Friday, March 13, 2020

AFP-CRS: Loose Firearms Handed Over to Troops in Lanao

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 11, 2020): Loose Firearms Handed Over to Troops in Lanao

CONVERGENCE. A total of nine high and low-powered firearms were handed over to the troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion in the municipalities of Butig and Lumbanayague, Lanao del Sur.

The successful convergence was facilitated by the Bravo and Charlie Companies of the 49IB.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: President Duterte Wants Another Army Camp in Marawi

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 11, 2020): President Duterte Wants Another Army Camp in Marawi

 ANOTHER ARMY CAMP. President Rodrigo Duterte has emphasized the need to establish another military camp in Marawi City to deter a similar incident in 2017 when local Islamic State (IS) militants were able to build strength and launch a five-month siege, leaving its main commercial district in ruins.

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA Members Arrested in Negros Oriental

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 13, 2020): CPP-NPA Members Arrested in Negros Oriental

NPA MEMBERS ARRESTED. Three suspected armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were arrested by joint elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday afternoon, March 12, 2020, in Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

Arrested were 27-year-old Jeomar Bernadez, his younger brother John, 24, and Warlito Quitay, 33, all from the area where they were arrested.

Confiscated from the three were different types of revolvers, two hand grenades, and a rifle grenade.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: CGPA Lauds Troops for the Neutralization of Top CPP-NPA Terrorist Leader

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 13, 2020): CGPA Lauds Troops for the Neutralization of Top CPP-NPA Terrorist Leader



CPP-NPA LEADER NEUTRALIZED. The Commanding General Philippine Army, Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay congratulates the joint AFP- PNP force for a successful joint law enforcement operation, which resulted to the neutralization of top-ranking CPP-NPA-Terrorists leader and two other CNTs members at Lourdes Subdivision Extension, Barangay Queen of Peace, Baguio City, today, Mar. 13, 2020.

Identified as Julius Soriano Geron; Chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines and a member of the CPP-NPA's Executive Committee; was served with a Search Warrant Number 6014 for violating RA 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition) along with Warrant of Arrests for various crimes such as murder, frustrated murder, arson, and rebellion.

Numerous atrocities committed by Giron have resulted in the deaths of military personnel and innocent civilians; loss of economic assets due to the illegal burning of equipment; and the displacement of thousands of people who wanted to live a peaceful life.

Government forces acted upon the information received from a member within the said terrorist organization. While serving the Search Warrant and Warrant of Arrest, Giron and other CNTs resisted and opened fire against arresting authorities. Firefight resulted in the death of Giron, Lourdes Tan Torres, who is also an Executive Committee Member of the National Health Bureau of the CPP, and an unidentified male believed to be a member of the National Military Commission.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com
Source: https://www.facebook.com/PhilippineArmy2028/photos/a.1600980966817122/2505529296362280/?type=3&theater

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: 9 CPP-NPA Supporters Vow Loyalty to Government

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 13, 2020): 9 CPP-NPA Supporters Vow Loyalty to Government

RETURN TO GOV'T FOLD. Nine supporters of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre of the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) vow loyalty to the government in a ceremony held at a barangay hall in Maria Aurora town, Aurora province on Monday (March 9, 2020). Col. Andrew Costelo, commander of the Army's 703rd Infantry Brigade, expressed appreciation for the courage showed by the former rebel supporters. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com
Source: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1096176

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: Former Rebels Receive P3.7 M Grant Under E-CLIP

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 13, 2020): Former Rebels Receive P3.7 M Grant Under E-CLIP

E-CLIP BENEFICIARIES. 28 former rebels in Cotabato Province recently received a total of P3.7 million in assistance from the Philippine Government as under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo credit: 901Bde)

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com
Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1035717

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[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: NPA Leader Surrenders in Laguna

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Mar 13, 2020): NPA Leader Surrenders in Laguna

NPA LEADER SURRENDERS. A ranking member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna last 11 March 2020.

Maj. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. of the 2nd Infantry Division withheld the identity of the surrenderee as part of the security protocol. The rebel returnee is said to be a former labor organizer.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com
Source: https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/03/13/2000317/npa-leader-surrenders-laguna

Image may contain: one or more people and text


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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WESTMINCOM: Lt. Gen. Sobejana graces IMT turnover ceremony

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 13, 2020): Lt. Gen. Sobejana graces IMT turnover ceremony

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, graced the turnover ceremony of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) at 8am, March 13, 2020.

The momentous activity was held at the IMT Headquarters in Barangay Rosary Heights 7, Cotabato City.

Said turnover ceremony marks the termination of the mission of IMT-M14 and the beginning of that of the IMT-M15.

Also present during the activity were the senior officials from the Ministry of Defence of Malaysia and other top officers of the military units under the command and control of WestMinCom.

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan
601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade
602nd "Liberator" Brigade
603 Persuader Brigade
1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade
Unang Marinong Brigada
Team Tabak
Joint Taskforce Basilan
Team Igsoon
Haribon
Magbalantay Cmo
11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers"
Gagandilan Siete
1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade
1st BCT Aegis
Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu
Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi
Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center
Unbeatable Ranger Battalion
Matatag Battalion
Tow Westmin Cmo
Tow Westmin Pio
Naval Forces Western Mindanao
Cmou Western Mindanao
Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan

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WESTMINCOM: 3 cadavers recovered in encounter site in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 13, 2020): 3 cadavers recovered in encounter site in Maguindanao

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City-March 13, 2020

While conducting clearing operation, troops of the 601st Infantry Brigade recovered enemy cadavers at 9:20am on March 13, 2020.

The cadavers were recovered in their lair, that is now infiltrated by the military troops, in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

“This is how heartless the terrorists are; they just leave their slain comrades behind,” said Col. Jose Narciso, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

Also recovered in the area were one anti-personnel mine and enemies’ personal belongings.

Examinations will be conducted for the proper identification of said cadavers.

“The recoveries indicate substantial gains and weakening of the enemy’s manpower and capability,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Rest assured, we will continue with our focused operations to penetrate BIFF lairs and totally eradicate their remaining members, for the people of Central Mindanao to savor lasting peace and sustainable development,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

###

#EndingTerrorismInMindanao
#DefeatingTheBIFF
#AFPYouCanTrust

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan
601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade
602nd "Liberator" Brigade
603 Persuader Brigade
1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade
Unang Marinong Brigada
Team Tabak
Joint Taskforce Basilan
Team Igsoon
Haribon
Magbalantay Cmo
11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers"
Gagandilan Siete
1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade
1st BCT Aegis
Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu
Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi
Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center
Unbeatable Ranger Battalion
Matatag Battalion
Tow Westmin Cmo
Tow Westmin Pio
Naval Forces Western Mindanao
Cmou Western Mindanao
Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan

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DND to retain skeletal workforce as gov’t work suspended over COVID-19 threat

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 13, 2020): DND to retain skeletal workforce as gov’t work suspended over COVID-19 threat (By Martin Sadongdong)

The Department of National Defense (DND) announced Friday that it will maintain a skeletal civilian workforce for its frontline services and other critical office functions as work in the government sector gets paralyzed by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19).



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (Office of the Secretary of National Defense / MANILA BULLETIN)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue its operations, including its support to the ongoing measures to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.

“The AFP shall assist the Philippine National Police in implementing the community quarantine in certain areas, and will help ensure the availability of units and personnel, critical logistics and supplies, as well as emergency medical teams, among others,” Lorenzana stressed.


President Duterte, in a public address on Thursday night, raised the COVID-19 alert system to Code Red Sublevel 2 due to continuous and increased transmission of the disease in the country.

Among the measures to be implemented to prevent the spread of the disease under the Code Red Sublevel 2 include a community quarantine of Metro Manila from March 15 to April 14.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana encouraged other DND civilian bureaus to adopt their own workforce measures “to ensure the continuity of frontline and essential services, such as the processing of veterans claims and production of materiel.”

It includes the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Office of Civil Defense, National Defense College of the Philippines and Government Arsenal.

The Defense Chief likewise directed the DND bureaus to implement the guidelines issued by the Interagency Task Force on Managing Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) including social distancing measures, enforcing proper workplace hygiene, and early medical treatment when symptoms manifest in the workforce.
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US has fighting chance to stay put in Philippines

Posted to the Asia Times (Mar 12, 2020): US has fighting chance to stay put in Philippines (By RICHARD JAVAD HEYDARIAN)

President Rodrigo Duterte's cancellation of US Visiting Forces Agreement faces a Senate challenge at the Supreme Court


A US Navy member (left) gives instructions to his Philippine counterpart during drills at a naval base in Sangley Point, Cavite City, west of Manila. Photo: AFP/Ted Aljibe

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to scrap a key security pact with the United States will be challenged at the nation’s highest court, a legal maneuever that could have major implications for regional security and balance of power politics.

In a rare bipartisan move, the Senate’s majority and minority leaders petitioned the Supreme Court to rule on the legality of Duterte’s unilateral abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which provides a legal framework for the rotational stationing of US troops and equipment on Philippine soil.

Duterte’s cancellation of the 20-year-old pact, which is scheduled to take effect on August 9, threatens to undermine the legal standing of the two sides’ 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and will inevitably hamper the US’s strategic position vis-à-vis China, most notably in the hotly contested South China Sea.

The petition, which seeks a ruling on the limits of the president’s executive powers, is supported by a majority of senators apart from a clutch of Duterte’s closest allies. It was filed jointly by Senate President Vicente Sotto III, Senate Pro Tempore Ralph Recto, Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri and Minority Leader Franklin Drilon.

It has also received the backing of senior senators Richard Gordon and Panfilo Lacson, who lead key committees related to security in the legislature’s upper chamber. Both senators have already rang alarm bells over Chinese “infiltration” and “immersion operations” that seek to take advantage of US troop withdrawal.

The Senate’s petition maintains that any abrogation of a ratified international treaty that has been incorporated into domestic law must under the constitution also be approved by the the legislature’s upper house.


Duterte, the petition says, did not consult the Senate in making what amounted to a unilateral decision.
 

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (L) talks to US President Donald Trump (R) at the ASEAN Summit in Manila, November 13, 2017. Photo: AFP/Pool/Mark R Cristino

The move has been widely perceived as a tit-for-tat response to US travel bans imposed against certain of Duterte’s top allies responsible for prosecuting his controversial drug war. 

The president’s spokespeople have said that the VFA’s abrogation was well-deliberated and not a knee-jerk decision, as Duterte’s critics in Congress have claimed.

Analysts now wonder whether the country’s highest court, known for being packed with Duterte’s schoolmates and loyal appointees, will rule on the legal merits of the case and dare to overturn such a high stakes executive decision.

Though Duterte has repeatedly reiterated his commitment to terminating the VFA, his spokesman Salvador Panelo has indicated that the government would abide by any Supreme Court ruling.

In their petition, senators have specifically asked the high court to clarify the precise extent of presidential powers on abrogating international treaties that have been ratified by the Senate, including specifically the VFA.

The legislators have cited two relevant provisions in the Philippine constitution, namely relevant articles in the charter’s sections 21 and 25, which many legal experts believe require Senate concurrence on matters related to international treaties.

The senators have said that their petition does not intend “to undermine the president’s prerogative to implement an “independent foreign policy”, but rather “merely seeks to subject the notice of withdrawal to proper deliberative process by the Senate.”

They also argue that since any treaty is already part of domestic law, the VFA and by extension other treaties, are a matter of legislation which “requires concurrent acts of the president and the Senate.”


US and Philippine Marines carry their respective colors at the formal opening of the annual Philippine-US Amphibious Landing Exercises aboard the USS Bonhomme Richard, October 8, 2012. Photo: AFP/Jay Directo

The Duterte administration, for its part, maintains that the constitution is silent on matters of withdrawal from treaties, with Senate concurrence required only when the Philippines is acceding to one.

“Under our laws and constitution, the chief architect of foreign policy is President Rodrigo Duterte and not any interloper who probably wants to be president,” the government’s chief lawyer, Solicitor General Jose Calida, told CNN Philippines last year.

Analysts and observers see three likely outcomes of the Senate’s legal challenge.

First, the Supreme Court’s judges could drag their feet on the matter, as they have on an earlier petition filed by opposition senators who challenged Duterte’s unilateral withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2018.

This way, they say, the high court can avoid confrontation with both sides while allowing the VFA’s termination to take legal effect in August.

In a second scenario, a majority of Supreme Court justices can question the nature of the VFA, arguing that the pact is fundamentally an executive agreement, as opposed to the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, since the US Senate has never ratified it.

It is thus entirely within Duterte’s powers to preserve or abrogate the agreement as a matter of executive prerogative, such a ruling could say.


Student activists in the Philippines protest against both China and the United States equally in a file photo. Photo: Facebook

In a third scenario, the high court could try to split the difference by handing both the president and Senate a partial victory.

That is, the Supreme Court could rule in favor of Duterte’s withdrawal from the ICC, a matter that cuts closer to Duterte with impending international probes into alleged widespread extrajudicial killings in his lethal drug war.

The high court, which ruled previously in favor of other major defense deals and arrangements with the US, could then adjudicate in line with the Senate on the VFA without causing Duterte to lose much face.

Duterte, who has repeatedly warned the high court against interfering in executive affairs, has remained adamant about his decision to abrogate the VFA.

In response to the senators’ petition, Duterte, a lawyer by training, exclaimed: “They cannot compel me. I refuse to be compelled. I have terminated it.”

Despite that tough talk and political posturing, Duterte may actually welcome a ruling in favor of the Senate’s petition, some analysts believe.

If successful, the Senate’s challenge could provide Duterte with an opportunity to de-escalate tensions with the US and avoid confrontation with key members of the Philippine defense and security establishment who prefer to retain the VFA.


A Philippine naval officer stands guard during the arrival of American missile destroyer USS Chung Hoon before US-Philippine joint naval military exercises in a file photo. Photo: AFP/Noel Celis/Getty Images

Moreover, it would allow Duterte to portray the Philippines as a functioning democracy, with his administration ostensibly respectful of rule by law and the separation of powers among the executive, legislature and judiciary.

Either way, Duterte could claim a populist victory by dropping the gauntlet on the Philippines’ ex-colonial ruler and top security partner for interfering in the country’s internal affairs, only to back down in deference to a Supreme Court ruling.

Indeed, presidential spokesman Panelo hinted as much last month when saying, “We will follow the Supreme Court. Whatever the law says, we will follow.”
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2020: Suspected members of NPA arrested in NegOr

From the Cebu Daily News (Mar 13, 2020): 2020: Suspected members of NPA arrested in NegOr (By: Florence Baesa)



Jeomar Bernadez, one of the suspected rebels arrested in Sta. Catalina town in Negros Oriental. contributed photo | PNP-PA

Three suspected armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were arrested by joint elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday afternoon, March 12, 2020, in Barangay Talalak, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

 Lieutenant Colonel Ramir Redosendo, 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion commander, told CDN Digital that the three suspects are allegedly members of the Southeast Front of the NPA.

 Arrested were 27-year-old Jeomar Bernadez, his younger brother John, 24, and Warlito Quitay, 33, all from the area where they were arrested.

 Confiscated from the three were different types of revolvers, two hand grenades, and a rifle grenade.

A military report said the joint operation was conducted based on the reports of the presence of armed rebels in the area.

According to Redosendo, the arrest of the suspects is a result of the “intelligence fusion” between the security forces and intensified intelligence information gathering focusing on the plans and movements of the communist rebels.

“There are reports that they have a plan of a tactical offensive at any opportune time. On our part, we will continue our combat operations and active defense posture through patrols and will coordinate with the PNP on how to strengthen the defense of the PNP and army stations,” Redosendo said.

The NPA will celebrate its anniversary on March 29.

The alleged rebels were arrested by members of the Sta. Catalina Police, Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) , 32 Military Intelligence Company (MICO), 3rd Military Intelligence Battalion (MIB), PA, Intelligence Headquarters RMFB-7, Provincial Intelligence Branch Special Operations Group (PIB-SOG) and a squad of the Cafgu Active Auxillary of Kakha Patrol Base of the 11th IB. /

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/293804/suspected-members-of-npa-arrested-in-negor
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CPP/NDF-EV: Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing: An open letter to the Roman Catholic bishops of the Samar provinces

NDF-Eastern Visayas (EV) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 13, 2020): Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing: An open letter to the Roman Catholic bishops of the Samar provinces

FR. SANTIAGO “KA SANNY” SALAS
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-EV
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
MARCH 13, 2020



We are addressing this letter to Bishop Isabelo Abarquez of Calbayog, Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan, and Bishop Emmanuel Trance of Catarman. We are pleased at the interest of the good bishops in peace for our country. The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) in fact continue to strive to resume peace negotiations.

We caution the bishops that they are being hoodwinked to participate in localized peace talks promoted by Samar Island Partnership for Peace and Development (SIPPAD), as announced last February 20. The revolutionary forces under the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army in Eastern Visayas and other regions have long rejected and condemned these fake local peace talks and these will therefore never happen.

The SIPPAD has been around for some time as a largely irrelevant and ineffectual gathering of local officials, church, military and other “stakeholders” in Samar. It has fallen into being a tool of the Duterte regime for “counterinsurgency,” as can been in the announcement that it is now a regular part of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. This is in line with the regime’s scheme of imposing de facto martial law through militarization and the fascization of society – the so-called “whole of nation” approach.

We urge the bishops to see through the wolves in sheep’s clothing from the Army’s 8th Infantry Division and the militarists and peace spoilers of the Duterte regime. Is it Christian to participate in murdering tens of thousands of the poor who are demonized by the Duterte regime as drug addicts, communists and terrorists? Should the Roman Catholic Church be an unwitting participant in killings, bombings, occupation of civilian communities, arrests and detention of Red-tagged legal activists, and other human rights violations authorized since Novermber 2018 by Duterte in Samar, Negros and Bicol through Memorandum Order 32 and Executive Order 70?

If the bishops would like to be counted for peace, they can do so by leaving SIPPAD and shunning the fascist whole-nation approach of the Duterte regime. They can instead join the people’s pilgrimage urging the resumption of peace talks between the NDFP and the GRP, and the fulfillment of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms.

We urge the bishops: listen to the voice of the people. Listen to their cries to the heavens over the mass murder, corruption, servility to foreign interests and other obscenities of the Duterte regime. They should look back in history, remember the 148th anniversary of the GOMBURZA martyrdom last February 17 – and compare this to the Red-tagging, fabricated charges, and state-sanctioned murders under Duterte. In the face of inducements to participate in state violence against the poor and the oppressed, heed the second commandment.

https://cpp.ph/statement/beware-of-wolves-in-sheeps-clothing-an-open-letter-to-the-roman-catholic-bishops-of-the-samar-provinces/
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CPP/NPA-EV: Efren Martires Command condemns murder of Salvador “Ka Bulig” Nordan

NPA-Eastern Visayas (EV) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Mar 13, 2020): Efren Martires Command condemns murder of Salvador “Ka Bulig” Nordan

KARLOS MANUEL
SPOKESPERSON
NPA-EASTERN VISAYAS
EFREN MARTIRES COMMAND
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY
MARCH 13, 2020



The Efren Martires Command (New People’s Army-Eastern Visayas) today expressed outrage at the extrajudicial killing by Duterte’s fascist police last March 6 of Salvador Nordan, an NPA leader in Northern Samar who was on leave at the time of his death.

“The NPA-Eastern Visayas believes Salvador Nordan, who was better known as “Ka Bulig” in the NPA, was targeted and summarily executed by the police who had no intention of taking him alive,” said Karlos Manuel, spokesperson of the Efren Martires Command. “Whether NPA combatants or Red-tagged civilians, the outrage of summary executions continue under the fascist Duterte regime. These extralegal killings have been sanctioned since November 2018 as an anti-communist pogrom of the Duterte government called ELCAC or ‘ending the local communist armed conflict.’”

Manuel said the police could only kill Nordan through cowardly and treacherous means. “Ka Bulig was noted for his physical courage and defiance of the enemy. The NPA salutes him for his long contribution to the revolutionary armed struggle in Northern Samar. We condole with his family and friends for their recent loss. We hail his revolutionary family for the martyrdoms it has suffered in the name of advancing the people’s war. Ka Bulig’s son, Taburnoc Nordan, was killed in action last March 28 in the NPA raid on the police station of Victoria, Northern Samar. His wife, Bernadette Lutao, was also murdered by the enemy in February 14, 2017 in Bobon.

“Ka Bulig’s sacrifice will not be forgotten. The revolutionary armed struggle perseveres. Daily, the fascist, corrupt and puppet Duterte regime is becoming increasingly isolated from the people. In the time to come, the NPA’s rising offensives and the people’s protests will topple Duterte into another Ozymandias, a figure of how the mighty has fallen.”#

https://cpp.ph/statement/efren-martires-command-condemns-murder-of-salvador-ka-bulig-nordan/
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Kalinaw News: IPs in Aurora conducted condemnation rally vs Communist terrorist groups

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 13, 2020): IPs in Aurora conducted condemnation rally vs Communist terrorist groups (By 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion)



BALER, Aurora – The series of killings of IP leaders in Mindanao perpetrated by the New People’s Army (NPA) was condemned by tribal communities in Barangay Dimanayat, San Luis, Aurora on 08 March 2020.

LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA, Acting Commanding Officer, 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, 7ID, PA said on friday that the activity was led by Mr. Ernesto A. Sanchez, Chieftain of Brgy Dimanayat and Mrs Erlinda R Rodabia, IPMR of Brgy Dimanayat and attended by more or less seventy (70) IP members.

The activity is in support to the implementation of EO 70 and that they do not want the NPAs to conduct violent and non-violent activities in their Brgy and in the entire Aurora Province.

The condemnation rally started at 9 o’clock in the morning through a short program followed by a message of Sanchez and Rodabia. After which, they burned the NPA flag and signing of Commitment of Support to government.

The IPs also conducted Peace Walk around Purok 4, Brgy. Dimanayat bringing banners and streamers denouncing the NPA atrocities.

“We are very much fortunate for this IP Peace Walk and well appreciated because this is the first time that we denounced the CPP-NPA in our community.” Sanchez said.

LTC RUBIO expressed his gratitude to the people of Brgy. Dimanayat, San Luis, Aurora who initiated the said Peace Rally.

He assured that the 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion will continue the support and collaborate with the LGUs in bringing the government closer to the people and effectively address the issues being exploited by the Communist Terrorist Groups. COL ANDREW D COSTELO INF (GSC) PA, Commander of 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, 7ID, PA appreciated the efforts of IP communities in Brgy Dimanayat, San Luis, Aurora for initiating the condemnation rally and assured that the Philippine Army will continue to support the local government units (LGUs) and non government agencies (NGAs) for the development in order to attain lasting peace in the municipality of San Luis and the whole Province of Aurora.







[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/ips-in-aurora-conducted-condemnation-rally-vs-communist-terrorist-groups/
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Kalinaw News: Another NPA couple surrender to Army in Davao Occidental

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 13, 2020): Another NPA couple surrender to Army in Davao Occidental (By 73rd Infantry Battalion)



MALITA, Davao Occidental – Tired of running away from government forces, a couple from Barangay Little Baguio, turned themselves in to the 73 Infantry Battalion on Wednesday, March 11.

The couple identified as Tata Maganding @Bruno, 35 years old, and his legal wife Donya Palapan @Clara, 18 years old, were former Team Leader and Medic of the Weakened GF71.

The couple also yielded two M16 rifles with, one Cal.45, one commercial radio.

“We are tired and afraid of our security inside and thought of our future if we stayed in the group so we decided to yield. The army troops are everywhere. We do not know what to do, where to go and whom to believe since even our leaders inside the organization are corrupt financially,” shared @ Tata Maganding@Bruno.

Tata Maganding @Bruno and Donya Palapan @Clara were the third NPA couple who surrendered to the 73 Infantry Battalion.

“We are happy to hear from the couple realizing that they were only carried away by the propaganda issues exploited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorist Group and that they had no good future if they remain in the group,” said Lieutenant Colonel Ronaldo Valdez, Commanding Officer of 73rd Infantry Battalion.

Valdez said Tata Maganding @Bruno and Donya Palapan @Clara will be provided the necessary security assistance. The couple will also be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E CLIP) to prepare them as they go back to their community.

He also reiterated his call to other communist terrorists to surrender saying the government is serious in its military operations to defeat terrorist groups.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/11418-2/
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Kalinaw News: BARMM initiates project ‘Tabang’ in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 13, 2020): BARMM initiates project ‘Tabang’ in Sulu (By 11 Infantry Division)



The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has officially brought Project ‘TABANG’ or “Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan” in the province of Sulu together with its local government unit, 11th Infantry Division and other stakeholders at MPW-BARMM Compound, Jolo, Sulu on March 9, 2020.

BARMM’s project is an integrated government social services program which provides easy access to people in the Region who are in need and less fortunate. The services which include jobs placements, seeds distribution, and free dental and medical check-up are conducted in a monthly basis.

While the activity was BARMM’S first engagement in Sulu, Project TABANG has also catered the provinces of Maguidanao, Twai-Tawi, Basilan, and lanao del Sur; the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi; and the sixty-three villages in six towns of North Cotabato province.

Meanwhile, over 2,000 families who were victims of the recent fire incident in Jolo last February 3, 2020 received aid from the project with the help of the Ministry of Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence (READI-BARMM). With the P65.3 billion budget of BARMM for the year 2020, five percent is allocated for the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management programs in the region.

Other BARMM developed agencies who supported Project TABANG were the Ministries of Interior and Local Government; Labor and Employment; Environment and Natural Resources; Science and Technology; Trade Industry; Investment and Tourism, Basic Higher Technical Education; Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Public Safety; Transportation and Communication; and Social Welfare and Development

BARMM Chief Minister Ahod B. Ebrahim who presided the event alongside with Major General Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division; and Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan. Colonel Ignatius N Patrimonio, Commander of 1102nd Brigade; Colonel Antonio I. Bautista, Commander of Metro Jolo Inter-Agency Task Group; Abu Amri Taddik, Minister of Trade Industry, Investment and Tourism; Hussein Munoz, Minister of Public Safety; Romeo Sema, Minister of Labor and Employment; Mohammad S. Yacob, Minister Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources; Dicson Hermoso, Minister of Transportation and Communication; Heads of Provincial and Municipal offices; and other stakeholders.

Chief Minister Ebrahim stated the concept of Project TABANG is for the government to reach out the community to address their needs. “I have served the people and Allah as a revolutionary, now it is time to serve the people and Allah as part of the Philippine Government. Our basic concept is to bring closer the regional government to the people, especially in the delivery of basic services to the constituents,” he said.





[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/barmm-initiates-project-tabang-in-sulu/
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‘Cleared’ villages to receive P20-M programs, project

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 13, 2020): ‘Cleared’ villages to receive P20-M programs, projects (By Jemin B. Guillermo)

ILOILO CITY, March 13 (PIA) – The government will pour in millions of pesos worth of programs and services in the pursuit of its peace agenda.

Deputy Director General Rufino Lopez, Jr. of the National Security Council (NSC)/National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) said each of the communist terrorist groups-cleared barangays in Region VI will be receiving P20 million worth of projects this year.

Lopez, who was recently here during the meeting of the Western Visayas Regional Task Force ELCAC Technical Working Group, said the programs, activities and projects for each cleared barangay include the farm-to-market road, schools building, water and sanitation to include potable water supply, small water impounding project, and sanitation, among others; national greening program, health stations, and electrification.


National Security Council (NSC)/National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Deputy Director General Rufino Lopez, Jr. (2nd from R) confers with officials from Wsetern Visayas RTF ELCAC Technical Working Group, led by DILG Regional Director Ariel Iglesia, on the various package of programs and projects for CTG-cleared and threatened barangays. (PIA photo)

Included also in the package of programs for the Barangay Development Fund for cleared barangays are crops, livestock and fisheries projects of the Department of Agriculture, projects of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, projects under the Department of Information and Communications Technology as well as those from other agencies like Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

Lopez said that each threatened barangay will also be appropriated P1.5 million worth of programs and projects.

Western Visayas has a total of 74 cleared barangays during the period 2016 to 2019, of which 35 were influenced and 39 were less-influenced. During the said period, there were also 333 communist-terrorist group-threatened barangays in Western Visayas, of which 1 is in Aklan, three in Antique, 37 in Capiz, 80 in Iloilo and 212 in Negros Occidental.

Earlier, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has issued EO 70 that institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation Approach to pave the way for collective participation and action in harmonizing government development efforts and services to support, facilitate and pursue the country's peace agenda.

Under the whole of government approach and Whole-of -Nation approach, all national government agencies, local government units and other private and non-government organizations are to converge all development efforts and support to pursue peace and development in the countryside. (JBG/PIA6)
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‘Cleared’ villages to receive P20-M programs, projects

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 13, 2020): ‘Cleared’ villages to receive P20-M programs, projects (By Jemin B. Guillermo)

Featured Image

ILOILO CITY, March 13 (PIA) – The government will pour in millions of pesos worth of programs and services in the pursuit of its peace agenda.

Deputy Director General Rufino Lopez, Jr. of the National Security Council (NSC)/National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) said each of the communist terrorist groups-cleared barangays in Region VI will be receiving P20 million worth of projects this year.

Lopez, who was recently here during the meeting of the Western Visayas Regional Task Force ELCAC Technical Working Group, said the programs, activities and projects for each cleared barangay include the farm-to-market road, schools building, water and sanitation to include potable water supply, small water impounding project, and sanitation, among others; national greening program, health stations, and electrification.


National Security Council (NSC)/National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Deputy Director General Rufino Lopez, Jr. (2nd from R) confers with officials from Wsetern Visayas RTF ELCAC Technical Working Group, led by DILG Regional Director Ariel Iglesia, on the various package of programs and projects for CTG-cleared and threatened barangays. (PIA photo)

Included also in the package of programs for the Barangay Development Fund for cleared barangays are crops, livestock and fisheries projects of the Department of Agriculture, projects of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, projects under the Department of Information and Communications Technology as well as those from other agencies like Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Office of the Presidential Adviser for Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

Lopez said that each threatened barangay will also be appropriated P1.5 million worth of programs and projects.

Western Visayas has a total of 74 cleared barangays during the period 2016 to 2019, of which 35 were influenced and 39 were less-influenced. During the said period, there were also 333 communist-terrorist group-threatened barangays in Western Visayas, of which 1 is in Aklan, three in Antique, 37 in Capiz, 80 in Iloilo and 212 in Negros Occidental.

Earlier, President Rodrigo R. Duterte has issued EO 70 that institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation Approach to pave the way for collective participation and action in harmonizing government development efforts and services to support, facilitate and pursue the country's peace agenda.

Under the whole of government approach and Whole-of -Nation approach, all national government agencies, local government units and other private and non-government organizations are to converge all development efforts and support to pursue peace and development in the countryside. (JBG/PIA6)
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Army in Cot Prov on track to end local communist armed conflict

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 13, 2020): Army in Cot Prov on track to end local communist armed conflict (By PIA Cotabato City)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato Province, Mar. 13 (PIA)--- In line with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order 70, creating a task force to end local communist armed conflict, the 602nd and 901st brigades of the Philippine Army based in Cotabato Province are beefing up efforts to address the insurgency in the their respective areas of jurisdiction.

2Lt. Jennymor Amod, assistance civil military operations officer of the 901st Brigade based in Magpet town said the brigade intensifies on-going operations on peace and law enforcement.

“Since we transferred here from Bicol Region in 2018, our brigade, under the Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster of the task force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), is bridging residents in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas to the local government unit,” Amod said emphasizing that this is to address the needs of the residents through community support program.

Just this year, area clearing evaluations in the villages of Alegria and Del Carmen in President Roxas town and Binay in Magpet were conducted to assess the development of military operations.

“Our brigade is also into information operations not only for residents but also for community leaders,” she noted adding that January this year, a community leaders’ forum was conducted in Kidapawan City to orient barangay officials about ELCAC and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

For the part of the 602nd brigade, Maj. Leonardo Javillonar, brigade operations officer, noted that since there is a minimal presence of the New People’s Army in their area of responsibility (AOR) their focus is strengthening more their military and civilian efforts.

These include promoting an IED-free community, neutralizing the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, creating strong alliance with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front, and settling ‘rido’ or clan wars.

“For the promotion of an improvised explosive ordnance (IED)-free community, we always involve the local government unit (LGU),” he said adding that they are encouraging each LGU to have at least one K9 unit, advising establishment owners aslo to install closed-circuit television cameras.

As regards to the initiatives in neutralizing the BIFF, the 602nd Brigade, according to the official, is improving their fighting capability to include combat and intelligence operations and strengthening coordination with other law enforcing agencies.

“We also have this Bahay Tagapagpalaya which is a half-way house version for the transformation of former rebels,” Javillonar noted.

As to the creation of strong alliance with armed peace group like the MNLF and the MILF, the army official said they are reinforcing initiatives to prevent the clash between them and the two groups since the brigade considers these groups as peace allies.

For the settlement of clan wars, Javillonar said they are monitoring 11 clan wars in the towns of Pikit, Cotabato and Montawal, Maguindanao.

“We have pushed for the creation of a Conflict settlement Advisory Council to address this matter. Also, in facilitating the settlement, we focus in the aspects of communication, consultation, and commitment,” he emphasized.

Both representatives from the two army brigades presented their peace and security initiatives during the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) orientation for media practitioners in Cotabato Province held Wednesday.

The two representatives also called upon the media to help the military in providing the public with information regarding government’s efforts to address local communist armed conflict.

The media orientation was initiated by the Phihippine Information Agency Region XII as part of its information, education, and communication activities to support ELCAC. (PIA-Cotabato City)
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CHED grants financial assistance to students in CTG areas

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 13, 2020): CHED grants financial assistance to students in CTG areas (By Susan C. Aro)

BAGUIO CITY, Mar. 13 (PIA) - - The government, in line with its policy to protect and promote the right of all students to quality education, provides free education to ensure that the aspiration of every Juan and Juana including those in geographically isolated and communist terrorist group (CTG)-affected barangays will be realized.

Through the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), students in CTG-areas may avail of financial assistance under the Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES), according to CHED Information Officer Menzie Kuengan.

TES is a financial assistance-based program under Republic Act 10931 otherwise known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

RA 10931 was introduced to map out and harmonize financial assistance programs offered in the regions to ensure that equity is attained and those marginalized, living in conflict and depressed areas are provided opportunities.

To avail of the program, the students should be enrolled in quality-assured program offered in CHED-recognized institution. They must be Filipino citizens enrolled in first undergraduate course.

Application of students is co-facilitated through all the 41 public and private higher education institutions in the Cordillera region.

Grantees may fall in any of the four prioritized categories namely a.) Expanded Student Grant-in- Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGPPA), a banner program of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); b) students belonging to households listed in the most recent Listahanan, identified under the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction of DSWD; c) students not included in the two categories and are ranked according to their per capita income based on the submitted documents of proof of income, and d) students studying in cities and municipalities with no state universities and colleges or local university and college.

Financial assistance may be in the form of tuition and other school fees, educational expenses such as books and cost-of-living allowance which may vary depending on the category they may fall.

For academic school year 2018-2019, Kuengan presented the CHED-CAR report which showed a total of 1,488 student-beneficiaries for the provinces of Abra, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province that covered some CTG- affected areas.

Abra has 38 recipients, 369 in Mountain Province, 20 in Ifugao and 1,061 in Kalinga.

CHED hopes to raise to the Regional Development Council to enjoin state universities and colleges to formulate programs to enhance access of disadvantaged students such as the indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, students from public schools, and student from depressed areas primarily students from identified CTG areas.

The CTG - affected areas in the Cordillera Region which are the target for convergence of government services of the Regional Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict are the municipalities of Lacub (Bacag, Buneg, Guingguinabang, Lan-eg, and Paco-Talampoc); Malibcong (Gacab, Lat-ey, Matarangan, Pacgued, and Umnap) and Tubo (Alangtin, Dilong, Kili, Tabacda, and Tubtuba) in Abra; Bauko (Balintaugan, Bagnen Proper, Bagnen Oriente, Otucan Norte, and Otucan Sur), Besao (Tamboan, Gueday), Sagada (Ankileng, Aguid, Fidelisan, Bagnen, and Madongo), and Bontoc (Dalican, Mainit, Guina-ang) in Mt. Province; Asipulo (Nawal, Camandag and Cawagan) and Tinoc (Wagang, Danggo, Binablayan, Luhung, and Tukukan) in Ifugao.

In the province of Kalinga are Dupag in Tabuk City; Pinukpuk (Ammacian, Apatan, Ba-ay, Limos, Waguid); Lubuagan (Upper Uma, Lower Uma, Western Uma, Tanglag, and Mabaca), and Balbalan (Ababa-an, Poswoy and Gawaan). (JDP/SCA-PIA-CAR)


One of the issues discussed during the Department of Interior and Local Government - led cluster meeting was the grant to CHED financial assistance to students belonging to barangays considered as Communist Terrorist Group areas. (SCA-PIA-CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1036174
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