Wednesday, June 9, 2021

Almost Four Years After Marawi Siege, Nearby Town Combats Threat Of Extremism

From Page One (Jun 9, 2021): Almost Four Years After Marawi Siege, Nearby Town Combats Threat Of Extremism (By Manolo Serapio Jr.)



A month before the siege of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur by Islamic State-linked Maute group in 2017, dozens of the terror group’s members were killed in a series of encounters with the military in the town of Piagapo less than 20 kilometers away.

The clashes displaced hundreds of families in Piagapo, but it would not compare to the battle in Marawi that unfolded in May which lasted five months and flattened the city. Nearly four years since it ended, many of Marawi’s residents remain in temporary shelters as the rehabilitation of the Islamic city is yet to be completed.

What happened in Marawi remains a cautionary tale for the people of Piagapo where the threat of extremism continues as those left of the Maute group are believed to be recruiting youth as young as 13 in the outskirts of the town.

“Our aim is to prevent them from being easily convinced by remnants of the Maute group,” said Piagapo Vice Mayor Ali Sumandar. “We have to continue our campaign against violent extremism.”

That campaign includes using a standardized module and curriculum in the madaris or Islamic schools in Piagapo. The new modules and curriculum were launched in January 2018, said Sumandar, three months after the end of the battle in Marawi.

Synergeia Foundation in partnership with the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund helped draft some of the modules when they began a project to prevent violent extremism in Mindanao.

“Our project with GCERF is breaking the ascent of violent extremism by enabling people to see that the local governments will provide good education for their children and will promote good justice,” Synergeia President and CEO Milwida Guevara said.

Apart from Piagapo, other areas covered by the program include Kapatagan in Lanao del Sur, Jolo in Sulu and Buldon in Maguindanao.

Synergeia believes that working with local officials like Sumandar leads to meaningful changes in governance across Philippine cities and municipalities, particularly in pushing for education reforms and in developing peace leaders.

“By standardizing the curriculum, we know what is being taught to the children,” said the 48-year-old vice mayor. The next step is to monitor what is being preached in the mosques and the local government’s plan is to create a uniform message to be preached on Fridays, he said.

“We will prepare it ourselves maybe two days ahead to be used for the Friday worship in all mosques,” said Sumandar, adding he hopes to launch this plan in June or July.

Religion of peace

In a fresh reminder of the continuing threat of terrorism in Mindanao, more than 100 gunmen belonging to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters occupied the public market in the town of Datu Paglas in Maguindanao for six hours earlier this month, before fleeing shortly after the military launched an assault.

Three months ago, during a routine monitoring of a remote barangay, Sumandar received information that three children, aged between 13 and 15 years old, were reported missing and believed to have been recruited by the Maute group.

“We don’t know if they’re dead or returning and one of the kids’ fathers was livid at what had happened,” he said. “We need to keep a close watch on our children because they could be very vulnerable.”

That child’s father has now been warning other parents to protect their own children, Sumandar said.

During the Talakayang Bayan, or town hall meeting, in January at the Piagapo municipal hall organized by Synergeia and GCERF, participants including local government officials, educators, parents and members of the police and military vowed to advocate against violent extremism.

“Islam is a religion of peace. No one should declare war unless they are deprived of their religious belief,” Sumandar said at the meeting.

Hanifah Sultan, head of Bualan Elementary School, expressed concern over the seeming lack of supervision of children given the closure of all schools in the Philippines for more than a year now due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She pledged to work closely with all stakeholders of the community and parents to keep a tighter watch on children and youth.



False ideology

With education as a powerful weapon to counter extremism, Sumandar believes there should be a firm plan to consider resuming in-person classes in the municipality, even on a limited basis.

“If the pandemic continues, we have to have a strategy on how children can go back to school during some days of the week,” he said.

The children from remote areas where Internet connectivity is weak or non-existent suffer the most during distance education, with limited access to teachers and other online help.

Officials from other local governments in the Philippines with low to zero transmission of COVID-19 in their communities, like in Piagapo, have been pushing for the resumption of face-to-face classes in the next school year as many children have struggled with remote learning.

There was an initial plan by the Piagapo local government to hold a symposium for the youth, similar to what is regularly done for adults, to constantly warn them against joining extremist groups, but it was later discarded due to pandemic restrictions. The local government also holds peace dialogue in its barangays.



The town’s Sangguniang Kabataan, or youth leaders, are currently raising funds to build a multi-purpose building for sports and other activities, said Sumandar. Construction may start next month.

“Prevention is better than cure,” he said, adding that what happened to Marawi following the 2017 siege will continue to be a dark reminder for Piagapo that violent extremism only leads to destruction.

“In just a few years, Piagapo has managed to become one of the blooming and growing municipalities in Lanao del Sur,” said Sumandar. “Why would we allow it to collapse in pursuit of a false ideology?”

http://pageone.ph/almost-four-years-after-marawi-siege-nearby-town-combats-threat-of-extremism/

PNP chief lauds Samar cops over arrest of 10 men in checkpoint

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8, 2021): PNP chief lauds Samar cops over arrest of 10 men in checkpoint (By Sarwell Meniano)



RECOVERED. Some of the firearms and ammunition recovered by policemen at a checkpoint in San Jorge, Samar on Saturday night (June 5, 2021). Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, lauded on Monday (June 7, 2021) the policemen in San Jorge, Samar over the arrest of 10 suspects at a checkpoint. (Photo courtesy of Samar police)

TACLOBAN CITY – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, has lauded the policemen in San Jorge, Samar over the arrest of 10 people found in possession of illegal firearms and claiming to be military personnel at a checkpoint on Saturday night.

During a press briefing at the city’s airport here on Monday, Eleazar said the arrest of these people is proof the PNP is serious in enforcing laws even during a health crisis.

“We would like to commend them on their action. Our policemen are really working as part of our mission to achieve cleanliness and peace and order in our community,” said Eleazar who is in Eastern Visayas for a two-day visit.

In a statement, Samar police provincial director, Col. Glenn Oliver Cinco, said the 10 suspects were arrested at 6:30 p.m. on June 5 by personnel of San Jorge municipal police station for falsification of public documents, usurpation of authority, and illegal possession of firearms.

Policemen flagged down the vehicle at the checkpoint in San Jorge town center.

The suspects presented fake travel documents and nine of them showed fake military identification cards.

Also seized from them are four assorted firearms with several magazines and ammunition. The suspects have no permits to carry firearms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142836

3 rebels killed; high-powered firearms seized in Masbate

 From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8, 2021): 3 rebels killed; high-powered firearms seized in Masbate (By Connie Calipay)



Map of Masbate City (Google image)

Some three New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed while high-powered firearms were seized when government forces engaged rebels in a firefight in Barangay Anas, Masbate City on Tuesday.

In a report, Lt. Col. Steve dela Rosa, Masbate City Police Station chief, said while the joint operating team of security operatives was on its way to serve warrants of arrest issued by the Masbate Regional Trial Court (RTC) against
communist terrorist group (CTG) members, it was fired upon by around 30 unidentified armed men.

The group of rebels was believed responsible for the deadly road explosion that killed two civilians in the city over the weekend.


"With the presence of imminent danger, the team fired back, hitting three members of the rebel group while no casualty has been reported on the government side in a firefight that lasted for 15 minutes," dela Rosa said.

The government troops recovered three M16 and an M14 rifle, various war materiel, and terrorist propaganda materials from the clash site.

Meanwhile, Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, in an interview, said two hours later, government troops recovered 12 more high-powered firearms hidden in a nipa hut at the border of Barangay Anas and Barangay Bolo, both in Masbate City, believed to be left behind by the fleeing terrorists.

Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen, commander of the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB), attributed this successful operation to the Masbateños who, out of anger over CTG's latest terror attack, tipped off the military of the rebels' location.

Army assurance

Col. Aldwine Almase, commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, on the other hand, assured the public that the Army and police will not stop until all CTG members responsible for the killing of civilians are put behind bars.

"We will not allow these terrorists to continue killing innocent people and destroying the hopes and dreams of our youth. Our persistent operations will continue to make sure that those who participated in this crime will rot in prison," Almase said.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) director, in a statement, called on the CTG members to just go down the mountains and surrender.

He also thanked the civilians who provided information leading to the successful operations.

"Alam naming pagod na kayong magtago lalo na ngayong mas pinaigting at pinalawak pa namin ang aming ginagawang operasyon. Alalahanin ninyo ang inyong mga pamilya. Para sa kanila, sumuko na lamang kayo (We know that you are tired of hiding especially now that we have intensified operations. Remember your families, for them just return to the folds of the law)," he said, addressing the CTG members.

Estomo also said the operating team is still pursuing to arrest the fleeing rebels.

"This effort is part of the action being undertaken by the government to identify the identity of persons behind the explosion incident that transpired on Sunday which had killed innocent civilians particularly the FEU (Far Eastern University) football player, Keith Absalon," he added.

NPA doomed

Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, warned the NPA rebels that they are doomed if they would continue to elude arrest and refuse to take responsibility for their crimes.

"We do not tolerate terrorism. Thus, we are giving these evildoers two options: to keep their lives or to die fighting against our troops who are scouring every nook and cranny of Masbate province just to find them. A bright future awaits the Absalons had it not been for this terrorist group's wickedness. But we are confident that they will all face the consequences of their crimes, especially that the Masbateños who are expressing strong repulsion over the CTG's inhuman acts and lawlessness are one with us in this fight," Robinson said.

Last Sunday, FEU football player Keith Absalon and his cousin, Nolven, were cycling along a road in Masbate City when an anti-personnel mine planted by the CTG exploded, resulting in their deaths.

Enraged civilians

"Galit na galit ang mga sibilyan kaya tinuro nila kung saan nagtago ang mga NPA. Dahil dito, natagpuan ng mga sundalo at pulis ang mga baril na tinago ng mga NPA sa isang kubo (The civilians were enraged so they disclosed where the NPA members hid. Because of this, the military and the police found the guns hid by the NPA). (Around) 12 M16 rifles were captured by the troops. We will not stop until these criminals are made to pay for their atrocities. Salamat sambayanan sa suporta (We thank the people for their support)," said Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., in a statement.

The use of APMs is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1142957

W. Visayas multi-sectoral reps sign peace, dev't manifesto

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8, 2021): W. Visayas multi-sectoral reps sign peace, dev't manifesto (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



MANIFESTO. One of the delegates of the Regional Conference for Peace and Development signs the manifesto after the two-day activity on Tuesday (June 8, 2021) at the Pagbana-ag Activity Center in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental. The signatories included representatives from various sectors in Western Visayas, who expressed their full commitment to shared advocacies towards peace and development. (Photo courtesy of PIA-Negros Occidental)

Representatives from various sectors in Western Visayas signed on Tuesday a manifesto expressing their full commitment to shared advocacies towards peace and development at the conclusion of a two-day regional conference held at the Pagbana-ag Activity Center in Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental.

“We recognize that insurgencies, internal disturbances and tensions, and other armed conflicts and threats are not military and security concerns, but are symptomatic of a broader social, economic, and historical problems such as poverty historical justice, social inequality, and lack of inclusivity,” the manifesto read.

The signatories were delegates of the Regional Conference for Peace and Development (RCPD) spearheaded by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) Sectoral Unification, Capacity-Building, Empowerment and Mobilization (SUBCEM) Cluster.
They represented national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), government instrumentalities, and various sectors and communities. Among them were about 60 sectoral representatives from women, peasants, fisherfolk, youth, indigenous peoples and formal labor.

In a virtual press briefing, Elika Circa of the Project Management Team of National Task Force-ELCAC and Secretariat of the National Anti-Poverty Commission said the RCPD serves as the first phase of the SUCBEM Cluster Flagship Program for State of the National Address Campaign Plan 2021.

In this phase, the activity aims to harvest expression of solidarity among line agencies and sectors and to introduce to the sectoral participants their role as political leaders and program bearers in their local community.

“It is vital to establish a genuine platform for advocacy and legitimate concerns of the sectors to effectively address gaps in governance and have an idea of what interventions and policy recommendations can help,” Circa added.

The concept of RCPD as a platform allows validation of perceived policy gaps and introduction of sectoral organizing strategy and provides NGAs the opportunity to regain their sectoral building role.

As output, the RCPD, through series of consultations with community leaders and members of the basic sectors, seeks to formulate a regional peace and development agenda that will be used as a reference for the crafting of the final output, which is the Social Reform Agenda of the Basic Sectors.

In the manifesto, the signatories said the whole of nation approach requires the participation of not just the NGAs and LGUs, but the Filipino people as well.

“That the strengthening of institutionalization of convergence platforms and coordination mechanisms shall be adopted as indicators and shall be at the core of NGAs, LGUs and other government instrumentalities for their operations,” it added.

The manifesto also stated that they support the provision of necessary government interventions to Retooled Community Support Program barangays through the NTF 70-assisted barangay development program, and that it will be replicated in more barangays nationwide to ensure inclusive peace and development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143047

Remains of NPA killed in MisOr clash turned over to kin

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): Remains of NPA killed in MisOr clash turned over to kin (By Franck Dick Rosete and Nef Luczon)



FIREFIGHT. Several possessions, including a firearm, were seized by Army troopers of the 58th Infantry Battalion on Monday (June 7, 2021) in Salay, Misamis Oriental, following an operation against communist insurgents. The Army said the remains of one of the rebels who was killed in the clash was transported to his hometown in Salay town in the same province. (Photo courtesy of 58IB)

The body of a New People's Army (NPA) rebel who was killed in a firefight has been turned over to his family members in Salay, Misamis Oriental, the Philippine Army said on Tuesday.

The rebel identified as Elly Marianas Cabusog was one of the fatalities in the continuing Army operations in the hinterlands of Barangay Mimbuli.

1st Lt. Jefferson Mariano, 58th IB's Civil-Military Operations officer, said Cabusog was part of the NPA's Guerilla Front Huawei of the Sub-regional Committee 1 of North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC). He was a resident of Sitio Salahon of Barangay Alipuaton in the same town.

"The encounter occurred at around three in the afternoon as the 58IB responded to a tip from a concerned citizen that a group of armed men was conducting food foraging and was threatening them anew," the PA said.


2nd Lt. Monique Olarte, 58IB Assistant Civil-Military Operations officer, in an interview Tuesday, said the encounter lasted 25 minutes.

"There were more or less 12 NPA rebels who had been encountered by our troops," Olarte said.

She said there was no injury among the government troops, while they believe there were few rebels who sustained wounds based on the traces of blood found on the encounter site.

Troops discovered the abandoned body of Cabusog while scouring the encounter site. Also found were an M16 rifle, personal belongings, and assorted medical paraphernalia.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, commanding officer of the 58IB, said the relentless operations in the remote areas are meant to drive the NPA guerrillas away from communities to prevent them from disrupting peace in communities and collecting revolutionary tax through extortion.

He also condoled with the family of the slain rebel.

“Another life has been lost in the war against the failed ideology of the communist NPA terrorists," he said.

He also urged the remaining NPA fighters to lay down their arms, return to the fold of the law, and avail themselves of government programs.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143015

ELCAC’s RTF 6 condemns killing of civilians in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): ELCAC’s RTF 6 condemns killing of civilians in Masbate (By Perla Lena)



DEPLORED. Associate Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris I. Gonzales said on Tuesday (June 8, 2021) the Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is condemning the killing of two civilians in Masbate. He said the terrorist group “must be brought to the bars of justice”. (PNA file photo)

The Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF 6-ELCAC) has called for the end of terrorism in the country as it condemned the killing of two civilians in Masbate by an anti-personnel mine (APM) explosion planted by the New People's Army (NPA).

Killed in the June 6 blast were Far Eastern University (FEU) football player Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven Absalon, while Nolven's son Chrisbin Daniel was wounded.

“We condemn the NPA for their dastardly act of terrorism claiming the lives of Keith and Nolven. Precious lives have been lost. The NPA must suffer the consequences of their barbaric and atrocious act. The terror must end. The terrorists must be brought to the bars of justice,” said the RTF 6 ELCAC statement released Tuesday night.

Task Force spokesperson Flosemer Chris I. Gonzales, associate provincial prosecutor, said the CPP-NPA’s policy on the use of APM in their “desperate effort to project an illusion of 'strength' has claimed the lives of countless civilians and has maimed countless others over the years”.

He added that it was a manifestation of the terrorist group’s lack of respect for life.

“It is merely another terrorist organization believing in the lies of its leaders who are living luxurious and entitled lives far from the perils of close quarter combat and the hardships in their jungle hideouts and lairs,” he said.

Gonzales said the NPA is merely a “killing machine” hiding behind the façade of being “revolutionaries”.

They are “nothing more than just a bunch of brainwashed and misguided group of individuals rallying to a dying cause that has lost all form of substance and relevance,” he added.

He added that the country has had enough of the terrorist group's atrocities even if some of the politicians have remained deaf and blind to their violence.

The use of APMs is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143092

Basilan towns turn over 26 loose firearms to military

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): Basilan towns turn over 26 loose firearms to military (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



TURNOVER. Basilan Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman (right) and Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force-Basilan commander (center), inspect one of the recovered firearms on Monday (June 7, 2021) during the signing of the memorandum of agreement on the implementation of the Small Arms and Light Weapons program that seeks to minimize, if not eradicate, unlicensed guns. Also in photo is Lt. Col. Egverr Jonathan Abutin, commander of the 18th Infantry Battalion. (Photo courtesy of JTF-Basilan)

Twenty-six loose firearms were turned over by local chief executives in Basilan to the military as part of the continued campaign against the proliferation of unlicensed guns through the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program.

The SALW program seeks to lessen, if not eradicate, small arms and light weapons and prevent crimes in the communities.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said Wednesday that the firearms were surrendered to the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Basilan by Tipo-Tipo Mayor Arcam Istarul and Maluso Mayor Hanie Bud.

Istarul, together with all municipal and barangay officials of Tipo-Tipo, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the SALW on Monday at the covered court of Barangay Tipo-Tipo proper.

The signing was witnessed by Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, JTF-Basilan commander; Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman; Col. Rodrigo Maramo, police provincial director; and Lt. Col. Egverr Jonathan Abutin, 18th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander.

Bud had the signing the following day at their municipal hall with Gobway, Maramo, Basilan Provincial Administrator Manny Muarip, Lt. Col. Alex Ampati, the 4th Special Forces Battalion commander; and Lt. Col. Napoleon Pabon Jr., 68th IB commander.

Istarul handed over four caliber .30 M1 Garand rifles, one caliber .30 M2 Carbine rifle, one improvised shotgun, and one FN-FAL G1 rifle.

On the other hand, Bud surrendered five caliber .30 M1 Garand rifles, eight caliber .45 pistols, one 9mm KG9, two Shotguns, one caliber .38 pistol, and two M-79 grenade launchers.

The firearms were recovered by civilians.

Gobway noted that of the 11 municipalities and two component cities of Basilan, seven pledged their support for SALW and “we hope the others will follow soon”.

Other towns that back the program are Hadji Mohammad Ajul, Tabuan-Lasa, Lantawan, Akbar, and Tuburan.

Since January, JTF-Basilan has received 94 loose firearms, either handed over by the civilians during “rido” (family feud) settlement or by local officials.

“Our harmonious relationships with fellow peace-builders have gone a long way. I hope this will continue until the common goal is attained,” Vinluan said.

“Rest assured that the military will continue to employ the whole-of-nation approach in addressing terrorism and lawlessness here in Mindanao,” he added.

The implementation of the SALW program is an initiative of the national government, through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and Joint Normalization Committee.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143110

Raps filed vs. 8 NPA rebels in Caraga for using APMs

 From the Philippine News Agency (Jun9, 2021): Raps filed vs. 8 NPA rebels in Caraga for using APMs (By Alexander Lopez)



The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) on Wednesday announced the filing of various criminal charges against eight New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas for using the banned anti-personnel mines (APMs).

Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, in a statement said leaders and members of Guerrilla Front (GF) 16 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) are now facing charges of murder, multiple frustrated murder, and multiple attempted murder.

“They were also charged with violation of the provisions of Republic Act No. 9851 for the crimes the(y) committed against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and other crimes against humanity,” Caramat said.

He added that the charges were filed under Docket No. XIII-02-INV-21F-00277 at the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Agusan del Norte in Butuan City on June 7.

The respondents are Engelbert Bunga-os alias Kadong; Eliamar Monter alias Gab; Marvin Bugas alias Eman; Samuel Navidas Batican alias Aldren/Popo/Ren-Ren; and Arsenia Cea alias Sinyang.

Two other unidentified rebels and a certain Alias Mariane were also included in the charges.

The NPA guerrillas were charged following an APM attack on 29th Infantry Battalion (29IB) soldiers in Sitio Ilong-ilong, Barangay Santiago, Agusan del Norte on May 31, 2021.

The 29IB troops, in response to the reports of civilians on the presence of armed men, clashed with NPA rebels in the area in a 30-minute gun battle.

At the height of the skirmish, the rebels triggered four APMs that killed one soldier and injured four others.

The NPA was condemned by the Army’s 901st Infantry Brigade for detonating the banned APMs that were planted on a trail used by civilians.

The use of APM is banned under international treaties, including the Ottawa Convention and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention signed by more than 160 states and became effective in 1999.

The said conventions prohibit the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of APMs.

“The PNP-Caraga vows justice to the victims and their families. We will strengthen our legal offensives to add teeth to the government’s campaign against these NPA terrorists who shall also suffer defeat both in the battlefield and in the legal arena,” Caramat said.

He added that the anti-insurgency efforts of PRO-13, particularly on the legal aspect, shall reinforce the dwindling support of the civilians to the communist movement in the countryside.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143131

Soldiers set up community radio station in NegOcc village

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun9, 2021): Soldiers set up community radio station in NegOcc village (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



RADIO SET. A trooper of the Philippine Army’s 14th Civil-Military Operations Battalion Special Enabler Company gives a transistor radio to a resident of Barangay Linaon, Cauayan town in Negros Occidental on Monday (June 7, 2021). The unit installed a portable FM transmitter for the Voice of Peace 100.1 FM Radio to support their Community Support Program operations in the village. (Photo courtesy of 14th CMO Battalion, Philippine Army)

Troops of the Philippine Army’s 14th Civil-Military Operations Battalion (CMOB) have set up a community radio station in Barangay Linaon, Cauayan town in Negros Occidental as part of the efforts to promote the government’s anti-insurgency programs.

Lt. Col. Arturo Dumalagan, commanding officer of the 14CMOB, said on Wednesday that they intend to provide information to the community using the broadcast medium through the project “Radyo kag Boses sang Kalinong” (Radio and Voice of Peace), since internet connection and mobile communication signals are limited in the area.

“We hope that the public will be more aware and will appreciate the concern of the government in addressing the primary issues they are facing to improve their lives,” he said of the broadcast which started in February this year.

The 14CMOB installed a portable FM transmitter purchased from an online store to set up the Voice of Peace 100.1 FM Radio that will support the unit’s Community Support Program (CSP) operations.

“This is just for short-range broadcast,” Dumalagan told the Philippine News Agency, adding that they go on air for two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon.

During the broadcast, the station plays music and presents recorded newscasts along with infomercials.

Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, the “Tingog sang Kalinong” program hosted by DJ Irene, who is also a soldier, goes on air and is also streamed live on Facebook from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., and the residents can tune in to learn about the government’s various programs.

There are discussions about the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), and related projects implemented by the local government units.

To encourage more listeners, the CSP Team lead by Staff Sgt. Winston Hiponia of 14CMOB’s Special Enabler Company distributed transistor radio sets with batteries to selected households made possible through donations from the unit’s benefactors on June 7, 2021.

Earlier, the 14CMOB also deployed the mobile audio-visual system or MAVS in Barangay Linaon, showing videos of testimonies of former rebels to raise awareness on the recruitment efforts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) among the youth.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143158

VFA fate depends on US explanation on role in 2012 standoff

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun9, 2021): VFA fate depends on US explanation on role in 2012 standoff (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential Photo)

The United States’ explanation about its role in the 2012 Scarborough Shoal standoff between the Philippines and China will factor into President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision on the fate of the controversial Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

Duterte, in an interview with SMNI’s “Exclusive" aired Tuesday night, said he wanted to hear the reason why the US did nothing when Chinese vessels decided to stay put in Scarborough Shoal in 2012.

“Ito ngayong VFA ang problema. May malaking problema tayo dito kasi nga nangyari itong nag-broker ang Amerika tapos nag-atras tayo. Bakit ang China hindi nila pinilit na mag-atras? (VFA is the problem. We have a big problem because America brokered a deal and ordered us to withdraw our ships. Why did it not force China to withdraw?)”
he said.


Duterte said he would only reconsider the Philippines’ military pact with the US once Washington can explain this.

“Unless they can explain it to me in a very simple way na maintindihan ng buong Pilipinas (that the entire Philippines would understand), then I can begin to talk about the (VFA). Pero kapag hindi medyo malabo (If not, it’s unlikely to happen),” he said.

There was an agreement brokered by the US in 2012 for the Philippines and China to withdraw their ships from Scarborough Shoal to resolve the standoff in the area.

The Philippine vessels left the Scarborough Shoal, but Chinese ships stayed in the disputed waters.

In a public address delivered on May 14, Duterte made a firm stance that he would never let Filipino troops participate in any war with the US under his watch. He made the remarks as he slammed anew the US’ role in the withdrawal of Philippine vessels from Scarborough Shoal in 2012 amid a standoff with China.

On February 12, the President told the US to “pay” first before he reconsiders his decision to revoke the VFA, saying there is a need to give the Philippines something in return because it is the “nearest, possible and convenient outpost” near China.

However, Duterte on February 24 admitted that he could not decide whether to enforce or suspend anew the termination of VFA.

The VFA is a 1998 military pact between Manila and Washington that authorizes American troops participating in joint military drills to visit the Philippines sans passport and visa.

The Philippines formally notified the US about its intent to revoke the VFA in February 2020.

However, the VFA remains in effect after Duterte ordered on June 1 last year the suspension of its termination “in light of political and other developments in the region.”

The Philippines extended in November last year the suspension of VFA termination for another six months.

Foreign policy ‘neutral’

Despite his apparent gripe about the US’ supposed inaction to help the Philippines in its maritime dispute with China, Duterte said his independent foreign policy of being “friend to all, enemy to none” stands.

He assured that he would not give preferential treatment to any country.

“Foreign policy is just being neutral. But ako (me, I am) neutral in the sense that I do not favor one country for the other nor would I allow any of these countries to be in the Philippines to establish itong mga (those) military bases,” he said.

Duterte, however, stressed the need for the US to “come clean.”

“America must come clean. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Ngayon kung makiusap sila (If they make a request), what is the fiasco all about,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143063

CPP-NPA 'politburo' wealthy at expense of deceived guerrillas

 From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): CPP-NPA 'politburo' wealthy at expense of deceived guerrillas (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential Photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte said members of the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) politburo are now either “millionaires” or “billionaires” because of deceived insurgents who continue to be subservient to them.

“Itong mga lider nila sa politburo puro milyonaryo, bilyonaryo ‘yan (Their leaders in politburo are already millionaires and billionaires),”
Duterte said in an interview with SMNI’s “Exclusive” aired on Tuesday night.


The CPP’s politburo serves as its policymakers.

Duterte said it is a “hard” reality that members of the communists’ policy-making body are getting richer at the expense of deceived rebels collecting taxes everywhere, even in Metro Manila.

“Kaya maraming pera ang Politburo. Puro mayaman, sa karamihan sa kanila wala dito, nasa Amerika, nasa Europe (That’s why Politburo members have plenty of money. They are rich and many of them are not here. They are either in America or Europe). And they are being sustained by the taxation collected by these poor people,” he said.

Duterte also reiterated that Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate is among those using rebel taxation to pay for his son’s education in Europe.

“As a matter of fact, ‘yung mga anak ng mga Politburo, the leaders, ang nag-aral doon sa Europe. Prominent of which is ‘yong anak ni Zarate (As a matter of fact, the children of politburo members or leaders are studying in Europe. Prominent of which is Zarate’s son). He is strutting around the universities in Europe,” he said.

Fighting ‘without a cause anymore’

Lamenting that the communist guerillas are suffering from hunger while their leaders are enjoying a luxurious lifestyle, Duterte said the communist movement is “fighting without a cause anymore.”

“That’s the irony of it all,” “he said. “Naaawa ako diyan sa mga sundalo nagpapakamatay, ‘yung iba, ilibing lang diyan sa gubat (I pity the rebels who die and get buried in the forest). And their families are never informed that their loved ones have already died. Naaawa ako dito sa mga taong ito kasi wala ka talagang kamuwang-muwang (I pity them because they have no idea at all).”

Duterte, nevertheless, said the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is “trying to win” the members of the CPP’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), to convince them to be reintegrated into mainstream society.

“Ang akin is itong (I have the) [NTF-]ELCAC, itong the whole-of-the-nation approach. It has funding and they are trying to win itong mga sundalo (the rebels),” he said.

The NTF-ELCAC, created by virtue of Executive Order 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018, is mandated to “provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.”

No more peace talks with ‘arrogant’ CPP

Duterte, on the other hand, said peace talks with the CPP’s political wing, the National Democratic Front, are “dead in its tracks.”

He said he would no longer talk peace with “arrogant” communists.

“Wala na. Ayaw ko nang makipag-usap eh. Eh kasi arogante (No more talks. I don’t want it anymore because they are arrogant),” Duterte said. “It would appear that the participation of the governance is just too much. Too much has been asked.”

‘Lasting, sustainable’ peace

Duterte, nonetheless, assured the public that he would fulfill his promise to attain “lasting and sustainable” peace in the country.

“So since the beginning of my presidency, we have shown our determination in combatting insurgency and terrorism with the end goal of attaining lasting sustainable peace in the country,” he said.

His administration, he said, is busy eradicating terrorism and insurgency that have been plaguing the country for a long time.

“We will also continue our socio-economic development mechanism that will address the root cause of our peace and order problem. We need to win the hearts and minds of our people so that they would not easily fall prey to the manipulative skills of these insurgents and extremist groups,” he said.

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

‘Hardliner’

Meantime, Duterte also guaranteed that he has maintained his approach to be a “hardliner” as he continues the fight illegal drugs, corruption in government, and criminality.

“Ako talaga ay hardliner. And ganoon talaga ako, noon pa, hardliner ako (I am really a hardliner. And I have been a hardliner even before),” Duterte said.

His resolve is to pursue a relentless campaign against drug offenders, corrupt government workers, and criminals until his term ends in 2022.

Duterte maintained that he would do everything to live up to his promise, adding that he is ready to show his “violent” side to keep his vow to protect his fellow Filipinos.

“You destroy my country, I will have to tell you that you bring out the worst in me, (the) violent side of my persona. Eh naaawa ako sa bayan ko (I pity my country),” he said.

‘Lessening’ of illegal drugs

Amid his government’s anti-narcotics drive, a “lessening” of illegal drugs has been observed, Duterte said.

He attributed the successful fight against illegal drugs to “better intelligence.”

Duterte then reiterated his warning against drug personalities that he is willing to “trade his soul to the devil” and “go to hell” to stop their illicit activities.

“So evil to evil tayo (So, that is evil to evil). And do not ever, ever think that you are the only one who can do evil things kasi ako, marunong din akong bumaba sa impyerno (because I can go to hell) to really meet you where you want it to be,” he said.

Friends not exempted

Duterte also reassured the public that he has zero tolerance for corruption.

His friends in government who will be proven guilty of corruption will not be spared from his firing spree, he said.

“Ako kaibigan tayo pero sinabi ko naman sa kanila iyan, huwag kayong pumasok sa corruption (I have told my friends not to get involved in corruption),” Duterte said. “Basta ako sa corruption, talagang yayariin kita (When it comes to corruption, I will go after you). I do not have to announce it to the public.”

He said he would just do his job of getting rid of corrupt public servants “silently.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143064

New PH Navy chief vows to continue predecessor's programs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): New PH Navy chief vows to continue predecessor's programs (By Priam Nepomuceno)



NEW NAVY CHIEF. Newly-appointed Philippine Navy (PN) chief, Rear Adm. Adeluis Bordado, delivers his speech during the assumption-of-command ceremony at the PN headquarters in Manila on Tuesday (June 8, 2021). Bordado pledged to continue all programs and projects initiated by his predecessor, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, to sustain the development of the naval service. (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

Newly-appointed Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command (FOIC), Rear Adm. Adeluis Bordado, pledged to continue all the programs and projects initiated by his predecessor, Vice Adm. Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, to sustain the development of the naval service.

“For the PN to sustain its organizational development and modernization path, it is my responsibility to continue what our outgoing FOIC, Vice Adm. Giovanni Bacordo, and his predecessors have already started," Bordado said in his assumption-of-command speech at the PN headquarters in Manila late Tuesday afternoon.

He also said “continuity and change” are intertwined concepts that represent the direction of his leadership.

"And as we pursue continuity in our initiatives and in our growth as an organization, change will be an inevitable effect and end-point. PN will be steady on course, full speed ahead,” he added.

Bordado also said he would focus on education and training to boost the Navy's "manpower and physical competence."

This as the PN tries to seek solutions to many of the complex organizational and threat-based problems in the country's security landscape.

Solutions for these need to be "carefully conceived ahead of time," he said.

"We will ensure alignment horizontally among the operational and support units and vertically among the levels of command. This is how we will continue to modernize our mindset," he added.

Bordado, who hails from Camarines Sur, graduated number 4 in the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988. His expertise lies in operations, intelligence, information technology, budget, planning, and education and training.

Among the key positions he held are being chief of naval staff and commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Education, Training and Doctrine Command, Naval Installation Command, Naval Forces Southern Luzon, and Sealift Amphibious Force of the Philippine Fleet.

Meanwhile, in his farewell speech, Bacordo underscored fairness, accountability, transparency, execution, and setting an example as the most important principles of his leadership.

He said Bordado “is capable (of bringing) the Navy forward to modern platforms, modern systems, and modern mindsets."

Bacordo steered the PN during one of its most challenging times in recent history due to the pandemic.

Under his term, the Navy acquired two brand-new, multi-mission and missile-capable frigates, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151).

Bacordo also pushed for the inculcation of modern mindsets among the sailors and marines, along with modern platforms and systems while ensuring the continuity and sustainability of new defense capabilities in the decades to come.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143068

Troops lauded for successful ops vs. Reds in Masbate mine blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): Troops lauded for successful ops vs. Reds in Masbate mine blast (By Priam Nepomuceno)



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

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) commended military and police personnel in Southern Luzon for the June 8 successful operation that neutralized three New People's Army (NPA) terrorists behind the unprovoked anti-personnel mine (APM) attack that killed two and wounded a minor in Masbate.

"AFP Chief, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commends the joint AFP and PNP (Philippine National Police) personnel of (the) Southern Luzon Command that neutralized three out of more or less 30 NPA terrorists in a continuing pursuit and law enforcement operations against terrorist murderers and attackers of the Absalons of Masbate," AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement Wednesday.

Killed in the June 6 APM blast in Masbate City were Far Eastern University football star Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven. Absalon's nephew, Chrisbin Daniel, was injured.

Also seized during Tuesday's operation in Barangay Anas, Masbate City were three M-16 and an M-14 automatic rifles from the communist terrorists who fled to different directions after security forces engaged them in a 15-minute firefight.

"Twelve more rifles were confiscated after civilians who have long been pestered by NPA terrorists masquerading as 'protectors of the people' tipped off the location to the authorities," Arevalo said.

He also assured relatives of the victims that the AFP would pursue relentlessly the fleeing NPA terrorists and their leaders until these "menaces" are removed from all communities and brought to justice.

"On behalf of the Filipino people, we will bring to the bar of justice the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leadership who ordered the execution and their complicit cohorts," Arevalo said.

He added that the AFP would work closely with the PNP in the filing of criminal cases against the murderers and violators of Republic Act 9851 for the CTG’s leadership who directed the wanton killing of hapless non-combatant civilians using APMs.

"These communist terrorists did not only take the lives of Keith Absalon and Nolven Absalon and maimed (Chrisbin) Daniel Absalon. They deprived them of a bright future and hopes for their grieving families," Arevalo said.

The use of APMs is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143067

Sobejana visits Pag-asa Island to uplift troop morale

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): Sobejana visits Pag-asa Island to uplift troop morale (By Priam Nepomuceno)



VISIT TO TROOPS. AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (wearing garland), is given arrival honors during his visit to the Pag-asa Island on Monday (June 7, 2021). The visit aimed to boost the morale of troops securing the community and other areas within the Kalayaan Island Group. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, visited Pag-asa Island on Monday to uplift the morale and commend the efforts of military personnel securing its community and other areas within the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

“The AFP will strike a balance between mission accomplishments and looking after the morale and welfare of our men and women,” Sobejana said in a statement Wednesday as he addressed personnel manning the Naval Station Emilio Liwanag in Pag-asa Island.

He was accompanied by key officers from the AFP General Headquarters and the Western Command (Wescom) during his trip.

Sobejana noted the importance of their role in protecting the citizens of KIG and their livelihood, as well as guarding the country’s territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

The AFP recently deployed additional air and naval assets under the operational control of the Wescom in Palawan. This is to support the National Task Force – WPS, with the Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, in performing sovereignty patrols in the WPS.

Before visiting Pag-asa Island, Sobejana met with troops of the 3rd Marine Brigade to extend the AFP’s commendation for keeping Palawan peaceful, stable, and progressive.

“The 3rd Marine Brigade’s hard work and persevering efforts for the past three months have yielded significant successes that brought us closer to our goal of putting a decisive end to insurgency and terrorism in this part of the country,” he added.

Sobejana lauded the unit’s contributions in security operations, civil-military operations, stakeholder engagement, and Covid-19 mitigation efforts, which are vital to the overall mission accomplishment of Wescom and the AFP.

The 3rd Marine Brigade, with the Marine Battalion Landing Team 4, was also awarded by Sobejana with campaign streamers and a monetary reward of PHP500,000 for their successful dismantling of a New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla unit previously operating in Palawan.

On the same day, Sobejana and Naval Forces West commander, Commodore Donn Anthony Miraflor, also visited the BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), one of the many ships deployed to Wescom while docked at the Puerto Princesa City Pier.

He commended the men and women of the naval ship for continuously standing watch to ensure the sovereignty and protect the territorial integrity of the country, particularly in the WPS.

Sobejana also lauded the officers and personnel for their role in the successful rescue of 31 fishermen of M/B Pauline 2 at Nares Bank, WPS on May 24.

The province of Palawan and the KIG, dubbed as the nation’s final frontier, are challenged with both external and territorial security concerns.

The Wescom is the vanguard of the country’s western frontier and is tasked to conduct territorial and external defense operations, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster response, within these areas of concern.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143072

Reds must turn over Absalon murderers to face justice: DILG

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): Reds must turn over Absalon murderers to face justice: DILG



DILG Secretary Eduardo Año (File photo)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday called on the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA), to turn over those responsible for the murder of Far Eastern University football player Keith Absalon and his cousin in Masbate so that they may face public trial for their crimes.

“Now that the CPP-NPA has accepted full responsibility for the senseless murder, it now becomes their duty to turn over the terrorists responsible for the deaths so that justice may be served to their families and loved ones,” Interior Secretary Eduardo M. Año said in a news release.

Año said it is not enough that they took responsibility and let bygones be bygones.

“The ends of justice require that those responsible must be held accountable for their crimes against the people under the laws of the Republic of the Philippines,” he said.

He added that the public could never trust the supposed internal probe to be conducted by the CPP-NPA because they do not adhere to established rules of procedure and have their own brand of revolutionary justice.

Año was referring to the mass graves of former communist cadres who were summarily executed by the CPP-NPA in internal purges in the 1980s and 1990s, as well as the murders of former NPA cadres who were summarily executed for leaving the terror group.

“They can turn over the suspects to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) or to their allies in the Makabayan bloc who are serving in Congress, if they prefer, so long as they face trial in a court of law,” he said.

Año said the CHR and the DILG would personally guarantee the safety of the suspects while undergoing trial.

He challenged the Makabayan bloc to demand the turnover of the suspects as it is their sworn duty as government officials and as members of the House of Representatives.

This is the least they can do for the families and loved ones of the victims who are crying out for justice, he said.

The use of APMs is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143074

Asean, China agree to exercise restraint in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): Asean, China agree to exercise restraint in SCS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi (File photo courtesy of Xinhua)

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and China have agreed to "exercise restraint" in the disputed South China Sea and to avoid activities that would provoke tensions in the region.

The commitment was made during the Special Asean-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Chongqing, China on June 7.

According to the joint statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi who co-chaired the meeting, both Asean and China will "enhance and promote maritime security, uphold the freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, and exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability."

Both parties also agreed to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

Several littoral states, including China, the Philippines, Brunei, Vietnam, and Malaysia have overlapping claims in the South China Sea.

In May, the Philippines protested the incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels in the vicinity of the Pagasa islands, demanding that China withdraw these vessels through a note verbale.

The recent development follows the flurry of diplomatic protests filed against China over the sighting of Chinese militia vessels in the Julian Felipe Reef as early as March 7.

Asean and China also pledged to "fully and effectively" implement the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in its entirety, including strengthening practical maritime cooperation to build mutual trust and confidence.

At the same time, they emphasize the need to maintain and promote an environment conducive to the Code of Conduct negotiations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143175

Bill on military pension reforms hurdles House panel

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): Bill on military pension reforms hurdles House panel (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)



A House of Representatives panel on Wednesday approved a measure seeking to overhaul the Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) pension system to make it more fiscally sustainable.

During its virtual meeting, the House Ad hoc Committee on the Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension System approved the unnumbered substitute bill after significant issues were resolved among the committee members and with the military and uniformed services branches.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, panel chair, said among the key revisions in the bill include the addition of disability benefits in the authorized insurance system and the creation of a provident fund to be infused with voluntary contributions from MUPs.

The disability benefits shall be created under the risk insurance system to enhance the benefits package for MUPs who incur disabilities in the line of duty.

“The benefits that MUPs will receive from the insurance system [are what] we will create under the Trust Fund Committee. [This] will be on top of whatever benefits they are already entitled to. So, this is a way to balance our fiscal reform of the system with the unique risks the MUPs take,” Salceda said.
The bill also provides a harmonized definition for what constitutes an MUP member.

He said law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency should be included in the definition of uniformed services.

Salceda emphasized the need to enact military pension reform urgently, highlighting that the MUP pension liability is at PHP9.6 trillion, or 53.4 percent of the 2020 nominal gross domestic product (GDP).

“This is our longest-standing fiscal issue, actually. This started in 1978. President GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) had a study on the matter commissioned in 2004 when the problem became apparent. The first bill on this matter was filed in 2006. It has been 17 years since that study in 2004,” he said.

Other features of the bill include the removal of automatic indexation but retention of the no-contribution scheme, pension increases based on a cost-of-living adjustment, rationalizing pensionable age at 56 years old, and allowing optional retirement at 20 years.

Also proposed are higher risk insurance coverage for those wounded or killed in action, and the creation of a military and uniformed services trust fund, with leeway to initiate a credible defense posture.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143162

Promise of free education lures IPs into CPP-NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): Promise of free education lures IPs into CPP-NPA (By Christine Cudis) 



IP EDUCATION. A webinar on the exploitation suffered by indigenous peoples (IP) at the hands of communist terrorist groups is held Wednesday (June 9, 2021) in Tagum, Davao del Norte. Participants are from government agencies and IP parents and their children rescued in Cebu in February. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

Indigenous peoples (IP) in communist organizations were promised free education when they were recruited.

Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib, in a virtual forum on Wednesday, said there is an estimated 1,500 IPs lured by the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran-Davao since 2015.

“The IPs that were in Haran did not know the real intention of the groups that took them there. The parents were told that their children will have free education, that they can go to college. They didn’t know they will be sent to rallies,” Jubahib said.

Last February, 19 IP students were reunited with their parents and tribe leaders after they were extricated from their handlers at the University San Carlos in Cebu City.

Over 100 IPs from Talaingod and Kapalong towns were also rescued recently by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and the provincial government.

Jubahib has arranged housing projects, with the help of the National Housing Authority and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, in Sitio Dulian and Sitio Tibukag, Barangay Dagohoy in Talaingod town for rescued IPs.


Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib (Screengrab)

“From around 1,500 IPs that were taken into the Haran compound in 2014 to 2015, we now only have some 150 left. It has been a long process for the rescue operations because we are doing it legally,” Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry “Agila” Division G-7 commander, Col. Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, said in the same forum.

Psychological interventions in the form of counseling follow rescue efforts as the IPs suffer from stress and anxiety and have suicidal tendencies.

Some children have also died due to unsanitary living conditions.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary and NTF-ELCAC spokesperson Lorraine Badoy said it is vital that Filipinos are aware of the atrocities by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and their allies in Congress, like party-list Representatives Carlos Isagani Zarate of Bayan Muna and Sarah Elago of Kabataan.

“CPP-NPA in Congress enables the most terrible crimes to happen,” Badoy said.

Badoy said Salugpungan schools and Save Our Schools Network have become the training grounds for NPA combatants.

“These were the schools that were inside the Haran compound. So, instead of being educated to prepare the IP students for a career, they were trained to become NPAs. They are brainwashing them to become child warriors,” she said.

Marlon Bosantog of the legal cluster of the NTF-ELCAC said the government has been pushing to free all IPs from so-called "holding areas” as they are violations of the international humanitarian law.

“Cases of conscription, child abuse, trafficking are being pressed against the suspects behind these. We are doing the legal means, the due process. While we uncover more of these violations, we are filing more cases. The way to move forward is to bring accountability. It’s not easy to arrest them because they are not staying in Davao. We have to find them and some of them have filed for bail,” Bosantog said.

PNP Davao Director Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal said IPs are often deployed to anti-government rallies.

“After all, that is the goal of the CPP-NPA, to overthrow the government,” he said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143169

NPA rebels in Absalon killing must be prosecuted: solons

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): NPA rebels in Absalon killing must be prosecuted: solons (By Benjamin Pulta)



Kieth Absalon (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

Senators condemned on Wednesday the death of collegiate football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin after an anti-personnel mine exploded in Barangay Anas, Masbate City on Sunday.

In a statement, Senator Richard Gordon said the "indiscriminate killing" is an “assassination” and must stop.

Citing Republic Act No. 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity, Gordon said perpetrators from the New People’s Army (NPA) who claimed responsibility for the attack are liable for war crimes.

The law prohibits "weapons, projectiles and material and methods of warfare which are of the nature to cause superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering or which are inherently indiscriminate in violation of the international law of armed conflict".

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143179

87% of NPA surrenderers in Mindanao are IP members

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): 87% of NPA surrenderers in Mindanao are IP members (By Marita Moaje)


PNA File photo

About 87 percent of surrenderers from the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao are members of indigenous peoples (IPs), according to an official of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Lawyer Marlon Bosantog, the spokesperson for Legal Affairs and IP concerns of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and NCIP-Caraga Director, confirmed this during a virtual press briefing on Monday.

“Eighty-seven percent of surrenderers from 2016 to 2020 in Mindanao are members of the indigenous peoples. Just goes to say that the exploitation of the IP community is so deep, that majority of them who are being victimized by the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) belong to the ICC or the Indigenous Cultural Communities,”
Bosantog said.


He said they have already filed cases against the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran, with the IP minors as the primary complainants and the NCIP as co-complainant.

The 19 IP minors rescued in Cebu City in February were taken by UCCP Haran organizers without parental consent.

Cases were also filed in relation to the death of two infants while in UCCP-Haran last year.

Covid-19 reportedly killed an eight-month-old while another was due to squalid conditions.

Hiding the condition and cause of death of the children also placed the lives of other IPs inside UCCP Haran in danger, Bosantog said.

“Furthermore, we have children coming from UCPP Haran who actually filed cases against the people who recruited them, who brought them to UCCP Haran. During their movement to UCCP Haran and to other parts of the country, they were organized by Karapatan,” Bosantog said.

The children, according to Bosantog, were issued Bayan Muna identification cards before boarding their flights.

“They were actually taught how to do ambush, how to do explosives and bombs training, how to actually recover wounded and dead cadres that were part of encounters and they were actually were part of several encounters. Some of these children were trained as medic,” he narrated.

Cases of child abuse, trafficking in persons, and violation of international humanitarian law and even the Sanitation Act are pending in Davao City and Tagum City courts.

Cases vs congressman

Bosantog said cases have been filed against Makabayan Bloc Representative France Castro (ACT Teachers party-list) and former Bayan Muna representative Satur Ocampo.

Castro and Ocampo were part of a so-called "humanitarian mission" in Davao del Norte in 2018 to aid IP students and teachers.

“The ICC and IP parents themselves said they were chased by France Castro, Satur Ocampo, and company. While the case of kidnapping was dismissed because of some technicalities, cases of child abuse persist until today,” Bosantog said.

He said Castro had been issued a warrant of arrest but posted bail.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143185

Make SCS a 'sea of peace,' PH appeals to Asean, China

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): Make SCS a 'sea of peace,' PH appeals to Asean, China (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)\



West Philippine Sea (Screengrab from PTV)

The Philippines has appealed to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and China to fully support and make the disputed South China Sea a "sea of peace, security, stability, and prosperity".

The statement was made by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. during the Special Asean-China Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on June 7 in Chongqing, China to mark the 30th anniversary of the two parties' dialogue relations.

"Sec. Locsin appealed for full support and sincere cooperation to achieve 'our collective aspiration for the South China Sea to be a sea of peace, security, stability and prosperity; not a moat between the members of the family of Southeast Asian nations but a wide watery highway for trade and connection,'" the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday night.

The DFA said both the bloc and China reiterated commitment for the full implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), including the resumption of the negotiations for a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) earlier affected by the pandemic.

As country coordinator, Locsin co-chaired the meeting with China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The DFA shared that Covid-19 response and recovery were foremost on the agenda, with China pledging continued support to Asean member states in their fight against the pandemic, primarily through the provision of vaccines.

During the meeting, the ministers called for intensified cooperation for economic recovery while highlighting the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) as well as the opportunities in the bloc's Master Plan on Asean Connectivity 2025 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

In addition, the ministers expressed concern about the situation in Myanmar and encouraged progress in the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus achieved in the April 2021 Asean Leaders’ Meeting.

"Secretary Locsin pushed for dialogue and reconciliation while equally calling for the release and restoration of the status quo ante before the coup, and the release of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and other political detainees. In these trying times, the Secretary noted, 'solidarity and compassion is the path we are taking. It is the rain that grows flowers, not the thunder,'" the DFA said.

Asean is composed of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143193

Reds 'complicit' in mine blast that killed footballer, cousin

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 9, 2021): Reds 'complicit' in mine blast that killed footballer, cousin (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo (left), Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, and Defense Spokesperon Arsenio Andolong (PNA File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) is complicit in the planning and directing the unprovoked anti-personnel mine (APM) attack that killed footballer Keith Absalon and his cousin Nolven in Masbate City last June 6.

"In their attempt to appease the families of the victims, the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) through a 'spokesperson' issued an apology to the family of the victims. They expressed willingness to indemnify the families for their losses," AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said in a statement.

Arevalo added that this apology "remains to be seen" referring to the CPP-NPA statement on Tuesday owning up the conduct of the APM attack that also wounded Absalon's 16-year old nephew, Chrisbin Daniel.

He said the communist terrorists committed similar crimes in the past and admitted to having perpetrated these dastardly acts.

"But they have not done anything since to compensate the victims but empty promises or claims of indemnification. If they did not perform any acts to indemnify their victims in the past, how may we expect them to recompense for their crime this time? And if they will make amends this time, why not pay for their past transgressions as well?" he added.

The military, he said, continues to sound the alarm over the stockpiling of APMs and their rampant use by these communist terrorists.

"Here and elsewhere in the world, this practice of using APMs has long been banned under International Humanitarian Law. The AFP yielded, but not this terrorist group," Arevalo said.

He added that they already reported to the United Nations and local bodies the 141 incidents of production, stockpiling, transporting, and use of APMs by these terrorists in the past decade.

"We will be unrelenting in the pursuit of justice for the 224 casualties, including 29 civilians, five of whom were killed," Arevalo said.

What 'tactical error'?

Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) dismissed claims made by the CPP-NPA that the incident is just a "tactical error" on their part.

"This tragedy is not caused by a mere 'tactical error' as they claim. The use of these anti-personnel mines that killed the Absalon cousins is actually a matter of procedure for these terrorists who are bent on inflicting death and damage to lives and property. The CPP-NPA's persistent use of landmines is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law. It is also undeniable proof of the CTG’s utter disregard for the safety of innocent civilians," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

Andolong said the DND strongly condemns the violence and senseless killing of the Absalons through the communist terrorists' indiscriminate use of APMs.

"It is abhorrent that after taking responsibility for the deaths of Keith and Nolven Absalon, the CPP-NPA has the gall to pretend that they will conduct their own internal investigation, which, in reality, will never result in any kind of justice for the bereaved families," he said.

He added that the arrogance of the CPP-NPA further compounds their crimes against the Filipino people and they must be made to answer for these acts.

"In all the decades of the CTG's existence, the deaths of the Absalon cousins are, unfortunately, just two cases in the long list of crimes committed by the CPP-NPA. We, therefore, call on the Filipino people to unite and condemn the atrocities, and reject the flawed ideology touted by this communist terrorist group," he added.

The use of APMs is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143197