CPP/NDF-IIO-Sison: Social discontent and turbulence will continue in the coming years: Professor Sison says in his latest book

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 9, 2021): Social discontent and turbulence will continue in the coming years: Professor Sison says in his latest book

INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION OFFICE

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 09, 2021

“We saw in 2019 how the anti-imperialist and democratic struggles of the people spread throughout the world, in the heartlands of monopoly capitalism. Despite the restraining effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdowns, the mass struggles against imperialism continued in the streets as well through the electronic media in 2020. In fact, the pandemic has further exposed the anti-social and anti-environmental character of the capitalist system and at the same time aggravated the crisis of this system.”

Thus remarked Prof. Jose Ma. Sison, founding chairperson of the Communist Party of the Philippines and chief political consultant of the NDFP peace panel, during the cyber launching of his latest book, Resist Neoliberalism, Fascism and Wars of Aggression, held today via Zoom participated in by several dozens of activists, academicians, advocates, supporters and friends from around the world.

Providing an overview of his latest book, Professor Sison said it reflects the severity of the global crisis as well as the crisis of the semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system in the Philippines and the consequent upsurge of anti-imperialist and democratic struggles in 2019. It also provides readers, he notes, with insights on the root causes of the social discontent and turbulence that have continued in 2020 and are predicted to intensify in the coming years and decade.

Giving a brief overview of the Philippine situation, Luis Jalandoni, Chief International Representative of the NDFP, said the revolutionary forces continue to grow significantly. In contrast, the Duterte fascist regime continues to be isolated and exposed internationally. The Duterte regime faces international condemnation for its crimes against the Filipino people, and which even the International Criminal Court has found to have a basis for trying the regime for crimes against humanity.

Prof. Lisa Ito, professor at the College of Fine Arts of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, and secretary general of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, and commenting on Sison’s latest book, noted the breath and depth of Sison’s writings which reflect the larger narrative of Philippine society and revolution. She also took note of the diverse audience that Sison has as reflected in the various forms and media in which he writes.

Professor of sociology Dr. Peter Chua of the San Jose State University of California, said that throughout Sison’s articles, messages and interviews, one can find important pointers, guidance and insights to aid in the further development of those forces struggling for social change. One clear guidance, Professor Chua said of Sison’s writings relates to political education in terms of their incisive contents as well as an approach that advances a democratic and disciplined style of study.

Prof. Sarah Raymundo, Director of the U.P. Center for International Studies, in her remarks on the book said the theme in Sison’s latest book encapsulates a mode of resistance that can very well be recognized as his vital contribution to revolutionary theory and proletarian internationalism.

During the open forum, when asked about the lessons that could be learned by the Philippine mass movement in the struggle of African-Americans in the US led by the Black Lives Matter movement, Prof. Chua said addressing black issues should fundamentally address the economic situation of black Americans specifically those in the margins of American society. He said the BLM movement highlighted the repression and police brutality toward African-Americans, and the consequent domestic and international solidarity it generated.

Addressing the issue of regime change in the Philippines in 2022, Professor Sison stressed that Duterte still pursues his ambition to rule as a fascist dictator like dictator Marcos. Duterte or else he can choose his successor like his daughter, Sara, and decide the results of the elections because his close business and political crony Dennis Uy, controls the TIM Corporation which is the Philippine partner of Smartmatic. It was through the TIM-Smartmatic mechanism that Duterte was able to rig the 2019 mid-term elections, obtain a supermajority in both houses of Congress and make the likes of Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go senators.

“If Duterte insists on becoming a fascist dictator, there would be an explosion of protests, and if he survives a few more years because of a chosen successor, it would be for a short span of time as bigger cracks will appear in the system and as his US and Chinese imperialist handlers would consider him a liability to their interests in the long run,” Sison emphasized.

The cyber launch was also highlighted by a video film showing the global resurgence of people’s resistance amidst the worsening economic and political crises and escalating oppression and exploitation, and a closing MTV titled “Pulang Saludo” (Red Salute) dedicated to Professor Sison who will be celebrating his birthday on February 8, 2021.

The cyber launch was hosted by writer, poet and activist Joi Barrios and was organized and produced by the NDFP International Information Office.#

https://cpp.ph/statements/social-discontent-and-turbulence-will-continue-in-the-coming-years-professor-sison-says-in-his-latest-book/

CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros: Pagpangwarta sa E-CLIP, nagapadayon sa Negros Oriental

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 10, 2021): Pagpangwarta sa E-CLIP, nagapadayon sa Negros Oriental

ESTRELLA BANAGBANAG

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHEAST NEGROS (RACHELLE MAE PALANG COMMAND)

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

FEBRUARY 10, 2021

Sa usa ka seremonya sa Dakbayan sa Dumaguete niadtong Pebrero 3, 2021 nga gipasiugdahan sa Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC), ang 27 ka gialegar nga mga “kanhing milisya ng bayan nga misurender” nakadawat sa pinansyal nga hinabang nga moabot sa 20,000 ang matag usa; 15,000 niini gikan sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) ug ang nahabiling 5,000 sa Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Moabot sa 540,000 ang kinatibuk-ang pundo nga gipagawas. Sa 27 ka “misurender”, 18 niini ang gikan sa erya sa operasyon sa 11th IB (Southeast Negros) ug siyam gikan sa 94th IB (South Central Negros).

Apan ang lagda sa pagpatuman sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) naglatid nga ang matag surrenderer modawat, sa labing minus, sa kantidad nga 65,000 alang sa hinanali ug hinabang sa panginabuhian. Buot pasabot, ang kwarta nga angayan untang madawat sa 27 ka “surrenderer” mokantidad sa 1,755,000.

Hinoon, ang dakong bahin niini nga moabot 1,215,000 naadto lang sa lawom nga bulsa sa mga komander sa 11th IB ug 94th IB ug ilang mga bata-bata.

Dugang pa, ang wala kaayo mahibaloan nga probisyon sa maong lagda sa E-CLIP naglatid nga ang kantidad nga 21,000 ihatag sa custodial unit sa militar alang sa pagkaon, temporaryong puy-anan ug ubang panginahanglan sa matag surrenderer. Tungod kay ang mga “surrenderer” kasagaran diretso ra nga mopauli sa ilang tagsa-tagsa ka panimalay human sa seremonya, nahimo kini nga probisyon nga walay gamit, ug usab usa ka sayon nga paagi sa pag-divert sa pundo.

Moabot 1,782,000 ang kinatibuk-ang pundo nga na-divert ug gibahin-bahin sa mga komander sa 11th IB ug 94th IB. Ang 94th IB ang nakakuha sa pinakadako nga bahin nga moabot sa 1,188,000, samtang nakapuga usab ang 94th IB sa 594,000. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagpangwarta-sa-e-clip-nagapadayon-sa-negros-oriental/

CPP: Fight for the people’s welfare against Duterte’s anti-poor economic policies

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 10, 2021): Fight for the people’s welfare against Duterte’s anti-poor economic policies

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
FEBRUARY 10, 2021

The socioeconomic conditions of the Filipino people under the Duterte regime continue to deteriorate alongside the rapid fall of the Philippine economy. Even in the face of the pandemic and severe economic crisis, the Duterte regime insists on applying more extreme measures from the neoliberal toolbox and ignores the demands of the Filipino people.

The pandemic lockdown and restrictions since March 2020 accelerated the downturn of the Philippine economy which has sustained years of destruction of productive capacity in agriculture and manufacturing. The pandemic knocked out the wobbly economy to a -9.5% record-setting collapse of the Philippine 2020 GDP.

The toiling masses of workers, peasants and semiproletariat are mired in deep poverty and hunger. The conditions of the lower and middle pettybourgeoisie are also rapidly deteriorating to lower levels. The broad masses of the Filipino people, especially the downtrodden sectors must, thus, act now to defend their interests and welfare, by uniting and demanding urgent action to address their rapidly worsening conditions.

1. There is a groundswell of urgent people’s demands: for wage and salary increases; monthly economic subsidies for workers who lost their jobs, low-income or no-income families, poor peasant farmers, farmworkers; and production subsidies for small hog raisers, rice and vegetable farmers. These are in addition to outstanding demands for free mass testing, treatment and vaccination against Covid-19. There is also the demand to waive or subsidize utility bills over the past few months and cancel debts especially for the calamity-stricken peasant masses. Teachers, students and parents are demanding reopening of classes in safe schools. People demand allowing jeepneys to return to their routes, stop the phaseout of jeepneys in order to continue serving the public’s transportation needs and allow hundreds of thousands of drivers to earn income.

The broad masses are bestirred to make urgent demands for wage and salary increases, subsidies and others in the face of their rapidly deteriorating socioeconomic conditions. They are doubly agitated and determined to fight for such demands especially after the Duterte regime has acted in favor of big foreign capitalists and their local partners to pocket more profits and enjoy tax reductions and tax holidays. The people are incensed that the Duterte regime continues to ignore their demands.

2. Duterte’s lockdown-centric approach has resulted in massive losses in terms of jobs and income. Distributed government subsidies were very paltry. The living standards of families of workers and toiling people have fallen as the cost of living continues to rise. Unemployment continues to rise as businesses go on temporary or permanent closure or reduced output.

The Duterte regime is still without a proper comprehensive pandemic response system, except for quarantining and social distancing restrictions which it imposes with severity using police and military forces. It failed to put into place a system of mass testing and rapid contact tracing to isolate the Covid-19 virus and prevent its spread.

While the country remains under threat of widespread Covid-19 infections, the Duterte regime is desperate to “open up the economy” even at the risk of failing to manage a surge of infections. It remains to be seen whether a vaccine roll-out will put a stop to continuous rise in the number of cases.

3. Instead of addressing the urgent needs of the people amid its failure to manage the pandemic, Duterte’s congress passed the CREATE Bill which has the declared aim of attracting foreign big capital. Once signed into law, it will benefit foremost big multinational corporations (by as much as ₱251 billion in terms of reduced taxes in the next two years). While reducing taxes for big capitalists, the NEDA and DoF are busy scheming to impose more onerous taxes on ordinary consumers to raise funds to pay for loans being accumulated by Duterte.

The illusion that foreign investments will lead to economic development is being promoted by Duterte’s pro-neoliberal zealots to justify their push to amend the 1987 constitution. Their aim is to pave the way for 100% foreign ownership of local resources and enterprises to the detriment of the national economy and local productive sectors.

4. Getting more foreign investors will not bring any good to the Filipino people. On the contrary, attracting foreign capital through trade and investment liberalization, wage repression and labor flexibilization will only cause greater oppression of workers, further destruction of agricultural production, widespread land grabbing, and further erosion of the country’s economic sovereignty.

Duterte’s economic managers are issuing false assurances of economic recovery claiming baseless estimates of influx of foreign investments. Massive foreign capital infusion is not likely to occur in the coming years as the global capitalist system remains stagnant after a decade of prolonged recession. Global foreign direct investments, in fact, are at lowest levels since 2005.

5. Duterte continues to prioritize spending for foreign-loan driven infrastructure projects which promise huge amounts of profits to foreign capitalists and their local big capitalist partners, but which only generate a trivial number of low-income jobs compared to millions who lost jobs since last year.

The biggest beneficiary of the much-touted Manila Subway project funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is Japan and some of its big corporations, particularly Shimizu Corporation, Fujita Corporation and Takenaka Civil Engineering (JP), and, of course, its local big bourgeois comprador partner EEI Corporation (which is in strategic partnership with Ramon Ang’s Eagle Cement). Contractors brag that they will employ 6,000 laborers, mostly low-paid and low-skilled temporary work.

6. Even amid the pandemic, the regime squandered billions upon billions of pesos of people’s money to go on a counterinsurgency shopping spree for helicopters, fighter planes, guns, missiles, mortars and bombs. It has allotted at least ₱33 billion for the “modernization” of the AFP and ₱19.2 billion for the NTF-ELCAC. The recent arrival of billions of pesos worth of Black Hawk helicopters was grossly obscene in the face of millions of Filipinos wallowing in hunger and poverty.

7. Billions upon billions of pesos of state funds are being diverted to the pockets of Duterte and big bureaucrat capitalists through kickbacks in government contracts, secret negotiations for the purchase of vaccines and medical equipment using emergency powers. There is also widespread corruption in the military in the purchase of helicopters and weapons systems, as well as in the disbursement of funds for military operations. Far worse and widespread corruption will accompany the implementation of the NTF-ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program which is the military’s pork barrel.

8. Not enough resources are mobilized to assist people who lost their jobs and sources of income, provide for free mass vaccination and free Covid-19 testing and treatment. Worse, Duterte reduced funds for spending on public health infrastructure. No funds were allocated to raise the country’s capacity to produce vaccines especially in the face of the pandemic urgency. It did not allot funds to enable schools to safely reopen amid the pandemic subjecting the youth to a prolonged crisis of learning.

9. Rising pork and food prices have pushed inflation to 4.2% last January, a new record high. Except for imposing price ceilings on pork and chicken meat (which will only hit at the small retailers), Duterte has not done enough to comprehensively and timely address the problem of the African Swine Fever and rising prices of pork through production and consumption subsidies. Worse, the Duterte government is taking advantage of the pork crisis to justify its plans to further liberalize the importation of pork and poultry against the interests of local production.

The sharp rise in the prices of food and basic commodities and services has caused the people’s purchasing power to fall. Duterte, however, will have none of the workers demand for raising national minimum wages to allow workers to recover their losses and raise their consumption. Salaries of public health workers and public school teachers remain grossly low, especially when compared to salaries and bonuses of military and police officers and personnel whom Duterte has raised several times in the past years.

10. The Filipino people are bound to rise up to hold the Duterte regime to account for its anti-poor and anti-people economic policies and malpriorities that are causing millions to suffer from rising prices, massive joblessness and severe poverty. In pursuit of imperialist-dictated policies, Duterte has displayed complete lack of concern for the Filipino people.

It is becoming ever so clear to the broad masses of workers and peasants how the Duterte regime tramples on their economic well-being and interests in order to prioritize the interests of multinational corporations and their local big capitalist partners and its military and police forces.

https://cpp.ph/statements/fight-for-the-peoples-welfare-against-dutertes-anti-poor-economic-policies/

CPP/NPA-Quezon: Itigil ang pambobomba at istraping sa SQBP

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 11, 2021): Itigil ang pambobomba at istraping sa SQBP

CLEO DEL MUNDO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-QUEZON (APOLONIO MENDOZA COMMAND)

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (MELITO GLOR COMMAND) NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Sa pinakahuling datos na nakalap, umaabot sa 22 baryo ng 4 na bayan sa South Quezon-Bondoc Peninsula o SQBP ang nasa isang linggo nang binobomba at iniistraping ng Armed Forces of the Philippines pagkatapos ng naganap na labanan sa pagitan ng AMC-NPA at 85th IB noong madaling araw ng Pebrero 5 sa barangay Masaya ng bayan ng Buenavista.

• Sa bayan ng Buenavista ay apektado ang pitong baryo (Esperanza, Masaya, Villa Aurora, Villa Veronica, dela Paz, San Pedro, Mabini) kung saan mahigit 5,000 residente.

• Sa bayan ng Catanauan ay anim na baryo (Anyao, Agro, Anusan, Camandiison, Tagbacan Silangan, Milagrosa) na tinatayang may populasyong mahigit 8,100.

• Sa bayan ng Mulanay ay pitong baryo (Anonang, Bagupaye, Bolo, Buenavista, Burgos, Mabini, Magsaysay) na may mahigit 10,500 populasyon.

• Sa bayan ng San Narciso ay dalawang baryo (Bani, San Isidro) na mahigit 2,600 ang residente

Bukod pa rito ang tuluy-tuloy na focused military operations sa mga barangay ng Suha, Doongan, San Vicente Silangan, San Vicente Kanluran at Santa Maria ng bayan ng Catanauan; barangay ng San Francisco B, Sto Niño Ilaya, Cawayanin, Sta Catalina, Mabanban, Veronica, San Andres, Villa Espina, Vagaflor sa bayan ng Lopez; barangay ng Recto Sumilang, Recto, Magsaysay, Lavidez sa bayan ng General Luna at barangay ng Vista Hermosa at Malabahay sa bayan ng Macalelon.

Ano ang nasa likod ng maigting na operasyong militar?

Hindi dapat paniwalaan na dahil sa pursuit operation ng AFP laban sa tinutugis na NPA kaya tuluy-tuloy ang kanilang pagpapasabog ng bomba, pagpapaputok, pagpapalipad ng helicopter at pang-iistraping sa mga naturang lugar.

Nagkakasala-salabid na ang istorya ng Southern Luzon Command kaya hindi dapat paniwalaan ninuman ang ibinibigay na rason ng mga sundalo kung bakit sapilitang pinapalikas ang mga residente at kasunod ay ang pambobomba at istraping.

Una, sinasamantalang pagkatataon ng Solcom-AFP ang naganap na labanan para praktisin ang gamit ng kanilang mga bagong armas pandigma. Nagmula ito sa P33 bilyong pondo para sa pagbili ng modernong kagamitang militar.

Ikalawa, parte ng clear-hold-consolidate-develop na pakana ng Retooled Community Support Program ng Joint Campaign Plan-Kapanatagan ang “paglilinis” ng mga baryo sa presensya at impluwensya ng NPA sa mga baryo. Sa gayon, mabibigyang puwang ang P20 milyong badyet na inilaan sa mga piniling barangay.

Sa ating lalawigan, mayroong 17 barangay ng 5 bayan ang naapruban na ang P20 milyong pondo. Saklaw nito ang mga barangay na kasakuluyang binobomba at iniistraping. Ang pondo ay ilalaan sa pagpapagawa ng farm-to-market road (P12M), eskwelahan (P3M), water system at sanitasyon (P2M), at tig P1.5M para sa national greening/forest protection at health stations.

Ikatlo, pagtalima ito sa buhong na kautusan ni Duterte na wakasan na ang CPP-NPA hanggang bago matapos ang kanyang termino sa 2022. Kakumbina ng pambobomba at istraping ang paggamit ng negosyong E-CLIP para sa pekeng pagpapasuko, at Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 para sa mamamayang “hindi makikipagtulungan”.

Hindi maaring magtuloy-tuloy ang ganitong panliligalig at pangwawasak sa pamayanan ng maralitang magsasaka sa ating lalawigan. Kailangang kumilos ang mamamayan para tutulan at labanan ang napakaruming gera na dinadala ni Duterte at kanyang mga Heneral sa ating lalawigan.

Sabi ng isang estudyante ng elementary na hindi na makapanhik ng bundok para makapag-internet sa kanyang module class, “Nasa West Philippine Sea ang sumasakop sa Pilipinas, bakit dito sa atin umaatake ang sundalo?”

https://cpp.ph/statements/itigil-ang-pambobomba-at-istraping-sa-sqbp/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: On Matuguinao Mayor Aran Boller’s foolish “surrender deadline”

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 11, 2021): On Matuguinao Mayor Aran Boller’s foolish “surrender deadline”

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 11, 2021

No one is surprised by the “surrender” deadline set by the foolish, hawkish, military dog and Matuguinao mayor Aran Boller to barangay captains accused of supporting the NPA before Feburary 15. If not, he declares, they will be charged for violating the fascist Anti-Terror Law.

What else can the people of Matuguinao expect from the criminal overlord of notorious death squads “Alsa Masa” and “Dos,” coddler of notorious counterrevolutionaries and bad elements “Laloy,” “Luis,” “Ombo,” and “Bobby,” the mastermind behind the killing of not less than 18 individuals including ordinary peasants and perceived political opponents such as ex-mayor Carlos dela Cruz, ABC president Yurbit Diaz, and barangay captain Otot Obiado, the frustrated killing of Sangguniang Kabataan members who refused to support him in the 2016 elections? What else can we expect from this warlord whose reign of terror saw to the extrajudicial killings of not less than 17 individuals in Matuguinao from 2017-2019?

What else can the people of Matuguinao expect from this butcher of a mayor who is a member of the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP), one of the most vocal local officials who actively assists the fascist government in the fake surrender of civilians, and engages in barefaced lying and black propaganda against the revolutionary movement?

Boller thinks that with strong-man rule and fear, he can threaten the people of Matuguinao into silence but actually they despise and ridicule him. Despite his braggadocio and collusion with the military, and threats, a song entitled “The Butcher-Terrorist Mayor Aran Boller” (sung to the tune of “Manok na Pula”) became a hit among the residents. He seemed very affected by this that he had to call the barangay captains to a meeting to force them to stop the spread of this song.

Boller just yaps, boasts, and intimidates because he is terrified of revolutionary justice. He is afraid that the NPA-Arnulfo Ortiz Command may finally complete the capital punishment they attempted to serve in November 2018. Like a docile dog, he colludes and submits to the whims of Lt. Jasper Pecson, commander of the “massacre battalion” 19th IB, for his security. But revolutionary justice shall be sure to hound him because of his countless crimes against the people.

Boller’s declared “surrender deadline” forms part of the Duterte regime’s over-all program of surrender and pacification. Barangay captains who choose to “surrender” cannot expect a peaceful life thereafter. They will always be strong-armed by Boller and the AFP into participating in psy-war operations, in lying to and causing intrigue and disunity among their constituents, identifying suspected NPA supporters whom soldiers will harass, interrogate, arrest or kill.

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas condemns Boller’s use of the Anti-Terror Law to intimidate the people of Matuguinao into “surrendering.” We call attention to how this draconian and unconstitutional law was already used to arrest two Aeta minorities in Zambales whom the military alleged to be NPA members.

The NDF-EV calls on the people of Matuguinao to remain resolute and frustrate the Duterte regime’s surrender campaign and all-out state terror. The people of Matuguinao have a long history of militancy and bravery, which they can revisit and can serve as inspiration in the midst of the intensifying war of suppression implemented by the AFP-PNP and by militarist local officials such as Boller.

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-matuguinao-mayor-aran-bollers-foolish-surrender-deadline/

Kalinaw News: DSWD-CARAGA to provide livelihood assistance to 120 Former rebels in AgSur

From Kalinaw News (Feb 10, 2021): DSWD-CARAGA to provide livelihood assistance to 120 Former rebels in AgSur



TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) of CARAGA Region declared the provision of Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) to the former rebels (FRs) of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion during an Orientation on Sustainable Livelihood Program Modalities and Processes held at the Municipal Hall of San Luis, ADS today, February 11, 2021.

As intended beneficiaries of the Executive Order 70 (E070), a government policy on “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, a total of one hundred twenty (120) FRs from the Municipality of La Paz, San Luis, Talacogon, Esperanza, Prosperidad and Bayugan City, all from AgSur will benefit from the said assistance.

The LSG is a financial assistance directly provided to each eligible FR to support the establishment or continuity of their livelihood or economic activities in their communities. “This is a re-integration strategy that empowers the FRs and their families to be more economically-resilient and it will provide opportunities for them to be economically active citizens of their community.”, Ms. Corina H. Dela Fuente, DSWD Project Development Officer, said.

“Through the EO70, the local government agencies are working hand in hand in serving various initiatives to help sustain the needs of the former rebels for them to be reintegrated back to the community, be with their families, and start over with their new lives especially in this pandemic crisis.”, Hon. Phoebe L. Corvera, Municipal Mayor of San Luis stated.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB, expressed his gratitude to the support of partner agencies to the FRs. “My greatest gratitude for the continuous support and involvement of our partner agencies in providing assistance to our FRs, rest assured that our unit will remain active and ready to work for peace, security and development.”, he said.

“I am greatly encouraging those who are still in the ranks of CPP-NPA movement to peacefully lay down their arms, return to the mainstream society and contribute as good citizens for the prosperity of the community as well as the whole province of Agusan del Sur. The government is here to help you start a more peaceful and prosperous life.” Lt. Col. Goce ended.

[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/dswd-caraga-to-provide-livelihood-assistance-to-120-former-rebels-in-agsur/

Kalinaw News: JTFC troopers neutralized top five most wanted person

From Kalinaw News (Feb 10, 2021): JTFC troopers neutralized top five most wanted person



Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao – The Joint Task Force Central troopers neutralized a Top 5 Most Wanted Person in Sitio Madjar, Barangay Molimoc, Balabagan town of Lanao del Sur, last February 10, 2021.

Lt. Col. Tino Maslan, Commanding Officer of Marine Battalion Landing Team 5 said in a statement that the suspect was identified as Jayson Sampiano Deniega alias Nonoy of legal age and one of the most wanted criminal in the town of Balabagan, whom involved in the crime of multiple murder, drug trafficking, and extortion activities.

“Joint elements of Marine Battalion Landing Team 5, 1st Marine Brigade and Balabagan Municipal Police led the serving of the arrest warrant against the suspect together with his two unidentified cohorts. The suspects fired at the approaching government troops which resulted in a brief exchange of fires; consequently, the subject of the warrant was wounded but later declares dead on arrival at the nearest hospital, while his cohorts scampered to unknown directions bringing their firearms” Lt. Col. Maslan added.

Confiscated from the encounter site were one Caliber .38 revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition, one fragmentation grenade and two sachets of illegal drugs with estimated drug value P 10,880.00.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry Division and JTFC lauded the troopers for the job well done. He encouraged other lawless groups to return to the Folds of the Government. The cohorts to surrender and turn their selves to the authorities.“Continue to work with other law enforcement agencies to eliminate criminals within the communities; we will utilize all available assets of the AFP to crush the criminals and return the peace to its people” Maj. Gen. Uy said.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/jtfc-troopers-neutralized-top-five-most-wanted-person/

Kalinaw News: Mga gamit pandigma narekober sa Sto Niño, Cagayan

From Kalinaw News (Feb 10, 2021): Mga gamit pandigma narekober sa Sto Niño, Cagayan



BANGAG, Lal-lo – Sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga residente sa tropa ng 17th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, narekober ang iba’t-ibang mga gamit pandigma ng mga rebeldeng Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army sa Sitio Narudducan, Abariongan Uneg, Sto Niño, Cagayan kahapon ika-9 ng Pebrero taong kasalukuyan.
Narekober ng kasundaluhan ang dalawang improvised explosive devices (anti-tank), at mga magazine ng mga dekalibreng baril na M16 at M14 rifle.

Bago ito, nagsasagawa ng focused military operations ang 17IB sa nasabing lugar nang lapitan sila ng mga residente at ipinagbigay alam ang kinalalagyan ng mga nasabing kagamitan. Ayon sa mga residente malaki ang kanilang tiwala sa kasundaluhan kaya ibinahagi nila ang naturang impormasyon. Anila, hangad nila na mapadali ang pagsugpo sa insurhensiya upang mapadali ang progreso sa kanilang lugar.

Laking pasasalamat ni Lieutenant Colonel Angelo C. Saguiguit, Commanding Officer ng 17IB sa pakikipagtulungan ng mga residente upang marekober ang mga nasabing kagamitan. “Malaking tulong ang ginagawang pakikipag-ugnayan ng mga residente sa hanay ng kasundaluhan upang mapagtagumpayan na mapasakamay natin ang katahimikan at kaayusan sa inyong mga lugar. Sa pamamagitan nito, makatitiyak ako na sama-sama nating matatapos ang insurhensiya.”.
Nanawagan siya sa mga natitirang kasama o mga sumusuporta sa mga teroristang NPA na magbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan. May mga programa ng gobyerno na naghihintay sa inyong pagbabagong buhay ang Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) at ang Cagayan Employment Assistance Program (CEAP) ng lalawigan ng Cagayan.

[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/mga-gamit-pandigma-narekober-sa-sto-nino-cagayan/

Kalinaw News: JTFC Wages Intensified Military Operations Against Peace Spoilers in South Upi, Maguindanao

From Kalinaw News (Feb 10, 2021): JTFC Wages Intensified Military Operations Against Peace Spoilers in South Upi, Maguindanao



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Troops belonging to the 57th Infantry Battalion of the 6th Infantry (KAMPILAN) Division conducted continuous intensified focused military operations against lawless elements in South Upi, Maguindanao on February 9, 2021.

Lt. Col. Jonathan Pondanera, Commanding officer of 57IB led the operations in Brgy Pilar of the said municipality driving out the terrorist group that continuously disrupting the peaceful lives of the people in South Upi.

Aside from the ground troops clearing the area, attack helicopters from the Philippine Airforce were utilized to eliminate remnants of the extremists group responsible in the attacks of the communities in South Upi, Maguindanao.

Terrorist Group from the BIFF, burned Houses when they harassed residents of said municipality in the dawn of new year January 1, 2021.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of 6ID and JTFC directed the government forces to go after the suspects, return the displaced families to their communities, and secure them; while continuously provide avenues to resolve problems of disputing parties that causes the conflict in the area.“Our relentless, intensified focused military operation is aimed to drive away terrorist groups from the area of South Upi, hence I urge the residents to immediately report any presence of armed lawless groups in South Upi; the safety of the people and the communities of South Upi is paramount in our mission” Maj. Gen. Uy stressed.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/jtfc-wages-intensified-military-operations-against-peace-spoilers-in-south-upi-maguindanao/

Kalinaw News: CNT Member Return to the Folds of Government in Sarangani

From Kalinaw News (Feb 10, 2021): CNT Member Return to the Folds of Government in Sarangani



Camp Siongco, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao – In the peace effort campaign of Joint Task Force Central, another Communist NPA Terrorist surrendered to government troops in Sarangani Province on February 9, 2021.

According to the Commanding Officer of 38th Infantry Battalion Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr., a 32 years old, former extremist turned himself to Army and PNP troops in Sitio Malayo, Brgy. Maligang, Kiamba, Sarangani Province. He was a CNT Member under the Platoon Cherry Mobile, Guerilla Front Daguma, FSMR and was deceived by their terrorist leader alias Yoyo.

“The former terrorist member was long before deceived by the ideology of the Communist Terrorist Group but decided to return to the folds of government. Currently he is on lie-low status prior to his surrender and desires to have a peaceful normal life. He will be accorded with the government’s E-CLIP program to help him go back to the mainstream society” said LTC Vilchez Jr.

Col. Eduardo Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander lauded the 38IB troops in their peace building efforts. “During his withdrawal from the communist party, he turned over one Carbine Rifle, two magazines with four rounds of ammunitions, one Caliber .45 Pistol, one magazine with seven rounds of ammunitions, and a hand grenade” Col. Gubat added.

Meanwhile, Major General Juvymax R. Uy, 6th Infantry Division and JTFC Commander said that the surrender of former CNT member was due to the relentless Focus Military Operations, their confidence on the government security forces, and the delivery of government services to their communities.

“The peace initiative of 38IB is proven effective thus gained the support of the local government unit, the communities and the security forces in the area.” Maj. Gen. Uy 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/cnt-member-return-to-the-folds-of-government-in-sarangani/

Kalinaw News: Army Officer and 2 Soldiers Die in Quezon Province Encounter

From Kalinaw News (Feb 10, 2021): Army Officer and 2 Soldiers Die in Quezon Province Encounter




“The life of a soldier is a life filled with sacrifices; one should always be prepared for anything.”

This was what 1Lt Romeo S Sabio Jr thought as he entered the Philippine Army as an enlisted personnel in 2013. As a Private, he was assigned to the Training and Doctrine Command based in Capas, Tarlac before deciding to further his military career as an officer being a proud member of the Philippine Army’s Officer Candidate School (OCS) “GAHIUSA” Class 48 – 2017.

After graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant, Sabio was assigned to the 85th Infantry Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division where he soon became a platoon leader. His superiors and colleagues described him as an exemplary officer, a trusted friend, a true gentleman, and a good son whose heart really belongs to serving the Filipino people and country.

On February 5, 2021, Sabio and his men encountered the fleeing NPA terrorists that led to an intense firefight. As their group moved forward to the enemies’ position, he got separated from his men due to the rough terrain.

Determined to carry on, Sabio moved on his own to suppress the movement of the terrorists. Unfortunately, his subordinates were not able to aide him and lost contact after the heated exchange of fire. On February 6, his remains were found not far from the encounter site, presumably downed by a sniper.

Sabio was among the three casualties from the government side in the series of encounters within the week. Before his squad’s encounter against the rebels, another firefight erupted against the troops and the NPAs earlier that day, resulting in the untimely death of Sgt Helexor Arian V Placido and Cpl Jhon Paul P Palangan.

MGen Greg T Almerol, Commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, extended his sincere condolences to the bereaved families of the fallen soldiers and assured them of the government’s assistance during this difficult time.

“We give our snappiest salute to 1Lt Sabio Jr, Sgt Placido, and Cpl Palangan who paid the ultimate price in their quest to protect the people and bring peace to the country. We will see to it that their sacrifices will not be in vain.”

Ongoing pursuit operations have been launched and all available military assets have been placed on high alert.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-officer-and-2-soldiers-die-in-quezon-province-encounter/

Kalinaw News: Abandoned, wounded NPA gets help from soldiers

From Kalinaw News (Feb 9, 2021): Abandoned, wounded NPA gets help from soldiers



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Soldiers of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division responded to the call for help by a wounded NPA left behind by his comrades after a series of encounters at Brgy San Roque Agro, Catanauan, Quezon on Sunday, February 7.

Soldiers administered first aid to alias Marco, a wounded NPA terrorist who was with the group encountered by the government forces on February 5 at Sitio Pung-uy, Brgy Masaya in Buenavista.

“Ganun pala pag wala nang halaga. Iiwanan na lang nila. Nangako silang babalikan ako, ilang araw na, hindi naman sila bumalik,” said alias Marco.

The security forces coordinated with the barangay officials as part of the localized peace resolution and ensured no human rights violation ensued.

MGen Greg T Almerol, Commander of 2ID, lauded the care and compassion shown by the soldiers to the injured NPA terrorist.

“This development is proof that enemy or not, your soldiers will always be ready to extend help. We honor every human right and we believe our citizens were only deceived to become NPA members.”

The military has been in a close battle against the rebels having engaged in six consecutive encounters last week which resulted to the deaths of three soldiers and two NPAs, wounding of two soldiers, and the recovery of eight high-powered firearms left by the terrorists.

“We mourn for our fallen comrades, but we will never falter in our oath to secure the land and pursue peace and development for the people and country.”

Additional troops were deployed and military assets alerted to support the ongoing pursuit operations against the fleeing NPAs.

[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/abandoned-wounded-npa-gets-help-from-soldiers/

Kalinaw News: High-Powered Firearms seize in Pinabacdao, Samar clash

From Kalinaw News (Feb 9, 2021): High-Powered Firearms seize in Pinabacdao, Samar clash



Fatima, Hinabangan, Samar – Operating troops of the 46th Infantry Battalion engaged in an encounter with the Communist NPA Terrorists following a tip from a resident regarding the presence of the terrorists in the vicinity of Barangay Layo, Pinabacdao, Samar on February 8, 2021.

During the conduct of focused military operations, the troops clashed against 10 CNTs in a 15-minute firefight.

No casualty was reported on the government side, while an undetermined number of casualties from the terrorist side following the bloodstains found in the route of withdrawal

Seized during the operation were two M16 rifles, nine backpacks, five cellphones, two flashlights, one power bank, one whistle, and subversive documents.

Lieutenant Colonel Rhomel R. Langcauon, Commanding Officer of 46th Infantry Battalion said the government troops will not stop until they see an end to the local communist armed conflict in the area especially now that the community is working closely with them.

“Dahil ito sa nararamdaman na ng ating mga kababayan ang serbisyong gobyerno hanggang sa mga liblib na mga barangay sa pamamagitan ng retooled community support program (RCSP), sila na mismo ang nagsusuplong sa atin sa kinaroroonan ng mga rebelde,” Langcauon said.

The 801st Infantry Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Camilo Z. Ligayo said that the army will continue its offensive against the NPA terrorists.

“We will assure the people of Samar that the Army will continue relentlessly and will use all its resources against the threat group. I thank the community and encourage the people to report to us any information on NPA movements and activities in their communities,” BGen.Ligayo said.

Ligayo also appealed to the NPA to lay down their arms and go back to the folds of the law because the government will support them as they undergo a series of transformation activities and livelihood trainings.

[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-powered-firearms-seize-in-pinabacdao-samar-clash/

Kalinaw News: Army, Navy strengthen ISO and HADR efforts in the Region

From Kalinaw News (Feb 9, 2021): Army, Navy strengthen ISO and HADR efforts in the Region



CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan Capiz –To build a strong alliance between the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy, key officers of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division led by its Commander Major General Eric Vinoya, visited BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS 16) in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan on February 07, 2021

BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) is the second ship of the Gregorio del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels of the Philippine Navy equipped with two 18,000 horsepower (13,000 kW) Pratt & Whitney gas turbines that can propel the ship to a speed of up to 28 knots (52 km/h). The vessel embarked its maiden voyage from the USA to the Philippines in mid 2013 and was entered into service on the same year under the Offshore Combat Forces of the Philippine Navy’s Fleet.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz is one of the two ship-component of Naval Task Force 82 deployed to Oman in February last year to repatriate overseas Filipinos in the Middle East following tensions between the United States and Iran.

MGen Vinoya said that his visit with BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS 16) in Aklan aimed to enhance the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy’s cooperation in the region.

“Our mutual understanding will take us a long way to effectively and efficiently carry out our respective tasks. Collaborative approaches between and among government services is a must. While the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Army have distinct functions, we are brothers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We share a common mandate in our peace and security efforts and on our non-traditional roles in humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” said MGen Vinoya.

[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-navy-strengthen-iso-and-hadr-efforts-in-the-region/

Kalinaw News: Army Conducts Donning of Ranks and Recognition of Stakeholders in MisOr

From Kalinaw News (Feb 9, 2021): Army Conducts Donning of Ranks and Recognition of Stakeholders in MisOr

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- The 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion under the leadership of Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, administered the pinning of ranks to five newly promoted Dimalulupig personnel, and honored two of its ardent stakeholders during the flag raising ceremony at Headquarters 58IB, Sitio Migbanday, Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental, February 8, 2021.

A total of five Dimalulupig troopers satisfied the requirements set by the Philippine Army’s Promotion System and got promoted effective December 2020; wherein one of which is a First Lieutenant, one Staff Sergeant, two Sergeant, and one Corporal.

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

After the pinning of ranks, held the recognition of stakeholders, Hon. Virgelia Dumadag, Board Member of Misamis Oriental, and Engineer Rosauro Kuinisala, who have showed their dedication and continuous support to 58IB which significantly contributed to the unit’s peace and development initiatives.

Meanwhile, Hon. Virgelia Dumadag expressed her heartfelt congratulations. “I am incredibly happy to be part of this meaningful occasion. Let me congratulate everyone for your well-deserved promotion. I know fully that you have earned and worked hard for the appointment of the position. You have received the promotion at a very dynamic time, a time when 58IB is gaining grounds and momentum in its effort to bring out peace and development in its area of responsibility, especially in Misamis Oriental. Congratulations, 58IB. Congratulations Lt. Col Canatoy. I am confident that we will reap more successes in the best ahead as we continue to forge our operation and partnership in the commitment of protecting our people’s rights and security. We the provincial government believes in the capacity and leadership of Lt. Col Canatoy and the sincerity of the troops in fulfilling their duties.”

On the other hand, Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, expressed his sentiments on this meaningful event. “I would like to extend my congratulations to all of you who are newly promoted. Another rank signifies additional benefits in terms of compensation and privileges. However, what is more important is the added responsibility. That rank insignia pinned to your chest symbolizes trust and confidence not only by our organization, but by the civilian people whom we swore to serve and protect. We continue in giving the best service that they deserve from us. Brace up for more challenges and good service that we will surely deliver to people, altogether with the Dimalulupig Troopers.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-conducts-donning-of-ranks-and-recognition-of-stakeholders-in-misor/

NPA war materials seized in an encounter in MisOcc

From the Mindanao Examiner (Feb 11, 2021): NPA war materials seized in an encounter in MisOcc

TROOPS OF the 10th Infantry Battalion (10IB) clashed with communist terrorist group (CTG) members in Don Victoriano Chiongban (DVC), here, January 30.

“Based on the report from the ground, our soldiers were conducting combat operations when they encountered more or less 20 armed men believed to be members of the Guerilla Front Sendong, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee in Barangay Tuno, DonVic past 11 in the morning, Saturday,” said WestMinCom Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes after which enemies withdrew bringing along their casualties with them.

Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson said the member of the Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) was wounded in the encounter while the enemy incurred an undetermined number of casualties as evident in the bloodstains that scampered in the area.

The wounded CAA was immediately brought to the provincial hospital of Pagadian and is still under observation as of press time.

While scouring the encounter site, operating troops recovered two magazines for AK47 loaded with 60 rounds of ammunition, enemy personal belongings, and assorted foodstuff.

“We deployed supplemental troops to conduct pursuit operations in the area,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102IB.

Further, MGen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan said the units under his jurisdiction will continue to conduct focused and civil military operations to end terrorism and lawlessness. (By Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/02/npa-war-materials-seized-in-encounter.html

Alleged CTG member falls in Leyte PPO operations

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 10, 2021): Alleged CTG member falls in Leyte PPO operations (By PIA-8/Leyte PPO) 

TACLOBAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- An alleged active member of Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Kananga, Leyte was arrested by the local police in an anti-criminality operation in the province, Leyte Police Provincial Office Director, Colonel Rodelio C. Samson said.

The suspect was identified as Jonathan Bacan y Compa @ Jojo, 44 years old, married, member of Task Force Bantay Kabtangan of EDC, and a resident of Purok 1B, Brgy. Tongonan, Kananga, Leyte, allegedly an active member of FC-41, SRC LEVOX under APOY PLATOON who serves as a recruiter of new members for the said leftist group operating in the area of Kananga, Leyte and other neighboring municipalities. He also allegedly sells firearms taken by his comrades during encounters.

Samson said the arrest was made amid their conduct of the Simultaneous Anti-Criminality Law Enforcement Operations or the so-called ‘One-Time, Big-Time’ anti-crime operations in Leyte.

Based on the report from Leyte PPO, about 11 a.m. of February 3, 2021 at Purok 1B, Brgy. Tongonan, Kananga, Leyte, a composite team from Kananga MPS led by PMaj. Ariel J. Salarda, Chief of Police; PIU led by PLt. Col. Dinvir L. Revita, Chief, PIU; LPPO Tracker Team 1 led by PMaj. Ian Savador B. Po, Chief of Police, Merida MPS; Team 2 led by PCapt. Dennis Gatela, COP, Dagami MPS; RMFB8 led by PLt. Oliver D. Guy; CIDG-NL led by PMaj. Duane Francis J. Ducducan; RIU8 led by PLgt. Rolan Maceda; and 93rd IB, PA led by 2nd Lt. Renard Tabagan, under the direct supervision of PCol. Samson, conducted implementation of Search Warrant to the house of the aforementioned suspect by virtue of Search Warrant No. 12-01-21, issued by Hon. Mario O. Quinit, Presiding Judge of RTC 12, Ormoc City.

Confiscated/seized pieces of evidence were one (1) unit .38 caliber revolver Smith and Wesson without serial number; three (3) rounds of live ammunitions for .38 caliber; one (1) pc hand grenade; one (1) unit Squires Binghan model caliber .22 with SN 11438 and one (1) pc. sling bag.

“Jojo” along with the confiscated/seized pieces of evidence were brought to Kananga MPS for documentation and proper disposition. (PIA8/Leyte PPO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066547

Army, Navy strengthen ISO, HADR efforts in the WV

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 10, 2021): Army, Navy strengthen ISO, HADR efforts in the WV (By Jemin B. Guillermo) 

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) – Key officers of the Army's 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division led by its Commander Major General Eric Vinoya visited BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS 16) in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, February 7.

This is to build a strong alliance between the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy, a press release from the 3ID Public Affairs Office said.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16) is the second ship of the Gregorio del Pilar-class offshore patrol vessels of the Philippine Navy equipped with two 18,000 horsepower (13,000 kW) Pratt & Whitney gas turbines that can propel the ship to a speed of up to 28 knots (52 km/h).

The vessel embarked its maiden voyage from the USA to the Philippines in mid 2013 and was entered into service on the same year under the Offshore Combat Forces of the Philippine Navy's Fleet.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz is one of the two ship-component of Naval Task Force 82 deployed to Oman in February last year to repatriate overseas Filipinos in the Middle East following tensions between the United States and Iran.



Vinoya said that his visit with BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS 16) in Aklan aimed to enhance the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy's cooperation in the region.

“Our mutual understanding will take us a long way to effectively and efficiently carry out our respective tasks. Collaborative approaches between and among government services is a must,” he said.

Vinoya added “While the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Army have distinct functions, we are brothers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. We share a common mandate in our peace and security efforts and on our non-traditional roles in humanitarian assistance and disaster response." (PIA6/Story and photos from 3ID-DPAO/Phil. Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066479

Soldiers help abandoned, wounded NPA after encounter

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 11, 2021): Soldiers help abandoned, wounded NPA after encounter (By PA 2ID DPAO) 

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, Feb 11 --Soldiers of the Army's 2nd Infantry Division responded to the call for help by a wounded NPA left behind by his comrades after a series of encounters at Brgy San Roque Agro, Catanauan, Quezon on Sunday, February 7.

Soldiers administered first aid to alias Marco, a wounded NPA terrorist who was with the group encountered by government forces on February 5 at Sitio Pung-uy, Brgy Masaya in Buenavista.

“Ganun pala pag wala nang halaga. Iiwanan na lang nila. Nangako silang babalikan ako, ilang araw na, hindi naman sila bumalik,” said alias Marco.

The security forces coordinated with the barangay officials as part of the localized peace resolution and ensured there were no human rights violation.

MGen Greg T Almerol, Commander of 2ID, lauded the care and compassion shown by the soldiers to the injured NPA terrorist.

"This development is proof that enemy or not, your soldiers will always be ready to extend help. We honor every human right and we believe our citizens were only deceived to become NPA members."

The military has been in a close battle against the rebels having engaged in six consecutive encounters last week which resulted to the deaths of three soldiers and two NPAs, wounding of two soldiers, and the recovery of eight high-powered firearms left by the terrorists.

"We mourn for our fallen comrades, but we will never falter in our oath to secure the land and pursue peace and development for the people and country."

Additional troops were deployed and military assets alerted to support the ongoing pursuit operations against the fleeing NPAs.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066570

PMA homecoming set Feb 12-13; only 30% of physical attendance allowed

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 11, 2021): PMA homecoming set Feb 12-13; only 30% of physical attendance allowed (By Joseph B. Zambrano)

BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) --- The Philippine Military Academy will hold its yearly alumni homecoming this February 12-13 adopting the hybrid concept in view of the prevailing corona virus disease(COVID-19) pandemic.

PMA Information Officer Major Cherryl Tindog said this year's homecoming will be different from the traditional conduct of the event as only few alumni and the awardees will be physically present for a limited face to face interaction. Other alumni will participate via zoom video teleconferencing.

The PMA Alumni Association Incorporation has been allowed by the COVID-19 City Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) health protocol to have only 30 percent physical attendance. All attendees must present medical certificate with negative RT-PCR result and Travel Authority.

Tindog assured that the Academy is doing its very best to ensure that the inspiration of the alumni to the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PMA community as a whole shall be deeply ingrained through this traditional activity while still adhering to all necessary safety and health protocols during the entire conduct of the event.

This year’s Diamond Jubilarians belong to Class 1961; Golden Jubilarians are Class 1971 and Silver Jubilarians are Class 1996. Host classes are those ending in 1.(JDP/JBZ- PIA CAR)

Borromeo Field, PMA's hallowed ground, where leaders are mold.

 https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066395

160 Cordi cops undergo internal security operations training

 From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 10, 2021): 160 Cordi cops undergo internal security operations training (By Redjie Melvic M. Cawis)

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- One hundred sixty police officers from the different police provincial and city offices in the Cordillera region are undergoing a special course on efficient internal security operations for the suppression of insurgency and other serious threats to security.

PNP Training Service Director Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac with Police Regional Office – Cordillera(PRO-Cor) officials led by Regional Director PBGen. R’win Pagkalinawan and Philex Mining Corporation representatives spearheaded the opening ceremony of the Basic Internal Security Operations Course (BISOC) at the Philex Mines tailings storage facility 2 in Itogon, Benguet on February 7, 2021.

The 160 rookie police officers will undergo the three-month rigid training that prepares police officers to be efficient in internal security operations.

The BISOC is a PNP specialized training that aims to equip and train police personnel on the different tactics and strategies in combat operations, develop maneuver skills and instill combat standard operating procedures during anti-insurgency operations, anti-criminality and anti-terrorism. It prepares them to be highly effective and efficient in their police functions even under extreme pressure while adhering to the PNP Human-Rights Based Policing.

In his message, Banac reiterated that the PNP Training Service continues to level-up all training programs to be able to produce highly capable and effective police officers instilled with discipline, integrity, and proper work ethics required in becoming professional public servants.

The training ground was provided by the Philex Mining Corporation as part of its thrusts to build partnerships with its stakeholders, empower individuals, help build self-reliance and sustainable communities and advocate peace and order within and around its areas of operation.

In September last year, the Philex management and the PRO-Cor signed a memorandum of agreement for the use of the tailings storage facility 2 and adjoining vicinities and access roads. Philex also allowed part of an adjoining vicinity of its TSF 2 as administration building and billeting areas for the police personnel, training staff and police trainees.

Meanwhile, Banac on February 8 led the awarding of the Medalya ng Kasanayan (PNP Efficiency Medal) to six Cordillera cops for their invaluable services during the Distinguished Visitors Program and Regular Monday Flag Raising Ceremony at the PRO-Cor Headquarters in Camp Bado Dangwa, La Trinidad.

Awardees were BISOC Training Committee member PLT Hugh Reginald Coplat and BISOC Training Staff PEMS Joseph Slade Filog for their service during the conduct of BISOC Class 2020-03 RCOR; SWAT Training Staff PEMS Louie Demot and SWAT Course Facilitator PEMS Julian Ngoslab for the successful conduct of PNP Special Weapons and Tactics Course; and PERC Training Committee member PMAJ Ramon Espiritu Jr. and PERC Course Facilitator PEMS Christopher Nebrida for the successful conduct of Police Explosive Reconnaissance Course. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066559

Army unearths rebel weaponry in Sto. Niño town after residents' tip-off

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 10, 2021): Army unearths rebel weaponry in Sto. Niño town after residents' tip-off (By Oliver T. Baccay)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Feb. 10 (PIA) - - Troops from the 17th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army have unearthed various types of weaponries believed to have hidden by the New Peoples Army (NPA) operating at Sitio Narudducan, Barangay Abbariongan Uneg in Sto. Nino, Cagayan.

Soldiers unearth NPA armaments in Sto Nino, Cagayan. (17thIB)

In the Battalion's report, the items recovered include two improvised explosive devices and several magazines of M16 and M14 rifles.

Lieutenant Colonel Angelo Saguiguit, commanding officer, said troops were led to the area after a tip-off from some barangay folks.

"The residents trusted the soldiers that is why they voluntarily divulge the information about it. This means they really wanted to end the decades long of insurgency in their area to allow progress and development in their communities," Saguiguit said.

The battalion chief further thanked the community members for their cooperation in the pursuit of clearing themunicipality from rebel infestations.

"The cooperation of the people in the rebel-infested communities is very much important in our quest to attain peace and security in our area. With our collaborative efforts, I am sure that we can achieve our goal to end insurgency," Saguigit said.

He also urged remaining members of the rebel groups to surrender and enjoy the benefits prepared by the government through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and the Cagayan Employment Assistance Program (CEAP) of the Local Government Unit of Cagayan. (MDCT/OTB/PIA 2-Cagayan with reports from seventeendoordiebattalion)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066518

Interior senior official slams Reds for 'selfish' demands on nationwide vaccine rollout

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 10, 2021): Interior senior official slams Reds for 'selfish' demands on nationwide vaccine rollout (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan) 

Fast COVID vaccine delivery or "selfish ideological interest" is the question DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya asks amid the impending vaccine rollout. (Philippine News Agency photo)

CALOOCAN CITY, Feb. 10 (PIA) -- A senior official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) today criticized the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) for imposing conditions and puting its "selfish ideological interests" first before the immediate delivery of COVID-19 vaccines across the Philippines.

DILG Undersecretary and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya slammed the CPP after laying conditions on President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s request for the national and international government-branded terrorists not to hamper the delivery of COVID-19 vaccines to all parts of the country.

In a statement, the CPP said they will "provide a humanitarian corridor" but the government "should not use military vehicles in transporting the vaccines to far flung barangays."

The CPP also demanded that the vehicles transporting the vaccines must be clearly marked with a red cross over a white back ground to avoid being mistaken as a military vehicle.

"During this time of pandemic, the Communist rebels must place the country first before their selfish ideological interests and should not impose any conditions for the benefit of the people," Malaya said.

“Can’t the CPP/NPA/NDF [New People's Army-National Democratic Front] declare a cessation of hostilities for a change if only to allow the delivery of the vaccines? In all countries of the world, the military are mobilized to assist in the vaccination program. In the US, the National Guard has been mobilized to ensure the fast delivery of their vaccines,” he emphazied.

Malaya, who co-chairs the NTF COVID-19 Task Group Prevention, said by laying demands on the government, the CPP/NPA/NDF are actually threatening the delivery of the vaccines in conflict-affected areas.

“What happens when we utilize a military vehicle to transport the vaccine in mountainous areas, are they going to shoot our soldiers on a humanitarian mission? [Government's] 6 x 6 military trucks are the only vehicles that can reach these areas. What happens when civilian vehicles do not have a red cross over a white background?” he argued.

Malaya said that the PNP will still be on high alert considering the conditions imposed by the Communist terrorists. “Alerto lang ang pamahalaan dahil mahirap maging kampante at pagkatiwalaan ang mga kaaway ng bayan," he said.

He appealed to the Communist rebels to think of the country for a change and support the national vaccination program if only to put a stop to this pandemic. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066501

RTF ELCAC to reach out to victims of CPP-NPA extortion

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10, 2021): RTF ELCAC to reach out to victims of CPP-NPA extortion (By Perla Lena)

SUPPORT. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas receives arrival honors during his visit to Police Regional Office 6 headquarters on Monday (Feb. 8, 2021). Sinas assured the support of the PNP to the advocacies of the RTF ELCAC, said associate provincial prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, chairperson of the task force’s Legal Cooperation Cluster. (PNA photo courtesy of PRO 6 FB page)

ILOILO CITY – The Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (WV RTF ELCAC) will reach out to sectors victimized by the revolutionary taxation of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

“This will be the first concerted effort to reach out to victims of extortion activities of NPA,” said associate provincial prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, chairperson of the Legal Cooperation Cluster (LCC) of the task force in a phone interview on Wednesday.

Gonzales said during their meeting with Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Feb. 8, they also updated him on cases filed against communist terrorist groups (CTGs) and the task force’s advocacies in universities.

The specific coordination will be done by a concerned government agency such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for businesses and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for contractors.

Gonzales said they would like to assure those who have been victims of the extortion activities of the NPA of their security.

Sinas, he said, has committed that the PNP will be at the disposal of the task force to support its advocacies.

“So there is an assurance that the PNP is onboard, including their community relations division to assist RTF ELCAC in our advocacies,” Gonzales said.

Meanwhile, in term of cases against CTGs, he said there are cases pending with the prosecutor’s office while some are already filed in court.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

Sinas visited the regional headquarters of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) in Camp Martin Delgado on Monday after leading the groundbreaking ceremony of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) on Negros Occidental.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130208

Ex-MILF combatants receive P16-M rice assistance

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11, 2021): Ex-MILF combatants receive P16-M rice assistance (By Noel Punzalan)

RICE AID. Five of the 106 former MILF combatants present their rice assistance from the government and its partners during simple turnover ceremonies held at the MILF’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Wednesday (Feb. 10, 2021). OPAPP Undersecretary David Diciano (inset) said that a total of 12,145 decommissioned MILF fighters are set to receive the rice assistance package across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of Kai Matalam - OPAPP Cotabato)

A total of 12,145 decommissioned combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are set to receive PHP16-million worth of rice assistance as part of the socio-economic intervention for the former rebels.

This came as a total of 106 former MILF fighters benefitted from the first batch of rice assistance during simple ceremonies held at MILF’s Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Wednesday.

“This is just the start of the help that we will extend to you. There are more assistance to come,” Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Undersecretary David Diciano, chair of the Government Peace Implementing Panel on the Bangsamoro Peace Accord, told the beneficiaries during the activity.

The rice assistance will benefit the rebels who were decommissioned in 2015 and 2019-2020, respectively, which covered the first and second phases of decommissioning.

It also aims to ease the burden among them and their families who have been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Diciano said an assessment is currently being done by the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, to determine their actual needs and develop more appropriate and sustainable and socio-economic interventions.

Meantime, Bangsamoro Executive Secretary Abdulraof Macacua described the activity as another achievement in the quest for successful peace endeavor and normalization, noting that rice is a fundamental need of everyone.

He said the same rice assistance package is scheduled to commence soon to decommissioned MILF rebels in other parts of the region that includes the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

The rice aid program is being carried out in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme that has been a long-time supporter of the GPH-MILF peace process.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130324

Abductors release Cotabato power coop employee

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11, 2021): Abductors release Cotabato power coop employee (By John Andrew Tabugoc)

FREED. Mayor Herlo Guzman of Kabacan, North Cotabato (in pink shirt), visits Kier Selebio (in hospital bed), the abducted Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) field technician who was released on Wednesday night (Feb. 10, 2021) by still unknown abductors in Don Carlos town of Bukidnon province. The victim was snatched last Monday (Feb. 8, 2021) as he was installing solar panels at homes in the remote village of Kabalantian in Arakan, North Cotabato, which borders Bukidnon. (Photo courtesy of Kabacan LGU)

MATALAM, North Cotabato – The management of the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) here has confirmed the release of its field technician who was abducted by armed men in a remote village of Arakan town earlier this week.

Engr. Godofredo B. Homez, Cotelco general manager, said that victim Kier Selebio, a Cotelco field technician, was released at Don Carlos town in the adjacent Bukidnon province around 8 p.m. Wednesday.

Based on Don Carlos police records, Selebio was abandoned by his abductors at the secluded village and sought assistance from a nearby house where he was able to call his wife through a mobile phone.

“He was left behind and heard nothing, so he tried to crawl and untied his hands and sought assistance from nearby residents in the area,” Homez told the Philippine News Agency here in an interview.

Homez added that the victim could not identify what group took him, nor the motive for the abduction.

Around midnight Wednesday, Selebio was fetched by a vehicle provided by the town government of Kabacan, North Cotabato at the Don Carlos municipal police station.

“The victim was very hungry as he was handcuffed, blindfolded, and was not given food and water for two days and two nights by his abductors,” the mayor said of the victim who is currently confined at the Mindanao Medical Hospital in Kabacan.

Homez assured that the victim will be given ample assistance by the Cotelco company as the latter is entitled to medical benefits as an employee.

“We will extend all possible assistance to the victim and his family,” the Cotelco official said.

The victim was abducted on Feb. 8 in the remote village of Kabalantian in Arakan that borders Bukidnon province as he was installing solar home panels in the village.

The peripheries of Arakan is one of the areas in North Cotabato where New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists operate. The NPA, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF), 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/1130350

Austin affirms commitment to US-PH mutual defense treaty

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10, 2021): Austin affirms commitment to US-PH mutual defense treaty (By Priam Nepomuceno and Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

The United States, through the Pentagon, has affirmed its commitment to its defense alliance with the Philippines, particularly the Mutual Defense Treaty and the Visiting Forces Agreement.

The commitment was made during a phone call between Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III on Feb. 9.

"Secretary Austin affirmed the US commitment to the US-Philippines alliance and our bilateral Mutual Defense Treaty and Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), highlighting the value the VFA brings to both countries," a Pentagon readout said.

The two officials discussed the importance of enhancing the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and increasing interoperability between the two militaries "through a variety of bilateral security cooperation activities."

They also discussed regional security challenges, including the South China Sea, counterterrorism, and maritime security.

The two affirmed the importance of upholding international rules and norms, including the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, that invalidated the sweeping claims of Beijing over the South China Sea.

"Both sides committed to sustain dialogues amidst the pandemic and strengthen cooperation between the two defense establishments. They agreed to meet face-to-face in the future," a statement from the Department of National Defense read.

A meeting between the Philippine and the US governments is scheduled within February 2021 to tackle the fate of the VFA, whose abrogation was recently suspended.

In an interview Monday over ANC, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. said, "I am narrowing down the issues and soon we will meet, I believe in the last week of February and iron out whatever differences we have and come to an agreement. What that agreement is, of course, I do not wish to anticipate because then that would weaken my decision."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130202

Panelo sees need for military participation in vaccine rollout

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 10, 2021): Panelo sees need for military participation in vaccine rollout (By Azer Parrocha)

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo (File photo)

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo on Wednesday emphasized the need for military participation in the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines in far-flung areas, stressing how communist rebels could easily ambush volunteers from humanitarian groups.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) earlier vowed not to hamper the delivery of vaccine supply following President Rodrigo Duterte’s appeal but urged the government to allow humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross to handle vaccination instead.

However, Panelo warned that allowing humanitarian groups to lead vaccine delivery in far-flung areas could put their lives at risk.

“Tinuruan mo pa ang pamahalaan? Yung mga military vehicles mga truck, malalaki, o mas konbinyente at the same time buti na ‘yang military para may nagbabantay. Mamaya Red Cross ‘yan, mamaya inambush niyo pa o pinigilan niyo pa (Do you have to teach the government what to do? Military vehicles are mostly trucks, big vehicles, so it’s more convenient and at the same time it’s better for the military so there’s someone to stand guard. Rebels could ambush or prevent the Red Cross from delivering vaccines),” he said in his commentary show Counterpoint.

Panelo said newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Cirilito Sobejana himself already vowed to help the Department of Health (DOH) in the delivery of Covid-19 vaccines.

“Kaya ang military nag-o-offer na nga na ‘Ah kaming bahala diyan, kami tutulong diyan’. Sabi ni AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana…na considering daw yung strategic deployment sila daw po’y tutulong sa DOH pag-roll out ng bakuna (That’s why the military offered ‘We’ll do it, we’ll help. AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said that considering the strategic deployment, they’ll help DOH in the vaccine rollout),” he said.

He said personnel of the AFP would be the best people for the job because of their land, sea, and air assets.

“Pati na yung mga sasakyan nila whether ito’y sa lupa, sa itaas, sa himpapawid, sa dagat, talagang tutulong po sila (Even the vehicles whether they’re on land, air, sea, they’re really going to help),” he said.

Last Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque shrugged off the CPP’s call, saying the national government is sticking with its original plan to make the AFP in charge of vaccine delivery in far-flung areas.

“We have a rollout plan. ‘Yun po ang masusunod kahit anong sabihin pa ng CPP-NPA (That’s what we’re going to follow regardless of what the CPP-NPA (New People’s Army) says),” he said.

He acknowledged that the CPP-NPA has freedom of speech, but noted that the government could not ignore the fact that they are tagged as a terrorist group.

In a taped speech aired late Monday night, Duterte called on the CPP and its armed wing, the NPA, to allow the unhampered transport of the Covid-19 vaccine across the country starting this month.

“I am appealing to the Communist Party of the Philippines. The CPP must guarantee that the vaccines in the course of being transported to areas where there are no city health officers or medical persons, na ‘wag ninyo galawin ang medisina (don’t touch the medicine), allow the vaccines to be transported freely and safely,” Duterte said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130275

France to 'step up' defense, strategic cooperation with PH: envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 11, 2021): France to 'step up' defense, strategic cooperation with PH: envoy (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

French Republic Ambassador to the Philippines Michéle Boccoz (Presidential Photo)

France would bolster its engagement on defense and strategic partnership with the Philippines, French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz said as she laid down her priorities as the newly installed envoy in Manila.

The statement was made when she presented her credentials to President Rodrigo Duterte on Feb. 10 in Malacañang.

Boccoz said France, as a nation of the Indo-Pacific, commits to contribute to the stability, free trade, peaceful settlement of dispute, development, fight against climate change, and freedom of navigation in the region.

"In that regard, France is committed to continue to step up the growing cooperation in defense and strategic matters between the Philippines and France," she said.

Boccoz said Paris would also bolster its engagement on economic and commercial cooperation with Manila.

"[I]nvestments in key sectors of the economy in the Philippines is for us a priority. We see with pleasure that more and more French companies are investing in major projects and benefit from a good image and excellent cooperation with local companies. Be assured, Mr. President, that France wishes to further its economic and commercial cooperation with the Philippines," she said.

Duterte, for his part, underscored the government's "keen interest" to strengthen ties with France in these areas of mutual interest.

He welcomed France's active participation in the Philippines' defense modernization and "Build, Build, Build" programs.

But he underscored that "constructive engagement" between the two nations must continue to grow, especially with the "unprecedented" challenges the world faces today.

"The challenges we face today are unprecedented. We need closer collaboration bilaterally and in the [multilateral arena]. We are interested in further expanding ties, particularly in defense, trade and investments, public health, and tourism," he said.

Duterte said he looks forward to enhanced collaboration between Manila and Paris on climate change and sustainable development, environmental protection, migration and migrant workers’ rights, gender justice, and combatting transnational crimes, including cybersecurity and counterterrorism.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130337