5 ex-NPA rebels get livelihood aid in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 20, 2020): 5 ex-NPA rebels get livelihood aid in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

LIVELIHOOD AID. Edna Dizon (right), provincial director of the Department of Trade and Industry in Aurora, and Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion (left), turn over the negosyo starter kits to former New People's Army members in Baler, Aurora on Monday (Oct. 19, 2020). The former rebels also received piglets with feeds and groceries for a mini sari-sari store. (Photo courtesy of 91st Infantry Battalion)

BALER, Aurora – Five former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered to the government in this capital town of Aurora received on Monday livelihood assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

DTI provincial director Edna Dizon said the ex-rebels received negosyo starter kits worth PHP10,000 each for them to start their new source of livelihood.

The move is part of the DTI’s “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa” program, in support of the implementation of Executive Order 70 creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

“The dispersal of livelihood assistance to former rebels is part of the DTI’s initiative aims to help them return to the community and live peacefully with their loved ones,” Dizon.

The former rebels received piglets with feeds and groceries for a mini sari-sari store in a simple awarding ceremony at the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB) in Barangay Calabuanan, this town.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, 91IB commander, thanked the DTI for helping them in the efforts to support the former rebels while the government prepares them for reintegration into the mainstream and live normal lives.

“We would like to thank DTI-Aurora for the livelihood starter kit that benefited five former rebels who recently surrendered to our unit. This is a classic example of a whole-of-nation approach wherein all government agencies, including private sectors, are working hand-in-hand to address the root cause of insurgency and in support of the implementation of EO 70 End Local Communist Armed Conflict,” Rubio said.

EO 70 institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in obtaining exclusive and sustainable peace-giving as an effective solution against communist-terrorists.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119079

MNLF grieves death of Chairman Yusop Jikiri

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 19, 2020): MNLF grieves death of Chairman Yusop Jikiri (By: Julie Alipala) 

MNLF Chairman Yusop Jikiri (Photo from the House of Representatives)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines — “The leadership vacuum that he leaves behind is very hard to fill,” the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Central Committee said of the death of its chairman, Yusop Jikiri, on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Jikiri, who served as governor of Sulu starting in 2001 and as Sulu representative starting in 2007, died around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, due to lingering bone cancer, a statement from the MNLF Central Committee said.

“His untimely passing was beyond our expectation and a great loss to our Bangsamoro struggle and Jihad Fe Sbilillah (in the cause of Allah),” said the MNLF’s statement.

Jikiri, who was born in 1954 in Indanan, Sulu, was a son of a poor farmer. He dropped out of college in the 1970s and joined the MNLF, where he rose as one of the Moro separatist group’s top commanders, eventually rising to become the chief of staff of MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari.

Following the signing of the peace agreement with the government in 1996, the MNLF under Misuari finally took the helm of the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

But in 2000, Jikiri joined 14 other MNLF officials to form the MNLF’s Council of 15, who signed a manifesto that eventually led to the ouster of Misuari as the MNLF chair. The MNLF’s Council of 15 accused Misuari of being incompetent as governor of the ARMM.

Jikiri first tried entering politics by running as Sulu governor in 1998. But he lost. In 2001, he ran again and won the seat of Sulu governor.

In 2006, former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed him as chair of the Southern Philippine Development Authority (SPDA). The following year he won as Sulu representative in the House.

When talks about the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao were rife last year, Jikiri admitted feeling a bit slighted when the MNLF had been left out in the government talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

But he decided not to sit down and wait. Instead, he created the Anti Kidnapping Task Force in Sulu, which trained about a thousand young Tausugs in the fight against kidnapping-for-ransom activities in the province.

“These are new breeds, young blood, and well-disciplined,” he said.

“Had Chairman Misuari given his ears to them and had taken drastic steps for their retraining and reorientation, we could have had better leaders now,” he said, citing the Susukan brothers of the Abu Sayyaf.

In an earlier interview with Inquirer in July, Jikiri had shared his dream of tapping young Tausug men and women to work for the lasting peace of Sulu.

“The youth, they’re not supposed to remain listeners or applauders, they have to get involved, take action and find ways to get Sulu back to its feet,” Jikiri said. “Investing in the future of our young generation is the best legacy to leave behind for our children’s children.”

Of the 1000 MNLF regulars reeducated by the Anti Kidnapping Task Force that he created, 300 have already been accepted in the Philippine Army, according to Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), who was in Sulu on Sunday to pay homage to Jikiri.

“I see hope in this new generation now, with or without pandemic, they are doing well,” Jikiri told the Inquirer in September. “These 1000 regulars will be better leaders for this land, better than us,” he added.

“The untimely passing of Brother Yusop Jikiri is not in vain,” the MNLF statement said as it assured the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Philippine government that it would continue to honor the 1996 peace agreement.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1349568/mnlf-grieves-death-of-chairman-yusop-jikiri

WESTMINCOM: Gov’t forces neutralize 2 fugitives in Basilan

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 18,. 2020): Gov’t forces neutralize 2 fugitives in Basilan

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- October 19, 2020

Two jail escapees were killed in an armed confrontation in Basilan on Sunday afternoon, October 18, 2020.

“Based on the report from the ground, our troops from the 4th Special Forces Battalion were conducting pursuit operation at Rubber-land Resort in Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City to possibly apprehend the fugitives of the jailbreak which transpired on October 13 when they sighted the two in the area,” said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan., Jr., WestMinCom Commander.

“Becoming aware of the presence of the military troops, the two fugitives initiated a firefight which forced the soldiers to retaliate,” the commander narrated.

According to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr., the two sustained gunshot wounds in the five-minute exchange of fires which resulted in their instantaneous death.

No casualty was reported on the government side.

“Based on the initial results of the investigation, the killed fugitives were identified as Nurhassan Lahaman, a former LTG member that was imprisoned for the case of murder; and Battuh Kusain Murag, also a former LTG member that was involved in the Lamitan City bombing on July 30, 2018, and was imprisoned for the case of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder,” said Col. Domingo Gobway, JTF Basilan Commander.

“Our troops immediately coordinated with the Scene of the Crime Operatives for further investigation,” Col. Gobway added.

Recovered from the killed fugitives were one M653 rifle with a short magazine and 17 ammunition, and one caliber 45 pistol with a magazine and 7 ammunition.

Meanwhile, on October 14, one of the escapees identified as Mahad Hassan was apprehended by the government forces in Barangay Calvario of the same city.

“The military and the police are in hot pursuit of the remaining escapees. We cannot deny the fact that they are familiar of the terrain, but, we are maximizing our efforts to expedite the arrest of the remaining fugitives the soonest possible,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan added.

#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#whileofnationapproach

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1884508881691159/1884508735024507/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

CPP: Dagitab 2018

Propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 19, 2020): Dagitab 2018

Ang Dagitab ay lathalaing pampantinikan at pansining ng Artista at Manunulat ng Samabayan (ARMAS) – Southern Tagalog.

Download the issue here
PDF

https://cpp.ph/2020/10/19/dagitab-2018/

CPP/NPA-Albay: Matagumpay na Ambus sa Brgy. Tobgon, Oas, Aksyong Pamarusa ng NPA Albay sa 9th ID at Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC)

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 19, 2020): Matagumpay na Ambus sa Brgy. Tobgon, Oas, Aksyong Pamarusa ng NPA Albay sa 9th ID at Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC)

FLORANTE OROBIA

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-ALBAY

SANTOS BINAMERA COMMAND

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

OCTOBER 19, 2020

Pagpupugay ang ipinapaabot ng masang Albayano sa matagumpay na ambus na isinagawa ng yunit ng Santos Binamera Command – Bagong Hukbong Bayan-Albay laban sa pinagsamang pwersa ng 49th Infantry Battallion (49th IB) at 9th Infantry Division – Civil Military Operation Battallion (9th ID CMO Bn). Naganap ang naturang ambus sa hangganan ng Brgy. Del Rosario at Tobgon, bayan ng Oas nito lamang Oktubre 17, 3:00 ng hapon. Apat (4) ang naitalang patay kabilang si Sgt. Ignacio Refuerzo ng 9th ID-CMOB habang hindi pa rin nakilala sa kasalukuyan ang tatlo (3) pa na ayon sa mga nakasaksi ay ihinilera sa kalsada. Sampu naman ang naitalang sugatan kabilang ang nakilalang sina Sgt. Edgar Sarahan, Pfc. Alsaddam Abdulahid, Pfc. Alvin Esteria, Pvt. John Mark Verdeflor at Pvt. Teodoro Cardano, Jr., liban pa sa mga nawawala. Galing sa operasyong Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) ang naturang mga pwersa ng militar.

Isinagawa ang naturang ambus bilang tugon sa umuugong na panawagan ng masa para sa hustisya sa patung-patong na pasistang krimeng hatid ng EO 70-Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), 9th Infantry Division Phil. Army at pwersa nitong 49th IB sa prubinsya. Tugon din ito sa kahilingan ng mga kaibigang Local Government Unit (LGU) officials na parusahan ang RTF-ELCAC sa pandarahas at pagkontrol nito sa sibilyang gubyerno upang pumailalim sa dikta ng militar at pwersahing lumahok sa kampanyang panunupil sa tabing ng programang kontra-insurhensya. Ito ang motibo ng 49th IB sa pagpatay sa punong barangay at ingat-yaman ng Brgy. Batbat na sina Luzviminda Dayandante at Albert Orlina. Ginamit ding pananggalang sa convoy ng militar ang mga upisyal ng OAS LGU at DILG Albay. Liban pa, ayon mismo sa mga sibilyang upisyal, ginagamit lamang sila ng mga upisyal ng militar upang padulasin ang pangungurakot sa pondong ilinaan sa kontra-insurhensya sa rehiyon. Ginagamit din ang LGU sa panlilinlang sa masa sa militaristang konsepto ng serbisyo sa komunidad tulad ng caravan at information drive.

Nagsisilbi din itong panawagan sa lokal na pulisya na tutulan ang pagsangkot sa kanila sa operasyong militar ng 9th ID. Ginagamit lamang kayo ng dibisyon para punan ang labis na kakulangan at kahinaan ng kanilang pwersa laban sa rebolusyonaryong pakikidigma ng bayan. Taliwas sa inyong mandato ang maging sunud-sunuran sa militar.

Paghihirap, takot at teroristang karahasan ang tanging idinulot ng RTF-ELCAC sa masa sa prubinsya at sa rehiyon. Wala ni isang bakas ng pag-unlad ang tinamasa ng mamamayang Albayano isang taon matapos buuhin ang RTF-ELCAC. Hanggang ngayon, hindi mahagilap ang P3.3 bilyong umano’y nakalaan para sa programang kontra-insurhensya sa rehiyon. Higit pa ngang nalantad sa publiko at midya ang mas maraming kaso ng pag-aabuso, paglabag sa karapatan, at pamamaslang kumpara sa kathang-isip at hanggang ngayo’y pangakong proyekto at serbisyo. Tatlong buwan matapos ipakat sa Albay ang 49th IB, wala ni isang kalsada o gahibla ng kaginhawaan ang dinala ng batalyon sa prubinsya. Tanging ang mga kaso ng pamamaslang, pananakot at pang-aabuso ang magugunita ng kahit sinong tanungin na masang biktima ngayon ng operasyong militar sa prubinsya. Hindi nga tinugunan ng mga operasyong RCSP ang pagdurusa ng masang magsasaka hatid ng nagpapatuloy na krisis sa agrikulturang pinalubha ng Rice Liberalization Law at epekto ng nagdaang bagyong Tisoy sa Kabikulan. Sa halip, ginagamit pa nga sa kasalukuyan ng militar ang Anti-Terror Law upang i-Redtag, pagbawalan at tugisin ang pagkilos ng masa upang igiit kahit man lamang ang pagpataas ng presyo ng palay at kopra. Ang lumalaganap na taniman ng kamote ng mga kababaihang magsasaka bilang pangsuhay na pagkain sa nagpapatuloy na krisis sa kabuhayan at pandemya ay binansagan ding PULA!

Taliwas sa nais palabasin ng militar at pulis prubinsya, masinsing pinipili ng pulang hukbo ang target nito. Tanging ang mga armadong elementong lulan ng dalawang trak ang target na pasabugan ng Command-Detonated Explosives (CDX). Subalit dahil sa intel na nakuha ng Hukbo mula sa mga mapagkakatiwalaang kaibigan sa militar na iginitna sa convoy ang sasakyang lulan ang OAS LGU at kawani ng DILG Provincial Office, pinalampas ang mga ito at hindi isinabay sa target kaya ang huling trak lamang ang ginamitan ng CDX. Kabulastugan na ang militar ang unang nakakita at nakapagpaputok gayong malinaw na ang huling sasakyan ang ginamitan lamang ng bomba. Hindi na rin pinaputukan ang iba pang sasakyan ng convoy dahil lulan nga ito ng mga sibilyang Oas-LGU at DILG Provincial Office. Matapos makuha ang hindi nagamit na iba pang CDX para sana sa naunang trak ay ligtas na umatras na ang yunit gerilya.

Ito ay babala at paalala sa 9th IDPA, Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) at RTF-ELCAC na hindi militarisasyon sa Albay ang kailangan ng masang magsasaka at ciudadano. Nananawagan ang SBC-BHB Albay sa mamamayang Albayano na paghandaan at biguin ang kagyat na teroristang tugon ng 49th IB, 9th CMO Bn at PNP. Tiyak na nag-uulol ang naturang batalyon na lubusang ipatupad ang Anti-Terror Law at gumawa ng desperado at mararahas na hakbangin upang patuloy na igiit ang kanilang presensya sa prubinsya.

Walang ibang panahon para magkaisa, kumilos at lumaban kundi ngayon. Marapat na igiit ng LGU ang kanilang sibilyang otoridad at kapangyarihang tutulan ang militarisasyon. Marapat na maging aktibong katuwang ng masa ang mga kagawad ng midya upang isiwalat at kundenahin ang mga abusong militar. Higit sa lahat, marapat na mabuo ang isang kilusang masa upang tuluyang mapalayas ang militar sa kanilang mag komunidad at manawagan para sa pagpapatalsik sa punong terorista na si Duterte. Hindi titigil ang SBC-BHB Albay na kamtin ang hustisya at panagutin ang pasistang AFP-PNP at si Duterte sa krimen nito sa mamamayang Albayano.##

https://cpp.ph/statements/matagumpay-na-ambus-sa-brgy-tobgon-oas-aksyong-pamarusa-ng-npa-albay-sa-9th-id-at-regional-task-force-to-end-local-communist-armed-conflict-rtf-elcac/

CPP/CIO: Disarm and withdraw AFP soldiers behind shooting of 10-year old

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 19, 2020): Disarm and withdraw AFP soldiers behind shooting of 10-year old

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER 19, 2020

We condemn the indiscriminate firing by AFP soldiers last Friday against a family harvesting corn in their field in Barangay Indalaza, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

A 10-year old girl was wounded from the strafing. Soldiers fired their weapons from 100 meters away. They endangered the lives of at least 11 people including an infant being held by her mother.

The soldiers proceeded to threaten anyone on sight as they strafed other nearby huts and houses for about an hour and shelled the area with artillery. They then went to the barangay center where they harassed residents. The soldiers mauled a resident identified as Tet Limbos and challenged a local religious leader to a fistfight.

Soldiers belonging to this AFP unit must be immediately disarmed, removed from their post and charged for their criminal acts.

We urge human rights and humanitarian agencies and organizations to immediately carry out an independent investigation into the incident. We call on the local residents to stand firm and demand justice and retribution.

This incident exposes the lies behind the AFP’s propaganda that it is winning the war against the NPA. They will never win the hearts of the masses with their incessant abuse of power.

The Party calls on NPA units in the area to take the necessary measure to protect the people and provide them with available medical and psychological services. Above all, they must carry out their duty as armed defenders of the people, heed their cry for justice, and ensure that the AFP monsters behind this crime are punished.

https://cpp.ph/statements/disarm-and-withdraw-afp-soldiers-behind-shooting-of-10-year-old/

Kalinaw News: Army conducts donning of ranks to newly promoted personnel in Misamis Oriental

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Oct 19, 2020): Army conducts donning of ranks to newly promoted personnel in Misamis Oriental (By 4ID)

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- The 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion conducted Pinning of Ranks to the newly promoted personnel of the Command during flag raising ceremony held at Headquarters 58IB, So Migbanday, Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental this morning, October 19, 2020.

Hon. Juliette T Uy, Representative of 2nd District Misamis Oriental led in pinning of the rank insignias to the newly promoted Dimalulupig Troopers who satisfied the requirements set by Philippine Army’s Promotion System and she was assisted by Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB.

A total of 38 personnel were promoted effective December 2019 and March of this year wherein 1 of which is Master Sergeant, 7 Technical Sergeant, 8 Staff Sergeant, 17 Sergeant, and 5 Corporal.

The said activity aims to recognize the newly promoted personnel for their sacrifice in securing the people and the country as well as to emphasize the morale and welfare of the troops to become more effective in their respective tasks.

Meanwhile, Hon. Juliette T Uy expressed her heartfelt congratulations. “I am very proud to personally pin the symbol of your promotion as a result and fruit of your hard work to defend our democracy. As one among the civilians you are protecting, I am very thankful to all your efforts and sacrifices which includes being away with your families. Despite the crisis brought by COVID-19, you are still passionate in performing your duties to end insurgency knowing how difficult the life of a soldier pursuing and chasing the rebels in the mountain,” Hon. Uy said.

On the other hand, Lt. Col. Canatoy said, “Your awarded rank is equivalent to the responsibilities and expected task you will perform. Also, this is a start of new chapter of your military service which corresponds to a greater accountability, a higher level of expectation from your superiors and officers, and a greater sacrifice from your love ones and families.”

“Likewise, I congratulate you for your dedication and hard work you have exerted through the years of your service in the Philippine Army especially in this unit”, Lt. Col. Canatoy 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/army-conducts-donning-of-ranks-to-newly-promoted-personnel-in-misamis-oriental/

Kalinaw News: 1 NPA member killed plus firearms captured in an armed clash

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Oct 19, 2020): 1 NPA member killed plus firearms captured in an armed clash (By 9ID)

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-A fierce 15-minute gunfight that ensued between the government troops and members of NPA in Bulan, Sorsogon, Saturday, October 17 has resulted in the killing of another communist NPA terrorist.

According to the report, at around 11:10 in the morning, elements of 22nd Infantry Battalion (22IB) were conducting security operations upon receiving a tip-off from the residents of Barangay Taromata about the presence of armed group in the area, when they encountered at least 20 NPA. Seeing that one of their comrades was killed, the enemies scurried towards different directions leaving behind one caliber .45, one caliber .38, backpacks and terroristic propaganda materials.

LTC Henrito Managay, Commanding Officer of 22IB directed his troops not to put their guards down and continue to implement stringent measures against the NPA in the area to preempt any unlawful acts these terrorists are planning to do. MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) on the other hand, commended the troops for its relentless conduct of focused military operations which is very instrumental in sustaining the gains of the Army against the NPA in Sorsogon and recognized the help of concerned citizens for the prompt report.

However, at around 3PM of the same day, another armed clash broke out between the troops of 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) and the NPA in Oas, Albay. The team was securing the Serbisyo Caravan in Barangay Mayag when they encountered undetermined number of NPA in Barangay Tobgon. During the firefight, communist terrorists detonated an anti-personnel mine killing one military personnel and wounding two others.

JTF Bicolandia strongly condemned NPA persistent use of anti-personnel mines which is a clear violation of Anti-Terrorism Law as well as the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and RA 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes Against Humanity. MGen. Robinson underscored that the attack against the troops who were tasked to secure the on-going Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) is an act of terrorism.

Furthermore, MGen. Robinson emphasized that it was NPA desperate way of retaliating because since the deployment of 49IB from Mindanao to Albay, the unit was able to gain the support of the communities to the extent that various Barangays conducted rallies to publicly condemn the terrorist group and passed resolutions declaring the NPA as persona non grata.

“Serbisyo Caravan is a multi-service caravan of all instrumentalities of the government and other civil society organizations offering free medical and dental services, census and birth registration, food packs distribution,registration of domesticated animals and distribution of seedlings and information drive about the different programs of national agencies among others. It ensures the efficacy of the Whole-of- Nation Approach under President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70). Takot ang NPA sa mga programang ganito dahil hindi na nila magagamit ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng ating mga kababayan para sa kanilang panlilinlang. Hindi totoong nais nila ng pagbabago; ang gusto nila ay manatili ang mga suliranin sa mga komunidad upang patuloy nilang gawing armas ang mga ito para siraan ang gobyerno at kumbinsihin ang mamamayan na umanib sa kanila. Hence, we encourage the public to continue denouncing the act of terrorism and report to us the presence of NPA in their area so that we can arrest, jail and have these terrorists pay for their crimes,” MGen. Robinson 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/1-npa-member-killed-plus-firearms-captured-in-an-armed-clash/

Kalinaw News: NPA harassment in Surigao del Sur, DepEd Teacher injured

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Oct 19, 2020): NPA harassment in Surigao del Sur, DepEd Teacher injured (By 4ID)

Madrid, Surigao del Sur – The Community Support Team deployed in Sitio Hitaob, Brgy Awasian, Tandag City of this province was fired by more or less 3 NPA believed to be from the group of Pltn 1, GF30, NEMRC, under alias Nico around 1:00 o`clock in the afternoon, 16 October 2020.

One squad composed of Ten personnel of Alpha Company of this unit led by Sgt Mervin D Tupag Philippine Army while conducting Community Support Program (CSP) was harassed by the NPA that injured civilian Mr. Eli C. Apacible, DepEd Teacher of Hitaob Elementary School. The attending physician diagnose the aforementioned victim to had a contusion on lower left ear and cracked Jaw (left side) by hitting his face to a hard surface he was on stable condition. The attack is coming from the North East of the Sitio and estimated to be 500m from the Community Support Team location.

The unit deployed CSP team in collaboration of the LGU of more than Four months in bringing peace and development to the community and it has been responding positively to the programs of the government. However, said attack was made to fear and terror to the civilians residing in the said community.

In his statement, Lieutenant Colonel Jezreel J. Diagmel, Commanding Officer of 36th Infantry Battalion , “This barbaric action made by the NPA propagate fright and force the community not to support government and disrupt peace and development initiatives. It manifests their true intentions of deception. I call Surigaonon`s to condemn these anti-development actions of the Communist-NPA Terrorist in our community. Let the voice of the masses be heard and embrace the effort of our government peacefully.

[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/npa-harassment-in-surigao-del-sur-deped-teacher-injured/

Kalinaw News: JTFC awards medals to seven wounded soldiers

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Oct 19, 2020): JTFC awards medals to seven wounded soldiers (By 6th Infantry Division)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division on Friday (October 16, 2020) awarded wounded personnel medals (WPMs) to injured infantrymen in Camp Siongco Station Hospital at the 6th Infantry Division Headquarters, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

The Commander of JTF Central was assisted by the Chief of Staff Col. Michael A Santos in a fitting recognition for the bravery and heroic acts of the Kampilan troopers resulting to them being wounded in action while performing duties against the enemy of the state.

The personnel who were awarded are currently admitted and recuperating from bullet wounds in the said hospital.

The following personnel are the awardees of WPMs: Cpl Rey Condino, Cpl Ebrahim Kudtig, PFC Domenic Agustin and PFC Rey Arnoco all members of 57th Infantry (Masikap) Battalion, Sgt Anthony Erasmo, Sgt Aldren Ahmad and Pvt Johneal Julianes all members of Marine Battalion Landing Team 5, Philippine Navy.(Marines)

“The officers, men and women of the 6ID appreciate your sacrifices for the sake of our people. The JTFC will forever be grateful for your selfless service and your acts of bravery is one thing that I, as your Commander, will always be proud of.” Maj. Gen. Uy said.

[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/jtfc-awards-medals-to-seven-wounded-soldiers/

Kalinaw News: JTF Central extends Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Operations in Maguindanao and North Cotabato

Posted to the Kalinaw News (Oct 19, 2020): JTF Central extends Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response Operations in Maguindanao and North Cotabato (By 6th Infantry Division)

CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao – Troops from 602nd Brigade of the Joint Task Force Central under the leadership of Major General Juvymax R. Uy coordinated with the Pagalungan and Datu Montawal in Maguindanao and Kabacan and Matalam in North Cotabato Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council for the immediate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response operation after they’re affected by flood due to the heavy rainfall on October 14, 2020.

Flood submerged low lying villages in Kabacan particularly in Sitio Lumayong of Brgy Kayaga and Brgy Malanduague, and Barangay Malamote in Matalam, both in North Cotabato.11 barangays of Pagalungan, Maguindanao were affected by the flood namely Brgy Kudal, Brgy Bagoengid, Brgy Layog, Brgy Inug-ug, Brgy Damalasak, Brgy Galakit, Brgy Linandangan, Brgy Kilangan, Brgy Buliok, Brgy Kalbugan and Brgy Dalgan. Likewise, 10 Villages from Datu Montawal town in Maguindanao were hit by the flood in the same day to wit: Brgy Batongkayo, Brgy Bulit, Brgy Bulod, Brgy Dunguan, Brgy Limbalod, Brgy Maridagao, Brgy Pagagawan, Brgy Talapas, Brgy Talitay and Brgy Tunggol.

Maj. Gen. Uy directed the Disaster Response Unit Team to closely monitor all affected areas and provide necessary assistance to the people. “Let us all continuously work hand in hand for the safety of our people”, he said.

[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/jtf-central-extends-humanitarian-assistance-and-disaster-response-operations-in-maguindanao-and-north-cotabato/

Navy defends using militia: 'We don't have capability to be everywhere'

From Rappler (Oct 19, 2020): Navy defends using militia: 'We don't have capability to be everywhere' (By RAMBO TALABONG)

Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo says the militiamen are 'force multipliers' for the Philippine military, which is one of the weakest in the region

Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo defended their decision to tap hundreds of militiamen to patrol the West Philippine Sea, citing a lack of personnel in their main forces.

"This is a stopgap measure. We don't have the capability to be everywhere. [The militia] are our force multipliers. They can fill in in our absence," Bacordo said in a press briefing aboard the BRP Jose Rizal on Monday, October 19.

Bacordo was replying to this reporter's question about Senator Risa Hontiveros' call for the Navy to instead send their personnel or the Philippine Coast Guard to patrol in closer waters instead of a militia derived from the Army's Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) units.

Why the need for a militia?

The Philippine Navy and the Coast Guard are spread thin across the Philippines, which is surrounded by waters that all require security from the uniformed services.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines decided to deploy maritime militias in all 6 unified commands from Luzon to Mindanao, but they decided to prioritize deployment in Northern Luzon and the Western Command – two commands that secure waters in the West Philippine Sea.

The deployment of militiamen mirrors the policy of China and Vietnam, with the former using its militia to continue its aggression in Philippine waters.

What can a militia do the Navy can't?

Bacordo emphasized that the militia members they are recruiting are based near the areas they are set to patrol. A militia man from Pampanga, for example, will be asked to patrol waters off the coast of that province.

This is different from the Navy and Coast Guard, who pooled in personnel from different regions of the country and then employed in vessels that need to patrol farther waters.

"We (the Navy) cannot be at a specific area for long. If we patrol the Bajo the Masinloc area, after a while, that same ship may revolve to patrol the West Philippine Sea area or patrol the Benham Rise, whereas the maritime militia can stay longer in an area that is their place of abode," Bacordo said.

Why it is needed now

The Philippine military needs all the hands it can get as it is one of the most underequipped in the region.

Bacordo added that their growth is further stunted by the pandemic, which has delayed the shipment of materials for their modernization program.

Meanwhile, the AFP warned that tension is rising in South China Sea, which can lead to main Navy forces being spread out further in case a feared incident occurs. If it happens, the militiamen will be entrusted to patrol in closer waters, focused on securing the safety of Filipino fishermen.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/philippine-navy-defends-militia-west-philippine-sea

Marines honor fallen comrade

From Palawan News (Oct 19, 2020): Marines honor fallen comrade (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

Dela Cruz, known as “Toper” and “Curoy”, was a member of the Special Operations Platoon (SOP). He was wounded during an encounter with the rebels but later died while undergoing treatment.



Image courtesy of MBLT4 FB account

A newly constructed building of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4) based in Camp Daypo, Barangay Abo-abo, Sofronio Española has been named after a soldier who died in a recent encounter with rebel groups.

“Isa sa bagong pasilidad [ay] ipinangalan sa yumaong si Pfc. Christopher Dela Cruz bilang pagkilala sa kanyang kabayanihan na ipinamalas noong kampanya laban sa mga Teroristang NPA sa Bayan ng Brooke’s Point, Palawan,” the MBLT4 stated on its Facebook post.

Image courtesy of MBLT4 FB account

Dela Cruz, known as “Toper” and “Curoy”, was a member of the Special Operations Platoon (SOP). He was wounded during an encounter with the rebels but later died while undergoing treatment.

“Kilalang-kilala si Toper bilang isang masayahing tao, pala-kaibigan at marunong makisama sa lahat. Salamat sa’yo Toper at patuloy kang magiging inspirasyon sa amin na ipagpatuloy ang ating sinumpaang tungkulin,” it added.

Dela Cruz was reportedly wounded after a 15-minute firefight on July 20 around 1:40 p.m. at Sitio Bayud, Barangay Aribungos, Brooke’s Point.

https://palawan-news.com/marines-honor-fallen-comrade/

MESSAGE | Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez on the passing of MNLF Chair Yusop H. Jikiri

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 19, 2020): MESSAGE | Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez on the passing of MNLF Chair Yusop H. Jikiri

Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un.

Verily we belong to Allah, and verily to Him do we return.

Just an hour before midnight yesterday, we all lost a beacon of peace in the Bangsamoro — Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Yusop Jikiri.

On behalf of the men and women of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), I extend my deepest condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, comrades, and friends of the late MNLF Chairman.

Brother Jikiri is both known as a public servant and man of peace. He joined the MNLF and eventually rose to become one of its top commanders and the Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Armed Forces. He eventually elected and assumed the chairmanship of the MNLF Council of Leaders from MNLF previous Chair Muslimin Sema in 2017.

Years after the signing of the Final Peace Agreement (FPA) between the government and the MNLF in 1996, Brother Jikiri served the people of Sulu as their governor from 2001 to 2004, and subsequently, as district representative of the island province from 2007 to 2010. It was during his stint as a public official that he demonstrated his ability to bring stakeholders together and work for the common good.

He was also instrumental in the conclusion of the tripartite review process (TRP) signed in Jeddah, KSA in 2016 that would guarantee the implementation of all the remaining commitments made under the 1996 FPA between the government and the MNLF.

While advocating the peace process between the Philippine government and the MNLF, Brother Jikiri made sure that the peace process is inclusive. Brother Yusoph stood side-by-side with the leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), as he helped push for the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), and the realization of commitments made under all signed peace agreements.

He was a man who truly valued his words and walked his talk. In a statement he issued in January 2019 at the height of the BOL campaign, he pledged to be “100% behind President [Rodrigo] Duterte’s aspiration to bring lasting peace and progress in Mindanao.”

He worked hard to ensure the welfare of his comrades in the MNLF. As MNLF chair, he made sure that the organization would have a strong voice and be adequately represented in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) following the ratification of the BOL.

Brother Jikiri also spearheaded the creation of the Government of the Philippines (GPH)-MNLF Coordinating Committee, a body that was created to ensure the implementation of the remaining commitments of the 1996 FPA.

While he was pursuing his cause, the MNLF Central Committee under his stewardship partnered with the Armed Force of the Philippines 2017, as they launched an anti-kidnapping and terrorism task force to end the menace of terror groups, particularly the Abu Sayyaf, from the island-province of Sulu.

In various capacities, Brother Jikiri’s efforts were focused on how to achieve genuine and long-lasting peace in Muslim Mindanao. He was a staunch supporter of the Bangsamoro peace process, who believed that genuine peace can only be achieved through peaceful dialogue.

Till the very end, Brother Jikiri’s main concern was to bring the full realization of the Bangsamoro people, harness the full economic potential of the Bangsamoro homeland, while creating the conditions where sustainable peace could take root. His ultimate goal was to create a better and brighter future for the Bangsamoro people.

There is no doubt that Brother Jikiri has been one of the major pillars of the Bangsamoro peace process. It is through his passion, determination and commitment that we are now closer to achieving our collective vision of bringing just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

Brother Jikiri, we shall forever be grateful for the great things you have done to the Bangsamoro people and our nation. May the Almighty Allah (SWT) grant you the highest level of Jannatul Firdaus.

Magsukul tuud kaymu, Brother Jikiri!

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/10/19/message-peace-adviser-carlito-g-galvez-on-the-passing-of-mnlf-chair-yusop-h-jikiri/

2,100 RMFB personnel turned over to DIPO-EM

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 19, 2020): 2,100 RMFB personnel turned over to DIPO-EM (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

MORE OR less 2,100 personnel of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion was formally turned over to the command under the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation-Eastern Mindanao (DIPO-EM) at Camp Quintin Merecido in Buhangin District on Monday.

Maj. Gen Arnel Escobal, the director of DIPO-EM, said their focus is internal security operation and search and rescue in case of natural calamities.

The DIPO-Eastern Mindanao is the counterpart of Eastern Mindanao Command of the AFP.

“We will replicate this program all over the Eastern Mindanao and maybe after that, the whole country, so the DIPOs will now be taken out of Camp Crame,” He added.

Escobal said they will play support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, which is responsible for the internal security operations in the country.

“We will be concentrating on the geographically isolated and disadvantage areas to complement the forces of the AFP, so we will have to coordinate with them if we will have changes in the positioning of the camps,” he added.

About 60 percent of the RMFB strength will be absorbed by DIPO, while the remaining 40 percent will be retained in the Police Regional Office XI to focus on criminality and the anti-drugs campaign of the government, said Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, the regional police director.

The headquarters of the DIO-EM is planned to be in Barangay Malagos in Calinan District.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/10/19/2100-rmfb-personnel-turned-over-to-dipo-em/

Soldiers recover NPA weapons in Zamboanga North

From MindaNews (Oct 19, 2020): Soldiers recover NPA weapons in Zamboanga North (By RICHEL V. UMEL)

ILIGAN CIY (MindaNews / 19 October) — The Army’s 97th Infantry Battalion (IB) has recovered five high-powered AK-47 assault rifles owned by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Bunawan, Godod, Zamboanga del Norte, with the help of communist rebels who surrendered to the government.

Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing, 97th IB commander, said the weapons were retrieved Friday morning, 17 October, through the information provided by former NPA rebels, a couple identified only by their aliases Garry and Grace.

The Army’s 97th Infantry Battalion recovered five AK-47 assault rifles in Barangay Bunawan, Godod, Zamboanga del Norte Friday morning, 17 October 2020. A couple, who were former New People”s Army rebels, revealed to the military where the firearms were concealed. (Photo courtesy of the 97th IB)

The weapons were buried by the dwindling forces of the NPA Cell Feliciano Alpha (Flex A) command, the official said in a belated report reaching here.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the communist rebels have been surrendering to the government due to the military’s intensified combat operations against the NPA.

“The continued commitment of the military and the different stakeholders in implementing the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) will motivate the remaining rebels to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law,” Nicolas said .

The 97th IB is set to turnover the recovered firearms to the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office for remuneration under the E-CLIP program.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division commander, enjoined all stakeholders, including the Local Task Force To End Local Armed Conflict, to sustain the government’s momentum to defeat the NPA, which the military labeled as a “communist terrorist group (CTG).

Ponio said they are “seeing the end of the communist insurgency in Zamboanga Peninsula” with the surrender of their members.

“We will be victorious in this battle and in due time, the peace-loving people of Zamboanga Peninsula will enjoy a safe, peaceful and progressive society for their families,” Ponio said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/10/soldiers-recover-npa-weapons-in-zamboanga-norte/

Army scores anew in Sorsogon encounter

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 19, 2020): Army scores anew in Sorsogon encounter (By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay) 

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur, Oct. 19 (PIA) - A communist NPA terrorist (CNT) member was killed in a 15-minute gunfight that ensued between the government troops and Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members in Bulan, Sorsogon, Saturday, October 17. Firearms and other propaganda materials were also found at the encounter scene.

In a press statement released by the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) Chief CPT John Paul Belleza, around 11:10AM, elements of 22nd Infantry Battalion (22IB) were conducting security operations when they received a tip from the residents of Brgy.Taromata regarding the presence of an armed group in the area.

The soldiers encountered at least 20 CNTs and were able to kill one of its members. This prompted the enemies to flee towards different directions, leaving on the scene a caliber .45, caliber .38, backpacks and other terroristic propaganda materials.

Though the government troops scored anew, LTC Henrito Managay, 22IB Commanding Officer, reminded his troops not to put their guards down and continue to implement stringent measures against the CTGs in the area to preempt any unlawful acts these terrorists are planning to do.

“MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) commended the troops for their relentless conduct of focused military operations which is very instrumental in sustaining the gains of the Army against the CTG in Sorsogon and recognized the help of concerned citizens for the prompt report,” Belleza stated.

Barely celebrating the good news, an encounter that took place in Oas, Albay momentarily dampened the soldiers’ good feat. At around 3PM of the same day, another armed clash broke out between the troops of 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB), securing the Serbisyo Caravan in Brgy. Mayag and undetermined number of CTGs operating in Brgy. Tobgon, Oas, Albay.

One military personnel was killed and 2 others were wounded when the communist terrorists detonated an anti-personnel mine.

This dastardly act was strongly condemned by JTF Bicolandia, citing the CTG's persistent use of anti-personnel mines is a clear violation of Anti-Terrorism Law as well as the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), RA 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes Against Humanity.

MGen. Robinson underscored that the attack against the troops who were tasked to secure the on-going Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) is an act of terrorism.

MGen. Robinson emphasized that it was CTG's desperate way of retaliating. Since the deployment of 49IB from Mindanao to Albay, the unit was able to gain the support of the communities to the extent that various barangays conducted rallies to publicly condemn the terrorist group and passed resolutions declaring the CTGs as persona non grata.

"Serbisyo Caravan is a multi-service caravan of all instrumentalities of the government and other civil society organizations offering free medical and dental services, census and birth registration, food packs distribution, registration of domesticated animals and distribution of seedlings and information drive about the different programs of national agencies among others,” Robinson stated.

He further explained that the Serbisyo Caravan ensures the efficacy of the Whole-of- Nation Approach under President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70).

“Takot ang CTG sa mga programang ganito dahil hindi na nila magagamit ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng ating mga kababayan para sa kanilang panlilinlang. Hindi totoong nais nila ng pagbabago; ang gusto nila ay manatili ang mga suliranin sa mga komunidad upang patuloy nilang gawing armas ang mga ito para siraan ang gobyerno at kumbinsihin ang mamamayan na umanib sa kanila. Hence, we encourage the public to continue denouncing the act of terrorism and report to us the presence of CTGs in their area so that we can arrest, jail and have these terrorists pay for their crimes," MGen. Robinson added. (LSMacatangay, with reports from CPTJPBelleza, DPAO PA, PIAV/Camarines Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056408

DSWD pours out programs, services to conflict areas in CAR

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 19, 2020): DSWD pours out programs, services to conflict areas in CAR  (By Susan Aro) 

BAGUIO CITY, Oct. 19 (PIA) - - Anchored on the government’s whole of nation approach under Executive Order 70 in ending local communist armed conflict (ELCAC), government agencies are pouring in programs and services in various forms in identified conflict-affected barangays.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development - Cordillera Region (DSWD-CAR) presented its programs and projects for the identified Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) barangays in a meeting of the Strategic Communication Cluster of the Regional Task Force ELCAC on October 16.

According to DSWD-CAR Regional Information Officer Nerissa Faye Villanueva-Trinidad, their office from January to May this year implemented projects, programs, and services worth P80, 323,331.67 in 49 RTF-ELCAC priority-areas.

She reported that in June, some 3,298 families-households received Pantawid Assistance with a total amount of P26, 581,500.00. Known as Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program or 4Ps, this is DSWD’s conditional cash transfer that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor in the country to improve the health, nutrition, and the education of children.

In July, 1,417 individuals were provided with Family Food Packs worth P594, 777.20. Moreover, a total of 3,336 families or households were provided monetary subsidy during the COVID pandemic under the Social Amelioration Program both for Pantawid and non-Pantawid beneficiaries from conflict-affected areas. The SAP for said beneficiaries amounted to a total of P14.026 million.

In August 2020, 72 former rebels from Ifugao and 17 from Kalinga were assessed for Sustainable Livelihood Program. The SLP is for families and communities developed as the graduation program for beneficiaries of the 4Ps for micro-enterprise development and for employment facilitation.

The CTG - affected areas in the Cordillera Region are in the municipalities of Lacub, Malibcong and Tubo in Abra; Bauko, Besao, Sagada, and Bontoc in Mountain Province; Asipulo and Tinoc in Ifugao; Tabuk City, Pinukpuk, Lubuagan and Balbalan in Kalinga, and Flora in Apayao. (JDP/SCA-PIA-CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056356

Dalawang miyembro ng NPA sa Isabela, nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 19, 2020): Dalawang miyembro ng NPA sa Isabela, nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan (By 5th Infantry Division) 

Litrato ng 5ID

GAMU, Isabela, Oktubre 19 (PIA) - - - Nagbalik loob sa gobyerno ang dalawang supply officer ng rebeldeng New People’s Army sa magkahiwalay na lugar sa bayan ng San Mariano, Isabela habang dalawang armas naman ang narekober, noong ika-11 ng Oktubre taong kasalukuyan.

Sa ginawang panghihikayat ng kani-kanilang mga asawa na una na ring nagbalik-loob, sumuko sa hanay ng 95th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army at mga kapulisan sina alyas Grace at alyas Lita ng Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV).

Pagbabahagi ni alyas Grace, taong 2014 nang mahikayat siya nina alyas Acer at alyas Peter na umanib sa rebeldeng kilusan sa bayan ng Nagtipunan, Quirino bago siya inilipat sa bayan ng San Mariano, Isabela. Habang si alyas Lita ay nahikayat na umanib noong taong 2015 sa panghihikayat naman ni alyas Shuli.

Taong 2019 nang kapwa hindi na naging aktibo sa kilusan ang dalawang nagbalik-loob matapos na makita nilang tuluyan nang humina ang kanilang hanay dahil sa kawalan ng suporta ng mga tao sa grupong NPA.

Nakita din nila ang pagbabago sa kanilang komunidad simula ng mawala ang impluwensya ng mga NPA. Napagtanto na rin nila ang ginawang panlilinlang ng mga teroristang NPA at hindi na nila nanaisin pang muli silang maging biktima ang mga ito, lalo na ang mga kabataan.

Samantala, narekober naman ng mga otoridad ang isang M16 rifle, US carbine M1 at isang short magazine sa pamamagitan ng impormasyong ibinahagi ng isang dating miyembro rin ng rebeldeng grupo. Nakuha ang mga gamit pandigma sa Barangay Cadsalan, San Mariano, Isabela na itinago ng mga terroristang NPA.

Ipinahayag naman ni BGen Laurence E Mina PA, commander ng 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army ang kanyang papuri sa patuloy na pakikiisa ng mga dating rebelde upang hikayatin ang iba pa nilang dating kasamahan na bitawan ang maling ideolohiyang isinusulong ng teroristang NPA.

“Ang sunud-sunod na pagsuko at pagkakadiskubre ng mga gamit pandigma ng teroristang NPA sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagtulungan ng mga dating rebelde at mga mamamayan ay nagpapakita lamang ng kanilang pagnanais na tuluyang mawala ang impluwensiya ng NPA sa kanilang komunidad," ani Bgen Mina.

"Ikinagagalak kong makita na namulat na ang taumbayan sa tunay na adhikain ng NPA- panloloko, panlilinlang, pangingikil at paghahasik ng takot sa mga komunidad. Hangad ko ang walang humpay na pagtutulungan ng lahat upang iwaksi ng tuluyan ang teroristang NPA sa ating bayan," dagdag niya. (MDCT/PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056447

PRLEC provides aid to CNT exploited masses anew via Serbisyo Caravan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 19, 2020): PRLEC provides aid to CNT exploited masses anew via Serbisyo Caravan (By Joyah Mae C. Quimoyog) 

STA. MARIA, Ilocos Sur, Oct. 19 (PIA) - Member-agencies of the Poverty Reduction Livelihood Employment Cluster in Ilocos Sur (PRLEC) of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Sta Maria, conducted the Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay Caravan with the theme “Tulong at Malasakit para sa Ikauunlad at Ikaaangat ng Pangkabuhayan ng mga Mamamayan” at Sitio Paring, Barangay Babal-lasioan, Sta Maria on Saturday, October 17.

The caravan addressed the issues and concerns assessed during the conduct of needs assessment survey of the Community Support Program (CSP) team of the 81st Infantry (SPARTAN) Battalion (IB), Philippine Army and during the Community-Based Dialogue of the PRLEC member-agencies and the LGU-Sta. Maria on October 2.

With the aim of providing the beneficiaries an opportunity to start a new life by initiating their own livelihood, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Ilocos Sur, led by Provincial Director Grace Lapastora, awarded 46 goat heads, sari-sari store packages and hygiene kits to 25 former members of the CPP-NPA-Terrorists' (CNTs’) exploited masses under its Livelihood Seeding Program (LSP)-Pangkabuhayan sa pagBangon at Ginhawa (PBG).

The DTI also awarded two basketballs to the youth sector and conducted livelihood training on making of steamed snacks such as puto cheese, putopao, kutsinta and pork siomai to 25 women in Sitio Paring to also capacitate them with skills that will enable them to earn additional income.

The participants were later formed into the Paring Association of Food Processors.

Mr. Diosdado Divina, one of the beneficiaries of livelihood assistance from DTI-Ilocos Sur said, “Lubos ang pasasalamat namin sa programang hatid ng iba’t ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno. Ang pagkakaisa, pakikipagtulungan at pagsuporta naming mga tiga-Sitio Paring sa ating gobyerno ang siyang naging daan sa mga biyayang ito. Gayundin labis kaming nagpapasalamat sa kasundaluhan ng 81IB dahil sa pagbibigay ng kaliwanagan sa aming isipan.”

The Technical Education Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Ilocos Sur also conducted profiling of learners for its skills training of Small Engine Repair, while the Department of Agriculture Regional Office I distributed assorted vegetable seeds to the farmers in the community.

Mr. Jonathan Antonio, representative of the youth sector, thanked the national government for the overflowing assistance that they have provided and will be providing as he is one of the 19 learners who signed up for the skills training to be conducted by TESDA.

“Salamat sa DTI sa mga tulong na inyong ibinigay at sa TESDA para sa training na ibibigay nila sa amin. Suportahan natin ang ating gobyerno hindi lamang dahil tinutulungan tayo kundi dahil tayo ay mamamayang Pilipino,” he said.

Meanwhile, the LGU-Sta. Maria, through its Rural Health Unit (RHU), provided free medical consultations and free medicines to the residents.

The 81IB, headed by Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Rodrigo Mariñas, Jr. PA, also provided free haircut services to the residents and parlor games with prizes as entertainment for the children.

In his message, Lt. Col. Mariñas expressed his trust not just to the beneficiaries of various services and assistance given by the PRLEC member-agencies but to the whole community of Sitio Paring to keep their commitment with the government as these agencies only think of Filipino people’s welfare and development.

“Itong binigay na benepisyo ng DTI ay malaking tulong sa inyong kabuhayan. Nawa’y mapalago natin ito para mas umunlad pa ang inyong pamumuhay. Kami sa 81IB ay patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga iba’t ibang ahensiya ng gobyerno para maiparating ang tulong, hindi lamang dito sa Sitio Paring, pati na rin sa ibang lugar na nangangailangan, dahil wala naman kaming ibang hangarin kundi makapagbigay ng serbisyo at tulong sa ikakaunlad ng ating komunidad," he told the residents of Sitio Paring.

DTI Provincial Director Lapastora also expressed her gratitude to the Philippine Army for facilitating the DTI’s engagement with the residents of Sitio Paring.

“We are grateful to the 81IB because through them, the DTI-Ilocos Sur has now established its linkage with the community, thereby, ensuring the DTI’s steady flow of services in the future,” she said. (JCR/AMB/JMCQ/PIA Ilocos Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056399

2 Basilan jail escapees killed in clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19, 2020): 2 Basilan jail escapees killed in clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Two convicted Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, who were among the eight people that bolted from Basilan provincial jail on Oct. 13, were killed in a clash as pursuit operations continue to recapture the escapees.

In a statement, the military's 4th Special Forces Battalion (4SF Bn) identified the two slain ASG bandits as Nurhasan Lahaman, 36, and Battuh Kusain Murah, 22, both ASG bomb makers and convicted for murder and multiple murder, respectively.

The two were killed in a “decisive armed engagement” shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday in the vicinity of Rubberland Resort, Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City, the capital of Basilan province.

The firefight ensued when the troops of the 4SF Bn checked the reported presence of two suspicious and unidentified men lurking around several meters away from the Special Forces camp in Barangay Cabunbata.

The troops have recovered from the slain suspects one M653 rifle with one short magazine and one .45-caliber pistol with one magazine and several rounds of live ammunition.

The rifle and pistol were among the firearms the escapees grabbed from Jail Officer 3 Asbi Salih, who was killed in the Oct. 13 jailbreak, at the Basilan provincial jail.

The 4SF Bn said the two were involved in the July 30, 2018 bombing of Magkawit detachment that killed 10 people, five of them were militiamen, in the boundaries of Barangays Bulanting, Colonia, and Maganda, Lamitan City, Basilan.

Four victims, all relatives of the militiamen, and a soldier were also among the dead. Three goats grazing nearby were also killed.

The remains of the two slain escapees were turned over to the Isabela City Police Station for proper disposition.

The death of the two ASG bandits has brought down to four escapees who remain at large, as one of the eight were killed several minutes after they bolted from jail, while one was recaptured on Oct. 15.

Pursuit operations continue to recapture the four remaining escapees, who are identified as Gappal Saripada, 35; Hernie Asao, 32; Albaser Ahmad, 19; and, Kiliji Hajirul, 31.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118942

Ex-rebel urges former comrades to lay down arms

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19, 2020): Ex-rebel urges former comrades to lay down arms (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

SURRENDER. "Ka Noky" (in green shirt) hands over a firearm to Mayor Guido Reyes of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental during his recent surrender, along with three other companions. Guihulngan is one of the priority areas for the implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte's whole-of-nation approach to end insurgency and "attain inclusive and sustainable peace". (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

A self-confessed member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who surrendered recently in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental is urging his former comrades in the movement to yield.

“Panawagan ko sa kasama kong NPA o Yunit Militia na bumaba na kayo at bumalik na kayo sa tunay na gobyerno (I am urging my companions in the NPA or Yunit Militia to return, come down and return to the real government)," “Ka Noky” said in a media release from the Philippine Army on Monday.

He was among the four NPA guerillas who surrendered to the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and the Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) last Oct. 16, the Philippine Army said.

“Ka Noky” was further quoted as telling the remaining rebels not to believe in recruitment promises by the NPA to own land “pag manalo tayo sa rebolusyon dahil hindi iyan tutoo at huwag kayong maniwala na papatayin at babalatan kayo ng mga pulis at kasundaluhan kung mag surrender kayo (when we win this revolution because that is not true and do not also believe that the police and military will kill you or skin you alive if you surrender).”

“That is not true. We have not been mauled and not even a single pinch have we received when we surrendered,” he continued in the dialect.

He said that the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government is for real and there are plenty of benefits for those who will surrender, apart from the promise of Mayor Guido Reyes of Guihulngan City to provide free housing and livelihood.

“Sumuko na kayo hanggang di pa huli ang lahat (surrender now before it’s too late),” he added.

Guihulngan City is one of the priority areas for the implementation of the Whole-of-Nation approach of President Rodrigo Duterte as stipulated in his Executive Order No. 70 on ending the insurgency and “attaining inclusive and sustainable peace”.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118986

New firearms to capacitate police vs criminals, NPA: PNP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19, 2020): New firearms to capacitate police vs criminals, NPA: PNP chief (By Liza Agoot)

TURNOVER. PNP chief, Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan (4th from left), and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong (5th from left) check the Galil firearms during the turnover of more than PHP15-million worth of new equipment to the Baguio City Police Office on Monday (Oct. 19, 2020). Aside from Galil firearms, the equipment includes 72,000 rounds of ammunition; 1,400 magazines for long firearms, 100 pieces of glow in the dark flashlights, and a mobile patrol service vehicle. (PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday turned over new firearms and other equipment worth PHP15 million to capacitate the local police and assure the safety of the public against criminal elements and the New Peoples Army (NPA) terrorists.

PNP chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan led the turnover of 200 Galil firearms; 72,000 rounds of ammunition; 1,400 magazines for long firearms and 100 pieces of glow in the dark flashlights and a mobile patrol service vehicle to the Baguio City Police (BCPO).

The firearms are part of the 1,800 Galil firearms allotted to the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PROCOR) for this year, all of which are expected to be fully released before the end of the year.

Cascolan said the distribution of firearms and other supplies is being done nationwide to capacitate the policemen and assure the safety of the public against criminal elements and the New Peoples Army (NPA) terrorists.

“The equipment and supplies for policemen in the country including the specialized forces are being upgraded to assure the safety and readiness of the men in uniform in responding to criminal activities, insurgents, and the terrorists," he said during the turnover ceremony after the flag-raising rites.

Cascolan said the grant is part of the changes in the PNP's operations where specific units tasked to focus on the conduct of anti-criminality, anti-insurgency, and anti-terrorism campaigns are provided with new supplies and equipment.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, meanwhile, thanked the PNP for the donations which will further enhance the capability of the BCPO, specifically the Special Weapon and Tactics (SWAT) team.

"'Wag ka sanang magsasawang magbigay sa BCPO at sa PROCOR (Police Regional Office Cordillera) hindi dahil taga dito ka (Do not get tired of giving the needs of the police in Baguio and the Cordillera because you are from here) but because deem it fit and proper to arm and capacitate our policemen," Magalong said.

Magalong, a retired police general himself, encouraged the police officers to continue providing good service to the residents considering the support they are getting from the government.

At the same time, Magalong turned over a check worth PHP7.2 million to the BCPO to be used for the purchase of hand-held radios.

Brig. Gen. R’win Pagkalinawan, PROCOR director, during the opening of the Regional Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Challenge last week, said that more equipment will be given to the personnel as the PNP continues to procure more supplies.

Pagkalinawan said the acquisition of special equipment for special forces is part of the organization’s primary goals to make sure all police personnel are prepared when it comes to special operations.

“It is now a priority for PROCOR to be able to counter our enemies, which is why I intend to suit up our men just to make sure that just from their tactical gear alone, our enemies will be forced to surrender. This should be the standard of a Cordillera warrior, and we will continue to provide them with the necessary equipment,” Pagkalinawan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119015

Maguindanao exec mediates 'rido' settlement between MILF factions

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19, 2020): Maguindanao exec mediates 'rido' settlement between MILF factions (By Edwin Fernandez)

Mayor Marop Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of Shariff Aguak LGU)

A town mayor in Maguindanao facilitated the conflict resolution on Monday between the two factions affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

A clan war--more known in the locality as “rido"--was about to erupt after armed followers of Emran Dawaling of the MILF 105th base command and Hadji Abubakar Midsabala of the MILF 118th base command engaged in a gunbattle Sunday.

The skirmishes between the two MILF factions led to the death of Midsabala’s son.

Informed of the impending retaliatory attacks from the Midsabala group, Mayor Marop Ampatuan of Shariff Aguak said he separately met with the warring MILF leaders.

“They all expressed willingness to a diplomatic settlement of the conflict,” Ampatuan said in a statement.

Ampatuan said both also agreed to allow the provincial governments of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat to grace the peace covenant signing at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the municipal hall grounds.

Ampatuan said Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and Sultan Kudarat Governor Suharto Mangudadatu, as well as military and police officials in the two provinces, are expected to attend the mediation.

“The bottom line here is we are saving lives by preventing violence,” the mayor said.

Anwar Kuit Emblawa, secretary to Mayor Ampatuan, said the local executive was also instrumental in the surrender of several members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to the government in the past.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118992

Delivery of 1st missile boat pushed to early 2022: Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19, 2020): Delivery of 1st missile boat pushed to early 2022: Navy (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday said the delivery of the first of the eight units of fast-attack interdiction craft-missile (FAIC-M) set for December was delayed to early 2022 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"It (Covid-19) has delayed some of the delivery of our platforms. I could give you an example, the first of our FAIC-M, if not for the Covid-19, should have been delivered this December. But because of this Covid-19, the first of the eight platforms is expected to be delivered already by the first quarter of 2022," said Navy chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, in a virtual presser when asked on how the pandemic has affected the PN's modernization.

The PN's FAIC-M project is expected to replace the force of patrol killer medium (PKM) or medium-sized patrol craft.

The project, approved for inclusion in the Horizon 2 project list of the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program, has a budget of PHP10 billion and is for Multi-Year Contracting.

Four of the FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other four will be armed with machine guns and light automatic cannons.

With the FAIC-Ms, the PN shall have the capability to defend the key sea lines of communications (SLOCs), such as Mindoro, Balabac, Sibutu, and Basilan Straits against conventional threats.

While operating in restricted waters, the FAIC-Ms can interdict surface threats and launch NLOS missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.

Meanwhile, PN Offshore Combat Force chief Commodore Karl Decapia confirmed that the prospective BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) is expected to be delivered to the Philippines in late January or early February 2021.

In the same briefing, he said the ship technically contains the same features that the BRP Jose Rizal has.

"It's exactly the same, all sensors, communications, the technical capability of (FF)150 and (FF)151 is exactly the same. in fact, they are twin sisters," he added.

BRP Antonio Luna was launched on November 8, 2019 at the Ulsan facility of South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries. Its keel-laying on May 23, 2019, coincided with the launch of BRP Jose Rizal.

The contract for the BRP Jose Rizal and the BRP Antonio Luna was placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

The BRP Antonio Luna had its first sea acceptance trials last September 24 to 29 which yielded "satisfactory" results, the PN earlier said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118953

Navy stations troops at retired gas platforms off Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19, 2020): Navy stations troops at retired gas platforms off Palawan (By Priam Nepomuceno)

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

Troops are now being deployed to the retired Nido and Matinloc gas platforms which are being eyed for conversion into littoral monitoring stations (LMSs) by the Philippine Navy (PN), its chief said on Monday.

"I would like to add also we have inspected the Nido platform and also the Matinloc platforms in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and we are putting Navy personnel in that area and also the Area Command (is) putting their personnel there and initially, we (will) develop that into littoral monitoring station(s)," Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in a virtual briefing.

Last Sept. 26, Bacordo visited these facilities located off northeast Palawan.

He said the Nido platform will watch over the Recto Bank and the Matinloc platform will monitor the Malampaya gas field and the Malampaya platform.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier announced that it plans to convert the two retired gas platforms into LMSs for the Navy.

The Department of Energy (DOE) last year ceased the production operations of these two gas fields after over 40 years.

The transfer of ownership of these platforms was offered by the DOE in several meetings of the National Task Force in the West Philippine Sea.

It was the Department of National Defense’s position to acquire these platforms and expeditiously transfer it to the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118971

Navy to protect PH ships engaged in WPS oil exploration

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19, 2020): Navy to protect PH ships engaged in WPS oil exploration (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday said it is ready to protect Filipino ships that would conduct oil exploration and survey in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"I cannot predict, what will happen next but I (would like) to inform you that the PN is ready to protect our vessels conducting oil exploration or conducting surveys in our areas, in our areas within the 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone, within the 350-nautical mile Extended Continental Shelf in the Benham Rise," said Navy chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, in a virtual presser.

Bacordo added that protecting such initiatives is "part and parcel" of the PN's task to protect the country's waters.

When asked how the PN plans to protect oil explorations and surveying teams authorized by the Department of Energy (DOE), the PN chief said this will be done by the conduct of "continuous EEZ patrols" and "continuous conduct of maritime and air patrols".

Aside from this, this can be done by the ongoing improvements of facilities in the WPS so that the PN can be more efficient in monitoring and in its response time to vessels conducting these explorations.

"We will be prepared for whatever contingencies," Bacordo said.

Last week, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the DOE to lift the suspension of energy exploration activities in the disputed waters.

Under Republic Act 7638 or the "Department of Energy Act of 1992”, the DOE has the authority to regulate the exploration of the country’s indigenous energy resources.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said his office has issued a “Resume-to-Work” order to Service Contractors doing petroleum-related activities in the areas of SC 59, 72, and 75 in the WPS.

The activities there were suspended on the ground of “force majeure” due to the WPS dispute. SCs 59 and 72 are operated by the Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corp. (PNOC-EC) and Forum Ltd., respectively, while PXP Energy Corp. operates SC 75.

Cusi pointed out that the lifting of the suspension will infuse the economy with fresh foreign direct investments and generate high-skilled jobs, both of which are needed to boost economic recovery following the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118963

Simple celebration set for 76th Leyte landing anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19, 2020): Simple celebration set for 76th Leyte landing anniversary (By Ben Cal October)

For the first time, the annual grand celebration of the historic Leyte Landing by Gen. Douglas McArthur that liberated the Philippines from Japanese occupation in World War 2, will be observed with utmost simplicity on Tuesday due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid19) pandemic.

According to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) head, Lt. Gen. Ernesto G. Carolina, only local officials from the town of Palo, Leyte, where Allied Forces landed after crushing the powerful Japanese fleet during the world’s biggest naval battle, will attend the ceremony.

In previous years, the Leyte Landing anniversary was celebrated grandiosely with a military parade, including a reenactment of the landing at Palo beach where Gen. McArthur and top US military and Filipino officials, including Brig. Gen. Carlos P. Romulo landed on Oct. 20, 1944.

This year, the grand celebration was canceled due to the global outbreak of the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Nevertheless, PVAO said the simple 76th Leyte Landing anniversary will be held online to enable the people, not only in the Philippines but all over the world to witness the annual historic celebration.

Historian Xiao Chua said the Leyte Landing was preceded by the greatest naval battle in history at Leyte Gulf that involved 211 American warships, including 16 aircraft carriers, and 12 battleships.

In addition, American and allied forces had 1,300 warplanes and over 300,000 troops while the once formidable Japanese Navy had only 68 warships and 300 aircraft.

Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita was the commander of the Japanese Imperial Army in the Philippines during the final battle of the Pacific War.

When World War 2 broke out in the Philippines on Dec. 8, 1941, the Japanese crushed the American and Filipino forces in Bataan and Corregidor and occupied the Philippines for over three years.

The invasion of Leyte began at the dawn of Oct. 17, 1944 when US troops sneaked into the island that caught the Japanese by surprise.

The Japanese thought that McArthur would land in Mindanao but the brilliant American general diverted his plan and chose Leyte where American forces would land because Mindanao was heavily fortified by the Japanese.

The successful landing by the US and allied forces at Red Beach in Palo, Leyte fulfilled McArthur’s promise of “I shall return” to liberate the Philippines from the clutches of the Japanese invaders.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119003

Cascolan names 4 new PNP directors for integrated ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19, 2020): Cascolan names 4 new PNP directors for integrated ops (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan. (File photo)

Four other senior police officials were included in the latest round of reorganization in the Philippine National Police (PNP), which took effect on Monday.

In an order, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan, designated four new chiefs of Directorates for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO), namely Maj. Gen. Dionardo Carlos for the Visayas, Maj. Gen. Chiquito Malayo (Western Mindanao), Maj. Gen. Manuel Abu (Southern Luzon), and Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Dawa (Northern Luzon).

In his recent directives under the PNP Sustainable Development Plan, Cascolan tapped the DIPOs to prepare the implementing rules and regulations to operationalize new developments in terms of their expanded functions in internal security operations.

“We envision this development for our DIPOs as one of our frontline units in peace and order functions, particularly our crusade against communist insurgents and other threat groups in far-flung areas across the country,” Cascolan said.

Last month, he ordered the realignment of regional and provincial maneuver units to be placed under the operational control of the DIPOs to fill up bigger functions in sustaining internal security operations.

DIPOs will also assume bigger roles in the investigation of major crime and terrorism incidents that cross jurisdictions of Police Regional Offices.

The PNP also eyes to fast-track the decongestion and relocation plans for DIPO offices in strategic areas to allow closer supervision of regional and provincial mobile forces.

In 2009, the PNP activated its five DIPOs for Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Visayas, Eastern Mindanao, and Western Mindanao.

These directorates are operational units in directing and conducting integrated anti-criminality, internal security, and counter-terrorism operations in the five clustered areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119022

New corvettes, choppers to boost Navy anti-sub capability

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 19, 2020): New corvettes, choppers to boost Navy anti-sub capability (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Navy chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo. (File photo)

The acquisition of anti-submarine vessels must be paired with helicopters with similar abilities to maximize their capabilities, the Philippine Navy (PN) said on Monday.

PN chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo made this response when asked on whether the Navy are planning to acquire additional units of AugustaWestland (now Leonardo) AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopters which are now in the naval inventory.

"The plan to acquire additional AW-159s is connected to the plan to acquire more platforms or more ships (with anti-submarine warfare capabilities). If you notice, we will be having two 'Jose Rizal' class frigates, (FF)150) and (FF) 151, that's the reason why we have two AW- 159s. Once our plan to acquire two additional corvettes (are finalized), then we will also procure two additional AW-159s," Bacordo said in a mixture of English and Filipino during a virtual presser.

Bacordo added that the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities of both the AW-159s and two Jose Rizal-class frigates are "further strengthened" once they operate in tandem.

He said this is why there is a need to procure additional ASW helicopters once the corvette project pushes through.

The two corvettes with ASW capabilities are scheduled for the procurement of Horizon 2 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

Earlier, the PN chief said the major weapons system of the PN's AW-159 "Wildcat" anti-submarine helicopters are now "in-country".

"Both the Spike-NLOS (non-line of sight) missiles and the BlueShark anti-submarine torpedoes are already 'in-country'," he added.

Bacordo said deliveries of the weapons were completed during the "fourth quarter" of last year. Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd made Spike NLOS missile will give the AW-159s a capability to engage hostile vessels beyond visual range.

While the South Korean-made LIG Nex1 "Blue Shark" lightweight torpedoes will serve as the helicopters' anti-submarine weapon and are capable of shallow and deepwater operations and can run off to speeds of 45 knots.

And once the pilots and aircrew of the AW-159s are fully trained, Bacordo said he expects these personnel to train on the use of these weapons to gain proficiency in their handling.

The helicopters arrived in May 2019 and were commissioned in June of the same year.

The contract for the helicopters' munition, mission essential equipment, and integrated logistic support is worth PHP5.4 billion.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118950