5 NPA rebels withdraw support for rebellion

From the Manila Times (Aug 6, 2021): 5 NPA rebels withdraw support for rebellion

Five alleged members of the New People's Army's (NPAs) Lejo Cauilan Command recently withdrew their support for the Militia ng Bayan and the NPA sa Baryo after a series of negotiations initiated by law enforcers, Kalinga Returnees Association and their family members. 

Three of them were identified as rebels who had fought without firearms and the other two members were identified only as residents of Lubuagan, Kalinga. 

They presented themselves at the Lubuagan Municipal Police Station in Aug. 4, 2021. Their withdrawal of support for the NPA was facilitated by the police and the military. 

The surrenderers said they had been deceived by the communist rebel group. They promised to help the government in its quest for peace and freedom.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/06/news/regions/5-npa-rebels-withdraw-support-for-rebellion/1809833

Court affirms ruling junking terror raps vs 2 Aetas

From the Philippine Star (Aug 5, 2021): Court affirms ruling junking terror raps vs 2 Aetas (By Bebot Sison Jr.)

A local court has affirmed its ruling acquitting two Aeta farmers who were charged with violation of the Anti-Terrorism Law.

In a two-page order, Olongapo Regional Trial Court Branch 97 Judge Melani Fay Tadili denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the prosecution for lack of merit.

The court dismissed the cases filed against Japer Gurung and Junior Ramos last month due to insufficiency of evidence.

The two allegedly shot soldiers in San Marcelino, Zambales on Aug. 21 last year.

They were the first to have been charged with violation of the Anti-Terrorism Act. They were also indicted for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.


“The inconsistencies of the soldiers on the presence of the accused at the crime scene and the profiling of the accused and the presence of the danger signals in their identification of the accused cast doubt on their testimonies that accused were the perpetrators of the crime,” the decision read.

Tadili said the warrantless arrest of Gurung and Ramos was unlawful, adding that the ammunition, grenade and explosives seized from the accused were inadmissible as evidence.

The court granted the demurrer to evidence filed by the Public Attorneys’ Office on behalf of Gurung and Ramos, saying the evidence presented by the prosecution is weak.

Gurung claimed that they were tortured to admit that they were members of the New Peoples’ Army. The military denied the allegation.
https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/08/06/2117888/court-affirms-ruling-junking-terror-raps-vs-2-aetas

VFA side agreement now up for Malacañang review, says Lorenzana

From Rappler (Aug 5, 2021): VFA side agreement now up for Malacañang review, says Lorenzana (By SOFIA TOMACRUZ)

Following President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to keep the military deal, what comes next?

A side agreement complementing the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and United States was now being reviewed by President Rodrigo Duterte’s office, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a recent Rappler Newsmaker interview.

Lorenzana said the side agreement would touch the issue of custody of troops temporarily in the Philippines – a controversial provision of the VFA, which Duterte had decided to ultimately keep in force after over a year of threatening to terminate it.

“I believe that after the retraction of the termination letter, I suppose that document will move forward…. It’s on the drawing board, it's in Malcañang and is just waiting for the scrutiny of the OP (Office of the President) before it goes to the President,” Lorenzana said.

The defense chief said the document was crafted in coordination with US officials through the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces (PCVF). Lorenzana said he was not privy to its contents, but expected the side agreement would tackle the issue of “true custody” of American military personnel, which had been an “irritant” for the Philippine side.

Public scrutiny over the issue of custody and the exercise of criminal jurisdiction had been renewed in 2020, after Duterte pardoned US Marine Joseph Scott Pemberton, who was convicted in December 2015 for the gruesome murder of Filipina transgender Jennifer Laude.

“Napakarami ang mga against na Filipino sa atin kasi katulad noong mga namatay, na-rape na hindi natin mahawak despite the fact that they committed the crimes here in the Philippines, so 'yon ang one of the most contentious issue,” Lorenzana said. (There are many Filipinos against this because there have those [soldiers] who murdered, raped, who we could not hold onto despite the fact that they committed the crimes here in the Philippines, so that is one of the most contentious issues.)

Asked if Duterte wanted a specific agreement on this as a condition for keeping the VFA, Lorenzana said the President did not ask for such. Rather, officials from the PCVF and security sector pursued the side agreement to address the public’s concerns and shape a way forward for the VFA’s implementation “na hindi naman argrabyado yung mga tao natin (in a way that was not disadvantageous to us),” he added.

“Hindi naman kami inutusan ni Presidente. Kusang-loob lang kami na tignan natin yung agreement (The President did not order us. We took it upon ourselves to consider that agreement),” Lorenzana said.

A senior Philippine government official earlier told Rappler the side agreement had been a product of intense negotiations and involved guidelines on “when and how” Philippine authorities would exercise jurisdiction and custody.

“The lack of implementing guidelines has created much problems. Having them will ensure predictability, transparency and fairness in the process,” said the official who declined to be named because they were not authorized to speak on the matter.

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Philippines keeps Visiting Forces Agreement with US

Earlier, Duterte cited the move of the US to donate COVID-19 vaccine doses as a factor that pushed him to keep the VFA. The President made the decision after meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III, the first cabinet member of President Joe Biden to visit the Philippines.

Balikatan to go 'full blast,' but still no West Philippine Sea patrols

With the VFA no longer under threat, Lorenzana said Balikatan military exercises between the two countries would now go on “full blast” in the coming year, if the pandemic would allow. Annual Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) military exercises had been one aspect of security activities placed on hold due to the uncertainty spurred by the termination and successive extensions on the VFA's suspension.

Lorenzana said discussions with Austin also touched on the acquisition of more military equipment for the Philippines, as well as, how to maintain a peaceful South China Sea.

With the VFA now secure, could joint patrols between the Philippines and foreign countries resume?

“Sa ngayon, hindi na muna siguro (For now, maybe not),” Lorenzana said, adding the matter would need closer study on its “benefits” to the country. Despite this, Lorenzana said the Philippines’ position would also not stop other countries from conducting patrols in the South China Sea.

Meanwhile, asked if the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) had been discussed with Austin, Lorenzana said the two defense chiefs had not been able to tackle it.

Diplomats and security officials agreed that while the VFA was critical, equally important would be seeing progress in EDCA’s implementation, another key military deal between the two countries.

After Lorenzana announced the Philippines would keep the VFA, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. earlier said the US had shown its “commitment to fulfill its obligations to us under the alliance.”

“They have addressed issues arising from our security relationship with good faith. Together, we have moved forward on the basis of common interest, shared values and mutual respect,” he said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/lorenzana-says-vfa-side-agreement-now-up-review-malacanang

Faustino backs fixed term for AFP chief, but says system works

From Panay News (Aug 6, 2021): Faustino backs fixed term for AFP chief, but says system works

“I agree there should be a fixed term for chief of staff…I think there’s a move right now to have a fixed term for chief of staff and it has something to do with retirement age.” Lieutenant General Jose Faustino, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff.

Newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino, who will serve for a little over three months, agreed that there should be a fixed term for chief of staff.

“I agree there should be a fixed term for chief of staff…I think there’s a move right now to have a fixed term for chief of staff and it has something to do with retirement age,” he said in an interview with CNN Philippines on Wednesday night.

Bills seeking changes to the military retirement age and streamlining of the organizational structure of the AFP are currently pending in the Senate and House of Representatives.

Faustino is the 10th AFP chief to be appointed under President Rodrigo Duterte, where AFP chiefs served an average of six months. He took the reins of the AFP last July 31 and is set to retire on November 12 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Faustino was named as acting Army chief in February, but was relieved in May after Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he was unqualified due to a law which required chief of services to have at least one year remaining in service on the day of his assumption.

After his relief, Faustino was named Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff for Peace and Development, a newly created position, to supervise programs related to the transition process under a peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

While he agreed that there should be a fixed term for the chief of staff position, Faustino said, “We have to respect the prerogative of the commander in chief when it comes to designating the chief of staff.”

He argued that while the retirement age of 56 limits tenure, the AFP has “systems in place” despite the quick turnover of leadership.

“Even if the turnover is quick, with the institutionalized systems already established,” Faustino said.

“Our mission is based on the institution, not the person,” he said.

“If you look at the performance of our mission and accomplishments with all those short term AFP chiefs whom I succeeded, the results are good, and I’m saying there’s a system in place,” he said in Filipino.

The military’s revolving door policy has long been a dilemma in the armed forces and not just under Duterte. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has been consistently against the short-term appointments and spoke about it in public several times.(©Philippine Daily Inquirer 2021)

https://www.panaynews.net/faustino-backs-fixed-term-for-afp-chief-but-says-system-works/

Pregnant top NPA leader surrenders

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 5, 2021): Pregnant top NPA leader surrenders (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE EASTERN Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) is facilitating assistance to a pregnant leader of the New People’s Army guerrilla unit after her surrender to the joint military forces in Sitio Lamuak, Barangay Catilacan, Pikit, North Cotabato on August 1.

She was identified as Ariane Jane Ochate Ramos, the secretary-general of the Guerrilla Front 55 (GF55), Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Marikit has long been under the radar of the military for her involvement in several extortion activities and armed clashes with the troops. She was also affiliated with the League of Filipino Students and Gabriela Youth.

Marikit was the party wife of Rommel Tausan alias Rommel, the former commanding officer of SRGU/GF 55, SRC5, SMRC who died in an armed encounter with the 27th Infantry Battalion. At present, she is in a relationship with Daniel Bandalan alias Regoy, the current commanding pfficer of GF55, SRC5, SMRC, and the father of the child she is expecting.

Lt. Gen. Greg T. Almerol, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) commander, said the military will ensure the safety and welfare of Marikit, especially since she is expecting a child.

“The command will help Marikit get financial assistance and other benefits from government programs and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) as she starts to live a new life,” Almerol said.

“We hope that she could also convince her current partner, alias Regoy, to surrender peacefully so that they can start a harmonious life together with their baby,” Almerol added.

Almerol said they wanted Marikit to experience redemption through the government’s deradicalization and reintegration programs.

Meanwhile, Almerol is expecting some members of GF55 to surrender in the coming days sincem historically speaking, a surrender of an NPA leader encourages other members to follow suit.

“I commend our troops who are working tirelessly day and night just to go after the communist terrorist groups which had been the reason why economic growth in some Eastern Mindanao areas are slow. Indeed, persistence and determination to positively transform our communities are the keys to achieving our goal,” Almerol reiterated.

Marikit is one of the several NPA leaders who surrendered this year, along with Pedro Arnado, chairperson of Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (KMP-SMRC) and national treasurer; Ruel Dum-ogan alias Regan, commanding officer of HQ Force Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) and his wife DN Saritao, Platoon Medic of Platoon 1 of the same unit; Marvin Magrano alias Loloy, former provincial coordinator of Bayan Muna in Sarangani Province and also the vice-chairman of the now defunct Guerrilla Front Tala’s Pambansa-Demokratikong Paaralan and Regional Headquarters, SMRC; Eping Iligan Salahay alias John, commanding officer and Milisyang Bayan of GF21C, NEMRC; Romeo Bontulan, team leader of Squad Abe, RHQ, SMRC; and alias Dala, a former commanding officer of SYP Gabon, Guerrilla Front 88.

Almerol urged the remaining NPA members to heed the government’s call for them to surrender peacefully and avail of the many benefits such as financial and livelihood assistance, housing, scholarship, and others that await them through the E-CLIP.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/08/05/pregnant-top-npa-leader-surrenders/

Two rebels captured in gun-battle

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 5, 2021): Two rebels captured in gun-battle (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army assures residents of its continued relentless operations against New People’s Army rebels in Negros Occidental* PA photo

Two suspected New People’s Army rebels were captured, and several others were reported to have been injured, following an encounter with 94th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Sitio Agbacagay, Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental Tuesday.

The gun-battle that ensued between about 30 NPA rebels and 94IB soldiers lasted for about 10 minutes, and led to the capture of George Esyo, with the aliases Pakyaw and Partner, and Eduardo Mission, alias Ka Edo, both of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, and members of the Central Negros Front 1 of the NPA, Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, 94IB commander, said.

Guzman said the capture of the two rebels, who were hiding along a creek line, was due to a report to his troops by civilians in the area.

Also recovered at the encounter site were an M653 carbine assault rifle, six magazines of M14 rifle with ammunition, several magazines containing ammunition, solar panels, two cellular phones, two backpacks, and a medical kit.

Guzman said the residents told them that the injured rebels were carried by their fleeing comrades, and that no one among his troops was hurt in the encounter.

Maj. Cenon Pancito, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, said that a civilian reported to the 94IB troops that the fleeing rebels passed near his residence, carrying two men with injuries in the chest and buttocks.

Guzman said the operation was launched when residents reported the presence of armed rebels in their community.

“Our operations in Negros Island are, and will always be relentless,” Guzman said, adding that they are determined to free communities from the presence of rebels and their terroristic activities.

Two weeks ago, 94IB soldiers also figured in two armed skirmishes with NPA rebels in Brgy. Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, and Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, that claimed the life of a suspected rebel.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/two-rebels-captured-in-gun-battle/

Raps filed vs. rebels who burned equipment in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2021): Raps filed vs. rebels who burned equipment in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr.(Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

Criminal charges have been filed against 10 communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels who were responsible for the burning and destruction of heavy equipment at a mining site in Surigao del Norte.

In a statement Thursday, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., the director of Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) said cases of arson and violation of Republic Act No. 9851 (Crimes against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other Crimes against Humanity) were filed before the provincial prosecutor in Surigao del Norte.

Caramat said the cases were filed last Aug. 3 against the rebels who torched and destroyed a total of six backhoes last July 15 in Claver town. The damage amount to PHP50 million.

The heavy equipment belonged to Konstruct Development Inc., a contractor of Platinum Groups of Metals Corporation operating in Claver.

Caramat said the rebels facing criminal charges were identified as alias "Edroy", “Leon”, “Jacob”, "Menchie", "Cloud", "James", "Beboy", "Alex", "Rifle", and "Ma” who all belong to Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16C of Guerrilla Front 16C1 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“We also included in the filing of cases all other members of SYP 16C of GF-16C1 of NEMRC of the NPA,” Caramat said.

Caramat thanked the residents for their support and cooperation during the probe.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149428

Malaysian-led IMT vows full support to AFP peace campaigns

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2021): Malaysian-led IMT vows full support to AFP peace campaigns (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

IMT-16 VISIT. Maj. Gen. Datuk Hamdan Bin Hj. Ismail of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces (3rd from left) receives arrival honors as he led the International Monitoring Team-16 in a visit Wednesday (Aug. 4, 2021) to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in Zamboanga City. Hamdan vowed to support the peace campaigns of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in his interaction with the Westmincom officials. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

The Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) has vowed to support the peace campaigns of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), especially here in Mindanao.

Maj. Gen. Datuk Hamdan Bin Hj. Ismail of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces made the assurance Wednesday when he led the IMT-Batch 16 (IMT-16) in a visit to the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters here.

The IMT, composed of 60 members based in Cotabato City, monitors the peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The IMT is responsible for monitoring the security, humanitarian, rehabilitation, and development aspects, as well as socio-economic assistance and civilian protection.

The team is led by Malaysia, with members from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Japan, Libya, Norway, and subsequently the European Union.

The IMT-16 was welcomed with a company-sized military honors by the Westmincom personnel.

Hamdan was received by the two deputy commanders of Westmincom, Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete and Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas together with Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Basilan commander, and the Command Staff at the Laong Laan Hall of the Westmincom headquarters.

Hamdan, in an interaction, told the Westmincom officials that the IMT is always at the AFP's back, especially in the peace campaigns.

“We are deeply honored to be visited by the head of one of our reliable partners who genuinely support us in the accomplishment of our mission,” Nafarrete said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Westmincom chief, thanked, through Nafarrete, Hamdan and wished him well during his stay in Mindanao.

Hamdan joined the Malaysian Armed Forces on March 1, 1985. He has served the organization for 35 years and was promoted to the rank of Major General on March 4, 2020.

The IMT-16 was inducted on March 24, 2021, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was subsequently deployed to the Philippines end of the same month.

The IMT-16 is comprised of five officers of the Malaysian Army; three officers of the Royal Malaysian Navy; three officers of the Royal Malaysian Air Force; two officers of the Royal Malaysian Police; and three Administrative and Diplomatic Officers of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Prime Minister’s Department.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149444

ELCAC rejects US senators' call to denounce PH for "abuses"

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2021): ELCAC rejects US senators' call to denounce PH for "abuses" (By Perla Lena)

NOT DESERVING OF CONDEMNATION. Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) spokesperson Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales on Thursday (Aug. 5, 2021) released a statement questioning the call of the 11 American senators to condemn the alleged human rights violations in the Philippines. He said the foreign senators have a "biased and myopic opinion" of the country's anti-drug campaign. (PNA file photo)

The Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) on Thursday told United States senators "not to undermine" the Philippine government's efforts "to reclaim our communities from the clutches of the drug cartels and the communist terrorist groups".

RTF6-ELCAC spokesperson Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales made the statement after 11 Democrat lawmakers, led by Senator Edward Markey, called the attention of the administration of US President Joe Biden “to stand with the people of the Philippines as they continue to fight for their universal human rights”.

Markey chairs the US Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific.

Gonzales stressed the American legislators have no idea of the harsh realities on the ground as "you are not in our shoes".

He added that as a trial prosecutor, he witnessed how the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has taken head-on the drug cartels in the Philippines, and effectively dismantled the long-existing drug trade structures of narco-politics, narco- judiciary, narco-economics, and narco-communities.

The current administration made possible what seemed to be impossible by other administrations, he said.

“The 11 US senators do not understand this fact. Their biased and myopic opinion of the Philippines' anti-drug campaign is a product of bad research, biased media reporting, and lack of serious discernment,” Gonzales said in a statement given to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Instead of focusing on the Philippine human rights situation, he urged the senators to condemn the Mexican and Colombian drug cartels, racial discrimination, human trafficking, and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

He added that they cannot even castigate the human rights violations committed by racists in their country or their government’s meddling in the internal affairs of other sovereign states.

"If you cannot do the same in your own backyard, then do not undermine us because we can,” Gonzales said.

The Democrat senators' call to condemn the "pattern of human rights violations", particularly amid the Philippines' campaign against illegal drugs, was made in a July 26 letter to US State Secretary Antony Blinken.

The American lawmakers also flagged alleged attacks against the critics of the current Philippine government, free speech, and raised concerns on the alleged red-tagging of individuals and groups.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149449

2 NPA rebels captured, weapons seized in NegOcc clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2021): 2 NPA rebels captured, weapons seized in NegOcc clash (By Nanette Guadalquiver)  August 5, 2021, 4:01 pm

Government troops captured two Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels and seized several weapons after a clash with communist-terrorists in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on Tuesday afternoon.

In a report on Thursday, the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) identified those taken into custody as George “Pakyaw/Pakner” Esoy and Eduardo “Edo” Estrada, both members of the NPAs Central Negros Front 1 and residents of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, commander of 94IB, said the troops engaged about 30 rebels in the far-flung Sitio Agbagacay, Barangay Santol in a 10-minute firefight after the locals informed them of the presence of armed men.

They found the two rebels hiding in a creek after residents led them to the area, he added.

During the clearing operation, the soldiers recovered three high-powered firearms, including M653 Baby Armalite, M4 rifle and an M16A1 rifle, a shotgun, assorted magazines with ammunition, two solar panels, two hand-held radios, two mobile phones, two backpacks, among others.

As of press time, photos of the captured NPA rebels as well as those of the encounter site, and seized firearms and ammunition were still unavailable as the troops have yet to return to their base.

“Our operations in Negros will continue to be relentless. We are determined to free the communities from the presence of communist terrorists and their terroristic activities. We call on them to lay down their arms, live a quality life with their families, and be more productive citizens rather than get killed or spend years behind bars,” De Guzman said.

In a statement, Binalbagan Mayor Alejandro Mirasol commended the residents of Barangay Santol for their courage and cooperation by reporting about the NPA rebels in their area.

“This only proves that Binalbaganons are one with us in ending local communist armed conflict,” the mayor said as he called on the communist rebels to make the right choice by peacefully surrendering to the government.

Mirasol also acknowledged the bravery of the 94IB troops in engaging the terrorists.

“The incident shows that this government will not tolerate the wicked doings of the terrorists and how capable our government forces are in actual combat,” he added.

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/1149472

Gov't intel units monitor NPA extortion ahead of COC filing

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2021): Gov't intel units monitor NPA extortion ahead of COC filing (By Richelyn Gubalani)

NICA-12 director Eduardo Marquez (File photo)

Government intelligence units in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) are monitoring possible extortion activities by communist terrorist group (CTG) members on local politicians in line with the 2022 elections.

Eduardo Marquez, director of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA)-Region 12, said they are coordinating with various security and law enforcement agencies in the region to track any related movements by the New People’s Army (NPA) and its allied groups.

In the past years, he said they monitored offers made to politicians for campaign-related activities even ahead of the official filing of certificates of candidacy (COC).

The Commission on Elections has set the filing of COCs for the May 9, 2022 national and local elections from October 1 to 8.

“We’re monitoring this early to counter any possible movement or activity and also protect our politicians,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview on Wednesday.

Marquez advised prospective politicians and officials seeking reelection to reject these offers and report them to authorities.

He said giving in to demands for payment of the so-called “permit-to-campaign” and “permit-to-win” fees as well as other arrangements are considered as support to the communist terrorist groups.

“These groups were able to collect significant amounts through extortion activities,” Marquez said.

The Army’s 73rd Infantry Battalion reported in 2018 that NPA rebels extorted around PHP57 million from candidates in Sarangani alone in the previous elections based on documents recovered in previous encounters in the area.

The demanded fees reportedly ranged from PHP3 to PHP5 million for candidates at the municipal level and reportedly even higher for those vying for provincial elective posts.

The "permit-to-campaign" supposedly gives access to politicians to campaign in areas controlled or influenced by the rebels while the "permit-to-win" is for votes from NPA allies and sympathizers in areas covered by its operations.

Marquez assured that the government has enough resources, through the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, to protect local candidates, especially during the campaign period.

He said NPA units in the region are decimated due to the continuing surrender of their members and sympathizers since 2016 but they could use the coming elections to insist on their relevance.

“But by effectively stopping their extortion or collection activities, they will eventually become irrelevant and turn even weaker,” he 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/1149487

RTF-6 ELCAC sees Reds' extortion scheme coming to an end

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2021): RTF-6 ELCAC sees Reds' extortion scheme coming to an end (By Perla Lena)

EXTORTION DAYS ARE NUMBERED. Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) spokesperson Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales on Thursday (Aug. 5, 2021) says the extortion activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) will soon come to an end with the ongoing investigation conducted by the national government. National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Director-General Alex Paul Monteagudo during the Aug. 2 episode of the "Tagged: Debunking Lies by Telling The Truth" said 87 companies and some politicians were identified supporting the communist rebels. (PNA file photo)

The extortion activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) will soon come to an end with the ongoing investigation being conducted on the alleged support extended to them by companies and even politicians, a Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) official said on Thursday.

Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, RTF 6-ELCAC spokesperson, said the disclosure of National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Director-General Alex Paul Monteagudo that companies and some politicians are supporting the communist rebels will eventually lead to withdrawal of support to their extortion scheme.

Monteagudo, during Monday's episode of "Tagged: Debunking Lies by Telling The Truth", said the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is gathering evidence on the allegations to prepare appropriate charges against persons and companies supporting the terrorists.

Monteagudo said 87 companies have been identified supporting the communist rebels but declined to give more details while an investigation is ongoing.

“The CTG's (communist terrorist group) lifeblood and lifeline will be cut. Without the funds generated from their extortion and other terrorism financing schemes, the CTG cannot hope to sustain their terroristic activities,” Gonzales said in a statement released to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

In same the statement, he also slammed the propaganda machinery of the CPP-NPA for denying their “syndicated extortion activities” and by twisting facts to malign the NTF-ELCAC and Monteagudo.

Gonzales added that there are extortion victims who already came out and bared that the rebels threatened to destroy their property if they refused to shell out money.

Former CPP-NPA cadres, who surrendered to the government, have denounced the intimidations used by the rebels to force people to give in to their demands.

“Unfortunately for the CTGs, their heydays are over. Their extortion schemes (will) end now,” he said.

He added that the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police will be on hand to secure communities, businesses, and stakeholders against "any and all forms of terrorist attacks by the communist rebels".

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/1149521

PH Air Force recovers, commissions 6 more helicopters

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2021): PH Air Force recovers, commissions 6 more helicopters (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of PAF commander, Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) formally commissioned and put back into service six previously non-operational helicopters.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Allen Paredes said three PZL W-3A "Sokol", two Huey II, and a Super Huey helicopters were commissioned in a short ceremony at the Clark Air Base, Angeles City, Pampanga Wednesday.

These aircraft were repaired and put back into service.

"With the limited number of transport helicopters due to the decommissioning of the aging UH-1 helicopters, these platforms are (a) welcome addition to the heli-lift fleet of the PAF in its continuous and unflinching service to God, country, and people," he added.

The PAF's UH-1 "Huey" combat utility helicopters were decommissioned following the January 16 crash in Bukidnon which killed five military personnel and two militiamen.

In a related development, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana commended the Air Force for the launching of its PAF Safety Management System (SMS) Manual at the PAF 74th founding anniversary commemoration in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City last July 30.

“Most importantly, I commend the Philippine Air Force for putting (a) premium on safety through your Safety Transformation for Enhanced Performance and Unit Preservation or STEP UP Program, you now have the PAF Safety Management which adopts principles and standards of the International Civil Aviation. Keep in mind that you are an indispensable part of the One Defense Team. We stand united with the AFP and the DND in purpose and action," Lorenzana said.

The PAF SMS Manual replaces the old Safety Program Manual which dates back to 1966 and 1986.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149434

C-130 crash findings to be released soon: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2021): C-130 crash findings to be released soon: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will release "as soon as possible" the results of its investigation on the crash of the Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" transport aircraft in Patikul, Sulu last which killed 50 military personnel and three civilians on the ground last July 4.

"I just talked with the commanding general of the PAF yesterday, (Lt.) Gen. Allen Paredes and he did not give an exact timeline but he said that they will be releasing the investigation soon of what happened (to the) C-130," newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. said in an interview with CNN Philippines Wednesday night.

Some 46 military personnel and four civilians were also wounded in the mishap.

"The C-130 crash really is a tragedy not only to the PAF but to the whole of the AFP and these incidents can be avoided. We will try to look more at the training side, the maintenance and all (other aspects). Rest assured sa ating mga kababayan na once lumabas ang investigation, ito ay agad naming isasapubliko (rest assured that the results of the investigation will be made public once it is available)," he added.

Citing the report of Philippine Army commander Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, Faustino said they have yet to identify 15 remains.

"We know the people kung sino yung namatay but of course we have to check based on DNA na sila talaga yung mga, para kung binigay namin to sa kanilang mahal sa buhay siguradong tayo na sila, so ang sabi sa akin ni CGPA (Commanding General of the Philippine Army) it may take a week or two bago natin ma-identify yun 15 na katao (We already knew who died in the accident but of course, we have to check and determine their identities via DNA so if we release the remains to their loved ones, we can at least be sure that we are giving them the right cadaver. CGPA told me that it may take them a week or two before we can finalize the identities of these 15 troops)," he added.

Last month, the black box or the flight data recorder of the ill-fated aircraft was sent to the United States for analysis.

The analysis of the black box, which might take around a month, is expected to provide vital information on the cause of the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149468

Marcial epitomizes toughness of true Pinoy soldier: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2021): Marcial epitomizes toughness of true Pinoy soldier: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Filipino middleweight boxer Eumir Marcial (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday honored Eumir Felix Marcial, a member of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), for bagging a bronze medal for the country in the Tokyo Olympics.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is proud of A1C (Airman First Class) Eumir Marcial in his stint in boxing in the 2020 Olympics, giving our country a bronze medal,” AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, said in a statement.

He added that Marcial fought hard and showed the toughness of a true Filipino soldier.

“We thank A1C Marcial as this is sure to further inspire his fellow service members to excel in their respective fields,” Zata added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also congratulated Marcial for his achievement.

“He displayed incredible mettle and skill in the ring; his last match was a hard-fought competition between two world-class athletes. We thank him for the pride and glory he has brought to the Filipino people despite the odds,” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana also praised the soldier-athlete for the hard work, courage, and sportsmanship that he exhibited at the prestigious sporting event.

“Together with the rest of the nation, we are proud of you, A1C Marcial!” he added.

Marcial’s Olympic stint ended after falling to Ukraine’s Oleksandr Khyzhniak who won via split decision at the semi-final round of the men’s middleweight event at the Kokugikan Arena in the Japanese capital.

The Philippines is now assured of four Olympic medals, following the gold medal win of Marcial’s fellow Air Force member Hidilyn Diaz in the women’s 55-kg. weightlifting event and a silver medal from Nesthy Petecio who lost to Japan’s Sena Irie in the final round of the women’s flyweight division.

Another Filipino boxer Carlo Paalam is now assured of a silver medal after defeating Japan’s Ryomei Tanaka in the semi-finals of the men’s flyweight event.

He will try to clinch another gold medal for the Philippines as he faces Galal Yafai of Great Britain in the final round set on Saturday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149509

NTF-ELCAC, solution to end armed conflict in PH: Roque

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2021): NTF-ELCAC, solution to end armed conflict in PH: Roque (By Azer Parrocha)

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (Screengrab from RTVM)

The national government's anti-insurgency task force is the “solution” to decades-long armed conflict in the country, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque shrugged off Vice President Leni Robredo’s call to suspend fund releases for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and use them for cash aid for low-income households in areas placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Robredo earlier said the PHP13.1 billion allotted to provide one-time cash aid to about 10.7 million residents in Metro Manila or PHP1,000 per person or PHP4,000 per family may not be enough to pay for rent.

“Yung ELCAC po, ‘yan po ay solusyon para mawala na ang giyera dito sa ating bayan (The ELCAC, that’s our solution to end armed conflict in our country),” Roque said in a Palace press briefing.

The NTF-ELCAC has been pushing through with the development projects in the barangays freed from the New People’s Army (NPA), an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)

“Kaya nga po binibgyan natin ng pondo para sa mga proyekto na makakabuti sa kabuhayan—yung mga barangays na mayroon pong labanan dahil alam natin ang pagkagutom ang pinagmumulan ng labanan. Kung mali po ‘yan, bahala na po kayo, (That is the reason why we’re allocating funds for projects that can provide livelihood in areas where there is conflict because we know that hunger is one of the causes of insurgency. But if you think that’s wrong, that’s on you),” he added.

He was referring to the NTF-ELCAC’s Barangay Development Program (BDP) which seeks to bring development to communities that are former conflict-prone areas and guerilla fronts of the CPP-NPA.

Of the PHP19 billion total budget of the NTF-ELCAC, PHP16.5 billion is allotted for the development of over 800 barangays cleared of insurgency.

Roque admitted that he is tired of explaining the purpose of having an anti-insurgency task force.

“Napapagod na po ako sumagot. Sabihin nalang niya kung anong gusto niya sabihin basta tayo magla-lockdown dahil ayaw nating mamatay ang karamihan ng kababayan natin (I am tired of answering her. She can just say whatever she wants to say. We’re imposing a lockdown because we don’t want more our people to die),” he said.

Meanwhile, he assured that the government is already looking for additional funding sources should there be a need for additional funds.

“Ibibigay ang kayang ibigay. Alam ko panahon ng eleksyon pero hindi po nangangako ng hindi maibibigay ngayon ng ating gobyerno (We will give what we can give. I know it’s almost time for election, but the government cannot make promises we can’t keep),” he added.

Roque said the executive department may also ask for a supplemental budget from Congress should it need additional funds to source the government’s cash subsidy program.

“Ang dahilan naman kung bakit hindi pa tayo nagsu-supplemental budget ay tinitignan natin kung tama nga yung budget natin sa 2021. Kung kulang po ‘yan, e pupunta naman at pupunta ang ehekutiba sa Congress for supplemental budget (The reason why we’re not yet asking for a supplemental budget is we think we have enough funds in the 2021 budget. If it is lacking, the executive department will eventually go to Congress to ask for a supplemental budget),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1149502