Cop, driver killed; 4 others hurt in Maguindanao blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): Cop, driver killed; 4 others hurt in Maguindanao blast (By Edwin Fernandez)



Google map of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao

A roadside bomb explosion ripped through a police car in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Thursday evening, killing a policeman and its civilian driver while hurting four others.

In a report, Col. Arnold Santiago, Maguindanao police chief, identified the fatalities as Master Sgt. Antonio Balasa and a certain Bobby, the civilian driver.

Injured were identified as Sgts. Larry Amoran and Guerrero Domingo; and Corporals Guai Mangrag and Clyde Peria.

"Investigation is still ongoing,” he said.

Onboard the police car was Maj. Erwin Tabora, chief of the provincial drug enforcement unit, who was reportedly not hurt in the blast.
Tabora’s group was on board the vehicle some 500 meters away from Camp Datu Akilan Ampatuan, the provincial police office in nearby Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao, when the roadside bomb went off in Barangay Mother of Shariff Aguak around 8:30 p.m.

Maj. Oligario Salvador, Shariff Aguak police, said the bombing bore the signature of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Shariff Aguak Mayor Marop Ampatuan has condemned the attack and has offered a bounty of a still unspecified amount to any information leading to those behind the bombing.

"Let us not allow terrorism to prevail in our town as we have long worked hard for the peaceful atmosphere in our area,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108539

Gunmen kill 4 in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): Gunmen kill 4 in North Cotabato (By Edwin Fernandez)



AMBUSHED. The bullet-riddled red Toyota Innova vehicle (MAF-2108) ambushed by still unidentified gunmen in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato, on Friday (July 10, 2020). Four occupants of the vehicle, whose identities have yet to be determined, were killed in the incident. (Photo courtesy of Pigcawayan MPS)

Unidentified gunmen shot dead four men on the national highway in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato Friday morning, police said.

Maj. Ivan Samoraza, Pigcawayan police chief, said the ambush occurred at about 6:30 a.m. along the Cotabato-Davao highway in Barangay Tubon.

“The victims were on board a red Toyota Innova (MAF-2108) parked by the roadside when gunmen armed with long firearms onboard another vehicle arrived and opened fire,” Samoraza said quoting witnesses.

Responding police found at least 15 empty shells for M-16 and M-14 rifles at the crime scene.

“We are yet trying to determine the identities of the attackers,” Samoraza said, adding the motive of the attack had yet to be established.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108547

Militant leader charged with murder nabbed in CamSur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): Militant leader charged with murder nabbed in CamSur (By Mar Serrano)

A police tracking unit serving a court order arrested another militant leader in Camarines Sur on Thursday afternoon.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, identified the suspect as Dan San Andres alias “Pastor,” 64, spokesperson of Karapatan Bicol.

San Andres was at home in Barangay South Centro in Sipocot town when authorities served the arrest warrant at 12:20 p.m., police report said.

San Andres' arrest stemmed from a murder complaint filed against him together with Jenelyn Nagrampa, Gabriela national vice-chairperson, who was arrested on Tuesday.

San Andres and Nagrampa were allegedly involved in the ambush by New People's Army rebels in a village in Ragay town on May 13, 2018 that killed a junior officer of the Philippine Army.

Both militant leaders were facing murder charges at the Regional Trial Court branch in Libmanan, Camarines Sur with no bail recommended.

San Andres, a pastor of the United Church of Christ in the Philippine, is in the custody of the Sipocot police station while awaiting his scheduled turnover to the local court for disposition.

Meanwhile, Gabriela, an alliance of Filipino women, and Karapatan Bicol demanded the release of its leaders claiming the charges were baseless and fabricated.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108550

PRO-9 cops undergo K9 handling, bomb detection training

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): PRO-9 cops undergo K9 handling, bomb detection training (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



POLICE TRAINING. The Police Regional Office-9 is conducting a six-month Basic Explosive Detection and Handlers Course to boost the crime prevention and law enforcement capability of the police forces in the Zamboanga Peninsula. A total of 46 handlers of bomb-sniffing dogs are undergoing training at Camp Col. Romeo Abendan in Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy of PRO-9 Public Information Office)

Forty-six policemen assigned as handlers of bomb-sniffing dogs are undergoing a six-month Basic Explosive Detection and Handlers Course here, a top police official said Friday.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr., Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, said the training kicked-off Wednesday and is being held at the firing range of Camp Col. Romeo Abendan that houses the PRO-9 headquarters here.

Cambay said the 46 policemen are assigned as handlers in the different police stations across the region and will form as the additional K9 teams set to augment the Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) of PRO-9 in the event their service is needed.

“The K9 team, which is composed of explosives detection dogs with two handlers, will be trained with the various search conduct, such as open search, baggage search, building or room search and vehicle search to detect the odor and presence of explosives, thus enhance the PNP’s ability to protect facilities and resources, prevent crime and provide law enforcement services,” he said.

The PRO-9 director noted that one of the most effective countermeasures against terrorists and criminals is the" deterrent value and the detection capability" of the K9 team.

He said the K9 teams will be deployed in the checkpoints and roadblocks, cordon and search operations, force protection and anti-terrorism operations, suspicious and unattended package response, bomb threats, high-risk personnel searches, access control points, and aircraft and luggage searches.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108595

‘NPA hitmen’ kill 2 tribesmen in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): ‘NPA hitmen’ kill 2 tribesmen in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



DAY OF MOURNING. A son sits beside the dead body of his father, Jomar Ignacio Engayas, 46, a resident of Libas-sud village in San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, who was shot and hacked to death by four suspected New People’s Army rebels on July 6, 2020. Tribal leaders condemned the NPA for killing their tribe members. (Photo courtesy of 75IB, Army)

Two Manobo tribesmen were killed by suspected hitmen of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur this week, police said on Friday.

In a report, the Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (SDSPPO) said suspected NPA rebels gunned down Thursday afternoon (July 9, 2020) Paquito Maca Badiang, 58, a resident of Barangay Mabuhay, Tandag City.

Based on the investigation of the Tandag City Police Station (TCPS), Badiang was on his way to his farm when waylaid by three NPA rebels.

The victim succumbed from multiple gunshot wounds, police said.

Police said Badiang was locked in a land dispute with an unidentified person who reportedly have relatives in the communist rebel movement.

Datu Rico H. Maca, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Miguel town, condemned the killing of Badiang.

“Without any investigation or clarification, the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) immediately killed the victim who is a civilian who belongs to the Manobo tribe,” Maca said in a statement released Friday.

The act of the NPA rebels, he said, "manifest their complete disregard and respect for human life". "The family members of the victim want justice for his death. It is painful to note that the NPA continue to kill the IPs in Surigao del Sur," he said.

Maca also lambasted the NPA for the killing of another Manobo tribesman in Barangay Libas-sud, San Miguel town, on Monday afternoon (July 6).

Maca identified the victim as Jomar Ignacio Engayas, 46, a resident of Libas-sud village.

According to the Manobo leader, Engayas was with his brother Jimmy drying their harvested coconuts when four armed NPA rebels arrived and took the victim.

Several minutes later, Maca said Engayas' brother, Jimmy, heard multiple gunshots.

“Jimmy immediately ran towards the spot where the gunshots came and found his brother dead and soaked in his own blood,” Maca said, adding the victim sustained two gunshot wounds and a hack wound on his nape.

“This is brutality and complete disrespect to the Manobo tribe in Surigao del Sur. If the killings done by the CNTs remain unhampered, many more lives of the IPs here will be lost,” Maca said.

In a separate statement on Thursday, the Army’s 75th Infantry Battalion condemned the NPA for their continuing attacks on tribal communities and the killings of IP members.

“The Army will be relentless in tracking down the fleeing rebels with the help of the local residents in communities,” said Lt. Col. Jeffry A. Villarosa, 75IB commander.

Villarosa also called on Surigao del Sur residents to continue supporting to the government in the fight against the communist insurgency.

“We must unite to fight the CNTs particularly on their gross disrespect of the human rights of the indigenous peoples in the area,” Villarosa said.

He also urged the remaining NPA members in the area to lay down their arms and go back to the fold of the law.

“Surrender while you still have time. It is not yet too late for you to correct the wrong decision that you did when you entered as pawns of the CNTs,” Villarosa 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/1108622

Vietnam eyes stronger naval cooperation with PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): Vietnam eyes stronger naval cooperation with PH (By Priam Nepomuceno)



COURTESY CALL. Vietnamese Ambassador to Manila Hoang Huy Chung (left) and Philippine Navy chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo (right) pose for a photo opportunity during a courtesy call at the Navy headquarters in Manila on Thursday (July 9, 2020). During their meeting, Chung expressed Hanoi's willingness to beef up maritime security cooperation with Manila. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

Vietnam has expressed its willingness to strengthen its naval cooperation with the Philippines.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Manila Hoang Huy Chung made this assurance in a courtesy call on Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo at the Navy headquarters in Manila on Thursday.

"The Vietnam Ambassador also expressed the willingness of Vietnam to strengthen its coordination with the Philippines, particularly in the areas of maritime security concerns and to enhance both countries’ naval cooperation," PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a statement Friday.

Other highlights of the meeting include future engagements of the PN and the Vietnam People’s Navy which include the latter’s participation in the upcoming Philippine-hosted Western Pacific Naval Symposium and other international naval activities where both Navies will participate.

Chung held various high-ranking positions in Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs before being appointed to his present post.

"This courtesy call is yet another manifestation of the PN’s unfaltering commitment in promoting stability, protection, and cooperation in the region, the Philippine Navy is firmly dedicated to continuing and further enhancing its commitment to strengthening ties and friendship with other regional Navies," Roxas added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108537

Air Force to get 2 more C-130 planes

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): Air Force to get 2 more C-130 planes (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Philippine Air Force C-130 plane. (File photo)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will acquire two more Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft to add to its existing fleet of five used to transport medical supplies and personnel tasked to contain the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

"Based on our current status reports, one of the C-130s is expected to arrive this month (July) while the other one will arrive before the end of the year. Both have no specific (arrival) dates yet," Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Thursday.

The cost of acquisition for the two C-130s is PHP2.5 billion.

"Cost is PHP2.5 billion. They (C-130s were) co-financed by the Philippines (who contributed PHP1.6 billion) and the US through FMF (Foreign Military Financing) program worth (PHP900 million)," Andolong added.

The US FMF program provides grants and loans for the acquisition of US defense equipment, services, and training.

The C-130 is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft designed and built originally by Lockheed, now known as Lockheed Martin.

Capable of using unprepared runways for takeoffs and landings, the C-130 was originally designed as a troop, medical evacuation, and cargo transport aircraft.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108542

Manhunt underway vs. gunmen in MisOcc checkpoint attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): Manhunt underway vs. gunmen in MisOcc checkpoint attack (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa. (File photo)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa ordered a manhunt against communist rebels behind the attack at a quarantine checkpoint that wounded four police officers in Concepcion, Misamis Occidental on Thursday.

In a statement Friday, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Gamboa also instructed Police Regional Office 10 (Northern Mindanao) director, Brig. Gen. Rolando Anduyan to ensure that the four wounded personnel will be given immediate medical attention.

“As of now, they are recovering in two different hospitals in Concepcion and Ozamis City,” Banac said.

In a report from the PRO-10 submitted to Camp Crame, personnel of the Concepcion Municipal Police Station were manning an advance command post in Barangay Putongan when New People's Army (NPA) rebels belonging to the Guerilla Front "Sendong" opened fire at them shortly before 8 a.m. on Thursday.

Although wounded in the firefight, the four police officers on duty -- Cpl. Marvin Inton, S/Sgt. Larry Millan, Cpl. Leo Gumisad and Pat. Ritchel Tañola took defensive positions and held their ground, killing one of the attackers.

Members of the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of Misamis Occidental Provincial Police Office and soldiers from the Philippine Army responded to the encounter site to provide reinforcement and blocking forces against the rebels.

Crime scene investigators continue to gather more pieces of evidence to establish the identity of the NPA rebel who died in the encounter.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108549

New vehicles to boost Army's anti-terror, Covid-19 efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): New vehicles to boost Army's anti-terror, Covid-19 efforts (By Priam Nepomuceno)



NEW VEHICLES. Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay (center), takes a look at one of the new vehicles donated to the Philippine Army by the Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association Inc. in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (July 10, 2020). The new vehicles are expected to boost the Army's capability in curbing terror threats and battling the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of the Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

The nine vehicles donated by the Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (AFPMBAI) to the Philippine Army (PA) will help the latter further carry out its anti-terrorism and coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) containment missions.

“On behalf of the Philippine Army, I thank the AFPMBAI headed by its President and CEO, Maj. Gen. (Robert) Arevalo, for this generosity. Your grant of nine units of vehicle(s), in addition to the 16 you have already donated last year, will not only boost the capability of the Army in the war against terrorism and the impact of the pandemic," Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, said in his speech during the blessing and turnover of the vehicles at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday.

Army personnel, along with those of the Navy and Air Force, have been deployed to man various quarantine control points when the enhanced community quarantine was declared in Metro Manila and nearby provinces early this year.

Aside from this, PA medical personnel and their counterparts from the two services are helping care and monitor patients infected with Covid-19 in various government health facilities across the country.

Gapay added that these new vehicles would also uplift the well-being of PA personnel who are engaged in anti-terror operations and Covid-19 front-line duties.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108575

Arrest warrant served vs. cadets in Dormitorio case: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): Arrest warrant served vs. cadets in Dormitorio case: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)



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

The arrest warrant issued against the three cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) implicated in the death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio has been served, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Friday.

"The warrant of arrest issued by Presiding Judge Maria Ligaya V. Itliong-Rivera was served to the three accused PMA cadets by the commanding officer of the Military Police Battalion and the designated custodial officer of the AFP Custodial and Detention Center, Army Maj. Evangeline Nualda," AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said in a press statement.

Arevalo, who also heads the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command, said the warrant would be returned to the court on Friday as the three cadets had been detained at the PMA and were transferred to the stockade of Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City last January 17.

"The accused cadets and three others face criminal prosecution for violating Article of War 97," he said.

Arevalo noted that the AFP commits “to secure, present and/or deliver the living body of any or all the accused cadets to the proper authorities when so ordered, including pertinent orders or directives from the General Court Martial and the Honorable Court.”

On Wednesday, the Baguio Regional Trial Court Branch 5 ordered the arrest of cadets Felix Lumbag Jr. and Shalimar Imperial Jr., who were charged with murder and hazing, and cadet Julius Carlo Tadena for hazing and less serious physical injuries.

The court did not recommend bail.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108603

PH Navy starts ‘new era of dev’t’ with BRP Rizal: PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 11, 2020): PH Navy starts ‘new era of dev’t’ with BRP Rizal: PRRD (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



NEW ERA OF DEV’T. The commissioning of the BRP Jose Rizal, held at the Alava Wharf in Subic Bay, Zambales on Friday (July 10, 2020), ushers in a “new era of development and transformation” for the Philippine Navy, President Rodrigo Duterte said. The country’s first missile-frigate is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface war, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Navy)

The commissioning of the BRP Jose Rizal, the country’s first missile-frigate, marks the start of the Philippine Navy‘s “new era of development and transformation,” President Rodrigo R. Duterte said Friday.

"Today is the beginning of a new era of development and transformation for our Philippine Navy as we witness the commissioning of (the) Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Jose Rizal,” Duterte said in a taped video message flashed on the screen during the handover, christening, commissioning, and blessing of the frigate at the Alava Wharf in Subic Bay, Zambales.

The BRP Jose Rizal, a multi-role frigate built by South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries, is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface war, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

The President expressed optimism that with the BRP Jose Rizal, the Philippine Navy would be more motivated to serve the country.

“I convey my deepest gratitude and appreciation to (the) Philippine Navy for always delivering the highest standard of service to our country and our people,” he said. “I am hopeful that you shall likewise be doubling the passion and commitment you have already manifested in ensuring the peace and progress truly deserved by our country.”

The procurement of the frigate was signed in 2016, along with another frigate, the BRP Antonio Luna that was launched in November 2019.

The BRP Jose Rizal was supposed to be commissioned on June 19 to coincide with the 159th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero.

The commissioning date, however, was moved after one of its crew members tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on a routine check-up.

PRRD in good health
Duterte, 75, was unable to attend the ship’s commissioning due to the pandemic.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque reassured the public that Duterte remains in the pink of health.

“Well, like any other 75-year-old, para naman pong nasa 88 (percent) po ang physical health ng ating Presidente (the condition of the President’s physical health is at 88 percent),” he said in an interview with dzBB on Friday when asked to rate Duterte’s health condition.

Duterte is currently in his hometown, Davao City, and remains busy fulfilling his job as the country’s highest elected official, Roque said.

“Doon po siya nag-o-opisina at may mga plano biyahe po pero ‘yun nga po, for security considerations, ako po ay pinagbawalan na sabihin kung ano ‘yung mga schedule na iyan (He’s doing his job while he’s there [in Davao City]. He has planned travels but for security considerations, I am prohibited from disclosing his scheduled activities),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108655

BRP Jose Rizal highlights gov't resolve to protect PH: Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): BRP Jose Rizal highlights gov't resolve to protect PH: Navy (By Priam Nepomuceno)



COMMISSIONING RITES. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (in barong), South Korean Ambassador to Manila Han Dong-man (in blue suit), and ranking Philippine military officials lead the handover, christening, and commissioning ceremony for the Philippines' first missile-frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal, at the Alava Wharf in Subic Bay, Zambales on Friday (July 10, 2020). Navy chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said the acquisition of the BRP Jose Rizal highlights the government's commitment to protecting the country's territory. (Photo courtesy of DND)

The acquisition of the Philippines' first missile-frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), highlights the government's commitment to protecting the country, the chief of the Philippine Navy (PN) said on Friday.

"This newest addition to our naval assets is a testament and the reflection of our government's commitment to protect and show our love for the country," Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in his speech during the handover, christening, commissioning, and blessing of the ship at the Alava Wharf in Subic Bay, Zambales.

Bacordo added that the ship embodies the values exemplified by its namesake, national hero Dr. Jose Rizal.

He said Jose Rizal is a fitting name for the PN's first newly acquired surface combatant.

"A great hero, (the BRP Jose Rizal) represents love of country, and a fiery dedication to protect its freedom and sovereignty," Bacordo said.

As Navy chief, Bacordo said he is "overjoyed" that the BRP Jose Rizal has finally joined the Navy fleet.

"Having a frigate in our fleet enhances our warfighting readiness," he said.

The BRP Jose Rizal arrived in Subic Bay, Zambales last May 23 after leaving the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea last May 18.

The ship's original commissioning date was June 19 to coincide with the hero's 159th birth anniversary but this was moved after one of its crew members tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on a routine check-up.

The ship is capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

The BRP Jose Rizal was launched at the HHI shipyard on May 23, 2019.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108629

Surrendered CPP official thanks gov’t for assistance

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10, 2020): Surrendered CPP official thanks gov’t for assistance (By Marita Moaje)



Anne Margarette Taui (3rd from left), a high ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), receives cash assistance under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) from Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (3rd from right), on July 2, 2020 at the Baguio City Hall, (Photo grabbed from NTF ELCAC FB page) 

After her surrender to the government forces, Anne Margarette Tauli, a high ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), thanked and accepted the government assistance, and assured that it will be given back to the people of their community in Besao, Mountain Province.

“I’m accepting this assistance since this is also from the people and will be given back to the people through our projects in Besao where we started before Covid, some projects for progress and peace in our town," Tauli said.

During the ceremony on July 2 at the Baguio City Hall, Tauli described the process that she went through as “tough and grueling”, but expressed her appreciation to the people who were instrumental in her surrender.

“I’d like also to thank General (Hermogenes) Esperon and (Baguio City) Mayor (Benjamin) Magalong, Generals (Henry) Doyaoen and (R’win) Pagkalinawan for this process that I went through which was cordial and tough, of course grueling, but which ended up with this, by allowing me to go back to our town,” she said.

Magalong, who is also the Cordillera Regional Peace and Order Council Chairman, recognized Tauli for “making the right choice”.

He told Tauli that they were on the same boat but on the different sides of the spectrum, as she is on the left and Magalong, as a former law enforcer and now a local chief executive, was on the right.

He added that he understands the sentiments of those on the side against the government, but that there is another way to attain true and lasting peace.

“We understand your stand, but there will come a time that you really have to make a choice, that is, support the legitimate government and advocate for peace, because if there is anyone, anybody who really wants peace in this country, probably these are the soldiers and the policemen who are really fighting and sacrificing their lives,” Magalong said.

Tauli is excited to go back to her clan and community, who are all waiting for her return as well.

She said that she fully understands now the context of the government's whole-of-nation approach for just and lasting peace and that she is looking towards some progress so that there won’t be any need for a large military solution to the problem.

Tauli expressed her acceptance of the program and work towards peace and progress, amid the aggravating effect of the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) to the situation of the people.

Magalong said that as the government and the leftist movement have the same goal of attaining peace, he invited Tauli to help the government get in touch with the members of the movement “and finally convince them that they can make a choice, and that particular choice is probably to start with dialogue".

"The only way we will be able to come up with a negotiation, just like in any conflict areas is, people, need to talk to each other and that is what I am offering now to the members of the communist movement. Let us talk," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1108646