NPA rebel killed in skirmish with army

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 28, 2020): NPA rebel killed in skirmish with army (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

A MEMBER of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an armed encounter with elements of the 27th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Mapula, Paquibato District on at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 26.

1Lt. Gen. Adrian Gautane, the civil-military operations officer, identified the slain rebel as
as Divina Sindol, 24, resident of Sitio Kisapwak, Barangay Diningan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

Sindol was reportedly a member of Guerilla Front 55, Sub-Regional Command 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

He said soldiers responded to information from residents about rebels planting landmines in barangays Mapula and Lumiad.

The clash resulted in the recovery of a bandolier, two magazines for an M16 rifle, and a long-sleeve shirt printed with the words “Davao-Bukidnon New People Army Southern Mindanao Region.”

During the encounter, he added that the rebels detonated a landmine along the side of the main road.

Lt Col. Victorino Seño, the commander of 27th Infantry Battalion, condemned the NPA’s continued use of landmine as it endangers residents of the barangay.

Seño also thanked the residents for giving information on the rebels’ presence. “This is a clear manifestation that the residents in the area are already tired and fed up with the NPA terrorist deception and atrocities,” he added.

The battalion commander also appealed to the NPA rebels to surrender and take advantage of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip) program and live a normal life.

“The government is willing to help and assist you to live a peaceful life you are longing for,” he further said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/08/28/npa-rebel-killed-in/

Sison says he’s healthier than ‘ailing’ Duterte

From Politiko (Aug 28, 2020: Sison says he’s healthier than ‘ailing’ Duterte

President Duterte, who recently bared his cancer scare, is “seriously ill,” according to communist leader Jose Maria Sison.

In a series of tweets, Sison, founding chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines, said he is even healthier than Duterte, denying rumors he has a serious ailment.

Sison, 81, is currently living in exile in the Netherlands.


Duterte, 75, recently said his Barrett’s esophagus, a complication of reflux disease, was nearing stage one cancer. He has accused Sison of having colon cancer, which the latter has denied.

“I am healthy and far more healthy than the ailing Duterte,” Sison tweeted on August 27.

“The tyrant can be squeezed out or squashed, especially now that he is known to be seriously ill physically and mentally,” he said in another tweet.

Sison also hit back at the President’s loyalists for spreading rumors he is supposedly sick and dying.

“The Duterte DDS psywar operatives are extremely stupid like their tyrant and corrupt master Duterte who is seriously ill,” he said.

” Since yesterday, they have been circulating the lie, with a photo-shopped image of mine with respirator, that I am already dying in a hospital in Holland,” he said.

https://politics.com.ph/sison-says-hes-healthier-than-ailing-duterte/

This photo has been doctored (Jose Maria Sison)

From Agence France Presse (AFP) Fact Check (Aug 28, 2020): This photo has been doctored (Jose Maria Sison)

A photo has been shared thousands of times in multiple posts on Facebook and Twitter that claim it shows a Philippine communist party leader in a coma. The claim is false; the photo has been doctored from a stock image of a different person.

The photo was published here on Facebook August 26, 2020. It has been shared more than 4,100 times.



A screenshot of the misleading post, taken on August 27, 2020

The photo’s Tagalog-language text overlay states: "Grateful that this Demon in the World is soon gone / JOSE MARIA SISON IN COMA IN THE NETHERLANDS, FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE / FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE / SATAN IS WAITING FOR YOU”.

The post’s caption states: "Thanks Lord,,, this Demon in the World in soon gone,,,, / This Demon is Fighting for his Life in the Netherland (sic)......”

Jose Maria Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines, currently lives in the Dutch city of Utrecht, according to his Facebook profile.

The same photo has also been shared here, here, here and here on Facebook alongside a similar claim.

It was also shared on Twitter here with a similar claim in August 2018.

The claim is false; the photo has been doctored.

A reverse image search on TinEye found the photo was published in this article about pulmonary edema on October 25, 2014.

The report states in part: "Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs... Severe pulmonary edema can result in coma."

Below is a screenshot comparison of the photo in the misleading post (L) and the photo from the wisegeek.com article (R):



Screenshot comparison of the photo in the misleading post (L) and the photo from the wisegeek.com article (R)

The photo has been digitally altered to include an image of Sison’s face. This image of Sison published on September 24, 2018 by Philippine newspaper Philippine Star corresponds with part of the image in the misleading posts.

In response to the misleading posts, Sison told AFP by video call on August 27, 2020, that he remained “healthy”.

“I am very healthy and active every day,” he told AFP in a Facebook message the same day.

https://factcheck.afp.com/photo-has-been-doctored-suggest-it-shows-philippine-communist-party-leader-hospital

CPP/News: Protokol sa baryo pang-Covid-19, inihanda ng masa at hukbong bayan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 28, 2020): Protokol sa baryo pang-Covid-19, inihanda ng masa at hukbong bayan

NEWS STORIES
AUGUST 28, 2020

Tuluy-tuloy ang kampanya ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) para sa kalusugan ng mamamayan habang hindi pa naaapula ang pandemyang Covid-19. Sa 17 baryo sa Samar, tulong-tulong ang hukbong bayan at mga organisasyong masa sa paghahanda sa posibleng pagkalat ng sakit sa kanilang mga baryo. Nagtakda sila ng mga protokol pangkalusugan kada baryo sakaling may mahawa at naghanda ng mga pasilidad sa kwarantina.

Sunud-sunod na inilunsad ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang mga kampanyang pangkalusugan sa gitna ng masisinsing operasyong militar noong Hunyo. Sa isang larangang gerilya, nagbigay ng batayang pagsasanay medikal ang apat na yunit ng BHB sa mga komiteng pangkalusugan ng mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyon ng magsasaka. Pagkatapos nito, naglunsad ng klinikang bayan ang bagong-sanay na mga medik para sa tsek-ap, dental, menor na operasyon at tradisyunal na paggagamot. Mahigit 400 residente mula sa apat na baryo ang nakabenepisyo dito.

Sinaklaw ng mga yunit ng BHB sa 17 baryo upang magbigay ng edukasyon kaugnay sa Covid-19. Ipinanawagan ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang paggawa ng herbal garden, produksyon ng halamang pangmedisina tulad ng multivitamin, lagundi syrup at powder, at pagpapasigla ng produksyon para sa masustansyang pagkain.

Gayundin, sinisikap ng mga Pulang mandirigma na maging huwaran ng kalinisan at sanitasyon. Patuloy ang kanilang kampanya sa hanay ng mga yunit kung saan maramihan ang paggawa ng mga face mask, sinusunod ang itinakdang social distancing at tinitiyak ang kalinisan sa loob ng mga base. Ginagamit din ang mga tradisyunal na pamamaraan ng paggamot gaya ng akupangtura at mga herbal na medisina.

https://cpp.ph/statements/protokol-sa-baryo-pang-covid-19-inihanda-ng-masa-at-hukbong-bayan/

CPP/CPDF: On Duterte’s “revolutionary government”

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 28, 2020): On Duterte’s “revolutionary government”

CORDILLERA PEOPLE'S DEMOCRATIC FRONT

CPDF-MT. PROVINCE

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 28, 2020

“The genuine revolutionary government is the people’s democratic government being established in the countryside by the basic masses and implementing programs such as agrarian reform, basic social services and rural economic development.”

We highly condemn any scheme of the Duterte regime to declare a “revolutionary government” in order to push for charter change and extend his dictatorial powers in this time of Covid crisis. Recently, Duterte’s minions have again made noise and called for the president to declare a “revolutionary government” in order to solve the nation’s problems on drugs, crime and corruption immediately. Duterte though through his apologist spokesperson Harry Roque denied that the president was behind this hullabaloo and is not his priority, even though it is very obvious that Duterte is very much hungry to declare a “revolutionary government.” Duterte is indeed doing desperate actions, staging rallies of his paid minions posing as his “supporters,” where in fact the Filipino people already wants to oust him. His “revolutionary government” is in no way revolutionary, but a fascist dictatorship. All what he have always wanted is to grab all powers of the government into his own hands. For the past years, he was not able to solve the nation’s problems, in contrary has only worsened, despite all the extended powers given to him by his puppets in Congress.

The genuine revolutionary government is the people’s democratic government being established in the countryside by the basic masses of workers and peasants, together with the other democratic classes and sectors, under the leadership of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Under the people’s democratic government, the people themselves exercise genuine democracy and implement programs such as agrarian reform, basic social services, and rural economic development. They can enjoy a life far much better than what they are suffering from this semi-colonial and semi-feudal society.

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-dutertes-revolutionary-government/

CPP/News: AFP spends at least P15.7 million a week in NCMR focused military operations since May

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 28, 2020): AFP spends at least P15.7 million a week in NCMR focused military operations since May

NEWS STORIES
AUGUST 28, 2020

Twenty four campaigns of focused military operations (an average of six per month) were launched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines in North Central Mindanao since May this year.

In a statement, the New People’s Army (NPA)-NCMR labeled these military campaigns as a “scourge” to the Lumad and peasant masses. These relentless attacks covered the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte.

In the face of Duterte’s claims that the government “has no more money” to support Filipinos amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the AFP squandered at least P252 million for 24 combat operations.

In a report in Ang Bayan last April, a focused military operation lasting nine days and involving 300 troopers costs at least P10.5 million for its troops, bullets, and mortar shells. The amount excludes other equipment such as rifles, radios, backpacks, generators, and medical supplies. Transportation expenses for ambulance and six-by-six trucks (a minimum of 20 are used per FMO) are also excluded.

Millions are also spent for aerial combat support, bombings and strafing operations, which usually hit small farms and surrounding forests.

“Amid the administration’s failed response to the pandemic, the US-Duterte regime and the lapdog AFP are adding insult to the injury of the peasant masses,” NPA-NCMR spokesperson Ka Malem Mabini said.

The P252 million can cover up to at least 203,000 sets of RT-PCR tests (P1,240/test) which could be used for free testing in the country.

Apart from wasting funds, the operations have driven Lumad and peasant people to further hunger. “Lives and livelihood of lumad and local farmers are constantly disrupted by the AFP camping in community halls and schools, harassing civilians and forcing them to surrender,” stressed Mabini.

https://cpp.ph/statements/afp-spends-at-least-p15-7-million-a-week-in-ncmr-focused-military-operations-since-may/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island: Pabalik-balik nga kabutigan sang 94th IB kag pagpang-atake sa mga pumuluyo

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 28, 2020): Pabalik-balik nga kabutigan sang 94th IB kag pagpang-atake sa mga pumuluyo

JUANITO MAGBANUA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-NEGROS ISLAND

APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 28, 2020

Mabaskog nga ginapakamala-ut kag ginakondinar sang Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, Regional Operational Command, New People’s Army ang illegal nga pag-aresto kag pagpangharass sang mersenaryo nga pwersa sang militar sa idalum sang 94th Infantry Battalion sa ila Francis Verde, Gene Boy Verde, Ronald Pacheco kag Jovel Pacheco, lunsay mga residente sa Sityo Taytay Dos, Brgy. Carabalan, syudad sang Himamaylan, Agosto 26 sang kaagahon.

Binutig ang ginpahayag ni Angelo Guzman, kumander sang 94th IB nga may nagluntad nga engkwentro sa tunga sang NPA kag sa nasambit nga militar sa Sityo Cunalum sa pareho gihapon nga Brgy. Ang matuod ila brutal nga gin-strafing ang panimalay sang nasambit nga mga biktima sa diin pwersahan nga ginwasak ang ila mga kagamitan, ginkuha pa ang ila nga kwarta kag gintamnan sang mga armas.

Dugang pa, wala sang unit sang NPA sa amo nga lugar sa nasambit nga tinion gani kabutigan man ang pahayag sini nga sobra na semana nga nagtinir ang mga NPA para mangilkil sa pumuluyo. Desperado na ang mga pasistang tropa amo na gipangdakop ang 4 nga pumuluyo nga mga katapo pa sang Bantay Bayan.

Pasulit-sulit kag daan na ini nga pamaagi kag padihot sang berdugo kag mersenaryo nga pwersa sang estado nga magdihon sang mga peke nga mga enkwentro, pagpangdakop sang mga sibilyan kag pasibangdan nga kuno mga katapo sang NPA bangud nagalagas sang mataas nga promosyon kag reward sa tagsa ka madakpan.

Sa tunga sang malala nga kahimtangan nga gina-atubang sang masang pigos, todo-larga ang pagsabwag sang kakugmat, kalakasan kag pagterorisa sang mga pasistang militar sa kabukiran kag kaumhan sa ngalan sang kontra-insurhensya kag gyera batuk sa pumuluyo nga ginalunsar sang tiraniko nga rehimen US-Duterte.

Ginahangkat ang lokal nga gobyerno sang Himamaylan kag iban pa nga ahensya kag grupo nga maglunsar sang isa ka Fact Finding Mission agud ma-imbestigaran kag mabuligan ang mga pumuluyo nga biktima sang militarisasyon kag pagpanghalit sang mapintas nga tropa sang militar sa kaumhan kag kabukiran sa diin indi na maisip ang nangin biktima nga napriso bangud sang mga patu-patu nga mga kaso kaangay sa Buenavista 7 kag pagpamatay sang mga ahente sang estado.

Samtang nagabulig ang matuod nga hangaway sang pumuluyo sa pagdihon sang mga kampanya para sa pag-atubang sang problema tuga sang pandemya kag pagpataas sang produksyon sang masang anakbalhas, handa ini nga maglunsar sang malapnagon kag masingki nga mga taktikal nga opensiba agud sukton kag pasabton ang mapintas nga pwersa sang estado kag ang rehimen Duterte mismo sa ila malaba nga listahan sang brutalidad kag mga krimen nga ginkomiter batuk sa pumuluyo.

Paagi lamang sa pagdaug sang Demokratiko nga rebolusyon sang banwa maangkon ang matuod-tuod nga hustisya para sa tanan nga nangin biktima sang berdugo, paantus kag tiraniko nga rehimen US-Duterte. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/pabalik-balik-nga-kabutigan-sang-94th-ib-kag-pagpang-atake-sa-mga-pumuluyo/

CPP/NPA-Southern Mindanao: Ka Do, Communist, Red commander, revolutionary artist

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 28, 2020): Ka Do, Communist, Red commander, revolutionary artist

RIGOBERTO F. SANCHEZ

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

MERARDO ARCE COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 28, 2020

The Regional Operations Command of the New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao confers its highest revolutionary salute to comrade Prince Wendel “Ka Do” Olofernes, 34, who was martyred to the cause of national democratic revolution in service of the Filipino people.

Revolutionary forces around the region extend their deepest condolences to his family, relatives, friends, and fellow comrades as we mourn the early loss of a bold Red commander and a stalwart communist who served the Red army and the people’s war.

Ka Do was killed by fascist enemy troops on the morning of July 16, 2020 in the hinterlands of Brgy. Maragatas, Lupon in Davao Oriental. Unarmed and unable to fight, he was mercilessly shot to death, with his body, especially his back, riddled with several rounds of bullets.

Ka Do’s political awakening started during his involvement in the youth and student movement. Growing up in rural Davao Oriental, he witnessed firsthand the massive socio-economic inequality that burden the masses in the province, especially the extreme suffering of peasants in the hands of landlord families. Eventually, he came to understand how the country’s semi-colonial and semi-feudal system plunges peasants and the Lumad further into the peripheries of our society, while their landlord masters merry in riches gained from exploiting unpaid labor of others. Soon, he left college and pursued the path of armed struggle.

He performed various tasks in the Red army. For a long time, he was a political instructor and later commander of a guerilla front in Davao Oriental and contributed greatly in building the ideological and armed strength of the unit. Notably, he promoted the welfare of small-scale miners and helped establish the people’s line of defense to protect the resource-rich mountain range locally called Black Mountain against the entry of large-scale mining. He actively promoted the Party’s rainforestation drive and campaigned for the defense of the environment and preservation of biodiversity in the forested areas in their territories.

Ka Do died adamantly fighting the still-ongoing encirclement and suppression campaign of the AFP in the areas surrounding Black Mountain, which the fascist US-Duterte regime has declared one of its areas for focused military operations and routinely declared to be opened up for agro-industrial capitalist incursion. Aside from having Black Mountain earmarked for large-scale mining, the regime has likewise promised vast tracts of productive land to agribusiness ventures such as banana and oil palm plantations. The reactionary provincial government also eyes several areas in the gulf towns of Davao Oriental to be transformed into economic-processing zones. These ambitious, graft-ridden and environmentally-destructive plans are being confronted with strong opposition from thousands of peasants and Lumad who face the inevitability of being displaced from their lands and livelihood.

To counter this, only a few days after Ka Do’s death, the reactionary provincial government at the behest of the 28th Infantry Battalion launched “Oplan Maragatas,” a thinly-veiled counter-insurgency program under the US-Duterte regime’s anti-people NTF-ELCAC. Maragatas is a barangay in Lupon town tagged by the AFP to be a “hotbed of insurgency.” Oplan Maragatas is designed to provide convenient excuse to the relentless combat operations, with its attendant blitz of aerial assault and bombardment, and fiercely rein in the growing resistance of the masses in the area. Since January this year, and despite the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, AFP troops under the 10th Infantry Division have not let-up their forward deployment for combat operations in order to ensure the unhindered entry of the ruling class’s economic interests.

To the masses and comrades who knew and were endeared to him, Ka Do was deeply beloved for his quick wit and distinct humor. He had always been the one to crack a joke, ease down tension, and remind everyone to see hope in times of great hardships and sacrifices.

Ka Do was also a revolutionary artist who championed indigenous art and infused revolutionary principles into popular media such music and graphic arts. He would carve out wooden figures embellished with intricate patterns, and would gladly give his creations to comrades who wanted a miniature figurine of a Red fighter, a pendant for a necklace or an elaborately-designed pair of chopsticks. He wrote and sang a number of revolutionary rap songs, which gained a cult following among younger Red fighters and have been performed in cultural activities and educational discussions.

No matter how much the enemy paints him as a “terrorist,” for his family, comrades, and the broad masses, Ka Do will be remembered not only as as a young man with boundless talent who chose the hard life of revolutionary struggle but also as a hero who died fighting for the interest and welfare of the downtrodden.

A great cadre may have passed but his legacy and revolutionary spirit – enshrined in his songs and in our collective memories – would live on to inspire more patriotic youth and artists to take up the path of armed struggle towards a just future.

https://cpp.ph/statements/ka-do-communist-red-commander-revolutionary-artist/

CPP/CIO: Murderer, rapist Pemberton does not deserve early release

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 28, 2020): Murderer, rapist Pemberton does not deserve early release

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 28, 2020

US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton does not deserve early release from imprisonment. He has not even properly served his sentence having been afforded the privilege of being “detained” in a “special military jail” inside Camp Aguinaldo.

The Party opposes Pemberton’s bid for a reduction of his jail term through the so-called “good conduct time allowance” as he has yet to rightfully suffer the consequences of his heinous crime. On the contrary, having enjoyed special privilege since his conviction in 2014, Pemberton’s 6-10 year jail must be extended.

It is a national shame that since being convicted of the October 2014 rape and murder of Jennifer Laude inside an Olongapo motel, the American marine officer has yet to be placed under the jurisdiction of the Philippine penitentiary system. Granting Pemberton early release will be a gross act of injustice to Laude and her family.

Pemberton’s specially-made facility inside the military camp is maintained by American military and security personnel. It is beyond the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, much less the Bureau of Corrections. Not even the AFP chief is allowed to enter the facility without asking permission from the US.

The special privilege afforded to Pemberton underscores the unjustness of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) which gives American military personnel extraordinary legal status while in the country, and by default shields them from legal action, in cases where they commit criminal violations.

The Filipino people must oppose Pemberton’s demand for early release and demand that he properly serve his sentence inside Philippine jail facilities. At the same time, they must reiterate their demand for the abrogation of the VFA and all other unequal treaties.

https://cpp.ph/statements/murderer-rapist-pemberton-does-not-deserve-early-release/

Kalinaw News: City LGU, Army conduct Punong Barangay’s Summit

From Kalinaw News (Aug 28, 2020): City LGU, Army conduct Punong Barangay’s Summit

MAGPET, COTABATO – The City Local Government Unit (CLGU) of Kidapawan in collaboration with Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade and 72nd Infantry Battalion conducted a “2- Day Punong Barangays Peace and Development Summit” on August 26 -27, 2020 at Cooperative Training Center, Kidapawan City, Cotabato.

The Barangay Captain’s summit with a theme “Kapit Kamay tungo sa Pagbabago ng Barangay. Makiisa, Makilahok, at Makialam” was attended by the 40 Barangay Local Executives of the city. Thisactivity mainly aims to appraise the role, functions, duties and accountabilities of every barangay chairman. Moreover, the lectures focused on the empowerment of individual Local Governance at the Barangay Level, educate them on the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, and gave them knowledge on how to protect their communities through Integrated Territorial Defense System, and more informations on different programs of government intended for them.

The summit comnenced by the presence of Atty. Jose Paolo Evangelista, the City Information Officer representing Hon. Joseph Evangelista, the City Mayor. It was initiated by the CLGU- Kidapawan in partnership with 72IB and facilitated by different agencies from DA, DENR, DILG, PAO, PPDO, PNP and TESDA in giving lectures on their programs and projects; and also testimonies from former rebels on their experiences in barangay infiltration.

During the culmination program, Hon. Rudy S Caoagdan, representative of 2nd District, Cotabato graced the activity by expressing his gratitude for the continuous support of the CLGU and 72IB in maintaining peace and order in the city and the province as well.
It was also attended by City SB Members, Kidapawan City Police Station, and staff of different Local Agencies headed by CLGOO Ms. Julia Judith Geveso.

“This activity gives you more information about the new policies, programs and projects of our government. You Army will always be your partner in attaining lasting peace and development in your respective communities. As much as we could, we will facilitate your LGU in the smooth delivery of basic services to your constituents” LTC Rey T Alvarado said in his message.





[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/city-lgu-army-conduct-punong-barangays-summit/

Kalinaw News Mga Katutubong Aeta Tumanggap ng Serbisyo Mula sa Pulis,Army at BFP

From Kalinaw News (Aug 28, 2020): Mga Katutubong Aeta Tumanggap ng Serbisyo Mula sa Pulis,Army at BFP

Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan – Tumanggap ng iba’t-ibang uri ng serbisyo ang mga Katutubong Aeta sa pinag-isang pwersa ng Bataan 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Bataan Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) at 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion Charlie Company sa Barangay Bangkal, Abucay, Bataan ika- 20 ng Agosto, 2020.

Nagsagawa ang mga nabanggit na ahensiya ng gift giving na naglalaman ng tsenilas, limang (5) kilong bigas, noodles,pansit, batya, timba, hanger at tabo bilang kaukulang tulong sa mga katutubo sa gitna ng pandemiya sa COVID-19. Sabay ding ginanap ang libreng gupitan na sinundan ng Tree Planting Activity.
Humigit kumulang 50 pamilyang Aeta ang nabigyan at nahatiran ng serbisyo na pinangunahan nina Force Commander 1st PMFC Police Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo B. Santiago, Police Lieutenant Art Stanley Buslig, Abucay Chief of Police Police Major Leopoldo Estorque Jr, BFP Fire Officer 3 Allan Timbug at 48IB Charlie Company Commander 1LT Oscarito S. Tobias.

Umabot naman sa 40 pirasong Narra Trees ang itinanim sa ginawang Tree Planting Activity sa nasabing barangay.

Ang programa na ginawa ng mga mga sektor na nangangalaga sa kapayapaan ay bahagi ng Peace, Law Enforcement at Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster ng National task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) ng pamahalaan.

Ayon kay Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo, 703rd Brigade Commander , “Tulong-tulong at sama-sama nating labanan ang pandemiya ng COVID-19. Ang inyong kapulisan, kasundaluhan pati na ang BFP ay nagkakaisa at laging handang umalalay sa kung ano mang tulong na inyong kailangan.”

Dagdag ni Lieutenant Colonel Felix Emeterio M. Valdez, Commanding Officer, 48IB ,”Hindi lamang sa oras ng kaguluhan kaming kasundaluhan, kapulisan kasama ang BFP ay inyong maaasahan. Kami ay katuwang niyo rin sa oras ng kapayapaan sa pamamagitan ng mga ganitong uri ng programa patunay na buo ang loob namin na kayo ay paglingkuran.”







[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/mga-katutubong-aeta-tumanggap-ng-serbisyo-mula-sa-pulisarmy-at-bfp/

Kalinaw News: DENR, LGU, NGO, PNP at Army Nagkaisa sa Tree Planting Activity sa Bulacan

From Kalinaw News (Aug 28, 2020): DENR, LGU, NGO, PNP at Army Nagkaisa sa Tree Planting Activity sa Bulacan

Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan – Nagkaisa ang Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Pamahalaang Barangay ng Banaban, Angat Traveler’s Club (NGO), 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC) San Rafael, Angat Municipal Police Station (MPS) at 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion sa ginanap na Tree Planting Activity sa Barangay Banaban, Angat, Bulacan ika- 20 ng Agosto, 2020.

Layunin ng naturang programa na isulong ang pangangalaga sa kalikasan sa pamamagitan ng pagtatanin ng mga fruit bearing trees sa nabanggit na barangay.
Humigit kumulang 200 Pomelo trees ang sabay-sabay na itinanim ng mga nabanggit na ahensiya sa pangunguna ng kinatawan ng DENR na si Isagani Nabalta, Louie Capiendo ng Angat Traveler’s CLub, Police Corporal Marvin De Leon ng 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Police Executive Master Sergeant Joel M Cruz ng Angat Municipal Police Station (MPS), Alejandro Tigas ng Sangguniang Kabataan at 1LT Romel Jordan Alpha Company Commander, 48IB.

Ang pagsasagawa ng mga Tree Planting Activities ay napapasailalim sa Resource Management na sangay ng IRM o Infrastructure and Resource Management na isa sa mga lines of effort ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Ayon kay Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo, 703rd Brigade Commander, “Responsibilidad natin na pangalagaan ang ating mga likas na yaman na siyang mahalaga upang magkaroon ng balanse sa kalikasan. Katuwang ninyo ang Hukbong Katihan sa pagsulong sa adhikaing ito.”

Dagdag ni Lieutenant Colonel Felix Emeterio M. Valdez, Commanding Officer, 48IB,“Kahit sa gitna ng pandemiya, sikapin natin na magkaisang tulungan na mapanatili ang ating mga likas na yaman na siyang pinagkukunan natin ng ating pang araw-araw na pangangailangan. Ang inyong Guardians Battalion ay laging handa upang tumulong sa pagpapaunlad at pangangalaga ng ating kalikasan.”

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/denr-lgu-ngo-pnp-at-army-nagkaisa-sa-tree-planting-activity-sa-bulacan/

Kalinaw News: 46 Former Rebles receive AID from DA-IX in Zamboanga Norte

From Kalinaw News (Aug 28, 2020): 46 Former Rebles receive AID from DA-IX in Zamboanga Norte

IPIL, ZSP – Forty-six former rebels of Zamboanga del Norte received additional government aid from the Department of Agriculture – Region 9 at Barangay Misok, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte on August 27, 2020.

The activity was highlighted with a ceremonial turn-over of two (2) cattles, 30 native chickens, four native swine, 1,000 packs of Zinc Phospide, 100 packs vegetable seeds and 36 kilograms of corn seeds which were all received by alias Peewee, a former terrorist leader of the HQ KALAW of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.
Dr. Darwin Lloyd Sulay, Regional Livestock Program Focal Person who represented Department of Agriculture Regional Director, Rad Donn L. Cedeño, emphasized the commitment of the agency to uplift the living conditions of the former rebels.

Meanwhile, during his speech, Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade urged the remaining active Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) to return to the folds of law, while they still can.

“The government’s doors are always open for our lost brother and sisters who chose to remain in the lost cause of the armed struggle of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTG),” Brig. Gen. Nicolas said.

“Rest assured that more government programs and activities will come as the Task Force- End Local Communist Armed Conflict as we perform our mandate in delivering the basic government services and projects needed by the people,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.

In addition, the 46 former rebels also received cash and rice assistance from Sindangan MTF- ELCAC chaired by Hon Rosendo S Labadlabad.

For his part, Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, the Assistant Division Commander, who represented Maj. Gen. Gene M Ponio, Commander of 1st Infantry Division, warmly welcomed the new surrenderees as they return to the maintsream society.

“The government was never your enemy, and now that you have returned to the folds of law, you can now clearly witness and see the sincerity of the government to support you become a better, peace-loving and productive individuals,” Brig. Gen. Gaerlan said.

“We encourage all of you to continously support the government in its quest for a just and lasting peace,” Brig. Gen. Gaerlan added.







[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/46-former-rebles-receive-aid-from-da-ix-in-zamboanga-norte/

Soldier hurt in Janiuay gunfight with Reds

From Panay News (Aug 28, 2020): Soldier hurt in Janiuay gunfight with Reds

ILOILO City – A member of the Philippine Army (PA) was wounded when 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) troopers engaged New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a gunfight in Barangay Aglobong, Janiuay, Iloilo.

According to Captain Cenon Pancito III, PA’s 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, the soldier with a rank of 2nd Lieutenant already received medical treatment.

“Our wounded soldier was conscious and in fact he was the one who informed us that he was slightly hit on the head. He was airlifted and brought to a hospital for treatment,” Pancito told Panay News.

The firefight lasted for about 40 minutes. It began around 10:50 a.m. yesterday after 12IB verified reports regarding the presence of rebels in the village.


The troops recovered from the encounter site an M16 armalite rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, several live bullets, and three backpacks.

Pancito believed the rebels were the same group that soldiers encountered in barangays Aglobong and Panuran in Janiuay.

To recall, the clash between 12IB troopers and NPAs in Sitio Naguihot, Barangay Panuran on Aug. 26 led to the arrest of suspected insurgent Jesus Lebuna.

He was confined at the Janiuay District Hospital for injuries on the back of his body.

The encounter happened at 6:56 a.m. while the soldiers were conducting a combat operation led by 2nd Lieutenant Richard Ian Gumimba.

http://www.panaynews.net/soldier-hurt-in-janiuay-gunfight-with-reds/

4 rebel suspects caught,soldier injured in battle

From the Visayan Daily Star(Aug 28, 2020): 4 rebel suspects caught,soldier injured in battle

Four suspected armed members of the New People’s Army Yunit Militia were captured yesterday by soldiers, following an encounter in Sitio Cunalom, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Soldiers of the 94th Infantry Battalion were conducting combat operations when they encountered a group of NPA rebels, its commander, Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, said.

Captured were Jovel Pacheco, 41, Francisco Verde Jr., 37, Gene Boy Verde, 32, and Ronald Pacheco, 22.

Guzman said that the apprehension of the four NPA militiamen yielded a .22 caliber rifle, two .38 caliber revolvers with ammunition, a homemade shotgun, and a 40mm grenade launcher ammunition.

A soldier was also injured and is now in stable condition, he added.

Guzman said that they have received persistent reports of extortion activities by the NPA in the hinterland sitios of Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, which prompted him to dispatch soldiers, in response to complaints of residents in the area.

The 94th IB turned over the captured rebels and firearms to the Himamaylan police.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/28/topstory10.htm

AFP medical teams arriving in city

From the Visayan Daily Star(Aug 28, 2020): AFP medical teams arriving in city

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command is sending two AFP medical teams with equipment today to Bacolod City to help the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, its commanding general. Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, said yesterday.

Ancan said that the two medical teams, composed of doctors, nurses and health aides, are also those who augmented the Cebu City government in minimizing cases of COVID-19 in the area last month.

The AFP medical teams will be transported by an Air Force plane to the Bacolod-Silay airport today.

While the number of COVID-19 cases is declining in Cebu, Ancan, who is native of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, said another team of medical doctors and nurses have been placed on standby at the CENTCOM headquarters in Cebu. They may still be deployed to Bacolod City if the need arises.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia earlier asked President Rodrigo Duterte for 150 nurses, 20 doctors and 30 medical technologists to fill the post of doctors and nurses who are still on quarantine or serve as an alternates of the hospital staff on duty.

Ancan, being the AFP Central Command chief, supervises two Army infantry divisions, Air Force, and Navy units in the whole Visayas area.

Following the campaign initiated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser for Visayas and the Department of Health in Region 7, 103 AFP personnel under the Central Command, who have recovered from COVID-19, were among the 103 plasma and regular blood donors to help save the lives of COVID-19 patients.

Ancan said that the role of CENTCOM troopers is not only to secure and provide safety for the people in the Visayas but also to help those who have contracted the virus.

He also encouraged civilians who have fully recovered from the virus to donate their plasma to help patients who are still battling the infection.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/28/topstory4.htm

Gov’t gains ground in battle vs. insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 28, 2020): Gov’t gains ground in battle vs. insurgency (By Jaime S. Cabag)

ILOILO CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) – Having President Rodrigo Duterte, who has a strong politica,l will is a golden opportunity for the government to win the battle against the communist terrorist group (CTG), said the top Philippine Army officer in Western Visayas.

In his message to the members of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) 6 during a technical working group meeting this week, Major General Eric Vinoya said this could be the moment we should not waste in putting an end to this peace spoiler (CPP-NDF-NPA insurgency) in the country.

Vinoya, who also co-chairs the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Cluster or Line of Effort of the regional task force, said this is our golden opportunity to win this battle and finally attain inclusive and sustainable peace in the region, and in the country as a whole.

The official, who is also the commander of the Joint Task Force SPEAR of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Western and Central Visayas, reported that their collective efforts particularly in Region 6 have yielded some tactical victories against the NPA, the armed component of the CTG.

He added that government forces are gaining ground and moving forward in dismantling the guerilla fronts.

The NPAs in Panay and Negros are further weakened after the series of encounters they had with government security forces, said Vinoya. In addition to this, there were numerous surrenders and apprehensions made.

He described this tactical victory as a testament to the convergence of operations of all government agencies with the active participation of the people of Region 6 particularly those who are within the conflict –affected areas.

The Army official said "our government has shifted its viewpoint from treating the local communist armed conflict as purely military and security sector concern to being a socio-political problem that can only be resolved by enhancing the participation of each government agency and of local government units and the different sectors in the society."

He also said that the COVID-19 pandemic should not be a reason for us not to achieve our goals in ending the local communist armed conflict.

“Truly we can do so much together,” said Vinoya. (JBG/JSC/PIA6)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051605

DOH, USAID PH raise awareness of childhood tuberculosis via book

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 28, 2020): DOH, USAID PH raise awareness of childhood tuberculosis via book (By Gabriela Liana Barela)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Aug.28 (PIA) -- Department of Health and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines raise awareness of childhood tuberculosis (TB) through a storybook.

Entitled “Tibay ng Dibdib”, it documents the story of two sisters from Bulacan who survived TBat their very young ages – two and seven years old.

"Tibay ng Dibdib provides a solid example of Filipinos’ resilience. I have been working at USAID Philippines for less than a year but I have seen firsthand Filipinos’ amazing strength,” USAID Philippines Office of Health Director Michelle Lang-Alli said during the formal handover of the storybook.

She added that the storybook highlights the community's part in ending the disease. "It takes a whole village to support a TB patient and it can be done with compassion and through partnerships," Lang-Alli stressed.

Governor Daniel Fernando holds a copy of the Tibay ng Dibdib storybook, which documents the story of two sisters from Bulacan who survived Tuberculosis at their very young ages – two and seven years old. (Gabriela Liana S. Barela/PIA 3)

For her part, USAID TB Platforms Chief of Party Marianne Calnan encouraged everyone to take part in the journey to achieving a TB-free Philippines. "I ask that everyone should seize every opportunity presented to us to push forward our TB response efforts," Calnan said.

USAID’s TB Platforms in partnership with Rogaciano Mercado Memorial Hospital prepared the storybook as well as the coloring book for kids which detail the challenges of the family in coping up with the treatment.

It explains how the family found out that their first daughter’s more than two weeks of cough and fever was because of TB. After several consultations and laboratory tests, they later found out that their elder daughter has TB as well.

Fortunately, TB medicines were provided for free in the government hospital. The family went to RMMH daily for six months for the first child and nine months for the other one to complete the required treatment. (CLJD/GLSB-PIA 3)

DOH Regional Director Cesar Cassion holds a copy of the Tibay ng Dibdib storybook, which documents the story of two sisters from Bulacan who survived Tuberculosis at their very young ages – two and seven years old. (Gabriela Liana S. Barela/PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051642

Vizcaya PNP nets CTG surrenderee

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 28, 2020): Vizcaya PNP nets CTG surrenderee (By Benjamin Moses M. Ebreo)

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Aug. 27 (PIA) - The Philippine National Police (PNP) here has facilitated the voluntary surrender of a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) member during the third quarter of this year.

Police Col. Richard Saavedra, PNP provincial director identified the CTG surrenderee as Arsenio Ferrer, alias 'Xian/Jerwin' of barangay Nagbitin in Villaverde town.

The Nueva Vizcaya PPO recently reported a voluntary surrender of a Communist Terrorist Group member in Villaverde town. The surrenderee, police said contributed to the efforts of government agencies through the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) program.# PIA Photo

He said Ferrer was a member of Do Squad Dos Platoon Dos of the Danilo Ben Command under the Komiteng Larangan ng West Cagayan who surrendered at Villaverde Police Station in last month.

"This is another successful campaign on our efforts to bring in to government care our fellow Filipinos in the CTG movement. This will contribute to our continuing campaign to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in our communities," Saavedra said.

His report was read during the joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) and Provincial Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) at the Pasalubong Center yesterday.

The police director said the CTG surrenderee also yielded a .38 Caliber Revolver with live ammunitions, 13 pieces of live M79 ammunitions, subversive documents and personal belongings.(MDCT/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051177

Gov't forces clear Vizcaya upland town brgys of NPA presence

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 28, 2020): Gov't forces clear Vizcaya upland town brgys of NPA presence (By Benjamin Moses M. Ebreo)

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Aug. 28 (PIA) - Government forces have already cleared three barangays of the upand town of Ambaguio on the presence of Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) or New Peoples Army (NPA) rebels out to get an anti-government ideological grip and support among the villagers.
"With sustained combat and civil - military operations and activities in collaboration with various agencies of the national as well as local government units, we have already cleared three barangays of Ambaguio from the presence of the CTGs or NPAs," said First Lt. Mikolo Bayona of the 54th Infantry Batallion of the Philippine Army (PA).

He made the report during the third quarter joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) and Provincial Task Force-End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) at the Pasalubong Center on Aug. 23.

Philippine Army officials said three upland barangays of Ambaguio, Nueva Vizcaya have been cleared of the Communist Terrorist Group(CTG) with sustained civil-military and combat operations. They said government agencies must continuously bring in their services to deter CTGs from returning and instill among the villagers that government services are right at their doorstep.# PIA Photo 

Bayona said post-clearing activities are still needed to sustain the government services to the upland villagers of barangays Ammoweg, Camandag, Dulli and Napo, tagged as former CTG hotspots, needing immediate government services through the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Convergence Program.

He said continuing civil - military operations and combat activities are still being undertaken by the army to deter any attempt of the CTGs to recover their stalled mass -based support.

Bayona said among the previous civil-military activities and operations offered for the four barangays of Ambaguio were community visitations, massive information dissemination through the distribution of government IEC materials, support and assistance to the Department of Education's (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela Program, medical and dental services, livelihood kit distribution through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and livelihood seminars with the Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA), among others.

He added that sustained government services to address the needs of the four barangays of Ambaguio should be brought in to promote and instill the commitment of government agencies in improving the plight of the upland villagers.

"The CTGs are expected to continue their attempt and recovery effort in these areas as they will try to recover their mass bases by exploiting issues that will undermine the credibility of our government in addressing their poverty and hardship. It is therefore imperative for us to join forces and bring the necessary services, programs and projects to show that governmetn is at their doorstep," Bayona added. (MDCT/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051244

US donates 100 ventilators in support of PH COVID-19 response

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 28, 2020): US donates 100 ventilators in support of PH COVID-19 response (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque, and USAID Philippines Mission Director Lawrence Hardy II lead the handover of the ventilators at Malacañang Palace on Friday, August 28. (Photo credit: US EmbassyPH)

PASIG CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) --The United States donated 100 new, state-of-the-art ventilators and associated supplies to the Philippines to assist its fight against COVID-19.

U.S. Ambassador Sung Kim, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque led the handover of the ventilators at Malacañang Palace on Friday, August 28.

The ventilators, produced in the United States, include leading-edge and in-demand technology. They will be a life- saving resource to patients requiring oxygen support.

“These ventilators are part of the continued partnership between the American people and our Philippine friends, partners, and allies. We will continue to work together to overcome COVID-19,” Ambassador Kim said in a statement posted at the Embassy website.

In addition to the ventilators, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide clinical training and technical assistance to support health facilities to operate ventilators. In coordination with USAID and the Office of Civil Defense, DOH will facilitate the delivery of the ventilators to hospitals located across the Philippines.

This donation brings the total U.S. contribution to the Philippines’ COVID-19 response to more than Php1 billion ($22.6 million), provided through the U.S. State Department, USAID, and the U.S. Department of Defense. U.S. assistance bolsters health systems, supports economic recovery, and delivers vital humanitarian assistance for vulnerable populations.

Through a comprehensive approach that includes both the U.S. public and private sectors, the U.S. is providing timely support to provide critical supplies in coordination with the Government of the Philippines and other partners.

For decades, the United States has been the world’s largest provider of bilateral assistance in health. Since 2009, the United States has provided more than $100 billion in health assistance and nearly $70 billion in humanitarian assistance worldwide. (US Embassy PH/PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051610

SoCot 'local terror group' eyed as Kapa founder’s arms supplier

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2020): SoCot 'local terror group' eyed as Kapa founder’s arms supplier (By Allen Estabillo)



Col. Jemuel Siason, South Cotabato police director. (File photo courtesy of the provincial government)

Police are eyeing an Islamic State-inspired local terrorist group operating in South Cotabato province as among the possible sources of the high-powered firearms that were seized last month from Kapa Community Ministry International founder Pastor Joel Apolinario.

Col. Jemuel Siason, South Cotabato police director, said Friday a deeper investigation is ongoing regarding previous firearms deals between Apolinario and leaders of the Nilong sub-group of the Dawlah Islamiya-Hassan faction.

Siason said they received reports that the Nilong group, which was led by remnants of the defunct Sarangani-based terror group Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines, was engaged in gun-running activities.

“That is now the subject of an investigation by PNP (Philippine National Police) units and they are particularly determining how Apolinario got hold of such volume of firearms,” he said in an interview over radio station Bombo Radyo in Koronadal City.

Siason was referring to the cache of high-powered firearms confiscated from Apolinario and his followers after their arrest in a raid last July 21 in a beach hideout in Lingig town, Surigao del Sur.

Recovered were 30 M16 rifles, two M4 assault rifles, a Garand rifle, three M60 machineguns, a .50-caliber Barret sniper rifle, three caliber .22 rifles, an M1 Carbine rifle, a shotgun, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, five .45-caliber pistols, two rocket-propelled grenades, and several hundred rounds of ammunition.

Last week, an alleged bomb-maker of the Nilong sub-group who reportedly acted as an “agent” for Apolinario in securing the firearms managed to escape in a raid in Sitio Vio, Barangay Lapu in Polomolok.

Police said they seized from the house of Jorhan Utap Palalisan bomb-making materials consisting of two live rifle grenades, blasting cap, and electrical wires.

Apolinario and his family stayed for over two years here and nearby Alabel town in Sarangani while operating a Ponzi-like investment scheme that was ordered stopped in July last year by President Rodrigo Duterte.

On Wednesday afternoon, one of Apolinario’s alleged henchmen, identified as Crispin Pariolan, was arrested by elements of the PNP-Anti Kidnapping Group and Polomolok municipal police station in Purok Pag-asa, Barangay Cannery.

The suspect has a standing warrant of arrest for the murder in M’lang, North Cotabato.

Siason said they could not yet establish the links between the Nilong group and Pariolan, who has been in hiding in the area since last year.

But he said the group, which was involved in a string of criminal activities in Polomolok and the neighboring areas in the past several years, was known to have established local networks.

“We’re closely coordinating with local stakeholders to put an end to the activities of this group,” he said.

Citing intelligence reports, the police official said the Nilong group is mostly composed of young men aged 16 to 18-years-old, with some facing arrest warrants.

Since last year, over a dozen members and sympathizers of the group were arrested and neutralized in various police operations.

One of its alleged sympathizers, Barangay Rubber councilor Basit Piang Canapia, was killed after resisting arrest in a search operation last Aug. 21.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113733

3 warring families in Basilan town settle decade-old dispute

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2929): 3 warring families in Basilan town settle decade-old dispute (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



BLOOD FEUD SETTLED. Three warring families in Sumisip, Basilan settle their more than a decade dispute on Thursday (Aug. 27, 2020) upon the mediation of military and political officials. Col. Domingo Gobway, the Army's 101st Infantry Brigade commander, says the settlement will help bring about development in the municipality. (Photo courtesy of the 64th Infantry Battalion)

Three warring families in the Basilan town of Sumisip have decided to settle their more than a decade “rido” or bloody feud, an official said Friday.

Lt. Col. Renante Besa, the Army's 64th Infantry Battalion commander, facilitated the rido settlement between the Janna, Wakil, and Ikih families Thursday at the headquarters of the battalion in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip.
Besa said Friday the three warring families agreed to settle their differences through the mediation of Sumisip Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman and Lt. Col. Freddie Calosing, commander of the Army's 68th Infantry Battalion.

Col. Domingo Gobway, commander of the Army's 101st Infantry Brigade and the guest in the settlement ceremony, said the "rido" greatly affected the peace and order, as well as the progress not only of Sumisip town but of Basilan province as a whole.

“I am encouraging everyone to do the same, to settle what causes fear between conflicting families and start actions for peace development that could lead us to a more progressive, developed and better Sumisip, you are very lucky to have a mayor who has a big heart to push peace and development in your municipality,” Gobway said.

The rido settlement was witnessed by religious and political leaders aside from military and police officials.

Meanwhile, Gobway lauded the facilitators of the rido settlement citing it is one way of contributing to the progress of Sumisip town.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113740

BTA special body on Marawi pushes rehab action plan

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2020): BTA special body on Marawi pushes rehab action plan (By Albashir Saiden)



Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Special Committee on Marawi chairperson Ali Solaiman. (Photo courtesy of BPI - BARMM)

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) Special Committee on Marawi has recommended plans and actions to further the city’s rehabilitation after the siege that displaced thousands of Maranaos in 2017 up to this day.

Member of Parliament (MP) and chairperson of the Committee Ali Solaiman announced in the plenary on Thursday that they have conducted a series of public consultations and hearings with internally displaced persons (IDPs), experts, and concerned agencies as well as ocular visits to the “ground zero” since January this year.

After months of study by the committee, Ali said they found that majority of the IDPs want to go home and move away from the shelters where they been living since the 2017 siege.

“There are plenty of interventions by different agencies and the Task Force Bangon Marawi. Yet, we clamor for the IDPs to return to their homes,” Solaiman noted.

However, the committee said it was aware that it does not have full jurisdiction on Marawi rehabilitation. Still, plans must be made, actions must be done, and the Marawi rehabilitation must be on full force, it added.

The Marawi rehabilitation is under the care of the national government through the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM).

“We do not suggest reinventing the wheel. Working with the TFBM and the Land Registration Authority (LRA) in case of land administration is the optimal track for the Bangsamoro Government so that the existing data that they have would be enhanced,” MP Anna Tarhata Basman, a member of the committee, said.

Meanwhile, the special committee recommended continuous assistance for the IDPs that includes better access to the assistance offered by government agencies; ensuring food security; and prioritizing self-sufficiency for their basic needs.

“Food security should be at the forefront of the Marawi agenda,” Basman said.

The committee also recommended immediate medium-term interventions such as water distribution, construction of sanitation and hygiene facilities, access to electricity, prioritizing the IDPs business and livelihood, education, health services, and identifying property boundaries.

Basman said the special committee on Marawi will continue to work to make sure the people of Marawi get the rehabilitation efforts they need and deserve.

During the plenary session, the parliament approved a manifestation to forward the document to the Office of the President, the Philippine Congress, Office of the BARMM Chief Minister, and local governments of Lanao del Sur and Marawi City.

The rehabilitation of Marawi is part of the BARMM chief minister’s 12-Point Priority Agenda and PHP500 million has been allotted for it under the 2020 budget.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113748

Sulu town residents declare ASG bandits persona non grata

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2020): Sulu town residents declare ASG bandits persona non grata (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



PEACE COVENANT. Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, affixes his signature during the People's Peace Covenant Signing Thursday (Aug. 27, 2020) in Patikul, Sulu. At the same time, the residents of the town declared the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits as persona non grata or unwelcome in the municipality. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

Residents of the Sulu town of Patikul have declared the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits as persona non grata or unwelcome in their municipality, a top military official said Friday.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the declaration was made Thursday during the first-ever People’s Peace Covenant signing at the municipal hall of Patikul.

The ASG factions that are known to be based in the town of Patikul are led by Radulan Sahiron, the oldest ASG leader, and Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, whose group is known to have ties with foreign terrorists.

Government troops, through military focused operations, are continuously tracking down the groups of Sahiron and Sawadjaan in the hinterlands of Patikul.
“I would like to extend my sincerest gratitude to the people of Patikul for expressing your commitment and support towards the achievement of our common goal,” Vinluan said.

“Rest assured that together with our partners and stakeholders, we will bolster our anti-terrorism campaign for peace and progress here in Sulu,” Vinluan added.

The People’s Peace Covenant signing--dubbed as Patikul Parjanjian--was graced by Vinluan and other top brass of the police and military in the area, as well as Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and other local officials.

The participants pledged to collectively act and support efforts to ensure the attainment of peace and order in all the barangays of Patikul.

The municipality of Patikul, which comprises of 30 barangays, is a third-class town in Sulu with a population of 62,287 people as of the 2015 census.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113750

Shooting of Jolo intel troops disrupted ops vs. suicide bombers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2020): Shooting of Jolo intel troops disrupted ops vs. suicide bombers (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

The death of four military intelligence operatives in the hands of Jolo police officers last June 29 disrupted ongoing operations against the two suicide bombers involved in Monday's twin blasts, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said on Thursday.

"Aside from missing the opportunity of capturing these two suicide bombers, it has caused disruption in our intelligence operations in the area, so this disruption in our intelligence coverage for these suicide bombers and activities of Abu Sayyaf in Jolo and in other parts of Sulu somehow led to this incident," Gapay said in an interview with CNN Philippines' The Source.

Gapay is requesting that charges be immediately filed against the policemen involved in the shooting of their intelligence operatives "to ensure swift dispensation of justice so that it could prevent or preclude anymore speculation as to the motive of the incident."

Earlier, Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana identified the two suicide bombers by their aliases – "Nanah", a resident of Basilan, and "Inda Nay", a Sulu resident who later relocated to Tawi-Tawi. Sobejana said "Nanah" was the wife of the first confirmed Filipino suicide bomber, Norman Lasuca, who conducted the attack against the 1st Brigade Combat Team in Sulu on June 28, 2019, which left seven people dead and 12 others wounded.

Meanwhile, "Inda Nay" was the widow of reported Islamic State conduit, Abu Talha, who was killed following an encounter with the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion in November 2019.

"The two female suicide bombers are the same targets being tracked by the group of Maj. (Marvin) Indammog before they were killed by policemen on 29 June 2020," Sobejana added.

Indammog, Capt. Irwin Managuelod, Sgt. Jaime Velasco, and Cpl. Abdal Asula were conducting intelligence and monitoring operations against two suspected suicide bombers when they were gunned down by nine police officers in Jolo, Sulu. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113658

DND inks P5.5-B air surveillance radar deal with Japanese firm

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2020): DND inks P5.5-B air surveillance radar deal with Japanese firm (By Priam Nepomuceno)



RADAR DEAL. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signs the contract agreement and notice to proceed with Japanese firm Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) for the Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s Horizon 2 Air Surveillance Radar System (ASRS) acquisition project on Aug. 14, 2020. The ASRS will help to detect, identify, and correlate any threats and intrusions within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and deliver radar images to decision-makers and relevant operating units. (Photo courtesy of DND)

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday announced that it has signed the contract agreement and notice to proceed with a Japanese firm for the Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s Horizon 2 Air Surveillance Radar System (ASRS) acquisition project.

In a statement, the DND said the contract was signed by Secretary Delfin Lorenzana last August 14.

The project, which has an approved budget for the contract of PHP5.5 billion was awarded to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MELCO) with a total contract price of USD103,500,000. The ASRS is under a negotiated government-to-government procurement with Japan.

"This cooperation signifies Japan’s first time to export Japanese-made defense equipment under a restructured government policy, permitting sales of defense equipment, as long as it is deemed for the promotion of international peace," the DND added.

This is also the first defense equipment and technology cooperation project between the two countries in the realization of the agreement between Manila and Tokyo concerning the transfer of defense equipment and technology signed in 2016.

The recommended ASRS sites will cover large areas of the Philippine Rise, southern areas of the country, and the southern portion of the West Philippine Sea.

Operations from these strategically vital locations will enable the PAF to provide optimal airspace monitoring, aircraft control, perform its air defense mission and enhance the security in areas of interest identified by the DND.

The ASRS will help to detect, identify, and correlate any threats and intrusions within the Philippine exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and deliver radar images to decision-makers and relevant operating units.

The ASRS package includes three fixed long-range air surveillance radars, each with building facilities and a mobile air surveillance radar. It is expected to be delivered to the Philippines starting 2022.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113669

3 PNP execs on shortlist for next top cop: Año

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2020): 3 PNP execs on shortlist for next top cop: Año (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. (File photo)

Three names are on the shortlist of candidates for the next chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Friday.

“May pinasa na ko kay PRRD (President Rodrigo R. Duterte), three (I have submitted a list to PRRD, three names). The President's health cannot be compromised so while I am at the hospital and besides, we have the technology right now, so I submitted it (via e-mail) around Friday last week," Año told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a phone interview.

He did not mention the names of the officials on the shortlist.

Año is currently recovering after testing positive anew for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) last week.

He, however, said all PNP officers with star-rank could be considered for the post to be vacated by Gen. Archie Gamboa, who will retire from service upon turning 56 on September 2.

Asked about the possibility of extending Gamboa’s term, Año said this is a prerogative of the President.

"It is within his (Duterte’s) power because we are in a pandemic. It is allowed by law. The term of the Chief PNP can be extended based on the situation. But I think, he has somebody in mind for the post even before,” he said.

Among the possible contenders for PNP chief are Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan, deputy chief for administration and head of the Administrative Support to Covid-19 Operations Task Force (ASCOTF); Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, deputy chief for operations and commander of the Joint Task Force Covid Shield; and Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, chief of the PNP directorial staff.

Cascolan, Gamboa’s batchmate in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1986, will mandatorily retire upon turning 56 in November.

Binag and Eleazar, both from PMA Class of 1987, will retire in April and November 2021, respectively.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said they have been preparing the retirement honors for Gamboa.

“(The) PNP is now preparing to render retirement honors to Gen. Archie Gamboa and for a possible change of command ceremony. It will be held at (the) PNP Multi-Purpose Center on September 2, subject to availability of President Rodrigo Duterte as the guest of honor and speaker,” Banac said.

He said all invited officials would join the ceremony via video teleconferencing due to quarantine restrictions.

“All health standards and safety will be strictly observed,” Banac said.

Gamboa took over the helm of the PNP as officer in charge in October 2019, replacing Gen. Oscar Albayalde who stepped down from his post after the controversy on an anti-drug operation during his stint as Pampanga Police chief in 2013.

He was eventually appointed by the President as the country's top cop in January.

Gamboa earned his Bachelor of Laws degree at the Jose Rizal University and passed the Bar exams in 2004.

He also served as chief of the PNP Directorial Staff in 2017, the PNP's fourth top position, and rose to the second-highest position as deputy chief for administration in 2019.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113665

5 police execs included in latest reshuffle

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2020): 5 police execs included in latest reshuffle (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa has ordered the reassignment of three police generals and two colonels to various units.

In an order dated August 26 and released on Friday, Gamboa reassigned PNP Health Service (PNPHS) director, Brig. Gen. Herminio Tadeo Jr. to the PNP Finance Service, replacing Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Daway. Tadeo served as the PNPHS director in February.

Replacing Tadeo as PNPHS acting director is Col. Arthur Cabalona, who was previously assigned at the Directorate for Comptrollership.

Meanwhile, Col. Arcadio Jamora Jr. from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and K9 Unit is now the Acting Executive Officer of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO)-Northern Luzon.

Brig. Gen. Alfred Corpus took over as director of the National Police Training Institute (NPTI). He was erstwhile Director of the Integrated Police Operations-Western Mindanao.

Daway, meanwhile, replaced Corpus as the new director of DIPO-Western Mindanao.

The movement in top posts came following the retirement of NPTI director, Maj. Gen. Ramon Rafael on Thursday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113709

US provides 100 ventilators to support PH coronavirus response

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2020): US provides 100 ventilators to support PH coronavirus response



DONATION. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea receives one of the 100 units of Vyaire LTV2 2200 Ventilators from US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim during the ceremonial turnover at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañan Palace on August 28, 2020. The ventilators will help boost the capacity of Philippine public hospitals and facilities in providing treatment to Covid-19 patients. (Presidential Photo)

The United States has donated 100 new, state-of-the-art ventilators and associated supplies to the Philippines to assist its fight against Covid-19.

US Ambassador Sung Kim, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III led the handover of the ventilators at Malacañang Palace on Friday.

The donation delivers on President Donald Trump’s offer of these critical supplies and supports the Philippines’ response to the pandemic. The ventilators, produced in the United States, include leading-edge and in-demand technology. They will be a life-saving resource to patients requiring oxygen support.

“These ventilators are part of the continued partnership between the American people and our Philippine friends, partners, and allies. We will continue to work together to overcome Covid-19,” Kim said.

In addition to the ventilators, the US Agency for International Development (USAID) will provide clinical training and technical assistance to support health facilities to operate ventilators. In coordination with USAID and the Office of Civil Defense, DOH will facilitate the delivery of the ventilators to hospitals located across the Philippines.

This donation brings the total US contribution to the Philippines’ Covid-19 response to more than PHP1 billion (USD22.6 million), provided through the US State Department, USAID, and the US Department of Defense. US assistance bolsters health systems, supports economic recovery, and delivers vital humanitarian assistance for vulnerable populations.

Through a comprehensive approach that includes both the US public and private sectors, the US is providing timely support to provide critical supplies in coordination with the Government of the Philippines and other partners.

For decades, the United States has been the world's largest provider of bilateral assistance in health. Since 2009, the United States has provided more than USD100 billion in health assistance and nearly USD70 billion in humanitarian assistance worldwide. (US EMBASSY PR)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113711

Locsin rejects request for Coast Guard attaché in Washington

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2020): Locsin rejects request for Coast Guard attaché in Washington (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (File photo)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Friday he has rejected the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) request to place its attaché at the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC.

"(The) Washington request... I also rejected this. No need for them to be there," Locsin said in an interview with CNN Philippines, noting that the PCG applied for a Coast Guard attaché in the US after he "flatly rejected" a similar request for Beijing.

The country's top diplomat explained that Manila does not share a coastline with the United States like what it has with Canada.

"I can imagine that there would be a Canadian Coast Guard attaché because the US and Canada have had border disputes and other issues that involve the use of the coast guards of either country or both and I can see a point for that. But I don’t even know if Canada has a Coast Guard attaché but I say, no," he said.

Locsin on Wednesday also denied the PCG's request for a separate office at the Philippine Embassy in Beijing, saying it would be tantamount to conceding Manila's exclusive sovereignty over its coastal waters.

"What does that mean? That means that the Coast Guard, which basically interdicts Chinese incursions now it will take upon itself to be in Beijing and whenever the Chinese want to make a naval movement and anywhere within our territory, they can discuss it with the Coast Guard? Excuse me, no, you only discuss it with me," he said Friday.

"I discuss it only with (Defense Secretary Delfin) Lorenzana and (National Security Adviser) Jun Esperon. The Coast Guard is an instrumentality of the policy we make. They do not make policies," he added.

According to Locsin, there is a maritime attaché in London to represent Manila at the International Maritime Organization.

READ: Attaché’s designation eyed not only in China, says PCG

Earlier, the PCG explained that a Coast Guard attaché with China would directly coordinate and facilitate “bilateral and multilateral” talks with Beijing for the establishment of the Joint Coast Guard Committee (JCGC), specifically in maritime search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, maritime security, maritime safety, and marine environmental protection.

It disclosed that there were also proposals to post Coast Guard attachés in Malaysia and Indonesia.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113744

Red allies mum on IP abuses but loud vs. anti-terror law: Parlade

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28, 2020): Red allies mum on IP abuses but loud vs. anti-terror law: Parlade (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., Southern Luzon Command chief (PNA File photo)

While militant and human rights sectors are busy filing petitions left and right against the newly-enacted Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, these very same groups are yet to voice out their take on confirmed reports of retreating communist terrorists that force indigenous peoples (IP) in Mindoro to do their chores for them.

"This exploitation of IPs is a serious matter. Yet, we haven't heard from CHR (Commission on Human Rights) chairperson Chito Gascon, from the leaders of a few religious institutes who question the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, as well as members of the 'Kamatayan' (Makabayan) Bloc," said Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency Thursday.

He added that communist terrorists have been intimidating the IPs, forcing them to join the armed group.

"Several of them have since surrendered and narrated how minor female IPs were kidnapped by the NPAs for years, after asking them to fetch water for the rebels," Parlade said.

The abuse of IPs in the hands of communist terrorists came in wake of the group's withdrawal in Mindoro, he added.

"Shall we allow these terrorists to victimize our IPs and children by going easy with these terror groups? By rescinding the ATL? (Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020) Where is your heart? Tell us (Bayan Muna) Rep. Carlos Zarate," he said.

Earlier, he said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA)'s Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) retreated to Mindoro in a bid to establish a new base after sustaining several crushing defeat from government forces.

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

While assuring that these communist terrorists will not be given leeway to make a comeback, he added that these reports are of concern after Filipino-American Amado Canham Rodriguez, a "Main Regional Guerilla Unit" member, reportedly died of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic while staying in the Mangyan villages.

"Who knows how many IPs have they infected with the virus?" Parlade said.

Communist rebels in Occidental Mindoro area, he said, are now surrendering to authorities within weeks after the Regional Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) brought its services to the remotest area in the province.

"Communist rebels affiliated under the NPA's STRPC are now surrendering and causing the STRPC to crumble. Thanks to the services provided by the Regional Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict," he added.

He was referring to the instance where the RTF ELCAC brought its services to Sitio Mantay, Monteclaro, San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on August 20.

"Weeks after the RTF ELCAC brought its services to Sitio Mantay, Monteclaro, San Jose Occidental Mindoro, one of the remotest areas in Mindoro, elements of MAV, Islacom Mindoro, STRPC started to return to the folds of the law," he added.

Parlade said that on August 26 alone, six members of the NPA's "PLTN SERNA" of KLG MAV, SRMA 4D, and 48 "Milisyang Bayan" (MB)/"Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad" (SPL) voluntary surrendered to the RTF ELCAC.
He added that these surrenderers were briefed on the government "Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits and enrollment.

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.

"Other concerned agencies were also expediting the necessary support and requirement in the availment of E-CLIP benefits," Parlade said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113784