PMA adopts new normal as 350 plebes enter academy

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2020): PMA adopts new normal as 350 plebes enter academy (By Liza Agoot)



DAY ONE. A total of 350 plebes composed of 280 males and 70 females entered the Philippine Military Academy on Monday’s (June 15, 2020) reception day which marks the start of the four years military education of the cadets. The event was closed to parents and the public as a precaution against the coronavirus disease. (Photo courtesy of PMA)

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) received on Monday the 350 plebes who will compose Class 2024.

The annual reception saw the arrival of 280 males and 70 females who took their oath as members of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines (CCAFP).

"All aboard, all accounted for, all Covid-19-free, all ready for cadet-ship," said Major Cherry Tindog, PMA information officer, in a text message to the Philippine News Agency on Monday evening.

She said the 350 new cadets are those who passed and completed the rigid screening process prior to entry into the country's premier military institution.

There were over 33,000 examinees in August last year, the biggest in PMA’s history.

There were 1,600 passers of the written examination who proceeded to the next stage, the physical examination.

Several other examinations and tests ensued such as the neuro and psychological examination that trimmed down the number of cadets to those who actually entered the grounds of PMA on Monday.

Tindog said the examinees were unaffected by the hazing incidents that came September 2019 and onwards as the passers went on to pursue the required screening process.

The officer said that following the "new normal", the usual reception exercises were also done.

"With their masks on and observing physical distancing, the PMA Class 2024 performed exercises that are diagnostic in nature and serve as a benchmark of their physical strength and stamina. The traditional reception rites deviated from the usual raucous ceremony with the upperclassmen as spectators,” Tindog said.

Unlike in previous years when parents, relatives and the public get to send off their children and see them start their dream to become a soldier, the public was barred as a precaution from the possible spread of the coronavirus disease.

"No parents, [it was] not open to the general public," Tindog said.

"For this reception rites, selected PMA officers and a few upperclassmen were designated to facilitate on the grounds and record the performance of the incoming cadets. The rest of the cadet corps witnessed the events as spectators," she said.

"Today's reception rites is very different from what had been done before. In consideration of the Covid-19 pandemic that has forced all of us to the 'new normal', your class shall be undergoing the reception rites with only the PMA Community to bear witness to your first steps in the hallowed grounds of the Borromeo Field,” PMA Superintendent, Vice Admiral Allan Ferdinand Cusi, told the cadets after administering their oath.

"At its surface, this reception is a simple ceremony to test and gauge your physical strength prior to the formal start of the training. In its symbolic and military tradition, on the other hand, the reception rites herald the start of your regimented military life and your gradual transformation into professional and disciplined young military leaders," Cusi added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105992

PH Navy formally welcomes missile-frigate BRP Jose Rizal

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2020): PH Navy formally welcomes missile-frigate BRP Jose Rizal (By Priam Nepomuceno)



WELCOME, BRP JOSE RIZAL. The Philippines' first missile-capable frigate, BRP Jose Rizal, is docked at the Alava Wharf in Subic Bay, Zambales on Monday (June 15, 2020). The ship is capable of conducting anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

With its crew having completed mandatory quarantine, the Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday formally welcomed its first missile-frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), at the Alava Wharf in Subic Bay, Zambales.

In a statement, PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said the christening and commissioning date of the ship, which was originally scheduled for June 19, was moved to a later date due to unavoidable circumstances.

"President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to attend the momentous event as the guest of honor and speaker," Roxas said.

The ship has a maiden crew of 65 led by Captain Jerry Garrido, she added.

Philippine Fleet commander, Rear Adm. Loumer Bernabe, who led the welcoming ceremony for BRP Jose Rizal, thanked the officers and enlisted personnel aboard for their efforts and perseverance in familiarizing the different systems of the ship through constant training and drills.

He also conveyed his appreciation to shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and the South Korean government for their support in the country's efforts to modernize the PN and bring home the vessel and its crew safe and secured.

“Together, let us bring our Navy to the next level, not only because of more modern ships, weapons, and sensors but because of more competent and confident personnel, equipped with modern and disciplined mindsets,” Bernabe said.

In the same manner, the personal protective equipment (PPE) sets carried by the vessel that was donated by the South Korean government and HHI, was formally turned over by HHI`s representative, Bokyeung Kang to the PN.

The donation will augment the Philippines' capacity in battling the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Earlier, Roxas said the ship's crew were scheduled for a Covid-19 swab test on May 28 or five days after they arrived in Subic Bay. BRP Jose Rizal left the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea last May 18.

The ship is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations. BRP Jose Rizal was launched at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on May 23, 2019.

Incidentally, BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the sistership of BRP Jose Rizal, was launched in the same facility on November 8 of last year.

The contract for the two ships is placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105993

AFP, ECC ink pact on troops' benefits

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2020): AFP, ECC ink pact on troops' benefits (By Priam Nepomuceno)



MOA FOR TROOPS' BENEFITS. AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. (right), and ECC executive director Stella Zipagan-Banawis (left) show a copy of the signed memorandum of agreement in a ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (June 15, 2020). Under the agreement, the ECC will conduct seminars on the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP), facilitate information exchange, and assist in the provision of services for qualified AFP personnel or their beneficiaries. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement to ensure that all of its members are provided with the proper remuneration.

The ceremony was held at the Silid Lapu-Lapu inside the General Headquarters Building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., led the ceremony. He was joined by Maj. Gen. Adriano S. Perez Jr., AFP deputy chief-of-staff for personnel; Maj. Gen. Ernesto C. Torres, Jr., commander of the Civil Relations Service AFP; and Brig. Gen. Benedict M. Arevalo, deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operations.

Also present were ECC executive director Stella Zipagan-Banawis and deputy executive director, lawyer Jonathan Villasoto.

Under the agreement, continuous dialogues with AFP units, offices, and commands will be facilitated for the implementation of programs and services for military and civilian personnel.

“Through this memorandum of agreement, both the AFP and ECC will ascertain that the AFP personnel are well-informed of their rights, privileges, and benefits, which they are entitled to,” Santos said in a statement.

The ECC will conduct seminars on the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP), facilitate information exchange, and assist in the provision of services for qualified AFP personnel or their beneficiaries.

“The initiated policies and guidelines in this program ensure that privileges and benefits are received by everyone who deserves it. This is a great advantage for our soldiers that their welfare is being promoted through the ECC’s advocacies,” Santos said.

The ECC is an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment for policy coordination and guidance. It is mandated to ensure that every Filipino employee is well-compensated whether they work for the public or private sector.

Through various compensation programs, the ECC provides a package of benefits for employees and their dependents in the event of work-connected contingencies such as sickness, injury, disability, or death.

The memorandum of agreement will take effect upon the signing of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana upon Santos' recommendation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105995

Suspected NPA rebels torch 3 heavy equipment in SoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2020): Suspected NPA rebels torch 3 heavy equipment in SoCot (By Allen Estabillo)



Google map of Tboli, South Cotabato

Authorities are eyeing extortion by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels as the motive behind the burning of three heavy equipment in a quarry site in Tboli town, South Cotabato province on Monday afternoon.

Maj. Irish Hezron Parangan, acting chief of the Tboli municipal police station, said Tuesday workers of the Gemma Construction and Supply, Inc. were extracting gravel from the riverside in Barangay Edwards at the height of heavy rains at about 3 p.m. when four gunmen came and torched their heavy equipment.

Parangan said the three company drivers were not harmed but the backhoe, payloader, and dump truck were destroyed.

Citing accounts from one of the drivers, he said a lone gunman carrying a sack initially approached and asked them to leave the site.

Parangan said three more suspects appeared, poured gasoline on the heavy equipment, and set them on fire.

The suspects, who were wearing ski masks and armed with handguns, hastily left the site after the incident, he said.

Parangan said the circumstances of the incident showed that it could be the handiwork of NPA rebels, who had been held responsible for similar attacks in the area in previous years.

“We’re looking at extortion as (a) possible motive but we’re not discounting other angles,” he said in a radio interview.

Parangan said these include the recent surrender of former NPA combatants under the Guerilla Front 72-Far South Mindanao Region.

He said officials of Gemma Construction, which is working on various government-commissioned infrastructure projects in parts of the province, have yet to confirm whether they received extortion demands before the attack.

The company estimated the damage to the three burned heavy equipment at PHP20 million, Parangan said, adding that follow-up operations by the Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion were ongoing against the suspects.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106003

Suspected NPA rebel nabbed in Albay town

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 16, 2020): Suspected NPA rebel nabbed in Albay town (By: Mar S. Arguelles)

A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) facing robbery and homicide charges was arrested in Polangui town, Albay late Monday afternoon.

Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, spokesperson of the Bicol police, said a composite team of police and Army soldiers arrested Jay Abache, 37, at his safehouse in Barangay Santicon around 5:30 p.m.

Abache did not resist when they served the arrest order.

Calubaquib said police and military intelligence authorities were still determining if Abache is related to Jerry “Ka Josam” Abache, one of the top NPA commanders in Albay.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1292289/suspected-npa-rebel-nabbed-in-albay-town

CPP/NDF-Sison: Duterte is a paper tiger in strategic terms and is in the process of being torn apart

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 16, 2020): Duterte is a paper tiger in strategic terms and is in the process of being torn apart

JOSE MARIA SISON

CHIEF POLITICAL CONSULTANT

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JUNE 16, 2020

In tactical terms, Duterte has still enough power and enough armed minions to abuse the people and act like a real tiger. He can still kill any specific social activist, critic or anyone opposed to his brutal and corrupt regime. He can still persecute journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, bishops, priests and opposition leaders as well as their institutions and organizations in so many ways.

But in strategic terms, Duterte is a paper tiger already in the process of being torn apart. Every oppressive or exploitative act that he commits is rousing the people to fight back. Thus, the patriotic and progressive forces are gaining ground rapidly. Duterte is lucky if he can survive politically before the middle of 2022 or he will be even more unlucky and meet a more powerful resistance if he succeeds to extend his power beyond 2022 through any foul means offensive to the sovereign will of the people.

In taking advantage of the COVID-19 problem in order to grab emergency powers, subject the people to extreme repressive measures and steal public funds in the hundreds of billions of pesos, Duterte has sabotaged the Philippine economy and bankrupted his own government and has thus grievously offended the people whom he has deprived of the means of livelihood and frustrated with the false promise of food assistance and economic relief.

In their tens of millions, the workers, peasants and the lower middle class are hungry and angry at the Duterte regime and are eager to move against it. The professionals and entrepreneurs have been deprived of income and have fallen into debt and bankruptcy and are ready to join the toiling masses in concerted actions to protest and make demands. Even the big compradors and landlords who are not his close collaborators now consider him a plague worse than the COVID-19 virus.

The Christian churches are now calling on their people to make Duterte account for his crimes against humanity, his gross and systematic violations of human rights and his blasphemy in cursing and spitting on God’s face. He can invoke the freedom of thought and belief. But he cannot use his state power to persecute and humiliate the Churches without meeting the just resistance of believers,

Duterte has terminated the peace negotiations with the NDFP in obedience to Trump’s order for him to do so in 2017. And to prove his continuing puppetry to the US, he obsequiously promised to Trump that he would do everything in his power to destroy the revolutionary movement and to allow US corporations to have 100 per cent ownership of land and all types of businesses, including natural resource exploitation and public utilities.

Since then, the inter-imperialist contradictions between the US and China have sharpened. The US is now displeased with Duterte for having allowed China to build and militarize seven artificial islands in the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, control the Philippine national power grid and to put up cell towers of China Telecom and its Philippine dummy in the AFP military camps in collision with the EDCA which privileges the US to have its own bases within AFP camps.

Despite his betrayal of Philippine sovereignty in his relations with China, Duterte has gotten far less than the loans that he expected to get from China even at the most onerous terms for his much-touted plan of infrastructure-building. It has become obvious that China has preconditioned most of the loans with demands for the most outright and brazen surrender of Philippine sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea and its rich oil, gas and marine resources.

While Duterte and his military minions boast daily in government and commercial mass media that they have wiped out the armed revolutionary movement several times over, they expose their big lie by railroading a bill of state terrorism supposedly aimed at destroying at the same time the armed revolutionary movement in the countryside by likewise destroying any form of legal opposition that can be suspected or interpreted as being helpful to armed revolution.

The armed revolutionary movement of the Filipino people is daily being taunted and insulted by militarist psywar that it is already dead and being challenged to prove that it is still alive and kicking. In this regard, the leadership of the revolutionary movement has announced that each one of its more than 100 guerrilla fronts will deliver lethal blows to their enemy every week and every month in accordance with their current strength within the context of national guidelines under the principle of centralized leadership and decentralized operations.

Indeed, if the revolutionary forces of the people would carry out their fighting tasks very well against the enemy armed units, the human rights violators and plunderers, they can contribute significantly to the isolation, discredit and overthrow of the traitorous, tyrannical, genocidal and plundering Duterte regime. When they were much smaller and weaker and less experienced, the revolutionary forces contributed significantly to the overthrow of the Marcos fascist dictatorship from its inception in 1972 to 1986.

They are now definitely in a much stronger and better position to give a greater contribution to the effort of the Filipino people to get rid of a tyrant of a lower calibre than Marcos, a mediocre mimicry of his master monster. They can assure all their allies that under current circumstances the balance of forces does not yet allow seizure of political power by the revolutionary proletariat but certainly allows constitutional succession among the conservative forces to depose a physically, mentally and morally deranged tyrant and provide relief to the suffering people.

As they did in the fight against the Marcos fascist dictatorship, the conservative forces can avail of the broad united front of forces against the Duterte tyranny, persuade the civilian and armed personnel of the state to withdraw support from the tyrant and apply their principle of constitutional succession to get rid of him and his gang of butchers and thieves. If they succeed, then they shall have created the conditions for the resumption of peace negotiations with the NDFP. All advocates of a just peace can seriously consider this point. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/duterte-is-a-paper-tiger-in-strategic-terms-and-is-in-the-process-of-being-torn-apart/

CPP/CIO: Denounce Ressa conviction, fight to defend press freedom

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 15, 2020): Denounce Ressa conviction, fight to defend press freedom

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

JUNE 15, 2020

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) stands in solidarity with journalists, media workers and the rest of the Filipino people, in condemning the conviction earlier today of Rappler chief executive officer Maria Ressa and journalist Reynaldo Santos Jr. over a cyber libel case.

The ruling, handed down by Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46 Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa, clearly serves Duterte’s campaign to intimidate and terrorize Rappler, which has actively exposed the killings and abuses perpetrated under Duterte’s drug campaign.

The conviction is a brazen attack against press freedom. It comes at the heels of the recent shutdown of ABS-CBN broadcast over free airwaves. It forms part of the Duterte regime’s worsening clampdown and intimidation of the media.

The conviction of Ressa and Santos underscores the long-standing demand of journalists to abrogate the “cyber libel” law which puts cross-hairs on journalists, critics and anyone expressing an opinion online. From the start, the Party has opposed the “cyber libel law” and has joined advocates of press freedom to decriminalize libel.

By ordering Ressa’s conviction, Duterte ultimately intends to muffle the voices of journalists who dare criticize and expose his regime’s corruption, ineptness and fascist repression and make them bow to his tyranny.

https://cpp.ph/statement/denounce-ressa-conviction-fight-to-defend-press-freedom/

Kalinaw News: 21 Former Rebels receive E-CLIP Financial Assistance

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 15, 2020): 21 Former Rebels receive E-CLIP Financial Assistance (By 4th Infantry Division)



BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – A total of 21 former combatants of the terrorists New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday, June 15, 2020 received financial assistance from the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

The distribution of financial assistance, held at the Balanghai Hotel in Butuan City was led by the top officials of Agusan del Norte headed by Governor Dale B. Corvera, Agusan del Norte 2nd district representative Ma Angelica M. Amante-Matba.

The distribution activity was also graced by Regional Director Lilibeth Famacion of the Department of Interior and Local Government in Caraga Region (DILG-13), 402nd Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, 29th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste and 23rd Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo.

Of the 21 former rebels who received assistance, 15 had surrendered to the troopers of the 23rd IB, most were former members of Guerrilla Front (GF) 4A of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) of the NPA, four (4) to the 29th Infantry Battalion, and two (2) to the Police Regional Office in Caraga Region.
A total of 12 firearms were handed over by the former rebels to the government during the event, seven from those who surrendered to 23rd IB while five from the 29th IB.

Among the firearms they surrendered to the 23rd IB include two .45 caliber pistols, two M16 rifles and three carbine rifles. The firearms the former rebels surrendered to the 29th IB include one M14 rifle, one .38 caliber pistol, one AK-47 rifle, one carbine rifle, and one shotgun.

During the event, a ceremonial turnover of the firearms was featured to symbolize the former rebels’ surrender, turn away from violence and embrace peaceful lives with the families in their respective communities.

The firearms were received by Gov. Corvera and Congresswoman Amante-Matba during the ceremony.

Each of the former rebels received PHP86,000.00 as immediate livelihood and re-integration assistance.

They also received hygiene kits from the Department of Health in the Caraga Region (DOH-13).

Among those who received the E-CLIP assistance was Alias “Karla” who expressed gratitude to the government for the support they received as they will start their new lives.

She also cited the 23rd IB for providing the former rebels abodes inside their headquarters and a community that inspired them for months and helped them strengthen their decision to renew their lives.

“Nagpasalamat ako ug dako sa atong gobyerno ug sa tanan nga agency nga naningkamot aron mahan-ay ang among kinabuhi ug nalandagan ang among kaugmaon. Ang 23IB Philipine Army nga kanunay nagtabang ka namo wala mi nila pasagdi gikan sa pag surrender namo. Layo ra kaayo ang trato sa CPP-NPA sa amoa kung itandi nako sa pag trato sa kasundaluhan ug sa gobyerno sa amo. Gawas sa mga benepisyo nga akong nadawat ilalom sa E-CLIP Ila pakong gitabangan aron manginabuhi me nga normal kauban sa among pamilya,” Alias Karla said.

Alias Karla was recruited by the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) at the age of 14 and took advantage of her innocence by giving her false hope that they will help her to finish her studies when she joined the armed group.

She voluntarily surrendered last March 27, 2019 to Congresswoman Amante-Matba, who was then the governor of Agusan del Norte.

Alias Karla started the new journey of her renewed life inside the 23rd IB headquarters where she met the right guy she felt in love with, a member of CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA), and exchanged vows with him inside the camp on December 18, 2019.

Meanwhile, 23rd IB commander Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo expressed gladness upon seeing the growing number of CNT members leaving the despairing and hopeless cause of the communist movement.

“I am glad that more and more members of CNTs are now coming back to the folds of the law and decided to embrace a peaceful life and reintegrated into the mainstream society, Paulo said.

He also called on the remaining members of the CNTs to go back to mainstream society while they still have a chance.

“We are always willing to help you to live a normal life and we will never hesitate to assist you in availing the E-CLIP program of the government for you to start a new life. Let us help one another in ending an insurgency that added to the problems our government faces nowadays,” Paulo 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/21-former-rebels-receive-e-clip-financial-assistance/

Defending anti-terror bill, Esperon bares arrest of 8 Abu Sayyaf 'sleepers'

From Rappler (Jun 15, 2020): Defending anti-terror bill, Esperon bares arrest of 8 Abu Sayyaf 'sleepers' (By JC Gotinga)

'We assure you that terrorism is not activism, and activism is not terrorism,' says National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr



SECURITY CONCERNS. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr at a Senate hearing on February 3, 2020. File photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

Eight Abu Sayyaf "sleepers" have been arrested in Metro Manila since 2019, said National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr as he defended the enrolled anti-terrorism bill in a media conference on Monday, June 15.

The terrorists were identified as suspects in several kidnapping incidents in Basilan in the early 2000s, including the June 2001 siege of Lamitan, Esperon told reporters.

A 9th Abu Sayyaf sleeper – inactive but may be called to attack – remains at large, he added.
Mentioning this and terror attacks in the Philippines since the 1990s, Esperon attempted to justify the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, widely opposed among the public as a crackdown on dissent and activism.

"Observably, the security perspective is often conveniently set aside in these debates and discourse as if the Philippines, as the only Southeast Asian country in the top 10 of countries most impacted by terrorism, is not alarming enough," the former military chief said.

"How about if we consider terrorism's human cost and its crippling impact?" Esperon added.

Although the rising death toll among military troops from encounters with terror groups is painful enough, what's worse is terrorists prefer to target civilian non-combatants in violent attacks, he said.

"Alam ko ang agam-agam ninyo kaya nga sinasabi ko na itong Anti-Terrorism Act ay talagang akma lamang para kanyang tutukan ang terorismo. Sinisiguro namin na ang terorismo ay hindi aktibismo, and activism is not terrorism," Esperon added.

(I know your concerns, that's why I'm saying that this Anti-Terrorism Act is really geared at targeting terrorism. We assure you that terrorism is not activism, and activism is not terrorism.)

'Safeguards'

The proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 is set to replace the Human Security Act of 2007, which the military and other security officials dismissed as weak and cumbersome in addressing terrorism.

Compared to the old law, the new measure:

• broadens the definition of terrorism to include the intent behind actions or planned actions that cause harm to people or damage to public infrastructure
• penalizes inciting to action that may be interpreted as terroristic
• penalizes recruitment to groups branded as terroristic
• gives the Anti-Terrorism Council authority to brand groups or individuals as terrorists
• extends the period of court-sanctioned wiretapping of terror suspects from a maximum of 60 days to a maximum of 90 days
• extends warrantless arrest of suspected terrorists from 3 days to 14 days, extendable by another 10 days
• removes the requirement that a warrantless arrest of a terror suspect must be the result of court-sanctioned surveillance and an examination of the suspect's bank transactions
• removes the payment of damages of P500,000 per day of detention and seizure of assets of terror suspects who end up acquitted in court

The proposed measure has faced strong opposition from activists, ordinary citizens, and some government officials. Calling the measure "draconian," critics say it effectively allows the government to tag dissenters as terrorists, and to arrest people on mere suspicion of "terrorism" given a broader definition.

Esperon said the proposed law itself contains safeguards against abuse by law enforcement or military agents, who may be jailed for 10 years for violating suspects' rights.


He also cited Section 4 of the measure, which states "terrorism as defined in this Section shall not include advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work, industrial or mass action, and other similar exercises of civil and political rights."

The provision, however, includes the caveat that these liberties must not be "intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person's life, or to create a serious risk to public safety."

Esperon as ATC vice chair

In the bill, the interpretation of the intention behind such actions is largely left to the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), which, under the new setup, would have the national security adviser – Esperon – as vice chair.

Under the measure, the ATC would also have broad authority to initiate the proscription or official identification of any group as a terrorist organization.

So far, only the Abu Sayyaf has been proscribed by a Philippine court as a terrorist group, but the administration has a pending petition to proscribe the communist-led New People's Army (NPA) as terrorists, too.

"Kung naniniwala kayong ang Abu Sayyaf ay terorista, palagay ko maniniwala din kayo na ang New People's Army ay terorista," Esperon said.

(If you believe the Abu Sayyaf are terrorists, then I think you will also believe that the New People's Army are terrorists.)

Asked whether that label would, to the government's mind, extend to progressive groups it has tagged as "legal fronts" of the NPA, Esperon replied: "Pinagbawal ba natin 'yung rally noong June 12? O 'di okay, magprotesta kayo. Gawain ko rin 'yan nung nasa Philippine Science High School ako eh. Pero ni minsan hindi ko sinabi na ibagsak ang pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng armadong pakikibaka."

(Did we prohibit the rally on June 12? Then okay, go and protest. I used to do that, too, when I was in the Philippine Science High School. But not once did I call to bring down the government through armed struggle.)

On June 12, Independence Day, various groups led rallies to protest the anti-terrorism bill in different venues across the country.

Police initially blocked protesters entering the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus, but the demonstration eventually proceeded without incident.

However, police arrested 16 student protesters in Iligan City for allegedly violating physical distancing rules.

On June 8, police arrested 8 people at a rally at UP Cebu, also for supposedly violating community quarantine rules. They were protesting the anti-terrorism bill, too.

The proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, approved by Congress, is up for President Rodrigo Duterte's signature. The Department of Justice is reviewing the measure for constitutionality, and is expected to afterwards advise Duterte whether to sign it.

Esperon said he advised Duterte to certify the bill as urgent, which paved the way for its speedy passage in the House of Representatives.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/263878-esperon-defends-anti-terror-bill-says-abu-sayyaf-sleepers-arrested

PH Navy's brand new frigate docks in Subic after 2-week quarantine

From Rappler (Jun 15, 2020): PH Navy's brand new frigate docks in Subic after 2-week quarantine (By JC Gotinga)

A christening and commissioning ceremony for the BRP Jose Rizal originally set for June 19 is postponed 'due to unavoidable circumstances,' says the Navy



NEW FRIGATE. The Philippine Navy's brand new frigate BRP Jose Rizal is officially welcomed in Subic after a two-week quarantine period. Photo from the Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy officially welcomed its brand new warship, the frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), at the Alava Wharf in Subic, Zambales, on Monday, June 15.

The commander of the Philippine Fleet, Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe, led a traditional arrival ceremony for the new vessel, which arrived in Subic Bay from South Korea on May 23.

With its maiden crew of 65 sailors led by Captain Jerry Garrido onboard, the ship had to complete the mandatory 14-day quarantine due to the coronavirus pandemic and had to anchor away from port. That period ended on June 6, followed by technical and acceptance inspections.

The BRP Jose Rizal arrived with a shipment of personal protective equipment for frontline responders to the coronavirus pandemic.

A christening and commissioning ceremony for the vessel was originally set for June 19, the birth anniversary of its namesake national hero Jose Rizal. The ceremony is postponed to a later date "due to unavoidable circumstances," the Navy said in a media statement on Monday.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to lead the new warship's commissioning.



MAIDEN CREW. The BRP Jose Rizal has a maiden crew of 65 sailors. Photo from the Philippine Navy

Worth P8 billion, the BRP Jose Rizal is the Philippines' first missile-capable naval vessel, and the first of its class. A second frigate, the BRP Antonio Luna, is expected to be delivered in September by their manufacturer, Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Capable of anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare, the BRP Jose Rizal is said to be the Navy's most powerful, most lethal warship yet.

However, questions surround the vessel's Combat Management System (CMS), which has yet to be certified as compatible with the US-NATO Tactical Data Link 16, important for interoperability with allies' ships.

The frigate acquisition project began in 2013 under President Benigno Aquino III. It sparked controversy in 2018 when documents showed then-special assistant to Duterte, Bong Go, had intervened in acquiring the CMS for both frigates, a project worth P15.5 billion.

The Navy is on a race to modernize as the Philippines deals with maritime security threats, foremost of which is expansionist China in the West Philippine Sea.

The arrivals of the BRP Jose Rizal and, eventually, of the BRP Antonio Luna, are a milestone in the Philippine Navy's history.

"Together, let us bring our Navy to the next level, not only because of more modern ships, weapons and sensors but because of more competent and confident personnel, equipped with modern and disciplined mindsets," Bernabe said in a statement.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/263898-philippine-navy-brand-new-frigate-docks-subic-after-coronavirus-quarantine

Two Reds in central Negros yield to government troops

From Panay News (Jun 16, 2020): Two Reds in central Negros yield to government troops

“Ka Dodong” turns over a .45-caliber pistol to Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Flores, commander of Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion, at the battalion’s headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental on June 14. One of the reasons he surrendered along with his partner “Ka Lara” is their desire to live a peaceful life. 62ND INFANTRY BATTALION, PHILIPPINE ARMY VIA PNA

Two officers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in central Negros surrendered to government troops.

The former rebels were identified as “Ka Dodong” and “Ka Lara”, political instructor and medical officer, respectively, of the NPA’s SDG Platoon, Central Negros 2, according to the report of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion.

Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Flores, commander of 62IB based in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental, said the couple decided to surrender on June 14 after they have learned about the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and because of their desire to live a peaceful life with their child.

The 62IB also said in its report that one of the reasons that prompted the couple to return to the fold of the law is due to the hardships, abuses and corruption they experienced inside the NPA organization.

“We assure the rebel returnees that they will be given financial support, legal assistance and livelihood package as part of their E-CLIP benefits,” Flores said.

“What we have gained is the gradual result of the whole-of-nation approach of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to successfully end the insurgency and to achieve an inclusive and lasting peace here in Negros Island,” Flores added.

The two surrendered to the troops in the presence of Flores and Captain Joseph Partidas, chief of the Isabela municipal police station, at the 62IB headquarters.

“Ka Dodong” also turned over a .45-caliber pistol, two magazines and 25 serviceable ammunition during his surrender.

Last month, two former NPA cadres of the South West Front in Negros Island also voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 15IB based in Barangay Tiling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

They were identified as Hermosilla “Aya” Villamor, 45, member of Front Committee; and Teody “Koko” Manorte, 27, squad leader of SYP Platoon.

https://www.panaynews.net/two-reds-in-central-negros-yield-to-government-troops/

Army engineering unit gets new commander

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 15, 2020): Army engineering unit gets new commander

Army Col. Lyndon Sollesta is the new commander of the Philippine Army 51st Engineering Brigade.

Sollesta, who used to be assigned with the 78th Infantry Battalion in Calatrava, Negros Occidental, replaced on June 11 Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Anthony Ramos, who retired from the military service.

Before his appointment as 51st Engineering Brigade commander, Sollesta served as the Philippine Army Housing Office chief, responsible for managing Army housing facilities and transient quarters.

Sollesta was installed by Army vice commander Major Gen. Reynaldo Mejia Aquino AFP, who also gave honors to the outgoing 51st Engineering Brigade commander, at Camp Rigoberto J. Atienza in Libis, Quezon City.

A Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering graduate from the University of San Agustinin Iloilo, in 1986, Sollesta was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the Philippine Army in 1988, whose first assignment was with 78IB in northern Negros.

He also served as commander of 3rd Infantry Division Engineer Combat Battalion in 2001, commanding officer of the Engineer and Maintenance and Support Battalion and the 565th Engineer Construction Battalion both of the 51st Engineer Brigade.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/June/15/topstory6.htm

2 NPA local leaders, 134 others surrender

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 15, 2020): 2 NPA local leaders, 134 others surrender

Two ranking leaders of the New People’s Army surrendered yesterday, while 134 members and rebel supporters abandoned the armed struggle and yielded Friday to the Philippine Army in Negros Island.

Among the surenderees were two siblings, who also surrendered a .30 caliberM1garand rifle and a .45 caliber pistol to the Army.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, also reported last night the surrender of a couple, occupying key positions in the Central Negros Front 2 of the New People’s Army, that was facilitated by his unit and the Isabela Police Station.

The couple was identified by Flores through their aliases as Ka Dodong, a political instructor of Sentro de Grabidad Platoon of Central Negros Front 2, and his wife, Ka Lara, who is the medical officer of the same NPA unit.

Flores said that Ka Dodong also surrendered a .45 caliber pistol with two magazines containing 25 ammunition.

Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, 94th Infantry Battalion commander, also reported that NPA member, alias Maria, 22, and her brother Jemel, 17, are with the seven Yunit Militia (YM) members and 40 rebel supporters, who surrendered to them on June 12 in Brgy. Mabato, Ayungon, Negros Oriental, as the country marked the 122nd Independence Day.

Guzman said that a former YM leader of the NPA, who was among the surenderees, also surrendered a .30 caliber M1 garand rifle.

The surrender of former rebels and their sympathizers was a product of the implementation of the Community Support Program of the 94IB in Brgy. Mabato, Ayungon, where four policemen were executed by rebels in July last year.

Guzman said YM members and supporters in a certain community are being organized by the NPA to provide them with financial and logistical support in fighting against the government.

PROGRAM FOR EX-REBELS

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that the former rebels will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, for them to avail of financial and livelihood support from the government.

Eighty-five Militia ng Bayan members of the NPA and local party members of the Communist Party of the Philippines in seven hinterland barangays of central Negros, have also surrendered to the 62nd Infantry Battalion.

Flores reported that the 85 former rebels, who are residents of Brgy. Montilla in Moises Padilla, Brgy. Puso in La Castellana, Brgy. Sebucauan and Brgy San Agustin, all in Isabela, Negros Occidental, as well as Brgys. Luz, Linantuyan, and Banwague all of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, also denounced the CPP-NPA atrocities in their respective barangays, after pledging allegiance to the government, in a ceremony held at the 62nd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Brgy. Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental.

PERSONA NON-GRATA

He added that barangay officials and residents of Brgy. Montilla in Moises Padilla and Brgy. Puso in La Castellana, Negros Occidental also declared the CPP-NPA-NDF for Persona Non-Grata.

Flores lauded the decision of the 85 former rebels to abandon the armed struggle and the barangay officials in condemning CPP-NPA atrocities.

A peace rally was also held on June 12 by residents of Brgy. Canlandog in Murcia, who also denounced NPA violent activities, Maj. Franco Ver Lopez, 303IB Civil Military Operations officer, said yesterday.

Lopez said that Canlandog barangay residents led by barangay chairman Reynaldo Gawan who are observing COVID-19 health protocols, hoisted posters and tarpaulins, calling for an end to the "terrorist" activities, extortion, harassment, and deception of civilians, as well as recruitment of minors by the CPP-NPA.

Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran, 79IB commanding officer, expressed his appreciation to the people of Brgy. Canlandog for their support in ending NPA atrocities through their peace rally.*

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/June/15/topstory1.htm

Security forces capture ISIS supporter

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 15, 2020): Security forces capture ISIS supporter

PAGADIAN CITY – Security forces captured a suspected supporter of the pro-ISIS group Dawlah Islamiya in Bubong town in Lanao del Sur, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, army officials said Monday.

A photo released by the 1st Infantry Division to The Zamboanga Post shows Samsoding Ali Macasasa and weapons seized from him following his arrest on June 13, 2020 in Lanao del Sur's Bubong town. 

Officials said soldiers and policemen, including anti-narcotics agents, swooped down in a house in the village called Matampay-Dimarao and arrested the 34-year old Samsoding Ali Macasasa, also tagged as the Number 2 drug personality in the province.

Security forces seized an M16 automatic rifle, a grenade launcher, a rifle grenade, two hand grenades and 35 grams of suspected crystal meth, according to Colonel Jose Maria Cuerpo II, commander of the 103rd Infantry Brigade.

“Based on reports, Macasasa is also known as supporter of the Dawlah Islamiya. He is a high-value target,” Cuerpo said.

Major General Generoso Ponio, commander 1st Infantry Division, lauded all those involved in the operation. “Our joint law enforcement operation with other government forces is relentless in order to protect the people from criminals and other threat groups” he said.

Macasasa did not issue any statement against all the allegations by the army. (Zamboanga Post)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/06/security-forces-capture-isis-supporter.html

Democracy is alive in PH, says National Security Adviser

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 15, 2020): Democracy is alive in PH, says National Security Adviser (By Melinda T. Quinones)

National Security Adviser National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. speaking before the media in a press briefing this afternoon

QUEZON CITY, June 15 (PIA) -- Democracy is alive in the country, National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. assured, in light of the current public debate on the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 or House Bill 6875.

“Ako ay naniniwala sa kakayanan at kredibilidad ng Supreme Court kaya kung anong desisyon nila we will abide by that... dito sa Pilipinas, buhay ang rule of law. Buhay ang demokrasya. Hindi namin ipinipilit ito [at] hindi din naman natin sila pinipigilan. They can always go to the Supreme Court. Bring it there,” he said referring to those who oppose its enactment.

In a media briefing this afternoon, Secretary Esperon differentiated activism and terrorism to put broader context into the argument arising from Anti-Terrorism Bill.

He mentioned that the Philippines has been a staging ground for extremist terrorist organizations due to lax counterterrorism laws, citing the existence of Abu Sayaff in Mindanao and National People’s Army (NPA) in several provinces in Luzon and Visayas.

“Terrorism often ends up in blood[shed]... To broader extent, communities suffer due to the threat. Terrorism has displaced communities, has left properties ruined. Families are being torn apart,” Secretary Esperon said.

Amid the pandemic, he said, terrorism continues to sow fear among the locals and attacks uniformed men in the latest encounter between Abu Sayaff and the Philippine Army in Patikul, Sulu, leaving four soldiers dead and 17 others injured.

Meanwhile, around 30 members of NPA attacked 18 soldiers conducting relief operations in Quezon on March 28, 2020. These atrocities, he added, exposed the heartlessness of these terrorists and underscored the genuine need for legislative reform to address violent extremism in the country.

As one of the proponents pushing for Anti-Terrorism Act as “priority legislation,” Secretary Esperon ensured those people who have apprehensions that the Bill guarantees civil liberties and constitutional rights of citizens. The government will not use this law against those protesting with legitimate concerns, he added.

“Ipinagbawal ba natin ang June 12 protest sa University Avenue? Hindi naman ‘di ba? Magprotesta kayo. Gawain ko din ‘yan noong nasa Philippine Science High School ako,” he said while citing the good result of their protest. But in the process, he clarified that he never wanted to overthrow the government through armed resistance.

He said it is important for the country to have a system that classifies what a terrorist is. If there is no terrorism in provincial areas, he added that this may push more businesses to invest there, which will eventually lead to better economic performance.

He challenged the critics of Anti-Terrorism Bill to read it thoroughly to learn that activism is not terrorism.

“I challenge you to read it. You will find out that your apprehensions will be answered by the Bill... aktibo ang terorismo sa Mindanao. Pakinggan naman natin sila. Pakinggan din natin ang mga sundalo dahil sila rin naman ay gustong umuwi [sa kanilang pamilya],” he explained. (MTQ/PIA-IDPD)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1044844

Army’s 4th Mechanized Battalion seized loose firearms in Lanao Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 15, 2020): Army’s 4th Mechanized Battalion seized loose firearms in Lanao Norte (By 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army)

ILIGAN CITY, June 14 - The 4th Mechanized Battalion seized loose firearms in Barangay Darimbang, Tagoloan, Lanao del Norte Thursday afternoon, June 11.

“Disclosed by a concerned citizen, our troops immediately proceeded to the area and managed to recover various firearms and ammunitions”, said Lt. Col. Domingo G. Dulay, 4th Mech Battalion Commander.

The unlicensed firearms consisted of three M16 rifles, one M 1918 Browning Automatic Rifle (BAR), and three shotguns.

The recovered firearms were in the custody of 4th Mech Battalion for safekeeping and proper disposition.

Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander, who has operational jurisdiction of Lanao del Norte, in his message lauded the civilian who reported the location and the troops who recovered the loose firearms.

“The trust and support of the local populace in our area of operation on our campaign against loose firearms manifest their desire for lasting peace and prosperity in the province,” said BGen. Palafox.

Meanwhile, Major General Generoso M. Ponio, the 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, urged the local populace to continue reporting to the security forces any threats and illegal activities that disrupt peace and prosperity in their community.

“We ensure to the public that we will respond to their call 24/7, to secure and protect them from any threats and to sustain the peace and progress in our area of responsibility,” MGen. Ponio added. (Tabak Division/PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1044862

Army Battalion who neutralized Abu Dar returns to Bicol

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 15, 2020): Army Battalion who neutralized Abu Dar returns to Bicol (By 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army)

MARAWI CITY, June 15 – The Infantry Battalion who neutralized Owaida Benito Marohombsar or known as “ABU DAR”, one of the top Dawlah Islamiya Maute Group leader, returned to Bicol early Monday morning.

The 49th Infantry “Good Samaritan” Battalion, after three years and nine months of duty in Mindanao, was redeployed back to its mother unit, 9th Infantry Division, whose area of responsibility is Bicol Region.

Major General Generoso Ponio, commander of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, who also led the sent off ceremony, lauded the 49th Infantry Battalion for its successful duty and thanked them for the attainment of peace and order in the area of 1ID.

“Your accomplishments and significant contributions here in Western Mindanao will be forever written in your unit’s history. Remain gallant and professional in dealing with the threat groups and the constituents of your new area of operation, “said MGen. Ponio.

Present also during the activity were Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander; Col Jose Maria Cuerpo, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander; Mayor Dimnatang BL Pansar of Butig; Mayor Mahar Dagalangit of Lumba Bayabao and Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr. of Masiu who also expressed their gratitude to the unit.

The 49th Infantry Battalion took part during the war against the Maute brothers’ lair in the town of Butig, Lanao del Sur in the year 2016. The unit also played a vital role during the liberation of Marawi in the year 2017. After the Marawi Siege, the unit continued its relentless military operations against the Dawlah Islamiya Maute terrorist remnants that significantly contributed to the improved peace and order situation in the town of Butig.

In collaboration also with other law enforcement agencies, more illegal/loose firearms and other war materials were voluntarily surrendered and clan wars (RIDO) settled with the help of the local officials and community leaders.

They were also instrumental in the first-ever Provincial Youth Leadership Summit and in partnership with the local government unit of Butig, they’ve jointly developed the former Maute group lair (Camp Darul Iman) into an eco-tourism park which is now frequently visited by the locals and people from other municipalities. (Tabak Division, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1044863

2 CPP-NPA officers in central Negros yield to gov’t troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2020): 2 CPP-NPA officers in central Negros yield to gov’t troops (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



SURRENDER. “Ka Dodong” turns over a .45-caliber pistol with two magazines and 25 serviceable ammunition to Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, commander of Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion. He surrendered along with his partner “Ka Lara” to government troops at the battalion’s headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental on Sunday, June 14, 2020. (Photo courtesy of 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

Two officers of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in central Negros voluntarily surrendered to government troops on Sunday afternoon.

The former rebels were identified as “Ka Dodong” and “Ka Lara”, political instructor and medical officer, respectively, of the NPA’s SDG Platoon, Central Negros 2, according to the report of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion based in Barangay Libas, Isabela town in Negros Occidental.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, commander of 62IB, said the couple decided to surrender when they learned about the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and also because of their desire to live a peaceful life with their child.

“We assure the rebel returnees that they will be given financial support, legal assistance, and livelihood package as part of their E-CLIP benefits,” Flores said.

The two surrendered to the troops in the presence of Flores and Capt. Joseph Partidas, chief of the Isabela Municipal Police Station, at the 62IB headquarters.

During his surrender, “Ka Dodong” also turned over a .45-caliber pistol, two magazines, and 25 serviceable ammunition.

The 62IB said in its report that the couple related the hardships, abuses, and corruption they experienced inside the NPA organization that prompted them to surrender.

“What we have gained is the gradual result of the whole-of-nation approach of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to successfully end the insurgency and to achieve an inclusive and lasting peace here in Negros Island,” Flores added.

Last month, two former NPA cadres of the South West Front in Negros Island also voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 15IB based Barangay Tiling in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

They were identified as Hermosilla “Aya” Villamor, 45, member of Front Committee; and Teody “Koko” Manorte, 27, squad leader of SYP Platoon.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105904

21 ex-NPAs in Agusan Norte get ECLIP benefits

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2020): 21 ex-NPAs in Agusan Norte get ECLIP benefits (By Alexander Lopez)



NEW LIFE. Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera (3rd from right); Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Maria Angelica Amante-Matba (right); Army 402nd brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine (3rd from left); and 23IB commander Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo (left), spearhead the turnover of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) benefits to 21 former rebels on Monday (June 15, 2020) in Butuan City. Each of the former rebels received PHP86,000 as immediate livelihood and re-integration assistance, as well as hygiene kits from the Department of Health in Caraga Region (DOH-13). (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

Twenty-one former members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) received financial livelihood assistance from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Monday's distribution of the financial assistance at the Balanghai Hotel here was led by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera and Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Maria Angelica Amante-Matba.

Of the 21 former rebels who received assistance, 15 surrendered to the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, four yielded to the 29th Infantry Battalion, while two to the Police Regional Office-Caraga (PRO-13).

Each of the former rebels received PHP86,000 as immediate livelihood and re-integration assistance, as well as hygiene kits from the Department of Health in the Caraga Region (DOH-13).

A total of 12 firearms were also turned over by the former rebels to the government during the distribution ceremony.

The firearms include two M16 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, four carbines, one Garand rifle, one shotgun, one .45-caliber pistol, and one .38-caliber pistol.

“Karla”--not her real name--who was one of the 21 former rebels who received assistance said she was recruited by the communist rebels when she was only 14 and was promised they will pay for her studies.

She never got what was promised, she said, prompting her to quit the rebel movement and surrender to Amante-Matba on March 27, 2019.

Amante-Matba turned over Karla to the 23IB where she stayed in a half-way house inside the battalion headquarters while processing her papers for the ECLIP.

While at the half-way house, she met a member of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) whom she married in rites facilitated inside the 23IB headquarters last December 18.

“I thank the government for the opportunity given to me to renew my life. I am looking for a bright future especially that I already have a child and a family. The financial assistance I received through the ECLIP program is a big help to me and my family,” Karla said.

She also cited the 23IB for providing her an abode inside their headquarters and a community where she was able to socialize with other former rebels who wanted to change their lives.

In a statement Monday, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, 23IB commander, said he was elated to see the growing number of NPA rebels leaving the movement for good.

“I am glad that more and more members of CNTs (communist NPA terrorists) are now coming back to the folds of the law and decided to embrace a peaceful life and reintegrated into the mainstream society,” Paulo said.

He also called on the remaining rebels in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and part of Misamis Oriental to go back to mainstream society "while they still have a chance".

“We are always willing to help you to live a normal life and we will never hesitate to assist you in availing the E-CLIP program of the government for you to start a new life. Let us help one another in ending an insurgency that added to the problems our government faces nowadays,” Paulo said.

In an interview Monday, Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine, 402nd Brigade commander, underscored the importance of the ECLIP program in encouraging NPA members to surrender.

“The ECLIP program is a venue for the rebels to have an option other than to fight it out with the government,” Licudine said.

He added that ECLIP does not only involve the payments for the firearms the former rebels turn in but also on how they would be integrated into the mainstream society.

Licudine also reported that 13 former NPA rebels received their ECLIP assistance on June 11 in Surigao City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105938

Caraga mayors: Anti-terror law to end fight vs. insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2020): Caraga mayors: Anti-terror law to end fight vs. insurgency (By Alexander Lopez)



Google map the Caraga Region.

Mayors of various local government units in the Caraga Region have expressed support for the enactment of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, saying that the measure will help the local government units (LGUs) in the fight to end the local communist armed conflict.

The Caraga Region mayors issued their statement of support on different occasions since last week until Monday (June 15).

Among those who expressed support to the law was Mayor Crisanta Mondano of Mainit town in Surigao del Norte, who acknowledged that she is leading a town "infiltrated by a group" she called terrorists--the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

“Being a leader in a terrorist-infiltrated community, the fight against terrorism is a long-standing battle which hindered the development of our locality, thus it must end,” Mondano said.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, she added, is a vital piece of legislation needed by the country and the people to finally end the activities of persons or groups that aim to topple the duly constituted authorities in the country.

“There is no better way to show allegiance to this country than to support this bill,” Mondano said.

Surigao del Norte, Mayor Karissa Fetalvero-Paronia of Sison town, said the bill is an antidote against criminality and lawlessness to the highest degree brought about by terrorists who have no regard for human life whose intent and actions are so ferocious, barbaric and evil.

“It is only through our loud and courageous declaration as a people that our government should enforce the law at all times to facilitate order, liberty, and human happiness in our land,” Paronia said.

Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte Mayor Chandru Bonite also said he was elated that the anti-terror bill was passed by both houses of Congress.

“We believe this law can effectively provide us with a wonderful opportunity for peace and development,” Bonite said.

Mayor Felicisimo Cebedo of Bacuag, also in Surigao del Norte, said he and his constituents shared the national leadership's call to implement the anti-terror bill, saying the measure is "a great help to achieve peace and order" in the locality

“Our municipality has problems with insurgency. The bill will tag the insurgents as terrorists, thus funds will no longer be handy and readily available for them for operations,” Cebedo said.

Meanwhile, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur Mayor Leonida Manpatilan said Filipinos need not fear the anti-terror bill.

“It seeks to end terrorism in the country,” Manpatilan said, adding that for decades, communism and insurgency have threatened the lives of the Filipinos people.

She said that the law will ensure political stability and provide economic gains in the country, especially in the countryside.

Aside from the mayors, youth leaders in Caraga Region also expressed support to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Citing the youth as the main target for recruitment by the NPA, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President Riena Arreza said the law will "spare and protect the youth" from the continuing influence of the rebels.

Arreza said that the anti-terror bill will "not endanger the liberty of the people", even as she asked the youth sector in her town to rally behind the measure.

Another Surigao del Sur leader, Jimmy Guinsod, the Provincial Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) in the area, said the passage of the bill is timely as the Philippine gears towards becoming "a country free of terrorists".

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105960

901st IB troops augment AFP forces in Surigao del Norte

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 15, 2020): 901st IB troops augment AFP forces in Surigao del Norte (By Mike Crismundo)

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – Soldiers of the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade (901st IB), led by Brig. Gen. Gabriel C. Viray, arrived in Surigao del Norte over the weekend to augment the government forces in wiping out the remaining Communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the province.

The 901st IB was pulled out of Cotabato, and reassigned in Surigao del Norte to augment the 402nd Infantry Brigade (402nd IB) in crushing the remaining NPA rebels in Surigao del Norte and neighboring areas.

Fourth Infantry Division (4th ID) Commanding General Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino said soldiers from the 901st Brigade will augment the military forces’ operations to defeat the terrorist NPA remnants who were on the ”verge of irreversible collapse”.

“My order is to crush and dismantle the remaining godless Communist guerilla front in that area,” the 4th ID chief, whose area of operations are Northeastern and Northern Mindanao said.

The 901st Brigade was formally welcomed by the top military commanders in the area and some selected local officials at the Surigao City Airport.

Viray said his men was combat ready, and focused to deliver the finishing blows against insurgency in the province.

With the additional forces, the 901st Brigade commander appealed to the remaining NPA guerillas to surrender peacefully while they still have time.

“They (NPAs) can avail of the government’s peace livelihood and development program, if they lay down their arms peacefully,” Viray added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/06/15/901st-ib-troops-augment-afp-forces-in-surigao-del-norte/

313 NPA members, allies surrender from June 6-12

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2020): 313 NPA members, allies surrender from June 6-12 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Intensified operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has resulted in the voluntary surrender of 313 New People's Army (NPA) members and supporters from June 6 to 12.

In a statement Sunday, AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Captain Jonathan Zata, said the Northern Luzon Command area posted the highest number of surrendered regular rebels, supporters, and members of NPA-organized mass organizations who withdrew membership and support from communist rebel units in Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Aurora during the period.

On Independence Day, the AFP, in cooperation with the local government of Tarlac, facilitated the withdrawal of support by 100 members of Ambala, also known as the "Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Hacienda Luisita", from the communist terrorist group.

Zata said these individuals also joined 41 other members of Ambala who also denounced the NPA on June 6.

Meanwhile, the 7th Infantry Division, which covers the area of Tarlac, described Ambala as a group organized by the NPA to exploit farmers and agrarian reform issues in the area and has recruited members from 11 different barangays in Hacienda Luisita.

"The AFP also facilitated the withdrawal of support of a total of 132 members of a similar organization in Barangays Bacayao and Manggang Marikit in Guimba, Nueva Ecija on June 7 and 8 respectively," Zata added.

On June 8, four members of another farmers group based in Aurora returned to the fold of the law and withdrew their support from the NPA in a ceremony held at Barangay Calabuanan in the town of Baler.

Meanwhile, 14 communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) surfaced and surrendered to joint elements of AFP and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Sta. Rosa, Laguna the under Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) on June 11.

Confiscated from these individuals were a shotgun, .45-caliber pistol, and four .38-caliber revolvers.

Solcom also recorded the surrender of 12 other rebels in Quezon and Laguna on June 7 and 11, respectively.

In Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), four “Milisya ng Bayan” members presented themselves to joint elements of 73rd Infantry Battalion and PNP in Davao Occidental on June 6.

On the same day, two CNTs also surrendered with their firearms to government forces in Agusan Del Norte and Agusan Del Sur.

Meanwhile, two former NPAs returned to the folds of the law in Tago, Surigao Del Sur on June 7 and 9.

On June 7 and 12, the Western Mindanao Command and Central Command recorded two NPAs who surrendered in Zamboanga del Norte and Northern Samar.

Meanwhile, after a series of intense encounters, apprehensions, and voluntary submissions resulted in the overall seizure of 38 assorted firearms, seven improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and 51 rounds of ammunition for the said period.

The most notable of which came from a 20-minute firefight between the 3rd Infantry Division and 10 NPAs in Igbaras, Iloilo on June 6.

The encounter resulted in the seizure of one M-16 rifle, two rounds of M-203 GL ammunition, one bandolier, three M-16 magazines with 17 rounds of ammunition, an NPA flag, one jungle pack, assorted propaganda materials, and personal belongings.

“We congratulate our troops on the group for these remarkable achievements. The commemoration of our nation’s Independence Day was made more hopeful with these victories in our communities,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said.

He added that every Filipino can rest assured that the AFP is dedicated to securing the nation’s freedom and in liberating exploited masses from the influence of the communist terrorist group.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1105880