From GMA News Online (Jul 8, 2020): 5 suspected ASG killed, 2 soldiers hurt in Patikul clash -WestMinCom (By ANNA FELICIA BAJO)
Five suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed while two soldiers were injured during an encounter in Patikul, Sulu last July 6.
Information from the Western Mindanao Command on Wednesday stated that troops from the Joint Task Force Sulu had a firefight with more or less 40 Abu Sayyaf members at Sitio Libug Wani in Barangay Bakung at 3:55 p.m. of Monday.
The encounter lasted for about 30 minutes, according to WestMinCom spokesman Major Arvin Encinas.
Minutes later, another 30-minute firefight happened between soldiers and more or less 30 local terrorists at Sitio Lumbaan, Barangay Buhanginan.
Encinas identified the two injured soldiers as Staff Sergeant Ramonito Diapolet and Corporal Maynard Cabote.
He said there was also an undetermined number of local terrorists who were injured in the incident. The bodies of the killed Abu Sayyaf were not recovered by the troops.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/746028/5-suspected-asg-killed-2-soldiers-hurt-in-patikul-clash-westmincom/story/
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
AFP-CRS: Barangay peacekeepers who attacked a soldier and CAFGU members yield in Basilan
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2020): Barangay peacekeepers who attacked a soldier and CAFGU members yield in Basilan
“The relentless efforts of the combined elements from the 18th Infantry Battalion,4th Special Forces Battalion, and the local PNP, pressured the gunmen to yield. According to the suspects, they are aware of the charges filed against them and they are ready to face the consequences of their actions.”
BGEN FERNANDO M REYEG PA
Commander, Joint Task Force Basilan
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
“The relentless efforts of the combined elements from the 18th Infantry Battalion,4th Special Forces Battalion, and the local PNP, pressured the gunmen to yield. According to the suspects, they are aware of the charges filed against them and they are ready to face the consequences of their actions.”
BGEN FERNANDO M REYEG PA
Commander, Joint Task Force Basilan
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]
AFP-CRS: Army laments brutal killing of soldier in Samar
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2020): Army laments brutal killing of soldier in Samar
TACLOBAN City – In what it called was a “satanic attack”, the Army’s Eighth Infantry Division (8th ID) has condemned the brutal killing of a soldier and wounding of another by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday, July 6, in Barangay Canvais, Motiong, Samar.
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
TACLOBAN City – In what it called was a “satanic attack”, the Army’s Eighth Infantry Division (8th ID) has condemned the brutal killing of a soldier and wounding of another by suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday, July 6, in Barangay Canvais, Motiong, Samar.
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]
AFP-CRS: A wasted life of an activist turned CPP-NPA in Iloilo
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2020): A wasted life of an activist turned CPP-NPA in Iloilo
“To live peacefully is to live happily, but to live with misery leads to jeopardy.”
The life of a campus student activist was wasted, after joining the senseless armed struggle, fighting a battle that he should not be, and dying in a place that meant nothing to him.
The recent encounter that occred in Sitio Lay, Brgy. Dalije, Miagao, Iloilo last June 29, 2020 between the operating troops of 61IB and members of CPP-NPA Terrorist resulted in the loss of life of a one NPA member named Malvin Christian V Cruz also known as Alyas LEAN/LUCAS who.
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
“To live peacefully is to live happily, but to live with misery leads to jeopardy.”
The life of a campus student activist was wasted, after joining the senseless armed struggle, fighting a battle that he should not be, and dying in a place that meant nothing to him.
The recent encounter that occred in Sitio Lay, Brgy. Dalije, Miagao, Iloilo last June 29, 2020 between the operating troops of 61IB and members of CPP-NPA Terrorist resulted in the loss of life of a one NPA member named Malvin Christian V Cruz also known as Alyas LEAN/LUCAS who.
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]
AFP-CRS: Army Feeds Former rebels Children Observes Nutrition Month Celebration
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2020): Army Feeds Former rebels Children Observes Nutrition Month Celebration
“This simple activity is wholeheartedly conducted for the children as we always believe that the youth is the hope of our nation. They must be taken care of and be guided properly so that they will be transformed into peace-loving individuals who will soon become great leaders that will contribute to nation-building.”
LTC JULIUS CESAR C PAULO INF (GSC) PA
Commander, 23rd Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
“This simple activity is wholeheartedly conducted for the children as we always believe that the youth is the hope of our nation. They must be taken care of and be guided properly so that they will be transformed into peace-loving individuals who will soon become great leaders that will contribute to nation-building.”
LTC JULIUS CESAR C PAULO INF (GSC) PA
Commander, 23rd Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]
AFP-CRS: Army condemned the CPP-NPA continued acts of injustice to the children of their combatants
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2020): Army condemned the CPP-NPA continued acts of injustice to the children of their combatants
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Soldiers observe the 2020 Nutrition Month by feeding children of former rebels at the 23IB Headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, July 5, 2020.
The troops of 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion conducted a Feeding Activity in support of the 46th National Nutrition Month Celebration 2020 that carries the theme: “Batang Pinoy, SANA TALL… Iwas Stunting, SAMA ALL! Iwas ALL din sa COVID-19!” A total of 27 children of former rebels (FRs) enjoyed hot porridge with egg, bread and a glass of juice served by 23rd IB troopers.
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Soldiers observe the 2020 Nutrition Month by feeding children of former rebels at the 23IB Headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, July 5, 2020.
The troops of 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion conducted a Feeding Activity in support of the 46th National Nutrition Month Celebration 2020 that carries the theme: “Batang Pinoy, SANA TALL… Iwas Stunting, SAMA ALL! Iwas ALL din sa COVID-19!” A total of 27 children of former rebels (FRs) enjoyed hot porridge with egg, bread and a glass of juice served by 23rd IB troopers.
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]
AFP-CRS: CPP-NPA member wanted for rape arrested in Bohol
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2020): CPP-NPA member wanted for rape arrested in Bohol
CORTES, Bohol July 6 (PIA) – At certain times in the past, the notorious kangaroo courts of the New People’s Army (NPA) instilled fear among corrupt officials and criminals.
Not anymore as the apparent lie of armed local insurgents unraveled the thread of using and coddling criminals to perpetuate a lost cause.
On this, the Philippine Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Allan Tabudlo slammed the NPA members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) for terrorizing communities using coddled criminals.
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
CORTES, Bohol July 6 (PIA) – At certain times in the past, the notorious kangaroo courts of the New People’s Army (NPA) instilled fear among corrupt officials and criminals.
Not anymore as the apparent lie of armed local insurgents unraveled the thread of using and coddling criminals to perpetuate a lost cause.
On this, the Philippine Army’s 47th Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Allan Tabudlo slammed the NPA members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP-NPA) for terrorizing communities using coddled criminals.
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]
AFP-CRS: Army Aviation Regiment celebrates first activation anniversary
Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Jul 8, 2020): Army Aviation Regiment celebrates first activation anniversary
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment celebrated its 1st Activation Anniversary with the theme “Hiraya: Kaagapay sa Katuparan ng Modernong Hukbong Katihan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” today, July 6, 2020 at the Headquarters Aviation Regiment, Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan, Nueva Ecija.
Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay in his speech commended the regiment for their contribution to the Army’s COVID-19 efforts, as well as their conduct of aerial reconnaissance and maritime patrols over Northern Luzon, Eastern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao Command.
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment celebrated its 1st Activation Anniversary with the theme “Hiraya: Kaagapay sa Katuparan ng Modernong Hukbong Katihan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran” today, July 6, 2020 at the Headquarters Aviation Regiment, Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan, Nueva Ecija.
Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay in his speech commended the regiment for their contribution to the Army’s COVID-19 efforts, as well as their conduct of aerial reconnaissance and maritime patrols over Northern Luzon, Eastern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao Command.
#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com
[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]
Kalinaw News: CNTs indiscriminately fire towards CSP team hitting innocent civilian
Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 8, 2020): CNTs indiscriminately fire towards CSP team hitting innocent civilian (By 3rd Infantry Division)
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – CTGs desperate move resulted to the wounding of a 16-year old lad in Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz at about 06:30 this morning.
The victim was identified as Donald Aguirre, a resident of said barangay.
First aid was given by 12IB CSP team as the victim was hit on his right thigh by CNT’s indiscriminate fires.
Accordingly, Aguirre was fetching water near the location of the 12IB Community Support Program (CSP) Team when the communist-terrorists group indiscriminately fired unmindful that other civilians in the vicinity might be hit.
More or less five members of the communist-terrorist group (CTG) perpetrated the cowardly act.
Colonel Marion Sison, the Commander of the Army’s 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade slammed the CPP-NPA Terrorists for unminding collateral damage.
“The CTG does not care whether civilians or properties will be damaged or destroyed because that is what they do best especially when they are in despair. This will not intimidate us however, instead, it will further propel us on our firm resolved to dismantle these CNTs,” Col. Sison said.
“Our CSP is hurting them because it is very effective in addressing the root-causes of the insurgency. It created a tangible damage to their propaganda, hence, they are now running out of issues to exploit and use to agitate the local populace,” Sison added.
Despite the incident, Sison gave assurance to the Tapaznon that the Army’s CSP Team with the overwhelming support of the LGU and the community will continue to bring the government closer to them through fast and unhampered delivery of services.
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz – CTGs desperate move resulted to the wounding of a 16-year old lad in Tacayan, Tapaz, Capiz at about 06:30 this morning.
The victim was identified as Donald Aguirre, a resident of said barangay.
First aid was given by 12IB CSP team as the victim was hit on his right thigh by CNT’s indiscriminate fires.
Accordingly, Aguirre was fetching water near the location of the 12IB Community Support Program (CSP) Team when the communist-terrorists group indiscriminately fired unmindful that other civilians in the vicinity might be hit.
More or less five members of the communist-terrorist group (CTG) perpetrated the cowardly act.
Colonel Marion Sison, the Commander of the Army’s 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade slammed the CPP-NPA Terrorists for unminding collateral damage.
“The CTG does not care whether civilians or properties will be damaged or destroyed because that is what they do best especially when they are in despair. This will not intimidate us however, instead, it will further propel us on our firm resolved to dismantle these CNTs,” Col. Sison said.
“Our CSP is hurting them because it is very effective in addressing the root-causes of the insurgency. It created a tangible damage to their propaganda, hence, they are now running out of issues to exploit and use to agitate the local populace,” Sison added.
Despite the incident, Sison gave assurance to the Tapaznon that the Army’s CSP Team with the overwhelming support of the LGU and the community will continue to bring the government closer to them through fast and unhampered delivery of services.
[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]
Kalinaw News: AgSur Farmers disowns NAMASUR, creates a new association as their own
Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 8, 2020): AgSur Farmers disowns NAMASUR, creates a new association as their own (By 4th Infantry "Diamond" Division, Philippine Army)
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur -Former members of Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR) undergone reorientation and registration of their newly organized association conducted yesterday at Brgy Guadalupe, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, July 07, 2020.
With the support of Esperanza Local Government Unit and with the guidance of it’s Municipal Mayor Hon. Leonida P. Manpatilan, the Guadalupe United Farmers Association (GUFA) as their new organization was registered through the assistance of the Municipal Information Office and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) spearheaded by Ms. Gina Amonhay together with the combined troops from 26th Infantry Battalion and 41st Civil-Military Operation (CMO) Company, 4th CMO Battalion, under 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
Based on intelligence reports and revelations from former rebels, NAMASUR is one of the organizations being utilized by the CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) on fundraising and even source of manpower during the conduct of protests and rallies against the government in urban areas, worst is it also become a source of recruitment for NPA regulars and cadres.
As part of its deceptive tactics, the organizer of NAMASUR as it was legally qualified as People’s Organization, will proposed livelihood projects to concerned public or private agencies in order to gain funds which will, later on, be used as support to CNT movement.
“Isip presidente sa GUFA nga amung bag-ong asosasyon, ako nagpasalamat sa tabang sa atuang gobyerno ilabi na sa mga kasundaluhan sa ilang gibuhat sa panuyo nga kami mahigmata ug maundang ang paggamit sa amua sa NAMASUR. Wala mi mga kalabutan nga daotan diay ang tumong ug panuyo sa amuha sa maong organisasyon”, Arthur P. Cabana said, former NAMASUR member.
Meanwhile, Lt Col Reynald Romel A. Goce, commanding officer of 26IB expressed his gratitude and compliment to all the farmers who unravel their membership to NAMASUR.
“This is the time for us to unite in order to defeat these deceptive tactics of the CNT in using our farmers to be part of their violence and ambition in grabbing political power from our government. Hopefully, this will be the start of our winning cause in defeating this kind of left-
leaning organization”, Lt Col Goce stated.
As prescribed by RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020), under Sec. 12 of the said act, “Any person who provides any material support to any terrorist individual or terrorist organization, association or group of people knowing that such groups are involved in terroristic activities, shall be liable as principal to any and all other terroristic activities committed by said individuals or organizations in addition to any criminal liabilities he/she or they may have incurred in relation thereto”.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines pursuant to the provisions of RA 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007.
[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/agsur-farmers-disowns-namasur-creates-a-new-association-as-their-own/
TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur -Former members of Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR) undergone reorientation and registration of their newly organized association conducted yesterday at Brgy Guadalupe, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, July 07, 2020.
With the support of Esperanza Local Government Unit and with the guidance of it’s Municipal Mayor Hon. Leonida P. Manpatilan, the Guadalupe United Farmers Association (GUFA) as their new organization was registered through the assistance of the Municipal Information Office and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) spearheaded by Ms. Gina Amonhay together with the combined troops from 26th Infantry Battalion and 41st Civil-Military Operation (CMO) Company, 4th CMO Battalion, under 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army.
Based on intelligence reports and revelations from former rebels, NAMASUR is one of the organizations being utilized by the CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) on fundraising and even source of manpower during the conduct of protests and rallies against the government in urban areas, worst is it also become a source of recruitment for NPA regulars and cadres.
As part of its deceptive tactics, the organizer of NAMASUR as it was legally qualified as People’s Organization, will proposed livelihood projects to concerned public or private agencies in order to gain funds which will, later on, be used as support to CNT movement.
“Isip presidente sa GUFA nga amung bag-ong asosasyon, ako nagpasalamat sa tabang sa atuang gobyerno ilabi na sa mga kasundaluhan sa ilang gibuhat sa panuyo nga kami mahigmata ug maundang ang paggamit sa amua sa NAMASUR. Wala mi mga kalabutan nga daotan diay ang tumong ug panuyo sa amuha sa maong organisasyon”, Arthur P. Cabana said, former NAMASUR member.
Meanwhile, Lt Col Reynald Romel A. Goce, commanding officer of 26IB expressed his gratitude and compliment to all the farmers who unravel their membership to NAMASUR.
“This is the time for us to unite in order to defeat these deceptive tactics of the CNT in using our farmers to be part of their violence and ambition in grabbing political power from our government. Hopefully, this will be the start of our winning cause in defeating this kind of left-
leaning organization”, Lt Col Goce stated.
As prescribed by RA 11479 (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020), under Sec. 12 of the said act, “Any person who provides any material support to any terrorist individual or terrorist organization, association or group of people knowing that such groups are involved in terroristic activities, shall be liable as principal to any and all other terroristic activities committed by said individuals or organizations in addition to any criminal liabilities he/she or they may have incurred in relation thereto”.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines pursuant to the provisions of RA 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007.
[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/agsur-farmers-disowns-namasur-creates-a-new-association-as-their-own/
Kalinaw News: AFP, PNP team up to resolve insurgency in Misamis Oriental
Posted to Kalinaw News (Jul 8, 2020): AFP, PNP team up to resolve insurgency in Misamis Oriental (By 58th Infantry ‘Dimalulupig’ Battalion)
CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- The Army’s 58th Infantry ‘Dimalulupig’ Battalion joined in the Provincial Joint Peace Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) conference held at Headquarters Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, San Martin, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental last July 06, 2020.
The said conference was graced by PCOL Robert Roy V Bahian, Provincial Director of Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office and was attended by the Police Strategy Management Unit (POMU), Police Intervention Unit (PIU), Army’s 23rd Infantry ‘Masigasig’ Battalion, 1st Special Forces ‘Anytime, Anywhere’ Battalion, and 58IB.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) gathered together to discuss the security preparations and preventive actions to deter CTG’s plan and to strengthen the overall security and target hardening measures, coordination and collaborations.
The said JPSCC meeting was convened to further synergize the police and military strategies into a national campaign that will defeat all threat groups and criminal elements, to ensure security and to maintain public safety to contribute to socio-economic development of the country.
During the meeting, the agenda being discussed was the present situation of said province in terms of Internal Security Operation (ISO), Anti-criminality, and updates of COVID-19. The key leaders also discussed the current operations and accomplishments of AFP-PNP ISO that resulted to the imminent downfall of the enemy.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said, “Together with the PNP, we will continue develop well rounded defense system in assuring the safety of the peace and loving people of Misamis Oriental. Your uniformed men will continue its active liaising and collaborating with other line agencies and our civilian partners to attain our shared goal that is lasting peace and development of our country.”
“We need better coordination and cooperation in our operations on internal security, anti-criminality, and counter-terrorism,” Lt.Col.Canatoy added.
The uniformed men and women of the AFP and PNP assured that their relationship will remain strong and steadfast as they perform their mandated duty to promote peace and support the development initiatives of the government towards inclusive growth.
[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/afp-pnp-team-up-to-resolve-insurgency-in-misamis-oriental/
CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- The Army’s 58th Infantry ‘Dimalulupig’ Battalion joined in the Provincial Joint Peace Security Coordinating Council (JPSCC) conference held at Headquarters Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office, San Martin, Villanueva, Misamis Oriental last July 06, 2020.
The said conference was graced by PCOL Robert Roy V Bahian, Provincial Director of Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office and was attended by the Police Strategy Management Unit (POMU), Police Intervention Unit (PIU), Army’s 23rd Infantry ‘Masigasig’ Battalion, 1st Special Forces ‘Anytime, Anywhere’ Battalion, and 58IB.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) gathered together to discuss the security preparations and preventive actions to deter CTG’s plan and to strengthen the overall security and target hardening measures, coordination and collaborations.
The said JPSCC meeting was convened to further synergize the police and military strategies into a national campaign that will defeat all threat groups and criminal elements, to ensure security and to maintain public safety to contribute to socio-economic development of the country.
During the meeting, the agenda being discussed was the present situation of said province in terms of Internal Security Operation (ISO), Anti-criminality, and updates of COVID-19. The key leaders also discussed the current operations and accomplishments of AFP-PNP ISO that resulted to the imminent downfall of the enemy.
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB said, “Together with the PNP, we will continue develop well rounded defense system in assuring the safety of the peace and loving people of Misamis Oriental. Your uniformed men will continue its active liaising and collaborating with other line agencies and our civilian partners to attain our shared goal that is lasting peace and development of our country.”
“We need better coordination and cooperation in our operations on internal security, anti-criminality, and counter-terrorism,” Lt.Col.Canatoy added.
The uniformed men and women of the AFP and PNP assured that their relationship will remain strong and steadfast as they perform their mandated duty to promote peace and support the development initiatives of the government towards inclusive growth.
[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/afp-pnp-team-up-to-resolve-insurgency-in-misamis-oriental/
Reservists Sara Duterte, Robin Padilla join PH Army advisory board
From Rappler (Jul 8, 2020): Reservists Sara Duterte, Robin Padilla join PH Army advisory board (By JC Gotinga)
The board also includes other government officials such as Public Works Secretary Mark Villar and Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, as well as actor and Army reservist Matteo Guidicelli
The board also includes other government officials such as Public Works Secretary Mark Villar and Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, as well as actor and Army reservist Matteo Guidicelli
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte and actor Robin Padilla joined the Philippine Army's Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) on Wednesday, July 8.
Army chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay inducted Duterte and Padilla in an oath-taking ceremony through videoconference, the Army said in a media statement.
Duterte and Padilla are Army reservists.
The Army's MSAB was created "to promote the continuity and sustainability of the Army Transformation Roadmap, and to encourage shared responsibility through its committees" on governance, resource management, review and assessment, strategic communication, and research and education, the Army said.
The board includes members from the government, nongovernmental organizations, the media, business, defense, and youth circles.
Other MSAB members include Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon, Davao de Oro 2nd District Representative Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and actor Mateo Guidicelli, also an Army reservist.
The current board is led by Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Charito Plaza.
Gapay said the MSAB members are the the Army's "accountability partners in tranformation strategy."
"I welcome you with gratitude, trusting in your commitment to champion the cause that is the Transformation Roadmap. Let us promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Let us become a world-class Army that is a source of national pride," Gapay told the new board members.
Duterte is the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte. Padilla is a staunch supporter of the President.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/266074-reservists-sara-duterte-robin-padilla-join-philippine-army-advisory-board
Army chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay inducted Duterte and Padilla in an oath-taking ceremony through videoconference, the Army said in a media statement.
Duterte and Padilla are Army reservists.
The Army's MSAB was created "to promote the continuity and sustainability of the Army Transformation Roadmap, and to encourage shared responsibility through its committees" on governance, resource management, review and assessment, strategic communication, and research and education, the Army said.
The board includes members from the government, nongovernmental organizations, the media, business, defense, and youth circles.
Other MSAB members include Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Muntinlupa Representative Ruffy Biazon, Davao de Oro 2nd District Representative Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, and actor Mateo Guidicelli, also an Army reservist.
The current board is led by Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Charito Plaza.
Gapay said the MSAB members are the the Army's "accountability partners in tranformation strategy."
"I welcome you with gratitude, trusting in your commitment to champion the cause that is the Transformation Roadmap. Let us promote transparency, accountability, and efficiency. Let us become a world-class Army that is a source of national pride," Gapay told the new board members.
Duterte is the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte. Padilla is a staunch supporter of the President.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/266074-reservists-sara-duterte-robin-padilla-join-philippine-army-advisory-board
59 former NPAs receive cash aid from the gov’t
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 8, 2020): 59 former NPAs receive cash aid from the gov’t (By Mike Crismundo)
Despite the threat posed by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the provincial and municipal governments of Agusan del Sur extended financial assistance to 59 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the remote and far-flung areas in the municipality of La Paz town of that same province.
The provincial government of Agusan del Sur and local government unit of La Paz remained steadfast in curbing the local Communist armed conflict, and in providing the necessary and appropriate interventions to the former NPAs and even the affected residents in the remote and conflict-affected areas in La Paz town.
The 59 former rebels received cash assistance from the government worth P15,000 pesos each.
The handing over of cash assistance to them was in time with the conduct of the three-day peace-building seminar last week with the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Barangay Kasapa II of that same town.
In this activity, the locals passed a resolution declaring ‘persona non-grata’ the CPP-NPA-NDF.
Apart from extending financial assistance to the FRs, four people’s organizations (POs) were also given tissue culture lacatan plantlets with organic fertilizers, vegetables, and corn seeds from the provincial and municipal agriculture offices.
Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane, Jr. said the IPs have been very supportive and cooperative in the local peace talks and dialogue and actively join other sectors towards achieving peace and development in the province and the region.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/08/59-former-npas-receive-cash-aid-from-the-govt/
The provincial government of Agusan del Sur and local government unit of La Paz remained steadfast in curbing the local Communist armed conflict, and in providing the necessary and appropriate interventions to the former NPAs and even the affected residents in the remote and conflict-affected areas in La Paz town.
The 59 former rebels received cash assistance from the government worth P15,000 pesos each.
The handing over of cash assistance to them was in time with the conduct of the three-day peace-building seminar last week with the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in Barangay Kasapa II of that same town.
In this activity, the locals passed a resolution declaring ‘persona non-grata’ the CPP-NPA-NDF.
Apart from extending financial assistance to the FRs, four people’s organizations (POs) were also given tissue culture lacatan plantlets with organic fertilizers, vegetables, and corn seeds from the provincial and municipal agriculture offices.
Agusan del Sur Gov. Santiago Cane, Jr. said the IPs have been very supportive and cooperative in the local peace talks and dialogue and actively join other sectors towards achieving peace and development in the province and the region.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/08/59-former-npas-receive-cash-aid-from-the-govt/
Suspected NPA rebels abduct barangay councilor, watchman
Posted to Philippine Lifestyle News (Jul 7, 2020): Suspected NPA rebels abduct barangay councilor, watchman (By Margret Fermin)
A barangay councilor and watchman were not yet found after suspected New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels entered their houses and dragged them to the mountainous area of Brgy. Selected, Balud, Masbate, Sunday night.
Authorities are still searching for the victims identified as Noli Dela Cruz, 51 years old, a councilor at Brgy. Mapili and relative Marlon Dela Cruz Bajar, 25 years old, a barangay watchman of the same barangay.
According to the report, at about 11 pm, seven armed NPA members entered the home of Dela Cruz, who was sleeping and dragged him out.
The armed rebels soon raided Bajar’s house and took him with Dela Cruz in the mountains.
It is still unclear whether the suspects were alive or killed as their relatives continue to hope they are still alive.
In May, the Philippine military said suspected members of NPA abducted three peacebuilders, who were former rebels in Motiong, Samar.
Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division said the communist group abducted a certain Cosme Cabangunay and his two sons, Jevie and Jason.
Also read: Duterte scraps peace talks with CPP-NPA
The victims were reportedly former NPA members who surrendered to the government and are now serving as members of Motiong Peacebuilders. It is an organization of former rebels working for peace and community development.
President Rodrigo Duterte, two weeks before he signed Anti-Terrorism Bill into law on Friday, said that the number one threat to the country is Terrorism and the communists.
“Terrorism is number one on our list. Actually, the number one threat to the country, hindi Abu Sayyaf, hindi mga terorista of no value. Itong high-value targets itong mga komunista (is not the Abu Sayyaf Group nor the terrorists of no value. The high-value targets are the communists),” he said.
“If I do not do my duty now as President, we might just bargain away, place in jeopardy, the democratic values that the Filipinos have enjoyed for the longest time,” he said.
While Duterte’s military and security officials consider the law as a response to the continuing threat from terror groups in the country such as the Abu Sayyaf and NPA, lawyer groups and human rights advocates, oppose the bill because of its vague definition of Terrorism and fear it may be used against political dissent.
A barangay councilor and watchman were not yet found after suspected New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels entered their houses and dragged them to the mountainous area of Brgy. Selected, Balud, Masbate, Sunday night.
Authorities are still searching for the victims identified as Noli Dela Cruz, 51 years old, a councilor at Brgy. Mapili and relative Marlon Dela Cruz Bajar, 25 years old, a barangay watchman of the same barangay.
According to the report, at about 11 pm, seven armed NPA members entered the home of Dela Cruz, who was sleeping and dragged him out.
The armed rebels soon raided Bajar’s house and took him with Dela Cruz in the mountains.
It is still unclear whether the suspects were alive or killed as their relatives continue to hope they are still alive.
In May, the Philippine military said suspected members of NPA abducted three peacebuilders, who were former rebels in Motiong, Samar.
Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division said the communist group abducted a certain Cosme Cabangunay and his two sons, Jevie and Jason.
Also read: Duterte scraps peace talks with CPP-NPA
The victims were reportedly former NPA members who surrendered to the government and are now serving as members of Motiong Peacebuilders. It is an organization of former rebels working for peace and community development.
President Rodrigo Duterte, two weeks before he signed Anti-Terrorism Bill into law on Friday, said that the number one threat to the country is Terrorism and the communists.
“Terrorism is number one on our list. Actually, the number one threat to the country, hindi Abu Sayyaf, hindi mga terorista of no value. Itong high-value targets itong mga komunista (is not the Abu Sayyaf Group nor the terrorists of no value. The high-value targets are the communists),” he said.
“If I do not do my duty now as President, we might just bargain away, place in jeopardy, the democratic values that the Filipinos have enjoyed for the longest time,” he said.
While Duterte’s military and security officials consider the law as a response to the continuing threat from terror groups in the country such as the Abu Sayyaf and NPA, lawyer groups and human rights advocates, oppose the bill because of its vague definition of Terrorism and fear it may be used against political dissent.
Tourists barred from entering Cebu island due to armed men
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 7, 2020): Tourists barred from entering Cebu island due to armed men (By Mars W. Mosqueda Jr.)
Olango Island | credit wikipedia | Manila Bulletin
Authorities barred local and foreign tourists from entering Olango Island, a known bird sanctuary in Cebu, after residents reported encountering masked armed men.
The Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines immediately sent troopers in Barangay Sabang after one resident said four unidentified men, wearing masks and carrying bags, which reportedly contained long firearms, asked food and money from her.
Aida Patigdas, a resident of Sitio Tuburan, said four armed men went to her house high noon Thursday to ask for some money and food. Patigdas, who owns a convenience store, said she refused to give the men money because she was scared.
When police responded to the area, they heard successive gunfire apparently from long firearms at Sitio Bas Toral, Barangay San Vicente.
Different units of the police, along with members of the 47th Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Navy were currently conducting clearing operations in the area to verify whether or not bandits had entered the island.
However, authorities had not confirmed nor deny the presence of the armed men and if those armed men are members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Olango Island located adjacent to Inabanga town in Bohol, where a clash between the ASG men and government troops resulted to the death of nine people, including three soldiers and a policeman.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/tourists-barred-from-entering-cebu-island-due-to-armed-men/
Olango Island | credit wikipedia | Manila Bulletin
Authorities barred local and foreign tourists from entering Olango Island, a known bird sanctuary in Cebu, after residents reported encountering masked armed men.
The Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines immediately sent troopers in Barangay Sabang after one resident said four unidentified men, wearing masks and carrying bags, which reportedly contained long firearms, asked food and money from her.
Aida Patigdas, a resident of Sitio Tuburan, said four armed men went to her house high noon Thursday to ask for some money and food. Patigdas, who owns a convenience store, said she refused to give the men money because she was scared.
When police responded to the area, they heard successive gunfire apparently from long firearms at Sitio Bas Toral, Barangay San Vicente.
Different units of the police, along with members of the 47th Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, and the Philippine Navy were currently conducting clearing operations in the area to verify whether or not bandits had entered the island.
However, authorities had not confirmed nor deny the presence of the armed men and if those armed men are members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Olango Island located adjacent to Inabanga town in Bohol, where a clash between the ASG men and government troops resulted to the death of nine people, including three soldiers and a policeman.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/tourists-barred-from-entering-cebu-island-due-to-armed-men/
BARMM to award 7,000 study grants to technical skills students
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 6, 2020): BARMM to award 7,000 study grants to technical skills students (By Nash B. Maulana)
The Bangsamoro Government is set to award some 7,000 study grant slots to students of technical skills development training through its Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education’s (MBHTE).
MBHTE Minister Mohaguer Iqbal of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said the regional government was providing the scholarship program to potential youth candidates, under the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) of his ministry.
Among potential beneficiaries are children of former Moro combatants as part of the Normalization Process provided under the Annexes of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, Iqbal said.
The TVET scholarship package includes Skills Training (ST) Entrepreneurship Training (ET), Values Transformation Training (VTT), with a National Assessment Program, and that the intended beneficiaries will have a monthly stipend of P 3,000.00 each from a Training Support Fund of P100.00 per day per student.
Iqbal said the scholarship program is designed to increase potential learners’ access to TVET especially at the community level, in support to the BARMM leadership’s call for ‘Moral Governance’; to respond to the region’s 12-Point agenda, which include addressing the pressing challenges on education and poverty; and to provide assistance to students through collaborative governance.
As a distinguished member of the Bangsamoro Parliament, Iqbal said the technical skills training and educational program also formed part of the implementation of the normalization process contained in the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
“[TVET] is ultimately designed to help provide for the needs of communities and their respected leaders with greater emphasis to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Communities of the Indigenous People, and marginalized sectors of the society,” Iqbal added.
Applicants, from 20 to 60 years old, are qualified to enroll for the scholarship program as long as they are currently not recipients of other government scholarships and are not in education or training.
Iqbal said Bangsamoro people, including non-Muslims, are welcome to apply as long as they are residents of the provinces covered by BARMM, including those from the 63 barangays comprising BARMMS’ special geographic areas in North Cotabato.
Faida Latip Sr., specialist of the MBHTE-Technical Education and Skills Development (TESD), said: “We are going to create a ministry-led Regional Scholarship Monitoring Team from our provincial office in order to capacitate the implementing team, and monitor our field operations for the scholarship.”
MBHTE-TESD is still finalizing the process and the guidelines on how to apply for slots in the scholarship program.
https://manilastandard.net/lgu/mindanao/327916/barmm-to-award-7-000-study-grants-to-technical-skills-students.html
MBHTE Minister Mohaguer Iqbal of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) said the regional government was providing the scholarship program to potential youth candidates, under the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) of his ministry.
Among potential beneficiaries are children of former Moro combatants as part of the Normalization Process provided under the Annexes of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, Iqbal said.
The TVET scholarship package includes Skills Training (ST) Entrepreneurship Training (ET), Values Transformation Training (VTT), with a National Assessment Program, and that the intended beneficiaries will have a monthly stipend of P 3,000.00 each from a Training Support Fund of P100.00 per day per student.
Iqbal said the scholarship program is designed to increase potential learners’ access to TVET especially at the community level, in support to the BARMM leadership’s call for ‘Moral Governance’; to respond to the region’s 12-Point agenda, which include addressing the pressing challenges on education and poverty; and to provide assistance to students through collaborative governance.
As a distinguished member of the Bangsamoro Parliament, Iqbal said the technical skills training and educational program also formed part of the implementation of the normalization process contained in the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
“[TVET] is ultimately designed to help provide for the needs of communities and their respected leaders with greater emphasis to Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Communities of the Indigenous People, and marginalized sectors of the society,” Iqbal added.
Applicants, from 20 to 60 years old, are qualified to enroll for the scholarship program as long as they are currently not recipients of other government scholarships and are not in education or training.
Iqbal said Bangsamoro people, including non-Muslims, are welcome to apply as long as they are residents of the provinces covered by BARMM, including those from the 63 barangays comprising BARMMS’ special geographic areas in North Cotabato.
Faida Latip Sr., specialist of the MBHTE-Technical Education and Skills Development (TESD), said: “We are going to create a ministry-led Regional Scholarship Monitoring Team from our provincial office in order to capacitate the implementing team, and monitor our field operations for the scholarship.”
MBHTE-TESD is still finalizing the process and the guidelines on how to apply for slots in the scholarship program.
https://manilastandard.net/lgu/mindanao/327916/barmm-to-award-7-000-study-grants-to-technical-skills-students.html
GRP-NDFP bilateral teams may arrive at consensus on CASER, ceasefire
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 7, 2020): GRP-NDFP bilateral teams may arrive at consensus on CASER, ceasefire (By Antonio Colina IV)
Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III, who is concurrent chair of the government (GRP) peace negotiating panel, said the bilateral teams of the government (GRP) and National Democratic Front (NDF) are working out the contentious provisions on the social economic reforms and expressed optimism the two parties may possibly “arrive at a consensus” on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and bilateral ceasefire.
Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III, who is concurrent chair of the government (GRP) peace negotiating panel, said the bilateral teams of the government (GRP) and National Democratic Front (NDF) are working out the contentious provisions on the social economic reforms and expressed optimism the two parties may possibly “arrive at a consensus” on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER) and bilateral ceasefire.
Secretay Silvestre Bello III (Credits: Keith Bacongco / MANILA BULLETIN file photo)
In an interview at the sidelines of the 2017 National Labor Day Celebration at the People’s Park in Davao City Monday (May 1) Bello said their respective committees exchanged drafts and held informal bilateral meetings in the country to discuss the contentious provisions as pointed out during the fourth formal GRP-NDF last April 3 to 7 in the Netherlands.
“Ang report sa akin ni Nani Braganza, who is chairman of the committee on CASER, mukhang magkakasundo na sila and they will submit it to the panel for final approval maybe by May 27 to June 1,” Bello said.
He said draft CASER will be presented in the fifth round of talks in Noorwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands on May 26 to June 2, 2017.
During the April 3 to 6 fourth round of talks in The Netherlands, the committees exchanged their respective comparative “color-coded matrices” identifying both contentious and acceptable provisions of the CASER drafts submitted by both parties.
The parties agreed to exchange comments on the contentious provisions of the National Industrialization and Economic Development (NIED) drafts on May 2; meeting of the NIED bilateral teams on May 4; submission of reports of the bilateral teams to the RWCs-SER and submission of GRP’s comparative color-coded matrices on Environmental Protection and Rights of the Working People and Livelihoods to NDFP on May 19; exchange of draft minutes of the fourth round of the RWCs-SER bilateral meetings on May 20.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/grp-ndfp-bilateral-teams-may-arrive-at-consensus-on-caser-ceasefire/
In an interview at the sidelines of the 2017 National Labor Day Celebration at the People’s Park in Davao City Monday (May 1) Bello said their respective committees exchanged drafts and held informal bilateral meetings in the country to discuss the contentious provisions as pointed out during the fourth formal GRP-NDF last April 3 to 7 in the Netherlands.
“Ang report sa akin ni Nani Braganza, who is chairman of the committee on CASER, mukhang magkakasundo na sila and they will submit it to the panel for final approval maybe by May 27 to June 1,” Bello said.
He said draft CASER will be presented in the fifth round of talks in Noorwijk aan Zee, The Netherlands on May 26 to June 2, 2017.
During the April 3 to 6 fourth round of talks in The Netherlands, the committees exchanged their respective comparative “color-coded matrices” identifying both contentious and acceptable provisions of the CASER drafts submitted by both parties.
The parties agreed to exchange comments on the contentious provisions of the National Industrialization and Economic Development (NIED) drafts on May 2; meeting of the NIED bilateral teams on May 4; submission of reports of the bilateral teams to the RWCs-SER and submission of GRP’s comparative color-coded matrices on Environmental Protection and Rights of the Working People and Livelihoods to NDFP on May 19; exchange of draft minutes of the fourth round of the RWCs-SER bilateral meetings on May 20.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/grp-ndfp-bilateral-teams-may-arrive-at-consensus-on-caser-ceasefire/
5 ASG terrorists killed in Sulu clashes with Scout Rangers
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 7, 2020): 5 ASG terrorists killed in Sulu clashes with Scout Rangers (By Nonoy Lacson)
Five members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed, while several others, including two soldiers, were wounded in an encounter between the rebel group and military in three separate locations in Patikul, Sulu.
Maj. Gen. Corelito Vinluan, 11th Division commander, said soldiers from the First Brigade encountered the terrorists in three different locations — Sitio Libug Wani, Barangay Bakung, Sitio Lumbaan, Barangay Buhanginan and Sitio Bakud Uwak, Barangay Tanum in Patikul, Sulu, late Monday afternoon.
The terrorists were believed to be led by ASG leaders Radulan Sahiron and Hadjan Sawadjaan.
Vinluan identified the wounded soldiers as Army Staff Sargent Ramonito Q Diapolet and Corporal Maynard D Cabote.
According to Vinluan, the military was able to recover the bodies of the five slain terrorists after the encounter. They have yet to identify them.
He added that the soldiers also saw blood stains at the encounter sites, which bolstered their suspicion that many of their enemies were wounded in the series of gun battles.
The first encounter on Monday took place at 3:55 p.m., and lasted for 30 minutes when soldiers of the Ninth Scout Ranger Company (SRC), led by Lt. Chrismar M Lapinig, encountered about 40 ASG terrorists, led by Sahiron and Sawadjaan, in Sitio Libug Wani, Barangay Bakung, Patikul, Sulu.
Then at around 4:40 p.m., another encounter involving about 30 ASG terrorists raged on for 30 minutes at Sitio Lumbaan, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul.
This was followed by another encounter by soldiers from the Eighth SRC under Lt. Nathaniel B. Gallon with 40 other ASG terrorists at 5:06 p.m. in Sitio Bakud Uwak, Barangay Tanum.
Vinluan said the enemy retreated to different directions in all three encounters.
Enemy positions were likewise bombarded with 82mm mortar rounds, with two MG helicopters providing aerial support to the ground troops, Vinluan reported.
He added that all operating troops in Patikul, and in adjacent towns have been placed on full alert following the encounters.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/5-asg-terrorists-killed-in-sulu-clashes-with-scout-rangers/
Maj. Gen. Corelito Vinluan, 11th Division commander, said soldiers from the First Brigade encountered the terrorists in three different locations — Sitio Libug Wani, Barangay Bakung, Sitio Lumbaan, Barangay Buhanginan and Sitio Bakud Uwak, Barangay Tanum in Patikul, Sulu, late Monday afternoon.
The terrorists were believed to be led by ASG leaders Radulan Sahiron and Hadjan Sawadjaan.
Vinluan identified the wounded soldiers as Army Staff Sargent Ramonito Q Diapolet and Corporal Maynard D Cabote.
According to Vinluan, the military was able to recover the bodies of the five slain terrorists after the encounter. They have yet to identify them.
He added that the soldiers also saw blood stains at the encounter sites, which bolstered their suspicion that many of their enemies were wounded in the series of gun battles.
The first encounter on Monday took place at 3:55 p.m., and lasted for 30 minutes when soldiers of the Ninth Scout Ranger Company (SRC), led by Lt. Chrismar M Lapinig, encountered about 40 ASG terrorists, led by Sahiron and Sawadjaan, in Sitio Libug Wani, Barangay Bakung, Patikul, Sulu.
Then at around 4:40 p.m., another encounter involving about 30 ASG terrorists raged on for 30 minutes at Sitio Lumbaan, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul.
This was followed by another encounter by soldiers from the Eighth SRC under Lt. Nathaniel B. Gallon with 40 other ASG terrorists at 5:06 p.m. in Sitio Bakud Uwak, Barangay Tanum.
Vinluan said the enemy retreated to different directions in all three encounters.
Enemy positions were likewise bombarded with 82mm mortar rounds, with two MG helicopters providing aerial support to the ground troops, Vinluan reported.
He added that all operating troops in Patikul, and in adjacent towns have been placed on full alert following the encounters.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/5-asg-terrorists-killed-in-sulu-clashes-with-scout-rangers/
Palace confirms terror alert for Traslacion, Miss Universe
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 7, 2020): Palace confirms terror alert for Traslacion, Miss Universe (By MB Online and Genalyn Kabiling)
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno confirmed reports that both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are on terror alert for two major events in January , the Traslacion 2017 in Manila on January 9 and the Miss Universe pageant later this month.
Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Ismael Sueno confirmed reports that both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police are on terror alert for two major events in January , the Traslacion 2017 in Manila on January 9 and the Miss Universe pageant later this month.
Palace confirms terror alert for Traslacion, Miss Universe / MANILA BULLETIN
Sueno made this confirmation during a news conference at Malacanang Thursday (January 5) morning.
Despite the security threats coming from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups, Sec. Sueno said the government would not seek the cancellation of the country’s commemoration of Black Nazarene feast on January 9, assuring that the police and military have been mobilized to ensure the safety of the devotees.
“I do not think the government will advise for the cancellation of this traditional practice which is long been done since how many years ago so we will just try our best to really keep our people safe,” Sueno said in a Palace press briefing.
“That is why we have the PNP (Philippine National Police), the military and other armed groups in our government to really help contain, or maintain peace and order,” he added.
Sueno said the security forces have been placed on “full alert” to quell threats from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf members, who he claimed are now possibly in Metro Manila.
He likewise warned of possible retaliatory attacks following the killing of the leader of the Ansar Al-Khalifah Philippines Socsargen in Sarangani. “The group is somehow rumored to be connected to the ISIS group… Baka mag retaliate, yung ang problema natin, yung retaliation. That’s why we have to double, triple our preparations sa security,” he said.
Read more: Terror group leader killed, 3 others nabbed in Sarangani
“We are moving everything, lahat ng preparations ginagawa na natin. We are not leaving anything to chance… As long as we know that there is a threat, we consider it big already that’s why our preparations our also big,” he added.
Meantime, Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed that intelligence community has warned of “possible disturbances” during the Black Nazarene feast.
Abella, however, assured several government agencies would “work together” to secure the religious celebration on January 9.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/palace-confirms-terror-alert-for-traslacion-miss-universe/
Sueno made this confirmation during a news conference at Malacanang Thursday (January 5) morning.
Despite the security threats coming from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups, Sec. Sueno said the government would not seek the cancellation of the country’s commemoration of Black Nazarene feast on January 9, assuring that the police and military have been mobilized to ensure the safety of the devotees.
“I do not think the government will advise for the cancellation of this traditional practice which is long been done since how many years ago so we will just try our best to really keep our people safe,” Sueno said in a Palace press briefing.
“That is why we have the PNP (Philippine National Police), the military and other armed groups in our government to really help contain, or maintain peace and order,” he added.
Sueno said the security forces have been placed on “full alert” to quell threats from the Maute and Abu Sayyaf members, who he claimed are now possibly in Metro Manila.
He likewise warned of possible retaliatory attacks following the killing of the leader of the Ansar Al-Khalifah Philippines Socsargen in Sarangani. “The group is somehow rumored to be connected to the ISIS group… Baka mag retaliate, yung ang problema natin, yung retaliation. That’s why we have to double, triple our preparations sa security,” he said.
Read more: Terror group leader killed, 3 others nabbed in Sarangani
“We are moving everything, lahat ng preparations ginagawa na natin. We are not leaving anything to chance… As long as we know that there is a threat, we consider it big already that’s why our preparations our also big,” he added.
Meantime, Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella confirmed that intelligence community has warned of “possible disturbances” during the Black Nazarene feast.
Abella, however, assured several government agencies would “work together” to secure the religious celebration on January 9.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/palace-confirms-terror-alert-for-traslacion-miss-universe/
Abu Sayyaf hijacks Panamanian vessel off Sibago island
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 7, 2020): Abu Sayyaf hijacks Panamanian vessel off Sibago island (By Nonoy Lacson)
Three fully armed members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) seajacked a Panama registered vessel and abducted the boat captain and chief engineer about noon Thursday (March 23) off Sibago island while transiting the Basilan straight heading to General Santos City.
MANILA BULLETIN
Three fully armed members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) seajacked a Panama registered vessel and abducted the boat captain and chief engineer about noon Thursday (March 23) off Sibago island while transiting the Basilan straight heading to General Santos City.
MANILA BULLETIN
A sketchy military report said that Super Shuttle Tugboat 1 was towing M/V Super Shuttle Roro 9, a Panama registered vessel, while transiting the Basilan Strait, was attacked by three fully armed members of the ASG about 12:20 pm yesterday
Naval Forces in Western Mindanao identified the hostages as Tugboat Captain Aurelio Agacat, and Tugboat Chief Engr,Laurencio Tiro, both Filipinos.
The ASG was attacked by three fully armed members of the ASG about 1.7 Nautical Miles South East of Sibago Island.
It was learned that the vessels had just came from Cebu and bound for General Santos City.
The report also said that the suspect were onboard wooden hulled green speedboat that immediately sped towards Basilan province after taking hostage Agacat and Tiro.
The M/V Super Shuttle Roro 9 is now dead on water at the vicinity 22.3 Nautical Miles South East of Sibago Island.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/abu-sayyaf-hijacks-panamanian-vessel-off-sibago-island/
Naval Forces in Western Mindanao identified the hostages as Tugboat Captain Aurelio Agacat, and Tugboat Chief Engr,Laurencio Tiro, both Filipinos.
The ASG was attacked by three fully armed members of the ASG about 1.7 Nautical Miles South East of Sibago Island.
It was learned that the vessels had just came from Cebu and bound for General Santos City.
The report also said that the suspect were onboard wooden hulled green speedboat that immediately sped towards Basilan province after taking hostage Agacat and Tiro.
The M/V Super Shuttle Roro 9 is now dead on water at the vicinity 22.3 Nautical Miles South East of Sibago Island.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/abu-sayyaf-hijacks-panamanian-vessel-off-sibago-island/
US troops now in Cebu for civil operations
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 7, 2020): US troops now in Cebu for civil operations (By Mars Mosqueda Jr.)
Personnel of the United States Armed Forces are in Cebu for the 33rd Balikatan exercises between the Philippines and the US.
“Our activities are more on humanitarians and civil assistance. Meaning, constructing disaster-resilient facilities and developing our capabilities, the community capabilities. That’s why we have our cooperative engagement to transfer knowledge and skills on how we should react during emergency situations especially strong typhoons,” said Aguilar.
The personnel of the US Navy, Air Force, and Army will go to northern Cebu to help rebuild schools that were badly damaged during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
The force is expected to build two school buildings each in Panay, Leyte, and Eastern Samar with the use of materials that would make the structures capable to stand against strong typhoons and other calamities.
Aguilar said Cebu was not included because the province is better off than those three provinces, specifically in terms of economic stability.
Meanwhile, the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has declared that Bohol province is back to being safe to travel, less than two weeks after Abu Sayyaf Group members sneaked into the province.
“Actually, palagi namang safe yan eh. Mayroon lang kaunting nanggulo pero nawala na sila. Actually hindi naman sila nakapanggulo dahil naunahan natin. The people of Bohol are very active when it comes to protecting their own province,” said Aguilar.
He said mopping-up operations against the remaining three alleged ASG members are still ongoing but he assured that there is already nothing to worry about because security by the Philippine National Police is tight in the province.
Aguilar also added that military officers were doing their job 24/7 to protect the people and the visitors of Bohol.
“Safe naman, we are on top of the situation. We assure everybody that we have enough forces to secure the area and we are initiating actions that will make sure that any armed group that has no good intention on the people or visitors could not do anything there,” he said.
Other countries like Korea had issued travel advisories for their citizens not to travel to Bohol after the encounters with the terrorists in the towns of Inabanga and Clarin.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/us-troops-now-in-cebu-for-civil-operations/
Personnel of the United States Armed Forces are in Cebu for the 33rd Balikatan exercises between the Philippines and the US.
Philippine and US servicemen pose for a photo during the send-off ceremony in Camp Lapu Lapu Central Command Monday for joint civil and military operation as part of this year’s Balikatan.
(Juan Carlo de Vela|Manila Bulletin File Photo)
(Juan Carlo de Vela|Manila Bulletin File Photo)
The exercises, however, will focus on humanitarian and civil assistance, according to Lt. Col. Mendel Aguilar, commander of the Philippine Joint Civil Military Operations task force.
“Our activities are more on humanitarians and civil assistance. Meaning, constructing disaster-resilient facilities and developing our capabilities, the community capabilities. That’s why we have our cooperative engagement to transfer knowledge and skills on how we should react during emergency situations especially strong typhoons,” said Aguilar.
The personnel of the US Navy, Air Force, and Army will go to northern Cebu to help rebuild schools that were badly damaged during the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
The force is expected to build two school buildings each in Panay, Leyte, and Eastern Samar with the use of materials that would make the structures capable to stand against strong typhoons and other calamities.
Aguilar said Cebu was not included because the province is better off than those three provinces, specifically in terms of economic stability.
Meanwhile, the Central Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has declared that Bohol province is back to being safe to travel, less than two weeks after Abu Sayyaf Group members sneaked into the province.
“Actually, palagi namang safe yan eh. Mayroon lang kaunting nanggulo pero nawala na sila. Actually hindi naman sila nakapanggulo dahil naunahan natin. The people of Bohol are very active when it comes to protecting their own province,” said Aguilar.
He said mopping-up operations against the remaining three alleged ASG members are still ongoing but he assured that there is already nothing to worry about because security by the Philippine National Police is tight in the province.
Aguilar also added that military officers were doing their job 24/7 to protect the people and the visitors of Bohol.
“Safe naman, we are on top of the situation. We assure everybody that we have enough forces to secure the area and we are initiating actions that will make sure that any armed group that has no good intention on the people or visitors could not do anything there,” he said.
Other countries like Korea had issued travel advisories for their citizens not to travel to Bohol after the encounters with the terrorists in the towns of Inabanga and Clarin.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/us-troops-now-in-cebu-for-civil-operations/
Kids abandoned by NPA parents suffer malnutrition
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 6, 2020): Kids abandoned by NPA parents suffer malnutrition (By Alexander Lopez)
FEEDING THE CHILDREN. Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo (standing) commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, leads a feeding program on Sunday (July 5, 2020) at the 23IB headquarters in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. The activity benefited 27 children of former communist rebels. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)
FEEDING THE CHILDREN. Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo (standing) commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, leads a feeding program on Sunday (July 5, 2020) at the 23IB headquarters in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte. The activity benefited 27 children of former communist rebels. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)
Instead of wasting their time on a "false ideology", communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatants who have families should instead surrender and attend to the needs of their children, an Army official said.
Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) said malnutrition is common among children in the countryside who are abandoned by parents who chose to fight for the NPA instead of raising their children.
“As the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) take away parents in order to fight with their useless ideology, many children suffer hunger and malnutrition due to lack of food. The false revolution of the CNTs force thousands of Filipino children, especially in the countryside, to live through hunger and fall into the fangs of malnourishment and diseases because they no longer have parents to attend to their daily food needs,” Paulo said in a statement Monday.
Paulo issued the statement a day after the 23IB organized a feeding activity for children inside its headquarters in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, in line with the observance of the 46th Nutrition Month Celebration.
1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, 23IB civil-military operations head, on Monday said 27 children of former NPA rebels benefited from the feeding program, which was supported by Batang Masigasig POINTY and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Each of the 27 children of our FRs (former rebels) was served with a bowl of nutritious hot porridge with egg, bread, and a glass of juice,” Maglalang said.
The feeding activity was organized following DSWD's nutrition survey that found five of the 27 children "severely underweight, the Army official said.
He assured the Army unit will continue to ensure that children of former NPA rebels are protected from malnutrition and the threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Among the former rebels whose child benefited from the feeding program was “Osang”, who expressed gratitude to the government for taking care of the children NPA surrenderers.
“When I was still in the NPA movement, I was not able to take care of my children and have not provided them with sufficient food because our commander failed to give us our honorarium,” Osang was quoted by 23IB as saying in the dialect.
Osang also expressed regret abandoning her children when she joined the communist rebel movement.
“We were not given time to visit our families and our children,” Osang said, recalling that she could not recall any instance the NPA showed concern for the children of their combatants.
She said the NPA did not care about the welfare of their members' families.
Paulo said the NPA's disregard of their members' families reflects the "continued injustice" the rebel movement has inflicted on hundreds of families in the countryside.
“Being vulnerable to sickness, including the risk from Covid-19, children and the youth must be prioritized, not only during the observance of Nutrition Month but must also be watched most of the time, as the CNTs constantly shadow them for indoctrination and recruitment,” Paulo said.
Parents, he said, must take care of their young and must be guided properly to become "peace-loving individuals and someday become leaders and contribute to nation-building."
Paulo also reiterated his call to the remaining NPA rebels and supporters in the area to surrender and go back to mainstream society and live in peace with their families.
“We are always sincere in giving favorable treatment for the well-being of the FRs who chose to leave the armed struggle and live peacefully with their families because we do not consider them as our enemies anymore. The Army specifically the troops of 23IB and the FRs are now united and working as a team with a heart and mind having the same goal of solving insurgency,” Paulo said.
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/1108025
Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) said malnutrition is common among children in the countryside who are abandoned by parents who chose to fight for the NPA instead of raising their children.
“As the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) take away parents in order to fight with their useless ideology, many children suffer hunger and malnutrition due to lack of food. The false revolution of the CNTs force thousands of Filipino children, especially in the countryside, to live through hunger and fall into the fangs of malnourishment and diseases because they no longer have parents to attend to their daily food needs,” Paulo said in a statement Monday.
Paulo issued the statement a day after the 23IB organized a feeding activity for children inside its headquarters in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte, in line with the observance of the 46th Nutrition Month Celebration.
1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, 23IB civil-military operations head, on Monday said 27 children of former NPA rebels benefited from the feeding program, which was supported by Batang Masigasig POINTY and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Each of the 27 children of our FRs (former rebels) was served with a bowl of nutritious hot porridge with egg, bread, and a glass of juice,” Maglalang said.
The feeding activity was organized following DSWD's nutrition survey that found five of the 27 children "severely underweight, the Army official said.
He assured the Army unit will continue to ensure that children of former NPA rebels are protected from malnutrition and the threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
Among the former rebels whose child benefited from the feeding program was “Osang”, who expressed gratitude to the government for taking care of the children NPA surrenderers.
“When I was still in the NPA movement, I was not able to take care of my children and have not provided them with sufficient food because our commander failed to give us our honorarium,” Osang was quoted by 23IB as saying in the dialect.
Osang also expressed regret abandoning her children when she joined the communist rebel movement.
“We were not given time to visit our families and our children,” Osang said, recalling that she could not recall any instance the NPA showed concern for the children of their combatants.
She said the NPA did not care about the welfare of their members' families.
Paulo said the NPA's disregard of their members' families reflects the "continued injustice" the rebel movement has inflicted on hundreds of families in the countryside.
“Being vulnerable to sickness, including the risk from Covid-19, children and the youth must be prioritized, not only during the observance of Nutrition Month but must also be watched most of the time, as the CNTs constantly shadow them for indoctrination and recruitment,” Paulo said.
Parents, he said, must take care of their young and must be guided properly to become "peace-loving individuals and someday become leaders and contribute to nation-building."
Paulo also reiterated his call to the remaining NPA rebels and supporters in the area to surrender and go back to mainstream society and live in peace with their families.
“We are always sincere in giving favorable treatment for the well-being of the FRs who chose to leave the armed struggle and live peacefully with their families because we do not consider them as our enemies anymore. The Army specifically the troops of 23IB and the FRs are now united and working as a team with a heart and mind having the same goal of solving insurgency,” Paulo said.
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/1108025
More former rebels set to dine with PRRD
From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 7, 2020): More former rebels set to dine with PRRD (By Francis Wakefield)
The second batch of Former Rebels (FR) who will dine with the President in Malacañang flew to Manila Tuesday via two Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 aircraft at the Davao City International Airport.
The group is composed of 241 FRs mostly from Compostela Province and Davao Del Norte. Thirty-eight of them are females while 203 are males. They are part of the 683 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from different parts of Eastern Mindanao that were presented to the President on December 21, 2017, at Panacan, Davao City.
Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-EastMinCom) spokesman Major Ezra L. Balagtey, said
the rebel returnees are set to dine with the Chief Executive in Malacanang today (Wednesday).
Balagtey said the activity aims to give the FRs a better perspective in life, particularly in peacebuilding and nationalism. It is part of the government’s continuing activity of reintegrating the former rebels in the mainstream society.
He said part of their tour will be a historical and heritage trip to Luneta Park and Intramuros while a welcome ceremony will be held at Camp Aguinaldo to be hosted by AFP chief of staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero.
Prior to their dinner with the President, they will also get a chance to interact with other former NPA members who now work as advocates of peace and development.
The second batch of FRs’ tour is expected to conclude on February 22, 2018, as the FRs will return to Davao City via C-130 aircraft. The the schedule of the third batch of FRs will be determined later by the Appointments Office of the President.
It can be recalled that the first batch composed of 215 FRs were toured in Manila and had a dinner with the President last February 6-8, 2018.
On February 16, 2018, 50 of the 215 were enrolled to undergo Technical-Vocational Education Training with TESDA XI as part of their social integration program.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command reiterates the willingness and openness of EMC to assist NPAs who are willing to surrender.
“We are committed and more than willing to accommodate NPAs who want to return to the folds of the law and take part in building a nation of peace for progress and development. The programs lined up for the 683 FRs and the community programs being implemented in the different communities are manifestations of the social economic reforms being implemented by the government,” Madrigal Jr. said.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/more-former-rebels-set-to-dine-with-prrd/
The second batch of Former Rebels (FR) who will dine with the President in Malacañang flew to Manila Tuesday via two Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130 aircraft at the Davao City International Airport.
The group is composed of 241 FRs mostly from Compostela Province and Davao Del Norte. Thirty-eight of them are females while 203 are males. They are part of the 683 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from different parts of Eastern Mindanao that were presented to the President on December 21, 2017, at Panacan, Davao City.
Armed Forces of the Philippines-Eastern Mindanao Command (AFP-EastMinCom) spokesman Major Ezra L. Balagtey, said
the rebel returnees are set to dine with the Chief Executive in Malacanang today (Wednesday).
Balagtey said the activity aims to give the FRs a better perspective in life, particularly in peacebuilding and nationalism. It is part of the government’s continuing activity of reintegrating the former rebels in the mainstream society.
He said part of their tour will be a historical and heritage trip to Luneta Park and Intramuros while a welcome ceremony will be held at Camp Aguinaldo to be hosted by AFP chief of staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero.
Prior to their dinner with the President, they will also get a chance to interact with other former NPA members who now work as advocates of peace and development.
The second batch of FRs’ tour is expected to conclude on February 22, 2018, as the FRs will return to Davao City via C-130 aircraft. The the schedule of the third batch of FRs will be determined later by the Appointments Office of the President.
It can be recalled that the first batch composed of 215 FRs were toured in Manila and had a dinner with the President last February 6-8, 2018.
On February 16, 2018, 50 of the 215 were enrolled to undergo Technical-Vocational Education Training with TESDA XI as part of their social integration program.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command reiterates the willingness and openness of EMC to assist NPAs who are willing to surrender.
“We are committed and more than willing to accommodate NPAs who want to return to the folds of the law and take part in building a nation of peace for progress and development. The programs lined up for the 683 FRs and the community programs being implemented in the different communities are manifestations of the social economic reforms being implemented by the government,” Madrigal Jr. said.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/07/more-former-rebels-set-to-dine-with-prrd/
RTF8-ELCAC PRLEC projects benefit FRs in Leyte Islands
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 8, 2020): RTF8-ELCAC PRLEC projects benefit FRs in Leyte Islands (By Olive P. Tiu)
TACLOBAN CITY, July 8 (PIA) -- The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Region 8 Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF8 ELCAC) continues to implement projects that will enhance the capabilities of former rebels as they integrate into the mainstream society.
During the recent meeting of the Technical Working Group and Cluster Leads of RTF8-ELCAC, the Cluster, led by TESDA 8 called for the endorsement of the body for the proposed Agrikultura at Kabuhayan tungo sa Kaunlaran at Pangkapayapaan (AKKAP) projects in Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran provinces.
The endorsement is a prerequisite for the approval of the project by TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña.
TESDA-8 Regional Director Dante Navarro said that the AKKAP project is patterned after the concept of Integrated Organic Farming System.TESDA-8 Regional Director Dante Navarro, Cluster Lead of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Region 8 Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF8 ELCAC).
Navarro said for Leyte, the project will be in partnership with the 93rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army under its commanding officer Lt. Col. Roberto Beatisula Jr. It will be implemented at the FR resettlement area at Barangay Daja Daku in San Isidro, Leyte, and will benefit 464 former rebels and farmers who will reside at the Leyte Peace and Prosperity Village in said barangay.
For the cultivation of available vacant lots to agricultural farms, PRLEC will continue to provide trainings in Organic Vegetable Production NC II, Agricultural Crop Production NC II, Animal Production (Swine) NC II, Animal Production (Ruminants) NC II, Animal Production (Poultry/Chicken) NC II, Production of High Quality Inbred Rice and Seed Certification and Farm Mechanization Rice Machinery Operation NC II, Service Motorcycle/ Small Engine System.
Moreover, Navarro said trainings on Food Processing NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Cookery NC II, and Barangay Health Services NC II, will be provided for the processing of farm produce to be marketable.
Navarro disclosed that in keeping with the whole-of-nation approach, the partner agencies are DA for Seeds and Poultry/Swine, DOLE for Toolkits, DOST for Technology Transfer of Greenhouse, DSWD for Social Preparation and Financial Assistance, NIA for Irrigation, DTI for Entrepreneurship and LBP for Financial Literacy and Opening of ATM Accounts.
SOUTHERN LEYTE
For Southern Leyte, Director Navarro said in partnership with the 14th Infantry Battalion under its commanding officer Lt. Col. Roberto Obaob, PRLEC will implement the project in Barangay Milagroso, Sogod town. The more than P1 million project will benefit 75 former rebels and farmers.
To be conducted are trainings on Organic Chicken (Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II)/Produce Organic Vegetable (Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II), the skills needed for cultivation of available vacant lots to farms (vegetable and animals).
The agencies converging for this project in Southern Leyte include DA for Seed and Poultry/Swine, DTI for Entrepreneurship and Simplified Bookkeeping training, LGU Sogod for Social Preparation and Food for Trainees, LBP for Financial Literacy and Opening of ATM Accounts, and AFP’s 14IB for the RCSP and Security.
BILIRAN
Furthermore, for the province of Biliran, the target Barangay is Barangay Cabungaan at Naval town. The project amounting to P684,665 targets to benefit 50 farmers. The trainings include Organic Agriculture Production NC II/ and Masonry NCII for the cultivation of available vacant lots to vegetable and animal farms and for the construction of fishponds.
Converging for this project are DA for Seed and Poultry/Swine, DTI for Entrepreneurship, DSWD for Social Preparation and Financial Assistance, BFAR for Fingerlings, LBP for Financial Literacy and Opening of ATM Accounts, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist for Provision of Vermi and Molasses and Naval Livelihood Skills Training Center for Training on High-Value Crops. The project duration is August to December 2020. (PIA-8)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1047028
TACLOBAN CITY, July 8 (PIA) -- The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Region 8 Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF8 ELCAC) continues to implement projects that will enhance the capabilities of former rebels as they integrate into the mainstream society.
During the recent meeting of the Technical Working Group and Cluster Leads of RTF8-ELCAC, the Cluster, led by TESDA 8 called for the endorsement of the body for the proposed Agrikultura at Kabuhayan tungo sa Kaunlaran at Pangkapayapaan (AKKAP) projects in Leyte, Southern Leyte and Biliran provinces.
The endorsement is a prerequisite for the approval of the project by TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña.
TESDA-8 Regional Director Dante Navarro said that the AKKAP project is patterned after the concept of Integrated Organic Farming System.TESDA-8 Regional Director Dante Navarro, Cluster Lead of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Region 8 Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF8 ELCAC).
Navarro said for Leyte, the project will be in partnership with the 93rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army under its commanding officer Lt. Col. Roberto Beatisula Jr. It will be implemented at the FR resettlement area at Barangay Daja Daku in San Isidro, Leyte, and will benefit 464 former rebels and farmers who will reside at the Leyte Peace and Prosperity Village in said barangay.
For the cultivation of available vacant lots to agricultural farms, PRLEC will continue to provide trainings in Organic Vegetable Production NC II, Agricultural Crop Production NC II, Animal Production (Swine) NC II, Animal Production (Ruminants) NC II, Animal Production (Poultry/Chicken) NC II, Production of High Quality Inbred Rice and Seed Certification and Farm Mechanization Rice Machinery Operation NC II, Service Motorcycle/ Small Engine System.
Moreover, Navarro said trainings on Food Processing NC II, Bread and Pastry Production NC II, Cookery NC II, and Barangay Health Services NC II, will be provided for the processing of farm produce to be marketable.
Navarro disclosed that in keeping with the whole-of-nation approach, the partner agencies are DA for Seeds and Poultry/Swine, DOLE for Toolkits, DOST for Technology Transfer of Greenhouse, DSWD for Social Preparation and Financial Assistance, NIA for Irrigation, DTI for Entrepreneurship and LBP for Financial Literacy and Opening of ATM Accounts.
SOUTHERN LEYTE
For Southern Leyte, Director Navarro said in partnership with the 14th Infantry Battalion under its commanding officer Lt. Col. Roberto Obaob, PRLEC will implement the project in Barangay Milagroso, Sogod town. The more than P1 million project will benefit 75 former rebels and farmers.
To be conducted are trainings on Organic Chicken (Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II)/Produce Organic Vegetable (Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II), the skills needed for cultivation of available vacant lots to farms (vegetable and animals).
The agencies converging for this project in Southern Leyte include DA for Seed and Poultry/Swine, DTI for Entrepreneurship and Simplified Bookkeeping training, LGU Sogod for Social Preparation and Food for Trainees, LBP for Financial Literacy and Opening of ATM Accounts, and AFP’s 14IB for the RCSP and Security.
BILIRAN
Furthermore, for the province of Biliran, the target Barangay is Barangay Cabungaan at Naval town. The project amounting to P684,665 targets to benefit 50 farmers. The trainings include Organic Agriculture Production NC II/ and Masonry NCII for the cultivation of available vacant lots to vegetable and animal farms and for the construction of fishponds.
Converging for this project are DA for Seed and Poultry/Swine, DTI for Entrepreneurship, DSWD for Social Preparation and Financial Assistance, BFAR for Fingerlings, LBP for Financial Literacy and Opening of ATM Accounts, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist for Provision of Vermi and Molasses and Naval Livelihood Skills Training Center for Training on High-Value Crops. The project duration is August to December 2020. (PIA-8)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1047028
4 NPA rebels yield in Lake Sebu
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2020): 4 NPA rebels yield in Lake Sebu (By Richelyn Gubalani)
Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria, Police Regional Office-12 director (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)
Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria, Police Regional Office-12 director (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)
Four more members of the New People’s Army (NPA) unit operating in the hinterlands of Lake Sebu town, South Cotabato province have surrendered to government authorities, a police official said on Wednesday.
Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria, Police Regional Office (PRO-12) director, said the rebels yielded voluntarily along with their firearms on Tuesday in Sitio Lamfetok, Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu.
He said the surrender was an offshoot of a series of negotiations facilitated by the intelligence team of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office, in coordination with community leaders and the Lake Sebu municipal police station.
The initiative was supported by the PRO-12’s Intelligence Unit (RIU-12) and Mobile Force Battalion, Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-12, and the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion.
Dubria said the two of the returnees were former team leaders while the two others were regular cadres of Platoon Samsung, Guerilla Front 73-Musa of the NPA Far South Mindanao Region.
They surrendered an M14 rifle with a magazine loaded with 10 bullets and a TEC-9 Type SMG caliber 9-mm handgun with one magazine and 10 bullets.
The four are currently in the custody of the RIU-12 in Camp Fermin Lira here for debriefing and documentation.
Last week, six NPA rebels under the Front 73 also surrendered to Army troopers in Lake Sebu. They yielded two M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, a Carbine rifle, one 9-mm pistol, and assorted bullets.
In the last two months, a total of 46 NPA combatants have surrendered in Lake Sebu through the efforts of the RIU-12.
“The increasing number of CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA militants indicates that most of them are already waking up and aware of the deceptions of the communist ideology,” Dubria said in a statement.
He said they expect more rebels will also surrender in the coming days and avail of the government’s reintegration offer through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
The program provides rebel returnees with financial and livelihood assistance as well as other support packages from various government agencies.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108328
Brig. Gen. Michael John Dubria, Police Regional Office (PRO-12) director, said the rebels yielded voluntarily along with their firearms on Tuesday in Sitio Lamfetok, Barangay Ned in Lake Sebu.
He said the surrender was an offshoot of a series of negotiations facilitated by the intelligence team of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office, in coordination with community leaders and the Lake Sebu municipal police station.
The initiative was supported by the PRO-12’s Intelligence Unit (RIU-12) and Mobile Force Battalion, Philippine National Police-Intelligence Group, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-12, and the Army’s 5th Special Forces Battalion.
Dubria said the two of the returnees were former team leaders while the two others were regular cadres of Platoon Samsung, Guerilla Front 73-Musa of the NPA Far South Mindanao Region.
They surrendered an M14 rifle with a magazine loaded with 10 bullets and a TEC-9 Type SMG caliber 9-mm handgun with one magazine and 10 bullets.
The four are currently in the custody of the RIU-12 in Camp Fermin Lira here for debriefing and documentation.
Last week, six NPA rebels under the Front 73 also surrendered to Army troopers in Lake Sebu. They yielded two M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, a Carbine rifle, one 9-mm pistol, and assorted bullets.
In the last two months, a total of 46 NPA combatants have surrendered in Lake Sebu through the efforts of the RIU-12.
“The increasing number of CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA militants indicates that most of them are already waking up and aware of the deceptions of the communist ideology,” Dubria said in a statement.
He said they expect more rebels will also surrender in the coming days and avail of the government’s reintegration offer through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
The program provides rebel returnees with financial and livelihood assistance as well as other support packages from various government agencies.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108328
TF-Davao, church workers join hands vs. terrorism
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2020): TF-Davao, church workers join hands vs. terrorism (By Che Palicte)
Task Force Davao (TFD) and the workers of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Davao have agreed to strengthen security measures against terrorism, amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
TFD conducted a security meeting on Tuesday to reorient the security officers and administrative officers of local Roman Catholic churches under the Parish Disaster Action Response Team (PDART) on safety and security measures as well as quarantine rules and guidelines for religious services.
Under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) quick guide released on July 1, the city government allowed religious ceremonies provided that only 50 percent of the capacity of the place of worship is utilized.
Church ceremonies are only allowed during Mondays to Saturdays as there will be no mass or worship on Sundays. Weddings, baptism, other ceremonies are for family members only, up to a maximum of 25 persons.
In a statement Wednesday, Col. Consolito Yecla, TFD commander, said the security and safety measures agreed between the task force and the church workers include the installation of closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), establishment of parking buffer zones, and the prohibition garbage bins inside churches.
“They were briefed on the role of every individual on the new “May Nakita? Dapat Magsalita!” anti-terror campaign launched by the city government of Davao. Also, the strengthening of the churches’ call for churchgoers’ cooperation of the four acts of the culture of security: volunteer, report, remind and participate,” Yecla said.
During the meeting, the participants suggested that the local archbishop issue a directive reminding churchgoers of the "no backpack policy, no jacket policy," and the prohibition of non-transparent water containers inside the churches.
“Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, our appreciation of security should be greater since the mandatory wearing of masks and PPEs makes facial and other physical identification of terrorists harder,” Yecla said.
Yecla said the TFD will conduct further training for the church workers to heighten their security and safety awareness.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108318
TFD conducted a security meeting on Tuesday to reorient the security officers and administrative officers of local Roman Catholic churches under the Parish Disaster Action Response Team (PDART) on safety and security measures as well as quarantine rules and guidelines for religious services.
Under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) quick guide released on July 1, the city government allowed religious ceremonies provided that only 50 percent of the capacity of the place of worship is utilized.
Church ceremonies are only allowed during Mondays to Saturdays as there will be no mass or worship on Sundays. Weddings, baptism, other ceremonies are for family members only, up to a maximum of 25 persons.
In a statement Wednesday, Col. Consolito Yecla, TFD commander, said the security and safety measures agreed between the task force and the church workers include the installation of closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs), establishment of parking buffer zones, and the prohibition garbage bins inside churches.
“They were briefed on the role of every individual on the new “May Nakita? Dapat Magsalita!” anti-terror campaign launched by the city government of Davao. Also, the strengthening of the churches’ call for churchgoers’ cooperation of the four acts of the culture of security: volunteer, report, remind and participate,” Yecla said.
During the meeting, the participants suggested that the local archbishop issue a directive reminding churchgoers of the "no backpack policy, no jacket policy," and the prohibition of non-transparent water containers inside the churches.
“Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, our appreciation of security should be greater since the mandatory wearing of masks and PPEs makes facial and other physical identification of terrorists harder,” Yecla said.
Yecla said the TFD will conduct further training for the church workers to heighten their security and safety awareness.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108318
NPA leader surrenders in Davao Oro town
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2020): NPA leader surrenders in Davao Oro town (By Che Palicte)
A "political guide" of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered to the Army's 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) has revealed the location of a firearms cache in Monkayo town, Davao de Oro province, the 71IB said in a statement Wednesday.
The 71IB identified the surrenderer only as "Dodong", 29, a resident of Barangay Rizal, Monkayo, who worked as a "political guide" for the "weakened" Guerilla Front 20 of the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
Dodong, a father of two boys, decided to surrender because he missed his family and wanted to start a decent living, 71IB said.
“It was very hard for me because I was not allowed to go home even though I already missed my family so much,” Dodong was quoted by 71IB as saying.
The NPA, he said, promised him of “Suporta sa Pamilya” (family support), which he later found out to be "a big lie".
“He shared that the NPA convinced him to join the rebellion because the current government is unfair and the laws it enacted favor the rich or influential families. He was further indoctrinated with deceptive ideologies as he underwent courses given by the communist guerilla such as Pambansang Demokratikong Paaralan (PADEPA), Basic Party Course, Intermediate Course, and Batakang Kurso sa Partido Militar. All these courses contain subjects that aim to advance NPA ideologies and beliefs,” the 71IB said.
Upon his surrender, Dodong revealed the location of NPA firearms consisting of two (40mm) M79 grenade launcher, the 71IB said. The recovered firearms have been brought to their headquarters for proper disposition.
As of this writing, Dodong is in the custody of the 71IB undergoing debriefing before enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
Lt. Col. Sonny Gonzales, 71IB commander, said Dodong's surrender was a manifestation that the Army is "continuously winning the hearts and minds of the people even the NPA members themselves".
“Through our sincere effort of facilitating the surrender of former rebels and assisting them to start anew mainstreamed in a peaceful and normal life, more and more of the NPA regulars are encouraged to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law,” Gonzales said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108324
The 71IB identified the surrenderer only as "Dodong", 29, a resident of Barangay Rizal, Monkayo, who worked as a "political guide" for the "weakened" Guerilla Front 20 of the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC).
Dodong, a father of two boys, decided to surrender because he missed his family and wanted to start a decent living, 71IB said.
“It was very hard for me because I was not allowed to go home even though I already missed my family so much,” Dodong was quoted by 71IB as saying.
The NPA, he said, promised him of “Suporta sa Pamilya” (family support), which he later found out to be "a big lie".
“He shared that the NPA convinced him to join the rebellion because the current government is unfair and the laws it enacted favor the rich or influential families. He was further indoctrinated with deceptive ideologies as he underwent courses given by the communist guerilla such as Pambansang Demokratikong Paaralan (PADEPA), Basic Party Course, Intermediate Course, and Batakang Kurso sa Partido Militar. All these courses contain subjects that aim to advance NPA ideologies and beliefs,” the 71IB said.
Upon his surrender, Dodong revealed the location of NPA firearms consisting of two (40mm) M79 grenade launcher, the 71IB said. The recovered firearms have been brought to their headquarters for proper disposition.
As of this writing, Dodong is in the custody of the 71IB undergoing debriefing before enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).
Lt. Col. Sonny Gonzales, 71IB commander, said Dodong's surrender was a manifestation that the Army is "continuously winning the hearts and minds of the people even the NPA members themselves".
“Through our sincere effort of facilitating the surrender of former rebels and assisting them to start anew mainstreamed in a peaceful and normal life, more and more of the NPA regulars are encouraged to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law,” Gonzales said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108324
PH issues temporary moratorium on participation in US EVP
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2020): PH issues temporary moratorium on participation in US EVP (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)
The Philippines has issued a temporary moratorium on the participation of Filipino nationals in the United States Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) amid the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
The Philippine Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Committee, in an advisory, cited the "urgent nature and life-threatening implications" associated with the health crisis that continues to affect citizens and economies worldwide.
It also noted the "numerous concerns and requests for assistance" of Filipino J1 visa holders who were stranded due to the coronavirus outbreak.
"The moratorium takes place immediately after the publication of EVP Resolution No. 01-2020 on 25 May 2020, and shall remain in place for one year, or until six months after travel restrictions, as provided by the Inter-Agency Task Force (for the Management of) Emerging Infectious Diseases, are lifted or accordingly revised, whichever is longer," read the advisory posted on the page of the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday.
During the moratorium period, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, as EVP Committee Secretariat, will hold in abeyance the registration of Filipino nationals for EVP.
The processing of requests for the No Objection Statement (NOS) is likewise suspended.
Meanwhile, the committee clarified that the moratorium does not equate to a total ban on Philippine participation in the EVP.
"Those with active programs will continue their participation in their programs, especially those with proven existence of adequate mechanisms that ensure the protection and safety of participants," it said.
The committee assured it would closely coordinate with the US Embassy in Manila to assess and address the concerns of Filipino exchange visitors, including "possible exemptions" for certain EVP categories.
As of June 21, the Philippine Embassy and Consulates in the US have received more than 600 requests from J1 visa holders, particularly interns and trainees, for return tickets, temporary accommodation, food, and other basic needs after their programs were prematurely terminated due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
More than 300 have also returned to the Philippines at their own expense while some have opted to stay, risking overextending their visa stay.
"They have all complained of lack of support from their agencies, sponsors, and host institutions. The pandemic thus highlighted the need to institute further mechanisms to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino participants in the EVP," the advisory read.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108273
The Philippine Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Committee, in an advisory, cited the "urgent nature and life-threatening implications" associated with the health crisis that continues to affect citizens and economies worldwide.
It also noted the "numerous concerns and requests for assistance" of Filipino J1 visa holders who were stranded due to the coronavirus outbreak.
"The moratorium takes place immediately after the publication of EVP Resolution No. 01-2020 on 25 May 2020, and shall remain in place for one year, or until six months after travel restrictions, as provided by the Inter-Agency Task Force (for the Management of) Emerging Infectious Diseases, are lifted or accordingly revised, whichever is longer," read the advisory posted on the page of the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC on Tuesday.
During the moratorium period, the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, as EVP Committee Secretariat, will hold in abeyance the registration of Filipino nationals for EVP.
The processing of requests for the No Objection Statement (NOS) is likewise suspended.
Meanwhile, the committee clarified that the moratorium does not equate to a total ban on Philippine participation in the EVP.
"Those with active programs will continue their participation in their programs, especially those with proven existence of adequate mechanisms that ensure the protection and safety of participants," it said.
The committee assured it would closely coordinate with the US Embassy in Manila to assess and address the concerns of Filipino exchange visitors, including "possible exemptions" for certain EVP categories.
As of June 21, the Philippine Embassy and Consulates in the US have received more than 600 requests from J1 visa holders, particularly interns and trainees, for return tickets, temporary accommodation, food, and other basic needs after their programs were prematurely terminated due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
More than 300 have also returned to the Philippines at their own expense while some have opted to stay, risking overextending their visa stay.
"They have all complained of lack of support from their agencies, sponsors, and host institutions. The pandemic thus highlighted the need to institute further mechanisms to ensure the safety and welfare of Filipino participants in the EVP," the advisory read.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108273
Baguio court orders arrest of suspects in Dormitorio case
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2020): Baguio court orders arrest of suspects in Dormitorio case (By Benjamin Pulta)
Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio. (File photo)
Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio. (File photo)
The Baguio City Regional Trial Court (RTC) ordered the arrest of former cadets and officials of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) who were indicted for murder and hazing charges over the death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio.
The warrants dated July 7 and released on Wednesday were signed by RTC Branch 5 Judge Maria Ligaya Itliong-Rivera.
The court did not recommend bail for former cadets Shalimar G. Imperial Jr., Felix M. Lumbag Jr. while military doctors, Capt. Flor Apple A. Apostol, Maj. Maria Ofelia R. Beloy and Lt. Col. Caesar A. Candelaria were ordered to post bail of PHP200,000 each.
Last month, Baguio prosecutors ordered that the charges be filed against the cadets and former PMA officials for the death of Dormitorio.
Court records showed that Imperial and Lumbag, then third-class cadets, first assaulted Dormitorio in August 2019.
Despite numerous visits to the hospital and orders to stay away from Dormitorio, subsequent incidents occurred until Dormitorio died of injuries on the morning of September 19.
Meanwhile, Apostol, Candelaria, and Beloy, medical doctors assigned at the Fort del Pilar Station Medical Hospital who treated the victim were charged after prosecutors said they "grossly failed to provide adequate medical care to Dormitorio, which also caused the latter's death."
In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it has yet to receive a copy of the warrant of arrest issued by the court.
"The AFP’s Judge Advocate General will attend to the matter and give (the) appropriate recommendation to the AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr. as to the disposition of the named cadets," AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.
He also confirmed that six PMA cadets involved in the incident are under the custody of the AFP General Headquarters.
"They are now facing trial before a General Court Martial for violation of Article of War 97 Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline," he added.
Arevalo also assured that the PMA will take appropriate action on the officers named in the warrant.
"We once more commit to the court that we will cooperate and, when needed, assist in the swift dispensation of justice. We owe it to the people--especially to the parents of the late Cadet Darwin Dormitorio—and the community of PMA Alumni," he said.
Arevalo confirmed that upon verification with PMA, only Beloy remains in the academy.
"The two other medical officers were already relieved from PMA. They are Lieutenant Colonel Caesar Candelaria who was, per orders, re-assigned to Camp Aguinaldo while Captain Flor Apple Apostol, per orders, was reassigned to the Philippine Air Force," he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108335
The warrants dated July 7 and released on Wednesday were signed by RTC Branch 5 Judge Maria Ligaya Itliong-Rivera.
The court did not recommend bail for former cadets Shalimar G. Imperial Jr., Felix M. Lumbag Jr. while military doctors, Capt. Flor Apple A. Apostol, Maj. Maria Ofelia R. Beloy and Lt. Col. Caesar A. Candelaria were ordered to post bail of PHP200,000 each.
Last month, Baguio prosecutors ordered that the charges be filed against the cadets and former PMA officials for the death of Dormitorio.
Court records showed that Imperial and Lumbag, then third-class cadets, first assaulted Dormitorio in August 2019.
Despite numerous visits to the hospital and orders to stay away from Dormitorio, subsequent incidents occurred until Dormitorio died of injuries on the morning of September 19.
Meanwhile, Apostol, Candelaria, and Beloy, medical doctors assigned at the Fort del Pilar Station Medical Hospital who treated the victim were charged after prosecutors said they "grossly failed to provide adequate medical care to Dormitorio, which also caused the latter's death."
In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it has yet to receive a copy of the warrant of arrest issued by the court.
"The AFP’s Judge Advocate General will attend to the matter and give (the) appropriate recommendation to the AFP Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr. as to the disposition of the named cadets," AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.
He also confirmed that six PMA cadets involved in the incident are under the custody of the AFP General Headquarters.
"They are now facing trial before a General Court Martial for violation of Article of War 97 Conduct Prejudicial to Good Order and Military Discipline," he added.
Arevalo also assured that the PMA will take appropriate action on the officers named in the warrant.
"We once more commit to the court that we will cooperate and, when needed, assist in the swift dispensation of justice. We owe it to the people--especially to the parents of the late Cadet Darwin Dormitorio—and the community of PMA Alumni," he said.
Arevalo confirmed that upon verification with PMA, only Beloy remains in the academy.
"The two other medical officers were already relieved from PMA. They are Lieutenant Colonel Caesar Candelaria who was, per orders, re-assigned to Camp Aguinaldo while Captain Flor Apple Apostol, per orders, was reassigned to the Philippine Air Force," he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108335
Navy, IT firm ink pact to boost cyber capability
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2020): Navy, IT firm ink pact to boost cyber capability (By Priam Nepomuceno)
BOOSTING CYBER CAPABILITY. Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo (right), and Synetcom Philippines Inc. president and CEO Dennis Luyahan (left), sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in a ceremony at the Navy headquarters in Manila on Wednesday (July 8, 2020). Under the agreement, the IT firm will assist the Navy in boosting its cyber capability. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)
BOOSTING CYBER CAPABILITY. Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo (right), and Synetcom Philippines Inc. president and CEO Dennis Luyahan (left), sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in a ceremony at the Navy headquarters in Manila on Wednesday (July 8, 2020). Under the agreement, the IT firm will assist the Navy in boosting its cyber capability. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)
The Philippine Navy (PN) and an information technology (IT) firm on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) aimed at boosting the PN's cyber-capability.
Navy chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, and Synetcom Philippines Inc. (SPI) president and chief executive officer Dennis Luyahan signed the MOA in the presence of key officials from both entities at the PN headquarters, Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
In a statement, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, PN public affairs office chief, said the MOA will be eventually endorsed for the approval of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Bacordo, meanwhile, called the MOA with SPI "very timely".
"The Navy has been developing and improving our Reservist Utilization Plan in the Conflict Continuum, something I think is very relevant as we increase our operational readiness during peace time and our warfighting readiness during crisis," he added.
He also lauded SPI for volunteering in military service "without expecting anything in return" and described it as "a true act of service."
SPI is a privately owned company engaged in the distribution of IT products and several information and communications technology (ICT) systems, which provide technical expertise and design other solutions that can complement in developing a robust cyber-capability.
With its technical expertise on information and communications technology, SPI will be a significant addition to the current efforts of the PN in building up its cyber-warfare capability.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108350
Navy chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, and Synetcom Philippines Inc. (SPI) president and chief executive officer Dennis Luyahan signed the MOA in the presence of key officials from both entities at the PN headquarters, Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
In a statement, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, PN public affairs office chief, said the MOA will be eventually endorsed for the approval of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.
Bacordo, meanwhile, called the MOA with SPI "very timely".
"The Navy has been developing and improving our Reservist Utilization Plan in the Conflict Continuum, something I think is very relevant as we increase our operational readiness during peace time and our warfighting readiness during crisis," he added.
He also lauded SPI for volunteering in military service "without expecting anything in return" and described it as "a true act of service."
SPI is a privately owned company engaged in the distribution of IT products and several information and communications technology (ICT) systems, which provide technical expertise and design other solutions that can complement in developing a robust cyber-capability.
With its technical expertise on information and communications technology, SPI will be a significant addition to the current efforts of the PN in building up its cyber-warfare capability.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108350
Army to deploy 120 new militiamen in Samar
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2020): Army to deploy 120 new militiamen in Samar (By Roel Amazona)
MILITIAMEN. Native chicken production inside a detachment of Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in San Jorge, Samar in this undated photo. The Philippine Army has recruited 120 new militiamen in Samar to help sustain the insurgency-free status in some areas of the province, a military official said on Wednesday (July 8, 2020). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has recruited 120 new militiamen in Samar to help sustain the insurgency-free status in some areas of the province.
Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the local government-funded training will start soon for these recruits who will be deployed in communities cleared by the military from the threats of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Known as members of Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), these militiamen will be assigned in selected villages in Basey, Pinabacdao, and Calbiga, Samar.
Their presence will facilitate the active involvement of residents in the protection of their locality.
“We need the CAFGU active auxiliary unit as our integrated territorial system after a place, which formerly under influenced of the communist group is declared peaceful and insurgency-free,” Diñoso said in a phone interview on Wednesday.
“They will serve as our territorial defense protection like in Samar province where many rebels and their supporters had already surrendered to the government. We want the communities to put up their own defense system,” he added.
Earlier, the military requested the province to finance the CAFGU training and provide allowances to them.
Samar Governor Reynolds Michael Tan said the presence of militiamen will help to attain the goal of having a peaceful province, as additional to the military and policemen.
“With their presence, we can be assured that the areas that were cleared by our military troops will remain peaceful,” Tan said.
The provincial government has set aside PHP10 million initial funding for the program implementation this year.
The amount will increase to PHP13 million next year.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108292
MILITIAMEN. Native chicken production inside a detachment of Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in San Jorge, Samar in this undated photo. The Philippine Army has recruited 120 new militiamen in Samar to help sustain the insurgency-free status in some areas of the province, a military official said on Wednesday (July 8, 2020). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has recruited 120 new militiamen in Samar to help sustain the insurgency-free status in some areas of the province.
Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the local government-funded training will start soon for these recruits who will be deployed in communities cleared by the military from the threats of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Known as members of Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), these militiamen will be assigned in selected villages in Basey, Pinabacdao, and Calbiga, Samar.
Their presence will facilitate the active involvement of residents in the protection of their locality.
“We need the CAFGU active auxiliary unit as our integrated territorial system after a place, which formerly under influenced of the communist group is declared peaceful and insurgency-free,” Diñoso said in a phone interview on Wednesday.
“They will serve as our territorial defense protection like in Samar province where many rebels and their supporters had already surrendered to the government. We want the communities to put up their own defense system,” he added.
Earlier, the military requested the province to finance the CAFGU training and provide allowances to them.
Samar Governor Reynolds Michael Tan said the presence of militiamen will help to attain the goal of having a peaceful province, as additional to the military and policemen.
“With their presence, we can be assured that the areas that were cleared by our military troops will remain peaceful,” Tan said.
The provincial government has set aside PHP10 million initial funding for the program implementation this year.
The amount will increase to PHP13 million next year.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108292
Duterte says communist rebels are terrorists because he 'declared' so
From Rappler (Jul 8, 2020): Duterte says communist rebels are terrorists because he 'declared' so (By JC Gotinga)
Befriending communist rebels was good politics before the elections, but now that he is President, Rodrigo Duterte says 'the security of the state' is his highest priority
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. President Rodrigo Duterte talks to soldiers during his visit to the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City on July 3, 2020. Malacañang photo
Befriending communist rebels was good politics before the elections, but now that he is President, Rodrigo Duterte says 'the security of the state' is his highest priority
COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF. President Rodrigo Duterte talks to soldiers during his visit to the Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City on July 3, 2020. Malacañang photo
In his latest public address aired past midnight on Wednesday, July 8, President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned how he unilaterally "declared" communist rebels as terrorists, even as he tried to reassure Filipinos that the government will not use the new anti-terrorism law arbitrarily.
Near the end of the hourlong broadcast on the coronavirus crisis, Duterte said the measure he signed into law last week provides the government "the much-needed legal weapons that we need to fight terrorism."
"These leftists and these communists, they think that we are always thinking of them," Duterte said. Leftist groups and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) are among many quarters opposing the anti-terrorism law for its "draconian" provisions.
Duterte then described terror attacks "mostly in Mindanao," including the bombing of a Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, in January 2019 by suicide attackers with links to the Islamic State and the Abu Sayyaf.
"They think that they are a different breed. They would like to be treated with another set of law[s], when as a matter of fact, they are terrorist," Duterte said. It is unclear whether he was referring to communist rebels, leftists, extremists, or all of these.
"They are terrorist because we – I finally declared them to be one. Why? Because we – I spent most of my days as a president trying to figure out and connect with them on how we can arrive at a peaceful solution," the President added.
'It was good while it lasted'
Duterte began his term in 2016 on friendly terms with the CPP and other leftist organizations. His administration attempted peace negotiations with the CPP’s political arm, the National Democratic Front (NDF), but efforts bogged down in November 2017 after mutual accusations of ceasefire violations.
Duterte briefly entertained an offer to talk peace with the NDF in December 2019. The attempt fizzled out earlier this year with the opposition of the military and Duterte’s defense and security advisers, who found the CPP-NDF's demands too tall.
"It was a good rapport while it lasted. Iyong na-presidente na ako, naiba na lang ang istorya (When I became president, the story changed) simply because in the ladder of priority, the highest for me would be the security of the state," Duterte said in his speech.
"Pero noong panahon ng politika, well, boto iyan eh. Bilangan ng boto," he added. (But when it was time for politics, well, those were votes. It was about counting votes.)
"You cultivate friendship with everybody, but there is always a time to be friendly and a time just to be firm. And I did my very best to produce something for the country. But unfortunately I would not be blaming anybody now unless they would start to blame me again so that I can also blame them. Eh wala talagang nangyari (But nothing really happened)," Duterte said.
As attempts at negotiations foundered, Duterte and CPP-NDF leader Jose Maria "Joma" Sison traded accusations of infidelity to the peace process. Sison accused Duterte of letting the military continue attacks on the New People's Army (NPA) and later on, of violating democratic principles. Duterte accused Sison of allowing his guerrillas to attack government troops and pillage communities. He said Sison was out of touch with the NPA, fighting a lost cause.
In many of his public speeches on the pandemic, Duterte railed against the NPA for supposedly trying to sabotage the government's response. He threatened to declare martial law if they did not stop.
The government has a pending court petition to proscribe the CPP-NPA-NDF as a terrorist organization, but the military already refers to it as a "communist terrorist group" in its press releases.
Tightening the noose
Duterte's administration has since tightened the noose on the CPP-NPA-NDF and other groups it associates with the communist rebellion. In December 2018, Duterte established the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which puts his anti-communist campaign on the agenda of various government agencies besides the police and military.
The NTF-ELCAC enlists local governments to dismantle communist guerrilla fronts with offers of amnesty and financial aid, as armed offensives by government forces continue.
The NTF-ELCAC also forms part of the government's task force on "strategic communications" on its response to the pandemic. NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Major General Antonio Parlade Jr said this is to counter communist propaganda that takes advantage of "any lapse" in the government's actions.
Duterte and his administration have struggled to appear on top of the situation despite the continuing rise in local COVID-19 cases and socioeconomic problems affecting poor Filipinos. Police have arrested several people over public protests or even social media posts criticizing the government's handling of the pandemic.
Thousands of Filipinos have taken to the streets and to social media to protest Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. So far, 5 petitions have been filed, urging the Supreme Court to strike the measure as unconstitutional.
The new law, signed by Duterte on July 3, broadens law enforcement and military powers in surveilling, detaining, and prosecuting terror suspects. It authorizes the Cabinet-led Anti-Terrorism Council to issue preliminary designations of persons or groups as terrorists, ahead of official court proscription. It punishes actions and speech that may be interpreted as supportive of terrorism.
(READ: EXPLAINER: Comparing dangers in old law and anti-terror bill)
Those who oppose the measure worry the government may use it to persecute critics and dissenters, as protest rallies and critical speech may be interpreted as a threat to public safety, and therefore an act of terrorism.
Duterte: Fear not
The President, after saying communist rebels are terrorists because he declared them so, told Filipinos not to fear the anti-terrorism law.
"And for the law-abiding citizen of this country, I am addressing you with all sincerity: Huwag ho kayong matakot kung hindi ka terorista. Kung hindi ka naman sisirain mo ang gobyerno, pasabugin mo ang simbahan, pasabugin mo iyong public utilities, pasabugin mo iyong – Well, just to derail para matumba na tuloy ang bayan," Duterte said.
(Don't be afraid if you are not a terrorist. If you're not out to destroy the government, bomb a church, blow up public utilities, blow up the – Well, just to derail so that the nation stumbles.)
https://www.rappler.com/nation/266015-duterte-says-communist-rebels-terrorists-because-declared-so
Near the end of the hourlong broadcast on the coronavirus crisis, Duterte said the measure he signed into law last week provides the government "the much-needed legal weapons that we need to fight terrorism."
"These leftists and these communists, they think that we are always thinking of them," Duterte said. Leftist groups and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) are among many quarters opposing the anti-terrorism law for its "draconian" provisions.
Duterte then described terror attacks "mostly in Mindanao," including the bombing of a Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, in January 2019 by suicide attackers with links to the Islamic State and the Abu Sayyaf.
"They think that they are a different breed. They would like to be treated with another set of law[s], when as a matter of fact, they are terrorist," Duterte said. It is unclear whether he was referring to communist rebels, leftists, extremists, or all of these.
"They are terrorist because we – I finally declared them to be one. Why? Because we – I spent most of my days as a president trying to figure out and connect with them on how we can arrive at a peaceful solution," the President added.
'It was good while it lasted'
Duterte began his term in 2016 on friendly terms with the CPP and other leftist organizations. His administration attempted peace negotiations with the CPP’s political arm, the National Democratic Front (NDF), but efforts bogged down in November 2017 after mutual accusations of ceasefire violations.
Duterte briefly entertained an offer to talk peace with the NDF in December 2019. The attempt fizzled out earlier this year with the opposition of the military and Duterte’s defense and security advisers, who found the CPP-NDF's demands too tall.
"It was a good rapport while it lasted. Iyong na-presidente na ako, naiba na lang ang istorya (When I became president, the story changed) simply because in the ladder of priority, the highest for me would be the security of the state," Duterte said in his speech.
"Pero noong panahon ng politika, well, boto iyan eh. Bilangan ng boto," he added. (But when it was time for politics, well, those were votes. It was about counting votes.)
"You cultivate friendship with everybody, but there is always a time to be friendly and a time just to be firm. And I did my very best to produce something for the country. But unfortunately I would not be blaming anybody now unless they would start to blame me again so that I can also blame them. Eh wala talagang nangyari (But nothing really happened)," Duterte said.
As attempts at negotiations foundered, Duterte and CPP-NDF leader Jose Maria "Joma" Sison traded accusations of infidelity to the peace process. Sison accused Duterte of letting the military continue attacks on the New People's Army (NPA) and later on, of violating democratic principles. Duterte accused Sison of allowing his guerrillas to attack government troops and pillage communities. He said Sison was out of touch with the NPA, fighting a lost cause.
In many of his public speeches on the pandemic, Duterte railed against the NPA for supposedly trying to sabotage the government's response. He threatened to declare martial law if they did not stop.
The government has a pending court petition to proscribe the CPP-NPA-NDF as a terrorist organization, but the military already refers to it as a "communist terrorist group" in its press releases.
Tightening the noose
Duterte's administration has since tightened the noose on the CPP-NPA-NDF and other groups it associates with the communist rebellion. In December 2018, Duterte established the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), which puts his anti-communist campaign on the agenda of various government agencies besides the police and military.
The NTF-ELCAC enlists local governments to dismantle communist guerrilla fronts with offers of amnesty and financial aid, as armed offensives by government forces continue.
The NTF-ELCAC also forms part of the government's task force on "strategic communications" on its response to the pandemic. NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Major General Antonio Parlade Jr said this is to counter communist propaganda that takes advantage of "any lapse" in the government's actions.
Duterte and his administration have struggled to appear on top of the situation despite the continuing rise in local COVID-19 cases and socioeconomic problems affecting poor Filipinos. Police have arrested several people over public protests or even social media posts criticizing the government's handling of the pandemic.
Thousands of Filipinos have taken to the streets and to social media to protest Republic Act No. 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. So far, 5 petitions have been filed, urging the Supreme Court to strike the measure as unconstitutional.
The new law, signed by Duterte on July 3, broadens law enforcement and military powers in surveilling, detaining, and prosecuting terror suspects. It authorizes the Cabinet-led Anti-Terrorism Council to issue preliminary designations of persons or groups as terrorists, ahead of official court proscription. It punishes actions and speech that may be interpreted as supportive of terrorism.
(READ: EXPLAINER: Comparing dangers in old law and anti-terror bill)
Those who oppose the measure worry the government may use it to persecute critics and dissenters, as protest rallies and critical speech may be interpreted as a threat to public safety, and therefore an act of terrorism.
Duterte: Fear not
The President, after saying communist rebels are terrorists because he declared them so, told Filipinos not to fear the anti-terrorism law.
"And for the law-abiding citizen of this country, I am addressing you with all sincerity: Huwag ho kayong matakot kung hindi ka terorista. Kung hindi ka naman sisirain mo ang gobyerno, pasabugin mo ang simbahan, pasabugin mo iyong public utilities, pasabugin mo iyong – Well, just to derail para matumba na tuloy ang bayan," Duterte said.
(Don't be afraid if you are not a terrorist. If you're not out to destroy the government, bomb a church, blow up public utilities, blow up the – Well, just to derail so that the nation stumbles.)
https://www.rappler.com/nation/266015-duterte-says-communist-rebels-terrorists-because-declared-so
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