Pang-aaresto at militarisasyon sa Bicol

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2021): Pang-aaresto at militarisasyon sa Bicol

Isang magsasaka ang pinatay at 19 sibilyan ang inaresto sa iba’t ibang operasyong militar sa Bicol nitong nagdaang dalawang linggo. Nakapailalim pa rin sa okupasyong militar ang maraming bahagi ng rehiyon.

Binaril at napatay ng mga pwersa ng Regional Mobile Force Battalion si Alex Llabres, magsasaka at residente ng Barangay San Roque Heights, Bula, Camarines Sur, sa kanyang bahay noong Hunyo 24.

Sa Sorsogon, iligal na inaresto ng 22nd IB ang 13 na indibidwal, kabilang ang anim na menor de edad, sa Bulan noong Hunyo 28. Unang dinukot ang magsasakang si Alvin Mapula kasama ang kanyang mga pamangkin na sina Althea Mapula, 2-taong gulang, at Janrex Mapula, 13, mga residente ng Barangay Bulawan.

Iligal ding ibinimbin ang mga kamag-anak na naghanap sa tatlo. Hanggang ngayon, nakapiit pa rin sina Editha Mapula, 43; Mary Ann Mapula, 29; Angel Mapula, 12; Rey Mapula, 4; RJ Mapula, 7; Renz Guelas, 13; Sunny Preconcillo, 48; Emy Preconcillo, 39 at Dante Bandola, 50.

Sa parehong araw, inaresto si Laurente Gestole, residente ng Barangay Cadandanan. Tinakot at pinagbantaan naman ng mga berdugo sina Regine Graida at Geraldine Gestole, mga residente ng Barangay Calpi. Sa bayan ng Donsol, binaril at iligal na inaresto si Jesus Macenas, isang magsasaka, noong Hunyo 17.

Sa Masbate, inaresto sina Mariel Suson, 22, titser, Jennifer Dollison Nuñez, myembro ng Amihan Bicol at Sano Arendain ng Kilusang Magbubukid ng Bicol noong Hunyo 22 at 23 sa Barangay San Jose, Uson.

Noong Hunyo 18, dinakip ng 2nd IB sina Joseph Delara, 18, residente ng Candelaria, Uson at si Jude Serafin ng Tuburan, Cawayan. Nasa kustodiya pa ng pulis si Serafin.

Samantala, 23 sa 44 barangay sa Tinambac, tatlo sa Lagonoy at dalawa sa Goa, Camarines Sur ang hinahalihaw ngayon ng mga tropa ng 83rd IB. Mula pa Mayo nakakampo ang mga sundalo sa mga bayan na ito sa tabing ng Retooled Community Support Program.

Layon ng pagkakampo na ihanda ang lugar para sa pagpasok ng dambuhalang mga kumpanya sa pagmimina, quarry at ekoturismo sa distrito na tinaguriang “Partido.” Target pangunahin ng mga ito na dambungin ang Tinambac na nagsisilbing pinakamalaking water reservoir sa Camarines Sur. Mayaman sa mineral at punong kahoy ang kabundukan ng lugar.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/07/pang-aaresto-at-militarisasyon-sa-bicol/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Pondong pantugon sa Covid-19, balon ng korapsyon

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2021): Pondong pantugon sa Covid-19, balon ng korapsyon

Balon ng korapsyon ang bilyun-bilyong pisong inilaan ng rehimeng Duterte sa tugong nito sa pandemyang Covid-19. Sa ulat ng mga ahensya ng estado noong Hunyo 25, tinatayang aabot pa sa ₱168.7-bilyong pondo o 25.43% ng kabuuang ₱665.7 bilyong inilaan para rito ang hindi nagastos ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng gubyernong Duterte simula pa Marso sa nakaraang taon sa di maipaliwanag na mga dahilan.

Nagmula ang pinagsama-samang pondong ito sa mga batas na Bayanihan 1 (₱393.63 bilyon) at Bayanihan 2 (₱205.12 bilyon) at sa inilaang pondo sa mga ahensya sa pambansang badyet ngayong 2021 (₱66.97 bilyon).

Pinakamalaking bulto ng hindi nagamit na pondo ay nasa Department of Health (DOH). Sa pondong ₱157.4 bilyon, ₱51.4 bilyon pa lamang ang ginamit ng ahensya para sa pagbili ng bakuna, suporta sa mga manggagawang pangkalusugan, at iba pa.

Sa inilaang ₱5.26 bilyon para sa mga bakuna, ₱1.12 bilyon pa lamang ang nagagastos ng DOH. Ang ₱9-bilyong pondo naman para sa special risk allowance ng mga manggagawa sa kalusugan ay noon lamang Hunyo 29 nirelis mula sa pambansang pondo.

Ang ₱16.24 milyon na para naman sa mga manggagawang pangkalusugan ng University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital ay hindi pa rin nagagalaw. Sa kabila ito ng makailang-ulit na paggigiit ng sektor sa pangunguna ng Alliance of Health Workers.

Pagtatapos ng Bayanihan 2

Kabilang sa mga kagawarang mayroong hindi nagamit na pondo ang Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) (₱1.3 bilyon), Department of Public Works and Highways (₱1 bilyon), Department of Agriculture (₱658.3 milyon), Department of the Interior and Local Government (₱580.471 milyon), DOH (₱266.2 milyon), at Department of Labor and Employment (₱224 milyon.)

Babalik sa National Treasury ang anumang pondong hindi naipamahagi sa ilalim ng pinalawig na Bayanihan 2 matapos napaso ang batas noong Hunyo 30. Tinatayang nasa 4.6% o ₱6.5 bilyon ng kabuuang ₱141.6 bilyon ng pinalawig na Bayanihan 2 ang hindi nagastos ng iba’t ibang kagawaran ng gubyerno.

Kinastigo ng iba’t ibang personalidad at grupo ang kapabayaang ito ng rehimen. Ayon kay Rep. Edcel Lagman, kinatawan sa prubinsya ng Albay, “seryosong pagsasakdal” sa kapabayaan at kabiguan ng rehimen sa pagharap sa pandemya ang pagkakaroon ng mga hindi nagamit na pondo.

Kinundena naman ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers ang Department of Education matapos bigong gamitin ng ahensya ang aabot sa ₱1.7 bilyong pondong para sana sa distance learning. Nakalaan ang naturang pondo para sa pag-iimprenta ng mga modyul, ayuda sa mga guro at iba pa.

Natigil na rin ang programang libreng pasakay ng rehimen matapos magwakas ang Bayanihan 2. Sa harap ito ng nagpapatuloy na kakulangan ng pampublikong transportasyon laluna sa Metro Manila.

Paghihimay sa gastos

Ayon kay Sen. Sonny Angara, pinuno ng komite sa pinansya ng Senado, hihimayin nito ang gastos ng bawat ahensya ng gubyerno para malaman ang dahilan ng mabagal na paglalabas ng mga pondo.

Kinwestyon din ng Senado noong nakaraang buwan ang mabagal na paglalabas ng pondo ng DBM sa kabila ng pagkakaroon ng Anti-Red Tape Authority (Arta) na itinalaga para pabilisin ang paggulong ng mga ito.

Pebrero at Mayo pa lamang nitong taon, naghain na ng mga resolusyon sa Senado sina Sen. Francis Pangilinan at Sen. Risa Hontiveros para busisiin ang paglalabas ng mga pondo. Sa Mababang Kapulungan, nagsumite rin ng resolusyon ang 37 mambabatas.

Isiniwalat naman ni Sen. Manny Pacquiao noong Hulyo 3 ang nawawalang ₱10.4 bilyong pondo ng Social Amelioration Program (SAP) sa ilalim ng DSWD. Ayon sa kanya, sa ginamit na aplikasyong Starpay, nasa 500,000 lamang ang nakatanggap ng SAP sa kabuuang 1.8 milyong benepisyaryo. Tumataginting na ₱14 bilyon ang hindi naipamahagi sa mga benepisyaryo.

Liban pa sa DSWD, inakusahan din ng senador ng korapsyon ang DOH at Department of Energy. Bumibili umano ang DOH ng mga malapit nang ma-expire na mga gamot sa regular na presyo sa halip na mas mura.

“Kung walang maayos na pag-aakawnt, hindi natin masisisi ang taumbayan kung iisipin nilang gagamitin ito ng administrasyon para sa darating na eleksyong 2022,” ayon kay Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Carlos Zarate.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/07/pondong-pantugon-sa-covid-19-balon-ng-korapsyon/

US offers to help Philippines identify soldiers killed in Sulu crash

From Rappler (Jul 7, 2021): US offers to help Philippines identify soldiers killed in Sulu crash (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

The Philippine military is in the process of identifying soldiers who died so that remains could be brought back to their families.

The United States offered to help the Philippines identify soldiers who died in Sunday’s fatal C-130 Hercules crash in Patikul, Sulu, the worst aviation disaster in Philippine military history.

The US Department of Defense said on Wednesday, July 7, that the offer was extended to the Philippines in a phone call between Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III on Tuesday, July 6.

In a summary of the conversation, the US defense department said, “Austin offered to provide any additional assistance that is possible, including for the crash response and potential identification of victims.”

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The C-130 carried 84 Army troopers and 12 Air Force personnel, with most of the passengers trainees from the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City. The crash killed at least at least 52 and injured 46 others, including three civilians who died, and four others who were injured.

The Philippine military earlier said on July 5 that it was in the process of identifying soldiers who died in the crash so that their remains could be brought back to their families.

As of Tuesday, at least six were identified, with their bodies were flown from Zamboanga City to Cagayan de Oro, where they were given full military honors.

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The Philippines and US have been closely coordinating on response to the crash.

Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan earlier said the Philippines would send the C-130’s black box or flight recorder to the US for examination. American personnel also provided medical evacuation support for victims of the crash.

The ill-fated plane was acquired from the US just in January 2021, for only about P1.54 billion or $32 million under a Foreign Military Financing grant. The “workhorse” aircraft was supposed to be used by the Philippines for years.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/united-states-offers-help-philipines-identify-soldiers-killed-sulu-crash

Terror tag by anti-terror council stands even if court disagrees – OSG

Posted to Rappler (Jul 7, 2021): Terror tag by anti-terror council stands even if court disagrees – OSG (By LIAN BUAN)

In memoranda submitted by the OSG to the High Court, it says, ‘Such person cannot insist on the protection of his/her reputation. The person has no one to blame but himself/herself,’ and any appeal should be taken up with the President

When Cabinet members unilaterally designate a person or a group as a terrorist, not even a court that disagrees with them can change it.

The Philippine government also told the Supreme Court (SC) that any damage to the reputation of a person or group tagged as a terrorist is the fault of no one else but the person himself or the group itself.

This was explained by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) in four volumes' worth of memoranda submitted to the SC on June 25. In total, the submissions, containing 812 pages, pertained to Supreme Court deliberations on whether the anti-terror law violated the Constitution and other existing laws.

The High Court grouped the 37 petitioners opposing the anti-terror law into six clusters so that it would have to review only six memoranda from them.

Designation as a terrorist is a highly contentious power under Section 25 of the anti-terror law. The law empowers the executive anti-terror council (ATC) to decide by itself to designate people and groups as terrorists without hearing their defense.

This is distinct from the proscription power of the court which goes through due process and which judicially declares a group a terrorist only after examining evidence.


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The Supreme Court asked the government: If the Court of Appeals (CA) eventually finds no probable cause to issue the proscription order, will the said organization be automatically delisted by the ATC?

The OSG replied: "No, it is not automatic."

"Rule 6.9 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) provides that the denial of an application for proscription shall not be a bar to filing of another application against the same group of persons, organization or association if the subsequent application is grounded on new evidence," added the OSG in its memoranda.

The OSG said it can file a new proscription case after 6 months with new evidence.

Communists

The law's IRR also allowed the ATC to post on its website the names of those it designated as terror groups or members of terror groups. The ATC has already done this to 19 people, including four peace consultants, whom it accused of being communists.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) has also been designated as a terror group, along with the Maute Group and individuals associated with the Abu Sayyaf.

The peace consultants have vehemently denied being members of the CPP-NPA.

The OSG said designation is an administrative act which "does not require prior notice and opportunity to be heard."

"When one is engaged in acts of terrorism, such person cannot insist on the protection of his/her reputation. The person has no one to blame but himself/herself for the measures that will be taken by the State to protect the public, one of which being designation," said the OSG.

A year after its passage and a year since petitions were filed against it, the law still remains in effect. The submission of the memoranda starts the countdown for the Supreme Court to decide on the law's constitutionality.

There is no hard and fast rule on how long it could take.

Freezing of assets

The OSG confirmed in the memoranda that "several bank accounts" under the names of the 19 accused communists have been frozen.


Families of the peace consultants have slammed this move by the ATC. Among them is the family of Vicente Ladlad who said that the only significant source of income he had was his compensation for being a Martial Law victim.

Still the OSG claimed that freezing of assets was not an automatic penalty of designation, even though the law and the IRR both say "assets of the designated individual, group of persons, organization, or association under the Act shall be subject to the authority of the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze."

"To be clear, designation by the ATC does not automatically result in the freezing of assets," said the OSG. But in the same memorandum, the OSG said: "Designation is a preventive measure intended to trigger the issuance of a freeze order and the conduct of a bank inquiry."

The OSG insisted that the freezing of assets made sure the government stopped the financing of terrorism, which it said, was an integral part of combating the problem – stopping it in its preparatory phase.


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Murky areas

There are fears that designation could go beyond frozen assets. For example, it could be used as a short-cut to convicting activists on trial in different courts for various offenses – such as the usual murder and illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Another concern of the SC was this – even if the group was neither designated nor proscribed, other individuals could still be prosecuted since membership in a terror group is considered a crime under the law.

The justices asked: How do you punish a group's member if that group is neither designated nor proscribed? The OSG said that this was still possible as long as the group was found to be committing any of the acts specified in the law – among others, facilitating, providing material support, or inciting to terrorism.

And what was the standard to classify such acts, especially acts of protest, as terror acts? "Ultimately, the interpretation of what act or acts is/are intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person's life, or to create serious risk to public safety ultimately rests on the judiciary based on facts," said the OSG.

Because as the OSG said, even the ATC "does not resolve questions of fact."

The ATC's basis would be "a reasonable ground of suspicion supported by circumstances warranting a cautious person to believe that the proposed designee meets the requirements for designation."

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Nowhere to go

And if those designated as terror groups or individuals want to challenge this, they must go to the President, the OSG said.

"The correct remedy from the ATC's decision is an appeal before the Office of the President," said the OSG.

The OSG, however, said those who feel they were unfairly labeled as terror groups or persons could still always avail of a judicial remedy, a petition for certiorari, or a petition seeking to void an action.

Cluster 2 of the petitioners against the anti-terror law said in a memorandum submitted to the High Court: How can this be an effective remedy when "the finding of probable cause [by the ATC] will be based primarily on intelligence and classified information, which may likely be of the hearsay, polluted, or inadmissible kind."

They also insisted that the text of the law makes it possible for designation to lead to arrest and detention.

And if the arrested or detained person based on designation files for an extraordinary writ, the writs will still fail because, according to the memorandum submitted by Cluster 5 petitioners, the language of the law "legitimized [the] arrest and detention of a person suspected of committing acts of terrorism without a judicial warrant of arrest."

All in all, "the Anti Terror Act mentions the right to effective judicial protection although it renders that right meaningless," said Cluster 3 petitioners in their memorandum.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/office-solicitor-general-terror-tag-stands-even-if-court-disagrees

Rep. Mangudadatu: MILF to still lead interim Bangsamoro gov’t if transition period is extended

From MindaNews (Jul 7, 2021): Rep. Mangudadatu: MILF to still lead interim Bangsamoro gov’t if transition period is extended (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

Even children join the throngs of people in the streets of Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao Wednesday (23 June 2021) welcoming the caravan pushing for the extension of the transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu said he wants the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to continue leading the Bangsamoro government if the regional election is postponed, which will effectively extend the transition period in the Bangsamoro region for three more years until 2025.

In virtual press conference on Wednesday, Mangudadatu pushed anew the extension of the transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), noting the need for more time to implement the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM, popularly known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The CAB is the final peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations. The BOL created in 2019 the Bangsamoro region, which is the major component of the CAB.

The Bangsamoro region is governed by the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which is dominated by the MILF with 41 seats. The 39 other seats are nominees of the government.

Under the BOL, the term of the BTA will end on June 30, 2022, when the new set of elected officials shall have taken their oaths of office.

“The MILF will still take the driver’s seat if the transition period will be extended,” said Mangudadatu, chair of the House of Representative’s Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity.

Mangudadatu authored House Bill 8117, which seeks to postpone the BARMM elections in 2022 and if approved, will effectively extend the transition period to 2025.

Four other similar House bills were filed by Majority Floor Leader Martin Romualdez and Deputy Speakers Loren Legarda and Isidro Ungab, and Lanao del Norte Rep. Khalid Dimaporo.

The House Joint Committees have yet to come up with a recommendation while their counterparts at the Senate reportedly favor the postponement of the BARMM elections and the extension of the transition period.

Mangudadatu, former three-term governor of Maguindanao, said the House Joint Committee will resume deliberations on the proposals to cancel the BARMM elections on Monday, 12 July.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier expressed support for the extension of the transition period in the BARMM. Recently, however, Duterte told Congress to decide on the matter.

In March, at least one million signatures were submitted to Malacañang urging Duterte to certify as priority legislative measures the proposals to extend the transition period in the Bangsamoro region.

So far, the President did not act on the petition.

Mangudadatu said that if the elections in the BARMM will be postponed, only the votes for the parliamentary positions will be affected.

The elections for provincial and municipal officials will proceed, he said.

Mangudadatu said the COVID-19 pandemic also affected the performance of the BTA, hence the need to extend the transition period for three more years to 2025.

Of the six priority legislations that the BTA are mandated to formulate under the BOL, the Bangsamoro parliament approved the Civil Service Code, Administrative Code and Education Code.

The three other priority legislations they need to hammer are the electoral, local government and revenue codes.

Mangudadatu said the electoral code is crucial in defining the parliamentary districts and the seats to be filled up in the Bangsamoro region.

“That is of utmost importance because the question on districting BARMM’s constituent LGUs (local government units) and setting up their representation in the BARMM parliament must be clearly outlined,” he added.

Mangudadatu urged his colleagues to approve the extension of the transition period in the BARMM, citing “strong public clamor” and the need to sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process.

“I pray that we are not to forget that we are dealing with a peace process. The BARMM is a lasting legacy of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s administration to the Bangsamoro people,” he said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/07/rep-mangudadatu-milf-to-still-lead-interim-bangsamoro-govt-if-transition-period-is-extended/

3 killed, 6 hurt in landmine blast in E. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2021): 3 killed, 6 hurt in landmine blast in E. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

TERROR ATTACK. The town of Jipapad, Eastern Samar as shown on this map. A soldier and two militiamen were killed while six others were injured when members of the New People’s Army (NPA) detonated three landmines in Jipapad town early Wednesday (July 7, 2021). (Google image)

A soldier and two militiamen were killed while six others from the government troops were injured when members of the New People’s Army (NPA) detonated three anti-personnel mines in Jipapad, Eastern Samar early Wednesday.

Initial reports reaching the police regional office here disclosed that 14 soldiers and members of the Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) were heading to their new detachment when ambushed by about 30 NPA fighters in sitio (subvillage) Cabatas, Barangay (village) 4 in Jipapad town around 6:45 a.m.

The soldiers were about 70 meters away from the detachment when three anti-personnel mines exploded simultaneously followed by a volley of gunfire.

The military has deployed troopers to the area led by Technical Sgt. Junar Carpila for the construction of a detachment of the 52nd Infantry Battalion, just two kilometers away from their station.

Killed on the spot were Carpila and CAA members Mark Donald Lomuntad and Geremias Etcobañas.

Wounded were CAA members Edwin Adamero, Francis Legarse, Manny Maestre, Ronilo Porton, Jeffrey Pajanustan, and Helbert Pajanustan.

The military has yet to determine the number of enemy casualties during the 20-minute firefight.

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III, commander of the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division condemned the treacherous attack by the NPA, disregarding the international humanitarian law that bans the use of landmines.

“The NPA insists on using anti-personnel mines that were already banned since 1997. This only shows the complete disregard of the NPA to humanitarian laws and a testament to their terroristic nature,” Diñoso said.

The latest attack, he said, is a desperate act of terrorists as the campaign to defeat them has “reached an irreversible stage.”

“With their backs against the wall, it is expected they will resort to their old barbaric ways," he said.

Diñoso assured the people of Eastern Visayas that the whole-of-nation approach to end a communist insurgency is on track.

“Let this small setback strengthen our resolve to finally put an end to the NPA and make the region attain the just and lasting peace it aspires. With that, our soldiers' ultimate sacrifices will not be in vain,” he added.

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/1146223

82 ex-rebels in DavOr get P20-K each in additional aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2021): 82 ex-rebels in DavOr get P20-K each in additional aid (By Che Palicte)

CASH AID. A total of 82 former rebels are shown receiving P20,000 each as additional cash aid from the government at the Davao Oriental Provincial Capitol covered court on Wednesday (July 7, 2021). The amount represents additional assistance under the Livelihood Settlement Grant Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (Photo courtesy of Davao Oriental PIO)

A total of 82 former rebels in Davao Oriental on Wednesday received PHP20,000 each as additional assistance under the Livelihood Settlement Grant Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

In a statement, the Davao Oriental Provincial Information Office said the returnees, who were former rebels of the communist terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA), are beneficiaries of the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) covering the years 2016-2020.

Governor Nelson Dayanghirang handed over the assistance together with DSWD-11 director Raquel Nuñez in a ceremony held at the Provincial Capitol covered court.

Dayanghirang hoped the assistance would sustain the former rebels' livelihood, as well as further encourage active NPA rebels to return to the fold of the law as the government bids to end the decades-old communist insurgency.

“This additional cash benefit that the provincial government offers to surrenderers and tipsters aims to entice more rebels to yield to the government in the hopes of attaining the province’s target of zero insurgencies by the end of the year,” he said.

Last Monday, seven former rebels also voluntarily surrendered to the authorities and received PHP100,000 each from the provincial government of Davao Oriental.

They were identified as alias Abay, Kabal, Ram, Renz, Champ, Daks, and Remel, who were operating in different fronts in Davao Oriental and parts of the nearby provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte.

They were accepted by Dayanghirang and other officials through a simple ceremony at the provincial capitol dubbed as “Pag-uli: Acceptance Ceremony of Returning Rebels.”

The Communist Party of the Philippines (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/1146212

JTF-Sulu recommends award for Tausug responders in C-130 crash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2021): JTF-Sulu recommends award for Tausug responders in C-130 crash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

BRAVE MILITIAMEN. The Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu is recommending to award Bronze Cross Medal to 27 Tausug militiamen who were the first responders to the C-130 plane crash in Patikul, Sulu on July 4. The militiamen belong to the 8th Civilian Active Auxiliary Company (8CAAC) are based at the detachment in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu. (Photo courtesy of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion)

The Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu is recommending to award the Bronze Cross Medal to 27 militiamen, who are Tausug natives, for extraordinary bravery in the face of great danger.

The militiamen who belong to the 8th Civilian Active Auxiliary Company (8CAAC) are based at the detachment in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu. They are under the command of the 5th Special Force Company (5SFC), 2nd Special Forces Battalion (2SFBn).

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, JTF-Sulu commander, said Wednesday the militiamen, amid the burning wreckage, rushed to the crash site just seconds after the C-130 aircraft with tail number 5125 crashed in Sitio Amman, Barangay Bangkal, Patikul on July 4.

Gonzales said they ventured into the crash site to look for survivors and took them to safer grounds.

Gonzales noted that being among the first responders, the militiamen's aggressive and timely actions led to the extraction of about 20 soldiers from the crash site.

“These ordinary men were heroes on July 4, 2021. They will be recommended to be recipients of Bronze Cross Medal—a military decoration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which is awarded for heroism involving risk of life,” he said.

The Bronze Cross Medal may be awarded for voluntary action in the face of great danger above and beyond the call of duty, or other deeds evidenced by extraordinary bravery not involving direct combat with the enemy. Those eligible for the medal are military and civilian personnel of the AFP.

Gonzales noted that a total of 49 soldiers and four civilians were rescued while the remains of 47 military personnel and three civilians were recovered at the crash site past 8 p.m. of July 4 with the combined efforts of JTF Sulu, from the first CAA responders to specialized units, and the local government units.

A total of 96 people were aboard the C-130 “Hercules” aircraft when it crashed around shortly before noon on July 4.

Most of the people aboard the plane which came from Cagayan de Oro City were newly enlisted into the Philippine Army and were deployed to fight the Abu Sayyaf Group bandits in Sulu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146241

4 ex-rebels in N. Ecija get gov't cash aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2021): 4 ex-rebels in N. Ecija get gov't cash aid (By Jason De Asis)

LIVELIHOOD GRANT. Four former rebels on Wednesday (July 7, 2021) receive financial assistance as part of the government’s efforts to help them start a new life. Each of them received PHP20,000 as livelihood settlement grant during an awarding ceremony held in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija. (Photo courtesy of 91IB, Philippine Army)

Some four former members of the New People's Army (NPA) on Wednesday received livelihood assistance as part of the government’s efforts to help them start a new life and become productive members of society.

During an awarding ceremony held in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija, each former rebel received PHP20,000 under the sustainable livelihood program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, said the program aims to improve the economic well-being of vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged individuals and families in communities by empowering them through the support of the local government units (LGUs) and other government agencies.

Rubio said the DSWD is one of the lead agencies implementing President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 70, which institutionalized the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

“The SLP is related to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) which has a holistic package of benefits that former rebels could avail of, including livelihood and medical assistance, education, housing, and legal assistance, to help them reintegrate to our society,” he said.

Rubio expressed hope that the initial financial assistance would give the former rebels peace of mind as they return to leading a normal life in mainstream society.

Bongabon Mayor Allan Xystus A. Gamilla extended his full support to the program of the 91st IB and DSWD, saying it is part of the government’s efforts to end communist insurgency through the attainment of just and lasting peace utilizing the whole-of-nation approach as envisioned by EO 70.

“The assistance is intended for conflict-affected and vulnerable areas, including our former rebels to help them start their livelihood as they begin their new life with their families,” Gamilla said.

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/1146257

16 former rebels in Masbate to help gov't end insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2021): 16 former rebels in Masbate to help gov't end insurgency (By Connie Calipay)

From being outlaws, 16 members of the communist terrorist group (CTG) who abandoned the armed struggle have pledged allegiance to the government and vowed to help end insurgency.

In a statement on Wednesday, Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said the new batch of surrenderers was presented to the Aroroy Local Peace Engagement Team headed by Mayor Arturo Virtucio in a ceremony held at the Tico Maristela Sports and Cultural Center of the town.

"Seeing the hopeless and useless cause of the terrorist group that has endangered the lives of innocent civilians including their own families, the said surrenderers composed of three regular NPA (New People's Army) members and 13 Militia ng Bayan (MB) members yielded to the government last July 2," he said.

Belleza said the returnees also brought their firearms, including a KG9 submachine gun which they turned over to the committee during the event.

Afterward, the group took their oath of allegiance to show denouncement of the CTG's terrorism and false ideologies.

Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen, commander of the 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB), congratulated the former rebels (FRs) for making the wise decision to withdraw their membership and support from the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), saying it would lead them to a new and more peaceful life.

He said the now considered FRs will receive a complete set of benefits upon finishing the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) process.

They will also avail of various programs from different government agencies on top of the E-CLIP which will grant them financial, livelihood, educational, medical, and housing assistance.

Col. Aldwine Almase, commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, underscored that the Army together with the Philippine National Police, will continue its intensified security operations and peace initiatives until Masbate becomes an armed conflict-free province.

"Ang patuloy na tagumpay ng ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan kasama ang iba't ibang ahensya ng ating pamahalaan laban sa terorismo ay lalong magpapaigting ng ating kampanya upang wakasan ang karahasan, tulungan ang mga gustong magbalik-loob sa pamahalaan at tuluyan ng tuldukan ang walang kabuluhang ipinaglalaban ng mga teroristang komunista. (The continuous success of our government troops against terrorism makes us want to do more in our campaign to end violence, help those who want to return to the fold of the law and finally put an end to the senseless ideology of the communist group)," he said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr. commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB), lauded the Masbateños for sustaining the momentum in the fight against terrorism.

"These continuous gains in Masbate is not the work of the government alone, we have the Masbateños to be thankful for. Had it not been for their overwhelming support, our campaigns will be futile. To the surrenderers, aside from the E-CLIP Committee, you also have the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) to assist you as you all start anew. Thank you for heeding the call and set as an example to your former comrades and for proving them that even when you were once deceived by the CTG, there's still hope for you," 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/1146271

DND chief says 40K AFP personnel vaccinated so far

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2021): DND chief says 40K AFP personnel vaccinated so far (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

File photo

A total of 40,059 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel have been vaccinated against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines, Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Tuesday night.

In a televised Cabinet briefing with President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the defense chief said this is equivalent to 26 percent of the total number of AFP personnel.

"Ito po 'yung bilang ng mga DND-AFP personnel na nabakunahan na 40,059 (This is the number of DND-AFP personnel who were vaccinated, 40,059), which is 26 percent ng population ng AFP (of the AFP's population)," he added.

However, Lorenzana did not mention whether these personnel are partially or fully vaccinated.

Lorenzana added that he talked with National Task Force against Covid-19 chief implementer and vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. regarding additional vaccine supplies so that all military personnel can be vaccinated as soon as possible.

Once the entire AFP population has been vaccinated, Lorenzana said the families of military personnel will be next to get the jabs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146209

16 Sulu plane crash fatalities identified: Sobejana

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2021): 16 Sulu plane crash fatalities identified: Sobejana (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (File photo)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana on Wednesday said 16 out of the 50 military troops who perished in the July 4 crash of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) C-130H "Hercules" cargo plane in Patikul, Sulu have been identified.

In an interview with GMA's morning show "Unang Hirit", Sobejana said these include the two PAF personnel whose remains were transported to Clark Air Base in Pampanga Tuesday afternoon.

"Sixteen na po yung nakilala out of the number of passengers who perished dun sa naturang crash, at yung dalawa po kahapon in-airlift na sa Clark lulan ng ating NC-212i, another type of aircraft, at dalawa naman ay trinansport natin by land dahil Mindanao lang sila (Sixteen of those who perished in the crash were already identified and two of them were already airlifted to Clark by our NC-212i, another transport aircraft (operated by the Air Force) and two more were transported by land to Mindanao since they are based there)," he said.

Sobejana was referring to PAF Capt. Higello Emeterio and T/Sgt. Mark Agana, who were brought to Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga from Zamboanga City via an NC-212i transport aircraft.

Aside from the 50 military fatalities, three civilians also died in the mishap.

The latest military fatality was a soldier confined at the West Metro Medical Center, Zamboanga City who succumbed to chemical burns on Monday night, Sobejana said.

Meanwhile, 46 soldiers and four civilians were wounded in the incident.

Sobejana also said DNA testing and dental records matching are used in identifying the victims who were burned beyond recognition.

A scene of the crime operation team from the Philippine National Police is also helping in identifying the fatalities.

Sobejana also thanked burn specialists sent by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte who are now helping in the treatment of the injured military personnel and Tausug residents in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul who were among the first to help the crash victims.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146210

Fil-Am group raises concern over alleged CPP-NPA presence in US

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2021): Fil-Am group raises concern over alleged CPP-NPA presence in US

END TERRORISM. The group Filipino-Americans Against Crime and Terrorism stages a demonstration in front of the Philippine Consulate General in New York on July 5. FACT warned against front organizations undermining the Philippine government and generating funds through donations in the US. (Contributed photo)

The Filipino community in the United States should remain vigilant amid activities of some organizations a group claimed were allegedly fronting for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the terrorist New People’s Army (NPA).

During a protest in front of the Philippine Consulate General in New York last July 5, a newly formed group called the Filipino-Americans Against Crime and Terrorism (FACT) raised concerns about what it said was the "expanding CPP-NPA presence in the US".

“We are here this afternoon to voice our concern over the growing presence of the CPP-NPA in the US through its cadres who are slowly penetrating the Filipino-American Community to raise funds and recruit supporters for their terrorist activities in the Philippines,” FACT said in a manifesto circulated during the hour-long protest.

Although designated as a terrorist organization, the CPP-NPA was able to operate in the US through so-called front organizations, but FACT did not identify the groups.

It added that these groups are "being used to undermine the Philippine government and generate funds" through donations.

“These front organizations are involved in organizing the youth, migrant workers, and women and use such issues as human rights, corruption, human trafficking with the aim of generating support for their ultimate objective of a violent communist takeover of the Philippine government,” the group said.

“The Filipino-American community must be warned of these individuals and organizations that support terrorism in the Philippines... They should not lend their support nor donate funds to these individuals and organizations," it added.

FACT said it is not against Filipinos expressing their grievances against the Philippine government in the US, acknowledging that freedom of speech is a constitutionally guaranteed right.

“What we are against is the abuse of such freedom to mislead people into believing their propaganda and eliciting their support towards their so-called armed struggle that has killed thousands in the Philippines, including Americans, in the past 50 years,” the group said.

“We call on the Philippine Embassy and all Philippine Consulates in the United States to take more active measures to inform the Filipino-American Community of the terrorist acts committed by the CPP-NPA in the Philippines and its activities in the US so that we all could be forewarned,” the group added.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington DC has yet to release an official statement about the group's claims and appeal.

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/1146216

House panel OKs bill declaring part of PH Rise as protected area

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2021): House panel OKs bill declaring part of PH Rise as protected area (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

PNA file photo

A measure seeking to declare a portion of Philippine Rise as a protected area has hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives.

During a hearing on Wednesday, the House Committee on Natural Resources chaired by Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr., approved the unnumbered substitute bill to House Bill 36, which would declare a portion of the Philippine Rise situated within the exclusive economic zone as a protected area, to be referred to as the “Philippine Rise Marine Resource Reserve.”

The bill states that it shall fall under the category of marine resource reserve under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).

Muntinlupa City Rep. Ruffy Biazon, author of the bill, said the original proposal was to make the area a protected zone and the intention is to preserve the Philippine Rise and the Benham Bank.

“Upon consultation with our environment and natural resource experts and other stakeholders, we were enlightened that it would be best that we make it a marine reserve in order for us to be able to take advantage of the natural resources therein,” Biazon said.

The bill aims to ensure the protection and conservation of the globally significant economic, biological, sociocultural, educational, and scientific values of the Philippine Rise and the Benham Bank into perpetuity for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

The bill prohibits acts within the protected area, such as poaching, killing, destroying, disturbing of any wildlife; hunting or gathering of any wildlife; using any fishing or harvesting gear that is unsustainable or detrimental to marine life, among others.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146296

Only 49 troops dead in Sulu plane crash: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7, 2021): Only 49 troops dead in Sulu plane crash: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday clarified that the death toll in the crash of the C-130 cargo plane in Patikul, Sulu last July 4 stands at 49.

In a statement, AFP chief, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said this corrects previous reports of 50 military fatalities in the incident, citing that there had been a case of “double count”.

“This is a very hard task since the cadavers were beyond recognition but we have experts supporting our efforts. We are doing our best to expedite the identification and the ongoing investigation without compromising its credibility,” Sobejana said.

He, meanwhile, asked for the public's understanding as investigating teams have yet to gather more pieces of evidence to find out the circumstances of the crash.

“Our people can be assured of the AFP’s transparency however the investigation process takes time. All factors are being considered in our deliberate efforts to ensure the accuracy of the findings,” he added.

Meanwhile, 19 military fatalities have been identified by the AFP.

These include Maj. Emmanuel Makalintal, Maj. Michael Vincent Benolerao, 1st Lt. Joseph Hintay, T/Sgt. Mark Anthony Agana, T/Sgt. Donald Badoy, Staff Sgt. Jan Neil Macapaz, Staff Sgt. Michael Bulalaque, and Sgt. Jack Navarro, all from the Philippine Air Force.

Also killed were Capt. Higello Emeterio from the AFP Medical Corps and 1st Lt. Sheena Alexandria Tato from the AFP Nurse Corps.

From the Philippine Army, identified were Sgt. Butch Maestro, Private 1st Class Christopher Rollon, Private 1st Class Felixzalday Provido, Privates Raymar Carmona, Vic Monera, Mark Nash Lumanta, Jomar Gabas, Marcelino Alquisar, and Mel Mark Angana.

The AFP has transported the remains of Emeterio, Maestro, Agana, Rollon. Provido, Gabas, Alquisar, Lumanta, Angana, Carmona, and Monera to their hometowns.

The remains of Tato are now transported via C-295 aircraft while seven of the identified cadavers are being prepared for air and land transport.

Sobejana said 30 more cadavers, which are still in Zamboanga City, have yet to be identified.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146255