WESTMINCOM: Troops recover abu’s cadaver, war materiel in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jan 19, 2020): Troops recover abu’s cadaver, war materiel in Sulu

Acting on a report received of the presence of a speedboat boarded by Abu Sayyaf Group members, troops of the 1102nd Brigade launched an air strike operation in the coastal area of Sulare Island, Parang, Sulu at 4:45pm on January 18, 2020.

Said operation resulted in the death of one ASG member and recovery of several war materiel.


Amid the conduct of clearing operation in the area, troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu recovered the cadaver of the slain Abu Sayyaf Group member.

Also recovered were one M16 rifle with fourteen short and one long magazines, two bandoleers with ammunition, one twin engine speedboat, four cellphones, four magazines of M14, and several gallons of fuel.

“ASG has no safe place here in Sulu especially now that the Tausugs are actively participating in our quest for peace in this area,” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, JTF Sulu commander.

A coast guard vessel transported the cadaver and recovered speedboat to Jolo, Sulu. The cadaver was then brought to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Bautista for identification and forensic investigation.

“We relentlessly conduct military operations to crush and defeat the Abu Sayyaf Group in our area of operation,” WestMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said.

“We pray for the eternal repose of the slain ASG member and for the enlightenment of the remaining bandits,” added Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

#EndingTerrorismInSulu
#DefeatingTheASG

1st Infantry TABAK Division, Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade 602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Fourth Mechanized Infantry Battalion SecondMechanized MakasagBattalion Seventy-Seven Infantry Battalion 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion Ge Seven 6IB Redskin 62nd Infantry Unifier Batallion Six Cmo Battalion Bigkislahi Cmo 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion Conquer Infantry Battalion Unang Marinong Brigada Striking Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion Sixfab Battalion 34TH Infantry "RELIABLE" Battalion Sixfab Battalion Onlyourbest MbltFive Seven Field Artillery Battalion Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez @Oscar Charlie Westmincom Afman Rosales Jr. Fhour IV Ciargi Eyten Aybee Jointask Forcesulu Jtf Basilan Joint Task Force Sulu Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Jtf Basilan Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Tow Westmin Pio TOW Western Mindanao "Our Air Warriors in Mindanao" Matatag Battalion La Independencia Filipinas

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WESTMINCOM: 2 sayyafs yield, hand over firearms in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jan 19, 2020): 2 sayyafs yield, hand over firearms in Sulu

Two Abu Sayyaf Group members yielded to the troops of 35th Infantry Battalion in Sulu on January 17, 2020.

Adamin Salem Nanong, 25 and Alkaisa Salem Nanong, 21, both residents of Barangay Pasil, Indanan, Sulu and operated under ASG sub leader Majan Sahidjuan,a.k.a. Apo Mike, voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col. Amadeo Cruz, commanding officer of the 35IB, at the unit's headquarters in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu.

The duo also handed over one US Garand rifle, one Cal. 45 pistol, and one Colt M1911 US with one Mag and one ammunition.

"Both surrenderors participated in an encounter in Barangay Kuppong, Indanan, Sulu some time in 2017," said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, JTF Sulu commander.

Subject are both undergoing custodial debriefing at H35IB.

"I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu for their laudable accomplishments during the first few days of 2020," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"We are definitely gaining grounds in Sulu and we hope that lasting peace and development will soon be attained," Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

#AbuSayyafbalikloob
#ASGsurrender
#AntiTerrorismCampaign
#afpyoucantrust
#teamwmc
#teamkapayapaan
#WmcYourProtector
#WmcYourPartner
#WmcYourFriend

1st Infantry TABAK Division, Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade @602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade 1st Mechanized Lakan Battalion 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Seventh Infantry Tapat Battalion Fourth Mechanized Infantry Battalion SecondMechanized MakasagBattalion Seventy-Seven Infantry Battalion 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion Ge Seven 6IB Redskin 62nd Infantry Unifier Batallion Six Cmo Battalion Bigkislahi Cmo 40 Infantry "Magiting" Battalion Conquer Infantry Battalion Unang Marinong Brigada Striking Battalion 90th Infantry Bigkis Lahi Battalion 57th Infantry Masikap Battalion Sixfab Battalion 34th Reliable Battalion Sixfab Battalion Onlyourbest MbltFive Seven Field Artillery Battalion Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Oscar Charlie Westmincom Afman Rosales Jr. Fhour IV Ciargi Eyten Aybee Jointask Forcesulu Joint Task Force Zamboanga Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi Tow Westmin Pio TOW Western Mindanao "Our Air Warriors in Mindanao" Matatag Battalion Miguel Ceballos




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Army to intensify drive vs. NPA

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 21, 2020): Army to intensify drive vs. NPA (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that they will intensify their combat operations against the remaining New People’s Army rebels in Negros Occidental.

Pasaporte made the statement during his courtesy call yesterday on Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, whom he also briefed on the ongoing peace and order situation of the province.

The Philippine Army in Negros will support the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in its effort to achieve lasting peace and to totally end the insurgency in Negros, in tandem with the Philippine National Police, he said.

Pasaporte also informed Lacson that the 303rd Infantry Brigade will give its all out support to the developmental efforts of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, members of the Church Military and Police Forum, formerly known as the Church Military Police Advisory Group, recently met in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, and discussed issues and concerns confronting Negrenses.

The CMPF was convened by San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, with Pasaporte, Col. Julian Entoma, officer-in-charge of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office participation.

Capt. Franco Ver Lopez, 303IB Civil Military Operations chief, said the initiative was pushed to ensure a transparent and open line of communication, strengthen relationships among the four Negros dioceses, the military and police, and to find solutions to the problems of insurgency, drugs and criminality.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/January/21/topstory8.htm

DILG 10-led task groups finalize implementation plans to end insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 21, 2020): DILG 10-led task groups finalize implementation plans to end insurgency (By Department of Interior and Local Government - 10)

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10 conducts a task group meeting to review and complete the implementation plans of the Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building, Empowerment and Mobilization (SUCBEM), and Local Peace Engagement (LPE) Lines of Efforts. (DILG-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan. 21 (PIA) -- Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10 continues its efforts towards ending local communist armed conflict as it conducted a task group meeting intended to review and complete the implementation plans of the two Lines of Efforts led by the Department, out of the five.

These two Lines of Effort are (1) Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building, Empowerment and Mobilization (SUCBEM), and (2) Local Peace Engagement (LPE).

DILG 10 Regional Director Arnel M. Agabe said, “Without the assistance, coordination, commitment and collaboration of our involved agencies, the accomplishments in the previous year would not be possible.”

With this, the Regional Director challenged the involved agencies to perform better this year, as far as their respective task groups are concerned.

For the SUCBEM Cluster, their primary mission is to engage, unify, capacitate, empower, and mobilize all sectors of the society to be free and resistant to the communist-terrorist groups (CTGs) mass base building operations and infiltration activities.

Agencies involved in this cluster are the following: DA, DAR, DepEd, DSWD, DENR, DOLE, DOST, DICT, BFAR, CHED, NYC, PCUP, NHA, PCW, NCIP, PCOO, AFP, PNP, and other concerned offices.

“There is a necessity for everyone to work together and at the same time, properly communicate all the efforts being made and ensure that the people will feel that the government is working for them,” Agabe said.

Meanwhile, agencies involved in LPE are the OPAPP, NSC, PNP, DND, AFP, NICA, PHRC, DPWH, DOW, DepEd, DSWD, NCIP, PIA, and NEDA.

“On Local Peace Engagement, we aim to provide a platform to ensure that the much-abused issues on the causes of conflicts will be identified, discussed and eventually, be given solution—and we will be doing these at the local level,” Agabe said.

Other Lines of Efforts led by DILG are Local Government Empowerment, Basic Services, and E-CLIP and Amnesty Program.

All of these efforts are in line with the operationalization of EO 70, otherwise known as the “Whole-of-Nation Approach” to end insurgency.

Agabe said that it is the target of the government to finally end local communist armed conflict by the year 2022, hence the need for the full participation and support of all agencies to attain the said goal.

The meeting was held on January 15, at DILG Regional Office 10, Cagayan de Oro City. (Rezza Mae B. Tolinero/DILG-10/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033150

Army aids NPA commander's son diagnosed with hydrocephalus

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 21, 2020): Army aids NPA commander's son diagnosed with hydrocephalus (By Oliver Ross Rivera)



SARANGANI PROVINCE, Jan. 21 (PIA) – The military has extended medical assistance to Gabriel Mora, an 8-year old child from Alabel town who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus.

Her mother, Marydet sought help from the army’s 73rd Infantry (Neutralizer) Battalion (IB) having difficulties in providing for their daily needs and especially for the medication of her son, Gabriel.

According to Marydet, Gabriel’s father is “Kumander Tabu” of Platoon Central Guerrilla Front 71, FSMR of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Army troopers from the 73rd IB immediately brought Gabriel to GenMeDex Health Clinic in General Santos City to assess the child’s condition and provide medicines with the help of the provincial government.

Meanwhile, Marydet is asking her husband to surrender to authorities and help in taking care of their child. With Gabriel’s condition, they have nowhere else to go but to seek the help of the government, she said.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army reiterates their call for NPA rebels to abandon their armed struggle and avail of the government’s services to start a better life together with their families.

73rd IB's Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer 1st Lt. Jessie P. Hinampas said the Philippine Army is always ready to be of service to anyone in need, especially families of NPAs to achieve a peaceful community.

He stressed that the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) offers opportunity for them to be reintegrated in the mainstream society. (ORVRivera-PIA12)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033117

5th ID assists 220 ex-rebels for E-CLIP

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 21, 2020): 5th ID assists 220 ex-rebels for E-CLIP
(By Oliver T. Baccay)

ALCALA, Cagayan, Jan. 21 (PIA) - - At least 220 rebel returnees surrendered to the 5th Infantry Division (5ID), Philippine Army were now assisted by the national government through its Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

BGen. Pablo Lorenzo, commander of the 5th Infantry Division, dicusses efforts of the AFP to curb indsurgency in region 2. ( Photo by PIA)

Brigadier General Pablo Lorenzo, commander of the 5ID, said of the total number, 120 were regular members of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA) while 60 were members of the “Militia ng Bayan”.

He said 60 of the former rebels were already provided with livelihood and financial assistance while more than 20 will receive the same assistance soon.

“This is part of our effort to encourage the rebels to lay down their arms and approach us to discuss their issues,” Lorenzo said.

He also emphasized that the army is intensifying the campaign to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) by organizing task forces from the region down to the barangay level.

He said, following the declaration of the municipal, city and provincial government that NPAs are persona non grata in their respective areas of responsibility, he urged schools and all government line agencies to also issue their own versions of the declaration.

“More than 80 percent of the barangays in region 2 have already declared NPAs as persona non grata. This is to eliminate recruitment activities of front organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF to the young ones and even to government employees,” Lorenzo added.

He also challenged the local officials and organizations to implement the programs seriously and venture to other means to ensure that no rebel will be welcomed in their respective communities. (ALM/MDCT/OTB/PIA 2-Cagayan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033063

3 NPA rebels, 4 mass supporters surrender to Army in AgNor

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 21, 2020): 3 NPA rebels, 4 mass supporters surrender to Army in AgNor (By 29IB Philippine Army)

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Jan. 21 -- Through the relentless efforts of the Community Support Teams (CSTs) deployed in the area of operations of the 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, three NPA rebels together with four other mass supporters surrendered to the troops on January 16, 2020, in Brgy. San Antonio, Remedios Trinidad Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte.

The said NPA rebels and mass supporters who voluntarily surrendered belong to one clan. They were identified as alias YENI, 39 years old; alias VIC, 43 years old; and alias RINA, 40 years old - all armed members of Squad “BOBEE– 3”, Sandatahang Yunit Pangpropaganda (SYP) 21C, Weakened Guerilla Front (GFC) 21 of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Command under the leadership of alias ABDUL. The four who were mass supporters and couriers of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) with ages ranging from 12 to 33 years old are the sons and daughters of these rebels. Said surrenderers brought along with them one M-16 rifle, one magazine, ammunition, and medical supplies.

Alias Vic and alias Rina emotionally said that at first, they thought that the NPA would help their family because "that's what they promised us. Our children were even used to support them. We trusted them to help our family, but everyday no help was offered and our situation just worsened."

"We realized that as parents we are supposed to be protecting and leading our children to what is right, but it seems we're the ones dragging them to danger. So, we decided to find ways to surrender in order to save our family. We are so grateful that the Army is present and never gets tired of encouraging those who lost their way to surrender and return," they said.

Likewise, according to alias Yeni, they could no longer stand the extreme fatigue, hunger and hardships that they experienced in the mountains. "We are already tired of fighting for an ideology full of lies. It was fortunate that we listened to a radio program that discussed how the government would help those who are willing to surrender. That gave us hope and strengthened our desire to finally surrender," said Yeni.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding officer of 29IB said that he was glad that these NPA rebels were enlightened and decided to surrender and return to the folds of law where they can be given the opportunity to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government. "With this, they can start a new life and can look forward to a better future with their families," he said.

"To those who are having second thoughts about surrendering, come down now. Trust your Army and the government for we are here to truly help you to have a better life compared to the life which you have right now" Criste added. (1Lt Miguel O. Borromeo, CMO Officer, 29IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033156

Tagalog News: Mga IPs sa Caraga region hindi nagpatinag sa pananakot ng CPP-NPA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 21, 2020): Tagalog News: Mga IPs sa Caraga region hindi nagpatinag sa pananakot ng CPP-NPA (By Jennifer P. Gaitano)

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Enero 21 (PIA) - Matapos mapabalitang pinatay ng mga miyembro ng Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) si Datu Bontula Tinaghao Mansinugdan, isang Higaonon leader sa Barangay Kinamaybay, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, kumalat din ang mensahe sa pamamagitan ng isang sulat ng teroristang grupo para sa mga Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Dito ay nagbabala ang grupo na huwag harangin ang kanilang mga gawain, magsumbong sa otoridad at huwag sundan ang kanilang trail o mga dinadaanang lugar sa komunidad.

Hindi naman natinag ang IPs dito dahil alam nilang mas may karapatan sila sa kanilang lugar.

Ayon kay Datu Manligonan “Larry” Mansinugdan, punong barangay ng nasabing lugar, ang mga miyembro ng CPP-NPA ang dapat na mahiya at matakot dahil sila ang lumalabag sa batas, at siyang nagdudulot ng kapahamakan, karahasan at pang-aabuso sa mga IPs.

“Hindi naman ako takot dahil nasa panig ng gobyerno naman tayo. Ang mga makakaliwang grupo ang dapat na matakot dahil sila ang parating lumalabag sa batas at nagdudulot ng karahasan sa lipunan,” ani ni Datu Manligonan.

Binigyang-diin din ni Datu Manligonan na sinamantala ng NPA ang ceasefire o tigil-putukan sa bansa. Opurtunidad nila ito na mas makalakbay sa mga komunidad at maghasik ng lagim.

Subalit, dahil din sa pinapatupad ngayon na Executive Order 70 ng administrasyong Duterte, napipigilan ang teroristang grupo sa kanilang operasyon.

Nanawagan din siya sa mga NPA na sundin nang maayos ang mga kasunduan tulad ng ceasefire, dahil ang mga NPA din naman ang unang humiling nito sa gobyerno. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033173

ASG bandit killed in Sulu airstrike

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): ASG bandit killed in Sulu airstrike (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

CASUALTY. An Abu Sayyaf Group bandit was killed in an airstrike Saturday (Jan. 18, 2020) offshore of Sulare Island, Parang, Sulu, the military says. The remains of the unidentified slain ASG bandit were taken to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu for forensic examination and identification. (Photo courtesy of the Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit was killed in an airstrike off Sulare Island in the town of Parang, Sulu, military officials said Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the airstrike was launched around 4:45 p.m. Saturday following the reported presence of ASG bandits aboard a speedboat in the coast off Sulare Island.

The airstrike came a day after the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has alerted all its forces following the reported abduction of five of the eight tugboat crew by suspected ASG bandits on Friday near Lahad Datu, Sabah.

Malaysian authorities safely recovered the three crewmen while the other five were taken by the gunmen riding on a twin-engine speedboat.

During the clearing operation, Vinluan said the troops of the Army’s 1102nd Infantry Brigade recovered the remains of a slain ASG, a twin-engine speedboat, M-16 Armalite rifle with hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and other war materiel.

Vinluan said the ASG bandit's remains and the speedboat were taken by the Philippine Coast Guard to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for identification and forensic investigation.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Westmincom spokesperson, said it was the same speedboat used by the gunmen in their escape during the abduction, citing the accounts of the crew.

Encinas said it was possible that the five crewmen were taken to Sulu, though this has yet to be confirmed.

“The ASG has no safe place here in Sulu, especially now that the Tausugs are actively participating in our quest for peace in this area,” Vinluan said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, said they will "relentlessly conduct" military operations to crush and defeat the Abu Sayyaf bandits “in our area of operation.”

“We pray for the eternal repose of the slain ASG member and for the enlightenment of the remaining bandits,” Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091434

Conflict-stricken Samar town vows to end insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): Conflict-stricken Samar town vows to end insurgency (By Roel Amazona)



PEACE ADVOCACY. Matuguinao Mayor Aran Boller delivers his speech during a peace advocacy gathering on Monday (Jan. 20, 2020). He said wiping out the decades-old insurgency in Matuguinao town in Samar has been identified as the top priority of his administration. (PNA photo by Roel Amazona)

MATUGUINAO, Samar -- Wiping out the decades-old insurgency in this impoverished and conflict-stricken town has been identified as the top priority of the local government.

During the peace advocacy on Monday, Mayor Aran Boller said he wants to end insurgency while he is still the local chief executive of the town.

Boller said that development has been elusive for Matuguinao because of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) presence in the town's villages and their constant threat to residents.

It is a fifth-class municipality with a population of almost 8,000 people from 20 villages and was only connected to the national road in 2018 after the completion of 21-kilometer Gandara-Matuguinao Road funded by the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process’ Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana).

“I am urging those who are still supporting the NPA, the militia who are still with them to return to the folds of the law. I don’t want to say surrender because you have to raise your both hands, but rather I would tell you to return to the folds of the law and embrace once again our government,” Boller said.

The local government organized Monday's gathering at the municipal covered court and attended by village officials, residents at the town center, local government employees, and key officials of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police in Samar province.

“You still have three months to do it before the full implementation of Executive Order 70 (EO 70) in this town,” Boller told officials.

EO 70 signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018 aims to address the root causes of insurgency to end local armed conflict in the countryside through the whole-of-nation approach.

“Before the full implementation of EO 70 in Matuguinao, I am urging all NPA members and their supporters in our town to please renounce the communist group and return to the government and live in a normal community not only for your children but also for the next generation,” he asked.

Boller said residents, who are supporters of the communist group may always deny their involvement, but they are already identified by former rebels.
The mayor added some of these supporters convinced or recruited residents of Matuguinao as young as 12 and 14 years old to join the armed struggle.

“There were already plans to kill me because I am supporting the government campaign to end insurgency. I tell you, for as long as I am still here in Matuguinao, I want to have a legacy, a legacy for all the people and that is to end insurgency,” he added.

Boller also dared village officials in Matuguinao to stop supporting the communist group as this means being a traitor to what they have sworn in duty as government officials.

Col. Camilo Ligayo, Philippine Army’s 801st Brigade commander, said the military forces in the region also shared the same sentiment with Boller on government officials supporting or aiding the communist group.

“You have committed to help the government and give service to your people, your loyalty, therefore, is to the government,” Ligayo said.

There are still five villages in the town influenced by insurgents, but the mayor declined to name the areas.

Samar police provincial director, Col. Andre Dizon also urged village officials to reject NPA influence because of their twisted and inhumane ideology.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091475

NPA rebel surrenders in Sibugay town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): NPA rebel surrenders in Sibugay town (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

NEW LIFE. New People's Army rebel Fausto Musngi Daprosa surrenders to government authorities Sunday (Jan. 19, 2020) in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, following series of negotiations initiated by policemen and military authorities. Daprosa turned over a handgun during his surrender. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-9 Public Information Office)

A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel has surrendered to government authorities following series of negotiations in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, a police official said Tuesday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the NPA surrenderer as Fausto Musngi Daprosa alias Ka Caloy.

Galvez said Daprosa surrendered and turned over a handgun to personnel of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion troops on Sunday in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Galvez said Daprosa surrendered following the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in relation to the Regional Task Force–Ending Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).
The RCSP is designed to know the conditions of the communities where government workers themselves listen and take action to lessen problems.

Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, PRO-9 director, expressed elation over the surrender of Daprosa, commending the RTF-ELCAC and police authorities "for their devotion to their duty."

He said the Philippine National Police "will never tire of encouraging the communist rebels to surrender and live a life within the fold of law."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091478

Army vows all-out support for peace, dev't in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): Army vows all-out support for peace, dev't in NegOcc (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



COURTESY CALL. Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, paid a courtesy call on Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Monday (Jan.20, 2020). The Army official assured Lacson of the military’s support in maintaining peace and sustaining development in the province. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY -- The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303rd IBde) has assured Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson of the military’s support in maintaining peace and sustaining development in the province.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd IBde commander based in Murcia town, on Monday said he paid a courtesy call on Lacson and gave him an update on the peace and order situation in Negros Occidental.

He added that with the governor-chaired Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) already in place, the Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue the intensified combat operations against the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

“The Army in Negros will support the PTF-ELCAC in its effort to achieved lasting peace and totally end the insurgency in Negros,” Pasaporte said.

On Monday afternoon, Pasaporte led the meeting of the PTF-ELCAC Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster with Col. Romeo Baleros, director of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), at the provincial police headquarters here.

He said the PLEDS Cluster of Negros Occidental will continue to strengthen the interoperability of each member-agency to attain the objectives of the PTF-ELCAC.

“The activity aims to synchronize the efforts of all agencies to facilitate and address the primary issues of the communities exploited by the communist-terrorist NPA,” Pasaporte added.

He urged the members of PLEDS Cluster to assist in the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) of the local government units (LGUs) in their respective areas.

The RCSP was formulated by the national government to strengthen the CSP initiatives of the military and make the effort of the LGUs driven.

Representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Bureau of Investigation, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Philippine Coast Guard, city and municipal chiefs of police, and commanders of the Negros Occidental Police Mobile Force Companies also attended the cluster meeting.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091514

Surigao Sur militiamen hone combat skills in 10-day training (

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): Surigao Sur militiamen hone combat skills in 10-day training (By Alexander Lopez)



HONING COMBAT SKILLS. The Army's 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) of the Philippine Army conducts 10-day training to the members of the Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit with the aim of honing their combat skills. The training was held on January 9 to 19 at the Advance Command Post of 36IB in Barangay San Juan, Madrid, Surigao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

Members of the Civilian Auxiliary Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Surigao del Sur have undergone a 10-day training with the aim of honing their combat skills.

Capt. Jonald Romorosa, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), said 27 CAFGU members assigned at a patrol base in Barangay Pakwan, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur, completed the training from January 9 to 19 at the Advance Command Post of 36IB in Barangay San Juan, Madrid town.

“This is the first batch of training we will provide to our CAFGU members this year. The other members will undergo the same type of training in the coming months,” Romorosa told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.

Romorosa said the training aims to empower the members of the auxiliary forces and enhance their individual warfighting capabilities. The 10-day training involved battle drills, confidence in marksmanship, and self-defense.

The training also aims to strengthen the confidence of the CAFGU members and make them prepared in protecting communities against the attacks of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and other lawless elements, the Army official said.

Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36IB commander, emphasized the importance of the preparedness of all government militiamen especially during NPA attacks.

Diagmel said the training has equipped the auxiliary forces with the vital combat knowledge and skills and boosted their confidence.

The series of training for this year is in response to the incident on December 5 last year where two CAFGU members were ambushed and killed by the NPA in Barangay Calatngan, San Miguel town, Surigao del Sur, Romorosa said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091526

‘Serbisyo Negrosanon’ to empower LGUs achieve peace, dev’t

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): ‘Serbisyo Negrosanon’ to empower LGUs achieve peace, dev’t (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



CARAVAN OF SERVICES. Cutting the ribbon to open the services caravan during the launching of the "Serbisyo Negrosanon" on Tuesday (Jan. 21, 2020) are (from left) environment department-Western Visayas Regional Executive Director Francisco Milla Jr., Interior Assistant Secretary for Peace and Order Manuel Felix, Isabela town Mayor Irene Montilla, and Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson. The launching was to implement the Retooled Community Support Program and to further empower local government units in achieving peace and development. (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)

The Negros Occidental provincial government launched on Tuesday the “Serbisyo Negrosanon” to implement the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) and further empower local government units (LGUs) in achieving peace and development.

The program launching and caravan of services spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) was hosted by the Municipality of Isabela led by Mayor Irene Montilla.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the RCSP is appropriate and suitable in the quest of the province to strengthen the community support initiatives of the government.

“As your governor, I welcome the (program) as a great opportunity to address the root causes of local armed conflict and tensions by prioritizing the delivery of basic services and social development assistance, and in facilitating the participatory initiatives of all sectors,” Lacson said in his message of support during the program at the Isabela Socio-Cultural Center.

The governor, who chairs the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), acknowledged the road to peace is a long one and that internal socio-political stability rests upon healing the rifts that divide the nation by promoting participatory governance and the whole-of-nation approach for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace.

“With this updated program (RCSP), the LGUs are now more empowered and more pivotal than ever in the protection and in the furtherance of development of our conflict-affected communities. We will be able to work directly on the issues and needs identified by the community itself, making the government’s effort more responsive to the needs of the community,” he added.

DILG Assistant Secretary for Peace and Order Manuel Felix, who led the officials from the department during the event, stressed the importance of the cooperation of the community and the government in the attainment of peace and progress.

Regional Executive Director Francisco Milla Jr. of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Western Visayas represented Secretary Roy Cimatu, who sits as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security of Region 6 (Western Visayas).

The RCSP is a convergence of mechanism for LGUs, particularly in the barangay, in identifying the issues and needed government interventions. It is anchored on the empowerment framework that intends to develop people’s capability to organize themselves and own development by bringing about value-chain interventions to uplift their current conditions.

During the activity, hundreds of residents of Isabela and neighboring towns and cities availed of government services such as medical and dental services, legal services, skills and livelihood training, enrolment in the Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program, and other services from the participating government agencies.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091544

Aurora police empowers IPs thru literacy program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): Aurora police empowers IPs thru literacy program (By Jason De Asis)



GRADUATION DAY. Eleven Agtas/Dumagats graduate under the Home Education Literacy Program for Indigenous People (HELP IP) project of the 2nd Aurora Provincial Mobile Force Company (APMFC) in Sitio Dumaguipo, Barangay Cozo, Casiguran, Aurora on Sunday (Jan. 19, 2019). The APMFC is continuously helping the IPs become more productive members of the society by implementing the literacy project. (Photo courtesy of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company)

BALER, Aurora -- The 2nd Aurora Provincial Mobile Force Company (APMFC) of the Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO) is continuously helping the indigenous peoples (IPs) in this province by implementing a literacy project to help them become more productive members of the society.

The project dubbed "Home Education Literacy Program for Indigenous People" (HELP IP) aims to address the learning needs of IPs who lack access to basic education services.

Capt. Michelle C. Paulino, who initiated the HELP IP project, said literacy plays an important role in a person’s life as it enables him or her cope up with different demands from various aspects of society.

“The increasingly complex and rapidly changing world requires individuals to be literate to keep up with the pace of change. Literacy provides easier access and gives wider range of communication with others that will further place a person to opportunities, employment and most especially, to his/her security or safety,” she said.

Paulino said illiteracy rate is high especially among those who are members of minority groups or indigenous peoples whose culture and way of living do not demand them to have it.

“What makes everything worse is the fact that this illiteracy was being used by lawless elements or insurgents to lure them to become one of them and become their victims,” she said.

Paulino said indigenous peoples are in the midst of every problem nowadays.

She added that physical isolation does not exempt them from being caught in the middle of conflicts and crimes like terrorism and insurgencies or armed conflicts in the country.

To avoid being in the middle, Paulino said that some chose to be on the wrong side of the government.

“Some of them did not choose any side but become victims of the armed opposition groups. Either way, all of these happened with illiteracy as one of the main reasons. In many cases, the onslaught of commercialism and modern culture came at the expense of maintaining their own culture and tradition (and thus their identity),” she added.

Paulino said in the province of Aurora, the Agta/Dumagat is among the groups that lack literacy.

“Their distance does not give them the opportunity to have one since they live in far-flung areas,” she said.

The Agta/Dumagat group can be found in the towns of Dinalungan, Casiguran, Dilasag (DICADI) and in the villages of Dinadiawan and Calaocan in Dipaculao town.

Based on the census of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) in 2017, there are 13 settlements of Agta/ Dumagat living in remote areas in Aurora with a total population of 1,448.

Out of this figure, 17 percent or 255 Agta/Dumagat tribe members, especially adults aged 25 years and above, are considered illiterate due to poverty and lack of resources.

With this situation, Paulino said, “they are prone to be victims of lawless elements and can be easily recruited by communist insurgents.”

From 2018 to date, she said there are 40 non-violent reports/sightings indicating the presence of leftist groups in this province.

“One makes it worse is the presence of indigenous people in some reports and this made us to intervene knowing the vulnerability of IPs especially those who are illiterate,” she added.

Aside from this, out of every five rebel returnees, one is a member of an IP group.

“This prompted, us to launch the HELP IP in Barangay Calabgan, Casiguran in November 10, 2018,” Paulino said, adding the project adopted the basic literacy program dubbed Alternative Learning System (ALS).

In consonance with its concept, selected police personnel who are capable and have attended related seminars/trainings, are implementing the project.

Police teachers, Paulino said, underwent seminars from ALS personnel to become more equipped in handling basic literacy.

During the expansion of the project last Sunday, there were 11 Agta/Dumagat tribesmen who enrolled under the HELP IP project.

Records showed that out of seven IP settlements in Casiguran with 159 uneducated members, 23 have already graduated while 16 are still enrolled under the project.

In August last year, 10 IP learners graduated at Dumaguipo settlement in Barangay Cozo, Casiguran.

In July last year, 13 IP learners passed the assessment examination conducted by ALS mobile teachers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091533

AFP officials join PRRD visit to Taal eruption victims

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): AFP officials join PRRD visit to Taal eruption victims (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AID TO TAAL VICTIMS. AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos (7th from right) and Philippine Army (PA) commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay (6th from right) accompany President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit to the victims of Taal Volcano's eruption at the PUP Campus in Sto. Tomas, Batangas on Monday (Jan. 20, 2020). Santos and Gapay, together with other government officials joined the President in delivering assistance to the affected families. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos and Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay on Monday accompanied President Rodrigo R. Duterte and other ranking government officials during their visit to families affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano last January 12.

The Chief Executive and the ranking military and government officials met with the affected families staying at the gym and selected buildings of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, the PA said in a statement.

Around 1,200 evacuees are currently being housed at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) campus in Sto. Tomas town.

Santos and Gapay also joined the President in the distribution of relief aids to affected families. These evacuees received food items, hygiene kits, sleeping bags, and clothes.

One of the evacuees, Mila Caliwagan, narrated how her family, together with four other families, took refuge inside a neighbor’s horse stable in Talisay, Batangas during the onset of the eruption.

Due to frequent earthquakes and heavy ashfall, Mila’s house and livelihood were destroyed forcing her to leave for Sto. Tomas on January 13.

“Pagbaba po namin [mula sa aming lugar] ay may mga rescuer [na nakaantabay], mga sundalo (When we went down from our place, there are rescuers on standby),” Caliwagan, who was then brought to safety by the government troops, said.

The Chief Executive recognized and complimented the Filipino’s resilient spirit in the midst of the challenges brought by the disaster and also committed to extending help to the evacuees, especially their immediate needs.

“Everybody is eager to help. You can be sure that the government will respond,” the President said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091443

Cascolan, Eleazar named to PNP’s ‘No. 2, 3’ posts

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): Cascolan, Eleazar named to PNP’s ‘No. 2, 3’ posts (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



PNP deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan (left) and deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (right). (File photo)

The two other ranking officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) will move to higher positions following the appointment of Gen. Archie Gamboa as the country's new top cop.

Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan will become the PNP's second-highest official as he replaces Gamboa as deputy chief for administration while Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar will take over as the deputy chief for operations, making him the police force's third top official.

Cascolan and Eleazar were formerly among the contenders for the PNP chief post.

"It’s automatic, General Cascolan will be the deputy chief for administration. General Guillermo (Eleazar) would be designated as the deputy chief for operations (replacing Cascolan)," Gamboa told reporters in Camp Crame Tuesday.

Gamboa said he has yet to pick Eleazar's replacement for the post of chief of the directorial staff.

"Guess who because it will require a lot of evaluation because the chief directorial staff is the implementor of my policies in Camp Crame," he said.

Prior to his designation as chief of the PNP directorial staff, Eleazar served as director of the National Capital Region Police Office.

Gamboa, meanwhile, said the possible revamp in the PNP's top posts will be based on the result of the performance evaluation of regional police directors, national support unit commanders, and directorial staff.

"I will study the result of the evaluation. This evaluation did not just come from thin air. Those we are evaluating know this. It was also publicly announced during a conference on the rating of the different commanders," he said.

Sought for comment, Cascolan expressed his support to Gamboa, the country’s 23rd PNP chief.

Cascolan and Gamboa are both members of the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala Class of 1986.

Meanwhile, Eleazar encouraged the police force to rally behind the leadership of Gamboa as the new chief PNP, stressing that they have a lot of work to accomplish.

President Duterte announced the designation of Gamboa as the new PNP chief last Saturday.

Prior to his designation as PNP chief, Gamboa served as officer-in-charge in October 2019 after former PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde stepped down in the midst of the “ninja cops” controversy.

Gamboa will bow out of the service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on September 2.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091447

PH, Japan coast guards hold drills off Manila waters

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): PH, Japan coast guards hold drills off Manila waters (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)



TOWING DRILL. Philippine Coast Guard personnel aboard a vessel participating in a towing exercise off the coast of Manila on Tuesday (January 21). The PCG said the five-day exercise is for the development of the maritime agency with help from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). (Photo courtesy of PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) held vessel-towing exercises off the coastal waters of Manila on Tuesday.

In a statement, the PCG said the joint maritime exercise is a project under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the development of the PCG on vessel operations, maintenance planning, and maritime law enforcement.

“This joint maritime exercise between PCG and JCG is in line with the JICA Technical Cooperation Project intended for the capability enhancement of PCG,” the PCG said.

It added that the exercise is part of a five-day practical training course on towing and firefighting for the crew members of BRP Malabrigo, BRP Kalanggaman, and PB 1515 which began on Monday and will end on Friday (January 24).

The first training scenario began when the PCG Command Center received a distress call that BRP Kalanggaman encountered engine trouble and was dead on the water.

In response, PCG District in National Capital Region-Central Luzon directed BRP Malabrigo to render necessary assistance.

The second scenario, the PCG said, began when a PB 151, a 15-meter surveillance boat, also encountered engine trouble.

BRP Kalanggaman was deployed to render assistance and towed the distressed vessel to Pier 13 in South Harbor, Manila for repair.

“Both towing missions were successfully accomplished,” the PCG said.

Last week, the PCG welcomed the China Coast Guard (CCG) for the first-ever maritime exercise between the countries in the Philippines.

During the five-day port call, the PCG and the CCG held cross-deck visits, practical exercises on search-and-rescue and firefighting-at-sea scenarios, as well as an exchange of best practices on maritime affairs and law enforcement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091479

PH Navy eyes Hanjin's Subic shipyard as submarine base

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2020): PH Navy eyes Hanjin's Subic shipyard as submarine base (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad. (File photo)

The Philippine Navy (PN) plans to construct the base of its proposed submarine arm inside the facility of the cash-strapped Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC-Phils) in Subic Bay, Zambales.

Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, PN flag-officer-in-command, made this remark when asked on possible locations that can house the Navy's submarines once the acquisition of these vessels goes into high gear.

"Once there's a contract, the buyout is completed, then we will (use part of the site of) Hanjin to provide housing for our submarines. We can construct finger pier(s) for our submarines (to tie-up) and the (depth of) water there (is sufficient) to accommodate our submarines," Empedrad said in Filipino.

The PN is looking to acquire two diesel-electric submarine units as part of its efforts to modernize its fleet.

The Scorpene, which is being constructed by French defense manufacturer, Naval Group, is said to be high on the list of preferred submarine platforms of the country and was evaluated by naval and defense officials last year.

"We will also develop Sangley Point (in Cavite City) for alternate housing of our submarines," the PN chief added.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the government could use the Hanjin facilities to house and repair large Philippine Navy ships while waiting for interested parties or partners from the shipbuilding sector.

HHIC-Phils earlier revealed that it has a total of USD1.3 billion outstanding loans -- USD400 million from Philippine banks and USD900 million from South Korean lenders.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said HHIC-Phil filed on Jan. 8, 2019, a petition at the Regional Trial Court in Olongapo City "to initiate voluntary rehabilitation under Republic Act 10142, otherwise known as An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation or Liquidation of Financially Distressed Enterprises and Individuals".

The shipbuilder has sought help from the government to find investors that can take over the operation of its shipyard in Subic, as well as to help its employees, who have taken the brunt of the company's financial woes.

In December 2018, the company laid off more than 7,000 workers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091472