NPA member nabbed for alleged killing of returnee in 2000

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23, 2020): NPA member nabbed for alleged killing of returnee in 2000 (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Esteban Sergio Sales alias "Waldo" (NCRPO PIO photo)

A member of the New People's Army (NPA) wanted for allegedly killing a rebel returnee in 2000 was arrested by police in Pasig City on Thursday afternoon.

National Capital Region Police Office chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas identified the suspect as Esteban Sergio Sales alias "Waldo", 59.

Sinas said Sales was a member of the Executive Committee "Kilusang Larangang Guerilla" (KLG 73), Bicol Region Party Committee RPC, a member of the "Komite sa Seksiyon sa Platon", "Komite Seksiyon Sa Iskwad" and a native of Barangay San Roque, Sagñay, Camarines Sur.

Police arrested Sales around 1: 30 p.m. in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City.

Sales is facing murder charges for the shooting of rebel returnee German Berunga on Sept. 3, 2000 in Sitio Intramuruz, Barangay Panaytayan in Ragay, Camarines Sur. (with report from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119477

Army to deploy assets, platoons to ESSZone

Posted to the Sun Daily (Oct 22, 2020): Army to deploy assets, platoons to ESSZone

TAWAU: The army will deploy two platoons and 18 boats to strengthen security in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone).

Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) Commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman said that the matter was relayed to him by the Chief of Defence Force General Tan Sri Affendi Buang in a video conference yesterday.

“We are waiting for assistance from the army and this (assistance) is an ongoing process and when there are additional on-duty personnel and security assets, we will design the operation accordingly, based on the threat.

“We take into account the threat of militants, Abu Sayyaf groups, as well as kidnap-for-ransom groups as well as dealing with the entry of illegal immigrants who are exposed to Covid-19,” he said when met by reporters after inspecting the Inderasabah security post here today.

He said that currently almost 1,000 security personnel are involved in planned operations involving Illegals Prevention Operation (OCP) both in the waters and on land, roadblocks and the Road Check Point (RCP).

“We have identified 70 illegal immigrants focal points, via Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Kunak and Tawau and, we have deployed 42 ships and patrol boats to monitor the waters in the areas involved,“ he said.

He said that as of now the ‘designated operation’ has been effective and the infiltration of illegal immigrants was reduced based on deportation statistics recorded by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the Marine Police Force (PPM) from April until Sept.

“There was a significant change, that in April, a total of 1,400 deportation cases were recorded compared with only 215 in September. This is also strengthened by the army-owned radar which recorded a drop in the number of illegal immigrant boats,” he said.

In the meantime, he hoped that the government will give due consideration to ESSCom’s application to increase air assets to intensify security patrols in ESSZone.

Earlier, Ahmad Fuad also inspected the security post at Wallace Bay and Burs Points. — Bernama

https://www.thesundaily.my/local/army-to-deploy-assets-platoons-to-esszone-FI4749272

ASG member surrenders in Tawi-Tawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2020): ASG member surrenders in Tawi-Tawi (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

SURRENDER. A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group identified as Berhamin Kalinggalan (2nd from left) turns over a Garand rifle to Mayor Jimuel Que of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi (2nd from right), when he surrendered Thursday (Oct. 22, 2020) to the 2nd Marine Brigade. Kalinggalan was involved in the attempted abduction of Dr. Percival Showers, an American-Nigerian and guest professor of the Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi in 2001. (Photo courtesy of the 2nd Marine Brigade)

A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has surrendered due to pressures created by the joint military and police offensives against them in the province of Tawi-Tawi, officials announced Friday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), identified the ASG member as Berhamin Kalinggalan alias Abu Young Driver.

Vinluan said Kalinggalan surrendered and turned over a Garand rifle to the 2nd Marine Brigade around 9 a.m. Thursday at Marine Barracks Domingo Deluana in Barangay Sanga- Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Vinluan said Kalinggalan was involved in the attempted abduction of Dr. Percival Showers, an American-Nigerian guest professor of the Mindanao State University-Tawi-Tawi in 2001.

He said Kalinggalan was also involved in the clash between the Marine Battalion Landing Team-9 troopers and ASG and kidnap-for-ransom-group led by the late sub-leader Sakkam Pakam, alias Last Pangit, in Sitio Siola, Barangay Montay-Montay, Bongao, sometime in December 2017.

He said Kalinggalan underwent a medical check-up by the Forward Support Medical Team-21, after which, he was turned over to the local government unit and was received by Bongao Mayor Jimuel Que.

“The successful operation is attributed to the convergence of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Tawi-Tawi, the Provincial Police Office, the intelligence operatives, the Ministry of Interior and Local Government, and the peace-loving people of Tawi-Tawi,” Rojas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119476

Deepening defence ties with the Philippines

Posted to the Australian Department of Defense (Oct 22, 2020): Deepening defence ties with the Philippines

The Philippines is an important security partner for Australia, and we continue to work closely together in support of our shared commitment to an open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Today marked my first visit to the Philippines as Minister for Defence. I was pleased to be able to meet in person in Manila with my valued Philippine counterpart, Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana. In our meeting we discussed our respective COVID-19 responses and our shared commitment to regional security and stability.

Testament to our close partnership, we noted that our respective Defence organisations had found innovative ways to continue to deepen our defence cooperation during COVID-19.

This includes ongoing counter-terrorism cooperation under our Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program, which was established in December 2019. The Program builds on the support provided by Australia under Operation AUGURY-Philippines, which delivered counter-terrorism capacity training to over 10,000 members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines between 2017 and 2019.

We noted that we have also continued to deepen our cooperation through the conduct of COVID- safe exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defence Force, as well as defence industry cooperation.

During our discussions, we affirmed our shared interest in upholding maritime security in the region, including the South China Sea, and our support for the rights of all states to exercise freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

During my visit I was pleased to announce that Australia will provide up to $2 million in medical and personal protective equipment to support the infectious disease wards at the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ five main medical centres across the country.

This will include items and equipment such as beds, mechanical ventilators, electrocardiogram machines, laboratory fridges, cardiac monitors, pulse oximeters, UV sterilizers and personal protective equipment.

This contribution builds on the $1 million support that Australia provided through our Enhanced Defence Cooperation Program for the expansion of the infectious disease ward of the Victoriano Luna Medical Center in Manila earlier this year.

All aspects of this visit are being conducted with strict adherence to safety and health measures to mitigate COVID-19 risks.

Upon return to Australia, I will follow all health requirements, including 14 days quarantine.

https://www.minister.defence.gov.au/minister/lreynolds/media-releases/deepening-defence-ties-philippines

Australia to donate P70-M worth of medical supplies to AFP

From GMA News Online (Oct 22, 2020): Australia to donate P70-M worth of medical supplies to AFP

Australia will donate almost P70 million worth of medical and personal protective equipment to support the infectious disease wards of the Armed Forces of the Philippines amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, Australia’s Minister for Defense said Thursday.

Linda Reynolds said this will include equipment such as beds, mechanical ventilators, electrocardiogram machines, laboratory fridges, cardiac monitors, pulse oximeters, UV sterilizers, and personal protective equipment.

“This contribution builds on the $1 million support that Australia provided through our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Program for the expansion of the infectious disease ward of the Victoriano Luna Medical Center in Manila earlier this year,” Reynolds said in a statement.

In her first visit to the country, Reynolds said she met with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to discuss respective COVID-19 responses and their shared commitment to regional security and stability.

“We noted that we have also continued to deepen our cooperation through the conduct of COVID- safe exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defense Force, as well as defense industry cooperation,” Reynold said.

The Defense Minister said both affirmed their “shared interests in upholding maritime security in the region, including the South China Sea.”

“The Philippines is an important security partner for Australia, and we continue to work closely together in support of our shared commitment to an open, inclusive, and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Reynolds said.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/761010/australia-to-donate-p70-m-worth-of-medical-supplies-to-afp/story/

DOJ releases anti-terror law rules

 From the Asian Journal (Oct 21, 2020): DOJ releases anti-terror law rules (By RITCHEL MENDIOLA)

A tarpaulin which declares the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata in Metro Manila was seen hanging on a footbridge in Parañaque City on Monday, October 19. | PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) over the weekend published the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA) on its website.

DOJ undersecretary Adrian Sugay confirmed that the IRR was uploaded on Friday, Oct. 16, adding that the IRR will also be published in two newspapers of general circulation.

The anti-terror law, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3, took effect on July 18.
According to the law’s IRR, there is terrorism when engagement in any of the following acts, regardless of the stage of execution, occurs:

• Acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person, or to endanger a person’s life;
• Acts intended to cause extensive damage or destruction to a government or public facility, public place, or private property;
• Acts intended to cause extensive interference with, damage, or destruction to critical infrastructure;
• Developing, manufacturing, possessing, acquiring, transporting, supplying, or using weapons or explosives intended to cause a disproportionate amount of damage, or of biological, nuclear, radiological, or chemical weapons; or
• Releasing of dangerous substances, or causing fire, floods, or explosions.

There is also terrorism when the purpose of any of the engagements listed above, in its nature and context, is to intimidate the general public, create an atmosphere or spread a message of fear, provoke or influence by intimidation the government or any internation organization, seriously destabilize or destroy the fundamental political; economic; or social structures of the country; or create a public emergency.

The IRR stated that activities such as advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work, industrial or mass action, artistic and cultural expressions, or other similar exercises of civil and political rights are not considered as terrorism when not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to anybody, to endanger a person’s life, or to create serious risk to public safety.

“The burden of proving such intent lies with the prosecution arm of the government,” the IRR said.

“Any person found guilty of committing terrorism as defined in Section 4 of the Act shall suffer the penalty of life imprisonment without benefit of parole and the benefits of Republic Act No. 10592 (the Expanded Good Conduct Time Allowance Law),” it added.

Sugay, the designated spokesperson of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), said in crafting the IRR, they “cannot go beyond what the law provides.”

“We cannot take out anything. What we did was just break down the provision of the law in its elements to make sure it is properly understood by law enforcement, prosecutors and judges. That’s really all that we can do,” he added.

The anti-terror law has been questioned of its constitutionality by at least 37 petitions filed before the Supreme Court by various groups including lawyers, lawmakers and human rights advocates.

https://www.asianjournal.com/philippines/across-the-islands/doj-releases-anti-terror-law-rules/

Moreno: Remove ‘persona non grata’ banners vs CPP-NPA-NDF in Manila City

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 21): Moreno: Remove ‘persona non grata’ banners vs CPP-NPA-NDF in Manila City (By: Gabriel Pabico Lalu)

Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso. FILE PHOTO

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has ordered the Manila City-wide removal of tarpaulins that declared the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata in the National Capital Region (NCR).

According to the Manila Public Information Office (MPIO), Moreno issued the directive on Wednesday and urged for compassion in this time of a health crisis.

“We spread love, not hate, in this time of pandemic,” Moreno said, as relayed by MPIO.

Several banners and tarpaulins saying the CPP-NPA-NDF is not welcome have been spotted in various areas in Metro Manila – from NCR’s borders along the North Luzon Expressway to Marcos Highway, C-5 Road, and Manila City, among other places.

Some of the tarpaulins, including the one spotted along Roxas Boulevard, bore the logo of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Earlier, PNP Chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan said the tarpaulins were a project by the NTF-ELCAC, in coordination with the communities.

Cascolan then advised the CPP-NPA-NDF to refrain from committing abuses and avoid causing harm during rallies, or else the police would be forced to respond to their actions.

READ: PNP: Tarp in Manila declaring Reds persona non grata in NCR from NTF-ELCAC

The move to declare the communist rebels and other progressive movements as persona non grata stemmed from the government’s push for localized peace talks as negotiations between President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration and the CPP-NDF stalled due to various issues.

READ: Año to LGUs: Declare Reds persona non grata

In 2019, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said local officials should reject the communist movement to end the decades-long insurgency.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1350878/fwd-breaking-isko-orders-removal-of-tarps-in-manila-declaring-cppndf-personagrata

PNP clarifies tarps declaring CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata are from NTF-ELCAC

From PTV News (Oct 21, 2020): PNP clarifies tarps declaring CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata are from NTF-ELCAC

The Philippine National Police (PNP) clarified that it is not behind the production of the tarpaulin seen in Manila declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata in Metro Manila.

PNP Chief Police General Camilo Cascolan stated that the tarpaulins that carried the PNP logo, and phone number are from the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). The task force has a partnership with the local government units (LGUs) and the police.

The PNP Chief reiterated that the police force will not tolerate the illegal activities and abuses of the leftist group and will not let insurgency escalate in the country again.

Meanwhile, PGen. Cascolan also assured that the PNP is constantly monitoring members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). The public has nothing to worry about since terrorists in Metro Manila will be arrested.

Report from Bea Bernardo

https://ptvnews.ph/pnp-clarifies-tarps-declaring-cpp-npa-ndf-as-persona-non-grata-are-from-ntf-elcac/

279 WV villages declare NPA ‘persona non grata’

From Panay News (Oct 23, 2020): 279 WV villages declare NPA ‘persona non grata’ (By Ruby Silubrico)

In Western Visayas, 279 barangays have declared the New People’s Army (NPA) persona non grata, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The most recent of these villages were Aglinab, Acuña, Tacayan, and Roosevelt in Tapaz, Capiz; sand Carigangan, Masaroy, Caratagan, Aglonok, and Marandig in Calinog, Iloilo.

Such declarations manifest the disinterest of communities in supporting the rebels, according to Army Major Cenon Pancito III, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson.

Western Visayas is made up of 4,051 barangays. Pancito said more barangay officials across the region are expected to rally their constituents into signing peace covenants supporting the AFP’s anti-insurgency campaign.

“This is what our country needs – communities denouncing violence and aligning with government initiatives. The people have suffered much from more than 50 years of insurgency. They deserve better and peaceful lives,” Pancito said.

The Army official earlier disclosed the national government’s plan to give P20 million to each barangay that is cleared of rebels and P1.5 million to threatened-barangays.

This financial assistance is under the P16-billion “Barangay Development Program” of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Under the program, barangays deemed “cleared” from insurgency will be rewarded million-worth of projects.

http://www.panaynews.net/279-wv-villages-declare-npa-persona-non-grata/

NPA terrorists arrested in Surigao del Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2020): NPA terrorists arrested in Surigao del Norte (By 901st Infantry Brigade, Phil. Army)

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 22 -- Two active members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) fell into the hands of the authorities following their arrest in Purok 1, Barangay Marayag, Mainit, Surigao del Norte on October 3.

Based on the report, the arrested communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists were identified as Regil D. Dano also known as Pluto, 37 years old, an active member of SYP21C, Guerilla Front 21 and his brother Erwin “Benz” D. Dano, 23 years old, an active member of SDG21, Guerilla Front 21.

Regil, listed as top three most wanted in Police Regional Office 13, was apprehended by virtue of warrant of arrest for the crime of murder issued by Judge Marigel S. Dagani-Hugo of Branch 3, Butuan City Regional Trial Court dated July 22, 2020 while Erwin Dano was arrested for violation of Republic Act 9516 or Illegal Possession of Explosive. Both personalities are residents of Sitio Dugyaman, Brgy Anticala, Butuan City.

Lt. Col. Isagani Criste, Battalion Commander of 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion, said that the operation was conducted by combined elements of 29IB and Philippine National Police in response to the information received about the presence of the wanted persons in the said barangay.

Meanwhile, Col. George Banzon, Commander of 901st Infantry (Fight’Em) Brigade, commended the soldiers and police for the successful joint operation made possible by the cooperation of the concerned individuals who provided the reliable information.

“It is a clear manifestation that the people of Caraga are tired already of NPA terrorists’ wrongdoings specifically their involvement in the unlawful activities such as extortion, arson, murder, kidnapping and other related crimes as well as victimizing innocent civilians by luring them to join senseless armed struggle,” he said.

Col. Banzon further said that joint operations with other law enforcement agencies will be intensified against the communist terrorist group to further speed up the imminent defeat of the insurgents so that peace and security will be ensured.

“We in the security sector are merging our efforts to materialize our mandates in this whole-of-the-nation approach to eradicate CTGs. In line with this, we are urging the public to continue your support so that we can sustain what we have started here in Caraga," he said. (901st Infantry Brigade, Phil. Army/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056670

IPs urged to leave Haran and return to their home in Talaingod

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2020): IPs urged to leave Haran and return to their home in Talaingod (By Jan Vincent Leuterio) 

DAVAO DEL NORTE, Oct. 16 (PIA) - Now is the opportune time for Indigenous Peoples (IPs) still in Haran to go back to their ancestral land in Talaingod which has become a focused area of local and national government services.

Col. Norman Valdez of 56th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army pointed this out as he called on Haran IPs to return to their ancestral domain and live in peace with their loved ones.

“Yung mga IP brothers and sisters po natin na nasa Haran, eto na po ang pagkakataon ninyo na bumalik na sa inyong ancestral domain. Mamuhay ng mapayapa, mamuhay kasama ang inyong mahal sa buhay, para hindi po kayo magamit pa ng CPP-NPA over self-interest (To our IP brothers and sisters in Haran, this is the chance for you to come home to your ancestral domain. Live in peace, live with your loved ones, so that you will no longer be used by the CPP-NPA for their own self-interest),” he said during his guesting in the latest episode of Kapihan sa DavNor.

According to Valdez, the IP evacuees were brought to Haran to be used by the CPP-NPA to generate funding from foreign countries.

“Alam naman po natin na etong mga evacuees na dinala sa Haran ay ginagamit lang po sila para maka generate nang funds from foreign countries (We know that these evacuees brought to Haran are being used so that [the CPP-NPA] can generate funds from foreign countries),” he said.

He added that the funding doesn’t go to the hands of the IPs in Haran, but to the NPA fighters themselves.

“Kung nandiyan na po ang pundo, hindi naman napupunta doon sa mga evacuees sa Haran kung hindi napupunta po eto doon sa mga NPA fighters (When the funding comes, it doesn’t even go to the evacuees in Haran. The funding goes to the NPA fighters),” Valdez said.

In addition to using them for income, the CPP-NPA also work to influence the youth in Haran to become NPA fighters, which Valdez stressed the need for them to be brought back to their communities.

“Alam po natin na ang mga kabataan na nasa Haran ay ini-influensyahan po nila at later on, eto po ang magiging pool of NPA fighters nila. So kailangan po nating e save etong mga tao na nasa Haran at ibalik sa kanilang mga communities (We know that the youth in Haran are being influenced by them. Later on, they will become a pool of NPA fighters. So we need to save the youth in Haran and return them to their communities),” he said.

Valdez noted that the coming home of the IPs in Haran will be key to ending the funds coming from foreign countries.

“Pag eto pong mga tao na nandito sa Haran at maibalik na natin sa community, at hindi na sila makapag isip pa ng mga IPs na madala doon sa Haran, mapuputol po ang fund generation nila coming from foreign countries (When we put these people in Haran back to their community, they [CPP NPA] won’t be able to think of IPs to bring to Haran, their funding generation from foreign countries will end),” he said.

With the “whole-of-nation” approach concentrating the effort of the government in supporting the IP communities, Valdez is confident that Talaingod is now a worthy place for the evacuees to come back to.

He particularly cited Governor Edwin I. Jubahib’s housing project which prepares houses for the return of the IPs currently residing in Haran.

“Marami po siyang mga projects tulad ng pabahay intended po to para sa mga pamilya na nandoon pa sa Haran. Pag umalis na sila doon merong naghihintay na bahay, livelihood at education opportunities para sa kanila (He [Gov. Jubahib] has a lot of projects such as the housing intended for the families still in Haran. A house, livelihood, and education opportunities are waiting for them if they leave Haran),” Valdez said. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/ jmda PIA-XI)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056487

Agri NorMin aids in fight vs insurgency thru livelihood assistance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2020): Agri NorMin aids in fight vs insurgency thru livelihood assistance (By DA-10)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA)--Twenty individuals from Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon availed the free range chicken livelihood assistance from the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 worth P742,500 starting September, this year.

Said efforts is the department’s bid to provide livelihood support to conflict-affected areas through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

DA-10 Livestock Program Coordinator, Ma. Lourdes M. Sypiecco said the distribution of chicken heads to individual recipients (with a ratio of 1 male to 10 female) is being implemented through a roll-over scheme.

Each recipient will return the same number of chicken heads granted, which will then be distributed to another set of beneficiaries.

Local governments through its municipal agricultural offices will facilitate and monitor said scheme.

Being one of the receiving towns of said assistance, Albert M. Gabutan, OIC-municipal agriculturist of Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental, shared, “We will do our part by monitoring the project to ensure its sustainability and have more individuals benefit from it.”

Under Executive Order 70, the government seeks a whole-of-nation approach in addressing insurgencies by prioritizing the delivery of basic services to ensure peace and development. (DA10/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056724

Tagalog News: 25 sumukong NPA, tumanggap ng tulong pinansyal

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2020): Tagalog News: 25 sumukong NPA, tumanggap ng tulong pinansyal (By Leila B. Dagot)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Okt. 21 (PIA) –- Nakatanggap ng tulong pinansiyal mula sa pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Palawan ang 25 kaanib ng grupong New People’s Army (NPA) na nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan.

Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng ginanap na seremonya kamakailan sa Victoriano J. Rodriguez Hall sa kapitolyo, kung saan humarap ang nasabing mga indibiduwal.

Ipinagkaloob sa mga ito ang halagang P25,000 kada indibiduwal sa ilalim ng Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) para sa mga dating rebelde.

Ayon kay Abegail Ablaña, pinuno ng Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), nasa 31 ang aktuwal na bilang ng mga sumuko na inaasahang makatatanggap ng nasabing halaga, subalit hindi nakarating ang mga iba pa dahil sa masamang panahon.

Binigyag-diin naman ni Vice Gobernador Victorino Dennis Socrates sa kaniyang pananalita na nararapat lamang na matuldukan na ang armadong pakikibaka katulad ng isinusulong ng pamahalaang nasyunal upang mahinto na ang labanan ng mag-kapwa Pilipino.

Samantala, tiniyak naman ni Lt. General Erickon Gloria, commander ng Western Command (WesCom) na sumailalim sa masusing pagsisiyasat ng Philippine National Police (PNP) at Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang mga rebeldeng nagbalik-loob bago irekomenda sa pamahalaang panlalawigan upang maaaring pagkalooban ng tulong pinansiyal.

Aniya, magpapatuloy ang kanilang hanay sa kampanya kontra armadong pakikibaka alinsunod sa Executive Order No. 70 ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte hanggang sa makamit ng lalawigan ang pagiging ligtas sa insurhensya.(LBD/PIAMIMAROPA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056719

Tagalog News: 451 na dating ‘KADAMAY’, nagbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan

 From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2020): Tagalog News: 451 na dating ‘KADAMAY’, nagbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan (By Shane F. Velasco) 

PANDI, Bulacan, Oktubre 22 (PIA) -- Sumumpa na ng katapatan sa watawat ng Pilipinas ang may 451 na mga dating kasapi ng Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap o KADAMAY, bilang simbulo ng kanilang pagbabalik-loob sa pamahalaan.

Iyan ang sentro ng ginanap na convergence activity ng Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict o RTF-ELCAC 3 kung saan nagsagawa ng community consultation at problem-solving session ang iba’t ibang ahensiya ng pamahalaang nasyonal at lokal sa mga dating KADAMAY.

Idinaos ito sa isang pabahay ng National Housing Authority o NHA sa barangay Mapulang Lupa sa Pandi na kinubkob ng mga KADAMAY sa pamamagitan ng mga makakaliwang grupo.

Kalakip ng kanilang pagbabalik-loob sa pamahalaan, isa-isa nang inilatag ng mga ahensiya ang kani-kanilang mga proyekto at programa na tutugon sa pag-aangat ng antas ng pamumuhay ng mga dating KADAMAY. Una na riyan ang pagbubuo ng kooperatiba upang maging pangmatagalan ang anumang ayuda o puhunan na ibibigay para sa kanila.

Tiniyak ni Gobernador Daniel R. Fernando na sasagutin na ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Bulacan ang lahat ng gastusin sa pagbubuo ng kooperatiba sa tulong ng Cooperative Development Authority at ang pagpaparehistro nito sa Security and Exchange Commission.

Rerepasuhin din aniya ng Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office kung magkano ang saping puhunan ang uubrang maipahiram sa pagsisimula ng kanilang kooperatiba.

Ayon pa sa gobernador, tutukuyin kung sinong dating KADAMAY ang interesado naman na magkaroon ng sariling negosyo upang mapagkalooban ng Self Employment Assistance mula sa Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

Halimbawa na rito ang bisikletang may sidecar na uubrang makapagtinda ng Fishball, Banana o Camote Cue o anumang pwdeng ilako.

May kasama na itong mga pangunahing kailangan gaya ng kalan, kawali, sanse, garapon ng mga saukan at pati na mga paunang sangkap.

Nangako naman si Ernani Dionisio, director-in-charge ng Department of Trade and Industry, na magkakaloob ng sari-saring livelihood training upang masegurong mapapalago ang mga puhunan para sa kanilang negosyo at hindi ito mauwi sa wala.

Para sa mapapasukang disenteng trabaho, hinikayat ni May Lynn Gozon, Provincial Director ng Department of Labor and Employment ang mga dating KADAMAY na lumahok sa mga online job fairs na isinasagawa ng ahensiya sa tulong ng Public Employment Service Office Bulacan.

Linggo-linggo aniya ay may mga nagbubukas na mga bagong trabaho ngayong unti-unti nang nagbubukas muli ang ekonomiya.

Kaugnay nito, isa-isa nang sinusuri ng NHA ang bawat isang dating KADAMAY na nagbalik-loob upang maging lehitimo na ang pagkakaloob ng mga housing units na kanilang kinubkob.

Dahil dito, upang matiyak na hindi na makakabalik sa lugar ang mga makakaliwang grupo, kontrolado na ng Philippine Army ang nasabing mga pabahay sa Pandi.

Binigyang diin ni Brigadier General Andrew Costelo, Commander ng 703rd brigade ng Philippine Army, na ngayong nagkaroon na ng mapayapang pagsuko at unti-unti nang tumutungo sa matiwasay na pamumuhay ang mga dating KADAMAY, pinangaralan niya ang mga ito na maging mapanuri sa paligid at bantayan ang kani-kanilang mga anak na hindi mahikayat muli ng mga makakaliwang grupo.

Hangad aniya ng buong Armed Forces of the Philippines ang kabutihan ng bawat mamamayan at nakahandang ipagtanggol ang mga ito.

Samantala, lubos ang kagalakan ni Ivy D. Llave, isang 23 anyos na naninirahan sa pabahay at dating KADAMAY, dahil magsisimula na aniyang magkaroon ng direksiyon ang kanilang buhay.

Bukod sa katuparan na magkaroon ng lehitimong bahay dahil sa ELCAC, ngayon lang aniya nalaman ang maraming mga oportunidad na ipinagkakaloob ng pamahalaan partikular na sa larangan ng entrepreneurship na kanyang tinapos sa kolehiyo. (CLJD/SFV-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056778

NPA couple surrenders

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2020): NPA couple surrenders (By Joseph B. Zambrano)

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Oct. 22 (PIA) – For the sake of their child, a couple belonging to the New People’s Army surrendered to authorities and took their oath of allegiance to the government before Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan at the Cordillera Police Regional Headquarters here last Monday.

Alias “Michael” and “Gian” who presented themselves with their eight-month old baby, said they chose to abandon the armed struggle due to the hardship they experienced in the underground movement like lack of food and various limitations. They said they want to clear their names to the authorities, and to live peacefully with their child. Speaking in Iloco, alias Michael said “it is difficult to keep on running without any directions, with no food and we have our baby that is why we surrendered to the authorities”.

The couple turned over their long firearm and ammunitions and two grenades.

Alias Michael, listed number M8 and alias Gian, listed No. M23, were both members of the Komiteng Larangang Gerilya South Ilocos Sur (KLG-SIS), Iloco-Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) of the CPP-NPA.

Cascolan said the police will be more visible in areas where there is NPA presence to let the villagers feel the presence of government in their area and give assistance that they may need.

President Rodrigo Duterte wants to end local communist armed conflicts and instructed government agencies concerned to focus on "conflict-prone" communities in an effort to stop the decades-old communist insurgency in the country. (JDP/JBZ- PIA CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056599

PRLEC-Abra continues to reach out conflict-affected areas

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2020): PRLEC-Abra continues to reach out conflict-affected areas (By Xandro Alexander D. Carino)

PIDIGAN, Abra, Oct. 22(PIA) – Members of Provincial Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Abra Provincial Task Force – End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) will continue reaching out to the conflict-affected areas for the cluster programs, plans and projects to be successfully implemented.

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Abra Provincial Director Florante Herrera said that the whole cluster will be reaching out to the conflict-affected areas to further identify their needs and concerns.

“We must help one another. Each agency must have a part so that the program or project has greater impact to the community. Each one has a role. We call it convergence. We need to go down to their level to effectively identify the needs and concerns of the whole community.” Herrera stressed.

The PRLEC members have observed that some of the initial projects that they have already implemented in the conflict-affected barangays were not sustained, so they discussed the need of social preparation in the implementation process.

As presented by Nenita Corro of TESDA, the preferred training programs of the influenced-barangays as identified by their respective punong barangays include electrical, small engine repair, swine production, beauty care, weaving, welding, furniture making, hollow blocks making, carpentry, agri-related training, cookery, massage, tile setting, and basic computer literacy. (JDP/XADC/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056708

Ifugao PPOC,PADAC declare front groups persona non grata

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2020): Ifugao PPOC,PADAC declare front groups persona non grata (By Marcelo B. Lihgawon)

LAGAWE, Ifugao, Oct. 22 (PIA) - - Officials and members of the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) and other similar leftist organizations were declared persona non grata in the province by pro-peace councils.

The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) unanimously approved Joint Resolution No. 5 series of 2020 declaring the CPA and other similar groups as persona non grata.

It stated that the CPA is among the identified front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) in the Cordillera Region. “Their operations pose a threat to the peace and continuous development of local communities,” the resolution stated.

The CPP-NPA has been declared by the government as a terrorist organization and was declared persona non grata by the province of Ifugao and all its 11 municipalities through their respective Sanggunian bayan.

“The CPP-NPA uses its front organizations to recruit new members and sow disinformation and hated against the government in the local communities,” the PPOC and PADAC stated in the joint resolution. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao).

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056709

FEATURE: USAID’s TB Platforms Project: Forging partnership on TB education amid pandemic

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2020): FEATURE: USAID’s TB Platforms Project: Forging partnership on TB education amid pandemic (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

 

 File photo courtesy of USAID's TB Platforms

“Tibay ng Dibdib” is a story based on the journey of two young sisters who survived tuberculosis – one of them was afflicted by Drug Resistant TB (DRTB) while the other one battled with Drug Susceptible TB (DSTB).

Conceptualized as a storybook with a coloring book version and written in English and Filipino, these materials were produced by USAID’s TB Platforms as part of its social and behavior change communication strategy to raise public awareness on TB as a killer disease and promote positive health seeking behavior.

The roll out of “Tibay ng Dibdib” storybook and coloring book as learning materials for the Health subject in elementary level this school year was made possible through the partnership of the Department of Education National Capital Region (DepEd-NCR), the Department of Health National Tuberculosis Control Program, along with the Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD) and USAID’s TB Platforms Project.

According to USAID TB Platforms, the book which was launched during the National Lung Month Celebration in August has been recently adopted by DepEd-NCR and converted into an online learning material for Grades 3 and 4, with pilot demonstration in Quezon City specifically in Santo Cristo Elementary School.

“We are very fortunate that DepEd-NCR gave us this great opportunity to share the story dubbed as “Tibay ng Dibdib,” said Michelle Lang-Alli, Director, Office of Health, USAID Philippines.

She shared that the inspiring story about two young children who survived TB with the support of the whole community - their immediate family, health facility, local government unit and a patient support group.

“I believe, a story like this that highlights that it takes a whole village to cure a disease is really relevant during these challenging times of COVID-19,” she added.

File photo courtesy of USAID's TB Platforms.

USAID’s TB Platforms collaborates with local government units (LGUs) in NCR and works with the Center for Health Development in providing technical assistance to LGUs and health facilities to ensure continuous provision of TB services amid COVID-19.

The project team led by its Chief of Party Dr. Marianne Calnan and NCR Field Operations Area Manager Hansel Ybañez also expressed their gratitude to DepEd- NCR and Quezon City Government for their commitment to roll out the strengthened TB in children response amid the pandemic. Public elementary schools in NCR will also conduct child-friendly TB screening activities with support from the respective Parent-Teacher Associations (PTA) and barangay councils to find and treat children afflicted with TB especially during this most challenging time. There will also be TB contact tracing and community screening with support from the city health office.

According to USAID’s TB Platforms, “Tibay ng Dibdib” is now a learning material for public elementary schools in NCR but the project is not only reaching out to the students. Parents and family members will also be engaged in this partnership.

“Tibay ng Dibdib” means “heartstrong” or resilience. The book is a great social and behavior change tool to promote positive health seeking behavior for TB. Previously, TB advocacies and programs implemented target the adults.

“This is the very first time that we are launching a project that directly teaches our children about TB. We will support DepEd and all the schools in this endeavor because this is very relevant. As parents and children work together to adapt to the new normal of online classes, they will also learn together from Tibay ng Dibdib,” added Metro Manila Center for Health Development Regional Director Corazon Flores.

Likewise, Michelle Lang-Alli said that tuberculosis in children and adolescents varies both clinically and epidemiologically, making care and prevention challenging

“In children, tuberculosis is often difficult to diagnose because of non-specific symptoms and limited sensitivity and specificity of laboratory tests for both latent tuberculosis infection and active tuberculosis disease. Children aged younger than 5 years are also more likely to progress to active tuberculosis disease after infection, and have the highest rates of severe, disseminated forms of tuberculosis such as meningitis, compared with older age groups. Adolescents aged 15–17 years are more likely to develop infectious forms of pulmonary tuberculosis than younger children,” added Michelle Lang-Alli.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), available data shows an estimated one million children under the age of 15 become sick with TB each year. Of those, 239,000 — nearly one in four — die. Children with TB rarely die when they receive effective treatment. However, 90 percent of children who die from TB worldwide went untreated.

Ending the child TB epidemic requires local interventions, sensitive to social and cultural context, to reach at-risk children using simple tools for active screening and diagnosis. Even in resource-limited areas, medical professionals can be equipped with the knowledge and tools to diagnose and treat TB in children, with access to care provided at the community level.

Screening households where an adult is diagnosed with TB to see if children have been exposed in the home must become the standard implemented everywhere. In the long run, greater investment in research and development needs to deliver better diagnostics, treatments and an effective vaccine that prevents TB.

The recent partnership of DepEd, DOH and USAID’s TB Platforms will help the students better understand this infectious disease.

According to USAID TB Platforms, Quezon City has the largest population in NCR battling TB even before COVID-19. In partnership with the Quezon City Health Office, USAID’s TB Platforms and DepEd will also engage the public elementary schools in finding and treating children with TB.

As part of the project’s technical assistance to QC LGU, one of its social behavior change and communication strategies will be the engagement of Santo Cristo Elementary School as demonstration site for the adoption of “Tibay ng Dibdib” storybook and coloring book. Grades 3 and 4 students will be provided with a copy of the children’s storybook, along with its coloring book version for their health education under Music, Arts, P.E and Health (MAPEH) class. Within this schoolyear, DepEd hopes to roll out the same approach to all other schools in Quezon City.

Likewise, the adoption of “Tibay ng Dibdib” storybook as a learning material for health education classes in public elementary schools is a milestone for QC City Government as they promote positive health seeking behavior for TB among families using school children as messengers as they share to their parents and guardians that if they have signs and symptoms of TB, they need to seek consultation amid the pandemic.

Capacity building for Parent-Teacher Association members is also part of the partnership with schools. USAID’s TB Platforms committed to mentor officers of PTA (PTA) as advocates for TB education and as the school’s partner for the conduct of the proposed child-friendly TB screening. Barangay leaders and council officers will also support these activities as USAID’s TB Platforms has been working with the barangay health workers and local TB councils as well.

USAID’s TB Platform, implemented by the University Research Co. LLC., (URC) aims to assist the DOH’s National Tuberculosis Control Program (NTP) to intensify and accelerate efforts toward eliminating TB by 2035.

Using evidence-based, data-driven approaches and technology, USAID’s TB Platforms engages change makers at the individual, community, provincial and regional levels to promote positive health-seeking and TB prevention behaviors. It invigorates service delivery networks of community health workers and diagnostic and treatment facilities in both government and private sectors to sustainably provide quality patient-centered care across the TB care continuum.

The project helps reinforce the capacity of local government units, and leverage their commitment and resources to plan, finance, manage and lead TB control efforts that meet patient needs specifically in Regions 3 and 4-A, NCR and Marawi City as demonstration sites. (PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056691

Andanar visits Peacemaker Farm of former NPA rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 22, 2020): Andanar visits Peacemaker Farm of former NPA rebels (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan) 

CALOOCAN CITY, Oct. 22 (PIA) -- Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar recently visited Camp Osito Bahian in Bukidnon, which houses the “Peacemaker Farm” being maintained by former members of the New Peoples Army (NPA) in cooperation with the 403rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

During his visit, the PCOO chief took a tour of the agricultural livelihood assistance given to former rebel beneficiaries, aligned as programs under the Convergence Areas for Peace and Development (CAPDev) of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Northern Mindanao where Andanar is the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security or CORDS.

“Maganda na nababanggit natin ang mga ito dahil at least naipapakita talaga natin sa buong bansa na talagang tumatakbo ang Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. Mayroon tayong naisho-showcase na hindi lang tayo puro salita at mayroon talagang nangyayari [It is good that we mention these because at least we can show the whole country that the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is really working. We can showcase that we are not all talk and something is really happening,” Andanar said.

Aside from their adlay production area, the “Peacemaker Farm” also cultivates corn, coffee, dragon fruit, and abaca.

Shortly after, the official joined the launch of the Basic Pipefitting training for 50 former NPA rebels, where he inspired them as they took on a fresh and peaceful start with assistance ready for them.

“You are a living testament as to how this whole-of-nation approach can become successful, can become a reality,” he said.

He encouraged them to fully avail and ‘claim ownership’ of the programs and projects prepared for them by the government and use these as stepping stones to become productive members of society.

“Kinahanglan duna moy pag-angkon sa programa nga inyong gi-atenan. Kung nag training mo og bread making, pipefitting … dili ni mahimong successful kung walay ownership [You have to have ownership of the programs that you attended. If you availed trainings in bread making, and pipefitting, these will not become successful if you don’t have ownership],” he said.

Meanwhile, Colonel Ferdinand Barandon reported that there are 10 CAPDev Clusters in Bukidnon, where government programs and services are poured in bid to end local communist armed conflict in the province.

“The role of the Armed Forces is to provide the right venue para yung ibang agencies will address the basic issues that are being used by the communist terrorist groups para ma-recruit sila, at para ma-sustain ang kanilang armed struggle [The role of the Armed Forces is to provide the right venue for other agencies to address the basic issues that are being used by the communist terrorist groups to recruit them, and to sustain their armed struggle],” he said.

Since 2016, the unit has already encouraged over 600 rebels to return to the fold of the government through the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (E-CLIP).

According to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) 2020 report, some 114 FRs have benefitted from the E-CLIP, 60 beneficiaries of the P50,000 livelihood grant, and 68 beneficiaries of the firearms remuneration program this year.

Andanar said the increasing number of rebel returnees proves the success of the government's peace efforts. (PIA NCR)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056727

3 suspected NPAs fall in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2020): 3 suspected NPAs fall in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SUSPECTED REBEL. Sherlita B. Perales, 62, is among the three suspected members of the communist New People’s Army arrested by police and military authorities in separate operations on Wednesday (Oct. 21, 2020) in the Agusan del Norte towns of Magallanes and Buenavista. The three have warrants of arrest for various crimes. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

Police and military personnel arrested three suspected members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in separate operations in the Agusan del Norte towns of Magallanes and Buenavista, a police official said Thursday.

Capt. Dorothy Tumulak, Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) spokesperson, identified the suspects as Sherlita B. Perales, 62; Honey Grace C. Perales, 18; and Marnel G. Bahian, 25.

Tumulak said the three have standing warrants of arrest for various crimes.

“The joint operation was conducted by the personnel of Magallanes Municipal Police Station, Agusan del Norte Provincial Intelligence Unit, 1st and 2nd Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Companies, and the Philippine Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion,” Tumulak said.

Sherlita, accused of illegal possession of explosives, and Honey Grace, charged with robbery in band, were apprehended separately in Barangay Caloc-an, Magallanes on Wednesday.

On the same day, authorities also arrested Bahian, who is facing arson charges, in an operation in Barangay Sangay, Buenavista.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, said suspects are listed under the Philippine National Police's "Periodic Status Report in the CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) Priority Target List.”

Caramat said they are active members of Guerilla Front 4A of the NPA's Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“The law enforcement operations of the PNP against the CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) members with warrants of arrest are underway to ensure they can never sow violence in the communities,” Caramat said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119383

13 ex-NPAs undergo ECLIP assessment in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2020): 13 ex-NPAs undergo ECLIP assessment in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

NEW LIVES. The Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Agusan del Norte assist the 13 former combatants of the communist New People’s Army in their enrolment to the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Military officials underscore the importance of helping former rebels get back on their feet. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

Thirteen members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Norte who recently surrendered to the Army’s 29th Infantry Battalion have undergone assessment for enrolment to the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

The assessment was facilitated by the 29IB and the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSDWD) office of Agusan del Norte on Wednesday (Oct. 21) in Cabadbaran City, 1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong, 23IB civil-military operations officer, said Thursday.

“These former rebels are temporarily staying in a halfway house we call New Hope Village within our headquarters,” Colagong told the Philippine News Agency, adding the surrenderers yielded on separate occasions this year.

“The assessment aims to prepare them for the awarding of a permanent house and lot and the provision of training, seminars, and assignment of their livelihood projects,” he said.

Since 2016, a total of 60 NPA rebels have already surrendered to the 29IB, 35 of whom have already benefited from the ECLIP program of the government.

Two of the former rebels have already received their house and lot from the National Housing Authority (NHA) and are now living with their families, Colagong said.

“The NHA is still processing the house and lot of the other FRs (former rebels) who already received their livelihood incentives. They can choose wherever they like to live with their families,” he added.

Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, 29IB commander, underscored the importance of helping the former rebels rebuild their lives "when they go back to their families and communities".

“With this, we will be able to encourage the remaining members of the organization to surrender. Those who are still in the mountains, descend and surrender because we, the servants of the government, are here to help you to build a new life,” Criste said in a statement Thursday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119393

451 militants in Bulacan denounce terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2020): 451 militants in Bulacan denounce terrorism (By Manny Balbin)

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. A total of 451 Kadamay militant group members take their oath of allegiance to the government and denounce their support to the communist terrorist group in a ceremony held on Thursday (Oct. 22, 2020) in Barangay Mapulang Lupa, Pandi, Bulacan. They comprised the second batch of returnees from Kadamay who voluntarily surrendered and expressed support to the government. (Photo by Manny Balbin)

PANDI, Bulacan – The hardships in the armed struggle have forced a former leader of the militant urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) and her members to go back to the folds of the law.

Lolita de Jesus, former president of Kadamay-Villa Luis resettlement site in Barangay Siling Bata here, said she could no longer bear the hunger and fatigue she experienced while with the insurgents.

“What I had experienced in the mountains was no joke. At kaya ako nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno upang maituwid ang mga mali kong nagawa noon (The reason why I decided to return to the fold of the government is to correct the wrongdoings I did in the past)," said de Jesus, who is known in the group as "Ka Lolit".

Ka Lolit is one of the 451 mass base supporters of the New People's Army (NPA) who denounced and withdrew support from the communist terrorist group (CTG) during ceremonies on Thursday at the Atlantica Pandi 2 Resettlement Area in Barangay Mapulang Lupa.

The returnees took their oath of allegiance to the government, witnessed by Governor Daniel Fernando as head of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) and other officials.

After the oath-taking and signing, the Kadamay members, as proof of their withdrawal of support to the leftist group, burned the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) flag in front of police, military, and government officials.

Fernando said the continuous local peace engagement activities of the provincial government and local municipality of Pandi, PNP and Philippine Army such as information dissemination and situational interview made the Kadamay members aware of the government programs and the opportunity to change their lives and correct the mistakes they have committed due to deception by the CTG.

The governor said the Kadamay members’ decision to support the government is the best move on their part to avail the provincial government’s program to assist them.

"Walang hinangad na pangit ang gobyerno para sa atin. Nagpapasalamat ako kay Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kanyang pagsisikap na tapusin ang hidwaan sa ating bansa (The government does not desire anything bad for us. I thank President Rodrigo Duterte for his efforts to end the conflict in our country)," he said.

Fernando said the provincial government has sustainable livelihood programs, as well as scholarship programs for Kadamay members or rebel returnees.

He assured the provision of social services, employment opportunities, and improved quality of life to the returnees.

"I will help and support you sa abot ng aking makakaya (to the best of my ability)," Fernando added.

Col. Lawrence Cajipe, provincial director of the Bulacan PNP, said the Bulacan police together with the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) and the AFP will remain committed to securing, ensuring and implementing law and order for the well-being of Filipinos including the future generations.

Pandi Mayor Roque said the 451 Kadamay returnees comprise the second batch of the group that has voluntarily surrendered and announced their support to the government.

Almost a year ago, he said some 185 Kadamay members surrendered in 11 resettlement sites in this town.

“Masaya ako dahil meron tayo nahihikayat na katulad nila para magbalik-loob sa gobyerno pero nakakalungkot dahil meron pa rin mga nabubulagan sa maling paniniwala ng mga iilan na lamang natitirang Kadamay (I am happy because we were able to persuade them to go back to the fold of the government but it is sad because there are still a few remaining Kadamay members who are blinded by the misconceptions),” Roque said.

After the ceremony, the former militants received food packs from the provincial and municipal governments.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119429

Banners proof of people's disgust over Reds' atrocities: Año

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2020): Banners proof of people's disgust over Reds' atrocities: Año (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. (File photo)

There is nothing wrong with tarpaulins set up in various parts of Metro Manila that condemn the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said on Thursday.

"I believe that these tarpaulins are expressions or manifestations of citizens or certain groups that they are already fed up with abuses and atrocities perpetrated by the CPP/NPA/NDF (National Democratic Front)," he told the Philippine News Agency.

Año was referring to tarpaulins and banners declaring the CPP-NPA and its allies as 'persona non grata' in various parts of the National Capital Region.

Año said it also sends a clear message to the communist terrorists that they are no longer welcome in Metro Manila.

"I welcome such kinds of expression to send the message to the members of CPP/NPA/NDF that they are not welcome in the National Capital Region just like what the constituents of other provinces, cities, and municipalities all over the country did. It's time for the communist rebels to go back to the fold of the law and start a peaceful and productive life," he added.

Año, meanwhile, said he respects Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso's order to take down these tarpaulins in the city.

"As to the action of Mayor Isko Moreno, he must have his own reasons but I would encourage LCEs (local chief executives) to allow it. As I said, these tarpaulins are peaceful expressions of our people. If you are not a member of the CPP/NPA/NDF then you have nothing to worry about," Año said.

Both the Philippine National Police and the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict denied involvement in putting these banners.

Various provinces, cities, and municipalities in the country have earlier passed resolutions declaring the communist terrorists as 'persona non grata'.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119360

AFP just giving Liza, Catriona warning about Left: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22, 2020): AFP just giving Liza, Catriona warning about Left: Palace (By Jelly Musico)

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) was not red-tagging actress Liza Soberano and 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray but just giving them a warning that their advocacies might be used by the Left-leaning groups, Malacañang said on Thursday.

“Well, tingin ko naman sa statement mismo ng AFP, sinabi naman niya walang ganoon (I think based on the AFP statement, he said there is no such thing),” Roque said in a virtual Palace briefing.

Roque was referring to the statement of Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. who advised Soberano to “abdicate” her ties to Gabriela Youth.

Parlade made his advice after Soberano participated in a webinar organized by Gabriela Youth and tearfully called on fellow influencers to speak up on issues affecting women and children.

Parlade of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) also issued the same advice to Gray.

“Pinag-iingatan lang nila sila na baka mamaya magamit sila ng Left (They are just being cautioned that they may be used by the Left),” Roque said.

He said the AFP understands that Soberano and Gray were just advocating the rights of women and children.

“Pero siyempre ingat din po kasi ang talagang, iyong mga Maoists po sa Pilipinas eh talagang kung mayroong puwedeng pagsamantalahan ay pagsasamantalahan nila (Of course, we have to be cautious because those Maoists in the Philippines, they will take advantage of anyone they can exploit),” he added.

He said like Soberano and Gray, President Rodrigo Duterte is also supporting the rights of women even when he was mayor of Davao City for over two decades.

“Pero wala po kaming problema doon sa mga sinasabi nila Liza at ni Catriona dahil ang ating Presidente sinusulong din po ang karapatan ng kababaihan at malinaw po ang track record niya lalung-lalo na noong siya po ay Mayor ng Davao City (But we have no problem with what Liza and Catriona have said because our President is also advocating the rights of women and that is clear on his track record especially when he was still Mayor of Davao City),” Roque said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119466