Soldier killed, 11 hurt in encounter

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 3): Soldier killed, 11 hurt in encounter

A SOLDIER was killed and 11 others were wounded in a gunfight against communist rebels in Barangay Mt. Diwata, Monkayo, Compostela Valley on Saturday.

The encountered happened at around 1 p.m., three hours before President Rodrigo Duterte made an appeal to the New Peoples Army (NPA) to stop the fight in his speech during the 50th anniversary of Davao del Norte, in which Compostela Valley was carved out in 1998.

Soldiers belonging to the Army’s 25th Infantry Battalion encountered around 100 fully armed men, believed to be members of Sub Regional Command 1, Section Committee 20 and Guerilla Front 25 of NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), in Sitio Calaberahan, Mt. Diwata. The firefight lasted for an hour.

 

Lt. Col. Ismael Mandanas, 25th IB commander, said the NPAs were consolidating in the area.

“There’s a report that the NPA would conduct tactical offensive targeting business and government project in the area,” Mandanas said. “So our action was to preempt their plan of conducting major atrocity.”

He said the soldiers were already patrolling the area two days before the encounter.

The identities of the casualties were not released as their families are yet informed.

But Mandanas said the fatality was a corporal and among those wounded was a first lieutenant, the team leader.

“Those injured were just slightly wounded and are not in critical condition,” he said, adding that casualties were immediately brought to the Camp Panacan station hospital.

He said the soldiers were hurt when a landmine exploded as they approached the enemy’s position.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/soldier-killed-11-hurt-in-encounter/

ISIS chieftain Hapilon still fighting in Marawi City

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 3): ISIS chieftain Hapilon still fighting in Marawi City

After the Philippine military announced that local ISIS chieftain Isnilon Hapilon may have escaped government offensive in Marawi, now Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said they have reports the elusive militant leader is still fighting in the besieged Islamic city.

“He is still inside Marawi. He is hiding inside one of the mosques in Marawi. I think this is maybe correct,” Lorenzana said, citing fresh intelligence reports.

Military propagandists took advantage of reports that Hapilon had fled telling journalists covering the fighting in Marawi that the ISIS chieftain abandoned his commanders in the middle of the battle and calling him a coward.

They also said that brother Omar and Maddie Maute, both ISIS commanders, had died in the battle, quoting intelligence reports, but the military failed to provide evidence that the duo was killed. And said that militant commanders are now fighting each other over how to divide their loot and that there is a crack in the ISIS leadership.

Both the military and ISIS have engaged in media propaganda since the fighting began on May 23 when militants occupied Marawi and tried, but failed to put up an Islamic State province in the city.

The military claimed over 330 militants had been killed in the battle, quoting reports from civilians and army commanders on the ground. But security officials could not provide an exact number of bodies of militants recovered by troops in Marawi, although it said at least 80 soldiers were slain in the war and that three dozen civilians had perished in the violence that gripped the capital of Lanao del Sur, one of 5 provinces under the troubled Muslim autonomous region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/isis-chieftain-hapilon-still-fighting-in-marawi-city/

Special Forces capture Sayyaf militant in Basilan province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 3): Special Forces capture Sayyaf militant in Basilan province

Special Forces soldiers captured an Abu Sayyaf militant following a raid on a village in Lamitan City in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, officials said on Monday.

Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay said Ismael Gampal was captured in the village of Bohe Yawas where members of the 19th Special Forces also seized an automatic rifle and ammunition, including a military uniform and back pack.

Petinglay did not give more details of the weekend operations that led to the arrest of Gampal, but she said the militant is currently being interrogated in Basilan, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

The province, just 28 nautical miles south of Zamboanga City, is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group, blamed by authorities for the spate of deadly bombings, kidnappings and terrorism in the restive region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/special-forces-capture-sayyaf-militant-in-basilan-province/

AMWSLAI gives aid to kin of fallen soldiers in Marawi siege

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 3): AMWSLAI gives aid to kin of fallen soldiers in Marawi siege

The Air Materiel Wing Savings and Loan Association, Inc. (AMWSLAI) recently gave cash assistance to the families of fallen soldiers and cops in the ongoing terror attack in Marawi City.

Ret. Air Force Col. Ricardo L. Nolasco Jr., president and chairman of the AMWSLAI and the owner of the Hannah’s Beach Resort and Convention Center in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, said that it is a mandate of their company to help the families and dependents of the slain soldiers and policemen.

On June 17, AMWSLAI turned over P60,000 worth of cash assistance to one of the soldiers from Ilocos Region who was killed in action in the fight between the Philippine government forces and the Maute terror group in Marawi City.

In a simple ceremony in Laoag City, Nolasco handed over P60,000 to grieving Carmi Anno, the wife Army Corporal Elmer Macliing Anno, 32, of Barangay Rubio, Galimuyod, Ilocos Sur.

Of the said amount, P30,000 came from AMWSLAI while the other half was from the Hannah’s Resort.

The giving of assistance to Carmi was realized with the intervention of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 1.

“The giving of financial assistance by our company to the dependents of the fallen soldiers is our mandate to fill up the gaps of their needs while they are in deep grief to the loss of their loved ones,” Nolasco said.

Anno’s wife was the sixth recipient of cash assistance from AMWSLAI and Hannah’s Beach Resort.

The first five dependents earlier received their cash assistance during the 61st anniversary foundation of AMWSLAI on June 13 in Manila wherein the financial company also turned over another P500,000 worth of check to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as aid to the dependents of other fallen soldiers in Marawi.

“All of us should give respect to our soldiers, who offer their lives to defend us from the terrorists. All of us Filipinos are in awe of the courage and heroism of our soldiers. They deserve our deepest gratitude and we mourn with their families and the whole country,” said Nolasco as he encouraged other private companies to pour in further assistance.

The AMWSLAI, one of the country’s well- known financial companies with stable assets and resources, is excellently serving the needs of the uniformed personnel in the country including their families and dependents.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/381498668409/amwslai-gives-aid-to-kin-of-fallen-soldiers-in-marawi-siege

President Duterte willing to declare ceasefire with NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): President Duterte willing to declare ceasefire with NPA

President Rodrigo Duterte is willing to declare total ceasefire with the communist revolutionaries even if government is still dealing with the Marawi crisis.

The President even urged NPA supporters to send his message to the New People’s Army.

“If you’re friends, tell them that they can announce and I will announce a total ceasefire in the meantime that we are busy dealing with the problem in Marawi,” he said.

While he is willing to declare ceasefire again, the President asked: “Would you please stop waging war against?” “Mag-usap ba tayo o hindi?” he quipped.

This developed as the President highlighted the NPA as one of Davao del Sur’s top concerns during the culminating program of its 50th founding anniversary on Thursday evening.

Speaking before some 4,000 local officials, barangay leaders and residents, he warned the NPA to stop waging war. He expressed disappointment over the conflicting pronouncements of the communist leadership on engaging government forces in the revolutionary struggle. He also mentioned the leadership’s declaration that they will stop until the Marawi siege is finished.

Duterte warned there will be no space left for the NPA if they become terrorists.

“There will never be a space for you kung terrorists ka, kayong mga komunista. Wala kayong space diyan sa terorista (if you are terrorist, you communist. You don’t have space with terrorist),” he pointed out.

Referring to accusation of human rights violations by government forces, Duterte said the revolutionaries are equally guilty because they ambush that women are also killed.

“Ano ba talaga? Mag-usap ba tayo o hindi (So what is it? Do we talk or not?” he asked.

If the communist want to talk peace, Duterte said they should stop waging war. He said the government forces are no longer keen on holding talks.

“We are just co-workers in government asta pulis (also the police). But the only reason na medyo mataas ako (I am on top), but I do not control everything and I cannot control everybody,” he stressed.

“If you want to stop fighting, you want to talk to us, then my God, please stop killing us. You kill my (soldiers),” he declared.

The President underscored fighting between the government and the revolutionaries, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro national Liberation Front (MNLF), is already as old as Davao del Sur province.

“Now tell me, do you want to fight another 50 years? Wala akong problema. May mga sundalo, may sweldo. Fifty years, sige. But this time, kung giyera, giyera gyud. Wala tayong patawaran (I don’t have any problem. There are the soldiers, they have salaries. Fifty years, fine. But this time if it’s war, it is really war. No excuses,” he said.

Duterte however, reminded that in 50 years people are weary and no longer confident on the revolutionaries, as well as the government.

“So let’s fight on even grounds. I’m willing to accept the offer that you’ll stop fighting, good. I accept that and we can talk again, I said,” he added.

“You decide. Do not create something which is not acceptable also to me and to the guys… doing the fighting,” Duterte urged communists.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998430

Localized peace talks with Reds pushed in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Localized peace talks with Reds pushed in N. Samar

The provincial government of Northern Samar is bent on pushing localized peace talks with members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Without specifying when or what form it would take, Governor Jose `Jun’ Ong Jr., told PNA Sunday in an interview that they are planning to set up a dialogue where leaders of the rebels, the army and local officials could discuss ways of restoring peace in the province.

To recall, early morning of June 21, four soldiers of the 20th IB were wounded in an ambush by members of the NPA along the national highway between barangay Somage and Polangi in Catarman.

Northern Samar remains to have an active insurgency problem and known to be one of the hotbeds of the NPA.

According to Governor Ong, Northern Samar needs unity.

’'We urge the rebels to stop violence and we are pushing for localized peace talks here and the provincial government is willing to dialogue with them,’ Governor Ong told PNA.

’It is a big step forward to finally end the war with one of the longest standing rebel group in the province and in the country, and I welcome the peace talks with open arms because it is the inclusion and forgiveness that we become a better province,’ he said.

Governor Ong believed that they still have a long way to go, but still, he is hopeful.

'’No peace deal is perfect anywhere, but I believe we can achieve it in different ways. We need to change our mind set from one of fear and anger to one of listening, forgiving and proper planning,'’ he said.

The peace talks, according to Governor Ong, represents hope for the people of Northern Samar for them to move forward as a single, united and peaceful province.

'’We need to open our doors for a bright future in which we can start thinking about developing our province rather than spending most of our time and thoughts on war,’ he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998545

Troops capture Sayyaf man in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Troops capture Sayyaf man in Basilan

Government troops have captured an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on the island province of Basilan, a top military official announced Monday.

Col. Juvymax Uy, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, identified the captured ASG member as Ismael Gampal.

Uy said troops of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion captured Gampal on Sunday in Barangay Bohe Yawas, Lamitan City, Basilan.

Uy said recovered from Gampal’s possession were an M-16 Armalite rifle and other war materiel, including a battle dress uniform and a military back pack.

“Our persistent military operations specially targeting Abu Sayyaf Group resulted to this recent accomplishment, Uy said.

“We also would like to recognize the help of those who have already surrendered for the precise information they have given so that we can zero-in to specific ASG targets,” he added.

“I also would like to recognize the continuing support of the local government units and the people of Basilan in our fight to contain and eliminate these terror groups,” Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said.

The capture of Gampal has brought to a total of 262 Abu Sayyaf bandits neutralized by troops here in Western Mindanao.

Of the total, 97 bandits were killed, 67 were apprehended and 98 surrendered.

The troops have recovered a total of 151 firearms of different calibers.

Galvez lauded the troops for their accomplishment as they continue to do their mandate “even if we are in our trying times right now.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998553

Troops capture female NPA member, high-powered arms in Abra clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Troops capture female NPA member, high-powered arms in Abra clash

Government troops recovered six high-powered firearms following an encounter with members of the New Peoples' Army (NPA) in Abra on Saturday.

In a statement released on Monday, 5th Infantry Division public affairs chief Capt. Jeffrey Somera said the troops, led by 24th Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Dominic Baluga, were conducting security patrol at Brgy Kilong-olao, Boliney town around 3 p.m. on Saturday to verify the reported presence of armed men in the area when they were fired upon by communist rebels which resulted in a gun battle.

Following the encounter, the troops recovered the three M16A1 Armalite Rifles, an M203 Grenade Launcher and Two M14 Rifles.

While there are no casualties among the troops, Somera said they were able to capture a female NPA member.

The Army troops also recovered 15 backpacks with personal belongings, subversive documents, two handheld radios, eight cellphones, assorted medical paraphernalia, binocular and different types of ammunition and magazines for M16 and M14 Rifles.

For his part, Major General Paul Atal, commander of Joint Task Force TALA, which has an operational control over the 24th IB commended the group for a job well done.

“I commend the whole ‘On Guard’ troopers for the successful operation. We prevented these terrorist groups from staging terroristic acts and sowing fear among the local populace of Abra,” Atal said in a statement.

Atal also reiterated the government’s invitation to the local communist rebels to avail of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) to start anew and contribute to peace and development in the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998555

US Peace Corps volunteers arrive to work in PHL communities

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): US Peace Corps volunteers arrive to work in PHL communities

Some 67 US Peace Corps volunteers arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday to work for 27 months in communities throughout the country in fields of education, youth development and environment.

In a message received Monday, the US Embassy Manila stated that the new volunteers, aged 21 to 69, will immediately undergo an intensive 10.5 weeks of pre-service training covering technical skills, language and cultural studies to prepare them for their service.

It stated the service program will be done in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), local government units (LGUs) and non-government organizations (NGOs).

Accordingly, the new volunteers join the family of more than 9,000 Americans who have served as Peace Corps volunteers in the country since 1961 making the Philippines the second oldest Peace Corps program as inspired by U.S. President John F. Kennedy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998637

Maute Group defensive perimeter getting smaller — AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Maute Group defensive perimeter getting smaller — AFP

The dwindling number of Maute Group terrorists are currently holed up in a very small area in Marawi City, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said late Sunday.

When asked for the size of the area still in the hands of the lawless elements, the military official placed it between "one to two square kilometers."

Año refused to give an exact deadline on when Marawi City will be cleared of the terrorists but said the AFP is doing everything it can to neutralize the remaining Maute Group remnants with the least number of military and civilian casualties and damage to property.

"We cannot impose a timeline or deadline (in the ongoing Marawi City operations) as fighting there involves building-by-building, house-to-house, floor-to-floor. You cannot just rush that as you could potentially left a structure filled with terrorists uninspected, giving the latter an opportunity to target civilians and other soldiers if given a chance," he added in Filipino.

As of this posting, the AFP chief said that they have so far neutralized 317 bandits since fighting in Marawi City broke out last May 23.

Military and police losses are placed at 82 and civilian dead are put at 44.

"We are painstakingly (operating against them) day-to-day, we are eliminating them, just like yesterday (Saturday), we killed 10 of their snipers, and everyday, they are taking losses and getting smaller in number," Año said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998547

PNP formally opens 22nd PCR Month celebrations Monday

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): PNP formally opens 22nd PCR Month celebrations Monday

In line with efforts to connect closer with the public, the Philippine National Police (PNP) formally started its celebration of the 22nd Police Community Relations Months Monday.

The event took off shortly after flag-raising ceremonies in PNP headquarters led by Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

PCR Month aims to strengthen community participation in crime prevention with a theme "Police and Community: Sharing Responsibility, Taking Action in Unity".

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) is the lead agency of the celebration pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 764 dated Jan. 24, 2005 declaring the month of July of every year as PCR Month.

Dela Rosa, in a statement, said the activity aims to forges stronger partnership and community support in peacekeeping and public safety programs of the PNP.

The PNP partners with NAPOLCOM and other participating agencies of the government, local government units, non-governmental organizations, and other institutions to further enhance the essence of cooperation and collaboration in policing the community.

In revitalizing the crucial role of the community in peacekeeping and nation building, the PNP is set to spearhead various events and culminating activities such as signing of Memorandum of Understanding between the PNP and PCSO, launching of Recovery and Wellness Program, National Tokhang Advocacy Coalition Oath of Support, Joint Demonstration of Disaster Response Capability, 7th High School Writers Summit, Mobile Passport Processing, Peacebuilding and Cultural Orientation Seminar, Media Fellowship Night 2017 with the Chief, PNP, Biking: Freedom Ride “Tungo sa Kalayaan sa Droga”, 1st Kontra Droga Film Festival, and others.

Also, scheduled events and culminating activities of the 22nd PCR Month mark the jumpstart of the 116th Police Service Anniversary Celebration to be held on Aug. 8, 2017 wherein President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is expected to attend the annual celebration.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998573

AFP not using full might in Marawi due to respect for human rights

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): AFP not using full might in Marawi due to respect for human rights

Should the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) go all out, Marawi City will be flattened and the remaining Maute Group terrorists will be neutralized.

However, the military can't just do this as it is religiously following human rights and international humanitarian law when conducting operations against the lawless elements, AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said Sunday.

"We have an enemy who does not care how many civilians (are killed in the crossfire). Their movement has no principles to follow especially when desperate. But the AFP is following the rule of law (and human rights) so we can't just use maximum force against them," he added in Filipino.

And pressing ahead, regardless of civilian losses, would mean that the AFP is no different with the terror group it is trying hard to suppress.

Año also cited the case of the Japanese cities of Nagasaki and Hiroshima which were hit by US atomic bombs days before the end of World War II.

He added that the destruction and massive loss of Japanese lives in the attack prompted Japan to surrender unconditionally.

"We can flatten the entire city of Marawi and the battle will be over in two days but we don't want to do (as it would cause massive civilian casualties)," the AFP chief added.

As of this posting, the AFP chief said that they have so far neutralized 317 bandits since fighting in Marawi City broke out last May 23.

Military and police losses are placed at 82 and civilian dead are put at 44.

"We are painstakingly (operating against them) day-to-day, we are eliminating them, just like yesterday (Saturday), we killed 10 of their snipers, and everyday, they are taking losses and getting smaller in number," Año said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998598

Duterte creates inter-agency task force for Marawi rehab

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Duterte creates inter-agency task force for Marawi rehab

President Rodrigo Duterte has created an inter-agency task force for the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Marawi City and its immediate environs affected by the rebellion.

As per Administrative Order NO. 3 signed by Duterte last June 28, the task force will be known as Task Force Bangon Marawi and will be headed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana with Public Works Secretary Mark Villar as co-chair.

Other members of the task force include the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as the secretaries of the Departments of Education, Budget and Management, Energy, Health, Information and Technology, Interior and Local Government, Science and Technology, Social Welfare and Development, Trade and Industry, and Transportation.

Completing the members are the heads of the Local Water Utilities Administration, Mindanao Development Authority, National Electrification Administration, National Housing Authority, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Office of Civil Defense as well as the Secretary of the Office of the Cabinet Secretary and the chief of the Philippine National Police.

In the meantime, Lorenzana said that Task Force Bangon Marawi is now preparing the mechanism to go into the rehabilitational recovery as soon as the fighting stops in Marawi.

“So the first thing that we would do after the fighting stops is to clear the areas of any left IEDs (improvised explosive devices) or any explosives. After which, we are going to allow the return of the civilians, of the residents of Marawi,” he said during the Mindanao Hour press briefing in Malacañang.

“So we now have a mechanism for as long as tumigil na ‘yung bakbakan diyan, mag-start na kami ng rehabilitation. In fact with this document (AO 3), we can now start stockpiling construction materials for the rehabilitation of Marawi,” Lorenzana said.

The head of Bangon Marawi said that besides rebuilding the city’s infrastructure like lights, water, roads, bridges and government buildings, the task force also aims to immediately restore banks and business establishments.

“One of the things that we would like to restore immediately are the stores so that when the residents go back then they have places to buy their provisions. Also the banks, if we can restore the banks, so that the banking system or the businesses of the area will resume,” he said.

“We will involve the local government leaders there, the mayors, the governors, the barangay captains, because we are going to establish a defense mechanism so that the event for the past month in Marawi will not be repeated,” Lorenzana said.

Meanwhile, he assured that the rehabilitation of Marawi would not be politicized.

“Kaya siguro ako ang inutusan ni Presidente dahil wala naman akong political ambition. I will involve the politicians, especially the Mayor the Governor and the Vice Governor as well as the officials of the affected towns. But the decision will be resting on the chairman of the rehabilitation which is me,” Lorenzana said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998600

Lorenzana: Hapilon still in Marawi

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Lorenzana: Hapilon still in Marawi



Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday said Abu Sayyaf leader and ISIS "emir" in Southeast Asia is still in Marawi City.

The defense official issued this statement during "Mindanao Hour" briefing at Malacanang Monday.

"According to our latest info, he is still inside Marawi. In fact, we got the information this morning (Monday) that he is hiding in one of the mosque in Marawi," he added.

"And this is maybe correct because we also have people watching in Basilan (and they reported that) there were three fighters (who fought in Marawi) that have arrived in Basilan last week," Lorenzana stressed.

As of this posting, the number of Maute Group terrorists neutralized is placed at 337 with 82 government troops killed and 44 civilians executed.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998628

Aguirre mulls probe on SAF members involved in Bilibid drug trade

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Aguirre mulls probe on SAF members involved in Bilibid drug trade

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said he will order a probe on some members of Special Action Force (SAF) who may have been involved in the resurgence of illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

“I have received reports that there were some reactivation, we are doing something about this, we are going to end this resurgence, some sort of resurgence by some inmates. I talked to Director General [Benjamin delos Santos last Saturday, and we know what we are going to do,” Aguirre told reporters after the thanksgiving mass held in DoJ on Monday.

He added that the resurgence constitutes only about 5 to 10 percent as compared to the extent of the previous illegal drug operations.

“We have successfully curbed 75 percent of the illegal drug trade. If ever, the resurgence is about five to 10 percent only and we are going to clip it again,” Aguirre said.

More than 300 SAF contingents who have been deployed at Bilibid last year were supposed to stay only for three to six months and then they will be replaced by the Marines.

He noted that some members of the police’s elite force may have been involved due to their familiarity with the inmates.

The rotation did not push through, said Aguirre because the Marines have been busy fighting in Marawi City.

“I have to admit because of their familiarity, they have stayed there for more than six months, masyadong matagal eh. Ang aming plano dito is only about three month and apparently, because of the huge amount of money medyo nati-taint,” Aguirre explained.

Aguirre said he will talk to the head of SAF for a possible investigation.

Aguirre charges would be filed against any SAF personnel who would be found involved in illegal drug activities inside the NBP.

Aguirre said that he considered the neutralization of drug syndicates inside the NBP as one of his biggest accomplishments during his one year term in office, a resurgence of such groups inside the facility should be dealt with immediately.

Aguirre noted that 70 to 75 percent of illegal drugs in the country were being trafficked from inside the NBP prior to the assumption of the Duterte administration.

Based on Aguirire’s first year accomplishment report, a total of 11,462 contrabands were confiscated through 26 Oplan Galugad operations inside the NBP.

The SAF contingent took over last year replacing BuCor jail guards who were made to undergo re-training.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/998646