Gujab! Duterte gives P9M reward to soldiers for NPA leaders’ neutralization

From Politiko (Jun 16, 2021): Gujab! Duterte gives P9M reward to soldiers for NPA leaders’ neutralization (By Prince Golez)

President Rodrigo Duterte granted top performing units of the Eastern Mindanao Command and the Western Mindanao Command P9 million reward for neutralizing some top leaders of the New People’s Army.

In a statement on Tuesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said P7 million was given to units under EastMinCom while P2 million was given to a unit under Western Mindanao Command.

“Our President monitors what we are doing. I heard from him the units that made a difference and contributed more towards the attainment of sustainable peace and development shall be recognized,” Sobejana said during a ceremony at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario Covered Court in Camp Panacan, Davao City.

The neutralized NPA member were the following:

• Marcelino Navarro of NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee 2nd Deputy Secretary and Head of Education and Propaganda;
• Manuel Magante Gilo, the Finance Officer of Regional Operations Command, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (ROC-SMRC);
• Romeo Lendio Libron, ROC-SMRC Commanding Officer;
• Rogelio Masaya Udal, Regional Ordinance member and former Pulang Bagani Command (PBC-1) Vice Commanding Officer; and
• Zaldy Gulmatico Pulido, Secretary of Guerrilla Front 53; and Danny Huit, Secretary of Guerrilla Front North, SRC-1, SMRC.

Sobejana said the monetary rewards were provided by Duterte in recognition of their efforts to put an end to the decades-long communist insurgency.

“We do not want to impress upon the public that our soldiers expected a reward to every move, but we want to demonstrate that even without it, your soldiers are motivated and ready to serve,” he told the troops.

https://politics.com.ph/gujab-duterte-gives-p9m-reward-to-soldiers-for-npa-leaders-neutralization/

Duterte gives P11-M reward to Mindanao-based military units for killing NPA leaders

Posted to the Manila Bulletin (Jun 16, 2021): Duterte gives P11-M reward to Mindanao-based military units for killing NPA leaders (By Martin Sadongdong)

President Duterte has given a total of P11 million cash reward to top performing military units in Mindanao for neutralizing several alleged high-ranking leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana (Photo from Philippine News Agency)

Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), personally handed over P7 million in cash to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) and P2 million to the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) during a ceremony held at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario Covered Court in Camp Panacan, Davao City on Tuesday, June 15.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/16/duterte-gives-p11-m-reward-to-mindanao-based-military-units-for-killing-npa-leaders/

Troops renovate school in Sulu town

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jun 15, 2021): Troops renovate school in Sulu town

The 4th Marine Brigade and the University of Santo Tomas Golden Corps of Cadets "Maghari" Class of 1991 renovate a primary school in Bual village, Luuk, Sulu, providing a conducive learning environment to students in the area. (SunStar Zamboanga)

ACKNOWLEDGING that the future of Sulu depends on the strong foundation of the children, the 4th Marine Brigade (MBde), together with partner groups, renovated the dilapidated two-classroom building and its facilities of a primary school in a remote village of Sulu.

Colonel Hernanie Songano, 4MBde commander, said the renovated primary school building with two classrooms, one comfort room with three cubicles and attached watch area is located in Bual village in the municipality of Luuk.

Songano said a "do it yourself" wash stand and an internet-ready for e-learning flat-screen smart television (TV) for the Children's Free Library were also turned over to education and village officials.

Songano said the project was realized through the collaborative efforts of the 4MBde, the kind-hearted Support Opportunities for Academic Resources (Soar) Projects of the University of Santo Tomas Golden Corps of Cadets (USTGCC) "Maghari" Class of 1991 of which Colonel Gregorio Hernandez, 4MBde deputy commander, is a proud member, and with the support of the Parent-teachers Association (PTA) members and the Bual village officials.

Hernandez said the members of the (USTGCC) "Maghari" Class of 1991 have defied the pandemic to undertake the project, which is the first phase.

"The Maghari Class 91 has just begun this noble endeavor as they will accelerate the gear as they pursue the phase II of their project," Hernandez said.

He said the second phase of the project is to provide free internet connectivity in the classroom and children's library "so that the school children will be able to connect to the Department of Education (DepEd) One Learning System.”

Songano said the future of Sulu province depends on the strong foundation of the children and "literacy is one of the pillars that must be provided for the youth, if only to ensure that the lasting peace and development will be achieve."

Songano reminded the students to maintain cleanliness of their newly renovated classrooms and newly constructed comfort rooms for the next batch of students.

He also challenged the pupils to finish their study to become professionals someday and never join any violent groups such as the Abu Sayyaf.

He added that renovated school building and facilities were turned over to education and village officials in a simple ceremony held on Thursday, June 10.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1897790/Zamboanga/Local-News/Troops-renovate-school-in-Sulu-town

Integration program for ex-ASG bandits launched

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun16, 2021): Integration program for ex-ASG bandits launched (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

INTEGRATION PROGRAM. The Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 (MBLT-7) together with the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) of Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu, launches a Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) to encourage former Abu Sayyaf Group members to embrace and new and productive life on Monday (June 14, 2021). In photo are the two of the former ASG bandits, who are beneficiaries of the program, receiving food assistance during the launching. (Photo courtesy of MBLT-7)

The Marine Battalion Landing Team-7 (MBLT-7) together with the Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) of Kalingalan Caluang, Sulu launched a Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) to encourage former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits to embrace a new and productive life.

Col. Hernani Songano, 4th Marine Brigade commander, said Wednesday the LSIP recipients are 15 former ASG members from Barangay Kambing, Kalingalan Caluang, who surrendered to the MBLT-17.

Julkiram Arastam, provincial tourism officer and focal person of Sulu Task Force-ELAC, and Kalingalan Caluang Mayor Nurshamier Halun, joined Songano during the launch of the program Monday in Barangay Kambing.

Songano said they have tapped the different government agencies civic groups and religious leaders to help them address the livelihood, beliefs, education issues, and concerns of the 15 ASG surrenderers.

He said on the same day, a community livelihood program, dubbed Habi para sa Pagbangon, aimed to help the residents of Barangay Kambing generate income from native handmade products, was also launched along with the inauguration of its building.

The livelihood program intends to amplify the comprehensive ELAC efforts of the government in improving the socio-economic situation of the community.

“The LSIP, together with the convergence of our partner stakeholders, aims to sustain the peace and development efforts of the 4th Marine Brigade in the 2nd District of Sulu. Such initiatives paved the way for the comprehensive integration into the local environment of our former ASG members in our area of operations,” Songano added.

“We need the Whole-of-the-Nation Approach in addressing the concerns of our former ASG members, and their dependents, to prevent them from returning to their old ways. As such, through the Local Social Integration Program, our collective efforts will effectively address the serious concerns on development, governance, and security,” said Lt. Col. Eduard Olaso, MBLT-7 commander.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143910

US lawmaker will reintroduce bill blocking aid to PH security forces

 From Rappler (Jun 16, 2021): US lawmaker will reintroduce bill blocking aid to PH security forces (JAIRO BOLLEDO)

US lawmaker Susan Wild says the US government should stop supporting violent regimes like the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte

A US lawmaker announced that she will reintroduce a bill that seeks to end US support to Philippine security forces.

In an online event organized by Malaya Movement, a US-based organization promoting freedom and democracy, Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District Representative Susan Wild announced she will reintroduce the Philippine Human Rights Act to the US congress.

The bill intends to "suspend the provision of security assistance to the Philippines'' until it has made "certain reforms to the military and police forces, and for other purposes." If passed, the Philippines will lose military support from its long-time ally and one of major providers of security aid.

The US lawmaker also said that the US government should stop supporting violent regimes like the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“What this bill says is very simple: US taxpayers’ funds should not be used to supply weapons to a regime that violently targets its political opponents, including US citizens like Brandon Lee, a human rights activist, who was shot by state security forces in 2019 and remains paralyzed from the chest down today,” Wild said.

Lee, a volunteer for the Ifugao Peasant Movement, was shot in Lagawe town in Ifugao on August 5, 2019. Months after his shooting, Lee was brought back to the US for his treatment.

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Wild also cited the killings of labor organizers and activists, including the Bloody Sunday operations by police and the military that killed at least nine individuals.

More than rhetoric

According to Wild, the reintroduction of the bill is a sign of standing up for human rights.

“By blocking assistance to Philippine security forces until such time that human rights standards are met, this bill makes a common sense proposition. Standing up for human rights requires more than rhetoric, it requires action,” the US lawmaker said.

Wild first filed the bill in 2020 and reached the US House committees on foreign affairs and financial services.

The Canadian government was also urged to stop its military aid to the Philippines, days after Bloody Sunday.

On March 16, 2021, the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP) Canada urged Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to end all forms of military and police support to the Philippines, including anti-terrorism assistance.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/lawmaker-united-states-reintroduce-bill-blocking-aid-security-forces-philippines

ASEAN defense chiefs express concern over China Coast Guard law

From Rappler (Jun 16, 2021): ASEAN defense chiefs express concern over China Coast Guard law

The defense chiefs also stress the importance of freedom of navigation and the early release of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea

Defense chiefs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states expressed concern over the continuous Chinese activities in the South China Sea.

During the 15th ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting (ADMM), some ASEAN defense ministers expressed their concern over the China Coast Guard law, which was passed in January.

The new Chinese naval law authorized China's coast guard to use "all necessary means" to stop or prevent threats from foreign vessels. The law also allowed boarding and inspection of foreign vessels in "waters claimed by China," and to demolish other countries' structures built on reefs along disputed territories.

According to Manila's defense department, the defense chiefs pointed out the ambiguous application of the law in the South China Sea, where other ASEAN member states like Indonesia and Vietnam also have claims.

The defense officials also stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and the early release of the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea. The Code of Conduct is expected to straighten out disputes in some contested features in the South China Sea.

The officials also discussed the military coup in Myanmar and the developments in the Indo-Pacific region, among others.

Strengthened ties

During the same program, at least nine initiatives and documents were approved by the defense officials. These agreements will be adopted by individual member states in their defense strategies.

Among the approved agreements is the Bandar Seri Begawan Declaration, which reaffirms the defense officials' commitment to continuous defense and security practical cooperation in the region.

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The officials also approved the post-implementation review of the agreement on the annualization and continuous conduct of the ADMM-Plus.

The ADMM is the highest defense cooperative meeting among ASEAN defense chiefs being held annually.

Meanwhile, the ADMM-Plus is the ASEAN defense chiefs' platform to meet with the defense ministers of eight other countries, namely Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Russia, and the United States.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/asean-defense-chiefs-express-concern-china-coast-guard-law

IPs receive food packs from police, Army

From Panay News (Jun16, 2021): IPs receive food packs from police, Army (By Ruby Silubrico)

One-hundred members of an indigenous peoples’ community in Barangay Aglalana, Dumarao, Capiz received food packs from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Dumarao municipal police station and various stakeholders.

Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander of the AFP’s 301st Brigade, spearheaded the program along with the minister of Baptist Church Pastor Elias Valencia, Civil Military Office’s (CMO) Amy Captain Ivy Arcangeles, Dumarao police station captain John Almarino Bonior, and several civilian sponsors.

The beneficiaries were given food packs containing rice, canned goods and other essential needs on June 11.

According to Major Cenon Panicto III, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), it was the CMO who identified the recipients.

“This is an ongoing program of the Army for less fortunate families na talagang nangangailanan ng tulog kahit sa kaunti lang. We are thankful sa mga nagtulong sa atin. The soldiers are not only there to fight the enemy, but to help those who need foods to eat,” Pancito said.

Sison lauded the efforts of the initiative.

“It only shows that in hard times, especially during this pandemic, the government forces and various stakeholders are maximizing their resources to deliver these goods to beneficiaries who need it most,” Sison said.

Sison said there will be more distribution of donated food packs in the coming days.

https://www.panaynews.net/ips-receive-food-packs-from-police-army/

14,000 MILF fighters, over 2,000 weapons due for Phase 3 deactivation

From MindaNews (Jun 15, 2021): 14,000 MILF fighters, over 2,000 weapons due for Phase 3 deactivation (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews /14 June) – Some 14,000 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters with their 2,450 weapons will be included in the third phase of decommissioning this year in adherence to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), it was learned Tuesday.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (right), Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconcialiation and Unity, during the second phase of the decommissioning process of MILF combatants and weapons in September 2019. MindaNews file photo by MANMAN DEJETO

Fatih Ulusoy, chair of the foreign-led Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), confirmed that the MILF had already submitted the list of combatants and weapons that will be deactivated in line with the normalization track of the CAB.

“We are especially grateful to the MILF for their relentless efforts towards fulfilling their commitment,” he said in a statement.

The Phase 3 involves 35 percent of the 40,000-strong MILF, which waged a decades-old war with the government in a bid for Muslim self-rule in Mindanao.

Ulusoy said the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic affected the IDB’s work but that it remains highly committed in fulfilling its mandate of overseeing the decommissioning process “with utmost impartiality, integrity and confidentiality.”

He described the submission of the list of MILF fighters and their weapons that will be decommissioned as another significant milestone in the implementation of the CAB.

The CAB is the final peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF signed in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations. The normalization aspect involves not just the deactivation of MILF fighters and weapons but also the transformation of their camps into peaceful and productive zones.

In 2015, former President Benigno Aquino III led the Phase 1 of the decommissioning process involving 145 MILF fighters and 75 high-powered weapons in Sultan Kudarat town, Maguindanao.

The second phase kicked off in September 2019 with President Rodrigo Duterte leading the ceremony held also in Sultan Kudarat town. It involved 12,000 MILF members and at least 2,100 assorted weapons in a process that was completed in March 2020, according to IDB.

Each deactivated MILF fighter received P100,000 cash and a package of socio-economic promises amounting to P1 million, including education and livelihood training programs.

The second phase of decommissioning came months after the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the ratification of Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

The BARMM is governed by the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), whose mandate will expire on June 30, 2022. The BTA and other sectors have been pushing for the extension of the transition period, citing the disruptions caused by COVID-19 in implementing the provisions of the CAB.

Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, also the MILF chair, said the transition period is not just centered on establishing the regional bureaucracy in the Bangsamoro region.
“The other half of the process is the normalization track which aims to transform our combatants as productive civilian members of the society and reform their respective communities from decades-long of unrest and conflict,” Ebrahim said in a statement.

If the GPH-MILF timetable is followed, the rest of the remaining MILF combatants and armaments will be processed until 2022 for the expected signing of the exit agreement between the government and the MILF.

Apart from the government and the MILF, Ulusoy lauded the international community for its continuing support to establish a just and lasting peace in the southern Philippines.

“We encourage the parties to maintain the positive momentum and progress towards a lasting peace in Mindanao,” he said. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/06/14000-milf-fighters-over-2000-weapons-due-for-phase-3-deactivation/

NPA rebels hogtie, kill 2 cops in Butuan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2021): NPA rebels hogtie, kill 2 cops in Butuan (By Gigie Arcilla)

Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr.Police Regional Office Caraga director (PNA File photo)

Two police officers from Butuan City Police Office Station 4 (BCPO-4) were held at a gunpoint, hogtied, and killed by 10 armed men believed to be members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., Police Regional Office Caraga director, identified the slain police officers as Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS) Sherwin Roy Cajutol and Corporal Nazar Libot.

“They were dispatched in Sitio Tagulaje, Barangay Antongalon, Butuan City at around 6 a.m. on Tuesday (June 15) to conduct follow-up intelligence operation when attacked by NPA rebels,” Caramat said in a statement Tuesday.

He added that BCPO-4 received information last week on the plan of the NPA rebels to attack the farm of Col. Canilo Fuentes, the former chief of BCPO.

“The two police officers were held at gunpoint, hogtied and dragged by the NPA rebels towards the nearby farm of Col. Fuentes. Inside the farm, the rebels mercilessly shot and killed the two police officers,” Caramat said.

The NPA rebels also carted away the issued short firearms of the slain police officers, he added.

“We slam this atrocity that claimed the lives of our police officers. What the NPA showed was a blatant arrogance and disregard to the value of human life,” Caramat said.

He added that PRO-13 will trace the perpetrators “even in their areas of stronghold” to bring justice to the families of the victims.

“Their death is not only a tragic loss for the families and the police force but also for the people who know them well as faithful public servants. Their records as uniformed personnel speak of their reputation and integrity,” Caramat said.

He added that PEMS Cajutol orphaned his three children while Pat. Libot left his two children aged three and two.

“Police operations are ongoing against the NPA while all police units are on full alert and ordered to intensify intelligence monitoring against the enemies of the state,” Caramat said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143794

2 suspects nabbed, 5 sacks of ammonium nitrate seized in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2021): 2 suspects nabbed, 5 sacks of ammonium nitrate seized in Masbate (By Mar Serrano and Connie Calipay)

Police operatives have seized five sacks of ammonium nitrate while being loaded by two men into a motorized boat docked at the port in Milagros, Masbate Monday afternoon.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) spokesperson, in a statement on Tuesday said Nilo Mandaue, 51, a businessman, of Barangay Gilotongan, Cawayan town; and Joel Pacheco, 43, of Barangay Poblacion East in Milagros, were arrested in the operation.

"The suspects were caught in the act of loading the sacks of ammonium nitrate for transport to neighboring coastal towns in the province," she added.

Police believed the suspects were selling the chemical material that is used to produce improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and for illegal fishing practices.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, PRO5 regional director, said the arrest of the two suspects is in line with the government campaign against blast fishing, an illegal way of fishing that is rampant in the coastal waters of Masbate.

Ammonium nitrate is also used for agriculture fertilizers.

“Malawakan ang ginagawa nating operasyon at mobilisasyon ng ating mga tao sa Kabikolan upang matiyak ang pagkakahuli sa mga taong sangkot sa kahit na anong gawaing labag sa batas. Tayo ay nakatutok sa adhikain nating panatilihing maayos ang ating paligid ano mang oras at lugar. (It is a region-wide operation and mobilization that we are conducting to ensure the arrest of people who are engaged in illegal activities. We are focused on our advocacy to maintain a peaceful and orderly community)," Estomo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143754

19 Antique ex-rebels get E-CLIP aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2021): 19 Antique ex-rebels get E-CLIP aid (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

REINTEGRATION AID. "Reynato" encourages other members of the Communist Party of the Philippine-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who are still in the mountains of Antique to return to the government. He is one of the 19 rebel returnees who received assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program in a simple ceremony in San Jose de Buenavista on Tuesday (June 15, 2021). (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Some 19 former rebels in the province received their assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) in a simple ceremony here on Tuesday.

The former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) each received PHP21,000 in reintegration and PHP15,000 livelihood assistance from Governor Rhodora Cadiao and Interior and Local Government provincial director Cherryl Tacda.

In an interview, one of the beneficiaries, alias "Reynato", said he was only 16 years old when he joined the terror group.

“As I was tending our carabao in our hinterland barangay in Pandan, there were NPA-CPP members who used to ask me to do some errands for them,” he said.

The rebels, he added, used to ask him to buy them slippers or whatever needs that they have from their town proper and that he would obey out of fear.

He later joined the group full-time thinking that it would solve their family’s poverty.

“When I joined the rebel group, I was assigned as a member of the Fighting Guerrilla Unit (FGU) in Aklan and Antique provinces,” he said and took part in an encounter with the government military troop in Ibajay, Aklan years ago, although he could not recall the exact date.

He was also involved in the education and recruitment of their new members.

He got tired of hiding in the mountains and decided to return to the government on August 5, 2019.

“I encourage those others still with the NPA-CPP to already surrender and avail the government program,” he said.

Cadiao, in her message, hoped that the surrenderers will use wisely their reintegration assistance.

“You may put up small sari-sari stores, go into rice trading, or on whatever income generation projects you would like to have,” she said.

The amount the surrenderers received from the national government could already help them rebuild their lives, she added.

The CPP-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/1143802

8th Basilan town backs campaign vs. loose firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2021): 8th Basilan town backs campaign vs. loose firearms (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

LOOSE FIREARMS. Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobay, 101st Infantry Brigade commander, inspects one of the loose firearms that officials of Hadji Muhtamad town turned over on Monday (June 14, 2021). Municipal officials signed a memorandum of understanding in support of the Small Arms and Light Weapons program. (Photo courtesy of 101st IB)

Another town in Basilan — the eighth so far — vowed support for the Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) program that seeks to lessen, if not eradicate, the proliferation of loose firearms in the province.

Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, 101st Infantry Brigade commander, confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that officials of Hadji Muhtamad town expressed their commitment by signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the implementation of the SALW.

Gobway said municipal officials turned over 11 high-powered firearms after the signing, held Monday at the Area Coordination Center of Barangay Tausan.

The firearms were one M-16 Armalite rifle, one modified M-14 rifle, two caliber .30 M-1 Garand rifles, one improvised shotgun, one caliber .30 M-2 Carbine rifle, and five caliber .45 pistols.

Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Nerwelyn Mansul, in her speech, expressed their full support behind the SALW program.

She also announced that Hadji Muhtamad has zero kidnapping cases and killings and has no Abu Sayyaf Group lairs.

Gobway, also the Joint Task Force (JTF) Basilan commander, said the SALW program will hopefully end criminal activities in the province.

He also encouraged other local leaders to continually empower their communities and support the peace advocacy of the government.

The SALW program is being implemented through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process and in partnership with the provincial government, JTF Basilan, and the Philippine National Police.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143801

Halt of VFA abrogation to give PH more time to study pact: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2021): Halt of VFA abrogation to give PH more time to study pact: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

The Philippines will get six more months to review the advantages and disadvantages of having a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday night.

Lorenzana made the comment in reaction to President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to suspend the abrogation of the VFA between Manila and Washington DC for another six months.

"With the additional six months, we will further review the pros and cons of the VFA, especially regarding various concerns of mutual importance to our two countries with the end in view of helping the President arrive at an informed decision on the matter," he said in a message to reporters.

Lorenzana also said the DND fully supports the President's decision.

"Our bilateral cooperation with the US is geared towards upholding our national interest and to the extent necessary to enhance the Philippines’ defense capability," he added.

The VFA lays out the terms and conditions on the entry and visit of US military troops for military exercises and other approved activities to the Philippines.

In February 2020, Duterte notified Washington that Manila is formally terminating the pact.

This is the third time that Duterte extended the suspension, the first of which was in June last year and the second in November.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143715

US welcomes postponed VFA termination

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2021): US welcomes postponed VFA termination (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

File photo

The United States government welcomed on Tuesday President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to postpone the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) for six more months.

In a statement sent to reporters, the US Embassy in Manila said, "Our alliance continues to contribute not only to the security of our two nations but also strengthens the rules-based order that benefits all nations in the Indo-Pacific."

The suspension was extended while Duterte studies and both sides further address his concerns regarding particular aspects of the accord.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who announced the Chief Executive's decision on Monday night, however, did not elaborate what specific aspects of the deal are being studied.

The VFA, established in 1999, provides a framework for defense forces cooperation that allows joint exercises between the Philippines and the US.

In February 2020, Duterte notified the US that the Philippines would formally terminate the agreement.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, the government in June 2020 suspended the abrogation for six months.

It was postponed for the second time in November 2020 to allow both nations "to find a more enhanced, mutually beneficial, mutually agreeable, and more effective and lasting arrangement on how to move forward in our mutual defense."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143722

Suspension of VFA abrogation ‘prudent decision’: solon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2021): Suspension of VFA abrogation ‘prudent decision’: solon (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon (File photo)

A lawmaker at the House of Representatives on Tuesday said suspending the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) for six more months for the purposes of evaluating the deal was a “prudent decision” on the part of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In a statement, Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon said the recent move will give a chance for the security partnership between the Philippines and United States (US) to continue and “hopefully” improve.

Biazon noted that this development is also significant in light of the issues involving territorial disputes over the West Philippine Sea.

“The US is expected to actively move in the region due to their Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy in the years to come, so our engagement with them has strategic importance,” Biazon said.

Breathing space

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker Mikee Romero said the extension of the VFA is a way to create the space and conditions for bilateral talks on possibly a better arrangement and terms agreeable to both the Philippines and the US.

“Bilateral talks take time and effort. This is good for agreements that are well thought out. The breathing space the extension creates could allow, for example, the initial framework or guiding parameters for the better arrangement. That could then be followed by the final better agreement or terms,” Romero said.

He said the extension can also lead to other opportunities for security arrangements and mechanisms to ensure freedom of navigation, free flow of global commerce and travel, and enforce international law in this part of the world.

Romero said it might also be timely to study the feasibility of establishing a peacekeeping treaty alliance of countries in the Western Pacific for the long term.

WestPac Alliance

He said his proposed Western Pacific Peacekeeping (WestPac Alliance) would be a multinational organization against marine life poachers, pirates, hijackers, and illegal fishing.

The suggested international alliance, he said, would also have a special mission in international waters and international airspace to protect marine habitats, the unimpeded migration of marine and bird life, and deep-sea exploration expeditions, as well as the conduct of mishap investigations and rescue operations at sea and in the air.

“There are no maritime and environment law enforcement mechanisms and measures in international waters and international airspace in our part of the world. The WestPac Alliance could address the huge gap beyond the territorial waters and (EEZ),” Romero said.

The VFA lays out the terms and conditions on the entry and visit of US military troops for military exercises and other approved activities to the Philippines.

In February 2020, Duterte notified Washington that Manila is formally terminating the pact.

This is the third time that Duterte extended the suspension, the first of which was in June last year and the second in November.

The third suspension was extended while Duterte studies and both sides further address his concerns regarding particular aspects of the accord.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who announced the Chief Executive's decision on Monday night, however, did not elaborate what specific aspects of the deal are being studied.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143789

NPA must answer for all its crimes: CHR

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2021): NPA must answer for all its crimes: CHR (By Marita Moaje)

VICTIMS. A family of three sustains injures in an explosion perpetrated by communist terrorist groups in Barangay Homapon, Legazpi City in this June 6, 2021 photo posted by the Philippine Army 9th Infantry Division on Facebook. Among the latest victims of the New People’s Army are 21-year-old student-athlete Kieth Absalon and his 40-year-old cousin, Nolven, killed in an anti-personnel mine explosion in Masbate City, also on June 6. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

The New People’s Army (NPA) is accountable and must answer for all the crimes it has committed, according to a recent social media post by Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Jose Luis Martin Gascon.

The post refers to the June 6 attack of the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on a group of civilians, resulting in the instant deaths of Far Eastern University football players Kieth Absalon, 21, and his 40-year-old cousin Nolven in Barangay Anas, Masbate City. Nolven’s 16-year-old son sustained injuries.

The Absalons were buried on Sunday.

“Even if they choose to be rebels, they are not above the law. They must answer for all their crimes!” Gascon said in his Facebook post on June 9.

The CPP-NPA owned up to the incident and expressed remorse over the “errors in the military action mounted by an NPA unit”.

Initial investigation showed the Absalon cousins died after an anti-personnel mine (APM) exploded.

Further investigation revealed that Nolven had a gunshot wound to the right shoulder as well as his left lateral thigh while Kieth took a bullet to the right eye.

Both died of hemorrhagic shock secondary to the gunshot wounds and blast injuries from the APM explosion.

Identify the culprits

Gascon said beyond owning responsibility, offering indemnity, and promising an investigation, the NPA should also identify all those responsible and surrender them to the lawful authorities so they could face justice within the court system.

Moreover, the CPP-NPA should be held accountable for all other crimes they have perpetrated in the past in violation of international humanitarian and human rights law from the day that they began pursuing this armed conflict.

“Kung hindi nila iharap sa lehitimong husgado ang mga salarin, walang saysay ang kanilang paghingi ng paumanhin. Walang hustisya kung hindi mapanagutan sang-ayon sa batas ang mga kriminal (If they don’t surrender the perpetrators to the legitimate justice system, their apology is useless. There will be no justice if the criminals are not punished in accordance with the law),” Gascon said.

He said that the methods of the NPA to internally discipline and punish their members are no substitute for the legal justice system.

He said the NPA should not harbor the perpetrators and should halt attacks on non-combatants and non-military targets.

Gascon emphasized that violence, in all its forms and manifestations, has no place in a society that upholds the dignity of persons.

“Whatever rules they may have do not and cannot apply in circumstances that go beyond their own membership. The actions of the NPA in this case affected and harmed non-members and non-combatants. In this instance the only acceptable law to apply as to the perpetrators of these criminal acts are either national or international criminal law, not one that can be administered by their so-called kangaroo courts,” Gascon said.

Terrorists

The international community adopted the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of the weapon.

More than 160 states are party to the APM Ban Convention that went into effect in 1999.

APM is prohibited under international humanitarian law.

Even if it is “command-detonated” as alleged CPP information officer Marco Valbuena always justifies, APM kills and can kill civilian non-combatants, according to authorities.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143786

NPA rebels finished off wounded Absalons with bullets: Parlade

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2021): NPA rebels finished off wounded Absalons with bullets: Parlade (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., Southern Luzon Command chief

Far Eastern University football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven were shot dead by the New People's Army (NPA) shortly after they were severely wounded by the anti-personnel mine (APM) blast detonated by communist terrorists in Masbate on June 6.

Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., made the confirmation during the June 14 episode of "Tagged: Debunking Lies by Telling the Truth".

"I just came from Masbate last Saturday and I was able to visit and talk to the family members of the Absalons. So yes, it was confirmed that Kieth, according to his companions, was killed not only because of the blast, the anti-personnel mine (APM) but because of the assault," he added.

Parlade said the cousins were shot dead by NPA rebels after they were hit by an APM explosion while biking with relatives in Barangay Anas.

He added that this statement is based on the four other survivors who were lagging in the back and witnessed firsthand the brutal attack against Kieth and Nolven.

"Iyong apat na huli sa likod kaya (the four were behind) they were able to witness what was happening in front of them. So si Kieth humingi na ng tawad sa NPA para hindi na siya patayin pero tinuluyan siya kaya may tama siya sa mata (Kieth begged for forgiveness from his NPA attackers so that they will not kill him but they still finished him off with a gunshot in the eye). Whereas, Nolven was actually nakadapa na siya but tinataas niya iyong kaniyang kamay pero tinuluyan siya ng NPA so may tatlong tama siya ng bala sa likod (Nolven was sprawled on the ground, but he still managed to raise his hands but he was still killed by the NPA. He had three gunshot wounds in the back)," Parlade said.

The manner how NPA rebels killed the two is still unacceptable to the families of the victims, he added.

Parlade said the NPAs who attacked and killed the Absalon cousins are still there and being sheltered by members of the communities in Barangay Anas and Bolo thus, the relentless police and military operations in the area.

Seized guns

"And by the way, iyong mga armas noong dose sa kanila ay nakamkam na natin (we already seized the weapons of around 12 of them)," he added.

He said members of the "Sentro de Grabidad" led by one "Ka Star" or Allan Rosero are still in the area.

"We hope that we will be able to get these people at maiwasan na nila na makatakas dito sa mga karatig na bayan or na isla (and they will be prevented from escaping to nearby towns or islands)," Parlade said.

Identical APMs

He revealed that the recovered communist terrorist APMs in Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, and Masbate are identical and made of metal, cables, nails cut into pieces, and ammonium nitrate mixed with fuel oil.

Being crudely made, he said it is impossible for this type of APMs to target a specific part of the body, adding that once it explodes, it sprays shrapnel and fragments in all directions.

"How can they choose the specific part of the body for instance, if they only want to maim the individuals, parang shotgun ito, hindi mamimili kung saan ka tatamaan, kung sa ulo, sa puso, sa paa (this is like a shotgun, it does not pick or choose where you will be hit, be it in the head, heart or foot)," he added. ‘They are poor man’s bomb but very lethal.”

Due to these horrific weapons, Parlade said there are already 12 civilian casualties in Masbate alone, with four dead including Kieth and Noven.

He said since the NPAs are badly hurt by the series of surrenders, communist terrorists are using APMs to show that they still exist, he added.

"Actually, sa totoo lang 170 na ang na-surrender dito sa loob ng SOLCOM area, napakadami ng NPA ang nag-surrender (Actually, around 170 NPAs have surrendered within the SOLCOM area. Last Friday alone 47 ang nag-surrender (47 have surrendered) dito sila nasasaktan (they are being hurt by these surrenders) and the only way for them really to show that they still exist is through this landmine (APM)," he added.

This is the reason, he said, that government security troops need to pursue and neutralize the NPA so that they will not kill any more Kieth and Nolven in the future.

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/1143850

Use of landmines viciously destroy lives, communities: Catura

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2021): Use of landmines viciously destroy lives, communities: Catura (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

Undersecretary Severo Catura, Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat Executive Director (Contributed photo)

The purpose of anti-personnel landmines (APM) is to destroy life, communities, and a nation, particularly if used by a terrorist group, a Palace official said.

In a regular virtual press conference titled "Tagged: Debunking Lies By Telling The Truth” on June 14, Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat Executive Director, Undersecretary Severo Catura, cited the June 6 tragic mine blast that killed football player Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven, and wounded his 16-year old relative in Masbate.

"This has become an opportunity for everyone to really be aware of what exactly are these anti-personnel mines and the viciousness, the brutality of such a use, and that is why it’s being condemned on a global scale," Catura said.

Its use, he said, is a violation of International Humanitarian Law.

"I am mentioning this because quite interestingly, all European Union member states, including the Netherlands have ratified and or acceded to this landmine ban," he added.

He said Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison is in the Netherlands supposedly for humanitarian reasons, but, continuously orchestrating the CPP's armed wing New People's Army (NPA) to persist violence in the Philippines.

"Sison, now a resident of the Netherlands, his terror group and his front organizations are all enablers of the use of landmines," he said.

This matter, he added, will be brought before the United Nations (UN) that is slated to meet this week to discuss the Anti-Personnel Mine Treaty Convention signed in 1997.

"Our Philippine mission in Geneva will be pushing for a discussion on this matter and which we hope, we will be able to convince members states, the signatories to the landmine convention, anti-landmine convention to issue a statement condemning this act," he said.

Impunity

He added that the sanctuary provided by the Netherlands government to Sison and his colleagues in the CPP-NPA "highlights the sense of impunity that communities in the Philippines are feeling."

"Maybe the deaths of the Absalons is the key for these European states concern to finally realize how they have been used to provide sanctuary to a person that enables, advocates, defends terror groups in the use of landmines, and in this most recent case, which lead to the brutal killing of a student and a trade unionist," he said.

Persona non grata

Catura said various villages in the country have declared CPP-NPA as "persona non-grata" not merely as a local government resolution, but a mechanism to protect the right to life of the Filipinos.

"So once and for all, we are really seeing a very positive development in our campaign to rid not only the use of landmines but to rid the country of this very terroristic communist organization," he said.

Sison has been repeatedly directing the NPAs to launch vicious attacks so they can push for the revival of the peace negotiations, Catura said.

"What is a very positive development on this? No international organization has taken up the call for renewed peace talks kasi na-realize na nila iyan eh (because they already realized that)," he said.

The CPP-NPA is also 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/1143851