)," Lorenzana said when sought for updates on the MRF which is being eyed to beef up the country's air defense system.

He did not give additional details on the process.

The Swedish-made 'Gripen' is a light single-engine MRF capable of speeds up to Mach 2.0. It is armed with a 20mm automatic cannon and is capable of carrying a variety of rockets, bombs, missiles and surveillance equipment.

Meanwhile, the American F-16V has a top speed of Mach 2.0, can also carry an assortment of bombs and missiles and sensors and armed with a 20mm cannon.

The MRF is part of Horizon Two of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program slated for 2018 to 2022, which aims to acquire more equipment for external defense.

Any aircraft that will be selected must be able to integrate with existing radar systems that have a range of around 250 nautical miles.

Once these MRFs are acquired, the PAF, with the help of these radar systems, can be deployed to determine whether the aircraft flying in Philippine airspace is friendly or hostile.

These proposed MRFs are expected to augment the existing fleet of 12 South Korean-made Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PH jet aircraft acquired from 2015 to 2017 by the PAF as its first supersonic aircraft after the decommissioning its Northrop F-5 "Tiger" jet fighters in 2005.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1088915