20 NPA rebels, 97 supporters surrender in Bukidnon

From Update Philippines (Oct 5): 20 NPA rebels, 97 supporters surrender in Bukidnon



Capt. Norman Tagros, the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade’s civil-military operations officer, said 20 of the surrenderers were members of the NPA’s Militia ng Bayan (MB) who also brought along with them 18 assorted firearms.

Tagros said the 97 others were members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL), the NPA’s underground mass organization.

Gen. Eric C. Vinoya, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, assured the former members and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and NPA of the government’s assistance through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Vinoya, co-chairman of the Bukidnon E-CLIP Committee, lauded the decision of the surrenderers to “reject violence and terrorism” of the NPA and its political wing, the CPP.

He said NPA regulars and Militia ng Bayan members will receive cash and livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration, and housing, health, and employment assistance.

Lt. Col. Ronald M. Illana, commanding officer of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, called on the surrenderers to sustain their allegiance to the government and support the poverty alleviation program of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Cabanglasan Mayor Renante V. Inocando hailed the rebels’ surrender as a “symbolic day not only for our municipality but also for the country.”

NPA continues to lose armed assets to government troops

Inocando praised the former rebels for supporting the government and for answering the people’s call for “peace and freedom from all threats of violence and terrorism.”
The mayor assured that the local government will continue to deliver basic services and consult with the former rebels to ensure their successful transition from the communist movement to mainstream society.

https://www.update.ph/2018/10/20-npa-rebels-97-supporters-surrender-bukidnon/25603

Hundreds flee in NorthCot village as armed Lumads avenge kin’s death

From MindaNews (Oct 4): Hundreds flee in NorthCot village as armed Lumads avenge kin’s death

Hundreds of residents from both settlers and Lumads left their homes in a remote area in the hinterland of Arakan town in North Cotabato after a group of armed indigenous people on Monday entered their village to avenge the death of a kin, reports said.


Arakan, North Cotabato.

The Lumads, according to Arakan municipal information officer Leo Reovoca, were members of the Matigsalog tribe from neighboring Barangay Tawas in Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

He said that the armed Matigsalogs wanted to avenge the death of one of their tribesmen who got killed after he attended a public dance in a nearby barangay on September 30.
The Lumads, said Reovoca, call this as “pangayaw” or “revenge.”

He added that the relatives of the slain Matigsalog believed the killer resides in Barangay Sumalili in Arakan, so they went to the area the next day and hacked to death a certain Dolfo Handumon, an Ilonggo.

Reovoca stressed that Handumon had nothing to do with the September 30 killing of a Matigsalog.

Handumon, according to Reovoca, was tending his farm when a group of armed Matigsalogs killed him on the spot on that day.

“When the residents of Barangay Sumalili knew what happened to Handumon, they left the place for fear of also being killed by the natives,” said the municipal information officer.

Reovoca said that on October 2, in the hope of settling the disputes between the Matigsalogs and residents of Barangay Sumalili, Arakan Mayor Rene Rubino went to the area and started to dialogue with the concerned families.

During the talks attended by tribal elders, both parties agreed to pay the Matigsalog family a certain amount as “blood money,” Reovoca said.

“Mayor Rubino, on his part, bought a carabao worth P15,000 and gave the farm animal to the bereaved family of the slain Matigsalog. There was peaceful settlement of the issue after that,” he said.

On Wednesday, however, residents of Barangay Sumalili again panicked after they saw a group of armed men entering their village, said Chief Insp. Jose Mari Molina of the Arakan police.

“Instead of returning to their homes on October 3, they chose to stay at the barangay center for fear another killing might take place,” said Reovoca.

He could not yet ascertain if the area is now safe for their constituents.

“The mayor has ordered the PNP to closely monitor the village and already sought help from the Army to ensure nothing … will happen again in our place,” Reovoca said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/10/hundreds-flee-in-northcot-village-as-armed-lumads-avenge-kins-death/

4 more alleged terror group members nabbed in South Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): 4 more alleged terror group members nabbed in South Cotabato



Police arrested four more alleged members of an Islamic State-inspired local terror group in an operation on Wednesday afternoon in a remote village in Polomolok town in South Cotabato.

Chief Supt. Eliseo Tam Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office-12, said Thursday the suspects were nabbed at around 3 p.m. in a raid in Purok 7 of Sitio Komotan, Barangay Sumbakil in Polomolok.

Rasco identified the suspects as Mohamed Lompong, 28; Dats Kalangke, 27; Monib Sagadan, 40; and Adin Dala, 25, all residents of the area.

Elements of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion-12 and the Tupi and Polomolok municipal police stations conducted the raid due to the reported presence of murder suspects Arafat and Mommamad Bulacon in the area, the police official said.

The Bulacons, who were tagged as members of the terror group Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines, had been charged for the killing of a police officer in Tupi town last month.

Upon the arrival of the operating team, Rasco said the two targets and their cohorts sensed their presence and immediately fled.

A brief chase ensued that resulted in the arrest of the four suspects, who were reportedly close associates of the Bulacons, he said.

Recovered from the possession of the suspects were two fragmentation grenades, a Smith and Wesson .22-caliber revolver with serial number S.4702Q4 loaded with seven live bullets, four live bullets of .45-caliber pistol, three camouflage uniforms, and three mobile phones.

“The two targets (Bulacons) unfortunately escaped but pursuit operations against them are ongoing,” Rasco said.

Arafat and Mommamad Bulacon eluded arrest last Monday in a raid by joint police operatives at their safehouse in Purok 1, Barangay Palian in Tupi town.

But three of their alleged cohorts were arrested, yielding suspected explosive materials and two emblems with markings of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

The Bulacons were tagged as primary suspects in the murder of PO1 Achilles Tablazon in Palian last Sept. 15. 

Tablazon was a member of the security staff of Chief Supt. Ulysses Caton, the deputy regional director for administration of the PRO-12, and previously assigned at the intelligence branch of the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office based in Koronadal City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049991

Gov’t taps indigenous culture to bring peace to Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): Gov’t taps indigenous culture to bring peace to Mindanao



The government is “going back to the roots” to counter the growing threats of violent extremism and further foster peace in local communities in Mindanao.

In a press conference here on Thursday for the launching of Kalinaw Kultura Mindanao, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Director General Harold Clavite said they are looking at the island’s rich indigenous culture and traditions as a potent tool to sustain the ongoing peace efforts on the island.

He noted that the proper understanding of local cultures can help change the mindset of vulnerable youths, especially among Moros, from getting lured into ideologies that promote violence and extremism.

Clavite acknowledged that a number of Mindanaoan youths had been easily recruited to join groups with terror leanings due to lack of education and wrong influences.

“But we can change that by making our young people understand who they are, where they came from, and how we, Mindanaoans, traditionally co-existed peacefully in the past,” he said.

Clavite said they are trying to achieve such goal by showcasing Mindanao’s indigenous culture and traditions through Kalinaw Kultura.

PIA, in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), Department of Tourism (DOT) and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, launched the initiative at the South Cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center here.

The event was the fourth stop in Mindanao after its earlier launching in the cities of Iligan, Butuan and Zamboanga.

At least five authentic cultural groups representing the Maguindanao, T'boli, B’laan and Manobo tribes showcased their cultures and traditions through rituals, songs and dances.

It was highlighted by a performance from Mindanaoan artist Bayang Barrios, who belongs to the Manobo tribe of Agusan del Sur province.

As part of the event, a delegation from the PIA and NCCA visited a cultural village of the T'boli tribe in Barangay Lemsnolon, T'boli town.

Through Kalinaw Kultura, Clavite said they are also hoping to help change the negative image of Mindanao as a “land of conflict.”

“This is an opportunity for us to show the other side of Mindanao, the peaceful and beautiful Mindanao,” he said.

Armin Hautea, regional director of DOT-12, said the event is a huge boost to their continuing efforts to promote Region 12 or Soccsksargen as a top cultural destination in the country.

He said it complements the agency’s initiatives to “show the real image of Mindanao” through tourism and culture.

John Axl Palisoc, NCCA culture and arts officer, said the event further empowers the Lumad or indigenous peoples of the area.

He said it also encourages the local tribal communities to exert more efforts in preserving their cultures and traditions.

“It gives them a sense of pride of who and what they are. That they are no longer marginalized but part of the mainstream society,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050030

Army sees settlement of land dispute between Quiboloy, tribal group

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): Army sees settlement of land dispute between Quiboloy, tribal group

The camp of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and the tribal groups in the disputed lands here have agreed to resolve the alleged land grabbing issues involving the influential Christian sect.

Lt. Col Oscar Partuza, the commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry Battalion, on Wednesday said Quiboloy’s group and the Council of Elders of the Bagobo-Klata tribe will discuss next week the technical description of the disputed areas in Tamayong, Calinan District.

Quiboloy's Jesus Christ: The Name Above Every Name maintains two facilities on lands being claimed by the tribe.

Partuza said the first meeting between the two camps were held on August 27, wherein both sides agreed to settle the long-running land conflict peacefully. Quiboloy's camp, he added, was represented by Barangay Kagawad Benjie Villanueva.

During the first meeting, Partuza said both sides were able to settle several matters, such as the size of the area that Quiboloy has acquired from the tribe in Tamayong.

Partuza said Quiboloy himself has personally expressed hope to finally put an end to the land dispute issue, which in the past has resulted in allegations of harassment and violent acts perpetrated by the sect.

Quiboloy's name was even dragged in the killing of tribal leader Dominador Diarog and the wounding of his wife in a strafing incident on April 29, 2008 in Sitio Kahusayan, Manuel Guianga. The televangelist has repeatedly denied involvement in the incident.

Quiboloy has maintained that the issue was merely exploited by the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area to sow chaos divisions.

Partuza said the Army wants to resolve the issue so that the area can finally be developed, have access to government services, and its farm-to-market roads improved.

“Pastor Quiboloy wants true reconciliation,” Partuza said, adding that the dialogue is the best course of action.

He said the next meeting will be conducted in the presence of representatives of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Public Attorney’s Office, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Earlier, NCIP Provincial Officer Cristito Ingay lauded the 3rd IB commander for facilitating the meeting between Quiboloy and the tribal leaders.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049945

Korea’s largest arms maker teams up with PH’s top company

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): Korea’s largest arms maker teams up with PH’s top company

The largest Korean arms maker has partnered with the Philippines’ top rifle manufacturer United Defense Manufacturing Corporation (UDMC) as part of the strengthened South Korea-Philippines defense cooperation.

S&T Motiv, a 45-year-old Korean major firearms manufacturer, and UDMC have recently signed a joint venture agreement signifying mutual partnership and cooperation between Korea and the Philippines.

UDMC chairman and CEO Gene Cariño said the objective of the deal is produce for the Philippine military and police force arms that are of “high quality, accuracy and price-competitiveness with the vision of eventually expanding to other markets in the long-term”.

"The joint venture agreement demonstrates both our countries’ close mutual cooperation to support the government-level discussions on increasing the bilateral cooperation in the field of defense industry,” Cariño said in a press statement.

The Korean Ministry of National Defense and S&T Motiv have presented their line of defense technology products to President Rodrigo Duterte during his official visit to South Korea last June.

S&T Motiv is a 45-year-old Korean major firearms manufacturer recognized for its competitiveness in the global market by exporting various firearms to more than 30 countries including Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

“This is truly a beneficial partnership as S&T’s expertise integrated with UDMC’s significant research and development will substantiate the need for increased weapons capability of the Philippines,” Kijoon Yu, President and CEO of S&T Motiv Co., said.

Both UDMC and S&T Motiv have joined some 200 local and international ‘exhibitors’ in the “Asian Defense, Security & Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference 2018” (ADAS 2018) held on Sept. 26-28 at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.

Duterte visited the defense trade show, where officials of UDMC and S&T Motiv showed to him their latest line of accurate and reliable firearms that could meet the demands of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.

UDMC is dedicated to the development, manufacture and distribution of assault and precision rifles, and is known particularly for their 5.56 and 7.62 NATO standard rifles used by the military and law enforcers.

The Philippine-based company has provided locally-manufactured weapons to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Presidential Security Guard (PSG), which is indicative of its highly-capable and reliable line of firearm products.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049911

Visiting PH contingent tours Russian submarine in Vladivostok

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): Visiting PH contingent tours Russian submarine in Vladivostok


Photo courtesy of Philippine Naval Task Force 87

Members of Naval Task Force (NTF) 87, who are now on a six-day port visit to Vladivostok, Russia, had a chance to see firsthand a Russian diesel-electric submarine, the Komsomolsk-on-Amur, on Wednesday.

NTF-87 head Capt. Florante Gagua, in a statement, said this was made possible through the invitation of the Russian Pacific Fleet based in the said locality.

He added that the submarine was positioned near the location where the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) is currently docked.

The PN port visit started on Oct. 1 and will end on Saturday, October 6.

Some PN personnel were able to witness how the Komsomolsk-on-Amur was able to maneuver and approach the Filipino strategic sealift vessel.

"Together with the selected and privileged members of the PN contingent are the media personnel from the Philippines who were also allowed to visit the submarine. The event started around 2 o’clock and ended at 4 o’clock in the afternoon (local time). A total of 24 personnel (16 military and eight civilian) benefited the said tour," Gagua said.

Lt. Cmdr. Aleksey Lanskikh, the submarine's commanding officer, conducted a briefing prior to the tour.

The PN contingent was toured in different places of the submarine and the last place that was visited was the officers’ dining area or the wardroom.

Refreshments were served and exchanges of mementoes between NTF-87 head and the commanding officer of the submarine took place during the end of the tour, Gagua said.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049963

Navy fetes Ancajas for 6th successful title defense

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): Navy fetes Ancajas for 6th successful title defense

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Thursday accorded boxing champion and naval reservist Jerwin Ancajas a hero’s welcome after successfully defending his International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight belt in Oakland, California last September 30.

PN spokesperson Commander Jonathan Zata said Ancajas was honored at the Acero Hall of the Bonifacio Naval Station, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The Filipino boxer, a chief petty officer in the PN reserve force, was donned a medallion before riding a military jeep, also called the "white carabao", on his way to Acero Hall.

Leading the crowd to welcome the boxing champion was Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.

"This welcome honors manifest the Navy’s recognition of its outstanding personnel who embodies the core values of the organization, and brings honor and pride to the flag, and the Filipino people," Zata said.

The Panabo, Davao del Norte native defended his belt for the sixth time against Mexican Alejandro Santiago in 12 rounds.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049995

AFP doesn't tag schools involved in CPP recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): AFP doesn't tag schools involved in CPP recruitment

As it released the names of Metro Manila schools where the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is allegedly holding its recruitment activities, the military on Thursday assured the public that its intention is not to brand these educational institutions as "communists".

"We wish to assuage the fear of our people about this recent development. In doing this, the AFP wants to create awareness among our people especially parents who were complaining and asking for our help," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a media statement.

He clarified that some of the schools on the list are still subject to validation.

"Having said that, we are firm in our position that some of the schools on that list have been, and widely known to have been used, as fora for communist recruitment. Some of the other schools on the list are being targeted. The students are agitated initially towards activism; mobilize them as militants, and finally recruit them as regular NPA (New People's Army) cadres and leaders to fill up the dwindling number of political cadres," Arevalo said.

As of Oct. 3, the total number of NPA regulars and sympathizers neutralized by the military is 10,049.

This included some 939 NPA regulars who surrendered and 104 who died in armed engagements with the AFP, Arevalo added.

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Wednesday, AFP deputy chief-of-staff for operations, Brig. Gen Antonio Parlade Jr., identified the schools as University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, UP-Manila; Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa; Ateneo De Manila University; De La Salle University; University of Santo Tomas; Adamson University; Far Eastern University; University of the East (UE)-Recto; UE-Caloocan; Emilio Aguinaldo College; Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST); San Beda College; Lyceum of the Philippines; University of Makati; Caloocan City College (now the University of Caloocan City); University of Manila, and the Philippine Normal University.

"We have reports of concerned parents communicating to us their worries about the 'brainwashing' activities that their children were subjected to like films showing; video teleconferencing with a terrorist leader like Jose Ma. Sison; and Martial law reenactments during break time of high school students, etc," Arevalo said.

He said they are joining the multitude of parents wary of these creeping indoctrination of their children that tend to draw them into activism and radicalism.

"Beware of the wolves in sheep’s clothing. This we caution schools administration and parents about some members of the NPA infiltrating the schools," he added.

Arevalo said the AFP is reaching out to the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), and the administrators of some of the schools to prevent the "arouse-organize-mobilize" scheme of the CPP-NPA.

"Lest we forget, the AFP as an institution is the protector of constitutionally guaranteed rights of our people. We do not censure, but as a matter of fact guard and support freedom of speech, of assembly, and of redress of grievances. But such should be done in a manner peaceful and orderly, and with due respect to other people’s rights. Because the moment there is resort to violence, the AFP will be there to prevent lawlessness," Arevalo added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050001

PNP to talk to 18 schools named in CPP recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 4): PNP to talk to 18 schools named in CPP recruitment

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will talk to the heads of the 18 universities and colleges in Metro Manila tagged by the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) where the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is allegedly recruiting members to overthrow the government.

PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said he ordered National Capital Region Police (NCRPO) Regional Director, Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, to coordinate with the school heads since they are located in Metro Manila.

“We will talk with the heads of these universities para makita at malaman natin kung ano talaga ang pwede natin maitulong (to see and know what we can help them),” Albayalde told reporters.

“Siguro (may be) it's high time that we have a direct, meron tayong gawing (that we do an) intervention kung talagang kinakailangan (if it is really needed),” he added.

AFP deputy chief-of-staff for operations, Brig. Gen Antonio Parlade Jr. on Wednesday identified the schools as University of the Philippines (UP)-Diliman, UP-Manila; Polytechnic University of the Philippines-Sta. Mesa; Ateneo de Manila University; De La Salle University; University of Santo Tomas; Adamson University; Far Eastern University; University of the East (UE)-Recto; UE-Caloocan; Emilio Aguinaldo College; Eulogio "Amang" Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology (EARIST); San Beda College; Lyceum of the Philippines; University of Makati; Caloocan City College (now the University of Caloocan); University of Manila; and the Philippine Normal University.

He said the students in state universities and colleges (SUCs), as government scholars, should be wary of such communist indoctrination.

“These youths are given free education by no less than the government. In state universities, you are given free education by the government and yet hindi ka pa nag-gragraduate (you have not graduated), you are already going against the same government that gives you free education,” Albayalde said.

He added that faculty members and school personnel of SUCs should also be cautious of being enticed to join such indoctrication activities since they are public servants.

"So if we are being paid for by the taxpayers, kailangan ang serbisyo natin (so our service) is for the Filipino people also,” Albayalde added.

He also warned teachers who might be instigating their students to join the communist movement and even plot to overthrow the government, saying they could be charged with contempt for spreading false information.

“You could just imagine, you are inputting false information or knowledge to our students and we are trying to save generations dito (here) and yet ganun ang ituturo natin sa ating mga estudyante (that's what they are teaching to students)," Albayalde added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1050028

Army: Insurgency problem to end in 2019

From the Sun Star-Davao (Oct 4): Army: Insurgency problem to end in 2019

WITH the continued accomplishments gained by the armed forces in its anti-insurgency campaign, the Philippine Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) is upbeat that the insurgency problem will end in 2019.

Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) Chief of 10th ID Captain Jerry Lamosao said in an interview yesterday that they are fully supporting the pronouncement of the President in putting an end to decades-old communist rebellion in the country.

“We will support the statement of the President to put an end to the insurgency problem by the second quarter in 2019. We have basis because of the number of surrenderees that we have experience which is overwhelming in the area of 10th ID alone,” he said.

In their area of responsibility, they recorded 7,327 surrenderees and of this number, 437 are regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA), Militia ng Bayan (560), Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (216), supporters (6,097) and left-leaning organization (17). This is an indicator that the strength of the reds is going down.

“We will beat the timeline,” he added.

Lamosao said troops continue to gain the support from the people in the community with reports they received on the ground should there are movement of the left in recruiting members. With these reports, they were able to take action to preempt any attempt.

He said the largest number of communist group is found in Compostela Valley.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1767533/Davao/Local-News/Army-Insurgency-problem-to-end-in-2019

Troops seize IEDs from NPA hideout

From the Manila Times (Oct 4): Troops seize IEDs from NPA hideout

Security forces raided a communist rebel hideout and seized improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in southern Philippines where insurgents also stormed a trader’s house and confiscated his automatic pistol.

Security officials said members of the 1st Marine Brigade and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency recovered three improvised explosives during an operation on Tuesday in the village of Kiponget in Sultan Kudarat’s Palimbang town.

But soldiers failed to capture any member of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hideout, which is being used by rebel leaders Bobo Fernandez and Ofelia Buanhog, of Guerrilla Front 73.
Troops managed to locate the camp after civilians tipped off the military about the place that had been frequented by armed men.

Soldiers also seized anti-government propaganda.

“The operation was the result of the sustained focused military operation against the local threat group,” according to Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division.

But other communist rebels also struck on Tuesday on the other side of the region and raided a house belonging to Bobby Calo, who owns a hardware store and coconut farm in the town of Nasipit in Agusan del Norte province.

 Calo is being accused by the NPA of maltreating his employees.

Omar Ibarra, a rebel spokesman, said they confiscated Calo’s automatic pistol and warned him to treat his employees fairly.

“His workers had been complaining against his brutal and abusive conduct, such as beating his workers while at the field. Yet, he perpetuated such act. Hence, the Red fighters of NPA-WANAS made this decisive action,” Ibarra added.

The Red fighters seized a Glock-40 from Calo.

His long rifle was not confiscated as he kept it in another place, Ibarra said.

The NPA has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a separate state.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered troops to destroy the rebel group after government peace talks with the insurgents collapsed.

https://www.manilatimes.net/troops-seize-ieds-from-npa-hideout/448049/

Philippines, U.S. Marines Launch Anti-Terror Drills

From BenarNews (Oct 3): Philippines, U.S. Marines Launch Anti-Terror Drills



Philippine and U.S. Marines participate in an amphibious landing exercise, May 9, 2018. AP

Amid reports of a resurgent Islamic State (IS) presence in Southern Philippines, more than 1,300 U.S. and Filipino Marines began joint large-scale anti-terrorism training, officials said Wednesday,

The exercises, dubbed “Cooperation of Warriors at Sea,” scheduled to run until Oct. 10, focuses as well on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, military spokesman Col. Noel Detoyato said.

The training falls under the annual Balikatan, or “shoulder-to-shoulder,” exercises between the defense allies.

Detoyato said about 100 Japanese Marines were invited to join as observers in the trainings to be carried out in different parts of Luzon island.

“The Philippines and U.S. agreed on 281 security cooperation activities for 2019, an increase over 2018,” Detoyato said.

The allies look forward to “ongoing close cooperation in areas central to our national and security interests, including counter-terrorism,” Detoyato said.

In an assessment released recently, the U.S. State Department listed the Philippines along with Afghanistan, India, Iraq and Pakistan, as among five countries with the most terrorist attacks.

Terrorism funds

Nikki de la Rosa, leader of the think-tank International Alert Philippines which tracks conflicts, said that while the Marawi crisis is over, militant groups appear to have funding to fuel their terroristic activists as they continue to evade capture.

The five-month war in Marawi caused the number of violent conflicts in the province of Lanao del Sur to increase to 942 incidents in 2017 from 514 in 2016. Deaths resulting from these conflicts, rose to 1,358 compared to 310 the previous year.

The entire southern Mindanao region remains under military rule and President Rodrigo Duterte has said dozens of militant leaders escaped from Marawi.

The survival of extremist groups in Lanao areas and in a sprawling marshland in central Mindanao “reinforce the belief that they had access to funds from many sources including shadow economies,” de la Rosa said Tuesday.

Additionally, remnants of the militant groups blamed for the Marawi siege “used kinship networks to expand their resources and evade capture,” she said.

Apart from IS-affiliated fighters who had escaped from Marawi, other groups, such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Abu Sayyaf were also fighting the military.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said government is ready to thwart any additional IS threat in the country.

“We assure the public that we are in a better position to deal with terrorists. Let them try to sow terror, we are ready to implement the laws of the Philippines,” Roque told reporters.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/training-exercise-10032018150510.html

117 Reds surrender in Bukidnon

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Oct 4): 117 Reds surrender in Bukidnon           

GOVERNMENT security forces have facilitated on Tuesday, October 2, the mass surrender of suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and its underground organizations in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

In a statement, the military claimed that said some 117 communist insurgents and NPA supporters returned to the folds of the law as they turned themselves in to the local authorities.

The military said among those who surrendered were 20 members of the NPA's Militia ng Bayan (MB) who yielded three high-powered and 15 low-powered firearms, and some 97 members of the Sanga sa Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) and underground mass organizations.

They laid down their arms in front of Cabanglasan town Mayor Renante Inocando, 403IB commander Brigadier General Eric Vinoya, Bukidnon provincial police director Senior Superintendent Benedicto Pintor, and 8th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana.

During the mass surrender ceremony said individuals pledge their oath of allegiance to the government and burned the flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as a “testament to their intent to reject and deny violence and terrorism by the said organization.”

Illana urged those who surrender and the community to sustain their allegiance to the government.

“We would like to encourage all of you to always be supportive of the government and its peace and development thrusts. Do not fear the CPP-NPA because your Philippine Army and your Philippines National Police, in collaboration with the local government unit, are here to assist you,” Illana said.

Vinoya has also assured that the former NPA fighters and supporters will avail the government's assistance through the enhanced comprehensive local integration program (E-Clip).

“You have made a good decision by rejecting violence and terrorism posed by the CPP-NPA. Now that you have embraced peace, rest assured that the government will assist you through the E-Clip,” Vinoya said.

“NPA regulars and MB members will receive cash and livelihood assistance, firearms remuneration and housing, health and employment assistance. This is to prove the sincerity of the government to end violence, promote peace, and help our former rebel brothers and sisters,” he added.

Mayor Inocando also led the delivery of basic services and consultation dialogues among the affected residents together with the local government agencies.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1767490

President Duterte orders AFP to neutralize communist rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 3): President Duterte orders AFP to neutralize communist rebels



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte salutes one of the awardees during his visit to Camp Juan Ponce Sumuroy in Catarman, Northern Samar on October 2, 2018. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday, October 2, instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to intensify its intelligence gathering thrust to effectively neutralize communist insurgents, particularly in Northern Samar and nearby areas.

“The best way is intelligence. Magbuhos kayo ng intelligence. Then, pag nakuha niyo, it’s neutralization,” the President said during his remarks at Camp John Ponce Sumuroy, 803rd Infantry Brigade.

The Chief Executive reiterated that individuals who are joining the New People’s Army, bearing firearms, are automatically committing rebellion. “There is no crime prevention because the crime is being perpetrated 24 hours a day. So hindi mo kailangan magtanong pa kung may warrant-warrant diyan,” he said.

The President also lauded the brigade in their relentless efforts in maintaining law and order, as well as protecting the life and welfare of the Filipinos in the region.

“From January to September of this year, the 803rd Brigade conducted internal security operations, resulting in the apprehension and surrender of NPA members. Also noteworthy is their prompt and efficient disaster response in times of calamities,” the President noted.

To augment the operation of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, President Duterte promised to the troops that he would provide them additional transport vehicles and fund support for the enhancement of the roads inside the camp, the administration building, and the 8th ID Liaison Office building.

“I have your back. Just continue performing your duties well, and you can be assured that [as] we honor your courage and dedication, this administration will take care of you and your families by providing you with the necessary [social] and financial assistance.”

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/releases/1013522