Senior Navy officer is AFP’s No. 3 man

From Malaya Business Insight (Oct 5, 2020): Senior Navy officer is AFP’s No. 3 man (By Victor Reyes)

A SENIOR Navy officer leading fleet-marine operations in the terrorist-infested Western Mindanao is now the No. 3 man of the Armed Forces.

Rear Adm. Erick Kagaoan assumed the post of AFP deputy chief of staff on Saturday, replacing Lt. Gen. Ramon Lim who reached the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Prior to his new designation, Kagaoan, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987, is the head of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) based in Zamboanga City.

As NFWM commander, Kagaoan supervised all fleet-marine operations in western Mindanao, including the Abu Sayyaf-infested Sulu, Basilan, and Tawi-Tawi.

The unit’s area of responsibilities includes Central Mindanao where the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters operate. The BIFF is also classified as a terrorist organization like the Abu Sayyaf.

Authorities have yet to announce a replacement for Kagaoan at the NFWM.

Aside from the NFWM, Kagaoan also served as commander of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon based in San Fernando City in La Union; as Chief of Naval Staff, the third highest post in the Philippine Navy hierarchy; and as director of Naval Management and Fiscal Office.

Kagaoan has commanded seven Navy ships, including the BRP Artemio Ricarte, BRP Cebu, and BRP Kalinga-Apayao. He was adjudged as one of the outstanding soldiers in 2012 by the Metrobank Foundation.

AFP chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, who presided over the turnover ceremony, told Kagaoan the AFP leadership “will rally behind all your endeavors as the new TDCS (The Deputy Chief of Staff) for the betterment of our organization.”

https://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news_news/senior-navy-officer-is-afps-no-3-man/

ANGAY-ANGAY LANG: (1) Pamalandong sa Peace Negotation GPH-MNLF, 1975-1987

Posted to MindaNews (Oct 4, 2020): ANGAY-ANGAY LANG: (1) Pamalandong sa Peace Negotation GPH-MNLF, 1975-1987 (By RUDY BUHAY RODIL)

1st of two parts

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 04 October) — This was written in 1992, viewed from the government side. Now, this is a way of Looking Back: Lessons from the past peace negotiations between the Philippine Government ang the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF. This comes in two parts. Part I covers the negotiations, 1975-1987. Part II encompasses the territory question.

Part I The Negotiations

As far as we know, there were only three distinct negotiations from 1975 to 1987. The first took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on January 18-29, 1975.

The second was held in Tripoli, Libya on 15-23 December 1976.

And the third was that started by President Aquino on September 5, 1986 and ended with Ambassador Emmanuel Pelaez on 7 May 1987.

There is no need perhaps to detail these since they have been publicized many times before and deliberated on in a number of conferences as well.

Secretary Alejandro Melchor headed the Philippine panel in 1975 and across him sat MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari. This negotiation immediately hit a snag due allegedly to the impossible demands of the MNLF. As described by Dr. Adam Malik, then Indonesian Foreign Minister:

As we see it, the failure was partly attributable to the complexity of the question, but certainly due to the disproportionate demand put forward by the rebel faction headed by Mr. Nur Misuari. To insist on a prior public declaration agreeing to the creation of an autonomous region, with a separate government and army, as a condition for the success of those talks, we believe cannot be accepted by any sovereign government worthy of its name. (Source: Background on the Situation in Southern Philippines. Department of Public Information. October 1976, p. 29)

Held in Tripoli, Libya, the second negotiation on December 15-23, 1976 led to the Tripoli agreement. Undersecretary Carmelo Barbero led the Philippine government panel and Mr. Nur Misuari headed the MNLF group. As chairman of the Quadripartite Ministerial Commission, Libyan Foreign Minister Ali Abdussalam Treki, presided over the negotiation.

The third of the talks was first initiated in Jolo between President Corazon Aquino and MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari, was continued in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia by Agapito Aquino who not long after handed over the responsibility to Aquilino Pimentel (Nur Misuari sat for the MNLF), then resumed in the Philippines by Ambassador Emmanuel Pelaez and Habib Hashim, where it collapsed.

Pimentel came home with the Jeddah Accord in which it was agreed, among other things, “to continue discussion of the proposal for the grant of full autonomy to Mindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Palawan subject to democratic processes

Since it was January 3, 1987, and the draft of the New Constitution was completed, there was also an MNLF proposal for Pres. Aquino “to issue an executive order suspending pertinent provisions of the draft constitution on the grant of autonomy to Muslim Mindanao in the scheduled plebiscite on February 2, 1987, to allow the MNLF to undertake democratic consultations with the people of Mindanao and its islands”. The OIC continued to play a vital role as mediator.

In the Philippines, a time frame of 90 days was set within which to come up with an agreement. It started on February 9 and ended on May 7, 1987. The portion of the talks held in the country with Pelaez was the first time that Misuari was not directly involved. Neither was the OIC in the scene.

Lessons That May Be Useful In The Future

The Role of the OIC. The Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) played a vital and decisive role in the negotiations. It is unfortunate though that the government has made an official evaluation only for the talks in Tripoli.

As reported by Undersecretary of National Defense Carmelo Barbero, chief negotiator for the Philippine Government, during the entire period of negotiation in Tripoli, the role of Dr. Treki was noticeably dominant. As a matter of fact, he said, the Philippine panel was negotiating with him, not with Mr. Misuari. The three other members of the Quadripartite Commission did his bidding.

It is important for us to understand how the OIC got involved because as far as its organizational policies are concerned, non-members have no obligation to follow their regulations. And no country may be a member of the OIC if it is not Muslim.

I recall that during the first week of our life as Regional Consultative Commission for Muslim Mindanao, when we had this live-in seminar at the Asian Institute of Management, April 4-8, 1988, one of our lecturers was Ambassador Pacifico Castro. He related that two important developments in 1973-74 prompted the Philippine government to accept OIC mediation in the Mindanao problem.

First, the Armed Forces of the Philippines were short of ammunition and America was not willing to extend a helping hand. War with the Bangsa Moro Army was raging, and if nothing was done about it immediately, the consequences could be serious for the government. And, second, OPEC imposed an oil embargo on those countries supporting Israel in the 1973 war. One of them was the Philippines.

The first problem was solved by purchasing the necessary military materiel from other countries.

The second problem could be resolved only if the King of Saudi Arabia, who was most influential in the OPEC, would be persuaded to lift the oil embargo on the Philippines. It took some time, but the Saudi King finally relented — with a condition: that the Philippine Government would negotiate with the MNLF under the auspices of the OIC.

The OIC itself created the Quadripartite Ministerial Commission composed of Libya, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Senegal. Chairman was the Libyan representative who at that time was Dr. Treki.

And so, when the OIC met on June 21-25 in Kuala Lumpur, it passed Resolution No. 18 urging the Philippine government to find a solution for the Mindanao problem within the territorial integrity and the national sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines. President Marcos agreed and so there was the negotiation with the MNLF.

One week prior to the formal talks in Jeddah in 1975, President Suharto of Indonesia intimated to President Marcos through his Foreign Minister that his country is prepared to support the OIC Resolution No. 18.

It should come as no surprise if President Marcos was ill at ease with this interference. This will be noticed in the written objectives of the Tripoli negotiations. The first objective was to reach an agreement with the MNLF so as to end the war in southern Philippines and it was expected that as a result of this the Muslim Filipinos would be removed from the agenda of the Islamic Conference.

This became a reality only in the time of President Aquino. The OIC did not take part in the actual talks. Ambassador Pelaez nonetheless saw it fit to communicate the results of his talks with Mr. Habib Hashim to the Secretary General of the OIC.

Twice in Tripoli the talks almost collapsed, too, Dr. Treki threatened that any collapse in the negotiations must be blamed on the Philippine government, that he would recommend to the OIC that all talks with the Philippine government must cease, and that he would raise the problem to the Security Council and the General Assembly of the United Nations, and that economic sanctions be imposed on the Philippines.

What lessons can we learn from these experiences? These are not easy to extract out because it is obvious that the Philippine government had no choice as far as the involvement of the OIC with the Mindanao problem was concerned — it was outmaneuvered by the MNLF. But it is obvious, too, that such interference from the outside becomes a blot on the national sovereignty of the Republic. There is also the matter of worthiness in one’s words. The OIC said, for instance, that the framework of the negotiation would be the territorial integrity and national sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines. If this is true, then Dr. Treki may have exceeded his role as presiding officer of the talks.

In light of such external interference, can we regard the negotiation as a success? Undersecretary Barbero reported that the RP Panel was subjected to intense psychological and physical pressure which hampered the negotiation. Libya controlled everything, the schedule, their movements, their appointments, and their food. A crate of supplies brought along by the Panel was held by the Libyan authorities for five days. There were also the two threats already mentioned. This was aggravated by the conviction of the Philippine Panel that it was easily within the capability of Libya and the OIC to make good their threats.

There is also the highly embarrassing matter of the Philippine government being made to face a group of rebels which it used to give no importance to, yet must now sign an agreement with.

Be that as it may, the RP Panel believed that they got what they came for: a ceasefire which would mean saving thousands of lives and resources. They also won the goodwill of the OIC, if the happiness and satisfaction shown by President Khadaffy, Dr. Treki and the Secretary General of the OIC could be a gauge. (MindaViews is the opinion section of MindaNews. A peace specialist, Rudy Buhay Rodil is an active Mindanao historian and peace advocate)

https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2020/10/angay-angay-lang-1-pamalandong-sa-peace-negotation-gph-mnlf-1975-1987/

CPP: RISIRIS | January-July 2020

Propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 5, 2020): RISIRIS | January-July 2020

| PUBLICATIONS | RISRIS

Download the issue here
PDF

https://cpp.ph/2020/10/05/risris-january-july-2020/

CPP: Kalayaan | September 2020

Propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 5, 2020): Kalayaan | September 2020

|KALAYAAN | PUBLICATIONS
OCTOBER 05, 2020

Download the issue here
PDF

https://cpp.ph/2020/10/05/kalayaan-september-2020/

CPP/NDF-Negros Island-KABUMA: KAGUMA Negros on World Teachers’ Day and opening of classes

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 5, 2020): KAGUMA Negros on World Teachers’ Day and opening of classes

KATIPUNAN NG MGA GURONG MAKABAYAN-NEGROS ISLAND

NDF-NEGROS ISLAND

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER 05, 2020

KAGUMA Negros pays tribute to all Filipino teachers in commemorating World Teachers’ Day 2020. The teachers’ social, economic and intellectual contributions in a nation’s development need to be recognized.

This year’s celebration coincides with the opening of classes for public schools, despite the demand of teachers and students alike for a safe resumption of classes. The Duterte government has a twisted logic on how to repay our teachers.

Even before the crisis brought by the Covid19 pandemic, teachers have been carrying the burden of a commercialized, colonial and fascist educational system. Each start of an academic year highlights the issues of the teachers on perennial shortages in education, providing for teachers’ salaries and benefits, and in providing a relevant and nationalist curriculum.

The country’s shortage of teachers is yet to be solved. Around 74,000 teachers are needed to address the disparity but the regime only targets around 10,000 to be employed this year.

In the context of a worldwide pandemic, teachers have become an education frontliner as the Duterte government remains deaf and blind to the demand for a safe resumption of classes. Blended learning is the government’s band-aid solution while it continues to be unable to curb the pandemic as Duterte plans to wait it out until a vaccine comes along. Teachers, students and their parents are left exposed to the virus while the government insists on blended learning.

The number of those who did not enroll, 1.3 million in public and 1.7 million in private schools, is very alarming. Corollary to the lower enrollment is the dramatic rise in the number of dropouts and out-of-school children.

The government’s band-aid solution is a failure and it could not even put funds towards its own stop-gap program. In fact, the proposed 2021 budget is a budget for corruption, war against the people and subservience to foreign imperialist powers instead of a pandemic-responsive budget and a budget for services to the people.

The Department of Education proposed for P1.1 trillion budget but only P564 billion is the proposed allocation. The proposed budget only subsidizes P15 billion out of the needed P50 billion for the modules. Worst, budget for the construction of classrooms and health facilities is decreased by 18% and budget for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) is decreased by 9%. Zero budget is allocated for mass testing, hazard pay and medical treatment for teachers and staff. What the Duterte government has failed to provide, the teachers are expected to carry the brunt.

As we commemorate World Teachers’ Day today, KAGUMA Negros vows to lead the teachers’ struggle for just compensation and for a nationalist, scientific and mass-oriented education. The core issues confronting the teachers must be prioritized – and that is better wages and humane working conditions. We have a better chance in achieving this objective by mustering our collective strength to topple the dictator from his throne and advance the national democratic revolution. We have no illusions that this would be an easy fight but nonetheless we would continue the fight. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/kaguma-negros-on-world-teachers-day-and-opening-of-classes/

CPP/CIO: Criminal mastermind of 2015 Lianga massacre killed in firefight with NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 5, 2020): Criminal mastermind of 2015 Lianga massacre killed in firefight with NPA

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER 05, 2020

One of the masterminds of the brutal Lianga Massacre of 2015 was killed yesterday in an ambush by the New People’s Army in Surigao del Sur against the paramilitary group Magahat-Bagani. According to reports, Hawudon Jomar Bucales, along with two other paramilitaries, were killed in a gun battle with the people’s army in Sitio Mamsapranon, Barangay Banahao, Lianga town, Surigao del Sur.

The NPA unit in Surigao del Sur deserves the highest commendation. The Party and the Filipino people congratulate them for their success. The broad masses of Lianga celebrate the successful NPA ambush. They feel a deep sense of justice with the death of Bucales.

A people’s court in Surigao del Sur had previously been formed to try Bucales and others for the Lianga Massacre. Investigations conducted by the duly-constituted committees have pointed out to the key role of Bucales et al in the brutal murder of Emerito Samarca, Executive Director of the ALCADEV community school, and Lumad leaders Dionel Campos and Datu Bello Sinzo on September 1, 2015. Bucales has been informed of the charges against him but ignored the summons and refused to stand trial before the people’s court.

Bucales was leader of the so-called Magahat-Bagani paramilitary group in the Surigao del Sur and received guns, funding and publicity support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and mining companies operating in the area. He and his paramilitary group were being misrepresented as “NPA surrenderees” by the 3rd Infantry Battalion in order to funnel funds for counterinsurgency into their pockets. Endorsed by the military, he was appointed by Lianga town officials as its Mandatory IP Representative.

In behalf of the military, Bucales has recently been issuing renewed threats against the leaders of the ALCADEV community school, which has been active in promoting and defending the Lumad people’s ancestral lands and raising their community’s social, economic and cultural life.

Lianga and other towns in Surigao del Sur are located in the Andap Valley, an area rich in mineral resources. In recent months, the people of Lianga have been subjected to intense militarization, aerial bombings and gross human rights abuses, in order to break the people’s resistance to the further aggression of mining operations in their areas.

https://cpp.ph/statements/criminal-mastermind-of-2015-lianga-massacre-killed-in-firefight-with-npa/

CPP/NDF-Southern Mindanao-KAGUMA: Filipino teachers must resist the US-Duterte regime amid the Covid-19 pandemic!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 4, 2020): Filipino teachers must resist the US-Duterte regime amid the Covid-19 pandemic!

RUBI DEL MUNDO

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-SOUTHERN MINDANAO

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER 05, 2020

 

In celebration of the World Teachers Day, the National Democratic Front in Southern Mindanao salutes the revolutionary teachers under the banner of Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (KAGUMA) and all other Filipino educators for their perseverance to ensure the education of the masses despite the reactionary state’s perennial neglect, further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. In the face of this health and socio-economic crisis, Filipino teachers must be applauded for their painstaking endeavor to adjust to the demands of “blended learning,” notwithstanding the negligible support from the reactionary national government.

We especially commend the invaluable efforts of the teachers in Lumad schools and bakwit centers, as they continue to overcome a different context of challenges and difficulties in the midst of US-Duterte regime’s fascism. These Lumad schools were unjustly and abruptly closed down, becoming collateral damage to the fascist state’s de facto martial rule and counter-insurgency witch hunt.

Incidentally, today also marks the adjusted opening of classes by the reactionary Department of Education. Jumping the gun, Duterte’s Education secretary Leonor Biones already claimed victory over her department’s fight against the pandemic, seemingly oblivious to the fact that over 7 million students have not been enrolled and news concerning teachers’ difficulties due to inadequate resources and facilities abound.  With the rushed and thoughtless plan for the re-opening of the school year, Duterte seems adamant to gamble the lives of thousands of teachers and millions of students in order to appear on top of things.

While insisting that it is “ready to face the challenges of blended learning,” the Duterte regime is actually shifting the burden of responsibility to teachers. Already appallingly underpaid, Filipino teachers stand as lab rats of the reactionary government’s ill-conceived “blended learning” scheme. As a result, they are overwhelmed to operate in so-called “modular” or “digital” modalities without enough logistics, training, and support and are expected to compensate for all financial and resource incidentals.

As a matter of fact, Duterte’s proposed 2021 national budget is a harsh slap to Filipino teachers, baring Duterte’s true priority amidst the worsening Covid-19 situation. The Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education rank only fourth in combined percent share of the proposed budget, trailing behind Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of National Defense. The entire education sector is nowhere near Duterte’s priority compared to military and infrastructure spending, and even the hidden “pork” being inserted by Duterte and his cronies to position themselves in the upcoming 2022 reactionary elections.

The reality is that even before the pandemic, the Philippine education system is already anti-poor, fraught with insufficient resources, facilities, and support while suffering from persistent slashes in annual budget. It is plagued with neoliberal policies such as the K to 12 Program that train Filipinos to become cheap labor export. As an added injury, teachers, students, and even parents are also being subjected to surveillance and red-tagging. Teachers are burdened, therefore, of the inherent character of the education system being commercialized, colonial, and fascist.

We enjoin educators under KAGUMA to strengthen their unity in all forms of resistance in order to advance the national democratic revolution. They must link arms with and depend on the parents of the children whom they mold—the peasants and workers—as they all bear the brunt of the social downturn in the face of this health and socio-economic crisis. They must expose and oppose not only the US-Duterte regime’s criminal negligence but its profiteering scheme and intentional weaponizing of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As mediators of knowledge, Filipino teachers are in a crucial position to arouse, organize, and mobilize the people against the basic social ills bred by the semicolonial and semifeudal state. They must champion the nationalist, scientific, and mass-oriented education system, especially at this crucial time in our history when the ruling clique of the reactionaries under Duterte deliberately revise history to glorify dictators and gloss over their crimes.

We urge Filipino teachers to become both students and educators of the masses and teach the most underserved in the countryside, especially our Lumad and peasant children. We urge them to join the armed struggle and together with the rest of the working class, take the lead in shaping a just society.

Long live KAGUMA and all teachers around the world!

https://cpp.ph/statements/filipino-teachers-must-resist-the-us-duterte-regime-amid-the-covid-19-pandemic/

CPP/IB: Mining road projects to hasten wholesale destruction of environment in Caraga

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 4, 2020): Mining road projects to hasten wholesale destruction of environment in Caraga

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

INFORMATION BUREAU
OCTOBER 04, 2020

The Communist Party of the Philippines today slammed 4th ID commander MGen. Andres C. Centino for touting that mining road projects being rushed in the Caraga region “will hasten the defeat of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and New People’s Army (NPA).” The officer was referring to the construction of three access roads namely the Cabadbaran-Puting Bato-Lanuza Road, Butuan-Pianing-Tandag Road, and Bayugan City-San Miguel Road in Caraga.

“Centino is touting counterinsurgency objectives as a veil to conceal the ultimate intention of these mining road projects which is none other than intensifying the plunderous operations of corporations which are responsible for the plunder of Caraga’s rich mineral reserves, wanton destruction of the environment and widespread human rights violations,” said CPP Chief Information Officer Marco L. Valbuena.

“These multi-billion peso road projects will hasten not the defeat of the revolutionary movement but the wholesale destruction of ancestral lands and remaining forest frontiers where mining multinationals seek to operate unimpeded and with impunity,” Valbuena added. “On the contrary, these projects accompanied by militarization of the areas will only push more and more people to wage all forms of opposition, including armed resistance.”

The mining road networks will cut across the Andap Valley Complex (Surigao del Sur) and the Diwata mountain range (Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur). These mountainous areas are rich in coal, gold, copper and nickel which have long been plundered and siphoned off to other countries by multinational corporations. The mining road projects will facilitate the transport of minerals even from the interior areas and thus hasten the destruction of the Caraga mountainous region. The construction of these road projects, in themselves, will require the clearing of forest areas and the displacement of Lumad communities.

Among the companies to benefit from these mining road projects is the Marcventures Mining Development Corporation which has been permitted by the regime to mine nickel and aluminum in more than 4,799 hectares of forest in Diwata. Its plunderous operation covers the central watershed which serves as the major source of water for irrigation and drinking across the region. Its permit to operate has been suspended twice for environmental violations. Although headed by capitalist Perez E. Yulo, the company is dominated by Canadian multinational RYM Business Management Corporation as its biggest stockholder.

“The roads will also facilitate the smooth deployment and movement of military forces which serve as security guards of multinationals,” added Valbuena. “These will surely be used against the masses in the area who have long suffered state repression and terrorism to suppress their resistance against the operations of these companies,” added Valbuena.

Recently from July to August this year, communities around the area of operations of Marcventures have been under siege. The 402nd IBde under the 4th ID along with the Philippine National Police Caraga launched its brutal focused military operation in the mountain range, particularly in communities around Mt. Hilong-hilong, to terrorize anti-mining residents.

At least fifteen bombs were dropped near rural villages in the towns of Puting Bato and Cabadbaran City within four days in August. At least 1,000 troops were also deployed to attack, occupy and place under hamlet at least 15 barangays in the guise of Retooled Community Support Program operations. There are at least 50 mining companies in and around Mt. Hilong-Hilong. The said mountain provides habitat to various species of flora and fauna including the endangered Philippine Eagle.

Similar attacks were mounted in the Andap Valley Complex last July 15 wherein two bombs were dropped near two Lumad communities in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur using two FA-50 fighter jets. Having experienced military and paramilitary extrajudicial killings and widespread abuses of human rights, fear-stricken residents evacuated their communities last month to seek demand the immediate withdrawal of fascist troops in their communities.

Sustained military operations are also being conducted in the triboundary of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Agusan Norte where other mining companies operate including Japanese multinational Sumitomo, Greenstone (Manny Pangilinan), Nickel Asia and Taganito Mining Corporation (Manny Zamora) and San Roque Metals Inc. (Eric Gutierrez).

https://cpp.ph/statements/mining-road-projects-to-hasten-wholesale-destruction-of-environment-in-caraga/

CPP/NPA-Surigao del Sur: PFC Maca, a legitimate military target, dead on NPA ambush

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 3, 2020): PFC Maca, a legitimate military target, dead on NPA ambush

SANDARA SIDLAKAN

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SURIGAO DEL SUR

NORTHEAST MINDANAO REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

OCTOBER 03, 2020

An army was killed in ambush launched by the NPA last October 2, 2020 at Pakwan, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur.

Private First Class Ariel Guinsod Maca, an active member of 36th IBPA armed with caliber .45 pistol was killed on the spot . He is an assistant cadreman of a Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) detachment at the above mentioned baranggay. He is an active part of the continuing community support programs which resulted to fake NPA surrenderees, forcible CAFGU recruitement, red tagging, rampant gambling activities, widespread of pornography and putting restrictions against indigenous farmers.

In addition, the installation of CAFGU detachment at the center of the barranggay violates the international humanitarian law which states that all armed men should stay not less than 500 meters away from the civilian. Rather it aims to give security on the resumed operation of a logging company SUDECOR instead of abiding the international law.

Based on the policy of revolutionary movement, the NPA -SDS operative takes PFC Maca’s personal cellular phone, wristwatch and money worth 30,000.00 to securely return it to his immediate family. Moreover, the operatives deny the allegations of brutal killing of PFC Maca since the NPA adhere to the international law on the respect and proper treatment dead body.

Contrary to the statement of aristocrat Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Rico Maca that the death of PFC Maca was based on personal grudges, Ka Sandara Sidlakan, NPA- Surigao del Sur spokesperson responds “every offensive launched by the NPA was not based on personal grudges. Any member of reactionary AFP/PNP and its paramilitary group CAFGU is a legitimate target of NPA because they are the implementor of state terrorism, human rights violators, and suppresses the peoples movement on its legitimate demand for national democracy and liberation.”

Furthermore, Ka Sandara urged the people to firmly stand against on going de facto martial law perpetrate by the fascist US-Duterte regime and its reactionary armed forces. “The people should unite and expose the rampant human rights violations perpetrate by the AFP/PNP and its paramilitary group. The people have nothing but to rely on united mass movement in waging armed struggle to counter and bring down the fascist and tyrant US -Duterte regime”, she ended.

https://cpp.ph/statements/pfc-maca-a-legitimate-military-target-dead-on-npa-ambush/

AFP-CRS: Facebook effective tool vs. CPP-NPA lies, propaganda

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 4, 2020): Facebook effective tool vs. CPP-NPA lies, propaganda


The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it sees Facebook and other social media platforms as tools in effective dissemination of accurate information that would help the public see through the propaganda of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

READ MORE: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1116966

#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3708318729186824/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: 3 NPA surrendered in Bukidnon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 4, 2020): 3 NPA surrendered in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon--Three members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the 8th Infantry "Dependable" Battalion (8IB), the military said.

In a press statement, the military identified the rebel returnees as @Bahoy, Political Guide, Squad (Sqd) 1; @ Neil, Team Leader, Team Baking, Sqd 2 both of Platoon (Pltn) 3; and @Angelo, Company Medic all under Headquarters Force (HQF) Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).

READ MORE: https://www.mindanaodailynews.com/…/3-npa-rebels-in-bukidno…

#AFPyoucanTRUST l www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3708322055853158/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Transforming former rebels into agents of Peace and Development

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 4, 2020): Transforming former rebels into agents of Peace and Development

MANILA – At the heart of the Duterte administration’s Peace and Development Agenda is the ongoing transformation of more than 15,000 former rebels and insurgents into peaceful and productive civilians.

Amid the challenges brought about by the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, the government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), continues to push forward the comprehensive Philippine peace process.

READ MORE:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117149



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3708331275852236/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Localized peace engagements: Empowering Communities via peace dialogue

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Oct 4, 2020): Localized peace engagements: Empowering Communities via peace dialogue

As the Duterte administration intensifies its efforts to end the communist insurgency, it is implementing a “Whole-of-Nation” Approach wherein national line agencies, LGUs, and civil society groups are closely working together to bring sustainable peace and development in conflict-ridden areas.

As embodied in Executive Order 70, tasked to implement this strategy is the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Galvez serves as the Cabinet Officer of Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Region 3.

READ MORE: https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117149

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5 landmines buried in village trail recovered

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 5, 2020): 5 landmines buried in village trail recovered (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

FIVE IMPROVISED explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the New People’s Army were recovered by soldiers of the 701st Infantry Brigade in Sitio Cambaugo, Barangay Rajah Cabungsuan, Municipality of Lingig, Surigao del Sur.

Maj. Alex Alod, the civil-military operations officer of the 701st Infantry Brigade, said the IEDs weighed one kilo each and were reported by the residents of the area.

An informant led the soldiers to the location of the bombs, which were buried in the hinterland trails of Sitio Cambaugo.

Mayor Roberto M. Luna Jr. condemned the act of terrorism. “ This is a clear manifestation of the NPA terrorists’ blatant disregard of the safety of our people,” he said.

Col. Krishnamurti A. Mortela, commander of the 701st IB accused rebels belonging to the Front North of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command, which operates in the boundaries of Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Agusan del Sur and Davao de Oro, of planting the IEDs.

“It is not only a proof of the NPAs’ desperate attempt to project power and relevance but a crime against humanity as IEDs pose grave dangers to the civilian populace. We thank them for immediately reporting NPA violations and criminal activities,” Mortela added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/10/05/5-landmines-buried-in-village-trail-recovered/

Partner agencies intensify RCSP in Agusan del Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 2, 2020): Partner agencies intensify RCSP in Agusan del Norte (By TESDA Agusan del Norte)

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 2 -- In support to the flagship program of the province of Agusan del Norte dubbed as “Agusan Up!,” partner agencies have intensified the implementation of the Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) in the province.

This, after residents of Brgy. Tagbongabong in the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR), Agusan del Norte have underwent training on organic vegetable production.

TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva said this is through the RCSP for which the primary aim of the training is to provide food security to households which is in line with the directives of TESDA Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña.

Dir. Cueva said residents of Brgy. Tagbongabong will learn how to produce an organic vegetable through backyard gardening. “Right at their own backyard, they will be able to plant and harvest organic vegetables not only for their personal consumption but also as a source of livelihood. Later on, the community will establish a communal garden,” Cueva added.

Dir. Cueva further said the launching which was held recently was made possible through the convergence of the following agencies: Office of the 2nd Congressional District of Agusan del Norte through Congresswoman Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, LGU-Agusan del Norte with the leadership of Governor Dale B. Corvera, Philippine Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Benjamin Pajarito, Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) under its Center Director – Samuel L. Alonzo, Local Government Unit of RTR through Mayor Richard B. Daquipil, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office.

The official likewise said ATI has provided trainers as well as the basic tools for gardening such as bolos as well as chicken dung, 31 sacks of vermicompost fertilizers, 90 pots, 30 seedling trays, 31 sweat shirts and assorted seeds.

The Philippine Army, on the other hand, has conducted clearing operations of the area and after having been declared cleared, the agencies came-in to provide basic services to the residents. “… and this undertaking is one of those basic services,” Cueva said.

The RCSP was formulated in order to strengthen the community support program initiatives of the military and making the efforts of the LGUs driven. With the implementation of the RCSP, Local Chief Executives (LCEs) will be champions of the RCSP through their programs, projects and activities (PPAs) that are geared towards institutionalizing sustainable peace and development.

It is also an inclusive program that aims to address identified issues of the community by closing the governance and develop gaps through the provision of needed government PPAs while ensuring that development is sustained and peace is being promoted.

It was learned that Barangays Tagbongabong and San Antonio in RTR are among the areas in Agusan del Norte that are included in the RCSP. Last year, a total of 150 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and Militia ng Bayan (MBs) in Brgy. Tagbongabong have surrendered to the government troops. (Robert E. Roperos, TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054951

NGO, Army renew partnership in giving aid to young students in AgSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 2, 2020): NGO, Army renew partnership in giving aid to young students in AgSur (By 26th Infantry Battalion)

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 2 -- As advocates of education, the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), together with the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion (26IB), Philippine Army visited various public schools in Agusan del Sur on September 23-25, 2020.

The said activity was part of the "Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan" Project of the GMAKF, which aims to distribute school materials to incoming Kinder to Grade 2 pupils to different public schools in the Philippines especially those from distant communities.

A total of 960 pupils were given school materials to 11 chosen schools from the 26IB area of jurisdiction which are considered as geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas in Agusan del Sur.

In observance of COVID-19 protocols, the parents of the pupils personally received the school materials together with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hygiene kits.

"We are glad that despite the fact that our school is geographically isolated in which two rivers need to be crossed, still it is given a chance to receive school materials for our pupils. This will minimize the burden of less fortunate families in providing school materials for their children," said Joel Painit, teacher-in-charge of Agsabu Elementary School, Brgy. Agsabu, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

To ensure safety during the three-day distribution of school materials, the 26IB under the leadership of Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, provided security and manpower assistance which greatly contributes to the success of the said activity. "We are very lucky that the Philippine Army is always ready to move and give us assistance in order to succeed in our endeavor and advocacy in helping the less fortunate families especially here in Agusan del Sur," bared Aron Calma, GMAKF project staff.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel Goce, 26IB commanding officer expressed his gratitude to the GMAKF for choosing the schools under the jurisdiction of the battalion. "This kind of activity is a big contribution to the sustainment of peace at the same time to bring happiness to the people, making them feel that they are not forgotten," he said.

"Your Ever Onward troopers are always ready to extend necessary support to LGUs and NGOs as we assure you our full commitment on these noble undertakings," Goce added. (1Lt. Percival Carido, CMO, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054537

IP leader, companion killed in ambush in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5, 2020): IP leader, companion killed in ambush in Surigao Sur

LIANGA, Surigao del Sur, Oct. 5 – An indigenous peoples (IP) leader and his companion were killed on Sunday, Oct. 4, in an ambush by suspected communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) in Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

In a report from the Police Provincial Office of Surigao del Sur, Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) Hawudon Jumar Bucales, a staunch advocate of IP rights, and a vocal critic of Bayan Muna Representative Eufemia Campos Cullamat and Datu Alberto dela Peña were killed in an ambush at Sitio Mamprasanon, Barangay Banahao, Lianga, Surigao del Sur on Sunday afternoon by the CNTs while on their way home after an IP council meeting. CAFGU Active Auxiliary (CAA) Ronald Acevedo, CAA Artemio Moldes and Oliver Rosaldo were reportedly wounded, the police report added.

Datu Jumar Bucales, as an IP leader, has strongly condemned the CNTs and its front organization, Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) for exploiting the IPs which, according to him, destroyed the culture and traditions of the tribe.

He also confronted the communist-linked IP schools, Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS), and Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), which breed New People's Army (NPA) cadres, and terrorist fighters. He also revealed that these schools were the sources of logistical support from the international and local funding agencies and used as recruitment facilities.

Bucales’ leadership was instrumental in crafting the tribal resolutions to close CNT-linked TRIFPSS and ALCADEV, and in the establishment of Department of Education (DepEd) IP schools to provide quality education for their children. He also authored resolutions for the continuous development of the far-flung conflict-affected communities.

With his leadership, he anchored his efforts with the Whole-Of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Lianga, which strongly opposed by Bayan Muna Representative Cullamat, who is also a native of Lianga and brother of Communist NPA Terrorist leader, Pablito Sinzo Campos alias Batik.

Bucales, on some occasions, dared Rep. Cullamat to help the IPs build DepEd accredited schools and to support the tribe by condemning the Communist NPA Terrorists and their atrocities but Cullamat took no action.

Lianga Tribal Chieftain Datu Constancio Duhac and the whole IP community condemned in strongest terms the killing of their IPMR and have vowed to continue his vision towards saving the whole IP community from being corrupted by the CNTs.

“We mourn for the death of our IPMR Hawudon Jumar Bucales, and we condemn these NPA terrorists to include the MAPASU. His death will not stop us from fighting for the rights of IPs. His death will not discourage us in fighting the NPAs, rather this will inspire and ignite us more to protect our tribe from them,” Duhac said.

“Once again, we challenge Congresswoman Cullamat to take action and condemn the NPA terrorists because what happened is unacceptable. If she cannot do that, this will strongly prove that she is not supporting the genuine cause of the IPs but the cause of the NPA terrorists and the Communist Party of the Philippines whose ambition is to overthrow the government and gain political power through a bloody revolution,“ San Miguel IPMR Rico Maca, said in his social media post.

Datu Bucales was also a former NPA leader who returned to the folds of the law upon discovering that he and his tribesmen were being exploited by the CNTs in their futile armed and political struggle by using IP issues to agitate and recruit IPs. From then on, Bucales vowed to help the government win the peace by countering the CNTs’ deceptive scheme and supporting the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Meanwhile, the IP Tribal Council of Lianga is set to file human rights violations and criminal cases against the NPA terrorists and their masterminds for violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020. Further, the IP leaders will continue to support the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) to put an end to the CNTs’ atrocities and abuses in the IP communities. (1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan/3SFBn, PA/PNP/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055084

Army, AgSur town empower farmers' association

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5, 2020): Army, AgSur town empower farmers' association (By 26th Infantry Battalion)

ESPERANZA, Agusan del Sur, Oct. 5 -- The local government unit of Esperanza, together with the 41st Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Company, 4th CMO Battalion, and 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army empowered the members of the Esperanza United Farmers Association (EUFA) through an election of its officers held recently in Barangay Piglawigan Gymnasium, Esperanza, this province.

The said farmers association consists of 15 redirected organizations which have 390 members and were formerly members and supporters of the Nagkahiusang Mag-uuma sa Agusan del Sur (NAMASUR), a recently exposed Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

After realizing the futility of their membership in NAMASUR, they disowned the said UGMO and decided to legalize their group by redirecting and reorganizing it through the assistance of the LGU-Esperanza, 41st CMO Company, and 26IB. "Dili na nato tugotan nga padayun kita limbongan sa mga rebeldeng grupo. Kaniadto gigamit kita sa ilang sayop nga ideolohiya ug dili kana masubli pa. Kitang tanan magtinabangay para sa kalamboan, kaayohan ug kahapsay alang sa katawhan sa atong lungsod (We will no longer allow ourselves to be fooled by this rebel group. They have manipulated us and made us believe in their wrong ideology. We should all work together towards achieving peace and development in our municipality)," bared Sancino G. Mandapiton, the newly-elected President of EUFA said.

Major Jerson B. Igloria, the officer-in-charge of 41st CMO Company stressed the role of the elected officers in their organization. "This is the right step in going to the right direction. To the newly-elected officers of EUFA, you must work together to reach the goals of your organization. As the leaders, you have to protect your group from the deceptive tactics of the CTG in using our farmers against the government," he said.

Municipal Mayor Leonida P. Manpatilan of Esperanza, encouraged the leaders of the said association to craft project proposals for the betterment of their organization. "The door of LGU-Esperanza is wide open for you. If you have project proposals, we are here to support and assist the farmers of Esperanza," she said.

Meanwhile, Erwin G. Dumaguing, Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Member of Esperanza and the chair for Peace and Order lauded the Philippine Army's efforts in fighting insurgency in their municipality. "Dako akong pasalamat sa Philippine Army labi na sa 26IB ug 41st CMO Company nga walay hunong nga paningkamot aron wagtangon ang walhong grupo. Ingon usa ka miyembro sa komunidad, magtinabangay kitang tanan aron sa pag undang ug pagwagtang sa insurgensiya sa atong pinalanggang nasod (I thanked the Philippine Army particularly the 26IB and the 41st CMO Company for their continued effort to end the ruthless acts of the left-leaning group. As a member of the community, we should all unite and end the insurgency in our beloved country)," he said.

Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, commanding officer of 26IB, commended the newly-elected officers of EUFA. "These farmers were victims of deception and exploitation of the CTG and I commend your group for turning your back against the terrorists," he said.

"Our farmers are the reason why we eat today. We should protect them and their land from these terrorists. Let's start working together and defeat these left-leaning organizations towards lasting peace and development," added Goce. (1Lt. Percival Carido, CMO, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054541

176 FRs pledge support to ELCAC in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5, 2020): 176 FRs pledge support to ELCAC in Agusan Norte (By 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 5 -- Some 176 Underground Mass Organizations Members (UGMOs) from Mahayahay, Brgy. Sangay, Kitcharao and Brgy. Curva in Santiago, Agusan del Norte took an oath and withdrew their support from the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and its affiliated organizations on September 24 and 27, 2020.

The event is pursuant to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 to attain inclusive and sustainable peace and to institutionalize the whole-of-the-nation approach towards Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). This government program gives the CNTs the chance to surrender to the folds of the government so that they can experience peace in mainstream life.

The said former rebels were assisted by the troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government council of Agusan del Norte.

The activity culminated in the burning of the CNTs' flag, which symbolized the withdrawal of the people’s support and denunciation of the said terrorist group.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, urged the remaining CNTs to surrender and return to the folds of the law.

"To all NPAs, surrender and return to the folds of the government, live comfortably and let us end this war together. The 29th Infantry Battalion is steadfast in helping our government to attain the peace that we all desire. Even during this pandemic, we will continue to fulfill our core mission in protecting you- our fellow Filipino citizen and securing our land,” he said. (1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong, CMO Officer, 29IB, 4ID/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054811

Halfway house for ex-rebels officially opens in AgNor

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5, 2020): Halfway house for ex-rebels officially opens in AgNor (By Jennifer P. Gaitano) 

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA) -- A halfway house for former rebels officially opened here in Agusan del Norte.

Located inside the 402nd Brigade’s headquarters in Butuan City, the fully-operational facility has 16 rooms and could accommodate up to 50 persons.

While inside the facility, former rebels will undergo debriefing and treatment. They will also be provided with skills and livelihood training before they can be reintegrated back into their respective communities.

Silver Joy Tejano, chief of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSDW)-Agusan del Norte highlighted that surrenderees are given due attention and are well-taken cared of by the different government agencies to ensure that they get the appropriate programs and services for them.

“A former rebel will undergo a psychological debriefing after going through a war. That is why he needs to undergo treatment for him to express his fears and other concerns that bothered him while he was in the mountainous area,” shared Tejano.

The halfway house is one of the many projects that supports the government’s enhanced comprehensive local integration program or E-CLIP program.

This as the government remains committed to addressing insurgency in the country.

Governor Dale Corvera emphasized that the halfway house will bring new opportunities to the former rebels in a community where people are working together towards achieving peace and development for all.

“This is going to be a continuing project. We could only achieve peace if we all give what we have for us to create a community that is supportive to its people,” said Corvera. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054963

Two young, former rebels call on people not to support underground movement

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5, 2020): Two young, former rebels call on people not to support underground movement (By Marcelo M. Pedalino)

BRGY. CATMON, Silago, Southern Leyte, Oct. 5 (PIA) -- Two lady teenagers who are known only as Ka Shane and Ka Emie called on residents attending a recent Serbisyo Caravan here not to give anything to the underground group New People’s Army (NPA), to let them realize they are not supported.

“There are many kinds of support, even giving a small can of sardine, and with that they will come back again and again,” said Ka Shane, speaking in a mix of Waray and Cebuano, as she shared her sad story on being away, separated from her parents.

She also warned the young people in the audience, saying they are the target of recruitment for the revolution to continue, so parents must always monitor the whereabouts of their children, for they might just vanish without a trace.

Ka Emie, for her part, narrated she was promised schooling, but what she learned instead were inputs on threatening their supposed mass base, mostly the uninitiated farmer.

“It’s a hard life out there, nothing to eat, cannot take a bath, sleeping in hammock with biting mosquitoes all around, and we were always walking day and night -- without light during nighttime, it’s so dark,” Ka Emie shared, talking in Waray and Cebuano, too.

In their 10-minute talk each, the two repeatedly expressed a passionate plea for the citizens to make a definite stand, and that is to reject efforts at destabilizing the government.

Aside from the residents of the host barangay, Catmon, people from the neighboring barangays of Katipunan and Imelda also participated the Serbisyo Caravan and Grand Pulong-Pulong, during which they availed free medical and dental services, among others.

About 20 national government agencies, as well as those coming from the province and the municipality, were present, responding to issues raised by the residents in the dialogue.

The activity was initiated by the Municipal Task Force - End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) chaired by town Mayor Pacita Almine.

In her closing remarks, Mayor Almine pointed out that the day-long activity last September 25 was a very clear showing that the government cares for the people by delivering the services due them, and listening to their concerns. (ldl/mmp/PIA-Southern Leyte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055077

RTF8-ELCAC 8 Stratcom Cluster engages Mahaplag youth as info volunteers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5, 2020): RTF8-ELCAC 8 Stratcom Cluster engages Mahaplag youth as info volunteers (By PIA-8)

MAHAPLAG, Leyte, Oct. 4 (PIA) -- Thirty-five youth leaders of Mahaplag, Leyte have accepted the challenge of becoming partners of government as information volunteers.

The Strategic Communications Cluster of the Regional Task Force 8 - ELCAC through PIA 8 Regional Head Olive Tiu, engaged the youth of Mahaplag, Leyte to become partners in the promotion of right information, dismissing disinformation, promoting their LGUs, and helping achieve sustainable peace and development by becoming information volunteers.

Speaking to Mahaplag youth leaders on October 3, the second day of the three-day Linggo ng Kabataan Youth Leader’s Camp 2020 with the theme, “Kabataang Mahaplaganon, Kauban sa Paglambo, Simbolo sa Kaugmaon” at the Headquarters of the 14IB, Brgy. Uguis, Mahaplag, Leyte, Dir. Tiu explained who are information volunteers, and what information volunteers do.

The government, Director Tiu said, reaches out to citizens with accurate information through various platforms such as social media, radio, television, newspapers and info cast.

Not all information, however, reaches the targeted audience, thus, many citizens fail to avail of government services. Worse, sometimes, people are misinformed with fake information.

Thus, citizens, including the youth, are called upon to take part in the campaign to share the good news to Filipinos who need them most, especially in the geographically isolated and depressed areas, and to see to it that people especially the youth are not misled by fake news and deceptive promises.

The information volunteers also help by giving feedback on the issues and concerns that affect them and their communities so that appropriate agencies can address the same.

Information volunteers spread the good news and information by disseminating them to their families, relatives, friends and neighbors. Sharing of information may be through text messages, social media, inter-personal communication or any other appropriate platform to community members.

Director Tiu trained the new information volunteers on the format in sending SMS, and gave them tips on sending the right photos and how to take video clips.

To ensure that the info volunteers understood the lecture, a simulation activity was conducted on how to send SMS. Ms. Erlinda Caadyang received a cash prize from Dir. Tiu, for being the first to submit an information and for using the right format as taught them.

The information volunteers can prevent the spread of fake news by consulting with and verifying with the appropriate government agency or with PIA and sharing the correct news to the community members.

The Ad Hoc officers for the Mahaplag Information Volunteers are Mahaplag SK Federation President Jose T. Amarado II, Jan Rex Yunzal, a representative from the 14th IB and a young representative from PNP Mahaplag.

The activity which was participated by Youth Leaders, composed of 15 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairpersons, 15 SK Officials and one (1) Barangay Secretary from the different barangays of Mahaplag, Leyte, was spearheaded by the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) Mahaplag, Leyte with its Chairperson, Hon. Daisy A. Lleve, Municipal Mayor and the 14th Infantry (AVENGER) Battalion under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel Roberto B. Obaob, commanding officer. (PIA 8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055106

New AFP medic teams arrive to augment local health force

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5, 2020): New AFP medic teams arrive to augment local health force (By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.)

BACOLOD CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA)--Three medical teams from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently arrived in this city to help in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), said 303rd Infantry Brigade (IB) Civil Military Officer Captain Kelvin Bayaban.

The team were previously deployed in Cebu City to fulfill the same mission there.

Colonel Michael Samson, Deputy Brigade Commander of 303rd IB, received them at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport, where they were welcomed and given final instructions for deployment.

According to Bayaban, the three AFP medical teams that arrived were headed by Captain Romuel Rabara. They will take over the first two AFP Medical Teams headed by Captain Liza Dorao whose tour of duty in Bacolod ended this September.

They will beef up the frontline medical workers of the city and provide needed assistance to the health system capacity.

Two of the three medical teams will be deployed at Riverside Hospital and the other at the Queen of Mercy Hospital, all in located in this city.

Colonel Samson expressed his gratitude to the Commander of Central Command AFP for extending additional military doctors to support Bacolod City and the Province of Negros Occidental to boost the efforts of local medical personnel and for the AFP Medical team for heeding the call of duty. (JSC/Lljr/PIA6 Negros Occidental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055121

AFP Chief to military commanders: 'Exert utmost effort, dedication' in accomplishing tasks

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5, 2020): AFP Chief to military commanders: 'Exert utmost effort, dedication' in accomplishing tasks (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan)

CALOOCAN CITY, Oct. 5 (PIA) -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay has challenged military commanders to "exert utmost effort and dedication" in accomplishing their task in their respective areas of responsibility.

Gapay earlier met with his commanders and chiefs of offices of the AFP nationwide during the 3rd Quarter Command Conference over the weekend.

"The AFP has achieved significant gains in our campaigns in the areas of internal security and external defense. I urge everyone to continue to exert utmost effort and dedication in the performance of respective tasks towards the accomplishment of our mandate," Gapay said.

"In order to address the challenges of our campaign against the communist terrorist group, I direct our commanders to focus on the dismantling of the enemy's so-called guerilla fronts," he added.

Unit commanders reported the dismantling of eight guerilla fronts in the first three quarters of 2020, three from Mindanao, two from Visayas, and three from Luzon.

The AFP also prevented eight other guerilla fronts that were already dismantled from recovering this year.

This quarter alone, a total of 102 barangays were also cleared of the enemy's armed and propaganda units.

Moreover, 93 key leaders and high-value targets, along with 12 finance officers, were also neutralized.

AFP units were also able to deny the CTG with its financial and logistical resources by the confiscation of 44 firearms through the discovery of arms cache, 1,824 anti-personnel mines, and 141 CTG hideouts.

For these accomplishments, the Battle Streamer award was conferred to the different AFP units nationwide.

These are the 502nd Infantry Brigade and the 95th Infantry Battalion from Northern Luzon; the 902nd and 903rd Infantry Brigades and 9th and 31st Infantry Battalions from the Bicol Region; 403rd Infantry Brigade and 88th Infantry Battalion from Eastern Mindanao; the 102nd Infantry Brigade and 44th and 10th Infantry Battalions from Western Mindanao; and the 801st and 802nd Infantry Brigades and 46th and 14th Infantry Battalions from Visayas.

The AFP Chief also lauded the Commanders for their efficient management of their personnel, who, despite the on-going pandemic and the AFP's various tasks to contain it, was able to perform in their respective duties in internal security operations.

"I direct everyone to continue the careful management of personnel health protection to ensure the long-term readiness of our organization," Gapay said.

"Let us continue to endeavor in improving our performance at all levels. Let me again emphasize that we must always work as a team and aspire for institutional gains that will contribute to the attainment of our campaign goals and organizational objectives," he added. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055122

PNP-N. Samar discovers manufacturing site, recovers P2.1-M IED materials

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 5, 2020): PNP-N. Samar discovers manufacturing site, recovers P2.1-M IED materials (By Ailene N. Diaz) 

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Oct. 5 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police in Northern Samar discovered an abandoned manufacturing site and recovered around P2.1 million worth of improvised explosive device (IED) on October 2, 2020 at Barangay Burabod, San Antonio, Northern Samar.

This is the second recovery at the same place. The first was on September 20, 2020 where they retrieved explosive materials amounting to P3.5 million.

Recovered raw materials by the 1st Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company headed by Force Commander PMaj. Edwin Oloan Jr., in coordination with the San Antonio Police Station and the Northern Samar Provincial Explosive Ordnance and Canine Unit, were 915 meters time fuse with an estimated market value of P64,050.

Other raw materials were 30 thousand blasting caps with a value of P2 million, 19 pieces wooded molder for blasting caps, nine (9) pieces concrete molder, 10 kilograms of Penta Eryth Tetra Nitrate (PETN), white powder explosive chemical found in detonating cords with an estimated value of P10,000 and other bomb-making paraphernalia.

In a press release by PNP Northern Samar, an informant disclosed those raw explosive materials were not only used for illegal fishing but also ended up in the hands of NPA terrorists for roadside bombing against government forces.

Finished products according to the said informant were allegedly distributed not only in the province but in the whole Eastern Visayas and in the neighboring provinces of Masbate, Cebu and Quezon and there were still manufacturing facilities operating in the said island town.

With this, the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office through the supervision of PNP Provincial Director Arnel Apud will keep track of perpetrators with the support of the community not only in that area but the whole province as well.

PD Arnel Apud said, the recovery of those IED materials was the result of follow-up operations and with the support of local residents.

He urged everyone to report to authorities any illicit activities in the locality as protection of lives, properties and natural resources are their utmost concern.

The recovered materials are now at the care of NSPPO for safekeeping and proper disposition. (ldl/ADiaz/PIA N. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055156

Love, peace festival benefits 1K Basilan ‘children of war’

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5, 2020): Love, peace festival benefits 1K Basilan ‘children of war’ (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

LOVE AND PEACE FESTIVAL. Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. (left), commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), and Mayor Brenda Junaid of Tabuan-Lasa town in Basilan (center) join the three "children of war" in a photo session during the Festival of Love and Peace on Sunday (Oct. 4, 2020). A total of 1,000 children of war from different barangays in Tabuan-Lasa receive food packs, toys and bicycles during the festival. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

A total of 1,000 pre-assessed “children of war” from different barangays of Tabuan-Lasa, Basilan province, participated and benefited from the Festival of Love and Peace.

Themed “In Health there is Hope, with Hope there is Harmony”, the Festival of Love and Peace, which was held on Sunday in Barangay Lanawan, Tabuan-Lasa, was spearheaded by the Save the Children of War (Mindanao) Association, Inc. (SCWAI) in cooperation with the local government of Tabuan-Lasa and the 4th Special Forces Battalion.

In a statement Monday, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said toys, bicycles, and food packs were distributed to the children during the festival.

“I am very proud of you all because you are our true partners in carrying out peace and order here in Basilan,” Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of Westmincom, told the children of war and their guardians during the activity. “I am happy that during my stint as the commander of Western Mindanao Command I was able to join you in this momentous event.”

Col. Antonio John Divinagracia, Joint Task Force Zamboanga commander, said the festival “is a great venue for the promotion of peace in the communities.”

Divinagracia is one of the pioneer officers who facilitated the realization of the programs of the SCWAI.

“Let us all unite to get rid of conflicts here in Basilan,” said Dr. Arlyn Jawad Jumao-as, SCWAI president.

Meanwhile, Tabuan-Lasa Mayor Brenda Junaid said it is the first time that a helicopter landed in the island municipality.

Tabuan-Lasa was created out of the 12 barangays of Sumisip town that were not on mainland Basilan, through Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 187 ratified in a plebiscite held on March 29, 2008.

The Festival of Love and Peace is a yearly activity conducted in conflict-affected areas to help the children impacted by previous conflicts recover from traumatic experiences.

The children of Tabuan-Lasa were able to showcase their talents in dancing and poster-making.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117481

Village exec killed, fireman hurt in Zambo shooting incidents

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5, 2020): Village exec killed, fireman hurt in Zambo shooting incidents (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Police are investigating the two separate shooting incidents on Sunday that led to death of a barangay official and the wounding of a volunteer fireman, an official said Monday.

Capt. Edwin Duco, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the fatality as Joseph Tejero, the barangay chairperson of Poblacion in Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte.

The wounded volunteer fireman is identified as Alfredo Gomez Jr., 40, of Midsalip Fire Station, Zamboanga del Sur.

Duco said Tejero was inside his residence when three unidentified gunmen, armed with .45-caliber pistols, appeared and repeatedly shot the barangay official around 2:43 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Poblacion, Baliguian.

Tejero, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, died instantly.

Duco said the suspects fled on board two motorcycles towards the town of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.

Gomez, on the other hand, was repeatedly shot by two men riding tandem in a motorcycle while the victim was about to park his motorcycle around 9 p.m. Sunday near a hospital in Barangay Bacahan in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.

Police said Gomez was taken to the Midsalip Infirmary Hospital while the suspects sped towards Sominot town.

Duco said possible motives are now being looked into to establish the identities of the culprits in both incidents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117511

Army promotes 57 enlisted personnel in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5, 2020): Army promotes 57 enlisted personnel in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

PROMOTED. Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion, leads the donning of ranks to 57 newly-promoted enlisted personnel in a ceremony held at 91st IB headquarters in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on Monday (Oct.5, 2020). Rubio reminded the newly-promoted personnel that higher ranks come with greater responsibility. (Photo courtesy of 91st IB)

BALER, AuroraA total of 57 enlisted personnel under the 91st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army were promoted on Monday.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, battalion commander of 91st IB, led the donning of ranks to the newly-promoted enlisted personnel after the flag ceremony at their headquarters in Barangay Calabuanan here.

He said the newly-promoted enlisted personnel are a Master Sergeant (MSg), two Technical Sergeants (TSgt), 14 Staff Sergeants (SSG), 10 Sergeants (Sgt), 17 Corporals (Cpl) and 13 Privates First Class (PFC).

“Pinning of rank to the newly-promoted military personnel is one way of recognizing their efforts to the unit, both administrative and operational accomplishments that made them promoted to the next higher rank. Also, a motivating factor for others to work and strive hard towards the attainment of the unit's mission. I congratulate you for your dedication and devotion to duty,” Rubio said.

Newly promoted Master Sergeant Aldrin Gumabay, First Sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, thanked the 91st IB for the promotion as he vowed to do his best to serve the Filipino people and the country.

Ang promotion na ito ay hindi dagdag sahod o dekorasyon lamang, manapay dagdag na responsibilidad na dapat pagbutihan ang trabaho sampo ng aking mga kasama na na-promote at hiling ko lang sa mga kasama ko na ingatan natin ang ating ranggo (This promotion is not only for additional salary or decoration. It is an added responsibility that we must improve our work. I ask my newly-promoted fellow to let us take care our rank),” Gumabay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117528

Surigao Sur IPs vow to continue fight of slain tribal leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 5, 2020): Surigao Sur IPs vow to continue fight of slain tribal leader (By Alexander Lopez)

Hawudon Jumar Bucales, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga town, Surigao del Sur. (PNA file photo by Alexander Lopez)

The ambush-slaying of a prominent tribal leader in Surigao del Sur over the weekend will not be a hindrance and instead inspired indigenous peoples (IP) to continue the fight against terrorism and all forms of intimidations by the communist New People’s Army (NPA), IP leaders in the province said.

Hawudon Jumar Bucales, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga town, and two other companions were killed in an ambush perpetrated by suspected NPA rebels at around 1:30 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 4) in Sitio Mamparasanon, Barangay Banahao, Lianga.

The other companions of Bucales were also wounded.

Col. James T. Goforth, Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) director, told Philippine News Agency Monday (Oct. 5) that based on the initial investigation, Bucales and his group came from an IPMR meeting in Barangay San Isidro Sunday morning.

When they returned home on board two motorcycles, around 20 armed men believed to be NPA rebels belonging to the Guerrilla Front (GF) 19 headed by a certain “Tulong Wagnos” waylaid the group of Bucales.

“It is with deep grief and sorrow to announce the untimely demise of Hon. Datu Jumar Bucales, IPMR of LGU Lianga,” said Mayor Novelita Sarmen in a statement issued Sunday evening.

She described Bucales’ killing as “brutal and a direct insult to democracy and to the most fragile peace and order we all hope to foster” in Lianga town.

As an IPMR, Bucales sits as an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Bayan, the local legislative body of Lianga.

Datu Jimmy Guinsod, the IPMR of the province of Surigao del Sur also denounced the killing of Bucales and accused the NPA rebels as responsible for such carnage.

“On behalf of the Tribal Leaders Conference of Surigao del Sur and as the provincial IPMR, I am strongly condemning the killing of Datu Jumar Bucales, the municipal IPMR of Lianga, Surigao del Sur perpetrated by the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) NPA Terrorist (CNT),” Guinsod said in a statement Sunday evening in his Facebook account.

He also told the IPs in the province that Datu Bucales offered his life for the future of the tribal people of Lianga and worked hard to shed light on his tribesmen especially those who were influenced by the CPP-NPA.

He also asked the help of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to give justice to the killing of Bucales.

The National Commission on Indigenous People in Caraga (NCIP-13) also denounced the killing Sunday, stating that the killing was perpetrated by the NPA rebels and took the life of an extremely active and revered tribal leader of Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

“We will not halt nor be weary. The fight has begun and we are here to carry on the battle, for a finer and better world, for the young and our future generation,” the agency said.

Fight will go on

“The IPs of Surigao del Sur and their leaders are not intimidated by this killing, we will continue the fight against terrorism and the protection of our communities from the intimidations and harassments of the CNTs,” said Datu Rico Maca, the IPMR of San Miguel town.

Maca said Monday the whole Manobo tribe in Surigao del Sur are deeply saddened by the loss of one of an "active and dynamic leader".

Fear, he said, will not "deter the resolve of IP leaders to continue to protect" their ancestral lands and communities from the intrusion of the NPA rebels.

“We will continue our fight to ensure that the Manobo tribe will have the peaceful exercise of their rights inside their ancestral lands, away from the influence and intimidations of the CNTs,” Maca added.

Datu Constancio Duhac, the tribal chieftain of Lianga also vowed to continue the advocacies of Bucales, especially his efforts "to save the tribe from the NPA".

“We are mourning right now and we condemn the killing of Datu Jumar. If the CNTs believe that we are cowed by their terroristic act, they are wrong. We will continue to fight for our rights,” Duhac said on Monday.

He added that Bucales’ death will inspire the Manobo leaders and tribesmen to move forward to protect their communities and their children from the NPA.

He also noted the dedication of Bucales to provide the IP children with quality education through the establishment of IP schools duly accredited by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Last month, two government-accredited IP schools were formally handed over to the tribal communities in the towns of Lianga and Marihatag.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117531