Kalinaw News: Army’s 903rd Brigade Holds Deradicalization Program for 35 Former Rebels

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 3, 2021): Army’s 903rd Brigade Holds Deradicalization Program for 35 Former Rebels

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Thirty-five Former Rebels (FRs) who recently surrendered voluntarily to the government attended the 4-day deradicalization program with the theme, “Bagong Buhay, Bagong Pag-asa Hatid ng Pamahalaan para sa mga Kapatid na Dating Rebelde” at the headquarters of 903rd Infantry Brigade in Castilla, Sorsogon from November 29 to December 2.

Deradicalization is part of the government’s program intended for FRs. This is being facilitated by the Army in partnership with different Local Government Agencies purposely to correct the ideologies and doctrines the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) instilled in them.

The event, which include lectures and livelihood trainings, was also a preparation for the FRs’ reintegration to the mainstream society.

During the closing ceremony, PCol. Arturo Brual Jr, Provincial Director of Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, who served as the guest of honor and speaker assured the FRs that their decision to return to the folds of the law is indeed, meaningful and beneficial not only to them but also to their families.

“If you go back to the folds of the law ay makakasama ninyo at mayayakap ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay at makakasiguro po kayo that the government is with you, tumutupad sa pangakong tulungan kayo na maisaayos ang inyong buhay,” PCol. Brual said.

Meanwhile, for Col. Alwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Brigade, events like these open countless doors of opportunities for FRs who wish to live a normal life again.

“Isa itong patunay na hindi pa katapusan ng lahat. Kahit minsan silang umanib sa teroristang grupo, maaari pa rin silang mamuhay ng mapayapa at produktibo,” Col. Almase said.

On the other hand, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia, enjoined the FRs to help the government in opening the eyes of the local populace about the danger of joining the CTG.

“FRs are vulnerable and they can still be deceived by the communist terrorists. But with the deradicalization, they are freed from the wrong mindset and belief. We are positive that after this, they will have the boldness to call on their former comrades to abandon the armed movement and join us in our continuing peace efforts,” MGen. Robinson said.

It can be recalled that last November 4-5, a Former Rebels Summit was also held in Pili, Camarines Sur. Just like the deradicalization program, the event also aimed to empower the FRs as peace advocates and involve them in the government’s peace initiatives.

[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/armys-903rd-brigade-holds-deradicalization-program-for-35-former-rebels/

Don’t let your comrades die, NPA told

From Panay News (Dec 3, 2021): Don’t let your comrades die, NPA told (By Ruby Silubrico)

ILOILO – Come down now and let the wounded get proper treatment in hospitals.

This was the call of Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, to members of the New People’s Army (NPA) following Wednesday’s military offensive against rebels in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao town. Sixteen insurgents were killed.

“May information kita nga may mga pilason,” Gorero said. “Magpanaog na para mabulong kag mabuhi.”

The government will help the injured and provide them livelihood, said Gorero.

On the other hand, Major General Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, believed that among the fatalities were high-ranking NPA-Panay officials.

“Malaking dagok ito sa kanilang hanay. Sa naiwan pa dyan, you still have enough time to surrender,” said Arevalo.

He expressed optimism that the insurgents in Western Visayas would be neutralized before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration in June 2022.

“With the help of the people, malulutas natin ang ating problema sa insurgency,” said Arevalo.

Troops of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB, under the 301st Infantry Brigade) and 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company led the assault around 6 a.m. on Wednesday bolstered by air support using FA50 fighter jets.

The clash lasted for several hours after which the government troops recovered eight bodies and seized three M16 rifles, an AK47 rifle, four anti-personnel mines, three detonators, a projector, subversive documents with high intelligence value, and assorted personal belongings.

The Army launched the attack after being informed by residents that rebels – believed to be members of the NPA Suyak, Sentro de Grabedad (SDG) Platoon, Southern Front (SF)-Panay – were consolidating in Sitio Burak and planning to attack Army patrol bases in line with the anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26.

https://www.panaynews.net/dont-let-your-comrades-die-npa-told/

Rights group condemns military ‘carnage’ in Miag-ao

From Panay News (Dec 4, 2021): Rights group condemns military ‘carnage’ in Miag-ao (By Glenda Tayona)

ILOILO – The military air strike in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao town on Dec. 1 was an indiscriminate carnage that violated the international humanitarian law, according to the human rights alliance Karapatan-Panay.

The air strike, which employed fighter jets, targeted suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Karapatan-Panay, however, said disproportionate force was employed resulting to a carnage, with mutilated bodies strewn everywhere.

The group cited a village councilman’s radio interview detailing how two aircrafts flew over Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias followed by three big explosions, so big he felt the ground shake from more than a kilometer away.

Another four more explosions followed, believed to be from an artillery cannon fired by government troops.

“Such is a violation of the international humanitarian law, thus condemnable,” Karapatan-Panay said in a statement.

They stressed that the humanitarian law prohibits indiscriminate actions that could injure civilians and cause excessive injury and unnecessary suffering and inflict excessive or long-term damage to the environment.

The group emphasized their call to the government, as it pursues an end to insurgency, to get to the roots of the problem.

“Give priority to lasting solutions to the poverty and injustice being suffered by the people instead of clamping on their legitimate grievances with iron hand,” the group said.

Sixteen rebels were killed, according to the Army. Nine have so far been identified. One was Joven Ceralvo alias “Lex” whom the military claimed was the second deputy secretary of Kometing Rehiyon-Panay (SF KR-P) Southern Front and commanding officer of the Front Operational Command, Kometing Rehiyon-Panay (FOC KR-P).

https://www.panaynews.net/rights-group-condemns-military-carnage-in-miag-ao/

‘Top NPA leader’ killed in Miag-ao strike

 From Panay News (Dec 4, 2021): ‘Top NPA leader’ killed in Miag-ao strike (By Ruby Silubrico)

These were some of the firearms recovered during a clash against the government troops and the New People's Army on Wednesday in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao, Iloilo. Nine fatalities have been identified so far, including high ranking officials of the NPA.


ILOILO – A top New People’s Army (NPA) leader in this province was one of the casualties in Wednesday’s military preemptive strike in Barangay Alimodias, Miag-ao town, according to the Philippine Army.

Joven Ceralvo alias “Lex” was the second deputy secretary of the NPA’s Kometing Rehiyon-Panay (SF KR-P) Southern Front and commanding officer of the Front Operational Command, Kometing Rehiyon-Panay (FOC KR-P).

His death was confirmed by the 301st Infantry Brigade following a forensic examination.

Ceralvo had a string of criminal cases such as rebellion, frustrated murder, double multiple attempted murder, robbery, and arson.

Eight others casualties, including three ranking NPA officials, were also identified by the Army. They were:

* Roger Pedro alias Lim/Gurang – leader of squad 3 of Suyak (SDG) platoon and resident of San Remigio, Antique;

* Leonard Taburete alias Tatang/Toms – leader of team 1, squad 2, Suyak (SDG) platoon and resident of Tubungan, Iloilo;

* a certain Inday/Jeboy – assistant team leader, team 1, squad 2 and resident of San Jaoquin, Iloilo;

* Liezel Tacuel alias Dayday/April/Jare – member, squad 1, command group, front 11 and resident of Tubungan, Iloilo;

* Girly Tejeros alias Elay – member of Suyak (SDG) platoon and resident of Tigbauan, Iloilo;

* Rica Nudgara alias Amber – member, front 11, of Miag-ao, Iloilo;

* Eugene Estopido Talibo alias Africk – member, team 1, squad 1, Suyak (SDG) Platoon, from Igbaras, Iloilo; and

* Juveniel Sandig alias Francis – member, team 2, squad 1.

All belonged to the NPA’s Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay, according to Brigadier General Marion Sison of the 301st IB.

There were eight more casualties but they were yet to be identified; they would be subjected to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test, Sison said.

“Tatlo lang pagpilian ng mga rebelde na patuloy pa ring nasa kabundukan: mahuli at ma-detain sila, mag-surrender and avail themselves of the government’s program or mamatay sa gieyera,” Sison said.

Several materiel were recovered from the site of the preemptive strike including three M16 rifles, an AK47 rifle, four anti-personnel mines, three detonators, one projector, subversive documents with high intelligence value, and assorted personal belongings.

Sison said the rebels were having a “grand tactical offensive meeting” when the strike was carried out at 6 a.m.

“Nag-meeting sila para planohan kung paano nila e-execute ang isang detachment. Sa tulong ng sambayanan, naunahan natin sila. This incident was really a big blow to their organization,” Sison added.

The Army and the police were monitoring hospitals for any wounded insurgents.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, 3ID commander, said happened created an “enormous crack” on the NPA’s attacks and extortion activities.

“It will also cause demoralization among its members who are being used to advance the selfish and terroristic interests of their leaders,” said Arevalo.

He urged the remaining rebels to surrender as early as possible.

“You better surrender now before you are caught and jailed or killed,” Arevalo said.

https://www.panaynews.net/top-npa-leader-killed-in-miag-ao-strike/

Security simex set

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 3, 2021): Security simex set (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo Credit: City Government of Davao

THE Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) and other members of the security clusters will hold another security simulation exercise on Saturday at the SM Lanang Premier.

Angel Sumagaysay, PSSCC head, said the event is aimed at strengthening the culture of security concept in the city by addressing key security aspects.

Sumagaysay said the activity will, among others, identify key areas that need to be improved to ensure that the people are safe from security threats.

“This is all about our integrated (security and safety) response on terrorism plan. We are expecting that all units will participate during the SIMEX,” Sumagaysay said, adding that it will also put to test the readiness of security units in addressing threats.

The exercise will focus on how to address the planting of explosives inside a place where people congregate and that it is timely considering that it is within the Yuletide season, he explained.

Allaying fears of the public, Sumagaysay said the security establishment has not monitored any threat but there is a need to ensure that every base is covered.

He called on the public not to panic during the event as this is just part of education both the people and the security forces.

“This is just a simulation exercise and hopefully they (public) would understand if there are inconveniences sa traffic,” he added.

Capt. John Louie Dema-ala, Task Force Davao spokesperson, said the unit has prepared for the drill as it is also part of the effort to raise awareness of the people.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/12/03/security-simex-set/

`Terrorist’ killed in clash

 From the Mindanao Times (Dec 3, 2021): `Terrorist’ killed in clash (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command

SOLDIERS killed a reported member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Tureife Group during an encounter in Sitio Ulangkaya, Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao on Wednesday.

The military identified the slain terrorist as Adsam, son of a certain Hassan Indal.

Members of the Joint Task Force Central were conducting an operation when they met the Adsam’s group that resulted in teh armed clash.

Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, said the soldiers were fired upon by the outlawed group.

” Our troops retaliated, resulting in an exchange of gunfire which lasted for about five minutes,” Rosario added, pointing out that also found at the encounter site were five rifles, bullets and other personal belongings.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/12/03/terrorist-killed-in-clash/

MILF in Lanao joins National Vaccination Days

From MindaNews (Dec 3, 2021): MILF in Lanao joins National Vaccination Days (By RICHEL V. UMEL)

More that 100 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were vaccinated at Camp Bilal here Thursday as part of the National Vaccination Days, which also highlighted the culmination of the 20th Mindanao Week of Peace.

Dr. Sofia Omar, Rural Health Unit Officer of Munai, Lanao del Norte, administers vaccine to a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces at a health facility of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Camp Bilal Thursday afternoon (2 December 2021). MindaNews photo by RICHEL V. UMEL

It was held at Camp Bilal, lair of the famed MILF fighter “Kumander Bravo” and now Member of Parliament Abdullah Macapaar, at Sitio Kura-kura of Barangay Tamparan of this municipality. It is also the headquarters of the MILF’s Northwestern Mindanao Front Command.

“We here at Camp Bilal, together with my base commanders and the rest of our men, are strongly supporting the government’s National Vaccination Days so we’ll all have protection against COVID-19,” Macapaar said.

“If we love our family, we should not hesitate to be vaccinated,” he said, urging fellow MILF members to go to the nearest vaccination center.

Dr. Sofia Omar, Rural Health Unit officer, said it was a mix of first and second doses for the MILF fighters.

Macapaar, she said, already had his first dose in November and will have his second dose later this month.

“In behalf of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, I am calling on my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters of the entire Lanao Region to avail of the vaccine,” Macapaar added.

Samanodin Oraki, a BIAF member for the past 18 years, said he is convinced that the vaccine will protect people against COVID-19 and convinced fellow Moro warriors to get their jabs, too. Oraki had his second dose of Sinovac in the camp.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/12/milf-in-lanao-joins-national-vaccination-days/

Retaliatory attacks seen after DI leader, 4 others slain in clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2021): Retaliatory attacks seen after DI leader, 4 others slain in clash (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Mamasapano, Maguindanao

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Military forces in this province are bracing for possible retaliatory attacks from the Daulah Islamiya (DI) terrorist group following the death of the group’s leader in Mamasapano town.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, identified the leader as Asim Karinda alias Abu Azim, touted as DI's new “Amir” operating in Maguindanao.

"Karinda was killed during an encounter with military forces shortly before dawn Thursday," Uy said.

The DI leader and his followers clashed with elements of the 6th Infantry Battalion under the Joint Task Force Central in Barangay Dabenayan.

Intensified military intelligence operations backed by the support from civilians led to a series of clashes the past two days in Maguindanao that claimed the death of six DI members, five of them in Mamasapano, and another in nearby Shariff Saydona Mustapha, all in Maguindanao.

Uy said Karinda replaced Salahudin Hasan as “Amir” and leader of the terror group after Salahudin Hasan was neutralized by military forces on Oct. 29, 2021 at Damablac, Talayan, Maguindanao.

Military reports said Hasan was also a trained improvised bomb maker. He died with his wife, Jehana Minbida, who was the DI finance officer, during the Talayan encounter.

“The recent armed clash with the DI group only shows that your security forces are persistent and committed to ensuring the safety of our communities and the Filipino people,” Uy said in a statement Friday.

Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, 6th IB commander, said the firefight between his men and Karinda’s group lasted for about an hour.

“Our ground forces recovered the abandoned bodies of Azim and his four followers after the firefight,” Banaag said, adding that his unit suffered no casualties.

Banaag identified the other DI fatalities as Fahad Salipada alias Naz, known as the close-in security of Salahudin Hasan; Hamsallah Ganoy Salangani; Salah Salipada; and alias Tatoks.

Their remains were turned over to Mamasapano local officials for proper burial.

On Dec.1, 2021, the son of DI sub-leader Hasan Indal, identified as Adsam, was also neutralized by JTF Central forces in Barangay Ganta, Shariff Saydona Mustapha.

Since January this year, almost 300 members of the DI and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have returned to the fold of the law.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161671

Ex-NPA rebels begin new lives with deradicalization program

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2021): Ex-NPA rebels begin new lives with deradicalization program (By Connie Calipay)

PEACE EFFORTS. Former rebels listen to the message of Sorsogon Police Provincial Office chief Col. Arturo Brual Jr. during the closing ceremony of a four-day deradicalization program at the 903rd Infantry Brigade camp in Barangay San Rafael, Castilla town on Thursday (Dec. 2, 2021). Brual told the 35 participants that it is never too late to restart their lives as they help the country end the long-standing problem on insurgency and terrorism. (Photo courtesy of Sorsogon PPO)

A total of 35 former rebels (FRs) finished a four-day deradicalization program with the theme "Bagong Buhay, Bagong Pag-asa Hatid ng Pamahalaan para sa mga Kapatid na Dating Rebelde" at the headquarters of the 903rd Infantry Brigade in Castilla, Sorsogon.

Maj. John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, said the Nov. 29 to Dec. 2 lectures and livelihood training were part of the government's program to help FRs blend with the civilized society again.

"It was facilitated by the Army in partnership with different local government agencies purposely to correct the ideologies and doctrines the communist terrorist groups instilled in them," he said in a statement on Friday.

Col. Arturo Brual Jr., director of the Sorsogon Police Provincial Office, assured FRs that their decision to return to the fold of the law is beneficial not only to them but also to their families.

"If you go back to the fold of the law, you will be with your family, and rest assured that the government is with you, doing what is promised to help you and give you a decent living, " Brual told the FRs during the closing ceremony.

Col. Alwine Almase, 903rd Brigade commander, said the decision to surrender will open countless doors of opportunities for FRs who wish to live a normal life again while Maj. Gen Henry Robinson Jr., commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia, enjoined the FRs to help the government in opening the eyes of the local populace about the dangers of joining the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"FRs are vulnerable and they can still be deceived by the communist terrorists. But with the deradicalization, they are freed from the wrong mindset and belief. We are positive that after this, they will have the boldness to call on their former comrades to abandon the armed movement and join us in our continuing peace efforts," Robinson said in another statement.

On November 4 and 5, an FR summit was also held in Pili, Camarines Sur with the similar aim to empower them as peace advocates and involve them in the government's peace initiatives.

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/1161696

NPA death toll in Army ops in Iloilo town climbs to 9

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2021): NPA death toll in Army ops in Iloilo town climbs to 9 (By Perla Lena)

RECOVERIES. The recoveries from the hideout of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army in Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo that was raided by government troops on Dec. 1, 2021. The death count in the operations has already increased from eight to nine as of Friday (December 3), according to Major General Benedict Arevalo, commanding officer of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID). (Photo courtesy of the Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict Legal Cooperation Cluster)

The death toll in the clash between New People's Army rebels and government soldiers in Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo last December 1 has risen to nine as the military on Friday continued to confirm and identify the fatalities.

Major General Benedict Arevalo, commanding officer of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), said the latest identified fatality was Joven Ceralvo, alias Lex, the commanding officer of the Southern Front (SF) operational command and at the same time deputy secretary of the SF Committee.

The 301st Infantry Brigade in a press statement earlier identified the eight fatalities with the help of former rebels and the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

They were Roger Pedro alias Lim/Gurang, from San Remigio, Antique; Leonard Taburete alias Tatang/Toms, and Liezel Tacuel alias Dayday/April/Jare, both from Tubungan; Gerly Tejeros alias Elay from Tigbauan; certain Inday/Jeboy from San Joaquin; and Rica Nudgara alias Amber from Miagao; Eugene Estopido Talibo alias Africk from Igbaras, all from Iloilo; and Juveniel Sandig alias Francis, with no indicated address.

Pedro, according to Arevalo, was the vice commander of the Suyak Platoon of Southern Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay while Tejeros, wife of Ceralvo, served as an instructor of the SF.

The rest occupied various posts in their respective platoons.

“Our clearing and pursuit operations still continue as of now. We are still confirming reports of more death and wounded from their group,” Arevalo said in an interview.

He added that possibly the death count would increase to 16 or 17 and a dozen more could be wounded given the number of casualties.

The Army commander said that there were 70 rebels in the hideout when they launched an offensive after receiving reports of the NPA's plan to "attack the nearby detachment and conduct extortion activities, especially to businessmen and political candidates."

"They are planning a big hit for their offensive so they have something to brag about during their anniversary on Dec. 26," Arevalo added.

The CPP is set to mark its 53rd founding anniversary this year.

“Let this be a lesson to them that they are not confronting Boy Scouts. The Armed Forces is a well-capable and a formidable force. Seventy armed men is not an easy opponent. We have to bring in all the might and fire power of the Armed Forces in these kinds of operations,” he said.

After the operation, the Army recovered assorted firearms, six anti-personnel mines (APMs), 14 backpacks, two commercial radios, five detonators, a generator set, four cell phones, electrical wires, assorted magazines, subversive documents, and other personal belongings.

Arevalo added that the message is for them to lay down their arms and surrender if they don’t want to get hurt or get killed in encounters.

Meanwhile, 301st Infantry commander B/Gen Marion R Sison, Commander has extended his deepest sympathies to the family of the dead rebels.

“Once again, we urge the remaining members of the CNTs (CPP-New People’s Army Terrorists) to go back to the government fold while you still have chance. We, your Army, are always willing to help you to live a peaceful life,” he said in a statement.

He added that the Philippine Army will assist the surrenderers to avail of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for them to start a new life with their families.

The brigade commander also expressed his gratitude to residents for providing them with vital information.

The bodies of the slain rebels are currently in a funeral parlor in Miagao.

Their families will be given the chance to retrieve their cadavers, otherwise, they will be given to their respective local government units for proper burial.

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/1161703

Basilan, Tawi-Tawi farmers get livelihood aid from AFP, UNDP

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2021): Basilan, Tawi-Tawi farmers get livelihood aid from AFP, UNDP (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

LIVELIHOOD AID. Beneficiaries from Basilan pose with the farm inputs they have received. The Western Mindanao Command and the United Nations Development Program distributed livelihood aid to farmers groups from Basilan and Tawi-Tawi during a program in Zamboanga City on Friday (Dec. 3, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), on Friday distributed farm inputs to boost the livelihood of selected beneficiaries from the provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi amid the pandemic.

The selected beneficiaries from Barangay Muslim Area in the municipality of Maluso, Basilan province received assorted farming tools and equipment that included two trailers, a power tiller, a gasoline-powered water pump, a water tank and hose, vegetable seeds, and several gardening tools.

Amin Pansulani, barangay chairman of Muslim Area, Maluso, received the farm implements.

The farmer and women sector of Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan received four units of cassava graters worth PHP62,000 each.

Ilma Ajanti, the parent-leader of Baguindan, received the farm implements on behalf of the farmer and women sector beneficiaries in the village.

The Badjao tribe of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi received fishing gear and equipment that included motorboat engines, plastic water tanks, and fishing nets.

Badjao tribe chieftain, Isnaj Kingkaw Nurlagi, received the livelihood implements.

Winston Aylmer Camarinas, UNDP Cotabato field office head, said the agency supports the existing livelihood of the farmers and women in the communities.

“Through this, we will be able to sustain the gains of peace and address poverty, which is one of the root causes of criminalities and worst, terrorism,” Camarinas told the farm implement recipients.

“To the beneficiaries of the equipment that we distributed today, I hope these will help uplift your lives. Life is difficult due to the pandemic but don’t lose hope because there’s a brighter day ahead,” Maj. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., Westmincom chief, said in his message to the beneficiaries.

Rosario, whose message was read by Col. Wendell Basat, Westmincom Civil-Military Operations officer, assured the beneficiaries that the military would be with them side by side to protect them.

He commended the sponsors and supporters of the project, including the Embassy of Japan, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, the provincial government of Basilan, and the UNDP.

“The men and women in uniform appreciate the role of our partners and stakeholders in achieving our vision of a peaceful and progressive community, devoid of the threats of terrorism, extortion, and extremism,” Rosario said.

“We have already gained a substantial headway in achieving inclusive and sustainable peace, which signifies that indeed cooperation and the involvement of everybody is the key to moving forward.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161752

Avoid acts of violence vs. women, kids, soldiers told

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2021): Avoid acts of violence vs. women, kids, soldiers told (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino (File photo)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, urged all military personnel to refrain from committing acts of violence on women and children.

This, as the military joins the observance of this year's 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW) that runs from November 25 to December 12.

He also instructed all military personnel to adhere to Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children, and the Republic Act No. 11313 or "Safe Space Act."

Centino, who is also the concurrent Philippine Army commander, also reiterated the military's initiatives in crafting and implementing gender-responsive policies and programs as it continuously pursues gender equality within the organization.

"Now more than ever, the strength and resiliency of the Filipina will shine through these trying times. The pandemic may have brought many industries to their knees, but no crises can break the spirit of a woman, whether it be your mother, your wife, your sister, or your daughter," he said in a statement Thursday night.

Last December 1, the PA, through its Office of the Army Gender and Development (OAGAD), held a virtual forum titled "Men Understanding Women".

The forum also featured Lt. Col. Apple Agpaoa, Technical Sgt. Cathlyn Capingian and Technical Sgt. Florizel Suico who talked about their inspiring journey to becoming empowered and resilient women.

Forum participants also wore orange shirts to support the "Orange Your Icon" anti-VAW advocacy while panelists tackled efforts to protect and empower women in various work settings.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161676

DND expects arrival of 2 Turkish attack choppers in December

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2021): DND expects arrival of 2 Turkish attack choppers in December (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong (File photo)

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday confirmed that two of the six Turkish-made T129 "ATAK" attack helicopters will be delivered sometime this December.

"The first two units of the T129 'ATAK' are expected to be delivered later this month. A DND team is leaving for Turkey for pre-delivery inspection," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

He said the DND team is expected to leave the country by the middle of next week.

No other details were immediately available.

The six T129 attack helicopters were acquired for a total contract price of USD269,388,862 (about PHP12.9 billion) from the Turkish Aerospace Industries through a government-to-government mode of procurement under the Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The T129 is a twin-engine, tandem seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform and is designed for advanced attack and reconnaissance missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana signed the contract for the acquisition of the Turkish attack helicopters in July last year.

The Philippine Air Force is looking to acquire dedicated but affordable attack helicopters to beef up its fleet of lightly-armed helicopters, such as the MG-520 and AW-109E, which are being used for counter-terror and ground support missions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1161718