Kalinaw News: PSWD conducts assessment and profiling of former rebels in AgSur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 27, 2020): PSWD conducts assessment and profiling of former rebels in AgSur

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur- Today, October 26, 2020, the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) of Agusan del Sur conducts an assessment and profiling of the six (6) latest surrenderees of the 26th Infantry Battalion at PSWD office, Brgy Patin-ay, Prosperidad Agusan del Sur, as part of its enrollment to Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

The activity aims to prepare the Former Rebels (FRs) before receiving the different programs from the government to help them become productive individuals and live a normal life together with their families far from the violent nature brought about by the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) movement.

This also determines what intervention the government may provide for the FRs that will suit their interest, environment, and determination on starting a new life in the community. After the activity, the FRs received in-kind relief as initial assistance from the PSWD.

“Dako kaayo amung pasalamat sa hinabang nga gihatag sa amua sa gobyerno. Tabang nga wala namu natagamtaman sa dihang nanginahanglan me ug tabang sa sulod sa teroristang kalihukan,” alias “Jenar” said, one of the FRs.

(We are very much thankful for the aid that the government had given to us. Aid that we never had during our miserable days inside the terrorist NPA movement)

In a statement, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, 26IB commanding officer said, “This is only the start of the new chapter of your lives. Your reintegration program will mold you to be a person with dignity as you ascend and traverse from the dark chapter of your lives brought about by the NPA movement.”

“The government will help you along the way, as well as the Philippine Army. Thank you for your cooperation in choosing the peace for your community. And that, you have given yourself a chance to live peacefully and those everyone around you.” Lt. Col. Goce 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/pswd-conducts-assessment-and-profiling-of-former-rebels-in-agsur/

Kalinaw News: More Surrenders Expected as NHA Allocated Php1B for E-CLIP Housing Assistance to Former Rebels

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 27, 2020): More Surrenders Expected as NHA Allocated Php1B for E-CLIP Housing Assistance to Former Rebels

BANCASI, Butuan City – The 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade is expecting more CTG surrenderers as the National Housing Authority (NHA) announced the allocation of one (1) billion pesos worth of fund for the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) housing assistance for Former rebels during the Task Force Balik-Loob Assessment and Update meeting held via VTC at Headquarters, 402nd Brigade, Brgy Bancasi, Butuan City on October 21, 2020.

The Task Force Balik-Loob led by its Mindanao Coordinator, Lt Col Ruel B Romorosa, conducted a follow up visit and met with the Provincial E-CLIP Committee Members under the 402nd Brigade AOR covering the provinces of Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte in Caraga region and Misamis Oriental in Northern Mindanao.

Said visit aims to assess the effectiveness on the implementation of the E-CLIP in defeating the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), collate best practices, update on E-CLIP accomplishments and obtain issues and concerns from the AFP units and E-CLIP Committee member agencies.

Lt Col Ruel B Romorosa, the Task Force Balik Loob Coordinator for Mindanao said that the success of this E-CLIP lies with the utmost commitment of all stakeholders particularly the Provincial Governor as Chairman of the said committee. He said, “The success and failure of the E-CLIP implementation is the responsibility of the provincial governor. E-CLIP committees must endeavor to operationalize the halfway houses and provide report during the peace and order council meetings and other fora so that gaps, challenges and issues on the implementation of E-CLIP will be easily conveyed and addressed”.

During the activity, E-CLIP committee member agencies presented updates on their interventions for FRs and raised concerns for the action of Task Force Balik Loob. The NHA during its presentation announced the approval of housing assistance and released the check worth P450, 000.00 to two (2) FRs from Caraga.

Likewise, the one (1) Billion pesos allocated for E-CLIP was approved by the NHA Board on July 25, 2018 as reported by the NHA Caraga E-CLIP Focal Person, Ms Emma Katherine Nono, when pressed about the seemingly slow and delayed implementation of its housing assistance due to the strict requirements for the FRs to avail of said assistance.

She said, “A Memorandum Circular No. 2019-041 was already proposed for its approval regarding the supplemental guidelines relaxing the requirements for FRs to avail the housing assistance. We recognize the necessity of the request of our partner agencies and the situation of our former rebels who have the difficulty in securing documents, thus, the NHA deemed it proper to relax the titled lot provision to avail the housing assistance worth four-hundred fifty thousand pesos (PhP450,000.00) and one-hundred thousand pesos (PhP100, 000.00), respectively, for those with lots and those needing repairs.

The 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade has a total of two-hundred twenty-two (222) FRs already awarded with E-CLIP while two-hundred nineteen were not yet awarded and eighty-three (83) are for E-CLIP enrolment. Likewise, a total of ninety-one (91) FRs have availed the NHA housing assistance: sixty-one (61) FRs have availed Option A (Construction of a new House in location chosen by FR) worth P450, 000.00; twenty-nine FRs availed Option C (Repair/Rehabilitation/improvement of existing house unit) worth P100, 000.00; and only one (1) FR availed the Option B (Existing NHA Housing projects that can be occupied by the FR.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade lauded the NHA for the positive response on the FRs situation regarding housing assistance under E-CLIP. “We are elated of this great news and evidently all member agencies were glad that our FRs can avail the NHA housing assistance with the easing of the requirements to be complied and knowing that there is fund allocated for it. I have directed my Battalions to facilitate close coordination with NHA to fast track the lacking requirements for the housing benefit of the FRs and intensify the information campaign on the housing benefits that the FRs can avail.

[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/more-surrenders-expected-as-nha-allocated-php1b-for-e-clip-housing-assistance-to-former-rebels/

Kalinaw News: High Ranking CTG Member Killed in an Encounter in North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 27, 2020): High Ranking CTG Member Killed in an Encounter in North Cotabato

CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – The secretary of a communist terror group (CTG) was killed in an armed skirmishes between the soldiers of 90th Infantry Battalion and insurgents at Sitio Rudson, Brgy Arakan, Matalam, North Cotabato in the morning of October 24, 2020. The slain rebel was identified as Zaldy Gulmatico Polido a.k.a Joel/Cobra, Secretary of Guerilla Front 53 of Southern Regional Command 3, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Army troops are conducting a combat clearing operation when they encountered more or less 12 fully armed men who are all members of CTGs. After the firefight, the army troops seized one M16A1 with three magazines with ammos, four cellular phones and enemy valuable documents. No casualties from the side of government troops are reported.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander 6th Infantry Division said that the army troops are doing their best to defeat the enemy with the full cooperation and support of the populace. “The entire community is hoping that this menace of society will come to an end so that peace and development will prevail” the Commander 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/high-ranking-ctg-member-killed-in-an-encounter-in-north-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: Media Friends Rock the Night during 6th ID Media Fellowship

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 27, 2020): Media Friends Rock the Night during 6th ID Media Fellowship

To recognize the role of media in the campaign for peace and security, the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division held a media Night for the members of the fourth state in Kampilan Eco Park, Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on October 22, 2020.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central led the media night wherein he acknowledged the importance of the media in the division’s quest to inform the public with the right information in support to our pursuit for peace and security.

“The book entitled the ‘War in 145 Characters’, recognizes the role of the media in our current society. They present the information, current situation, fashion, propaganda, advertisements of new products and new trends, yan po ang media. Ang gabing ito ay inihanda namin para sa pasasalamat sa mga media sa South at Central Mindanao in connection with the 33rd founding anniversary of the command” said Major Gen. Uy.

At least 31 tri-media personalities who came from Kidapawan City, Tacurong City, General Santos City and Cotabato City attended the party.

The program was an opportunity to meet and greet personalities known only through phone-patch interviews which is a way of strengthening the bond between partners and buddies in the world of information technology.

The night ended joyfully as every guest went home with smiles as they dragged along with them tokens and prizes from the raffle draws conducted.

[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/media-friends-rock-the-night-during-6th-id-media-fellowship/

Kalinaw News: Limang miyembro ng teroristang grupo kasama ang isang menor de edad sumuko sa probinsya ng Quirino

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 27, 2020): Limang miyembro ng teroristang grupo kasama ang isang menor de edad sumuko sa probinsya ng Quirino

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Limang miyembro ng Regional Sentro De Grabidad, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley kasama ang isang menor de edad ang sumuko sa 86th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army sa probinsya ng Quirino noong ika- 26 ng Oktubre taong kasalukuyan.

Kinilala ang mga sumuko na sina alyas Daren, 22 taong gulang, Alyas Dario, 23 taong gulang, alyas LenLen, 17 taong gulang, alyas Jackson, 21 taong gulang at alyas Lea, 31 taong gulang na pawang mga residente ng Maddela, Quirino.

Ayon sa kanila, pinangakuan sila ni alyas Wallen ng magandang buhay kapalit ng kanilang pagsampa sa kilusan. Ngunit, taliwas ito sa kanilang naging karanasan sa kamay ni alyas Andong/Narding. Wala silang nakitang patutunguhan ng kanilang pakikipaglaban sa pamahalaan. Ito ang nagtulak sa kanila upang lisanin ang kilusan at sumuko sa kasundaluhan.

Sa kabilang banda, dahil naman sa implementasyon ng Community Support Program ng 86IB kasama ang ilang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan, naliwanagan ang mga mamamayan ukol sa mga nakalatag na programa’t proyekto ng pamahalaan. Dahil dito, ang mga residente na mismo ang nanghihikayat sa kanilang mga sumampang kamag-anak na bumaba at sumuko sa pamahalaan.

Sa ngayon, ay pinoproseso na ang mga dokumento at papeles ng limang sumuko upang mapabilang sa Alternative Learning System na programa ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon. Maliban dito, sila rin ay sasailalim sa pagsasanay ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) upang magkaroon ng oportunidad na maghanap-buhay at madagdagan ang kanilang kaalamang teknikal.

Ayon kay BGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander ng 5ID, “Ang mahigpit na pakikiisa at pakikipagtulungan ng mga mamamayan ay pagpapakita lamang na wala ng kabuluhan ang CPP-NPA sa komunidad. Ang damdamin ng taumbayan ay sa agarang pagkamit ng inaasam na kapayapaan at pag-unlad. Damang-dama ng ating pamunuan ang kagustuhang ito dahil sa patuloy nilang panghihikayat sa kani-kanilang mga kamag anak na nalinlang ng teroristang grupo. Muli, bukas ang aming mga kampo pati ng mga kapulisan at lokal na pamahalaan sa pagbabalik loob ng mga nalinlang nating kababayan.”

[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/limang-miyembro-ng-teroristang-grupo-kasama-ang-isang-menor-de-edad-sumuko-sa-probinsya-ng-quirino/

Army brigade helps 23 ex-Abu Sayyaf bandits get birth certificate

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Oct 27, 2020): Army brigade helps 23 ex-Abu Sayyaf bandits get birth certificate

ZAMBOANGA. The 1102nd Infantry Brigade facilitates the late birth registration of 23 former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Patikul, Sulu. A photo handout shows municipal civil registrar's office personnel record the birth registration data of former ASG members. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THE Army's 1102nd Infantry Brigade, through the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-Elcac), has facilitated the late birth registration of 23 former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Patikul, Sulu.

Brigadier General Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 1102nd Infantry Brigade, said the late birth registration was done to address the problem of most former Abu Sayyaf bandits who do not have any official documents, which consequently disqualifies them from availing themselves of livelihood and other programs of the government.

Patrimonio said it is an initiative of his command to strengthen the monitoring system of the MTF-Elcac to all former members of the ASG in the municipality of Patikul.

Mayor Kabir Hayudini said that "as the father and mayor of Patikul," he is so elated that the bandits have decided to return to the folds of the law.

"We welcome you with open hearts and we will do what we can in order to help get you back to your normal lives. With a document like your birth certificate, you will have a better access to all available programs of our government and other non government organization," Hayudini said.

He said the government is sincere of rehabilitating and helping the former Abu Sayyaf bandits to return to and live peaceful lives.

"Our efforts for the former rebels (former ASG members) doesn't stop on the day they have laid down their arms. Our help extends from providing security up to their full recovery physically, psychologically and even economically. That is how sincere we are in helping them though once upon a time they were our enemies," Patrimonio said.

The Joint Task Force Sulu said earlier that 344 Abu Sayyaf bandits have surrendered in Sulu since 2017.

Of the total, 217 have availed themselves of the livelihood assistance and 127 are yet to be enrolled in the government's social integration program.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1874720/Zamboanga/Local-News/Army-brigade-helps-23-ex-Abu-Sayyaf-bandits-get-birth-certificate

Philippines awards contract for light tanks and wheeled APCs to Elbit Systems of Israel

 Posted to Army Recognition (Oct 25, 2020): Philippines awards contract for light tanks and wheeled APCs to Elbit Systems of Israel

According to information released on the Facebook account of MaxDefense Philippines, October 24, 2020, the Philippines has awarded the contract for the Philippine Army's Light Tank and Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier Acquisition Projects to the Israeli company Elbit Systems.

The Sabrah Light Tank developed by the Israeli company Elbit Systems is available in two configurations. (Picture source Elbit Systems)

On October 4, 2020, Army Recognition has published news announcing that the Israeli company Elbit Systems has offered its new Sabrah Light Tank for the Philippine Army's Light Tank Acquisition Project, which was in competition with Hanwha Systems K21-105 and Otokar Arma 105 light tanks, and Pindad Harimau Light Tank.

The Philippine Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved and released two Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs) involving the light tank and wheeled armored personnel carrier (APC) acquisition projects for the Philippine Army under the current Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.

The first SARO was approved on October 21, 2020, to cover the funding requirements for the fifteen percent (15%) Advance Payment of the Light Tank Acquisition Project for the Philippine Army under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

The second SARO also approved on October 21, will cover the funding requirements for the fifteen percent (15%) Advance Payment of the Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier Acquisition Project for the Philippine Army under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

Israeli Company Elbit Systems has designed a new light that is available in two configurations including a tracked variant based on the General Dynamics European Land Systems (GDELS) ASCOD 2 and a wheeled version based on the Pandur II 8x8 armored vehicle also produced by GDELS.

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_october_2020_global_security_army_industry/philippines_awards_contract_for_light_tanks_and_wheeled_apcs_to_elbit_systems_of_israel.html

COVID sickens 15 Army troops

From Panay News (Oct 27, 2020): COVID sickens 15 Army troops (By Ruby Silubrico)

ILOILO City – The virus SARS-CoV-2 which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has infiltrated the Armed Forces of the Philippines, sickening 15 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) soldiers based in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

Of the 15 61IB troopers, three were admitted to the Guimbal District Hospital in Guimbal, Iloilo, according to 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) spokesperson Major Cenon Pancito III.

Twelve asymptomatic soldiers, on the other hand, were quarantined at the 61IB’s isolation center.

According to Pancito, the index case was a soldier with the rank of Sergeant.

On Oct. 24, he went to the Guimbal District Hospital for a check-up after exhibiting symptoms similar to COVID-19 like cough.

There, the soldier underwent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test. His result turned out positive.

The 61IB immediately initiated contact tracing and they accounted 14 soldiers who had exposure to the COVID-19-positive Sergeant.

“The test results of the 14 soldiers were released Monday afternoon – all positive for COVID-19,” Pancito said.

He noted that the infected soldiers have no history of travel since they were on training at Camp Monteclaro in Barangay Igtuba, Miag-ao.

The 3ID, according to Pancito, sent a doctor to check the troops who were all in stable condition.

http://www.panaynews.net/covid-sickens-15-army-troops/

PUBLISHER’S NOTES | 2001 Visit on Libyan Moammar Khadafi

Posted to the Mindanao Times (Oct 27, 2020): PUBLISHER’S NOTES | 2001 Visit on Libyan Moammar Khadafi  (BY JESS DUREZA)

In 2001 when I was head of the Government Negotiating Panel in the negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during the initial year of President Gloria Arroyo, we flew to Libya. I was with Vice President Teofisto Guingona and Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Malacanang executive secretary. Upon our arrival, we were first welcomed and entertained by the “favorite son” of the Libyan president named AL SALAM.

AIR-CON TENT — It was in his desert tent in SIRTE, where we met Libyan strongman MOAMMAR KHADAFI. Joining us was ABS-CBN’S Ces Drilon who was there to cover the event. We boarded an antic-looking plane in Tripoli, capital of Libya that flew us all the way through the desert below with so much noise, to a place called SIRTE, in the middle of the desert. We landed on an airstrip amidst a cloud of dust and sand. We were met by vehicles that ferried us to a big air-conditioned tent where MOAMMAR KHADAFI was waiting. The MILF team was already there ahead of us. I spotted some container vans parked nearby and several camels roaming around his tent. I was told that those camels were his favorite pets that would be transported in vans wherever he would go.

MAKING AMENDS — It was during that meeting where I personally heard the Libyan President admonishing the MILF to work for peace with the Philippine government. I recall he was saying ( through an interpreter) that he was making amends to the Filipino people because initially, he thought that Muslims were being hunted down , discriminated against and even massacred by Filipinos. That was the reason why Libya, according to him, supported the Islamists-Muslims for sometime even providing resources in fighting the Philippine government. It was only later when he knew and realized that the stories that had reached him were not true.

SECOND VISIT — My next visit to Tripoli, Libya was with President Arroyo who called on the Libyan President to express appreciation of the Filipino people for Libya’s peace efforts. We were feted like royalties during that visit.

CHARMED — On our way to the Tripoli airport enroute back to the Philippines, I could not forget the sudden diversion of our convoy. We headed instead to a tent in Tripoli, where President Khadafi was waiting. There he conversed again with President Arroyo, evidently charmed by her. I remember when President Marcos was Philippine President, he sent the First Lady Imelda who also charmed the Libyan leader. That “Imeldific” visit eventually resulted in the signing of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement that became the basic foundation of the subsequent peace negotiations with the MNLF and the Bangsamoro people.

During that meeting with President Arroyo and the tent visit on Khadafi on our way to the airport, I heard her ask: “Your Highness, where are your camels?” I recall previously informing her about his pet camels when I returned home after my earlier first visit. Lo and behold, camels were immediately brought to the site and seen just outside the tent entrance.

CAMEL’S MILK — Then to our surprise, we were served chilled fresh milk from camels. I totally consumed the whole glass as I was so thirsty . However, I noticed President Arroyo only took a complimentary sip.

Whew! That whole trip back to Manila brought me to the plane restroom every few minutes due to a bad stomach. My fault! Never again, I vowed!

Many years later, KHADAFI was arrested right there in his hometown SIRTE where he made his last stand against the forces that ousted his regime. He hid in an underground cellar under his tent but was later found. He was mercilessly executed!

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/10/27/publishers-notes-2001-visit-on-libyan-moammar-khadafi/

CGPA to army engineers: Let us build the nation to win the peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 27, 2020): CGPA to army engineers: Let us build the nation to win the peace (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

ILIGAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) - The commanding general of the Philippine Army (CGPA) underscored on Monday, Oct. 26, the crucial role of army engineers in winning the peace.

"While the army's combat units destroy the enemy, the army engineers place a premium on nation-building through infrastructure and civic efforts," said Lieutenant General Cirilito E. Sobejana.

Addresing the men and women of the 55th Engineer Brigade during the 22nd founding anniversary of the unit, LtGen Sobejana emphasized that the role of army engineers means Establishing the Nation's Growth by Introducing Novel, Efficient, and Excellent Response.

He said the support provided by the 55th Engineer Brigade to national flagship projects has enabled the Western Mindanao Command to advance its peacebuilding initiatives in the Bangsamoro region as well as regions 9, 10, and 12.

The army engineers helped construct elementary school buildings, provided engineer support to other AFP units, and assisted local government units in road clearing operations during tropical storms. They also provided assistance to Task Force Bangon Marawi in the clearing of unexploded ordinance and demolition of dilapidated buildings in preparation for the rehabilitation phase.

Moreover, they entered into a Project Partnership Agreement with UN-Habitat for ground development and construction of 50 permanent shelter units in Brgy. Kilalla, Marawi City intended for internally displaced families.

While he commended the accomplishments of the 55th Engineer Brigade in uplifting the well-being of government troops through base development support to AFP units, the CGPA also instructed them to continue helping in the rehabilitation of Marawi stressing the need to accelerate and fast track the recovery of the city.

"Ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagsuporta sa ating kasundaluhan at mga kababayan sa Hilagang Mindanao lalo na Marawi City. Itong Marawi ay kailangan natin tuonan ng pansin dahil sa trauma na na-experience ng ating mga kababayan dito," he said.

LtGen Sobejana further reminded the Army Engineers to be guided by the PA's core values of honor, patriotism, and duty while constructing roads and buildings.

"As you celebrate another year of service, remember that where the road ends war begins. The more we open roads the less we provide maneuver space for the terror groups, be it communist terrorist groups or local terrorist groups," he noted.

LtGen Sobejana also expressed appreciation to the civilian partners and stakeholders and cited their involvement as vital in attaining peace and security.

"Para maisulong natin ang kapayapaan kailangan everybody should be involved because security is a shared responsibility," he said.

The CGPA also pointed out that unity and cooperation is needed in attaining sustainable peace and progress.

"In the name of public service, your Philippine Army is not above you nor below you. We are always beside you so we need to work together," he added.

With the theme ,"Team 55E @22: Kaagapay at Katuwang sa Pagharap ng Bagong Normal Para sa Mapayapa at Maunlad na Bayan," the Brigade's 22nd anniversary celebration was highlighted by with the awarding of medals to its outstanding personnel and units as well as recognition of civilian partners and stakeholders. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057063

PNP acquires P569 millions worth of new equipment, mobility assets to boost mobile patrol operations

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 27, 2020): PNP acquires P569 millions worth of new equipment, mobility assets to boost mobile patrol operations (By Nonette N. Castillo)

 

PNP Chief, Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan (FILE PHOTO)

CALOOCAN CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) --The Philippines National Police bolsters its modernization program under PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan 2030 through acquiring additional equipment and mobility assets worth Php 569 million to enhance mobile patrol operations in communities.

PNP Chief, Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan personally led the blessing of newly-procured equipment coinciding with Monday Flag Raising Ceremony this morning, October 26, in front of the NHQ PNP Building, Camp BGen Rafael T Crame, Quezon City.

“Today, we showcased the Php569-million worth of enabling equipment to fill-up the requirements of PNP units for mobility, firepower, and communications, which are among the key priorities of our capacity-building, modernization, and development agenda,” Cascolan said.

NHQ Bids and Awards Committee Chairman, Police Major General Emmanuel Luis Licup presented to the PNP Chief new mobility assets, and rifles consist of 92 units Patrol Jeep Single Cab, 6 units 4x4 Personnel Carrier, 90 units 1000cc Heavy Motorcycle, 7,700 units Galil Ace 5.56mm Basic Assault Rifle and 434 units Digital Handheld Radio.

Licup said these new police equipment were procured by the NHQ Bids and Awards Committee and the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC).

These new police assets were funded from the Capability Enhancement Programs (CEPs) 2019 and 2020, Congressional Initiative Allocation (CIA) 2019, APEC 2015, and Reserve Agency Fund (RAF) 2018 amounting to Php569,092,642, Licup added.

In its initial program, all new patrol jeep single cabs will be distributed to Municipal Police Stations and 10 units for Misamis Occidental Police Provincial Office.

At the same time, the Maritime Group and Highway Patrol Group will receive 6 units Personnel Carrier and 90 units 1000cc Heavy Motorcycle to boost their operational capabilities.

These new police motorcycles will significantly enhance the PNP’s capability for high-speed tactical police response to street-crimes especially those perpetrated by motorcycle-riding suspects more notoriously known as “riding in tandem,” the PNP Chief said.

“This will be our response to the instructions of President Rodrigo R Duterte to address the increasing crime incidents involving motorcycle-riding suspects,” he added.

In his latest directive, Cascolan signed a memorandum to increase police visibility in streets and major thoroughfares ‘by adding more motorcycle patrols to our existing fleet and initiate refresher training to mounted tactical responders.’

The Mobile Forces and High-Risk Police Stations will be the end-users of the 7,700 units Galil Ace 5.56mm Basic Assault Rifle while the 434 units Digital Handheld Radio will be given to the National Capital Regional Police Office.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057168

Abra IPMRs declare CTGs as persona non grata in ancestral domains

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 27, 2020): Abra IPMRs declare CTGs as persona non grata in ancestral domains (By Christian Allister Tubadeza)

BANGUED, Abra, Oct. 27(PIA) – The Council of Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representatives (IPMR) wants to keep the ancestral domains of the indigenous peoples particularly in the Tingguian municipalities as zones of peace.

In Council Resolution No, 3 series of 2020, IP leaders declared the New Peoples’ Army (NPA), the Communist Party of the Philippines- National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NDFP), and all other left-leaning groups that are considered threat as “persona-non-grata” in all the Tinggian ancestral domains of the province particularly in the municipalities of Tubo, Malibcong, and Lacub .

This is as an expression of their indignation against these communist terrorists groups(CTGs) who adversely affected the peace, order and security of their lands and the people.

Provincial IPMR Romero Daoaten led the municipal IPMRs in signing the resolution declaring CTGs as personan-non-grata during the IP Day celebration in Oct. 21.

Daoaten lauded the IPMRs for their continuous commitment in keeping their areas as zones of peace, in support to Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte “institutionalizing a whole-of-nation approach in ending local communist armed-conflict (ELCAC) towards the attainment of sustainable and inclusive peace.”

Daoaten also calls out to all recruited IP youths to return to the folds of the law.

There are 15 conflict-affected barangays in the province per report of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. Hence, the Provincial Task Force –ELCAC led by Abra Governor Joy Bernos is doubling its efforts to bring all necessary services and projects in these barangays as their strategy to keep the Abrenians from joining any leftist recruitment. (JDP/CAGT – PIA CAR, Abra)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057208

Cotabato City heightens security after grenade blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27, 2020): Cotabato City heightens security after grenade blast (By Edwin Fernandez and Noel Punzalan)

Google map of Cotabato City

COTABATO CITY – The city police office has set up additional checkpoints and deployed more policemen on the streets following a grenade explosion at a residential area here on Monday night.

No one was hurt in the incident but has caused panic among residents of San Pablo Village in this city.

“We are still establishing a lead to the incident,” Capt. Rustom Pastolero, city police station 2 chief, said in an interview on Tuesday.

He said witnesses saw two men standing in front of the house of Engr. Sukarno Sulaik, 50, an employee of the Ministry of Public Works and Highways in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (MPWH-BARMM) and a resident of San Pablo Village, Barangay Rosary Heights 11, before the blast.

“The same witnesses said that at past 6 p.m. the two men hurriedly left the area aboard a motorbike followed by a loud explosion,” Pastolero said.

The grenade landed and exploded near a drainage in front of Sulaik’s home.

Sulaik, who works at MPWH-Maguindanao's first engineering district, told police he has no known enemies and that he is just an ordinary government employee.

Pastolero said bomb experts found the safety lever of the fragmentation grenade near the victim’s home.

As of Monday morning, some 300 additional cops were fielded to strategic sections of the city for law enforcement operations.

Col. Richard Fiesta, city police director, said the 300 new policemen were from the Police Regional Office-BARMM assigned here to augment the existing 250-strong city police office personnel.

“We will also utilize the new cops for our coronavirus disease 2019 checkpoints and security patrols,” Fiesta said in a separate interview Tuesday.

Last week, motorcycle-riding gunmen attempted to kill a male nurse who was driving his car along a busy street here.

After several hours on the same day, a gunman approached a female supervisor at a refreshment store along Sinsuat Avenue and opened fire on the victim who died an hour later at the hospital.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119807

Military helps Sulu IDPs return home

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27, 2020): Military helps Sulu IDPs return home (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Patikul town, Sulu province.

Preparations by the military and the municipality of Patikul, Sulu, are in full swing to ensure the safe return next month of families displaced by skirmishes between government troops and Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits.

Lt. Col. Alaric Avelino Delos Santos, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said Tuesday that some 209 families in Barangay Maligay are set to return home on November 5, and at least 224 families in Barangay Kabbon Takas.

Delos Santos said they are among the 1,078 families from seven barangays of Patikul that fled their homes at the height of the offensive against the ASG bandits in recent years.

The offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, which Delos Santos described as the “center of gravity of the ASG,” started in 2016.

Currently, the Army official said only Patikul is known to have an ASG presence.

Patikul is the biggest town among the 19 municipalities of Sulu. It is a third-class town comprising 30 barangays with a population of 62,287 based on the 2015 census.

Local officials and Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the 11th Infantry Division, initiated the “Balik Barangay Program” and enlisted other government agencies' assistance to ensure the safe return of displaced families.

Aside from building houses, the municipal government of Patikul, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and other government agencies under the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) also built a water system and other basic needs of a community.

Ahajuli Ahajani, the chairperson of Barangay Kabbon Takas, attributed the villagers' return to the "determination and sacrifice of the soldiers".

“If it’s not with their determination and sacrifices, we could never go back to our place again,” Ahajani said.

The residents of Barangays of Maligay and Kabbon Takas are the fourth and fifth batches of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from seven affected villages to return to their homes since they evacuated in 2017 to nearby areas.

The first three IDP batches are from Barangays Liang, Bungkaong, and Tugas; the other two affected barangays are Panglayahan and Pansul.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119836

Army exec cites housing project for ex-NPAs in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27, 2020): Army exec cites housing project for ex-NPAs in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)

Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade. (PNA file photo by Alexander Lopez)

Providing decent homes to former rebels will ensure a better future for their families and entice members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to abandon the movement and go back to their families and communities, an Army official said Tuesday.

This, as Brig. Gen. Maurito Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde), also commended the National Housing Authority's (NHA) support to the former rebels in the region.

“We are elated that our former rebels can avail the NHA housing assistance with the easing of the requirements to comply and the allocation of funds for the program,” Licudine said in a statement Tuesday.

The housing program is now part of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), Licudine said.

“A total of 222 former rebels under the 402nd Brigade were already awarded the ECLIP program while another 119 have already gone through processing and are waiting for the release of their aid and support from the program,” Licudine said.

Another 83 former rebels who recently surrendered to the different battalions of the brigade are set to be enrolled for ECLIP, the Army official said, adding that 91 rebel returnees have availed of the housing program.

“The government is now implementing all-inclusive programs for our former rebels, from skills and technical training to the provision of livelihood and assistance and lately, the support for their housing,” Licudine said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119862

Monitoring of all threats part of AFP mandate: Parlade

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27, 2020): Monitoring of all threats part of AFP mandate: Parlade (By Priam Nepomuceno)

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

Southern Luzon Command (SoLCom) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., on Monday said it is the duty of the military to monitor all threats to national security.

"The Armed Forces of the Philippines is mandated to monitor all threats to national security pursuant to its constitutional mandate to defend and protect the Republic from enemies within and without- inside and outside our borders," Parlade said in a statement forwarded to the Philippine News Agency Monday.

Defending the country and its people from threats within and outside is the mandate of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), he added.

"It is therefore just right that the monitoring of threats by prominent personalities associated with the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF - like Neri Colmenares and representatives of the Makabayan Bloc - is part of the AFP and security sector's job," Parlade said, referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front.

Monitoring of the CPP-NPA-NDF, he said, is called for as Presidential Proclamation 374 series 2017 declared the group as a terrorist organization and paved the way for the creation of the NTF ELCAC thru Executive Order 70.

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

"We've been doing it in the West Philippine Seas, the backdoor, the white areas, and even before the ATL was passed," he added.

ATL or the Anti-Terrorism Law or Act, also known as Republic Act 2020, was signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on July 3 and had its implementing rules and regulations finalized on October 14.

"The Anti-Terrorism Law has everything to do with the sacred duty of each and every man and woman in uniform to defend and protect the Republic of the Philippines and its citizens," said Parlade, also spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

With the passage of the ATL, he said, days of communist terrorists and their allies getting off scot-free after committing atrocities and abuses will soon be gone.

"With the Anti-Terrorism Law, the outrage of terrorists and those who provide them with material support sufficient enough to hurt our citizens and destroying our country getting off the hook will be a thing of the past," he added.

He said the long arm of the law will finally catch up with these people and giving the Philippines a chance for genuine peace.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119866

Parlade warning to Liza a ‘sibling-like’ advice

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27, 2020): Parlade warning to Liza a ‘sibling-like’ advice (By Marita Moaje)

Southern Luzon Command (SoLCom) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. (left) and actress Liza Soberano (right)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. clarified anew that he was not red-tagging actress Liza Soberano but was giving her a “warning” as if she was his younger sister.

“Hindi ako nag red-tag, hindi ko sila ni red tag itong sila Liza Soberano. In fact , ako’y nagwa-warning lang and it's not even a threat, walang threat doon. Parang advice lang ito ng isang kapatid sa nakakabatang kapatid na babae na iwasan itong grupo na ito kase baka hindi nyo kilala itong grupong ito (Definitely I was not red-tagging Liza Soberano, in fact, I was giving her a warning, not a threat. It’s like brotherly advice to a younger sister to avoid this group because she might not truly know who this group is),” Parlade said in an interview with international blogger Maharlika on Saturday.

Parlade said different media entities twisted and misquoted him in his statements regarding Soberano.

He said netizens who did not read his entire statement accused him of red-tagging the actress.

He added that the issue was further used by different Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) legal front organizations to advance their advocacy and sow hatred against the military and the government.

He said he does not want young women like Soberano to be used by these leftist groups.

Parlade named three women whom he said were members of the Gabriela Youth -- Jo Lapira, Ren Manalo, and Camille Manangan.

He said Lapira, Manalo, and Manangan were recently killed in encounters between the military and the members of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“They are officials of the Gabriela Youth. Jo Lapira was the secretary-general from UP Manila. I need to mention their names because they clashed with the police and the military. One died in Palawan, one in Mindoro, and one in Nasugbu, Jo Lapira, together with 16 other members of the NPA. All of them were armed,” Parlade said in a mix of English and Filipino.

He said the three women all started as Gabriela members and officials but ended up joining the armed movement.

Parlade said young women who are recruited by these groups may not be able to identify that they are crossing the line from being plain activists to becoming terrorists.

“I was explaining that if one does not take necessary precautions, they might not notice that they are already crossing towards underground organizations and eventually join the New People’s Army, the armed revolution. They are young, beautiful, and intelligent and might be used to attract other young people,” Parlade said.

Parlade said the advocacies of Soberano are legitimate and that he understands her because he also has daughters and younger sisters.

However, he said influential artists like her should be educated and given correct information.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119917

PH on SCS: No concession, infraction left unanswered

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27, 2020): PH on SCS: No concession, infraction left unanswered (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (File photo)

The Philippines would concede nothing when it comes to its territorial claims in the South China Sea (SCS), Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. reiterated Tuesday.

"That's how we are doing it now-- no concessions. We allow no infraction to go unanswered and then we just try to see if we can also cooperate on other fields such as the fact that China is the rising economy in the world," he said during an Asia Society webcast.

He added that the Philippines had lodged a multitude of diplomatic protests against every incursion that China has made.

"When I was in the UN (United Nations) I used to say that firing diplomatic protest is like throwing paper on a brick wall but I was told 'No don't be like that, it has a significance in international law, once you let one infraction pass then it establishes a bad precedent which gives the world an excuse to yield you to the stronger and richer power.' You don't give them an excuse," Locsin said. “And that's why we have started to build up our, not exactly our Blue Water Navy, but we have enough Corvettes swarming the areas, because that's the Chinese strategy-- to swarm the areas also with the fishing boats.”

Locsin said Manila is resolved to protect "every inch" of its sovereignty and sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea under international law and as "clarified and affirmed" by the 2016 arbitral award.

At the UN, President Rodrigo Duterte himself underscored that the landmark ruling, which invalidated China's massive nine-dash claims in the SCS, is now part of international law beyond compromise.

"The Philippines won the award with zero help from anybody and with great hindrance from most. It welcomes international support for the award, better late than never, but in no way the Philippines acknowledge that support as adding an iota to the legal stature of the award," Locsin said.

He said Manila continues to apply a dual-track approach in dealing with China by separating talks on territorial disputes and economic development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119925