Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Training programs seen to boost productivity in NPA-influenced brgy

From the  Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): Training programs seen to boost productivity in NPA-influenced brgy (By Jeanevive Abangan)


TESDA Director-General Sec. Isidro Lapeña in Sitio Maragatas to launch skills training projects for its residents

DAVAO ORIENTAL - More training programs poured in insurgent hot-bed barangay here are expected to boost productivity of residents.

The Provincial Government of Davao Oriental recently launched Oplan Maragatas pooling together local and national government services especially the package that the Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) had put together to end local communist armed conflict thru Executive Order No. 70 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Leading the group of PRLEC heads of national agencies to the launching, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Isidro Lapeña expected community folks of Barangay Maragatas in Lupon town to become more productive with the menu of training programs. He even expressed prospects of building a “productivity center” in the area.

TESDA prioritized provision of construction and agriculture-related training programs.

“This is just the beginning,” he said while also looking at bringing into productive use the wide tracks of land in Barangay Maragatas resided mostly by Mandaya indigenous people (IP).

He suggested a collaborative effort to turn the lands into productive use for household consumption and for eventual income-generating endeavors with private sector partners.

On top of agriculture production training, Lapeña said that TESDA could also bring in carpentry, masonry, electrical training sessions, and that on heavy equipment operation, and shielded metal arc welding or SMAW.

He cited these training as important support to housing projects coming its way to the barangay.

“Lahat ng ito ay ituturo sa inyo nga TESDA. (All of these wil be taught by TESDA),” he said while explaining that TESDA’s programs were in support to the initiative of the provincial government and to the local governments.

He also asked residents present during the launch to tell their neighbors what other training to include and “the government will put efforts together to bring this to you,” he said.

“Iparating sa ating mga kababayan na meron tayong serbisyo,” he said as he relayed the message of President Rodrigo Duterte “to help our fellow Filipinos rise from poverty and for them to live comfortably”.

Meanwhile, Punong Barangay Beverly Rebalde noted transformation in the lives of her fellow barangay residents especially those who were undergoing training sessions of TESDA.

“Naa silay taas nga pang lantaw pagkuman nila aning training, mahimo nila kining source of income ug panginabuhian sa ilang matag pamilya. (They are highly expecting that once done with the training, they can turn this into source of income and livelihood for their families.),” she said.

She said Barangay Maragatas used to be a “no man’s land” as people fear of stepping into it due to high influence of communist terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) leading to armed conflicts with government forces.

For quite a time in the past, the chaos stalled the development of the barangay making residents unresponsive to the local government.

“Sa pagsige nila ug training, sayo na jud sila naga abot, in the same way sab sa mga meeting, aktibo na sila, ug supportive pud sila. Ang mga parent na mismo mangutana unsay mga programa. (In attending training sessions, they have developed coming early. In the same way with meetings, they’ve become active and supportive. The parent themselves are asking about programs.),” she said in an interview. (PIA XI/Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048713

“Oplan Maragatas” Launched at Hotbed of Communist Insurgency in DavOr

From the  Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): “Oplan Maragatas” Launched at Hotbed of Communist Insurgency in DavOr (By Karen Lou Deloso, Van Jorain Rubin)

DAVAO ORIENTAL – With a firm resolve to wipe out the local Communist insurgency, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental recently launched a program offering long-term solutions to address its root causes through good governance and provision of sustainable projects.

On July 22, Wednesday, the “Oplan Maragatas” – a program which strongly supports the national government’s Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict – was officially launched in Barangay Maragatas in the municipality of Lupon, Davao Oriental, one of the province’s top ten priority barangays considered to be among the hotbeds of armed conflict here.

Wednesday’s launching was highlighted by the awarding of national certificates to 125 scholars who completed livelihood skills training under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). These scholars, who are residents of Barangay Maragatas, completed their trainings on Masonry NC 2, Carpentry NC 2, Shielded Metal Arc Welding NC 1, Organic Agriculture Production NC II, Food and Beverage Services NCI, and Cookery NC 2.

Under the TESDA program, the scholars received free training and assessment, insurance fee, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), internet allowance of P500, and training support fund of P160 per day throughout the course.

TESDA’s full support

Director General of TESDA, Secretary Isidro Lapeña, who heads the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), graced the activity and handed over the certificates.

Sec. Lapeña congratulated the scholars for gaining new skills that will give them many employment and livelihood opportunities. He assured them that the training is only the beginning of the government’s assistance as it also looks into providing aid in terms of employment and livelihood.

A father of six, 44-year-old Reynaldo Budadong, who completed the course on Carpentry, said he is happy to acquire new skills. He said he looks forward to the housing project that the provincial government eyes to put up in their village as it promises to hire local labor for its construction. “We would be very happy when the project eventually starts as it will surely provide us with jobs,” he said.

Meanwhile, putting a premium on agriculture and food production, Sec. Lapeña also proposed the establishment of a productivity center in the village where locals can undergo livelihood trainings. The agency has already linked up with the private sector that will set to buy local products, particularly the locally made wine called “bia-is”.

Aside from the interventions brought by the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster for the people of Brgy. Maragatas, the member-agencies of two other clusters namely the Infrastructure cluster and Basic Services Cluster also turned over projects and provided much-needed services for the people here.

Sec. Lapeña said that all these interventions became possible through the complementation of the efforts of all stakeholders involved. He lauded the provincial government of Davao Oriental who he says proves that nothing is impossible with good partnership and coordination among partners.

“Our government aims to improve the lives of our people, to get them out of poverty, and enable them to live comfortable lives,” he said, noting that his presence during the activity is an “affirmation of the government’s commitment to supporting the people, especially those from the marginalized sector.”

Village chief Beverly Rebalde expressed her thanks to the government for looking into her people’s plights which they have endured for many years. “What we dreamed for a very long time is now starting to be realized. I can finally see our people able to provide for their own families and send their children to school. And for that, we are very grateful,” a teary-eyed Rebalde said.

Barangay Maragatas which consists of 20 sitios covering a total of 9,057 hectares of land has a population of more than 3,000 people.

Decades ago, Barangay Maragatas, particularly its hinterland sitios situated on the mountains, was used to be infested with the Communist-Terrorist Group New People’s Army (NPA), forcing locals to provide support to the rebel group while some get easily recruited to join their ranks. Villagers say that the group used to roam freely in their communities and have thrived for many years here primarily because of the village’s far distance from the government center which also means far from government services.

However, with the government coming into the picture and with the recent inception of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Insurgency, these conditions have changed over the recent years.



Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict

The Oplan Maragatas is only part of the national program dubbed as the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Insurgency.

Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Focal Person Mr. Ednar Dayanghirang said the program promises to provide long-term government interventions to address the long-standing societal problems such as poverty and lack of socio-economic opportunities in the communities, which are long to be considered as the root causes of the insurgency.

In the province of Davao Oriental, the program uses the cluster approach in providing interventions. Mr. Dayanghirang said this means that interventions are being provided in a holistic manner delivered by a team of agencies rather than just one agency, thus, ensuring sustainability and effectiveness.

Under the leadership of Governor Nelson Dayanghirang, the province of Davao Oriental has been aggressive in its efforts to address these problems through effective programs and implementation of projects in the communities that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.

“Now is the time to end this long-running armed struggle. The government is already here providing meaningful projects and services. We have a government that is willing to listen. There is no reason to support the enemy’s side which only sows nothing but terror and strife. I only ask that everyone join our government’s cause for peace and its bid for development,” said Governor Dayanghirang. (By Karen Lou Deloso/Photos by Van Jorain Rufin, PIO Davao Oriental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048715

11 Communist-Terrorist Group members voluntarily surrender to EV cops

From the  Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): 11 Communist-Terrorist Group members voluntarily surrender to EV cops (By RPIO, PRO-8)

Featured Image

CAMPETIC, Palo, Leyte, July 27 -- Despite the threat of COVID-19 pandemic in the region, the Eastern Visayas police force spearheaded by Regional Director, PBGen Bernanbe M. Balba, successfully convinced 11 Communist-Terrorist Group (CTG) members to return to the fold of the law and be part of the real change and enjoy peace with their loved ones.

Said rebels voluntarily surrendered to the police personnel of the 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st LPMFC) led by its Force Commander, Lt. Col. Frederick G. Deñal under the direct supervision of PCol Rodelio C. Samson; Basey Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Basey, Samar under the leadership of PCol Andre P. Dizon; and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) team led by PLt Stephanie A. Adornado.

Surenderees were identified as follows: a.k.a. “Walik,” 26-year-old male, single, farmer and a resident of Purok-Tres, Brgy. Villa Aurora, Basey, Samar; a.k.a. “Eunice,” 32-years-old and a resident of Zone-1, Brgy. Sawa, Basey, Samar; a.k.a. “Erly,” 54-year-old male and a resident of Zone-1 Brgy. Sawa, Basey, Samar; a.k.a. “Sammy,”40-year-old, married and a resident of Brgy. Cansuegra, Leyte, Leyte; a.k.a. “Abit,” 51-year-old, married and a resident of Brgy. Wague, Leyte, Leyte; and a.k.a. “Rene Boy,” 46-years-old, married and a resident of Brgy. Consuegra, Leyte, Leyte.

Surrenderees also included a.k.a. “Jomar,” 28-year-old, single and a resident of Sitio Tabigue, Brgy. Wague, Leyte, Leyte; a.k.a “Leo,” 48-year-old, married and a resident of Brgy. San Roque, Marabut, Samar; a.k.a “Edil, Elvie, Eman, Maffy,” 60-year-old and a resident of Brgy. Sto. Niño, Sulat, Eastern Samar; a.k.a “Joel,” 53-year-old, married and a resident of Brgy. San Roque, Marabut, Samar; and a.k.a. “Dondon, Bornok,” 32-year-old, married, also a resident of Brgy. San Roque, Marabut, Samar.

Said rebel returnees turned-over the following: one (1) unit Elisco M16 Rifle 5.56mm (defaced) with one (1) long magazine, one (1) short magazine with 50 live ammunition; one (1) unit 45 cal. 45 serial number (SN): 574813 with one (1) magazine and four (4) rounds of ammunition; one (1) unit cal. U.S M1 Carbine SN: 120881, with one (1) magazine with 17 rounds of ammunition; B2.2, one (1) unit 38 revolver pistol with three (3) live ammunition; one (1) unit Magnum (Smith & Wesson) .22 revolver pistol with four (4) live ammunition; one (1) unit 9mm Luger KG 9 SN: 775217 with one (1) magazine with four (4) live ammunition; B4.2, one (1) unit Ingram M11 cal 9mm SN: GA 0062 USA with one (1) magazine with four (4) live ammunition; one (1) unit 45 cal. pistol Colt 1911 with SN: 1011808, with one (1) magazine, four (4) live ammunition; one (1) M14 M1 Rifle Japanese Type Arisaka with SN: 16557, with one (1) magazine and with four (4) of rounds of ammunition; one (1) Modified M14 M1 Rifle Japanese Type Arisaka with SN: 94700, without magazine and with four (4) rounds of ammunition; one (1) M14 M1 Rifle Japanese Type Arisaka with SN 63104, with one (1) built-in magazine, four (4) rounds of ammunition; and one (1) caliber 45 pistol, USA Taurus SN 600, with one (1) magazine and with five (5) rounds of ammunition.

The success of persuading our fellow kababayans, who somehow chose to become members of eluding terrorists and are now enjoying the freedom and lasting peace with the government and their families, is through the extensive intelligence and counter propaganda efforts of our PNP personnel in coordination and support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

It is also through dedication, hard work and love for our country that made this remarkably successful.

“This is a defining moment for all of us as we just recently launched the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in the Province of Samar that is designed to become an important component in our fight against insurgency. Just a week after its launching, significant accomplishment has been marked that connotes a positive impact to the community in attaining peace and development. I am very much delighted and positive enough that this prolonged adversity will now be addressed,” PBGen Balba said.

The surrenderees are now in the custody of the government for safekeeping and debriefing, documentation and proper disposition. They will be endorsed to avail of the government’s assistance program for returnees, the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). (PRO-8, RPIO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048750

DPWH bares ELCAC projects for Ambaguio villages

From the  Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): DPWH bares ELCAC projects for Ambaguio villages (By Benjamin Moses M. Ebreo)



BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, July 28 (PIA) - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has bared its infrastructure projects designed to lift the economic status of upland villagers of Ambaguio town.

Engineer Oscar Gumiran, DWPH 1st district chief said the infrastructure development projects are concrete roads, bridge, drainage systems, sanitary units, water system and multi-purpose buildings.

"Several projects are already on-going while others are to be implemented in 2021 through the Roads and Bridges Project (RBP)," he said.DPWH logo

Gumiran also said that the infrastructure projects are in support of the national government's End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) convergence program.

The infrastructure projects will be done in barangays Lower Amweg, Lower Dulli road, Daang Maharlika Masoc - Mt. Pulag National Park access road, Poblacion and Labang.

Gumiran also added that these projects are intended to promote health and wellness, provide better water system, facility for elderlies, better accessibility and mobility between barangays, ensure stability in soil erosion - prone areas through slope protection structures and safer and faster mobility of farmers who usually cross rivers.

Provincial ELCAC members have identified three barangays of upland Ambaguio town as influenced by the communist movement.

The projects lined up by the DPWH to Ambaguio town is part of the ELCAC's infrastructure and resource management cluster component to uplift the lives of the upland villagers. (MDCT/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

11 Communist-Terrorist Group members voluntarily surrender to EV cops

From the  Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): 11 Communist-Terrorist Group members voluntarily surrender to EV cops (By RPIO, PRO-8)

Featured Image

CAMPETIC, Palo, Leyte, July 27 -- Despite the threat of COVID-19 pandemic in the region, the Eastern Visayas police force spearheaded by Regional Director, PBGen Bernanbe M. Balba, successfully convinced 11 Communist-Terrorist Group (CTG) members to return to the fold of the law and be part of the real change and enjoy peace with their loved ones.

Said rebels voluntarily surrendered to the police personnel of the 1st Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (1st LPMFC) led by its Force Commander, Lt. Col. Frederick G. Deñal under the direct supervision of PCol Rodelio C. Samson; Basey Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Basey, Samar under the leadership of PCol Andre P. Dizon; and Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8 Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) team led by PLt Stephanie A. Adornado.

Surenderees were identified as follows: a.k.a. “Walik,” 26-year-old male, single, farmer and a resident of Purok-Tres, Brgy. Villa Aurora, Basey, Samar; a.k.a. “Eunice,” 32-years-old and a resident of Zone-1, Brgy. Sawa, Basey, Samar; a.k.a. “Erly,” 54-year-old male and a resident of Zone-1 Brgy. Sawa, Basey, Samar; a.k.a. “Sammy,”40-year-old, married and a resident of Brgy. Cansuegra, Leyte, Leyte; a.k.a. “Abit,” 51-year-old, married and a resident of Brgy. Wague, Leyte, Leyte; and a.k.a. “Rene Boy,” 46-years-old, married and a resident of Brgy. Consuegra, Leyte, Leyte.

Surrenderees also included a.k.a. “Jomar,” 28-year-old, single and a resident of Sitio Tabigue, Brgy. Wague, Leyte, Leyte; a.k.a “Leo,” 48-year-old, married and a resident of Brgy. San Roque, Marabut, Samar; a.k.a “Edil, Elvie, Eman, Maffy,” 60-year-old and a resident of Brgy. Sto. Niño, Sulat, Eastern Samar; a.k.a “Joel,” 53-year-old, married and a resident of Brgy. San Roque, Marabut, Samar; and a.k.a. “Dondon, Bornok,” 32-year-old, married, also a resident of Brgy. San Roque, Marabut, Samar.

Said rebel returnees turned-over the following: one (1) unit Elisco M16 Rifle 5.56mm (defaced) with one (1) long magazine, one (1) short magazine with 50 live ammunition; one (1) unit 45 cal. 45 serial number (SN): 574813 with one (1) magazine and four (4) rounds of ammunition; one (1) unit cal. U.S M1 Carbine SN: 120881, with one (1) magazine with 17 rounds of ammunition; B2.2, one (1) unit 38 revolver pistol with three (3) live ammunition; one (1) unit Magnum (Smith & Wesson) .22 revolver pistol with four (4) live ammunition; one (1) unit 9mm Luger KG 9 SN: 775217 with one (1) magazine with four (4) live ammunition; B4.2, one (1) unit Ingram M11 cal 9mm SN: GA 0062 USA with one (1) magazine with four (4) live ammunition; one (1) unit 45 cal. pistol Colt 1911 with SN: 1011808, with one (1) magazine, four (4) live ammunition; one (1) M14 M1 Rifle Japanese Type Arisaka with SN: 16557, with one (1) magazine and with four (4) of rounds of ammunition; one (1) Modified M14 M1 Rifle Japanese Type Arisaka with SN: 94700, without magazine and with four (4) rounds of ammunition; one (1) M14 M1 Rifle Japanese Type Arisaka with SN 63104, with one (1) built-in magazine, four (4) rounds of ammunition; and one (1) caliber 45 pistol, USA Taurus SN 600, with one (1) magazine and with five (5) rounds of ammunition.

The success of persuading our fellow kababayans, who somehow chose to become members of eluding terrorists and are now enjoying the freedom and lasting peace with the government and their families, is through the extensive intelligence and counter propaganda efforts of our PNP personnel in coordination and support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

It is also through dedication, hard work and love for our country that made this remarkably successful.

“This is a defining moment for all of us as we just recently launched the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in the Province of Samar that is designed to become an important component in our fight against insurgency. Just a week after its launching, significant accomplishment has been marked that connotes a positive impact to the community in attaining peace and development. I am very much delighted and positive enough that this prolonged adversity will now be addressed,” PBGen Balba said.

The surrenderees are now in the custody of the government for safekeeping and debriefing, documentation and proper disposition. They will be endorsed to avail of the government’s assistance program for returnees, the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). (PRO-8, RPIO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048750

2 NPAs, 2 militiamen surrender in Isabela

From the  Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): 2 NPAs, 2 militiamen surrender in Isabela (By Oliver T. Baccay)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, July 27 (PIA) - - Two regular members of the New People's Army (NPA) and two members of the Militia ng Bayan recently surrendered to government troops following a stiff campaign against terrorism as part of the enforcement of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict(NTF-ELCAC) thrust of the present administration.


BGen. Laurence E. Mina, commander of 5th ID, urges rebels to surrender and avail of programs of the government. (by 5ID)

With the joint effort of the 95th Infantry Battalion under the 502nd Infantry Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in San Mariano, Isabela, the rebels known as “ Romeo” and “Felix”, together with militiamen “Hector” and “Stihl” voluntarily laid their arms to the authorities.

Brigadier General Laurence E. Mina, acting commander of army's 5th ID, lauded the decision of the rebels to reintegrate themselves to the mainstream society, embrace the real peace and be part of community development.

“Ang pamunuan ng 5th ID kasama ang lokal na pamahalaan ay patuloy na nananawagan sa mga natitira pang mga rebelde na nasa kabundukan ng Cagayan Valley at Cordillera, kasama ang mga miyembro ng Milisyang Bayan at mga sumusuporta sa maling ideolohiya ng CPP-NPA-NDF, na magbalik-loob na sa ating pamahalaan. Hinihikayat namin kayong mamuhay sa diwa ng tunay na kapayapaan kasama ng inyong pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay, ” Mina said.

He also informed the rebel returnees of their benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) that will be processed and be awarded to them soon.

He said on July 9, a total of P935,000.00 was awarded to former rebels who have earlier surrendered to the government and decided to live normally and peacefully in the society. (BME/OTB/PIA-Cagayan)

NPA camp in Negros Occ falls to Army troop

From the  Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): NPA camp in Negros Occ falls to Army troop (By Jemin B. Guillermo)

ILOILO CITY, July 28 (PIA) - Troops of the Army's 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) overrun the CPP-NPA Terrorist's (CNT) temporary lair after a tip from the community in the vicinity of Sitio Calagmakan, Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

The lair was overran at around 12:20 o’clock in the afternoon, July 21, by the army troopers after they engaged in a 15-minute firefight with the members of Platoon 2, SDG, South West Front (SWF), a press release from the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said.


Sensing that they were over powered, the NPA withdrew and scampered to the different areas.

The den can accommodate around 60 persons where the rebels usually held their meetings.

Recovered from the encounter site were Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), generator sets, Binoculars, BP apparatus, map of Negros province, printer, office supplies, gasoline, Teach-in Materials, electrical wires, foodstuffs and cooking utensils, subversive documents and, CNTs personal belongings.

Major General Eric Vinoya, Commander of the Army's 3ID, attributed the successful seizure of the enemy's temporary lair to the vigilance of the local populace in helping the Army troops through giving accurate information about the location of the Communist-Terrorists.

As he commended the operating troops, Vinoya likewise cited the effectiveness of the Army's Community Support Program (CSP) in the area for raising awareness among the local residents on the importance of people's participation in addressing the insurgency problem.

"The people's vigilance in supporting their Army was indeed a great help not only in capturing the CNTs' lair, but also preventing the enemy from casting terroristic activities like landmine attacks," said Vinoya.

CSP Teams are deployed to communities to free the local populace from the bondage of CNT's deceptive ideology by addressing the root-causes of insurgency.

With the capture of the NPA's encampment, Vinoya ordered the 15th IB to continue pursuing the remaining NPAs in the area until they will be running out of places to hide and will be rendered irrelevant to the communities. (JBG-PIA6/With report and photo from 3ID-DPAO, Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048786

Tagalog News: Mga proyektong pangkaunlaran vs. insurgency sa Surigao Norte, inilatag

From the  Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): Tagalog News: Mga proyektong pangkaunlaran vs. insurgency sa Surigao Norte, inilatag (By Venus L. Garcia)

Featured Image

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Surigao del Norte, Hulyo 28 (PIA) -- Isang konsultasyon sa iba’t ibang people’s organization ang isinagawa sa pamamagitan ng Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster ng Surigao del Norte Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) sa pangunguna ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) - Surigao del Norte kasama ang iba pang government line agencies at pribadong sektor.

Ang nasabing konsultasyon ay idinaos sa barangay Sico-Sico, Gigaquit na dinaluhan ng mga opisyales at mga miyembro ng labing anim na aktibong people’s organizations ng barangay Lahi, Sico-Sico at barangay Camam-onan o LASICAM.

Dito ay tinalakay ang issues at concerns gayundin ang mga suhestiyon ng bawat people’s organization sa kanilang mga napiling mga proyekto na siya namang popondohan at tutulungan ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan.



Ayon kay TESDA-Surigao del Norte supervising TESD specialist Elena Cacho, isa sa mga napagkasunduan ng mga miyembro ng PRLEC ay ang pagtukoy sa mga proyekto at programa sa mga lugar na malalayo at may matinding problema ng kahirapan, kawalan ng trabaho, at insurhensiya.

Samantala nagpasalamat naman si Carmen Peruda, presidente ng Lawa-Lahi Women’s Association sa ibinigay na swine raising project na malaking tulong para mabigyan ng pagkakataon na umunlad at guminhawa ang pamumuhay ng kanilang mga miyembro.

Isinusulong ng PRLEC ang pagkakaroon ng resilient and sustainable communities sa tulong ng mga akmang programa upang tuluyang makamit ang kaunlaran at kapayapaan. (Susil D. Ragas/VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

CEST is DOST’s contribution to RTF-ELCAC

From the  Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): CEST is DOST’s contribution to RTF-ELCAC (By Olive P. Tiu)

Featured Image

TACLOBAN CITY, July 28 (PIA) -- Community Empowerment through Science and Technology is the Department of Science and Technology’s contribution towards the attainment of RTF8-ELCAC’s goals, Mr. Fernando Buzon said during the Virtual meeting of the RTF-ELCAC Stratcom Cluster on July 22.

From January to June of 2020, DOST has approved and implemented CEST activities in ELCAC identified areas as member of the RTF-ELCAC Poverty Reduction and Employment Cluster.

Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) was implemented in San Sebastian, Samar and Tagbayaon, Jiabong, Samar.

In Brgy. Balogo and Brgy. Tagbayaon, the community has undergone Community Life Competency Process (CLCP) where the needs of the community were carefully identified by themselves and processed to determine which appropriate intervention will be provided and who will be the agency to take charge.

For Brgy. Balogo, Jiabong Samar, training has already been conducted and purchasing of supplies and materials needed to start the livelihood project is on-going.

The DOST Region VIII thru the PSTC-Biliran is implementing the Malnutrition Reduction Program covering 82 malnourished children from the Municipality of Naval.

In Las Navas, Northern Samar, CEST project has already undergone Community Life Competence Process (CLCP) of which participants were coming from the community itself. The projects will involve the 5 components of the program.

The PSTC Northern Samar along with TESDA Provincial office went to San Miguel, Las Navas to identify interventions which can be included for the CEST Project charged against the RGIA of DOST VIII.

The CEST- Based intervention for the Indigenous People (IP) of Caucab, Almeria Biliran will involve the livelihood component of the CEST program to uplift the living conditions of the indigenous people in the area.

DOST VIII will also assist in the shelf life testing of the “binato” banana chips of Brgy. Gimbanga, Calbiga, Samar, including product improvement which will be linked to the joint project of DOST VIII and EVSU Tacloban Campus which is the Food Innovation Center. DOST VIII likewise make its technologies open for transfer through trainings and consultancy.

DOST VIII through PSTC N-Samar submitted a proposal to OUSEC-ROS entitled Establishment of Iron Fortified Rice project in Laoang, Northern Samar to address Anemia incidence in the province, a project amounting to Php 6,000,000 charged against OSEC-GIA.

The PSTC-Leyte in coordination with PLGU-Leyte awarded a project entitled “Development of Brgy. Villa Aurora, Burauen, Leyte Technology Center as a CEST Community under Innovation Science and Technology for Accelerating Regional Technology-based Development Program (iSTART)” amounting to Php 500,000. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048799

6ID lauds LGU-Datu Saudi Ampatuan’s efforts on insurgency

From the  Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): 6ID lauds LGU-Datu Saudi Ampatuan’s efforts on insurgency (By PIA Cotabato City)

Featured Image

COTABATO CITY, July 28 (PIA) – The 6th Infantry Kampilan Division of the Philippine Army recognized the efforts of the Local Government Unit of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao in bringing members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to the fold of the law.

This, as eight members of the Karialan Faction led by Ibrahim Guno of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) yielded to authorities and surrendered their assorted firearms.

In a ceremony yesterday, 6ID and Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) Commander Major General Diosdado Carreon lauded the LGU’s efforts in ending local insurgency.

“I would like to congratulate Mayor Sindatok, maraming salamat. Actually, itong pagbalik-loob nila hindi magagawa basta-basta ng security forces kung walang effort ng local officials. Yung local officials ang mahalaga dito sa mga ganitong bagay. We work hand in hand with the LGUs sa mga ganitong programa,” Carreon said.

The surrenderees will be given financial support, legal assistance, and livelihood as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government. Also, the former rebels received an initial assistance worth P200, 000 pesos from LGU Datu Saudi, Ampatuan.

Meanwhile, Datu Saudi Ampatuan Municipal Mayor Edris Sintadok expressed his gratitude to the 6ID for being an instrument of peace in their municipality. He also emphasized the LGU’s support to initiatives promoting peace and order in communities. (LTBolongon-PIA Cotabato City)

AgSur town realigns local peace and order plan for 2020-2020

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): AgSur town realigns local peace and order plan for 2020-2020 (By DILG Caraga)


BUTUAN CITY, July 28 -- The local government unit of Rosario town in Agusan del Sur province conducted a workshop for the Local Peace and Order and Public Safety (LPOPS) Plan Updating on July 21-22 through the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), headed by municipal mayor Jupiter C. Abulog, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) – Rosario.

The LPOPS Plan of the municipality for 2020-2022 was formulated in 2019 but during an assessment conducted by the MPOC on July 13, 2020, the LPOPS accomplishment for the first semester of 2020 was only at 19 percent. This was primarily because its implementation was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The MPOC decided to conduct an updating to reprogram the remaining 2020 LPOPS fund and make some adjustments on the programs, projects, services, and activities (PPSAs) for the years 2021 and 2022 of the plan.

Mayor Abulog emphasized the need to realign the unspent budget to fund the most urgent and relevant peace and order and public safety PPSAs.

The LPOPS is a three-year, term-based plan which shall be incorporated in the Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) of the local government unit. Per Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), DILG, Governance Commission for Government-owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), and Department of National Defense (DND) Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2015-01, the Peace and Order Program of the LPOPS Plan shall be the basis in computing the ceiling or allowable amount of the Confidential Fund allocation. (Emmylou P. Burias, DILG Caraga/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048813

Tagalog News: Mga Dumagat tumanggap ng ayuda mula sa pulis, sundalo

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 28, 2020): Tagalog News: Mga Dumagat tumanggap ng ayuda mula sa pulis, sundalo (By Vinson F. Concepcion)

LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS, Hulyo 28 (PIA) -- Humigit kumulang 150 Dumagat sa sitio Ipo Dam, barangay San Mateo sa bayan ng Norzagaray ang tumanggap ng relief packs mula sa pulisya at kasundaluhan.

Kabilang sa mga ipinamahagi ang food packs, tig-tatlong kilong bigas at mga delata.


Humigit kumulang 150 Dumagat sa sitio Ipo Dam, barangay San Mateo sa bayan ng Norzagaray ang tumanggap ng relief packs mula sa pulisya at kasundaluhan. (48th IB)

Ayon kay 48th Infantry Battalion o 48th IB Commander Lt. Col. Felix Emeterio Valdez, ang naturang aktibidad ay bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Police Community Relations Month.

Samantala, katulong din ang 48th IB sa paghahatid ng 600 hygiene kits sa mga katutubo sa sa mga lalawigan ng Bataan, Pampanga at Bulacan. (CLJD/VFC-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048819

Local terror group member slain in SoCot drug bust

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2020): Local terror group member slain in SoCot drug bust (By Richelyn Gubalani)



Google map of Polomolok, South Cotabato

An alleged member of a local terrorist group was killed after reportedly resisting arrest during a buy-bust operation in Polomolok town, South Cotabato province on Monday afternoon.

Capt. Rommel Hitalia, deputy chief of Polomolok municipal police station,
identified the slain suspect as Joven Saligan Cabalo, who was tagged as an active member of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan faction (Nilong sub-group).

He said Cabalo was subjected to entrapment by joint operatives from the Polomolok police and the 1st South Cotabato Mobile Force Company around 1:05 p.m. Monday in Purok 8, Barangay Sulit in Polomolok.


The suspect sold a sachet of suspected shabu worth PHP500 to a police officer who posed as a buyer, he said.

During the transaction, Hitalia said Cabalo reportedly drew a handgun and opened fired after noticing that he was dealing with lawmen.

“It led to a brief firefight that resulted to the fatal wounding of the suspect,” he said in a report released on Tuesday.

Hitalia said Cabalo was declared dead by attending doctors upon arrival at the municipal hospital.

Recovered at the scene were a black Motorstar 125 motorcycle, .38-caliber revolver loaded with two bullets, two fired cartridges of .38-caliber, four fired cartridges of 9mm handgun, PHP500 marked bill, and a red coin purse containing 10 sachets of suspected shabu worth PHP6,860.

The police official said the suspect, who was a resident of Purok 4 in Barangay Lapu, was a known shabu pusher and included in the town’s drug watch list.

He added that they received reports that Cabalo served as a runner for the Nilong sub-group of the Dawlah Islamiyah that was involved in a string of criminal and terror activities in the area.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110337

Skeletal remains of NPAs get decent burial in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2020): Skeletal remains of NPAs get decent burial in N. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)



DECENT BURIAL. Policemen bury the skeletal remains of New People's Army members on Monday (July 27, 2020) in Bobon, Northern Samar. The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government of Bobon gave a decent burial to two members of the New People’s Army and three residents whose remains were unearthed on July 10 from a burial ground of the communist terrorist group. (Photo courtesy PNP Northern Samar)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local government of Bobon, Northern Samar have given a decent burial to two members of the New People’s Army and to three residents whose remains were unearthed from a burial ground of the communist terrorist group.

PNP Northern Samar provincial director Col. Reynaldo Dela Cruz led a simple burial ceremony on Monday in Bobon town witnessed by local police, personnel of the 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, and relatives.

Authorities identified one of the remains as Emma Termo, an active member of the Communist NPA Terrorists from Calbayog City.
Reliable information given by a rebel returnee revealed that sometime in the year 2009, NPA members buried the body of Termo, who died during an encounter incident in E. Duran village, Bobon town.
The other remains were believed to be of a certain Dayna, a rebel fighter who died in 2019. Others were identified as that of Boy Egos, Myrna Nordan, and Cesar Bantalan, all residents of Bobon town.

Police and military unearthed the remains on July 10 in an upland village in Bobon town.

Dela Cruz asked residents to continue providing information to discover more remains and help resolve crimes.

“Be vigilant and always pay attention to the details of the information being fed to you because those pieces of information can be used in solving crimes even if those incidents happened a long time ago,” Dela Cruz said in a statement on Tuesday.

Authorities buried the remains at the Bobon public cemetery. The local government of Bobon shouldered all burial expenses.

Government troops have been coordinating with rebel returnees to locate the grave of other NPA members who died in clashes with government troops.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1110299

11 ex-rebels in Eastern Visayas surrender to police

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2020): 11 ex-rebels in Eastern Visayas surrender to police (By Roel Amazona)



ABANDONING NPA. The 11 rebels in Eastern Visayas who surrendered to the Philippine National Police and key police officials during a presentation on Monday (July 27, 2020) at the police regional office in Tacloban City. Also in photo are several firearms and ammunition they have turned in to authorities. (PNA photo by Roel Amazona)

Eleven former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Visayas have surrendered to policemen driven by their desire to start a new life.

Among them is "Walik," 26, who was recruited and convinced by NPA to join their armed-cause in Samar province when he was a minor 10 years ago.

It was a nightmare for his mother knowing that one of her 10 children joined the communist terrorist group.

“His father was very worried when we learned that one of our sons joined the NPA. He said our son has no future in there. We searched for him to convince him to return home,” said Walik’s mother, who refused to be named.

She said her son’s decision to yield to authorities is an answer to her prayers.

The young former rebel said the promise of fighting for a better life persuaded him to join the group.

“When I joined, I just suffered homesickness and fear. My life in the communist group was very hard prompting me to escape from our camp, carrying nothing,” Walik told reporters.

He said he wanted to continue his studies just like his other siblings who are now in college and high school.

“I want (to) take the Alternative Learning System and earn a college degree to fulfill my father’s wish for me to become a soldier,” Walik said.

The difficult life in the mountains, moving from one place to another, and uncertainty for her family’s life were also the reasons why Eunice, 32, abandoned the armed struggle.

She was pregnant when she and her husband decided to leave the communist group and live a normal life in her hometown in Samar this year.

“My family is very thankful to the government for the assistance that we have been receiving from them,” Eunice said.

Edil from Eastern Samar said that due to lack of education, many residents in upland communities like him are easily convinced to join the communist terrorist group.

“But when I was already in the group, I noticed that the ideology that they have taught us is wrong because they also victimize the innocent civilian. They are more on lip service, none of their promises came into reality,” he said.

They are among the 11 NPA members who recently surrendered to the provincial mobile force company, municipal police stations, and to the regional mobile force battalion retooled community support program (RCSP) teams are from the provinces of Leyte, Samar, and Eastern Samar.

They also surrendered several firearms and ammunition to the government forces.

“This is a defining moment for all of us as we just recently launched the RCSP in Samar province that is designed to become an important component in our fight against insurgency,” said Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas Regional Director, Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba, during the presentation of former rebels at the PNP regional office here on Monday.

“Just a week after its launching, significant accomplishment has been marked that connotes a positive impact to the community in attaining peace and development. I am very much delighted to note that I am positive enough that this prolonged adversity will now be addressed,” he added.

The former rebels who are now in the custody of government forces will undergo debriefing, and documentation and joint validation between the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines if they are facing criminal charges.
Their names will also be endorsed to avail of the government’s assistance program for rebel returnees under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) through the Department of Interior and Local Government.

E-Clip recipients are entitled to PHP50,000 worth of livelihood kits, PHP21,000 integration assistance, PHP15,000 financial aid. These are on top of the monetary value of firearms they will turn in to authorities.

They will also be trained by the Technical Education Skills Development Authority for competency and housing programs.

Balba added that the government will not stop in assisting the surrenderers, but will also continue to monitor them during their integration in the community to find out their sincerity in returning to the folds of the law.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110318

OPAPP gives food packs to 32 ex-Dawla Islamiyah combatants

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2020): OPAPP gives food packs to 32 ex-Dawla Islamiyah combatants (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



RELIEF AID. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process distributes on Monday (July 27, 2020) food packs that benefited 32 former members of the Daesh-inspired Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terrorists in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur. Lt. Col. Rafman Altre (2nd from right, back row),82nd Infantry Battalion commander and representatives of other government agencies join the former DI terrorists (front row) in a photo session after the distribution of food packs. (Photo courtesy of the 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has distributed food packs to 32 former combatants of the Daesh-inspired Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terrorists in Lanao del Sur.

The 1st Infantry Division said in a statement Tuesday that the relief assistance was facilitated by the municipal government of Piagapo and Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion.

It said that each of the 32 former DI members received 20 kilos of rice and assorted grocery items from OPAPP. The distribution was held Monday at the town hall of Piagapo.

Abdul Hakim Limug, OPAPP representative, assured the former DI combatants that the government will support their rehabilitation and reintegration into the mainstream society.


One of the DI surrenderers, a certain Asis, thanked the government for the support extended to them.

“We are thankful to the government for all the help extended to us. Through your sacrifices, we are able to change and live righteous life),” Asis was quoted in the dialect as saying.

The 1st Infantry Division said that sustainable livelihood programs are being crafted as part of the efforts of the Piagapo municipal government and other government agencies to assist the former DI extremists in their "journey to peaceful and normal lives".

The Municipal Agriculture Office of Piagapo, the Office of the Provincial Agriculture, Technical Education, and Skills Development Authority, and the 82nd Infantry Battalion are collaborating in crafting the Agri-Crop Production Program for the former DI fighters in the area.

Piagapo Vice Mayor Ali Sumandar called on the former DI members to continue "embracing peace and continue to live up to the ideals of Islam".

“Piagapo is a Peace-loving municipality. Your rehabilitation and reintegration to the mainstream society will prove that indeed we are peace-loving and that we denounce any forms of violence and terrorism in our society for it is unIslamic,” Sumandar said.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, lauded the municipal government of Piagapo for the "diligence and sacrifices" in accepting and assisting the former DI combatants.

“I believe that we are on the right track. The 82nd Infantry Battalion strongly supports all the developmental programs of the Municipality of Piagapo especially in rehabilitating and reintegrating our FR (former rebel) brothers who decided to embrace peace,” Altre said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110311

RIMPAC stint to help PH Navy develop surface warfare doctrines

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2020): RIMPAC stint to help PH Navy develop surface warfare doctrines (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Philippine Navy chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo. (File photo)

The participation of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the country's first missile-frigate, in this year's "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) naval exercises will help the Philippine Navy (PN) in the development of its doctrines on surface warfare operations, its chief said on Monday.

"The experience acquired in this exercise is also an important input in the development of our doctrines in surface warfare operations ensuring that the PN is responsive against modern-day threats. Moreover, PN's participation enhances our cooperation and inter-operability with other foreign navies," said Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), when asked for updates on BRP Jose Rizal's deployment for the international naval exercise slated on August 17 to 31.

Bacordo said the participation of the PN's first modern frigate will also help in the overall development of knowledge and skills of their naval personnel.

He added that RIMPAC, touted as the world's largest maritime warfare exercise, will give the PN an opportunity to see the ship in action, showcasing her capabilities in naval warfare.

"The crew of FF-150 have been conducting various training in preparation for the exercise. Training and drills are scheduled every day to make sure that the crew is in its highest state of readiness. Their training not only focuses on ship emergency drills but also on combat information center drills simulating actual combat scenarios," Bacordo said.

Also, the crew of BRP Jose Rizal will get to witness live-fire and sinking exercises first hand, he added.

"This is a great opportunity for the ship and its crew to observe and learn how other countries utilize weapons against air, surface and sub-surface threats," Bacordo said.

BRP Jose Rizal is scheduled to depart for Hawaii, where the biennial RIMPAC is usually held, this coming July 29 with preparations for the voyage now nearing completion.

"The ship is also logistically prepared and has enough provisions for the entire voyage. Various refueling and reprovisioning points have also been identified as part of the planning," he added.

Earlier, PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said the ship's crew would use the two-week RIMPAC maneuvers as a "shakedown cruise" to test the performance and seaworthiness of the brand-new missile frigate.

A "shakedown cruise" allows the crew to familiarize themselves aboard a new vessel and ensure that all of the ship's systems are functional.

The RIMPAC, being a multi-dimensional training exercise, will be a chance for the BRP Jose Rizal "to level up its engagement in this four-dimension warfare", Roxas added.

"Having this exercise for FF-150, it is an opportunity now that we have this capability in our inventory," she said. 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 Hyundai Heavy Industries' shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on May 23, 2019.

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

The contract for the two ships was PHP16 billion, along with PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110286

RIMPAC stint to help PH Navy develop surface warfare doctrines

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2020): RIMPAC stint to help PH Navy develop surface warfare doctrines (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Philippine Navy chief, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo. (File photo)

The participation of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the country's first missile-frigate, in this year's "Rim of the Pacific" (RIMPAC) naval exercises will help the Philippine Navy (PN) in the development of its doctrines on surface warfare operations, its chief said on Monday.

"The experience acquired in this exercise is also an important input in the development of our doctrines in surface warfare operations ensuring that the PN is responsive against modern-day threats. Moreover, PN's participation enhances our cooperation and inter-operability with other foreign navies," said Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), when asked for updates on BRP Jose Rizal's deployment for the international naval exercise slated on August 17 to 31.

Bacordo said the participation of the PN's first modern frigate will also help in the overall development of knowledge and skills of their naval personnel.

He added that RIMPAC, touted as the world's largest maritime warfare exercise, will give the PN an opportunity to see the ship in action, showcasing her capabilities in naval warfare.

"The crew of FF-150 have been conducting various training in preparation for the exercise. Training and drills are scheduled every day to make sure that the crew is in its highest state of readiness. Their training not only focuses on ship emergency drills but also on combat information center drills simulating actual combat scenarios," Bacordo said.

Also, the crew of BRP Jose Rizal will get to witness live-fire and sinking exercises first hand, he added.

"This is a great opportunity for the ship and its crew to observe and learn how other countries utilize weapons against air, surface and sub-surface threats," Bacordo said.

BRP Jose Rizal is scheduled to depart for Hawaii, where the biennial RIMPAC is usually held, this coming July 29 with preparations for the voyage now nearing completion.

"The ship is also logistically prepared and has enough provisions for the entire voyage. Various refueling and reprovisioning points have also been identified as part of the planning," he added.

Earlier, PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said the ship's crew would use the two-week RIMPAC maneuvers as a "shakedown cruise" to test the performance and seaworthiness of the brand-new missile frigate.

A "shakedown cruise" allows the crew to familiarize themselves aboard a new vessel and ensure that all of the ship's systems are functional.

The RIMPAC, being a multi-dimensional training exercise, will be a chance for the BRP Jose Rizal "to level up its engagement in this four-dimension warfare", Roxas added.

"Having this exercise for FF-150, it is an opportunity now that we have this capability in our inventory," she said. 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 Hyundai Heavy Industries' shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on May 23, 2019.

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

The contract for the two ships was PHP16 billion, along with PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110286

AFP creating conditions to encourage more Reds to surrender

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2020): AFP creating conditions to encourage more Reds to surrender (By Priam Nepomuceno)



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

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it would create conditions that will convince communist terrorist group (CTG) members to voluntarily surrender and reintegrate themselves peacefully back to mainstream society.

"The AFP will be instrumental in creating conditions where CTG members will seek to return to the folds of the law (though, intelligence operations, psychological operations and civil affairs aside from armed operations). And the government’s front-line agencies will take over and assist through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)," said military spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, in a press statement.

Arevalo was reacting to President Rodrigo Duterte's pronouncements in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday stating that the military will play vital roles in pursuing development in the countryside.

"[But] we still need to address internal security. We are pursuing a whole-of-nation approach to bring peace and order and development in the countryside. We need to provide interventions and implement the Barangay Development Program. This would provide cleared and threatened communities and… This refers to a program where the Armed Forces would play a vital role in the one-nation approach. This is what simply --- mean by this," Duterte said in his speech.

E-CLIP is the flagship program of the Duterte administration that seeks to effect social healing and national unity through a whole-of-nation approach, towards the higher objective of having just and lasting peace.

It provides social equity to former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front and the Militia ng Bayan by devising a different modality of giving benefits and services to the former rebels, in order to reintegrate them into mainstream society.

Also, Arevalo said the AFP plays an important role in the “whole of government approach” which is being utilized to attain peace and development in rural areas that are prevented from happening by the CTG or other local terrorist groups.

"This is why the AFP is one of the agencies that compose the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC)," he added.

While the AFP conducts combat operations to defeat the CTG and destroy its support system, Arevalo said relevant agencies charged with the construction of farm-to-market roads, bridges, school buildings, health centers, post-harvest facilities, and those that create livelihood opportunities and the likes deliver their mandates.

He said the main strategy of the government in defeating these security threats is good governance.

"While doing so and towards an unimpeded delivery of government’s basic services, the AFP secures and assists these agencies of government rather than the military doing them," Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110344

China is pushing its South China Sea claims during the coronavirus pandemic — this is what the tensions are about

From ABC News (Jul 26, 2020): China is pushing its South China Sea claims during the coronavirus pandemic — this is what the tensions are about (By Max Walden and Neelima Choahan)


PHOTO: The US says its navy is working in support of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (Supplied: US Navy)

RELATED STORY: Australia rejects China's claims to disputed islands in move likely to infuriate Beijing
RELATED STORY: Australian warships encounter Chinese navy in contested South China Sea
RELATED STORY: Australia joins US and Japan for show of strength as concerns grow over China
RELATED STORY: 'Campaign of bullying': US goes harder on Beijing over South China Sea

Australia and the United States this month hardened their position on the South China Sea, where Washington has accused Beijing of attempting to build a "maritime empire" in the potentially energy-rich waters, despite regional concerns.

Key points:
  • Australia says China's claims in the South China Sea are illegal
  • The South China Sea is rich in oil, gas and for commercial fishing
  • Senior Australian ministers will visit the US to discuss regional security
The rivals have accused each other of stoking tension in the strategic waterway at a time of strained relations over everything from the new coronavirus to trade to Hong Kong.

A statement from US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on July 13 was the first time the United States had called China's claims in the sea unlawful and accused Beijing of a "campaign of bullying".

Australia then followed suit, writing a letter to the United Nations in which it said China's territorial claims in the contested waters were "inconsistent" with international law.

"There is no legal basis for China to draw straight baselines connecting the outermost points of maritime features or 'island groups' in the South China Sea, including around the 'Four Sha' or 'continental' or 'outlying' archipelagos," it said.

Heated rhetoric has also been on the rise elsewhere in the region, where Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam challenge China's claim to about 90 per cent of the sea.

So, what exactly are the tensions over? And could they lead to full-blown conflict?
What are tensions in the South China Sea about?

China illustrates its claims in the South China Sea with a vague, U-shaped "nine-dash line" that includes swathes of Vietnam's exclusive economic zone, or EEZ, as well as the Paracel Islands and Spratly Islands.

It also overlaps the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

A tribunal at The Hague, based on a suit brought by the Philippines, ruled in 2016 that China has no "historic title" over the waters, and that its line was superseded by the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Australia echoed this ruling in its letter to the UN this month, asserting that it rejected Beijing's claim to "historic rights".

"The Australian Government encourages all claimants in the South China Sea, including China, to clarify their maritime claims and resolve their differences, in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS," it said.

Vietnam, China, Malaysia have eyes on the prize




Rich in resources and traversed by a quarter of global shipping, the South China Sea is the stage for several territorial disputes that threaten to escalate tensions in the region.

At the heart of these disputes are a series of barren islands in two groups - the Spratly Islands, off the coast of the Philippines, and the Paracel Islands, off the coasts of Vietnam and China.



Both chains are essentially uninhabitable, but are claimed by no fewer than seven countries, eager to gain control of the vast oil and gas fields below them, as well as some of the region's best fishing grounds.

Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei have made claims to part of the Spratlys based on the internationally recognised Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 200 nautical miles from a country's coastline.




Based on the EEZ, the Philippines has the strongest claim on the Spratlys and their resources, with its EEZ covering much of the area.

However the lure of resources, and prospect of exerting greater control over shipping in the region, means that greater powers are contesting the Philippines' claims.




China has made extensive sovereignty claims on both the Spratlys and the Paracels to the north, based largely on historic claims outlined in a map from the middle part of the 20th Century known as the 'Nine Dash Map'.

Taiwan also makes claims based on the same map, as it was created by the nationalist Kuomintang government, which fled to Taiwan after the communists seized power in China.



Vietnam also claims the Spratlys and the Paracels as sovereign territory, extending Vietnam's EEZ across much of the region and bringing it into direct conflict with China.

There have been deadly protests in Vietnam over China's decision to build an oil rig off the Paracels.

One Chinese worker in Vietnam was killed and a dozen injured in riots targeting Chinese and Taiwanese owned factories, prompting 3,000 Chinese nationals to flee the country.



EEZ can only be imposed based on boundaries of inhabitable land, and this has prompted all the countries making claims on the region to station personnel, and in some cases build military bases out of the water, to bolster their claim.

Building and protecting these structures has resulted in a series of stand-offs between countries in the region, each with the potential to escalate.

China has been leading the charge with these installations, and has deployed vessels to the region to protect their interests.

Chinese coast guard vessels have used a water cannon on Vietnamese vessels, as well as blockading an island where the Philippines has deployed military personnel.

Why do the US, Australia and Japan care?

The Washington-based Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a thinktank, estimated in 2016 that a third of all global shipping passed through the South China Sea.

The sea is rich in oil, gas and for commercial fishing, which provides jobs and food for the region.

Analysts have argued that while the world's attention is focused on battling the pandemic, Beijing is taking the opportunity to assert itself regionally — namely in terms of its land borders with South Asia as well as in the South China Sea.

Peter Jennings, executive director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, told the ABC earlier this year that nobody had predicted the current state of tensions when the Australian naval vessel HMAS Parramatta left home in February for a four-month deployment in South-East Asia.
YOUTUBE: Strategic expert Peter Jennings discusses developments in South China Sea, fuel reserves | ABC News

"What wasn't expected at the time the ship left was that we would have such a tense situation emerging in the South China Sea and further north, with China really putting on a major military display that I think is all about trying to intimidate its neighbours as we come out of the coronavirus crisis," he said.

"This is another step-up of aggressive Communist Party behaviour in terms of, sort of, military muscle flexing and claims of political control over that part of the world."
How have China's South-East Asian neighbours responded to its territorial claims?

Vietnam, frequently at loggerheads with China over the issue, is this year chairing the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

At a June 26 summit in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Philippines — China's most vocal challengers over the sea — warned of growing regional insecurity amid concern that Beijing was advancing territorial claims under the cover of the COVID-19 pandemic.



As China held military drills in the South China Sea this month, Vietnam said Beijing's actions were "detrimental" to its relationship with the South-East Asian bloc.

The United States simultaneously deployed two aircraft carriers to the area for what it said were pre-planned exercises.

In a blustery response to the Chinese drills, Philippine Foreign Minister Teodoro Locsin said China would be "met with the severest response, diplomatic and whatever else is appropriate", if the exercises encroached on Philippine territory.

That followed a surprise move by President Rodrigo Duterte — who had courted Beijing since taking office in 2016 — to suspend his decision to scrap a two-decade-old troop deployment agreement with the United States.

Last year, Chinese and Vietnamese vessels became embroiled in a months-long standoff in Vietnam's EEZ where a Chinese research vessel conducted a sweeping seismic survey of waters overlapping Vietnamese oil blocks.

In May, the same Chinese research vessel was involved in another month-long standoff with Malaysian ships in Malaysia's EEZ, close to where a drillship contracted by Malaysian state oil firm Petronas had been operating.

Chinese incursions happened 89 times between 2016 and 2019, Malaysia's Government said this month.

Indonesia has also begun to take a tougher stance. In January, Jakarta summoned China's ambassador and dispatched air and sea patrols after Chinese vessels entered Indonesia's EEZ around the northern Natuna islands.


PHOTO: China has been dredging and fortifying land in the disputed Spratly Islands. (Reuters/US Navy)

The tensions have already affected Vietnamese oil production in the area, including operations controlled by Russia's Rosneft and Spain's Repsol.

"We're already seeing reduced appetite for oil and gas investment in Vietnam," said Andrew Harwood, research director at consultancy firm Wood Mackenzie.

"Escalating tensions will not improve the situation."
How have Australia and its allies responded?

Five Australian warships joined the US and Japan in conducting military exercises in the Philippine Sea earlier in July that the Department of Defence called: "An important opportunity to exercise at sea with our close friends in support of our shared views of a prosperous, open [and] stable region."

A white paper released by the Japanese Government this month said that China had "relentlessly" pushed to "change the status quo" in the Asian seas, including sending vessels into Japanese waters around Japan-controlled disputed East China Sea islands, called Senkaku in Japanese. Beijing also claims the islands and calls them Diaoyu.


PHOTO: Chinese soldiers patrol a South China Sea atoll near a sign reading: "Nansha is our national land, sacred and inviolable". (Reuters)

What is likely to happen next?

As China continues to show its appetite for expansionism in the region, its neighbours are scrambling to create new alliances and strengthen old partnerships.

In a move seen as critical to boosting security cooperation with the US, Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Linda Reynolds will fly to Washington for annual talks with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Defence Secretary Mark Esper this week.

This comes despite the number of coronavirus pandemic cases in the US crossing the 4 million mark.

Apart from national security and coronavirus, the two nations will also discuss China's activities in the South China Sea.

Political expert Stephen Nagy from the International Christian University in Tokyo earlier told the ABC, trilateral exercises between the US, Japan and Australia were a clear signal that China did not control the South China Sea.
YOUTUBE: Australia to take part in naval exercises with Japan and the US | The World

And, he said, such exercises would continue, expanding to include other like-minded regional partners like India, who are looking to counter an ambitious China.

Dr Nagy said India was giving clear signals it was tilting towards the views of the US, Japan and Australia.

"India is facing pressure from China on its northern border," Dr Nagy said.

"And India has decided to push back and agree to an expanded [naval] exercise with US and Japan, and possibly Australia."

If Morrison's defence strategy sounds like war talk, that's because it is


If there's a benefit to any anxiety caused by Scott Morrison's bleak outlook of security in our region, it's that it will save time.

Excluded in the past, there are signs that Australia will now be invited to join the crucial Malabar naval exercises with India, US and Japan in November.

"By holding Malabar exercises and including Australia, India is sending a signal to partners such as US, Australia and Japan that it is willing to contribute to a rules-based order within the region," Dr Nagy said.

"It's willing to expand the ways it corporates and it's willing to push back against China, as China really does exploit this window of opportunity in the coronavirus pandemic chaos that many countries are experiencing."

However, experts like Richard McGregor, a senior fellow with The Lowy Institute, fear that the increasing presence of the US navy in the region will further heighten tensions.

"Generally speaking, the chances of some kind of conflict in the South China Sea are rising," Mr McGregor said.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-07-27/south-china-sea-what-tensions-with-us-australia-are-about/12492432?nw=0

Duterte rejects reported plan of Americans to return to Subic

From Rappler (Jul 27, 2020): Duterte rejects reported plan of Americans to return to Subic (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

In his 5th SONA, President Duterte comments on a report that the Americans plan to return to Subic under a commercial deal

President Rodrigo Duterte in his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, rejected the idea of having the United States return to Subic Bay.

Duterte mentioned this as he reiterated his push for an “independent foreign policy,” saying he neither favored America nor China.

The President mentioned news reports he read weeks ago that said the US was intending to return to its formal naval base.

“I have nothing against America. I have nothing against China. But if you put bases here you double the spectacle of a most destructive thing,” Duterte said.

Duterte said he feared “war would break out” in the Philippines if the US were to place bases in the country once more, alleging it would mean there would be nuclear weapons in the country.

An article in May by One News’ Manuel Mogato, a veteran defense reporter, said the US Navy was planning to return to its former base in the Philippines under a commercial deal.

The US bases have long been out of the country after the Philippines in 1991 ended a key agreement allowing for their presence.

What the Philippines and US have in place now is a Visiting Forces Agreement, which Duterte terminated in February, a move that eventually did not push through as he suspended its abrogation in June.

The military deal is crucial as it operationalizes the two countries’ Mutual Defense Treaty and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

What Duterte failed to mention is that the EDCA is clear on its ban on the prepositioning of nuclear weapons. Section 6 in Article IV of the agreement specifically says "the prepositioned materiel shall not include nuclear weapons."


Duterte’s latest words against the US come as he praised China for arresting the coronavirus pandemic “on time” and said he pleaded with Chinese President Xi Jinping to prioritize the Philippines in supplying an effective COVID-19 vaccine.


Meanwhile, Duterte said the Philippines will continue to work with global parters and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to secure Filipinos’ “peace, progress and security.” –

https://rappler.com/nation/duterte-rejects-reported-plan-americans-return-subic-sona-speech-2020