No ransom demand from kidnappers of 5 Indonesians, say cops

From the Free Malaysia Today (Jan 28, 2020): No ransom demand from kidnappers of 5 Indonesians, say cops (By Jason Santos)

The five Indonesian workers were kidnapped in waters off Tambisan island in Sabah. (Bernama pic)

LAHAD DATU: The captors of the five Indonesian workers off Tambisan waters on Jan 15 have not made any ransom demand, said Sabah police commissioner Omar Mammah.

“Until today, we have not received any demand for ransom money from the kidnappers. We are investigating to find out who the masterminds are,” he said during a visit to the Lahad Datu police headquarters today.

On Jan 17, Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) received a report that the Indonesians, working for a Sandakan-based fishing company, had been kidnapped.

They were identified as trawler skipper Arsyad Dahlan, 41, La Baa, 32, Riswanto Hayano, 27, Edi Lawalopo, 53, and Syarizal Kastamiran, 29.


Local fishermen had notified the marine police in Lahad Datu that they had seen fishing nets but no trawler or fishing boat near that area at about 1pm that day.

Security personnel searched and located the trawler heading towards Tambisan.

The authorities have linked the kidnappers to the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Meanwhile, Philippine Western Mindanao Command chief Cirilito Sobejana said a Malaysian terror group could be in cahoots with the Abu Sayyaf.

“We are investigating with our Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts as signatories of a trilateral security agreement.

“You cannot go to an area if you do not have local contacts. We presume there are locals in Tambisan Island and parts of Sabah who are with the group behind this kidnapping.

“What we see here is the gap on the other side because they can get victims freely,” he was quoted as saying by Philippine media.

On Sunday, Deputy Home Minister Azis Jamman confirmed the involvement of a local terror group assisting the kidnappers, citing information collected from the detained terrorists arrested in 2018.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/01/28/no-ransom-demand-from-kidnappers-of-5-indonesians-say-cops/

Baguio police tag journalist as 'communist front organization personality

From the Philippine Star (Jan 28, 2020): Baguio police tag journalist as 'communist front organization personality' (By Artemio Dumlao)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Police have wrongly tagged the managing editor of a Northern Luzon online newspaper as an affiliate of a communist front organization, National Union of Journalists Auditor Kimberly Quitasol said.

Quitasol, also an officer of the NUJP Baguio-Benguet chapter, condemned the inclusion of colleague Sherwin De Vera in the police's "Blotter Journal" as part of a supposed communist front organization (CFO).

In a post on his Facebook page, De Vera said: "So kahit sa pagcocover ng activity masasama ka sa blotter. At ano nanaman yang acronym na CFO (communist front organizations)?" (So, even by just covering an activity, you'll be included in the police blotter. And what kind of new acronym is CFO?)

He also included a supposed portion of the police blotter report.

From Police Regional Office Cordillera Journal

Subject: Rally

Reference: SMS from Baguio CPO dated January 25, 2020. Please be informed that at around 5:45 PM of January 25, 2020, at Malcolm Square, Baguio City, CFO Personalities; Sarah Dekdeken, Abi Taningco, Rolando Jigs Grande, Christian Dave Rus, Lumiere Garido and Sherwin De Vera and more or less 30 members from CFO groups; Cordillera Peoples Alliance, Cordillera Movement against Tyranny, Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform, ANAKBAYAN CORDILLERA, INNABUYOG GABRIELA and UP STUDENT COUNCIL inviting everyone to join on said activity especially those who have relatives in the Middle East. Initial issues: No war with Iran, End US wars of aggression, yes for just peace.
"By including De Vera in the report, the police also tags Northern Dispatch, in which he works as the managing editor as such," Quitasol said.

According to Quitasol, who is also a colleague of de Vera in Northern Dispatch, "baseless allegations by state forces like this have already costs him precious time and resources when he was jailed for trumped-charges and included in the unverified DOJ list of alleged CPP-NPA leaders."

Police Col. Allen Rae Co, Baguio City police director, promised he "will look into it."

This is not the first time that Baguio police have made accusations against journalists in the city, Quitasol claimed.

During protests against the quo warranto proceedings to remove Maria Lourdes Sereno as chief justice in 2018, the Baguio police also included in their report Quitasol's husband, Aldwin, who is also a correspondent for a national daily as "part of the CNN-linked organizations holding the protest".

CNN is a government term used to refer to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front.

Aldwin has recently been elected as president of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club, the widest group of Baguio and Benguet-based correspondents, broadcasters and media workers. He was also an officer of the Cordillera police press corps when he was tagged in the said police blotter report.

"When did the coverage of rallies and protests became a crime or public disturbance that merits an entry in the police blotter?" Quitasol said in a question for the Baguio and Cordillera police.

"Red-tagging has no place in a democratic society, especially when it is done against journalists who are doing their responsibility to inform the people about events and issues," she also said.

Only last week, alleged police intelligence agents were reported snooping on the activities in the city of a teachers' union.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers, which held a seminar on unionism last week, claimed police agents have been overtly “monitoring” their activities.

ACT claimed that a member of the staff of the catering service told them that someone claiming to be from the police station in Barangay Pacdal was asking last Friday "to let the police to be in charge of their catering services."

On Saturday, the catering staff was reportedly approached again and asked if ACT had any protests planned.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/01/28/1988488/baguio-police-tag-journalist-communist-front-organization-personality

Alleged female NPA rebel killed in clash

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 28, 2020): Alleged female NPA rebel killed in clash (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

An unidentified female member of the New People’s Army was killed during an encounter with government troops on Sunday, Jan. 26, in Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

Maj. Edson Abello, the Civil-Military Operations officer of 1001st Infantry Brigade, said the encounter was the result of the military offensives launched by soldiers after receiving information on the presence of communist guerrillas in the area.

The encounter took place at around 4:30 a.m. at the boundary of the towns of Lapaz and Loreto, both of Agusan del Sur, involving the 60th Infantry Battalion and an undetermined number of NPAs believed to be members of Guerilla Front 3, Pulang Bagani Company 4, Sub-Regional Committee 4, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.


After the firefight, the troops recovered the body of the female guerrilla who was abandoned by his comrades. They also found one AK-47 rifle, five kilograms of anti-personnel improvised explosive device, two improvised grenades, two handheld commercial radios, one damaged M16 rifle, two M203 live ammunition, more or less P50,000, assorted medical supplies, five sacks of rice, two flashlights, one wet battery cell, a solar panel, and personal belongings.

Col. John V. Oberio, commander of the 1001st IB, urged the remaining NPA members to come down and surrender.

“We do not endeavor to collect dead bodies as this armed struggle is an exercise of futility. Now is the right time to surrender and avail of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government,” he said.


He also said that the government, under President Rodrigo Duterte, is doing its very best to provide the basic services that all Filipino people deserve.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Randolph Plaza of Loreto praised the soldiers for helping drive away the NPA from their town. He said once the communities are peaceful, the investors can now come in to help develop the countrysides.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/01/29/alleged-female-npa-rebel-killed-in-clash/

Suspected NPA member killed in Agusan del Sur encounter

From GMA News Online (Jan 28, 2020): Suspected NPA member killed in Agusan del Sur encounter

A woman suspected to have been a member of the New People’s Army was killed in a clash between the rebel group and government troops in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, the Philippine Army said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the 1001st Infantry Brigade said the "unidentified" woman was killed during its focused military operations after receiving information from the community about the rebel group’s presence.

The army unit said that the encounter started around 4:30 a.m. at the boundary of of Lapaz and Loreto involving the troops of the 60th Infantry Battalion and an undetermined number of NPA members.

These rebels were "believed to be members of Weakened Guerilla Front (WGF) 3, Pulang Bagani Company (PBC) 4, Sub Regional Committee (SRC) 4 and Headquarters, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee," the statement said.

After the clash, soldiers recovered the woman's remains, while the other combatants managed to flee the area.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/723896/suspected-npa-member-killed-in-agusan-del-sur-encounter/story/

Joma hits P21-B barangay budget vs NPA

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 28, 2020): Joma hits P21-B barangay budget vs NPA  (By Delfin T. Mallari Jr.)

Exiled Communist rebel leader Jose Maria “Joma” Sison assailed the proposed P21-billion fund to address the needs of the so-called “insurgency-cleared and threatened” villages across the country.

“Claims of clearing barangays with public money used as payment will only be a kind of racket for military officers who will pocket the money,” Sison, Communist Party of the Philippines founder, said in a statement from his base in Utrecht in The Netherlands on Wednesday.

He further claimed that the proposed budget was “like the racket of faking lists of New People’s Army (NPA) surrenderers and casualties by which military officers pocketed large amounts of public money.”

Sison charged that government budget was “extremely lopsided in favor of the military, police and intelligence and discretionary funds at the expense of social services (public education, health and the like) and relief and rehabilitation of communities ruined by military
operations and natural disasters.”

Sison said in a statement that National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. in a report from Tacloban City by government-run Philippine Information Agency on Tuesday disclosed that the government would need P16.84 billion for 842 insurgency-cleared barangays and another P4.189 billion for 2,793 threatened villages in different parts of the country.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1221108/joma-hits-p21-b-barangay-budget-vs-npa

Cop hurt as gov’t troops battle rebels in Cagayan province

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 29, 2020): Cop hurt as gov’t troops battle rebels in Cagayan province (By: Villamor Visaya Jr.)

A policeman was injured during an encounter between government troops and suspected members of the New People’s Army in Cagayan province on Tuesday afternoon, the military said.

Brig. Gen. Laurence Mina, 502nd Infantry Brigade commanding officer, said the 30-member armed men engaged a joint patrol team of the Philippine Army and the police in a running clash at the villages of Allucao and Dagupan in Santa Teresita town.

Mina identified the injured policeman as Pat. Carlo Angelo Turo, who belongs to the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company.

Army and police teams had been deployed for security patrol in the said villages after receiving intelligence reports that armed men had been scouring the area.

While patrolling the place, the government forces spotted a camp and chanced upon the rebels who immediately fired their guns.

A 30-minute gun battle ensued, but the rebels later withdrew, Mina said.

Authorities have launched a hot pursuit operation against the rebels.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1221088/cop-hurt-as-govt-troops-battle-rebels-in-cagayan-province

Centcom chief gets 3-star rank

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 29, 2020): Centcom chief gets 3-star rank (By John Rey Saavedra)



PROMOTION. Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr. (right), dons the rank of Lieutenant General to Roberto Toriales Ancan (center), chief of the Central Command in a ceremony held at the AFP General Headquarters in Quezon City on Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2020). Ancan was among the three senior military officials promoted to the next higher rank, following the promotion of Santos to the highest rank of General on Monday (Jan. 27, 2020) at the Department of National Defense office. (Photo courtesy of SN1 Donald Viluan PN/PAOAFP)
CEBU CITY – The top military official in the Visayas on Tuesday received his three-star rank in a ceremony held at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters in Camp Aquinaldo, Quezon City.

Maj. Abel Potutan, deputy chief of the Civil-Military Operations (U-7) of the Central Command, confirmed in a phone interview that Central Command commander Roberto Toriales Ancan is now a Lieutenant General.

Ancan received his three-star rank after AFP Chief of Staff Felimon Santos Jr. was promoted on Monday to the next higher rank of General (four-star).

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana administered the donning of rank to Santos in a ceremony held at the Department of National Defense (DND) also in Camp Aguinaldo.

Ancan was among the three senior officers of the AFP donned the next higher rank, with Santos himself presiding over the ceremony.
“He previously led the Zamboanga Del Sur-based 1st Infantry Division and is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) 'Hinirang' Class of 1987,” the AFP statement posted on its social media page said.

Also promoted were Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr. and Navy Capt. Luzviminda Camacho to the ranks of Major General (two-star) and Commodore (one-star), respectively.

Torres is now the commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service and a member of PMA “Makatao” Class of 1989, while Camacho is the first female chief of the AFP Office for Legislative Affairs, who received her first star as Commodore.

“She made history as the first female Commodore in the Philippine Navy, first woman to command a Navy ship, and first female commander of peacekeepers sent by the Philippines to Haiti,” the post said.

Ancan, being the most senior of the newly-promoted officers, received military honors at the General Headquarters Canopy.

The newly-promoted chief of Centcom landed on top of the class in his Command and General Staff Course Class at the AFP Command and General Staff College and also finished his Masters in Management Major in Public Administration at the Philippine Christian University in Manila.

He underwent military studies such as basic airborne course, scout ranger course, field artillery officer’s basic course, explosives ordnance and disposal course, and took his junior officer close country instructor training at battle wing in Caungra in Queensland, Australia as well as his field artillery officers advance course at the US Army Field Artillery school in Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

He also underwent training on peacekeeping course in United Nations Staff College Project in Turin, Italy and Legal Legal Aspects in Support of Civil Authorities at Defense Institute for International Legal Studies at Newport, Rhode Island.

Ancan is a bemedaled military officer, receiving medals, ribbons and badges recognizing his achievements as an officer of the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092218

Locsin blames US for loss of Panatag shoal to China

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 28, 2020): Locsin blames US for loss of Panatag shoal to China (By: Dona Z. Pazzibugan)

Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. blamed the United States Obama administration for why the Philippines lost control of Panatag (Scarborough Shoal) off Zambales province to China, in 2012.

Locsin, who left for Washington D.C., over the weekend, raised the point while debating over Twitter with a maritime analyst over the impact to Philippine national security should President Duterte terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement with the US.

Locsin recalled that the Philippines withdrew from Panatag Shoal to end the weeks-long standoff with China upon former US President Barack Obama’s intervention.

However when China did not reciprocate and instead has since stationed ships in the rich fishing grounds, the US did not raise a howl. “Obama said, ‘Oh well such is life.’ And it’s never left. Thanks America. Everybody acknowledges the US cost us that reef,” Locsin said in a tweet directed at Gregory Poling, director of the think tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative.

Poling countered by saying China would have turned Panatag Shoal into another artificial island, like it did with other occupied features within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, had it not been for Obama’s intervention with Chinese President Xi Jingping.

“When China sent a barge of sand to Bajo de Masinloc in 2016 it was a US flyby and Obama intervention with Xi that turned them back,” Poling tweeted, using Panatag Shoal’s other local name.

He said “the only thing keeping China from tearing the Sierra Madre off Ayungin or building on Bajo de Masinloc is the US Mutual Defense Treaty.”

https://globalnation.inquirer.net/184585/locsin-blames-us-for-loss-of-panatag-shoal-to-china

What Would Ending the US-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement Actually Do?

From The Diplomat (Jan 28, 2020): What Would Ending the US-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement Actually Do? (By Prashanth Parameswaran)

In the wake of Duterte’s latest threat, it is worth bearing in mind what potential impact the move may actually have.



Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, and U.S. State Secretary Mike Pompeo chat before their formal meeting upon the latter’s arrival at Villamor Air Base in suburban Pasay city southeast of Manila, Philippines, Feb. 28, 2019.Credit: AP Photo/Bullit Marquez

Last week, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte issued a threat to cancel the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, the latest of a series of threats regarding the alliance Duterte has made since taking office in 2016. While specifics are still unclear as to if and when this termination will actually play out in practice, it is nonetheless worth considering what its nixing would actually mean for the U.S-Philippine alliance and wider dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.

As I have observed before in these pages and elsewhere, the U.S.-Philippine alliance is no stranger to rounds of stress testing. Since the alliance was born through the Mutual Defense Treaty in 1951, it has been through a series of challenging periods, whether it be the renegotiating of the terms of base agreements in the 1970s, the closure of U.S. military facilities in the early 1990s, or the management of China’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea in the early to mid-2010s.

But Duterte’s rise to power has brought about the biggest stress test for the alliance in decades. Since coming to office in May 2016, Duterte has sought to distance the Philippines from its alliance with the United States while pursuing closer ties with China and Russia. While his aspirations have unsurprisingly run into long-standing realities – from the Philippine military’s close ties with the United States to Washington’s important role in helping Manila with some of its urgent threats, including terrorism – we have nonetheless seen divergences in threat perceptions and slowing of U.S.-Philippine collaboration in some areas.

Last week, we saw another test for the alliance in the Duterte era with his threat on Thursday to cancel the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), a pact ratified by the U.S. Senate in May 1999. The VFA, which governs the terms under which U.S. military personnel can be temporarily present in the Philippines, was itself reached following an increased threat perceived by the Philippines from China in the early to mid-1990s following the U.S. base closures that had occurred.

Duterte’s threat has raised a series of questions regarding the VFA, from the reasons behind it to how the termination process could actually play out between the United States and the Philippines. But it is also worth probing what the significance of such a move would actually constitute if it indeed does take place.

In terms of symbolism, the nixing of the VFA would constitute the biggest realized setback we have seen in the U.S.-Philippine alliance since Duterte took office. While Duterte has previously issued various threats including seeking “separation” from the United States and canceling exercises, none of them have actually played out, and on some fronts such as exercises, collaboration has actually increased. And as former Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario pointed out, the VFA matters not only for its own sake, but as part of a series of agreements tied to the MDT that help advance its effective implementation.

The symbolism would likely extend beyond the alliance itself, even if much of this may seem overhyped in reality. It is worth recalling, for instance, that the last time that the U.S.-Philippine alliance took such a hit, with the closure of U.S. bases in the Philippines, this was seen as part of a wider reduction of American presence in the region in a post-Cold War context, even though the reality of U.S. presence was much more complex than that. At a time when Washington is seeking to reassert its role in the Indo-Pacific region and pursuing a more competitive approach with China, the nixing of the VFA would be interpreted as a blow for the United States.

Substantively, the move would also not be without significance. For the United States, while its alliance with the Philippines may not rank as highly as its other Asian alliances and has underperformed in the past, it would nonetheless complicate the issue of the presence of U.S. military personnel on Philippine soil, since the VFA is the agreement that governs this and this aspect of the alliance relationship has proven to be contentious previously. The presence of U.S. personnel is important not only bilaterally to further alliance cooperation across a range of issues and contingencies, ranging from terrorism to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, but also regionally as well since the Philippines is one of the few places where Washington currently has such as pact in the Indo-Pacific region.

But the effects on the Philippines would unquestionably be far more significant given Manila’s limited capabilities, its continued reliance on the United States, and the threat environment it faces. This was why the Philippines recognized its need for the VFA in the first place in the 1990s, and that reality remains unchanged today. Contrary to Duterte’s recent comments on the VFA about being able to lean more on Russia and China, the tangible security cooperation that Manila has with both Moscow and Beijing is nascent and nowhere near what it currently has with the United States. And while Duterte may not admit it, a degrading of Manila’s alliance with Washington would only weaken the leverage the Philippines has in its ties with China and increase the risks of Beijing undermining Philippine interests on various fronts, including in the South China Sea.

To be sure, since it is still early days since Duterte’s VFA threat. And the impact of its actual termination would depend on a range of factors, including how the termination process plays out, the effects on broader alliance cooperation including existing pacts such as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) approved by the Philippines in 2016, and reactions from a range of actors including the United States and China. But as headlines continue to roll in, it will be important to keep in mind what impact a VFA nixing would actually have for the alliance as well as for the wider region

[Prashanth Parameswaran is Senior Editor at The Diplomat based in Washington, D.C., where he produces analysis on Southeast Asian political and security issues, Asian defense affairs, and U.S. foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific.]

https://thediplomat.com/2020/01/what-would-ending-the-us-philippines-visiting-forces-agreement-actually-do/

From rebels to humanitarian volunteers

From MindaNews (Jan 28, 2020): From rebels to humanitarian volunteers (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 28 Jan) – For some former armed combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), transitioning into humanitarian workers, even helping out in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao’s relief mission to Batangas for the Taal victims, was a pleasant surprise.

Members of “Bantay Tulay,” many of whom are MILF combatants who have not been decommissioned yet, help out in humanitarian efforts. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

“It’s hard to express the feeling. We’re so elated of this transformation we’re experiencing now,” said Muhalidin Guialil, a former squad commander under the Task Force Ittihad, the MILF’s unit in charge of settling disputes among members, and dealing with splinter groups.

Guialil was with five other battle-tested MILF warriors in BARMM’s “Tabang” outreach mission only a few days ago, wherein the regional government sent P2-million worth of relief items to Batangas for the needy victims of the volcanic eruption.

“Had we not reached into a peace agreement, we could not experience this life—the dignity and pride of doing service to our kababayans,” said Guialil, 40, who is now savoring civilian life with his wife and three children.

He said there is no more fear now, of hiding from military operatives, as compared to the days when they were still fighting government troops.

Guialil now heads the “Bantay Tulay” volunteers, which include MILF members who are not decommissioned combatants yet, under the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government, monitoring the clogging caused by water hyacinths in the rivers connecting Maguindanao and Cotabato City that cause flooding.

Furthermore, Guialil and dozens of his comrades underwent water and rescue trainings (WASAR) to enhance their capacity as active responders in their respective communities during emergency situations and calamities.

Aside from the former MILF warriors, members of the Dawlah Islamiyah Mindanao and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who yielded to the government recently are undergoing a similar process.

Sixteen BIFF members surrendered to the Army’s 6th Infantry Division a few days ago. Twelve of them come from the area of 33rd Infantry Battalion operating in the borders of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao.

Lt. Col. Elmer Boongaling, 33IB commander, said they are working with the BARMM government in the deradicalization process of the returnees.

“We want them to go back to their communities not any more inclined to holding guns,” he said.

With the help of a special program under BARMM’s Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Order Synergy (HELPS) and Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI), former combatants are assisted in their reintegration to civilian life, given a monthly cash incentive of P5,000 for a start.

The military and the returnees will work together in community services as part of the program.

“We conduct cleanup drives in their villages, sometimes they serve as speakers in our campaign against violent extremism,” Boongaling added.

“They will not just reform themselves but they will be an asset in their own communities in helping government to uplift their conditions,” said Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo.

This week the ministry is in intensive strategic workshop in Samal Island for a re-energized and more pro-active approaches as the agency is manned with new and old employees.

Sinarimbo pushes for a more drastic reform approach towards Bangsamoro government brand of service “moral governance”. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews

)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/01/from-rebels-to-humanitarian-volunteers/

17 former rebels in Ilocos Sur get E-CLIP benefits

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2020): 17 former rebels in Ilocos Sur get E-CLIP benefits (By Joyah Mae C. Quimoyog)

ILOCOS SUR, Jan. 28 (PIA) - Seventeen former members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) from different barangays in the province received financial assistance as part of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits.

MB refers to individuals who have been indoctrinated and may or may not be directly involved in violent armed struggle but, when organized, can provide mass support to the “revolutionary movement” of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People's Army (NPA), and National Democratic Front (NDF).

Under E-CLIP, former members of the MB, CPP, NPA, and NDF and their immediate families, who desire to abandon armed struggle, are allotted with a package of assistance in order to become productive citizens.

Administered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), E-CLIP provided more than Php1-million worth of financial assistance, composed of immediate, livelihood assistance and the firearm remuneration to the returnees in the province, which were first certified by the Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee (JAPIC).

The distribution was conducted on January 27 following the two-day Peace-Building Seminar with the theme, “Embracing Peace Within Ourselves Towards a Better Living,” conducted by the Philippine Army, in partnership with the provincial government under the leadership of Governor Ryan Luis Singson.

Major Renante Carsano, executive officer of the 81st Infantry Battalion (IB), 7th Infantry Division (7ID), thanked the provincial government and the different government agencies and other sectors for their effort in maintaining peace and progress in the province.

Major Renante Carsano, executive officer of 81st Infantry Battalion (IB), 7th Infantry Division (7ID) of the Philippine Army speaks in front of the 124 former members of the Underground Mass Organizations in Ilocos Sur who participated in the two-day Peace-Building Seminar held at Bantay, Ilocos Sur. (jmcq/pia)

Maj. Carsano said, “A total of 124 members of the Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs) coming from different barangays in Ilocos Sur have united for this two-day Peace-Building Seminar and this is the first time that this meaningful event in maintaining peace and progress has been conducted in the province. Hopefully, this won’t be the last. Through your continuous support to the government’s programs in offering peace to rebel supporters, more of them will be able to avail the E-CLIP benefits and enjoy progressive lives.”

Gov. Singson on the other hand, distributed cash assistance from the provincial government to each of the barangays who participated in the seminar.

Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis Singson (left) gives cash assistance from the provincial government to each barangays who participated in the seminar. (jmcq/pia)

“The provincial government is asking for your cooperation to unite and support the government’s peace and development efforts,” Singson said.

Also present were representatives from partner agencies namely: Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, DILG, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Philippine Information Agency, and the Philippine National Police. (JCR/AMB/JMCQ/PIA Ilocos Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033515

846 rebels, supporters in CL surrender to Army units in 2019

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2020): 846 rebels, supporters in CL surrender to Army units in 2019 (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, Jan.28 (PIA) -- A total of 846 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters in Central Luzon surrendered to Philippine Army units in 2019.

From the figure, 24 are considered as Regular NPA members, 21 as Milisyang Bayan, 228 are part of Underground Mass Organizations, 157 as Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad and 416 are mass supporters.

“Majority of the surrenders during the 4th quarter are credited to the 69th Infantry Battalion in Guimba, Nueva Ecija with 438 followed by 48th Infantry Battalion in Bulacan with 222 and 84th Infantry Battalion in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija with 100,” 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard T. Agustin said.
“Of course, we credit this accomplishment to Executive Order 70 otherwise known as whole-of-nation approach to end local communist armed conflict,” Agustin added.

A total of 846 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters in Central Luzon surrendered to Philippine Army units in 2019. From the figure, 24 are considered as Regular NPA members, 21 as Milisyang Bayan, 228 are part of Underground Mass Organizations, 157 as Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad and 416 are mass supporters. (7th Infantry Division file photo)

The 7ID has long implemented its Community Support Programs in its area of responsibility to help communities in addressing their needs and resolving the prevailing issues, especially those in remote and depressed areas, and protect them from NPA exploitation.

However, with the implementation of EO 70 which mandated all local government units and national government agencies to play an active role in ending insurgency and work with Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines in bringing about inclusive peace and sustainable development to the nation, the programs were enhanced and became highly effective.

“With more stakeholders putting in efforts to show the people, down to the barangay level, what we have to offer, what benefits await them should they (the NPA members and their supporters) surrender, more and more are taking courage to come back, be with their families, and experience peace,” Agustin furthered.

Those who voluntarily surrender to Army units are assessed for qualification to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that provides financial assistance and livelihood trainings for former rebels.

A total of 846 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters in Central Luzon surrendered to Philippine Army units in 2019. From the figure, 24 are considered as Regular NPA members, 21 as Milisyang Bayan, 228 are part of Underground Mass Organizations, 157 as Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad and 416 are mass supporters. (7th Infantry Division file photo)

Under E-CLIP, firearms remuneration starts PhP12,500 for Caliber .22 and as high as PhP214,000 for Light M60 Machine Gun. The government and the Army also ensure the safety and security of those who choose to surrender.

“Right now we are busy doing everything we can to protect the people from any shenanigans the NPA might come up with, especially that more and more NPA members and their supporters are returning to the folds of law,” Agustin said.

“We are also taking extra effort in our information drive for the youth, as they are easily ensnared into the web of lies the enemy weave to trigger their idealistic passions, use it to their advantage, and even use them as child warriors,” he furthered.

Having successfully dismantled the Komiteng Larangang Guerilya (KLG) Caraballo, a known NPA Guerilla Front that used to terrorize in the tri-boundaries of Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan and Aurora, Agustin now sees the eventual downfall of KLG Sierra Madre in Region III. (CLJD-PIA 

A total of 846 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and their supporters in Central Luzon surrendered to Philippine Army units in 2019. From the figure, 24 are considered as Regular NPA members, 21 as Milisyang Bayan, 228 are part of Underground Mass Organizations, 157 as Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad and 416 are mass supporters. (7th Infantry Division file photo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033522

Feature: Firearms demilitarization, a giant leap towards peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2020): Feature: Firearms demilitarization, a giant leap towards peace (By Rachel Joy Gabrido)

“Today’s demilitarization of surrendered firearms is a giant leap towards our quest for peace,” Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año stated.

A total of 21 firearms relinquished by the former rebels who surrendered under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government were destroyed during the Ceremonial Demilitarization of Turned-in Firearms held at Camp Vicente Lim, Brgy. Canlubang, Calamba City last January 24.

Sec. Año joins the ceremonial demilitarization of the turned-in firearms from former rebels under ECLIP. (Photo by Joy Gabrido)

“No longer will these weapons be used to harm, threaten and extort the innocent and no longer their hands be tainted with guilt and blood,” he declared.

The DILG Secretary has once again commended Calabarzon for being the first region to establish the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) and for so far having provided 164 rebels with financial assistance under the ECLIP since the program began in July 2018.

Based on Administrative Order no. 10 series of 2018, which centralizes all government efforts for the reintegration of former rebels and creates an inter-agency task force, ECLIP is a complete package of assistance for the former rebels including previous members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA), National Democratic Front (NDF), as well as the Militia ng Bayan.

“Being the government carrying the ‘Tapang and Malasakit’ brand in public service, the greatest gift we can impact to our people and the future generations is a peaceful and progressive life, however, the path to attain and secure this state is mingled with numerous challenges,” Secretary Año stressed in his message.

The ECLIP is part of the initiatives of the government to ensure the lasting peace and progress in the country by giving rebel surrenderers a chance to start a new life.

Addressing to the former rebels, he said, “Sana ang matatanggap niyong kapalit sa mga isinuko niyong armas ay magbigay-daan muli sa inyong pagbangon. Nawa’y kayo at inyong pamilya ay makapagsimula muli ng payapa.”

(“I hope whatever you would receive in exchange to surrendering your firearms will pave the way for all of you to rise again. I hope you and your family could peacefully start anew.”)

The DILG Secretary also expressed his gratitude towards the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other uniformed men who have been working intently to maintain peace and security in the country.

He likewise expressed his thanks towards the Local Chief Executives, and the Provincial and Local Government Units for taking the lead in the advocacy to end insurgency in the country which made the Calabarzon region a forerunner in establishing regional and provincial ELCAC.

“Sa atin pong mga ordinaryong mamamayan, nagpapasalamat rin ako sa inyong pagtanggap at pag-unawa sa mga nagbalik-loob nating mga kababayan,” he continued.

(“To the ordinary citizens, I also thank you for accepting and understanding our fellowmen who have turned back to the law.”)

Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog Sec. Dennis Hernandez, who also graced the ceremony, pointed out that the demilitarization of firearms is part of the campaign of the incumbent Administration to end violent extremism in the regions.

“Ito rin ang tanda ng pagtalikod ng ating mga former rebel sa buhay ng karahasan at pagyakap nila sa panibagong simula at pagkakataon na mapayapang makasama, mamuhay at aktibong makilahok sa pag-unlad ng ating bansa,” he stated.

(“This is also a sign of the former rebels’ decision to turn their back from violence, and to embrace a new beginning and the chance to peacefully live and contribute to nation-building.”)

Presidential Adviser for Southern Tagalog Sec. Hernandez delivers his message.

Model Regional Task Force

Sec. Año echoed the goal of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to eliminate local communist armed conflict within his term.

“I challenge the Region 4A to sustain the gains of last year and foster your ELCAC efforts so that the Regional Task Force 4A will be the first to finish or end insurgency in the Philippines. I know you can do this!” he remarked.

He said he believes that Calabarzon will succeed in this endeavor because the Powerhouse team is in this region.

“We will make Region 4A the model Task Force in defeating insurgency in the country,” the DILG Secretary pronounced.

He stressed that everyone has the responsibility to maintain peace which shall be passed on to the next generations.

“50 years of conflict is enough. We need to stop insurgency now!” he pronounced.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Region 4A (PNP 4A) Regional Director PBGen Vicente D. Danao, Jr. expressed optimism in the wholistic effort to defeat the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs).

“With the creation of concrete programs under EO 70, we are very optimistic that we could address these lingering problems.”

The Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70), as defined, institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation Approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creates a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, and directs the adoption of a national peace framework. (Joy Gabrido/PIA4A)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033527

Philippine Navy adds 2 actors and a former army official as reservists

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2020): Philippine Navy adds 2 actors and a former army official as reservists (By Susan G. De Leon)

Vice Adm. Empedrad confers the rank of Lieutenant Commander to Jose Sixto "Dingdong" G. Dantes III while actress Marian Rivera, wife of Dantes assists in the pinning of rank insignia. (Photo courtesy of PN)

QUEZON CITY, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- Two actors and a former army official are now full-pledged navy reservists after Admiral Robert A Empedrad, Flag Officer In Command, Philippine Navy, conferred their respective ranks during the Philippine Navy’s Monday flag raising ceremony, January 27 at their headquarters in Manila.

Vice Adm. Empedrad conferred the rank of captain to Capt Manuel Felino V. Ramos PN(RES), the rank of Lieutenant Commander to Lt. Cmdr. Jose Sixto “Dingdong” G. Dantes III PN(RES) and the rank of Petty Officer Third Class to PO3 Raphael Q. Nacino PN (RES).

Capt. Manuel Felino V. Ramos (RES) is a retired Philippine Army officer who was incorporated in the PN Reserve Force, last August 9, 2019. Capt. Ramos is the current Assistant Secretary for Installation and Self-Reliant Defense Posture (ASIS) in the Department of the National Defense.

On the other hand, the actor known for his screen name as Dingdong Dantes, has been enlisted as marine reservist since 2006 and commissioned in the reserve force in 2019. Lt. Cmdr. Dantes (RES) is the Chairman and Founder of Yes Pinoy Foundation. He also holds the position of Assistant Vice Chairman of Logistics Support Group of Front liners Brotherhood Incorporated (FBI) which is affiliated to PN Affiliated Reserve Units (PNARU) program and placed under the Marine Affiliated Reserve Combat Service Support Batallion (MARCSSBn).

Rocco Nacino was enlisted as Petty Officer Third Class in the reserve force after graduating in the Basic Citizen Military Training (BSMT) conducted last year. He is currently assigned at Naval Forces Reserve-National Capital Region under Naval Reserve Center. (Photo courtesy of PN)

Likewise, Rocco Nacino was enlisted as Petty Officer Third Class in the reserve force after graduating in the Basic Citizen Military Training (BSMT) conducted last year. He is currently assigned at Naval Forces Reserve-National Capital Region under Naval Reserve Center.

The family of Dantes, other PN senior leaders and Mrs. Marian Rivera Dantes, who assisted during the pinning of rank insignia to her husband, Dingdong, were also present during the event.

Meanwhile, both Dantes and Nacino were also awarded with a Military Merit Medal for their notable achievement as they participated in the conduct of humanitarian assistance and disaster response during the eruption of Taal volcano.

In his speech, Lt Cmdr Dantes narrates his reason for joining the Navy reserve, “I am a soldier, a reservist, because I would like to volunteer, to help those who help keep my family and my loved one safe. To my mind being a reservist, being a soldier, is about enabling others to pursue their own dreams in a secure and safe environment.”

He added, “Nasa gobyerno ka man o pribadong sector, may katungkulan man o karaniwang namamasukan, sundalo man o isang actor, tangan natin ang ‘puso’ ng isang bayani. So whatever uniform we maybe in today, let’s not forget to put our strongest hearts and commit ourselves to be heroes in our own ways.”

Empedrad hailed the navy reservists and its vital role played in the accomplishment of the AFP’s mission saying the values of volunteerism, patriotism and willingness to serve the country beyond being private citizen is something to be proud of.

“Our reservists are our unsung heroes… they are always there to help our Philippine Navy,” Empedrad said.

The Philippine Navy reservists play an important role as force multipliers as they are engaged in medical and civic action program, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response aspect of the military. The Command is very grateful for having reservists whose qualities are highly needed, and professionals who put a premium on national interest and well-being of the Filipino people. (PN/PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033551

New EastMinCom chief vows to end local communist armed conflict

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2020): New EastMinCom chief vows to end local communist armed conflict (By Joey Dalumpines)

DAVAO CITY Jan. 27 (PIA) The newly-designated commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command vowed to steering the contingent to greater heights taking the cue from the previous leaders who brought honor and prestige to the Filipino soldiers by good work ethics and principles through professionalism, excellence and responsible leadership.

Major General Jose Faustino Jr., the 12th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command vowed to do his best to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in his area of responsibility.

He said that under his leadership, the EastMinCom will remain resolute to defeat the communist terror group and to finally free the Filipino people as victors against the nefarious activities of the rebels.

“Now, as the 12th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, I am harnessing my experiences and values to hopefully inspire all troopers to do the same by ending the communist terrorists who have been causing chaos, economic sabotage and exploitation of the vulnerable communities for more than 50 years now,” Faustino said.

He said that the command has spearheaded the fight against the communist terrorists and its efforts has been the benchmark of success for the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Faustino said the command will continue its mission because it is the right thing to do.

He said with his experience, he tends to understand the endless manipulation and deception employed by the communist terrorists to the society, which led to the death of many children, countless families orphaned and suffering brought about by the loss of love ones.

“Enough is enough. This war has to end,” Faustino said.

He said the military will take the fight at the heart of the communist ideology, at the heart of their comfort zones, to the deepest and farthest guerrilla bases.

Faustino said that the soldiers will not tire and will not falter so that no Filipino will continue to be hostage to this activity again.

Faustino was installed to office by General Felimon Santos, the chief of staff of the Armed Forces who was also his predecessor in the EastMinCom.

During his stint as commander of the 10th Infantry Division, he was involved in the conduct of focus military operations that resulted in the dismantling of rebel formations and their shadow government in Regions XI and XII.

Faustino also led in pushing the “whole-of-nation-approach” to end local communist armed conflict and fully supported the localized peace talks by the local government units. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033496

Ata-Manobo IPs set to own houses thru NHA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2020): Ata-Manobo IPs set to own houses thru NHA (By Jeanevive Abangan)



DAVAO DEL NORTE, Jan 28 (PIA)--- Members of indigenous peoples (IPs) in the Municipality of Talaingod will soon be owning housing units as the National Housing Authority (NHA) has allotted more funds for housing projects in this Ata-Manobo municipality.

NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. yesterday said that NHA will pour another P100 million in 2020 for housing projects in Talaingod, on top of the P60 million that NHA had allocated in 2019.

Based on the NHA Information Board mounted in Sitio Nasilaban, NHA is set to construct 100 housing units in each of the sitios in Nasilaban and Galong, Brgy Palma Gil; and in Sitio Mesolong, Brgy Sto. Nino using the 2019 fund allocation.

The same NHA infoboard indicates that NHA will be building 100 housing units in each of the sitios in Central Baugan in Brgy Palma Gil; Cuyas and Basak in Brgy Sto. Nino; and Lomondong and Balite in Brgy Dagohoy.

Aside from housing units, Escalada also assured commitment of NHA to build an IP Dormitory in Talaingod so IPs, especially students, would have free place to stay while schooling or while transacting official businesses with the local government.

Escalada attended the ground-breaking ceremony of housing sites on Monday (Jan 27) in Sitio, Nasilaban. The event was also attended by Datu Guibang Apoga, the tribal chieftain of Sitio Nasilaban; Department of National Defense Undersecretary Reynaldo Mapagu, chairperson of the Balik-Loob Program; Davao del Norte 1st District Congressman Pantaleon Alvarez, Provincial Governor Edwin I. Jubahib; Municipal Mayor Jonnie Libayao of Talaingod; Major General Jose C. Faustino Jr, commander Eastern Mindanao Command; Major Gen Reuben Basiao, commander of 10th Inf. “Agila” Division. Provincial Board Members and Municipal Councilors were also present.

During the same event, Mapagu viewed the housing ground-breaking rites as “symbolic” of the government’s thrust, under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, to bring social services, programs and projects to far-flung communities.

“Lahat ng serbisyo ay makakarating sa dulo na komunidad,” he said addressing Ata-Manobo community leaders and members during the program held after the housing ground-breaking rites.

Other than housing units, Governor Jubahib said more projects are coming for the benefit of the Ata-Manobo communities in Talaingod such as livestock and poultry, agriculture projects, more access roads leading to far-flung communities.

Jubahib recently had clinched the commitment of Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (NORDECO) to install 1,000 electric connections to households in Talaingod. He said he had already installed generator sets to some IP communities in this municipality.

He, however, challenged the Ata-Manobos of Talaingod to fully support the government especially President Rodrigo Duterte and to turn their backs against rebellion saying “they would have no reason at all to go against the government which is visibly delivering services right at their communities”.

Nasilaban Tribal Chieftain Guibang took note of the quick delivery projects and services promised by the government.

Speaking in vernacular, Guibang was heard saying thrice “automatic tabang gobyerno (automatic government help)” combined with Ata-Manobo lines in his message.

Based on interpretation, Guibang was giving thanks to the government which he had noted in the past were fond of giving broken promises.

He was glad that the government now is showing “automatic” action of its commitment to build schools, roads and houses in his community.

Guibang had once spearheaded the underground rebellion movement with the New People’s Army for almost 30 years until last year when he decided to return to mainstream society. (PIA XI Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033519

DENR provides projects to 13 NPA-affected barangays in Kalinga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2020): DENR provides projects to 13 NPA-affected barangays in Kalinga (By Peter A. Balocnit)

Members of the Poswoy Farmers Association for Development try the hand tractor awarded to them under INREMP.( INREMP photo)

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga, Jan. 23 (PIA) - - Thirteen New People’s Army- affected barangays in the province benefit from 14 projects under the Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management Project(INREMP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Under the subproject development for Community-based Protection and Monitoring and Livelihood Enhancement Support component of INREMP, farm machines, equipment, and facilities, and conservation farming projects were provided to the covered barangays.

In Balbalan, three units of thresher with housing were given to barangays Ab-abaan; Coffee processing facility to Balantoy; three dapilan/sugarcane mill with generator to Gawaan; 2 CBPM projects to Mabaca; four units portable rice mill, two units hand tractor and two units thresher to Poswoy.

In Lubuagan, two units thresher and one unit coffee grinder were provided to Tanglag; three units hand tractor with three units warehouse to Upper Uma, and rice grinding machine and one unit tractor to Lower Uma.

Barangay Dupag in this city received a rice mill machine with housing and farm machineries.

For Pinukpuk municipality , rice mill housing and cono rice mill machine were given to barangay Baay; rice and corn thresher with house and conservation farming project to Wagod, and conservation farming to Ammacian.

Under the conservation farming project component, agro-forest trees are planted inside the forest using the sloping agriculture land technology. (INREMP photo)

Provided to Guinaang in Pasil is conservation farming project.

Under the conservation farming project component, agro-forest trees are planted inside the forest using the sloping agriculture land technology.

Total fund spent for these projects is P11 million.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Noel Barrientos said these projects are DENR’s contribution to President Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 or the e whole of nation to end local communist armed conflict in the country.

He said INREMP’s people’s organization partners in the barangays are managing the livelihood projects that are benefitting them in terms of income generation and employment. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1032963

PNP-8 pays tribute to SAF 44

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2020): PNP-8 pays tribute to SAF 44 (By Consuelo B. Alarcon)



PALO, Leyte, Jan.29 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police in Eastern Visayas paid tribute on Saturday to the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members who were killed during the Mamasapano encounter five years ago.

The policemen in the region offered a Eucharistic Mass for the departed 44 elite forces followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Camp Kangleon monument, Palo Leyte.

Two of the fallen SAF members were from Eastern Visayas identified as PO1 Mark Clemencio and PO2 Glenn Bedua.

In his short message, Police Brig. General Ferdinand O. Divina, regional director of the Police Regional Office 8 said that the police will always remember how they sacrificed their lives in the service to the country.

"As we remember our dead heroes we assure you of our continued support and prayers so that justice will be served. Their commitment of service was exemplary and we certainly will not forget their sacrifices for our nation," Divina said.

The PNP official also left a message to the families of the fallen SAF particularly to Cristine Clemencio, wife of the late PO1 Clemencio and to Luz B. Bedua, mother of the late PO2 Glenn Bedua, who both witnessed the commemoration or the National Remembrance of the heroic sacrifice of the elite SAF members.

"To the families left behind, know by heart that they have displayed the highest form of heroism. I hope that this day may inspire police officers to be true with their sworn oath to serve and protect," Divina further said.

Part of the commemoration activity was the fun ride organized by the Police Regional Office 8 participated in by some 400 bike enthusiasts on that same day.

The fun ride dubbed as "A Ride to Remember the Heroism of SAF" started at 5 a.m. at the PRO 8 headquarters to Tacloban downtown area passing through Real St., Abucay road, Magsaysay Blvd., Real St., Marasbaras, going to the municipalities of Palo and Sta. Fe, Leyte and back to the regional headquarters.

To recall, on January 25, 2015, platoons of the elite SAF police squad entered the guerilla enclave of Tukanalipao, Maguindanao that resulted to the death of 44 elite SAF members. (nbq/cba/PIA 8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033569

Government convergence projects pour to Can-avid barangays

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2020): Government convergence projects pour to Can-avid barangays (By Ninfa Barcena-Quirante)



BORONGAN CITY, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- The government convergence projects are pouring in to Brgys. Boco, Pandol and Balagon in Can-avid town.

In the Task Force –End Local Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) for Can-avid town, the national government agencies, some civil society organizations met with Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone and other regional directors, provincial directors, municipal employees and officials of Brgys. Pandol, Boco and Balagon.

E. Samar Governor Ben Evardone vowed to give scholarships, road and electrification to distant barangays in Can-avid town as he joined the Can-avid TF ELCAC headed by Mayor Gil Norman Germino. (Photo by Imelda Bonifacio) 

The so called PBB (Pandol-Boco and Balagon) barangays have been considered barangays in conflict by the security forces, prompting the provincial and municipal governments to focus interventions in these distant areas.

The three barangays can be reached through Can-avid River for 3-5 hours mechanized boat ride upstream.
The convergence meeting resulted to the conduct of the Retooled Community Service Program (RCSP), these teams will undergo immersion activities in order to assess the peace and development gaps of the said barangays and come up with Barangay Development Plans.

The governor vowed to finance the P2 million electrification program for some sitios and barangays within the PBB areas without power yet.

He also said that the construction of the road-gap between Can-ilay to Salvacion will be shouldered by the provincial government through a P24 million fund downloaded to DA GAA 2020 for Balagon and Pandol road opening.

He also promised that he will extend scholarships to college students from the three barangays.

Imelda Bonifacio of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process - Regional Unit said the office has P3 million for the construction of a multi-purpose hall and water system.

"These were identified in the 2019 CSP teams," Bonifacio said.

The National Housing Authority also promised to award the former rebels who will surrender to the government, houses worth P450,000 each, and if the former rebel has a house, he may opt to repair or improve the same with a P100,000 grant.

Truly, EO Number 70 has been employing the whole-of -ation approach to winning the peace, said OPAPPRU Manager Bonifacio. (nbq/ PIA 8 with OPAPPRU)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033570

Lawyer, aide killed in Pampanga ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28, 2020): Lawyer, aide killed in Pampanga ambush (By Marna Dagumboy Del Rosario)



SENSELESS KILLING. Lawyer Anselmo “Sato” Carlos and his aide were killed in an ambush by still unidentified gunmen in Barangay San Vicente, Sta. Rita, Pampanga on Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2020). Police are investigating the motive of the killing. (Contributed photo)

STA. RITA, Pampanga—A lawyer and his aide were killed in an ambush by still unidentified gunmen in Barangay San Vicente here on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Jean Fajardo, director of the Pampanga Police Provincial Office, identified the victims as Lawyer Anselmo “Sato” Carlos, of Barangay Cabangcalan, Floridablanca; and his aide Marcial Mendoza, of Sta. Maria, Bulacan.

Fajardo said based on investigation, the two, on board a Toyota Camry (ZMD 630), were traversing the provincial road in the said village when the suspects on board a Honda Wave motorcycle, shot them using a .45-caliber pistol.

Carlos attended a morning hearing at the Hall of Justice of Guagua before the ambush took place at around 9 a.m.

Police, as of this posting, have yet to determine the motive of the killing.

Recovered CCTV footage showed the faces of the suspects.

Carlos ran for mayor of Floridablanca town several times but lost. He was a known lawyer on land dispute cases.

Meanwhile, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Pampanga Chapter condemned the killing.

“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the violent and cowardly act of the killing of our chapter member, Atty. Anselmo “Sato” Carlos. We are shocked and saddened that one of our members has been added to the growing number of lawyers falling victim to senseless killings. Once again, rule of law has been attacked,” the IBP said in a statement.

The group also called on police authorities to serve justice for Carlos’ death and to put a stop to the killing of lawyers.

“The IBP Pampanga Chapter requests everyone to pray for the repose of the soul of our slain brother in the profession and his driver and that peace and acceptance be found in the hearts of the families left behind by this gruesome act,” the IBP Pampanga said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092199

Guv's 'hitman', wife shot dead in NegOr town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28, 2020): Guv's 'hitman', wife shot dead in NegOr town (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



DUMAGUETE CITY – An alleged hitman implicated in a reported plot to kill Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo and in the failed assassination try on a lawyer-councilor in Bayawan City several years ago was shot dead, along with his wife, by unidentified gunmen in that southern city over the weekend.

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the victims as Herman Lora Escora, alias Ricky, 48, a farmer; and his wife Elvera, 47; both of Barangay San Roque.

Initial police investigation showed the couple went to Sitio Canabuan in Barangay Minaba around 10 a.m. Sunday to attend a fiesta celebration, and by 3 p.m. left on board their motorcycle heading home.

Upon reaching the Canabuan Elementary School, unidentified gunmen shot the couple to death using short and long firearms.

Chief Master Sgt. Edilberto Euraoba III, NOPPO spokesperson, confirmed that Herman, who had turned state witness back then, was the same person who was charged along with seven others for the botched attempt on the life of lawyer and Bayawan Councilor Victoriano Alabastro sometime in 2011.

Escora and a certain Anthony Luterio were linked to the alleged plot to kill Degamo after a map of his residence in Bonbonon, Siaton town was recovered from the two following their arrest in 2012.

Escora, who signed an extrajudicial confession that he was the team leader of the group that carried out the assassination attempt on the lawyer, denied that they were going after the governor.

He confessed instead that their target was a certain Mauricio Sioco who operated Bingo Millions in Siaton.

Alabastro, who received a death threat in 2010, died of a lingering illness in 2018.

The motive for the couple’s killing has yet to be determined by the Bayawan Police Station.

Details involving the cases filed against Escora and the other alleged guns-for-hire in his “group”, many of whom were arrested in 2012, were not immediately available.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092156

Village exec, 2 others hurt in Cotabato City ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28, 2020): Village exec, 2 others hurt in Cotabato City ambush (By Noel Punzalan)  January 28, 2020, 7:56 pm



AMBUSH SITE. Policemen cordon the ambush site where motorcycle-riding gunmen ambushed and wounded the chairperson of Barangay Bagua Mother and her two other female companions in Cotabato City around noon on Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2020). Investigators have yet to determine the motive of the attack. (Photo courtesy of Radyo Bandera Cotabato)

Motorcycle-riding gunmen wounded in an ambush a village chairperson and her two female companions around noon here Tuesday.

Col. Portia Manalad, city police director, identified the victims as Bai Ella Biruar, village chairperson of Barangay Bagua Mother, and her two companions Princess Odin and Jasmin Samson.

Manalad said the victims were on board a Toyota Fortuner vehicle when tailed and fired upon at close range by four gunmen aboard two motorbikes around 12:30 p.m. in front of the San Roque Chapel in the village.

"The victims were heading home from the downtown area when ambushed,” the police official said, adding that they have yet to determine who among the victims was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.

Eyewitnesses rushed the victims to a hospital, where they are currently being treated.

Police investigators have yet to establish the motive behind the attack.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092181

DOJ expands VFA study to include impact assessment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28, 2020): DOJ expands VFA study to include impact assessment  (By Benjamin Pulta)



Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. (File photo)

Department of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday said his office has been directed to include the implications of the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the United States and the Philippines in their study.

"We have just been instructed today to expand the scope of our study to include a preliminary impact assessment on the possible termination of the VFA," Guevarra told reporters, referring to the security, economic and environmental impact of the VFA termination into the country.

Guevarra earlier said last week that the memo sought by the Palace would only deal with the procedure for termination, not the wisdom of the executive action and answer such questions as: 'Is the VFA a treaty or an executive agreement?'; 'If it is a treaty, is Senate concurrence required for termination?'; 'Who will give the notice of termination?' (and), 'Is it necessary to state any ground for termination?"

Guevarra explained the legal formalities were easier to determine.

"'Yung legal, madali lang. 'Yung impact assessment ang kailangan ng masusing pag-aaral (The legal questions are easier, It is the impact assessment that needs scrutiny," the DOJ chief said.

He added that the timeframe for the termination depends on how soon the Cabinet cluster concerned on the matter can convene.

"I may even have to request the Cabinet cluster on justice, security, and peace to convene and discuss this matter," he said.

On Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to start the process of termination of the VFA following the cancellation of the US visa of retired top cop and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who used to be one of those who implemented the government's anti-drug campaign.

Duterte earlier warned the US government that he will scrap the agreement if the cancelation of dela Rosa's visa is not rectified within a month.

Signed by the Philippines and the US in 1998, the VFA is an executive agreement that stipulates how visiting American troops should be treated in the Philippines.

Aside from exempting US forces from passport and visa regulations, the agreement also states that their permits and licenses are also deemed valid in the Philippines. The same policy also applies to Filipino troops in US military installations.

It also allows Washington DC to retain jurisdiction over US personnel accused of crimes committed in the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092015

74 new officers join PH Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28, 2020): 74 new officers join PH Army (By Priam Nepomuceno)



NEW ARMY OFFICERS. A total of 74 Officer Preparatory Class completers officially join the Philippine Army on Monday (Jan. 27, 2020). The “Salinlahi” Class 70-2019, composed of 60 males and 14 females, took oath after finishing a rigorous leadership and military training at the Officer Candidate School (OCS) that aimed to hone their capabilities as new junior officers. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Army (PA) formally welcomed into its ranks 74 members of the Officer Preparatory Class who graduated at Camp O’ Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on Monday.

The “Salinlahi” Class 70-2019, composed of 14 females and 60 males, took oath after finishing a rigorous leadership and military training at the Officer Candidate School (OCS) that aimed to hone their capabilities as new junior officers.

“Retain the same level of mindset and eagerness even when deployed in your respective units and offices. For as long as you know your role and purpose, then, you will go a long way in the course of your leadership journey,” PA chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said.

The Army, through the OCS, trains eligible enlisted personnel and civilians to become officers and capacitate the PA's units and offices in support of the command’s organizational, operational, and modernization endeavors.

“To serve as an Army officer entails great sacrifice for each of us. You will face more tasks and responsibilities that you have to fulfill. Knowing that you have reached this far, means that you are prepared to take on more challenges, ready to lead and fueled with passion in your call to duty in serving our people and our nation,” Gapay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092107

Camacho makes PH naval history as first female commodore

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28, 2020): Camacho makes PH naval history as first female commodore (By Priam Nepomuceno)



PH NAVY’S FIRST. AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. (right) leads the donning ceremony for Commodore Luzviminda Camacho, one of the AFP's newly-promoted senior officials, in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday (Jan. 28, 2020). Camacho made history as the first female Commodore (equivalent to Brigadier General or one-star rank in the Army, Air Force, and Marines) of the Philippine Navy. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

A Philippine Navy officer made history as the first woman to become a Commodore (equivalent to Brigadier General or one-star rank in the Army, Air Force, and Marines).

Promoted to the rank was Captain Luzviminda Camacho, chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Office of Legislative Affairs.

Aside from being the first woman to get the rank, Camacho is the first female chief of her office, the first woman to command a Philippine Navy ship and the first female commander of peacekeepers sent by the Philippines to Haiti.

Camacho was among the three senior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who formally donned their next higher rank in a ceremony in short ceremonies at the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday.

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., who just became a four-star general Monday, presided over the donning ceremony.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Central Command head, was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.

He previously led the Zamboanga Del Sur-based 1st Infantry Division and is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1987.

Promoted to the rank of Major General is Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., who is the current commander of AFP Civil Relations Service.

He is the former commander of Joint Task Force Haribon and deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao Command and a member of PMA Class of 1989.

Present during the donning ceremonies were senior military officers led by AFP vice chief-of-staff Vice Admiral Gaudencio Collado, Jr., and families of the newly-promoted officials.

Military honors at the General Headquarters Canopy were also rendered for Ancan who is the most senior of the newly-promoted officers.

Promotions of generals and senior officers in the military signify the advancement in their careers as soldiers.

It also implies the bigger and more crucial responsibilities that they have to carry towards the attainment of the AFP’s mission.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092113

Duterte appoints ex-AFP chief Madrigal to PCA governing board

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28, 2020): Duterte appoints ex-AFP chief Madrigal to PCA governing board (By Azer Parrocha)



Retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Benjamin Madrigal Jr. (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Benjamin Madrigal Jr. as member of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) governing board.

A list of new appointees signed by Duterte showed that Madrigal’s appointment paper was signed on January 21.

Madrigal, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, retired after reaching the mandatory military retirement age of 56 on September 28, 2019.

He was appointed as AFP chief on December 11, 2018.

Prior to his appointment, Madrigal commanded the Eastern Mindanao Command, Southern Luzon Command, the 4th Infantry Division, the 701st Infantry Brigade, and the 26th Infantry Battalion.

His previous posts include chief of staff of the Philippine Army; chief of War Plans in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans J5; Secretary Joint Staff; and chief of the Army Management and Fiscal Office.

A number of positions in government, including Cabinet-level posts are being held by former members of the military.

Duterte has repeatedly voiced out his preference to appoint military men in his Cabinet since they were honest and industrious.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has defended Duterte’s preference for military men, saying he saw no problem because they are also Filipinos who were “willing and eager to serve.”

The PCA, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture, is the sole government agency that is tasked to develop the industry to its full potential in line with the new vision of a united, globally competitive, and efficient coconut industry.

Aside from Madrigal, Duterte also appointed acting Budget Secretary Wendel Avisado as Budget Ad Interim Secretary.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092117

Navy chief cites urgent need to phase out aging assets

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 28, 2020): Navy chief cites urgent need to phase out aging assets (By Priam Nepomuceno)



PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad. (File photo)

There is an urgent need to decommission aging assets of the Philippine Navy (PN) so that naval personnel will be given sufficient training and skillsets to handle new ships which are in the pipeline, its chief said Tuesday.

"The only way to modernize is to retire old capabilities so we can train or capacitate our personnel for new capabilities," PN flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said in a message to reporters.

He was responding to questions on the formal decommissioning of the service patrol corvette BRP Rizal (PS-74) and patrol killer medium gunboat BRP Nicolas Mahusay (PC-119) at the Capt. Salvo Pier, Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City set on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Empedrad said they are scheduled to receive two new missile-armed frigates, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) by May and September this year as possible replacements for these ships.

These ships are capable of anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine warfare.

"We (also) hope to acquire (an) additional 'Pohang'-class corvette from the ROK (Republic of Korea) Navy," Empedrad said.

Empedrad's remarks were echoed by Navy public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas.

"This is in line with the PN strategic plan of moving from legacy vessels to more capable and modern vessels," she added.

Roxas said the decommissioning will allow the PN to transition into a "more and advance level of personnel training and materiel acquisition that will conform to the demand of the evolving maritime challenges."

BRP Rizal was acquired by the Philippines from the US on June 12, 1965, and it served 54 years while BRP Nicolas Mahusay was acquired from South Korea in 1998 and served the Navy for 22 years.

Meanwhile, Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said there is a need to phase out old ships as personnel manning these vessels will be the ones who will operate the new vessels.

He added that these vessels have also outlived their usefulness which means they can no longer perform well in their designated missions as their speeds and other equipment have deteriorated through their long service.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092141

Cabinet cluster to tackle VFA scrap plan Friday

From the Philippine News Agency(Jan 28, 2020): Cabinet cluster to tackle VFA scrap plan Friday (By Benjamin Pulta)



Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. (File photo)

MANILA -- Key Cabinet members will meet on Friday to come up with recommendations to President Rodrigo Duterte on how best to implement the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States.

"The Cabinet cluster on security, justice and peace will still meet on Friday to deliberate and make recommendations to the President," Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a message to newsmen Tuesday when sought for updates.

Guevarra's office has been directed to include the implications of the termination of the VFA in their study.

Aside from Malacañang and the DOJ, the cluster includes the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES).

Guevarra originally said the memorandum sought by the Palace would only deal with the procedure for termination, not the wisdom of the executive action and answer such questions as: “Is the VFA a treaty or an executive agreement?'; 'If it is a treaty, is Senate concurrence required for termination?'; 'Who will give the notice of termination?' (and), 'Is it necessary to state any ground for termination?"

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered to start the process of termination of the VFA following the cancellation of the US visa of retired national police chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who used to be one of those who implemented the government's anti-drug campaign.

Duterte earlier warned the US government that he will scrap the agreement if the cancelation of dela Rosa's visa is not rectified within a month.

Signed by Manila and Washington DC in 1998, the VFA is an executive agreement that stipulates how visiting American troops should be treated in the Philippines.

Aside from exempting American troops from passport and visa regulations, the agreement also states that their permits and licenses are also deemed valid in the Philippines.

The same policy also applies to Filipino troops in US military installations.

It also allows the US to retain jurisdiction over its personnel accused of crimes committed in the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092154