CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Pamilya, minasaker ng AFP sa Himamaylan City

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the PRWC Newsroom, the blog site of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Information Bureau (Jun 15, 2023): Pamilya, minasaker ng AFP sa Himamaylan City (Family, massacred by the AFP in Himamaylan City)

 

June 15, 2023

Pinatay ng mga sundalo ng 94h IB ang isang buong pamilya, kabilang ang dalawang bata, noong Hunyo 14 ng gabi sa Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City. Pinagbabaril ng mga sundalo habang tulog ang mag-iinang sina Emelda Fausto, 50 taong gulang, at kanyang dalawang anak na sina Raben Fausto, 12, at Ben Fausto, 15. Natagpuang patay si Roly Fausta, 55, ama ng pamilya sa labas ng bahay.

Ang pamilya ay aktibong mga kasapi ng Baklayan, Bito, Cabagal Farmers Association (BABICAFA), samahang magsasaka sa naturang barangay. Ang samahan ay nakarehistro sa lokal na gubyerno ng Himamaylan City at Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Ayon sa ulat ng September 21 Movement South Negros, bago pa man ang masaker, paulit-ulit nang ginigipit ng mga sundalo ang pamilya dahil sa paratang na sumusuporta sila sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB).

Naunang nakaranas ng panggigipit ang pamilya noong Marso 22, 2022 nang pasukin ng 12 sundalo ang bahay ng mga Fausto. Tinutukan ng kutsilyo si Emelda habang isinailalim sa interogasyon. Matapos nito ay niransak ng mga sundalo ang bahay ng pamilya, ninakaw ang kanilang ipong ₱5,000 at kinatay ang kanilang mga manok.

Pagkahapon, dinakip ng mga sundalo si Roly at inilayo sa kanilang bahay at doon tinalian ng sinturon ang leeg niya at paulit-ulit na pinaaaming may kaugnayan sa BHB. Binugbog at pinagtatadyakan din siya ng mga sundalo. Isinama pa siya sa operasyong kombat ng mga sundalo sa gabing iyon.

Nito namang Mayo 4, sapilitang pinasok ang bahay ng pamilya ng hinihinalang mga sundalo at hinalughog ito nang walang anumang mandamyento. Wala sa bahay ang pamilya nang maganap ang insidente.

Sa tala ng Ang Bayan, ang pamilyang Fausto ang ika-97 hanggang ika-100 biktima ng mga pagpaslang sa ilalim ng rehimeng Marcos Jr. Walo na ang biktima ng pamamaslang ng mga sundalo at mga armadong ahente ng estado sa Himamaylan City.

Ang pagtarget sa mga sibilyan sa lugar kung saan may nagaganap na armadong tunggalian ay labag sa internasyunal na makataong batas at sa Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) na pinirmahan ng Gubyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas at National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

Gayundin, nakasaad sa ika-32 Artikulo ng Fourth Geneva Conventions na “ipinagbabawal ang pagsasagawa ng kahit anong hakbang na mayroong katangiang makapagdudulot ng pisikal na pagdurusa o pagpuksa ng pinangangalagaang mga tao…hindi lamang ito aplikable sa pagpatay, tortyur, pananakit, mutilation…kundi maging sa iba pang pamamaraan ng brutalidad, gawa man ng ahenteng sibilyan o militar.”

Partikular na tinukoy naman ng Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict ng United Nations General Assembly noong Disyembre 14, 1974 na isang krimen sa digma ang “lahat ng porma ng panunupil at malupit at hindi makataong pagtrato sa kababaihan at mga bata, kabilang ang pagkukulong, tortyur, pamamaril, maramihang pag-aresto, kolektibong pamamarusa, paninira sa tirahan at pwersahang pagbabakwit, na isinagawa ng mga pwersang belligerent sa kasagsagan ng operasyong militar nito (Bilang 5).”

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/pamilya-minasaker-ng-afp-sa-himamaylan-city/

CPP/Revolutionary Communists (RK)-Norway: Red salute to the CPP, NPA and NDFP!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 15, 2023): Red salute to the CPP, NPA and NDFP!

 


Highest tribute to Ka Laan and Ka Bagong-tao

Human Rights

International

June 15, 2023

Biera T. on behalf of the Revolutionary Communists, Norway (RK)

On the occasion of the initiative from the comrades of the CPI (Maoist) for a worldwide campaign of solidarity June 15th-16th, we send our revolutionary greetings to the Communist Party of the Philippines and the revolutionary Filipino people. We observe the international campaign in honor of the leaders Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria, who were tortured and murdered by the reactionary Armed Forces of the Philippines along with eight other comrades in late August 2022.

We strongly condemn US imperialism and its compradors in the Duterte-Marcos regime. We send our red salutes to the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. Murdered leaders live on in the struggle. The reaction cannot stop the People’s War. The masses of the Filipino people continue to generate leaders and militants who carry the torch forward, to bring the national democratic revolution to victory and march on to socialism and communism.

Honor the memory of comrades Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria!
Hold high the red banner of Marxism-Leninism-Maoism!
Long live the People’s War in the Philippines!
Long live the Proletarian World Revolution!

Signed:
Revolutionary Communists, Norway (RK),
Red Front (RF)

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/red-salute-to-the-cpp-npa-and-ndfp/

CPP/NDF-Rizal: Sibilyang iligal na inaresto ng AFP-PNP sa Rizal, palayain!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 15, 2023): Sibilyang iligal na inaresto ng AFP-PNP sa Rizal, palayain! (Civilian illegally arrested by AFP-PNP in Rizal, release!)

 


Arman Guerrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Rizal

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

June 15, 2023

Kinukundena ng NDF-Rizal ang iligal na pag-aresto kay Danilo Acayin, isang residente ng Brgy. Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal noong Hunyo 5, ala-1 ng hapon. Dinakip si Acayin sa covered court ng Brgy. Puray nang walang ipinapakitang warrant of arrest. Sinampahan siya ng gawa-gawang kasong murder. Kasalukuyang nasa kustodiya ng PNP-CIDG sa Antipolo City si Acayin.

Walang habas na harasment, surveillance at intimidasyon ang isinasagawa ng 80th IBPA, PNP-Rizal at NTF-ELCAC sa pamilya ni Acayin mula pa 2020. Kasama ang iba pang residente ng Brgy. Puray, tinututulan ni Acayin ang anti-mamamayang proyektong Wawa-Tayabasan Dam dahil sa mapaminsalang epekto nito sa kanilang buhay, kabuhayan at kapaligiran. Ginagamit din ang mga pwersang ito ng AFP-PNP sa pagpapalayas sa mga residente mula sa kanilang mga lupa at tirahan para bigyang-daan ang proyekto.

Isang kabalintunaan ang deklarasyon ng NTF-ELCAC na “cleared barangay” ang Puray gayong patuloy na isinasailalim ang lugar sa kampanyang panunupil ng pasistang ahensya sa anyo ng red-tagging, harasment, sapilitang pagpapasuko at mass surveillance. Patuloy na kinakasangkapan ang Anti-Terrorism Law upang kasuhan ng rebelyon, murder at/o illegal possession of firearms and explosives at supilin ang mamamayang nakikibaka para sa kanilang mga karapatan. Marami na sa mga gawa-gawang kaso nito ang ginamit ng PNP-Rizal sa kanilang mga pang-aresto.

Mula 2019 ay isa na sa mga naging pokus ng PTF-ELCAC sa Rizal ang Brgy. Puray. Halos kada taon ay dinagdagan ng kampo ang barangay at nagkaroon ng kaakibat na perwisyo sa kabuhayan at araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga mamamayan sa mga sinaklaw nitong sityo. Sa Maugraw ng Sityo Quinao, kadikit lang ng bahayan ang pwesto ng isang kampo ng 80th IBPA.

Noong 2020, sa kasagsagan ng pandemya, hinaharangan ng 80th IBPA ang mga residenteng pupunta sa kanilang kaingin na tanging pagkakakitaan at pagkukunan nila ng makakain. Sinamantala ng NTF- at PTF-ELCAC ang panahon ito para sa mahigpit na pagmamanman sa mga residente.

Ang magkapatid na Abner at Edward Esto ay mga residente ng Brgy. Puray at mga biktima ng sapilitan at pekeng pagpapasuko ng PTF-ELCAC. Nang maganap ang Bloody Sunday Massacre noong 2021, natagpuan silang patay matapos ipatawag ng 80th IBPA para sa ayuda mula sa huwad na E-CLIP.

Sa kabila ng pagmamalaki ng dating tagapagsalita ng NTF-ELCAC na si Antonio Parlade na saklaw ito ng Barangay Development Plan bilang cleared barangay, walang ni anumang natamasa ang mamamayan na nakapagpaunlad ng kanilang kabuhayan.

Nananawagan ang NDF-Rizal sa mga tunay na lingkod bayan, grupong makatao, para-legal, abogado at iba pang organisasyong mapagmahal sa demokrasya na tulungan si Acayin at iba pang mga biktima ng inhustisya at karahasan ng estado. Dapat ipabasura ang gawa-gawang kasong isinampa sa kanya.

Gayundin, nararapat suportahan ang lokal na laban ng mga taga-Puray at iba pang usapin sa buhay at kabuhayan ng mga Rizaleño. Bigyan sila ng mga tulong at kaalaman para higit na depensahan ang kanilang komunidad at ipaglaban ang kanilang karapatan.

Samantala, malinaw ang tahasang paglabag maging sa batas ng Gubyerno ng Republika ng Pilipinas ng mga berdugong AFP-PNP. Dapat silang panagutin sa kanilang mga krimen.###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/sibilyang-iligal-na-inaresto-ng-afp-pnp-sa-rizal-palayain/

CPP/NPA-Negros Island ROC: Magabayad sang mahal ang 94th IB sa madamu nga paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 15, 2023): Magabayad sang mahal ang 94th IB sa madamu nga paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung (The 94th IB will pay dearly for the many human rights violations it justifies)

 


Maoche Legislador

Spokesperson

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

June 15, 2023

Ang pagmasaker sa pamilya Fausto, lakip ang duha ka menor de edad, kagahapon, Hunyo 14, sa ila panimalay sa Sitio Kalingking, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental marka sang mala-demonyo nga gawi sang 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) nga nagasabwag sang terorismo sang estado sa nabukid nga bahin sang nasambit nga syudad. Nagapakuno-kuno pa nga makitawhanon kag tagsakdag sang kalinong ang 94th IB sa pagpanguna sang ila kumander nga si Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte sang nagpadala sang sulat sa pumuluyo sa Brgy. Buenavista ligad bulan sang Mayo. Apang nagaalisngaw ang baho sang kabutigan kag kapintas sang 94th IB sa asud-asod nga kaso sang intimidasyon kag harasment, pagpangransak sa kabalayan, iligal nga pag-aresto, pagpangtortyur, pagpang-abduct, ekstrahudisyal nga pagpamatay kag iban pa.

Sugod sang gintukod kag gindestino sa isla sang Negros ang 94th IB sadtong tuig 2018, na-monitor ang ila ginhimo nga sobra 150 ka kaso sang paglapas sang tawhanon nga kinamatarung kag internasyunal nga tawhanon nga laye nga nakatuga sang grabe nga halit sa pumuluyo sa Central Negros. Sobra 18,000 ka pumuluyo ang apektado sa pagpang-abuso sang ini nga tropa militar sa Moises Padilla, Isabela, Binalbagan, Himamaylan City kag Kabankalan City sa Negros Occidental kag Guihulngan City, Jimalalud, Ayungon kag Manjuyod sa Negros Oriental. Naglab-ot sa 36 ka biktima sang brutal nga pagpatay nga pinaka-ulihi ang pagmasaker sang pamilya Fausto.

Wala man nakaluwas sa pagpang-atake sang 94th IB ang mga upisyal kag myembro sang lima ka asosasyon sang mga mangunguma kag mamumugon sa Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental. Ginapilit sila nga pasungkaon kag ipakamalaut ang Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) kag New People’s Army (NPA) kag iban pa nga mga organisasyon nga ginapabantug nila bilang mga “prente nga organisasyon.” Nangin paaliwansan na sang AFP ang mag-imbento sang listahan sang “nagsurender” nga indibidwal kag asosasyon, mga serye sang pagpangdagit kag pangtortyur sa mga sibilyan, kung indi magkooperar ila nga patyon, tamnan sang armas kag mga kagamitan kag amo ang ipagwa nga kaswalti sa kubay sang NPA sa peke nga engkwentro. Agud hatagan rason ang pagbubo sang minilyon nga badyet sang AFP sa mga operasyon militar sini, naga-imbento na lang sang drama kag mga ebidensya agud may ipakita sa publiko paagi sa binayran nga mga propaganda kag media.

Pareho sa iban pa nga batalyon sang militar sa isla sang Negros, nagahakot sang pasidungog ang 94th IB kabaylo sa kada persona nga brutal nga ginatortyur kag ginapatay, sa tagsa ka madakop kag mapasurender kag sa madamo nga isip sang pumulyo nga mahalitan ang kabuhi kag palangabuhian tungod sa pagpa-ulan sang bala kag pagpanganyon sa kabukiran. Halin sa kombatant padulong sa upisyal, uhaw sa dugo nga ginalagas ang nagahimakas nga pumuluyo agud himuon nga biktima sa ila himu-himo nga drama nga sigurado sila ang pagakabigon nga bida. Daw mga ido-buang ka baris sa pagpinalumbaanay sa posisyon, sa ranggo, sa gahum kag sa manggad.

Kaangay sang iya kumander nga si Edralin, muklat nga nagadamguhanon si Lt. Col. Almonte sa pasulit-sulit sini nga pahayag nga pagadugmukon ang NPA. Mabakod nga nagapanindugan ang bug-os nga rebolusyonaryong kahublagan nga mas angayan tawgon terorista ang AFP, PNP kag iban pa nga mga bayaran nga ahente sang reaksyunaryo nga gubyerno nga nagahalit sa kabuhi sang pumuluyong Pilipino, ilabi na ang masang anakbalhas. Masobra na lima ka dekada nga naga-angkon sang kadalag-an ang rebolusyonaryong kahublagan tungod sa wala gatahaw nga pagdampig kag pagpalangga sang masa sa iya matuod nga hangaway. Maga-abot ang panahon nga magapanukot ang pumuluyo sa berdugo nga militar sa malaba nga listahan sang paglapas sang demokratiko nga kinamatarung sang pumuluyo. Ang 94th IB magabayad sang mahal sa pagsablag sa paglab-ot sang handum sang pumuluyo nga maka-angkon sang pangkatilingban nga kahilwayan kag demokrasya. ###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/magabayad-sang-mahal-ang-94th-ib-sa-madamu-nga-paglapas-sang-tawhanon-nga-kinamatarung/

EASTMINCOM: CPP-NPA Terrorist Dead, high-powered Firearm seized in Army-NPA clash

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 15, 2023): CPP-NPA Terrorist Dead, high-powered Firearm seized in Army-NPA clash

·16th Infantry "Maglilingkod" Battalion, Philippine Army

CPP-NPA Terrorist Dead, high-powered Firearm seized in Army-NPA clash

MALITBOG, Bukidnon – A CPP-NPA terrorist was killed, and one (1) high-powered firearm was captured during an armed encounter between the troops of the 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion under the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade against more or less 15 NPA members at Brgy Santiago, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon this morning, June 14.

The 20-minute firefight resulted in the unfortunate demise of an NPA member identified by former rebel 𝑎𝑘𝑎 𝑀𝑖𝑟𝑎𝑦, as Steven Dagonio 𝑎𝑘𝑎 𝐽𝑎𝑛𝑔, 26 years old from Sitio Aligodon, Brgy Mat-i, Misamis Oriental and a Squad Leader of the NPA guerilla unit – SRSDG EAGLES, SRC 1, NCMRC. The government troops also captured one (1) M16 rifle, bandolier with one (1) magazine, various medical supplies and personal belongings.

The armed engagement was a result of information dutifully provided by concerned citizens in the area who have grown tired and weary of the continuous presence of the NPA group which was actively attempting to recover purported lost mass bases through recruitment and extortion.

Further, the members of SRC1, NCMRC have been severely depleted already as a result of their successive debacles in the hands of 402Bde units these past few months. Effectively institutionalizing a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the insurgency in the area of responsibility, the Stingers Brigade continues to protect the people of Northern Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental from the threat of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

16IB reiterates its call on the few remaining communist-terrorist group members that have been deceived by the false propaganda of the CPP to surrender and have a chance of living peaceful and productive lives and take advantage of the government programs for rebel returnees.

402nd Infantry "Stingers" Brigade, Philippine Army
Maglilingkod Troopers Hotline Number: 0910-188-1458
https://www.facebook.com/MaglilingkodTroopers
https://www.instagram.com/16thinfantrybattalion
#MaglilingkodTroopers
#AFPyoucanTRUST



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https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

EASTMINCOM: Cdr EASTMINCOM participates in 1st anniversary of Davao del Norte insurgency-free status

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 16, 2023): Cdr EASTMINCOM participates in 1st anniversary of Davao del Norte insurgency-free status

LOOK | LtGen. Greg. T. Almerol, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), joined the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) of Davao del Norte in celebrating the first anniversary of the province's Insurgency-Free declaration at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex, Tagum City on June 13.

Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go and Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin “Kuya Gov” I. Jubahib led the occasion together with Davao del Norte 1st District Representative Cong. Pantaleon D. Alvarez, 10th Infantry Division (10ID) Commander MGen. Jose Eriel M. Niembra, 1001st Infantry Brigade (1001Bde) Commander Col. Felix Ronnie B. Babac, 1003Bde Commander Col. Marion T. Angcao, Davao Norte Provincial Police Office (DNPPO) Director PCol. Antonio Alberio, and other officials.
Highlight in the ceremony was the awarding of cash aid worth P10,000.00 each to 40 Former Rebels (FRs) from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and P4,330.00 each to 18 FRs under the TUPAD program. In addition, 16 children in situations of armed conflict (CSAC) received school supplies.

Gov. Jubahib, along with Sen. Go and Cong. Alvarez also awarded a Plaque of Commendation to LtGen. Almerol "in grateful recognition of his immense contribution to make Davao del Norte an Insurgency-Free and Ready for Further Development Province."

In his message, the EastMinCom Commander urged the people of Davao del Norte to remain united in creating an inclusive environment for people to thrive and allow peace to prosper.

"As we move forward, let us not forget the lessons learned from this chapter of our history. Let us create an environment of inclusivity, understanding, and compassion so that no one feels marginalized or forced to take up arms. In this way, we can ensure that the seeds of peace we have sown today will blossom into a lasting legacy for generations to come," he said.

Meanwhile, Senator Go, who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker, commended the PLGU Davao del Norte and the security sector for sustaining the insurgency-free status of the province.

“This opens new doors of opportunity for economic growth, social development, and sustainable peace. It signifies the dawn of a brighter future where our people can thrive, our businesses can flourish, and our children can grow up in a safe and secure environment,” the Senator expressed.

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=634370888721820&set=pcb.634371962055046

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

EASTMINCOM: DSWD National Leadership dialogues with Grassroots Peoples Organization

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 16, 2023): DSWD National Leadership dialogues with Grassroots Peoples Organization

Smashers Battalion Page
·
DSWD National Leadership dialogues with Grassroots Peoples Organization

Under Secretary Alan Tanjusay focal head of Inclusive and Sustainable Peace Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development personally led the dialogue with the 65 leaders of Peoples Organization in the boundary of Region XI and XII during their gathering at Headquarters of 39th Infantry Battalion at Poblacion, Makilala, Cotabato Province on June 15, 2023.

The dialogue which was jointly organized by DSWD FO XII and 39th Infantry Battalion was made purposely to hear stories from the grassroots and to the former communities affected by conflict as part of the impact assessment and continous improvement of the agency's different programs in sustaining the peace gains particularly in Alip Range.

In his concluding message USec Tanjusay, reassured the attendees of DSWD's continuous service for Former Rebels, Peoples Organizations and other marginalized sectors of society in their effort to eliminate social divide and poverty.

Meanwhile, LtCol Ezra Balagtey emphasized the importance of the stories of the people in the communities.

"Listening to the stories of of the people in the grassroots will help us improve our approach in sustaining the gains and building peace in the communities." Balagtey said.

The activity was likewise attended by Atty Vanessa Goc-Ong of DSWD Field Office XI and Ryan Balanza, ELCAC Focal of DSWD XII and different Municipal Social Welfare Officers from different Municipalities

The activity was culminated with the distribution of financial assistance and food packs to the attendees.

#StrongUnitedReliable
#ParaSaBayan
#ParaSaKapayapaan
#AFPyoucanTRUST

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https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp/

WESTMINCOM: Young foreign terrorist, Sulu-based Abu subleader yield in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 16, 2023): Young foreign terrorist, Sulu-based Abu subleader yield in Sulu

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 16, 2023

A young foreign terrorist fighter and a member of the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group laid down their arms and submitted themselves to the military in Indanan, Sulu, on Wednesday afternoon, June 14, 2023.

Alias Ibrahim, 13, an Egyptian National, surrendered to the troops of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. He is the last juvenile foreign terrorist on the periodic list.

 
Ibrahim is believed to have entered the country in 2017 as a tourist through the Manila International Airport with his stepfather, mother, and two brothers. He revealed that their family joined the ASG in Basilan in 2017 and transferred to Sulu to join ASG Leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan in 2018. Ibrahim’s mother, Reda Mohammad Mahmud, blew herself as a suicide bomber while attacking an AFP checkpoint in Km 3, Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu, on September 8, 2019. His stepfather, Abduramil, and brother Abdurahman died in an encounter with the AFP troops in Barangay Kan Islam, Indanan, Sulu, on November 7, 2019, while his other brother, Yusof, was killed in an encounter with AFP troops, on April 17, 2021, in Igasan, Patikul, Sulu. Ibrahim joined the ASG as a juvenile 10-year-old fighter and was involved in numerous encounters in Sulu, where he incurred two injuries in his head and right forearm.

Speaking in the Tausug dialect, Ibrahim expressed his resentment against his mother who dragged him and his brothers into horrific situations where they must fight against the government forces and conduct atrocities. He thought that they were just going on a vacation trip in the Philippines, but he was forced to join the Abu Sayyaf Group.

 
During his surrender, Ibrahim was accompanied by alias Ellam, 27, a subleader of the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group under Radullan Sahiron, a.k.a. Magang. Ellam was recruited in 2009 when he was just 15 years old. He also acted as close-in security Sahiron and the guide of the group in the Patikul area. He was involved in numerous armed confrontations between the ASG and government forces from 2009-2021.

 
Ibrahim and Ellam handed over one M16 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one magazine, and 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.

 
Surrendered personalities underwent custodial debriefing, after which they were presented to 1103rd Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Christopher Tampus, at the unit headquarters at Camp Bud Datu, Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu.

 
Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, commended the troops of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade for this remarkable accomplishment. He also attributed this success to the intelligence units in the area, the local chief executives, other stakeholders, and the peace-loving people of Indanan.

 
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of Western Mindanao Command, said that the surrender of the foreign terrorist fighter and ASG subleader manifests that the government has won the hearts not only of the people but also that of the remnants of the different threat groups.

 
“Our successful operations only prove that with commitment and collaboration, we can accomplish so much in the battle against terrorism, insurgency, and any form of criminality,” Lt. Gen. Galido stated.

 
#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamAFP
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeOfNationApproach
6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, Philippine Army
603rd Infantry - Persuader Brigade
602nd "Liberator" Brigade
Alakdan Division
Naval Forces Western Mindanao
JTF Zamboanga
54th Engineer "Sarangay" Brigade, PA
1st Infantry "Tabak" Division, Philippine Army
Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi
Jtf Basilan

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=278579738174741&set=a.273716101994438

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/

WESTMINCOM: Soldiers avert tragedy, recover IED in Cotabato

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Jun 16, 2023): Soldiers avert tragedy, recover IED in Cotabato

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – June 16, 2023

Military troops of the Joint Task Force Central averted a tragedy and recovered an improvised explosive device in Cotabato on Thursday morning, June 15, 2023.

Soldiers responded to a report of a suspected IED emplaced along the barangay road at Sitio Proper, Inug-ug, Pikit, Cotabato. The responding team confirmed the item to be an IED with incomplete components.

 
Troops immediately cordoned off the area, closed the barangay road, and coordinated with the 33rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team for inspection and possible disruption of the IED.

 
The EOD team further confirmed that the IED has incomplete components. Recovered components include one unexploded ordnance, electronic wires, and one 9 Volts Eveready battery. The EOD team took the IED components to their headquarters for technical investigation and proper disposition.

 
Western Mindanao Command Chief, Lt. Gen. Roy Galido, said that an investigation is currently being conducted to identify the instigator of this hideous form of violence. “We believe that the perpetrators want to instill fear in the citizens, but we will never allow them to execute their terror ploys.”

 
“Rest assured that we will continue to take preemptive and decisive actions to counter the desperate attacks of the remaining terrorists who seek to attract attention and support from the communities,” Lt. Gen. Galido added.

 
#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
#AFPyoucanTRUST
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Kalinaw News: Maimbung, Sulu declared ASG-free municipality

Posted to Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jun 15, 2023): Maimbung, Sulu declared ASG-free municipality

Maimbung, Sulu declared ASG-free municipality

Read: https://bit.ly/466K4SP

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Police foil bombing of checkpoint in Cotabato province

From Rappler (Jun 16, 2023): Police foil bombing of checkpoint in Cotabato province (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)

Police say they have yet to identify suspects, but Cotabato province is the site of several bombings in the past months, the last of which was carried out in the same town of Pikit on February 6

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines – Authorities on Thursday, June 16, foiled an attempt to bomb a police outpost in Cotabato, a province that has seen a series of bombings in recent months.

Bomb experts detonated the bomb that was left near a police checkpoint set up along a highway in Pikit town, Cotabato province.

Major Maxim Peralta, Pikit town chief of police, said an explosion could have killed and injured a group of police officers that were manning the checkpoint.

Peralta said the police found the bomb in a bag that was strategically placed near the checkpoint in Barangay Inog-og at around 8 am, and they quickly called explosives experts for help.

Peralta said the bomb contained other explosive components.

The discovery sent police officers running for cover, and motorists stopping.

The incident caused a traffic jam on the section of the Cotabato-Davao highway.

Police said they have yet to identify suspects, but the province is the site of several bombings in the past months, the last of which was carried out in the same town of Pikit on February 6.

A month earlier, authorities raised the alert level in the Soccsksargen region following an explosion that killed a five-year-old child and hurt six others in a bus in Cotabato province on January 11.

The attack took place near a checkpoint along the Davao-Cotabato highway in Barangay San Mateo in Aleosan town, Cotabato.

Then a fragmentation grenade went off at a roadside checkpoint in Pikit two days later, but no one was hurt.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/police-foil-bombing-checkpoint-cotabato-province-june-16-2022/?cx_testId=2&cx_testVariant=cx_1&cx_artPos=0&cx_experienceId=EX4CPN0G1RJL#cxrecs_s

Teacher dies in grenade blast in violence-plagued town in Cotabato province

From Rappler (Jun 16, 2023): Teacher dies in grenade blast in violence-plagued town in Cotabato province (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)

The deadly explosion follows an ambush that killed a headteacher and wounded another near a school in Pikit town in Cotabato

GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – A 42-year-old public school teacher died in a grenade explosion early Thursday, June 15, amid a recurring problem of deadly violence in Pikit town, Cotabato.

A series of violent attacks has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, including those of residents, teachers, and students.

Pikit town police chief, Lieutenant Colonel John Calinga, identified the latest victim as Marichu Valle Cabañog, a teacher at the Balong Elementary School in Pikit.

MUST READ: MILF offers help in ending spate of violence in Cotabato province

Police said the grenade went off inside Cabañog’s house in Barangay Ginatilan, Pikit, around 2 am, killing the public school teacher on the spot.

Other Stories: Police foil bombing of checkpoint in Cotabato province
Police say they have yet to identify suspects, but Cotabato province is the site of several bombings in the past months, the last of which was carried out in the same town of Pikit on February 6

Crime scene investigators found a grenade safety lever inside Cabañog’s house, while the safety pin was discovered near a bedroom window.

Calinga said investigators were trying to get the statement of the teacher’s husband to find out if it was a deliberate attack or accidental. Shocked and grieving, the husband has yet to talk to authorities.

Since 2021, gun attacks have been recorded in the town, resulting in the deaths and injuries of students and teachers.

The grenade explosion followed a May 26 ambush that killed 37-year-old Joel Reformado, the headteacher of Damalasak Elementary School in Pikit, while he was on his way to another public school for an inter-school activity.

His companion, 36-year-old Elton John Lapinid, was seriously hurt in the gun attack carried out by still unidentified men.

In February, the town government ordered the suspension of classes at all levels following the killing of a 13-year-old student and the wounding of two others as a result of a gun attack near their school. Another minor was fatally shot days later, followed by another killing on the same day.

Education officials in Cotabato province said the continuous violence in the town puts the lives of teachers and students at constant risk. They have called on the police and military to ensure the safety and security of teachers and students.

Cotabato schools division superintendent, Romelito Flores, said the problem seriously jeopardizes the education of the town’s youth.

In response, the military started providing security escorts for teachers during their commute to and from their schools.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/teacher-dies-grenade-blast-pikit-cotabato-june-15-2023/

Japan hopes to shore up Philippines’ defense amid Taiwan conflict fears

From Rappler (Jun 16, 2023): Japan hopes to shore up Philippines’ defense amid Taiwan conflict fears (By REUTERS)

'It is very useful giving radars to the Philippines because it means we could share information about the Bashi Channel,' says retired admiral Katsutoshi Kawano

TOKYO, Japan – Japan is preparing military aid for the Philippines to help secure sea approaches and safeguard Taiwan’s western flank, officials say, deepening security ties that could bring Japanese forces back there for the first time since World War II.

As it steps back from decades of pacifism, Tokyo worries that the Philippines is a weak link in an island chain stretching from the Japanese archipelago to Indonesia through which ships must pass going to or from the Pacific Ocean.

Chief among the Japanese military’s concerns is a Chinese attack on neighboring Taiwan that could spark a wider conflict, with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida warning that Ukraine today could be East Asia tomorrow. To help address that, Tokyo in April said it would offer like-minded countries military aid, including radars, that the officials said would help the Philippines plug defensive gaps.

“It is very useful giving radars to the Philippines because it means we could share information about the Bashi Channel,” said retired admiral Katsutoshi Kawano, referring to the waterway separating the Philippines and Taiwan. It is considered a choke point for vessels moving between the western Pacific and the contested South China Sea.

EXPERT SPEAKS:[ANALYSIS] PH must worry about getting embroiled in Taiwan-China conflict

Three Japanese government officials involved in national security strategy planning told Reuters that Washington was advising Japan on what to supply because it had a close military relationship with the Philippines. One, however, said the aid effort was a Japanese initiative and not anything the United States had pressed for.

The officials declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

“We are in the process of selecting equipment that can be used for maritime monitoring and security. We don’t know yet what exactly that will be,” a spokesperson at Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said it was not immediately able to comment on security aid from Japan or hosting Japanese troops.

US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, will meet in Tokyo on Friday with his counterparts from Japan and the Philippines, Takeo Akiba and Eduardo Año, for the first in a series of regular meetings to discuss security cooperation.
Loosening the rules

The scope of Japanese military aid is limited by a self-imposed ban on lethal equipment exports.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in December promised to review that restriction when he unveiled an unprecedented five-year military build-up that will double defense spending within five years.

Looser export rules are expected in coming months, but as pressure grows on industrial economies to help Ukraine, Tokyo has begun testing those restrictions.

After Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited Japan last month for the Group of Seven leaders’ summit, Kishida donated military trucks and other vehicles. Tokyo has also told the United States it can buy industrial explosives in Japan for artillery shells destined for Ukraine, and may provide shells themselves to the United States, freeing up supplies for Kyiv.

Japan’s military aid to the Philippines “will expand step by step and my hope is that it will change to include lethal weapons” such as anti-ship missiles, said Kawano, who served as chief of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces’ (SDF) Joint Staff for five years until 2019.

Kawano and the government officials who spoke to Reuters predicted Manila could give Japan access to its military bases, as it does with the United States, allowing Japanese SDF aircraft to patrol the South China Sea. Japan can monitor waters east of Taiwan from Yonaguni island, about 100 kilometers away.

In February, the Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Kishida agreed in Tokyo that their militaries would cooperate in disaster relief.

That meeting, in which Kishida also promised Marcos 600 billion yen ($4.3 billion) in development aid and private investment, was preceded in December by the first-ever visit to the Philippines by Japanese fighter jets and a series of high-level military meetings. Japan in March observed US-Philippine military drills, and this month their coast guards trained together for the first time.

All of this, experts say, could be a precursor to a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) that would allow both countries to deploy their forces on each other’s soil. If Manila accepts such an agreement – Tokyo has RAAs with Britain and Australia – a pact could be concluded within a year, another of the three Japanese government officials said.

“Since the change in administration, the Philippines has been giving very positive signals, and that could mean a quick agreement,” said Yusuke Ishihara, a senior fellow at Japan’s National Institute for Defense Studies. But he said Japan and the United States are treading carefully in trilateral talks with the Philippines.

“It’s sensitive about its relations with China. The trick will be to put the Philippines at ease by discussing economics issues or economic security rather than just defense,” he said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/japan-hopes-shore-up-philippines-defense-amid-taiwan-conflict-fears/

Car bombed

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 15, 2023): Car bombed (By RHODA GRACE SARON)



Police look at two suspects who targeted lawyer’s SUV

THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) probed deeper into the explosion that tore through the metal and rubber of a Honda CRV outside the One Oasis condominium in Ecoland at 10:09 a.m. on Thursday, June 15.

According to lawyer Alberto Magulta, the vehicle owner, he parked the car around 9:30 a.m. in front of his law office on the condominium’s ground floor.

While working in his office, he heard a loud blast that prompted him to go out to check the vehicle, and he immediately saw the damage. The car, however, was registered in his wife’s name.

Both rear quarter panels of his white Honda CRV broke open, the bumper cracked, and the rear left wheel’s rubber tore off.

The Davao City Police Office Explosives Ordnance Division (EOD) K-9 immediately responded to the scene and secured the area with yellow tape to preserve the evidence.

In an interview with reporters, city police director Col. Alberto Lupaz said they have two suspects based on the CCTV footage. The two men approached the car and hurled an item underneath minutes before the explosion happened.

He described the suspects as aged between 20 and 25 but gave no other description. But Lupaz said they would enhance the footage to hopefully identify the suspects.

“The said vehicle is owned by Atty. Alberto Magulta who also admitted to the police that he had received death threats,” he said.

He clarified that the explosion was not a terror act since the motive was personal.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. Authorities are still trying to determine the type of bomb the suspects used.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/06/15/car-bombed/

PNP monitoring 36 private armies in BARMM ahead of BSKE

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 13, 2023) PNP monitoring 36 private armies in BARMM ahead of BSKE

THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it is keeping a close watch on 36 private armed groups (PAGs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in October this year.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said this is the reason why he has already visited the BARMM twice in almost two months since he assumed as the country's top cop.

“Most of these PAGs are in eight regions. Mostly in BARMM, this is where we are focusing on because in BARMM alone, we monitored 36 (PAGs),” Acorda said in a radio interview.

“So our focus is intelligence-driven operations in guiding our regional offices to arrest all of them,” he added.

Acorda earlier disclosed that there are three active and 45 inactive PAGs across the country, each member and leader is now closely being monitored.

During his two visits to BARMM, Acorda said he had met with various groups and stakeholders that could assist the PNP in preventing PAGs from being mobilized and used for election sabotage.

Among them, he said, are the military and local peace groups that have been advocating peace and order in Mindanao.

“The good news here is that all the peace groups that we would meet already gave us the commitment that they would assist to ensure the peaceful and orderly conduct of barangay and SK elections,” Acorda said.

The PNP is the top law enforcement agency being tapped by the Commission and Elections to secure elections.

Acorda, meanwhile, said they are closely coordinating with the military in dealing with the threat of large armed groups such as the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.

https://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2023/06/pnp-monitoring-36-private-armies-in.html

PH Navy chief hopes Chinese naval visit to foster goodwill (By Priam Nepomuceno)

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2023): PH Navy chief hopes Chinese naval visit to foster goodwill (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. (right) and Rear Adm. Su Yinsheng, political commissar of People's Liberation Army PLA) Dalian Naval Academy (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

MANILA – Philippine Navy (PN) chief Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. expressed hope that the visit of a Chinese naval task force will result in more "goodwill and understanding" between the two navies.

He made this statement following a courtesy call of Rear Adm. Su Yinsheng, political commissar of People's Liberation Army PLA) Dalian Naval Academy, at the PN headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada along Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Wednesday.

"Our engagements during your visit will help develop goodwill and understanding between our two navies," Adaci said in a statement forwarded to reporters Thursday.

He then invited them to visit and explore Manila as majority of the Chinese contingent are first-timers here.

Su is also the commander of the PLA Navy task force consisting of the training ship Qi Jiguang (83) which is now docked at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila for a four-day port call that started on Wednesday and will conclude on Saturday.

The Chinese naval official said he was greatly honored to meet Adaci and hoped “that the visit of Qi Jiguang will help develop the two navies' friendship and mutual trust.”

Su also mentioned that China and the Philippines are long-time friends and that the engagements between the two countries extend to many aspects, including economic ties.

Adaci also extended his advance congratulations to the graduating cadets on board the training ship.

“I hope these small engagements, the goodwill games, and receptions will provide an avenue for our sailors to better understand one another," he added.

Earlier, the PN welcomed the Chinese training ship as it docked at South Harbor, Manila.

A meeting procedure was earlier rendered by BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) upon the visiting ship's approach to Manila Bay.

"This arrival has kicked off the four-day goodwill visit of the Chinese Navy to the Philippines that includes interactions with Filipino counterparts such as friendly games, shipboard tours, and reciprocal receptions," PN spokesperson Captain Benjo Negranza said.

A passing exercise (PASSEX) between Qi Jiguang and a designated PN vessel is expected to conclude the visit on June 17.

Their port of call in Manila is part of the training ship's regional tour that also includes stops in Vietnam, Thailand, and Brunei.

The last time that Chinese Navy vessels arrived in the country was in 2019 when PLA Navy's Escort Task Group 539 composed of three vessels conducted a five-day goodwill visit to the Philippines.

"The PN's accommodation of its visiting counterparts follows the naval tradition that has helped sustain and enhance naval diplomacy toward understanding and cooperation through the years," Negranza said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203575

Female teacher dies in N. Cotabato grenade blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2023): Female teacher dies in N. Cotabato grenade blast (By John Andrew Tabugoc)

BLAST VICTIM. The remains of teacher Marichu Valle Cabañog are being transported from the hospital to a funeral parlor following a pre-dawn grenade blast Thursday (June 15, 2023) inside their home in Pikit, North Cotabato. Investigation further indicated the victim has no known enemy. (Photo from MC Valle)

PIKIT, North Cotabato – A female public school teacher died in a grenade blast inside her home in Barangay Ginatilan here at 2 a.m. Thursday, according to Pikit Municipal police chief Lt. Col John Miredel Calinga.

Calinga identified the fatality as Marichu Valle Cabañog, 42, a teacher at Balong Elementary School in this town.

Based on the initial police report, the grenade exploded inside the victim's house and she sustained serious physical injuries in the lower part of her body causing her instantaneous death.

Certain crime scene evidence, however, continues to baffle investigators as the grenade’s safety lever was found inside the house, while its safety pin was seen outside the teacher’s bedroom window.

“We are still trying to determine if the grenade was thrown toward the house,” Calinga said, adding her neighbors saw no one fleeing from the scene after the explosion.

He added that the investigation further indicated the victim has no known enemy.

“Investigation is underway to determine the motive, if any," Calinga said, adding that police investigators are still awaiting word from the victim’s family.

On May 31, unidentified motorcycle riding in tandem gunmen waylaid a head teacher Joel Reformado, 36, and co-teacher Elton John Lapinid, 37, in the Poblacion area.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203583

BARMM police forms task group for cops’ ambush in MagSur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2023): BARMM police forms task group for cops’ ambush in MagSur (By Edwin Fernandez)

AMBUSH SITE. Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza (center), BARMM police director, visits the site in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur where two police officers were killed and four others were injured in an ambush by suspected Moro extremists on Wednesday night (June 14, 2023). Nobleza created a special investigation task group Friday (June 16, 2023) to hasten the probe into the incident. (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur – The Police Regional Office of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) has formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to hasten the probe into Wednesday’s ambush here that killed two policemen and injured four others.

Brig. Gen. Allan Nobleza Nobleza, PRO-BARMM director, on Friday, condemned the attack and expressed his condolences to the families of the slain police officers. “My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the two slain policemen in the ambush-slay Wednesday night,” Nobleza said. “This tragedy is very saddening, and a clear attack against our policemen who performed duties to protect the citizenry.”

He said he has placed the entire police force in the region under heightened alert.

“Our men on the ground are working double to bring justice to our slain and wounded cops, and to secure the peace and order in the area,” he said.

As Nobleza announced the activation of the SITG, he reminded all police officers in the region to look after each other’s safety.

Patrolmen Saipoden Macacuna and Bryan Dalao Polayagan, both of the 1st Platoon of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, were slain in the 8:30 p.m. ambush while heading for the provincial police office headquarters in Datu Hofer, Maguindanao Sur.

Wounded in the same ambush were Police Chief Master Sgt. Rey Vincent Gertos, Staff Sgt. Benjie delos Reyes, and Patrolmen Abdulgafor Alib and Arjie Val Loie Pabinguit.

The local government here, meanwhile, has offered a PHP150,000 reward for anyone who could provide information that could identify the perpetrators.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203654

PH Army mounts disaster response efforts for 15K Mayon evacuees

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2023): PH Army mounts disaster response efforts for 15K Mayon evacuees (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday announced that troops from the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) have conducted humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations for 15,000 evacuees from 23 barangays due to the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano.

These HADR operations took place from June 10 to 14, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

"During the early volcanic turbulence, the troops of the 9th Civil-Military Operations Battalion steered information dissemination in the communities to forewarn the residents within the 6-km radius permanent danger zone (PDZ) of the volcano, which is stipulated by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS). The agency raised Mayon Volcano to Alert Level 3 after a magmatic eruption from the summit dome and increasing rockfall events," he added.

Trinidad said the 9ID recently activated the Task Force (TF) "Sagip" (rescue) to help the national government in conducting manpower and relief assistance for residents affected by Mayon Volcano's unrest.

The task force is composed of military personnel from the 31st Infantry Battalion, 49th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Battalion, 903rd Infantry Brigade, 9th Signal Battalion, Camp Elias Angeles Station Hospital, 9th Service Support Team, Headquarters Service Company, Tactical Operations Group 5, and Naval Forces Southern Luzon.

"In coordination with the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the TF Sagip troops helped in evacuating 4,200 families from the municipalities of Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Daraga, Malilipot, Tabaco, and Sto. Domingo, Albay to the 22 evacuation centers. Likewise, the TF Sagip and the Philippine National Police also provided manpower assistance in sorting and hauling a total of 2,000 relief goods, 3,000 bottles of 6-liters mineral water, 1,000 boxes of hygiene kits, 1,000 boxes of sleeping kits from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and GMA Kapuso Foundation," Trinidad said.

Also, TF Sagip continues to coordinate with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) – Bicol for the conduct of monitoring and data gathering regarding the updates on Mayon Volcano.

OCD extends additional assistance to Albay

As this developed, OCD extended additional assistance to the local government unit of Albay, providing 3,200 sacks of rice and other relief items for the communities affected by the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano.

Albay Governor Edcel Lagman earlier received the supplies from Defense Secretary and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) chairperson Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and OCD administrator and NDRRMC executive director Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno.

OCD previously sent tarpaulin rolls, N-95 face masks, family food packs, hygiene kits, pelican cases, a portable water filtration unit, and a water filtration truck to Albay to assist the affected areas.

From the previous PHP9.2 million cost of assistance, the overall worth of assistance provided by the agency is now at PHP13.6 million.

Teodoro emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation and coordination among government agencies to respond more effectively to the situation. He also commended the smooth coordination between the province of Albay and national government agencies as facilitated by OCD Bicol.

“This arrangement in the coordination of efforts must hasten the provision of relief support and other services to ensure the safety of the affected communities. The DND, OCD, and all members of the NDRRMC will continue to closely work with the provincial government of Albay, ready for any contingency," Teodoro said.

Meanwhile, Nepomuceno assured that the region will get every support it needs from the government.

“We, together with Secretary Teodoro, had a conversation with our regional counterparts here in Bicol to discuss the situation and the needs of the province. In compliance with President Marcos’ guidance to us at the national level, we will continue to ensure the provision of every support that the province will be needing,” he added.

As this developed, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. urged the local chief executives of Albay to continue working closely with concerned national government agencies, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and remain on alert to respond to any eventuality.

“Let us all stay on our toes. Maging handa at listo tayo sa anumang puwedeng mangyari para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan (Let's be ready and alert for any emergency to ensure the safety of our fellow Filipinos,” he said in a statement.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology hoisted an Alert Level 3 on Mayon Volcano last Monday, signifying a relatively high level of unrest, with magma at the crater and hazardous eruption possible within days.

Bloodletting drive

Meanwhile, around 150 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City participated in the bloodletting activity held in celebration of World Blood Donor Day on Wednesday.

This was done in partnership with the Junior Chamber International – Manila (JCI-Manila), GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. (GMAKFI), and Philippine Red Cross (PRC), AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said in a statement Wednesday night.

"With more than 150 participants from the Major Services, General Headquarters & Headquarters Service Command, Joint, Personal and Special and AFP-Wide Service Support Separate Units (AFPWSSUs), a total of 138 blood bags were collected from the General Headquarters which will be stored in the Victoriano Luna Medical Center, Quezon City for the consumption of AFP personnel in need of blood transfusion," he added.

The AFP Health Service Command (AFPHSC) led the extraction team in Camp Aguinaldo while officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees participated as blood donors.

“It is a noble task that the Armed Forces is willing to perform because after all, when we talk about the protection of the people and the state, it is also about saving lives. This is an opportunity for us to show our love to our country, our care to our people, and to value the service that we render to this country,” Civil Relations Service deputy commander and AFP spokesperson, Col. Medel Aguilar said.

The bloodletting activity also took place in venues nationwide with 20 sites in the National Capital Region, SM City Iloilo in Visayas, and Davao Medical School Foundation Hospital and Lim Ket Kai Mall/Centrio Ayala in Mindanao.

With the aim to collect 10,000 blood bags all over the country this year, Juan for All Nationwide Bloodletting Project chair Joshua Aragon extended his appreciation for the AFP’s participation in the project.

“With the help of the AFP, hopefully, we’ll be able to continue to donate blood and we’ll be able to achieve our goal to give love and save lives. Thank you very much for supporting this program,” he said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Red Cross-Quezon City Chapter, Janice Melody Adolfo, expressed her gratitude for the activity.

“We are looking forward to every three or four months in a year that we can do this so blood will be available for all of you. The Philippine Red Cross will always (be) here and our blood bank for the needs of your relatives. We thank you for the partnership,” she said. (with Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

Philippine Congress Set to Approve Expanded U.S. Base Deal as China Expands Claims, Ambassador Says

From the US Naval Institute (USNI) Website (Jun 15, 2023): Philippine Congress Set to Approve Expanded U.S. Base Deal as China Expands Claims, Ambassador Says (By: John Grady)

Philippine Sailors assigned to Naval Special Operations Units and U.S. Naval Special Warfare operators perform a bilateral over the beach training exercise in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines during Balikatan 23, April 26, 2023. US Navy Photo

China’s persistent expansion into the South China Sea is the most concerning security concern for the Philippines as its congress is set to approve an expanded basing deal with the U.S., Manila’s ambassador to Washington said on Thursday.

“We’re more concerned about our big neighbor to the north,” Philippines ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

“We’re not going to give one inch of our territory,” Romualdez said. China continues to ignore an international tribunal’s ruling against its territorial claims in the South China Sea.

He expected the Philippine Congress to approve an extension of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA, that grants the United States access to four more sites for operations. Negotiations over use, equipment to be stationed there and fees are underway.

In May in Washington, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos said: “We have made it very clear [to the Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang], the bases we have opened up under the original [the 2014 Extended Defense Cooperation Agreement] with the United States is really because of the effects of climate change.”

China condemned the new sites, saying they threaten the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific and are aimed directly at Beijing.

On Thursday, Romualdez added that the Philippines is committed to modernizing its armed forces. Manila believes these steps “contribute to deterrence and are bumping up our defense posture.” While welcoming support from other nations in this program, “we will not let any other country tell us” how to do what best fits Philippine needs.

In the latest move to bolster Manila’s maritime security, the U.S. is transferring four patrol boats to the Philippines that will likely get used for maritime interdiction and search and rescue.

A Chinese frigate nearly collided with a Philippine Coast Guard cutter in late April when it and a companion cutter were on patrol near the contested Spratly Islands. Beijing has built artificial islands for civilian and military use in the Spratlys, which Vietnam also claims.

“We need to have peace and security” to allow the Philippines’ economy and other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ [ASEAN] economies to develop and grow, he said.

Romuldaez said Manila wants to be a leader in ASEAN by spurring regional economic growth. He acknowledged that China, which is an ASEAN member, remains the Philippines’ largest trading partner and said it had no quarrel with Beijing in those matters.

He noted several times in the discussion that the U.S. is its sole treaty alliance partner, but that Manila is working on shared security issues with like-minded nations such as Japan and Australia.

“What’s driving these changes [in American military posture in the region] is China,” said Zack Cooper, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

“Countries are feeling threatened” by China’s aggressive behavior against other large trading partners, like Australia, India, Japan and self-governing Taiwan. Beijing has targeted Australia economically with tariffs and embargoes and Taiwan militarily by repeatedly probing defenses, and interfering in domestic politics in the Solomon Islands, Malaysia and other Pacific nations. China has also interfered in the domestic politics of the Solomon Islands, Malaysia and other Pacific nations.

Lindsey Ford, the Pentagon’s deputy assistant secretary for South Asia and Southeast Asia, took sharp exception to a question over whether America’s expanding network of partners had set off an arms race with China.

“The United States military has been forward and present in the Indo-Pacific for decades,” she said. The reason for a shift in force positioning, like converting the 12th Marine Regiment to the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment and the rotating fighter and bomber formations going to Australia, is the changing security environment.

“We’re responding to that demand signal” from treaty allies and partners. She pointed to expanded military exercises with the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia as examples of how others value U.S. training military presence.

Cooper and Ford both pointed out the benefits nations are already receiving from an expanded network for maritime awareness in controlling fisheries and secure mineral deposits.

In opening remarks, Ford said the administration has actively sought to build “action-oriented security networks,” not a NATO-like “one size fits all” structure for Indo-Pacific stability.

While succeeding in security matters, economic development and trade are areas where the administration’s efforts in the Indo-Pacific are falling short, said Cooper. While “political Washington,” his term, concentrates its regional support on competing against China militarily, nations there are looking for American engagement in broader issues like an investment.

“We are ready to talk to everyone,” Romualdez added.

https://news.usni.org/2023/06/15/philippine-congress-set-to-approve-expanded-u-s-base-deal-as-china-expands-claims-ambassador-says

ANALYSIS/U.S. forces move ahead to contain China; hurdles still high for SDF

Interesting article posted to the Asahi Shimbun (Jun 16, 2023): ANALYSIS/U.S. forces move ahead to contain China; hurdles still high for SDF (By YOSHIHIRO MAKINO/ Senior Staff Writer)

The joint Keen Sword 23 exercise takes place in November 2022 around the southwestern Nansei Islands and elsewhere. (From the website of the Japanese Defense Ministry’s Joint Staff Office)

With China’s growing presence in mind, the United States is reorganizing its forces into smaller, distributed units while bolstering information sharing with Japan and South Korea for a more integrated response to possible contingencies.

At the U.S.-South Korea summit on April 26, Washington and Seoul agreed to enhance their extended deterrence under the U.S. nuclear umbrella.

Japan, however, still faces a pile of challenges over the command flow and operations of the Self-Defense Forces despite the rising probability of a Taiwan crisis transpiring.

Ryoichi Oriki, former chief of staff of the SDF’s Joint Staff, expressed a sense of urgency.

“The military balance in the Western Pacific is on the verge of collapse,” he said. “One estimate predicts China’s military power will surpass that of the United States in 2025.”

Beijing’s anti-U.S. security policy is known as Anti Access/Area Denial (A2/AD).

Under the framework, China is expected to take measures to prevent U.S. troops from entering the First Island Chain in the South China Sea extending from Kyushu through Taiwan’s east side.

China is also said to be taking steps to prevent free movement of U.S. units in the Second Island Chain linking Japan’s Izu and Ogasawara islands with Guam, Saipan, Palau and the Marianas.

UNIT REORGANIZATION

In response, Washington is forging ahead with new tactics for its forces.

The U.S. Navy and Air Force have traditionally been deployed on the assumption that they can take control of the seas and skies.

But under a new scenario being discussed, U.S. troops fail to overwhelm their Chinese counterparts in the skies and waters near the First Island Chain.

U.S. units are separated into two categories: Inside Units sent to zones exposed to threats from the seas and skies, and Outside Units stationed in relatively safe areas.

Mark Gunzinger, a former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense, touched upon the planned U.S. response to an emergency in Taiwan.

“There’s a potential ... you’ll have a major fight with China that could involve Japan,” Gunzinger said.

He said that a few years ago, following a range of discussions, U.S. forces decided to fight along with their allies in risky “Inside” areas.

Under the renewed course of action, the U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps are reorganizing their units.

The Asahi Shimbun

The Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee announced in January this year that the U.S. 12th Marine Regiment in Okinawa Prefecture will be turned into the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR) by 2025.

The envisioned regiment will be responsible for the Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), with the aim of deploying units following detection of a sign of an enemy attack.

The MLR will be armed with missiles, air defense features, logistics abilities and other functions, allowing itself to launch attacks while mobile.

It will also collect enemy intelligence to provide a strategic foothold for reinforcements.

The MLR is considered a mainstay among Inside Units.

In the run-up to the MLR’s introduction, the U.S. Marine Corps conducted joint training with the Ground SDF’s land-to-ship missile regiment.

“The MLR will likely work around the southwestern Nansei Islands, Taiwan, the Philippines and elsewhere on the First Island Chain,” said Katsuki Takata, a former commander in chief of the SDF’s Ground Component Command.

The U.S. Army in 2017 started putting in place its Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF), which is in charge of cyberspace and other fields.

Gen. Vincent Brooks, a former commander of the U.S. Army Pacific and U.S. Forces Korea, described the MDTF as a unique organization fitted with functions suited for modern warfare.

The U.S. Army set up an airborne division in Alaska in June 2022.

“That allows additional commanding control to conduct independent combat operations, introduced by parachute, anywhere from the Arctic Circle, to the Himalayas, to the jungles of Thailand, or Cambodia, down into Indonesia, I mean, anywhere in the region,” Brooks said.

The U.S. Navy is moving ahead with its Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO) in the hope of making available a horde of small unmanned vessels.

“DMO is really turned into how the U.S. Navy will fight the Chinese navy, in the Western Pacific, mostly around Taiwan,” stated Bryan Clark, a senior fellow at the U.S. Hudson Institute. “And they’re focused on how to have a survivable naval force, because it’s distributed its people to missile fires against Chinese navy ships that might be threatening Taiwan.”

The U.S. Air Force is carrying out drills to supply sets of fighters, fuel, ammunition and other materials to airports that were formerly not used as its bases under the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept.

An F-35A fighter jet from Alaska was stationed on the island nation of Palau in the Pacific in June 2022. Redevelopment work of an airfield on Peleliu in Palau has gotten under way as well.

Against the backdrop of changes in the U.S. armed forces, the U.S. Department of Defense is putting more emphasis on their network with the help of the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2).

“The benefit to that is it hardens all of our forces against attacks, which are not just physical attacks by missiles and bombs and so forth, but also cyber strikes, electronic warfare attacks, and so forth,” Gunzinger said. “That means that we've solved all the problems with interoperability.”

Japanese and U.S. forces test their integrated ability to respond to emergencies in the joint Keen Sword 23 exercise in November 2022 around the southwestern Nansei Islands and elsewhere. (From the website of the Japanese Defense Ministry’s Joint Staff Office)

COORDINATION WITH ALLIES

Washington sees bolstered ties with Tokyo and Seoul as indispensable for containing China. And the United States has been stressing the significance of security cooperation among the three nations.

The April 26 U.S.-South Korea summit in Washington marked the 70th anniversary of their bilateral alliance. Plans to ramp up trilateral ties were also reaffirmed there.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited South Korea on May 7 and discussed bilateral issues, including security.

Washington expects Seoul to prevent North Korea from taking military action simultaneously with a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

“The reality is that no important security or economic issue in the region can be addressed without both South Korea’s and Japan’s active involvement,” said Harry Harris, a former U.S. ambassador to South Korea who once led the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Brooks explained why the United States is shoring up relations with its allies.

“Their effort is to continue to cause doubt in the minds of the People’s Liberation Army and the Chinese Communist Party leadership that they can have success. There should be doubt in their minds about whether they (China) can do this,” he said. “And that delays the onset of when a crisis would occur.”

Brooks noted the SDF and the South Korean military need to be connected with the JADC2 system for that objective.

An era is believed to be nearing when Washington, Tokyo and Seoul should work closely together in mutual information sharing for not only ballistic missile defense but also various other operations.

Reorganized U.S. forces have jointly trained with the SDF for a potential Taiwan crisis.

According to several inside sources, Washington apparently wants the SDF to defend U.S. bases in Japan and other Japanese territories.

Such expectations include the SDF supplying fuel and ammunition to U.S. units operating around the Taiwan Strait.

If U.S. forces are exposed to enemy attacks, Tokyo is expected to declare that Japan’s survival is being threatened and the country can, therefore, exercise its right to collective self-defense in line with national security legislation introduced in 2015.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has fueled a sense of alarm among Japanese politicians and SDF officials.

Japan’s National Security Strategy, approved by the Cabinet in December last year, calls for deepening security cooperation with the United States. The description may make China feel cautious about fighting the United States because it could lead to direct conflict with Japan.

Amid the enhanced U.S.-Japan security ties for a possible clash with China, Tokyo is required to make every diplomatic effort to prevent Beijing from receiving the wrong message about Japan’s heightened defense ability.

The joint Keen Sword 23 exercise takes place in November 2022 around the southwestern Nansei Islands and elsewhere. (From the website of the Japanese Defense Ministry’s Joint Staff Office)

HURDLES FOR SDF

Marking a drastic shift from its postwar defense approach, Japan recently approved three key revised security policy documents, including the National Security Strategy.

Japan now has a “counterstrike” capability to attack enemy bases.

“The measure aims to supplement the collapsing military balance in the West Pacific and deter conflict,” said Oriki, who once served as the SDF’s highest-ranking officer.

However, the SDF still faces hurdles in changing its existing system to adapt to the new environment.

The SDF is proceeding with a southwestern shift as part of a countermeasure against China.

An SDF camp opened in March this year on Ishigakijima island in Okinawa Prefecture following those on nearby Yonagunijima, Amami-Oshima and Miyakojima islands.

Although the new camp would be regarded as the forefront line of Japan’s defense during a Taiwan invasion, detailed arrangements for bilateral cooperation have yet to be made with U.S. forces.

The separation of roles between the SDF and the U.S. Marine Corps’ MLR has not been determined, although the MLR would be deployed earlier than other units in an emergency.

The SDF also apparently lags behind the U.S. side concerning a comprehensive reorganization of naval, air and land forces.

Another problem is determining who will issue commands at all levels during emergencies.

The National Security Strategy refers to the decision to install a permanent joint command to unify SDF control.

But Goro Matsumura, a retired chief of the GSDF’s northeastern regional headquarters, pointed to a political void.

“No mechanisms have been worked out to specify how far politicians will leave decisions up to the joint commander and units in battlefields,” Matsumura said.

Japanese law also does not make clear each commander’s authority and responsibility.

Linking the SDF with the JADC2 may result in the U.S. side taking effective control of all troops, given the nation’s overwhelming amount of intelligence at hand.

Defense coordination guidelines should be developed beforehand to bypass the issue, but no concrete moves have been made so far.

Also problematic is the Japanese government’s reluctance to hold open debates about a Taiwan crisis because it does not want to sour ties with China. But there is a significant rift among politicians and experts in Japan over the Taiwan issue.

Tokuhiro Ikeda, a senior fellow at Harvard University’s Asia Center, emphasized the role the private sector should play.

“The National Security Strategy aims to deter crises, too,” Ikeda said. “It is essential for the media and experts to project what the government cannot say publicly based on disclosed information and other sources for deeper discussions.”

Asahi Shimbun Senior Staff Writer Yoshihiro Makino (Photo by Sung Dae-woo)

https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14923476