NPA continues extortion in Bukidnon amid COVID-19 threat

From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 19, 2020): NPA continues extortion in Bukidnon amid COVID-19 threat (By Rene Belmonte Jr, CMO 403rd Bde)

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Mar. 18 (PIA)--In the midst of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID)-19 threat, the New People’s Army keeps on carrying out their extortion activities to pursue their treacherous mission of deceiving people.

Government soldiers encountered anew members of New People's Army (NPA), March 17 at two separate locations in Bukidnon as locals reported the terrorists’ extortion operation.

The encounters involved 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFB) where the gunbattle occurred at the foot of Mt. Kitanglad, while the other was with 8th Infantry Battalion (8IB) at the foot of Pantaron Mountain Range.

"NPA's 51st Anniversary is coming, the reason why they rushed their extortion efforts as this is also the period when Communist NPA cadres fetch their student recruits from schools and from nearby communities and take these recruits up to their hideouts. They needed money to show young activists that masses support their cause, but the fact is they forced and threaten residents to give," said Colonel Ferdinand Barandon, 403rd Brigade Commander.

This is when locals turn to us for help and protection. Some of them even demanded “lechon” to celebrate their bloody anniversary every 29th of March, Barandon added.

The New People's Army was established on March 29, 1969 in Central Luzon to impose the will of the Communist Party of the Philippines headed by Jose Maria Sison.

"The worst is while we are facing the threat of pandemic COVID-19, they are taking advantage of the situation to threaten locals. What they didn't know is we have reserve forces to respond and defend communities," Barandon explained.

He said the rebels are desperate because civilians are now cooperating with the Philippine Army by reporting the NPA’s presence in the communities and seeking military assistance.

"Why can't they just lay down their arms be with their families, stop their extortion and trafficking of students? And we will have a stronger country that will face this pandemic," Barandon appealed.

To date, units from 403rd Brigade man their respective posts to assist in Community Quarantine.

Meanwhile, the 65IB focus is west Misamis Oriental and northwest Bukidnon; the 58IB on East MisOr, Task Force Oro in Cagayan de Oro City; 1SFB in northeast Bukidnon; 8IB in central Bukidnon; and 88IB in southern Bukidnon. (403rd Bde/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1036666

Gov't forces nab suspected NPA leader in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19, 2020): Gov't forces nab suspected NPA leader in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)



ALLEGED REBEL LEADER. A police officer reads the 'Miranda doctrine' to Leon Tabafa Tacdoro, an alleged ranking official of the communist New People’s Army, who was arrested during a law enforcement operation in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday (March 18, 2020). The suspect is facing criminal charges ranging from kidnapping and murder, among others. (Photo courtesy of Lebak MPS)

A suspected ranking official of the communist New Peoples’ Army (NPA) was arrested by joint police and military personnel in Barangay Keytodac, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, speaking for police in Region 12, identified the suspected NPA leader as Leon Tabafa Tacdoro, who has standing warrants for kidnapping and serious illegal detention, robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons, murder, and nine counts of frustrated murder.

Tacdoro, 62, is the alleged leader of the NPA Regional Peasant Bureau, Far South Mindanao Regional Command. He is a resident of Tulunan, North Cotabato.

Police and members of the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion, led by Lt. Col. Clairmont Pinpin, served the warrants against Tacdoro at 5 a.m. in his home in Barangay Keytodac, Lebak.

“He did not resist arrest, Capellan said, adding Tacdoro yielded a .45-caliber pistol, a homemade shotgun, two fragmentation grenades, and other pieces of evidence.

NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097104

Tribal leaders dare solon to help build IP schools

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19, 2020): Tribal leaders dare solon to help build IP schools (By Alexander Lopez)



A CALL FOR SUPPORT. Photo shows Hawudon Jumar Bucales, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative to the municipal council of Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Bucales and other Manobo leaders in the town have called on Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Eufemia Campos Cullamat to provide funds for the construction of government-run tribal schools and the establishment of farm-to-market roads in Manobo communities. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

Tribal leaders in the Surigao del Sur town of Lianga challenged on Thursday Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Eufemia Cullamat to help build schools for the indigenous peoples’ (IP) communities.

“This is our challenge to Congresswoman Cullamat as a member of the House Representatives,” Hawudon Jumar Bucales, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in a phone interview.

Bucales issued the call on Cullamat amid the effort of the government to start the construction of government-run IP schools in the area.

In a separate statement released early this week, Datu Constancio Duhac, the Manobo tribal chieftain of Lianga, pointed out that Cullamat, also of the Manobo tribe, continues to oppose the establishment of government-run IP schools in their villages.

Duhac said he is perplexed that Cullamat "favors the continuing operations" of the controversial schools with alleged links to the communist New People's Army (NPA), referring to the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Development (ALCADEV) and the Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS).

The military has long suspected both schools as part of a network run by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA.

“Congresswoman Cullamat has not yet sponsored project for the Manobo tribe in Lianga, not even a school or farm-market road that will connect Manobo communities in Andap Valley to the market centers in the province of Surigao del Sur,” Bucales said.

The IP leaders in the area are urging Cullamat to engage with the legitimate tribal organization in Lianga, and not with the leaders of the leftist IP group Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod MAPASU, whose members are known to have direct links with the CPP-NPA.

They also pointed out that most of the members of the MAPASU council are either siblings or relatives of the lawmaker.

“You must listen to us and adhere to our legitimate IP leadership and should not be biased,” Bucales said.

The two tribal leaders also called on Cullamat to support the government's "whole-of-nation" approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

“Join the government in delivering the basic and social services to the conflict-affected communities and file a House resolution to condemn the CPP-NPA for the recent attack they made on civilians in Diatagon,” Bucales said.

Bucales, however, said they are disappointed with Cullamat, alleging that the lawmaker has been lambasting the military and even joined other left-leaning groups to call for a military pullout in IP communities.

“The military protects the tribe from the infiltration of the CPP-NPA, especially the far-flung sitios of Andap Valley in Surigao del Sur,” the tribal leader said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097151

'NPA leader' nabbed in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19, 2020): 'NPA leader' nabbed in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



BUSTED. Joint forces of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police nab Gloria Campos Tomalon, an alleged officer of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in an operation conducted on Thursday (March 19, 2020) in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. Authorities say Tumalon is wanted by the law for various crimes. (Photo courtesy 3SFBN)

An alleged leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested on Thursday (March 19) by a joint team of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Authorities identified the suspect as Gloria Campos Tomalon alias "Bae Glo," whom authorities said has links with the leftist Indigenous People's group Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumosunod (MAPASU).

MAPASU was tagged by the military and the police as being influenced and having links with the communist rebels in Barangay Diatagon--a flashpoint for NPA activities.

In a statement on Thursday, 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, the civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) of the Army, said Campos was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest under criminal case no. 6527 for kidnapping and serious illegal detention.

Punsalan said Tomalon is the sister of Pablito Sinzo Campos, the NPA leader arrested last 2018 in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur, and Emelda Campos Belandres, another NPA leader who is wanted for various crimes.

Tomalon was allegedly linked to the NPA attack last month in Sitio Emerald, Barangay Diatagon that wounded three civilians, and the failed ambush against government troopers on February 19.

Col. Allan Hambala, commander of the Army's 401st Infantry Brigade, commended the Army and PNP personnel involved in the operation and the arrest of Tomalon.

Hambala also cited the help of the residents in the area, particularly the indigenous peoples (IPs) that led to the arrest of the suspect.

In the same statement, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) director, Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel, underscored the support of the residents in the area in "suppressing the threats posed by terrorism in our region".

“With the arrest of the high-ranking CNT members and the surrender of thousands of former rebels, way to go we will achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the Caraga Region," Esquivel said.

Meanwhile, Punsalan bared the presence of NPA personalities taking refuge in Sitio Han-ayan (Kilometer 16) in Diatagon who are allegedly using civilians as a shield to evade government forces.

Punsalan said that with Tumalon's arrest, they are bracing for possible criticisms relating to human rights violations from the siblings and relatives of Tumalon, including Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Campos Cullamat and some leaders of MAPASU.

“Expect that they will also condemn what we have done, by accusing us of attacking the IPs. But all these are among the old playbooks and strategies they play to cover up their members. The arrest was conducted on a legal and constitutional basis,” Punsalan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097174

Civilian lives 'in peril' as NPA plants IEDs in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19, 2020): Civilian lives 'in peril' as NPA plants IEDs in Agusan Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



IN HARM’S WAY. A member of the explosive ordinance disposal team from the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion retrieves two pieces of 12-kilogram pressurized type of improvised anti-personnel mine on Thursday (March 19). The IEDs were placed by the New People’s Army (NPA) less than 10 meters away from a residential area in Barangay New Salem, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. (Photo courtesy of 3SFBn)

The Philippine Army blasted the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for putting in danger the lives of villagers in Agusan del Sur by planting two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) near their community.

In a statement on Thursday, the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) said the IEDs were retrieved after civilians in Barangay New Salem, Bayugan City, reported the presence of the bombs to a military detachment in the area.

“Our explosive ordinance disposal (EOD) team was immediately dispatched in the area and recovered two pieces of 12-kilogram grapeshot pressurized type of improvised anti-personnel mine,” said 1st Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, 3SFBn civil-military operations officer.

Punsalan said residents confirmed that the IEDs were intentionally placed by NPA rebels.

“The IEDs were mounted beside the barangay road less than 10 meters away from the houses in Purok 4,” the Army official said.

An Army EOD expert, who was part of the retrieving team, said the “pressurized type of IEDs is extremely dangerous than command-detonated IEDs. A gentle contact by the victim to the IEDs will immediately cause its explosion because these are pressurized.”

The EOD personnel added that the pressurized types of IEDs can inflict fatal damage to victims within the 10-meter to 15-meter radius.

In the same statement, the military scored the NPA for “continuously doing terroristic acts despite the fear the people face in the midst of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and the recent declaration of a unilateral ceasefire by the government.”

It also quoted a farmer in the area decrying the "complete disregard" of the NPA to the safety and welfare of the people in the village.

“I passed by this road early morning to check my farm. I was not aware that IEDs were planted by the NPA. It was only late when I was informed that the Army already recovered the IEDs. I’m afraid. What if it exploded when I passed by? I would be dead by now,” the resident said.

Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, 3SFBn commander, said the retrieval of the IEDs showed that the "Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) violated and dishonored the provisions of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by using banned anti-personnel mines that cause severe or long term damage to the environment," including "injury or unnecessary suffering to potential victims."

“We are battling the Covid-19 but the fact is, real virus stronger than the Coronavirus are these CNTs who corrupt the nation and take advantage of the Coronavirus crisis and situation because it is a potential scenario for them to stage a violent revolution,” Baybayan said.

Meanwhile, Col. Allan Hambala, commander of the Army's 401st Infantry Brigade, called on the public to be vigilant, saying the communist NPA rebels "are known violators of ceasefire agreements."

“They are terrorists and know no laws and agreements. The Covid-19 crisis, if not managed properly would be advantageous for them. We need the help and vigilance of everyone to cooperate with the procedures, checkpoints to stop the spread of the virus," Hambala said.

"In the same manner, we appeal to the public to report immediately the terroristic activities and the terrorists’ presence so we can act accordingly based on our constitutional mandate,” he added.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097154

AFP supports Covid-19 truce, remains wary of Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19, 2020): AFP supports Covid-19 truce, remains wary of Reds (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will not be deterred by attacks of the communist rebels even if it supports President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to declare a unilateral truce with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in wake of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) crisis.

"The AFP fully supports the President and C-in-C’s (Commander-in-Chief) declaration of government’s own ceasefire to take effect zero hundred hours of 19 March 2020 to last until 23:59 of 15 April 2020," said AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., in a statement sent to reporters late Wednesday.

Santos said Duterte's declaration of a unilateral ceasefire shows the President is willing to go beyond the usual means to ensure that troops helping in efforts to halt the spread of Covid-19 will not be attacked and that provisions of the needs of the Filipino public will not be impeded.

"By this declaration, the C-in-C shows clearly that he is willing to go beyond the usual means—including that of making a temporary halt to hostilities with an arch-enemy of the state. We have been through ceasefire declarations in the past when the NPA disregarded the government’s good faith. While I direct the troops to observe guarded optimism, your AFP will not be deterred by similar treacherous attacks by Communist Terrorist Group," he added.

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

"By the President’s action, the message is clear: the safety, health, and well-being of our countrymen in the face of Covid-19 pandemic is primordial," Santos said.

He also called on every soldier, airmen, sailors, marines, and reservists to continue their keen focus on their mission to protect the people from and assist medical health practitioners in the fight against Covid-19.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097090

Army chief reminds troops of vital role in containing Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19, 2020): Army chief reminds troops of vital role in containing Covid-19 (By Priam Nepomuceno)



CALL OF DUTY Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay (right) visits troops deployed in checkpoints located at MacArthur Highway, Valenzuela City and portions of North Luzon Expressway on Wednesday (March 18, 2020). He also reminded troops to keep their body, mind, and soul in top shape in order to protect the people from the threat of Covid-19 for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay on Wednesday reminded troops manning various checkpoints in Metro Manila under the enhanced community quarantine of their valuable role in helping the government in containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

He made this announcement while visiting PA personnel deployed in the checkpoints located at MacArthur Highway, Valenzuela City and portions of North Luzon Expressway in Bocaue, Bulacan and Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City.

“As we continue doing our best to ward of an unseen enemy, we will not forget to support those who protect us from the front-lines. We are grateful for your service, and you have our prayers and support as we undergo the enhanced community quarantine,” Gapay said.

He also reminded troops to keep their body, mind, and soul in top shape in order to protect the people from the threat of Covid-19 for the duration of the enhanced community quarantine.

Gapay also distributed personal protective equipment to boost their efforts in inspecting the people passing through the checkpoints.

Since the implementation of the community quarantine in Luzon, the Army has distributed food packs to the health workers from the hospitals in Metro Manila and front-line troops in partnership with Landers.

Troops were also deployed to man the checkpoint in the borders of Metro Manila.

Due to the mass transport ban in line with the measure, the PA has also provided free rides for health professionals, food industry personnel, and workers from the basic services.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097091

PAF airlifts Covid-19 lab specimens, protective gears

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19, 2020): PAF airlifts Covid-19 lab specimens, protective gears (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AIRLIFTING LAB SPECIMENS, PPEs. Air Force personnel unload sealed laboratory specimens for coronavirus testing and personal protective equipment from an NC-212i transport aircraft at the Villamor Air Base on Wednesday (March 18, 2020). The aircraft also transported 11 boxes of personal protection equipment to the Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro City which will be brought to the Department of Health-Lanao. (Photo courtesy of Air Force Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday has airlifted sealed laboratory specimens for coronavirus (Covid-19) testing and boxes of personal protective equipment (PPEs) in support of ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the disease.

Maj. Aristides Galang, the PAF spokesperson, said an NC-212i transport aircraft flew to Tacloban, Cagayan De Oro, Mactan and Iloilo to pick 78 sealed laboratory specimens which will be brought to a testing center in Manila for initial diagnostic testing for Covid-19.

Meanwhile, 11 boxes of PPEs for the Department of Health (DOH)-Lanao were also transported from Villamor Air Base, Pasay City to Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro City.

Galang said these initiatives are part of the efforts of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases and Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, and in coordination with the DOH.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097095

DND to comply with ceasefire with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19, 2020): DND to comply with ceasefire with Reds (By Priam Nepomuceno)



CHECKPOINT. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (in black jacket) visits one of the checkpoints at the border of Metro Manila and Cavite on Wednesday (March 18, 2020). Lorenzana ordered troops to comply with President Rodrigo Duterte's unilateral ceasefire. (Photo courtesy of DND Public Affairs Office)

The Department of National Defense (DND) said on Thursday it will implement the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Rodrigo Duterte as the government exerts efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

This is despite the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army’s (CPP-NPA) record of using ceasefires to attack government and civilian targets, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a media statement.

"The DND will strictly implement the President’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Terrorist Group, effective 00:00H of March 19, 2020 to 24:00H of April 15, 2020," he said.

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

"The enemy, however, has a bloody track record of using the government’s declarations of a ceasefire to launch offensives, ambuscades, destruction of government and private property, extortion activities as well as to recover their dwindling numbers and create a false perception that they still have influence and relevance," Lorenzana said.

He added these attacks demonstrate the CPP-NPA's blatant disregard for the plight of their fellow Filipinos, especially in this time of public health crisis.

"I direct the AFP to temporarily suspend all offensive combat operations against the CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) but to continue normal law enforcement operations in coordination with the PNP (Philippine National Police) in order to maintain peace and order, and sustain activities in connection with the NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict) programs involving former rebels' rehabilitation," Lorenzana said.

He also reminded all security forces to be vigilant and defend themselves and the communities in their respective areas against those who will take advantage of the nationwide state of calamity.

On Wednesday, Lorenzana visited police and soldiers manning one of the checkpoints at the border of Metro Manila and Cavite. The checkpoints were put up in line with the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine to contain the spread of Covid-19.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097117

Army gets 15K face masks from Indian defense firm

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19, 2020): Army gets 15K face masks from Indian defense firm (By Priam Nepomuceno)



FACE MASKS FOR TROOPS. Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) Undersecretary Dave Almarinez (left) turns over boxes containing 15,000 face masks to PA assistant chief-of-staff for civil-military operations, Col. Patricio Ruben Amata (right), in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 18, 2020). The face masks were donated by Indian defense company MKU Limited. (Photo courtesy of Army Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Army (PA) on Wednesday received 15,000 face masks from the Indian defense company, MKU Limited, through the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC).

The items were turned over by PITC Undersecretary Dave Almarinez to PA assistant chief-of-staff for civil-military operations, Col. Patricio Ruben Amata, during short ceremonies in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

These face masks will be distributed to the uniformed personnel deployed to the checkpoints and to the medical staff of the Army General Hospital.

“We are grateful for your generosity to our front-liners,” Amata said.

He said the aid will greatly help the PA in its ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the country.

"Your support will come a long way in our pursuit to combat the threats of Covid-19 against our people,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097092

Ex-violent extremists now covered by E-CLIP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 19, 2020): Ex-violent extremists now covered by E-CLIP (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



E-CLIP BENEFICIARIES. Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong (right), the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, welcomes one of the former combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters back to the mainstream society after he and 21 others have completed the initial phase of the reintegration program inside Camp Lucero, the brigade's headquarters in Carmen, North Cotabato on Feb. 26, 2020. President Rodrigo Duterte has expanded the coverage of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) by including former violent extremists as its new beneficiaries. (Photo courtesy of 602nd IBde)

President Rodrigo Duterte has expanded the coverage of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to include former violent extremists as its beneficiaries.
Duterte on March 18 signed Administrative Order (AO) 25, which amends AO (10) he signed on April 3, 2018, that only entitles former communist rebels to benefits provided under the program.

“There is a need to expand the coverage of the E-CLIP to facilitate the reintegration to civilian life of other rebels who have similarly chosen to lay down their arms and become productive and law-abiding members of society,” he said in AO 25.

AO 25 mandates the national government to pursue “genuine” reintegration of former rebels and former violent extremists by providing a complete package of assistance specifically tailored to their needs and those of their respective communities.

The package of assistance applies to former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing New People's Army, and its political wing National Democratic Front.

Former members of the Abu Sayaff Group, Maute Group, and other violent extremist groups that will be identified as qualified beneficiaries can also avail of the government’s assistance.

Under the E-CLIP grant, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to guaranteed safety and security; cash assistance like PHP50,000 livelihood assistance, PHP21,000 for meals costs, and PHP15,000 for mobilization expenses; and firearms remuneration amounting to the value of turned-in firearms.

AO 25 also directs the national government to centralize all government efforts to reintegrate former communist rebels and former violent extremists by intensifying the convergence of various government programs such as E-CLIP and PAMANA program, with due regard to the individual needs of their families and the community.

PAMANA (PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn) is a national government convergence program that provides development assistance like infrastructure projects and livelihood packages to remote, conflict-affected communities across the country.

Duterte’s new AO also adds the Department of Social Welfare of Development and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Local Extremist Groups Concerns as new members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the reintegration of former rebels and violent extremists.

Existing members of the Task Force Balik Loob (TFBL), chaired by the Department of National Defense, include the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Office of the President (OP), National Housing Authority, and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process.

The AO allows the TFBL to invite other representatives of government agencies who have a rank not lower than an Assistant Secretary.

“The Task Force shall organize and designate the heads of two clusters that shall focus on (former rebels) and (former violent extremists), respectively,” it said.

The task force is mandated to design and implement a holistic assistance package or intervention programs; review and update the Strategic Communication Plan; and monitor, evaluate, and address implementation issues of the reintegration efforts at the national and local levels.

It is also directed to coordinate and call upon the assistance and cooperation of all concerned government agencies or instrumentalities, local government units (LGUs), and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, as well as private or non-government entities, organizations, and groups.

The AO also tasks the TFBL to prepare a bi-annual report that should be submitted to OP, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, on the implementation of the reintegration efforts.

The funding requirement necessary for the implementation of AO 25 will be charged against the existing appropriations for the E-CLIP under the General Appropriations Act, as well as the respective budgets of the concerned agencies, and other sources that may be identified by the Budget department.

“Failure to comply with this Order shall result in the filing of appropriate administrative cases pursuant to the Civil Service Commission Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service, the Local Government Code, as amended, and other relevant laws, rules, and regulations,” the order read.

AO 25 also directs the DILG to take appropriate action against local chief executives of erring LGUs identified by the TFBL.

It also orders the DOJ to investigate and prosecute public officials and employees involved in any irregularity and corruption in implementing the reintegration efforts.

The TFBL is mandated to issue the revised implementing rules and regulations of AO 10 within 30 days from the effectivity of AO 25.

“Except as expressly modified by this Order, all other provisions of AO No. 10 shall remain in full force and effect,” the new order read. “All orders, rules and regulations, issuances, or any part thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Order, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.”

AO 25, which was released by the Palace, takes effect immediately.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097198

Gov’t ceasefire declaration premature, insincere, false – Joma

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 19, 2020): Gov’t ceasefire declaration premature, insincere, false – Joma (By Noreen Jazul)

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Thursday said there is “no clear basis” for them to reciprocate President Duterte’s declaration of a ceasefire.



NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria “Joma” Sison (NDFP / MANILA BULLETIN)

In a statement, NDFP Chief Political Consultant Jose Maria “Joma” Sison called the President’s declaration as “premature.”

“There is communication going on between the GRP and NDFP negotiating panels. But there is yet no agreement for reciprocal unilateral ceasefires in connection with certain considerations, requirements, and modalities,” Sison said.


“There has to be catch-up on these matters, if still possible. The ceasefire declaration by the GRP or the Duterte regime is premature, if not insincere, and false,” he added.

Sison also questioned whether the reciprocal unilateral ceasefire was based on “national unity” against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

“The NDFP is not assured and satisfied that the reciprocal unilateral ceasefires are based on national unity against COVID-19, the appropriate solution of the pandemic as a medical problem and protection of the most vulnerable sectors of the population, including workers, health workers, those with any serious ailments and the political prisoners,” Sison said.

On March 18, President Duterte declared a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-the New People’s Army-the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) so that government forces could focus on giving assistance to health workers, and local communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ceasefire will begin on March 19 and end on April 15.

Read more: Duterte declares ceasefire with Reds amid COVID-19 pandemic

Sison said unless the government will give them “sufficient assurances,” the NDFP will deem the ceasefire declaration as insincere and “not intended to invite reciprocation by the NDFP but is meant to be a mere psywar trick. “

The NDFP chief consultant said the President’s “lack of sincerity” in seeking a ceasefire was manifested by the “militarist lockdown” of the whole Luzon, and the continuous ”red-tagging, abducting, and murdering” of social activists in urban areas by the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Sison, however, expressed hope that the negotiating panels of the government and the NDFP “come to clear terms on certain considerations, requirements, and modalities for the benefit of the people.”

“Promises of Duterte, such as doing a good turn from a good heart, can be believed only as they are realized promptly and according to a definite schedule,” Sison said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/03/19/govt-ceasefire-declaration-premature-insincere-false-joma/

NPA told to avoid moving around to prevent acquiring COVID-19

From MindaNews (Mar 19, 2020): NPA told to avoid moving around to prevent acquiring COVID-19 (By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 Mar) – Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte asked the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to avoid moving around in different communities to protect themselves from potentially acquiring the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and prevent transmitting the infection to other people.

In an interview during the Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR) 87.5 on Wednesday, the presidential daughter told the NPA to avoid going from one hinterland barangay to another, particularly along the borders of the city, and other provinces in and outside Davao Region.

“Kinahanglan ta manawagan sa NPA, dili molihok kung asa man sila kung naa man sila sa Bukidnon, Pantukan, dili sila mo latas-latas sa laing lugar para dili pud sila magkasakit, ug dili pud sila makatakod (We need to make an announcement to NPA. Don’t move around and stay wherever you are, whether you are in Bukidnon, Pantukan, avoid going to other places so that you will not get infected, and you don’t infect other people),” she said.

The mayor also urged the residents of the region to avoid unnecessary trips, and just stay inside their homes.

Mayor Duterte was chosen to lead the Davao Region COVID-19 Task Force, created on Tuesday by the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) and Regional Development Council (RDC), which enforces a 14-day suspension of land, sea, and air travels to help contain COVID-19.

The Davao Region will close its borders starting 12:01 a.m. on Thursday.

The task force, comprising various local chief executives and heads of other government agencies, has been formed to synergize the efforts of the region’s five provinces, six cities, and 43 municipalities to contain the COVID-19 infection, the statement read.

The suspension may be reduced to seven days depending upon the “review of Infectious Disease Specialist Consultant.”

It added that residents could still leave the region any time prior to the regional lockdown but warned that they could no longer be granted entry once the borders are closed, at least for the next 14 days.

In Executive Orders 12 and 13 issued following the announcement on the 14-day border closure, Mayor Duterte had ordered the suspension of domestic and international flights effective immediately in pursuance of Presidential Proclamation 922 placing the country “in a state of public health emergency in relation to national security.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/03/npa-told-to-avoid-moving-around-to-prevent-acquiring-covid-19/

NDFP says Duterte’s truce declaration “insincere”

From MindaNews (Mar 19, 2020): NDFP says Duterte’s truce declaration “insincere”

MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / 19 March) – The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) on Wednesday dismissed as insincere and a “mere psywar trick” the government’s declaration of a unilateral ceasefire in light of the public health emergency triggered by the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal (right) leads turnover rites at the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Monday (10 February 2020), with Col. Ferdinand Barandon (left) taking over the command from Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon. MindaNews photo by RICHEL V. UMEL

President Duterte announced the unilateral ceasefire in a briefing Tuesday on the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine covering the entire Luzon island.

He said the ceasefire would facilitate the delivery of services to areas hit by the disease.

Palace spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the truce will take effect from March 19 to April 15.

But in a statement Wednesday, NDFP chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison said “there is yet no clear basis for the NDFP to reciprocate the aforesaid declaration of the GRP.”

“There is communication going on between the GRP and NDFP negotiating panels. But there is yet no agreement for reciprocal unilateral ceasefires in connection with certain considerations, requirements and modalities. There has to be catch-up on these matters, if still possible. The ceasefire declaration by the GRP or the Duterte regime is premature, if not insincere and false,” Sison said.

“The NDFP is not assured and satisfied that the reciprocal unilateral ceasefires are based on national unity against Covid-19, the appropriate solution of the pandemic as a medical problem and protection of the most vulnerable sectors of the population, including workers, health workers, those with any serious ailments and the political prisoners,” he said.

He added that unless the NDFP receives “sufficient assurances from the GRP,” it would be inclined to think that “the unilateral ceasefire declaration is not sincere and is not intended to invite reciprocation by the NDFP but is meant to be a mere psywar trick.”

Sison said the “lack of sincerity” was shown in alleged sustained attacks against social activists and human rights defenders and against guerrilla fronts of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Pia Paraiso, NPA media liaison officer in Bukidnon said troops from the 403rd Infantry Brigade have continued to attack their guerrilla bases despite the spread of Covid-19.

On Thursday, helicopter gunships could be seen flying from the brigade’s headquarters in Malaybalay towards the eastern part of Bukidnon, site of several skirmishes between government forces and NPA rebels. (MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/03/ndfp-says-dutertes-truce-declaration-insincere/

US Navy Warship Challenges China's 'Sweeping Maritime Claims' In South China Sea

Posted to the International Business Times (Mar 17, 2020): US Navy Warship Challenges China's 'Sweeping Maritime Claims' In South China Sea (By James Patterson)
03/17/20 AT 8:14 AM

KEY POINTS

• Guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell sailed past the Paracel Islands on March 10
• China warned the U.S. warship to leave the area and tracked its movements
• This is the second 'freedom of navigation' operation by the U.S. Navy this year

The United States guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell has completed what it calls a “freedom of navigation” operation in the South China Sea, sailing past the Paracel Islands on March 10. Beijing, to no one’s surprise, is voicing its objections to the passage.

An online report by msn.com on March 11 documented comments made by Col. Li Huamin, who is the spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater command. He said, “Under the guise of ‘freedom of navigation,’ the U.S. has repeatedly flexed its muscles, been provocative and stirred up trouble in the South China Sea. This is a hegemonic act that violates international law, and … threatens the peace and stability of the South China Sea.”

The msn.com report mentioned that the PLA warned the USS McCampbell to leave while tracking its movements.

This aerial view of the city of Sansha on an island in the disputed Paracel chain, which China now considers part of Hainan province on July 27, 2012. Photo: STR/AFP/GettyImages

The Paracel Islands are one of several island groups that are the focus of disputes between China and almost every country that has business in the South China Sea.

Those disputes include:

• The Natuna Islands, where Indonesia is conflicted with China and Taiwan in nearby waters.
• The Scarborough Shoal, where the Philippines disagrees with China, and Taiwan
• The Spratly Islands, where Vietnam, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines all bicker with China over the islands and the right to explore the riches in and under the waters.
• The Spratly Islands again where sub-disputes rage between the non-Chinese nations.

In almost every case the squabbles are over sovereignty, with China claiming the entirety of the sea with its archaic (and UN overruled) Nine-Dash Line over the other countries' exclusive economic zones (EEZs). Also, China has built seven artificial islands that are likely intended to gain a military advantage in the area.

The other ASEAN countries cannot compete with China militarily so the only balance of power to ensure that the international waterway remains free for peaceful commerce is provided by the U.S.

China and other critics of U.S. movements claim that the U.S. has its ambitions in the area. The U.S. has no clams of sovereignly in the South China Sea.

An email on Friday (March 13) from Seventh Fleet spokeswoman Commander Reann Mommsen to Stars and Stripes, an independent news and information source to the U.S. military, said, “Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose an unprecedented threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight and the right of innocent passage of all ships.” The territorial limit is 12 nautical miles from any coastline for any “innocent passage,” according to international sea law.

https://www.ibtimes.com/us-navy-warship-challenges-chinas-sweeping-maritime-claims-south-china-sea-2941448