Another young NPA combatant yields in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 19, 2019): Another young NPA combatant yields in Bukidnon (By 8th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon - A young member of Militia ng Bayan (MB) voluntarily surrendered to Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Battalion (IB) Alpha Company Commander 1st Lieutenant Lorjohn Hernandez at Brgy San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon on September 15, 2019.

The combatant, identified as Alias Myjon, 18, who came from So Victory, Brgy. San Luis, Malitbog, is a member of the Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Afraid for his safety, he decided to surrender to military authorities bringing along with him one (1) Colt AR-15 Caliber .45 semi-automatic rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition.

In his revelation, he said he was collecting abaca fibers when the New People's Army (NPA) passed by into his direction. “Dise sais pa ako to. Nakita nila ku dayun gisugo ko hatod ug bugas. Dayon, giingnan ku nga uban na ku sa ila. (I was 16 at that time. They saw me and directed me to get their food supplies. When I came back, they told me to join them).”

The NPA promised him a piece of land after the armed struggle has succeeded.

Young, adventurous and easily deceived, he joined the group without his parents knowing. “Wala nakabalo ang akong ginikanan, wala pud ku nakapananghid tungod sa panghitabo (My parents didn’t know and I was not able to ask their permission because of the sudden eventualities)," he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Illana, Commanding Officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion assured that Myjon is safe inside the military camp. "We will ensure that nothing will happen to him and that he will be seeing his family very soon,” he said.

The 8IB personnel has already informed his parents on his safety condition under the refuge of the Philippine Army.

“Myjon, of his age, should be at school, studying and laughing with his friends. The NPAs took away this right from him," Illana added.

Myjon will be enrolled in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to receive financial assistance and other benefits from the government to start a new life. He also intends to continue his education since he was not able to finish the elementary curriculum. (8IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027560

Tagalog News: Kabataan pinaalalahanan na maging alerto laban sa pangrerecruit ng NPA sa mga unibersidad

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 19, 2019): Tagalog News: Kabataan pinaalalahanan na maging alerto laban sa pangrerecruit ng NPA sa mga unibersidad

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN -- Sa patuloy na kampanya ng gobyerno laban sa pangrerecruit ng mga makakaliwang grupo sa mga estudyante sa ibat-ibang unibersidad sa bansa, pinaalalahanan ni National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., ang lahat ng sektor na maging alerto at tumulong sa paghadlang ng gawaing ito ng Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Ayon kay Sec. Esperon, binibigyang-halaga ng administrasyong Duterte ang edukasyon lalo na ang kinabukasan ng mga kabataan. Dahil dito, binibigyan ding prayoridad ni President Rpdrigo Duterte ang mga programa, proyekto at mga oportunidad sa mga kabataan na umunlad.

“Ang pangulo mismo ang nanguna sa pagpapatupad ng libreng tertiary education sa lahat ng state universities. Nais ng pangulo na makapag-aral ang mga kabataan at umunlad,” sabi ni Sec. Esperon.

Nanghihinayang naman ang opisyal sa mga kabataang nalinlang ng mga makakaliwang grupo at hindi na nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral. May mga minor de edad na din ang napabilang sa mga nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno.

“Mayroong karamihan sa kanila ay Grade 3, Grade 5. Kung sana nabigyan lang ng pagkakataon ang mga ito na makapag-aral, naranasan din sana nila ang magandang buhay. Dahil din ditto, mas pinalawak pa natin ang alternative learning systems at mga skills trainings ng Technical Education and Skills Development upang maka-capacitate din sila,” dagdag ni Esperon.

Sinabi rin ng kalihim na mas maunlad na sana ang mga probinsya ng Caraga kung hindi lang dahil sa gulong idinudulot ng CPP-NPA, maging ang pangbibiktima at pag-aabuso nila sa mga Indigenous Peoples at magsasaka.

Kaya naman, mas paiigtingin pa ng Regional Task Force To End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) ang mga inisyatibo at aktibidad kasama ang ibang sektor ng rehiyon para masugpo ang insurhensiya sa barangay level.

Samantala, dapat din daw na maging tapat at seryoso ang mga opisyal sa barangay sa pagtulong sa gobyerno na makamit ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan at pag-unlad ng bansa.

“Pupuntahan namin yung mga barangay kapitan at opisyales. Napaka-importanteng sila ang kasama natin at nakikita naman na yung mga barangay kapitan natin ay tutulong sa inisyatibong ito,” sabi ni Esperon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027523

Ex-CPLA rebels laud creation of body to check peace pact progress

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19, 2019): Ex-CPLA rebels laud creation of body to check peace pact progress



HONORING FALLEN SOLDIERS. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. (center) leads the wreath-laying ceremony to honor soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice of their lives for the nation's peace and freedom in a ceremony at the 5th Infantry Division in Upi, Gamu, Isabela on Tuesday (Sept. 17, 2019). Galvez also joined Cordillera elders in commemorating the peace agreements signed between the government and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army in 1986. (Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela -- Former rebels of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) who have been integrated into the Philippine Army have lauded the creation of a body that will keep track of the progress made in the implementation of the peace agreements signed by the group and the national government.

Aside from the opportunity for them to become part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the CPLA has also been tapped by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in creating the Joint Evaluation and Monitoring Committee (JEMC).

“We were given a second chance. The AFP waived requirements for us such as age, height, marital status, among others. They embraced us wholeheartedly,” now Army Cpl. Revaliza Gulingan told the Philippine News Agency early this week.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., who led a program to commemorate the signing of the peace pact here, said this mechanism “will serve as the venue wherein the parties can jointly develop comprehensive and sustainable programs to help transform former combatants, their families, and communities.”

“It is the ultimate desire of the President (Duterte) and to fulfill the government's obligations to all signed peace agreements, and to ensure that the people will benefit from it," he said.

"Because the government has a mandate to take care of the general welfare of the people, we have to look for ways to help them,” he added.

Galvez led the wreath-laying to honor Army soldiers killed in the line of duty and the unveiling of the marker to memorialize the contribution of the CPLA fighters who fought side-by-side with government forces against the communists for 33 years.

He said he will propose a concept similar to the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization being implemented for decommissioned Moro Islamic Liberation Front members, wherein key government agencies are pooling their expertise and resources to help the former combatants and their families reintegrate to mainstream society as peaceful and productive civilians.

“We will look at the welfare not only of the former combatants but also their families and their communities,” he said.

Galvez said the special intervention will include “unreached former members, widowers and next of kin of martyred former members.”

The funds for the initiative will be lodged with the government’s Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or PAMANA, which is the national government's convergence program that extends development interventions to isolated, hard-to-reach and conflict-affected communities, to ensure they are not left behind in the development process.

Galvez noted that the peace process in the provinces of Kalinga, Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Benguet, and Mountain Province will enhance the approaches and strategies that are in line with the implementation of Executive Order 70, the President's whole-of-nation approach, with local counterparts.

Joining Galvez during the ceremonies were Maj. Gen. Pablo M. Lorenzo, 5th Infantry Division commander, and Brig. Gen. Bismarck D. Soliba, who is recognized as the most active senior military officer from the Cordillera, as well as World War II veterans.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080811

8 suspected Reds nabbed, firearms seized in north Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19, 2019): 8 suspected Reds nabbed, firearms seized in north Negros



SEIZED. Photo shows firearms and improvised explosives seized by personnel of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company from eight suspected New People’s Army members in Escalante City on Wednesday (Sept. 18, 2019). Those arrested are now in the custody of the Escalante City Police. (Photo courtesy of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

Eight suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were arrested by the police during a checkpoint operation in Barangay Jonob-jonob, Escalante City in Negros Occidental on Wednesday afternoon.

Those arrested, who were carrying firearms and improvised explosives, were allegedly part of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front - Komiteng Rehiyon Negros.

They were identified as Aiza Gamao, 32, an officer of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) - Negros; Clint Mangayon, 20; Kenneth Serondo, 19; Joel Guillero, 40; Leon Charito, 60; Buenvinido Ducay, 55; Jonathan Alcosiva, 21; and a 17-year-old male minor.

Col. Romeo Baleros, provincial police director, said the eight have been identified by former rebels as NPA members who were allegedly planning to disrupt the ongoing peace summit in Escalante City.

“The information came from their former comrades, that they are concealing firearms and explosives,” Baleros said in a briefing with reporters in Escalante City on Thursday.

He dismissed the claim of those arrested, who have been placed in the custody of the city police, that the firearms and explosives seized were planted by policemen.

“That’s their allegation. You know, they are masters of deception,” he added.

The suspects will be charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives, Baleros said, adding that the firearms seized from them would be submitted to the crime laboratory for examination.

A police report showed that personnel of the 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company intercepted the group on board a passenger vehicle bound for Barangay Balintawak, Escalante City.

Patrolman Ruvic Bering initially noticed that one of the passengers, later identified as Serondo, had a caliber .45 pistol tucked in his waist.

Based on the inventory, the police seized six .45-caliber Colt pistols, a .38-caliber revolver, and a KG9 machine pistol with ammunition, three rifle grenades, two improvised dynamites, and 21 improvised petrol bombs.

The arrest of the eight came a day after two suspected NPA members were captured following the encounter between government troops and communist rebels in Barangay Old Poblacion, also in Escalante City.

The Philippine Army identified the two as Jomar “Mari” Agustin, a resident of Barangay Salamangca, Toboso town; and Revely “Tara” Tayab, who hails from Barangay Bago, Don Salvador Benedicto.

During their arrest on Tuesday, troops found in Agustin’s possession a .45-caliber pistol with three bullets while Tayab yielded another .45-caliber pistol with five bullets along with a bandoleer and a hammock.

The police said Agustin is a member of the Special Partisan Unit or SPARU of the NPA’s Northern Negros Front. He is facing a murder case for killing a police officer and another person in front of the Escalante City Shopping Center in 2013.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080951

Esperon calls for unity vs. NPA recruitment in schools

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19, 2019): Esperon calls for unity vs. NPA recruitment in schools

KEEP HANDS OFF OUR YOUTH. National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon calls on all sectors to help the government stop the recruitment activities of communist insurgents in schools during the Barangay Summit on Executive Order 70 in Butuan City on September 12. (Contributed photo)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon has called on all sectors to help the government stop the recruitment activities of communist insurgents in schools.

Esperon made the call on September 12 here during the Barangay Summit on Executive Order 70, which seeks a "whole-of-nation" to end the 50-year-old communist insurgency.

The summit, which also doubled as a meeting of the Caraga Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), was participated in by local officials, youth leaders, NPA surrenderers, and police and military officials from all over the region.

Addressing the youth, Esperon advised the young people to value education and stay away from the NPA's front organizations, which he said are doing the rebels' work in recruiting potential combatants in school campuses.

"Remember that the President pushed hard for free tuition in public schools so that our youth can learn and have good education. Don't waste the opportunity by being deceived by communist terrorists and their front organizations in your schools," he said.

Esperon said the NPA's extensive recruitment in schools is evidenced by rebel surrenderers "as young as Grade 5 or Grade 6" who narrated how they were enlisted by the NPA in campuses.

"Our government wants to capacitate our human resources so that they can be productive citizens. We don't want our youth to fall into the hands of the communist terrorists," he added.

In line with this, the national security adviser urged various sectors "to be alert, resist, and report" the NPA recruitment activities in campuses.

"The countryside would be more progressive if not for the troubles brought about by the communist insurgency," he said.

During the summit, Esperon also led the Caraga TF-ELCAC members in awarding financial packages to 30 former NPA rebels under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Likewise, the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed PHP10,000 and relief goods to each former rebel, while the Department of Health distributed medicines and the Department of Agriculture gave out seedlings.

In his speech, Secretary Karlos Nograles, the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS), underscored the importance of "convergence" in achieving the success of addressing insurgency in every barangay.

“We must have a concerted effort in addressing problems in our society. We must focus our sights on the barangays. Let's include the local chief executive in every barangay...Doing so will discourage barangay folks from joining armed or illegal struggles,” Nograles said.

Meanwhile, Col. Maurito Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade, expressed his gratitude to the Caraga RTF-ELCAC for "being at the forefront in facilitating convergence to address root causes or issues that fuels insurgency" in the region.

"On the part of the security sector, we thank the TF ELCAC for these initiatives. This is a big boost in our campaign against the communist terrorist group," Licudine said.

He added: "TF-ELCAC has exercised their role in leading the local chief executives of barangays and unicipalities, and ensuring that EO 70 will be operationalized."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080938

Bukidnon mayors want communist rebels out

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19, 2019): Bukidnon mayors want communist rebels out

BAUNGON, Bukidnon -- The provincial chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) in Bukidnon has collectively denounced "atrocities" of the communist rebels, pointing to the New People's Army's (NPA) attacks against civilians and properties.

In a resolution released on Wednesday, the LMP-Bukidnon denounced the NPA for alleged violations of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

Along with the NPA, LMP-Bukidnon also declared the Communist Party of the Philippines and its political organ, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF), as “persona non grata”.

Brigadier Gen. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the Army’s 403rd Brigade, said the NPA has already committed nine atrocities against the civilian population in Bukidnon this year.

The latest, De Leon said, occurred on June 24, when NPA units claimed responsibility for the destruction of a civilian-owned winged truck and damaging a farm tractor in Cabanglasan town.

De Leon lamented that despite the IHL violations of the NPAs, "not a single case of violation was filed" in courts--especially in Regional Trial Court Branch 25 in Cagayan de Oro City, the special court designated to try IHL cases.

He noted that NPA's IHL violations were referred to the Commission on Human Rights in Region 10, awaiting results of investigation.

Meanwhile, Malitbog Mayor Ozmundo dela Rosa said it was about time for the local governments of Bukidnon " to make the move in calling out the CPP-NPA-NDFP".

"If I am not the mayor now, I would just be an ordinary farmer who has no power. I don't have the capacity to protect the people. As Mayor, it's time to make an action," he said.

The LMP-Bukidnon president, Cabanglasan Mayor Reynante Inocando said local chief executives "have an obligation to their constituents, more so that now they are being oriented about the IHL".

Inocando said municipal governments must create their respective fact-finding teams to investigate the NPA's IHL violations and file complaints on behalf of their constituents.

He said local officials should also intensify their information campaign to broaden the understanding of the importance of IHL in their localities "so that constituents would be capacitated to resist the NPAs".

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080937

Aussie group donates medical equipment to Westmincom

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19, 2019): Aussie group donates medical equipment to Westmincom

DONATED EQUIPMENT. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief (3rd from right), receives a foldable aluminum walker from Dr. Raul Amor of the Australian Masonic Friends of the Philippines, Inc. (AMFOPI), which donated medical equipment to the Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH) on Monday (Sept. 16, 2019). On the left side of Sobejana is Lt. Col. Maria Victoria Mandin, CNGH commanding officer. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom PIO)

An Australian-based non-profit organization has donated various medical equipment boosting the heath care capability of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, said Thursday the medical equipment was donated by the Australian Masonic Friends of the Philippines, Inc. (AMFOPI) to Westmincom through the Camp Navarro General Hospital (CNGH).

Sobejana said the medical equipment, which were handed over Monday to the CNGH included hospital beds, shower and plastic chairs, walker frames, toilet seats, bedside tables, rehab walkers, crutches, sofa, wheelchair, and food warmers.

Lt. Col. Maria Victoria Mandin, CNGH commanding officer, received the medical equipment from Dr. Raul Amor, the AMFOPI representative.

Lt. Col. Reynaldo Narisma, Post Command Chaplain, led the blessing of the medical equipment at the CNGH.

Sobejana said the donated equipment will be "utilized by our medical forces, especially those deployed in conflict-affected areas, to ensure that every wounded soldier extricated from the battleground will be treated with due care, and that we do not lose a comrade because of inadequate health care service."

He said the medical equipment will be distributed to the Edwin Andrews Air Base and the 1st, 6th, and 11th Infantry Divisions, the operating units of the Westmincom.

The AMFOPI is a non-profit organization, which extends assistance to communities devastated by calamities or natural disasters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080918

Troops nab 3 Dawlah Islamiya members in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19, 2019): Troops nab 3 Dawlah Islamiya members in Lanao

ARRESTED. Government troops seize three high-powered firearms when they arrested three alleged members of the Dawlah Islamiya, which was formerly known as the Maute group, in Lanao del Sur on Wednesday (September 18, 2019). (Photo courtesy of Army's 1st Infantry Division)

Government troops arrested three alleged members of the Dawlah Islamiya (DI), formerly known as the Maute group, in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, top military officials said Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner, Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, identified the arrested DI members as follows: Janla Tangolo, 20; Arapat Tangolo, 22; and, Kamarudin Sultan, 20.

Brawner said the three were arrested by the troops of the Army’s 49th and 82nd Infantry Battalions in a joint operation around 5 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Paridi, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

Seized from the three suspects were two M-14 rifles, a Bushmaster caliber 5.56 assault rifle, a .38-caliber revolver, and ammunition, he said.

The three were arrested with the help of a tipster who provided vital information as to their whereabouts, the military official said.

“The apprehension of the local terrorist group members were attributed to the report of a peace-loving and concerned civilian in our area of responsibility,” Brawner said.

“We are glad that after Marawi Siege and a series of encounters with the local terrorist groups, we received more reports from the communities regarding enemies or armed group presence”, he added.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops and the concerned civilian that led to the arrest of the three DI members.

Ancan said the report from the civilians or constituents is evidence of their desire to have peaceful and secured communities.

“We encourage others to be courageous, continuously trust our troops and report any local terrorist presence in order to sustain the gains of peace and development in Western Mindanao,” Ancan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080897

Basilan youth urged to contribute to peace, dev't

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19, 2019): Basilan youth urged to contribute to peace, dev't



INSPIRING THE YOUTH. Screen actor and Philippine Army (PA) reservist, 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli, takes a selfie with students of the Basilan State College, on the sidelines of a forum on Tuesday (Sept. 17, 2019). Guidicelli encouraged the attendees of the forum to use their potentials to serve and showcase the beauty of Basilan to counter the negative perception about the island province. (Photo courtesy: Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs)

Screen actor and Philippine Army (PA) reservist, 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli, has urged students of the Basilan State College to be players in the province’s peace and development activities.

During a forum held at the college last Tuesday, Guidicelli also encouraged the estimated 5,000 attendees to use their potentials to serve and showcase the beauty of Basilan to counter the negative perception about the island province, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement issued Wednesday.

Guidicelli added that the students would play an important role in promoting Basilan’s tourism that would lead to more opportunities for its development.

He also reminded them to respect their parents, love God and country, persevere to reach their aspirations, and be responsible in exercising their freedom, especially in using social media.

"We need to constantly remind our youth about the value of patriotism and selfless service. We want to give them all the opportunities for growth and development, being our country’s hope for the future,” Zagala said.

The actor's visit to Basilan State College is part of the Army's efforts to promote patriotism among the youth.

Prior to the engagement, Guidicelli and 1st Scout Ranger Regiment commander Brig. Gen. William Gonzales visited the 101st Infantry Brigade in Isabela and the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion in Lamitan, Basilan to boost troop morale.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080863

PH Armor Division showcases new capabilities, equipment

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19, 2019): PH Armor Division showcases new capabilities, equipment



Photo courtesy: Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs

The Philippine Army’s (PA) Armor Division, formerly known as the Mechanized Infantry Division, celebrated its 43rd founding anniversary at its headquarters in Camp O’Donell, Capas, Tarlac last Tuesday by showcasing its new capabilities and newly-acquired equipment.

Present and acting as the event's guest-of-honor and speaker was Army chief Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement Wednesday.

The Armor Division demonstrated its new capabilities and technologies, such as the armor personnel carrier with remote control weapon station from Israel, infantry fighting vehicle and mobile mortar system.

In addition, the unit's mainstay Cadillac Gage Commando V-150 and GKN Simba armored fighting vehicles were part of the unit's static display. Zagala said the PA redesignated the Mechanized Infantry Division as the Armor Division by virtue of General Orders 1133 dated Sept. 9, 2019.

With its new name, the theme for this year’s celebration was “Team Armor: Pambato ng Mamamayan Tungo as Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran.”

“I commend the upstanding members and awardees of the Armor Division for the noteworthy performance that has significantly contributed to the fulfillment of the division’s over-all mission and vision. I likewise acknowledge the great appreciation, the stakeholder-awardees for the tireless support you have given to our mounted warriors,” Alberto said in his message to the officers and enlisted personnel of the Armor Division.

“For a credible Army, we need bravery, skills, but we also need a very capable Army that will defeat the current threat and deter future ones,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080864

IPs displacement not due to militarization: NCIP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19, 2019): IPs displacement not due to militarization: NCIP chief



PRIORITY. Secretary Allen Capuyan, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) chairperson, says the Philippine government considers the protection of the IPs a priority and maintains its support for the mandates on their rights, and expert mechanism. (Contributed photo)

Reports claiming that militarization is the top reason for the displacement of Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the Southern Philippines are not true.

This, according to National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) chairperson, Secretary Allen Capuyan, during Wednesday’s Clustered Interactive Dialogue with SR on Rights of IP and Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (EMRIP), held during the ongoing 42nd Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland.

"EMRIP's study attributed the displacement of indigenous peoples in southern Philippines to the alleged militarization of indigenous territories. The reality on the ground is more complex, and in fact different, than this," he said in his speech.

Capuyan referred to the countless cases of illegal occupation of ancestral domains and the systematic abuse and exploitation of indigenous peoples by terrorist group Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA and its front organizations, leading to enforced displacement.

The Philippine government, he said, is doing all it can to bring the perpetrators to justice and end these atrocities once and for all.

"The government is fully conscious of its social contract with the indigenous peoples and is unwavering in its resolve to ensure justice and remedies for the victims, hold perpetrators to account, and to end the atrocities committed by these non-state actors against our indigenous peoples," said Capuyan, who is also from the Manobo Tribe of Agusan del Sur

Capuyan requested UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, to share best legal practices, from other parts of the world, in ensuring accountability for individuals or groups behind such atrocities like the killing of IP leaders, members and use of child warriors, among others.

"In this regard, we request the Special Rapporteur to share best practices from other regions, within the framework of national laws as well as customary laws, on ensuring accountability for atrocities and grave violations of human rights of the indigenous peoples that are perpetrated and committed by non-state actors, such as killings of thousands of traditional IP leaders, setting up of kangaroo courts, ordering the killings of family members and relatives, use of child warriors, and accessing of funds from abroad to finance alleged schools but which in reality are used for the armed struggle," he said.

Protection of IPs, a PH gov’t priority

Capuyan said the Philippine government considers the protection of the IPs as a priority and maintains its support for the mandates on their rights, and expert mechanism.

"We note that the reports of the Special Rapporteur and the Expert Mechanism recognize the comprehensive guarantees provided by our landmark Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997 (or IPRA), which served as the model for the UN Declaration on Indigenous Peoples adopted 10 years later," he added.

He also cited the study of EMRIP on migration and displacement, and support recommendations in addressing vulnerabilities of IPs.

"The government continues to delineate ancestral domains, confirms indigenous political structure, set up ancestral domain development and sustainable plan and protection, install the indigenous peoples’ mandatory representation in the local governance, and strictly implement the free prior and informed consent (FPIC) process when developments and projects are introduced," Capuyan said. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1080898

Police Arrest Suspected Islamic State-linked Militant in Southern Philippines

From BenarNews (Sep 18, 2019): Police Arrest Suspected Islamic State-linked Militant in Southern Philippines

Suspected Filipino militant Jomar Maan signs police documents on a table draped with an Islamic State flag after his arrest in the southern Philippine city of General Santos, Sept. 17, 2019.

Joseph Jubelag/BenarNews

Philippine police arrested a suspected member of a Filipino militant group with alleged links to the Islamic State and prevented what could have been another bomb attack in the southern Philippines, police said Wednesday.

The suspect, identified as Jomar Maan, 23, was arrested after police stormed his home Tuesday in the village of Bawing in the southern city of General Santos, city police chief Col. Alden Lagradante said.

Police seized “an improvised explosive device, a rifle grenade, a .38 revolver and an ISIS flag” from the suspect, said Lagradante, who identified the suspect as a bomber for the local group Ansar Khilafa Philippines (AKP), which is also called Ansar al-Khilafah Philippines or Ansarul Khilafa Philippines.

The AKP is a small homegrown network of Filipino militants in Mindanao, the country’s main southern island. Its leader, Mohammad Jaafar Maguid (alias Commander Tokboy), was slain in a clash with government forces in January 2017, although its members have remained active.

Security analysts say AKP has been involved in IS-style beheadings and in arms transfers to militants in Indonesia. Originally based in the southern province of Sarangani, AKP “may be the group with the closest links” to IS in Syria, according to a 2016 report of the Jakarta-based think tank Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict.

Last year, a bomb attack that injured eight people in General Santos was blamed on AKP.

Maan served as Maguid’s aide and personal cook, Lagradante said.

Police have filed charges of illegal possession of explosives and a firearm against Maan who is detained at a local police station.

Authorities had interrogated Maan to determine his involvement in recent terror attacks that occurred in the city and nearby areas, officials said.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/philippines-militants-09182019093652.html

Wanted Sayyaf member surrenders to P’pine military

From the Daily Express (Sep 19, 2019): Wanted Sayyaf member surrenders to P’pine military

KOTA KINABALU: An Abu Sayyaf member believed involved in a series of hijackings and kidnappings in waters off Sabah, has returned to the fold of the law.

A Philippine military report reaching here said Nassae Lokbao, No. 7 on the military’s periodic status report watchlist of the Abu Sayyaf, surrendered to Marines in an island village off Languyan town in Tawi-Tawi.

“Lokbao surenderred to the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6 at Tahaw Island in Barangay Darul Akram last week but information was only made public recently due to the-up operations, “ 2nd Marine Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Hermanie Songano stationed in Bongao said.

He said the rebel returnee is a native of Indanan town in Sulu province and a former follower of slain Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom leader Abraham Hamid.

“Hamid’s group was behind hijackings in waters off Lahad Datu-Semporna in 2016,” he revealed adding that Lokbao surrendered his M1 Garland rifle with a clip of ammunition.

In a related development, Philippine security forces have killed a Abu Sayyaf bomb expert in a clash in a remote village in southern Philippine province Sulu, a military spokesman said last Wednesday.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, the spokesperson of the Philippine military’s Western Mindanao Command, identified the slain terrorist as Nanz Sawadjaan, the younger brother of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.

“He was one of the Abu Sayyaf bomb experts who produced the improvised explosive devices used in the recent suicide bombing incidents in Sulu,” Encinas said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Corleto Vinluan said the killing of Sawadjaan on Tuesday (Sept 10) “is a great loss” to the group, adding his death “will debilitate the current strategy employed by the group in creating havoc in the province.”

Two soldiers were wounded in Tuesday’s clash between Philippine security forces and around 40 Abu Sayyaf fighters in a remote village in Patikul town of Sulu province.

http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/140724/wanted-sayyaf-member-surrenders-to-p-pine-military/

Group says evidence on arrested NDFP officer was ‘planted’, charges ‘fabricated’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 19, 2019): Group says evidence on arrested NDFP officer was ‘planted’, charges ‘fabricated’

A group has claimed that the murder charges and the evidence gathered against National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) officer Antonia Setias Dizon were “fabricated” and “planted” on her by state forces.

According to a statement from the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), a union of government employees of which Dizon is part of, this ‘desperate’ measure is still part of the government’s crackdown on labor unions.

“COURAGE calls on the immediate release of Dizon, as we believe this is a direct attack not just to her but to whole essence of unionism. As we all know, the state has been aggressive in witch-hunting its critics primarily in the government sector,” COURAGE said on Tuesday.

Dizon, who was wanted for murder was arrested by the Laguna police on Tuesday in Barangay Rosario, San Pedro City.

The arrest order was issued by Acting Executive Judge Lou Nueva of the Bayugan City Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Agusan Del Sur.

Police officers also served search warrants issued by Executive Judge Cynthia Mariño-Ricablanca of the Santa Cruz Regional Trial Court in Laguna.

During the search, police said a .38 caliber pistol, two cellphones, and various documents were seized. The documents police said, linked Dizon to the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

READ: NDFP officer arrested in Laguna

However, COURAGE noted that this is not the first time that Dizon and other members have been harassed by the police and the military.

“Many of our leaders who are government workers, have been receiving threats and intimidation, and even given trumped-up charges as well as suspension from their work only because of their assertion of their rights for a national minimum wage and ending contractualization,” the group said.

“Way back in 2015 Dizon had already experienced military harassment, wherein she had to spend the night and take refuge in the office of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) in Ortigas, Mandaluyong City, because she may get abducted, or worse killed by agents surrounding the building,” they recalled.

Dizon, NDFP’s National Organizing Department, is one of the several left-leaning leaders accused facing murder charges in relation to their supposed involvement with the NPA. Just in August 2018, a warrant of arrest for murder was issued against former Makabayan lawmakers, who were then forced to go into hiding.

Recently, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo supported moves to revive Republic Act No. 1700 or the Anti Subversion Act.

READ: After court junks murder cases, ‘Makabayan 4’ says fight continues

READ: AFP: CPP, NDF, NPA can’t be treated ‘differently, separately’ from the other

President Rodrigo Duterte also canceled the ceasefire agreement with the NPA.

READ: Duterte: I’m a socialist, not a communist; last card

READ: Duterte closes door for permanent truce – Sison

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1166472/group-says-evidence-on-arrested-ndfp-officer-was-planted-charges-fabricated

Philippines: Mindanao Humanitarian Situation as of 18 September 2019

Posted to the Relief Web (Sep 18, 2019): Philippines: Mindanao Humanitarian Situation as of 18 September 2019

INFOGRAPHICfrom UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Published on 18 Sep 2019

Download PDF (3.35 MB)


TROPICAL DEPRESSION MARILYN

6,000 displaced population

As of 15 September, TD Marilyn affected more than 1,700 families/8,412 people from 25 barangays of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Davao del Sur and South Cotabato provinces. Around 6,000 people are displaced in which 5,500 people are staying in 10 ECs while 500 people are taking shelter with host families. There are over 30 damaged houses of which 16 are totally damaged. Local authorities provided food and relief assistance.

DISPLACEMENT IN MAGUINDANAO

8,500 displaced population

As of 4 September 2019, more than 1,700 families/8,500 people remain displaced due to 25 July armed conflict between government armed forces and non-state armed group in Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Datu Salibo municipalities and the 19 August IED explosion in Barangay Bakat, Rajah Buayan municipality. Most of the families are staying in host communities. Local authorities and the Rapid Emergency Action on Disaster Incidence of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (READI-BARMM) continue to provide food assistance to the displaced families.

DISPLACEMENT IN SULU

11,000 displaced population

Law enforcement operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) displaced more than 11,000 people in Patikul municipality in Sulu Province in 2017 and January 2019. Displaced families are mobile, and tend to their crops during harvest season and return to the host communities after. Due to high risk of kidnapping and ongoing military operation, access remains limited. UNHCR working with local NGOs will conduct an IDP profiling in the island provinces including Sulu to ensure the real IDPs are counted and receiving immediate assistance from the government and humanitarian agencies.

MARAWI CONFLICT

66,000 displaced population

An estimated 66,000 people continue to be displaced from the Marawi conflict with most staying with host families while others are either in evacuation centres or temporary shelters. Of these, 3,270 people are in evacuation centres (ECs) and 11,000 people are in temporary shelters (TSs). The government plans to transfer all families in ECs to TSs before end of the year. Water and sanitation remain a priority in various sites as water supply is insufficient given the limited actors providing water interventions.

DISPLACEMENT IN NORTH COTABATO

1,000 displaced population

Nearly 200 families are displaced due to a rido or clan feud on 9 September in Barangay Damatulan, municipality of Midsayap. Most of the displaced families are staying with host families in nearby barangay. Meanwhile, the police and military personnel have been deployed to prevent further conflict between the warring families. Local authorities are providing relief assistance to the displaced families and verifying the number of displaced people.

NORTHEASTERN MINDANAO DISPLACEMENT

2,000 displaced population

As of 12 September, more than 400 families remain displaced in Loreto and Veruela municipalities of Agusan del Sur province, and in Laak municipality of Compostela Valley province as the law enforcement operations between Government armed forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) continue. Local authorities continue to provide relief assistance and verify number of displaced people.

BOMBING INCIDENT IN SULTAN KUDARAT AND SULU

On 8 September, a suspected female suicide bomber was killed in an explosion when she allegedly attacked a checkpoint of a military camp in Indanan, Sulu province. No casulties were reported.

On 7 September, an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near a public market in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat province wounding at least seven people. An Islamic State-aligned group claimed responsibility for the explosion.

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-18-september-2019