‘Reds’ again? Lambunao explosion hurts cop, ‘kagawad’

From Panay News (Mar 13, 2021): ‘Reds’ again? Lambunao explosion hurts cop, ‘kagawad’ (By Glenda Tayona)

ILOILO – A policeman and a barangay councilman were injured in an explosion in Barangay Pughanan, Lambunao town.

They were Police Master Sergeant Christopher Losbañez and barangay councilor Larry Ajeno, a police report showed.

The blast was believed to have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED).

A team of nine policemen from Lambunao police station were onboard their patrol car around 9:45 a.m. on Friday when the explosion occurred, according to Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).

The vehicle careened to the roadside slope.

Losbañez sustained a hand injury, while the other police officers had slight bruises not due to the explosion but because of trying to get out of the vehicle.

Ajeno, meanwhile, was passing by the area when hit by shrapnel.

The team was supposed to conduct a follow up investigation on an encounter between government forces and alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) which transpired on March 11, 2021, Malong said.

Authorities believed the NPA was behind the attack.

“Siguro nabatyagan na nila nga depleting naman ang ila nga forces that is why they have to be felt by the general public. It’s their tactics man, one way nga pwede nila i-control ang mga pumoluyo because of fear nga mag-upod sa ila. Na-interview man naton, ang iban naga-upod man lang sa ila tungod sa kahadlok,” said Malong.

She further noted that the areas targeted by the rebels such as Janiuay and Lambunao have many government projects.

“It is one way man siguro magpabatyag sa mga kontraktor para sa ila extortion activities,” Malong added.

To counter this, the regional spokesperson said they are strengthening their intelligence monitoring and security among police stations. She said the support given by the community is a very big help.

“Every movement namon kinanglan well-coordinated with the counterpart kag sa amon man dapat cleared ang places nga kadtuan namon para indi masulit ang mga incidents kon sa diin pwede mahalitan ang mga civilian,” Malong added.

On March 3, an alleged IED also exploded in the boundary of barangays Pangilihan and Canawili in Janiuay while the town police was conducting a road clearing operation for the scheduled inauguration of a government project in nearby Barangay Panuran.

No one was hurt in the incident.

The NPA, in a statement, owned up to the said attack.

Meanwhile, for Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), the recent NPA atrocities in Lambunao and Janiuay solidified their data that indeed the area is where the Central Front of the Kilusang Rehiyong Panay is operating.

“It is just right to deploy community support program teams to these areas in order to clear the communities from enemy affectation. Our soldiers will not be cowered to deliver shots should they insist to continue terrorizing the people,” he said.

https://www.panaynews.net/reds-again-lambunao-explosion-hurts-cop-kagawad/

303IB denies ‘death threats’ vs NegOcc activists

From Panay News (Mar 12, 2021): 303IB denies ‘death threats’ vs NegOcc activists (BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA)

BACOLOD City – The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade (303IB) denied texting death threats to 10 activists in Negros Occidental.

The text message read: “Next target of Kill, kill, kill program” then enumerated the activists.
Militant group Karapatan-Negros shared on social media the activists named in the text message. They were the following:

* Iver – believed to be Iver Larit of Kadamay-Negros;

* Butch or John “Butch” Lozande of the National Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW);

* Erning – believed to be Ereneo Longinos of Bayan Negros;

* Clarissa – believed to be Clarizza Singson, secretary-general of Karapatan-Negros;

* Christian – believed to be Christian Tuayon, former secretary-general of Bayan-Negros;

* Epi – believed to be Felibe Gelle of the September 21 Movement;

* Darel – believed to Dharyll Albanez also from the September 21 Movement; and

* Roque – believed to be Rolando Rillo of NFSW.

Also in the list were a certain Tatay “Ogie” and his wife, and one Berting.

Colonel Michael Samson, deputy commander of the 303IB, said they have no idea about the text message.

But she said the names matched with the information they received from former New People’s Army rebels.

Samson also said former rebels told them it was the insurgents’ “modus operandi” to release such information so as to “sow misunderstanding and place the blame” on them if something happens to the activists.

The “death threats” came days following a string of raids conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday in Calabarzon which resulted in the deaths of nine people, and the arrest of six activists.

The operations also came just days after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered both the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to “kill” and “finish off” any armed communists rebels they encounter.

https://www.panaynews.net/303ib-denies-death-threats-vs-negocc-activists/

Military exhumes bodies of 3 men killed by NPA

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 12, 2021): Military exhumes bodies of 3 men killed by NPA (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE MILITARY reported its unit on Tuesday exhumed three bodies civilians who the New People’s Army reportedly killed in Paquibato District.

The bodies, the report said, were of Dandy Mallorca Rivera, 47, of Brgy Kinayawan, Arakan, North Cotabato; Ariel Prerez Peletos, 51, and Adelio Suganan Ramirez, 55, both residents of Brgy Lasang.

First Lt Gen Adrian Gautane, Civil- Military Operation officers of the 27th Infantry battalion, said it was the unit of of the late Kumander Parago who killed the three.

Involved in exhuming the bodies were the 27th Infantry Battalion, 1003rd Infantry Brigade, 10th Civil- Military Operation (CMO) Battalion, 16th Infantry Battalion, Paquibato District, 3012nd of Philippine Airforce, Scene of the Crime Operatives – Davao del Norte, Peace 911 and local officials of Paquibato and Arakan, North Cotabato.

Heading the team were 1003rd Brigade Commander Nolasco Mempin and Lt Col Victorino Seño.

Rivera’s remains were discovered in Sitio Kulape, Barangay Mapula while those of Peletos and Ramirez were exhumed in Barangay Pañalum.

He said Rivera was missing for 22 years and was reportedly killed sometime in 1999, while the others were missing for seven years and were allegedly killed in 2014.

Identifying the remains were their relatives who joined the team and government officials.

The graves of the three were discovered when a former rebel informed the military about it.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/03/12/military-exhumes-bodies-of-3-men-killed-by-npa/

Army denies threats vs. activists

From the Visayan Daily Star (Mar 12, 2021): Army denies threats vs. activists (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division yesterday dismissed as “illogical” insinuations that it was behind the alleged death threats through a text message that named 10 activists, who are leaders of various militant groups linked by authorities to the New People’s Army.

“We find no logic in the insinuations simply because it will be very unlikely for anybody to commit a crime and warning their targets, Maj. Cenon Pancito, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said.

It is like saying that is beneficial for a thief to tell the houseowner that they intend to conduct robbery, Pancito said. He maintained that it has never been a practice of the Army to go after activists.

Human rights group Karapatan-Negros claimed in its social media account that its public information desk received a text message that listed names of some militants, believed to be the “next targets” of a “kill kill kill” program.

The text messages were received a day after multiple raids by authorities in Calabarzon resulted in the killing of nine activists, and the arrest of six others.

TARGETS

Karapatan identified those in the “next target” list as Iver Lavit of Kadamay Negros; John “Butch” Lozande, secretary-general of National Federation of Sugarcane Workers (NFSW); Ereneo Longinos, spokesperson of Bayan Negros; Clarissa Singson, secretary-general of Karapatan Negros; Christian Tuayon of the NFSW; Felipe Gelle of the September 21 Movement; and Rolando Rillo of the NFSW. However, Karapatan did not identify a certain “Alyas Tatay Ogie” and “Berting” who were also included in the list.

In another text message received on the same day, the unidentified sender also threatened Bayan Negros media liaison Julius Dagatan, husband of Clarissa Singson who was among those included in the first text message.

In a statement, Karapatan- Negros said, “The horrible crackdown in Southern Tagalog was patterned on the “Tokhang-nanlaban” style that was first executed here in Negros through Oplan Sauron that resulted in the death of six during Synchronized Enhanced Managing of Police Operations (SEMPCO) 1 and 14 in SEMPO 2 and the arrest of more than 100 farmers and activists.”

Pancito stressed that “Activism is a manifestation of our vibrant democracy”. We always subscribe to the idea of respecting the rights of all Filipino people, so long as they respect the rights of others and will not commit any acts that run contrary to existing laws, he said.

If they really believe that there is a real threat against their person, we advise them to seek the help of the government to protect them, Pancito said, as he maintained that their doors are always be open to those who feel threatened and need the services of the uniformed service, whether that of the PNP or the Philippine Army.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/army-denies-threats-vs-activists/

Army introduces 'Memoirs of a Teenage Rebel’ docu film to Agusanons

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 12, 2021): Army introduces 'Memoirs of a Teenage Rebel’ docu film to Agusanons (By 29th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

KITCHARAO, Agusan del Norte, Mar. 12 -- The 29th Infantry (Matatag Fighters) Battalion (29IB), Philippine Army in cooperation with the city government of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte recently launched a free film viewing of ‘Memoirs of a Teenage Rebel’ at the Rizal Park Plaza, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

The documentary film is a workpiece of the Philippine Army in cooperation with Robinhood Cariño (RCP) Productions, to expose the schemes committed by the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and their front organizations.

It covers the story of Ivy Lyn Corpin, a former rebel, who left the armed group in her pursuit of much peaceful life.

Likewise, the unit has also uploaded the said full movie at the 29IB Official Facebook Page for those others who were not able to watch it at the plaza.

According to Lt. Col. Aristotle Antonio, Commanding Officer of 29IB, the movie is perfect to be watched by youth and parents to help them see the reality of deception and recruitment made by the NPAs. "Also, this would awaken the sense of responsibility of every parent to better lookout and properly guide their children,” Lt. Col. Antonio said.

“The unit has been very zealous in its aim to conduct information education campaign (IEC) in the whole area of operation, not just that they may be informed and awaken from its sweetest lies, but also that people may not have any excuse to say that they have been deceived or that they didn’t know that it was NPAs then,” he added. (1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong, CMO Officer, 29IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069372

Lagonglong CTG-NPA victims unite vs insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 12, 2021): Lagonglong CTG-NPA victims unite vs insurgency (By Vincent Philip S. Bautista) 

LAGONGLONG, Misamis Oriental, March 12 (PIA) – Over 110 participants each representing a family of the Communist Terrorist Group-New People’s Army (CTG-NPA) victims in the municipality of Lagonglong recently came together to the very first “Families of the Victims of the CTG“ consultation forum to share their stories and receive assistance from the Regional Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC).

Spearheaded by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)-10 alongside RTF-ELCAC line agencies, the local government unit (LGU) of Lagonglong, and the provincial government of Misamis Oriental, the forum underscored the importance of giving CTG-NPA victim’s visibility and providing a platform for them to take part in helping end local communist armed conflict in their communities.

Pledge of Commitment. An association was formed among the community of Lagonglong and RTF-ELCAC members, aptly named "LAGONGLONGONAN KONTRA TERORISMO" (LKT) to address issues and concerns of the victims first hand. (EJC/NICA10)

According to NICA-10 Regional Director Manuel Orduña, they organized the event as part of the government’s initiative in enacting a whole of nation approach for the campaign of peace, citing that they thoroughly verified, contacted, and consulted families affected by the CTG-NPA’s atrocities so concerned government agencies and LGU’s can provide proper interventions.

In support of Executive Order (EO) 70, The 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig Battalion” provided manpower and security, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-10 gave out hygiene kits and food packs to the families of the victims, and the Department of Agriculture (DA)-10 gave out assorted vegetable seed packs, while the Department of Health (DOH)-10, Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-10 delivered human capacity building interventions.

Lagonglong Mayor Jay Puertas reiterated his municipality’s firm commitment to the cause, sharing that they were afraid of the CTG-NPA because of the many killings in there. However with the whole-of-nation approach, they got the strength to fight back.

“It is high time to talk with the people who lost their relatives and loved ones due the CTG killings, and for them to finally express the pain which they have kept in their hearts,” he said.

A former rebel also shared his experiences with the CTG-NPA, saying he slowly realized that it transformed him from a law-abiding citizen to being a murderer. He also cited the story of Hope Capangpangan and disclosed that the CTG murders anyone who questions the movement. More members now leave the group each day and return to the folds of the law.

With the CTG-NPA’s influence slowly diminishing, an association was formed among the community of Lagonglong and RTF-ELCAC members, aptly named "LAGONGLONGONAN KONTRA TERORISMO" (LKT) to address issues and concerns from the victims first hand.

In moments of grief, loss, and depravity, the community of Lagonglong and RTF-ELCAC comes together to ward off the scourge of fear driven by misguided principles and finding closure hand-in-hand with their neighbors, strangers, and government service men to attain a lasting peace. (VPSB/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069368

Army turns-over an egg-laying project to a farmers association in a TF-ELCAC focused barangay in E. Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 12, 2021): Army turns-over an egg-laying project to a farmers association in a TF-ELCAC focused barangay in E. Samar (By Ninfa Iluminada B. Quirante)

BORONGAN CITY, Mar. 12 (PIA) -- The 78th Infantry Battalion led by LtCol. Oliver Arviol turned-over an Egg-laying project to the San Gabriel Farmers Association (SAGIFA), San Gabriel, Borongan City on March 12, 2021.

The SAGIFA is composed of 38 farmers from San Gabriel at least 20 kilometers west of the city proper.

Their egg-laying project is located on top of a hill in half a hectare area owned by the family of their association president Vicente Cada.

The association sought the help of the city officials to build a house for the 1, 400 egg layers.

“Maupay ini nga amon proyekto, nakakabulig na ha amon,” said Cada when asked about the economic benefits the project has given them.

Alvior signed the deed of donation and entrusted the farmers to take good care of the project.

“This is part of our effort to uplift the living condition of the community,” said the army officer.

This he added is also the result of the Retooled Community Service Program of the Task Force End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (TF-ELCAC).

“We try to provide a source of livelihood making irrelevant the claims of the enemy of the state that the government neglects our people, this is also a way of insulating them from re-recruitment,” said Arviol.

The farmers take care of more than a thousand layers that give them at least 36 trays of eggs daily. The egg-laying project is located 300 meters from their water source and bringing water uphill poses a challenge, yet SAGIFA President Vicente Cada is not losing hope that some government entity will answer their issues on the water.

“We submitted a resolution to Gov. Ben Evardone and we are hopeful, he will respond positively, said SAGIFA officer Nanie.

Borongan City Mayor Dayan Agda said that the Egg-laying project is an inspiring project, “this is a model project in Borongan, I think this is a success story nga mag-iiha, it is promising.”

The mayor has big plans for the area, he proposes it to be a tourism area as it is near the crowd-drawing Kaputian Falls. LtCol Oliver Arviol also said that with the women of San Gabriel being organized, they can cook food for the bikers, tourists, or picnickers in the area. (nbq/ PIA E.SAMAR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069410

Isabela builds halfway houses for NPA former members

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 12, 2021): Isabela builds halfway houses for NPA former members (By Merlito G. Edale, Jr.) 

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela, March 10 (PIA) - The Provincial Government of Isabela in partnership with the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army’s 95th Infantry Battalion is set to turn - over the constructed halfway houses intended for former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who decided to surrender and live a normal life.

Lt. Col. Lemuel Baduya, 95IB, PA commander said the halfway houses are built to be a temporary shelter for the NPA former members while waiting for the National Housing Authority’s (NHA) housing project.

The provision of halfway houses was made in support of the Executive Order No. 70 of President Duterte to End Local Armed Conflict in the country.

Baduya also thanked the provincial government for building the temporary shelters while the NPA former members are waiting their other benefits through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“The 95IB, PA deeply expresses our sincerest thanks to the PGI under the leadership of Gov. Rodolfo Albano III for such comfortable shelter to our FRs,” he said.

Baduya also thanked the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other LGUs in the province for their support and various assistance for the NPA former members. (MDCT/BME/MGE - PIA-2/Isabela)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069102

DTI, Army kick off Women’s Month celebration in LCAC-affected community

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 12, 2021): DTI, Army kick off Women’s Month celebration in LCAC-affected community (By April M. Bravo)

BURGOS, Ilocos Sur, Mar. 12 (PIA) – The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the 81st Infantry Battalion (IB) Philippine Army (PA) and the Municipal Task Force - Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) here, joined effort to promote women empowerment with the conduct of a Skills Upgrading Training on Cassava Processing in Lubing village on March 5.

Twenty members of the Lubing Women’s Club (LWC) attended the Skills Upgrading Training, a follow-up to the Cassava Processing Training conducted on November 13, 2020 where members were taught on how to cook cassava flan, cassava suman and cassava cake.

The LWC started their cassava processing business after the training initially generating an average daily sales of Php600.00 per day.

Their products, now popularly branded as Lubing Cassava, are already being sold in the different barangays of the town and the demand for it is gradually increasing.

The local government unit (LGU) of Burgos has approved the request of the LWC for a display space in the OTOP (One Town One Product) Pasalubong Center of the municipality where consumers can easily access their produce.

In his message, Mayor Nathaniel Escobar thanked the DTI for the continued support it is extending to the women in Barangay Lubing in their livelihood endeavors.

He enjoined the women-participants to strengthen their cooperative effort to grow their business and become more prepared to take advantage of opportunities when the tourism development for Barangay Lubing will materialize.

He likewise thanked the 81st IB PA for facilitating the various assistance which government agencies are extending to the barangay.

“Hopefully, everyone will cooperate to make this cassava processing project a success and help in uplifting the lives of the people in Lubing. We also thank the 81st IB PA for their presence in Barangay Lubing. If not for them, the DTI would not be here to extend their programs,” Mayor Escobar said.

END INSURGENCY. Lt. Col Rodrigo Mariñas, Jr. reiterates that the Philippine Army remains committed to the aspiration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to end insurgency during his administration.“To end insurgency, we need to empower communities by making them resilient, developing them into productive citizens in the community. The Philippine Army is here to serve as a bridge of the barangays to the government agencies that can provide the needs of the people in the barangay,” said Lt. Col. Mariñas. (photo by DTI Ilocos Sur)

The establishment of the Cassava Processing Project in Lubing was facilitated by the 81st IB PA as one of the results of their Community Support Program (CSP) in the said barangay.

The CSP is one of the tools of the Philippine Army in clearing ELCAC-affected barangays of insurgency.

Lt. Col Rodrigo Mariñas, Jr. reiterated that the Philippine Army remains committed to the aspiration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to end insurgency during his administration.

He likewise thanked the DTI for responding to the Philippine Army’s call to extend its services to Barangay Lubing.

“To end insurgency, we need to empower communities by making them resilient, developing them into productive citizens in the community. The Philippine Army is here to serve as a bridge of the barangays to the government agencies that can provide the needs of the people in the barangay,” said Lt. Col. Mariñas.

As an identified ELCAC-affected area, Barangay Lubing is one of the priority beneficiaries of the Livelihood Seeding Program – Negosyo Serbisyo Sa Barangay (LSP-NSB) of the DTI which provides funding support for income-generating projects to improve the economic condition in the area and wean away people from the influences and infiltrations of the leftists.

Assistance comes in the form of technology trainings and livelihood kits.

The Upgrading Training conducted is expected to broaden the source of income of the LWC as more variations of cassava products like creamy cassava custard cupcakes, cassava pudding and cassava cake with buko were introduced.

DTI Provincial Director Grace Lapastora lauded the members of the LWC for the continuing interest and commitment they are showing to develop their cassava processing business

EMPOWERING WOMEN. DTI Provincial Director Grace Lapastora lauds the members of the Lubing Women’s Club in Burgos, Ilocos Sur for the continuing interest and commitment they are showing to develop their cassava processing business. She expressed her confidence that with the collective help of the LGU of Burgos, 81st IB PA , the DTI and the other members of the PRLEC, the LWC will be able to further broaden their income generating capacities, improve their entrepreneurship skills, increase their profits and soon be an example of a success story of an empowered women’s group contributing to economic development. (photo by DTI Ilocos Sur)

She expressed her confidence that with the collective help of the LGU of Burgos, 81st IB PA, the DTI and the other members of the PRLEC, the LWC will be able to further broaden their income generating capacities, improve their entrepreneurship skills, increase their profits and soon be an example of a success story of an empowered women’s group contributing to economic development.

Lapastora urged the women’s group, “Make the most out of every opportunity which the government extends to you because not all of the 768 barangays in the province are able to access these services. Let us always be reminded of our own responsibility in the attainment of peace and prosperity.”

The LGU of Burgos also took the opportunity during the opening ceremonies of the training to express their gratitude to the 81ST IB PA through a commendation for their sustained effort in maintaining peace and order in Barangay Lubing through the CSP.

Mayor Escobar said that the Philippine Army’s presence in the barangay is critical as the LGU is set to embark on its tourism development plan in Barangay Lubing.

He further said that the LGU has already approved the request of the Barangay Council of Lubing for the establishment of detachment of the Philippine Army in the said barangay.

 

ARMY COMMENDATION. The LGU of Burgos, headed by Mayor Nathaniel Escobar (left), takes the opportunity to express its gratitude to the 81ST IB PA through a commendation for their sustained effort in maintaining peace and order in Barangay Lubing through the Community Support Program. Lt. Col Rodrigo Mariñas, Jr. (right) thanked the LGU of Burgos for the commendation which they received, adding, "We are thankful to the LGU of Burgos for this commendation. This is another challenge to the Philippine Army to better our work in serving our people. Every time we deploy our CSPs in the barangay, we are always guided by our mantra of “Serbisyo Hindi Perwisyo.” (photo by DTI Ilocos Sur)

Lt. Col Mariñas thanked the LGU of Burgos for the commendation which they received.

“We are thankful to the LGU of Burgos for this commendation. This is another challenge to the Philippine Army to better our work in serving our people. Every time we deploy our CSPs in the barangay, we are always guided by our mantra of “Serbisyo Hindi Perwisyo", he said.

As part of the Women’s Month Celebration, the DTI Ilocos Sur is set to conduct a series of livelihood trainings for women’s organizations to enhance their capacities and solidify their role in socio-economic development.

These trainings will be conducted specifically for the Sto. Domingo Rural Improvement Club, Sta. Catalina Food Processors Association, Salincub Women’s Club and the Puso ti Kababaihan-Sugpon Chapter. (JCR/AMB/PIA Ilocos Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069310

AFP’s vaccine delivery in full gear, almost 15,000 inoculated with CoronaVac

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 12, 2021): AFP’s vaccine delivery in full gear, almost 15,000 inoculated with CoronaVac (By Jimmyley E. Guzman) 

Photos courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

PASIG CITY, March 12 (PIA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) transported a total of 39,000 vials of CoronaVac vaccines to military treatment facilities (MTFs) and inoculated 14,969 front line personnel around the country as of Thursday, March 11.

“The AFP’s delivery of the coronavirus vaccines is now in full gear in support of the government’s vaccination campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic. With the ongoing distribution and inoculation of our frontline personnel, we hope to contribute to the speedy restoration of normalcy in the country,” Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, AFP Chief of Staff said.

As of this report, 16 MTFs in Luzon were able to receive 30,600 vials of the Coronvac vaccines from Sinovac, of which 13,555 personnel were vaccinated. Among the facilities in the National Capital Region were V. Luna Medical Center, Camp Aguinaldo Station Hospital, Philippine Army General Hospital, Philippine Air Force General Hospital, and Manila Naval Hospital.

Also from Luzon were Wallace Air Station Medical Infirmary and Naval Station Ogbenar Medical Station in La Union; Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital in Benguet; Fort Magsaysay Station Hospital in Nueva Ecija; Basa Air Base Hospital and Air Force City Hospital in Pampanga; Camp Aquino Station Hospital in Tarlac; Camp Guillermo Nakar Station Hospital in Lucena; Cavite Naval Hospital; Camp Elias Angeles Station Hospital in Camarines Sur; and Naval Station Julhasan Arasain Medical Dispensary in Albay.

In Visayas, 4,200 vials were delivered in five MTFs with 684 frontline personnel already vaccinated. The facilities were Camp Peralta Station Hospital in Capiz; Benito N Ebuen Air Base Hospital, Camp Lapu-Lapu Station Hospital and Naval Base Rafael Ramos Medical Dispensary in Cebu; and Camp Vicente Lukban Station Hospital in Samar.

Six MTFs in Mindanao received 4,200 doses with 730 personnel vaccinated. The medical facilities were Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Misamis Oriental; Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao del Norte; Camp Manuel T Yan Sr Station Hospital in Davao City; Camp Gonzalo H Siongco Station Hospital in Maguindanao; Camp Navarro General Hospital and Edwin Andrews Air Base Hospital in Zamboanga Del Sur.

The AFP continues to utilize its land and air assets for the continuous delivery of vaccines to other authorized vaccination facilities nationwide. Just recently, the newly acquired Blackhawk helicopters were deployed to deliver 1,800 doses of CoronaVac and 58 boxes of personal protective equipment to Basco, Batanes.

“The full cooperation of our members, especially our front line personnel is needed if we are to make significant milestones in our fight against COVID-19. With them protected, our regular members too can avail of the safe and effective vaccines to further reinforce our collective measures to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our country from the effects of the pandemic,” said Lieutenant General Sobejana. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069404

PNU-Mindanao supports TF-ELCAC peace efforts

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 13, 2021): PNU-Mindanao supports TF-ELCAC peace efforts (By 26IB, PA)

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur, Mar. 13 - The Philippine Normal University (PNU)-Mindanao, one of the schools in Agusan del Sur, has expressed its support to the peace efforts of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) during an Information Drive Towards Sustainable Peace Symposium held on March 10, 2021.

Anchored on the theme: "Protect the Youth. Protect the Future," the said forum was aimed to spread awareness to the youth sector about the recruitment schemes and deceptive lies of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), officially designated by the Philippine Government, United States and European Union as a Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

The symposium was made possible through the joint efforts of the 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion, 42nd CMO Company and 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, all of Philippine Army in collaboration with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and POINTY, Inc.-Agusan del Norte. In observance of the COVID-19 health protocols, the forum was conducted via Zoom platform.

A total of 93 students participated in the symposium which composed of 72 student leaders from the PNU-Mindanao Student Government headed by Mr. Alexis Q. Sebote, Student Regent, and 21 campus writers from The Torch Publication, the official publication of PNU-Mindanao headed by its Editor-in-Chief, Herminigildo Genon.

NICA 10 and 13 Regional Director Manuel M. Orduña lectured about the CTG's recruitment to the youth and student sector. "The terrorist group has already infiltrated schools conducting recruitment of students and involving them to all forms of violence and terrorism-related activities. Hence, the different concerned agencies that composed the Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict are intensifying its efforts to protect the youth and promote their rights and welfare,” he cited.

Also, Glynmer A. Jamito, POINTY Board of Trustee, encouraged the youth to become family-oriented individuals, responsible social-media users, disciplined and law-abiding citizens during his lecture on Youth Empowerment.

An open forum after the lectures paved way to the questions of the participants. "This symposium opened our eyes and minds about the activities of the leftist organizations, as a student leader, I realized that involving yourself in the armed revolution is a worst decision that might end your life. To my fellow leaders and to the youth sector, let's focus on our studies and make our parents proud by using our talents and skills in a right way," Sebote said.

Professor Jeanette T. Gongora, Director from the Office of Students Services (OSS) of PNU-Mindanao, highlighted the vital role of the educators in inculcating right and accurate information to the learners. She also emphasized that they support the implementation of the government’s Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end the insurgency.

"As mandated by the Executive Order No. 70, we in the State, Colleges and Universities (SUCs) are directed to render the necessary support to the Regional/Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. As the second parents of the students, it is necessary for us to protect them from the CPP-NPA terrorists," she said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, Commanding Officer of 26IB expressed his appreciation to all the participants and active partners for rendering invaluable support and cooperation with the unit that made the symposium significant and successful. "Thank you for your cooperation and we are looking forward for a more enhanced partnership with you in our peace campaign. The youth is our future and they play a significant role in nation and peace building. Let's protect and empower them to be advocates of peace. Let's be part of this campaign and help the government in achieving sustainable peace," he said. (2Lt. Cecille Tappa, acting CMO officer, 26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1069395

Army helps settle bloody clan war in Cotabato City

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12, 2021): Army helps settle bloody clan war in Cotabato City (By Edwin Fernandez)

FEUD SETTLED. The warring family members (foreground) hand over their firearms to police and military representatives during the “rido” (family feud) settlement in Barangay Tamontaka 3, Cotabato City on Thursday (March 11, 2021.) The firearms consisted of an M16 rifle, a Carbine rifle, and two .45-caliber pistols. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

The Army-led Joint Task Group Kutawato (JTGK) has facilitated the settlement of a long-standing family feud here, the military announced Friday.

Col. Jose Ambrosio F. Rustia, commander of the JTGK, said the two feuding groups were the family of Ansari Kadatwan, chairperson of Barangay Tamontaka 3, and that of Theng Salik, a former “tanod” (watchman) in the same village.

On Thursday afternoon, the families settled their differences after weeks of mediation.

“The settlement was made possible through the combined efforts of (the) JTGK and city police in close coordination with the city mayor’s office,” Rustia said.

It was not clear what triggered the clan war and how many lives have been lost during their misunderstanding.

“No one from both sides would like to talk about it,” he said, adding that both families agreed to surrender their firearms and committed to ending their bloody conflict.

The surrendered firearms consisted of an M16 rifle, a Carbine rifle, and two .45-caliber pistols.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax R. Uy, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, lauded the efforts of the JTGK, the city police, and local government officials in selflessly reaching out to both parties to forge a peaceful settlement of their differences.

“I commend our troops for promoting peace and unity to the families who made the realization to bring an end to their quarrel,” said Uy, who also heads the Joint Task Force Central.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133376

8ID to finish first jab for 600 soldiers by March 16

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12, 2021): 8ID to finish first jab for 600 soldiers by March 16 (By Sarwell Meniano) 

VACCINES FOR SOLDIERS. Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division Commander, Major Gen. Pio Diñoso III, receives the Sinovac vaccine during a ceremonial kickoff in Catbalogan City on Thursday (March 11, 2021). The Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division (8ID) is eyeing to provide coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines to 600 soldiers and its medical workers by March 16, an official said on Friday (March 12, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division (8ID) is eyeing to provide coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines to 600 soldiers and its medical workers in six days, an official said on Friday.

Major Gen. Pio Diñoso III, 8ID commander, said they hope to complete the first round of immunization among their ranks from March 11 to 16 after receiving 1,200 vials of Sinovac vaccines from their general headquarters.

The military held the vaccination kick-off on Thursday at the Camp Lukban Station Hospital inside the 8ID complex in Catbalogan City, Samar.

“Soldiers vaccination is not an option. It is our duty to receive the vaccine. So, this is not just a privilege. Our leaders are giving us a weapon in this vaccine so that we can more efficiently, more effectively perform our jobs and serve the people,” Diñoso said in a statement.

Covid-19 vaccine recipients undergo a five-step process, including registration, screening, counseling, vaccination, and post-vaccination monitoring.

Of the 600 personnel, 500 of them are soldiers and 100 are the medical staff of the 8ID.

Listed in the first batch of recipients are those first responders in hospitals, assigned in quarantine checkpoints, commanders, and tasked to transport medical supplies and stranded individuals.

“Our commanders are included in the priority since they regularly interact with different people. Our goal is to provide vaccines to all soldiers the soonest, but it depends on the availability of supply,” Capt. Reynaldo Aragones, 8ID spokesperson, said in a phone interview.

Earlier, the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced that all uniformed personnel are required to get inoculated by Covid-19 vaccines.

There are about 6,000 soldiers assigned in Eastern Visayas.

The first batch of vaccines administered by the region’s military is part of the 600,000 doses of Sinovac vaccines donated by the Chinese government to the country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133397

2 cops hurt in NPA ambush in Iloilo town

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12, 2021): 2 cops hurt in NPA ambush in Iloilo town (By Perla Lena)

AMBUSH. The police patrol car carrying personnel of the Lambunao Municipal Police Station (MPS) fell on the side of a road after an ambush in Barangay Pughanan in Lambunao, Iloilo on Friday (March 12, 2021). The team was supposed to investigate the alleged harassment of a communist terrorist group in the neighboring barangay when ambushed. (Contributed photo)

Two policemen of the Lambunao Municipal Police Station (MPS) were wounded and their patrol car was damaged when hit by a blast staged by the New People's Army in Barangay Pughanan, Lambunao, Iloilo Friday morning.

Their patrol car carrying a team of nine policemen fell on the side of the road as a result of the impact of the explosion.

Major Jogen Suegay, chief of police of the Lambunao MPS, said the team was on its way to adjacent Barangay Panuran when the improvised explosive device (IED) blew up at the sloping side of the road, considered as an “ambush area”.

The explosion was followed by a burst of gunfire, Suegay said, based on the testimonies of his men.

The team was supposed to conduct a follow-up investigation on alleged harassment by a communist terrorist group in the neighboring barangay.

“There is no other group here but the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army),” he said when asked who could be behind the ambush.

Wounded were Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Losbañes who was hit by shrapnel on his hand and Staff Sgt. Jessie Fusin hit at the back of his head.

“Both are outpatients but our troops complained of pains in various parts of their body,” he added.

On Thursday, two separate encounters between government troops and the communist terrorist group were also reported.

The first incident was around 5 p.m. when the 12th Infantry Battalion was deployed under the community support program and tasked to secure the construction equipment at Barangay Panuran in Lambunao. They were fired upon by more or less seven members of the Samahang Yunit Propaganda, Baloy Platoon of the NPA.

After the firefight that lasted for about two minutes, the communist terrorist group fled towards the southwest direction.

After 15 minutes, a separate team of the 12th IB conducting security position at Barangay Agcarope, Janiuay town, encountered the same terrorist group, which again withdrew towards the northeast direction after a 10-minute gunbattle.

In an interview, Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson for the 3rd Infantry Division, said the recent NPA atrocities in Lambunao and Janiuay “solidify our data that indeed the area is where the Central Front of the Kilusang Rehiyong Panay is operating”.

“It is just rightful to deploy CSP (Community Support Program) Teams to these areas in order to clear the communities from enemy affectation. Our soldiers will not be cowed to deliver shots should they insist to continue terrorizing the people,” he said.

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. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133481

Eleazar named PNP OIC as Sinas goes on isolation

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12, 2021): Eleazar named PNP OIC as Sinas goes on isolation (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan) 

PNP deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar (File photo)

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, the number two man of the Philippine National Police (PNP), took over as officer-in-charge on Friday after its chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, contracted the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"Following the unfortunate incident wherein our Chief PNP, Gen. Debold M. Sinas, tested positive for coronavirus, I was designated as the OIC (officer-in-charge) PNP as a matter of protocol," Eleazar, PNP deputy chief for administration, told reporters.

He said he would attend to the affairs of the police force temporarily until Sinas recovers from the disease.

"Right now, the Chief PNP is doing well and I am in constant communication with him for consultation, especially on matters that require his attention and guidance," Eleazar said.

He noted that he and the rest of the PNP are praying for the full recovery of Sinas, who was also his classmate at the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1987.

"Amid this development, the PNP leadership renews a call for members of the organization and the general public to continue strictly observing health safety protocols. The threat of coronavirus remains and in fact, we have been observing an upsurge of Covid-19 cases in the past days as reported by the DOH (Department of Health). Thus, we should all be vigilant for our protection, and the protection of our families," Eleazar said.

On Thursday, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said Sinas tested positive for Covid-19 based on his latest reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test.

Sinas took a swab test for his supposed trip to Palawan on Friday.

However, he immediately went on isolation upon learning of the test result.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133382

Vaccinated AFP front-liners reach almost 15K

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12, 2021): Vaccinated AFP front-liners reach almost 15K (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday announced that it has successfully inoculated almost 15,000 front line personnel with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines.

Citing latest data, the AFP said a total of 14,969 military front-liners have been vaccinated as of Thursday.

It has also transported 39,000 vials of Sinovac's CoronaVac coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines to various military treatment facilities (MTFs).

“The AFP’s delivery of the coronavirus vaccines is now in full gear in support of the government’s vaccination campaign against the Covid-19 pandemic. With the ongoing distribution and inoculation of our frontline personnel, we hope to contribute to the speedy restoration of normalcy in the country,” AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said.

As of this report, 16 MTFs in Luzon were able to receive 30,600 vials of CoronaVac, of which 13,555 personnel were vaccinated.

Among the facilities in the National Capital Region were V. Luna Medical Center, Camp Aguinaldo Station Hospital, Philippine Army General Hospital, Philippine Air Force General Hospital, and Manila Naval Hospital.

Also from Luzon were Wallace Air Station Medical Infirmary and Naval Station Ogbenar Medical Station in La Union; Fort Del Pilar Station Hospital in Benguet; Fort Magsaysay Station Hospital in Nueva Ecija; Basa Air Base Hospital and Air Force City Hospital in Pampanga; Camp Aquino Station Hospital in Tarlac; Camp Guillermo Nakar Station Hospital in Lucena; Cavite Naval Hospital; Camp Elias Angeles Station Hospital in Camarines Sur; and Naval Station Julhasan Arasain Medical Dispensary in Albay.

In the Visayas, 4,200 vials were delivered in five MTFs with 684 frontline personnel already vaccinated.

The facilities were Camp Peralta Station Hospital in Capiz; Benito N. Ebuen Air Base Hospital, Camp Lapu-Lapu Station Hospital and Naval Base Rafael Ramos Medical Dispensary in Cebu; and Camp Vicente Lukban Station Hospital in Samar. Six MTFs in Mindanao received 4,200 doses with 730 personnel vaccinated.

The medical facilities were Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Misamis Oriental; Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao Del Norte; Camp Manuel T. Yan Sr Station Hospital in Davao City; Camp Gonzalo H. Siongco Station Hospital in Maguindanao; Camp Navarro General Hospital and Edwin Andrews Air Base Hospital in Zamboanga Del Sur.

The AFP continues to utilize its land and air assets for the continuous delivery of vaccines to other authorized vaccination facilities nationwide.

Just recently, the newly acquired Black Hawk helicopters were deployed to deliver 1,800 doses of CoronaVac and 58 boxes of personal protective equipment to Basco, Batanes.

“The full cooperation of our members, especially our front line personnel is needed if we are to make significant milestones in our fight against Covid-19. With them protected, our regular members too can avail of the safe and effective vaccines to further reinforce our collective measures to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our country from the effects of the pandemic,” Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133401

Calls louder to extend Bangsamoro transition phase

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12, 2021): Calls louder to extend Bangsamoro transition phase (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

BARMM TRANSITION. Officials and members of the Bangsamoro People's Coalition from various Bangsamoro communities in Metro Manila hold a peace rally at the Manila Golden Mosque and Cultural Center in Quiapo, Manila on Friday (March 12, 2021). They urged the government to extend the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and expedite the amendment of laws postponing the BARMM elections to 2025. (PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler)

Extending the transition phase of the Bangsamoro government for at least three more years will ensure a stable normalization process among former combatants in Mindanao.

On Friday, members of the Bangsamoro People’s Coalition staged a rally in front of the Mendiola Peace Arch in Manila, urging the government to extend the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

The multisectoral groups also called on Congress to expedite the amendment of laws postponing the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The transition plan for the region is set to be completed in 2022. However, due to disruptions brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, regional leaders are pushing to extend the Bangsamoro transition phase until 2025.

Lawyer Maisara Dandamun-Latiph, a BTA parliament member, said the uncertainties posed by the public health crisis have affected the operations of the Bangsamoro government to fully establish the provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Three more years will be enough for the BTA to cope with the challenges and those posed by the pandemic as it is currently polishing the BOL which requires the passage of several legal codes for the region, she said.

The transition body is focusing on the BOL codes covering the administrative, civil service, education, local government, revenue, elections, and laws for non-Moro residents or the indigenous peoples.

Latiph said the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) must be given a chance to finish what it started as a partner of the government for pushing long-lasting peace.

"Those that have been started by the MILF will continue until all the laws mentioned in the Bangsamoro Organic Law for the operation of the regular government will be established so that in the regular election, all the laws are already there and they can operate in the Bangsamoro government smoothly because the laws are already there," she added in an interview.

Provision of quality services, legislation

Diamila Disiban-Ramos, also a BTA parliament member, said there's no time to rush at the expense of quality legislations and public service.

"We should also be reminded that ours is a new form of government, still in its infancy. We cannot rush everything at the expense of quality legislations and public service," she said in a statement.

Ramos noted that Bangsamoro people deserve to be assured of better and polished services.

"The future and success of BARMM starts from this transition, it starts from here, from us. We should always put the interest of the general public above our own personal interest. Rather, we should work together and see what’s best for our people," she said.

Ramos said the prevailing health crisis has affected the decommissioning process which is a vital part of normalization phase in the region, particularly among former combatants.

"As much as we want to finish our mandate within the given timeline as provided in the BOL, this pandemic has shifted our priorities as we have to put premium consideration on the well-being of the general public — especially the health and safety of our constituents in the BARMM," she said.

During the peace rally, the Bangsamoro People's Coalition urged lawmakers to amend the Bangsamoro Organic Law, based on Resolution No. 93 issued by the BTA on November 17, 2020, to extend the three-year transition period to June 30, 2025.

"The BTA's extension to at least three more years will allow continuity of harmonious and productive partnership of the Philippine government and MILF in the implementation of the provisions of the peace agreement," they said.

The groups urged President Rodrigo Duterte to certify the passage of the measure as urgent.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1133470