CSOs reiterate appeal to Duterte: certify as urgent bills extending Bangsamoro transition period

From MindaNews (Jul 9, 2021): CSOs reiterate appeal to Duterte: certify as urgent bills extending Bangsamoro transition period (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

About two dozen civil society organizations have reiterated their appeal to President Rodrigo Duterte to certify as urgent the bills seeking to extend until 2025 the transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Civil Society Organizations – Movement for Moral Governance (CSO-MMG), urged Duterte to heed the call of at least one million individuals to extend the transition period which is supposed to end on June 30, 2022 to June 30, 2025.

The youth line up the streets of Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao Wednesday (23 June 2021) to welcome the caravan pushing for the extension of the transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace agreement signed by government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) provide that during the transition period, the BARMM will be governed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), an 80-member body composed of 41 members nominated by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and 39 nominated by the government.

“Sir President, we know that the call for extension of the Bangsamoro transition is close to your heart as this will pave the way in sustaining the gains of the peace processes as a legacy of your administration,” Wahab Guialal, CSO-MMG chair, said in a letter to Duterte, a copy of which was obtained by MindaNews on Thursday, 08 July.

“We are one with you in addressing the historical injustices and establishing solid foundations for peace and development through a strong and morally governed BARMM government,” he added.

On Wednesday, the CSO-MMG conducted a virtual press conference to beg the President anew to certify the extension bills as a priority legislative measure of the Duterte administration.

A manifesto read during the conference said the call for the extension of the transition period is “gaining enormous support from various sectors, including Bangsamoro grassroot communities, local government units, civil society organizations, religious groups, academic communities, and peace-loving individuals within and outside of the BARMM.”

“We believe that this massive support from different peoples and sectors in our society manifests our common desire for peace and development in the Bangsamoro homeland,” the manifesto stressed.

Among those that signed the manifesto were the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, United Youth for Peace and Development, Union of Muslim Youth Organization, Bangsamoro Communication Network and the Bangsamoro Professionals Association in the Philippines, Inc.

Five bills have been filed at the House of Representatives seeking the postponement of the 2022 BARMM elections, which will pave the way for the extension of the transition period to 2025.

Maguindanao 2nd District Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, author of House Bill 8117 that seeks to postpone the BARMM elections in 2022, said he sought and was granted permission by the Speaker of the House of Representatives to allow the joint committees on Suffrage, Muslim Mindanao Affairs and Peace, Reconciliation and Unity which he chairs, to conduct a committee meeting on Monday, 12 July even as Congress had adjourned sine die on June 3.

Duterte had earlier declared he was in favor of the extension but recently declared a “neutral” stance, leaving it to Congress to decide on the issue.

Duterte on June 16 asked the Bangsamoro leaders – BARMM officials, governors and mayor sand congressional district representatives — to convene the Bangsamoro Council of Leaders and return to him the following week to inform him what happened during their meeting. The Council met on June 23 and according to Local Governments Minister Naguib Sinarimbo, reached a consensus for the extension of the transition period in the Bangsamoro region, a development that was endorsed to Duterte.

During Wednesday’s online presser, Mangudadatu said extending the transition period in the BARMM will allow the government and the MILF to implement the provisions of the CAB and those provided by Republic Act 11054 or the Organic law for the BARMM.

Mangudadatu said the COVID-19 pandemic affected governance in the BARMM and pushed back implementation of priority measures, hence the need to extend the transition period.

The law provides for the implementation of the peace agreement’s political and normalization tracks. The political track involves the creation of the BARMM, laying down its foundations and passing priority codes while normalization involves, among others, decommissioning of weapons and combatants. and the transformation of the camps into productive economic zones.

So far, the third phase of decommissioning has yet to start, which involves 14,000 MILF fighters and 2,450 weapons. The list was submitted to the Turkish-led Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) in December.

Phase 3 involves 35 percent of the 40,000-strong MILF, which waged a decades-old war with the government in an initial bid for Moro self-rule in Mindanao that eventually ended in negotiated autonomy.

Phase 1 of the decommissioning process involving 145 MILF fighters and 75 high-powered weapons began in 2015 in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao under the administration of the late President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.

The second phase kicked off in September 2019 with 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. The last phase involves the decommissioning of the remaining weapons and combatants before an Exit Agreement could be signed.

Undersecretary David Diciano, of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), said the government and the MILF peace panels are finding ways to jumpstart key normalization programs in the Bangsamoro region, amid the delays and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Both parties were eyeing to start Phase 3 in August, said Diciano, also chair of the Government of the Philippines Peace Implementing Panel on the Bangsamoro peace process. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2021/07/csos-reiterate-appeal-to-duterte-certify-as-urgent-bills-extending-bangsamoro-transition-period/

PNP commits support to transformation program for MNLF combatants

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 9, 2021): PNP commits support to transformation program for MNLF combatants

In a bid to strengthen the Government of the Philippines -Moro National Liberation Front (GPH-MNLF) peace process, the GPH Coordinating Committee (GPH CC) discussed with the Philippine National Police (PNP) the peacebuilding interventions being carried out by the committee, as it also sought the support of the police department.

During the meeting on Tuesday, July 6, between Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs and Chair of the GPH CC for the MNLF-Sema Group, Undersecretary Arthur Tabaquero and PGen. Guillermo Eleazar, the former underscored the importance of utilizing the whole-of-government approach in promoting peace and conducting socio-economic interventions in conflict-affected areas.

“No matter what circumstance, the government’s vision of peace could be realized through collaborative effort. The GPH CC believes that by working hand-in-hand with the security sector -- PNP and AFP -- we could reach the peace and development agenda of the national government to these communities and transform them into more capable and productive citizenry,” said Tabaquero.

Meanwhile, Eleazar expressed the PNP’s commitment to support the endeavors of the GPH-MNLF peace process.

“Napakaganda nga Sir na nasimulan na itong peace process. Napakagandang pakinggan ng Final Peace Agreement, but still it has to be realized. Rest assured that the PNP will be here to always work with you,” said Eleazar.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) MNLF Concerns Department Director Jana Gallardo briefed the PNP officials on developments in the GPH-MNLF peace process.



The discussion also highlighted various social and development programs as well as enhancement of peace and security in MNLF communities.

Likewise, Defense Undersecretary Cesar Yano shared the need for the country’s security sector to work together in promoting peace and development in all areas particularly in Mindanao.

“Tayo, AFP and PNP, we should be able to contribute para ang areas natin ay maging productive. Because if there is no certainty in security, walang investments and investments relates to productivity. We need a more stable, more secure Mindanao para umangat [ang kanilang mga buhay],” said Yano.
Other members of the GPH CC present who were present during the meeting were OPAPP Assistant Secretaries Agripino Javier and Andres Aguinaldo, and BGen (ret) Buenaventura Pascual. (AFP)

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/07/09/pnp-commits-support-to-transformation-program-for-mnlf-combatants

Security beefed up after foiled bus firebomb try

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2021): Security beefed up after foiled bus firebomb try (By Edwin Fernandez)

CLEARED OUT. The Kidapawan City bus terminal after a blast occurred inside a unit of the Davao Metro Shuttle Bus at the city’s transport facility on Thursday (July 8, 2021). Police said a bag with flammable materials was found at the rear of a Davao-bound bus. (Photo from DXND Kidapawan)

KIDAPAWAN CITY, North Cotabato – Police authorities here have intensified security measures following a foiled passenger bus firebombing attack Thursday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Lauro Espida, Kidapawan City police director, said tighter security measures are in place following an explosion inside the Davao Metro Shuttle Bus parked at the Kidapawan City Overland terminal at 3 p.m.

“A mild explosion followed by smoke emitting from a bag left unattended sent some passengers running for their lives and yelling a bomb had just exploded,” Espida said in a media interview on Friday.

He said a quick response from the police’s K9 unit prevented a fire inside the bus.

Espida said the items found at the rear of a Davao Metro Shuttle bus were “incendiary bomb components” aimed at setting the vehicle ablaze.

“The bag contained two mobile phones, a 9-volt battery, two canisters of butane gas, and other flammable materials,” he said.

The police official believed the motive of the attack was to destroy the bus.

“It (firebomb) was timed because the bus was at the city terminal where passengers are expected to board or alight from the vehicle,” he said.

Police said the bus was heading to Davao City from Arakan, North Cotabato, and had a stopover in Kidapawan City.

The bus conductor told police investigators that a man with two backpacks got on the vehicle in Antipas, North Cotabato, and alighted as the unit was approaching the city.

Espida said all buses entering the city would have to be inspected with the help of bomb-sniffing dogs to prevent another attack.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146491

Gov’t builds halfway house for ex-rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2021): Gov’t builds halfway house for ex-rebels (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

SHELTER FOR FRs. The provincial government of Negros Oriental, with other government agencies under the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program, is building a halfway house for former rebels of the New People's Army. On Monday (July 5, 2021) Gov. Roel Degamo (left side of the poster) and DILG 7 Regional Director Leocadio Trovela (right) led the groundbreaking and dedication ceremony at Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (E-CLIP) of Negros Oriental is building a halfway house for the former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) members as they transition to join the mainstream society.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) provincial chief Farah Gentuya, in an interview Friday, said the halfway house is a joint undertaking of the agency, the provincial government, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), specifically the Philippine Army.

It will be inside Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay, Negros Oriental, where the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army is headquartered, she said.

The provincial government, with the approval of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, has allocated an initial budget of PHP5 million for the construction of the halfway house, she added.

The groundbreaking and dedication of the halfway house was held early this week with DILG Region 7 director Leocadio Trovela, Gov. Roel Degamo, who chairs the provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), and Col. Leonardo Peña, brigade commander.

The activity was in response to the government’s mandate of reintegrating former rebels who have surrendered.

In a media release on Friday, AFP Chief of Staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said the groundbreaking and dedication activity “marks the beginning of a new life for our rebel returnees and there’s no better way to welcome them than by offering them a home where they can feel safe and secured as they rebuild their lives around a peaceful and progressive community.”

“As we continue to move forward and further our peace-building efforts, the AFP is looking ahead towards working with its partners and stakeholders in crafting similar programs and projects, thereby creating opportunities for a fresh start to our former rebels (FRs),” Sobejana said in his message which was read by Peña.

The AFP Chief was scheduled to attend the activity but had to cancel it and proceeded to Mindanao instead following the crash of a C-130 transport plane.

“Upon knowing that this project will be constructed inside Camp Leon Kilat, I did not think twice, because I know that the former rebels will be given much-needed guidance and protection from our Philippine Army and Philippine National Police in coordination with other concerned agencies,” Degamo said.

Meanwhile, Trovela said the halfway house is “needed in order to serve as a temporary shelter for FRs (former rebels) who recently returned to the folds of the law.”

“Livelihood training and other interventions will be conducted in the facility to prepare the FRs for their reintegration into the mainstream society. With this dedication ceremony, the lasting peace in Negros Oriental is within reach because of the demonstrated commitment that we have today,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146495

Youth program antidote vs. CPP-NPA recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2021): Youth program antidote vs. CPP-NPA recruitment (By Liza Agoot)

YOUTH MOVEMENT. The Philippine National Police-Cordillera inducts 350 young residents of Tanudan, Kalinga into the ‘Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo’ program. The movement aims to provide counseling and inclusion into community-based activities to prevent the youth from being recruited by communist terrorist groups. (Photo courtesy of Tanudan Municipal Police)

BAGUIO CITY – A program that promotes peace and keeps the youth away from illegal drugs was hatched by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to avoid recruitment by the communist terrorist organizations (CTGs).

The PNP’s Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) aims to educate the youth not to fall for the deceitful tactics of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Capt. Marnie Abellanida, Police Regional Office Cordillera (PROCor) information officer, said Friday KKDAT is a program aligned with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“Through the KKDAT, the youth is provided with development sessions, counseling, awareness about substance abuse, and the deception of CTGs,” he said in an interview.

To date, there are now 2,643 KKDAT members in the Cordillera, including 350 from Tanudan, Kalinga inducted this week.

“We can help hone their potentials and build their self-confidence,” Abellanida said.

KKDAT members can join various PNP activities like community service and tree planting.

“Sa pamamagitan ng mga good channels at activities na ito, napapakita natin sa mga kabataan na marami silang magagawa para maka-contribute sa ikakabuti ng bayan (Through these activities, we can show the youth that there are several ways to contribute to the nation),” Abellanida said.

Col. Maly Cula, chief of the Regional Community Affairs and Development of PROCOr, said joining the KKDAT can prevent the youth from being recruited by the NPA.

“Instead na ma-recruit sila sa kabila, kami na lang re-recruit sa kanila. Mapapabuti pa ang lagay nila (Instead of being recruited by the other side, we will be the ones to recruit them and help them become better persons),” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 70 in December 2018, creating the NTF-ELCAC that employs a whole-of-nation approach to end communism and institute peace-building initiatives.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1146508

NPA rebel surrenders in Ilocos Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2021): NPA rebel surrenders in Ilocos Sur (By Leilanie Adriano)

Logo of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion in Region 1

Another New People’s Army (NPA) rebel surrendered to local authorities on Friday in Barangay Rosario, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur.

Police Brig. Gen. Emmanuel B. Peralta, Regional Director of the Police Region Office 1, said the surrenderer was identified as “Ka Mike/Steward”, 36, of Sitio Cabaroan, Barangay Concepcion, Cervantes, Ilocos Sur.

"Ka Mike" was a former squad leader of Larangang Medina, Platun Uno under the Ilocos-Cordillera Committee (ICRC).

Based on a police report, the surrenderer also yielded to authorities an M16 A1 Cal 5.56 mm rifle with defaced serial number, two short magazines, 17 pieces 5.56 mm ammunition, a rifle grenade, and an MK2 fragmentation hand grenade.

Through the assistance of the 102nd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 1 (RMFB1) led by Police Col. Roel R. Sermese, Force Commander, "Ka Mike" was brought to RMFB1 headquarters in Parian, San Fernando City, La Union for debriefing and processing of documents for his enrolment to the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which provides temporary shelter to former rebels.

“This is a testament that our strong anti-terrorism efforts are really paying off. I encourage our police personnel to continue exerting efforts to support the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), so we can encourage more rebels to withdraw their support and allegiance to the NPA and return to the folds of the government,” Peralta said in a statement on Friday.

The NTF ELCAC is a whole-of-nation approach being utilized by the Duterte administration to defeat the more than 50-year insurgency problem in the country.

Under this program, former rebels and their families are given financial assistance, shelter, education, skills training, healthcare, and legal assistance through a convergence of various national and local government agencies.

Aside from the provision of temporary shelter, each rebel returnee is entitled to PHP15,000 immediate assistance, PHP21,000 reintegration assistance, and PHP50,000 livelihood assistance, among other benefits.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146562

Medium-rise condo for soldiers, cops launched in Cebu City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2021): Medium-rise condo for soldiers, cops launched in Cebu City (By John Rey Saavedra)

HOUSING PROJECT. Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go (third left) is seen snapping photos of the crowd during the groundbreaking ceremony of the 13-story condominium-type housing project for the soldiers and policemen, at Barangay Pulangbato, Cebu City on Friday (July 9, 2021). Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino (second right) and NHA general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. (second left) accompanied Go in the 27th housing project of the Duterte administration. (PNA photo by John Rey Saavedra)

CEBU CITY – Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go on Friday led other government officials in the groundbreaking ceremony of a medium-rise condominium-type housing for the soldiers, policemen, and government workers.

The project called Southpark Residences situated in a 2.1-hectare site in Barangay Pulangbato, 15-kilometers from the city center, will have a total of 850 two-bedroom residential units, with each unit measuring 42-square meters, including a 2.5-square meter balcony.

In his speech, Go said the project is the 27th housing project being undertaken by the government in fulfillment of President Rodrigo Duterte’s promise to give the members of the uniformed service in the country affordable housing.

“The police and the military are our priority. Like what the administration did in 2018 when we raised their salary almost double. They are the partners in this administration in the war against drugs and criminality,” Go said in Cebuano.

He also cited the crucial role of the personnel of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Apart from being affordable where each beneficiary can pay as low as PHP9,000 per month, Go said the government will also provide them with PHP100,000 affront subsidy so that they can still have funds to purchase furniture, kitchen utensils, among other things they would need moving into their new homes.

“We still have three more housing projects for groundbreaking before the end of the term of President Duterte. I hope that the next administration will continue this project that will benefit our people,” Go said during a press conference.

The 13-story residential condominium will stand amid landscaped gardens, tree-lined roads, commercial facilities, and community amenities.

National Housing Authority general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. told reporters that the project, costing PHP1.6-billion, is expected to be finished in 2023.

“What happened in Pandi, Bulacan was the trigger why we have this project which is now better, bigger, and more comfortable housing for the police and the soldiers,” Escalada said in his speech.

He was referring to the AFP-PNP Housing Project in Bulacan that became the subject of criticism because of the smaller floor area measuring only 24-square meters, with the supposed beneficiaries describing it as “bahay ng kalapati” (dove house).

Escalada said the government has improved the floor areas in horizontal projects like single-detached housing to 60-square meters with two bedrooms, while those units in condominium type housing units have 42 to 45-square meters.

The country now has a total of 27,000 housing units for the police, soldiers, firemen, coast guards, and government employees.

In the Pulangbato project, Escalada said each beneficiary can get a unit for PHP1.9 million which is payable for 30 years.

In the afternoon, Go and Escalada flew to Bohol to inaugurate the same housing project in the municipality of Dauis.

Central Command (Centcom) commander Lt. General Roberto Ancan and Police Regional Office-7 chief Brig. General Ronnie Montejo, who both attended the groundbreaking ceremony, thanked Duterte for providing their men and women in uniform with decent housing.

“Nakita namon na (We see it that) these are very affordable for our soldiers, airmen, sailors, policemen with which they can have their own house. not only itong mga (these) condo, there are single detached units available. It’s up to them to choose which type they want,” Ancan told reporters in an interview.

He encouraged the soldiers to apply for housing loan so that they can avail of the housing project in Pulangbato this city.

Montejo said the police force in the region is very thankful to the President for providing them with the affordable housing project, stressing that this endeavor will uplift the lives of the cops especially those still renting houses in the slum areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146557

2 CPP-NPA supporters from Capiz yield

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2021): 2 CPP-NPA supporters from Capiz yield (By Perla Lena)

SURRENDER. Two supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to authorities in Dumarao, Capiz on July 7, 2021. They will be validated and recommended to avail of benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Interrogation Program. (Photo courtesy of Capiz Police Provincial Office)

The government’s campaign to end local communist armed conflict continues to bear fruit as two supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have surrendered to authorities in Dumarao, Capiz.

Col. Joem Malong, the spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6), said in an interview on Friday that the surrenderers, both residents of Barangay Bungsuan in Dumarao, presented themselves at the Dumarao Municipal Police Station on July 7, 2021.

"Ka Fidel", 66, and "Ka Kano", 31, decided to surrender to make it clear they no longer support the rebel movement, she added.

Malong said Ka Fidel was an active supporter of the CPP-NPA sometime in 1992 and became inactive starting November 17, 2017. He used to be a leader and speaker in every mass action in Roxas City.

He was also on the list of periodic status reports on a threat group known as the Regional White Area Committee (RWAC) and chair of the Kahublagan ng mga Mangunguma sa Capiz (Kamaca).

“After 29 years, Ka Fidel decided to disband the group to live a normal and fearless life. This motivated him to surrender to the government and also to clear his name,” Malong said.

On the other hand, Ka Kano served as security when revolutionary taxes were being collected.

He left in 2012, just after a year in the movement.

He also turned over two pistolized single-shot homemade shotguns without markings, three shotgun ammunition, and one 40mm grenade launcher projectile.

Malong said they will be profiled and validated to be able to avail of benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Interrogation Program (E-CLIP).

The spokesperson also credited the Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assigned in the area as well as barangay officials for being effective in convincing CPP-NPA supporters and members to return to the government's fold.

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/1146587

Akap Kapatid program benefits 20 ex-rebels in C. Luzon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2021): Akap Kapatid program benefits 20 ex-rebels in C. Luzon (By Zorayda Tecson)

REINTEGRATION. At least 20 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army from various areas in Central Luzon were given hope through a program that could help them return to mainstream society and live peacefully with their families. The Akap Kapatid program was launched Thursday (July 8, 2021) led by the Police Regional Office 3, in collaboration with the 7th Civil-Military Operations, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, and Central Luzon Cadre Team. (Photo by PRO-3)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – At least 20 former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) from various areas in Central Luzon were given hope through a program for them to return to society's mainstream and live peacefully with their families.

Col. Rommel A. Velasco, head of the Regional Community Affairs and Development Division 3 (RCADD 3), said on Friday the Akap Kapatid program was launched on Thursday in the region to prepare former rebels for reintegration into society.

The new program is led by the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO 3), in collaboration with the 7th Civil-Military Operations (CMO), 7th Infantry Division (ID), Philippine Army (PA), and Central Luzon Cadre Team.

Velasco said the program is a psycho-social intervention program and has two phases with the short term focusing on the self-assessment, psychosocial program, and confidence-building of participants.

The long-term will focus on the general welfare of the rebel returnees on how they can return to the community and live peacefully and sustainably.

“The most important is that they will be radicalized, the way they view the government will change and we have shown that the government looks after their welfare,” Col. David Poklay, head of the Regional Intelligence Division 3, said in official social media account post.

Aside from lectures, the former rebels were also given grocery packs through the PNP’s BARANGAYanihan Libreng Ayuda.

Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, PRO 3 deputy regional director for administration (DRDA), thanked the rebels who chose to surrender and urged them to convince others to join them by surrendering their weapons to the government.

He assured that the PRO 3, along with other member agencies of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), would continue to assist rebel returnees in their peaceful and successful reintegration into society.

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/1146535

2 AFP senior officers promoted to higher rank

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2021): 2 AFP senior officers promoted to higher rank (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PROMOTED. AFP chief, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (center) poses for a photo opportunity with newly-promoted senior officers, Rear Admiral Antonio Palces (left) and Brig. Gen. Mark Edwin Moro (right) during their donning ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday (July 8, 2021). Palces is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training (J-8) while Moro is the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff of Communication, Electronics and Information Systems (J-6). (Photo courtesy of AFP)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, on Thursday personally presided over the donning ceremonies of two newly-promoted senior military officials.

Promoted were Rear Admiral Antonio Palces and Brig. Gen. Mark Edwin Moro. The ceremony was held at the Bulwagang Balangiga of the General Headquarters Building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“Our honorees possess impeccable service reputations that undoubtedly befitted them with distinct attributes as competent and committed officers and leaders of the AFP,” Sobejana said in a statement Friday.

Palces is the Deputy Chief of Staff for Education and Training (J-8) while Moro holds the position of Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff of Communication, Electronics and Information Systems (J-6).

The promotion to a higher rank in the military organization is one of the enduring demonstrations of the tradition of excellence and professionalism in the noble profession of arms.

Sobejana congratulated the honorees including their families for achieving the milestone while reminding the officers of their obligations as leaders of the AFP.

“This is truly a huge milestone in your respective careers, I, therefore, ask that you take time to reflect on the significance of this promotion. May it also serve as a reminder of the higher responsibilities and greater expectations of the organization and the Filipino people,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146500

Super Tucano aircraft in landing mishap repairable: PAF

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2021): Super Tucano aircraft in landing mishap repairable: PAF (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said the Embraer A-29B "Super Tucano" attack aircraft which was recently damaged during a "routine" maintenance check flight is repairable and will be returned immediately to service once the needed parts and technicians arrive from Brazil.

"The damages on the aircraft are all reparable and Embraer will provide the parts at no cost to the PAF," it said in a statement posted on its Facebook page late Thursday.

The PAF said the aircraft was damaged following a routine maintenance equipment check flight (ECF) in Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

At the time of the mishap, the aircraft was being flown by a Brazilian instructor pilot from Embraer as "pilot-in-command" with the PAF 15th Strike Wing commander as "observer/passenger" during the flight.

"The aircraft sustained some damage during landing in Clark. The Brazilian Instructor Pilot had full control of the aircraft and responsibility for the flight. The Wing Commander was just a mere passenger observing the performance and flight characteristics of the aircraft as part of his functions," the PAF said.

Based on the assessment made by the aircraft manufacturer, the structural integrity of the aircraft is "very much intact and by replacing the component parts that were damaged, it will be put back to operational status."

The PAF said this was a commitment made by Embraer's top management and the aircraft will be immediately returned to service the soonest possible time.

Both the pilot and the observer did not sustain any injuries during the incident.

"The investigation by PAF and Embraer found that the Brazilian Embraer instructor pilot failed to initiate a go-around and prevent a positive landing. Embraer considered the event a minor flight incident that normally happens during flights," the Air Force added.

And per its contract, Embraer will assume full responsibility for the aircraft throughout the duration of the training period.

"That is why during this period, all the Super Tucano aircraft can only be flown if an Embraer pilot is also present in the flight," the PAF added.

Four of the A-29B close-support attack aircraft arrived on September 19 while the remaining two arrived on October 1.

Embraer pilots flew the aircraft from the company airfield in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and made fueling stops in the Canary Islands, Portugal, Malta, Egypt, Bangladesh, the United Arab Emirates, India, Thailand, and Vietnam before landing in the Philippines.

The A-29B aircraft were earlier scheduled to be delivered by the end of July 2020 but the pandemic and subsequent travel bans skewed the delivery timetables.

The "Super Tucano" is a turboprop aircraft designed for light attack, counter-insurgency, close air support, aerial reconnaissance missions in low threat environments, as well as providing pilot training.

The contract for the six aircraft is worth PHP4.97 billion and was issued in late 2017.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146522

NPA attack in Samar another unjustifiable act: CHR

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9, 2021): NPA attack in Samar another unjustifiable act: CHR (By Marita Moaje)

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has condemned the latest attack by the New People’s Army against government troops in Eastern Samar and vowed to conduct an inquiry of its own.

CHR Deputy Spokesperson Marc Louis Siapno, in a statement issued on Friday, said “no ideology can justify violations of human rights nor be used as a reason to excuse themselves from any accountability”.

To recall, a member of the Philippine Army’s 52nd Infantry Battalion and two militiamen were killed while six others were injured after NPA members detonated three anti-personnel mines (APM) in Jipapad, Eastern Samar early Wednesday.

The Police Regional Office in Eastern Samar said 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 rebels in Sitio Cabatas, Barangay 4.

The report stated that the soldiers were about 70 meters away from the detachment when the APMs exploded simultaneously.

The CHR stressed in its statement that even non-state actors should comply with the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“In this incident, the indiscriminate use of improvised explosive devices, including landmines, continues to fail in distinguishing between civilians and combatants and protect especially civilians and communities from the ill effects of armed conflict, which violates the spirit of IHL,” Siapno said.

He said that through its regional office in Central Visayas, the CHR will pursue an independent probe.

The CHR sent its condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for a quick recovery of those wounded.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1146581