Thursday, January 16, 2020

‘Barrio Peace-Ta sa Kampo’ highlights 4ID 50th founding anniv

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 15, 2020): ‘Barrio Peace-Ta sa Kampo’ highlights 4ID 50th founding anniv (By Recthie T. PaculbaPublished)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA)--Commemorating the triumphs in obtaining sustainable peace and development in Northern Mindanao and CARAGA regions, the Barrio Peace-Ta sa Kampo underscores the Fourth Infantry Division’s 50th Founding Anniversary, January 15.



MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander, says the Barrio Peace-Ta sa Kampo is the military's way to contribute to the socio-economic activity in the region by displaying local delicacies and featuring places to visit throughout the region. (PIA/Cagayan de Oro)

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander, said the Barrio Peace-Ta sa Kampo is the military's way to contribute to the socio-economic activity in the region by displaying local delicacies and featuring places to visit throughout the region.

Such event is also a celebration of heritage highlighting the importance of "barrio" and "bayanihan" in a community shown in the coordination of soldiers and the community they serve, Gacal added.

The culture-rooted Barrio Peace-Ta sa Kampo highlights an open-street activity including the Tiangge that will run for three weeks, January 15- February 5. Booths are open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM for soldiers, dependents, partner stakeholders, and civilian local populace.



Without confidence, Mayor Oscar Moreno says no one will invest billions of hard earned money in a place where there is no certainty and where peace and order would remain a big question mark, especially to the people in Mindanao who had been victims of situations in the past that had not only curtailed but also setback the gauge that had been painstaking achieved during the 50th Fourth Infantry Division Founding Anniversary, January 15. (PIA/Cagayan de Oro)

“We are blessed that 4ID covered Northern Mindanao dahil ang gagaling ng ating mga commanders (because our commanders are good). Malaking tulong ang national defense (the national defense helps us a lot); serving the people and securing the land. We would not be where we now kung wala ang armed forces (if the armed forces are not around),” Mayor Oscar Moreno said.

Without confidence, the mayor said no one will invest billions of hard earned money in a place where there is no certainty and where peace and order would remain a big question mark especially to the people in Mindanao who had been victims of situations in the past that had not only curtailed but also setback the gauge that had been painstakingly achieved.

The 4ID prepared series of events to celebrate the years of successful convergence of efforts with regional line agencies and partner stakeholders in bracing generally peaceful and progressive region.

The activities include the Night Café that goes along with live bands playing nightly from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Camp Evangelista, here, Baylehan or benefit dances done every Saturday night, fun run, fashion show, and more. (RTP/PIA10)

Sec. Cusi calls for convergence meeting on strengthened implementation of EO 70 in MIMAROPA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 16, 2020): Sec. Cusi calls for convergence meeting on strengthened implementation of EO 70 in MIMAROPA (By DOE)

Featured Image

TAGUIG CITY, Jan. 16--Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary and Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) of MIMAROPA, Alfonso G. Cusi, called for a Convergence Meeting with the officials of the Regional Development Council and the Regional Peace and Order Council, as well as the Cluster Heads of MIMAROPA's Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) on Friday (10 January) at the DOE's headquarters.

“We CORDS have been entrusted with the tall order of helping the President and the NTF-ELCAC to finally put an end to local communist armed conflict, while ensuring the sustainable development of our respective regions,” Secretary Cusi said in his welcoming remarks.

He also emphasized the significance and importance of the NTF-ELCAC, established by virtue of Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70), in ensuring the efficient and effective implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace in the country, as well as a platform for good governance.

During the meeting, presentations on the current security, peace and order situation in the MIMAROPA region were given by the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support Cluster composed of regional units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP); as well as updates on regional activities and best practices provided by the CORDS MIMAROPA Technical Working Group.

During the open forum, concerns were raised on how to improve the effectiveness of communication between and among member agencies of the RTF, achieve true convergence of activities of member-government agencies, and the funding mechanisms to effectively implement prepared plans and strategies, particularly on the priority areas of MIMAROPA.

National Security Adviser and Vice Chairperson of the NTF-ECLAC, Hermogenes C. Esperon Jr., also provided further guidance on some issues that were deemed internal to the RTF and on external issues considered significant, but are beyond the scope of the CORDS' expressed mandate and authority.

“Our task does not end here. There are still a lot of work that lies ahead, but let us be driven by the leadership and support of the Duterte Administration to attain the objectives of EO 70 and help us eradicate the local communist armed conflict,” Sec. Cusi concluded.

Also present were DOE Undersecretary and CORDS MIMAROPA TWG Chairperson Vice Admiral Alexander S. Lopez (ret); Palawan Governor Jose C. Alvarez; the CORDS MIMAROPA TWG led by Dr. Adrianne A. Mabanta; National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Adoracion Navarro; NSA Deputy Director-General Damian L. Carlos; AFP Commander of Western Command Vice Admiral Rene Medina; AFP Acting Southern Luzon Command MGen Arnulfo Burgos; Regional Directors of NEDA, Philippine Information Agency, Department of the Interior and Local Government; the CORDS MIMAROPA TWG; and other members of the MIMAROPA Regional Task Force-ELC

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032875

RPOC XI classifies CPP/NPA/NDF as organized crime group

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 16, 2020): RPOC XI classifies CPP/NPA/NDF as organized crime group (By Frances Mae G. Macapagat)


The Regional Peace and Order Council first quarter meeting tackled the resolution classifying the CPP/NPA/NDF as an organized crime group

DAVAO CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) – In the Davao Region peace and order council first quarter meeting held yesterday (January 15), a Joint RPOC-RDC resolution was approved classifying the CPP/NPA/NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines/New Peoples Army/National Democratic Front) as an organized crime group.

The Joint RPOC-RDC is composed of local chief executives, officials of local government agencies and other stakeholders in the region have been implementing programs and initiatives under the National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) through Executive Order No. 70.

RPOC XI vice chairperson and Police Regional Office XI Director PBGen Filmore Escobal stressed that the CPP/NPA/NDF are fake revolutionaries; instead they are criminals.

“The killings, arsons, extortions, and harassments they perpetrated over the past and recent years have transformed them into an organized crime group whose clear intention is to advance their criminal objectives,” Escobal said.

The PRO XI reported 70 bombings/IED explosions, 109 arsons, 103 shooting cases, 31 robbery cases, kidnappings, and abductions perpetrated by said organized crime group.

“The various heinous crimes perpetrated by these individuals are clear evidence that Joma Sison has formed a coalition of crime groups. To gain support, they deceived various sectors that they are revolutionary movement but their actions suggest that they are mere criminals preying on innocent students, indigenous peoples, and vulnerable communities,” Escobal added.

As cited in the resolution, said move of the Joint RPOC-RDC supports the recent statement of President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte declaring that the communist terrorists groups do not have territories.

Meanwhile, the same council also approved a resolution urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to publish the designation of the CPP/NPA and all other persons/organizations pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 374 s. 2017 declaring the CPP/NPA as a terrorist organization, and Republic Act 10168.

The Joint RPOC-RDC XI is expressing solidarity support to the desire of the President to put an end to the communist armed conflict and achieve sustainable peace in the country. (PIA/FGM)

NPA supporter surrenders in Tinoc

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 16, 2020): NPA supporter surrenders in Tinoc  (By Marcelo B. Lihgawon)

Featured Image

TINOC, Ifugao, Jan. 16 (PIA) - - The Militia ng Bayan (MB) member here has surrendered to authorities to have a peaceful life.

Aka Lando submitted himself to the Tinoc Municipal Police Station with a rifle grenade. He admitted being a supporter of the New People’s Army (NPA) particularly the Nona Del Rosario Command operating in the area.

The Tinoc MPS reported that he allowed his house to be used by the NPAs as meeting place and temporary storage of food stuff, firearms, ammunitions and other logistical equipment

“He decided to surrender to clear his name and to end his ties with the communist terrorist and live a normal life free from disturbance,” the report stated.

The surrender of Lando is the result of the intensified and continuous conduct of information campaign on anti-terrorism, the whole of nation approach to end local communist armed conflict by various government and other partners in the community.

“During our information drive, we include also the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to encourage members of CPP/NPA and MBs to surrender to the government to sustain peace and order in the community,” the Tinoc MPS stated.

Police authorities lauded Lando on his decision to surrender and thanked the people who have helped in making this possible. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)


Aka Lando (left), an alleged Militia ng Bayan member turns-over a rifle grenade to a police official of the Tinoc Municipal Police Station after his surrender. (Photo credit to Tinoc MPS)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032882

DILG 10 maps out plans, efforts on ending insurgency for FY 2020

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 17, 2020): DILG 10 maps out plans, efforts on ending insurgency for FY 2020 (By Department of Interior and Local Government - 10)

Featured Image

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) --Towards continuing efforts in finally ending local communist armed conflict in the country, Department of the Interior and Local Government-Region 10 maps out its Lines of Effort (LoE) plans for FY 2020 on January 8.

Said activity committed the involvement and support of the Department in ensuring that Executive Order No. 70 or the “Whole-of-Nation” approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace is operationalized in Region 10.

“This year, we need to work collectively and that is why we are all here in this meeting. Your capabilities are highly needed to ensure our deliverables are attended promptly and accordingly,” said DILG 10 Assistant Regional Director Yvette Tolentino Sunga.

Out of the 12 Lines of Effort, five (5) are led by DILG, namely: (1) Local Government Empowerment, (2) Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building, Empowerment, and Mobilization, (3) Basic Services, (4) Localized Peace Engagement, and (5) E-CLIP and Amnesty Program.

With this, focal persons for each LoE in DILG 10 were identified. They shall be the ones to convene its members from other regional agencies to discuss relevant reports and updates. Other focal persons were tasked to represent the Regional Office for the rest of the cluster conferences.

Also tackled during the activity were DILG MC 2019-125 or the Guidelines for the LGUs in the Implementation of EO 70 and DILG MC 2019 – 169 or the Guidelines on the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).

The Implementation Plans (ImPlans) of the LoEs were also presented for information and reference.

With several deliverables expected for FY 2020, the Department deems it necessary to heighten its efforts. (Princess Jia Andriza T. Artajo/DILG-10/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032944

Former NPA rebels yield firearms, get gov’t aid

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 17, 2020): Former NPA rebels yield firearms, get gov’t aid (By PIA-Iloilo)

Featured Image

ILOILO CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA-6) -- Five former rebels from the municipalities of Calinog and Lambunao in Iloilo, who turned in their firearms to the provincial government, were granted financial and livelihood assistance.

Col. Marion R. Sison, 301st Infantry Brigade commander, said the returnees were formerly connected with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and among the 10 rebels who surrendered last year.

“We want to let them know that the government has programs in helping them start anew,” Col. Sison said in a media release from the Provincial Information and Community Affairs Office (PICAO).

The former rebels were recently presented to Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., who assisted Col. Sison and Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Iloilo in turning over the checks to the rebel returnees.

Each returnee received P15,000 immediate assistance and P60,000 livelihood assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Each also received a maximum P70,000 for their surrendered firearms, which include two .38 caliber, one .45 caliber, one shotgun, and an M1 garand rifle. (PICAO/LTP/PIA-Iloilo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032966

MNLF official hurt in NoCot ambush, driver slain

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 13, 2020): MNLF official hurt in NoCot ambush, driver slain (By Edwin Fernandez)



AMBUSHED. The ill-fated service vehicle of Barangay Ilian, Matalam, North Cotabato which was ambushed around 2 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 12, 2020). The incident injured village chairman Kutin Idtug and an aide, while the driver-escort was killed. (Photo courtesy of Williamor Magbanua – M’lang LGU)

A ranking official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has survived but his escort-driver was killed when unidentified gunmen waylaid them in Matalam, North Cotabato on Sunday.

Major Brian Placer, Matalam town police chief, said MNLF political officer Kutin Idtug, 67, also village chair of Barangay Ilian, Matalam, was on board a government-issued multi-cab vehicle (temporary plate 1201-474363) with two others when they were fired upon a dirt road near a sugarcane plantation in Barangay Marbel at 2 p.m.


“His driver, identified as Kunti Kadatuan Solaiman, 35, was killed while Idtug and another aide, Antonio Saban, were injured but are now in stable condition,” Placer told reporters following the incident.

He said the armed men, numbering to about 10, hid by the side of the road in the sugarcane plantation and opened fire as the green multi-cab passed by.

Placer added that it was not clear whether Idtug or his companions were armed at the time of the incident.

“Initially we suspect it was motivated by personal grudge, but we are still investigating,” he said.

Police found empty shells for M14, M16 Carbine rifles at the ambush site.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090680

Army foils NPA plan to harass checkpoints in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 13, 2020): Army foils NPA plan to harass checkpoints in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)



STEEL SHIELDS. Philippine Army and police operatives recovered four steel plates that were supposed to be mounted on the sides of trucks to shield New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in their planned attacks on detachments and checkpoints in Agusan del Norte. The steel plates were recovered on Saturday, January 11, in Sitio Tabon, Barangay Aklan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. (Photo courtesy of CMO, 23rd IB, Army)
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- The military said it has uncovered evidence that validated previous intelligence reports of the plot to stage series of harassments of checkpoints by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in the province.

Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, Jr., commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Sunday that military intelligence operatives obtained an information in late November last year from a former rebel who reported that the NPA's Guerrilla Front 4A (GF-4A) was planning to harass Army and police checkpoints and detachments in Agusan del Norte.

Molina said the information was proven true with the discovery and confiscation of four steel plates last Saturday (January 11) in a village in the town of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte has proven.

“The former rebel was very much certain of the information he provided us. He said that the NPA rebels will utilize dump trucks and cargo trucks shielded on both sides with steel plates to shield their combatants,” Molina said.


The former rebel, he added, also revealed that the NPA unit commissioned the production of four steel plates that were supposed to be delivered by the middle of December last year.

The informant also told the Army that the unit's leader, known as "Commander Baking," was planning to stage the series of harassments by January of 2020.

“I ordered our intelligence operatives to prioritize the information and conduct thorough intel operations in the area,” Molina said.

On January 5, Molina said a resident from Sitio Tabon, Barangay Aklan, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte informed the Army that he witnessed the delivery of steel plates by armed men he believed to be members of the NPA.

The civilian informant said the steel plates were delivered in a grassy, vacant lot on the eve of the New Year’s Day, or on December 31 last year.

“I asked the brigade to allow me to operate in the area on January 5 to recover the steel plates but I was prohibited due to the ceasefire that was still in effect,” Molina said.

The steel plates were finally recovered by the military and the Philippine National Police in Nasipit three days after the truce formally ended on Jan. 8, he said.

“I appreciate the courage of the civilian who informed our operatives on the location of the steel plates,” Molina said.

Had the plates not been recovered on time, the planned harassments of GF-4A could have inflicted serious damages to the targeted Army and police detachments, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090694

Army vows to ‘shield’ Caraga youths from NPA recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 13, 2020): Army vows to ‘shield’ Caraga youths from NPA recruitment (By Alexander Lopez)



YOUTH POWER. Engr. Christian Kier M. Betito, vice president POINTY, Inc. Philippines (right) sworn in the newly elected officers of POINTY, Inc. Butuan City chapter during the gathering of youth leaders on Sunday (Jan. 12, 2020) at the headquarters of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, Jr., 23IB commander, vows to shield the youth from the influence of communist rebels. (Photo courtesy of Glymer Jamito)
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- An Army official has vowed to help strengthen youth groups in the Caraga Region to keep them away from the influence of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

In a gathering of around 30 youth leaders from different barangays here on Sunday (January 12), Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr. of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion urged the members of the Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through our Youth (POINTY), Inc. to unite and win more youths in the region "to protect them from recruitment of the NPA."

“Our aim is to insulate the youth from the influence of the CPP-NPA,” Molina said, as he also pledged support to the programs and projects of POINTY, Inc., a non-profit youth organization.

Molina also shared the various schemes that the CPP-NPA utilizes to lure young people into joining the communist rebel movement.

The gathering of youth leaders on Sunday was also in time with the election of the new officers of POINTY, Inc.-Butuan for the year 2020.

The elected officers include Harold Fabiana Sarsale from Barangay Taguibo as president, Trisha Jede Rojo Entero from Pianing as vice president, Rizzamae Pepito from Barangay Anticala as secretary, Jemmalyn Burca Moncada from Barangay Bitan-agan as treasurer, and Diyana Toledo from Barangay De Oro as the auditor.

Youth leaders Wendell Mejas from Barangay Taligaman and April Rose Lofranco from Barangay Bitan-agan were also elected as information officers of POINTY-Butuan.

1Lt. Roel Maglalang, 23IB civil-military operations officer, said the strengthening of local youth organizations is among the priorities of the battalion within its area of operation.

Maglalang also underscored the role of the youth as partners in the community development efforts of the government.

Meanwhile, the national officers and the members of the Board of Trustees of POINTY, Inc. also conducted their first quarter meeting last Saturday in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

In a statement sent to PNA on Sunday, the group said the activity was focused on the review and amendment of some provisions of its constitution and by-laws in preparation for the transformation of POINTY, Inc. into an institutionalized non-government organization (NGO).

The gathering was graced by Col. Allan D. Hambala, the commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade of the Army.

In his message, Hambala challenged the youth leaders to engage in "peaceful nation-building."

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is thankful for your service as volunteers helping the institution to achieve its goals in its areas of responsibility,” Hambala said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090699

12 'exhausted' BIFF members yield in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 14, 2020): 12 'exhausted' BIFF members yield in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez and Noel Punzalan)



PEACEFUL LIFE AHEAD. A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters hands over his rifle to Mayor Allan Datu Angas Sr. (in white polo) of Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao, as Army officials, led by 601st Brigade commander Colonel Jose Narciso, look on. The BIFF surrenderer is a part of the 12-man group who yielded to military authorities on Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2020), citing exhaustion following intense military operations in the province. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Allan Datu Angas, Sr.)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – Saying they are exhausted from running away from military authorities and at the same time convinced by their former comrades to take the path of peace, a dozen members of Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) yielded to the Army on Tuesday.

Colonel Jose Narciso, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade (IB) based here, said the BIFF combatants voluntarily surrendered with the help of municipal officials of Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao.

“We had a series of negotiations with their leaders before their formal surrender,” Narciso said, as he expressed hope that more outlawed gunmen will follow suit.

The BIFF surrenderers turned over assorted firearms, including two homemade .50-caliber sniper rifles, in a ceremony held at the Sultan sa Barongis town hall and attended by Sultan sa Barongis Mayor Alfizzar Allan Datu Angas Sr.


“Of the BIFF who surrendered, only two were residents of Sultan sa Barongis, the rest were from nearby towns,” Angas said.

Narciso assured the returnees that the government will help them through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

One of the returnees said he and his group decided to surrender because they want to live normal lives.

“Our former companions who surrendered earlier are now peacefully living with their families, with livelihood assistance from the government,” said the returnee, who asked not to be named.

Narciso said the Army will continue to open its arms to lawless elements who wanted to reform and live peacefully with their families.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090810

Surrendered rebel hurt in ambush by 'Reds' in Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2020): Surrendered rebel hurt in ambush by 'Reds' in Iloilo (By Gail Momblan)



The San Joaquin Municipal Police Station in San Joaquin town, Iloilo province. (Photo courtesy of San Joaquin MPS)

One of the former members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) was injured after an ambush by alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in San Joaquin town, Iloilo province last Jan. 12.

Ramie Cataluna, 34, of Janiuay town, was wounded on the leg after the attack by around seven members of the CPP-NPA led by one Joven Ceralvo, said Capt. Robert Jayson Pancha, officer-in-charge of San Joaquin Municipal Police Station, in a phone interview on Monday.

The victim, along with three other former RPA-ABB members, was walking in Camia village when the incident happened.

“They were 500 meters away (from the rebels) then they were allegedly being shot. After that, the suspects were heard shouting ‘Mabuhay ang NPA’,” Pancha said.


Cataluna was brought to the San Joaquin Mother and Child Hospital for treatment while the suspects fled to the mountainous area of the town.

Pancha said the police could not yet determine whether the shooting was an attack of rebels on former combatants.

“As of now, we are still gathering information,” he said, noting that the police received reports of sightings of rebels last year but these turned out negative when validated.

The rebels will face attempted murder charges, he added.

The former combatants of the RPA-ABB surrendered last Sept. 19 to the military at the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) headquarters at Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz.

The RPA-ABB is a breakaway group of the CPP-NPA. It separated from the rebel group in 1996 due to ideological differences.

President Rodrigo Duterte, who personally witnessed the surrender, has vowed to protect the former combatants from any threats of the communists.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090714

Basilan village turns into ghost town as MNLF factions clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2020): Basilan village turns into ghost town as MNLF factions clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)


DISPLACED. Suraiya Buisan, the secretary of Barangay Babag, Bubuan Island, Tabuan-Lasa, Basilan, is dismayed upon seeing her office in total disarray, when she visited the village Monday (Jan. 13, 2020) a week after a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front attack another MNLF community in the village. The village's health center and several houses were also ransacked by the attackers, village officials claim. (PNA photo by Teofilo P. Garcia Jr.)

TABUAN-LASA, Basilan -- The municipal government here said it has continued to provide assistance to families who were displaced following an attack recently by a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on an MNLF community in Barangay Babag, Bubuan Island, one of the four islands in this town.
Suraiya Buisan, secretary of Barangay Babag, told the Philippine News Agency Monday that some 500 families were displaced by the attack on the village that took place on January 5.

Some 180 families, including that of Buisan, fled to Lanawan Island, Buisan said, adding they are currently housed in Barangay Kaumpurnah, one of the two barangays in the island. Aside from Lanawan and Bubuan, the other two islands of this town are Tapiantana and Saluping.

Buisan said the other affected families have fled to Maluso and Isabela City in this province’s mainland, Tapiantana Island, and in Barangays Boloh-Boloh and Suligan in Bubuan Island.

Mayor Brenda Junaid said they periodically provide food and medical assistance to the 180 families who are currently housed in Barangay Kaumpurnah.

“We need to help them since they have lost everything,” Junaid said.

“Some of them here (in Kaumpurnah), we retrieved them on that hill,” said a policeman, who asked not to be identified, while pointing to a hill in Bubuan Island.

Buisan said most of them fled empty-handed for fear of their lives at the height of the firefight.

Officials said the attack resulted in the death of Stalin Mukahil, the leader of the Babuan-based MNLF community, and his cousin, Basit Kangal.

Buisan said the attackers, comprising around 100 heavily-armed men, were led by Jama Mohammad Sandung.

“The two factions were supposed to meet Monday (January 6) to fix a problem between them, but they (Sandung’s group) attacked on Sunday,” Buisan said citing they don’t know what problem they have to address.

She said the attack triggered another firefight that only stopped Tuesday morning (January 7), adding that to their dismay, their houses were ransacked by the attackers.


Buisan said the residents, who engaged in fishing to make a living, lost their livelihood, claiming the attackers took their motorized bancas.

Buisan said she was dismayed upon seeing her office at the Barangay Hall and her store nearby in total disarray.

“I lost my jewelries and personal money, which I hid in my drawer,” Buisan said.

Buisan also found the health center of the barangay in total disarray.

Barangay Babag, which comprises of seven sitios, is now virtually a ghost barangay as the displaced residents refused to return home despite the deployed of peacekeeping forces in the village.

Currently, peacekeeping forces comprising of the Army’s 14th Special Forces Company and a 15-man MNLF team led by Commander Jimpoy Rodin from Lantawan town, this province, are stationed in Barangay Babag.

The government forces were deployed to Barangay Babag on January 8 (Wednesday) while that of the MNLF on Sunday, January 12.


According to the 2015 census, Tabuan-Lasa has a population of 24,188 people.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090829

2 Abu Sayyaf members nabbed; explosives seized in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): 2 Abu Sayyaf members nabbed; explosives seized in Basilan (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)


ARRESTED. Police and military operatives on Tuesday, January 14, arrested two suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits and seized improvised bombs and bomb-making components in Barangay Menzi, Isabela City, Basilan. Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, Police Regional Office-9 director, lauded the government forces for the accomplishment. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-9 Public Information Office)

Government operatives arrested two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and seized improvised bombs and bomb-making components in Basilan province, a top police official said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director,
identified the arrested ASG members as Muzrim Illahan and Kadir Ajanal, both followers of Furuji Indama.

Quidilla said the two were arrested Tuesday by a team of policemen and Army troops in Barangay Menzi, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province.

Illahan and Ajanal yielded two improvised explosive devices and bomb-making components, the police official said.


Quidilla lauded the authorities for the accomplishment and thanked the public for their support of the government's peace and order campaign.

“This feat is not possible without the cooperation of the community and their support,” he added.

He said the PRO-9 has been relentless in the campaign against criminality and “will continue to exert its effort to maintain the peace and order in the peninsula.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090964

Westmincom helps injured Vietnamese fisherman

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): Westmincom helps injured Vietnamese fisherman (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)


HUMANE TREATMENT. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command chief, visits on Monday (Jan. 13, 2020) Dang Canh, a Vietnamese fisherman who was injured while illegally fishing within the Philippine waters. Canh is currently admitted at Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- An injured Vietnamese fisherman has expressed gratitude for the assistance accorded to him by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) despite entering fishing illegally in Philippine waters on New Year's Eve.

Dang Canh, who is currently recuperating at the Camp Navarro General Hospital here, broke his right arm and leg while operating a trawling machine aboard a fishing vessel off the Turtle Islands municipality, Tawi-Tawi.

PCG personnel stationed in Turtle Islands boarded the vessel after they monitored the fishing boat vessel anchored in the area on December 31 last year.

Also aboard the fishing vessel were Nguyen Van Jhanh, the boat captain, and Nguyen Tanh Joan, aside from Canh.

Canh was immediately taken to the Turtle Islands Regional Health Unit before being airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital for further treatment.

“We are very much thankful for the assistance provided by the Armed Forces to us. Despite our illegal entry into the Philippine waters, they still rescued us,” Canh said.

Canh expressed his gratitude to Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, who visited him in the hospital on Monday.

Mayor Mohd. Faizal Jamalul of Turtle Islands and Vietnam liaison officer Razali Bin Hussein accompanied Sobejana during the visit to Canh in the hospital.

“No words can describe how grateful I am for the best assistance the military personnel provided through their hospitality and sincere services,” Canh added.

Sobejana said Canh will be turned over to the proper authority after his treatment.

“I commend our troops and the PCG for this laudable act of humanity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the boat captain and the fishing vessel are in PCG's custody in Turtle Islands for further investigation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090943

2 NPA rebels surrender in Nueva Ecija

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): 2 NPA rebels surrender in Nueva Ecija (By Jason De Asis)



SURRENDERED. Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army, greets two members of the New People's Army who voluntarily surrendered to government troops in Barangay Tugatog, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Monday, Jan. 13, 2020. The two surrendered rebels said they decided to return to the fold of law due to the difficulties they experienced in the underground movement. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion)
BALER, Aurora – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) have decided to return to the fold of the law as a result of the implementation of the “whole-of-nation” approach in ending local communist armed conflict.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Barangay Calabuanan here, said on Wednesday
that the two communist rebels voluntarily surrendered on Monday to the government troops in Barangay Antipolo, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.

Rubio identified the NPA surrenderers as "Ka Nova", 52, a squad leader from Platoon Dos of Komiteng Larangang Gerilya (KLG) Sierra Madre operating in Aurora and Nueva Ecija; and "Ka Rommel", 39, radioman of Platoon 3 of NPA Bulacan.


He said the successful operation is through the joint efforts of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“They are now at the 91IB Headquarters in Barangay Calabuanan for the routine interviews and documentation,” Rubio said, noting that the surrender is the effect of Executive Order (EO) No. 70, which was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on Dec. 4, 2018.

EO 70 directs the adoption of a national peace framework and institutionalizing the “whole-of-nation” approach in ending local communist armed conflict.

He said the Philippine Army will continue to work hand-in-hand with the PNP and other government agencies to ensure the safe and fair treatment of all local terrorists who are thinking of putting their trust, once more, in the government.

He encouraged other active NPA rebels to surrender to the authorities and avail the services and programs being offered by the government, particularly the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Maj. Gen. Lenard Agustin, commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, under which the 91IB operates, said that all line units of the division will continue to welcome surrenderers and assist them in receiving government benefits and starting a new life.

The 7ID was among the Army divisions last year that recorded the highest number of surrenderers, with 1,003 communist rebels and their supporters.

Col. Andrew D. Costelo, brigade commander of the Army’s 703rd, said terrorist groups now feel threatened by the joint efforts of the government’s security forces, resulting in their decision to surrender.

“More rebels are now convinced to surrender due to the increasing awareness of the government benefits that they could avail upon their return to the fold of the law, and the hope of being able to start anew with their families and live in peace,” Costelo said.

Meanwhile, the two NPA surrenderers told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an exclusive interview that they decided to return to mainstream society due to the difficulties they faced while in the movement such as lack of food in the mountains and the internal problems within the NPA organization.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090929

1 dead, 2 hurt in Cotabato City shootout

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): 1 dead, 2 hurt in Cotabato City shootout (By Edwin Fernandez)



STREET SHOOTOUT. Police conduct a post-crime investigation on a vehicle where a man was killed after he and his companion traded shots with a man on a motorbike along a busy street here on Wednesday afternoon (Jan. 15, 2020). Police investigators theorized that the shootout could have been triggered by a personal grudge. (Photo courtesy of CCPO)

COTABATO CITY – A 50-year-old man was killed and two were injured in a shootout along a busy thoroughfare here on Wednesday afternoon, police said.

Major Glenn Mar Avisa, city police station 1 chief, said the shootout started around 3:20 p.m. along Rajah Tabunaway Boulevard, particularly in front of Nurharris Junk Shop, where a man alighted from a Honda Civic car and shot Johnity Kubato, 39, of Rosary Heights 7, this city.

Avisa said the alleged suspects were identified as Suharto Kasim Panalangin, 32, driver of the Honda sedan, and Asraf Bajunaid, 50, both from this city.

Quoting witnesses, Avisa said the armed Kubato, despite his injuries, also traded shots with the suspects in the car as they sped off toward Jose Lim Street from Rajah Tabunaway Boulevard.

“Kubato chased Panalangin and Bajunaid and traded shots with them until the car stopped in the middle of the road,” Avisa said.

Police from station 1, located two blocks away, took the injured Kubato and Panalangin to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center while the slain Bajunaid was left at the back seat of the car.

Investigators found two .45-caliber pistols and empty shells inside the car.

“Investigators are also looking into documents of the car that has a police commemorative license plate at its rear,” Avisa said.

Avisa believed that the shootout was triggered by a personal grudge. Those injured remain under close watch at the hospital.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090999

2 dead in NoCot ambush; pursuit operation launched

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): 2 dead in NoCot ambush; pursuit operation launched (By Noel Punzalan)



Google map of Pikit town, North Cotabato.

Police have launched a manhunt against a group of armed men involved in the ambush-slay of two motorcycle-riding victims in Pikit, North Cotabato on Wednesday.

Maj. Mautin Pangandigan, Pikit police chief, identified the victims as Benjie Lumacod and Nasrudin Guialodin, both of Kabacan town.

Police report said the victims were on board a motorbike traversing Sitio Manampan, Barangay Batulawan in Pikit past 9 a.m. when waylaid by the armed men.


“Both died on the spot from multiple bullet wounds in their bodies,” Pangandigan said.

Recovered from the ambush site were empty shells from M-16 and M-14 rifles.

Pangandigan said a pursuit operation is underway against the armed group that fled to the interiors of Batulawan village.

Pangandigan said they have also invited for questioning several persons of interest.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091005

11 more former NPA rebels, supporters denounce communism

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): 11 more former NPA rebels, supporters denounce communism (By Liza Agoot)



DENOUNCING COMMUNISM. Former rebels of the New People’s Army and Militia ng Bayan supporters take their oath of allegiance before Mountain Province Provincial administrator Winston Calde during a ceremony on Wednesday (Jan. 15) at the capital town Bontoc. A total 11 rebel returnees and NPA supporters joined the event. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)

BONTOC, Mountain Province-- Eleven more former rebels and “Militia ng Bayan” members committed on Wednesday to serve the country, taking their oath of allegiance during a ceremony here.

"Maya" (not her real name) said she decided to avail of the government’s offer of a new life for the sake of her six children--aged 14, 13, 9, 6, 3--whom she hopes would all finish their studies.

"Our life was difficult, do not want my children to have the same life, I want them to be successful in life,” Maya said in the Ilocano dialect.

Maya and the 10 others were among those who separately surrendered to the government since November 2019 but joined part of the mass oath-taking.

Maya joined the rebel group in 2002 after she was convinced by the New People's Army (NPA) rebels who camped for a week at their home in one of the towns in Mountain Province.

Three years with the group, she found a husband among the members in 2005 and gave birth to her firstborn a year after.

Maya, who was as a medical officer of the NPA group in the area, described the life of an NPA combatant as "narigat" (difficult) without any certainty of the future.

"I learned how to be one [of the medical officer] while I was in the mountains. we were taught by someone who comes to where we camped how to do ‘accupress’. There are a lot of us who know how to do it and its what we use to help combatants who are injured members," Maya said.

She also said there are times when they had to join the NPA combatants in fighting the government troops.

"Agkararag ka lattan tapnu saan ka nga madangran. Kabutbuteng ngem isu garud parte ti biag nga pinili mi (Just pray so that you won't get hurt. it was scary but it was part of the life I chose)," she said.

E-CLIP benefits

Maya and other surrenderers will receive immediate assistance of PHP15,000.

They will be validated and processed while a series of reorientation will be done as part of their re-embracing of their allegiance or commitment to support the government.

As a rebel returnee, Maya will be asked to help convince other NPA rebels and supporters to surrender.

The firearm she surrendered will also be assessed of the value and the amount will form part of the money she will use in “starting a life”.

Aside from PHP65,000 livelihood assistance, the rebel returnees will be provided a decent home and her children who would be given an education.

"Come down and have a life. The government is here to help us start a peaceful life, come,” Maya said in the vernacular.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091044

'Reds' attack RPA-ABB in Iloilo anew

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): 'Reds' attack RPA-ABB in Iloilo anew (By Gail Momblan)



ATTACK ON EX-COMRADES. Capt. Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), says on Thursday (Jan. 16, 2020) the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army wants to demoralize former rebels through initiating attacks against them. On Wednesday, 16 members of Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade were ambushed by members the New People's Army in Cunsad village, Alimodian town. (File photo by Gail Momblan)

Another attack was staged by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) against the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) in Alimodian town, Iloilo on Wednesday, the Philippine Army confirmed.

In an interview Thursday, Capt. Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), said
the group attacked by the rebels is under the Nielo dela Cruz group.
Pancito said the NPA ambushed 16 RPA-ABB members in Cunsad village after reportedly detonating an anti-personal landmine.

He said the RPA-ABB was helping secure the nearby Abang-Abang village that was celebrating its patron's fiesta. "When they were going back to their base, they were fired upon by the NPA under the Southern Front," he said.

No casualties were recorded on the part of the RPA-ABB.


Pancito said the Army has already sent additional teams in the vicinity of the attack to verify the information and augment the RPA-ABB fighters.

Although the group involved in the attack is different from the RPA-ABB group chaired by Veronica Tabara that were decommissioned last Sept. 19 at Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz, Pancito said the dela Cruz group is already considered an ally of the government.

"They were not included in those who earlier surrendered to the government but our negotiation and localized peace talks with this group are ongoing. We already recognize this as a body who already defunct from the CPP-NPA principles," Pancito said.

Last Jan. 12, one of the former members of the RPA-ABB was also hurt in a shooting after an attack by around seven members of the CPP-NPA led by one Joven Ceralvo in Camia village, San Joaquin town.

Pancito said the CPP-NPA wants to demoralize the former rebels through initiating the recent attacks.

“The NPA would really have to give a signal that the group should not depart from their principles. What they are doing now is to send a signal that they are a force to reckon with and there is something bad that will happen if they (RPA-ABB) decide to support the government already,” Pancito said.

The Philippine Army, meanwhile, has assured that the government will continue to protect former rebels from any threats of the CPP-NPA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091087

Troops rescue Abu Sayyaf's last captive

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): Troops rescue Abu Sayyaf's last captive (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)


RESCUED. A military nurse goes over the medical chart of Muhammad Farhan, an Indonesian fisherman, who was rescued Wednesday (Jan. 15, 2020) by government troops in an intelligence-driven operation in Indanan, Sulu. He is the last known captive of the bandit group. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

Government troops rescued an Indonesian fisherman, the last captive of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Thursday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, identified the rescued Indonesian fisherman as Muhammad Farhan, 27, who was rescued around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan, Sulu.

Sobejana said Farhan’s rescue came after the troops received information from the residents about his whereabouts.


He said Farhan was taken to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital and was later airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital for further medical attention and custodial debriefing.

“We are very pleased with this remarkable accomplishment of our Joint Task Force Sulu,” Sobejana said.

“Our ground troops have succeeded in rescuing all remaining captives of the Abu Sayyaf Group. This proves that our sustained rescue efforts and security operations to run down and degrade ASG have been very effective. Hence, this breakthrough will be sustained to thwart kidnappings, dismantle the terror group to bring about peace and sustainable development in Sulu,” he added.

Farhan was kidnapped along with his father, Maharudin Lunani, 48, and Samiun Maneu, 27, a crew, while they were fishing on September 23, 2019 off Tambisan waters, Lahad Datu.

Government troops rescued Lunani and Maneu on December 22, 2019 in Panamao, Sulu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091036

5 ex-rebels in Iloilo surrender firearms; receive aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): 5 ex-rebels in Iloilo surrender firearms; receive aid (By Gail Momblan)



ASSISTANCE FOR SURRENDERERS. A former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Iloilo receives financial aid from Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on Thursday (Jan. 16, 2020). Five ex-rebels were granted PHP15,000 immediate assistance, PHP60,000 livelihood assistance, and the corresponding amount for their surrendered firearms under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). (PNA Photo by Gail Momblan)

 Five former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), who surrendered together with their firearms to the government, were granted financial aid on Thursday.

The rebel returnees and their firearms were presented by the Philippine Army’s 301st Brigade to Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.

The governor, along with the Department of the Interior and Local Governor (DILG-Iloilo) provincial director Teodora Sumagaysay, assisted the Army in distributing the checks to the rebel returnees.


Col. Marion Sison, 301st brigade commander, said the surrenderers were given PHP15,000 immediate and PHP60,000 livelihood assistance under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

On top of these, each of them also received additional aid with a maximum of PHP70, 000 for their yielded firearms.

Surrendered firearms include two .38 caliber, one .45 caliber, one shotgun, and an M1 Garand rifle, Sison said.

“These firearms were acquired by the former rebels while they were recruited in the armed group,” he said, adding that those who surrender were squad members tasked to disseminate information to deceive the masses.

The financial aid received by the rebels was proof that the government is sincere in its fight against insurgency, the Army commander said.

"They can start anew with the aid that they have received from the government,” he added.

Sison said 184 remaining rebels are being monitored by the Army in the province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091107

CDO mayor hails Army as 'development partner'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): CDO mayor hails Army as 'development partner' (By Jigger Jerusalem)



50TH ANNIVERSARY. A Philippine Army chaplain says a prayer before the ribbon-cutting that signals the opening of the Army's 4th Infantry Division’s 50th founding anniversary celebration at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday, Jan. 15. In the photo are (from left) Marie Elaine Unchuan, Department of Tourism-10 director; Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño, National Economic Development Authority-10 director; Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno; and Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander. (PNA photo by Jigger J. Jerusalem)

The presence of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) has been one of the contributing factors of this city’s progress and development, Mayor Oscar Moreno said during the occasion of the division's 50th founding anniversary on Wednesday.

Moreno said the 4ID has played an important role in the peace and order situation in Northern Mindanao.

“We are blessed that 4ID covered Northern Mindanao because our [division] commanders are good. The national defense helps us a lot, in terms of serving the people and securing the land,"
Moreno said in his message during the 4ID’s golden anniversary kick-off ceremony held at Camp Edilberto Evangelista here.


"We would not be where we are now if the armed forces are not around,” Moreno added.

Aside from Northern Mindanao--except Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Iligan City--4ID also covers Caraga Region.

Because of the region's stable peace and order, Moreno said investments have been poured into Northern Mindanao, especially in Cagayan de Oro, its capital, as well as the city's neighboring towns.

The challenge, he said, is for "everyone to work harder, to achieve the government-initiated effort to end the communist insurgency.

Moreno, who chairs the Regional Peace and Order Council, said all stakeholders must "work together to attain that goal of ending armed conflict in the countryside."

“That requires a team effort, and certainly it’s not as if the military is one team and the civilian is another team. All of us belong to the same team,” he added.

One of the highlights of the 4ID’s anniversary, dubbed as “Barrio Peace-ta sa Kampo,” are the booths that display locally-made products from areas regions under the division’s command.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander, said the showcase of display of local products is the division’s contribution to the socio-economic development of Regions 10 and 13.

“The booths and displays are a product of collaboration and cooperation between and among the soldiers and the communities they serve. Truly a magnificent display of ‘bayanihan,’” he said.

He described the "Barrio PeaceTa sa Kampo 2020" as a one-stop venue for local products and tourist destinations of Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat, Camiguin, Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091077

Davao Region peace body seeks Haran's total closure

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): Davao Region peace body seeks Haran's total closure (By Che Palicte)



IMMEDIATE CLOSURE. The Regional Peace and Order Council of Davao Region approves a resolution on Wednesday (January 15) seeking the immediate closure of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran Center in Davao City. Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib, who moved for the closure, says the Indigenous Peoples inside the center are being used by the communist rebel movement for their own ends. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

The Regional Peace and Order Council of Region 11 (RPOC-11) approved a resolution Wednesday seeking the immediate closure of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran Center on F. Selga St. here.

UCCP Haran has been serving as the temporary shelter for the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) from various provinces since early 2015.

Currently, Haran's "Bakwit school" houses some 125 families or about 400 Indigenous People (IP) from Talaingod and Kapalong in Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro and Arakan town, North Cotabato.

Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib, who moved for Haran's closure, said the IPs inside the facility are being exploited by the communist rebel movement for "various terroristic activities."

Davao Oriental Gov. Nelson Dayanghirang, RPOC-11 chairperson, accused the center of violating the Indigenous People’s Rights Act, as well as of committing child abuse and serious illegal detention offenses while engaging in human trafficking.

"We are urging the concerned agencies to file appropriate charges for we want it to be closed as soon as possible," Dayanghirang said.

Dayanghirang believes that the IPs inside the center are being manipulated and exploited, and that closing the facility would mean freedom for tribe members allegedly being locked inside it.

In an interview on Thursday, however, UCCP Mindanao Bishop Hamuel Teguis denied they are violating any law, insisting that the church property is being used as a sanctuary for the homeless and those who wanted shelter.

“We do not prevent them from going home. Our point is there must be peace, safety guarantees, and food in their communities when they go home,” Teguis added.

Jong Monzon, a tribal leader who is residing inside Haran declined to comment, saying he has yet to a copy of the said resolution.

“We are surprised and shock of the news. I would just like to clarify that the church (UCCP) provides us shelter and helped us in our needs here. We will have a consultation about this issue and later on, we will release our statement,” Monzon added.

Closure preparations

With the proposed closure of the UCCP-Haran Center, various government agencies have outlined assistance for the displaced IPs.

Department of Social Welfare and Development-11 Director Grace Subong said the agency can provide alternative shelter for the evacuees and other social protection mechanisms.

“DSWD has programs in place to address their needs and we assure that we will provide centers to accommodate them,” Subong said.

Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, director of Police Regional Office-11 (PRO 11), said he also supports Haran's closure, saying the center has violated various laws.

“I am urging the concerned agencies to help us file complaints against the persons behind this institution,” Escobal said.

Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino, commander of 10th Infantry Division, said they will help transport evacuees back to their communities should their tribal leaders request for it.

Davao de Oro Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy also assured to provide livelihood and other forms of assistance for the IPs should they decide to return home.

Meanwhile, Jubahib said he has already coordinated with local government units in Davao del Norte to prepare the needed assistance for the evacuees when they return to their villages.

Of the 400 individuals living in the Haran Center, more than 200 are children.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091122

8 NPA rebels yield in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 16, 2020): 8 NPA rebels yield in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



WARM WELCOME. Surigao del Sur Gov. Alexander Pimentel (center) and Police Provincial Director, Col. James Goforth (left) announce in a press conference in Tandag City Thursday afternoon (January 16) the surrender of eight members of New People’s Army. Both officials welcome the rebel returnees, while calling on the remaining rebels to return to the fold of the law. (Photo courtesy of PNP Surigao del Sur Information Office)

After months of negotiations, eight members of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the province of Surigao del Sur surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday, an official said.

Col. James Goforth, the PNP-Surigao del Sur provincial director, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday that
some of the NPA rebels who surrendered had also operated in parts of the Davao Region in recent months.


“They were convinced to surrender after determining the sincerity of the government in helping former rebels renew their lives and go back to their communities to join their families,” Goforth said.

Goforth is referring to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.

He also attributed the surrender to the "effectiveness" of the whole-of-nation approach of the Duterte administration to end local communist conflicts.

The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in Surigao del Sur is headed by Governor Alexander T. Pimentel.

Goforth identified the NPA surrenderers as Alias “Urban”, 67, of Barangay Purisima, Tago, Surigao del Sur and the squad leader of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) based in Cahalinan, Davao City; Alias “Diokno”, 48, of Tago, Surigao del Sur, and the Financial Logistics Officer (FLO) of the Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU), Guerrilla Front Committee 19 (GFC-19), North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee; Alias “Ryan”, 60, of Barangay Victoria, Tago, Surigao del Sur, and the vice commanding officer of the Espada Unit, GFC 16, NEMRC; Alias “Bryan”, 48, of Tago, Surigao del Sur, and a member of GFC 19, NEMRC; Alias “Gamay”, 30, of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, and a member of GFC 19, NEMRC; Alias “Rustom”, 22, of Tago, Surigao del Sur, and member of Platoon 1, GFC 19, NEMRC; Alias Ashley, 22, a resident of Tago, Surigao del Sur, and a medic of Platoon 1, GFC 19, NEMRC; and Alias “Jonifer”, 25, of San Agustin, Surigao del Sur, and a member of Platoon 8, GFC 19, NEMRC.
Goforth said the surrenders turned over a caliber .45 pistol and two caliber .38 revolvers.

In a statement on Thursday, the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) commended the PNP and PTF-ELCAC in Surigao del Sur for the surrender of the eight NPA members.

PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr. also appealed to the remaining NPA members in the province “to return to the folds of the law and become beneficiaries of the ECLIP because our government is extending its hands to former rebels with the optimal objective of lasting peace in the country.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091092

2 hurt in Camp Aguinaldo explosion; probe underway

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12, 2020): 2 hurt in Camp Aguinaldo explosion; probe underway (By Priam Nepomuceno and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo

Investigators are now digging deeper into the motive behind the reported explosion of a hand grenade lobbed at military quarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Sunday morning.

"An explosion purportedly from a hand grenade happened inside a military quarters occupied by an enlisted personnel assigned at the Home Affairs Office at General Headquarters and Headquarters Service Command in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.

Initial investigation shows that the incident happened around 6:20 a.m. at an apartment unit occupied by S/Sgt. Larry de Guzman.

Arevalo said de Guzman's wife, Erliza, 34, and his 11-year old son sustained shrapnel wounds from the explosion and are now being treated at the V. Luna Hospital.

"The soldier sustained bruises, his five-year-old daughter was not injured. We are rendering the necessary assistance to the family," he said.

Investigations also revealed the incident seems to have emanated from a domestic problem, such that the couple engaged in a heating argument before the explosion.

"Investigators from both the AFP and PNP SOCO (Scene of the Crime Operatives) are doing a deeper investigation since there were indications that the wife could have triggered the explosion while the husband was about to leave their abode," Arevalo added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090661

Navy readies teams to assist in Taal evacuation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 13, 2020): Navy readies teams to assist in Taal evacuation (By Priam Nepomuceno)



ASHFALL. Thick smoke and ashes from Taal Volcano's eruption on Sunday afternoon blanket the air in Buli, Sta. Teresita, Batangas. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano which means “hazardous eruption is possible within days.” (Photo courtesy of Joshua Basilio)

The Philippine Navy (PN) is readying 15 disaster response and rescue teams (DRRTs) in Manila and Cavite for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions in areas affected by the phreatic explosion of Taal Volcano in Batangas.

Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, PN public affairs office chief, said the teams are ready to be deployed anytime.

"(The) said teams have (their) own HADR capabilities. There are at least 16 transportation assets that can be utilized such as M-35, DRRT trailers and amphibian trucks to support our personnel and help evacuate people in the affected area," she said in a statement late Sunday.

On Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) raised Alert Level 4 over Taal Volcano, which means “hazardous eruption is possible within days.”

Roxas said the Fleet-Marine Ready Force would be in charge of the operation in support of the military's disaster relief efforts.

"We are in constant coordination with the higher headquarters through AFPCC (Command Center) Meanwhile, a battle staff was convened this evening (Sunday) in the PN headquarters (Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila) to monitor the situation," she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090682

Small military contingent to assist OFWs in Mideast: DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 13, 2020): Small military contingent to assist OFWs in Mideast: DND chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Only a small contingent of Filipino troops will be deployed to assist in the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Sunday.

Lorenzana said the personnel would only be clad in civilian attire.

"During the last meeting of the Committee on Repatriation that I presided over as the chairman last Thursday (shortly before Secretary Roy Cimatu flew to Qatar) the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), Secretary Cimatu and the DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment) commented that it may not be wise to send uniformed servicemen to the Middle East due to the sensitivities of the countries there," Lorenzana said.

He said there were proposals to send two battalions of troops in the Middle East to help repatriate OFWs in the region but this would eat up space inside the ships.

"Hence, it was agreed that we recommend the sending of a small contingent of servicemen instead of two battalions but they will be in civilian attire and will not be armed should they be needed on the ground," Lorenzana said.

He said he had informed President Rodrigo R. Duterte of these developments and the Chief Executive has already approved of the concept.

Lorenzana said the Philippine Navy is already preparing two of its ships -- a Del Pilar offshore patrol vessel and the landing ship dock BRP Davao del Sur -- for deployment to the Middle East to help in the repatriation efforts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090681

Ex-rebel urges former NPA comrades to return to family

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 14, 2020): Ex-rebel urges former NPA comrades to return to family (By Christine Cudis)



NEW LIFE. Former New People's Army rebel Rey Christian Sabado encourages former colleagues to return to their families this year and start a new life. 21-year old Sabado, a former student in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines was found by the military in Northern Samar doing extortion activities to civilians. (Screenshot from 20th Infantry Battalion video)

When military forces found him last year while patrolling the terrains of Northern Samar, former New People's Army (NPA) rebel Rey Christian “Chanchan” Sabado has since joined authorities in sending out the message to his former colleagues in the armed group to “end the senseless armed rebellion and reunite with the community and their families”.

In a video posted on Facebook by the Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion on January 8, Sabado shared his greetings for the New Year.

“[Ito ay] bagong taon, bagong dekada, bagong buhay na pwede nating harapin kasama ang ating pamilya ([This is a] new year, new decade, new life that we can spend with our families)," he said.

Now 21 years old, Sabado was a first-year Accountancy student of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sta. Mesa, Manila when he joined a militant student political party and later entered Anakbayan, a militant youth organization.

He later dropped out of school to become a full-time activist and was eventually recruited to the NPA where he was sent to Northern Samar to become its education officer.

“Walang kahihinatnan ang pakikibakang ito dahil gagamitin at gagamitin lang tayo ng partido komunista ng Pilipinas (Communist Party of the Philippines - CPP), ng mga namumuno sa atin, para sa mas malaki pang pangungurakot, mas malaki pang panlilinlang (This armed struggle will bear no success because we are just being used by the CPP and its leaders for bigger corruption and deception),” Sabado added in the video.



Former New People's Army member Rey Christian Sabado is visited by his mother, Anabelle, at the Northern Samar police provincial office in Catarman, Northern Samar in Oct. 13, 2019. Sabado's mother came from Manila to reunite with her son whom she lost contact to after the latter joined the rebel group New People's Army and was sent to Northern Samar. (Photo from Emjay Chico)
He and his two companions, identified as Anton Mañoso and Edwin Picson, were caught by soldiers from the 20th Infantry Battalion on October 3, 2019.

The troops were inspecting Barangay San Francisco, Las Navas, Northern Samar in response to complaints from residents about the presence of NPA in their area doing extortion.

They were reportedly caught carrying firearms, explosives and subversive documents including M16 and M14 rifles with fully loaded magazines.

After his arrest, Sabado had a tearful happy reunion with his mother when the latter visited him at the Northern Samar provincial jail through the help of Hands Off Our Children Movement, a support group for parents whose children were recruited by the NPA.

The organization has condemned the CPP-NPA’s propaganda to arouse, organize, and mobilize marginalized sectors in the countryside and infiltrate state universities and colleges and public schools purposely to advance their cause and create chaos in the community.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090698

PRRD tells marines to finish off enemies of the state

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 14, 2020): PRRD tells marines to finish off enemies of the state (By Azer Parrocha)



President Rodrigo Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday encouraged members of the Philippine Marine Corps to use their brand-new equipment and firearms to eliminate enemies of the state.

Duterte made this pronouncement after turning over military equipment and firearms to members of the PMC to enhance its capabilities and heading the awarding ceremony of the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the ranks of Kampilan and Kamagi to soldiers who actively participated in the liberation of Marawi City.

Among the equipment and firearms that were handed over include Barret Rifles, Glock Pistols, Rock Island .45 caliber pistols, .50 caliber sniper rifles, and 5W VHF hand-held radios and repeater systems.

“Binigyan ko naman kayo (I have given you new equipment and firearms). Use it to kill the enemies of the state. Ubusin ninyo, patayin ninyo ang mga p********** 'yan (Finish them off, kill them all),”
Duterte said in a speech in Taguig City.


"Patayin ninyo ang kalaban. 'Pag nasa crosshair na, i-target mo 'yung puso pati ulo. Kasi kayo talagang papatayin kayo ng mga walang-hiya na 'yan. Mag-ambush pa (Kill the enemies. When they're in the crosshair, target their heart and head. Because they'll really kill you. They'll ambush you)," he added.

Duterte lauded the 103 officers and 1,800 enlisted personnel who successfully regained the Mapandi, Banggolo, and Masiu bridges in Marawi and recovered more than PHP80 million worth of cash and checks.

He urged the marines to continue working with this administration not only in the promotion of peace and order but also in humanitarian and disaster response in times of natural and man-made disasters.

In turn, he assured them that the administration would continue to boost their morale, efficiency, and responsiveness through modernization, capacity building, and other meritorious initiatives.

According to Duterte, the government has been fast-tracking the acquisition of vessels, aircraft, trucks, drones and other equipment as part of the more than PHP283 billion worth of projects under the Second Horizon of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program since 2018.

He expressed hope that by 2021, the marines would be better capacitated with the light armor systems upgrade, squad rocket launchers, and protection equipment to keep the country’s forces at par with their foreign counterparts.

Families will survive

Lamenting how it pained him to see how soldiers captured by terrorists were “treated like dogs in camps”, he urged them to reserve one bullet to take their own lives rather than remain captives.

“Kung na-corner ka na (When you get cornered)…” Duterte said, making the gesture shooting himself in the mouth.

He assured that should they be killed in action, he would see to it that their families would be taken good care of.

“I will see to it that your family will survive and I will see to it that your children will have a good education,” he added.

The President admitted that although he might not be able to restore marines who have lost their limbs and legs from injury to their “original state”, he would make it a point that they have their dignity intact.

“Titindig pa rin (You’ll still stand),” Duterte said.

He said the wives of marines who are injured or killed will also be given jobs.

In October 2017, Duterte announced the liberation of Marawi City after more than four months of battling Islamic State-inspired terrorists. Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao after the Islamic State-inspired Maute group laid siege in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur on May 23, 2017.

Congress extended the initial 60-day martial rule thrice upon the President’s recommendation to help state forces quell the insurgency in Mindanao.

Martial law in Mindanao expired on Dec. 31, 2019.

Birthday gifts

Meanwhile, Duterte said he would give PHP50,000 to each member of the members of the Philippine Marine Corps, who are celebrating their birthdays this month.

“I’ll give you PHP50,000 each. Ito ibigay ko lang sa inyo para may madala kayo...birthday gift ko sa inyo (I’ll give this to you so you have something to take home….it’s my birthday gift to you),” Duterte said.

Duterte told them to give the cash gift to their families.

“I’ll send you the PHP50,000 by...the latest would be Wednesday,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090766

French, PH navies tackle warfare capability dev't program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 14, 2020): French, PH navies tackle warfare capability dev't program (By Priam Nepomuceno)



IMPROVING WARFARE CAPABILITY. Representatives from the French Navy and the Philippine Navy meet at the PN headquarters in Manila on Monday (Jan. 13, 2020). This engagement with French Navy experts will help the PN in its warfare capability development program. (Photo courtesy of Navy Public Affairs Office)

French Navy naval warfare experts, including those specializing in submarine operations, are in the Philippines to help their Filipino counterparts in these military specializations in a four-day engagement which started Monday.

Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said this activity is in line with the Navy's modernization program which is also eyeing a submarine capability.

The engagement with French Navy experts will help the PN in its warfare capability development program.


"The Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Rey T. Dela Cruz, received on behalf of the Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, the delegates of the French Navy mission led by Col. Emmanuel Peltriaux, the Non-Resident Defense Attaché to the Philippines together with Commander Jean-Christophe Marie and Commander Jeremy Bachelier who are specialists in French Submarine Forces and Surface Forces," Roxas added.

The ongoing activity with the French Navy is a result of the bilateral talks between the PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad and his counterpart, Admiral Christophe Prazuck, during the EURONAVAL 2018 Exhibition held at Bourget, Paris France in October 2018.

The French Navy then committed to sending a team of French Navy experts from different warfare fields to engage the PN as consultants and share best practices and provide recommendations that could contribute to the Submarine Warfare Capability Development Program of the PN.

During the briefing and round table discussions, the Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Plans and Programs, Capt. Juario C. Marayag expressed their gratitude to the commitment of the French Armed Forces to assist the PN’s modernization program through education and training as well as French Navy SMEs from different warfare fields.

This will contribute greatly to the capability development and capacity building of the PN alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization thrusts.

Meanwhile, Peltriaux said this engagement is very important as it enhances and promotes bilateral cooperation among the two countries.

It intends to maintain this relationship for future endeavors.

The French delegation will also visit other PN units such as Philippine Fleet, Naval Installation Command, Naval Sea Systems Command, and Naval Information and Technology Center in the coming days.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090777

PCG welcomes Chinese counterpart in 'first-ever' maritime drill

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 14, 2020): PCG welcomes Chinese counterpart in 'first-ever' maritime drill (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)



FIRST-EVER MARITIME EXERCISE. Philippine Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Joel Garcia (left) formally welcomes China Coast Guard Director General, Major General Wang Zhongcai, and the rest of the CCG contingent in an arrival honors at Pier 15 in Port Area, Manila on Tuesday (Jan. 14, 2020). Garcia said the week-long port call was the "first-ever" formal maritime exercise between the two countries held in the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday welcomed the China Coast Guard (CCG) in a ceremony to kick-off the first-ever maritime exercise between the two countries held in the Philippines.

In a statement, PCG Commandant, Admiral Joel Garcia said the CCG’s week-long port call, which unofficially begun on their arrival on Monday at Port Area in Manila, was the first time the two maritime security agencies had a formal meeting to discuss and enhance diplomatic relations as well as maritime security cooperation.

Garcia said the PCG’s efforts to build its relationship with the CCG was in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to develop strong diplomatic relations with its Chinese counterpart.


Following the formal arrival honors, CCG Director General, Major General Wang Zhongcai welcomed a PCG contingent led by Garcia in a cross-deck visit aboard CCG Vessel 5204.

In a short meeting aboard the vessel, Zhongcai shared that Chinese President Xi Jinping has “high regard for cooperation and sincere diplomacy with the Philippines” and that the port call initiated by the CCG in Manila was a “major initiative to achieving such goal towards peace, cooperation, and harmony between Philippines and China,” the PCG said.

Garcia thanked the CCG for its efforts to work with the Philippines and to “make the West Philippine Sea a bridge, not as a wall, for further development of the Asian region”.

During the week-long port call which will end on Friday (Jan. 17), the PCG and CCG will discuss communication protocols, search and rescue, the possibility of conducting joint exercises on maritime security, and an exchange of best practices on maritime affairs and law enforcement.

Aside from cross-deck visits inside PCG and CCG vessels, practical exercises between the two agencies will include SAR and firefighting exercises, as well as a friendly game between the two before its departure.

In December, China’s new envoy to the Philippines, Ambassador Huang Xilian, said several visits and activities focused on Manila and Beijing’s economic cooperation will mark the upcoming 45th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations in 2020.

The two countries, both claimants in the West Philippines Sea, have conducted regular Bilateral Consultative Mechanism meetings, with the latest held last October 2019 to help resolve the territorial dispute.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090796

PRRD leads send-off of Navy contingent to Mideast

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2020): PRRD leads send-off of Navy contingent to Mideast (By Azer Parrocha)



SEND-OFF. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte waves at the personnel BRP Davao del Sur and BRP Ramon Alcaraz as he leads the send-off ceremony of the two Philippine Navy (PN) ships at the Port Area in Manila on January 14, 2020. The PN ships are part of the Joint Task Force "Pagpauli" which will sail to the Middle East for the repatriation of OFWs. (Presidential photo by King Rodriguez)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday led the send-off of around 1,000 troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to assist in the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers in the Middle East.

Duterte arrived at the Port Area in Manila just a few minutes before 5 p.m. to send off two ships to the Middle East--the BRP Davao Del Sur and BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

The two ships will lead the government’s efforts in repatriating distressed Filipino workers affected by the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.

In his speech, Duterte expressed confidence that the troops would lead Filipino workers safely home.

“I trust that you’ll exert all efforts and work hand in hand with the secretary of the Department of National Defense to encourage affected Filipinos in the Middle East to return to the Philippines to be evacuated to safer grounds,” Duterte said.

He also assured them that the government would continue implementing programs that will enhance the Philippine Navy’s capacity.

On Monday, Defense Secretary Lorenzana said contingency plans on the repatriation of Filipino workers remain in place as the situation in the Middle East is still “unstable.”

"The situation in the area is still unstable and our contingencies for massive repatriation are still in place," Lorenzana said in a statement.

Currently, Environment Secretary and Special Envoy to the Middle East, Roy Cimatu, is in Qatar implementing the repatriation on the ground and constantly assessing the situation in Iran, Iraq, Libya, and other neighboring states.

The first batch of evacuees, numbering 14, is now at the Philippine embassy in Baghdad, Iraq.

Lorenzana was earlier named chairperson of the special working panel that will oversee the evacuation and possible repatriation of OFWs in the Middle East amid tensions between the United States and Iran.

The vice chair is National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. Its members are Cimatu, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

The government has also prepared a total of PHP1.8 billion for the repatriation of Filipinos in the Middle East.

There are an estimated 4,000 Filipinos in Iraq, according to data from the Department of Foreign Affairs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090871

2 PH Navy ships Mideast-bound to bring home OFWs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 15, 2020): 2 PH Navy ships Mideast-bound to bring home OFWs (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BRP Davao Del Sur (left) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (right). (File photo)

Two of the Philippine Navy (PN)'s most capable ships, the landing dock BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602) and the Del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessel, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), on Tuesday formally started their mission to bring home overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from the tensions-hit Middle East.

PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said each ship has 130 officers and enlisted personnel.

Meanwhile, another 100 personnel consisting of medical, repair and "SEAL" components, will also board the ships and serve as the task force contingent, he added.


The ships and personnel aboard will be sailing from Pier 13, Manila South Harbor. Empedrad said the voyage to the Middle East will last around 16 to 22 days and will be dependent on the ships' speed and the current.

The PN chief added that the vessels will be docking at a safe port in the region. Empedrad also instructed the PN contingent to be "alert" and "safe" and that the "safety of the crew and the ship(s) is always paramount at all times."

Also, the PN chief said that they are making the necessary coordination for refueling, reprovisioning and docking during the course of the mission.

The Navy contingent is expected to reach Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 25 days, with a layover in Sri Lanka for refueling and replenishment.

The deployment of the naval task force is in support to the AFP Joint Task Force “Pagpauli” mission in the Middle East and in line with the interagency undertaking Oplan Pagbabalik which primary objective is to save lives and ensure the safety of OFWs in Iran, Iraq and other areas in the Middle East through repatriation.

The BRP Davao del Sur and BRP Ramon Alcaraz will serve as sea-based platforms that can provide decent accommodation and necessities for OFWs affected by tensions in the Middle East.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1090790