CPP/CIO: Butuan aerial bombing constitutes disproportionate use of firepower

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 22, 2023): Butuan aerial bombing constitutes disproportionate use of firepower

 


Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

June 22, 2023

At least five members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were instantly killed last June 16 as a Super Tucano military aircraft dropped at least five bombs on their guerrilla camp in Barangay Anticala, Butuan City at around 10:45 a.m. The NPA fighters were part of a guerrilla platoon that serves the people of Agusan del Norte and who have been with them in their life and death struggles against landgrabbers and plunderers.

The Party condemns the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for employing aerial bombs (typically 125- or 250-kilograms each) which constitutes an excessive use of firepower. The use of heavy bombs in counter-guerrilla operations violate generally accepted laws and customs of war which prohibit the use of weapons and methods that cause superfluous injury and death to combatants. These are acts of war that are criminal in nature. Marcos and the AFP must be held accountable for such war crimes.

In warfare, dropping heavy bombs are typically reserved against heavily fortified military targets, unlike guerrilla camps where combatants are protected only by trees or trenches. In using such weapons, the AFP aims to give the NPA no quarter, or cause the maximum number of deaths and injury, which has long been considered unlawful and in violation of international humanitarian law.

In the case of the Butuan bombing, no actual firefight occurred between the NPA unit and the ground forces of the AFP, contrary to press statements released by the AFP claiming that there was a “fierce firefight.” The ground troops of the AFP belonging to the 29th IB approached the bombing site around one hour later, only to survey the death and destruction caused by their heavy weapons.

The Butuan bombing is not the first violation of the principles of IHL and customary laws of war. In August 16, 2021, the AFP dropped more than 20 bombs in an NPA camp in Dolores, Eastern Samar, which killed 22 NPA fighters. In May 10, 2020, ten NPA fighters were killed in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental when the AFP dropped a number of bombs in their area. On December 1, 2021, eight NPA fighters were killed as the AFP dropped at least five heavy bombs in Miag-ao, Iloilo.

While AFP aerial bombing has hit a number of NPA guerrilla camps, majority of the bombs dropped by the AFP since 2017 have missed their targets, hitting swidden farms, mountain communities, and fields near civilian population. A July 2022 study released by the CPP revealed that AFP bombing only has an 18.44% accuracy. In 2017-2022, AFP “friendly fire” killed at least 68 soldiers and police, more than the 66 killed suffered by the NPA. At least 10 civilians have been killed in AFP bombings.

The Party extols the fallen NPA Red fighters in Butuan as heroes of the Filipino people. Let us forever remember Ruel Arellano Maglasang (“Ka Adonis/Do/Dolly/Dodo”), Raylyn Cerona Subere (Ka Kiya/Apol/April), Eljie Gomez Adorna (Ka Chippy/Raffy/Maleya), Alvet Martines Catapti (Ka Renz) and Ka Mitz/Third.

They gave up all comfort to defend the peasant masses, and advance the cause of national and social liberation. Their sacrifices, like that of all martyrs, will forever inspire the people to carry on the struggle until victory is attained.

[Ang Bayan ("The People") is the official publication of the Communist Party of the Philippines, guided by Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. It is published by the Central Committee. AB comes out fortnightly every 7th and 21st of each month. The original Pilipino edition is translated into English, Bisaya, Waray, Hiligaynon and Iloco.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/butuan-aerial-bombing-constitutes-disproportionate-use-of-firepower/

CPP/Ang Bayan: 125 taong walang-humpay na pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan

Propaganda editorial from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Jun 21, 2023): 125 taong walang-humpay na pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan (125 years of unceasing struggle for national independence)

 

June 21, 2023

Sa paggunita kamakailan sa ika-125 taon ng deklarasyon ng huwad na kalayaan ng Pilipinas, magbalik-tanaw tayo sa mahigit isang siglong paglaban ng sambayanang Pilipino sa kolonyalismo at mala-kolonyalismo at muling pagtibayin ang paninindigang makibaka para sa tunay na kalayaan at demokrasya.

Ang idineklarang kalayaan “sa ilalim ng proteksyon ng Makapangyarihan at Makataong Bansang United States of America,” ay ginawa ng mga kinatawan ng uring asendero-ilustrado na sumakay sa mga tagumpay ng armadong rebolusyon ng Katipunan laban sa 300-taon kolonyalismong Espanya. Ang totoo’y sikretong nakipagkasundo na ang Espanya sa US bago isinagawa noong Oktubre 1898 ang palabas na Labanan sa Manila Bay at pirmahan ang Treaty of Paris noong Disyembre 10, 1898 kung saan ibinenta ang Pilipinas sa halagang $20 milyon.

Daan-daan libong tropang Amerikano ang sumalakay sa Pilipinas para supilin ang bayan at sakupin bilang kolonya ang Pilipinas. Isinagawa ang mahigit isang dekadang brutal na gera laban sa mga rebolusyonaryong pwersang tinaguriang mga “bandido” at “insurekto.” Hindi bababa sa 200,000 Pilipinong sibilyan ang pinatay ng mga sundalong Amerikano, at mahigit isang milyon (sa populasyong wala pang pitong milyon) ang namatay bunga sa gerang agresyon ng US.

Labis-labis na kapangyarihan ang ginamit ng US para mamayagpag sa Pilipinas, supilin ang sambayanan at dambungin ang yaman ng bansa. Milyun-milyong puno ang itinumba para sa troso, daan-daan libong ektaryang lupain ang inagaw sa mga magsasaka at katutubong mamamayan para gawing mga minahan ng ginto at iba pang mineral, at mga plantasyon ng tubo, pinya at iba pang tanim na pang-eksport sa US. Sinaklot at kinontrol ng US maging ang kamalayan ng mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng pagpataw ng maka-US na sistemang edukasyon sa hangaring burahin sa isip ng sambayanan ang kasaysayan at kawasatuhan ng paglaban para sa kalayaan at ilarawan na “mabait na pagsakop” ang kolonyalismong US. Nagluwal ang US ng bagong henerasyon ng mga burukratang kapitalistang sinanay sa “demokrasya ng US” na kumatawan sa kapangyarihan ng US at sa pinagsanib na interes ng naghaharing uring mga burgesyang komprador at dating mga panginoong maylupa.

Sa halip na magupo, lalong naglagablab ang diwa ng patriyotismo ng masang manggagawa at anakpawis. Mula simula at sa susunod na mga dekada, nabuo ang kanilang organisadong hanay at sumulong sa landas ng paglaban para sa kalayaan. “Kamatayan sa imperyalismo” ang kanilang sigaw sa mga demonstrasyon at pag-aaklas. Mula nang itatag noong 1930, gumampan ng mahalagang papel ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (Islas de Pilipinas) sa pakikibaka para sa kalayaan mula sa kolonyal na paghahari ng US.

Sa gitna ng inter-imperyalistang sigalot, inabandona ng US ang Pilipinas at hinayaang sakupin ng Japan. Sa pangunguna ng PKP, inilunsad ang pakikidigmang gerilya laban sa Japan at itinatag ang kapangyarihang bayan sa Central Luzon at iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Tulad sa China at ibang bansa, ginupo ng mga pwersang gerilya ang mananakop na Japanese. Bago tuluyang sumuko ang sukol nang mga pwersa ng Japan sa Pilipinas (gaya ng pagkasukol na ng Espanya noong 1898), bumalik ang mga pwersang US at walang-habas na binomba at pinulbos ang Maynila (tulad ng palabas na Battle of Manila Bay) para pwersahing lumuhod ang bansa. Katuwang ang mga papet na armadong pwersa nito (ninuno ng Armed Forces of the Philippines), isinagawa ng US ang kampanya ng armadong pagsupil laban sa mga pwersang gerilya na kinatampukan ng kaliwa’t kanang mga pagmasaker at brutal na pamamaslang sa mamamayan.

Para amuin ang sambayanang Pilipino, ibinigay ng US ang “kalayaan” noong Hulyo 4, 1946 at ipinahawak ang renda ng administrasyon ng papet na estado sa mga partido at pulitiko ng naghaharing mga uri. Sa nagdaang 80 taon na, ang Pilipinas ay nasa ilalim ng paghaharing neokolonyal o malakolonyal, kung saan nangingibabaw ang pasya ng US sa pulitika, ekonomya, militar at kultura. Sa ilalim ng malakolonyal na paghahari ng US, kinamkam nito ang trilyun-trilyong dolyar na yaman ng Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng hindi pantay na relasyon sa kalakalan at pamumuhunan na pinagtibay ng mga tratadong pabor sa US. Ipinatutupad ang patakaran ng mababang sahod para sa maksimum na tubo ng mga kumpanyang US at iba pang dayuhang kapitalista. Ang mga patakaran sa ekonomya ng papet na gubyerno ng Pilipinas ay dinidikta ng US sa pamamagitan ng International Monetary Fund, World Bank at iba pang bangko at ahensyang hawak ng US sa kapinsalaan ng ekonomya at kabuhayan ng mga Pilipino. Lalong pinalalakas ng US ang pangkulturang dominasyon sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng maka-US na sistemang pang-edukasyon, kontrol sa masmidya at iba pang ahensyang nagpapalaganap ng maka-US na kaisipan at mga pananaw.

Pinananatili ng US ang armadong dominasyon sa Pilipinas sa pamamagitan ng mga tratadong militar kabilang ang Mutual Defense Treaty, ang noo’y Military Bases Agreement (1946-1991), at ang Visiting Forces Agreement (1998) at Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (2014). Itinatag ng US ang AFP na nagsisilbing pangunahing haligi ng paghahari nito sa bansa. Mula’t sapul ay ginagamit ito para sa armadong pagsupil sa sambayanang Pilipino at sa kanilang paglaban para sa pambansa at panlipunang paglaya.

Sa harap ng krisis sa ekonomya ng US at iba pang kapitalistang bansa, lalo ngayong lumalakas ang tulak ng US na pahigpitin ang kontrol sa Pilipinas. Kaakibat ng pagpapalakas ng armadong presensya sa Pilipinas, agresibo rin ngayon ang US sa pagkamkam ng likas na yaman at mga negosyo sa bansa, para palawakin ang kanilang mga plantasyon at minahan na nagreresulta sa pagkakait sa kabuhayan ng milyun-milyong mga Pilipino. Pinagdurusahan ngayon ng sambayanan ang malubhang epekto ng ilang dekada nang mga patakarang neoliberal na dikta ng US: laganap na disempleyo, mababang sahod, walang mapagkunan ng kita, sumisirit na presyo, bulok sa serbsiyong panlipunan, pagpapalayas sa lupa, at pagkasira ng kalikasan. Nasa bingit ng krisis sa pinansya ang bansa na kinatatampukan ng papalaking utang ng gubyerno at bagsak na kita ng gubyerno dahil sa pag-aalis ng buwis pabor sa malalaking korporasyon, at pataas nang pataas na gastos sa napakalaking pwersang militar at pulis. Ang pagmamadali ng US na magtayo ng karagdagang mga base militar at pasilidad sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas, laluna sa mga hilagang bahagi, para gamitin ang Pilipinas sa estratehiya nito ng pagkubkob sa China, ay lalong nagpapatampok sa kawalan ng bansa ng tunay na kasarinlan, at naglalagay dito sa peligrong madamay sa gera ng mga higanteng imperyalista.

Mula nang muli itong itatag noong 1969, nasa unahan na ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas ng pakikibaka para sa pambansang kalayaan at demokrasya. Isinusulong nito ang digmang bayan mula 1969, at walang lubay itong isusulong gaano pa man katagal abutin para palayain ang bansa mula sa pagsaklot ng imperyalismong US.

Nakahanda ang Partido, lahat ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa at ang buong sambayanang Pilipino na balikatin ang mabibigat na tungkulin para isulong ang paglaban ng bansa para palayasin ang imperyalistang halimaw at kamtin ang inaadhikang paglaya ng Inang Bayan. Buong-loob nating suungin ang landas ng pakikibaka, gaano man kasukal at kahirap, dahil ito lamang ang daan tungo sa maliwanang at maaliwalas na kinabukasan.

[Ang Bayan ("The People") is the official publication of the Communist Party of the Philippines, guided by Marxism-Leninism-Maoism. It is published by the Central Committee. AB comes out fortnightly every 7th and 21st of each month. The original Pilipino edition is translated into English, Bisaya, Waray, Hiligaynon and Iloco.]

https://philippinerevolution.nu/2023/06/21/125-taong-walang-humpay-na-pakikibaka-para-sa-pambansang-kalayaan/

OPAPRU: 18 PAGs disbanded in three regions

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 22, 2023): OPAPRU: 18 PAGs disbanded in three regions (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) announced that the 18 potential private armed groups (PAGs) in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, and Bangsamoro regions have been disbanded.

These private armed groups have been disbanded by the National Task Force for the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (NTF-DPAGs), the agency said in a statement late Wednesday.

OPARPU said Police Maj. Gen. Victor K. Wanchakan, NTF-DPAGS deputy commander in Western Mindanao, presented his group’s accomplishments during the recent 12th Oversight Committee Meeting of the NTF-DPAGs.

Meanwhile, Area Police Command - Eastern Mindanao deputy commander, Maj. Gen. Harold B. Tuazon, also reported that the number of active criminal gangs in Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga regions has gone down from 16 to four.

Tuazon attributed this positive development to the relentless efforts of the task force to neutralize lawless elements, which include the increased deployment of troops to the area from the second quarter of 2022 until the same period this year.

Acting Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity and NTF DPAGs special adviser, Secretary Isidro L. Purisima, emphasized the importance of helping former PAG members transition to becoming peaceful and productive citizens.

“Another aspect that we need to enhance is how we can help these ex-armed group members make the successful transition as peaceful, productive, and law-abiding individuals. This is why the work carried out by the Department of Social Welfare and Development is crucial,” Purisima said.

“As chair of the National Technical Group on Rehabilitation and Reintegration, it must not only help former PAG members rebuild their lives but also aid them as they eventually return to mainstream society. By doing this, we will be able to demonstrate that good things come to those who choose the path of peace and encourage other PAG members to return to the folds of the law.“

Meanwhile, NTF-DPAGs vice chairperson, Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr., reaffirmed the security sector’s full and strong support for the disbandment of private armed groups.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines, normally being deputized as law enforcers by the Philippine National Police, stands ready and able to support within the legal framework all efforts in order to have a nuanced and focused approach to the disbandment of PAGs,” Teodoro said.

NTF-DPAGs chairperson, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur C. Abalos Jr., expressed confidence that the task force would continue to play a crucial role in ensuring peace and security in Mindanao.

“This group is a very important group and we could do a lot… Let’s look forward to a peaceful Mindanao,” Abalos said.

Purisima also lauded the task force for its peacekeeping initiatives, which are helping to push forward the peace processes in the country.

“We, in OPAPRU, remain confident that the NTF-DPAGs will be able to keep up its outstanding work, as we all continue to work together to help build on and sustain the gains of the comprehensive Philippine peace process,” he said. “There is no doubt that the task force is making headway, as we help create the conditions where a just and long-lasting peace can take root and flourish. To the NTF-DPAGs member agencies, thank you for your invaluable contribution, to making this vision a reality.”

The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the landmark agreement signed by the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in 2014, provides for a comprehensive approach to strengthening peace and order, as well as addressing emerging security concerns in the Bangsamoro region.

This holistic approach includes the disbandment of private armed groups, the implementation of a program for small arms and light weapons management, the redeployment of Armed Forces of the Philippines troops, policing, and the clearing of unexploded ordnance and landmines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204041

Korea Aerospace to PAF: Consider buying more modern FA-50 jets

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2023): Korea Aerospace to PAF: Consider buying more modern FA-50 jets (By Priam Nepomuceno)

(PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Philippine Air Force (PAF) should look at the possibility of upgrading or acquiring more capable versions of its existing Mach 1.5 capable light jet fighters FA-50PH to further beef up its defensive capabilities.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) Regional Manager and Chief, Aircraft BD and Sustainment Kim Sang Eung made this remark during the Air Force Symposium at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

In his presentation, he recommended to the PAF that it acquires "three upgraded FA-50 squadrons at three key points for covering whole Philippine territory and rapid response to threats."

Kim also recommended the retrofitting or upgrades of the existing 12 FA-50PH in service, making them capable of conducting air-to-ground, air-to-sea, and air-to-air mission objectives.

This includes the fitting of these aircraft with an assortment of radar and targeting systems along with a 300-gallon external fuel tank to increase the FA-50PH's combat range.

Kim said these proposals are the "most cost-effective solutions" to achieve the PAF's goal of being a credible Air Force.

Also, he said the FA-50 is "the most cost-efficient solution that customers around (the) world opt to procure as next-generation multi-role fighter aircraft."

Kim also said the "advanced combat capability of the FA-50 provides customer(s) with more choice for flexible operation."

The FA-50PHs have a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted with air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons and bombs.

A total of 12 FA-50s were acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries for PHP18.9 billion.

The deliveries commenced in November 2015 and were completed in May 2017.

The FA-50PHs were blooded during the Battle for Marawi which raged for five months in 2017.

Also, Kim said the PAF should look into their KF-21 "Boramae" which is an ongoing development.

The KF-21, which is also produced by KAI, is a South Korean fighter aircraft development program, with Indonesian involvement, with the goal of producing an advanced multi-role fighter for South Korea and Indonesia.

The program is led by the South Korean government which has 60 percent of the program's shares.

Indonesia took a 20 percent stake in the program in 2010, while the remaining 20 are held by private partners including KAI.

South Korea is expected to field the KF-21 by 2026. Its primary intended users are the Republic of Korea Air Force and the Indonesian Air Force.

The KF-21 is South Korea's second domestic fighter jet development program, following the FA-50.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203962

MUP pension still included in 2024 budget: budget chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2023): MUP pension still included in 2024 budget: budget chief (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

File photo

MANILA – The military and uniformed personnel’s (MUP) pension is still included in the proposed national budget for 2024, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said Wednesday.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay Forum, Pangandaman said the MUP pension for next year is projected to be about PHP213 billion.

“I think the magnitude ng ating (of our) MUP pension in our budget yearly is up to PHP213 billion,” she said. “It’s included (in the proposed 2024 budget). Syempre naman po kapag hindi pumasa, kawawa naman sila (Of course, if the [proposed bill] fails to get approved, the [MUP personnel] would suffer). As of now, since wala pa po (since it is still a proposal), we still consider it.”

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno earlier warned of “fiscal collapse” stemming from the increasing pension payments for MUP.

Diokno said the MUP pensions reached PHP213 billion this year and might breach PHP1 trillion by 2025.

Pangandaman said the economic team’s technical staff is holding a series of consultations with various MUP services to come up with the “right” measure to introduce reforms to their current pension scheme.

She admitted that the country’s fiscal space remains “tight” because of the existing MUP pension system, adding that the planned reforms have to be done through “some sort of transition.”

“Hindi natin tinanggal muna kaya nga tight pa rin talaga ang fiscal space (We did not remove the pension yet, that’s why our fiscal space is still tight),” Pangandaman said. “Sa amin po (For us), any measure or reform that will help ease the fiscal space for our budget to be able to fund yung mga mas (our more) pressing program natin, it’s a welcome news for the DBM.”

The economic team is eyeing the completion of the administration’s version of the MUP pension reform bill by July.

Pangandaman said the outcome of the consultations with MUPs could be included in the bills filed before the Senate.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203992

DND: Air power vital tool vs. all kinds of security concerns

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2023): DND: Air power vital tool vs. all kinds of security concerns (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DND Assistant Secretary for Logistics, Acquisitions and Self-Reliant Defense Posture Joselito Ramos (left) and PAF chief Lt.Gen. Stephen Parreño (right) (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – Air power is an important tool in addressing all kinds of security concerns and threats, an official of the Department of National Defense (DND) said on Wednesday.

"Air power is a very vital component in addressing all kinds of threats, we’re not only talking about threats in the region but also nakikita natin araw-araw (we see everyday) threats (from) the environment, we have a lot of disasters, and the Air Force is the First Force to be, it’s always the First Force to be there whenever there are calamities and disasters," Joselito Ramos, Defense Assistant Secretary for Logistics, Acquisitions and Self-Reliant Defense Posture, said on the sidelines of the Air Power Symposium held Wednesday at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

Ramos also said the defense department is well aware of this and is supportive of the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) effort to modernize.

"And so the Department of National Defense is cognizant of this and we are fully supportive of the efforts and initiatives of the PAF," he added.

Meanwhile, PAF chief Lt.Gen. Stephen Parreño said the Air Force Symposium is part of the Air Force's 76th pre-anniversary activities.

The PAF was established on July 1, 1947.

"This (symposium) aims to update our PAF personnel and other stakeholders of the different perspectives of experts coming from the different agencies of the government (with) different backgrounds so meron kaming (we will have) comprehensive knowledge on evolving security landscape. From there, we could base our plans, strategies, proposals so that we could have very good inputs para sa aming (for our) plans for the future," he added.

The Air Force chief also said air power is a very important component in joint forces especially in territorial defense.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203989

Qualified ex-Moro National Liberation Front, Moro Islamic Liberation Front members welcome to join PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2023): Qualified ex-Moro National Liberation Front, Moro Islamic Liberation Front members welcome to join PNP (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo (File photo)

MANILA – Former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) can apply to join the police force as long as they have no criminal records, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) gives former MILF and MNLF combatants the chance to join the police ranks.

“We expect that they will be with us in the ranks, they will be with us to ensure that there will be lasting peace in the BARMM,” Fajardo told reporters in Camp Crame.

Last May 2022, around 7,000 of 11,000 MNLF and MILF members passed a special qualifying eligibility examination to join the PNP.

Fajardo said they have started the processing of 1,000 passers who have been endorsed by the Bangsamoro government -- 700 of whom are from the MILF and 300 are from the MNLF.

The applicants would have to pass the body mass index (BMI) test, physical agility test, psychological examination, physical and dental examination.

“Kasama din diyan yung complete background examination para alamin din yung mga background ng ating mga applikante para tingnan din, baka may mga previously criminal records. Definitely that will be a ground for their disqualification at once matapos mo itong mga nasabi kong proseso ay yung final board at kapag matapos ito at makumpleto at makapasa at manunumpa (That also includes complete background examination to find out their backgrounds of our applicants to check as well if they have previous criminal records. Definitely that will be a ground for their disqualification. Once you finish this process, next is the final board which they have to finish and and passed afeter which they will be sworn in),” Fajardo explained.

After their oath-taking, the successful applicants would undergo a one-year basic recruitment basic course and a six-month field training program.

Once they finish these courses, they would be given a temporary appointment status and would be assigned to the PRO-BAR.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) earlier said the age requirement for MILF and MNLF applicants shall not be below 20 and not over 35 years old.

One of the major requirements for the applicants to the special qualifying exams is a certification from the MILF and the MNLF that they are indeed bonafide members of the two organizations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1204007

End of insurgency seen in N. Samar town linked to nat'l highway

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2023): End of insurgency seen in N. Samar town linked to nat'l highway (By Sarwell Meniano)

TACLOBAN CITY – Officials have expressed confidence that the completion of the new road in Northern Samar after five years of construction would help end insurgency in Silvino Lubos, one of the poorest towns in the country.

The inauguration of the Suba Bridge within the new road that connects the town to a highway in Mondragon town signals the full completion of the PHP238.31 million project.

“This road will connect people and businesses which was hardly possible in the past. This will undoubtedly open up opportunities for everyone.

Economic development is vital to the growth and prosperity of Northern Samar,” said Charlito Carlobos, district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) Northern Samar 2nd engineering district office in a statement shared by the Philippine Army to reporters on Wednesday.

The 3.25-kilometer road and bridge network has reduced the usual 12-hour boat ride to the town to just one hour and 30 minutes by land.

For Silvino Lubos Mayor Leo Jarito, the project is key to ending insurgency in their town and nearby areas. They have been waiting for this project for five decades.

“This is the most awaited moment for the town to finally get connected to the capital and other municipalities in Northern Samar. It has already been five decades since the people of Silvino Lubos had waited for such progress,” Jarito said.

“If there is infrastructure, the New People’s Army becomes irrelevant since the basic needs of people are being addressed. In the case of our town, it will be easier for our people to transport our products to the market,” the mayor added.

Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the project will boost their campaign to wipe out the NPA in Northern Samar.

“I am optimistic that the three brigades with nine battalions deployed here in Samar Island, we can eradicate the communist terrorist group and will soon welcome socio-economic development most especially in the areas which were once exploited by the terrorists,” Ligayo said.

Silvino Lubos, a fourth-class town is about 30 kilometers away from Catarman, the provincial capital of Northern Samar. Some people started to access the town by land when detour bridges were built in October 2020.

Since 2011, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity - Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan has set aside PHP982.5 million to build three bridges and their road components leading to Silvino Lobos. These are the Cagpanit-an Bridge, Sulong Bridge, and Suba Bridge.

Silvino Lubos, home to over 15,000 people, was the poorest town in the country in 2015 with a poverty incidence of 78.5 percent. The poverty rate went down to 56.9 in 2018, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203953

Abu Sayyaf ‘mole’ surrenders in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 21, 2023): Abu Sayyaf ‘mole’ surrenders in Zamboanga City (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

NIGHT PATROL. Col. Alexander Lorenzo, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director (right), conducts a briefing to ZCPO personnel before their deployment for security duty in the city on Tuesday night (June 20, 2023). The ZCPO launched the Night Patrol-Cuida Vida (Take Care of Life) on the same night to boost the anti-crime campaign in the city. (Photo courtesy of ZCPO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – An alleged Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) spy has surrendered to authorities amid an intelligence-driven operation against extremist elements in this city, a top police official said Wednesday.

Col. Alexander Lorenzo, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, said Abdulhan Salahuddin, 39, surrendered around 2 p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Muti.

Salahuddin handed over a .45-caliber pistol when he was presented to Lorenzo at the headquarters of the 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company.

Lorenzo said Salahuddin is a follower of ASG subleader Marzan Ajijul, whose group operates in this city and nearby Basilan province.

Salahuddin is allegedly involved in extortion activities in far-flung areas of Zamboanga City and Basilan province targeting markets, community sundry stores and other establishments.

In this city alone, he is linked to several atrocities such as the clash with government forces on Sept. 20, 2012 in Barangay Calabasa and the attack on a passenger bus along the highway of Barangay Buenavista in 2015.

In addition, he is also being linked to the 2016 foiled bomb attack on a security firm armored van in Sitio Marangan, Barangay Muti in this city.

Lorenzo said Salahuddin was placed under custodial debriefing following his surrender.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1203987