Prosecutor junks murder charges against 2 activists in Bicol

 Posted to the pro-CPP/NDF online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Apr 20, 2021): Prosecutor junks murder charges against 2 activists in Bicol (By Anne Marxze Umil)

Pastor Dan San Andres and Jenelyn Nagrampa (Contributed photo)By ANNE MARXZE D. UMIL

The Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Camarines Sur dismissed the murder charges filed by the police and the military against two activists for lack of probable cause.

In a resolution dated Feb 26, 2021, Prosecution Attorney Sean Paulo M. Dumalasa said “the complainant and their witnesses failed to show pieces of evidence against the respondents to warrant probable cause for their indictment.”

Respondents are Jenelyn Nagrampa-Caballero, Gabriel’s national vice chairperson, and Pastor Dan San Andres of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and Karapatan-Bicol’s spokesperson who were arrested on July 7 and 9 respectively.

Dumalasa noted that the statements of the witnesses, co-witnesses and the circumstances leading to the identification of Caballero and San Andres “are tainted with doubt and irregularity.”

The military and police filed the murder charges against the two after an alleged ambush by the New People’s Army resulted in the killing of two soldiers in Ragay, Camarines Sur on May 13, 2018.

The witnesses alleged that during the firefight, they saw Caballero and San Andres and further confirmed their identification from the rogue gallery of the military intelligence group.

“Perusing on their statements at a glance would readily reveal that respondents committed the acts against the deceased victims considering that they were identified. A circumspect review of the Salaysay (affidavit) of complaining witnesses and their witness on one hand and the counter affidavits of respondents San Andres, Nagrampa-Caballero and their witnesses including pieces of evidence would show otherwise,” Dumalasa said in the resolution.

According to the resolution, the counter-affidavit of Caballero said that aside from being busy preparing for the barangay elections on the following day, she was also nine months pregnant. She gave birth days later on May 19, 2018.

Caballero also narrated in the affidavit the harassment against her in October 2019 by men who introduced themselves as employees of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). She also received death threats and tagged her as a sympathizer of the communist groups due to her affiliation with Gabriela.
San Andres, 61, also narrated that on the said date of incident, he presided over the Divine Worship Service, even providing photographs taken during the activity.

San Andres also questioned the integrity of the complaint against them by pointing out that the murder charges against them a year after the incident on May 13, 2018.

The resolution pointed out that, “Delay in filing the case must be adequately and satisfactorily explained otherwise this would create doubt as to the culpability of the respondents. In this case, Cpl. Arlo Babol’s allegation that he is just following the orders and chain of command of the 96th Infantry Battalion is not adequate and satisfactory to justify the delay in filing the case, the doubt sets in.”

In a statement, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Camarines Sur said that the junking of the murder charge against the two is a victory. “In this instance, the truth and due process prevail.”

“Fabricated charges of the state against progressives and ordinary citizens can never silence the furious people who resist,” the group said.

https://www.bulatlat.com/2021/04/20/prosecutor-junks-murder-charges-against-2-activists-in-bicol/

Rebel dies in encounter

 From the Mindanao Times (Apr 20, 2021): Rebel dies in encounter (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE MILITARY reported that a New People’s Army (NPA) cadre was killed during an encounter with soldiers of the 1st Special Forces Battalion in Sitio Tun-ogan, Brgy Lilingayon, Valencia City, Bukidnon on April 16.

Captain Balaram Tamayo, Civil-Military Operation (CMO) officer of the battalion, said the sial rebel has yet to be identified.

Tamayo said the rebels in Bukidnon decided to consolidate their forces in the Kalatungan Mountain Range to launch attacks on construction companies, military bases and even civilians as they commemorate the 48th anniversary of the movement on April 24.

He said the military unit decided to launch an operation against the rebels that resulted in the encounter as the unit clashed with about 50 rebels in Sitio Tun-ogan.

As a result of the encounter, the soldiers recovered a firearm, improvised explosive devices and documents.

The body of the rebel was turned over to the police in Valencia City so that it can be brought to his relatives.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/04/20/rebel-dies-in-encounter/

Negros main focus of AFP central command

From the Sun Star-Bacolod (Apr 19, 2021): Negros main focus of AFP central command (By TERESA D. ELLERA)

NEGROS. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson with CentCom chief Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan at the Capitol yesterday.(Richard Malihan photo)

NEGROS Island is now the main focus of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (AFP-CentCom) in Visayas, according to Lieutenant General Roberto Ancan, CenCom commander.

Ancan paid a visit Monday, April 19, 2021, to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson at the Provincial Capitol.

Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon said the Philippine Army and the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-Elcac) are “doing well” in addressing the threats of remaining armed insurgents and the roots of the insurgency problem.

Ancan said Western Visayas governors were very cooperative with TF-Elcac officials, especially in Negros Island, in implementing good governance and the whole-of-nation approach in dealing with the insurgency problem, which turned out to be successful.

“They are helping our units in the area,” Ancan said, citing, among others, the March encounter of 62nd Infantry Battalion in Guihulngan City, where families of slain rebels were given assistance and support by the concerned local government units.

During his meeting with Lacson, Ancan, accompanied by Colonels Inocencio Pasaporte and his deputy, Michael Samson, briefed him of updates in the fight against insurgency and terrorism in Negros island.

He also assured Lacson of their readiness to respond to natural calamities and man-made disasters.

RTF-Elcac in Western Visayas issued a statement challenging militant human rights group Karapatan to condemn violent acts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to show its sincerity in calling for justice and defending the people of Negros Island.

Associate Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, who is also chair of the Legal Cooperation Cluster of RTF-Elcac-Western Visayas, slammed Karapatan for issuing “malicious and baseless claims” against the government's efforts to end local insurgency on the island.

Gonzales was reacting to the April 16 statement of Karapatan claiming that "the declaration of MO 32, EO 70, has long since turned the Negros Island into a bloody killing field and the Anti-Terrorism Law has intensified the death sentence on Human Rights Defenders and community organizers in the region and in the country."

He said the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army (CPP-NPA) legal front made “sweeping allegations” as it lacked evidence to back “malicious imputations.”

“This is very characteristic of the nature of the propaganda narratives of Karapatan-Negros in their futile and desperate attempts to vilify and malign EO 70 and the sincere efforts of this government and the Filipino people to end the communist terrorist-led insurgency that has claimed thousands of Filipino lives over the past five decades,” Gonzales said.

He also said Karapatan-Negros is silent in the recruitment of children who are being trained and used as child warriors, murder of civilians and burning of private and government properties by the CPP-NPA under the guise of “revolutionary taxes.”

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1892202/Bacolod/Local-News/Negros-main-focus-of-AFP-central-command

CPP/NPA-Southwest Negros: Mataas kag rebolusyonaryo nga pagsaludo kay Kaupod Michael kag Kaupod Kenken!

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 19, 2021): Mataas kag rebolusyonaryo nga pagsaludo kay Kaupod Michael kag Kaupod Kenken!

ANDREA GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHWEST NEGROS

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 19, 2021

Mapula nga pagsaludo kay ka Micheal kag Ka Ken-ken nga wala sang pagpangduha-duha sa paghalad sang ila kabuhi para sa kawsa sang pigos kag ginahimuslan.

Sa natabo nga engkwentro sadtong Abril 17, 2021 sa Purok Yuring, Sityo Das-7, Brgy. Bulwangan, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental. Si Ka Michael kag Ka Ken-ken ang na martir. Ginakasubo kag nakapakig-unong ang tanan nga Pulang Hangaway sa kalisod sang mga pamilya sang duha ka kaupod.

Ginapasidunggan ang ila pagkabaganihan kag ang indi pagbuhi sang ila armas tubtob sa katapusan sang ila pagginhawa.

Para kay Ka Michael kag Ka Ken-ken upod sa tanan nga mga kaupod nga nangin martir kag baganihan, magpabilin kamu nga buhi sa balatyagon sang malapad nga masa kag mga kaupod. Magaserbi kamu nga dugang nga inspirasyon sa padayon nga pagsulong.

Ang inyo kamatayon indi kadalag-an para sa kaaway. Kay ini magasindi kag dugang nga magpainit sa balatyagon sang masa upod sa inyo pamilya para sa pagpadayon sang inyo ginsuguran kag ginpanginmatyan. Madamo pa nga Michael kag Kenken ang magabulos para magpadayon.

Mabuhay Kaupod Michael kag Kenken!

https://cpp.ph/statements/mataas-kag-rebolusyonaryo-nga-pagsaludo-kay-kaupod-michael-kag-kaupod-kenken/

CPP/NPA-Southeast Negros: Justice for Sta. Catalina SEMPO Victims!

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 19, 2021): Justice for Sta. Catalina SEMPO Victims!

ESTRELLA BANAGBANAG

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHEAST NEGROS (RACHELLE MAE PALANG COMMAND)

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 19, 2021

Early dawn of March 29, a company of PNP’s SAF-7 supported by another company of police combat mobile forces under 705th RMFB and further backed by two Army companies from 11th IB and at least a company of paramilitary auxiliary troops stormed the three Sitios of Barangay Nagbinlod, Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental.

This operation that employed overwhelming force in such small radius of not more than 150 square kilometers and inhabited by about 100 farming households is the culminating point of the Oplan Sauron-type operation or Synchronized Enhanced Management of Police Operation (SEMPO) launched by PNP and AFP under the direction of NOTF-ELCAC from March 22-April 1.

It aimed to terrorize the civilians in these remote areas the US-Duterte regime long unjustly tagged as NPA supporters not only by sheer display of armed might but more prominently by committing premeditated acts of terrorism and other heinous crimes.

In Sitio Payawpayawan, Marites and Benjie Saingga were still asleep with their 2-year old child at 3 am when a platoon of heavily-armed SAF barged into their house like wild dogs barking orders and training their weapons at them. After ransacking the house, the SAF casually produced a planted evidence comprising of an M-16 rifle and fragmentation grenade. Then they arrested the couple together with their child. Ironically, the Sainggas have a daughter serving in the military and a police officer brother-in-law.

Another column of SAF, about 54 of them, raided the residence of KMP-Negros Oriental chairperson Nene Solano. But fortunately, the peasant leader was not at home at that time. But the SAF continued anyway with the planting of evidence. This time with two .45 calibre pistols. Solano’s son-in-law who witnessed the raid was severely injured after being beaten to pulp by the raiding SAF. The same fate happened to the house of Wilmar Jiminez that was planted with one .45 pistol.

In Sitio Halway, two farmers were also arrested making the total number of civilians arrested to 5, including the 2-year old child of the Saingga Couple. As to serious physical injuries, 4 adolescent farmers were cruelly mauled in which 2 of them are minors.

But the worse of them all, was the brutal murder of two farmers in Sitio Bayog. Fredo Binangkil was grazing his carabao at around 5 am when he was waylaid by SAF and tortured for information of alleged NPA sightings in the area. Unable to provide them the information they were seeking, Binangkil was shoot to death. Then his house was assaulted and fired upon resulting in the death of another farmer Julito Solano, the brother of peasant leader Nene Solano, who was a close friend of Binangkil.

To cover-up their crimes, the SAF brazenly concocted a story in the news media about an encounter with the NPA that resulted in the death of two alleged NPA fighters and the seizure of their weapons.
The Rachelle Mae Palang Command and the entire revolutionary movement in Southeast Negros extend its solidarity with the families of the victims and the people of Nagbinlod and Sta. Catalina as it seek for justice and struggle to hold the perpetrators of these gruesome crimes accountable.

RMPC urges the people to intensify its organizing initiatives and launch all forms of struggles to expose what actually happened and highlight the call for justice for the SEMPO victims and the demand for the ending of SEMPO and similar fascist schemes under NTF-ELCAC and the ouster of its chief architect Duterte.

For its part, the NPA will intensify offensive military actions against police and military targets and other armed agents of the US-Duterte regime especially those are involve in the butchery of civilians and human rights violations. With intensifying state terrorism, we expect more people to enlist in the people’s army making the objective of SEMPO ineffectual and clearly a failure.

Quick Facts About Nagbinlod SEMPO

When: March 29, 2021

Perpetrators: SAF-7, 705th RMFB, 11th IB, CAFGU/SCAA

Sitios Covered: Payawpayawan, Bayog, Halwa

https://cpp.ph/statements/justice-for-sta-catalina-sempo-victims/

CPP/NPA-Southwest Negros: Pahayag sang Armando Sumayang Command angut sa ambush sa Brgy Yaoyao, Cauayan, Negros Occidental

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 19, 2021): Pahayag sang Armando Sumayang Command angut sa ambush sa Brgy Yaoyao, Cauayan, Negros Occidental

ANDREA GUERRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTHWEST NEGROS

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

APRIL 19, 2021

Isa ka ambush ang ginlunsar sang NPA sa idalum sang Armando Sumayang Jr Command batok sa intellegence operartives sang Phil. Army sadtong Abril 3,2021, pasado alas 2:00 sang hapon sa Sityo Cambaga, Brgy Yaoyao, Cauayan Negros Occidental. Ang napatay amo si Sgt Jhoem Meguillo kag si Cpl Alester Balboa. Nakuha sang NPA ang armas nga isa ka 45. cal, isa ka 9mm glock pistol kag mga ID nga nagapamatuod nga sila mga intelligence operatives gani makabig nga legitimate military target.

Nasundan ang ini nga insidente,sang isa ka engkwentro nga natabo pasado 3:00 sang hapon sa tunga sang 15th IB Phil. Army kag sa katapu sang NPA sa diin nakaangkon ang 15th IB sang kaswalti – apat ka Killed-In-Action kag may mga pilason samtang wala naman sang napatay kag napilasan sa bahin sang NPA.

Sa pihak sang malapnagon nga operasyon militar nga ginalunsar sang 303rd brigade sa tuyo nga wasakon ang rebolusyonaryong kusog nga napundar sa Cauayan, Hinobaan, Ilog, Candoni, Kabankalan kag Sipalay o CHICKS area, madinalag-on nga nakalunsar sang taktikal nga opensiba ang NPA agud silutan ang masupog nga mga Intel operatives nga nagasabwag sang kakugmat sa pumuluyo sa amo nga lugar.

Ang madinalag-on nga taktikal nga opensiba nga ginlunsar sang NPA naangkon bangud sa suporta sang malapad nga pumuluyo. Ang ila wala kakapoy nga pagpartisipar amo ang kasiguruhan sang padayon nga pagluntad, pagbaskog kag pagsulong sang armado nga paghimakas. Bisan ano pa man nga pamahog kag pagpamatay ang himuon sang pasistang militar sa bendisyon sang tiraniko nga rehimen US- Duterte, indi ini makapugong, makapa-untat kag makawasak sa makatarungan nga paghimakas sang pumuluyo. Ang nagagrabi nga krisis sang malakolonyal kag malapyudal nga sistema amo ang magapukaw kag magpahulag sa tanan nga sahi kag sektor nga magpartisipar para sa pagbag-o kag pag-angkon sang matuod nga kahilwayan.

Ginasegahum nga sa hanay sang militar madamu sang diskontento sa pangginahum sang tiraniko nga rehimen US-Duterte pero wala sang mahimo bangud dira nakasandig ang ila palangabuhian. Nahangpan namon ang inyo kahimtangan, gani ang sin-o man nga gusto makig-angut, bukas kami nga makig-istorya kag maghimo sang areglo para sa aton pagbinuligay. Pareho sang ginhimo sang iban nga ara sa inyo hanay, sekreto nga nakig-angut, nakig-istorya kag nagasuporta sa lain-lain nga porma. Aton ini padayunon kag maghiliusa para sa interes sang malapad nga pumuluyo.

Makig-isa sa malapad nga pumuluyo kag suportahan ang armado nga paghimakas!
Sulong tubtob sa kadalag-an!

https://cpp.ph/statements/pahayag-sang-armando-sumayang-command-angut-sa-ambush-sa-brgy-yaoyao-cauayan-negros-occidental/

CPP/CIO: Mutual aid efforts are an indictment of the failed Duterte regime

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 19, 2021): Mutual aid efforts are an indictment of the failed Duterte regime

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL 19, 2021

Read in: Pilipino

Over recent days, what has come to be known as “community pantries” have sprouted in a number of places, where people with a little extra food items can contribute so that others can pick up some necessities for a quick bite or cooking a meal in their homes.

These mutual help initiatives are a strong rebuke and indictment of the gross failures of the Duterte government to provide for the needs of the people amid the Covid-19 pandemic and the worsening economic conditions.

These bayanihan projects are a welcome relief for those who have lost their jobs and their sources of income and who could ill-afford to feed or provide for the basic needs of their families amid rising prices and more burdensome taxes.

However, as the initiator of the community pantry herself said, these are only a “temporary solution for empty stomachs.” She has no illusion that these will solve the bigger problems arising from Duterte’s corruption and militarist response to the pandemic.

In the face of the sharp crisis engulfing the entire country, these mutual help projects can, at best, help a few thousand people. However, resources in the hands of the state must be mobilized to address the daily needs of millions going poor and hungry.

Those who take part in the community pantries and mutual aid efforts know that every peso given and every peso taken from these community pantries is a peso which Duterte has failed to provide the people and has instead spent for his bloated military and police, and for lining the pockets of his corrupt officials.

These community pantries, like community soup projects and other various forms of mutual aid which have emerged since last year, must serve to galvanize and rouse the people to take the path of collective action.

Beyond mutual aid, solidarity among the workers, peasants, semiproletariat, the petty-bourgeoisie and national bourgeoisie must be further strengthened to help each other gather the courage to wage militant struggle.

Indeed, these temporary solutions should be accompanied by more efforts to get organized and go out into the plazas and streets to fight for higher wages and substantial state aid and other urgent public health and socio-economic demands and to put a decisive end to the incompetence, corruption, repression and treachery of the Duterte regime.

https://cpp.ph/statements/mutual-aid-efforts-are-an-indictment-of-the-failed-duterte-regime/

Kalinaw News: IP Community gets 25 Units of Solar Lights under Project “LAMDAG” of TESDA-X

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2021): IP Community gets 25 Units of Solar Lights under Project “LAMDAG” of TESDA-X

Maramag, Bukidnon – 25 Households in Matigsalog Tribal Community in Sitio Natampud, Barangay Nam-Nam, San Fernando, Bukidnon, benefited the Solar Installation Skills Training and receive 25 units of solar lights under Project “LAMDAG” of TESDA-X on 16 April 2021.

“LAMDAG” is a local terms of KAHAYAG or LIGHTS. The Solar Installation Skills Training under Project “LAMDAG”, were in line with the Executive Order No. 70 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, institutionalizing the Whole-of the-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed.

The simple opening ceremony was graced by RD Ashary A. Banto, regional director of TESDA-X, Mr. Daniel Cañete, PRELEC Focal PO of Bukidnon, Hon. Nelson Grafil, Baragay Kagawad of Barangay Nam-Nam, Bae Rosela Bolilao Sitio Leader and Lieutenant Colonel Christian James P. Vingno, Commanding Officer of 88th Infantry Battalion (88IB).

The residents shared their gratefulness and extraordinary experiences in receiving solar lights. “Mapasalamaton kami sa TESDA, sa atong mga kasundaluhan ug sa atong pangagamhanan sa ilang pagdala ug kahayag sa among lugar. Sa katapusan, ang dugay na namo nga hangyo nga matagaan kami ug sugang dagitab sa sitio, nahitabo na gyud. Busa grabi ang kadako sa among kalipay sa serbisyo nga gikan sa gobyerno. Sa kaayo nga among nakita, mopasalig kami nga padayonon namo nga suportahan ang mga programa sa gobyerno. Manghinaut usab kami nga dili lang TESDA ang moabot sa among dapit, apil na usab ang uban pa nga ahensiya sa gobyerno. Daghan pa unta nga tabang ang moabot sa among komunidad”. Bae Rosela Bolilao said.

Regional director of TESDA-X RD Ashary A. Banto added that TESDA, together with other development partners and other government agencies responded to the Executive Order No. 70 the whole-of-nation approach. “Kami gapaningkamot nga mapaabot ang mga serbisyo sa atong gobyerno ngadto sa atong mga katawhan didto sa mga lagyong lugar nga maoy biktima sa pagpangilad, ug among gipangandoy ang malungtaron nga kalinaw.” (We desire to bring the government services especially in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDAS) which is prone to exploitation, and we desire to have a long-lasting peace).

Finally, Lt. Col. Vingno, said, “Kini nga yunit, pinaagi sa pagtimbayayong sa lainlaing mga grupo sa Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict sa E.O 70, magpadayon sa paghatag og mga interbensyon bisan sa mga lagyo nga lugar aron makab-ot ang dugay ng gipangandoy nga kabag-ohan ug kalinaw,” (This unit, in collaboration with the different clusters of Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of E.O 70 will continue to provide interventions even in the far-flung areas to finally attain the durable peace and sustainable inclusive development.)

[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/ip-community-gets-25-units-of-solar-lights-under-project-lamdag-of-tesda-x/

Kalinaw News: 19 former CPP-NPA allies in Iloilo City pledge allegiance to the government

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2021): 19 former CPP-NPA allies in Iloilo City pledge allegiance to the government



CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo – A total of 19 members of different allied groups of CPP-NPA from Sitio Sooc, Barangay Navais, Mandurriao, Iloilo City took their oath of allegiance to the government recently.

The 19 individuals were members and officers of Katilingban Sang Imol Sa Syudad Organisadong Grupo (KAISOG) headed by Mrs Evelyn Pinuela; Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) headed by Mr Alex Pinuela; Anak-Bayan Francis Pinuela, and transport group led by Evan Pinuela. The Oath of Allegiance is one of the highlights of the Multi-Sectoral Meeting facilitated by the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 33rd Civil-Military Operation Company. It was done in collaboration with the Iloilo City Police Office headed by P/Maj. Glen T Jaromay, Officer-in-Charge, Police Community Affairs and Development Unit together with P/Maj. Edfel Balibadlan, Chief, Iloilo City Mobile Force Company; Sambayanan Metro-Iloilo headed by Ka Wennie Doblezo, and Navais Barangay Council headed by Hon. Jj Jhanneigh Mercado, the village chairman.

Brigadier General Marion Sison, Commander, 301st Infantry Brigade lauded the former allies of the CPP-NPA for embracing the right path towards peace. “We are glad that they now have realized that genuine peace and progress can only be achieved through unity. The government cannot solve the problems alone, but with the people and the community on our side, nothing is impossible,” Brig. Gen. Sison 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/19-former-cpp-npa-allies-in-iloilo-city-pledge-allegiance-to-the-government/

Kalinaw News: Impending NPA Attack Backfired, Communist Cadre Killed While Several Rebels Wounded

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2021): Impending NPA Attack Backfired, Communist Cadre Killed While Several Rebels Wounded



Bukidnon – The NPA terrorists in Bukidnon consolidated at their guerilla base deep in the dense jungles of Kalatungan Mountain range to launch a large-scale attack against private construction companies, civilian targets, and military bases to celebrate NDF’s 48th Anniversary on April 24, 2021. This information was reported to the Special Forces by concerned civilians of Valencia City, Bukidnon who wish to live in peace.

The 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn), Philippine Army immediately launched an operation to thwart the impending terrorist attack of 50 combined NPA terrorists under the Sub-Regional Command 4, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. On April 16, 2021 elite teams of 1SFBn encountered 50 NPA terrorists in their hideout at the heart of the dense jungles of Sitio Tun-ogan, Brgy Lilingayon, Valencia City, Bukidnon. Under raging enemy fire and at a disadvantageous position, the Special Forces assaulted the numerically superior enemy, thus successfully seizing the vast terrorist guerilla base. One NPA terrorist died in the encounter. The team captured one high-powered firearm, cache of ammunition, improvised explosive devices, and documents of solid proof of their plans to overthrow the government and destroy the lives of innocent civilians.

The cadaver of the NPA terrorist was brought to Brgy. Lilingayon, Valencia City, Bukidnon and was turned over to the barangay officials and PNP personnel. Proper arrangements were made for the cadaver at Villanueva Funeral Homes in Valencia City. The departed was received by the victim’s parents. The tragic truth revealed by the bereaved mother: she has been wanting to surrender for a long time. She longed for a peaceful life and raise her child. However, her husband, who is an active NPA terrorist, made it impossible for her to leave the group. It is our great misfortune that she became a victim of communist ideology.

Lt. Col. Vercisio G. San Jose, Jr., Commander, 1st Special Forces Battalion, said “I encourage the NPA to abandon its twisted and violent communist ideology and peacefully surrender to avail of the socio-economic programs of the government. But for those NPA terrorists who refuse to heed the government’s call to lay down their arms, the 1st Special Forces Battalion will be relentless and aggressive in the fight to end the communist NPA violence. We will hunt them down until the last communist terrorist NPA element is neutralized and prevented from waging violence against the innocent civilians and to the legitimate government.”

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand T. Barandon, Commander, 403rd Infantry Brigade, 4ID, PA, issued his statement “We have before us an ordeal of the most grievous kind. After decades of struggle and suffering of our people, we are finally cracking down on the NPA Terrorists. Our best efforts are at ending this armed conflict to give way to the peace and development of Bukidnon. We thank profusely the concerned civilians of Valencia City who gave valuable information that led to the thwarting of the attack of these monsters. The ever-increasing support from communities and local government units ensures the inevitable defeat of communist armed conflict. Victory is within reach.”

The outstanding courage and determination of the Silent Professionals with extreme risk of life above and beyond the call duty is a perfect example of the Philippine Army’s mandate to serve the people and protect the land against the violence and exploitation of NPA terrorists in Bukidnon.

[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/special-forces-thwarts-npa-offensive-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: AFP Chief not part of ‘Viber group’ plotting unauthorized movements in West Philippine Sea

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2021): AFP Chief not part of ‘Viber group’ plotting unauthorized movements in West Philippine Sea



The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Cirilito Sobejana completely disproves the fake information about a group of retired and active military officers allegedly withdrawing support for President Rodrigo Duterte.

There is no truth to the posts circulating online that the Chief of Staff is part of a Viber group consisting of some 300 senior military leaders plotting unauthorized movements to address issues in the West Philippine Sea.

The AFP trusts the government’s management of the situation in the disputed area and its diplomatic thrust in protecting the sovereignty and sovereign rights of our country.

Nevertheless, the military leadership takes cognizance of the presence of individuals and groups that are determined and are engaged in orchestrated efforts to undermine the government.

These groups discredit our efforts through fake news intended to agitate and confuse the people to turn against our government or support those who are already rebelling against it. We therefore advise the public to remain calm and dismiss this as propaganda.

The AFP commits to the nation its unflinching loyalty to the Constitution and the duly constituted authorities. We assure our people that the soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines of the AFP are firmly behind the chain-of-command.

[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/afp-chief-not-part-of-viber-group-plotting-unauthorized-movements-in-west-philippine-sea/

Kalinaw News: NPA member and supporters yield, war materials captured in Cagayan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2021): NPA member and supporters yield, war materials captured in Cagayan



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Due to the intensive Focused Military Operations of 501st Infantry Brigade (501IBde), 4 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) supporters and a regular member yielded to the troops at Sitio Hot Spring, Brgy Asinga-via, Baggao, Cagayan on April 17.

With the help of the residents in the said place, the troops also recovered one 40mm Grenade Launcher ammunition, several subversive documents, and war materials.

Meanwhile, residents in Sitio Catamogan, Brgy Dagupan, Allacapan, Cagayan tipped off the abandoned war materials of the terrorist CPP-NPA.

Thereafter, the troops of the Joint Intelligence Task Group “BATARIS” verified the said information and resulted to the recovery of one cal 5.56mm rifle (Bushmaster M16A1), one cal 5.56mm M653 rifle, 3 short magazines for M16 rifle, 63 cartridges of 5.56mm ball, one 40mm high explosive, one roll detonating chord, one roll electric wire, subversive documents (Batayang Kurso Pampartido Manual/Maps/Notebook), books containing teachings about “atheism” or disbelief in the existence of God and the CPP-NPA deceptive and recruitment narratives.

Also recovered in the area were one cellphone, four sim cards, one sack of assorted clothes, nine backpacks, one shoulder bag, four bandoliers, seven ponchos, seven lunch boxes, and assorted medical paraphernalia.

Maj. Gen. Laurence E Mina, Commander, 5th Infantry Division commends the efforts of the troops in their anti-insurgency operations.

He also praised the cooperation of the residents in clearing their municipalities from the influence of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF. “The recovery of war materials from the terrorist group will further weaken their capability to fight. The intensified anti-insurgency campaign is well supported by the people as manifested by their strong cooperation in combating the terrorist group in their locality.”

Maj. Gen. Mina then encouraged the remaining members and supporters of the terrorist group to surrender and return to the folds of the law.



[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/npa-member-and-supporters-yield-war-materials-captured-in-cagayan/

88 FRs receive E-CLIP incentives, benefit packages

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2021): 88 FRs receive E-CLIP incentives, benefit packages (By Nora C. Lanuza)

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 19 (PIA) -- A total of 88 Former Rebels (FRs) operating in the province of Agusan del Norte (86) and Butuan City (2) have received their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) incentives and benefit packages during the recently held Demilitarization of Surrendered Firearms and ECLIP Awarding held at Camp Rafael Rodriguez, Philippine National Police (PNP) grounds here.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Agusan del Norte provincial director and Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) head secretariat Ellen Vee Chua has successfully coordinated the awarding of the FRs. She said, each FR received P15,000.00 immediate assistance and P50,000.00 livelihood assistance from the DILG; and P10,000.00 cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development.



Aside from the financial assistance, the FRs were also given hygiene kits, first aid kits/medicines, and jerry cans from the Department of Health; vegetable seeds from the Department of Agriculture; and food packs from Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. through the PNP.

Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba, representative of the second district of Agusan del Norte, encouraged the FRs to use wisely what they have received to become a productive and to live in harmony with other Filipinos, with peace of mind.

Meanwhile, 220 surrendered firearms were also destroyed using a metal chainsaw during the event.



According to Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera, PPOC chairperson, the demilitarization is a symbol of the weakening of the NPAs.

The demilitarized firearms included 29 pieces of M16 rifles; 14 pieces of M14 rifles; 27 pieces of AK47 rifles; 15 pieces of Garand rifles; 50 pieces of Shotgun; eight pieces of calibre 22 rifles; seven crew-serve weapons; 49 short firearms; and six sub-machine guns.

The event is part of the province of Agusan del Norte's effort to end local communist armed conflict in the area. (NCLM/PIA-Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1072698

DavNor PLGU inspires Talaingod IP leaders to fight insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2021): DavNor PLGU inspires Talaingod IP leaders to fight insurgency (By Jan Vincent Leuterio and Phoebe Africa Gozalo-Graza MIO TALAINGOD)

DAVAO DEL NORTE, April 16 (PIA) – The Provincial Government’s Adlaw sa Kalinaw Consultation Meeting on April 13, 2021 in Talaingod encouraged the Ata-Manobo tribal leaders to fight insurgency, particularly in the far-flung sitios of Talaingod.

With the attendance of the tribal leaders and the provincial government in the meeting, Talaingod Municipal Administrator, Clifford U. Libayao, urged the tribal leaders to condemn the presence of insurgents in the area and to support all the programs and projects of the government.

He emphasized that the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Talaingod have continuously been receiving grant programs and development projects.

Talaingod Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative to the Sangguniang Bayan, Bae Pilar A. Libayao, echoed the same sentiment by encouraging the tribal leaders to bring their families and respective followers in the Caravan to avail of the services and assistance the government will be providing.

She assured that she will join the teams in providing such services to the community.

Explaining to the tribal leaders about the Caravan, Provincial Administrator Engr. Josie Jean Rabanoz, said that Adlaw sa Kalinaw is a 2-day Caravan that intends to satisfy the needs of the Sitio Bato people and its neighboring sitios on April 20-21, 2021.

She explained that various government agencies will converge in the Caravan to provide basic services to the indigent IP communities

Furthermore, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Davao del Norte Assistant Provincial Director, Jeanette Palmera, enumerated the tangible programs and projects that various government agencies have initiated to assist the communist-penetrated areas, and emphasized that the government will continue to assist these communities.

She asked, however, that the communities must stop any support to the insurgents.

During the consultation proper, Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process (OPAPP) – Mindanao Area Head Oliver Binancilan, identified the lack of accessible roads, livelihood opportunities and lack of health and social services as the common issues and concerns among the far-flung communities.

He encouraged the tribal leaders who have family members and relatives who are still in the underground organizations, to persuade them to return to the folds of the law, and live happily with their families.

As for those who have families taking shelter in Haran, Binancilan revealed that his agency has available housing units for those wish to leave Haran.

To ensure compliance to the protocols of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Dr. Merlyn Enriquez facilitated the forum for the issuance of the Free and Prior-Informed Consent (FPIC) before the conduct of the DavNor Adlaw sa Kalinaw in all the IP communities in the Municipality of Talaingod.

Closing the consultation meeting, 1003rd Commander, Brigadier General Nolasco Mempin, lauded the participation of the tribal leaders and the contribution of the tribal communities in driving away insurgency from their sitios.

He committed that all military units in his command will continuously follow through the maintenance of peace and assist in the initiation of development in all their areas of jurisdiction. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI and Phoebe Africa Gozalo-Graza/MIO Talaingod)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1072670

Successful Sulu anti-terror ops due to public support – WESTMINCOM

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2021): Successful Sulu anti-terror ops due to public support – WESTMINCOM (By Dominic I. Sanchez with reports from Western Mindanao Command)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 19 (PIA) – The military attributes its successful anti-terrorism operations in Sulu to reliable intel and to the support they receive from the local government and the citizens.



In a press statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said “these successes are attributed to the intensified conduct of intelligence operations, the quick action of our ground troops, and the cooperation of the local government and the people”.

On Friday (April 16), an alleged Egyptian terrorist and two suspected Abu Sayyaf members were killed in a military operation in barangay Igasan, Patikul municipality, the WESTMINCOM reported. The military believes that the neutralized Egyptian was the son of Rada Mohammad Mahmud, the woman who allegedly carried out a suicide bombing attack in a military detachment in Indanan, Sulu on September 2019. One of the killed suspect Abu Sayyafs was reportedly a trained bomb maker.

Since January this year, the Joint Task Force Sulu reports a total of 70 neutralized Abu Sayyaf members. Among this number, 7 were apprehended, 60 surrendered and three were killed.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the task force said there will be no let-up in military offensives against the terrorists, foreign or local in Sulu, and they will be utilizing all their air, naval and ground assets to secure the areas.

On the other hand, the military has been in constant engagements and dialogues with the local communities in Sulu to encourage the remaining Abu Sayyafs to surrender and end their hostilities. (NBE/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1072789

26 NPA Militias in Iloilo surrender

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 18, 2021): 26 NPA Militias in Iloilo surrender (By Jemin B. Guillermo)

ILOILO CITY, April 18 (PIA) – Twenty-six more members of the New People’s Army (NPA) Militias from Iloilo province formalized their surrender to the government, April 17.

According to 301st Brigade Civil Military Operations Officer Capt. Hazel Joy Durotan, the surrender of said NPA Militias took place in a simple ceremony at Camp Ceferino in Barangay Libot, Calinog, Iloilo.

Of the 26 members of NPA Militias, six were from Calinog town, seven from Lambunao town, and 13 from the municipality of Janiuay.

The NPA militias surrendered to the 12th Infantry Battalion and Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in Calinog, Lambuano, and Janiuay, all of Iloilo province, she said.

The NPA Militias also turned over their 15 short firearms and 15 long firearms.

They surrender themselves and their firearms to the government after realizing the false ideologies and inhuman activities of the communist terrorist group, Durotan added.

Present during the activity were 12IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Jason Estrada, Janiuay mayor Bienvenido Margarico, Calinog Municipal Information Officer Chester Larroder, and Iloilo Police Provincial Director Colonel Gilbert Gorero.



In his statement, Brigadier General Marion Sison, the Commander of 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade, said that the mass surrender of the former NPA members is a strong manifestation that these FRs can no longer be deceived by the false ideologies and atrocities of the communist terrorist groups.

He also assurance the former rebels that Army, local government units and other government agencies will help them start a new and peaceful life.

“Your Army in Panay will be your partner as you return to the folds of the law and start a new chapter of your lives together with your family. We are glad that you finally follow the right path and that is to embrace the culture of peace,” said Sison. (PIA6/CMO-301Bde/Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1072665

19 former CPP-NPA allies in Iloilo City pledge allegiance to gov’t

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2021): 19 former CPP-NPA allies in Iloilo City pledge allegiance to gov’t (By Jemin B. Guillermo)

ILOILO CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- Some 19 members of the different allied groups of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) from Sitio Sooc, Barangay Navais, Mandurriao in Iloilo City recently took their oath of allegiance to the government.

The 19 individuals were members and officers of Katilingban Sang Imol Sa Syudad Organisadong Grupo (KAISOG) headed by Evelyn Pinuela, Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) headed by Alex Pinuela, Anak-Bayan Francis Pinuela, and transport group led by Evan Pinuela.

The Oath of Allegiance is one of the highlights of the multi-sectoral meeting facilitated by the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 33rd Civil-Military Operation Company, 301st Brigade Civil Military Operations Officer Capt. Hazel Joy Durotan said.

Durotan added that the activity was done in collaboration with the Iloilo City Police Office headed by Police Major Glen T. Jaromay, Officer-in-Charge of Police Community Affairs and Development Unit, together with PMaj. Edfel Balibadlan, Chief of Iloilo City Mobile Force Company; Sambayanan Metro-Iloilo headed by Ka Wennie Doblezo, and Navais Barangay Council headed by Punong Barangay Jj Jhanneigh Mercado.

Brigadier General Marion Sison, the 301st Infantry Brigade commander, lauded the former allies of the CPP-NPA for embracing the right path towards peace.

“We are glad that they now have realized that genuine peace and progress can only be achieved through unity. The government cannot solve the problems alone, but with the people and the community on our side, nothing is impossible,” Sison said.(PIA6/CMO-301Bde/Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1072778

Iloilo LGU supports efforts to end local insurgency anew

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2021): Iloilo LGU supports efforts to end local insurgency anew (By Lilibeth A. French)

ILOILO CITY, April 19 (PIA) - - The local government unit of Calinog, Iloilo recently reiterated its commitment to continue to support efforts of the national government to end the local communist armed conflict.

“The LGU Calinog will continue and will not stop to support initiatives of the government to end insurgency in order to achieve a peaceful Philippines,” said Chester Larroder, the town’s Information Officer, who represented Mayor Francisco Calvo during the ceremonial presentation of rebel returnees at Camp Ceferino Carreon in Barangay Libot, Calinog on April 17.

Six out of the 26 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) militias who surrendered are from the town of Calinog. The other seven and 13 surrenderers are from neighboring towns of Lambunao and Janiuay, respectively.



The NPA militias surrendered to the 12th Infantry Battalion and Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in Calinog, Lambuano, and Janiuay.

They also turned over 15 short firearms and same number of long firearms during the activity.

Larroder said Calvo is very thankful to concerned individuals and government agencies who work hand in hand to make these efforts possible as he understands the challenges and hardships of living in remote areas.

He said the local chief executive is also bent on implementing projects such as construction of roads to further improve the living conditions of the residents and address insurgency in the town’s remote villages.

"As of now, ginatinguhaan gid ang pagpatuman ka mga proyekto sa bukid kasubong ka mga dalan para sa matalunsay nga pagbyahe pa banwa para waay dun sanda rason nga maghimo ka illegal nga buluhaton kay mahapos na magtravel ka mga produkto pa kadto sa banwa (As of now, we are trying to implement projects in the mountains like roads for smooth travel going to the town proper and they have no reason to do illegal activities because it will be easy already to transport products to the town),” said Larroder.

He added that people who joined the NPA or go against the government should be taught to walk the right path instead of being condemned as most of them are victims of wrong information and lack of education.

“Let us not condemn ang mga tawo nga mga ga-join sa NPA (“Let us not condemn people who join the NPA), against our government, because they are victims of wrong information. Some of them lack education, rather we should teach them to walk on the right path,” said Larroder.

Janiuay mayor Bienvenido Margarico, Iloilo Police Provincial Director Colonel Gilbert Gorero, and 12IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Jason Estrada also attended the ceremonial presentation of rebel returnees and handover of surrendered firearms. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo/Photo courtesy of LGU Calinog)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1072775

PH Army receives vitamins to help boost immunity of personnel (

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2021): PH Army receives vitamins to help boost immunity of personnel (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

PASIG CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army recently received boxes of vitamins to help boost the immunity of Army personnel.

Three hundred boxes of Rani-C Sodium Ascorbate were donated to the Philippine Army from AMB-HK Enterprises Inc. General Manager Jimmy Baguyo and Atty. Jonie Caroche-Vestido.

According to the Philippine Army, the donated vitamins will be distributed to army personnel to help boost their immune system in time of the pandemic.

Army personnel, together with other personnel from the Armed Forces, continue to be in the frontline of service to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

To recall, AMB-HK Enterprises Inc., a Pasig City-based complany, is an importer and distributor of pharmaceutical products and medical devices, among others.

One of the main reasons people take vitamin C supplements is to boost their immunity, as vitamin C is involved in many parts of the immune system.

Based on studies, vitamin C helps encourage the production of white blood cells known as lymphocytes and phagocytes, which help protect the body against infection.

It is also regarded as an essential vitamin, however, the body can’t produce it on its own.

It’s water-soluble and found in many fruits and vegetables.

The recommended daily intake for vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1072664

AFP chief not part of ‘Viber group’ plotting unauthorized movements in WPS

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2021): AFP chief not part of ‘Viber group’ plotting unauthorized movements in WPS (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

AFP Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana (RTVM Screengrab)

PASIG CITY, April 19 (PIA) -- The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Cirilito Sobejana completely disproves the fake information about a Viber group of retired and active military officers allegedly plotting unauthorized movements in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a statement, Sobejana said there is no truth to the posts circulating online that the Chief of Staff is part of a Viber group consisting of some 300 senior military leaders plotting unauthorized movements to address issues in the West Philippine Sea and allegedly withdrawing support for President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The AFP trusts the government’s management of the situation in the disputed area and its diplomatic thrust in protecting the sovereignty and sovereign rights of our country," Sobejana said.

"Nevertheless, the military leadership takes cognizance of the presence of individuals and groups that are determined and are engaged in orchestrated efforts to undermine the government," the AFP chief added.

He said these groups "discredit our efforts through fake news intended to agitate and confuse the people to turn against our government or support those who are already rebelling against it. We therefore advise the public to remain calm and dismiss this as propaganda."

Sobejana said the AFP commits to the nation its unflinching loyalty to the Constitution and the duly constituted authorities.

"We assure our people that the soldiers, airmen, sailors and marines of the AFP are firmly behind the chain-of-command, it assured," he said. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1072710

PAF, US SIMCAS hold 'Balikatan' rehearsal

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 19, 2021): PAF, US SIMCAS hold 'Balikatan' rehearsal (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

Photo courtesy of Exercise Balikatan Facebook page

PASIG CITY, April 19 (PIA) --The Philippine Air Force (PAF), in coordination with United States armed forces counterparts, held a Simulated Close Air Support (SIMCAS) rehearsal employing its FA-50PH aircraft recently as part of the ongoing Balikatan Exercises.

"The ongoing exercise enhances the ability of both armed forces to operate together. The joint operations planning exercise which is now on its fourth day provides the opportunity for both service members to share their knowledge and experiences in crises action planning," Balikatan Exercise Director MGen Edgard Arevalo told the the PIA NCR.

"As these unfold, actual humanitarian and civic assistance operations are in full swing," Arevalo added.

The PAF training flight is in preparation for the joint SIMCAS on April 20, 2021 which will then include US Air Force plane. The exercises conducted at Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Crow Valley Military Reservation, Capas, Tarlac, some 129 kilometers north of Manila.

Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) personnel, on the other hand, were part of the Joint Terminal Attack Controller/Combat Air Controller, which primarily directs the action of the combat aircraft and other offensive air operations from a forward position. The PACAF is a Major Command of the United States Air Force and is also the air component command of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.

This year’s exercise focuses on enhancing interoperability of U.S.-Philippine humanitarian aid and relief operations capabilities, rapid response operations during pandemic, counter-terrorism, and subject matter expert exchanges on a wide-range of topics.

The 36th iteration of the Balikatan Exercise kicked off April 12 and will conclude on April 23. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1072760

Sobejana not part of group planning unauthorized WPS moves

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2021): Sobejana not part of group planning unauthorized WPS moves (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (File photo)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana denied claims on social media that he is part of a Viber group consisting of 300 ranking military officials planning unauthorized movements to address issues in the West Philippine Sea.

"The AFP trusts the government’s management of the situation in the disputed area and its diplomatic thrust in protecting the sovereignty and sovereign rights of our country," he added in a statement forwarded to reporters Sunday night.

Sobejana also branded as "fake information" claims that there is a group of retired and active military officials planning to withdraw support for President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

"Nevertheless, the military leadership takes cognizance of the presence of individuals and groups that are determined and are engaged in orchestrated efforts to undermine the government," he added.

The AFP chief said groups discredit the military's efforts through fake news intended to agitate and confuse the people to turn against the government or support those who are rebelling against it.

"We, therefore, advise the public to remain calm and dismiss this as propaganda," Sobejana added.

He said the AFP is loyal to the Constitution and the duly constituted authorities, and that all military personnel are firmly behind the chain of command.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137206

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2021): PH, US troops hold close air support drill rehearsal (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Exercise Balikatan Facebook page

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has deployed an FA-50PH jet aircraft for the rehearsal of its simulated close air support (SIMCAS) event, which is one of the highlights of this year's Balikatan exercises with American forces.

The rehearsal for the SIMCAS took place at the Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Crow Valley Military Reservation, Capas, Tarlac last April 14, the Philippine-US Balikatan Exercises Combined Joint Information Bureau said in a statement Monday.

It added that the PAF training flight is in preparation for the joint SIMCAS set on Tuesday, which will also include a US Air Force plane.

Meanwhile, Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) personnel participated in the joint terminal attack controller/combat air controller which primarily directs the action of the combat aircraft and other offensive air operations from a forward position.

Earlier, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson and Exercise Director of Balikatan 2021, said the exercise will "simulate the need to employ air capability while observing the procedures involved during (a) call for fire."

The 36th iteration of the Balikatan Exercise kicked off April 12 and will conclude on April 23.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137222

Vera Cruz promoted as PNP's No. 3 man

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2021): Vera Cruz promoted as PNP's No. 3 man (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

New PNP deputy chief for operations, Lt. Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz (Photo courtesy of PNP)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen, Debold Sinas on Monday named Lt. Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz as the new deputy chief for operations (DCO), the third highest post in the police force.

Vera Cruz will replace Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag who will mandatorily retire from the service on Saturday.

"As to the position of DCO, Gen. (Cesar Hawthorne) Binag will retire on April 24 so just a few days from now and we have informed, recommended to the SILG (Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Eduardo Año) that the current TCDS (The Chief of Directorial Staff), Lt. Gen. Vera Cruz will be elevated to the position of DCO and he will take over from Gen. Cesar Binag,” Sinas said in a press briefing.

Sinas, meanwhile, picked Lt. Gen. Ephraim Dickson, chief of the Director for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) Northern Luzon, to replace Vera Cruz as chief of the directorial staff.

Maj. Gen. Manuel Abu, director for human resource and doctrine development, will replace Abu as DIPO Northern Luzon chief.

The reshuffle will take effect on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Sinas said he will wait for Año to come up with a list of his possible successors before making his own recommendation.

“We will wait for SILG to recommend for the next Chief PNP recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte. Then, the President will designate the next CPNP,” Sinas said.

Sinas will retire from the service upon turning 56 on May 8.

Año said he will submit the names of three ranking officials as candidates for the next chief of the PNP by the end of April.

Among possible contenders for the post are members of the PNP command group such as Vera Cruz and Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, deputy chief for administration.

Sinas, Eleazar, Binag, and Vera Cruz belong to the Philippine Military Academy Hinirang Class of 1987.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137276

Duterte unbothered by rumors about troops’ withdrawal of support

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2021): Duterte unbothered by rumors about troops’ withdrawal of support (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo R, Duterte is “unbothered” about rumors that a group of retired and active military officers has allegedly withdrawn support for him over his supposed silence on Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte believes that the military officers would have ousted him a long time ago if they believed that he was “useless”.

“Hindi po nababahala ang Presidente. Alam po ng Presidente na tapat siya sa Saligang Batas at alam po niya na nirirespeto din ng ating mga kasundaluhan ang ating Saligang Batas. Sabi nga po niya kung talaga siya ay inutil, matagal na siyang pinatalsik ng military (The President is not alarmed. The President knows that he has been faithful to the Constitution and he knows that the military also respects the Constitution. He said that if he is useless, he has long been ousted by the military),” he said in a virtual press briefing.

Roque said Duterte is confident that there is no reason for the military to remove him from office.

“Alam po niya na kung gugustuhin ng military, kahit sino ay pupuwedeng ipatanggal ng militar, pero kampante po siya na walang dahilan para naman umakto ng ganiyan ang ating kasundaluhan (He knows that if the military wants, they can remove him from office. But he is confident that there is no reason for the military to act that way),” he added.

He also dismissed the allegations as “hearsay”, noting that the military knows that now is not the time for politics.

“Kuwentong kutsero lang po iyan. Naniniwala po kami na lahat ng ating kasundaluhan ay tapat sa Republika at alam po nila na hindi po talaga panahon para sa pulitika ngayon (That’s just hearsay. We believe that the military is faithful to the Republic and we know that it’s not the time for politics),” he said.

Roque said Filipinos have only over a year to wait until they elect new leaders.

“Isang taon naman po mag-eeleksiyon na pupuwedeng halalin kung sino ang gusto nating halalin. Kung tingin nila na hindi karapat-dapat ang polisiya ng Presidente, huwag iboto ang magiging kandidato ng Presidente (In a year comes election so they can elect who they want to elect by that time. If they think the President’s policies are no longer worthy, then don’t vote for the candidate of the President),” he added.

He insisted that there is no need for Duterte to make remarks about Chinese vessels in the WPS since his alter egos, particularly Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana have already made public statements on the matter.

“Hindi ko po maintindihan kung ano pang gusto ng mga kritiko ni Presidente. Nagsasalita na po ang kalihim ng Foreign Affairs, nagsasalita na ang kalihim ng National Defense (I don’t understand what more critics of the President want. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs and National Defense have already spoken),” he said.

Citing the doctrine of qualified political agency, he said utterances of the alter egos are words of the President unless the President renounces them.

“Kapag hindi po dini-disown ng Presidente ang sinasabi ng kaniyang mga alter egos, parang siya na po ang nagsasalita, hindi na siya kinakailangang magsalita (If the President did not disown what his alter egos said, it is as if the statement came from him, he doesn’t need to speak about it),” he said.

Roque also pointed out that Duterte has already affirmed the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s (PCA) ruling in favor of the Philippines’ arbitration case against China’s expansive maritime claims in the disputed sea during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in September 2020.

“He said that we will not give away any part of our territory, we believed that the West Philippine Sea dispute should be resolved under UNCLOS and that we stand by the arbitral decision,” he added.

PH must stand on own feet

Roque shrugged off suggestions made by political analysts to strengthen partnerships and security agreements with other countries for a common policy to defend the Philippines’ arbitral victory.

He said the Philippines has already entered into several agreements with countries such as the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States.

However, he lamented that such agreements have failed to prevent the growing militarization of China over the WPS.

“Wala tayong nakuhang tulong doon są ating kapartido sa Mutual Defense Treaty ang Estado Unidos so ang leksyon natin kinakailangan na tumayo sa dalawang paa (We did not get any help from the United States, our partner in the Mutual Defense Treaty then. So the lesson is we must stand on our own two feet),” he said.

China seized control of the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal in a controversial standoff where China blocked the access of Filipino fishermen in the area in 2012. This prompted Manila to file a case before the international arbitration.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands ruled in favor of the Philippines’ petition, saying China has no legal basis to assert its supposedly historic rights over nearly the entire South China Sea.

He noted that the Philippines will have to learn to assert its national interest.

“In the end po, we have to assert our national interest at iyan po ang ginagawa ng ating Presidente (and that is what the President is doing),” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137292

Info gathering on ACT, TDC 'standard requirement’: DepEd

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2021): Info gathering on ACT, TDC 'standard requirement’: DepEd (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

Education Secretary Leonor Briones (Screengrab from RTVM)

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday came to the defense of its recent directive to identify the membership details of two teachers’ organizations – Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) and Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) – saying it is a standard and legitimate requirement.

In a Palace briefing, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said organizations that deal with the agency must comply with the standard requirements, including the submission of names of officers and members.

"These are standard, hindi naman illegitimate itong mga organisasyon na ito (these organizations are not illegitimate), they are perfectly legitimate and therefore they are perfectly required by law to submit what is usefully required of legitimate organizations which deal with the government," Briones said.

Briones was reacting to criticisms from the two teachers’ groups that condemned the profiling directive for local DepEd officials to identify the members of their groups.

They said DepEd had violated their constitutional rights when it disseminated an online survey meant to profile teachers who are members of ACT and TDC.

The Google form reportedly titled “Data on the Number of Teachers’ Dignity Coalition and Alliance of Concerned Teachers” required to input full names and email addresses, and state whether they were members of ACT, TDC or both.

Briones said the department collects certain fees from members of teachers' groups.

“So, we have to know the names of the members in order for us to deduct membership fees,” she said.

Nothing irregular

Briones said there is nothing irregular about the directive, as she allayed concerns that such action may lead to the harassment of teachers.

"We don’t harass. Everything, any action that we have undertaken is always covered by the law because that is my training. We are a government of laws. Organizations which deal with the DepEd, of course, have to comply with the requirements," she said.

Meanwhile, DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said the agency would safeguard the teachers’ personal information.

“We have a data protection officer in the Department of Education and so any disclosure or sharing of this information complies with Data Protection. So, there is no individual profiling that the Department is doing outside of the required submission of information,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137303

I'll send my gray ships if you drill for oil, Duterte tells China

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 19, 2021): I'll send my gray ships if you drill for oil, Duterte tells China (By Azer Parrocha)

DON’T DRILL OIL. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on April 19, 2021. Duterte said he will send gray ships if China starts drilling oil in the disputed West Philippine Sea. (Presidential photo by King Rodriguez)

Despite his desire to remain friends with China, President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday said he will send “gray ships” to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should China start drilling for oil in the disputed territory.

In a pre-recorded public address, Duterte said he will state the Philippines’ territorial claim by sending navy ships in the disputed waters.

“I am addressing myself to the Chinese government, we want to remain friends, we want to share whatever it is. Sinabi ko naman sa inyo sa (I told you) Chinese government, I’m not so much interested now in fishing. I don’t think there’s enough fish really to quarrel about. But when we start to mine, when we start to get whatever it is in the bowels of the China sea sa ating oil, diyan na ako (in our oil, that’s when I will act). Then by that time I will send my ships there,” he said.

Amid criticism over his supposed silence on Chinese vessels in the contested sea, Duterte said he would not allow China to dig for oil and other resources there.

“I will send my gray ships there to state a claim. ‘Yan masiguro ninyo. Pag kinuha na yung oil, kung anong mga nickel diyan, mga precious stones (That you can be sure of. If you start digging for oil, nickel there, precious stones). That would be the time because that is the time that we should act on it,” he added.

He said should China start drilling for oil, the Philippines would also start doing the same.

“Pag mag-umpisa na sila mag drill ng oil diyan, sabihin ko talaga sa China (If they start drilling for oil there, I’ll tell China), ‘Is that part of our agreement? Because if it is not part of our agreement, I’m going to also drill my oil there. If you own it, I own it,” he said.

Recalling a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2017, Duterte said Xi himself vowed that China will not extract oil from the disputed sea.

“Noon ko pa sinabi ‘yan, yung pagkatapos nung nag-usap kami ni President Xi Jinping na sinabi ko na I will get my oil also. Sabi niya (I said that a long time ago, after I spoke with President Xi Jinping, I said I will get my oil also. He said), ‘Please don’t, we just leave it that way in the meantime’,” he added.

He said his Cabinet members were there to serve as “living witnesses” that he did something to assert the country’s claim over the WPS.

Stay put in the event of a standoff

Meanwhile, he also blamed the previous administration for allowing China to take control of the Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal.

He said that if a standoff between the Philippines and China were to happen again, he would make sure to order the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to “stay put” and not withdraw its vessels as his predecessor did.

“In a situation like that, if repeated in my administration, I think there is going to be a…talagang hindi ako aalis. Kung may barko ako diyan ngayon, yung coast guard ko nandiyan, hindi din ako mag-alis (I won’t leave. If there is a ship there now, the coast guard is there, I will not leave),” he said.

During the talk to the people, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana informed the President that the PCG ships conduct regular patrol to protect the Filipino fishermen in the WPS.

“Mr. President, wala naman balakid sa pagpunta natin doon, kahit nga yun Navy ships natin doon sa Pagasa Island, nagpapatrol din. (there is no hindrance in going there, even our Navy ships are also conducting patrol in the Pagasa Island). Our ships can regularly go there,” Lorenzana told Duterte

China seized control of the Scarborough Shoal in a controversial standoff wherein China blocked the access of Filipino fishermen in the area in 2012 prompting Manila to bring the case before the international arbitration.

On July 12, 2016, the Philippines won the arbitration case it lodged against China after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands invalidated Beijing's nine-dash line claim over the contested waters. China refused to acknowledge the arbitral ruling.

Duterte has opted to pursue a bilateral approach to address the maritime row with China since he assumed office in 2016.

'Only by force’

He admitted that there is no way that the country can reclaim the WPS without any bloodshed.

“The issue of the West Philippine Sea remains to be a question forever until such time that you know, we can take it back. Ang akin ‘yan is walang iba, giyera lang (For me, the only way is by war),” he said.

Duterte warned that promoting a war against China would have serious consequences.

“If we promote a war against China and America, medyo siguro madalian, pero (we might be able to speed it up but) what at cost to us? 'Yan talaga ang problema (That’s really the problem). But we can retake it only by force. There is no way that we can get back the Philippine Sea without any bloodshed,” he added.

If military officials no longer support his decisions concerning the WPS, Duterte said he is willing to step down.

“If I cannot have the cooperation of the Armed Forces, then there’s no point in working for this government,” he said.

Rumors that a group of retired and active military officers have withdrawn support for Duterte over his silence on Chinese vessels in the WPS have circulated over social media.

Defense Secretary Deflin Lorenzana dismissed them as “irresponsible propaganda” while Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana urged the public to spare his agency from partisan politics.

‘Tell me what to do’

Duterte dared retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio to provide solutions to the sea dispute that are not being undertaken by government.

“Sige, tell me what to do except yung papel papel ninyo (just papers). Just to create a well, whatever it is. Maraming daldal, wala ka naman talagang magawa (You talk too much but haven’t done anything),” he said.

He mocked Carpio for being a “dreamer”, insisting that it was impossible for China to accept the arbitral ruling that invalidates their nine-dash line claim over the contested waters.

“I'd ask you a question, if the United Nations would ask China to surrender because of the award given to us, ibibigay ba ng China 'yan? Andun yung problema (China would give it to us? That’s the problem). Can the United Nations compel China? And do you think China will just give it freely because of the United Nations demand?” he said. “I'll give you 100 years, you can never get something there miski isang basong tubig sa China ngayon (even one glass of water from China now).”

He reminded Carpio that China started the “construction occupation” during the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III.

“The construction occupation of WPS was completed by the singular act of China not retreating,” Duterte said, referring to the Scarborough Shoal standoff in 2012.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137317