Alleged NPA-perpetrated IED explosion kills 2, hurt 15 cops, civilians including 3 children

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 14, 2019): Alleged NPA-perpetrated IED explosion kills 2, hurt 15 cops, civilians including 3 children (By PIA-8)



TACLOBAN CITY, Dec 13 (PIA) -- Two persons were killed, one a policeman and the other one a 69-year old woman while five other policemen and 12 civilians including 3 minors, were hurt Friday afternoon in Libutan village, Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

Initial reports reaching Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) disclosed that suspected members of the New People’s Army detonated an anti-personnel mine on the roadside hitting a police car passing the area around 2:53 p.m. on Friday.

The seven (7) personnel of the1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (ESPMFC) based in Brgy. Lunang, Dolores, Eastern Samar, were on board a Hilux PNP marked vehicle in their way to the Provincial Police Office when the incident occurred.

One policeman was killed, four other policemen were wounded and rushed to a nearby hospital while the remaining two others were unharmed.

Per information from PRO 8, confirmed one (1) Killed-in-Police Operation (KIPO) Pat Mark Jerome Rama, four (4) Wounded-in-Police Operation (WIPOs) namely: Pat Ric Capoquian Jr., Pat Kevin Operario, Pat Angelito Luterte and Pat Rey Sobrepeña and two (2) unharmed on the government side Pat Christian Godino and Pat Michael Frank Pajanustan.

Said attack killed and wounded not only police personnel but also civilians, an NPA trademark, sparing no one in the pursuit of their terroristic deeds against government forces.

The civilians were riding a tricycle when the landmine exploded. They just came from a Christmas party. The civilians were from San Isidro, San Julian and Dolores.

An L300 van with three passengers was likewise affected. One passenger had a gunshot wound and the other two were injured with sharpnels.

The PNP in Region 8 condemned the treacherous attack by suspected NPAs.

Meanwhile, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone condemned the ambush saying, “The Provincial Government of Eastern Samar is appalled at the heinous acts of terror that occurred today, December 13, 2019 at Brgy. Libuton, Borongan.”

“This attack only strengthens our resolve to bolster counter-terrorism efforts and achieve real and lasting peace in our province,” Evardone added. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031620

AFP-CRS: Preconditions to Peace Talks, NDFP's Problem

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Dec 13, 2019): Preconditions to Peace Talks, NDFP's Problem



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2904610796224292/?type=3&theater

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

AFP-CRS: Checkpoints to Stay

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Dec 13, 2019): Checkpoints to Stay



Mindanao checkpoints to stay even with Martial Law lifted. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is not dismantling the checkpoints set up in Mindanao even after the lifting of martial law at the end of the year.

#AFPyoucanTRUST| www.afpcrs.com

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

AFP-CRS: AFP Supports PRDD's Decision to Resume Peace Talks with Communist Rebels

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Dec 13, 2019): AFP Supports PRDD's Decision to Resume Peace Talks with Communist Rebels



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2904603319558373/?type=3&theater

When asked about the opinion on the revival of peace talks with the communist rebels, the Armed Forces will continue their offensive against the rebels since they have not yet received a ceasefire order from the President.

#AFPyoucanTRUST| www.afpcrs.com

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

AFP-CRS: AFP Unlikely to Recommend Holiday Truce with CPP-NPA

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Dec 13, 2019): AFP Unlikely to Recommend Holiday Truce with CPP-NPA



https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2904601799558525/?type=3&theater

HOLIDAY TRUCE. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is not inclined to recommend any Christmas truce with the remaining communist rebels, citing that the latter is using the season as an opportunity to regroup their forces.

#AFPyoucanTRUST| www.afpcrs.com

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

Kalinaw News: Two child-warriors, six NPAs surface in Quezon, give up firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 13, 2019): Two child-warriors, six NPAs surface in Quezon, give up firearms (By 2nd Infantry Division)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Eight NPA Terrorists, two of them minors, surrendered to combined AFP and PNP elements at General Nakar, Quezon on Thursday.

After negotiations, the former rebels turned-over two shotguns as well as one Cal .45 and Cal .38 pistols to the security forces.

Col Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over the area, said that one of the minors is a 13-year-old boy while the other is a 17-year-old who was forced to join the underground movement when he was still 15 years old.

Quoting the child-warriors, he added that “they were forced by the rebels to join their ranks and were forbidden to leave a terrorist camp under threat of severe repercussions to their families”.

According to Col Rillera, such is a deplorable practice within the terrorist organization that can never be justified.

Per the military’s records, the two minors are the fourth and fifth child-warriors to be rescued in less than two months.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Acting Commander of the AFP’s Southern Luzon Command, attributed the influx of surrenders to the whole-of-nation approach strategy which the government has adapted to end local communist armed conflict.

He conveyed the military’s sympathies to the parents of the minors saying “no form of explanation will justify this dastardly act of putting Filipino minors in harm’s way” as he expressed outrage against the NPAs’ evil act of violating the Filipino children’s innocence saying that “there are written and unwritten rules in warfare that gives emphasis to the protection of women and children regardless whether you are pro or anti government.”

Saving the youth from deception and recruitment of the NPAs and other lawless elements has been the subject of a recent senate inquiry and has become one if the Duterte administration’s priorities.

It was discovered during the public hearing at the senate that several progressive party list groups have been acting as recruitment fronts of the terrorist group and have since been the subject of numerous parents’ pleas to return their children after their alleged “abduction.”

MGen Burgos ended his statement by committing “every soldier, airman, sailor and marines’ commitment and dedication to the entire government bureaucracy’s thrust to end local communist insurgency, including the NPA terrorists’ heinous act of recruiting and employing child-warriors.”

The child-warriors will be brought to the attention of DSWD for proper disposition and professional attention so that the victims may quickly recover from the physical and psychological trauma that they suffered after being forced to carry arms despite their innocence.

The former rebels will be processed for enrolment to the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP where they are expected to receive financial and other forms of assistance amounting to almost Php700,000 each to help them start a normal life.

Under E-CLIP, each former rebels is expected to receive the initial Php 65,000, representing the immediate and livelihood assistance from the government which are on top of the housing, employment, health care and scholarship benefits which they can avail after satisfying the requirements set forth by the program.

According to the military, they have assisted hundreds of former rebels who have signified their intention to put down their arms and return to mainstream society in order to enjoy peaceful lives with their families since the operationalization of RTF ELCAC 4A.

The names of the minors and the regular NPA fighters who surrendered are being withheld in accordance to existing laws of the land to protect not only their privacy but also to ensure their security against possible NPA aggressive actions following their surrender and turn over of firearms.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/two-child-warriors-six-npas-surface-in-quezon-give-up-firearms/

WESTMINCOM: 2 high-powered firearms handed over by 3 BIFF surrenderors

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Dec 13, 2019): 2 high-powered firearms handed over by 3 BIFF surrenderors (By PIO Western Mindanao Command)



The intensified focused and intelligence operations of the 40th Infantry Battalion led to the yielding of 3 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and handing over of their undocumented firearms at 10am of December 11, 2019.



Ustadz Yasser Saligan, a.k.a, Morsid, a BIFF member under Karialan Faction, together with Norudin Dalinding, and Omar Tatang, all residents of Sitio Balagon, Barangay Midpandacan, General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao, surrendered bringing along one M14 rifle with one magazine; one M1 Garand Rifle; and five rounds of 7.62mm, five rounds Caliber .30, and two rounds 81mm UXO ammunitions.



“Our sustained campaigns in ending terrorism in our area of operations compel more terrorists to surrender and return to the mainstream society,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“I commend the troops of the Joint Task Force Central under Major General Carreon for their commitment and significant accomplishments during my incumbency as the commander of WestMinCom,” Lt. Gen. Sobejana added.

Said surrenderors and their firearms were brought to headquarters, 40IB in Barangay Tual, President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat for proper documentation.

http://www.westmincom.com/2-high-powered-firearms-handed-over-by-3-biff-surrenderors/

19 Lumad NPA members surrender

From MindaNews (Dec 13, 2019): 19 Lumad NPA members surrender

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews / 13 December) — At least 19 more members of the New People’s Army (NPA) from three guerrilla fronts operating in parts of Region 12, all of them Lumads (Indigenous Peoples) surrendered this week to police units in South Cotabato province, Col. Jemuel Siason, South Cotabato police director, said on Friday.

Three of those who surrendered were women.

Siason said Friday the rebels decided to surrender following a series of negotiations with elements of the Police Regional Office-12’s intelligence unit (RIU) and the provincial police mobile force company.

He said 11 of them were previously under the Guerilla Front 53, seven under Front 73 and one under Front 56 of the NPA’s Far South Mindanao Region.

Front 73 operates in the boundaries of South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces while Fronts 53 and 56 are all based in North Cotabato area.

The rebels, who were formally received by South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. at the provincial capitol in Koronadal City on Friday morning, surrendered in batches in undisclosed locations in South Cotabato and North Cotabato on Dec. 10 and 12, he said.

“This is a joint effort of the RIU, South Cotabato police and the provincial government,” Siason said in a press conference.

The police official said two of the surrenderers were former vice commanders of Platoons Samsung and Brigol under Front 73 while one was a squad leader.

The others were NPA regular cadres, political organizers and members of the “Militia ng Bayan.”

He said the returnees gave up a fragmentation grenade and eight firearms composed of an M16 Armalite rifle with 20 ammunition, a Carbine rifle with a magazine loaded with 12 live bullets, two homemade shotguns with magazines and five live bullets, a 9mm pistol, a caliber .22 homemade pistol and two caliber .38 homemade pistols.

Siason said the rebels decided to surrender due to their difficult situation in the mountains and the uncertainty of their cause.

He said some of them were forced to join the NPA after allegedly being duped by their recruiters and promised various benefits that were never realized.

Siason said the returnees, majority of whom were residents of North Cotabato, were also encouraged with the improved situation in their communities and the changes in the system of governance in South Cotabato.

“They saw how the provincial government assisted the previous returnees so they chose to also surrender here,” he said.

In an interview with reporters, alias “Edgar,” a former vice commander of Platoon Brigol, said there’s no reason for them anymore to continue fighting the government.

He surrendered along with his wife, who reportedly served as community organizer and recuiter for the NPA.

“Our situation was very difficult as we were always on the run and we can no longer stand fighting against our fellow Filipinos,” he said in Filipino.

Tamayo, who is on his first term as governor, said a total of 55 NPA members have surrendered in the province under his administration and more are expected to follow in the coming weeks.

Thirteen rebels surrendered last July and was followed by 19 last November and four early this month.

He said most of them have received initial financial assistance and underwent skills trainings in preparation for the upcoming release of livelihood grants under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

“We will make sure that these surrenderers will receive all the benefits due to them under the E-CLIP,” Tamayo said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/12/19-lumad-npa-members-surrender/

U.S. and Philippine Partners Inaugurate Philippine National Police Patrol Boat Facility

Posted to the US Embassy Manila Website (Dec 6, 2019): U.S. and Philippine Partners Inaugurate Philippine National Police Patrol Boat Facility

PNP-MG Director, Police Brigadier General R’win Pagkalinawan and Deputy Director, Joint Interagency Task Force West, U.S. Indo-Pacom sign documents turning over a patrol boat facility from the U.S. to the Philippines.

Manila, December 6, 2019 — Representatives from the U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force West (JIATF West), the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s counternarcotics task force in the Indo-Pacific region, and officials from the Philippine National Police – Maritime Group (PNP-MG) presided over a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new PNP-MG patrol boat facility today in Lantawan, Basilan.

The nearly $2 million, PHP 100,000,000, facility includes a boat ramp, pier, armory, offices, barracks, and a lab. In recent years, JIATF West has partnered with the PNP-MG to open several such facilities throughout the southern Philippines.

According to Mr. Earl Hampton, JIATF West Deputy Director, the facility will improve the PNP-MG’s ability to conduct counternarcotics patrols and thwart the activity of transnational criminal organizations in the southwest Mindanao archipelago and Sulu Sea.

“This facility is emblematic of the value the U.S. places on our partnership with the PNP-MG,” said Mr. Hampton. “The PNP-MG boat facilities in Mindanao are examples of how our deep bilateral security ties have benefitted the Filipino people and advanced the PNP-MG’s maritime security efforts,” said Mr. Hampton.

The Basilan facility, along with the PNP-MG boat facilities built at Honda Bay, Balabac, Tawi-Tawi, and Taganac, enhance the operational reach of the PNP-MG throughout the southern Philippines.

Mr. Hampton also noted that U.S. forces have been providing support and assistance to the Philippines for many years, at the request of successive Philippine administrations.

“The United States has been steadfast in its commitment to assisting the Philippines In enhancing its ability to confront maritime criminal activity,” said Police Brigadier General R’win Pagkinawan, Director Philippine National Police – Maritime Group.

“As friends, partners, and allies of the Philippines, the U.S. is committed to bilateral collaboration in countering transnational crime to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” stated Mr. Hampton.

https://ph.usembassy.gov/us-and-philippine-partners-inaugurate-philippine-national-police-patrol-boat-facility/

U.S. and Philippine Security Forces Provide Medical Care and Supplies to High School in Post-Earthquake Cotabato

Posted to the US Embassy Manila (Dec 10, 2019): U.S. and Philippine Security Forces Provide Medical Care and Supplies to High School in Post-Earthquake Cotabato

U.S. and Philippine service members provide medical care and supplies to students of Laureano Ramirez Sebastian High School in Cotabato City.

U.S. and Philippine service members provide medical care and supplies to students of Laureano Ramirez Sebastian High School in Cotabato City.

Manila, December 10, 2019 — U.S. and Philippine service members conducted medical outreach in Cotabato City, providing medical education and basic care to 228 students at Laureano Ramirez Sebastian High School on Saturday, November 30.

The medical civil action program (MEDCAP), was a collaboration between members of the Philippine 6th Infantry Division Hospital, Cotabato Regional Medical Center, the BARMM Ministry of Health, and U.S. military personnel. MEDCAP participants provided treatment to students with chronic ailments, and taught best practices on hygiene. A Ministry of Health dental truck provided dental examinations.

The United States also donated more than PHP 250,000 ($5,000 USD) in medical supplies provided by Spirit of America, a U.S. non-governmental organization.

“With our combined efforts – the free medical and dental checkups, plus the health kits and medicines donated by our American friends – we will hopefully inspire students and bolster teachers’ efforts to keep learners in school,” said Anges Ortega, Laureano Ramirez Sebastian High School’s principal.

Mrs. Karen Cortes, an elementary school teacher, praised the event, “The school is very grateful for the overwhelming support of the U.S. Marines and our very own Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division. The MEDCAP is an opportunity for our underprivileged students to access basic medical health and services.”

Of the MEDCAP, Capt Owen Cahill, a U.S. military participant said, “The medical outreach event was a chance for the Philippine 6th Infantry Division and U.S. forces to positively impact Cotabato’s underprivileged. These opportunities allow us to build mutual trust and respect and give back to the community.”

The United States, as a longstanding friend, partner, and ally of the Philippines, continues to provide support to Filipino communities with outreach events and medical assistance.

https://ph.usembassy.gov/us-and-philippine-security-forces-provide-medical-care-and-supplies-to-high-school-in-post-earthquake-cotabato/

U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces Inaugurate U.S.-Funded Peacekeeping Facility

Posted to the US Embassy Philippines (Dec 13, 2019): U.S. and Philippine Armed Forces Inaugurate U.S.-Funded Peacekeeping Facility

U.S. and Philippine military personnel inaugurated a U.S. funded peacekeeping operations training facility in Tarlac on Thursday, December 12. The center will provide training and administrative services to AFP personnel participating in peacekeeping operations, in support of the Philippines’ international commitments. (Photos courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines)

Manila, December 13, 2019 — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) inaugurated a U.S.-funded peacekeeping operations training facility in Tarlac on December 12.

This facility was funded via the Global Peace Operations Initiative, a U.S. State Department-funded security assistance program focused on strengthening the international capacity and capabilities of partner nations to execute United Nations (UN) and regional peace operations.

During the inauguration, the AFP officially opened the Peacekeeping Operations Center and a dining facility. The center will provide training and administrative services to AFP personnel participating in peacekeeping operations, in support of the Philippines’ international commitments.

A barracks is also being built under the same initiative and is scheduled for completion in late 2020.

The inauguration, which was attended by Major General Andres C. Centino, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, Armed Forces of the Philippines, included the ceremonial turning over of keys and the planting of a tree.

Since their signing of the UN charter in 1945, the Philippines has participated in a variety of peacekeeping operations around the world.

The United States, as a longstanding friend, partner, and ally of the Philippines, continues to provide support to the AFP through funding projects, equipment transfers and bilateral exercises.

https://ph.usembassy.gov/us-and-philippine-armed-forces-inaugurate-us-funded-peacekeeping-facility/

Dulag, Leyte activates Municipal Task Force-ELCAC

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 13, 2019): Dulag, Leyte activates Municipal Task Force-ELCAC (By PIA-8)

TACLOBAN CITY, Dec 12 (PIA) - The Municipality of Dulag, Leyte formally organized its Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF ELCAC) on December 5 in a joint meeting of the Municipal Development Council and Municipal Peace and Order Council.

Attorney Mildred Joy Que, the Municipal Mayor of Dulag, Leyte together with the other members of the council and heads of offices were one and united in deciding to activate the Dulag MTF-ELCAC to prevent CNT infiltration so that the municipality will continue to prosper and progress.

Before the creation of the MTF-ELCAC, the members were briefed on Executive Order No. 70 by the representatives of the Situational Awareness Knowledge Management (SAKM) Cluster of RTF-ELCAC 8 led by Deputy Regional Director Eustacio Bacabac of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 8 (NICA-8).

Other attendees during the said meeting were the following: First Lieutenant Edgardo B. Bernas, company commander of Alpha (Apache) Company and Second Lieutenant Joemar L. Ladislao, acting civil-military operations officer both of 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion, 8ID, PA and representatives from NICA 8, Ms. Thelma R. Espia, REM-MSH, Mbt. Insp. II; Hon. Roubel P. Dugos, Sangguniang Bayan member; Ms. Marivic M. De Luna, municipal social welfare and development officer; Ms. Ofelia Ortez, municipal local government operations officer; Mr. Franklin L. Dongzon, municipal agriculturist; Police Executive Master Sergeant Reynaldo P. Tan, deputy chief of police, Dulag Municipal Police Station; Ms. Leah C. Caminon, municipal disaster risk reduction management officer; Business and Farmer sector; and thirty-one (31) Punong Barangays from different villages of Dulag, Leyte.

On the same day, the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster, one of the several MTF-ELCAC clusters, was activated to sustain and enhance the inclusive peace and development in the municipality of Dulag.

This cluster is composed of 78th Infantry Battalion, MSWDO, MENRO, DILG-MLGOO and PNP Dulag. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031572

President Duterte commends AFP Sergeant Majors in Palace thanksgiving

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 13, 2019): President Duterte commends AFP Sergeant Majors in Palace thanksgiving (By PND)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte flashes his signature pose with officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Council of the Sergeants Major during the Thanksgiving gathering he hosted at the Malacañan Palace on December 10, 2019. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Dec. 13 -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday recognized the contributions to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Council of Sergeant Majors for the improvement of the country’s armed services.

During the thanksgiving gathering with the AFP Council of Sergeant Majors in Malacañang, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the council for its dedication to boost the morale and ensuring the welfare of the enlisted personnel of the AFP.

The President highlighted the council’s vital role in steering the direction and performance of AFP’s enlisted personnel within their respective units.

He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the enlisted personnel of the AFP in securing the nation, upholding the rule of law, and defending the country’s democratic institutions.

The chief executive assured the members of the AFP that the administration will remain steadfast in protecting and advancing their welfare through modernization, capacity-enhancing initiatives, and provision of benefits for their families.

Responding to concerns raised by the soldiers, he vowed to expedite the release of the pension differentials of retired enlisted personnel.

The government has also launched the Comprehensive Social Benefits Package that will benefit departed police and military personnel who have been killed or maimed in the line of duty.

The Sergeant Majors of the AFP serve as the bridge of the AFP enlisted personnel and the Corps of Non-Commissioned Officers to the AFP Chief of Staff and to the Officer Corps.

They ensure that the concerns and welfare of the troops down to the lowest foot soldier are known to the AFP leadership and are addressed appropriately. (PND)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031596

President Duterte assures dependents of fallen soldiers, policemen of gov’t support

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 13, 2019): President Duterte assures dependents of fallen soldiers, policemen of gov’t support (By PND)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the ceremonial turnover of housing certificates and checks to the beneficiaries of the killed-in-action (KIA) soldiers and killed-in-police operation (KIPO) personnel under the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program during the Thanksgiving party at the Malacañan Palace on December 10, 2019. Assisting the President is National Housing Authority General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA, Dec. 13 -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday assured the dependents of killed-in-action soldiers and killed-in-police-operations officers (KIA-KIPO) of government assistance to attain comfortable lives.

Speaking before the dependents of the fallen soldiers and police personnel during a thanksgiving party in Malacañang, President Duterte said that through the Comprehensive Social Benefits Program (CSBP), they will receive the support they need.

Under the CSBP, the dependents of KIA soldiers and KIPO officers will receive financial, employment, livelihood, educational, housing and healthcare assistance.

And before his term ends, the chief executive vowed to institutionalize the program to cover personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The President also thanked the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned agencies for ensuring that the CSBP is implemented properly.

Despite the challenges ahead, the President has expressed optimism that with the steadfast dedication and firm leadership that those organizations have displayed, the government will not waver on its promise of uplifting the welfare of the people, especially those who have sacrificed their lives in order to protect and serve the country.

The administration will continue to do its best to honor the KIA soldiers and KIPO officers’ memory by staying true to the commitment of upholding the country’s sovereignty, preventing lawless violence and protecting democratic institutions, the President said. (PND)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031598

East Samar governor condemns ambush on police, civilians in Borongan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 13, 2019): East Samar governor condemns ambush on police, civilians in Borongan (By Ninfa B Quirante)

BORONGAN CITY, Dec. 13 (PIA)-- In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, regional peace and order council chairman and Eastern Samar governor Ben P. Evardone condemned an attack against members of the PNP in Borongan City on December 13, 2019.

According to Evardone, “the provincial government is appalled at the heinous acts of terror,” which claimed the lives of a policeman and a civilian.

Five other policemen and four civilians were taken to the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital after sustaining wounds from the firefight which happened at 2:30 PM in barangay Libuton.

The civilians were onboard a public utility tricycle plying the Borongan-San Isidro, San Julian route.

“We send our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families at this incredibly difficult time,” Evardone’s statement read.

The governor thanked the police and emergency personnel, “as well as the private individuals who put their own lives at risk to selflessly help and protect others.”

According to him, the attack strengthens the provincial government’s resolve to bolster counterterrorism efforts and achieve real and lasting peace in Eastern Samar. (PIA- E. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031619