4 crew killed in PAF chopper crash in Basilan

From MindaNews (Sep 16, 2020): 4 crew killed in PAF chopper crash in Basilan (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 16 Sep) – A Philippine Air Force helicopter on its way to airlift wounded troops crashed into a hilly portion of Basilan, killing all four crew members aboard, police said.

A Sikorsky helicopter of the Philippine Air Force. Photo from the PAF website

Lt. Col. Rodrigo Maramo, Basilan police director, said in a report that the Philippine Air Force Sikorsky took off from Zamboanga City and crashed midway in the vicinity of the rubber plantation of Mayor Nasser Abubakar in Upper Manggas, Lantawan town about 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Maramo said a police rescue team reached the site and found all four crew members killed.

He said the helicopter was on its way to Sulu province to airlift wounded soldiers.

Maramo said that upon reaching the hills of Upper Manggas, the helicopter “fell down and exploded due to bad weather.”

Tropical storm “Leon,” which has intensified Wednesday, brought heavy rains and bad weather across Mindanao and the rest of the country.

The ill-fated aircraft had a tail number 202, and belonged to PAF’s 505th Search and Rescue Group. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/09/4-crew-killed-in-paf-chopper-crash-in-basilan/

Caraga RTF-ELCAC eyes establishment of public schools in insurgency-affected areas in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 16, 2020): Caraga RTF-ELCAC eyes establishment of public schools in insurgency-affected areas in SurSur (By NEDA Caraga)

BUTUAN CITY, Sept. 16 (PIA) – The Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) eyes the establishment of public schools in insurgency-affected areas in the province of Surigao del Sur to replace the now-closed Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV).

The TRIFPSS and ALCADEV are private institutions operating as private schools in the eleven (11) barangays across the towns of Marihatag, Lianga, Tago, San Agustin, and San Miguel. Said schools were closed due to the lack of permit from the Department of Education (DepEd).

Two of the 11 schools located at Sitio Simowao, Brgy. Diatagon in Lianga and Sitio Lucnodon, Brgy. Mahaba in Marihatag have already submitted documentary requirements for the establishment of DepEd-accredited schools, DepEd Caraga regional director Francis Cesar Bringas said during the recent RTF-ELCAC technical working group (TWG) virtual meeting.

Construction for a classroom building in the said areas began in March of this year through the joint efforts of the Philippine Army’s (PA) Engineering Brigade and the municipal governments of Lianga and Marihatag, under the supervision of the education department and the provincial government of Surigao del Sur. Financial support was provided by the Social Development Committee of the Caraga Regional Development Council (RDC) and the provincial government.

To help expedite the establishment of the much-needed schools in the nine remaining areas, the RTF-ELCAC TWG issued Resolution No. 1, Series of 2020, “Requesting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Caraga to Donate to the Province of Surigao del Sur the Confiscated Logs and Lumber to be Used in the Construction of Indigenous Peoples (IP) Schools and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority to Facilitate the Fabrication of Tables and Chairs for the Nine (9) IP Schools in Surigao del Sur”.

In addition, the same TWG issued Resolution No. 2, Series of 2020, “Enjoining the Municipal Mayors of Lianga, Tago, Marihatag and San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur to Identify Possible Sites for the Establishment of Indigenous Peoples (IP) Schools in the Nine (9) Conflict-Affected Barangays”. (Rhea C. Mendez, NEDA Caraga/DMNR/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1053290

Former NPAs yield firearms after localized peace talk

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 16, 2020): Former NPAs yield firearms after localized peace talk (By PA 2ID DPAO)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — Five NPA terrorists voluntarily surrendered to the government forces after a localized peace negotiation in Kalayaan, Laguna on Sunday.

The negotiation took place in Kalayaan town's Brgy San Antonio wherein the former rebels turned over three firearms to the combined government security forces.

Police Brigadier General Vicente Danao Jr, Director of Police Regional Office 4A, identified the surrenders as Darwin, alias Mike, alias Bert, alias Jane, and alias Edison.

"Such accomplishment is a result of the series of localized negotiations which soldiers and police have undertaken in coordination with the LGUs and other agencies in CALABARZON region thereby contributing towards the attainment of our goal of ushering lasting peace," ended P/BGen Danao.

Brigadier General Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Northern Quezon, said in his report that the former rebels belongs to the NPA’s Sub Regional Military Area or SRMA 4A and 4C which operates in the boundaries of Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, and Quezon.

BGen Rillera assured that “all NPA terrorists who chose to abandon armed struggle will be treated by our soldiers humanely and with dignity which is contrary to what the underground movement has been indoctrinating to their members, however, those who will insist to stay on the path of terrorism must be ready to suffer tragic ends which peace spoilers are destined to meet."

The former rebels will undergo debriefing and profiling as part of the enrollment process to the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP wherein a former rebel could receive up to Php 700,000 worth of grants and reintegration packages after turning their backs from the armed struggle and rejoin the mainstream society.

BGen Rillera ended his statement by expressing his confidence that "the NPA’s manpower and firearms as well as mass base support in this part of the country is now fast-eroding and losing traction due to demoralization from our relentless intelligence-driven combat operations complemented by unrelenting push for localized peace talks thereby slowly but surely dismantling the remaining communist machinery in the region."

The names of the surrenders are being withheld as part of the security protocol being implemented to prevent possible retaliatory actions that may be launched by their former comrades against them for turning their backs to the underground movement.

Major General Greg T Almerol, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division lauded the former rebels "for responding and joining the government in its quest towards peace, prosperity, and development in this part of the country."

He also congratulated Southern Tagalog Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict or RTF-ELCAC at all levels for the “unconditional support and unwavering trust to the government forces on the ground in attaining our common aspirations to bring the much coveted peace and progress to the people whom we have sworn to protect from the harms of terrorism."

"I am optimistic that 2ID, together with the different agencies and LGUs in the region will be able to deal the enemies-of-the-state the decisive blows, while assuring our constituents of our firm resolve to win the peace will never waver despite continuously addressing an urgent task in containing the spread of corona virus,” said MGen Almerol.

MGen Almerol ended his statement by lauding the former rebels “for choosing their families over the terrorists, for choosing peace over conflict and for choosing to be part of the solution that our country is facing” while reaffirming his soldier's commitment in fulfilling its mandate "as advocates of peace, servants of the people and defenders of Southern Tagalog."

Since the implementation of E-CLIP, the 2nd Infantry Division has already facilitated the surrender of 666 former rebels across Southern Tagalog. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1053180

Tagalog News: Army, nagbibigay proteksyon sa Angat-Umiray Transbasin Tunnel

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 16, 2020): Tagalog News: Army, nagbibigay proteksyon sa Angat-Umiray Transbasin Tunnel (By Vinson F. Concepcion)


LUNGSOD NG MALOLOS, Setyembre 16 (PIA) -- Nilinaw ng 48th Infantry Battalion o 48th IB na ang kanilang pananatili o presensya sa bahagi ng Angat Dam ay upang protektahan lamang ang 13-kilometro Angat-Umiray Transbasin Tunnel.

Ayon kay 48th IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Felix Emeterio Valdez, nirerespeto nila ang mga katutubong Dumagat at walang katotohanan na ginagambala nila ang farming, fishing at hunting activities ng mga ito.

Si 48th Infantry Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Felix Emeterio Valdez. (48th IB)

Naroroon lamang ang kanilang tropa upang pangalagaan ang mga vital government infrastructure laban sa pananabotahe at extorsion activities ng New Peoples’ Army.

Pinatotohanan din ito ni Norma Roque, isang Dumagat na kinatawan sa Pamahalaan Panlalawigan at sinabing walang Dumagat ang nagmamaka-awa at hindi sila nagugutom dahil sa mga sundalo. (CLJD/VFC-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1053329

Life story of ex-rebel best ‘Pantawid Pamilya’ story in Region 6

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16, 2020): Life story of ex-rebel best ‘Pantawid Pamilya’ story in Region 6 (By Perla Lena)



"KALAT". The ordeal of the Padohinog family has won recognition as best “Pantawid Pamilya” story in Western Visayas. The story of the couple, which they called “Kalat”, shared how the government’s Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) has helped them despite being former members of the communist terrorist group. (PNA photo courtesy of DSWD 6)

A story of how government intervention has kept intact the family of two former rebels was hailed as the best “Pantawid Pamilya” story in Western Visayas, in time for the celebration of the Family Month this September.

Jerry Padohinog was only 21 years old and his wife Virgie was 18 when they joined the New People’s Army (NPA), serving the movement for more than two decades.

Jerry was known as “Ka Stanley” and served as the acting team leader of red fighters platoon covering Panay –Negros area since 1983. Virgie, alias “Ka May”, served as the legal service staff of the communist terrorist group.

Jerry was from San Joaquin, Iloilo, while Virgie was from San Remigio, Antique.

They met in a secluded place of Baranagy Apong in Sibalom, Antique one evening in 1993, fell in love, and after several years, decided to start a family.

“We transferred to (the) mountainous part of Anini-y, Antique and hid our identities by using different aliases. Hiding like a criminal is never easy. Almost every day, I am afraid for our lives. We struggled a lot while staying there. We have no regular means of income and simply relied on available root crops in the area. When my wife gave birth to our first child, I could not even bring her to a health clinic since I am afraid that either our red troop or the military find us,” he said in a narrative he dubbed as “Kalat” (Kaagapay Ang Langit Anumang Tagpo ng buhay).

He said “Kalat” symbolizes the connection that they have for each other to remain strong amid the trials that they faced.

His story was among the five entries that vied for this year’s “Salaysay ng Buhay ng Pamilyang Pantawid” of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Western Visayas.

The program was patterned after the Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya search of the department.

The search for the best story, among others, aims to “create a pool of advocates who will promote the positive impacts of the program in uplifting the lives of its beneficiaries”.

In his story, Jerry said that a twin was added to their family. However, they suffered another blow when one of their twin daughters died without accessing the needed health intervention.

It resulted in his wife's nervous breakdown. Their situation, where they often resort to eating root crops or food given by their relatives and the discrimination they experienced in their community, led her to suffer from depression and eventually became bed-ridden.

During those times, he was hiding in the mountains while her wife and their children lived with their parents.

It was in late 2008 when they decided to leave the armed movement and surrendered to the 12th Infantry battalion stationed in Sibalom, Antique after they were persuaded by Mayor Victor Tabaquirao of the municipality of Tubungan, Iloilo.

The whole family transferred to Tubungan. They were provided with free shelter and he was even hired as a job order employee of the municipal government.

Listening to the beautiful story of his children based on experience from their new environment, it dawned on him that he has to do something to provide them a bright future.

“I wanted them to have a good future where they can freely go to places they wanted to go. I wanted them to buy the foods they wanted to eat. I wanted them to experience it, the things I have never experienced. And I never wanted them to follow my wrong lead,” he said.

In late 2009, they were among those visited by the DSWD staff during the numeration of the poorest of the poor families and were eventually enrolled into the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in 2011.

He shared that the program has helped them a lot in sending their children to school, avail of health services, while its family development sessions (FDS) gave them a positive outlook in life.

“The topic has enriched our parental capacity and even improved our outlook in life. I have confirmed that I made the best choice of my life, when I decided to leave the red troop,” he said.

Currently, two of their children are already working while three are still in college and the youngest is in Grade 11. They also transferred to Sitio Baldan, Barangay Teniente Benito in Tubungan.

Since then, he has been active in various activities in their community. They are engaged in a bio-intensive gardening (BIG) program and volunteered for the Kalahi-CIDSS community drainage project.

He also helped in maintaining public places clean in the town during this health pandemic.

“All the success we currently have wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of the government. I am grateful for (the) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) which served as a gateway to more government programs and services,” he added.

Meanwhile, DSWD Western Visayas regional director Evelyn Macapobre hoped that their family's story will also inspire other people.

Jerry's story won PHP5,000 that will be awarded to the family anytime this month.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115522

Ex-NPA members, supporters deserve better lives

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16, 2020): Ex-NPA members, supporters deserve better lives (By Alexander Lopez)



BETTER LIVES. A total of 321 members and mass supporters of the communist New People’s Army gather in the town of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, Tuesday (Sept. 15, 2020) to pledge allegiance to the government. The surrenderers were formerly affiliated with at least three NPA guerrilla fronts operating in Agusan del Sur, the military says. (Photo courtesy of 26IB)

Members and mass supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) who decide to abandon the communist rebel movement deserve the "utmost support" of the government for them to return normalcy back into their lives, a military official said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Reynald Romel A. Goce, commander of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB), issued the statement a day after the surrender of 321 NPA members and mass supporters in the town of Esperanza, Agusan del Sur.

Goce, together with Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane and Esperanza Mayor Leonida M. Manpatilan, welcomed the surrenderers in a ceremony held at the school gymnasium in Esperanza town.

During Tuesday's activity, the former NPA regulars and supporters pledged their allegiance to the government and burned the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and NPA flags to symbolize their abandonment of the communist rebel movement in the area.

"We sympathize with the NPA supporters who have already realized the deception of this terrorist group, that is why our doors remain open in accepting them back to the fold of the law,” Goce said.

With their decision to leave the communist movement, Goce said the government is ready to provide them with basic services that would enable them to uplift their economic conditions.

He also recognized the support of the local government of Esperanza to the ongoing efforts of the Army in providing security to far-flung villages against the threats of the NPA.

"We are very grateful that due to our continuous effort in reaching out to our fellow citizens who support the NPA, they are now able to realize the futility of their armed struggle and geared with the support of our local government,” Goce said.

He also encouraged the remaining members and supporters of the NPA in the area to surrender and return to their families.

In the same statement Wednesday, 1Lt. Percival J. Garido, 26IB civil-military operations officer, said the surrenderers consisted of 80 rebel militiamen, 12 community supporters, 151 mass organization members, 23 local contacts, and 26 couriers.

“They belong to Guerrilla Front (GF) 88, GF 89 and GF4B of the Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command of the NPA, and all are residents of Esperanza,” Garido said.

Meanwhile, Cane lauded the collaboration among various line agencies under the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in Agusan del Sur for the surrender of the 321 former rebels and supporters.

"The Philippines has only one flag, the burning of the communist flag signifies your submission to the government. We only have one government, we only have one flag, we only have one Philippines, and we have that democracy. With that, I commend the partnership of LGU-Esperanza and the 26IB for their persistence in our quest for peace and development in our province,” Cane said.

Manpatilan, on the other hand, said the surrender will reduce the threats of the NPA to the communities in Esperanza town.

"The presence of these terrorists is a threat to our security as they instill fear to people in the communities and kill civilians who contradict their propaganda. But today, I am happy to commend all of you for coming back to the fold of law without fear and hesitation,” Manpatilan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115574

4 die in Basilan helicopter crash

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16, 2020): 4 die in Basilan helicopter crash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



Google map of Basilan Island province.

Four people were killed when a rescue helicopter of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) crashed in Basilan province amid the inclement weather experienced in many parts of the country on Wednesday, an official said.

Maj. Al-Nasser Abdurakman, PAF’s Tactical Operations Wing-Western Mindanao (TOW-Westmin) information officer, said the incident occurred around 1 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Upper Manggas, Lantawan, Basilan.

Abdurakman was unable to release the identities of the fatalities, except to say two of them are male pilots and two male crewmen contrary to information circulating on social media that one of the two pilots was a female.

Abdurakman said the S-76A rescue helicopter, which departed from the Edwin Andrew Air Base (EAAB) at 12:33 p.m. was heading for Jolo, Sulu, to pick up a patient when it crashed in Upper Manggas, Lantawan.
He said the patient was intended to be taken to the Camp Navarro General Hospital for medication.

The cause of the crash has yet to be determined and that an investigation is underway, he added.

“Troops of the 4th Special Forces Battalion are at the crash site" located at a rubber plantation in Manggas, Lantawan, he said.

The S-76A is an American medium-size commercial utility helicopter, manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. (With reports from Ely E. Dumaboc and Salvador A. Santiago/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115658

DavNor IPs file raps vs. Haran administrators, NPA leaders

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16, 2020): DavNor IPs file raps vs. Haran administrators, NPA leaders (By Che Palicte)



CHARGES VS. HARAN. Four members of the Indigenous Peoples from Davao del Norte file several charges before the Davao City Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday (September 15, 2020) against the leaders of the New People’s Army and the administrators and board of directors of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran for exploitation. The tribe members accused the respondents of exploitation, forced labor, and for using them to benefit the communist rebel movement. (Photo courtesy of Edith Isidro) 

Four members of an indigenous peoples (IP) group from Davao del Norte pressed various charges before the City Prosecutor's Office here Tuesday against the leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the administrators and board of directors of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines' (UCCP) Haran Center.

Lawyer Marlon Bosantog, Legal Affairs director of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), said at least 48 personalities connected with the UCCP Haran Center were charged with child abuse, forced labor, trafficking in person, and violation of humanitarian law.

In a press briefing following Tuesday's filing of cases, Bosantog said the four IP complainants are members of the Ata-Manobo tribe who were minors "during the time of the commission of the crimes" allegedly against Haran officials.

The complainants, he said, accused Haran officials of "harboring communist terrorist group (CTG)" and for forcing them against their will "for the purpose of engaging them in armed activities, forced labor, involuntary servitude, using them in armed conflict, and for other exploitative purposes."
Since 2015, the Haran Center located within the UCCP compound along Fr. Selga St. here has been serving as a temporary shelter for displaced IPs from various Davao Region provinces and other parts of Mindanao.

Authorities, however, have accused the center of harboring communist New People's Army combatants and of allegedly serving as a training and recruitment ground for the communist rebel movement.

In January this year, Regional Peace and Order Council-Davao Region (RPOC-Davao) passed a resolution calling for the immediate closure of Haran, alleging that the facility has exploited displaced IPs for "terroristic activities."

Bosantog repeated the allegation during Tuesday's press briefing with the complainants.

“Haran is the training ground of the CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front). The IPs were thought how to make bombs, indoctrinated, they were forced to travel and join rallies and deprived of food when they refuse to join,” Bosantog said.

Based on the complaint against Haran, Bosantog said the displaced IPs were "subjected to anti-military and anti-government indoctrination and firearms training."
During the complainants' stay at Haran, he said, they were exposed to squalid living conditions and inadequate food and shelter and were "conditioned to fear for their lives if they leave the facility."

“Respondents treated them like chattels or livestock which they can herd to different places and perform activities at their own bidding. The respondents took advantage of complainants’ vulnerability not only as minors but also as IPs,” he said.

Bosantog said he hopes the charges will lead to "the incarceration of the respondents and the closure of the UCCP Haran. This case will find convictions and we will give justice to the IPs."

He also assured that assistance would be provided to the IPs who are currently staying in Haran should the facility be ordered closed.

One of the complainants, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, said he was recruited by the NPA when he was a minor.

The complainant accused Haran's administrators of failing to fulfill their promise to give him education.

“Help us fight for its (Haran) closureso that no more IPs will experience what we have gone through,” the complainant said in the vernacular.

Following the filing of the charges, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary and National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) spokesperson Lorraine Badoy thanked the individuals who helped in the filing of cases against Haran's officials.

“These people that we are putting behind bars are monsters,” Badoy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115566

NPA combatant, minor yield in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16, 2020): NPA combatant, minor yield in NoCot (By John Andrew Tabugoc)



SURRENDER. Two communist New People’s Army combatants that included a 15-year-old fighter (left), yield to the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Makilala, North Cotabato on Tuesday (Sept. 15, 2020). Patrolling government troopers also stumbled on a rebel ammunition cache at the border of Makilala town and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur on the same day. (Photo courtesy of 39IB)

MAKILALA, North Cotabato – Two communist guerillas, including a minor, yielded to the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) here on Tuesday.

1Lt. Walter Jhun Orille, the Army’s 39IB civil-military operations officer, said that "Ka Gaspar", 51, and a 15-year-old male fighter were forced to surrender due to intense military operations along the border of North Cotabato and Davao del Sur.
Orille said the two were under the NPA's Guerilla Front 51 and brought with them two M16 rifles when they surrendered.

“We are still conducting military patrols in areas where they frequent to stop NPA extortion activities in the communities,” Orille said.

While on patrol, he said government troops also stumbled upon an ammunition cache of the NPAs in one of the communities that included 2,583 bullet rounds for an M16 rifle; 125 rounds for an AK-47 rifle, and three improvised bombs.

Orille was unable to identify the village where the NPA ammunition cache was discovered pending follow-up operations.

Ka Gaspar was quoted by the 39IB as saying: “We are exhausted by the military’s pursuit operations forcing us to always be on the run amid hunger and fear of encountering government forces.”

Lt. Colonel Geoffrey Carandang, 39IB commander, said the surrender of a child warrior clearly showed the NPA’s violation of RA 11188 or “An Act Providing for the Special Protection of Children in Situations of Armed Conflict” that prohibits the recruitment of children into armed groups.

The two surrenderers currently remain under the custody of the 39IB, with the minor scheduled for a meeting with personnel of the municipal social welfare office for the necessary intervention.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115623

US gov't donates medical supplies to Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16, 2020): US gov't donates medical supplies to Lanao del Sur (By Divina Suson)



AID FROM UNITED STATES. Soldiers belonging to the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade and partners from the United States Embassy unload boxes of medical supplies at the military camp in Marawi City. The supplies will be donated to the province of Lanao del Sur to assist in the province's response against the coronavirus disease pandemic. (Photo courtesy of 103rdBde)

The provincial government of Lanao del Sur on Tuesday received boxes of medical equipment donated by the United States government to help front-liners in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Dr. Alinader Minalang, head of Lanao del Sur Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), said the equipment include thermometers, pulse oximeters, surgical gown, surgical mask, N95 mask, goggles, gloves, and face shields.

Minalang said the equipment will be distributed to the quarantine facilities in the municipalities, including the city and provincial quarantine facilities located in Marawi City.

“These supplies are of great help not just in uplifting the well-being of the Meranao-Filipino citizens of the province but also this act of kindness is a clear gesture of boosting the morale of our medical front-liners who serve selflessly as warriors in this Covid-19 pandemic,” Minalang said during the turnover inside the camp of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade.

Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo, 103rd IBde commander, said the Army’s “partners from the US Embassy” personally delivered the items via helicopters that landed inside the military camp.

As of Tuesday, Lanao del Sur has a total of 441 Covid-19 cases since the pandemic began in March. Presently, there are 65 active cases and 21 fatalities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115598

VP Robredo lauds AFP contribution to anti-Covid-19 drive

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16, 2020): VP Robredo lauds AFP contribution to anti-Covid-19 drive (By Priam Nepomuceno)



VP MEETS WITH AFP CHIEF. Vice President Leni Robredo (left) receives a token of appreciation from AFP chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay during her visit to Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday (Sept. 15, 2020). Robredo lauded the military for its efforts in helping the government's response to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic and for its assistance to many projects of her office. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for its efforts in helping the government's response to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Robredo made this remark during her meeting with AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay and other ranking military officials at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday.

The Vice President was received by the AFP chief in the customary arrival honors held at the GHQ Canopy Area.

"She commended the AFP in its efforts to fight the pandemic and noted how the organization has cared for its personnel which allowed it to continue in supporting government efforts," AFP public affairs office chief Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata said in a statement.

At present, 35 percent of the AFP's manpower is deployed to aid the government’s Covid-19 containment efforts.

Robredo thanked the military for its support to many projects of her office.

This includes the Oasis Project wherein military engineers assist in the construction of temporary shelters to provide sleeping accommodations to medical front-liners against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Zata said the AFP is also supportive of the Office of the Vice President’s livelihood programs for less fortunate youths in far-flung areas and barangays.

The Vice President emphasized the importance of good governance and education for them to have a better future, and contribute to de-radicalize youths, especially in Mindanao.

Robredo also noted the AFP’s efforts to protect and preserve the country’s maritime interests in the West Philippine Sea.

She also highlighted the contributions and sacrifices of the soldiers’ families in keeping the home front while their loved ones are called to serve in faraway assignments.

Robredo also lauded soldiers who underwent rigid training to become public servants and assured her office’s continued support to the whole AFP organization.

She also cited the contribution of female soldiers especially the lady generals who currently hold key positions in the organization.

“The AFP is honored to have Vice President Leni Robredo who took time out of her busy schedule to visit the military’s general headquarters and convey her message of support to our entire endeavor. As the mandated protectors of the people and state, the AFP will continue to support the Office of the Vice President as well as all humanitarian assistance programs anchored on maintaining peace and development in the country,” Gapay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115560

Lorenzana prefers more SoKor-donated ships for Navy

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16, 2020): Lorenzana prefers more SoKor-donated ships for Navy (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said he prefers to acquire naval vessels recently retired by South Korea as these are operational and could quickly be put into service with the Philippine Navy (PN).

He made this comment when asked whether South Korea is still offering the Philippines its decommissioned "Pohang" class corvettes which will help in boosting the numbers of the PN.

"South Korea has already given the Navy a 'Pohang'-class frigate (corvette) last year and has made known that they have another two 'Pohang' class available. The PN desires to get them to have three 'Pohang' (corvettes in its inventory)," Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

He added that the Philippines is keen to avail of this offer especially if it comes at no cost to the country.

"If (it is) no cost to us, why not," Lorenzana said, adding that South Korea is a "better giver as they give a perfectly operational ship."
The "Pohang"-class corvette donated by South Korea to the Philippines, the former Republic of Korea Navy "Chungju" is now known in the PN as BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39).

It was turned over and commissioned in PN service on Aug. 5, 2019, during a short ceremony at the Jinhae Naval Base in Changwon City.

The ship arrived in the Philippines on August 18 of the same year. "Pohang"-class corvettes, especially those designated as Flight II, are optimized for anti-submarine warfare missions.

It is armed with two 76mm Oto Melara automatic guns, two Oto Breda 40mm light cannons, depth-charge racks, and two triple torpedo tubes and surveillance systems like radar and sonar.

The ship measures 88.3 meters long, with a beam of 10 meters and a draft of 2.9 meters with displacement at 1,216 tons full load. It is rated for a crew of 118 personnel and can sustain an operational presence for 20 days.

BRP Conrado Yap's combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion configuration of motor transport unit (MTU) diesel engines and LM2500 gas turbine with controllable pitch propellers (CPP) enable the ship to move to a maximum speed up to 32 knots to a distance of 4,000 nautical miles.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115564

Danao eyed as next NCRPO chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16, 2020): Danao eyed as next NCRPO chief (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



Police Regional Office (PRO) 4-A (Calabarzon) chief, Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao. (File photo)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan on Wednesday said he is considering Brig. Gen. Vicente Danao, Jr. to be the next top cop of Metro Manila.

"Well, whether NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) or CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) is good but I would rather choose him for NCRPO because he is much better in the NCRPO. He is doing good. He did his best and he has done good in PRO 4A. Not even that, he even has a reputation in the service and he is a very competent person too," Cascolan said in a TV interview.

Danao is currently the chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 4-A (Calabarzon) and served as former director of the Manila Police District.

Cascolan, meanwhile, said current NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas could possibly be promoted to a higher position.

"I know General Sinas is very good, he has done his job well in NCRPO and he has already contributed a lot. The guy deserves also an evaluation and of course, a promotion too. He has done good things and that's all really I can say. I think he needs to be up to the directorial staff or in a certain position that is fit most especially for it. I believe he is an expert most especially with regard to training of personnel and training of recruits,” he added.

Sinas previously drew flak from netizens after photos of his birthday bash at the NCRPO headquarters in Taguig City went viral on social media as mass gatherings and celebrations are prohibited under community quarantine rules.

“We will evaluate him (Sinas) properly, I will evaluate him properly. I do not choose anybody, I don't have people under me that I choose and at the same time they are all my people," he said.

Cascolan said he is also planning to recommend to Interior Secretary Eduardo Año the promotion of at least five senior police officials to the rank of three-star generals whom he is yet to name.

Meanwhile, Cascolan also denied targeting the “men” of former PNP chiefs during the massive reshuffle in the agency after he took office.

“Actually, I had a lot of people under Generals (Oscar) Albayalde and (Archie) Gamboa and I will tell they are in the right position right now. I even promoted them to chief of staff. Ask the people around you. I think it would be fair to me for everybody to seek out whom I placed,” he said.

However, Cascolan admitted that there were police officers who got demoralized after being transferred to other posts but he noted that such movement in the organization is normal and there is nothing personal about it.

“I think there is only one person who was demoralized because he was not able to understand the reorganization of the PNP. You know when you were assigned in a certain position you just have to accept it and (don’t)ask why. It's not even a demotion or what, it's even a two-star position for them and it would be a three-star position for them. That's the DIPO (Directorate for Integrated Police Operations) because we need people who are snappy, good and have the moral ascendancy and service reputation to lead the DIPO,” he said.

Around 12 police officers were included in the reshuffle including Central Visayas police director Brig. Gen. Albert Ferro whose assignment as acting director of Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) for Southern Luzon was canceled on the day it was supposed to take effect.

Cascolan admitted that Ferro asked him to be retained in his position. He also admitted that Ferro was his “man.”

He added that he canceled some “midnight appointments” made by Gamboa but refused to elaborate.

He also admitted that he re-assigned former PNP Health Service director Brig. Gen. Herminio Tadeo Jr. as deputy director of the Directorate for Information and Communications Technology Management.

Before his retirement, Gamboa designated Tadeo to head the PNP Finance Service.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115605

AFP allowed to check Dito facilities in military bases

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 16, 2020): AFP allowed to check Dito facilities in military bases (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday said it can conduct surprise physical and cyber-security inspections on any Dito Telecommunity facility co-located in any military camp.

"May kapangyarihan ang host (AFP) na magsagawa ng unannounced physical and cyber-security inspection sa facilities na ito sa sariling kagustuhan. Hindi na kailangan ng permiso (The AFP has the power to conduct unannounced physical and cyber-security inspections on its own. There is no need to seek permission from Dito)," AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a virtual press briefing.

If needed, the AFP as host can get the services of a third-party firm or team that can conduct a cyber-security audit on the existing communications facilities.

The third party, if called upon, will complement the existing cyber-security capability of the AFP and those of the government.

"The host has full access to all servers, all services installed in areas where we have this what we call operational center monitoring. Allowed tayo na magkaroon ng full access at visibility dun sa mga cyber-security operations center na naka-establish (We are allowed to get full access and visibility to established cyber-security operations centers)," he added.

Arevalo added that said Dito Telecommunity has guaranteed that it will not spy or allow any of the parties affiliated with the firm to use any information it might acquire.

"Lalong-lalo na 'yung matters of classified (information) at anumang paglabag dito pwedeng maging kasong legal at pwedeng maging dahilan na ma-terminate itong MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) na ito (They cannot do that especially on matter of classified information and any violation of this can lead to charges and may be a ground for termination of our MOA)," he said.

Arevalo said AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay has ordered the updating of guidelines on co-location MOA with telecommunication firms which was crafted in 2006.

He said updating has brought about changes in the technology and communications environment.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier said all Dito Telecommunity equipment and facilities will be placed in locations where local carriers, Smart and Globe, are also located, based on a similar MOA signed by these telecommunication firms.

Dito was conferred with the status of New Major Player in the telecommunications industry by the National Telecommunications Commission on Nov. 19, 2018.

The AFP and Dito Telecommunity signed the co-location MOA in September 2019.

Based on the agreement, the AFP will determine specific locations with its rental value for use of Dito Telecommunity in the installation and management of its communications sites without undermining the operations of affected AFP units.

The telecommunication firm is also required to “furnish all equipment, labor, and materials necessary to effect the co-location of its facilities and shoulders all expenses in connection with or incidental to the co-location” and payment of all taxes, permits, licenses, and other charges.

Arevalo added that in all cases, the co-location of the cell sites of telecommunication companies inside AFP camps entails payment of rent, which varies depending on the camp’s location.

"In the case of Dito, the rental payment goes to the government as Trust Receipt. This means that the rental fee will be reflected as AFP fund the deposit or withdrawal of which is covered by government accounting rules. So whatever we need, be it equipment or training, or other AFP requirements can be drawn from there. Provided that such is contained in a programmed expenditure as approved by the AFP Chief," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115616

Stop exploitation

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 15, 2020): Stop exploitation (BY RHODA GRACE SARON) ON

Ata-Manobos file multiple cases vs. NPA, Haran

A GROUP of Ata-Manabos filed a complaint before the Davao City Prosecution Office against the leadership of UCCP-Haran and the New People’s Army for alleged exploitation and recruitment of their tribal members.

The group filed criminal cases for violations of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by Republic Act No. 10364 Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208), and RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse), Exploitation and Discrimination Act, and RA 9851 (Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against Humanity).

Lawyer Marlon Bosantog, legal cooperation cluster spokesperson under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), said that at the center of the cases would be the children who are the most vulnerable to the propaganda and promises of the NPA.

“We also filed cases of child abuse because when these children were recruited, they were minors and were incapable of giving consent,” Bosantog said. As for the violation of the International Humanitarian Laws, he said it was very clear that the children were later forced to become combatants for the NPA.

The complaint was based on the case build-up conducted by the Police Regional Office XI, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group XI, Eastern Mindanao Command, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP). The Ata-Manobos came from Davao del Norte and Davao Occidental.

“When they are made to stay in Haran a religious institution they were taught to make bombs, to ambush our soldiers, they were made to dismantle firearms and they were indoctrinated all against their will,” he said.

In several interviews, UCCP Bishop Hamuel Tequis had always denied accusations that they are holding the Lumads staying in the area as hostages. He said that they are always free to leave. But at the same time, they can’t turn their backs on the IPs seeking shelter as they escaped the militarization in their communities.

The Pasaka Lumad Confederation, one of the organizers of Haran, also said in a Facebook post in May 2020, that the Lumad families can always go home but they opted to stay out of fear.

“Even if we want to go home, we are alarmed at how the Alamara, the military, and the state are forcing us to do so,” the group said in a statement. “Even if we want to return to our communities, would there be peace if the Alamara and the military will continue to harass us? This is the very reason why we evacuated from our communities.”

Trafficking

But Bosantog said they have evidence that the IPs were transported to different parts of the country where they were forced to join rallies in exchange for food. He added they were brought to Manila through Bayan Muna cars.

“One of the cases is forced labor. They made slaves out of our IPs. Second is trafficking in person, they trafficked our IP communities from their ancestral lands to areas like Surigao, Bicol, Manila, Davao City, and they made them perform acts against their will,” he said.

The NTF-ELCAC had crossed swords with leftist party-list groups like Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, ACT-Teachers, which the government has accused of serving the interests of the Communist Party of the Philippines. The leftist lawmakers succeeded in scuttling the House committee hearing on the budget for the Presidential Communications Operations Office after slamming one of its officers, Usec. Lorraine Badoy, for red-tagging them.

For his part, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said that Badoy was only trying to create noise to keep their attention away from what he termed “generals’ pork” in the proposed P16.44 budget of the NTF-ELCAC.

“Hers is a farcical dare and a classic fascist trick of placing the burden instead to us whom she publicly accused of being terrorists to prove our innocence,” he said, as he challenged the official to put her accusations under oath.

Bosantog was present during a press conference at Bagani Hall, Regional Police Office XI with, Usec. Lorraine Badoy, the NTF ELCAC Spokesperson, Brig Gen. Filmore Escobal Regional Director, Regional Police Office XI, Let Gen Jose Faustino Jr. Eastern Mindanao Commander, Maj Gen. Reuben Basiao, commander of 10th Infantry Division And Atty. Nicole Batingana, regional legal officer of the NCIP XI.
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/09/15/stop-exploitation/