Friday, June 19, 2020

CPP/News: NPA punishes notorious Oplan Sauron military agent in Negros

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 18, 2020): NPA punishes notorious Oplan Sauron military agent in Negros

NEWS STORIES
JUNE 17, 2020

The New People’s Army (NPA) successfully carried out a special partisan operation against a notorious agent of the 62nd IB in Guihulngan, Negros Oriental. The operation was part of efforts of the NPA to exact justice for the peasant masses and people of Negros who have been under the Duterte regime’s campaign of terror since 2018.

NPA-Central Negros Ka JB Regalado identified the military agent as Macky Pacunla, a member of the Citizen Armed Forces Georgraphical Unit (CAFGU), who is involved in the brutal Oplan Sauron operations against peasant communities in Negros. Red fighters dispatched by the NPA caught up with Pacunla in Sitio Compound, Barangay Luz, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last June 11, 2020.

Though assigned at Barangay Sikatuna Detachment in Isabela town, Negros Occidental, Pacunla was also active in the 62nd IB’s operations in other towns and barangays. He lead fascist troops in house-to-house raids and searches, threatening barrio folks who they accussed of being “NPA supporters.” He also guided the 62nd IB in ransacking many houses in Barangay Luz, Guihulngan City.

Regalado called on other CAFGU members to resign and stop serving the armed reactionary forces in oppressing their peasant brothers and sisters struggling for the realization of genuine land reform.#

https://cpp.ph/statement/npa-punishes-notorious-oplan-sauron-military-agent-in-negros/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island: NPA-Negros firmly salutes the 5 red fighters for their martyrdom

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 18, 2020): NPA-Negros firmly salutes the 5 red fighters for their martyrdom

JUANITO MAGBANUA
NPA-NEGROS ISLAND
APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND
NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

JUNE 19, 2020

The New People’s Army – Apolinario Gatmaitan Command firmly salutes with the highest revolutionary fervor Ka Dennis, Ka Leo, Ka Joy, Ka Jabar, and Ka Raymond for their dauntless sacrifice. The 5-man team was raided in a household by combined elements of the 11th IB, 94th IB, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion with almost 100 personnel in Sitio Talingting, Barangay Luyang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental on June 18th at around 1 AM. Their valiant deed will resound and will serve as further inspiration for the masses and the comrades to wage ceaselessly and tirelessly the national democratic revolution to greater heights until victory.

It is normal for a revolution to be bloody; the New People’s Army is fearless in facing sacrifice even at the risk of their own lives, as that pain is a thousand times more worth it than apathetically enduring the pain in this semi-colonial and semi-feudal country. As Chairman Mao Zedong puts it, their deaths are as heavy as of the tallest of mountains as their blood will trickle down the grassroots and blossom into thousands more of red fighters.

Certainly, the AFP-PNP will misnomer this as their victory and hardheadedly insist that the revolution is weakening. But the just revolutionary war led by the Communist Party of the Philippines will only gain more ground as Duterte and his tyranny has recruited the broadest united front against state terrorism. They themselves are the number 1 recruiter for the NPA.

What the ruling class has failed to understand is that the 51 years of the revolution is not an effort of a few people but by the millions that they force to revolt because of exploitation most evident in the rural peasantry. The breeding ground of the people’s war is the chronic illness brought about by imperialism, local feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism. Injustice begets resistance; and the worsening greed of will only dig its own grave as the people’s army will undoubtedly flourish. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/npa-negros-firmly-salutes-the-5-red-fighters-for-their-martyrdom/

CPP/NDF-Negros: Danding Cojuangco’s death an insult to the Filipino people

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 18, 2020): Danding Cojuangco’s death an insult to the Filipino people

BAYANI OBRERO
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-NEGROS
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
JUNE 18, 2020



Eduardo ‘Danding’ Cojuangco Jr., one of the wealthiest businessman and big landlord of the Philippines passing is a huge insult to the impoverished masses.Cojuangco was a Marcos crony who has amassed wealth through exploitation of farmers and workers alike.

In Negros, Cojuangco owns over 4,600 hectares of land mostly for sugar cane, while his workers suffer from low wages with no benefits at all. Despite his old age, he continued to land-grab through legal and illegal means to widen his land monopoly in the island, spanning 2 cities and 7 municipalities in a dozen haciendas. He is an enabler and defender of bogus land reform schemes especially during the Estrada administration, that left many farmers landless. Cojuangco was also caught in the massive coco levy scam, depriving coconut farmers of their much-deserved fund to aid in their livelihood.

His death is but proof of the flawed justice system that continues to rot to this day: criminals like him, Duterte, Pimentel, Sinas and the AFP-PNP remain to be scot-free and are absolved until their death while the masses have to face either state terrorism or hunger & poverty, which, either way is fatal to them anyway.

NDF-Negros is united with the Filipino people in calling for genuine land reform to address the democratic wishes of the majority of the population. If the likes of Cojuangco and other big comprador bourgeousie and landlords continue to elude justice, their names will be etched in history as enemies of the people. #

https://cpp.ph/statement/danding-cojuangcos-death-an-insult-to-the-filipino-people/

CPP/News: Expect more atrocities from butcher 901st IBde in Caraga

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 18, 2020): Expect more atrocities from butcher 901st IBde in Caraga

NEWS STORIES
JUNE 18, 2020



Caraganons are bound to suffer more atrocities and human rights violations with the transfer of the butcher 901st IBde, under the command of Brig. Gen. Gabriel Viray, to the 4th ID. The deployment was announced by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, which was made in line with Duterte’s target to “decimate” the New People’s Army by 2022. The brigade is set to operate in Surigao del Norte and neighboring provinces.

In a statement, the 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino ordered the newly deployed 901st IBde to “defeat the NPA” in the area which it preposterously claimed to be “on the verge of irreversible collapse” This was the same mantra used by past regimes when the 901st IBde was previously assigned to operate in Cotabato, and in Albay and Catanduanes where the brigade has failed to crush the people’s army. The 901st IBde is known for targeting civilians and sowing fascist terror, especially against peasants and activists. It has perpetrated numerous brutal crimes against the people with the aim of silencing them and suppressing their struggles.

The 901st IBde, however, has never succeeded in defeating the NPA. What is has succeeded in is leaving a bloody trail of killings, abduction, torture, mass terrorism and other violation of human rights and international humanitarian law, which has only pushed the people in those areas to join the people’s army in numbers.

With its deployment in the Caraga region, the butcher brigade is set to perpetrate more and worse crimes against the people, especially amid growing political and socioeconomic unrest caused by Duterte’s de facto martial law and the onslaught of the Covid-19 crisis.

The 901st IBde’s starkest crimes include the successive killings of six farmers in Albay in January 2010. Two of its victims were decapitated, one was burned and another’s neck was slashed. On February 18, 2009, troops of the 901st IBde indiscriminately fired an M203 grenade launcher at two houses in Barangay Balanac, Ligao City while carrying out clearing operations in preparation for the conduct of joint military exercises with US troops. Grenades hit and critically injured five civilians, four of whom were children aged 1-5 years old.

Earlier this year in Cotabato, the 901st IBde orchestrated several fake mass surrender ceremonies to line up the pockets of its officials and conjure the illusion that the military is winning the war against the NPA in Southern Mindanao. In March, the brigade staged the fake mass surrender of at least 28 civilians who were presented to have “received” a total of P3.7 million.

https://cpp.ph/statement/expect-more-atrocities-from-butcher-901st-ibde-in-caraga/

PH marks 4th year since PH Rise was designated protected zone

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 19, 2020): PH marks 4th year since PH Rise was designated protected zone (By Freddie Lazaro)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Philippine government, through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), marked the fourth anniversary of the Philippine Rise at Port Irene, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Sta Ana, Cagayan province.



AFP Chief General Felimon T. Santos, Jr. (2nd from right) leads the sending – off of the Patrol Ship BRP Quezon PS70 of the Philippine Navy during the observance of the 4th Philippine Rise anniversary at the Port Irene, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Sta Ana, Cagayan province on June 10, 2020. (Photo courtesy of NFNL / MANILA BULLETIN)

Navy Lieutenant Geraldson J. Pascual, spokesperson of the Naval Forces North Luzon (NFNL) based in Poro Point, San Fernando City, La Union, said on Friday that personnel of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) and the Area Task Force (ATF) – North led the successful staging of the event on June 10.

AFP Chief General Felimon T. Santos, Jr., together with the local government officials of Cagayan province, graced the affair, which asserted the country’s patriotic ownership of the Philippine Rise.

During the program, Santos cited the strategic and economic importance of the place.

The Philippine Rise is a seismically active undersea region, and an extinct volcanic ridge located in the Philippine Sea, approximately 250 kilometer east of the northern coastline of Dinapigue, Isabela.

In May 2017, the feature was designated by the Philippines as a “protected food supply exclusive zone,” prohibiting mining and oil exploration in the plateau.

Due to the prevailing pandemic, the Philippine Rise commemoration was delayed this year, but it did not stop the AFP from commemorating the event.

Pascual said the event serves as the government’s renewal of commitment that ATF North will continuously sustain the protection and preservation of these vast marine resources for future generations.

Along with the event, Santos presided over the sent-off for Patrol Ship BRP Quezon PS70 and aircraft with tail number NV320 to establish a naval presence within the designated maritime patrol areas and exercise governance in the vicinity of Philippine Rise. (Freddie G. Lazaro)

China Just Botched a Monumental Opportunity With the Philippines

From The Diplomat (Jun 18, 2020): China Just Botched a Monumental Opportunity With the Philippines (By Derek Grossman)

Did China miss its shot at the U.S.-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement?


Credit: ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL

Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s announcement on February 11 that Manila planned to terminate the U.S.-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in six months, per the VFA terms, was hailed by Beijing as evidence the U.S. was losing great power competition with China in the Indo-Pacific. A Chinese state-run media headline exclaimed “Washington’s divisive intents get cold shoulder,” and another called Duterte’s decision a “severe blow” to the U.S.-Philippines alliance. One of China’s military outlets further argued that Duterte’s announcement underscored a “deep bilateral feud” that, according to Beijing’s hardline tabloid Global Times, would “upset U.S. meddling in the South China Sea.”

The problem for Beijing, however, was what happened on June 2: Duterte and his government decided to postpone the VFA termination, breathing new life into the decades-long agreement that enables the U.S., among other things, freedom of movement into and within the Philippines. Washington believes the VFA is a critical enabler of the Indo-Pacific Strategy because of the Philippines’ close geographic proximity to the South China Sea.

To be sure, Chinese policymakers privately may never have fully believed the VFA would end. For example, according to Dai Fan, director of the Center for Philippines Studies at Jinan University, “This week’s [June 2] reversal does not surprise us. However, we just did not expect to happen so soon… China still has a long way to go in replacing the U.S. in this region.” Indeed, as I have argued previously, there were many good reasons to be suspicious of the commonly held view that Duterte would never reverse course on VFA termination because of his anti-American stance.

Nevertheless, the reasons cited by Filipino Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teddy Locsin Jr. must be disconcerting for Beijing because they were “heightened superpower competition” and, interrelatedly, the “pandemic.” This probably means that since Duterte’s announcement of VFA termination on February 11, Manila has felt insecure with Chinese behavior and therefore needs to keep the U.S. engaged in the region.

From a Filipino perspective, China has not relented in the South China Sea since Duterte’s VFA termination announcement. On February 17, for example, a Chinese navy ship in “a hostile act” targeted a Filipino navy ship that had been patrolling disputed seas. Then, on April 18, Beijing officially declared the establishment of administrative control over the disputed Spratly Islands. Also starting in April, Beijing redeployed the Haiyang Dizhi 8 geological survey vessel with coast guard escorts into Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone, and did the same against Malaysia to harass West Cappella’s exploration operations in disputed waters — underscoring that no ASEAN neighbor is safe from China’s growing assertiveness in the region. All the while, Beijing for well over a year has maintained a constant fishing militia presence around Thitu (also known as Pag-asa) in the Spratlys to enforce its sovereignty claim to the island.

Regarding coronavirus, Beijing’s so-called “mask diplomacy” has been difficult to ignore. Since the start of the outbreak, China has offered medical expertise by deploying a team to advise the Philippines and by providing various shipments of test kits, masks, and ventilators. Although Manila has expressed appreciation for Beijing’s assistance, deeply-rooted suspicion and anti-Chinese sentiment are widespread among the Filipino people. Lingering sovereignty disputes in the South China Sea and Chinese pressure against the Philippines certainly play a large role. Additionally, potential debt trap, environmental, and security concerns related to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the Philippines, as well as Manila’s inability thus far to tangibly benefit from BRI projects, have called Duterte’s attempts to realign Filipino foreign policy toward Beijing and away from Washington into serious question.

In this context, delaying VFA termination makes sense because it demonstrates that the Philippines has not completely moved away from its security alliance with the U.S., and seeks to avoid overreliance on China in all respects, including coronavirus assistance. Indeed, Duterte and President Trump on April 19 spoke via phone primarily about coronavirus assistance. Hence, Duterte’s move on the VFA could be viewed as a natural recalibration that helps satiate public demands to keep Washington nearby.

An inescapable conclusion is that Beijing failed to seize the moment that could have resulted in termination, or at least renegotiation, of the VFA by August 9. Most obviously, China could have reduced pressure against the Philippines in the South China Sea since the VFA termination announcement to give Duterte critics little reason to oppose the move. Instead, Beijing carried on business as usual in the region. And while China’s coronavirus assistance was appreciated, Beijing’s efforts had already been undermined by its past inability to bolster Duterte’s pro-China policies, such as BRI, by showing the benefits of closer bilateral relations.ADVERTISEMENT

Either way, the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Philippines diplomatic ties on June 9 gave Beijing the welcome opportunity to shift the narrative. In a string of articles, including an op-ed from the Chinese ambassador in the Philippines, Beijing touted the vitality of relations. In an exchange between leaders, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted “I attach great importance to the development of China-Philippines ties,” and Duterte added that China was a “close neighbor and a valued friend.” The two leaders also spoke over the phone the evening of June 11, after which the Chinese foreign ministry said Duterte had pledged “to be China’s everlasting friend and would not allow anyone to exploit the Philippines for anti-China activities.”Going forward, Beijing’s plan is clearly to put the VFA behind them. But this does not take away from what could have been for Beijing, which was to get one step closer to the end of the U.S.-Philippines security alliance and achieve greater alignment with China in its place.

[Derek Grossman is a senior defense analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation, an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California, and a regular contributor to The Diplomat. He formerly served as the daily intelligence briefer to the assistant secretary of defense for Asian and Pacific security affairs at the Pentagon.]

NPA recognizes 5 fallen comrades

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Jun 19, 2020): NPA recognizes 5 fallen comrades (By TERESA D. ELLERA)

THE New People's Army (NPA)-Apolinario Gatmaitan Command salutes with the highest revolutionary fervor their five members who were killed in a clash with military forces in Sitio Talingting, Barangay Luyang, Mabinay, Negros Oriental on June 18.

Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command of the NPA-Negros Island, identified their killed comrades as Ka Dennis, Ka Leo, Ka Joy, Ka Jabar, and Ka Raymond.


"We firmly salute for their dauntless sacrifice. The five-man team was raided in a household by combined elements of the 11th IB, 94th IB, and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion with almost 100 personnel in 18th at around 1 a.m. Their valiant deed will resound and will serve as further inspiration for the masses and the comrades to wage ceaselessly and tirelessly the national democratic revolution to greater heights until victory," Magbanua said.

"It is normal for a revolution to be bloody; the New People's Army is fearless in facing sacrifice even at the risk of their own lives, as that pain is a thousand times more worth it than apathetically enduring the pain in this semi-colonial and semi-feudal country. As Chairman Mao Zedong puts it, their deaths are as heavy as of the tallest of mountains as their blood will trickle down the grassroots and blossom into thousands more of red fighters," he added.

Magbanua also said: "Certainly, the AFP-PNP will misnomer this as their victory and hardheadedly insist that the revolution is weakening. But the just revolutionary war led by the Communist Party of the Philippines will only gain more ground as Duterte and his tyranny has recruited the broadest united front against state terrorism. They themselves are the number 1 recruiter for the NPA."

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1860736/Bacolod/Local-News/NPA-recognizes-5-fallen-comrades

PH Army opens mental health center for soldiers

From Rappler (Jun 19, 2020):PH Army opens mental health center for soldiers (By JC Gotinga)

Nearly two months since the killing of war-traumatized soldier Winston Ragos, the Philippine Army sets up a mental health and resilience program for its troops



GRIEVING. Merlyn Ragos (C), mother of the late Corporal Winston Ragos, joins the Philippine Army in launching its mental health center for soldiers in Taguig City. Photo from the Philippine Army

The Philippine Army on Friday, June 19, launched a mental health program and hospital facility for its soldiers.

This came nearly two months since police shot and killed retired Corporal Winston Ragos, who had suffered post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after exposure to intense military combat.

Army chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay led the launching of a "comprehensive mental health program" for soldiers, and the opening of the Mental Health Resilience Center (MHRC) at the outpatient wing of the Army General Hospital at their headquarters, Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City.

Merlyn Ragos, Winston's mother, attended the launching ceremony on Friday afternoon.

The program, called Kaagapay ng mga Bayani (Helper of Heroes), is meant to "provide goal-directed resilience and psychological interventions for mental health disorders of Army personnel," the Army said in a statement.

Based on the Mental Health law signed in 2018, the MHRC will: 
  • assist the Army in preventing, detecting, treatment, and management of mental disorders among soldiers;
  • provide directed resilience training and psychological interventions for PTSD;
  • conduct comprehensive neuropsychiatric evaluation for the enlistment, promotion, schooling, and employment of soldiers.
"By providing proper care, we help our heroes restore their well-being, to assist them in their transition from the active service to civilian life," Gapay said.



ARMY CHIEF. Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay leads the launch of the Philippine Army's Mental Health and Resilience Center on June 19, 2020. Photo from the Philippine Army

After trauma, a tragic death

Ragos had stepped out of his home in Barangay Pasong Putik, Quezon City, on April 21 for a smoke and a softdrink when checkpoint police accosted him for supposedly violating community quarantine rules.

The former soldier raised his hands in surrender but did not follow the police's orders for him to drop to the ground. One of the cops, Master Sergeant Daniel Florendo Jr, aimed a gun at Ragos.

People at the scene who knew Ragos shouted to the cops that the man was mentally infirm and posed no threat. Still, when Ragos appeared to reach into his pouch, Florendo shot him twice. Ragos died at a hospital hours later.

The cops later claimed they found a gun in Ragos' sling bag.

On June 4, the National Bureau of Investigation filed murder charges against Florendo and 4 other cops, and accused Florendo and another cop of planting evidence – the gun in the victim's pouch.

Ragos joined the Army in March 2010 and was assigned to the 31st Infantry Battalion under the 9th Infantry Division in Camarines Sur.

His unit faced heavy attacks from the communist-led New People's Army, and at one point rebels "nearly subdued" the battalion.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines in an official statement on Ragos' killing in April said his combat experience may have triggered the onset of PTSD.

Ragos struggled with trauma ever since, and he was honorably discharged from the service for disability in January 2017.

His case prompted the Army to review its programs for soldiers suffering post-traumatic stress. At the time, Gapay said he would push for better mental health programs for the Army.

Ragos was given a hero's burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 26.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/264316-philippine-army-opens-mental-health-center-soldiers

Opinion: How Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. got to enjoy the last laugh

Opinion piece posted to the Manila Times (Jun 29, 2020): How Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. got to enjoy the last laugh (By Mauro Gia Samonte)

IN 2011, legal propagandists of the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) triad had a heyday laughing at then-Col. Antonio Parlade Jr. when President Benigno Aquino 3rd sacked him as spokesman of the Philippine Army for speaking out loud against the release of the Morong 38, the cause célèbre of a controversy that erupted in February 2010.

Combined troops of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) had arrested and detained 43 elements of the CPP/NPA during a clandestine meeting in a resort in Morong, Rizal. Five of the 43 readily admitted they were members of the CPP/NPA and turned state witnesses — attesting to the fact that the group were members of the terrorist organizations.

For the sensational defense by so-called cause-oriented lawyers, journalists and legal front organizations of the CPP/NPA, the remainder of the 43 became known as Morong 38, consisting of 23 women and 15 men. The AFP just appeared helpless against the barrage of legalese and invocations of human and civil rights ventilated by supporters of the apprehended terrorists agitating for their release.

AFP spokesman Arnulfo Burgos, Jr. indicated this predicament of the military: “Bahala na riyan ang korte. Wala na kaming ano riyan. Nakakahinga na kami diyan (Let the court take care of the matter. We no longer have anything to do with that case. We can take a breather).”

If the loud outcry against the arrest and detention of the Morong 38 were a symphony, then it achieved its resounding coda in a decision by the then chairman of the Commission on Human Rights, Leila de Lima, agitating for the release of the terrorists on the strength of the provisions of the Human Security Act (HSA), to wit:

“SEC. 18. Period of Detention Without Judicial Warrant of Arrest. – The provisions of Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code to the contrary notwithstanding, any police or law enforcement personnel, who, having been duly authorized in writing by the Anti-Terrorism Council has taken custody of a person charged with or suspected of the crime of terrorism or the crime of conspiracy to commit terrorism shall, without incurring any criminal liability for delay in the delivery of detained persons to the proper judicial authorities, deliver said charged or suspected person to the proper judicial authority within a period of three days counted from the moment the said charged or suspected person has been apprehended or arrested, detained, and taken into custody by the said police, or law enforcement personnel…

“The penalty of ten (10) years and one day to twelve (12) years of imprisonment shall be imposed upon the police or law enforcement personnel who fails to notify and judge as provided in the preceding paragraph.”

Parlade had particularly criticized the HSA for barring authorities from detaining arrested persons suspected of being terrorists for a period longer than three days. Since building up airtight cases against these suspects would require investigation needing a lot more than three days to accomplish, terrorists almost always get to go scot-free a short time after arrests.

As early as then, Lt. Gen. Parlade was decrying loopholes in the Human Security Act of 2007 which he said “the terrorist CPP/NPA/NDF” capitalized on to great advantage in running around the law.

Addressing the CPP/NPA and their cohorts in the legal front, Parlade said,“‘Yan ang problema sa HSA of 2007. Pinagtawanan n’yo lang ang mga pulis at AFP nang mapawalan ang teroristang ‘Morong 38’ dahil sa inyong alibi na sila ay pawang mga aktibistang ‘health workers’!”

How could a group, large that they were, be simple, innocent health workers when they were caught in possession of subversive documents, arms and ammunitions, and explosive devices?

Then commanding general of the Philippine Army Lt. Gen. Arturo B. Ortiz was so enraged by President Aquino’s sacking of Parlade for that stand on Morong 38 that he was ready to resign his post. Parlade himself persuaded Ortiz to stay, with the assurance that he himself would make PNoy (Aquino) realize the impact of his action upon the entire organization of the Philippine Army.

And so, as Lt. Gen. Parlade would put it, “What goes around comes around.”

It’s been a decade since the Morong 38 gained fame as “innocent health workers” used by the military as psywar objects for advancing the government anti-insurgency campaign. What went around as actually terrorist elements in 2010 came around as indeed the terrorists that they were in subsequent encounters with government forces.

Very recently, another member of the so-called “Morong 38” was buried after being killed in an encounter with military troops. She was Lorelyn Saligumba alias “Ploy”/”Fara,” who Parlade identified as a political instructor of the NPA Platun Dos who was killed during an encounter in Baco, Oriental Mindoro on June 4.

“Recovered from her possession were caliber .45 pistol, an improvised explosive device (IED), a Garmin GPS, 13 cellphones with text messages incriminating local officials, and containing Makabayan bloc contacts,” Parlade disclosed, adding, “Also seized were subversive documents and paraphernalia of Anakbayan, Bayan and other legal-front organizations, a Commission on Human Rights primer, assorted medicines, and acupuncture paraphernalia.”

Saligumba, who was laid to rest in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, also had at least five pending murder charges.

Parlade revealed that also recovered in that encounter was the AR-4 5.56mm rifle of Jessie Almoguerra alias “CJ”, “Yam-ay” and “Aja”, vice platoon leader. The rifle had been issued to Sgt. Malusalem Manlapaz who was killed during an encounter in Bulalacao in March 2017. In that encounter, another Morong 38 member Lilibeth Donasco alias “Mok” was also killed together with four other NPA members.

According to Lt. Gen. Parlade, that brings to 12 the total number of Morong 38 who were actually killed after they had been released from detention owing to an effective play on the Human Security Act.

Those terrorists had their day of laughter in mockery of legal judicial processes. That the very President of the land had to even chide genuine guardians of justice as then-Col. Antonio Parlade Jr. was could not but amount to rubbing salt to injury.

What they failed to reckon was that the guy would rise to commander of the entire Southern Luzon Command of the AFP, over a large territory deemed the last rampart of the half-century old Jose Maria Sison communist insurgency.

Lt. Gen. Parlade, right upon assuming the post, swore to end that insurgency in his turf during his term.

With members of the Morong 38 falling one after another, give it to the general that he could not help enjoying the last laugh.

“Tell me Glenda Gloria of Rappler, didn’t I say in 2011, before I was sacked as Army spokesman by PNoy that these NPA medics and bomb makers are not health workers? Where are the liars who rejoiced when these terrorists were released? Dr. Alex Montes? Dr. Merry Mia Clamor? Atty. Edre Olalia of NUPL (National Union of Peoples Lawyers) and the former chairperson Leila de Lima of CHR?”

“Anong masasabi mo Ka Satur? Ka Sara Elago? Ka Caloy Zarate? Ka Inday Varona? Nagkamali ba ang AFP sa aming sinabi na ang Morong 38 ay mga terorista? Planted ba kamo ang mga bomba? Hayan, meron na namang dalang IED si ‘health worker’ Lorelyn.” (What can you say Ka Satur? Ka Sara Elago? Ka Caloy Zarate? Ka Inday Varona? Was the AFP wrong in saying that the Morong 38 were terrorists? Did you say the bombs were planted evidence? There, ‘health worker’ Lorelyn was carrying another IED.”

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/06/20/opinion/columnists/how-lt-gen-antonio-parlade-jr-got-to-enjoy-the-last-laugh/733008/

ASG doctor, 2 others surrender in Sulu

From Tempo (Jun 19, 2020): ASG doctor, 2 others surrender in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY – An imam serving as a doctor for the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and two of his close aides surrendered to the 45th Infantry Battalion (IB) at the Forward Operating Base of the Philippine Army in Barangay Tugas, Patikul, Sulu, and turned over two high-powered firearms.
Maj. Gen Corelito Vinluan, Philippine Army 11th Division commander in Sulu, said the three surrendered to the soldiers Friday but declined to identify the imam and his two cohorts.

Vinluan said the relentless effort of the soldiers to locate the other casualties of the ASG led to the discovery of a “hospital for ASG” in Barangay Libug-Kabao, Panglima Estino Municipality, a neighboring town of Patikul.

Upon learning of the ASG “hospital”, soldiers of the 45th IB (gallant troopers) immediately conducted a Civil-Military Operations (CMO) and Intelligence Operations in the village that resulted in the surrender of the imam and his two aides, Vinluan added.


The soldiers were able to convince the imam and his two aides to return to the folds of the law, Vinluan claimed.

“This imam is not an ordinary Muslim religious leader. He had been the doctor or healer of wounded ASG members for decades,” he said.

He said the soldiers were at the village searching for some of the ASG rebels who fled to Barangay of Libug-Kabao in Panglima Estino Municipality, a neighboring town of Patikul, when they discovered the ASG hospital in the area.

The village of Latih in Patikul, Sulu was the site of an encounter on April 22, 2020 where the ASG suffered one of their biggest defeats this year.

According to Vinluan, the military recovered three ASGs bodies while the rest, who were believed killed or wounded, were dragged by their comrades during their withdrawal towards Barangay Libug-Kabao. (Nonoy E. Lacson)

‘CAFGU member’ shot dead

From Panay News (Jun 19, 2020): ‘CAFGU member’ shot dead (By Ruby Silubrico)

ILOILO City – A purported member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was riddled with bullets outside his house by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in Barangay Tagbak, Jaro district yesterday.

The 63-year-old Herbert Catacutan succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds at the nearby Metro Iloilo Hospital and Medical Center.

He was sweeping dirt outside his house when attacked, according to Police Major Renante Jomocan, Jaro police chief.

Witnesses told the police the two men were riding in tandem on a yellow motorcycle. The backrider who had the gun was wearing a helmet and a pair of shorts.

Jomocan said Catacutan had no derogatory police record.

“Target talaga ang biktima. Bago ang pagbaril may nakakita na ng motorcycle sa area. Several times pabalik-balik, parang nagsu-surveillance,” said Jomocan.

His family claimed Catacutan was a CAFGU member but Jomocan said the victim was not listed.

The CAFGU is an irregular auxiliary force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is tasked to prevent the re-infiltration of insurgents into communities that have already been cleared of their influence by combat operations conducted by regular units of the Armed Forces.

http://www.panaynews.net/cafgu-member-shot-dead/

Sayyaf bomber linked to Congress attack captured in Zamboanga (Photos)

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 19, 2020): Sayyaf bomber linked to Congress attack captured in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Security forces here captured an Abu Sayyaf bomber tagged as among those behind the 2007 attack on Philippine Congress that killed a lawmaker and a civilian, and injured 7 others, officials said Friday.









Police photos released to the Mindanao Examiner regional newspaper show Abu Sayyaf bomber Kahar Indama following his capture late Thursday, June 18, 2020 in his hideout in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines.

Officials said Kahar Indama, a native of Basilan, was also involved in deadly attacks on government troops in the province. He was captured late Thursday in the coastal village of Sangali after policemen, backed by soldiers, tracked him down in his hideout and served him a warrant.

Brigadier General Jesus Cambay Jr, the regional police chief, said several police units and members of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 were involved in the successful operation and commended them.

Cambay said security forces also recovered components for an improvised explosive, a blasting cap, a roll of detonating cord and bottles filled with nails and blass marbles, including a firing device and a revolver with three ammunition.

“Kahar Indama is an ASG member and cousin of Basilan-based ASG leader Furuji Indama. He was an IED expert and was involved in a bombing incident that killed late Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar and the wounding of 7 others wherein two of whom are legislators at Batasan Complex, Quezon City last November 13, 2007.”

“He is also involved in the ambush of 4th Special Forces of the Philippine Army sometime in 2007 that resulted to the killing of seven CAFGUs ( Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit), one BPAT (Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team) and the wounding of three army officers, four enlisted personnel and one CAA (Civilian Active Auxiliary),” said Cambay.

Akbar and Marcial Taldo, a staff member of Congresswoman Luzviminda Ilagan, were killed when a parked motorcycle rigged with explosives went off while the two men were coming out from the building. Akbar, a former governor of Basilan, was the target of the attack.

Cambay said the militant is now in the custody of the Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company and is being interrogated. It was not immediately known whether Indama or his group was planning a terror attack amid the coronavirus pandemic. (Mindanao Examiner, Zamboanga Post)

Tagalog News: Isang miyembro ng NPA sa Northern Samar sumuko

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 19, 2020): Tagalog News: Isang miyembro ng NPA sa Northern Samar sumuko (By PIA-8)

Featured Image

TACLOBAN CITY, June 19 (PIA) -- Isang miyembro ng NPA sa Northern Samar ang sumuko noong Araw ng Kalayaan.

Sa ulat galing sa militar, ang miyembro ng NPA na taga Brgy. E. Duran, Bobon, Northern Samar ay nagsurrender
sa 43rd Infantry Battalion na pinangunguluhan ng Commanding Officer na si Lt. Col. Raymundo Picut.

Isinuko din niya ang dalawang calibre 38 revolver, mga bala at isang granada.

Ang pagsuko ng nasabing miyembro ng NPA na ito ay nagbigay daan para sumuko din ang 71 na iba pang miyembro at supporters ng NPA pagkaraan lang ng ilang araw, noong Ika 15 ng Hunyo.


“Ang pagsuko ng nasabing kasapi ng NPA ay isang patunay at resulta ng sunod-sunod na operasyon na inilunsad sa unang distrito ng Northern Samar, “ ang pahayag ni Lt. Col. Picut.

Hinikayat din niya ang iba pang miyembro ng NPA na bumaba na at magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan.

Ang pamahalaan ay may mga programa para sa nga nagbabalik loob, dagdag pa ni Picut.

“Andiyan ang Enhanced Conprehensive Local Integration Program o E-CLIP at ang Local Social Integratiin Program (LSIP) ng local na pamahalaan ng Northern Samar na magbibigay sa inyo ng ayudang pinansiyal at iba pang serbisyo para sa pagsisimula ng bagong buhay.” (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1045275

2 more NPA rebels yield in Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2020): 2 more NPA rebels yield in Sarangani (By Richelyn Gubalani)



Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of Police Regional Office 12. (File photo courtesy of PRO-12)

Two more “disgruntled” members of a New People’s Army (NPA) unit operating in Sarangani have surrendered to police and military authorities in Maitum town in the province.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 (Soccsksargen), said Friday
the rebels voluntarily yielded, along with their firearms, in Barangay Kalaneg, Maitum at about 5 a.m. last June 17.


Capellan said the surrender was facilitated by elements of PRO-12, Sarangani provincial police, Maitum municipal police, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 12, 10th Infantry Division Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion.

The returnees were former members of Platoons RR and Samsung of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 73 (Musa) - Far South Mindanao Region.

He said they turned in a Garand rifle with one clip loaded with eight live ammunition and a Smith and Wesson caliber .38 revolver with six live ammunition.
“They decided to give up mainly due to their difficult situation in the mountains and they also wanted to return to their families,” Capellan told reporters.

He said the surrenderers were brought to the base of the 1204th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 12 in Barangay Nalus, Kiamba town for debriefing and documentation.

The two will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program so they can avail of aid packages and receive appropriate remuneration for the surrendered firearms, Capellan said.

Since late last month, a total of 46 NPA combatants under NPA Front 73 have surrendered in Sarangani.

Some 44 rebels from the municipalities of Kiamba, Maasim, and Maitum renewed their allegiance to the government and burned an NPA flag in a ceremony in Kiamba town last May 28.


The 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/1106405

Troops nab ASG 'bomb expert' in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2020): Troops nab ASG 'bomb expert' in Zamboanga City (By Ely Dumaboc and Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



ARRESTED. Authorities arrest Thursday (June 18, 2020) an alleged bomb expert, Kahar Indama, in a law enforcement operation in Sangali, Zamboanga City. Indama is a cousin of Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group leader Furuji Indama. (Photo courtesy of Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--An alleged bomb expert of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) involved in the 2007 Batasan bombing was arrested in an intelligence-driven law enforcement operation in this southern port city, a police official said Friday.

Lt. Col. Roland Barraquio, Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company commander,
identified the arrested individual as Kahar Indama, cousin of Basilan-based ASG leader Furuji Indama.

Barraquio said Indama was arrested through a warrant of arrest around 10 p.m. Thursday at his residence in Barangay Sangali here.

Indama has a standing warrant of arrest for violation of Republic Act 10591 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act issued by a court in Basilan.

Barraquio said Indama yielded an improvised explosive device, grenade, and a .38-caliber revolver with ammunition.

Indama was involved in the November 13, 2007 bombing that killed then Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar and injured seven others, two of whom are legislators, at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City, he said.

He said the arrested ASG "bomb expert" was also involved in the ambush of government troops sometime in 2007 that resulted in the death of seven militiamen and one member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) and injured three soldiers and a militiaman.

Barraquio said Indama was detained for proper disposition and documentation.

Meanwhile, Indama denied that he is a member of the ASG and claimed to be an electrician by profession.
Indama said he ventured into buy and sell of fish due to the community quarantine amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

He claimed the IED seized from him is being used in blast fishing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106423

Military operations weaken NPA in Northern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2020): Military operations weaken NPA in Northern Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)




REBEL HIDEOUT. A lair of the New People's Army overran by the Philippine Army in an upland village in Palapag, Northern Samar in this undated photo. The Philippine Army operating in some parts of rebel-infested Northern Samar province said on Friday (June 19, 2020) the New People’s Army continues to weaken following intensified military operations this year. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 20th Infantry Battalion)

The New People’s Army (NPA) continues to weaken following intensified military operations this year, the Philippine Army operating in some parts of rebel-infested Northern Samar province said on Friday.

Lt. Col. Juan Gullem, commander of the Philippine Army’s 20th Infantry Battalion (IB), said a rebel lair overran by government troops and seizure of firearms in Palapag, Northern Samar will paralyze the activities of the communist terrorist group.

On June 14, an encounter between soldiers and rebels in the upland Bagacay village in Palapag led to the discovery of the NPA lair which accommodated some 50 fighters with 21 makeshift bunkers, four posts, and toilets.

Seized after the clash were two homemade shotguns, empty shells, mobile phone, flash drive, transistor radio, gasoline, four civilian bags, food supply, flashlights with batteries, assorted medicines, school identification cards, and subversive documents.

The discovery of school IDs proves that NPAs have been recruiting students to join in the armed struggle, Gullem said.

“The lair’s discovery will weaken the organization since they’re driven away from their comfort zone. The overwhelming support of the local populace to the government makes the NPA vulnerable. It will take time for them to establish another haven unless they surrender,” Gullem said in a phone interview.

On April 23, a major engagement was recorded in Catubig, Northern Samar wherein soldiers attacked an NPA lair, resulting in the seizure of high-powered firearms, ammunition, explosives, bandoliers, assorted medical paraphernalia and medicines, food supply, personal belongings, backpacks, and subversive documents.

The follow-through encounter after four days has killed an NPA rebel and led to the recovery of a submachine gun.

“In these two encounters, the NPA ran away leaving behind their war materials and dead comrade. The unconfirmed report also disclosed that wounded NPAs who died while evading the government troops were buried along their route of withdrawal,” Gullem added.

Some 87 fighters have surrendered to the two army battalions based in Northern Samar province this year.

Since 2019, the 20th IB has captured eight rebels.

Northern Samar is considered to be the NPA’s stronghold in Eastern Visayas due to poor road network, thick forest, high poverty incidence, and low level of education in upland communities.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1106416

Abu Sayyaf ‘Imam’, 2 others surrender in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2020): Abu Sayyaf ‘Imam’, 2 others surrender in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)


An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) “Imam” and two others have surrendered to the government through joint efforts of the Civil-Military Operation (CMO) and intelligence operation in the province of Sulu, an official said Friday.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said the Imam and his two companions surrendered at the Forward Operating Base of the 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB) in Barangay Tugas, Patikul, Sulu on Wednesday.

Encinas was unable to divulge the identities of the three ASG surrenderers, citing security reasons.


“This Imam is no ordinary Muslim religious leader. He had been the healer of wounded Abu Sayyaf members for decades,” he said.

Encinas noted that the surrender of the three is the culmination of a long CMO and intelligence operations launched after the clash between 45IB troopers and the ASG bandits in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu on April 22.

He said the ASG bandits suffered “one of their worst defeats, leaving behind three dead comrades and carrying others who were killed or wounded” during the clash.

The "relentless effort" to locate the other casualties of the ASG led the troops to Barangay Libug-Kabao, Panglima Estino, a neighboring town of Patikul, Encinas said, adding that upon learning of the ASG “hospital”, troops immediately established links through CMO and intelligence operation that culminated in the surrender of the Imam and his two companions.

The three were immediately placed under debriefing procedures.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106438

Ex-NPAs venture into vegetable farming in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2020): Ex-NPAs venture into vegetable farming in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)



FARMING TECHNIQUES. Junie Ellevera Awa (sitting, center) a vegetable farm owner in Barangay Malapong, Buenavista in Agusan del Norte, shares his knowledge and expertise on vegetable farming to the 20 former rebels during the two-day exposure and educational tour on Wednesday (June 17, 2020). The activity is spearheaded by the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – While waiting to complete the processing of their benefits through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), some 20 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have ventured into vegetable gardening to prepare them as they go back to their respective families and communities.

1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, said the former rebels were provided with spaces near their headquarters in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista town for vegetable farming.

“They expressed their desire to venture into vegetable farming and asked us if they could be provided with knowledge and technologies for improved production,” Maglalang told the Philippine News Agency in an interview Friday (June 19).

He said the former rebels availed of free seeds from the Department of Agriculture in the Caraga Region (DA-13) through the "Ahon Lahat, Pagkaing Sapat (ALPAS) Kontra sa Covid-19" program, or the popularly-known "Plant, Plant, Plant" program.

During the lockdown, Maglalang said the former rebels managed to support the food requirements of the other surrenderers inside the camp, even including the soldiers.

After seeing the potentials of vegetable farming, he said the rebels expressed interest to learn more about new agricultural technologies to boost their skills.

“We launched the two-day exposure for the former rebels that started last Wednesday (June 17) in a vegetable farm in Buenavista,” Maglalang added.

The vegetable farm is owned by Junie Ellevera Awa in Barangay Malapong, Buenavista, one of the sources of assorted vegetables in the markets in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City.

“The activity provided the former rebels with different farming strategies that would help improve the productivity of their vegetable gardens under the livelihood program they are working inside the headquarters of 23IB,” Maglalang said.

He pointed out that vegetable gardening will not only help the former rebels and their families sustain their food needs, but also make them productive individuals as they prepare for their integration into their respective communities.

Among the former rebels who ventured into vegetable farming was “Carding”, a former NPA fighter under the Guerrilla Front (GF) 4A of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

“Vegetable farming will help us when we go back to our families and communities),” Carding was quoted by the 23IB as saying.

Carding also expressed gratitude to the government for allowing them to learn new techniques and technologies on vegetable farming.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, 23Ib commander, said he was elated over the "learning experiences" of the former rebels "that will become their tools in improving farm productivity and increased income once they will be home in their communities".

“I encourage the former rebels to take seriously the impart knowledge and technique in proper planting of vegetables,” Paulo added.

Paulo also hopes the bright prospects awaiting the former rebels would serve as "show windows to NPA rebels who continue to be captives of the rotten ideology of the communist movement".

He said the remaining NPA fighters in the mountain should "follow the footsteps of the former rebels who abandoned the communist movement and are now embracing renewed lives with their families and communities".

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106436

Centcom lauds successful ops vs Reds in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2020): Centcom lauds successful ops vs Reds in NegOr (By John Rey Saavedra)



WAR MATERIEL. Central Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, inspects the war materiel confiscated by troops of the 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion who engaged 13 members of the New People's Army (NPA) in a firefight in Mabinay, Negros Oriental on Thursday (June 18, 2020). Ancan commended the soldiers and personnel of the Philippine National Police Regional Mobile Force Battalion-7 (RMFB-7) and Mabinay Police Station for the successful operation which led to the killing of five communist NPA terrorists and confiscation of war materiel. (Photo courtesy of Centcom PIO)
The top military official in the Visayas on Friday lauded the bravery of 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion soldiers for their successful operation against suspected members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army in Sitio Talingting, Barangay Luyang, Mabinay town of Negros Oriental on Thursday, where five of the rebels were killed.
"I congratulate the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army for protecting the community of Negros Oriental from Communist-NPA Terrorists' atrocities and harassment,” said Central Command chief, Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, in a statement.

The 11th IB of the 302nd Infantry (Achiever) Brigade based in Negros Oriental is under the 3rd ID in Jamindan, Capiz.

Lt. Col. Ramir Redosendo, commander of the 11th IB, said they received reports from residents of the upland village of Luyang in Mabinay town about the presence of armed men in the area.

The soldiers, along with elements of the Philippine National Police Regional Mobile Force Battalion-7 (RMFB-7) and Mabinay Police Station, went to the area to check the report. They engaged the rebels in a 10-minute gunfight.

The NPA rebels scampered to different directions, leaving the bodies of five comrades along with the war materiel.

The government troopers confiscated three M-16 rifles, one AK-47 rifle, one .45-caliber pistol, four rifle grenades, one improvised explosive device (IED) used as anti-personnel mine, eight M16 magazines, one .45 pistol magazine, ammunition, two commercial radio handsets, three cellphones, five backpacks, four bandoliers, two CPP-NPA flags, personal belongings and subversive documents.


“The same accolade also goes to the PNP-RMFB7 and Mabinay PNP for their participation to this feat. To our partners for peace through the Negros Oriental TF-ELCAC (Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict), let us continue working together to achieve a genuine peace that would pave the way for socio-economic development in Negros," Ancan said.

He warned the remaining members of the CPP-NPA in Negros Island that “justice will always find you”.

He described the encounter as a “very unfortunate incident” which should be viewed by the insurgents who are terrorizing the people in Negros to go back to the fold of the law.

“I do not want you to suffer the same fate. Lay down your arms and live peacefully with your families and love ones before it’s too late,” Ancan said, addressing the rebels.

Col. Noel Baluyan, chief of the 302nd Brigade, said “the fact that the civilian populace in the areas themselves fed the information on the presence of these CTGs (communist terrorist groups) is an indicator the people are already fed up, sick and tired of their schemes.”

“This is certainly a big blow on the part of the CTGs. They have lost their comrades and high-powered firearms,” Baluyan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106442

AFP helps build temporary shelters for medical front-liners

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2020): AFP helps build temporary shelters for medical front-liners (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. (File photo)

Aside from building military-related infrastructure and projects, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) engineers helped in the construction of temporary shelters and accommodation facilities for the use of medical front-liners amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Our engineers, under the leadership of our Chief Engineer, Maj. Gen. William Ilagan, have worked tirelessly in the construction of facilities that are vital in our efforts to lessen the impact of the pandemic, especially on our front-line workers and on our medical treatment facilities," AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said in a statement late Thursday.

The 51st Engineering Brigade, with the assistance of other stakeholders, completed the temporary shelters for medical workers at the Lung Center of the Philippines (LCP) in Quezon City.

These temporary shelters are part of the Oasis Project of the Office of the Vice President and were designed to provide comfortable sleeping accommodations to medical workers in the frontline against the Covid-19 pandemic.

These shelters were inaugurated last June 15 with Vice President Leni Robredo and partners and donors from IKEA Philippines and Angat Buhay, Robredo's anti-poverty program.

Present during the inauguration ceremonies were Ilagan Architect Peach Buencamino, interior designers Ivy and Cynthia Almario, Architect Rene Heray of the United Architects of the Philippines, Shirley Sanders of the Gardens by Sanders, and Ronnie Traballo of Bomanite, among others.

Aside from LCP, the AFP is also helping in the construction of temporary shelters in Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Chinese General Hospital, and Manila Doctors Hospital.

"We are grateful to Vice President Leni Robredo for initiating this project and for giving the AFP the opportunity to assist in the construction. We will not stop here and our lines will continue to be open for more Angat Buhay projects," Santos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106388

Army sends off 102 locally stranded individuals

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2020): Army sends off 102 locally stranded individuals (By Priam Nepomuceno)



SAFE TRAVEL. Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay (center) leads the send-off of 102 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) who temporarily stayed at the Philippine Army Wellness Center in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (June 19, 2020). The Army earlier opened its facilities to provide shelter to LSIs whose flights were earlier canceled due to quarantine restrictions. (Photo courtesy of the Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

Some 102 locally stranded individuals (LSIs) who were provided shelter by the Philippine Army (PA) were finally able to fly back to their home provinces on Friday.

This after the PA coordinated with airline companies to schedule the flight of some of the LSIs' temporarily housed at the Philippine Army Wellness Center (PAWC) at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The Army transported 102 LSIs to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Pasay City.

"We hope for your safe travel as you return to your families, to your homes,” PA chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a speech before sending off the LSIs.

Aside from this batch, 52 LSIs have already been sent to their respective flights since the PA started accommodating them, Army spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.

Another 47 LSIs are currently being processed and will first undergo an initial screening and coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) rapid testing prior to accommodation.

The PA opened the PAWC, the Army General Hospital (AGH), and specific areas at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani to cater to the LSIs, Zagala said.

The AGH is currently attending to six pregnant LSIs and two others showing signs of stress.

The PA has accommodated a total of 408 LSIs since June 13.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106417

AFP front-liners get food donation from House of Reps

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2020): AFP front-liners get food donation from House of Reps (By Priam Nepomuceno)



FOOD FOR AFP FRONT-LINERS. House of Representatives Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano (center left) turns over food items to AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. (center right), in a ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo on Friday (June 19, 2020). Cayetano thanked the soldiers who continue to risk their lives to serve the people and protect the nation from all threats. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

In appreciation of their valuable service amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, the House of Representatives donated thousands of food items to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) front-liners on Friday.

Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, AFP public affairs office chief, said the food items included 1,882 packs each containing vegetables, 1 kg. of cream dory fish, and 1 kg. of chicken leg quarters and 565 boxes of vitamins.

Two 22-cubic-feet chest freezers were also delivered to Camp Aguinaldo on June 17.

House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano and his wife, Rep. Maria Laarni Cayetano, turned over the food items to AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr. in a ceremony, which took place at the headquarters of the Joint Task Force – National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) inside Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, where most of the front-line troops are assigned.

“On behalf of the men and women of the AFP, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, together with the members of the Congress, for their donations, invaluable support to the AFP, specifically to the JTF-NCR,” Santos said.

Meanwhile, Cayetano expressed gratitude to the soldiers of the AFP for continuing to risk their lives to serve the people and protect the nation from all threats.

“I am also here to lend support to the Armed Forces not only in the fight against Covid-19 but in the fight to have a safe Philippines. From securing the West Philippine Sea to the insurgency that is being fought in the grassroots level all around the country, to the terror threats of ISIS and the remnants of the ISIS from the Middle East and other parts of the country, every single day of your life – naka-duty man o hindi, naka uniporme man o hindi – nilalagay nyo ang sarili nyo sa panganib (on or off-duty, in uniform or not, you continue to risk your lives) so that we can have a safer life,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106453

Cayetano urges AFP to prevent abuses under anti-terror bill

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2020): Cayetano urges AFP to prevent abuses under anti-terror bill (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)


Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday urged the officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure that there will be zero abuses of any provision in the proposed anti-terrorism measure once it is enacted into law.

During the turnover of food items to AFP front-liners at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Cayetano said the AFP must work together with the executive and legislative branches of government, as well as the civil society to prevent potential abuses and prove the critics wrong regarding the proposed law.

“It is a reminder to the Executive Department, the Secretaries, who will form the Task Force Committee, it is a reminder to the Chief-of-Staff, it is a reminder to the Senate and Congress, and it is a reminder to the Chief PNP that the law will be judged not by all its successes, but by one abuse,” he said.

“Maybe not now, maybe not next week, maybe not in one year, we may prove that the critics [are] wrong,” he said.

Cayetano refuted the claims of critics that the anti-terror measure will be used against law-abiding citizens, noting that there are legal safeguards in the proposed law.

He maintained the bill will help the AFP to fight against insurgency and suppress terrorism.

“We have an anti-terror bill that is at par with Singapore, US, and UK. 'Yung pinipintasan po na provisions sa anti-terror bill ay mas mababa po ang period of detention at mas maraming safeguard (The provisions in the anti-terror bill that are being criticized have a shorter period of detention and more safeguards),” he said.

The Speaker said the government has to be vigilant against terrorist threats during this coronavirus pandemic, noting that terrorists can take advantage of the situation to recruit more since many are suffering from hunger and joblessness.

Earlier, the President has certified as urgent House Bill 6875 that proposes amendments to the Human Security Act of 2007, the country's existing anti-terrorism law.

President Rodrigo Duterte said the call for its speedy passage aims to "address the urgent need to strengthen the law on anti-terrorism in order to inadequately and effectively contain the menace of terrorist acts for the preservation of national security and the promotion of general welfare".

The bill is now up for signature of the President after it was transmitted to his office last week.

Duterte can either sign the measure, which he certified as urgent, veto it, or let it lapse into law after 30 days of receipt without signing it.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1106478