LGUs' role crucial in anti-insurgency campaign in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2019): LGUs' role crucial in anti-insurgency campaign in NegOcc



ANTI-INSURGENCY MEETING. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu (center), also the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security of Western Visayas, meets with Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya (left), commander of Joint Task Force-Negros, and Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, on the sidelines of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict meeting in Bacolod City on Tuesday (Oct. 22, 2019). Arevalo said local government units can lead the delivery of services to priority villages, with the support of security forces, to prevent residents from being recruited by the communist group. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade)Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army

The role of local government units (LGUs) in the campaign against insurgency in Negros Occidental remains crucial as the national government pushes for a “whole-of-nation” approach to address armed conflict.

“Without the LGUs, the government forces cannot do it. Security operations are not just the solution,” said Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade, on Thursday.

Arevalo said this was underscored during the meeting of stakeholders in Negros Occidental with Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu and regional directors of various government agencies here on Tuesday.

Cimatu, also the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) of Western Visayas, met with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and mayors of cities and towns in the province, as well as ranking army and police officials in the region, as part of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) interface.

Arevalo said LGUs can lead the delivery of services to priority villages, with the support of security forces, to prevent residents from being recruited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

He also emphasized the importance of building roads to provide easier access to government services.

Lacson said that during the meeting, most local chief executives have cited the need to build farm-to-market roads as part of the initiatives to fight insurgency.

In August, Negros Occidental formed the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) was established in compliance with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) 70, which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace, creating a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, and directing the adoption of a national peace framework.

Under EO 70, there is a shift from a traditional military-centric scheme to a civilian-led way in confronting the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) through a whole-of-nation approach, in which the military solution should be just one of the many components in addressing the communist insurgency.

In Negros Occidental, the presence of CPP-NPA cadres are mainly in the first, fifth and six districts, although the military has reported a decrease in their numbers in recent years.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084146

Conflict-affected village in Surigao Sur receives gov’t services

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2019): Conflict-affected village in Surigao Sur receives gov’t services



BASIC SERVICES. More than 300 residents of Barangay Maitom, a conflict-affected area in Tandag City, receive medical and basic services during a Serbisyo Caravan on Wednesday (Oct. 23, 2019). The caravan aims to raise public awareness of the services offered by the government to address the root causes of insurgency. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

Residents of a remote village in Tandag City in Surigao del Sur received services from the government through a Serbisyo Caravan held last Wednesday.

Some 300 residents of Barangay Maitom, Tandag City turned up to avail of medical services, and free haircuts, pregnancy kits, mosquito nets, and seeds for farmers.

Maitom, a conflict-affected area in Tandag, is also considered a priority barangay under the Peace and Development Zone (PDZ), the banner program of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Caraga Region.

The government agencies that provided services to the residents of Barangay Maitom include the departments of health, agriculture, justice, and social welfare, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and the Central Bank.

In a statement on Thursday, Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) acting commander, lauded the initiative of the local government, as well as other government agencies for responding to the national government's call to intensify anti-insurgency initiatives.

1Lt. Jonald D. Romorosa, civil-military operations officer of 36IB, said the caravan aims to raise public awareness of the services offered by the government to address the root causes of insurgency.

Romorosa said the Army and the city government of Tandag held a dialogue with the residents of Maitom on October 22, where a feeding activity for schoolchildren was also initiated.

Cabinet Secretary Carlo Alexi B. Nograles lauded the provincial government of Surigao del Sur and the various line agencies for joining hands in implementing President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order 70, which institutionalizes the "whole of nation" approach in fighting the root causes of communist rebellion.

Nograles noted that Caraga remains a top performer in the implementation of programs under EO 70.

"We have accomplished a lot but we know there's still a lot more to be done. That's why we need your full support and cooperation in this endeavor," he said.

The Serbisyo Caravan was spearheaded by the city government of Tandag in coordination with the Army's 36IB, with the support of different line agencies of the government.

It was also graced by Nograles, who presided over the full council meeting of the 3rd RTF-ELCAC in Tandag City on Wednesday.

Nograles was joined by Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander T. Pimentel, Tandag City Mayor Roxanne T. Pimentel, and the regional directors of various line agencies in the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084149

Patrol vessel project to undergo gov't-to-gov't procurement

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2019): Patrol vessel project to undergo gov't-to-gov't procurement



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

The proposed offshore patrol vessel (OPV) project, consisting of six ships worth PHP30 billion, will go through government-to-government procurement, National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenza said Thursday.

"Yes, it will be on a G-2-G (Government-To-Government) mode of procurement," Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency when sought for updates on the project.

Government-to-government is an advantage as it does not require a large capital outlay, has sovereign guarantee, and the equipment would be acquired easier and faster.

When asked if Australian defense contractor and shipbuilder Austal will be awarded the contract for the OPV project before the end of the year, the DND chief said negotiations are still ongoing.

"We have not yet finali(z)ed the negotiation. Both sides are still discussing the details. No definite decision yet as of today (Thursday)," he added.

The OPVs are part of Horizon Two of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program and expected to replace the World War II corvettes and minesweepers still in PN service as of this time.

Six OPVs are expected to be acquired for the Navy once the contract is approved. Austal plans to build the ships in its Balamban, Cebu shipyard.

The company is offering a larger version of its 80-meter Cape-class patrol vessels used by the Royal Australian Navy and Australian Border Force.

Earlier, the DND chief said he might ask President Rodrigo Duterte to exempt the DND from the suspension of loans and grants from 18 countries that supported the Iceland-sponsored United Nations Human Rights Council resolution calling for an investigation on the Philippines' illegal drugs campaign.

Of the 18 countries covered with the suspension of loans and grants memorandum issued by the Chief Executive through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last August 27, the Philippines is known to source military equipment and items from Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.

Items acquired from these countries include the AW-109 combat utility and AW-159 anti-submarine helicopters from Great Britain and Italy, and the C-295 medium transports from Spain.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084184

Halt of PMA recruitment to affect officers' turnover: Clement

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2019): Halt of PMA recruitment to affect officers' turnover: Clement



IMPACT ON TURNOVER. AFP Chief-of-Staff, Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, says on Friday (Oct. 25, 2019) that the suspension of the recruitment of new cadets for the Philippine Military Academy would greatly affect the replacement of retiring officers and troops who become casualties in the line of duty. The call was made following the death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio and the hospitalization of several others due to alleged maltreatment. (File photo)

The suspension of the recruitment of new cadets for the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), following the maltreatment issues, would greatly affect the replacement of retiring officers and troops who become casualties in the line of duty, the chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.

"If we stop the recruitment of cadets for the PMA, it’s going to affect the profile of the armed forces in as far as all our officers are concerned. PMA produces the biggest bulk of the junior officers that we have. If we stop the recruitment at PMA, our future projections, and our replacement for those who retire and for our casualties, will be affected," Lt. Gen. Noel Clement said in a message sent to reporters.

Clement was reacting to AKO BICOL Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr.'s call to suspend PMA's recruitment for a year after it was reported that at least 27 more cases of alleged maltreatment are being investigated at the military academy.

Garbin noted that these alleged maltreatment cases are clear proof that “systemic, grave, and moral flaws” exist in the institution.

"Halting the recruitment of PMA is a very drastic move. We have to sit down and think about all of these measures before we even consider implementing them," Clement said.

He said he has instructed PMA Supt. Rear Adm. Allan Cusi to consider a third party -- from the academe or former graduates of the PMA -- for an outsider’s perspective and to determine how to resolve the maltreatment issue.

"What we are trying to do right now is to put in short-term measures, as well as institutionalize long-term measures to prevent all of these from happening again," Clement said.

He noted that maltreatment incidents, like any other violation in the PMA, are being addressed.

"Every time there are violations, they are being addressed, and the appropriate punishments are being undertaken," he said.

The PMA made it into the headlines last September 18 after the maltreatment death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio and the hospitalization of several others.

The incident caused the voluntary resignation of two of PMA's highest-ranking officers and the charging of several tactical officers and cadets believed to be behind the maltreatment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084191

Lying, 1st lesson of new communist recruits: Parlade

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2019): Lying, 1st lesson of new communist recruits: Parlade



Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations.

Before new communist recruits learn the many ropes of being a member, they are first taught the art of lying.

This, according to Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), on Thursday after a recent meeting with a daughter of an NPA leader.

"The first thing they teach you when you join the armed revolution is to lie. That's necessary in order for revolutionaries to survive and while covering their criminal acts," Palade quoted Joan Andrea “Drei” Toledo, the estranged daughter of NPA Supremo Antonio Lim Toledo, as telling him during the launch her book "Crossing the Red Line: Unmasking Covert Communists."

Drei, who claims to be the biological daughter of the untouchable NPA Supremo, admitted to having lived through hell being raped for the first 17 years of her life by her own father, whom she describes as a New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist.

Saying she is unfortunate to have him as a biological father, Drei seeks help to put an end to the longest running communist movement in Southeast Asia.

‘I need your help to destroy his (father) Red army through something that will benefit all of us and will effectively put a stop to my father and his NPA operatives from recruiting more covert members and foot soldiers from schools, universities, rural areas, and GIDAs, the short term for Geographical Isolated and Depressed Areas,” Drei said on her Facebook post on August 29, 2019.

Parlade said that for 50 years, NPA leader Toledo has evaded his captors through his duplicity, despite the crimes he committed, including the rape of his own child since before she was 4 years old as evidenced by the PNP medico-legal examination; and the 9-month sadistic torture of his own wife from 2017 to 2018.

“The sadistic and slow killing of Joan's (Drei) mother by Toledo, in order to silence her, had a chilling effect on Joan, whose parents and several other family members and relatives are part of the communist-terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF network of covert operatives,” he said.

Toledo, he added, was also responsible for the strategic infiltration and hijacking of the administrative order of the independent world religion called Baha'i Faith in the Philippines.

“This explains the behavior of pathological liars amongst Kamatayan (Makabayan) bloc members when confronted or put in an awkward position like the child trafficking of minors in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and absence in public inquiries they themselves requested, or the CPP-staged attack on Bukidnon teacher last week,” said Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations.

Case of NPA Sparu

Parlade also condemned the shooting of public school teacher Zhydee Cabañelez and her husband Ramil, both of Valencia, Bukidnon, by armed men inside a classroom at around 8 a.m. of October 15.

“It is another classic case of NPA SPARU (Special Partisan Unit) attacking innocent civilians, in order for the people to blame the security sector,” he said, adding that ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro has to do everything to convince the public that Ms. Cabañelez is an ACT member, when clearly the latter denies it.

Castro, he added, is harassing police guards securing the victim in a hospital for not giving her the opportunity to sweet talk Ms. Cabañelez into lying, by admitting she is an ACT member, and possibly point at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) again as the culprits.

Parlade also cited the revelations of James Durimon alias Joros, a former NPA Sparu in Negros who surrendered two weeks ago, of how they would pose as AFP or police in taking down their targets in Negros Island areas to fool the people that the killings were state-sponsored, and the group’s supposed deceptive promises that forced them to join the communist movement.

“By design the other CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) allies were quick to assemble all their fake human rights defenders and were accusing the government of state-sanctioned killings of their militant members,” he added.

Such modus operandi, Parlade said, is so common nowadays as the CPP is losing all their funding from foreign non-government organizations they have duped through the years.

“The same modus was revealed by the late rebel priest Father Conrado Balweg. They need to destroy this administration with what else but more lies,” he added. “Time for reckoning is near for these fake regressive groups of the CPP.”

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084240

Salugpungan closure part of Whole-Nation approach vs. Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2019): Salugpungan closure part of Whole-Nation approach vs. Reds



Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., National Security Adviser (PNA File photo)

The closure of 55 Salugpungan schools in the Davao Region, which are known for exploiting, recruiting and training child warriors against the government, is part of the Whole-Nation approach in defeating local communist armed conflict.

"Child warrior recruitment in these schools exploit the innocence and vulnerability of IP children. Since the communist terrorist group has used these schools as indoctrination and recruitment facilities of children in their formative years, the DepEd's (Department of Education) action provides ample support in protecting children of indigenous communities from exploitation,” said Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr., National Security Adviser, in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency Thursday.

Esperon said the abhorrent training and use of child warriors have to be stopped.

“For this reason, the closure of Salugpungan Schools supports the Whole-of-Nation objective to end communist atrocities and bring basic services to those who need it most," he added.

The DepEd in the Davao region on Sept. 20 approved the closure of 55 Salugpungan schools in the Davao Region.

The Salugpungan schools, also known as Salugpungan Ta'Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Center, Inc. (STTICLCI), were ordered closed for the following violations:

* The STTICLCI failed to comply with the curriculum standards set by DepEd-11;

* It brought its students away from their homes without the consent of their parents and used them to generate funds by making them perform in various events, a violation of DepEd's Child Protection Policy;

* Teachers of the STTICLCI lacked the professional license to teach, or are not passers of the Licensure Examination for Teachers. Instead, classes of the core learning areas were conducted by learning facilitators, in violation of DepEd Order 21 series of 2014;

* The STTICLCI has been operating within the ancestral domain of tribal communities without obtaining the mandatory Free and Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) and the subsequent certification precondition from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP);

* Some STTICLCI students do not have learner's reference numbers (LRN), a violation of the requirement of DepEd Order 26 series of 2015; and

* The STICLCI has misrepresented its enrolled data, and that the data contained in the document submitted to the DepEd do not match with the records in the DepEd learners' information system.

Esperon said it the government's mandate to take the necessary actions to protect the nation's children from recruitment into armed conflict as directed by Republic Act 11188, or the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act.

He added that it is the DepEd's prerogative to regulate the establishment of private schools and see to it that they comply with government standards.

"We reiterate that it is within the mandate of the government, through the Department of Education, to regulate the establishment and recognition of private schools in the basic education level," he said.

Prior to its closure, the the 55 Salugpungan Schools were suspended pending investigation, and recommendation for violating DepEd standards and regulations, and more alarmingly, for training child warriors for the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People's Army (CPP-NPA) – a listed-terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

"We assure the public that the government has taken all possible steps to ensure that the right of children to education is protected, and that due process was followed throughout the closure of the 55 Salugpungan schools in the Davao Region," Esperon said.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones has already instructed the DepEd 11 to arrange the admission of students displaced by the suspension of the Salugpungan schools, he added.

"The Secretary herself has visited Talaingod in August this year to personally see the situation of the learners and teachers," he said, adding that DepEd has accounted for 1,000 out of 1,142 learners for School Year 2018-2019 through its Learners Information System.

Esperon said this translates to 88 percent of total learners that have been assisted by DepEd so far.

“There are existing DepEd schools in areas where Salugpungan schools operate. More schools are to be opened, and existing elementary schools are to be converted into integrated schools," he added.

Numerous testimonies from former teachers and students of these schools, he said, attested to the fact that these schools are training grounds and indoctrination tools for producing child soldiers.

"As part of their indoctrination process, they are taught a different national anthem and are forced to conduct dramas about IPs being tortured. To teach them to fight against the government, they are taught how to survive during encounters, how to ambush government forces, how to use firearms, how to recruit other children in the fight against the government and how to conduct anti-government rallies," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084194

At least 123 LGUs in Eastern Visayas declare NPA members persona non grata

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 25, 2019): At least 123 LGUs in Eastern Visayas declare NPA members persona non grata

At least 123 local government units in Eastern Visayas have passed separate resolutions declaring members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, persona non grata (unwelcome or unacceptable).

Mayor Aran Boller of Matuguinao town in Samar province said the declaration was a testament that the people do not welcome the NPA.
“Our people have had enough with them (NPA). They want change and this change can only be realized if we will get rid of them in our town,” he said.

Boller said various projects could not reach their areas due to the presence of NPA rebels.

“We have several projects, like farm-to-market roads, that were not realized because of them.”

Major Gen. Pio Diñoso III, the commanding general of the 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City, Samar, welcomed the move of the LGUs.

“These declarations are the initiatives of these local government units. They want to show that the NPAs are not welcome,” Diñoso said.

“This is not the war of the Armed Forces (of the Philippines) but the war of the people versus the terrorists,” he added.

Diñoso said government troops will do their best to contain the insurgency in Eastern Visayas, one of the poorest regions in the country.

“With the order of the President, we will make sure that the New People’s Army will become irrelevant next year,” he said.

In particular, Diñoso said they were focusing on Samar Island, which comprises the provinces of Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar.

Since he assumed his post early this year, he said 16 soldiers have died during fights with the NPA.

He said seven NPA members were also killed during armed encounters.
He said these rebels have been fighting the government for more than 50 years but have not succeeded much.

The general assured the civilians that the military would protect them in this fight.

“Leave the fighting to us, and we assure them that the military is here to protect them,” Diñoso said.

Still, Diñoso said he was open to a peace talk with officials of the local rebel movement here to end the communist insurgency.

“I am open to talk. If you want to have a (peace) talk, we will ask the local government units to lift the persona non grata declaration so we can talk,” he said.
More News Videos

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1181672/at-least-123-lgus-in-eastern-visayas-declare-npa-members-persona-non-grata

Blast rocks Bukidnon police station

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (October 24, 2019): Blast rocks Bukidnon police station



Photo shows the damaged roof of the mess hall of the Quezon municipal police station in Bukidnon due to a blast on Thursday night, October 24, 2019. (Photo courtesy of Quezon, Bukidnon police)

An explosion rocked the Quezon municipal police station in Bukidnon Thursday night, police said on Friday.

Police said a man hurled a still-undetermined explosive at the mess hall at around 7:45 p.m.

A police officer on duty pursued and fired at the man, who sped off aboard a motorcycle.

No casualties were reported, although the blast damaged the roof of the police station and a police officer’s parked vehicle.

Lt. Col. Mardy Hortillosa, spokesperson of the Northern Mindanao police, said the explosion was possibly a retaliatory attack of the New People’s Army (NPA) following successive anti-insurgency operations.

“It’s one of the possible angles but we need to investigate,” he said.

Pursuit operations against the suspect are ongoing.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1181624/blast-rocks-bukidnon-police-station

Kalinaw News: Inter-Agency arrest CTG head extortionist

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 24, 2019): Inter-Agency arrest CTG head extortionist

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – A female communist terrorist and led extortionist was arrested in an AFP-PNP Inter-Agency law enforcement operation along the Quezon Boulevard Checkpoint in Kidapawan City, Cotabato, Wednesday afternoon, October 22, 2019.

Col. Gabriel C Viray III, Commander of 901st Infantry Brigade identified the subject as Mindaley Santeses Genotiva, who goes by the aliases “Karla, Manang, and Liz,” head of Sub-Regional Urban Committee and Regional Tax Implementing Group of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) being monitored in the northern part of Cotabato Province, Southern Bukidnon, and North-Western part of Davao City.

The Inter-Agency group were armed with following standing warrant of arrests aginst the subject:

Murder (Crim. Case # ‎4451-2017) dated 11 December 2017.

Two-counts of Frustrated Murder (Crim Case# ‎4338-2017 and ‎4339-2017) dated September 22, 2017.

Five counts of Attempted Murder (Crim. Case nos. ‎4333-2017, ‎4334-2017, ‎4335-2017, ‎4336-2017 and ‎4337-2017).

All were issued and signed by Presiding Judge Henelinda J. Molina-Diaz of RTC-12, Branch 61, Kidapawan City.

As confirmed by Former Rebels, Alias Karla or Liz is also responsible for the conduct of force collection schemes which victimze businessmen down to the lowly paid laborers; and reportedly, she is in charge of forcing and extorting from individuals, groups, establishments, and companies who were made to pay not less than three hundred thousand pesos.

Furthermore, she was also one of the responsible for the violent mass rally in Kidapawan on April 2016 that caused the injury to some of the responding policemen; and resulted in several casualties among the farmers and Indigenous Peoples (IP) whom they decieved to join the staged rally.

Meanwhile, Lt. General Felimon T. Santos Jr. , Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command attributed the arrest to the collaborative effort of different agencies and warn the CTGs of a full government force to run after them.

“We are glad with the collaborative effort of the different agencies that led to the arrest of this CTG’s high value individual as this will bring justice to the victims of her led attrocities and extortion” Lt Gen Santos said

“This will serve as a warning to those who continue to put our communities in suffering and misery using force, coercion, deception and intimidation to get their hard earned money intended for their family. We will not allow you to put our communities in jeopardy and hamper their economic growth. We will use all assets and legal means available to us to bring you to the bar of justice and stop your evil acts” Lt. Gen Santos warned.

The subject is now undergoing legal proceedings with the North Cotabato Police.

901st Infantry Brigade 9th Infantry Division Philippine Army
2LT JENNYMOR C AMOD (AGS) PA
Civil-Military Operations Officer, 901stBde, 9ID, PA
ARAKAN, Cotabato
s7cmo_901bde@yahoo.com

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/inter-agency-arrest-ctg-head-extortionist/

Kalinaw News: LGU conducts serbisyo caravan –Army

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 24, 2019): LGU conducts serbisyo caravan –Army

Tago, Surigao del Sur  – The Local Government Unit of Tandag, this province conducted one (1) day Serbisyo Caravan to the residents of Barangay Maitom of said city held at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, Brgy San Agustin II, Tandag City yesterday, October 23, 2019 at 9 o’clock in the morning.

A total of three hundred (300) participants from Brgy Maitom benefited the services offered such as; Medical Services, Libreng Gupit, Distribution of pregnancy kits and mosquito nets, distribution of seeds and other livelihood and skills programs. DOH, TESDA, DA, Central Bank, DOJ and DSWD converged and offered the said services.

It can be recalled that last October 22, 2019, LGU Tandag along with other government agencies conducted community dialogue to the locals of said brgy which aims to deliver the basic needs and programs of the government to the far-flung area of the barangay. Barangay Maitom is one of the CPP-NPA infiltrated Brgy particularly Sitio Mahanon, Sitio Poog and Sitio Banahao, the stronghold and guerrilla base of the NPA in the area.

The Serbisyo Caravan were attended by CABSEC Carlo Alexi B Nograles, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS), RTF-ELCAC, Caraga, Hon Alexander T Pimentel, Provincial Governor, SDS, MGen Franco Nemesio M Gacal, Commander, 4ID, Ms.
Lilibeth A Famacion CESO III, Regional Director, DILG-Caraga, ASEC Lorenzo Clavejo, Asst Director, NSC, Atty Bonifacio G Uy, Regional Director, NEDA-13 and Hon Dale B Corvera, Provincial Governor of Agusan del Norte, Chairperson, Regional Development Council (RDC).

In her statement, Hon Roxanne C Pimentel, City Mayor emphasized that they work closely with other line government agencies to address the insurgency problem in the province. She said that activities are being conducted in the city to ensure that the provision of the basic services should be delivered in various community in the city.

Meanwhile, Ltc Jezreel J Diagmel, Commander of 36IB said that the government now truly cares to deliver the programs and basic needs of the community in the far-flung areas which a priority for development to stop the propaganda and deception of the CPP/NPA to the community.

“Thru this effort, we are hoping of a new generation of community that is a conflict resilient and ready to accept the challenge in the ttainment of just and lasting peace in the province,” Ltc Diagmel said.

He further added that the transformation of the community is a concerted effort and the convergence of the different line agencies to heed the call of the president in the implementation of the different livelihood programs to address the issues on the insurgency as stated in the EO70 on the whole of nation approach.

The activity was dubbed as “Pursuing Peace, Developing Communities, and Zooming in the Progress”, a Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) initiative anchored on the Executive Order # 70, which institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” to end Local Communist Armed Conflict. (1lt Jonald Romorosa, CMO, 36IB)

36th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division PA
1LT Jonald D Romorosa
CMO Officer, 36th Infantry Battalion
Sitio Upper Mambago, Dayo-an, Tago, Surigao del Sur
valor_36@yahoo.com
0917-1466-326/09491243886

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/lgu-conducts-serbisyo-caravan-army/

Kalinaw News: Press Statement of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on the closure of the 55 Salugpungan schools

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 24, 2019): Press Statement of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on the closure of the 55 Salugpungan schools



On September 20, 2019, the Department of Education, through its Regional Office XI, approved the closure of the 55 Salugpungan Schools. The notification was received by Salugpungan schools administration on October 7, 2019.

We assure the public that the government has taken all possible steps to ensure that the right of children to education is protected, and that due process was followed throughout the closure of the 55 Salugpungan schools in the Davao Region.

To guarantee that the education needs of affected pupils are addressed, Secretary Briones instructed the DepEd Regional Office to arrange for the admission of students displaced by the suspension of the Salugpungan schools. The Secretary herself visited Talaingod in August this year to personally see the situation of the learners and teachers.

It can be recalled that the 55 Salugpungan schools were suspended pending investigation and recommendation for violating DepEd standards and regulations, and more alarmingly, for training child warriors for the New People’s Army (NPA).

We would like to note that numerous individuals-teachers and former pupils of these schools-have attested to the fact that these schools are training grounds and indoctrination tools for producing child soldiers. As part of their indoctrination process, they are taught a different national anthem and are forced to conduct dramas about IPs being tortured. To teach them to fight against the government, they are taught how to survived during encounters, how to ambush government forces, how to use firearms, how to recruit other children in the fight against the government, and how to conduct anti- government rallies.

Child warrior recruitment in these schools exploit the innocence and vulnerability of IP children. Since the communist terrorist group has used these schools as indoctrination and recruitment facilities of children in their formative years, the Deped’s action provides ample support in protecting the children of indigenous communities from exploitation. The abhorrent training and use of child warriors has to be stopped. For this reason, the closure of the Salugpungan schools supports the Whole of Nation objective to end communist atrocities and bring basic services to those who need it most.

At the moment, the DepEd has accounted for 1,000 out of 1,142 learners for School Year 2018-2019 through its Learners Information System. This translates to eighty eight percent (88%) of total learners that had been assisted by DepEd so far. Further there are existing DepEd schools in areas where Salugpungan schools operate. More schools are to be opened, and existing elementary schools are to be converted into integrated schools.

We reiterate that is within the mandate of the government, through the Department of Education, to regulate the establishment and recognition of private schools in the basic education level. The government likewise shall take all the necessary actions to protect the nation’s children from recruitment into armed groups, and to prevent their participation in armed conflict as directed by Republic Act 11188, or the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict Act. 

Source: National Security Council of the Philppines

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/statement-of-nsa-adviser-hermogenes-esperon-jr/

Kalinaw News: Caraga RTF Creates TWG to Close ALCADEV,TRIFPSS

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 25, 2019): Caraga RTF Creates TWG to Close ALCADEV,TRIFPSS

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – A resolution creating a Technical Working Group (TWG) to facilitate the closure of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) and Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) was passed among other motions raised during the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) 3rd Full Council Meeting held at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Secretary (CORDS) in Caraga and RTF ELCAC Chairman, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B Nograles has approved the motion raised by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B Corvera, the newly-appointed Chairman of Regional Development Council, to create a TWG which will focus on planning the steps for the eventual closure of ALCADEV and TRIFPSS in Caraga, under the Regional Task Force ELCAC.

“Why not create a TWG, to plan and implement the plans for the closure of ALCADEV and TRIFPSS. And the members will be the DepEd, NCIP, DOJ and other concerned agencies, then to be headed by the Governor of the concerned province,” Corvera said.

The plan for the closure of ALCADEV and TRIFPSS became one the agenda during the 2nd Caraga RTF – ELCAC Meeting in Surigao City last August 27, 2019 after the Department of Interior and Local Government Caraga, through the Regional Peace and Order Council, requested assistance to close the remaining ALCADEV and TRIFPSS, as they continue to operate as private schools even without permit from the Department of Education, which according to Datu Rico Maca, IP Mandatory Representative of San Miguel, SDS, “had caused conflicts in the community”.

To facilitate the closure of the said schools through the RTF -ELCAC, the Department of Justice Regional Prosecutors’ Office was then tasked to find grounds where they had identified two legal bases to be used for its termination, one, the Batas Pambansa Bilang 232 or The Education Act of 1982: An Act Providing for the Establishment and Maintenance of An Integrated System of Education, specifically Sections 28 and 68, and second is the DepEd Department Order Number 88 Series of 2010 (DO 88), or the Revised Manual of Regulations for Private Schools in Basic Education.

In addition, DepEd Regional Director Francis Cesar B Bringas also emphasized the coverage of DO 88 and further suggested to consider DO 21 instead.

“We have DepEd Department Order No. 21, specifically for IP Ed Schools, so we will ask DOJ to look into DO 21 that is the guidelines for recognitions and issuance of permits for IPs Schools.”

Congresswoman Maria Angelica Amante Matba raised her concerns about the closure, “We must be able to put up school that is really sanctioned by DepEd already before closing all the school. Because they can make that an issue against us, if we simply close it and there will be no other schools for these IPs,” according to her.

“Actually, my office reached out to DepEd and asked them to make a presentation on the vicinity of nearby schools, para kung isarado natin ang ALCADEV at TRIFPSS, may sasalo na DepEd schools,” according to Cabinet Secretary Nograles.

Cabinet Secretary Nograles also shared his experience in Region 11 during the successful closure of 55 Salugpungan Schools where they were able to “secure resolutions from different concerned national government agencies, local government units, councils of tribal leaders and elders and localities” backing up the call for the total closure of the said schools.

“These resolutions would be very helpful as legal backing for Secretary Briones on the basis for the closure, in addition to the DOJ opinion on the legal basis particularly on the republic act and DepEd memorandum,” he said.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel told the council the series of negotiations conducted by the provincial government and the ALCADEV people, “I already told them, we will build schools for them and our IP teachers are ready to teach them, but their tribal leader always “reject” my offer.”

MGen Franco Nemesio M Gacal, Commander 4ID said, “I would like to commend the bold action of the Caraga RTF-ELCAC to seek for a concrete and reliable solution to end local communist armed conflict. With this convergence and utmost dedication of our local government units, I am optimistic that our collective effort and passion to serve will be able to put an end to the local communist armed conflict in Caraga region.”

“Finally, we now have this TWG to officially arrange the necessary plans and actions of the RTF- ELCAC to immediately address the closure of these CPP-NPA-NDF Affiliated schools. With this development, we will also prepare our Engineering Units to stand by for the immediate commencement of construction of DepEd Schools in the area, so that affected students can transfer and finally learn the right education which instill the true patriotism and love for our country,” Colonel Allan D Hambala,Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade said.

“Now, this TWG will constitute itself and then convene on its own and will report to this mother body an update status, for our next RTF – ELCAC m

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – A resolution creating a Technical Working Group (TWG) to facilitate the closure of Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV) and Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) was passed among other motions raised during the Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) 3rd Full Council Meeting held at Villa Maria Luisa Hotel, Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Secretary (CORDS) in Caraga and RTF ELCAC Chairman, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexei B Nograles has approved the motion raised by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B Corvera, the newly-appointed Chairman of Regional Development Council, to create a TWG which will focus on planning the steps for the eventual closure of ALCADEV and TRIFPSS in Caraga, under the Regional Task Force ELCAC.

“Why not create a TWG, to plan and implement the plans for the closure of ALCADEV and TRIFPSS. And the members will be the DepEd, NCIP, DOJ and other concerned agencies, then to be headed by the Governor of the concerned province,” Corvera said.

The plan for the closure of ALCADEV and TRIFPSS became one the agenda during the 2nd Caraga RTF – ELCAC Meeting in Surigao City last August 27, 2019 after the Department of Interior and Local Government Caraga, through the Regional Peace and Order Council, requested assistance to close the remaining ALCADEV and TRIFPSS, as they continue to operate as private schools even without permit from the Department of Education, which according to Datu Rico Maca, IP Mandatory Representative of San Miguel, SDS, “had caused conflicts in the community”.

To facilitate the closure of the said schools through the RTF -ELCAC, the Department of Justice Regional Prosecutors’ Office was then tasked to find grounds where they had identified two legal bases to be used for its termination, one, the Batas Pambansa Bilang 232 or The Education Act of 1982: An Act Providing for the Establishment and Maintenance of An Integrated System of Education, specifically Sections 28 and 68, and second is the DepEd Department Order Number 88 Series of 2010 (DO 88), or the Revised Manual of Regulations for Private Schools in Basic Education.

In addition, DepEd Regional Director Francis Cesar B Bringas also emphasized the coverage of DO 88 and further suggested to consider DO 21 instead.

“We have DepEd Department Order No. 21, specifically for IP Ed Schools, so we will ask DOJ to look into DO 21 that is the guidelines for recognitions and issuance of permits for IPs Schools.”

Congresswoman Maria Angelica Amante Matba raised her concerns about the closure, “We must be able to put up school that is really sanctioned by DepEd already before closing all the school. Because they can make that an issue against us, if we simply close it and there will be no other schools for these IPs,” according to her.

“Actually, my office reached out to DepEd and asked them to make a presentation on the vicinity of nearby schools, para kung isarado natin ang ALCADEV at TRIFPSS, may sasalo na DepEd schools,” according to Cabinet Secretary Nograles.

Cabinet Secretary Nograles also shared his experience in Region 11 during the successful closure of 55 Salugpungan Schools where they were able to “secure resolutions from different concerned national government agencies, local government units, councils of tribal leaders and elders and localities” backing up the call for the total closure of the said schools.

“These resolutions would be very helpful as legal backing for Secretary Briones on the basis for the closure, in addition to the DOJ opinion on the legal basis particularly on the republic act and DepEd memorandum,” he said.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel told the council the series of negotiations conducted by the provincial government and the ALCADEV people, “I already told them, we will build schools for them and our IP teachers are ready to teach them, but their tribal leader always “reject” my offer.”

MGen Franco Nemesio M Gacal, Commander 4ID said, “I would like to commend the bold action of the Caraga RTF-ELCAC to seek for a concrete and reliable solution to end local communist armed conflict. With this convergence and utmost dedication of our local government units, I am optimistic that our collective effort and passion to serve will be able to put an end to the local communist armed conflict in Caraga region.”

“Finally, we now have this TWG to officially arrange the necessary plans and actions of the RTF- ELCAC to immediately address the closure of these CPP-NPA-NDF Affiliated schools. With this development, we will also prepare our Engineering Units to stand by for the immediate commencement of construction of DepEd Schools in the area, so that affected students can transfer and finally learn the right education which instill the true patriotism and love for our country,” Colonel Allan D Hambala,Commander of 401st Infantry Brigade said.

“Now, this TWG will constitute itself and then convene on its own and will report to this mother body an update status, for our next RTF – ELCAC meeting,” said Sec. Nograles, as his marching order to newly created TWG.

eeting,” said Sec. Nograles, as his marching order to newly created TWG.

401st Infantry Brigade, 4rt Infantry Division Philippine Army
Contact: MAJ RODULFO S CORDERO JR (INF) PA
E-mail Address: s7401bde_4id@yahoo.com
Contact Nr: 0917-711-1627

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/caraga-rtf-creates-twg-to-close-alcadevtrifpss/

5 PMA cadets in hazing videos detained

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 24, 2019): 5 PMA cadets in hazing videos detained

Five of six Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets who were caught on video beating up four plebes in 2017 and 2018 have been detained pending investigation into the maltreatment of their lowerclassmen, the PMA said in a statement on Wednesday.

The PMA spokesperson, Capt. Cheryl Tindog, issued the statement as an internal military report revealed that at least 27 cases of alleged maltreatment are being investigated by the academy.

The confidential report of the inspector general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said 52 cadets have been confined in connection with the 27 cases documented between Sept. 16 and 27.

The report, seen by Inquirer.net, said five of the detained cadets are women.

As of Sept. 27, 22 fourth class cadets, or plebes, were reported to have been confined in different hospitals for alleged maltreatment, the report added.

The PMA commandant of cadets, Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., confirmed ongoing investigations of other alleged hazing cases, most of them discovered only after the death of plebe Darwin Dormitorio.

Dormitorio died on Sept. 18 after alleged maltreatment by his upperclassmen, one of whom harbored a grudge against him over a pair of missing combat boots.

Seven senior cadets, two tactical officers and three military doctors have been charged in connection with Dormitorio’s death.

Those charged were PMA Cadets Shalimar Imperial, Felix Lumbag Jr., John Vincent Manalo, Julius Carlo Tadena, Rey David John Volante, Christian Zacarias and graduating Cadet Axl Rey Sanopao.

Also charged were tactical officers Maj. Rex Bolo and Cpt. Jeffrey Batistiana, and doctors Lt. Col. Cesar Candelaria, Cpt. Apple Apostol and Maj. Ofelia Beloy.

Tindog said “the videos circulating on social media involving our cadets were taken in 2017 and 2018” and were being used as “tools and bases for an impartial inquiry.”

“The offenses the [cadets] committed were not and never will be sanctioned or tolerated in the PMA,” she said.

In fact, Tindog pointed out, a sixth cadet who was involved in the hazing caught on video was discharged last year due to violations of the so-called honor code.

“Cases have been filed, drastic actions are being undertaken and reforms being instituted to rid the PMA of maltreatment. We fervently hope and pray that the PMA will be allowed to make good [on] our commitments,” Tindog said, who is not a PMA alumna.

She concluded: “The PMA is not a perfect organization [and has] in the ranks of the cadet corps misfits who need to be dealt with accordingly.”

The AFP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, meanwhile appealed to the public to stop spreading the hazing videos that brought the latest incident to public attention.

“No one benefits from it. Both the academy and the Dormitorio family have been severely battered with the stories that came out in the news,” said Arevalo, a member of PMA Class of 1990.

Arevalo, however, did not comment on the AFP inspector general’s investigation report.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1181074/5-pma-cadets-in-hazing-videos-detained

NPA camp, war materiel recovered in NegOr town

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2019): NPA camp, war materiel recovered in NegOr town



RECOVERED. Shown in photo are items recovered by government troops including parts for making improvised explosives or landmine, a power generator, rifle scopes, among others, from an abandoned encampment of the New People's Army rebels in Barangay Mabato, Ayungon, Negros Oriental on Wednesday, (Oct. 23, 2019). Civilians reported the presence of armed men in the area, about a kilometer away from where four policemen were killed by rebels last July. (Photo courtesy of Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade)

Government troops on Wednesday seized an alleged New People’s Army (NPA) encampment and recovered several items including parts for making landmines in Barangay Mabato, Ayungon town in Negros Oriental.

Soldiers from the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army seized the unoccupied rebel camp located at the boundary of Sitio Yamut and Sitio Talaptapan in the said village at around 11:40 a.m.

The government troops, after receiving a report on the presence of an armed group in the area, conducted security operations, which led to the discovery of the abandoned camp, a report from the 303rd Infantry Brigade said.

The soldiers believed the camp was vacated hours before their arrival, as they recovered a portable generator, three rifle scopes, nine switches, five pieces detonator for anti-personnel landmine or improvised explosive device, a medical kit, a pair of handcuffs, one pouch bag, eight T-shirts printed with the “NPA” logo, rain boots, raincoat, utility rope, two saws, axe, hammer, two big rice pots with freshly cooked rice, subversive documents, and other personal belongings.

The encampment is situated about a kilometer away from where four police intelligence personnel were brutally murdered by suspected NPA members last July 18.

Lt. Col. Randy Pagunuran, 94TH IB commanding officer, was quoted in the report as saying that “this clearly shows that the civilians do not like the presence of NPA terrorists in their area”.

He said the people are now cooperating with the military and doing their part in making their community peaceful and insurgency-free.

“I urge the people of Ayungon to continue reporting the presence of NPAs in their communities in order for us to prevent their extortion and other terroristic activities in the area,” Pagunuran said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084073

1 dead, 1 hurt in SoCot gun attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25, 2019): 1 dead, 1 hurt in SoCot gun attacks



Google map of Polomolok, South Cotabato.

Police have launched a manhunt against armed men behind the separate shooting incidents in Polomolok town, South Cotabato, Wednesday that left a person dead and another wounded.

Lt. Col. Marvin Duadua, chief of the Polomolok municipal police station, said in a report on Thursday a still unidentified male victim was gunned down near Barangay Rubber Wednesday morning.

Another victim survived a similar attack later in the evening in Barangay Pagalungan.

Duadua said the first victim was riding a black Honda Wave motorcycle around 10 a.m. when he was shot by a motorcycle-riding suspect.

Duadua said the victim died on-the-spot due to gunshot wounds on the head and body while the suspect fled toward the vicinity of Barangay Rubber.

Recovered at the scene were two cartridges and a slug of a caliber .45 pistol.

Around 8:45 p.m., Duadua said another resident, Nelson Guiao, was stopped at gunpoint on the national highway in Barangay Pagalungan by two motorcycle-riding suspects, who then declared a holdup.

Guiao then shouted for help and was shot by one of the suspects in the abdomen, the police official said.

Duadua said the victim, who managed to get help from a nearby swimming resort, remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084092