MILF: JPST heightens role as peacekeeping force

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Jul 17, 2021): JPST heightens role as peacekeeping force

17JULY

In photo-BTA MP Abdullah Macapaar (center) cuts the ribbon during the inauguration of a pre-fabricated station in Brgy Panggao, Munai, Lanao Del Norte on June 26 (PHOTO BY OPAPP)

BRGY. PANGGAO, MUNAI, LANAO DEL NORTE July 2, 2021) --- Another 30 new members joined the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) deployed in this town, as a prefabricated station was also completed and turned over to the JPST team here on June 26.

The JPST station was built with funding support from the Embassy of Japan, and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through its Support to Peacebuilding and Normalization Programme (SPAN). 

The facility was constructed by Philkoei International and Tokai-Kogyo. 

The JPST is a composite peacekeeping force composed of 15 representatives from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front - Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (MILF-BIAF), 7 from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and 8 from the Philippine National Police.

It is a key component of the Normalization track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), and is mainly tasked to track and document private armed groups, and help in the reduction and control of weapons; support the observance of the existing ceasefire agreement to address and prevent hostilities; work on security arrangements for activities related to and personalities involved in the peace process; and support dispute resolution initiatives on the ground. 

Continued support to the peace process

In his remarks, Winston Camarinas, head of the UNDP Cotabato Office, said: “Ang opening ng JPST station here ay hindi lamang po opening of the structure but it is a symbolic (push) for the cooperation ng lahat ng stakeholders.”

“UNDP will continue the support and we commit ourselves to continue to support the process sa pag implement ng peace process at the same time pagsuporta sa pagsulong ng lokal na kapayapaan dito sa area,” Camarinas added. 

In his message read by UNDP staff member Lisa Custodia, Okada Fumiaki, first secretary of the Embassy of Japan, said that the Japanese government will continue to support the implementation of the Bangsamoro peace process. 

“As the peace process of Mindanao is developing, the Japanese Government and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will continue and further expand the cooperation for the transition to Bangsamoro Autonomous Government, the Normalization process and improvement of socioeconomic infrastructures.” 

Over the years, Japan has actively supported the GPH-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace process through various development projects. 

The Japanese government’s donations to the JPST have included 12 Toyota Hilux pick trucks, 1 Toyota Fortuner SUV, 6 dropside trucks, 40 motorcycles and construction of 10 JPST stations. 

These equipment and facilities have provided a major boost to JPSTs deployed in the Bangsamoro.

Beacon of hope

Munai Mayor Racma Andamama said her municipality fully supports the Bangsamoro peace process. 

Andamama believes that the deployment of the JPST in her municipality will help sustain peace and stability in the area. 

“Ito pong pagkakaroon ng JPST dito sa Brgy. Panggao, ito na ang magiging simula na magtutulungan ang ating pinag-isang AFP, PNP at mga BIAF para mapanatili ang kapayapaan," the mayor said.

"On behalf of the LGU Munai, basta ang usapan ay para sa kapayapaan, palagi po kaming nakasuporta dahil ‘iyan din ang pangunahing gusto namin para sa munisipyo ng Munai,” she added. 

Meanwhile, Colonel Charlemagne Batayola, deputy commander of the 2nd Mechanized Brigade, noted that the creation of the JPST is a symbol of unity and cooperation among all stakeholders in their common quest for long-lasting peace.

“This JPST is a solemn symbolism and a beacon of hope that all of us here today wants to attain -- lasting peace and conflict development not only for our MILF brothers and sisters or MNLF brothers or sisters but for everyone living in these peaceful communities,” Batayola said.

Member of the Parliament Abdullah Macapaar pointed out that government peace and development initiatives will not succeed if the people do not support them. 

“Ang programa ng ating gobyerno ay mapanatili ang kapayapaan. Muslim o Christian man sana tumulong tayo sa pag implement sa mga programa ng ating Presidente. Tayo ay magkaisa at magtulungan,” Macapaar said. 

JPSC as peacekeeping force

According to Brigadier General Francisco Ariel Felicidario, co-chair of the Joint Peace and Security Committee, the JPST deployed in Balindong in Lanao del Sur helped solve a rido in Balindong. 

He clarified that it is not the role of JPSTs to carry out military offensives, but to help solve rido cases and to help sustain peace in the Bangsamoro. 

“Hindi kayo pang opensiba unless atakihin kayo at kailangan ninyong depensahan ang mga sarili ninyo. Kayo ay andyan para tumulong na mapanatili ang kapayapaan,” Felicidario said.

“Kayo ay andyan para tumulong sa pamahalaan at lalong lalo na sa mga komunidad na maayos ang mga rido na kung minsan nagiging dahilan sa mabagal na pag unlad ng isang komunidad,” he added.

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2347/jpst_heightens_role_as_peacekeeping_force

CPP/Primers: ISAKDAL! | Ang Sampung Pinakamalaking Krimen ni Rodrigo Duterte

Propaganda primers/resources posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 17, 2021): ISAKDAL! | Ang Sampung Pinakamalaking Krimen ni Rodrigo Duterte

PRIMERS | RESOURCES
JULY 17, 2021

Download here
Pilipino: PDF

Sa huling taon ni Rodrigo Duterte sa poder, nahaharap ang mamamayan sa matinding hamon para singilin at papanagutin siya at ang kanyang mga upisyal at heneral sa lahat ng kanilang mga krimen sa bayan. Walang kapantay na pinsala sa buhay at kabuhayan ng mamamayan ang idinulot ng limang taon niyang panunungkulan sa poder. Alinsunod sa kanyang mga utos, puu-puong libo ang pinaslang ng kanyang mga armadong pwersa.

Sinikil niya ang lahat ng mga humadlang sa kanyang ambisyong maging diktador at ipinailalim sa animo’y batas militar ang buong bansa. Ginamit niya ang pandemyang Covid-19 para lalupang palakasin ang tiraniko niyang paghahari.

Ngayon pa lamang, malinaw na ang pangungunyapit ni Duterte sa poder lampas sa 2022. Inihahanda na niya ang buong makinarya ng estado para dayain at agawin ang nalalapit na eleksyon. Sakaling mahirapang isagawa sa harap ng malaking pagtutol, laging nakahanda ang reserbang hakbang na ipataw ang pasistang diktadura bilang huling akto ng desperasyon.

Kailangang idiin na ang pagwawakas sa kanya—sa anyo ng pagpapabitiw, pagpapatalsik o sa eleksyon sa 2022—ang pinakagyat na tungkulin ng lahat ng mga demokratikong pwersa para makabawi ang mamamayan at bansa sa madugo, mapang-api at mapagsamantala niyang paghahari.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/17/isakdal-ang-sampung-pinakamalaking-krimen-ni-rodrigo-duterte/

CPP/News: Assembly of 20 barrios held in Eastern Visayas, defies AFP combat operations

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 17, 2021): Assembly of 20 barrios held in Eastern Visayas, defies AFP combat operations

NEWS STORIES
JULY 17, 2021

“The constant support and unity of the masses and the New People’s Army serve as motivation for them to confront the relentless military operations, in the guise of Community Support Program.”

In a report featured in Larab, revolutionary publication in Eastern Visayas, a local NPA unit in a guerrilla front in the region was able to hold a meeting of peasant masses from 20 barangays and sitios and forge a plan to frustrate the “surrender” campaigns being conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and to resolutely advance the people’s democratic revolution to defeat the Duterte regime’s oppression and fascism.

The assembly heard reports that since April, reactionary state forces have relentlessly conducted forced surrenders, interrogations, illegal arrests and killings in their areas. One attendee lamented not having been unable to get in touch with the Red fighters during the wave of attacks, but reiterated their continued determination to wage revolution.

Since the first half of 2021, Duterte’s fascist troops have been scouring the hinterlands of Eastern Visayas in an attempt to defeat the NPA. The region ranks third with the most number of victims of human rights violations, next to North Central Mindanao and Southern Tagalog. Currently, there are about 15 military and police battalions deployed in the area.

Despite the AFP’s efforts to detach the masses from the NPA, they will not be able to stop the masses to act together and frustrate Duterte’s all-out war.

https://cpp.ph/2021/07/17/assembly-of-20-barrios-held-in-eastern-visayas-defies-afp-combat-operations/

Kalinaw News: 17 Former Extremist Fighters Received Provisional Livelihood Assistance

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 16, 2021): 17 Former Extremist Fighters Received Provisional Livelihood Assistance



Camp Siongco, Maguindanao – Seventeen former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) formally received provisional livelihood assistance from the Provincial Government of Maguindanao through its “Anak Na May Ginintuang Layunin – Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon (AGILA-HAVEN) Program” at the Provincial Capitol, Buluan, Maguindanao on July 13, 2021.

Fourteen of them were from the BIFF-Bungos Faction and three were from the BIFF-Karialan Faction. They have withdrawn their supports from their respective groups in order to embrace peace and development in their communities. The AGILA-HAVEN Program with the special intervention of Datu Piang Mayor, Hon. Victor Samama provided them with farm machinery (large capacity tractors and hand tractors) for their farming activities.

Among those who witnessed the program were: Brigadier General Jose Narciso, Assistant Division Commander of Joint Task Force Central; Maguindanao Governor, Bai Mariam Mangudadatu; Datu Piang Municipal Mayor, Victor Samama; Ariel Hernandez, Chairman Joint Normalization Committee, OPAPP and Police Colonel Donald Madamba, Provincial Director Maguindanao – PPO.

“To the 17 former violent extremists, humahanga kami sa inyong katapangan na bumalik sa tamang landas at sumuko sa batas. Asahan ninyo na hindi kayo pababayaan ng Probinsya at ng Gobyerno, at tutulungan kayo sa inyong pagsisimula. Sana, ang livelihood assistance na ito na handog sa inyo ng AGILA HAVEN ay lumago pa, at maging malaking tulong sa pagpapayabong ninyo ng inyong kabuhayan at sa inyong bagong buhay”, said Brigadier General Narciso.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/17-former-extremist-fighters-received-provisional-livelihood-assistance/

Kalinaw News: Escalante villagers reject NPA terrorists – Brigadier General Pasaporte

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 16, 2021): Escalante villagers reject NPA terrorists – Brigadier General Pasaporte



CAMP GERONA, Murcia, Negros Occidental — The recent clash between government forces and the Communists-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Escalante City is a proof that the communist terrorist group has lost the support from the populace and does not want the presence of the NPAs in Brgy Malasibog village, Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander said earlier on July 16, 2021.

Acting on the information provided by the local populace on the presence of armed NPAs, elements of 79th Infantry Battalion conducted security patrol to verify the information provided and while at vicinity of Brgy Malasibog, they were fired upon by undetermined number of Communists-NPA Terrorists (CNTs), which prompted the troops to retaliate. A firefight ensued and lasted for 5 minutes resulting to the death of an NPA terrorist member identified as Wilson Yanog Jr y Enrolizo, a resident of Sitio Tinibiangan, Brgy Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental and the capture of two (2) NPA terrorist members identified as Joel Manguiran @ BAROY and Jessie Labisto

Brigadier General Pasaporte lauded the efforts of the civilian populace of Brgy Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental for reporting the presence of CNTs. The people of Brgy Malasibog are already fed-up with the deception and manipulative schemes of the terrorist NPAs and their cohorts.

Elements of 79th Infantry Battalion were able to retrieved from the encounter site one (1) cal. 45 pistol; one (1) 9mm pistol; nine (9) 9mm ammunition; nine (9) cellular phones; backpacks with personal belongings and voluminous subversive documents related to the NPA terrorist group especially on their extortion activity.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Pasaporte said, “the people of Escalante City, especially the people of Brgy Malasibog have expressed their courage, cooperation and concern in securing and protecting their community by reporting the presence of the NPA terrorists. I recognize their continuous efforts in doing so. We can prevent the NPA terrorist group from disrupting the serenity of the community. The Escalantehanon are wiser in choosing peace and development for their family and the community over the Communist NPA Terrorists”.

“Your Army together with the Local Government Units in Negros Occidental is hoping that the remaining NPA members, who are victims of deception, will come down, return to the folds of law and abandon the armed struggle espoused by the NPA terrorist group. Take advantage of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which can help you start a new and peaceful life”, he added.

The local government’s rejection of the NPA is in connection with EO 70 that created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). The declaration means treating the presence of the communist terrorist group as unwelcome and unacceptable in their communities.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/escalante-villagers-reject-npa-terrorists-brigadier-general-pasaporte/

Kalinaw News: Intensified Ops of Army and PNP Neutralize 1 NPA Member, Overrun Enemies’ Hideout and Seize High-powered Firearms and Terroristic Propaganda Materials

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 16, 2021): Intensified Ops of Army and PNP Neutralize 1 NPA Member, Overrun Enemies’ Hideout and Seize High-powered Firearms and Terroristic Propaganda Materials



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur- Defying the call of the government to abandon the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), another communist NPA terrorist (CNT) threw his life away for a useless cause after an armed skirmish in Daraga, Albay at around 6 o’clock in the morning, Friday, July 16.

The encounter stemmed from a report of a concerned citizen who spotted an undetermined number of CNTs in Barangay Canarom who were trying to recruit new members including minors.

Combined elements from 31st Infantry Battalion (31IB), 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company (93DRC) under the operational control of 903rd Infantry Brigade and 2nd Albay Provincial Mobile Force Company (2PMFC), Albay Police Provincial Office of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5) immediately conducted security operations and encountered at least ten CTG members.

After a fierce gunfight, government troops overran the enemies’ hideout causing the communist terrorists to scamper towards different directions abandoning the killed terrorist member behind.

Also seized from the encounter site were two M16 rifles, three anti-personnel mines, two molotov bombs, M16 magazines and ammunition, 14-meter wire, bandolier, two laptops, five cellphones, personal belongings and terroristic propaganda materials.

Lieutenant Colonel Eric Culvera, Battalion Commander of 31IB ordered his troops to continue scouring the area to prevent the fleeing CNTs from forcibly taking shelter in the residences of innocent civilians.

“Sa mga taga Daraga, naririyan po ang ating mga kasundaluhan upang tiyakin ang inyong seguridad. Hindi natin hahayaang bulabugin kayo ng mga teroristang ito”, Lieutenant Colonel Culvera said.

Meanwhile, Colonel Aldwine Almase thanked the concerned citizens for the prompt report which led to the said armed clash.

“‘Hindi lang isang concerned citizen ang nagsumbong kundi isang magulang na nagmamalasakit sa kaniyang anak at sa mga kabataang susubukan sanang linlangin ng mga teroristang ito. Daan-daan na ang sumukong mga miyembro at tagasuporta ng CTG kaya nagkukumahog na silang maghanap ng panibagong mga biktima. Subalit mulat na ang mamamayan sa kanilang totoong layunin kaya wala na silang malilinlang pa”, Colonel Almase said.

Police Brigadier General Jonnel Estomo, Regional Director of PRO-5, on the other hand, stressed that the PNP is one with the Army in its all-out war against the CTG.

“Ang PNP po ay mananatiling nakasuporta sa mga kampaya ng JTF Bicolandia at aktibong makikibahagi sa mga proyekto ng RTF-ELCAC para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng Bicol”, Police Brigadier General Estomo said.

Furthermore, Major General Henry A Robinson Jr PA, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, commended the effective interoperability of the Army and PNP in the continuous implementation of joint operations to eliminate the CTG.

“Masaya tayong tuloy-tuloy ang magagandang resulta ng kampanya natin para matuldukan ang problema sa insurhensya. Patunay ito na pinakikinggan ng mga Bicolano dito sa mainland ang panawagan nating gayahin nila ang mga Masbateño na seryoso at pursigidong wakasan ang armadong tunggalian. Patuloy din tayong nananawagan sa mga kapatid nating miyembro ng CTG na magbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan upang huwag ng madagdagan pa ang bilang ng mga komunistang terorista na nasasayang ang buhay dahil sa walang saysay na kilusang ito. Ginagamit lamang kayo ni Jose Maria Sison at ng mga kurakot at mapanlinlang na lider ng CTG”, Police Brigadier General Robinson said.

It can be recalled that this year alone, as the 9ID, Philippine Army and PRO5 of PNP intensify their operations against the terrorist group, several CTG members died in armed encounters which include the four CTG casualties in Barangay Toytoy, Garchitorena, Camarines Sur last February 1 and the three others in Barangay Anas, Masbate City last June 8.

However, CTG members and supporters who desired to live a peaceful life and who witnessed how ruthless, cruel and inhuman their leaders are, finally decided to withdraw their membership and support from the CPP-NPA-NDF. Among them were the whopping 505 who yielded in Masbate from June 18-28, 2021.

At the moment, there is a steady rise in the number of surrenderees all over Bicol particularly in Masbate province while government troops continue to sustain the momentum against the CTG through successful operations along with the government’s peace programs and initiatives under the banner of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

JTF Bicolandia believes that these successful security operations are the results of the unified efforts of the government, security sector and the Bicolanos who strongly despise CTGs’ acts of terrorism that claimed numerous innocent lives and obstructs the country’s progress and development in the countryside.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/intensified-operations-of-army-and-pnp-lead-to-neutralization-to-one-npa-member-overrun-enemies-hideout-and-seize-high-powered-firearms-and-terroristic-propaganda-materials/

Kalinaw News: Two Top-Ranking CARAGA CPP-NPA Leaders Captured in a Joint AFP-PNP Law Enforcement Operations in Quezon City

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 16, 2021): Two Top-Ranking CARAGA CPP-NPA Leaders Captured in a Joint AFP-PNP Law Enforcement Operations in Quezon City



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City – Two (2) Top Ranking Communist Party of the Philippines – New Peoples Army Terrorist (CNT) Leaders of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) in CARAGA were arrested in a joint AFP-PNP law enforcement operations in Quezon City at early dawn today.

The arrested CNT Leaders of the Regional White Area Committee (RWAC) of the NEMRC were identified as JULIETA GOMEZ y Tawide alias Tina, Secretary of Regional Urban Committee, NEMRC; Deputy Secretary RWAC NEMRC; Member of Regional Tax Implementing Group; KASALO Chairman; member RTIG NEMRC; 39, y/o, Filipino, female, single, jobless and a resident of Purok 2, Mahayahay, San Luis, Agusan del Sur; and NIEZEL VELASCO y Duaso alias Mary Jane Velasco, Regional Liaison of NEMRC; 39 y/o, Filipino, female, single, jobless and a resident of Purok Tulay, Brgy. San Agustin Sur, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Joint operatives of the PNP and AFP units served the Warrant of Arrests in Kaingin 1, Brgy Pasol, Quezon City, Metro Manila against the above-named suspects for the crime of MURDER and two (2) ATTEMPTED MURDERS under Criminal Case Nos. 8113-20, 20-3747 and CR-2021-84 issued by HON. EDWIN M. MALAZARTE, Judge, RTC, 11th Judicial Region, Br 27, Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur, HON. LILIBETH O. LADAGA, Presiding Judge, RTC, 11th Judicial Region, Br 28, Lianga, Surigao Del Sur and HON. FERNANDO R. TUDALAN, JR., Presiding Judge, RTC, 10th Judicial Region, Br 34, Cabadbaran City, Agusan Del Norte with NO BAIL, PHP100,000.00 and PHP120,000.00 bail RECOMMENDED, respectively.

Confiscated incidental to their arrest and witnessed by Barangay Chairman, Joseph P. Mahusay and Barangay Tanod Zane M. Cezar of Brgy. Pansol of Quezon City are the following:

4 – M4 5.56 Rifles
1 – 9MM Parabellum pistol with SN OSL123156
1 pc 9MM magazine with 14 pcs live ammo
10 pcs rifle barrels
8 pcs subversive documents (books and booklet)
1 pc New People’s Army (NPA) flag
1000 pcs live ammo of caliber 7.62
1 pc travelling bag color black
1 pc hand grenade smoke riot
1 pc M26 hand grenade (practice)
1 pc hand grenade PRB 423
1 unit cellphone Vivo 11 color black
1 unit cellphone Huawei color blue

In his statement, Major General Romeo S Brawner Jr, Commander of the 4th Infantry ‘Diamond’ Division (4ID), said that the fall of the said Top-Ranking CNT Leaders was a result of the convergence of efforts of the AFP and PNP and other law enforcement agencies.

“AFP-PNP troops tirelessly tracked down these CPP-NPA Leaders. With the help of information from civilian residents, we were able to neutralize and finally bring them to justice to face their crimes for pestering communities and sabotaging the peace and development that the Caraganons were longing for,” Major General Brawner Jr said.

Major General Brawner Jr also underscored the abuse and inequality among the CPP-NPA rank and file as the leaders were comfortably hiding in a cozy place while their ordinary members has been experiencing hunger and some were already captured and died after being always on the run due to 4ID’s relentless security operations in the AOR.

“I enjoin everyone to condemn the barbaric killings perpetrated by the CNTs and for instilling fear towards our people. While we offer better opportunities for those who will voluntary return to live in peace, we shall run after the murderers who has no regard on the lives and welfare of our people,” Major General Brawner Jr stressed.

Arrested persons were apprised of their constitutional rights and the nature of their offense and was brought to RFU NCR for documentation and proper disposition.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/two-top-ranking-caraga-cpp-npa-leaders-captured-in-a-joint-afp-pnp-law-enforcement-operations-in-quezon-city/

Kalinaw News: Former rebels, supporter get assorted vegetable seeds and farm tools in Aurora

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 16, 2021): Former rebels, supporter get assorted vegetable seeds and farm tools in Aurora



BALER, Aurora – Some 27 former rebels (FRs) and Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) mass supporters received assorted vegetable seeds and farm tools at Barangay Cozo in the town of Casiguran in this province on Thursday, July 15, 2021.

Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P Rubio, Battalion Commander of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division Philippine Army said in an interview on Friday that personnel of Bravo Company led by Sergeant Ludwig P Guilleno – Civil Military Officer Non – Commissioned Officer under the supervision of 1st Lieutenant Jevie J Sagragao-Officer-in-Charge (OIC) facilitated the successful awarding together with Arnold B. Novicio-Provincial Agriculture, Leonisa T. Curitana-Municipal Agricultural Office of Casiguran, Zenaida S. Castaneda Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) and Barangay Captain Emelita Curitana.

Lieutenant Colonel Rubio said that the activity was also part of the “Plant, Plant, Plant” campaign of the government of the municipal and provincial government of Aurora under the Department of Agriculture (DA) as part of the whole-of-nation approach to increase food sufficiency level.

“We encourage others to ensure sustained food production and availability, to encourage home-based gardening and even in their farms to produce fresh and healthy food in their backyard among others,” Lieutenant Colonel Rubio said.

He added that there is a need to ensure food productivity, availability and sufficiency particularly in this covid-19 pandemic.

“We are on the move to establish community gardens in their (surrenderees) respective places with vacant areas so they can plant, propagate, and produce their vegetable needed,” Lieutenant Colonel Rubio said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebels-supporter-get-assorted-vegetable-seeds-and-farm-tools-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: 14 “Friends Rescued” receive assistance from Provincial Government of Bukidnon

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 16, 2021): 14 “Friends Rescued” receive assistance from Provincial Government of Bukidnon



ARAKAN, COTABATO – The Provincial Government of Bukidnon headed by Hon. Jose Maria R Zubiri Jr thru the collaboration of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and 72nd Infantry “Gabay” Battalion handed-over assistance to 14 Former Rebels from Kibawe and Kitaotao, all of Bukidnon at PSWDO, Capitol Site, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon earlier today, July 16, 2021.

The 14 beneficiaries came from the two Municipalities of Bukidnon; Kibawe and Kitaotao and received one sack of rice each and boxes of canned goods from the Provincial Government of Bukidnon. The said program is part of the implementation of Executive Order 70 that primarily aims to institutionalized the whole of nation approach in sustaining and attaining a peaceful and conflict-resilient community as an effective approach to totally end the wrong beliefs and ideologies of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). It aims to bring the Government closer to the people and address their issues and concerns.

The activity was graced and facilitated by Ms. Ceferina O Caiña, PSWDO; LTC Jose C Regonay Jr, Commanding Officer 72IB; 2LT Calvin John Claunan, Executive Officer, Bravo Company; 14 Beneficiaries; staff from the PSWDO; and troops of Bravo Company, 72IB.

The Government and 72IB called on the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) to surrender to the folds of the real government and embrace the benefits given by our government. The unit assured that it will continue to do its mandated duty to maintain peace and order in Bukidnon.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/14-friends-rescued-receive-assistance-from-provincial-government-of-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: NPA Burns Civilian Equipment, Violates IHL anew in Surigao del Norte

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 17, 2021): NPA Burns Civilian Equipment, Violates IHL anew in Surigao del Norte



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Patag, Cagayan De Oro City – The Communist Party of the Philippines – New Peoples Army Terrorists (CNTs) once again violated the International Humanitarian Law as it attacked and burned civilian equipment yesterday in Sitio Kinalablaban, Brgy Cagdianao, Claver, Surigao del Norte.

Six (6) heavy equipment (backhoes) owned by general contractors of Platinum Group Metal Corporation (PGMC) were deliberately burned by members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) belonging to SYP16C1, GF16, NEMRC under Roel T. Neniell alias JACOB. Four (4) of the backhoes belong to CKDI construction while two (2) belong to Queens Construction.

In his statement, MGEN ROMEO S BRAWNER JR, Commander of the 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, said that the recent atrocities conducted by the CNTs in Caraga are part of a grand plan to divert the government forces’ attention and disrupt the security operations against their armed group.

“The CNTs are on the run. They conduct atrocities whenever they are trapped hoping to ease up pressure from our troops that are relentlessly pursuing them”, MGen Brawner said.

MGen Brawner Jr stressed that the burning of said equipment will affect families as it is their source of livelihood. “This is obviously an anti-people act of the CNTs and will leave many people jobless. It is a blatant violation as civilian property cannot be a target of attack as stipulated under International Humanitarian law. We are once again saddened by these unnecessary destruction of equipment by the NPAs who for the longest time sabotage and disrupt the peace and development efforts of the government”.

“This is utter disregard and disrespect of IHL. This must be stopped. I urge the CPP-NPA to leave the people alone! They already suffer from all the terror you inflict upon them. Hence, we your Army, commit in bringing forth the perpetrators to justice as we continue to run after them and relentlessly pursue them”, MGen Brawner Jr added.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-burns-civilian-equipment-violates-ihl-anew-in-surigao-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: Disgruntled BIFF militants yield in Maguindanao

From the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 17, 2021): Disgruntled BIFF militants yield in Maguindanao



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – July 17, 2021

Three members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Frighters laid down their arms and returned to the folds of the law on July 16, 2021

According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command, around 3:30 p.m. Friday, the three surrendered to the 57th Infantry Battalion and handed over one M1 Garand rifle with one clip and seven rounds of ammunition, one Carbine rifle with one magazine and fourteen rounds of ammunition, and one 1911 cal. 45 pistol with one magazine and seven rounds of ammunition.

The surrendered personalities were subsequently presented to Col. Eduardo Gubat, Commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade.

Col. Gubat said the three are members of the Bungos Faction. Their identities are not revealed for security purposes.

“The three revealed that they are not satisfied with the method of administration of their leaders,” Col. Gubat stated.

They are currently undergoing custodial debriefing at the 603Bde TCP in Sitio Iking, Barangay Romongaob, South Upi, Maguindanao.

According to Col. Gubat, the successful surrender of the three BIFF members is attributedto the efforts of the 57IB and the intelligence units.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central commended the troops for this accomplishment.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. called on the remaining BIFF members to come out. “Rest assured that we will assist them in their reintegration”.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/disgruntled-biff-militants-yield-in-maguindanao/

1 dead, 2 captured

From Panay News (Jul 17, 2021): Army vs ‘Reds’: 1 dead, 2 captured (BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA)

A suspected New People’s Army rebel died in an encounter with government troops in Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) insurgent was killed and two others were captured in Barangay Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental early Thursday morning.

The fatality was identified as Wilson Yanog of Sitio Tinibiangan, Barangay Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

The two others arrested were Joel Manguiran and Jessie Labisto.

Major Cenon Pancito, Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) spokesperson, said the three were remnants of the NPA’s North Negros Front.

According to Pancito, elements of the Alpha Company of the 79th Infantry Battalion were sent to Barangay Malasibog after receiving information from residents about several armed individuals in the area.

While heading to the area, Pancito said the troops crossed paths with a riding-in-tandem, which motorcycle matched a vehicle reportedly used by an NPA asset.

The troops ordered the motorcycle driver to stop, however, the latter reportedly sped away. This prompted the soldiers to contact a separate unit.

The separate unit then encountered the motorcycle and this time the riders opened fire, prompting the soldiers to return fire.

One of the riders died; the other managed to escape on foot.

Meanwhile, the main unit also encountered a multi-cab just a few minutes after the gun battle, and when troops checked the vehicle, they discovered that one of the occupants was armed, prompting them to make the arrest.

A search of the multi-cab revealed that it was carrying subversive documents and a computer hard drive with high intelligence value, as well as food supplies.

Pancito said they believed the multi-cab was used as a “resupply vehicle” for the NPA insurgents in the area.

The two individuals they arrested in the multi-cab are now under the custody of the Escalante City police station.

https://www.panaynews.net/army-vs-reds-1-dead-2-captured/

Army says NPA remnants attempt to re-organize in northern Negros

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 17, 2021): Army says NPA remnants attempt to re-organize in northern Negros (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The assorted items, including firearms and a CPP-NPA flag, recovered by Army soldiers during an encounter with suspected NPA rebels in Brgy. Malasibog, Escalante City recently*

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said yesterday that there was an attempt of New People’s Army remnants in northern Negros to reorganize the dismantled guerilla front.

Maj. Cenon Pancito, 3ID spokesman, said the communist rebels encountered by the 79th Infantry Battalion on July 15 in Sitio Acacia, Brgy. Malasibog, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, were on a resupply mission, as evidenced by the assorted personnel belongings, foodstuff, and water containers, aside from two firearms with ammunition, cellular phones, subversive documents, and a CPP-NPA flag recovered by government troops.

The brief encounter claimed the life of Wilson Yanog Jr., a resident of Sitio Tinibiayangan, Brgy. Minapasuk, Calatrava, and the capture of Joel Manguiran Baroy, of Brgy. Bago, Salvador Benedicto, and Jessie Labisto, of Brgy. Lalong, Calatrava.

Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, 79IB commander, said that Baroy and Labisto, who are rebel supporters, were paid to deliver the goods.

Also recovered by 79IB troopers were a maroon multi-cab vehicle loaded with goods, driven by Baroy, and the motorcycle of Yanog, the Escalante City Police Station said.

Yanog died on the spot, while his companion, who was on a motorcycle, managed to escape, the police added.

Baroy and Labisto are now detained at the Escalante City Police Station custodial facility.

The Northern Negros and South East Front of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor were among the two NPA guerrilla fronts claimed to have been dismantled by the Philippine Army last year.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/army-says-npa-remnants-attempt-to-re-organize-in-northern-negros/

Arevalo steps down as AFP spox, training command chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17, 2021): Arevalo steps down as AFP spox, training command chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CHANGE OF COMMAND. AFP acting chief, Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria (left), leads the retirement ceremony for AFP Education, Training, and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC) chief and concurrent spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Friday. Arevalo was replaced by Brig. Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III as AFPETDC chief while the military has yet to name his replacement as spokesperson. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo on Friday formally stepped down as commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Education, Training, and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC) and military spokesperson.

Arevalo will bow out of military service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on July 18.

He was replaced as AFPETDC chief by Brig. Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III in a joint retirement and change of command ceremony at the Tejeros Hall in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“Throughout his military service, MGen Arevalo competently fulfilled various critical roles in the AFP. As the Commander, AFPETDC, and concurrent AFP spokesperson, he continued to perform these crucial and demanding positions. (He) has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in the service and the AFP will always be grateful to you,” acting AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria, who presided over the ceremony, said in a statement Saturday.

The AFP has yet to announce a new spokesperson.

Before his post as AFPETDC chief, Arevalo served as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, J7; acting Commander and Deputy Commander of the Civil Relations Service of the AFP; Chief of the Public Affairs Office of the AFP; and Commander of the Philippine Navy Civil Military Operations Group, among various positions.

He was awarded four Distinguished Service Stars, a Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry, a Kapanalig sa Kapayapaan, a Meritorious Achievement Medal, two Chief of Staff AFP Commendation Medals, and four Gawad sa Kaunlaran, among many other medals and campaign ribbons.

Arevalo served as spokesperson for eight AFP chiefs of staff.

Meanwhile, Felicidario served in Mindanao as commander of the 102nd and 101st infantry brigades; Assistant Division Commander of the 11th Infantry Division; and most recently as chief of the AFP Peace and Development Office (AFPPDO).

“With your brand of leadership, wisdom, and wealth of experiences, you are more than ready to face any challenge in the days ahead, as well as sustain the momentum established by your predecessors. I am confident that you will be able to steer this Command steadily towards the successful accomplishment of your core mandate,” Gloria said of the new AFPETDC commander.

Felicidario will be replaced by Col. Marvin Licudine as head of the AFPPDO in a change of chief of office ceremony scheduled on July 19.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147367

PH, Singapore agree to tighten defense, economic, health ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 17, 2021): PH, Singapore agree to tighten defense, economic, health ties (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

STRENGTHENING TIES. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Neal Imperial (left) and Singapore Foreign Ministry Deputy Secretary Ng Teck Hean (right) lead their respective delegations to the 5th Informal Consultations on the Philippines Singapore Action Plan via a virtual platform. The action plan is a framework that identifies areas of mutually-beneficial cooperation the two Southeast Asian nations could partner on. (Photo courtesy of DFA Philippines)

The Philippines and Singapore agreed to bolster ties in the areas of defense, trade and investment, labor, and health, specifically on pandemic response as the region continue to battle the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) worsened by the emergence of the more infectious Delta variant.

In a July 16 statement posted on its website, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the two neighbors had productive discussions on the overall development of their bilateral relations during the virtual 5th Informal Consultations on the Philippines-Singapore Action Plan (ICPSAP) on Wednesday.

"Both sides had productive discussions on the developments in Philippines-Singapore bilateral relations, updates on joint cooperation initiatives, and prospective ways to further advance the engagement and collaboration of the two countries," the DFA said.

Trade and investment relations remain robust between the two countries despite the pandemic, with two-way trade amounting to USD9 billion in 2020 and Singapore becoming the Philippines’ top investor in 2019.

This said both sides agreed to explore various initiatives to further enhance these economic ties and to hasten post-pandemic recovery.

According to DFA, one key project discussed was the facilitation of the entry of Philippine agricultural products such as eggs, poultry, and vegetables to Singapore, which in turn, will aid Singapore’s bid to diversify its food import sources.

The Philippines also invited Singapore to invest in the development of green and smart cities, particularly in New Clark City; industrial parks and economic zones; clean and renewable energy sources; and waste and water management systems.

Acknowledging the global changes with the advent of Industry 4.0 and increasingly digital economies, the Philippines and Singapore likewise agreed to leverage each other’s strengths to promote innovation, support startups and MSMEs, enhance creative industries, improve ICT infrastructure, and cooperate in cybersecurity and data protection.

Singapore, meanwhile, recognized the contribution of the more than 200,000 Filipinos to its socio-economic development and highlighted the key role of Filipino healthcare workers in its pandemic response.

The Philippines, in turn, floated its proposal for a bilateral labor agreement to further protect and ensure the welfare of Filipino workers in Singapore.

On the health aspect, the two nations sought to combine efforts in combatting the coronavirus by sustaining close cooperation between Philippine and Singaporean health ministries.

The two sides agreed to share expertise in contact tracing and treatment strategies, including starting the discussions on the recognition of health certificates for inbound travelers in anticipation of the resumption of travel after the pandemic.

Among others, both sides discussed ways to intensify engagements in the areas of maritime domain awareness, counterterrorism, defense industry development, intelligence exchange, joint military training, and law enforcement.

"Both sides also tackled pressing regional issues of mutual concern, and committed to closely coordinate and work together to respond to the same," the DFA said.

The meeting was co-chaired by Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for Asian and Pacific Affairs Neal Imperial and Singaporean Foreign Ministry Deputy Secretary Ng Teck Hean.

Held annually at the assistant secretary-level, the ICPSAP is the primary bilateral mechanism by which the Philippines and Singapore review the implementation of its action plan.

The said action plan is a consolidated framework identifying priority areas where the two nations could collaborate bilaterally and multilaterally.

The ICPSAP was last held in Manila in December 2018, with Manila set to host the next meeting in 2022.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1147415