Clashes with NPA not poll security threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2019): Clashes with NPA not poll security threat



Major General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), on Monday (March 25, 2019) says the series of armed encounters between government troops and the New People’s Army rebels will not be an election security threat. (Photo by Gail Momblan)

Government security forces said the series of armed encounters with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Western Visayas will not pose a security challenge for the upcoming May 2019 elections.

On the contrary, the clashes with the rebels show that the government troops are conducting continuous operations to secure the upcoming polls, said Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).

“These (encounters) will serve as deterrent to them (rebels),” he said in an interview on Monday.

He said the series of encounters does not mean the rise in number of NPA members but rather indicates that the Armed Forces do not allow the free movement of the rebels around communities.

Dolina emphasized that the recent encounters with rebels came after the information coming from the local populace. “We gain the trust and confidence of people who volunteer to give us information,” he said.

Brig. Gene. John Bulalacao, Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 (Western Visayas) chief, in a separate interview, said the recent encounters help the security forces to identify personalities that might inflict security threat in the mid-term polls.

“These series of encounters are part of our preparation to ensure that the forthcoming election is secured,” he said.

Bulalacao noted that the rebels are taking advantage of the elections to generate funds through campaign fee, collection of permits to win, and other means of extortion from politicians.

The series of clashes occurred in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 17; Barangay Osorio-2 in San Remegio, Antique on March 19; Sitio Igburay, Barangay Lacay Doldol, Igbaras, Iloilo on March 20; and the latest encounter on Sitio Burak, Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo on Sunday.

The latest encounter killed one suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) as government troops overran an NPA hideout following an encounter.

With this, the government troops expect the rebels to retaliate.

“They (rebels) want to get even and we are prepared. We are ready to meet them everywhere,” Bulalacao said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Sisenado Magbalot Jr., commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion, said the army also expects the rebels to retaliate.

“It would be advantageous if they have plans (to retaliate) because they will move, and it will be reported to us,” Magbalot said in a phone interview on Tuesday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065627

AFP, foundation inks deal for Marawi school building

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2019): AFP, foundation inks deal for Marawi school building

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. on Tuesday signed an agreement to construct a school building in Marawi City.

Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, and Luz Annalee Escudero-Catibog, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. signed the Terms of Reference (TOR) in a ceremony at Camp Basilio Navarro, which houses the Westmincom headquarters in this city.

Col. Gerry Besana, Westmincom information officer, said the TOR provides for the construction of a three-story building at Datu Saber Elementary School in Marawi City.

Catibog said the three-story building is “the first smart space” in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the third project being implemented by GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc.

“Towards the latter part, we relied on Army engineers, and I’m really happy with the work they did,” Catibog said.

Col. Romeo Brawner, Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, and Col. Anthony Cacayuran, Army’s 504th Engineer Brigade, witnessed the signing of the agreement.

“Indeed, this is a great event and opportunity for us to be able to witness the signing of the Terms of Reference,” Brawner said.

“We do believe that with our joint efforts, we will be able to build a better future for the coming generations,” Brawner added.

“This noble endeavor gives us an opportunity to take part in the rehabilitation of Marawi City. We also make our commitment to extend our assistance in a modest way,” Dela Vega said.

Meanwhile, Dela Vega and Catibog also graced the groundbreaking ceremony of a madrasah building in Barangay Cabatangan, this city.

The construction of the madrasah will be undertaken by the Kapuso School Development Project of GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc., in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Army’s 54th Engineer Brigade.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065701

TF Davao commander completes tour of duty

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2019): TF Davao commander completes tour of duty

Task Force-Davao (TF Davao) commander, Col. Nolasco Mempin, will complete his tour of duty on Thursday after a two-year stint.

In a text message on Tuesday, Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., the commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said that Col. Consolito Yecla will replace Mempin.

Yecla is currently the secretary of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Mempin took the post with a big challenge from Mayor Sara Duterte in 2017 when the city was reeling from the Roxas night market bombing.

Mayor Sara directed Mempin to ensure that Davao City remains safe and strive for a “zero bombing” incident.

Mempin said he has fulfilled the challenge.

“For more than one-and-half years as Task Force Davao commander, the objective was attained as the main objective of the Task Force is to keep away the city from any bombing incident,” Mempin said.

Mempin noted that TF Davao's primary reason for its existence is to prevent violent extremists from disturbing the city's peace and order.

Aside from the zero bombing, Mempin also highlighted the effort of Task Force Davao in reaching out to different sectors to help in fulfilling its mandate.

Looking back. Mempin said the job was made especially difficult "considering that it (Davao City) is the home of President Duterte and everybody is looking at the city as a model."

After he departs as TF Davao on Thursday, Mempin will become chief of the Army's 1003rd Infantry Brigade, replacing Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr.

Torres will be assigned as the new deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065678

11 loose firearms surrendered in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2019): 11 loose firearms surrendered in Lanao



Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan of Taraka, Lanao del Sur leads Monday the turnover of 11 loose firearms to the Army's 49th Infantry Battalion as military authorities and the local government units collaborate efforts in the campaign against unlicensed guns. (Photo courtesy: Army's 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

The municipal government of Taraka in Lanao del Sur has turned over 11 firearms of various calibers as the military continues its drive against loose firearms, a program that complements the government's effort to root out the Daesh-inspired Maute group in the province.

Taraka Mayor Nashiba Sumagayan led the ceremonial handover of the loose firearms around 2:30 p.m. Monday at the town hall to Lt. Col. Edgar Allan Villanueva, Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion commander.

The firearms consisted of a caliber .50 Barrett sniper rifle, an M-16 rifle, an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun, and seven handguns.

“While our combat operation against Dawlah Islamiya is relentless, we will still continuously collaborate with local government units in our efforts for the surrender of loose firearms in our area of operation,” Col. Romeo Brawner, Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said.

“Likewise, we thank them for their trust and support to our troops in contributing peace and development in the whole province of Lanao del Sur,” Brawner added.

Military troops are continuously pursuing the remnants of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute group in the province of Lanao del Sur.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops and the municipal government of Taraka for the successful hand over of the loose firearms.

“Collective effort of various stakeholders is very essential in the attainment of peace and prosperity in our area of operation,” Ancan added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065651

Martial law in Mindanao favorable to IPs

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25, 2019): Martial law in Mindanao favorable to IPs

Some members of Mindanao's indigenous peoples (IPs) have expressed their continued support to the ongoing martial law in the island.

Datu Ramon Bayaan, in an interview with DWDD Radio on March 20, said the reports claiming that IP are being abused or having problems due to martial law are not true, adding that sources of these information are coming from Luzon, not from Mindanao.

"Do not believe those news, those reports are coming from Luzon, not from IPs communities in Mindanao," he said in Filipino.

In fact, Bayaan claimed martial law's implementation has prevented the New People's Army (NPA) from executing or killing many IP for not following rules set by the rebels which include none participation in rallies and refusal to join up with the communist terrorist movement.

This earned the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and President Rodrigo R. Rodrigo the gratitude of IP communities, he added.

Congress, in joint session December 12, has 235 in favor, 28 against, and one abstention in the vote to approve the extension of martial law in Mindanao until December 31, 2019.

The AFP recommended another year-long extension of martial law in the above-mentioned island in a bid to totally neutralize terror groups still operating in Mindanao.

Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City.

The House of Representatives, in a special joint session in July last year, granted the extension of martial law until December 31, 2017 at the President's request.

The Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session early December, granted the Chief Executive's request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from January 1 to December 31, 2018.

Communists own martial law

Dayaan also claimed that it is the communist rebels led by Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison who have declared "martial rule" in Mindanao some 50 years ago.

This unlawful declaration by the communist rebels has killed many people, many IPs included, through the years.

Dayaan added that they want the government campaign against the NPAs ended soon as possible as they are the ones being targeted by the communist rebels.

Meanwhile, Datu Diolito Diarog said the encroachment of the NPAs in IP communities has caused divisiveness due to their bringing of rules and culture not suited for these people.

This includes indoctrination that the present government cannot give justice and that it can could only be acquired through armed struggle, he added.

Diarog said "Salugpungan" schools were used by the NPAs to enhance their claims that only the communist rebels can bring in basic services like education to IP communities.

He believes that funding for the construction of these "Salugpungan" schools came from the European Union but said he has no clear idea on the process on how the money was sourced.

Dayaan, meanwhile, believes that the "Salugpungan" schools were built to just to teach IPs the basics of reading and writing and those its real purpose was to teach its recruits how to fight.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065589

Don't be swayed by Reds' sweet talk, AFP tells youth

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2019): Don't be swayed by Reds' sweet talk, AFP tells youth

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reminded the youth to listen carefully to the experiences of former rebels and supporters before deciding to join the dying communist rebel movement.

"While the leaders are feeling the brunt of the law enforcement, we call on those who are still being recruited and in the process of being deceived by sweet talking CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) to ignore their messages and listen to those who have turned their backs and returned to mainstream society," AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato, said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Tuesday.

The military official made the remark when asked on what the military can do to prevent the New People's Army (NPA) from conducting last ditch recruitment efforts among the youth.

"Their (former NPA rebels) bad experience and nightmares with the CPP-NPA coupled with the false promises must convince them (youth) not to give in. If there will be no fresh recruits, this menace of a group called CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front) will just be relegated into irrelevance and the remaining members will just probably die of old age. Slowly but surely, with every Filipino going in one direction, our objective of ending (CPP founding chair Jose Maria 'Joma') Sison's insurgency will progress towards ending his(Sison's) 50 years of deceits and lies," he added.

The AFP earlier said over 11,000 NPA fighters and supporters have surrendered since January 2018.

These numbers does not include the 600 rebels and sympathizers who have voluntarily surrendered in the first three months of 2019.

“They have realized that they have been deceived and have descended from their mountain hideouts to rejoin their families, avail of government benefits, and live normal lives,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said.

Government efforts to aid rebels and supporters who surrender are contained in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

The E-CLIP, which was institutionalized by President Rodrigo R Duterte on April 3, 2018, provides a complete package of assistance and interventions to former communist rebels and their immediate families to prepare them for integration to mainstream society.

These include skills development training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, PhilHealth enrollment, housing, livelihood and legal assistance, among others.

As this develops, Detoyato said rebel consultants, who will voluntarily surrender to authorities, will be treated with all the rights of an accused.

"That's the way to go for them. They have to respect the laws before they get respected themselves. They will be treated with all the rights of a person accused of a crime and avails of our legal processes," he added.

The safe conducts passes of the above-mentioned consultants are now deemed void after President Rodrigo Duterte's cancellation of the peace talks.

The CPP-NPA is listed as terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065607

New MID commander to employ 'triad operations'

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2019): New MID commander to employ 'triad operations'

 

Newly-installed Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) commander Maj. Gen. Robert C. Dauz will be employing the so-called "triad operations" in their conduct of security operations.

Dauz made this remark during turn-over ceremonies at the MID headquarters, Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac on Monday, where he replaced Brig. Gen. Bismarck D. Soliba.

The ceremony was spearheaded by Army head, Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto.

The approach of the command will be a combination of combat, civil-military, and information operations.

As the command is aware of the dangers of their mandate, Dauz emphasized the importance of conducting joint operations with other security sectors and agencies and well-meaning organizations in the area, which is in line with the Philippine Army (PA)'s thrusts in the 'whole-of-nation' approach.

“We should capacitate ourselves to conduct our operations where and when we could best hit the enemy to win the peace strategically,” the newly-appointed MID chief said.

Alberto, meanwhile, stressed the importance of sustaining the momentum of the troops against communist-terrorists.

"We are focused on three key thrusts: enhance the fighting competency of our soldiers; enhance logistics system to support ground units; and adhere to the highest standards of excellence and professionalism,” Alberto said.

Dauz, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1988, served as commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat and the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade in Iligan City.

He also served as commanding officer of the 5th Light Armor Battalion, which was later transformed into the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion in Iligan, City.

Dauz completed his Armor Officer Basic and Advance Courses at the Combat Arms School, Training and Doctrine Command and took his Command and General Staff Course at the Canadian Forces College.

The MID is mandated to provide armor units and conduct armor operations to neutralize and defeat threat groups within their area of responsibility.

The division also enhances the fighting capabilities and competencies of its troops through the acquisition of technologically advanced equipment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065620

PH, Cambodia hold 1st defense cooperation meeting

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 26, 2019): PH, Cambodia hold 1st defense cooperation meeting

STRENGTHENING PH-CAMBODIA DEFENSE TIES. Department of National Defense Undersecretary Ricardo A. David, Jr. (left) exchanges a token with General Neang Phat (right), Secretary of State of the Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia during the Inaugural Philippines-Cambodia Joint Defense Cooperation Committee
(JDCC) Meeting held in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on March 14, 2019. (Photo courtesy: DND Public Affairs Office)

As part of efforts to boost defense ties, the Philippines and Cambodia held the Inaugural Philippines-Cambodia Joint Defense Cooperation Committee (JDCC) Meeting last March 11 to 14 in Phnom Penh.

The meeting facilitated the exchange of views on regional defense and security issues such as cyber security, counterterrorism and violent extremism, and peacekeeping operations, among others, Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement Tuesday.

The agenda also highlighted matters on the Philippines-Cambodia bilateral defense relations and finalized various engagement activities between the armed forces of both countries.

The meeting was co-chaired by Defense Undersecretary Ricardo A. David Jr. and General Neang Phat, Secretary of State of the Ministry of National Defense of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

The conference was an offshoot of the 2017 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Defense Cooperation between the Philippines and Cambodia. Both officials expressed hope that the inaugural meeting was a step forward to further strengthen defense relations between the two countries.

Phat emphasized the importance of the first meeting as it marks the positive development of bilateral relations between Manila and Phnom Penh.

“I believe the JDCC is really important for our parties to work together to develop our Defense Cooperation Program and Development Plan, and I believe that our troops and our people are fully committed to the meeting and to fulfill all the requirements,” Phat said.

Meanwhile, David conveyed his appreciation to the Cambodian Ministry of National Defense, on behalf of the government and the people of the Philippines and Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, for the successful and fruitful conduct of the conference.

“We are pleased that we are able to advance our activities and engagements. We hope that this will be sustained and enhanced, to ensure a more meaningful contribution to regional peace and prosperity,” he added.

The second JDCC meeting will be held in Manila next year.  

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065648

AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - Show sincerity and stop fighting

From the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 25, 2019): Photo/slide - Show sincerity and stop fighting



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2382947065057337/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: Photo/slide - JASIG is revoked

From the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (Mar 25, 2019): Photo/slide - JASIG is revoked



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2382947468390630/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

Duterte: Useless to talk to NPA

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 25, 2019): Duterte: Useless to talk to NPA

 

President Duterte said that he has now given up on trying to talk peace with the New People’s Army (NPA),



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) campaign rally at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City on March 24, 2019. (JOEY DALUMPINES/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
Duterte made the statement days after he formally announced the dissolution of the government peace panel created to negotiate with the communist rebels.

In a speech in Cagayan De Oro Sunday evening, Duterte said that talking to the Communist rebels was useless since they continue to sow terror despite negotiating for peace with the government.

“Ang NPA, ako na’y ni-surrender (With the NPA, I am the one who surrendered). I said I will stop talking to them because it is really useless,” he said.

“We have been talking for the last 30 years. And they have been trying to destroy the legitimate government since 53 years ago. Wala gyud ta’y ma — wala gyud ta’y ma… (We will never achieve anything out of it),” he added.

According to Duterte, people can still continue to dream that there will be peace in Mindanao with respect to the Communist rebels. However, he said the failures of the peace talks over the last year qwre proof that nothing will ever be achieved.

“It could be a dream nga naa pay pag-asa (that we still have hope). Fifty-three years would tell you that it amounts to nothing,” he said.

“So ana akong gisulti sa mga sundalo, sulti nako sa mga pulis, ‘Tapuson ta nalang ni. Either kitay musurrender or silay musurrender. Either kitay mahurot o hutdon gyud nato sila’ (So I told the soldiers and the police, ‘Let’s finish this. It’s either we surrender or they do. It’s either they’ll defeat us or we’ll defeat them’),” he added.

“Ang ilang gusto (They want) armed struggle. The word itself or the words — the two words connote violence,” he continued.

Over the weekend, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that despite Duterte’s pronouncements, the government will not be giving up on peace in Mindanao.

“The administration still seeks peace. We are just trying a different tact by localizing the peace talks as the concerns of rebel groups vary from one locality to another especially so that Mr. Sison appears not to have control over the communist forces on the ground,” he said.

While acknowledging that the peace talks could still be revived under a different administration, Panelo said that it will not prosper unless the Communist rebels begin to show more sincerity in the negotiations.

“The CPP/NPA/NDF must first demonstrate genuine sincerity in the peace process by laying down their arms and shun its acts of violence, which include murder, rape, extortion, and destruction of public infrastructure and private properties,” he said.

“Until such demonstration of sincerity, the localized peace talks shall be given impetus,” he added.

President Duterte canceled the peace talks with the Communist rebels in November 2017 via Proclamation No. 360, citing the Reds’ insincerity to the ensure the success of the process.

 

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/25/duterte-useless-to-talk-to-npa/

AFP finding probable cause to charge Joma Sison, cohorts

From CNN Philippines (Mar 25, 2019): AFP finding probable cause to charge Joma Sison, cohorts



Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison (FILE PHOTO)

Metro Manila — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday it is working with other government agencies to find probable cause to file charges against Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison and his cohorts.

"Insofar as the AFP is concerned, we are, together with other government agencies under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is working for the indictment of Mr. Sison and his cohorts," according to a statement from AFP spokesperson BGen. Edgard Arevalo.

The AFP said Sison must be held accountable for the reported murder of "thousands of their comrades" on suspicion of being military informants.
"The number of their victims, to include non-combatant civilians, children, and the elderly reached more than 80,000 during CPP's 50 menacing years," Arevalo said. "Sison should be charged, convicted, and jailed for the crimes he and his minions have committed."

He added the AFP is gathering evidence to prove to the European Union that some of the groups it is financing are "fronts" of the the CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army.

Arevalo also said they want to debunk narratives shared by these organizations to European countries.

"We will show that the information they are presenting to the European countries were fabricated. And such depiction of tyranny, murder, suppression of freedom, and persecution is untrue," he said.

http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/3/25/Jose-Maria-Sison-AFP-indictment.html

AFP Central Command backs localized peace talks

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 25, 2019): AFP Central Command backs localized peace talks

The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command (AFP-CentCom) fully supports localized peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Lieutenant General Noel S. Clement, who heads the AFP-CentCom, said even with the termination of the peace negotiations between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF, the Central Command, along with other government agencies will strongly pursue the localized peace talks.

“This is to show that the government is sincere towards the attainment of a just and lasting peace,” Clement said.

Clement said the localized peace talks will serve as an avenue for the NPA members to negotiate directly and receive assistance from the government.

He said that through direct negotiations with the local NPA members, the government will be able to directly address the problems, thereby justly and objectively terminating the irrelevant NDF-schemed peace process, and finally putting an end to the longstanding armed conflict in the country.

“We have the strong support of the local government units and agencies. We expect that the general public will support this endeavor as peace-loving citizens of the country,” Clement said.

“The Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) does not only provide firearm remuneration but an overall financial, livelihood and employment opportunities for the benefit of the former rebel and his/her family. We will facilitate your return to the mainstream society and help you live normal and productive lives,” he added.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/25/afp-central-command-backs-localized-peace-talks/

Philippines: Mindanao Humanitarian Situation as of 25 March 2019

Posted to Relief Web (Mar 25, 2019): Philippines: Mindanao Humanitarian Situation as of 25 March 2019

Infographic from UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Published on 25 Mar 2019

Download PDF (3.28 MB)

DISPLACEMENT IN MAGUINDANAO

Renewed armed conflict erupted between the AFP and a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) on 9 March in four areas in Maguindanao: Salbu, Pagatin, Mamasapano, and Shariff Aguak, causing the cumulative displacement of more than 35,200 people, of which over 27,900 are inside 19 evacuation centres or staying with host families. Government authorities are leading the response, with support from the Philippine Red Cross and the Mindanao Humanitarian Team (MHT).

DISPLACEMENT IN LANAO DEL SUR

In Lanao del Sur, armed encounters south of Lake Lanao, particularly in the municipalities of Tuburan and Pagayawan were reported between the AFP and the remnants of the Maute armed group on 11 and 14 March which caused the displacement of more than 8,900 people from two municipalities. Displaced people in Lanao del Sur are sheltered in schools, madrasahs or are staying with host families. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government’s humanitarian response team, BARMM-HEART together with the MHT member agencies will conduct rapid needs assessment in the affected municipalities on 26 March.

DISPLACEMENT IN SULU

In the island provinces of Mindanao, the AFP continues to engage the Abu Sayaff Group in Sulu following the bombing of Jolo cathedral in January 2019. A spike of encounters in February led to displacements of more than 5,000 people in the municipalities of Patikul, Tongkil, Jolo, Indanan and Maimbung. According to the IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix needs assessment, the primary and most urgent needs expressed by the IDPs are food and relief items such as blankets, water containers, kitchen sets and hygiene kits.

MARAWI CONFLICT

Nearly two years after the Marawi conflict, over 66,000 people remain displaced, mostly staying with host familes while more than 900 families (an estimated 4,500 people) are still sheltered in four evacuation centres. The government plans to transfer 364 families to the Boganga temporary shelter before end of March. Task Force Bangon Marawi continues to conduct the IDP profiling in the most affected areas in Marawi City. The Task Force conducted a two-day consultation for residents of the most affected areas on 18 March. During the consultation, IDPs were updated the rehabilitation of Marawi City, and were given an opportunity to air their sentiments and concerns.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:

To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.

 

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-mindanao-humanitarian-situation-25-march-2019

Number of poll hotspots now 941: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 25, 2019): Number of poll hotspots now 941: PNP

The number of election hotspots in the country rose to 941 from 701 in February, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, PNP chief, General Oscar Albayalde said based on the latest validated information, the election hotspots comprise 57.60 percent of the country's 1,634 cities and municipalities.
Of this number, 131 towns and cities are classified as areas of concern (Category Yellow), 238 are classified as areas of immediate concern (Category Orange); 570 are categorized as areas of grave concern (Category Red), and two areas are now under control of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) -- Cotabato City and Daraga, Albay.

“With the recent declaration by Comelec of the entire Mindanao under the “Red” category of election hotspots, all 454 cities and municipalities of 27 provinces in the six regions of Mindanao are now listed as Election Areas of Grave Concern. Across the country, there are 570 areas under the “Red” category. As such, the Comelec may, upon further evaluation of the prevailing security situation, place any of these areas under its control,” Albayalde told reporters in a press briefing on Monday.

The places tagged as areas of concern means that there was a history of election-related incidents there in the last two elections and intense political rivalry and that it had been previously declared under Comelec control.

Meanwhile, areas of immediate concern are those where there is serious armed threat posed by the New People’s Army (NPA), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other lawless elements.

Areas of grave concern exhibit the combined factors under the yellow and orange categories such that it may warrant the motu proprio declaration of Comelec control.

Under the law, the Comelec may place any political subdivision under its immediate and direct control and supervision if, among other things, there is a history of -- or current -- intense political rivalry among contending parties, as such rivalries could motivate people to engage in violent acts.

As of March 20, Albayalde said that 118 Red areas were identified in ARMM, 93 areas in Northern Mindanao, 73 areas in Caraga Region, 72 Zamboanga Peninsula, 49 areas each in Davao Region and Soccsksargen, 45 areas in Eastern Visayas, 28 areas in Cordillera Amdinistrative Region, 21 areas in Bicol Region, five areas in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon), four areas each in Central Luzon and Western Visayas, two in Cagayan Valley Region and one in Central Visayas.

He added there are no Red Areas in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Ilocos Region.

While stressing that more cops are stationed in Camp Crame, Albayalde said these are deployed to different critical areas where they are also tasked to be a part of special operations task groups headed by a senior officer.

“This is probably just to ensure the deployment of personnel there are enough. It doesn't necessarily mean that there is really violence in red areas or areas of grave concern, especially now, we all know that the BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law) plebiscite just concluded. We want to ensure peaceful elections because we still do not know, there are some who opposed the BOL and I think this was considered by the validation committee,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Albayalde said focused police operations will be intensified against private armed groups, criminal gangs, wanted persons, gun for hire groups and loose firearms as the campaign period for local level starts on Friday.

“Based on historical data of previous elections, election related incidents resulting from intense political rivalry are expected to escalate during this period,” he said.

Earlier, the PNP chief pointed out that aside from the mandated responsibilities of the PNP as a deputized agency of the Comelec, police law enforcement and public safety duties for election security operations is contained in the following 8-point SIDEPLAN:

-Strict implementation of gun ban

-Intensified focus law enforcement operations

-Dismantling of private armed groups

-Early preparation of security and contingency plans

-Provide security to vulnerable candidates

-Limited reshuffle of PNP personnel

-Accounting of loose firearms

-Neutralization of gun for hire and criminal gangs

He also reminded the PNP personnel to ‘remain apolitical’ to ensure clean and honest elections.

“We will ensure to remain apolitical and to protect the will of the electorate by ensuring honest, orderly and peaceful elections in May,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1065512