Calbiga Peace Builders show support on ELCAC

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 19, 2020): Calbiga Peace Builders show support on ELCAC (By Golda Meir T. Tabao)

CALBIGA, Samar, Feb. 18 (PIA) - - The Local Peace Engagement (LPE) Cluster of Samar Provincial Task Force - Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) on February 17, initiated a Round Table Discussion with some Former Rebels (FRs) and peace builders in this municipality.

The discussion centered on the joint efforts of the government, FRs and peace builders in addressing the insurgency problems in the province especially in Calbiga town.

The major issue raised in the said discussion was the lack of access roads which hinders the residents from transporting their goods to the municipal proper and also impedes them from bringing their farming equipment to and from the farm. The infrastructure problem also hinders the government from providing the social services to the community due to inaccessibility.

Mayor Melcho Nacario assured to the participants that the LGU is working on several projects to ensure the delivery of services in the hinterlands.

Calbiga Mayor Melchor F. Nacario said, “There are already infrastructure project proposals submitted for upland barangays like Brgy. Beri, Daligan, Buluan, Binanggaran, Caamlongan, Antol, Hindang, Guimbanga, Sinalangtan, Canbagtic, Minata, Lubang, Otoc, and Bulao.”

Other issues raised included the lack of potable water and livelihood opportunities for those living in the interior barangays.

Mayor Nacario assured everyone that the LGU is already working to address these concerns.

Some of the Local Peace Engagement Cluster Member who joined the discussion and offered the services of their office. (L-R): Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Alma Austero, Local Government Operations Officer II Shalyn Dasig of DILG-Samar, Calbiga Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Urbano Pino, Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer Segundino Pagliawan, and TESDA-Samar Provincial Director Enrico Banario.

“As to livelihood opportunities, we have TESDA with us to help us provide skills training for you. Once you have skills, opportunities will come,” Mayor Nacario said.

Meanwhile, Engr. Enrico Banario of TESDA Samar offered the skills training courses to which the peace builders showed interest. The in-demand courses were Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Masonry, and Bread and Pastry Production.

Municipal Agriculturist Teresita Cabueñas also advised the peace builders to apply for a Farmer's Certificate should they be crop producers and livestock raisers.

She said the certificate can be considered as a proof of ownership especially when applying for an insurance of their crops or small and large ruminants.

On the other hand, an FR shared that he is now considered as an enemy by the CTGs. He said that the reason why he joined the NPA is to serve the people. However, he said that the NPA has not brought any positive change in the community that is why he decided to surrender. Further, he said that the act of surrendering and his cooperation with the government is in itself a service to the people.

Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer, Alma Austero, said that the peace builders will be of big help in ending insurgency in the key areas of the municipality.

“If you know anyone who are members of the NPA, advise them to surrender. You will also act as instruments in letting others know about the services of the government,” she said.

The FR expressed willingness to help the government in its anti-insurgency endeavors.

“As peace builders we must ready the minds of other FRs and assure them that there is nothing to be afraid of and that they won't be harmed once they surrender,” he said.

A peace builder shares the efforts done in the community to let people know about the services of the government.

For his part, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer Urbano Pino said “Let us ensure that no new members of the community will be encouraged to join or support the NPA. Let us also encourage those sympathizers and members of the NPA to surrender. If no one from the barangay will support these CTGs, then they will stop going to the barangays.”

A peace builder also thanked the Local Peace Engagement panel for giving them the opportunity to voice out their concerns. He likewise said that he trusts the panel in ensuring that their concerns will be heard and given favorable response by government.

The Round Table Discussion conducted will be the first among the many discussions to be conducted between the LPE cluster members, FRs and peace builders to ensure that the parties agree to different terms in ensuring a peaceful and insurgency community. (GMT/PIA-Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034812

31 former rebels receive E-CLIP benefits

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 19, 2020): 31 former rebels receive E-CLIP benefits (By 29IB Philippine Army)

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Feb. 19 -- Thirty-one former rebels (FRs) who already have surrendered to the 29th Infantry (MATATAG) Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army recently received the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits at the headquarters of 29IB, Brgy. Del Pilar, this city.

The said benefits which have been given to the FRs included financial assistance, food packs and personal hygiene kits. Before being given the benefits, they were first subjected to some assessment and interview.

Sheryl Ann C. Disucatan, the Regional Social Welfare development Officer encouraged the FRs in her statement, “While there is life, there is hope. So, never lose hope and keep on believing that change and a better day for every one of you will surely come. Remember that taking up arms against each other will never be a good solution to any of our problems. Yes, the government is willing to help, but the government will not be there all the time for you, you need also to help yourself. Because the change and help that you are all seeking will primarily start from YOU, and the rest will just follow."

Rosalind R. Sur, Provincial Social Welfare Development Officer reminded the FRs that these E-CLIP benefits are government programs to help them, "So, please plan and spend it well on things that will help and benefit yourself and your family. I hope there will be more training sessions and programs that other agencies will offer for your benefit," she said.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, said he was grateful and happy to see how

mindful the government is to its people especially in fulfilling its promise to help those former rebels who have once lost their way but have now found their way back. "This Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government is truly a blessing to our brothers and sisters who are now willing to change for the better,” he said.

“And yes, the government is doing its best to help and support its people. But I hope you may realize also that not all the time will there be a government who will look after all of your needs, a government that could always provide you whatever you want in an instant. No, that doesn’t work that way because just like us, our government isn’t perfect. But you and I know that we can do something to support the government and more so can we do something to help ourselves,” Criste ended. (1Lt. Miguel O. Borromeo, CMO Officer, 29IB, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034831

EastMinCom confirms Bukidnon encounter

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 19, 2020): EastMinCom confirms Bukidnon encounter (By Joey Dalumpines)



DAVAO CITY Feb. 19 (PIA)- The military has confirmed an ongoing encounter between government troops and the lawless elements of the New People’s Army in Impasugong, Bukidnon since yesterday morning.

Speaking at the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing, Lt. Colonel Ezra Balagtey, G-7 of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said the military operation was prompted by the reported consolidation of rebel forces in Bukidnon.

“The 403rd Infantry Brigade conducted a focused military operation which led to an encounter in the area", he said.

Balagtey said the airstrikes being conducted against the rebels were aimed towards providing effective cover and firepower support to the operating troops.

At the same press briefing, Police Major Eudisan Goltiano, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office XI called on the relatives of two cadavers recovered by the police in Agusan del Sur to coordinate with the Agusan del Sur Provincial Police Office for the proper burial.

The bodies of Ka Al of Quezon, Bukidnon and Ka Dope of Cagayan de Oro City were reported to have been killed an encounter with the soldiers in 2017.

Goltiano said the cadavers were retrieved as the police recovered several war materiel surrendered by alias Paopao or Tiger, political instructor of the front committee 88 in Barangay Esperanza in Agusan del Sur.

The recovered war material was composed of an M-14 Armalite Rifle, Garand Rifle, one anti-personnel mine, three M-14 magazines and several bullets.

She said the PRO XI wishes to locate the family of the dead rebels and to help them identify their loved ones. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034914

Phase 2 MILF-BIAF combatants, weapons decommissioning resumes

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 19, 2020): Phase 2 MILF-BIAF combatants, weapons decommissioning resumes (By PIA Cotabato City)



COTABATO CITY, Feb. 19 (PIA)—The Phase II of the decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) combatants and weapons resumed on Tuesday, February 18, at the Old Provincial Capitol, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Some 106 MILF-BIAF from Lanao del Sur, with 304 firearms underwent the decommissioning process led by the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).

The IDB was created based on the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB). Its mandate is to oversee the process of decommissioning of the MILF combatants and weapons.

Each of the decommissioned MILF-BIAF combatants received P100,000 cash and socio-economic assistance packages that will help them reintegrate into mainstream society.

Chair of GPH Implementing Panel and Head of Joint Normalization Division Undersecretary David Diciano underscored that the laying down of arms represents the sincerity of the MILF-BIAF to transform from an armed group into a peaceful and productive organization.

“Your weapons will be a reminder of all the sacrifices you have made so that you and your families will have a brighter and more prosperous future that is free from violence, fear, and animosity,” Diciano told the MILF-BIAF combatants.

He also said that after the decommissioning, the national office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will hire social workers to evaluate the status of the MILF-BIAF combatants in their respective communities.

Under the phase 2, the IDB is to decommission a total of 12, 000 combatants and 2,100 weapons. On August to December 2019, the first batch of the phase 2, IDB was able to decommission 8,879 MILF-BIAF combatants with 1, 542 weapons and 617 pieces of ammunition.

The resumption of the 2nd phase of the decommissioning will run until March this year.

It can be noted that the Phase 1 of the decommissioning of the MILF-BIAF and weapons was held on June 16, 2015. (PIA-Cotabato City)



https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034919

LGU, AFP join hands to end insurgency via RCSP

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 19, 2020): LGU, AFP join hands to end insurgency via RCSP (By 403rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)



Tribal chieftain Datu Crispin Linsagan and Sitio leader Roel Mahinay of Nala, Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon inform the RCSP teams that the people of Nala, mostly farmers, are in utmost need of a Health Worker and Health Center; farm-to-market roads; availability of Day Care Center; additional teachers and classrooms for high school; livelihood training; solar dryer; senior citizen benefits; release of tenurial instruments and land titling, including residential lot survey; and the most important project that villagers want to be prioritized—access to safe drinking water. (Rene Belmonte Jr, CMO 403rd Bde, Norven Jay Garcia, 88IB, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

SAN FERNANDO, Bukidnon, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- “Reaching the unreached even in the most challenging situation is the key to ending poverty. Through this RCSP, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), we will empower individuals so that everyone becomes a channel of peace,” said Mayor Levi Edma as he lauds the government for initiating such effort as part of its move in ending insurgency.

The undertaking, known as Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP), seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and mobilize the marginalized and the poor who are often left out from economic growth and other opportunities that would somehow provide them an avenue to generate income.

In his speech, Edma emphasized the need to assess the communities’ current situation to identify and prioritize the delivery of government services.

“With these activities, we are one step closer to attaining lasting peace in San Fernando,” he said.

The mayor sent the RCSP core teams off to Nala sub-village from San Fernando municipal and barangay local government. It is composed of three teams namely Basic Delivery of Services (BDS) Team led by Municipal Health Officer Dr. Maria Algerlina Edma; the Citizenship and Community Participation (CCP) Team led by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Romero Navaja; and the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Team led by the 88th Infantry (Maringal) Battalion and Police units in the area.

Right after the send-off ceremony, the three teams headed to Sitio Nala where residents gathered at the community covered court to welcome the RCSP core teams who will be immersed in the area.

During the program, Sitio leader Roel Mahinay reported that the people of Nala, mostly farmers, are in utmost need of a Health Worker and Health Center; farm-to-market roads; availability of Day Care Center; additional teachers and classrooms for high school; livelihood training; solar dryer; senior citizen benefits; release of tenurial instruments and land titling, including residential lot survey; and the most important project that villagers want to be prioritized—access to safe drinking water.

As a result, reports on the presence of unregistered motorcycles and vehicles, and the proliferation of gangs in the community were tackled during the discussion of PLEDS Team and Sitio leaders.

The CCP Team also identified social issues such as registration of established People’s Organization as well as birth registration of IP residents.

The mayor initiated this ‘working group’ to sustain the initial gains made by CSP Team deployed earlier in the area.

He said the deployed teams would help in setting things up to address some issues exploited by the New People’s Army (NPA) on enticing new rebel members.

After the immersion at Sitio Nala, the RCSP teams conferred at San Fernando townhall for feedbacking, evaluation of issues identified per team, sharing of lessons learned, documentation of necessary things needed to address problems presented, and actions to be taken in preparation for the 1st RCSP Summing-up scheduled before this February ends.

Col. Ferdinand T. Barandon, 403rd Brigade Commander said, “We are doing this to deradicalize the community. It is high time that we should combine our efforts to end communist insurgency in San Fernando and to develop and transform these conflict-affected areas into resilient communities. We will finish this once and for all.”

He explained that the RCSP would help enhance a community-driven approach that will allow beneficiaries to collectively identify, prioritize, plan, and implement their development needs, which is in support to the government’s whole-of-nation approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or ELCAC as specified in President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70. (Rene Belmonte Jr, CMO 403rd Bde, Norven Jay Garcia, 88IB, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034939

Luyungan IP school to launch ‘food sufficiency’ project

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 19, 2020): Luyungan IP school to launch ‘food sufficiency’ project (By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The Luyungan Indigenous Peoples High School (LIPHS) will launch on February 26 its “Luyungan Food Sufficiency Project” at Sitio Nasuli, Bangcud, Malaybalay City.

The program calls for the planting of two (2) hectares Abaca; two (2) hectares Adlai; and one (1) hectare Dragon Fruit within the school compound.

School head Edsel James Quemado said the LIPHS was established on June 01, 2016 to cater to the educational needs of the children of Bukidnon’s seven tribes namely Higaonon, Talaandig, Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Matigsalog, Tigwahanon, and Manobo.

It was established solely for the indigenous peoples (IPs) of Bukidnon aimed at preserving their culture and tradition and to foster unity and camaraderie.

“Significantly, this is the only school of its kind in the Philippines and the entire Southeast Asian region. Sad to say, the parents cannot sustain the food requirements of their children. In most cases, the students would attend classes with an empty stomach,” Quemado said.

At present, 187 students are all living inside the school campus. They could not easily go home to their respective tribal villages on weekends due to the extreme distance between home and school, and the high transport cost.

To help the students with these drawbacks, the school is currently soliciting assorted food items from government agencies, non-government organizations, and concerned individuals to sustain the food requirements of students.

“This practice, however, is not good in the end because ‘we are just giving them fish’. The better thing to do is to ‘teach them how to fish’. Hence, the need to launch the Luyungan Food Sufficiency Project,” Quemado added.

He said the School will provide the land and manpower; Unifruitti Tropical Philippines Inc. (UTPI), Hineleban Foundation Inc (HFI), and Kalugmanan Agri-Development Corp. (KADC) will provide materials and technical assistance—from planting to marketing.

Ulticon Builders Inc. (UBI) will also help in the establishment of the school’s water system and food for work items; while the 403rd Infantry Brigade (403rd Bde) and 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) will provide the necessary equipment for land preparation, vehicles to be used in transporting organic fertilizer, technical, and manpower assistance.

The project is a joint effort of LIPHS, UTPI, HFI, KADC, UBI, 403rd Bde, 8IB, and many other benefactors.

“By the grace of God, it is expected that after two years from the launching of this project, the School can generate substantial income of P.5 million per year from its Abaca, Dragon Fruit, and Adlai farmstead that can sustain the food requirements of all the teachers and students of Luyungan IP High School,” Quemado said. (EJRQ, LIPHS/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034940

8th Dependable Battalion has new commander

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 19, 2020): 8th Dependable Battalion has new commander (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)



Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo Talaroc Jr (left), former commander of the 4th CMO Battalion replaces Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana (right) as commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion. Illana was given a new post as the commanding officer of the 4th Division Training School. With them is MGen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal (center), the presiding officer during the turnover of command. (RDM/PIA10)

IMPASUG-ONG, Bukidnon, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in this town has a new commanding officer.

Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo Talaroc Jr. assumed the post, Wednesday, replacing Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana who was given a new post as the commanding officer of the 4th Division Training School. 

Lt. Col.. Ronald Illana, outgoing commander of the 8th Infantry Battalion, urges every stakeholder and partner of the 8th Infantry Battalion to remain relentless in their ways to resolve conflict and in attaining peace. He also advises the incoming commander, LTC. Edgardo Talaroc Jr., to stay optimistic so that his leadership effectiveness will multiply. (RDM/PIA10)

Lt. Col. Talaroc was the former commander of the 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion.

The turn-over ceremony was presided by Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division. In his message, MGen. Gacal commended the accomplishments contributed by the outgoing commanding officer.

“Under his leadership, the Battalion made sure that the NPAs were unable to initiate any violence along our main highways thus ensuring the safe and unhampered passage and exchange of goods and services. He effectively led the Battalion’s development support and security operations through massive and sustained focused military operations, community support programs, law enforcement support operations, and critical infrastructure protection and security operations,” MGen. Gacal said.

According to him, Lt. Col. Illana also actively supported the legal cooperation initiatives of the 403rd Infantry Brigade which resulted in the filing of appropriate charges against NPA leaders and members for their criminal acts.

MGen. Gacal expressed confidence in the capability of Lt. Col. Talaroc to lead the 8IB and instructed him to use his experiences as G7 and CMO Battalion Commander as well as his understanding of the people, weather, enemy, and terrain of the area to lead the Battalion to more accomplishments.

In his message during the 8th Infantry Battalion turnover of command ceremony, MGen. Franco Nemesio M. Gacal emphasizes that ensuring a physically and psychologically secure environment conducive to economic development is not an easy feat because peace and development go hand-in-hand. (RDM/PIA10)

He further challenged him to prioritize the establishment of municipal task forces on ELCAC in all municipalities within his jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Talaroc vowed to sustain the achievements of Lt. Col. Illana and the relentless pursuit to end communist insurgency in his area of operations. He also told the 8th IB troopers to stay assertive in the convergence efforts for inclusive and sustainable development. (APB/PIA-10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034937

Phase II of decommissioning MILF-BIAF combatants, weapons resumes

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 19, 2020): Phase II of decommissioning MILF-BIAF combatants, weapons resumes (By Bureau of Public Information - BARMM)

Weapons of MILF-BIAF combatants in Lanao del Sur that undergo the decommissioning process. (Bangsamoro Government)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The resumption of the Phase II Decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF) combatants and weapons resumed on Tuesday, February 18, at the Old Provincial Capitol, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao.

A total of 106 MILF-BIAF combatants from Lanao del Sur underwent the decommissioning process led by the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB).

The IDB was created by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to oversee the decommissioning process of the MILF combatants and weapons.

Each of the former combatants received P100,000 cash and a socio-economic assistance package. Their families will also get an estimated worth of P500,000 up to P1-million of healthcare assistance, scholarships for their children, housing, and livelihood projects from the government.

Aminudin Casubidan Makawadib, 47, a resident of Lumbatan in Lanao del Sur province, was one of the decommissioned combatants.

He said the money he received will be a big help for him and his family.

BARMM Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua thanked the Bangsamoro Government's partners from the national government for being consistent in ensuring that the peace process is right on track.

Macacua also expressed his gratitude to the combatants: "As always, we are grateful to our brethren in the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces who are in solidarity with us throughout the peace process."

"Truly, our combatants are the ones who are experiencing the biggest change during this transition process and we are forever committed to make sure that the direction of this transition phase is inspired by their sacrifices along with maximizing all our resources in making sure that they can find a life outside the field and eventually become a new faces of progress in Mindanao," he added.

Usec. David Diciano, chair of the Government of the Philippines Peace Implementing Panel and head of Joint Normalization Division, said that after the decommissioning, the national office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will hire social workers to evaluate the status of the combatants in their respective communities.

"The Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA-BARMM) will work together with the Joint Task-Force Camp Transformation to develop the six majors camps," Diciano further said.

The decommissioning was part of the 30 percent of the 40,000 MILF-BIAF members to be decommissioned until March 2020. (Bureau of Public Information)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034944

Army unveils ‘Hardin ng Lunas’ at Fort Magsaysay

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2020): Army unveils ‘Hardin ng Lunas’ at Fort Magsaysay (By Jason De Asis)



GARDEN. Maj. Gen. Lenard Agustin, division commander of the Army's 7th Infantry Division; Dr. Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, chairperson of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation; and Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commanding general of the Philippine Army (from left to right) lead the ceremonial tree planting during the inauguration and blessing of another site of Hardin ng Lunas at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on Monday (Feb. 17, 2020). Hardin ng Lunas, a joint undertaking of the Philippine Army and the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, aims to develop idle camp lands to make them productive for the benefit of military personnel and their dependents. (Photo by Jason de Asis)
FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija -- Military troops have begun reaping the benefits of propagating organic vegetables and fruit-bearing trees in this vast military reservation.

Since the "Hardin ng Lunas" was introduced in this camp on April 3, 2019, members of the Philippine Army and their families have learned the improved techniques of growing organic vegetables and fruit-bearing trees, which provide them a source of nutritious food and alternative livelihood.

Hardin ng Lunas, a joint undertaking of the Philippine Army and the Tarlac Heritage Foundation under chair Dr. Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, aims to develop idle camp lands to make them productive for the benefit of the military personnel and their dependents.

“The Army’s 7th Infantry Division is now harvesting the fruits of their hard work. The garden yielded a bountiful harvest of vegetables and fruits,” said Brig. Gen. Henry A. Robinson Jr., assistant division commander of the 7th Infantry Division (7ID).

In a 7,500-square-meter site, the vegetables being tended by the officers and enlisted personnel of the 7ID Hardin ng Lunas team include okra, eggplants, string beans, red and green bell pepper, tomatoes, pechay, calamansi, squash, as well as red lady papaya and calamansi trees.

“Alam po naman ninyo napakahirap magtanim ng ganyan dito sa Fort Magsaysay, subalit dahil sa patuloy na pagtutulungan at ugnayan, nakita natin ang mga tanim na maayos at talagang magagamit sa ating mga hapag kainan (You know how difficult it is to plant such kinds of vegetables here at Fort Magsaysay. But through cooperation and coordination, we can see the vegetables are good and we can serve them on our dining table),” Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, commanding general of the Philippine Army, said.

Gapay, together with Suntay and Maj. Gen. Lenard Agustin, division commander of the 7ID, on Monday, led the inauguration and blessing of another site of Hardin ng Lunas here.
During the event, a ceremonial tree planting was held.

“Through the project, our soldiers will be given another livelihood for them to become more sufficient and not being dependent (on) outside sources, aside from food security,” Gapay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094138

IP leaders vow support vs. NPA recruitment in campuses

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2020): IP leaders vow support vs. NPA recruitment in campuses (By Alexander Lopez)



FULL SUPPORT. Board Member Eddie Sulhayan Ampiyawan (left), the Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representative of Agusan del Norte, joins NCIP-13 director Ferdausi Cerna (center) and the Army's 23rd Infantry commander, Lt. Col. Francisco Molina Jr. (right) in a meeting on February 16 in Buenavista town. The officials discussed moves to support the Army-led government effort to counter the recruitment campaign of the communist New People’s Army in schools. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

Amid the reports on the growing influence of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) among youth in Agusan del Norte, top leaders of indigenous peoples (IPs) in the province vowed to support government measures against the communist rebel group's recruitment in campuses.

Board Member Eddie Sulhayan Ampiyawan said he has secured the commitment of key IP leaders from different municipalities to help local and Army officials counter the NPA's recruitment of children and students.

"This must be stopped. We will implement measures to support the current initiatives of the Army and the provincial leadership to protect our children from NPA recruitment,” said Ampiyawan, the province's Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR), in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.

In a recent meeting with the province's IP leaders, Ampiyawan said the tribal chiefs were shocked upon learning that a number of students from various schools in Agusan del Norte displayed a positive view of the NPA.

Last week, the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion said based on the information drives against NPA recruitment in various schools in the province, at least 10 percent of students have indicated positive views for the communist rebels.

Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr., 23IB commander, described the findings as “chilling" that he said must alarm government agencies, especially the Department of Education (DepEd).

Ampiyawan said Army officials and top IP leaders and parts of Misamis Oriental met last Sunday to discuss the matter.

What is worrying, he said, was that some of the students influenced by the NPA are located in IP communities.

Ampiyawan also lauded the efforts of Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba, who visited several schools in the hinterlands of Las Nieves and Buenavista towns last Saturday to consult teachers and parents.

Meanwhile, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples-Caraga (NCIP-13) director Ferdausi Cerna underscored the need for more collaboration among government agencies to provide more support for DepEd and its teachers--especially those assigned in far-flung areas.

Cerna also advised DepEd to include the Indigenous People's Rights Act (IPRA) in the school curriculum of IP students.

“By teaching IPRA, IP students will realize that NPA ideology and the traditions and culture of the IPs are dissimilar in nature and identity. While the IPs believe in God, the NPA [rebels] are godless individuals who adhere to their materialistic creeds,” he said.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines. is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094150

Soldier nabbed for selling shabu inside GenSan bar

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2020): Soldier nabbed for selling shabu inside GenSan bar  (By Richelyn Gubalani)



ROGUE SOLDIER? Police operatives arrested early Wednesday an active member of the Philippine Army identified as Private First Class Abdillah Diao Ali (in photo), 22, for allegedly selling shabu inside a bar on Salazar Street in Barangay Dadiangas South, General Santos City. The suspect is a member of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of the Pendatun police station)
GENERAL SANTOS CITY--Police operatives arrested an active member of the Philippine Army for allegedly selling shabu inside a bar here early Wednesday.

Capt. Abdulsalam Mamalinta Jr., chief of the Pendatun police station, said Private First Class (Pfc) Abdillah Diao Ali, 22, was nabbed in a buy-bust around 12:35 a.m. at the YSP bar on Salazar Street in Barangay Dadiangas South.

Mamalinta said Ali, of Purok Maunlad in Barangay Apopong, was a member of the 2nd Indigenous Peoples smart company under the Army’s 10th Infantry Division.

Mamalinta said an undercover policeman managed to buy a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP500 from the suspect.

He said they recovered from Ali’s possession another plastic sachet containing suspected shabu.

Mamalinta said they earlier received reports about the illegal drug trade inside the bar involving a certain alias “Dilang.”

“But during the operation, it was actually Ali who was involved. We actually had prior information about his illegal activities,” he said in an interview.

Ali vehemently denied the accusation and claimed that a woman he was with at the bar planted the shabu on him.

1Lt. Rezel Faith Sela, spokesperson of the Army’s 1002nd Brigade and the suspect’s battalion commander, said she was surprised with Ali’s arrest and supposed involvement in the drug trade.

Sela said the soldier left their quarters last night without asking permission.

“We already investigating the incident,” she said in a phone interview, adding that Ali will be subjected to administrative proceedings and could face dismissal from service if proven guilty.

Ali, who was detained at the Pendatun police station lockup, will be charged with violation of Sections 5 and 11 or selling and possession of dangerous drugs, under Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094277

Central Luzon cops lauded for arrest of ex-NPA leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2020): Central Luzon cops lauded for arrest of ex-NPA leader (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



ARRESTED. Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, director of the Police Regional Office-3 (left) and Brig. Gen. Rex dela Rosa, PRO-3 deputy regional director for administration (right), present to the media former NPA leader Rodolfo Canda Salas, also known as “Kumander Bilog" who was arrested in Angeles City, Pampanga on Tuesday (Feb. 18, 2020). Salas was arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by Manila Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina on Aug. 28, 2018, for 15 counts of murder before the Regional Trial Court of Manila. (PNA photo by Marna Del Rosario)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday commended the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 for the arrest of a former leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in a subdivision in Angeles City, Pampanga.

“We will continue to implement legal offensive actions against the communist-terrorists groups, and all the criminal, economic and organizational support systems that sustain its terrorist activities,” PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said in a statement.

Gamboa, in particular, lauded PRO 3 chief Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia for the strong implementation of the Executive Order 70 or “End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) following the arrest of Rodolfo Salas aka “Kumander Bilog”.

The PRO-3 said Salas was arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina on Aug. 28, 2018, for 15 counts of murder before the Regional Trial Court of Manila.

Salas headed the NPA in 1976 after the capture of Bernabe Buscayno alias 'Kumander Dante' and chaired the CPP Central Committee after the capture of its founding chair Jose Maria Sison in 1977.

Sermonia said the former NPA leader was brought to the Regional Intelligence Division-Special Concern Unit (RID-SCU) for further investigation.

Salas was arrested in 1986 and granted amnesty in 1992 by former president Fidel V. Ramos.

“Today, we are showcasing another accomplishment in our efforts to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in the region,” Sermonia said.

Gamboa also emphasized that the PNP is actively pursuing national government efforts to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) through a multi-sectoral undertaking.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094206

Never a crime to defend the State: NTF ELCAC

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2020): Never a crime to defend the State: NTF ELCAC (By Gigie Arcilla)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) on Wednesday described as a pitiful case the recent complaint filed by research group IBON against three government officials over alleged red-tagging, saying defending the State is never a crime.

In a statement, the NTF ELCAC said the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), had lost miserably and repeatedly in the legal forum of their allegations of red-tagging, thus, they now try their luck before the Office of the Ombudsman in the hope of finding favorable judgment and awfully begging for the immediate dismissal of Southern Luzon Command chief Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon.

“As those previous (cases) before it, is perfectly bound to fail. It is never a crime to defend the State. In fact, the impleaded officials will be remiss of their sworn duty and obligation if they fail to inform and save the People from the enemies that lurk within their jurisdiction,” the statement read.

It added that the NTF ELCAC, which was crafted through the issuance of Executive Order No. 70, is once again being vilified and disparaged by the CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal fronts for supposedly weaponizing the law by using the laws of the Land to suppress dissent and critics.

The communist groups’ usual spokespersons, it said, are at their old deceitful tricks again with arguments that are loud but pitifully empty.

“It is the CPP-NPA-NDF and their legal fronts that are weaponizing the law, and in the process, abusing the resources of the government, and bringing into ill-repute the judicial process of the country if their cases are found to be without cause and eventually dismissed,” the statement said.

The statement added that this is evidenced by their continuous filing of cases over alleged red-tagging, against the President of the Philippines, and other high ranking officials, but were repeatedly dismissed by the courts, the statement added, referring those dismissed by the Court of Appeals, for utter lack of merit such as NUPL et al., vs. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, et al. CA GR SP No. 00067; and KARAPATAN et al., vs. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, et al. CA- GR SP No.00066, WRA, to mention a few.

“Without a doubt, these cases are designed to harass the government officials and hamper the dutiful exercise of their government functions,” it said.

No sense of triumph

Meanwhile, the NTF ELCAC said there is no sense of triumph, but immense sadness and sorrow from the government when cases of grave offenses are filed against young activist turned armed communists.

“These cases are reminders that the State must be consistently vigilant in steering its youth from the virus that is the CPP-NPA-NDF. Seemingly, not much is gained from these cases, only due process taking its natural course with the hope that these deceived youth changed their ways and go back to the fold of the law,” the statement read.

It lamented that despite the lawful arrest of these young combatants, the government will be attacked once more by communist groups on the following fronts: the arrest will be used as illegitimate cause to again vilify, attack, and slander the government; Will exploit and use the incarceration of these young activists turned armed combatants into justifying their illicit donation drives and again duping well-meaning people of their hard-earned resources; and will again use their detention as platform for their nefarious recruitment and radicalization of the youth.

“The Republic, as an invigorated attempt to restrain these CTGs (communist terrorist groups) from recruiting its youth into the communist armed conflict, had filed a historic case against the CTGs legal fronts, their top officials, and their recruiters for kidnapping, violation of international humanitarian law, and serious illegal detention, among others, in the courts using the theory of radicalization to show criminal complicity on the part of these people,” the statement said.

It defined radicalization as a form of brainwashing – a method used by violent extremist organizations like ISIS and the Abu Sayyaf to recruit youth into their violent propaganda.

“This is an evil tactic perfected by the CPP-NPA –NDF. This radicalization cases only prove the desire of the State to save its youth from the violent communist movement,” it added.

The government, the NTF ELCAC said, welcomes activism from its youth and expects nothing less, for it is the youth’s solemn vow and duty to call on the government to institutionalize powerful changes and ensure societal justice.

“But it draws the line when one raises arm against the State as the same is an assault to the People and the principles it stands for. If this course is inevitable, the Rule of Law is supreme,” the statement said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094222

PMA alumni homecoming activities closed to public

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2020): PMA alumni homecoming activities closed to public (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Activities for the annual alumni homecoming of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City will not be open to the public.

"It will push through on February 22, however, it will be a private gathering of the alumni and their immediate families. Our apologies if it will not be opened for the media and the general public," PMA spokesperson, Capt. Cheryl Tindog said in a message to reporters late Tuesday.

This is part of the overall efforts to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), which has killed over 1,000 in China and has affected other countries.
"And as much as possible, we are limiting the crowds from going inside Fort del Pilar," she added.

The PMA's annual alumni homecoming was originally scheduled for February 14 and 15 but was deferred due to safety concerns over the Covid-19 threat.

Earlier, the academy temporarily closed its grounds to visitors and outsiders due to the Covid-19 scare.

However, cadets' parents and relatives may visit with the supervision of PMA health practitioners.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094224

Int’l partners reaffirm commitment to support BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2020): Int’l partners reaffirm commitment to support BARMM



PEACE PARTNERS. Representatives of international donor agencies of the Bangsamoro peace process pose after the Bangsamoro Friends Forum in Cotabato City on Tuesday (Feb. 18, 2020). The foreign partners reaffirmed commitment to support the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (OPAPP photo)

COTABATO CITY -- International donor agencies reaffirmed their strong support to the Bangsamoro peace process as they pledged to continue carrying out initiatives that will help unleash the full economic potential of the region and bring long-lasting peace to its people.

The upbeat atmosphere transpired on Tuesday (Feb. 18) during the Bangsamoro Friends Forum co-organized by the Embassy of Japan and the United Nations (UN), with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The day-long event aimed to update stakeholders on key developments in the Bangsamoro, as well as identify the major challenges confronting the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and propose ways to best address them.

“Japan will never tire of lending a hand to the Mindanao peace process. We share with the Philippine government the dream of enduring peace and a better life for the Bangsamoro,” said Embassy of Japan Deputy Chief of Mission Yamamoto Yasushi.

The Japanese government has been actively supporting the Bangsamoro peace process through its participation in various mechanisms such as the International Monitoring Team, International Contact Group and Independent Commission on Policing.

Japan is also implementing programs and projects across the country under its Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development.

Moreover, the government of Japan has also been involved in the operationalization of the first Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) deployed in the region. JPSTs will ensure the safety and security of areas where the decommissioning process is being held.

Composed of 15 members each from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police, the JPSTs are tasked to perform tracking and documentation of private armed groups, handle security arrangements for normalization activities, and provide support to dispute resolution initiatives on the ground.

Meanwhile, acting UN resident coordinator and UN Populations Fund (UNFPA) representative Lori Kato threw the organization’s support behind the Philippine government’s socio-economic and peacebuilding efforts.

“I’d like to hereby reiterate the commitment of the UN system in the Philippines that we shall continue to provide and support you in all our capacity, whether it’s for emergency response, development efforts or peacebuilding,” Kato said.

Over the years, the UN has played a critical role in the Philippines peace process through various programs and projects which include the Support to Peacebuilding and Normalization (SPAN) Program, Support to Post-Conflict Needs Assessment for Marawi City, UN Peacebuilding Fund, Facility for Advisory Support for Transition Capacity, UNFPA’s 8th Country Program of Support to the Philippines, and UN Women’s support to National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.

Also discussed during the forum were the BARMM’s Bangsamoro Development Plan 2020-2022, recent peace and development milestones in the region, and updates on the implementation of the Normalization Program and the Intergovernmental Relations Body.

In his remarks, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor underscored the government’s sincerity to complete the implementation of all commitments under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

“We at OPAPP believe that there are no shortcuts to achieving long-lasting peace and sustainable development. Attaining this vision is a long and difficult process, and is filled with a lot of challenges. But we have, time and again, overcome these trials because of our will and determination to build a better and brighter future for the Bangsamoro people,” he said.

“I would therefore like to ask each and every one of you to continue working with the same level of optimism and dedication so that we can help transform the Bangsamoro region into a showcase of peace and development not only here in Mindanao, but across the country and the world,” he added.

Also present during the activity were Government of the Philippines Implementing Panel Chair David B. Diciano, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Implementing Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal, Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua, BTA Minister of Public Works Eduard Guerra, Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority (BPDA) head Mojarin Ali, Cardinal Orlando Beltran Quevedo, and representatives from the embassies of Japan, Switzerland, and Spain.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094286

Sison 'hallucinating' anew over coup remarks

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2020): Sison 'hallucinating' anew over coup remarks (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison is hallucinating in claiming that some military officers are plotting a coup d’etat against President Rodrigo Duterte, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Wednesday.

"Sison is hallucinating again. He mistook the AFP for his ragtag terrorist army -- the NPA (New People's Army) -- where his orders are violated and his stand unsupported," AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said in a message to reporters.

Arevalo said Sison's statements should not be taken seriously.

"Dapat (hindi na) pinapatulan ang ganyang mga statement mula kay Sison. Expected na ang mga ganyang linya niya (These statements from Sison do not deserve attention. These lines are expected)," he added.

On Tuesday, Malacañang described as “pipe dream” the claim of Sison that some pro-US military officials are planning to stage a coup d’etat against the President after he decided to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo shrugged off Sison’s claim saying the abrogation of VFA would not prompt military officials to unseat Duterte.

Duterte earlier threatened to terminate the agreement after Washington DC canceled the visa of his ally, former national police chief and now Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

Last week, Manila, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, sent a formal notice to Washington DC signifying its intent to revoke VFA that apparently gives preferential treatment to US troops who are visiting the Philippines.

Under the VFA, American forces are exempted from visa and passport regulations and can use their licenses and permits in the Philippines.

The agreement will be nullified 180 days after the receipt of the formal termination notice.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094291

VFA halt chance to write 'new, better chapter' in PH-US ties : Go

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 19, 2020): VFA halt chance to write 'new, better chapter' in PH-US ties : Go (By Jose Cielito Reganit)



Senator Christopher "Bong" Go

Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Wednesday expressed confidence that the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States will be an opportunity for the country to assert its sovereignty and reaffirm its relations with the latter.

“I believe that the termination of the VFA is a chance for us to write a new and better chapter in the Philippines–US relations,” he said in an interview at the Senate.

“We should now be able to renew our friendship, reaffirm our ties and resume cooperation as true co-equals,” Go said.

He said he also believes that President Rodrigo Duterte and US President Donald Trump remain to be friends despite the development.

“Pag nagkita yun at nag-appear, okay na (Once they meet and exchanged high-fives, it’s already okay),” he said.

Go said he understands and respects the views of his colleagues with regard to the position of the President to terminate the VFA.

“We are a separate branch of government and it is the right of each senator to express their views. After all, we are a working democracy,” he said.

But despite the difference in opinion on the VFA, he said there is a smooth working relationship between the executive and the legislative branches, particularly the Senate led by Senate President Vicente Sotto III.

“Despite some differences in opinions, the Senate as a whole has been very supportive of the legislative agenda of President Duterte,” Go said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1094311