NPA bomb attack seen as setback to Borongan City's tourism

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): NPA bomb attack seen as setback to Borongan City's tourism



TAINTING GOOD IMAGE. The panoramic view of Borongan City, the capital of Eastern Samar province. The city government said on Tuesday (Nov. 12, 2019) the bomb attack committed by the New People’s Army could taint the 'good image' of the city. (Photo courtesy of Borongan city government)

The local government of Borongan City in Eastern Samar has condemned the bomb attack committed by the New People’s Army (NPA) that killed at least six soldiers saying the incident could taint the “good image” of the city.

Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda said the violent attack by the communist terrorist group is a setback to their efforts to promote Borongan as a surfing city.

“We are doing everything to promote tourism and here comes this news about this encounter. Our city is generally peaceful and this incident is isolated, but this will still affect the image of our city because this happened within our territory,” Agda told reporters on Tuesday at the Summit Hotel here.

At least six soldiers were killed and 20 others were wounded when the NPA detonated six explosives late Monday afternoon and fought with government troopers in a remote Pinanag-an village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

The three platoons of soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 14th Infantry Battalion suffered heavy casualties after the simultaneous explosions followed by a 30-minute gun battle with 50 NPA fighters around 5 p.m. on Monday.

Pinanag-an is the most remote village in Borongan City, the capital of Eastern Samar. To get there, one has to take hours of pump boat ride and hiking. The community with about 300 dwellers is close to the border of Maydolong town, also in Eastern Samar, the mayor said.

Agda is hopeful that visitors will not be discouraged to visit the city, especially that they expect the arrival of foreign surfing enthusiasts after the Southeast Asian Games in the country.

“We are the only city in the Philippines where the surfing site is within the city’s center,” he added.

On December 15 to 20, the city will host the Philippine Surfing Championship Tour, attracting the best surfers in the Philippines for the last leg of the national surfing competition.

Borongan is a fourth-class city and capital of Eastern Samar province with a population of 69,297. The city is located 187 kilometers northeast of Tacloban, the regional capital.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085767

6 Iloilo towns to form task force to end insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): 6 Iloilo towns to form task force to end insurgency



ILOILO CITY -- A total of six towns in Iloilo province have committed to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to create their respective Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) by end of November.

The DILG has met the local chief executives and police chiefs of the towns of Alimodian, Calinog, Janiuay, Maasin, Lambunao and Tubungan to orient them of the Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end insurgency problem on Friday last week.

In an interview Monday, Teodoro Sumagaysay, provincial director of DILG-Iloilo, said villages in the six towns are identified as "vulnerable" to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

The Iloilo towns have been identified by the DILG national office through the intelligence committee of the Philippine Army, Sumagaysay said.

"We have an agreement that these six towns will already create a municipal task force (to end local communist armed conflict), deadline is Nov. 30. By this time, they should already organize the task force and resolve community support program," she said.

Sumagaysay said the community support program (CSP) is the frontline in village immersions to bring the basic services of the government to the public.

The CSP will assess and deliver the needs in one village each in Alimodian, Maasin, and Tubungan towns; two villages each in Janiuay and Lambunao towns; and six in Calinog.

"The essence of the task force is it will serve as a convergence platform of the delivery of basic services which will lead to good governance," she said.

She noted that rebels thrive in the villages because development and government services are seldom seen by residents in the area.

The retooled CSP teams will be headed by the DILG officer and its members will be composed of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, among others.

"They will do a needs assessments and they will look at the proposed projects of the village through its barangay development plans, and see what the village can do and what the province, the municipality, and national agencies can do to help," she said.

Sumagaysay said the number of identified villages in Iloilo province that will be the priority for immersions can still go up based on the assessment of the AFP and PNP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085766

Eastmincom activates units to assist quake-stricken areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): Eastmincom activates units to assist quake-stricken areas



REBUILDING. Troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines help rebuild tents in an evacuation site in Makilala, North Cotabato, on Monday (Nov. 11, 2019). Tents in the town's evacuation sites were heavily damaged by the strong winds, heavy rain, and hailstorm. (Photo courtesy of Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey)

DAVAO CITY -- Following the destruction wrought by strong winds and hailstorm on the evacuation sites in the North Cotabato town of Makilala on Monday, troops from the Army's 39th Infantry Battalion sprang into action to help evacuees rebuild their tents.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said soldiers were pulled out from relief operations to assist the evacuees repair their destroyed tents.

Last month, the Eastmincom activated its own Humanitarian and Disaster Response (HADR) Task Force to assist local government units struck by the series of earthquakes.

In Davao City, Balagtey said the Eastmincom's 11th Forward Service Support Unit has been expanded into a joint logistics center to provide logistical needs and assist the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in the affected areas.

On the other hand, several aircraft from Eastmincom's Tactical Operations Wing-Eastern Mindanao are being used in rescue operations.

On Monday, two mobile kitchen trucks from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were also deployed in Kidapawan evacuation centers.

At present, Balagtey said Eastmincom is overseeing the conduct of disaster response through the 10th ID Task Force HADR, which utilizes the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, 901st Infantry Brigade, 512th Engineering Battalion, 534th Engineering Battalion, and 10th Division Emergency Response Company.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos, commander of Eastmincom, expressed his appreciation to the dedication of soldiers to their duty and encouraged them to continuously assist the different incident command posts in the "synchronized, orderly, equitable, and inclusive disaster management."

"We shall continue to assist the different DRRMCs and the other Law Enforcement Agencies in put order to the disaster response and encourage our stakeholders to abide by the established protocol," Santos added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085803

New Panay Army commander vows to end insurgency in 2020

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): New Panay Army commander vows to end insurgency in 2020



NEW COMMANDER. Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, acting commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, says on Tuesday (Nov. 12, 2019) that the troops will work hard to attain the period set to free the areas under its responsibility from insurgency. Vinoya has formally assumed the top post of the 3ID, replacing Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina who retired from the military service. (PNA photo by Gail Momblan)

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz -- The new acting commander of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has guaranteed on Tuesday that government troops will work hard to end insurgency within the target set for areas under the division.

Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya is now the acting commander of the 3ID, replacing Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, who bowed out from military service, during the change of command and retirement ceremony held here.

In an interview with the media, Vinoya bared his plans particularly on the government's thrust to end the local communist armed conflict. He said the March 2020 target to free Panay island is possible.

"Of course, that is the target. We will do our best to attain that and achieve the 2020 deadline," Vinoya said.

Being the commander of the Task Force Negros, he said there are parts of the island that are aimed to be cleared from insurgency "this yearend, and the others in March 2020."

Having served as the assistant division commander of the 3ID, he said he was able to see first-hand the division-wide situation and is well-aware of the unit’s efforts and accomplishments.

During his speech, Vinoya noted that there are still seven fronts and 87 villages to be cleared from the rebels.

He added that the Army needs the support of the stakeholders in attaining insurgency-free status in areas covered by the division.

The active engagement of stakeholders is also backed by Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach in ending insurgency.

"Our timeline in ending the local communist armed conflict is by the end of President's term which is less than three years from now. We must be more aggressive, proactive, and purposive in our efforts," he said.

The acting division commander also challenged local chief executives to spearhead the efforts against rebels in their respective government units.

He said that good governance is the key to end insurgency, thus mayors and governors should "do their part in ending the local communist armed conflict by ensuring that their mandate is carried out as expected".

He added the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army only has two options: to surrender and live peacefully or to die for the wrong principles.

"If you don't surrender, expect more combat encounters in the next few weeks as all military units in the area of responsibility will be utilized to hunt you and hit you very hard," he warned.

"To save your life, you (rebels) still have the chance to leave the armed movement and go back to the folds of law enjoying the true freedom and different government basic services together with your loved ones," he said.

Before his service to the 3ID, Vinoya has held significant positions.

Among those is his service as the 28th commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade (403rd IBde). During his stint as 403rd IBde commander, the brigade facilitated the declaration of the province of Bukidnon as conflict manageable and ready for further development.

Vinoya is a member of the Philippine Military Academy "Hinirang" Class of 1987.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085812

Suspected CPP-NPA leader arrested in Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): Suspected CPP-NPA leader arrested in Iloilo



ARRESTED. Herman Alliza (left) 55, a suspected local leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), is arrested by the Maasin police on Sunday (Nov. 11, 2019) at his house in Bolo village. Police investigation showed he had served as a liaison officer between the rebels and politicians. (Photo courtesy of 1st Iloilo Mobile Force Company)

ILOILO CITY -- A suspected leader of Propaganda Organizing Team (POT) and alleged member of the Lambat Paniktik under Baluy Platoon of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KRP)’s Central Front was arrested in a police operation on Sunday morning.

Herman Alliza, 55, was arrested at his house in Bolo village, Maasin town, Iloilo by combined elements of the 1st Iloilo Mobile Force Company, 601st Company of Mobile Force Battalion and Maasin police.

Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO-6), said in a press conference on Monday at Camp Delgado here the authorities operated on the strength of search warrants.

“The application of search warrants stemmed from the reports of citizens that the subject was seen displaying his firearms in public,” she said.

Recovered from Alliza was a hand grenade, one rig belt with accessories, books titled “Malip-ot nga kurso sa Katilingban kag Rebolusyunaryong Pilipino” and “Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law”.

Malong said the police were unable to seize any firearm from the subject since “he might have given it to someone else because he might have heard about the operation.”

Police investigation showed Alliza also served as a liaison officer between politicians and the CPP-NPA.

“Accordingly, he still has the connection (with the rebel group), and the citizens there still have fear to report him because of that linkage,” Malong said.

The police are also investigating Alliza’s alleged involvement in the Maasin Police Station raid in 2017.

In June 2017, around 60 rebels raided Maasin municipal police station, handcuffed policemen and took away their firearms. About five months after, a police officer was killed in an ambush by the rebels in Bolo village.

“That remains to be confirmed although we have information, we do not have the validated report yet,” she said, adding that Alliza was the last person to be seen in the location during the Bolo village ambush.

“In our part in the Philippine National Police, we will intensify our efforts, especially we have the regional task force to end local communist and armed conflict. We will abide by the rules and regulations and everything will be properly done,” she said.

Alliza is now in the custody of Maasin police while charges are being prepared against him.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085645

PSG extends aid to NoCot town

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): PSG extends aid to NoCot town



RELIEF ASSISTANCE. The Presidential Security Group (PSG) led by its chief, Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra (2nd from left), donates relief goods to the quake victims from five barangays who are temporarily taking shelter at the Makilala Central Elementary School, in North Cotabato on Tuesday (Nov. 12, 2019). The donation represents the contribution of all the 2,700 personnel and civilian employees of PSG from their one-day meal allowance. (PNA photo by Rhoda Grace Saron)

MAKILALA, North Cotabato -- The Presidential Security Group (PSG) extended relief assistance to the earthquake victims here on Tuesday.

The donation represents the contribution of all the 2,700 personnel and civilian employees of PSG from their one-day meal allowance, said PSG chief, Brigadier General Jose Eriel Niembra.

Niembra said PSG troops decided to help the earthquake victims as they "cannot afford to just look at the news in the television seeing them suffer from the tragedy".

"I know there are many affected even maybe there are some members of the NPA are here or their relatives. But in these times of difficulties, our government was not thinking of ideological and political orientation. What is important is that we'll extend help to all, " he said.

He added they have already coordinated with the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) of the town for the distribution of the relief goods.

Niembra said their personnel also distributed 500 food packs and boxes of medicines from the PSG hospital to more or less 800 quake victims from five barangays who are temporarily sheltered at Makilala Central Elementary School.

Barangay Poblacion Chairman Eric Caesar Quibod said they are thankful for the assistance from the PSG.

"The PSG donation is a big help as an additional supply because honestly, as you have seen, all the residents' goods were damaged by the heavy rain and strong winds," Quibod said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085805

New PAF aircraft to help transport relief to Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): New PAF aircraft to help transport relief to Mindanao



NEW C-295 AIRCRAFT. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana pours champagne on the newly-acquired Airbus Defense and Space C-295M aircraft during the turnover ceremony at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga on Monday (Nov. 11, 2019). This is the Philippine Air Force's fourth C-295M aircraft which is expected to boost the service's tactical airlift requirement of transporting troops and equipment, as well as, to support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. (Photo courtesy of PAF Public Information Office)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) formally accepted on Monday the fourth Airbus Defense and Space C-295M medium transport/command-and-control aircraft that will help deliver relief goods to earthquake-hit Mindanao.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana presided the turnover ceremony held at the Haribon Hangar of the Clark Air Base in Pampanga on Monday afternoon, said PAF spokesperson, Major Aristides Galang, in a message to reporters.

The C-295M, the fourth in PAF service, was acquired as part of the Command-and-Control Fixed-Wing Turbo Prop Acquisition (C2FWTPA) Project under the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

Galang said the arrival of the fourth C-295M will boost the PAF's medium tactical airlift requirement of transporting troops and equipment, and support humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

The aircraft will also be utilized as a command-and-control aircraft to cater to the domestic air transport of the President and other national and strategic defense leaders of the country.

The PHP1.8-billion aircraft arrived in the Philippines last October.

Lorenzana also extended his congratulations to the PAF for the new acquisition.

He also announced the future plans of the AFP to acquire additional C-295M aircraft to further protect the country’s maritime domain.

The symbolic turn-over rites was followed by the blessing of and ceremonial pouring of champagne on the new aircraft.

The newly-acquired C-295M will begin its operational mission transporting troops, equipment, and relief goods for earthquake victims in Mindanao.

"From airlifting personnel and logistical supplies to projecting military force as well as providing humanitarian assistance and disaster response, air mobility has been an indispensable capability that the Philippine Air Force provides through the competency of our pilots, crew and the aircraft that we possess. The aircraft personifies the guardians of our precious skies, and the bearers of hope," PAF commander Lt. Gen. Rozzano Briguez said.

Also present during the turnover ceremony was the Ambassador of Spain to the Philippines, His Excellency Jorge Moragas, who expressed his sincere gratitude for the support and assistance in fostering the relationship between Spain and the Philippines.

He assured the support of Spain and its Ministry of Defense to the modernization program of the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085715

Security forces in Mindanao enough to foil terror attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): Security forces in Mindanao enough to foil terror attacks



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

There are sufficient military and police units to secure Mindanao against further terrorist attacks, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana made the remark as he justified his inclination not to recommend another extension of martial law in the island, which has been extended for the third time.

These forces are sufficient to deter these terror groups from pulling off another Marawi-type assault, he added.

"(The situation is now) under control. We have sufficient military and police (units) in the area to ensure that the terrorists can no longer do a Marawi-type operation. Plus, the LGUs (local government units) are clamoring for its lifting such as (Davao City) Mayor Sara (Duterte)," Lorenzana said in a message to reporters late Monday.

The DND chief added that he is not keen on another extension of martial law unless it will be recommended by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

"Yes, personally I am not inclined to recommend its extension. Unless the AFP and PNP recommend otherwise. I will await their recommendation which I should receive before December," Lorenzana said.

The DND chief earlier announced that a stronger Human Security Act is a more viable approach than extending martial law in Mindanao.

The House of Representatives, voting 235-28-1 in a joint session on Dec. 12, 2018, approved the extension of martial law in Mindanao for the third time until Dec. 31, 2019. The AFP recommended another year-long extension of martial law in Mindanao in its bid to neutralize terror groups still operating in the southern Philippines.

Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City. Lawmakers, in a special joint session in July 2017, granted the extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2017, at the President's request.

In December 2017, the Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session, granted President Rodrigo R. Duterte's second request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2018.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085735

PRRD, Misuari to finalize GPH-MNLF peace panel next month

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): PRRD, Misuari to finalize GPH-MNLF peace panel next month



PRRD MEETS NUR. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte gives a warm welcome to Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari at the Malacañan Palace Monday (Nov. 11, 2019). Also in photo are (from right) Solicitor General Jose Calida, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevara, and Senator Bong Go. (Presidential photo of King Rodriguez)

The government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) will be finalizing next month the creation of a peace coordinating committee to help resolve conflict in Mindanao.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this plan was discussed during the meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte and MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari in Malacañang on Monday night.

Panelo said Duterte and Misuari have agreed to meet in Davao City next month to finalize the peace coordinating committee.

To recall, Duterte and Misuari have met five times this year with their most recent meeting held last August 23 tackling ways to advance the peace process in the south.

“It was a continuation of the meeting when Chairman Nur Misuari came I think last August. Ang usapan nila mag-mi-meet ulit sila (The agreement is they will meet again) because there’s a suggestion that there should be a committee that will help in the peace process,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing on Tuesday.

“The purpose of course is to have peace with the MNLF and to ensure the success of the government,” he added.

Earlier, Panelo said it was during their August 23 meeting where Duterte relayed his desire for immediate formation of GPH-MNLF panel to Misuari.

“The GPH-MNLF Coordinating Committee will serve as a venue to seek for the cooperation of the MNLF to achieve immediate peace in Sulu by, among others, helping in combatting the Abu Sayyaf Group and convincing MNLF relatives to return to the folds of the law,” Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said Misuari was hopeful that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) would be involved in the consultations to determine the remaining compliance of the GPH in the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF.

Misuari wanted a similar setup to the previous tripartite talks among the GPH, MNLF, and the OIC, he added.

Last March, the President bared that he is “in a hurry” to strike a deal with Misuari to finally end the long-drawn Moro rebellion and achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

Duterte said that just like how government has “come to terms” with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim through the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), he wanted to do the same with Misuari.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085782

ROTC cadets to join cultural exchange program in Guam

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): ROTC cadets to join cultural exchange program in Guam



FUTURE LEADERS. A total of 20 best performing cadets from the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) are handpicked to attend the leadership training program in Guam this November 17 to 24. Photo shows eight ROTC cadets from the Philippine Army visiting the Office of the Philippine Army Reservists in Taguig City. (Photo courtesy of Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc)

A total of 20 cadets of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) will participate in a leadership training program hosted by the ROTC unit and National Guard of Guam, USA from November 17 to 24.

“They were selected from various ROTC units all over the archipelago based on criteria such as leadership potentials, aptitude, performance, and excellence,” Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, staff officer of the Office of the Philippine Army Reservists and Retirees Affairs, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Tuesday.

The cadets, he said, as representatives of the country, are required to act as diplomats.

“I reminded them to maximize their learning through personal engagements with counterparts, honest observations of culture and traditions, and the military culture of the US armed forces,” Cabunoc added.

Of the 20 member-delegation, eight are ROTC cadets handpicked by the Philippine Army. The others are from the Air Force and Navy.

Cadet First Class Jennifer Gavero, 21, of Buruun town in Iligan City, said she looks forward to upgrade her skills in the event.

“I am very proud to represent the ROTC cadets from my school in this prestigious event. I will try my best to develop my leadership skills a notch higher,” said Gavero, a daughter of a non-commissioned officer of an artillery unit in Marawi City.

Cadet First Class Destinee Noor, of Cebu City, on the other hand, said she feels excited to learn more about the Western culture and their practice.

“I want to learn more about the western culture of multi-racial Armed Forces. I am very grateful to the Philippine Army leadership for this unique opportunity to learn through interactions with our American counterparts,” the 20-year-old Noor said.

For two weeks, the Filipino ROTC cadets will engage their American counterparts in a learning experience that will be highlighted by educational tours, cultural events, military training activities, and exposure to American communities.

Dubbed as the Cultural Understanding and Leadership Program (CULP), the event is one of the partnership programs of Guam and the Philippines under the PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty.

The Philippine Army trains and develops future Army leaders through the ROTC program.

“Those who do not pass the Army recruitment requirements can opt to serve the reserve force through the Ready Reserve Units under the Regional Community Defense Group,” Cabunoc said.

Recently, ROTC cadets contributed to the government’s humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in earthquake-affected areas in Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085774

Dutch embassy still mum on call to send Joma home: group

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 12, 2019): Dutch embassy still mum on call to send Joma home: group



'WE WILL KEEP PUSHING'. Since they first staged a protest in April 2019, anti-communist group Liga Filipinas Independencia says it is yet to receive a response from the Dutch Embassy regarding their call to bring back CPP founder Joma Sison to the Philippines. They said they rallied in front of the embassy at least 11 times and plans to conduct bigger ones until the latter takes action. (PNA photo by Christine Cudis)

Since anti-communist group Liga Filipinas Independencia launched a campaign in April to bring Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison back to the country, the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Philippines has kept its silence on the matter.

This was pointed out by the organization as it staged a rally anew on Tuesday, calling for the accountability of Sison and the embassy's prompt cooperation on the issue.

“Parang binabalewala nila eh, dapat inaksyunan nila 'yun. Yung arrest warrant, parang balewala ang korte natin, hindi ginagalang ang korte ng Pilipinas (It looks like they are neglecting it [our demands] they should have taken action. The arrest warrant [was already out], it appears as if they are not respecting the Philippine court),” former rebel and member of the anti-communist group, alias "Ka Dario" said in an interview.

The group has staged peaceful protests at least 11 times in front of the Dutch Embassy in Makati City this year.

In their latest protest action, they stressed that "the protest will continue, until there are actions (from the embassy)."

“He needs to take responsibility from his action, he is required by law to appear to court. Face the reality, face the trial,” Ka Dario added.

The group also urged the Dutch embassy to look into the situation of Filipino youth "who are dragged into this deception," referring to children allegedly recruited to join the armed movement.

“Ang grupo ng mga magulang na ang mga anak ay na recruit sa armed struggle, matagal na ring hinihintay ang pagresponde ng gobyerno ng Netherlands (The parent group whose children were recruited to the armed struggle are waiting in vain for their response)."

Mothers claiming that their children were taken away by youth organizations previously appeared in public to share their struggles and seek help to claim their children.

Bagong Bukas Center

League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) spokesperson Remy Resideo, meanwhile, expressed her gratitude to the public for supporting their fight to "claim their children back from militant organizations Anakbayan and Kabataan".

She also shared that the group is on the final stages for the proposed Bagong Bukas Center, a building that will serve as the venue for the rehabilitation of recruited activists when they decide to go back home and end their involvement with the communists.

“Pina-finalize pa namin para masimulan na ang construction ng building. Kawawa naman ang mga kabtaaan kung hindi natin sila tutulungan (We are already finalizing [the proposal] so we can start with the construction of the building. We don’t want to leave the children alone in that situation),” she said in an interview.

“Kahit mabawi natin sila ay kailangang mai-rehabilitate pa rin sila para mawala sa kanilang isipan ang mga tinuro ng mga communists na maling ideology (Even if we get them back, we still have to rehabilitate them so we can wash off from their mind the wrong ideologies taught by the communists),” Rosadio added.

On November 12, member of "Hands Off Our Children" Relissa Lucena, attended as a complainant on the fourth hearing of the preliminary investigation on the kidnapping case she filed against militant group leaders including Kabataan Party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, whom she refers to as “the notorious recruiter”.

The CPP and its armed wing, the New People's Army, are 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/1085815

AFP-CRS: Army Participates in Labor Group Security Awareness in Bulacan

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 11, 2019): Army Participates in Labor Group Security Awareness in Bulacan



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2827364837282222/?type=3&theater

The 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion participated in a security awareness forum for the members of the Bulacan Hardware Association Incorporated (BHAI) at Hiyas Convention Center in Malolos, Bulacan on November 10.

The activity, with the theme: “Intelligence Security Forum: Secure your Business from Threats”, intends to protect the members of BHAI from infiltration of different left leaning groups.

Read full: https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2406358992819740&id=118791288243200

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Ifugao PPOC-PDAC Declare CPP-NPA Persona Non-Grata

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 11, 2019):  Ifugao PPOC-PDAC Declare CPP-NPA Persona Non-Grata



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2827342977284408/?type=3&theater

The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) passed a joint resolution declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army, National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and other threat groups as persona non-grata.

Through Resolution No. 6, series of 2019, the two councils asserted that the presence and operation of the communist terrorists in the province affects its peace and order and security.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: LGU, Army Conducts Dialogue with IP Children in CPP-NPA Infiltrated Area in Bukidnon

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 11, 2019):  LGU, Army Conducts Dialogue with IP Children in CPP-NPA Infiltrated Area in Bukidnon

The Local Government Unit of Cabanglasan and the 8th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, dialogued with the children of Sitio Calacapan Barangay Canangaan, Bukidnon on November 10, 2019.

In response to the expressed desire of the young constituents, The LGU led personally by its Municipal Mayor led in the distribution of foodstuff and the conduct of a dialogue with the more or less 50 children believed to be affected by the NPAs’ exploitation.

Sitio Calacapan was identified by the security forces as the supply route of the NPAs and sometimes used as their resting place.

Read full: https://www.kalinawnews.com/lgu-army-dialogue-with-ip-children-in-npa-infiltrated-area-in-bukidnon/amp/

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: AFP, No Hand in Former KARAPATAN Member Disappearance

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Nov 11, 2019): AFP, No Hand in Former KARAPATAN Member Disappearance



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2827128887305817/?type=3&theater

Lamosao to Karapatan: "Prove your allegation in court as a group"

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/