WESTMINCOM: ASG subleaders, members yield to Sulu troops

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Dec 11, 2020): ASG subleaders, members yield to Sulu troops

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City - December 11, 2020

Two Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leaders and 13 of their members submitted themselves to the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu on December 11, 2020, the WestMinCom Commander said.

According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, "The two sub-leaders were identified as Alvin Yusop, a.k.a. Arab Puti under senior leader Radulan Sahiron; and Barahim Nurjahar under deceased senior leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan".

Both subleaders surrendered through the concerted effort of the 1101st and 1102nd Infantry Brigades.

According to 1102Bde Commander Ignatius Patrimonio, Arab Puti was a kidnapper and a close-in of Sahiron. His family convinced him to surrender because his mother suffered stroke.

Moreover, Arab Puti stated that aside from wanting to take care of his sick mother, he also want to change for the better for the sake of his four children. 

Meanwhile, government forces also have long been in the hunt for the then ASG subleader Barahim Nurjahar. 

1101Bde Commander Col. Antonio Bautista, Jr. said, "The presence of government troops drove out Nurjahar from his stronghold and caused him to starve. Realizing that his struggle has no sense, he approached the MNLF Jikiri faction who then linked him to us for his proper surrender."

"Nurjahar was the man behind the kidnapping of the sister of one of the mayors of Sulu. He is subject for a legal proceedings and is now willing to cooperate with government forces," Col. Bautista added.
The 15 and their 14 surrendered firearms were presented to JTF Sulu Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales in a ceremony facilitated by the two brigade commanders.

In his message, Maj. Gen. Gonzales was very glad to welcome the surrendered personalities to the mainstream society.

"I commend both the Ganarul and Gagandilan troopers. Imagine, even Arab Puti, the ringleader of the ASG's urban criminal group around 2017 and the most trusted subordinate of Radulan Sahiron came to his senses and laid down his arms."

 
Among the surrendered personalities were the two sons of ASG subleader and kidnapper Apoh Mike namely: Muarip Adja, a.k.a. Arip and Hatimil Adja, a.k.a. Timmir. 

41st Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. James Erasmus Gagni revealed that Adja was present when ASG senior leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan died. 

Lt. Col. Gagni further said that the successful surrender of the two was a result of their community support program and their peace covenant with the residents of Maimbung.

Further, Maj. Gen. Gonzales said that all returnees will be enrolled in the livelihood programs of the government. 

"We are teaming up with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and the Office of the Governor so that you can start a new life. Go on and raise your kids to be peace-loving citizens. Tell the others (ASG members), tell Apoh Mike, that they are welcome so long as they are sincere, willing to face the rule of law, and most of all, ready to cooperate in our fight for peace here in Sulu," Maj. Gen. Gonzales said addressing the returnees.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeofNationApproach

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1935648623243851/1935648283243885/

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

CPP-NPA-NDF members declared persona non grata in 1,546 LGUS — DILG

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 11, 2020): CPP-NPA-NDF members declared persona non grata in 1,546 LGUS — DILG (By: Katrina Hallare)

INDIGNATION. A resident of Claveria, Misamis Oriental burns a flag of the New People’s Army during a rally that condemned rebel atrocities in the town. (Jigger J. Jerusalem)

A total of 1,546 local government units (LGUs) nationwide have declared members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata in their localities, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Friday.

In a statement, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said that out of the 1,715 LGUs nationwide, 1,546 of these — namely 64 provinces, 110 cities and 1,372 municipalities — have passed resolutions declaring members of the group as persona non grata.

Meanwhile, the remaining 169 LGUs, Año added, are in “various stages of deliberation in their respective provincial, city, and municipal councils.”

The DILG said that based on its records, six out of the 17 regions nationwide have already reached a 100 percent declaration of persona non grata to the CPP-NPA-NDF members, namely Central Luzon, Central Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) and Cordillera Administrative Region.



Interior Secretary Eduardo Año. INQUIRER.net file photo / NOY MORCOSO

In Metro Manila, Año said that nine of the Metro Manila LGUs have already passed resolutions declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata – Caloocan, Las Piñas, Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Pasig, Quezon, San Juan, and Valenzuela.

Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, in a text message to INQUIRER.net, confirmed that the city has declared the Communists rebels as persona non grata.

“Much like the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, we need to finally end this very old problem using a whole-of-nation approach, and the support from our LGUs gives us great assurance that we are not alone in this war against these atheists, Maoists terrorists,” Año said.

The DILG chief added that he is expecting more LGUs to declare the communist rebels persona non grata.

“The DILG is looking forward to seeing more LGUs join us in this fight against Communist terrorism. We cannot allow these groups to continue killing people, the time has come to finally put an end to their wicked ways,” he added.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) earlier recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte not to declare a suspension of military operations with the NPA during he Christmas holiday season, and pointed out that the other side showed “incapacity for sincerity and for being unfaithful to a covenant….many times in the past.”

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (MALACAÑANG PHOTO)

Duterte, in a taped address Monday night, heeded with the AFP’s recommendation, and declared that there will be no ceasefire with communist rebels this holiday season — or “ever again” — during his term as President.

In the same address, Duterte also declared that the peace talks with the NDF were likewise “dead.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1370609/cpp-npa-ndf-members-declared-persona-non-grata-in-1546-lgus-dilg

QC mayor denies declaring CPP-NPA-NDF members persona non grata

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 11, 2020): QC mayor denies declaring CPP-NPA-NDF members persona non grata (By: Katrina Hallare)

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Friday contradicted statement of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Ano that the city has declared members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata.

“I never said this,” Belmonte told INQUIRER.net in a text message when asked if Quezon City issued such a declaration.

Año, in a statement, said that Quezon City is one of the nine Metro Manila local government units that passed a resolution declaring that CPP-NPA-NDF members are not welcome in their cities.

Other Metro Manila LGUs cited by the DILG are Navotas, Valenzuela, Pasig, Muntinlupa, Mandaluyong, Las Piñas, Caloocan and San Juan.



DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (file photo)

A total of 1,546 LGUs nationwide have declared members of the CPP-NPA-NDF as persona non grata, Ano said.

Belmonte, meanwhile, reiterated that Quezon City is an “inclusive city.”

“I make it clear every time that we are an inclusive city, where people are free to express their views, so long as we all follow the rule of law and behave ourselves accordingly.” 

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

“Just spoke to Manny Borromeo our DILG local director, and he says nothing of this nature was said coming from the city level. He’s checking now with the DILG Central Office,” she added.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1370677/belmonte-contradicts-dilg-denies-qc-declared-communist-rebels-as-persona-non-grata

Opinion: ‘Tis no Leila’s dilemma that communists have infiltrated Congress

Opinion piece posted to The Manila Times (Dec 11, 2020): ‘Tis no Leila’s dilemma that communists have infiltrated Congress (By Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr.)

By Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.

WHY, Sen. Leila de Lima, do you seem so worried about the recent goings-on at the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leadership?

You keep referring to certain CPP personalities as National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants. Don’t you suppose this only serves to confirm your complicity with communists who manage to gain their freedom during peace talks? As a lawyer, you should be well aware that those you continue to call “NDF peace consultants,” for not returning to jail, must be deemed fugitives of the law.

Oh, yes, Madam Senator, you know those “consultants” violated the agreement. They were released temporarily so they could participate in the peace negotiations back in 2017 between the government and the rebels. But that was on condition that once the negotiations were over, they would return to jail. President Duterte terminated the negotiations, and yet what did those “consultants” do? Did they return to jail as per agreement? Not one of them.

Randall Echanis, a ranking member of the CPP, made himself scarce after the peace talks ended. Too bad that he could not conceal himself from his own ilk who, for reasons only known to them, killed him in a knife attack right inside his hideout. As for Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, they proved smarter, rushing off to the sanctuary of communist terrorist jungles pronto. Ditto Tirso Alcantara.

Who else?

Well, there too, were Agaton Topacio and Eugenia Magpantay whom Senator de Lima has taken occasion to raise hell about. Last Nov. 25, 2020, a joint law enforcement operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police to serve arrest and search warrants to the two in a house in Mahabang Parang, Angono, Rizal, resulted in their wounding and eventual death while being rushed to the nearest hospital.

As far as the government is concerned, Topacio was actually @Boy/Manong/Ivean/Ching/Cosme, staff, national military commission, CPP; member, central committee, CPP; and former secretary and head, regional operations command (ROC), Central Luzon revolutionary committee.

Magpantay, on the other hand, was @Reming/Bess/Milan/Manang, head, national education department; member, central committee; member, politburo; member, execom; and member, caretaker body, all of CPP.

They were discovered to have been hiding at a safehouse in 12 Kinglet Street, Meralco Village, Mahabang Parang, Angono, Rizal and were being arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for murder with Criminal Case # 1879-P, and search warrants 20-005, 006, 007, 008; and for attempted homicide with Criminal Case # 3124, and search warrant 20-005, 006, 007, 008. Defying arrest, they shot it out with the arresting officers.

Recovered from the suspects were the following: an M653 rifle, two cal .45 pistols, two fragmentation grenades, and several electronic devices.

That Senator de lima would decry the incident as one more case of human rights violation is no longer surprising. She is only being true to form. She is the cousin of another de Lima from Tigaon, Camarines Sur, one named Julie, the wife of Jose Maria Sison, the CPP founder. Truly as I wrote last time, santol does not fall too far from its tree.

When rebels die from fire from government forces, Leila cries out to the heavens, calling the incident a violation of human rights. But when government soldiers are downed by New People’s Army (NPA) combatants, does she even utter a hoot? Not even a whimper.

Remember the case of the Morong 38, a group of some 43 rebels masquerading as health workers but caught red-handed by a combined team of police and military, with arms and ammunition, improvised explosive devices and subversive documents of the CPP/NPA/NDF. But due to loopholes in the then Human Rights Law, de lima, who was the chairman of the Commission on Human Right sat the time, left no stone unturned in securing the release of those arrested — but for five who admitted their membership in the CPP/NPA and turned state witnesses. The five testified that the 38 were just like any of them. But the 38 had beaten it quick. Next we heard is that years later, in varied encounters with government soldiers, many of the 38 had died as NPA rebels, the latest being Lorrelaine Saligumba who was killed in Baco, Oriental Mindoro.

Current developments show how extensive the communist terrorist uprising of the CPP/NPA/NDF has infiltrated the major sectors of Philippine society.

Now bring that infiltration to the very heart of the country’s legislature, are we not nearing the communist terroristic coup de grace?

Those in the legislature, whether senators like the Hontiveroses and the Pangilinans, or congressmen like Edcel Lagman and the self-proclaimed Makabayan bloc, who are better off dubbed Kamatayan bloc, have to be engaged intensely now for what they are obviously protecting. Like Senator de lima, they sound unabashedly like protectors and coddlers of the CPP. They may not be cogs in the enormous CPP/NPA/NDF machinery, but they surely sound like allies helping these termites eating into the very fabric of the Republic. They refuse to accept the declaration of the former cadres of the CPP during the Senate inquiry. They continue to believe that the CPP and its allied organizations are simply progressive elements of society. Why?

The CPP may not be in a stage of collapse yet, but unless the government, especially the legislative branch, seizes the decisive point now, we may miss this opportunity to once and for all end this communist insurgency now.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/11/opinion/columnists/tis-no-leilas-dilemma-that-communists-have-infiltrated-congress/807978/

NDF-Mindanao spokesman killed; journo, union organizer arrested on Int’l Human Rights Day

From CNN Philippines (Dec 10, 2020): NDF-Mindanao spokesman killed; journo, union organizer arrested on Int’l Human Rights Day

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 10) — A National Democratic Front spokesman was killed, while a journalist and a trade union organizer were arrested in separate incidents on Thursday, coinciding with the annual observance of the International Human Rights Day.

The Communist Party of the Philippines said that Alvin Luque, a spokesperson of the NDF in Mindanao, and a companion did not die in a gun fight but were killed by military forces on early Thursday in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

The Philippine National Police earlier said that law enforcers were supposed to serve an arrest warrant when the suspects opened fire at arresting officers.

However, the CPP pointed out that it was impossible for 51-year-old Luque to get into a gun fight as he was still recovering from paralysis.

“A few months ago, he was physically debilitated and could not walk after he underwent intense physical struggles amid heavy enemy operations and counter-guerrilla maneuvers,” the CPP said in a statement.

The PNP said that a joint order from the Department of National Defense and the Department of Interior and Local Government offered P6 million reward for any information that would lead to Luque’s arrest.

The PNP added that Luque is a subject of four separate warrants of arrest issued by four local courts in Agusan del Sur and Agusan del Norte for kidnapping with serious illegal detention, attempted murder, and violation of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012.
Arrested

On the same day, a journalist and a trade union organizer were arrested by the police in separate operations.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said Lady Ann Salem was arrested in her house in Mandaluyong City at 9am.

Salem is an editor of alternative media outfit Manila Today and communications officer of the International Association of Women in Radio and Television.

Meanwhile, union organizer Dennise Velasco was also arrested in his residence in Quezon City at 2am.

On the same day, journalist Lady Ann Salem (left) and trade union organizer Denisse Velasco (right) were arrested by the police in separate operations.

In a statement, the police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group – National Capital Region said Salem and Velasco were among the seven individuals arrested today as part of its campaign against loose firearms and criminal gangs.

The arrests were based on search warrants issued by Quezon City Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos-Villavert.

Seized from Salem were .45 pistols, grenades, and ammunition, among others. An armalite, pistols, and ammunition were seized from Velasco.

However, labor group Defend Jobs Philippines claimed law enforcers planted the evidence against Velasco. It added that the arrest came a week after the reported surveillance in their head office.

"This kind of attack and harassment against trade unionists and labor rights advocates must end. We cry foul over Velasco's arrest being done in time of human rights day," said the group in a statement.

The NUJP also slammed the arrest of Salem, noting that Manila Today was one of the alternative media outfits that was red-tagged in a recent Senate hearing.

"Icy's (Salem) arrest is proof this administration is bent on silencing the independent and critical Philippine media so it can manipulate the flow of information to the detriment of our people and of our democracy," the NUJP said.

The CIDG said cases for violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law and Illegal Possession of Explosives are being prepared against the arrested individuals, including Salem and Velasco.

Work and struggle required

Meanwhile, Vice President Leni Robredo said that upholding human rights and dignity requires work and struggle for their realization.

“Upholding every person's rights and dignity does not end with token recognition, but requires work and struggle for their full realization,” she said in a statement.

“Fighting for the rights of the voiceless, the powerless, the unpopular, or even simply those on the other side of an increasingly vicious political divide, has never been more difficult, but also, never more critical,” added Robredo.

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/12/10/Journo--union-organizer-arrested-International-Human-Rights-Day-.html?fb

ReCAAP: 11 Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships In Asia During November

Posted to the Hellenic Shipping News (Dec 11, 2020): ReCAAP: 11 Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships In Asia During November

In November 2020, 11 incidents of armed robbery against ships¹ were reported in Asia. No piracy² incident was reported. With these incidents, the total number of incidents from January to November 2020 was 95 incidents, which represents an increase of 36% compared to the same period of 2019 (70 incidents).The ReCAAP ISC is concerned with the overall increase of incidents in Asia, particularly the continued occurrence of incidents (robberies and thefts) in the Singapore Strait. Six incidents were reported in the Singapore Strait in November 2020.

With these, a total of 34 incidents were reported in the Singapore Strait during January-November 2020 comprising 30 incidents occurred in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), two incidents in the precautionary area, one incident in the westbound lane of the TSS and one incident just outside (south) of the TSS. There was no report of abduction of crew in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah, Malaysia in November 2020. However, the abduction of crew for ransom remains a serious concern as demonstrated by the Warning issued on 2 July by the ReCAAP ISC on a planned abduction of crew by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and a kidnap-for-ransom plan of ASG members thwarted by the Joint Task Force of Sulu on 3 November.

NOVEMBER 2020NUMBER OF INCIDENTS

In November 2020, 11 incidents of armed robbery against ships were reported in Asia. All incidents were actual incidents³. No attempted incident⁴ was reported. All incidents have been verified and reported to the ReCAAP ISC by ReCAAP Focal Points and regional authorities. Refer to the Appendix for the ‘Description of incidents (November 2020)’ on pages 24-28.

Source: ReCAAP

https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/recaap-11-piracy-and-armed-robbery-against-ships-in-asia-during-november/

Gov’t can only accept 3,000 Muslim rebels into PNP –OPAPP exec

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 10, 2020): Gov’t can only accept 3,000 Muslim rebels into PNP –OPAPP exec (By Ellson Quismorio)

Only 3,000 rebels can be integrated to the Bangsamoro police force next year out of a list of 40,000.

This was bared by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary Wilben Mayor Wednesday during a virtual hearing of the House Committee on Mindanao Affairs.

At the hearing, panel chairman and Lanao del Norte 1st district Rep. Khalid Dimaporo asked Mayor for an update on the normalization track of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which covers the recruitment of ex-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) into the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP will oversee the eventual police force in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which the BOL created.

“The provision of the law is already there. It’s a matter of the implementation of that particular provision of the law on how the MILF and MNLF will enter the Philippine National Police…the budget is already there,” said Mayor, who was an invited resource person.

Asked how many ex-rebels the Philippine government (GRP) was expecting to convert into cops based on the available budget for next year, the OPAPP official said: “As per PNP info Mr. Chair, they have allocated for 3,000 recruits or applicants for that particular provision of the law for MILF, MNLF, as well as other applicants for the Bangsamoro police force.”

Dimaporo, sounding a bit worried, replied: “We have an inventory of 40,000 combatants to be normalized. It might be more than 3,000 who want to join the police force. Or are you saying that that’s the agreement between MILF and GRP?”

“There’s no agreement actually as to the number…During our talks with the technical working group which included the PNP, DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) and Napolcom (National Police Commission), this is the initial number that they want to process,” explained Mayor.

However, he said that the figure could increase based on how many recruits the PNP thinks it can accommodate.

“I’m sure you understand that even the DILG and PNP have budgetary constraints so they can’t simply increase the number of 3,000 mid-next year,” Dimaporo said.

The Mindanao lawmaker also noted that the original plan calls for the normalization phase to be finished in July 2021.

Dimaporo also said that the government managed to retrieve only 7,000 firearms from the 40,000 listed rebels.

Earlier, a resolution was filed in the Bangsamoro parliament asking Congress to extend the transition period of the expanded autonomous government up to the year 2025. The transition window is supposed to lapse in 2022, as stated in the BOL.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/10/govt-can-only-accept-3000-muslim-rebels-into-pnp-opapp-exec/

CPP/CIO: Reaksyon sa ipinagmamalaki ng DILG na 1,546 LGUs na nagdeklarang persona non grata ang CPP-NPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Dec 12, 2020): Reaksyon sa ipinagmamalaki ng DILG na 1,546 LGUs na nagdeklarang persona non grata ang CPP-NPA

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

DECEMBER 12, 2020

Ang tanong, bakit hindi pa nila nagawang lahat ng 1,715 na LGU na i-declare na “persona non grata” ang CPP at NPA? Tutal, pinipilit lang naman nila ang mga LGU na pumirma sa template declaration na gawa ng DILG, sa bantang hindi sila mabibigyan ng pabor sa pondo.

Ang “persona non grata” drive ng DILG ay katulad lang ng paggamit ni Duterte sa “narcolist” para paluhurin o obligahin ang mga local officials na sumunod sa dikta ni Duterte sa bantang ipapapatay sila, o sa minimum, ipakukulong.

Karamihan sa mga ito ay bunga lang ng pamimilit at hindi tunay na kusang-loob. Marami nga sa mga naghapag ng resolution ay mga batallion commander pa mismo. Alam namin ito dahil bago sila pumirma, maraming mga local officials sa iba’t ibang prubinsya at mga bayan ang nakipag-ugnayan sa mga lokal na lider ng Partido at NPA at nagpabatid muna na sila ay pipirma. “Compliance lang,” ang sabi nila, para daw hindi sila mapag-initan.

Kung batay sa konstitusyong 1987, walang legal basis o bisa itong “persona non grata” declaration. Katunayan, sinasabi ng ilang ekspertong ligal na taliwas ito sa mga saligang karapatan. May mga kaso nang ginagamit ito sa paglabag sa karapatan ng mga tao na mag-organisa ng kanilang mga samahan. May mga peasant organizers ang hinaharang ng mga sundalo sa simpleng dahilan na “maka-Kaliwa” ang kanilang grupo.

Pilit ring ginagamit ng AFP ang mga LGU sa “surrender drive” ng AFP sa mga baryo na lumalabag sa karapatan ng mga sibilyan na pinipilit magtaas ng kamay matapos silang paratangang “NPA” kahit wala naman pormal na habla. Pinapipirma lang ang mga tao sa blangkong papel o attendance sheet para sa pamimigay ng mga grocery bag tapos palalabasin na silang “surrenderee.” Nadadamay dito pati ang mga bata. Siyempre, malaking pera ito para sa mga upisyal ng militar na silang kumokontrol sa pondo para sa “integration program,” atbp. Hindi bababa sa P1 milyon ang kaya nilang ibulsa sa bawat 20 pangalang mailista nila.

Itong ipinagmamalaki ng DILG na “persona non grata” drive ay nagpapakita kung papaanong mabilis na naglalaho ang “civilian control over the military” sa ilalim ni Duterte dahil ginawa na niyang centerpiece program niya ang counterinsurgency na nagbibigay ng palaki nang palaking kapangyarihan sa AFP. Kabaligtaran ng susunod ang military at pulis sa ano ang sasabihin ng civilian official, ang nangyayari ngayon ay “kung ano ang sabihin ng military at PNP, siyang dapat masunod.” Ang mismong DILG ay ipinailalim sa kontrol ng isang heneral.

Sa pamamagitan ng sinasabing “whole of government approach” (na sikretong kinaiinisan ng maraming local officials) nagawang ma-institutionalize ang military control sa lahat ng aspeto ng civil rule. Lahat ng kapangyarihan ay nagmumula ngayon sa National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), kung saan lahat ng programa ng mga ahensya ng gubyerno ay kailangan aprubado ng AFP at nagsisilbi sa counterinsurgency.

Pero marami ring mga local officials na malakas-lakas ang loob nang hindi sila pumayag sa “persona non grata” drive ng DILG, tulad ng Manila, Quezon City, Iloilo City, Cavite province atbp.

Mas matalino sila kaysa DILG dahil nakikita nila na hindi madadaan sa ganoong mga deklarasyon ang paglutas sa usapin ng armadong tunggalian sa Pilipinas. Sa halip nga na makatulong, nakikita nilang lalo pa iyong nakasisira sa tsansang madaan sa negosasyong pangkapayapaan ang paglutas sa rumaragasang gera sibil sa bansa.

https://cpp.ph/statements/reaksyon-sa-ipinagmamalaki-ng-dilg-na-1546-lgus-na-nagdeklarang-persona-non-grata-ang-cpp-npa/

Kalinaw News: Army aids in the safe embarkation of PhilSys Registration Kits

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 12, 2020): Army aids in the safe embarkation of PhilSys Registration Kits



Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental – The 302nd Infantry Brigade provided security, manpower and transportation assistance to Philippine Statistics Authority-Negros Oriental Provincial Office on Friday, December 11, 2020.

A Philippine Navy ship BRP Ivatan (LC298) skippered by Commander Paul Anthony Yamamoto docked at Dumaguete Sea port, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental carrying a total of 6,482.3 kg of National Identification System (PhilSys) Registration Kits to be distributed to Province of Negros Oriental.

The registration kits, each composed of a luggage of equipment and a photobooth kit, will be used during PhilSys registration Step 2, specifically in capturing the biometric information of applicants at the designated registration center of each Municipality and City.

Engr. Ariel T Fortuito, PSA Negros Oriental Provincial Office Chief Statistical Specialist thanked the Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army and other Government Agencies for the assistance ensuring the safe and unhampered delivery of the registration kits.

“PSA Negros Oriental is very grateful to receive the one hundred ninety-seven (197) sets of registration kits for the Philippine ID System. The kits will be distributed to all Cities and Municipalities of the province where we will establish the LGU-Based Registration centers to cater registrants for the National ID,” said Fortuito.

Meanwhile, Colonel Leonardo I Peña, Commander, 302IBde said that, “The National ID system will help law enforcement agencies to track down criminals and terrorists easily and prevent these lawless elements from obtaining false identities to carry out illegal activities.”
“This will also enable our government to have a more efficient system to implement social assistance programs such as delivery of basic services as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in times of emergencies. Transactions then will be made easier,” said COL PEŇA.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-aids-in-the-safe-embarkation-of-philsys-registration-kits/

Kalinaw News: Another batch of Former Rebels undergo month long De-Radicalization and Healing & Reconciliation Program

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 12, 2020): Another batch of Former Rebels undergo month long De-Radicalization and Healing & Reconciliation Program



Maco, Davao de Oro – Another batch composed of Seventeen (17) Former Rebels completed the month long program which took about Ten (10) Days De-Radicalization Program which started last November 23 to December 02, 2020 conducted at BALAI PAG-ASA, Headquarters 1001st BDE, Brgy Maco, Davao de Oro.

The De-Radicalization Program objectives is to de-radicalize former members of CPP-NPA terrorist and transform them into law-abiding citizens and productive advocates of peace, to prepare the FRs for their admission to the E-CLIP and to ensure that FR’s will not return to the CPP-NPA Terrorist organization. This Derad phase focused on the Four (4) modules that re-directs and re-orient the FRs from the indoctrination of the CPP-NPA Terrorist that requires subject matter expert that is credible and also a former rebel and subsequently followed by Healing and Reconciliation Program of PSWDO, Davao de Oro Province.

The Frs were former Squad Leader, Logistics Officer, Team Leader, Political Guide, Team Medic, Squad Medic and Member/Element of various Guerilla Fronts such as: WGF 33, SRC 4,SMRC; Front North, SRC 1,SMRC; WGF 2, SRC 2, SMRC and WGF 3, SRC 4, SMRC. They were from municipalities of Laak, Monkayo, Compostela, Montevista, Mawab all of Davao De Oro; Loreto of Agusan Del Sur and Kapalong of Davao del Norte

The closing ceremony were attended by HON. JAYVEE TYRONE L UY, Governor, Province of Davao De Oro, represented by MR. JUN TABAS, Executive Assistant and Media Relations Officer; MS. JOSEPHINE FRASCO, PSWDO Head; MGEN REUBEN S BASIAO, PA, Commander, 10ID, PA, represented by COL NOMAN ALCOVINDAS GSC (INF) PA, Inspector General, 10ID, PA and COL LUIS REX D BERGANTE INF(GSC) PA, Commander, 1001st Brigade, represented by MAJ LARRY C PANCHO INF(QMS) PA, Executive Officer, 1001st Brigade.

Tatay Isidoro @ JUN and the rest of the Fr participants detested the lies and deceit of CPP-NPA-NDF that lured them to join the armed group which objective is to destroy the existing democratic government through armed struggle.

In the testimony of @ BIHAN he said “ Nag pasalamat jud me sa Derad kay dire amo jud nasabtan nga dakong bakak ang ilang gitudlo sa amoa, nga tama jud ang pagka patriyotiko og ang pagka nasyunalismo, Og makita sa gobyerno ang tinood nga demokrasya, paglaum og kalambuan sa kinabuhi, busa kita awhagon nato ang uban sa kalihokan sa pag surrender og pagbalik sa sabakan sa gobyerno og sa gihimong Healing og Reconciliation nga amoang nabatian ang paghigugma sa atong ginoo “.

Likewise, Gov. Uy’s message, as delivered by Mr. Jun Tabas congratulates them as they embraced now the life of a normal citizen. In his speech he said that “ Sa Genesis ni ingon ang ginoo, kung kining mga tawhana magtapok og kung kamo mga anghel og iya na sa Ginoo mudaug ta sa katarong og tinood na gobyerno, tinood na sandatahang lakas og tinood na demokrasya kung magkahiusa kita”.

Col Bergante, 1001st Bde Commander expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Government of Davao De Oro and all partner stakeholders for their support to this Deradicalization and Healing & Reconciliation Program. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders/partners under the guidelines of EO 70 NTF-ELCAC to established a conflict-reselient and development ready community.

[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/another-batch-of-former-rebels-undergo-month-long-de-radicalization-and-healing-reconciliation-program/

Kalinaw News: LGU of Maimbung Hand Over 5 ASG to 41IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 11, 2020): LGU of Maimbung Hand Over 5 ASG to 41IB

MATATAL, MAIMBUNG, Sulu – In collaboration and cooperation with the Local Government Unit of Maimbung, five local terrorists surrendered to the 41st Infantry “Partner for Peace” Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel James Erasmus F Gagni early morning today, December 10, 2020.

The surrendered personalities were identified as Aljinar S Hasim, 20, resident of Barangay Mabahay, Talipao; Muarip Adjah “Arip”, 55, resident of Barangay Laum, Maimbung; Banjimar Kakim Siring “Titi”, 29, resident of Barangay Bulabog, Maimbung; Alal Jul Isman Jupakkal, 57, resident of Barangay Kappok Punggol, Maimbung; and Nadzrin Asaddi Ellami, 20, resident of Barangay Timmudas, Pata all of Sulu.

“The five voluntarily surrendered themselves to the 41st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Matatal, Maimbung, Sulu as a result of the CSP-PCVE Grand Pulong-pulong and Covenant Signing conducted at Barangay Tabu-bato and Barangay Upper Tambaking all of Maimbung, Sulu. One of the surrenderee is identified as a son of ASG Sub-leader Majar Sahidjuan “Apoh Mike,” said Lt. Col. Gagni.

The surrenderees handed over one (1) M14 US rifle, one (1) M79, one (1) Caliber .45 UZI, and one .45 pistol.

The 41st Infantry “Partner for Peace” troopers will continue to pursue the remaining terrorists to return in the folds of the law as we sustain the harmonious relationship and gain support from our partners, stakeholders, and the local government of Maimbung, Sulu.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/lgu-of-maimbung-hand-over-5-asg-to-41ib/

Kalinaw News: Two subleaders and 13 other ASG bandits surrender to Alakdan Division

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 11, 2020): Two subleaders and 13 other ASG bandits surrender to Alakdan Division

December 11, 2020, Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Top Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) subleaders surrender to the units under MGen William N Gonzales, Commander of 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force – Sulu.

Today, the 1101st Infantry “Gagandilan” Brigade (1101st Bde) led by Col Antonio I Bautista held a formal program for the return of 15 ASG surrenderees along with their 14 firearms. Col Bautista introduced them to MGen Gonzales including ASG subleader Alvin Yusop @Arab Puti under senior leader Radulan Sahiron, and ASG subleader Barahim Nurjahar under deceased senior leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan. Both the subleaders surrendered through the concerted effort of the 1101st Bde and the 1102nd Infatntry “Ganarul” Brigade led by BGen Ignatius Patrimonio.

In his message, MGen Gonzales was very glad to welcome the surrender two subgroups’ leader. “I commend both the Ganarul and Gagandilan. Imagine, even Arab Puti, ringleader of the ASG’s urban criminal group around 2017 and the most trusted of Radulan Sahiron came to his senses and laid down his arms.”

According to BGen Patrimonio, Arab Puti was a kidnapper and a close-in of Sahiron and but was convinced by his family as Arab Puti’s mother was stricken with a stroke. Furthermore, the latter said that he wanted to change for the better for the sake of his four children.

Meanwhile, government forces also have long been in the hunt for then ASG subleader Barahim Nurjahar. “The presence of government troops drove out Nurjahar from his stronghold and caused him to starve. Realizing that his struggle has no sense, he approached that MNLF Jikiri faction who then linked him to us for his proper surrender,” Col Bautista said. “Nurjahar was the man behind then kidnapping of the sister of a mayor in Sulu. He will face proper legal proceedings and is now willing to cooperate with government forces,” he added.

The brigades also facilitated surrender of two sons of ASG subleader and kidnapper Apoh Mike namely: Muarip Adja @Arip and Hatimil Adja @Timmir. Rerportedly, the latter was present when ASG senior leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan died. Meanwhile, it was specifically the 41st Infantry Battalion led by Ltc James Erasmus F Gagni who facilitated the surrender of @Arip. Per Ltc Gagni, this is the result of their community support program and their peace covenant with the residents of Maimbung. Amongst the returnees present, four others were facilitated by the aforementioned battalion.

The 15th Civil Military Operations Battalion and the 100th Infantry Battalion also brought their returnees for them to personally meet MGen Gonzales. The Division Commander promised that a full-on integration program mainly comprised of livelihood assistance is on its way.

“We are teaming up with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and the Office of the Governor so that you can start a new life. Go on and raise your kids to be peace-loving citizens. Tell the others (ASG members), tell Apoh Mike, that they are welcome so long as they are sincere, willing to face the rule of law, and most of all ready to cooperate in our fight for peace here in Sulu.” MGen Gonzales addressed the returnees

https://www.kalinawnews.com/two-subleaders-and-13-other-asg-bandits-surrender-to-alakdan-division/

Kalinaw News: Eight Local Terrorist Supporters Surrender in Lanao Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 11, 2020): Eight Local Terrorist Supporters Surrender in Lanao Sur



Brgy. Dado, Balindong, Lanao del Sur – Eight local terrorist Daesh Inspired supporters surrendered to Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion in Brgy Dado, Balindong, Lanao del Sur, Thursday, December 10, 2020.

According to Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, seven of which were prematurely recruited by Imam Dimacaling and only underwent three days of training in year 2017.

One of the supporter was also present during the encounter with the unit in town of Balindong in month of January this year.

The surrenderees also yielded one high-powered firearm and one caliber 45 pistol.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, 103rd Infantry Brigade Commander stressed that their efforts in urging the local terrorists and their supporters to surrender, and wants peace in the province is continuous.”

“With the support of local government unit and local chief executives, we will facilitate and reintegrate them in the mainstream society ,” Brig. Gen. Cuerpo added.

Maj. Gen. Generoso “Gene” Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division commended 82IB for facilitating the return of the local terrorist supporters.

“Let us continue to show the people that we as soldiers have the heart and compassion even to our enemies in times of crisis and conflict,” Maj General Ponio said.

“But do not let your guards down and continue to practice extreme caution and vigilance for our true enemies who remain as threat not only to our ranks but also to the people we’ve sworn to protect,” Ponio added.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/eight-local-terrorist-supporters-surrender-in-lanao-sur/

Kalinaw News: 11CMOBn invites Youth Group in Urban Gardening and Community Organizing Seminar

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 11, 2020): 11CMOBn invites Youth Group in Urban Gardening and Community Organizing Seminar



CAMP GENERAL EMILIO AGUINALDO, QUEZON CITY – The 11th Civil-Military Operations (KAUGNAYAN) Battalion under LIEUTENANT COLONEL EUGENE PAUL B ARBUES INF (GSC) PA conducted Urban Gardening and Community Organizing Seminar with Ms Regine Guevara, ASEAN Youth Representative to the UN Inter-Agency Network on Youth Development and Mr Moncini A Hinay, Co-Founder of Kids Who Farm as the guest speakers last November 28, 2020 at Kaugnayan Hall, Headquarters 11th Civil-Military Operations Battalion, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

LTC ARBUES acknowledged the efforts of the guest speakers during his welcome address. He preferred the term “Farming” instead of “Gardening” for the word itself meaning you’ll have something to harvest for consumption. Subsequently, Ms Regine B Guevara expressed their vision to inspire the generation, of young people to be interested in farming, and at the same time had conscious efforts to contribute to the country, and ultimately, be our partner as it tights peace building for sustainable development.

The said seminar was participated by all troops of 11CMOBn especially the 2nd and 3rd Special Enabler Platoon which will be a great help to them in the conduct of Community Support Program in preparation for the upcoming Urban Gardening to their area of responsibility. The product of the said activity was a “plastic drum prototype pot” which will also be introduce to the community. This pot requires a minimum space but can hold multiple plants, ideal for limited space residential areas.

[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/11cmobn-invites-youth-group-in-urban-gardening-and-community-organizing-seminar/

Kalinaw News: PAGRO at PFO namahagi ng serbisyo sa Peoples Organizations

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 11, 2020): PAGRO at PFO namahagi ng serbisyo sa Peoples Organizations



Malita, Davao Occidental – Namahagi ang Provincial Agriculture Office (PAGRO) ng Davao Occidental at Provincial Fishery Office (PFO) ng Sarangani Province ng kanilang serbisyo upang tumulong sa mga Peoples Organization na nasa sinasakupan ng Bravo Company, 73IB, 10ID, PA nitong araw ng Disyembre 10, 2020.

Nagbigay ng gamit pang-saka, sampung (10) balot ng binhi ng gulay at sampung (10) sako ng binhi ng mais ang PAGRO upang ipaabot sa asosasyon ng MATAKA, KILAGUFA, KIMAFA at MAFA na matatagpuan sa bayan ng Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

Samantala, sa probinsya ng Sarangani ay namahagi naman ng 30,000 tilapia fingerlings ang PFO upang ibigay sa Canvas One Farmers Association na kung saan pinagyaman naman ng mga miyembro at mga kasundaluhan ang parte ng lawa at ginawang palaisdaan sa lugar ng Sitio Canvas, Brgy Datal Bukay, Glan, Sarangani Province.

Sa panayam ni Hon. Rodolfo Mabuhay, Punong Barangay ng Datal Bukay, kanyang nabanggit ang pagbabago ng Sitio Canvas nang magkaroon ng kabuhayan ang komunidad. “Nang magkaroon ng CDT ang lugar ay malaki ang pinagbago nito. Umayos ito kumpara noon. Nagkaroon ng hanap-buhay ang mga tao at naging responsable ang mga ito,” kanyang nasabi.

Samantala, nabanggit ni Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, Pinuno ng 73IB, ang layunin ng 73rd IB sa pag-organisa ng mga asosasyon sa kanilang “area of responsibility”. “Noon
talamak ang insurgensiya sa mga liblib na lugar. Kung kaya, nag-organisa kami ng samahan o asosasyon upang maging isa at magabayan ang isang komunidad sa mga dapat gawin. Tinulungan din namin silang nagpasimula ng kabuhayan na siya namang sinusuportahan ng mga ahensya ng pamahalaan,” kanyang ibinahagi.

Ang pagtutulungan ng mga ahensya ay direktang sumusuporta sa EO No. 70 na ibinabang direktiba ng administrasyong President Rodrigo R Duterte. Tinitiyak nito ang pagtatagpo at pagkakaugnay-ugnay ng iba’t – ibang ahensya sa pagsugpo ng kahirapan na dinaranas ng taumbayan.





[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/pagro-at-pfo-namahagi-ng-serbisyo-sa-peoples-organizations/

Kalinaw News: 5ID, PA: No ceasefire against CPP-NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 11, 2020): 5ID, PA: No ceasefire against CPP-NPA

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- The 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army will adhere to the pronouncement of the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to have no ceasefire against the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) this yuletide season.

Startroopers in all the units of 5ID are strategically prepositioned in their respective Areas of Operation to ensure the safety of the people against the threat of the terrorist CPP-NPA.

MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5ID said that for so many years that truce between the government forces and the CPP-NPA were declared, the terrorist group consistently violated the ceasefire agreement and took advantage of it to initiate terroristic attacks. “Maraming pagkakataon na nating napatunayan ang pagiging mapagsamantala ng teroristang CPP-NPA sa tuwing nagde-deklara ang gobyerno ng tigil-putukan. Sa gitna ng kasunduang tigil putukan, patraydor ang kanilang mga ginagawang pag-atake hindi lang laban sa pwersa ng gobyerno, kundi pati sa mga pinaghihinalaang inosenteng sibilyan. Hindi sila naging tapat sa usapang tigil putukan bagkus gulo at takot ang hatid ng mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA sa taumbayan.”

The 5ID Commander emphasized that sustained operations against the CPP-NPA will be launched to finish off the rebels and to ensure the peaceful celebration of Christmas.

It can be recalled that on December 08, 2020, President Duterte made a statement “no ceasefire” will be implemented against the terrorist CPP-NPA for his remaining term following the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to have no truce.

[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/5id-pa-no-ceasefire-against-cpp-npa/

END OF THE LINE | Former Davao activist-turned-NPA killed in reported shootout

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 11, 2020): END OF THE LINE | Former Davao activist-turned-NPA killed in reported shootout (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Leftists continue their protest as a police officer arranges chairs provided for them to make sure physical distancing is properly observed at the Freedom Park along Roxas Avenue on Thursday. BING GONZALES

A FORMER teacher and leftist was allegedly killed in an alleged shootout with authorities while serving the arrest warrant at 1:15 a.m. yesterday in Hermenias Resort, Barangay San Agustin Sur, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

The military identified him as Alvin Luque alias Joaquin Jacinto, the Execom Komisyon Mindanao spokesperson. He used to be a student leader in Ateneo de Davao University before teaching at the Assumption School of Davao and also led the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan before joining the New People’s Army.

According to the report, officers from Regional Intelligence Unit of Police Regional XIII, Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office, Tandag City Police Station, 401st Infantry Brigade, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, 36th Infantry Battalion, 41st Military Intelligence Company, and intelligence units were attempting to serve the warrant on the suspects.

However, Luque and his companion reportedly opened fire on the law enforcers, prompting them to retaliate. He and his unidentified companion were killed as a result.

Maj. Rodulfo Cordero Jr., the 4th Infantry Division public affairs chief, said Luque was facing a slew of cases, including CC Nr 4611 for Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention issued by Judge Hector B Salise of Bayugan City RTC Branch 7; CC Nr 10677 for Attempted Murder issued by Judge Kimal Salacop of RTC Br 6, Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur; CC Nrs 161 to 163 for violation of RA 10364 issued by Judge Tangonan of RTC Br 34, Cabadbaran City, Agusan Del Norte; CC Nr 6527 and CC Nr 6525 both for Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention issued by Judge Fudalan of RTC Br 7, Bayugan City.

The law enforcers also recovered a Remington 1911 pistol loaded with .45 caliber ammunition, fragmentation grenade; 500 rounds of 7.62 ammunition for AK-47, a blasting cap, IED firing mechanism, 15-meter electrical wire, NPA flags, and subversive documents.

Luque was mistakenly reported to have been among those who died in a series of clashes with soldiers in Andap Valley in Surigao del Sur from May 14-19, 2020.

Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, the former Division Public Affairs Office chief of the 4th Infantry Division, told TIMES that two of the top leaders they believed were at the encounter sites were Luque, Myrna Sularte alias Maria Malaya, the secretary of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

“They were believed to be killed because of the two laptops recovered that were owned by Ma. Malaya and Alvin,” he said.

The spokesperson said the two bodyguards of Sularte were present during one of the encounters. They were identified as Alfie Masinatao, alias Kumander Momoy, the vice commanding officer of the Regional Headquarters, NEMRC, and Lorna Pamutongan Gomez, alias Ka Momay, the medical staff of RHQ, NEMRC.

In July of 2002, Luque, along with the late Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador, and 13 others were accused of extorting money from businesses and the torching of a Rural Transit bus, a government office, and a farm for failing to pay revolutionary taxes.

Later that year, a Davao City prosecutor found probable cause against Luque for the rebellion charge to proceed. In his defense, Luque said that he was teaching at the Assumption College and also working at the Nonoy Librado Development Foundation and could not have been with the NPA at that time.

In 2009, Luque went underground and joined the NPA.

“I have chosen to seek refuge under the revolutionary movement, particularly with the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front,” Luque said in a statement emailed to the press.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/12/11/end-of-the-line-former-davao-activist-turned-npa-killed-in-reported-shootout/

Military says NDF-Mindanao’s Luque killed while resisting arrest: CPP claims he was “murdereded

From MindaNews (Dec 11, 2020): Military says NDF-Mindanao’s Luque killed while resisting arrest: CPP claims he was “murdereded (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindNews / 10 December) – A prominent activist from Davao City who rose to become the spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Mindanao and a companion were killed by a joint team of Army Special Forces and police when they allegedly tried to resist arrest in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur at around 1 a.m. Thursday.

Alvin Luque, 47, spokesperson of National Democratic Front in Mindanao was killed December 10, 2020 in a resort in Tandag City. The military said he was killed while resisting arrest. The Communist Party of the Philippines said he was unarmed. This photograph was taken on 26 December 2016 during the anniversary of the CPP in Paguibato District, Davao City, attended by government peace negotiators and government officials. Photo courtesy of KEITH BACONGCO

Brig. Gen. Allan Hambala, commander of the Army’s 401st Brigade, said Alvin Luque alias “Joaquin Jacinto,” whom he described as spokesperson of Komisyon Mindanao (Kommid) and his companion “opened fire at the arresting forces” prompting the police and Army to return fire.”

Hambala said Luque and his companion identified as Rodel Macana, a resident of Sitio Sangay, Barangay Libas in San Miguel town, Surigao del Sur were killed in the exchange of gunfire.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in a statement issued Thursday evening refuted the military’s story, alleging that Luque and Macana were “murdered” by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

It said the 51-year old Luque (he was 47), was unarmed and recuperating from partial paralysis.

“He was detached a few months ago from the main office of the NDF-Mindanao to undergo medical checkups and to recuperate from partial paralysis,” the CPP said, adding that a few months ago, Luque was “physically debilitated and could not walk after he underwent intense physical struggles amid heavy enemy operations and counter-guerrilla maneuvers.”

The CPP is demanding ‘an impartial investigation by an independent body” on the death of Luque and Macana.”

Hambala told MIndaNews in a telephone interview that “there were three bullet marks found on the door and ceiling,” indicating, he said that Luque and Macana fired their guns.

Hambala said they knew Luque was wounded during a series of encounters between government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Andap Valley, Surigao Del Sur on May 14 to 19, 2020.

He said the rebels first brought Luque to the town of Marihatag and then transferred him from one place to another.

Hambala said the police and army soldiers found Hambala and his companion at Herminias Resort, Purok Milion, Barangay San Agustin Sur, Tandag City.

He said the operation to arrest Luque was hatched at around 7 p.m. on Wednesday after a local intelligence operative confirmed that Luque was indeed staying in a cottage at the resort.

“But Luque and his companion fired at the arresting police officers before they could enter the cottage. We did not know if he was severely wounded,” Hambala said.

He said the team of policemen was trying to serve five arrest warrants for criminal cases against Luque for frustrated murder; and kidnapping with serious detention.

He said the arresting officers found inside the cottage a Cal. 45 Remington pistol with a magazine containing live bullets; a fragmentation grenade; IED components; a blasting cap and boxes containing 500 rounds of “brand new” AK47 Cal. 7.62 ammunition.

Hambala said the police also impounded an Isuzu Dmax pickup found parked beside the cottage.

He said the body of Macana was released to his parents Thursday while they are waiting for the relatives of Lugue who is reportedly from Koronadal City, South Cotabato to claim his remains.

“The death of Luque removes one of the most senior and durable leaders of the communists operating in the Caraga region,” Hambala said.

On Nov. 29, elements of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion killed Jevilyn Cullamat, the 22-year-old daughter of Bayan MUna party-list Rep. Eufemia Cullamat in an encounter in Marihatag, Surigao del Sur.

A graduate of AB English at the Ateneo de Davao University, Luque taught at the Assumption School of Davao.

He later served as spokesperson of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or Bayan in Davao and later Cagayan de Oro.

He served as Bayan Secretary-General in Southern Mindanao.

In 2002, the 73rd Infantry Battalion filed charges of rebellion and insurrection against him, Bayan Muna Rep. Joel Virador, following testimonies allegedly by former rebels that Luque delivered cash and cellular phones to the NPA in the hinterlands of Davao City sometime in 1999.

In 2005, the court issued a warrant for his arrest and placed the bail bond at 200,000. He left the city for the countryside.

Luque would confirm he had joined the NPA during the CPP anniversary celebration on December 26, 2009.

In a statement sent to media outlets in January 2010, Luque said he sought refuge in the revolutionary movement, particularly with the CPP, NPA and NDF because “this is the most logical choice on my part because these are the very organizations that can guarantee not only my protection from political killings but also, above all, freedom of the people from the oppressive grip of a reactionary fascist state. I am still breathing and fighting precisely because of this choice.”

He pleaded innocent to the criminal charges filed against him in a Davao City court, adding he would have wanted his day in court but it was “impossible given the state of impunity under this (Arroyo) regime.”

Luque said Bayan or any other progressive organization had nothing to do with his decision to go underground adding that it was his “personal choice.”

“This does not in any way prove that the organizations I was involved with in the legal arena and the revolutionary forces that I have sought refuge in are one and the same,” he said.

“I have no regrets with the choice I have made because I still have my life (thanks to the NPA as my sanctuary) and I will use this life to make my mark, together with other revolutionaries, in liberating the people from a rotten society. And should I die in the course of this fight, it is one death I know that is well worth bearing,” Luque said. (Froilan Gallardo with a report from H. Marcos C. Mordeno / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/12/military-says-ndf-mindanaos-luque-killed-while-resisting-arrest-cpp-claims-he-was-murdered/

Philippine military chief holds dialogue with Sulu leaders, religious sector

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 11, 2020): Philippine military chief holds dialogue with Sulu leaders, religious sector

SULU – Philippine military chief Gilbert Gapay flew to the Muslim province of Sulu and met with government officials and religious leaders in a peace dialogue held in the Capitol.

Photos released by the Western Mindanao Command show Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan talking to General Gilbert Gapay and other senior military officials. And also at the dialogue with Rep. Samier Tan.

Gapay was previously criticized by Muslim leaders after saying in October that they are monitoring madaris and other schools in Sulu where “some sort of radicalization activities are going on.”

Aside from madaris, he said terrorist groups are also recruiting on social media.

“One of the media or vehicles they are using is the social media. We have found out from some of those who surrendered and captured that quite a number of them have been recruited and radicalized through social media,” Gapay said, adding, this could be the reason why Filipino Abu Sayyaf militant Norman Lasuca blew himself up near a military base in Sulu’s Indanan town in June last year.

“We cannot imagine a Filipino really being recruited or being used as a suicide bomber. Usually, we expect that that suicide bombers would be foreign terrorists that have slipped here in our country, but we were really surprised when we had that first incident in 2019 in the person of Mr. Lasuca. It was really an eye opener for us that the effort to recruit, to radicalize, and even mold the suicide bomber out of Filipinos is really at that level,” he added.

Governor Sakur Tan branded Gapay’s statement as preposterous that madaris or Islamic schools in the province are suspected of radicalizing students.

Gapay’s statement also drew criticisms from other Muslim groups. “I join the many Muslim voices, to include that of (Basilan Rep. Mujiv S. Hataman, on the Madrasa issue. I do agree that to have come from no less than the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, saying that Islamic Schools in the country can be possible hotbeds of terrorism or to link Madrasa to terrorism, is both absurd and uncalled for,” Tan said.

He added: “Indeed such statements coming from a supposedly high and responsible officer of the Armed Forces, is not one we expect from a respectable officer and a gentleman. We are certain that the good General has no ill intent.”

The influential governor said during this time when the country is dealing with the coronavirus pandemic, it is incumbent on everyone to be prudent and avoid tearing the threads of wounds that are yet to heal.

“I cannot blame Muslims if they harbor resentment and disappointment that the specter of profiling and typecasting of people based on their faith, still lingers in the midst. To put in question an institution where most, if not all Muslim children, had their first foundation of good morals based on Islam as a religion of peace, is to infer that Muslims in their primal are already branded unkindly,” he said.

Tan urged Gapay to retract his statement. “I join the various groups and individuals, in calling on General Gapay - with respect as Muslims are taught to be at an early age - to withdraw or retract his statement in reference to the Madrasa issue. Let us allow sobriety and goodwill to prevail,” he said.

Hataman who was former Muslim autonomous regional governor said Gapay’s statement is dangerous and unfair. “The Armed Forces should not be making general statements linking madrasa to terrorists without presenting irrefutable proof of its existence. It is dangerous and unfair, and it serves no real purpose but to unjustly put our schools in a very compromising situation,” Hataman, himself studied in madrasah, said.

Hataman said these institutions only advocate for peace and learning and are not breeding grounds for violent extremists and terrorists.

“Hindi ako kailanman nakarinig ng kahit na anong turo ng tungkol sa terorismo. Sa katunayan, tinuturuan kami dito na huwag gumawa ng masama at manakit ng kapwa. Bilang isang magulang, natatakot ako sa statement na ito ng AFP. Paano kung ang anak ko ay nag-aaral sa isang madrasa? Ano ang mararamdaman ng mga estudyante na sila pala ay iniimbestigahan na?” said Hataman, a former governor of the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Western Mindanao Command headed by Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., said the dialogue is aimed at building a stronger partnership between the military and the Muslim people, particularly the Tausug, who were gravely hurt Gapay’s statement.

Gapay also clarified to Tan that he never said Madaris are spreading radicalization or sowing terrorism among its students. “We, AFP, believe that Islam is a religion that espouses peace above all others,” he said, adding, his statement meant was that “deceitful individuals are wanting to infiltrate the Madrasa to spread hate and plant the seeds of terrorism.”

“In kami ha AFP panāiban sin kamu, panganduli niyu kami. In kabayaan namu' kasanyangan sin hula' natu'. In pangatayan sin kami himahambuuk kaniyu. Magtayakkup kitaniyu katān ha hikarayaw sin hula' natu' Pilipinas. Muramurahan kitaniyu katān! Magsukul kaniyu, Wassalām." (We, the AFP, are your ally. You can trust us. Our hearts and minds are one with you. Let’s unite for the common good of our country. Long live Philippines! Thank you and may peace be with you all).

Gapay also thanked Tan and all the mayors, including the religious leaders for attending the dialogue. “I would like to thank Governor Tan, the mayors, the Ulamas, and all the attendees, for this opportunity to have a dialogue on how we can further help each other in achieving peace in our beloved country,” he said.

The meeting was also attended by Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, and other senior military officials. And Rep. Samier Tan and municipal mayors and other stake holders.

“We hope that this dialogue will ease the fears of our beloved Tausug brothers and sisters and will subsequently win their hearts and support to our campaign against terrorism. May this dialogue fill all the gaps, solidify our relationship, and deeper our cooperation for peace in Sulu and the entire country,” Vinluan said. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/12/philippine-military-chief-holds.html

125 IPs, FRs benefit training skills from TESDA in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11, 2020): 125 IPs, FRs benefit training skills from TESDA in SurSur (By Nida Grace P. Barcena) 

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- Some 125 beneficiaries, composed of indigenous peoples (IPs) and former rebels (FRs) who benefitted from the training on Organic Agriculture Production - National Certificate II of the Technical Education Skills, and Development Authority (TESDA) through the Montañez Agri-Ventures, Inc., are set to receive a certificate of completion in Barangay Umalag, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, on Monday, December 14, 2020, at 9:30 am.

According to TESDA Provincial Director Julius Sol Jamero, the said training is under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP), which aims to empower the IPs and residents of the rebel-affected barangays towards the establishment of livelihood/enterprises and other income opportunities for the marginalized sectors.

Each scholar availed the free training, free assessment, support fund worth P160 per day, personal protective equipment (PPE) worth P500.00, internet allowance worth P500.00, and a one-year accident insurance coverage from the GSIS.

Director Jamero added that during the graduation of the 125 trainees, the establishment of the “Organic Agriculture Village Enterprise” would also be launched on the same day, in collaboration with the various agency members of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC). This is a one-stop-shop production of organic vegetables, organic hog, organic chicken, herbs and spices, and abaca plantations.

The implementation of the skills training is in line with the program of the Surigao del Sur Provincial Task Force to End local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) chaired by Governor Alexander Pimentel.(NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1061467

Judicial affidavits of former rebels handed over to NTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11, 2020): Judicial affidavits of former rebels handed over to NTF-ELCAC (By Lilibeth A. French) 

ILOILO CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) - - The judicial affidavits of the 128 former rebels from Panay Island have been handed over to the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday, December 10.

Regional Task Force -ELCAC VI Legal Cooperation Cluster head Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales turned over the said documents to Philippine Army Southern Luzon Command Commander Lieutenant General Antonio Parlade, Jr., who is also the Spokesperson of the NTF-ELCAC, during the first Panay Peace Summit held in Passi City, Iloilo.

Gonzales said several more affidavits are coming from the provinces of Negros Occidental, Antique and Iloilo.

In his message, Parlade said legal actions will be taken against the communist group now that they have living witnesses to provide all these testimonies.

"Yon po ang direksyon natin, at palagay ko, in the coming months mararamdaman nila yong pag-crumble nitong Communist Party of the Philippines. And I hope, sabay sabay natin itong magampanan, sa SOLCOM, dito sa area ‘nyo sa Region 6, even sa Mindanao kasama ng Samar, Northern Luzon, actually, ramdam at nakikita naming ang mga reports from the field halos sabay sabay ito sila na magkacrumble,” said Parlade.

He also lauded the ongoing convergence among government agencies in Western Visayas through the NTF ELCAC citing that Region VI is ahead as far as RTF-ELCAC is concern.

“May mga issues pa sa ibang lugar but over-all napakaganda na po ang result, tayo lahat ay nagtutulong-tulungan kasama ‘yong ating mga stakeholders, kasama ang clergy, kasama ang mga kaparian, kasama po ang mga bishop at yan po ay ikanagagalak kung i-announce sa inyo,”said Parlade.

He said the government is serious in helping former rebels who go back to the fold and more of them are surrendering.

“And I’d like to announce that it is not only happening here in Panay yong mga pagsusurender po ngayon nakagugulat, hindi na paisa-isa sa ngayon ang nagsusurender anim, apat, anim, walo, siyam, lately po doon sa Sorsogon siyam ang nagsurrender, isang unit,” said Parlade.

The Panay Peace Summit 2020, a joint initiative of the RTF-ELCAC and the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade of the 3rd Infantry Division in cooperation with the Passi City government, was participated in by over a thousand Sambayanan Panay, who include former rebels and Communist Terrorist Group supporters at the Passi City arena and in other areas in the province via video teleconferencing.

Other highlights of the event were the oathtaking of Sambayanan-led sectoral organizations, signing on the Wall of Commitment and gift giving ceremony.

Around 70 former rebels received financial assistance of P5,000 under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation services of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 during the gathering. Together with the other participants, they also received food packs from DSWD.

Aside from Parlade, NTF ELCAC Strategic Communications Cluster Lead Convenor Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy, Eric “Ka Eric” Almendras, Joy James “Ka Amihan” Saguino, members of the RTF-ELCAC in Western Visayas, Passi City mayor Stephen Palmares, Maasin mayor Francis Amboy and representatives of other local chief executives from other provinces in Panay island attended the summit which will also be conducted in the municipality of Tapaz in Capiz province today, December 11. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1061446

PH Navy provides 2,200 relief packs to 5 island barangays in Bicol

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 11, 2020): PH Navy provides 2,200 relief packs to 5 island barangays in Bicol (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

PASIG CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- Braving heavy rains aboard motor bancas, the Philippine Navy (PN) relief team on Wednesday, Dec. 9, distributed relief packs to some 2,200 families affected by the recent typhoons in five island barangays of Bacacay, Albay in Bicol.

Joined by local government employees, the navy personnel utilized seven motor bancas and sailed for more than 7 nautical miles to deliver the relief goods to the island barangays of Pili Ilawod, Napao, Mapulang Daga, Tambungon, Buang, Manaet and Namantao, which is 2 nautical miles afar from Bacacay Port.

PN-CMOUSL Commander, Lt. Orlan Orosco said these barangays were severely affected by typhoons but were difficult to reach for relief assistance.

“When our stakeholders reached out to us for help, we simply cannot just ignore the necessity for relief operations so we immediately organized how we can bring the relief goods to the island barangays,” Orosco added.

This humanitarian assistance activity was in partnership with Tanging Yaman Foundation, Nadora Trading Center Inc., Bacacay PN, GO SHARE, LRCP-South, Waves for Water, United News, Society of Junior Fellows, and was supported by various individuals Noel Gonzales, Reynaldo Vargas, Gary Ramirez and Paul Hinlo.

Also within this week, the Philippine Navy and the same stakeholders will also distribute a truck-load of relief goods for typhoon victims in Camalig, Albay. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1061466

USAID’s TB Platforms, ULAP urge public officials to support 'EndTB' campaign

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 12, 2020): USAID’s TB Platforms, ULAP urge public officials to support 'EndTB' campaign (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

PASIG CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- TB Champion and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) President Governor Dakila Cua called for a united stand among all elected public officials to “make TB a priority” amid the COVID-19.

Cua then emphasized the importance of partnership between ULAP and USAID’s TB Platforms in supporting the #EndTB campaign.

More than eight months since the COVID-19 community quarantine, the ULAP chief has been attending online discussions on the full implementation of local TB programs as well as the Universal Health Care Law.

“The attention is now on COVID-19 but we cannot turn our backs from another killer disease, TB is here even before this pandemic and we need to ensure that local government units have enough budget to provide free TB services down to the barangay level amid COVID-19,” Cua said.

USAID’s TB Platforms, on the other hand, continues to provide technical guidance to local government units (LGUs) in Regions 3 and 4-A, National Capital Region, the top three regions highly burdened of TB.

This is through the conduct of “Usapang Dibdiban” sessions where mayors and governors are being engaged for a one-on-one comprehensive assessment of TB program implementation in communities, as well as the need to pass local TB ordinances and resolutions to be able to fund TB-related activities especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, the University Research Co. LLC. (URC)-implemented TB Platforms Project provided technical assistance to LGUs in the drafting of local TB ordinance, development of policies supporting TB elimination and other interventions, as well as, guidance on the implementation of the TB roadmap and TB elimination plan.

USAID’s TB Platforms will continue to work with ULAP through the “Usapang Dibdiban” sessions.

Likewise, Cua expressed his support for the promotion of the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act.

During the Race to End TB Awarding ceremonies, Cua also encouraged its members to serve as advocates and to lead efforts for TB and COVID-19.

He said local government units need to strengthen and integrate TB management in the local health system and to craft policies designed to show commitment to fight TB amid COVID-19. (PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1061511

TF ELCAC brings services in Antique remote areas

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 12, 2020): TF ELCAC brings services in Antique remote areas (By Pilar S. Mabaquiao)

Lolita Gordon, 89 years olf of Sitio Tig-idyok, Barangay San Rafael, San Remigio town, one of the beneficiaries of TF ELCAC Outreach program , Medical Mission and Information caravan. She is assisted by Officer Verna Lañada of the Philippine Airforce to fix her medicines taken for free from the medical consultation. She also availed of free eye glasses and aid for senior citizens fom the Provincial Government.

SAN JOSE, Antique, Dec. 12 (PIA) - - The Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist and Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC)- Antique recently conducted an outreach activity in the remote villages of Sibalom and San Remigio towns.

These services include medical/dental mission and information caravan of tge government for the communities, December 7.

Margie L. Gadian, Lead Convenor of TF ELCAC and at the same time Consultant on Peace and Order and Public Safety of the Provincial Government, said that the government through the implementation of E0 70 or Whole-of-Nation approach to end local communist and armed conflict is committed to bring in the services and programs to the communitieswho are in need.

She also lauded the initiatives of Mayor mar Mission of San Remigio and Gian Carlo Occeña of Sibalom for leading the way for the government to deliver the services to the remote barangays of their respective towns.

Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao during the information caravan in barangay San Rafael, in San Remigio town on December 8, said that more and more rebels are returning to the folds of the law as they felt the commitment of the government to help them and start a new life.

This was manifested by the 26 former rebels who have already surrendered this year and were given assistance in the form of livelihood projects, health and education support, training programs and other financial assistance who were also put under the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Cadiao further shared the gains of the accomplishment of her administration in partnership with House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda that benefitted the Antiqueños such as the regular flight of an airline from Antique to Manila and vice versa and the upcoming direct RORO trips from Batangas to Culasi and back which to her an impossible dream of the past and a reality now that could usher in more development projects to the province.

Governor Rhodora Cadiao encourages the people in the upand barangays to support the peace initiatives of the government to attain sustainable development

Legarda also assured that Antiqueños of her untiring commitment to push for more livelihood projects and skills training program in the province to further equip the community with more skills and capital to be economically empowered.

In a message read by Mayor Mission in San Remigio during the information caravan, Legarda reiterated her long-standing support to the government troops and local government units who are working to ensure peace and order in the countryside.

The outreach activity in the said municipalities have gathered volunteer doctors, dentists, optometrist, technicians, medical technologists, pharmacists, nurses, health attendants, haircutters, social workers, peacekeeping officers, from various agencies of government and offices of the Provincial Government, tanods, BHWs, local officials, media practitioners and other government employees who shared their time and expertise to serve the hundreds of residents in the upland communities. (JBG/psm/PIA-Antique)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1061494