Eleazar: Security forces doubling effort to prevent local terror groups

 From the Manila Times (Aug 13, 2021): Eleazar: Security forces doubling effort to prevent local terror groups (By Christian Crow Maghanoy)

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar on Friday said security forces were doubling their efforts to prevent attacks by local terror groups.

Eleazar was reacting to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea's remarks that local terror groups were only worsening the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic through their extortion activities, attacks against humanitarian missions, and even killings.

"We have been intensifying our presence in communities to deter these hostile groups from causing trouble. However, there are times that these groups are able to slip through, such as Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) rebels who are harassing humanitarian missions for those affected by pandemics and other disasters," Eleazar said in a statement in English and Filipino

"Despite this, the PNP continues to suppress them to prevent such incidents. The PNP is the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) partner in monitoring communities, especially those areas often attacked by communist rebels," he added.

Eleazar stressed that all concerned police units remain alert for attacks despite the Covid-19 pandemic and assured the police are always coordinating with the military to maintain peace and order in communities.

Security forces are maintaining good relations with the local government units, residents and other stakeholders because the goal to eradicate these terror groups will only succeed through a whole-of-nation approach, Eleazar said.

Meanwhile, the AFP has condemned the brutal murder of an Army trooper by the communist terrorists in Tapaz, Capiz, a day before the celebration of International Humanitarian Law Day.

Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino, AFP chief of staff, said Cpl. Frederic Villasis of the Philippine Army's 12th Infantry Battalion was killed in broad daylight on Wednesday by armed men believed to be NPA rebels.

"The cold-blooded murder of Corporal Frederic Villasis who was deployed for Community Support Program in the area is a clear manifestation of the NPA's anti-people and anti-development ways that are worthy of the Filipino's condemnation," said Faustino in a statement on Thursday evening.

Faustino said the AFP extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of Corporal Villasis who left behind a wife and two young children.

He said the AFP would exhaust all available resources to achieve justice for Villasis and put an end to the decades-old problem of armed conflict so that the nation may enjoy genuine peace and development.

Faustino said Villasis was deployed to conduct community support to bring peace and development in Sitio Owa, Barangay Lahug - a GIDA or geographically isolated and disadvantaged area.

"He was supposed to follow-up on the people's request for a water system which is part of the ongoing Community Support Program (CSP) being undertaken by the AFP," Faustino said.

"The CSP is the AFP's peaceful approach in solving insurgency by addressing its root causes through livelihood, education and the delivery of government services," he said.

Faustino said the incident is yet another addition to the communist terrorist group's more than 1, 600 violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law over the past decade.

He claimed that the NPA has resorted to atrocities, disregarding the people's welfare and hampering development in communities, as a result of its waning mass support.

"The AFP will continue to support the government in bringing peace and development in our country, especially in GIDAs, while also conducting focused military operations to finally put an end to the armed conflict," Faustino said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/13/latest-stories/eleazar-security-forces-doubling-effort-to-prevent-local-terror-groups/1810859

Taking part in rallies is not an armed struggle – gov’t prosecutors

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 13, 2021): Taking part in rallies is not an armed struggle – gov’t prosecutors (By: Tetch Torres-Tupas)

Photo by FRANCES MANGOSING/INQUIRER.net

Joining and participating in rallies is not the same as taking part in an armed struggle, prosecutors said in dismissing the complaint filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and a mother of a student activist.

The PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) together with the mother of “Trisha,” a senior high school student from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), has filed a string of criminal complaints against Elaine Edzel Emocling, Christine Joy Dual from the League of Filipino Students (LFS), Kabataan and Alex Danday and Alfie Omaga of Anakbayan.

They were slapped with a complaint for Kidnapping and Failure to Return a Minor under the Revised Penal Code, violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Act, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, Special Protection of Children in Situation of Armed Conflict Act, and the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

According to the complaint, Trisha participated in mass actions, one of which resulted in damage to school property. The police said Trisha was recruited when she was still a minor and “she was incapable of giving valid consent and hence, taken against her will.”

The police have also presented two former rebels who surrendered to the government, Maria Rebecca Pacayo and Edison Villanueva. The two testified that organizations such as Anakbayan recruits students to join the communist movement.

In their counter-affidavits, Danday and Omaga denied that Anakbayan was recruiting members for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army (CPP-NPA).

“Anakbayan is an organization which advocates the advancement of relevant social issues in a peaceful and legal manner,” Omaga said.

In dismissing the complaint, government prosecutors said the police failed to present evidence that Trisha was being held against her will.

“It is unclear from the statements given by [Trisha’s mother] as well as witnesses Pecayo and Villanueva, whether Trisha was being held against her will…It can be gleaned from the evidence on record that when she [Trisha] left home, she went on her own accord,” read the resolution.

It added that the police also failed to provide evidence linking Anakbayan with the communist movement.

“We cannot consider joining and participating in rallies and conducting peaceful assemblies as acts of armed struggle,” the panel of prosecutors stated.

It added that “there is nary any evidence to prove that Anakbayan or LFS is an armed group or that it recruits minors or children in order to participate in hostilities or armed struggle or to exploit them in preparation of armed confrontation or violence.”

Regarding Pecayo and Villanueva, who claimed to be members of LFS and Gabriela Youth, the prosecutors said they chose to join the NPA on their own, as well as to surrender to the government.

The resolution was signed by the panel of prosecutors led by Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Rassendell Rex Gingoyon, Assistant State Prosecutors Jervis Gaspar, and Ethel Rea Suril. It was recommended for approval by Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon and approved by Prosecutor General Benedicto Malcontento.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1473385/participating-in-rallies-cannot-be-considered-taking-part-in-armed-struggle-govt-prosecutors

26 former terrorists finish entrepreneurship training

From the Philippine Star (Aug 13, 2021): 26 former terrorists finish entrepreneurship training (By John Unson)

The 26 former violent religious extremists are being returned to the local communities by the 601st Infantry Brigade and the Bangsamoro government. Philstar.com/John Unson

TACURONG CITY, Philippines — Former members of a terror-group tagged in deadly bombings in central Mindanao finished Friday a livelihood workshop as initial step towards their reintegration into the local communities.

Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade based in Barangay Kalandagan here, said the entrepreneurship development training was facilitated by the Bangsamoro local government ministry.

Galido said 26 now reforming erstwhile members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters benefitted from the three-day activity.

More than a dozen of them were trained in fabrication of improvised explosive devices and powerful roadside bombs, the signature weapons of the BIFF.

The training was part of the “Project Tugon,” or Tulong ng Gobyerno sa Nangangailangan initiative of the regional government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The BIFF, tagged in all deadly bombings in central Mindanao since 2013, operates in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

More than a hundred BIFF members surrendered in batches in the past eight months through the intercession of Major Gen. Juvymax Uy of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, BARMM officials and local executives in the adjoining provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato.

Galido and Uy on Friday separately expressed gratitude to BARMM Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo for embarking on the Project Tugon.

Project Tugon aims to hasten the return to mainstream society of former BIFF members through livelihood, psycho-social, education and other humanitarian interventions.

A number of former BIFF members who earlier surrendered to 6th ID are now thriving as farmers in their barangays, according to Uy.

“We have this open arms policy in dealing with those who are willing to avail of our local peace program for violent religious extremists,” Uy said.

Galido said they are expecting the surrender soon of more hardcore BIFF members through the efforts of their units and municipal officials helping push the 6th ID and BARMM’s joint peace programs forward.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/08/13/2119756/26-former-terrorists-finish-entrepreneurship-training

At least 3 Chinese vessels spotted in West PH Sea in August – US expert

From Rappler (Aug 13, 2021): At least 3 Chinese vessels spotted in West PH Sea in August – US expert

The Chinese research ships were spotted near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and Palawan

In August alone, at least three Chinese research vessels were seen lingering in the West Philippine Sea, according to a United States-based maritime expert.

Ryan Martinson, an expert from the China Maritime Studies Institute and US Naval War College, shared in a series of tweets the locations of Chinese ships in Philippine waters.

On August 11, Martinson said a Chinese research vessel named Hai Da Hao was seen operating 65 nautical miles east of Panatag Shoal (Scarborough) in the West Philippine Sea. According to the expert, the ship is being operated by the Ocean University of China (OUC).

The OUC is a state-run university specializing in oceanography and fisheries science. Around 70% of China’s Doctor of Philosophy students in oceanography and fisheries graduated from the OUC.

In a statement released on Friday, August 13, the Department of National Defense (DND) said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon Command, which oversees the Panatag area, reported that no Chinese vessel was spotted in their area of jurisdiction.

“Based on the verification of the one-year historical track of CRV Hai Da Hao, the vessel did not pass through nor did it enter the area of responsibility of Naval Forces Northern Luzon. In addition, CRV Hai Da Hao is currently monitored at 30 nautical miles south of Huidong Xian, Huizhou Shi, China,” the defense department said.

Other Chinese ships

In another tweet, Martinson said the Hai Da Hao vessel already departed from the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) as of August 12.

Martinson added that aside from the Hai Da Hao vessel, two other Chinese ships were also spotted inside the country’s EEZ.

Chinese research ship Jia Geng was spotted near the Palawan area. Meanwhile, Chinese research vessel Dong Fang Hong 3 was seen along the Panatag area.

The defense department and the West Philippine Sea task force have yet to issue a statement regarding the newly-spotted Chinese vessels.

Aside from Chinese ships inside the Philippine EEZ, Martinson said Chinese ship Xiang Yang Hong 10 has also been operating in the EEZs of Brunei and Malaysia since early July.

US-based think tank Simularity reported in June that more than 200 Chinese ships were spotted in different maritime features in Philippine waters from May to June.

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Over 200 Chinese ships spotted in West PH Sea between May to June

The latest data released by the government on the Chinese presence in the West Philippine Sea dates back to May 9, when the West Philippine Sea task force said that 287 Chinese ships were scattered across the Philippine waters.

Only 10 months left before President Rodrigo Duterte passes on the country’s highest post, the commander-in-chief, who has strong ties with China, has yet to enforce the 2016 Hague ruling.

The ruling reinforced the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea principle, which states that all features located within a country’s EEZ rightfully belong to that country.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/chinese-vessels-spotted-west-philippine-sea-august-2021

Navforwest joins SEACAT 2021 to address shared security challenges in maritime domain

From Palawan News (Aug 13, 2021): Navforwest joins SEACAT 2021 to address shared security challenges in maritime domain (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

The Philippine Navy (PN) through the Naval Forces West (Navforwest) is taking part in this year’s edition of the Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT), a multilateral exercise aimed at improving maritime cooperation in responding to shared security issues.

Navforwest in an issued statement said the virtual training, which kicked off in Singapore on August 10, will be until August 20.

Through real-time information exchange and coordinated surveillance operations, SEACAT is aimed at establishing goodwill and stable relationships among participating navies, promoting regional resiliency, interoperability, and security. It also improves collaboration among Southeast Asian countries and provides mutual support and a common goal in the maritime domain.

“There will be exercise scenarios which are intended to inspire participating governments to deploy maritime forces to improve operational understanding, create capability for humanitarian assistance missions, and maintain international rules and standards,” Navforwest said in the statement.
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SEACAT encourages participating nations’ commitments to maritime cooperation, security and stability. Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam will take part in this largest iteration to date.

Naval Forces West said it is committed to participating in this iteration of SEACAT by deploying all available resources to ensure the success of this multilateral exercise.

https://palawan-news.com/navforwest-joins-seacat-2021-to-address-shared-security-challenges-in-maritime-domain/

Ceremonial turnover of command of the 39th Infantry Battalion

Posted to the Mindanao Times (Aug 13, 2021): Ceremonial turnover of command of the 39th Infantry Battalion

MAJ. GEN. Ernesto C. Torres, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, leads the ceremonial turnover of command of the 39th Infantry Battalion as the unit welcomes its new commander, Lt. Col. Ezra L. Balagtey, and sends off its outgoing commander, Lt. Col. Geoffrey M. Carandang. Among those present during the ceremony at the battalion headquarters in Makilala, Cotabato is the governor, Nancy A. Catamco. Photo by City Government of Cotabato/39th Infantry Battation

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/08/13/ceremonial-turnover-of-command-of-the-39th-infantry-battalion/

UN hands over project to siege victims

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 13, 2021): UN hands over project to siege victims

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Hundreds of local residents have benefited from the quick impact project here of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) which provided water, sanitation and hygiene facilities to the beneficiaries, mostly victims of the 2013 deadly siege by Moro National Liberation Front rebels here.

The inauguration of the UNCHR project at Masepla transitory site in Barangay Mampang. (Image: CSWDO)

The UNHCR facilities at the Masepla transitory site in Barangay Mampang were turned over recently to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). The project is also supported by the Australian Government in partnership with the Integrated Resources Development for Tri-People and in collaboration with the local government.

Maria Socorro Rojas, the CSWDO head, said some 130 families will benefit from the humanitarian project. She said Mayor Beng Climaco also ordered the CSWDO to distribute food aid to the beneficiaries of the UNHCR project. “Mayor Beng thanked the UNHCR and all those who are part of the project. This will greatly benefit the victims of the siege,” Rojas said.

Photos released by the CSWDO also showed inauguration of the facilities which include a water pump and communal latrines and attended by the beneficiaries. (Zamboanga Post)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/08/un-hands-over-project-to-siege-victims.html

Indo-Pacific forces kick off SEACAT

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 13, 2021): Indo-Pacific forces kick off SEACAT

MARITIME FORCES from 21 Indo-Pacific partner nations, including the U.S. Navy, U.S inter-agencies, and international organizations began the 20th iteration of Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT) in Singapore and virtually.

SEACAT is a multilateral exercise which began August 10 and designed to enhance cooperation among Southeast Asian countries and provide mutual support and a common goal to address crises, contingencies, and illegal activities in the maritime domain using standardized tactics, techniques, and procedures.

The multilateral exercise promotes shared commitments to maritime partnerships, security, and stability in Southeast Asia. Signifying the largest iteration to date, 21 nations will participate, including Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam.

“In this region, the strength of our partnerships matter and our ability and willingness to work together is paramount,” said Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet. “This year’s SEACAT aims to enhance our interoperability as we address our shared maritime security concerns and preserve rules-based international order,” he said.

The exercise scenarios are designed to encourage countries to use maritime forces to enhance understanding of the operational environment, build capacity for humanitarian support missions, and uphold international laws and norms.

A maritime operations center in the International Fusion Center in Singapore serves as a centralized hub for crisis coordination and information sharing in the tracking of contracted merchant vessels simulating suspicious vessels of interests throughout Southeast Asian seas.

Countries will work with all available maritime domain awareness tools to provide cueing and contact information to another country’s operations center and maritime patrol reconnaissance aircraft or surface assets with the stated goal of enforcing international rules, laws, and norms.

“The scenarios are designed to encourage countries to work together though maritime domain awareness assets to better understand operations and adherence to international norms,” said Capt. Tom Ogden, commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. “Practicing multilateral, multi-platform intercepts help our Southeast Asian partners prepare for possible real-world engagements in the future,” he said.

In all, SEACAT includes 10 ships and more than 400 personnel. U.S. Navy participants include USS Tulsa (LCS 16), staff of DESRON 7, P-8A Poseidon aircraft assigned to Task Force 72, and personnel from Task Forces 73, 76, U.S. 7th Fleet, and U.S. Pacific Fleet.

This year incorporates U.S inter-agencies of Joint Interagency Task Force West, U.S Indo-Pacific Command’s executive agent for counter-narcotics; and Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Department of Defense’s official combat support agency for countering weapons of mass destruction. Their role is aimed at providing greater understanding of the operational environment and adherence to established rules, laws, and norms across the joint environment.

For the first time, international organizations and non-governmental organizations play a role in SEACAT by providing greater understanding of the operational environment through scenario injects designed to simulate real world situations that enhance understanding and adherence to accepted rules, laws, and norms.

Participants include the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime, EU Critical Maritime Route Wider Indian Ocean, and International Committee of the Red Cross. Application of Women, Peace, and Security principles ensure respect for principles that align with accepted standards for human rights and fair treatment of women.

As the U.S. Navy’s destroyer squadron forward-deployed in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 serves as the primary tactical and operational commander of littoral combat ships rotationally deployed to Singapore, functions as Expeditionary Strike Group 7’s Sea Combat Commander, and builds partnerships through training exercises and military-to-military engagements.

Under Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy's largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with 35 maritime nations in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (Lt. Lauren Chatmas, DESRON 7)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/08/indo-pacific-forces-kick-off-seacat.html

MNLF members receive agricultural equipment, inputs under PAMANA to boost agricultural productivity

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 13, 2021): MNLF members receive agricultural equipment, inputs under PAMANA to boost agricultural productivity (By OPAPP)

BULUAN, Maguindanao -- Members of 15 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) cooperatives look forward to raising their productivity and increasing their incomes through fifteen (15) tractors equipped with implements (rotavator, disc harrow and disc plow), One (1) harvester, corn hybrid seeds and fertilizers provided under the PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program.

The first batch of equipment was turned over to 10 MNLF cooperatives on December 11, 2020, while the same farming equipment and implements were handed over to five MNLF cooperatives on Wednesday, August 11, 2021.

The MNLF farmer-beneficiaries come from the municipalities of Buldon, Datu Abdullah Sangki, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Mangudadatu, Montawal, Pagalungan, Shariff Saydona, Sultan Sa Barongis, Sultan Mastura and Upi in Maguindanao.

The turnover was led by Cesar De Mesa, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) director and PAMANA National Program Management Office head, and Maguindanao Provincial Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu.

De Mesa explained that PAMANA is among the initiatives being implemented by the national government to uplift the socioeconomic conditions and empower people situated in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities across the country.

“Pag upo ng ating Presidente, meron siyang 6-Point Peace and Development Agenda. At ito ay isa sa mga ‘yun. Ang OPAPP, sa pamumuno ni Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr ay ang nakatutok sa 6-Point Development Agenda ng Presidente Duterte. So meron tayong peace effort with the MNLF and other groups at ongoing po ‘yan,” De Mesa said.

He emphasized that economic empowerment can only be achieved if all stakeholders will work hand-in-hand, as he encouraged project beneficiaries and residents to cooperate and contribute to the government’s peacebuilding and development efforts.

“Kalimutan na natin itong mga paghawak ng mga baril. Ang hawakan na natin itong mga farm equipment nang sa ganun ay papasok ang development sa inyo at sa inyong communities,” De Mesa said.

OPAPP, which oversees the implementation of the PAMANA Program, released the funds directly to the provincial government of Maguindanao for the implementation of the PhP 43 million project under the PAMANA-Department of Agriculture productivity support initiative.

“Sa tulong na rin ng OPAPP PAMANA, tayo ay nagbigay ng mga farm machineries. Pinipilit po nating gawin na maramdaman, mailapit at mapakinggan ninyo ang mga programa ng gobyerno,” said Governor Sangki-Mangudadatu.

The PAMANA-DA project aims to improve socio-economic conditions in conflict-affected and conflict vulnerable areas, as well as in areas covered by Peace Agreements through focused delivery of service; enhance the capacities of national government agencies and local government for pursuing conflict-sensitive, peace-promoting, and gender-sensitive approach to development; empower communities and strengthen their capacities to address issues of conflict and peace through activities that promote social cohesion; increase the rice and corn production of farmers, as well as and improve and mechanize their rice and corn production. (OPAPP)

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/08/13/mnlf-members-receive-agricultural-equipment-inputs-under-pamana-to-boost-agricultural-productivity

Dawlah Islamiya subleader nabbed in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2021): Dawlah Islamiya subleader nabbed in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

Mugshot of suspect Kalid Andalani Kalaing, alias Commander Kalid, an alleged subleader of the Dawlah Islamiya – Maguid terror group operating in the border of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

Police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have arrested a suspected subleader of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terror group operating at the border of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale, director of Police Regional Office – BARMM, identified the suspect on Friday as Kalid Andalani Kalaing, alias Commander Kalid, of Barangay Molon, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

“Kalid was arrested around 1:30 pm. Thursday at a checkpoint in Barangay Labu-Labu, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao,” Ugale told reporters here in an interview.

He said the suspect is wanted by a Sultan Kudarat court for carnapping with homicide.

Ugale added that police intelligence information showed that the suspect was a DI subleader under the Maguid terror group.

He said the Maguindanao police received a tip from Sultan Kudarat provincial police office about Kalid traveling from Cotabato City to Isulan, Sultan Kudarat onboard a white pick-up truck, prompting them to alert their police field units.

After his arrest, the suspect was turned over to the Sultan Kudarat provincial police office.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150313

300 conflict-affected families in Agusan Norte town get aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2021): 300 conflict-affected families in Agusan Norte town get aid (By Alexander Lopez)

SERBISYO CARAVAN. Troopers from the 23rd Infantry Battalion provide support to the conduct of two-day Serbisyo Caravan in Sitio San Jose, Barangay Durian, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte on Aug 11-12. The two-day activity benefited around 300 residents directly affected by the local communist armed conflict. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

Around 300 residents in the remote area of Sitio San Jose, Barangay Durian in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte received government services and aid during a two-day "Serbisyo Caravan" on Aug. 11-12.

“Sitio San Jose is among the priority communities in Las Nieves under the Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) issued by President Rodrigo Duterte. The place is among the areas greatly affected by the terrorist activities of the New People’s Army (NPA),” said Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, commander of the 23rd Infantry Battalion, in a statement.

The activity led by Gov. Dale B. Corvera and Mayor Avelina Rosales brought basic services of the government to the local residents who have been affected by conflicts due to insurgency for years, he added.

The affected families received free medical-dental check-ups, medicines. Free circumcision and haircut were also provided to the children in said community. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Agusan del Norte also awarded training and scholarship grants to some residents in the sitio, especially the youth.

Paulo said the two-day activity relived the true Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, a deep-seated culture among Filipinos.

“The spirit of Bayanihan is very much alive among us especially during trying times or when our fellow Filipinos need help and support. This culture unites us and enables the different instrumentalities of the government to effectively address the root causes of local communist armed conflicts that for years have brought havoc in communities like Sitio San Jose,” Paulo said.

On the contrary, he said, the NPA insurgents spread disunity and dissent in communities and the people.

“The CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) and their leaders do not believe in the culture of Bayanihan. Instead, they propagated disputes and hatred. This is how these terrorists rule. They weaken communities through divisions and rifts and control the residents through fear,” Paulo said.

He also assured the residents of San Jose that the 23IB is working with the different local government units and agencies in Agusan del Norte to achieve the common goal of realizing sustainable development and lasting peace in communities in the province.

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, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150352

PMA moves entrance exam to September

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2021): PMA moves entrance exam to September (By Liza Agoot)

PNA file photo by Liza T. Agoot

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Friday announced that the entrance examination this year for applicants wanting to join the uniformed service has been moved to a later date.

Based on its official social media account, the academy said that the PMA Entrance Examination (PMAEE) 2021 scheduled from August 16 to September 19, 2021 was modified.

"The PMAEE will be administered from 02 September to 02 October 2021," it said.

The academy has identified 10 testing centers on September 2 to 4 at Tabuk City, Bontoc Mountain Province, Tuguegarao City, Gamu Isabela, Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya, Laoag City, Vigan City, Cabanatuan City, Tarlac City, Legazpi City, Naga City, Lucena City, Lipa Batangas, Los Banos Laguna, Sangley Point Cavite and Clark Pampanga.

On September 16 to 18, the PMAEE will be held in Davao City, Tagum City, Mati Davao Oriental, Bayugan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Cotabato City, Kidapawan City, Tacurong City, General Santos City, Zamboanga City, Pagadian City, Dipolog City, Ozamis City, Iligan City, San Jose Occidental Mindoro, Phil. Army headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Philippine Air Force headquarters at Villamor Air Base, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Puerto Princesa City, Baguio City, and Lingayen in Pangasinan.

The last examination schedule will be from September 30 to October 2 at Kalibo Aklan, Iloilo City, Bacolod City, Dumaguete City, Catbalogan City, Tacloban City, Tagbilaran City, Cebu City, and Manila.

The academy administration said that the change in schedules is to avoid problems that may be encountered by examinees whose residences are in higher community quarantine classifications.

"The IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) guidelines published last July 29 raised the risk-level classifications of provinces, highly urbanized cities (HUCs), and independent component cities (ICCs) where some of the PMAEE testing centers were affected," it said.

It also said that the cadet recruitment and admission no longer accept online applications as well as mailed applications.

"Interested applicants who were not able to submit may still take the PMA Entrance Examination as walk-in applicants," it added.

Aspiring of the country's premier military institution must be a natural-born Filipino citizen, physically fit and of good moral character, single and has never been married nor pregnant nor have a legal obligation to support a child or children, at least Senior High School graduate, no administrative or criminal case, at least 5 feet in height for both male and female, at least 17 years old and not more than 22 years old on June 1 of the year of admission.

A cadet receives the following benefits and privileges: free college education with a well-rounded curriculum, monthly pay, and allowances, progressive career as an officer in the Army, Air Force, or Navy, specialized professional training for military, exceptional training, and billeting facilities with all training requirements provided.

Foremost, a PMA cadet will have the chance to have the noble profession of serving the country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150392

AFP vows justice for soldier executed by Reds in Capiz

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2021): AFP vows justice for soldier executed by Reds in Capiz (By Priam Nepomuceno)

SEEKING JUSTICE. Cpl. Frederic K. Villasis, team leader of the Philippine Army’s Community Support Program (CSP) in Barangay Lahug, Tapaz in Capiz province, was killed by a group of New People's Army rebels on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 11, 2021). AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. vowed to bring to justice those behind the killing. (PNA photo courtesy of 12IB, Philippine Army)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. vowed to use all available resources to ensure justice for a soldier who was murdered by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists in Capiz last August 11.

"The AFP will exhaust all available resources to achieve justice for our comrade and put an end to the decades-old problem of armed conflict so that our nation may enjoy genuine peace and development," Faustino said in a statement on Thursday night.

Faustino was referring to the killing of Cpl. Frederic Villasis, a member of the 12th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA).

Villasis and Lahug councilors Analyn Giganto and Estong Sumaria, were on board two motorcycles when they were intercepted by a group of rebels in Sitio Owa.

The three were on their way to the municipal hall to follow up on a water system and other development projects.

The rebels singled out Villasis as his hands were tied and then was shot three times at the back while the two civilians were made to lie down and were later set free.

"The cold-blooded murder of Cpl. Frederic Villasis who was deployed for CSP in the area is a clear manifestation of the NPA’s anti-people and anti-development ways that are worthy of the Filipino’s condemnation," Faustino added.

He also condemned this latest atrocity of the NPA, which ironically took place a day before the celebration of International Humanitarian Law Day.

"The AFP extends its condolence to the family and loved ones of Corporal Villasis who left behind a wife, and two young children," Faustino said.

In a separate statement, AFP Public Affairs Office chief, Col. Ramon Zagala, said the incident is another addition to the communist terrorist group’s more than 1,600 violations of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law over the past decade.

"The NPA has resorted to atrocities, disregarding our people’s welfare and hamper development in our communities as a result of their waning mass support," Zagala said.

He added that the AFP, through its Community Support Program (CSP), will continue to support the government in bringing peace and development in our country, especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas while also conducting focused military operations to finally put an end to the armed conflict.

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/1150314

No sign of Chinese research vessel in WPS: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2021): No sign of Chinese research vessel in WPS: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of NTF WPS

There has been no sighting of any Chinese research vessel near the Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the West Philippine Sea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

"Contrary to some published reports regarding the Chinese Research Vessel (CRV) Hai Da Hao, the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Northern Luzon Command has reported that the said vessel has not been spotted near Bajo de Masinloc as alleged," Lorenzana said in a statement.

Based on the verification of the one-year historical track of the Hai Da Hao, the vessel neither passed through nor entered the area of responsibility of the Naval Forces Northern Luzon, he added.

"In addition, CRV Hai Da Hao is currently monitored at 30 nautical miles south of Huidong Xian, Huizhou Shi, China," Lorenzana said.

Reports quoted Ryan Martinson, an assistant professor at the China Maritime Studies Institute - US Naval War College, as saying that the Chinese research vessel was recently spotted off the coast of Zambales.

In a Twitter post on Wednesday, Martinson said the Chinese ship “Hai Da Hao” is currently operating "65 nm (nautical miles) east of Scarborough Shoal."

He added that the ship is operated by the China Ocean University.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150382

Groups admonish Makabayan Bloc to drop politicking

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 13, 2021): Groups admonish Makabayan Bloc to drop politicking (By Marita Moaje)

NO TO REDS SUPPORTERS. Members of League of Parents of the Philippines and Liga Independencia Pilipinas stage a rally in front of the Commission on Elections main office in Manila on July 2021. The groups called on the poll body to bar the Kabataan party-list from the May 2022 elections as it is a known supporter of communist terrorist groups. (PNA file photo)

The Makabayan Bloc of the House of Representatives should stop politicking and instead help the government find solutions, especially with the problems caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) and the Liga Independencia Pilipinas Inc. (LIPI) urged the party-list groups Bayan Muna, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Kabataan, Gabriela, and Anakpawis to be part of the solution.

“Please stop your politicking and craving for political power. Help the nation in regaining its stability in Congress. Instead of thinking of things that would further jeopardize the nation, help us in giving solutions,” the statement read.

LPP and LIPI said it is clear the Makabayan Bloc is merely riding on and using the popularity of President Rodrigo Duterte to gain media mileage and get the public’s attention.

The bloc should also stop raising the issue on political dynasty as Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte has not even filed her candidacy for any position in the 2022 polls.

In the event that the younger Duterte seeks the presidency, she will be elected, not appointed so dynasty is out of the question.

They added the President's focus is on the country's survival, not the 2022 elections.

The party-list groups, according to LPP and LIPI, should respect the electoral process as they garnered enough votes “in spite of your agitations towards violence and ouster of the duly mandated government”.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1150416