Rep. Cullamat files complaint with CHR for ‘disrespect’ of daughter’s remains by soldiers

From MindaNews (Dec 3, 2020): Rep. Cullamat files complaint with CHR for ‘disrespect’ of daughter’s remains by soldiers

MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews / 3 December) – Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat filed Tuesday a complaint against the soldiers who she said showed disrespect towards the remains of her 22-year old daughter Jevilyn, who was reportedly killed in an encounter on Nov. 28 with the Philippine Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion.

In the letter-complaint submitted to the Commission on Human Rights and written in Filipino, Cullamat said the soldiers treated Jevilyn’s body like a war trophy by parading it with them marching behind it.

Worse, she said, the photos, which were posted on social media and other media outlets, were used in the “continuing Red-tagging and terrorist-tagging against me, my family and the whole Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives.”

Cullamat added the military not only trespassed her rights as the mother of her slain daughter but also violated International Humanitarian Law, which provides for respect for persons killed in relation to an armed conflict.

She cited that the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law prohibits the “desecration of the remains of those who have died in the course of the armed conflict or while under detention.”

Brig. Gen. Allan Hambala, commander of the 401st Infantry Brigade commander, said a 12-man team from the 3rd Army Special Forces Battalion managed to sneak into the temporary camp site set up by the rebels in the mountains near Marihatag town in Surigao del Sur last Saturday.

“The rebels numbering around 30 put up an intense firefight for 45 minutes before withdrawing,” Hambala told MindaNews in a telephone interview.

The military released a photo of the alleged body of Jevilyn with an M16 rifle clinging to her chest.

Hambala said the soldiers brought Jevilyn’s body to Barangay Mararag in Marihatag where a younger brother and relatives claimed the remains.

He said the soldiers seized three AK-47 rifles, one M14 rifle, and one M653 5.56 caliber rifle; four improvised explosive devices, phones and backpacks containing foodstuff.

He said Jevilyn served as medic of a Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda of Guerrilla Front 19 of the New People’s Army.

Rep. Cullamat, speaking before the Senate hearing on Red-tagging Tuesday, said Bayan Muna had nothing to do with her daughter’s decision.

“You can’t use her as evidence for Red-tagging against our organization, as she followed a personal decision. Not mine. Much less Bayan Muna’s,” she said in Filipino.

“You want Bayan Muna to condemn Jevilyn? No,” she said.

“Understand first the hardships that we Lumad suffer daily. My child wasn’t the first Lumad to take such path, nor will she be the last. You’re the ones who are pushing them to fight. With the cruelty you have done to my child, are you still wondering why there has been no end to the armed conflict in our country?” she said, alluding to the military. (MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/12/rep-cullamat-files-complaint-with-chr-for-disrespect-of-daughters-remains-by-soldiers/

Mindanawon lawyers: Duterte’s tirade against Zarate “dangerous” for all HR lawyers and defenders

From MindaNews (Dec 3, 2020): Mindanawon lawyers: Duterte’s tirade against Zarate “dangerous” for all HR lawyers and defenders (By CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 03 December) – “Dangerous.”

President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration Monday night that members of the Makabayan bloc are part of a “grand conspiracy” to overthrow the government, singling out fellow Mindanawon and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate,” is “dangerous (as) it can be interpreted by rogue military or police elements as open season on Congressman Zarate,” said lawyer Antonio La Viña, former Dean of the Ateneo School of Government and Law professor from Cagayan de Oro.

Duterte’s statements, he told MindaNews, “do not have any judicial or legal value as (they are) not based on evidence” but “from a practical point of view, it is a prejudgment by your chief enforcement official and so a violation of due process.”

Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate. Photo courtesy of Bayan Muna FB page

Lawyer Romeo Cabarde, one of the spokespersons of Alisto!, a citizens’ platform launched Tuesday morning where citizens can report violations and abuses related to the controversial Anti-Terror Act of 2020 said the President’s tirade against Zarate “is exactly what we, in Alisto!, are apprehensive about — red-tagging, red-baiting, and terrorist-tagging are sanctioned and made acceptable under the Anti-Terror Act.”

“If a sitting member of the House of Representatives can be can be treated poorly in public, how much more for ordinary citizens, particularly those who do not have access to the means of defending themselves?” Cabarde told MindaNews.

“Many Mindanao farmers, workers, indigenous peoples, and Bangsamoro have found themselves in such a situation, where they are unfairly charged and their rights and safety put at risk,” he said.

Lawyer Mary-Ann Arnado, Secretary-General of the Mindanao Peoples Caucus, posted on her Facebok page that Zarate, a schoolmate at the Ateneo de Davao College of Law, “is a highly respected colleague in the legal profession” who is a “consistent human rights lawyer and a hard-working, honest and incorruptible legislator.”

“Every citizen is entitled to his own political beliefs and whatever color you have – red, yellow, black or blue does not turn you into a criminal or an enemy of the state. For God sake. Please go after the real security threats to this country,” Arnado added.

While in Ateneo de Davao, Zarate was a member of the Tau Mu Fraternity where he was Grand Archon. He passed the bar in 1995. He has served as chair of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – Davao chapter and the Union of Peoples’ Lawyers in Mindanao (UPLM). He is on his third term as Bayan Muna party-list representative.

In a statement, the UPLM said the “insistent red-tagging officially done by no less than the President poses a clear and present danger on the lives of Zarate and all human rights lawyers and defenders.”

It recalled that a number of those who were red-tagged ended up dead: like Benjamin Ramos and Anthony Trinidad, who were among 53 lawyers, prosecutors and judges killed under the Duterte administration since 2016.

“A threat on Zarate is a grave threat on all legislators who are fulfilling their mandate and on all human rights defenders who remain true to their lawyers’ oath. These threats are glaring violations of rights under our Philippine Constitution and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights,” the statement read.

Duterte’s declaration

During his “Talk to the People on COVID-19” Monday night, Duterte declared the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives as members of a “grand conspiracy” to overthrow the government, and said the Armed Forces of the Philippines is “very correct” in tagging them as communists. Addressing Zarate, he warned: “bantay ka sa akin” (you better watch out).

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte talks to the people after holding a meeting with the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) core members at the Malacañang Golf (Malago) Clubhouse in Malacañang Park, Manila on November 30, 2020. TOTO LOZANO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

“We are not red-tagging you. We are identifying you as members in a grand conspiracy comprising all the legal fronts that you have organized” under the National Democratic Front, Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army.

He described Zarate as a “komunista” who defended an oligarch, apparently referring to Zarate’s active participation in the deliberations of the Joint House Committees on Legislative Franchise and Good Government” on the renewal of ABS-CBN’s franchise. Zarate summed up on July 9 this year the arguments in favor of renewing the franchise. Majority of the committee members voted the next day to deny the franchise application.

The President said that whenever he sees Zarate on television, “para akong nakakita ng tae ng iro, para akong nakakita ng tae ng aso. Sa totoo lang … Bantay ka sa akin.” (it’s like am seeing dog’s poop, it’s like am seeing dog’s poop. That’s true…. You better watch out), Duterte warned before asking Health Secretary Francisco Duque to report on COVID-19.

Zarate ignored Duterte’s insults. The UPLM said it is “beneath the UPLM to even address the (President’s) heaping of personal – not fact-based – insults” on Zarate.

Zarate said what Duterte did was a “diversionary tactic” of the former mayor of this city, “purposely made to divert the issues of incompetence, continued corruption amidst wanton poverty of our people.”

He said the President’s move was “also calibrated to pave the way for heightened attacks that will lead to silence us and stifle the voice of dissent especially in Congress.”

Last month, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) told CNN Philippines that asking the Commission on Elections to disqualify the Makabayan bloc from the electoral process in 2022 is an option. In the NTF’s press conference after the third Senate committee hearing on red-tagging on December 1, Esperon said: “we have firmed up our move and we will do that… you can be sure that we will go towards that direction as soon as possible.” (Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/12/mindanawon-lawyers-dutertes-tirade-against-zarate-dangerous-for-all-hr-lawyers-and-defenders/

Datu Piang town under siege but military says situation under control

From MindaNews (Dec 4, 2020): Datu Piang town under siege but military says situation under control

COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 03 December) – “Like Marawi.”

“Dulawan, Datu Piang is now like Marawi,” Agriculture Undersecretary Zamzamin Ampatuan posted on his Facebook page at 10:34 p.m., as the “ISIS-inspired Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters (BIFF) attacked the town center.”

Ampatuan said he was still confirming reports that the police station in the town plaza in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, had been overrun, that a police car was burned, that the Sta. Teresita Chruch was on fire, and the municipal hall “under pressure manned by outnumbered defenders.”

Map of Datu Piang, Maguindanao. Courtesy of Google Maps

Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr., OMI, who spent several years in Datu Piang, posted at 10:58 p.m. that “Notre Dame of Dulawan is under attack and fighting is going on” as he asked for “prayers for the safety of civilians and school.”

The Notre Dame of Dulawan is run by the Oblates of the Mary Immaculate.

Mercado said he was still trying to confirm reports that the church was burned as the reports from Datu Piang are conflicting. Some said the church was on fire, other said a police car in fornt of the church was burned.

Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division confirmed what he described as “harassment of BIFF in Poblacion Datu Piang.”

“At (the) moment, situation is under control by security forces,” he said at 11:40 p.m.

At 12:12 a.m. Friday, Atilano said reports that the church was burned or the school was attacked are not true.

Atilano confirmed a police car and a police outpost were burned

Provincial Administrator Odjie Balayman told MindaNews there were no casualties.

(Ferdinandh B. Cabrera with reports from Froilan Gallardo and Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/12/datu-piang-town-under-siege-but-military-says-situation-under-control/

Misuari silent on proposed BARMM extension

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 3, 2020): Misuari silent on proposed BARMM extension

MORO NATIONAL Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari remains silent on the issue of the proposed extension of the interim Bangsamoro government for another 3 years as Sulu - one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region - flatly rejected the proposition being pushed by Chief Minister Murad Ebrahim.

Nur Misuari (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Ebrahim, also chieftain of the rival group Moro Islamic Liberation Front, is pushing for the extension of the interim government based on the recommendation of the peace advocacy group Mindanao Peoples’ Caucus (MPC) following its so-called “rapid midterm review” on the Bangsamoro transition period.

The extension of the interim government would also extend Ebrahim’s term and members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and those holding key positions in the regional government. Ebrahim also met with President Rodrigo Duterte recently to lobby the proposed extension even without consulting the governors and mayors and the Muslims in the region.

Misuari has not issued a statement on the proposal and Muslims are waiting for his stand on the issue.

Tausug Manifesto

Gov. Sakur Tan

But Sulu has cited various reasons for rejecting the proposed extension, according to a manifesto passed November 17 by the Provincial Board after consulting with municipal mayors and peoples’ organizations, among other sectors.

The manifesto said the Bangsamoro Parliament and the Regional Government have not delivered even the most basic of government services, as mandated, to Sulu. And for almost 2 years, all it delivered were the retrenchment and separation from services of regional employees causing a great distraught to the affected and their families.

It said that after almost 2 years, “all they can afford to banner is but the passing of an Administrative Code while the administration of component localities, in particular, the insular provinces, were left to fend for themselves.”

The manifesto also said BARMM’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Sulu, thus far, have been unsubstantial and wanting, almost negligible; And to allow the extension of the transition (period) would be tantamount to escape judgment by the constituents of the BARMM on the performance of the latter vis-a-vis its capability to administer a region, and would be a blatant denial of the people’s constitutional right of suffrage to which the BOL has been incorporated into, and thus requiring constitutional amendment or legislative intervention, failing which possible legal redress maybe sough.

It further said “that the region and the country in general, should be spared the humility and made a laughing stock for perpetuating the condescending brand of a failed experiment.”

“The question should be asked to those who are in the seat of authority in the BARMM on why are they so hesitant to submit themselves to an election when even before the transition they have repeatedly boasted of their readiness and preparedness to rule and govern; and how could they have the moral ascendancy to sit as an authority over a region when they are devoid of a mandate by the true will of the people, thereby casting doubts on their platform of so-called “Moral Governance?”, the manifesto reads.

It also called on the Office of the President, House of Representatives and the Senate, and Constitutional Commissions and other concerned groupings and individuals and the BARMM general populace to disallow and deny all attempts and maneuverers to extend the tenure of the BTA.

It said that aspiring members of the Bangsamoro Parliament should be compelled to submit themselves before the true will of the people to legitimize their mandate through the electoral process as set and scheduled by the Constitution.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan said he received reports that Basilan and Lanao del Sur provinces are also opposed to the proposed extension of the interim Bangsamoro government. “We received reports that Basilan and Lanao are also opposed to the extension of the interim Bangsamoro government,” he told The Zamboanga Post newspaper.

Concerns

Murad Ebrahim (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Ebrahim said he fears that he may not win should the elections push through and that is why there is a need to extend the term of the interim government. “We are very concerned kasi ang tingin namin, nag-i-start pa lang kami. And then parang wala pa kaming tangible na accomplishment talaga na maipakita namin. So ‘yun ang challenge sa amin, na kung mag-eleksyon, baka sabihin ng mga tao, wala naman ginawa ito,” he said in a podcast interview on November 13 with journalist Christian Esguerra on Press One.

He said new transition schedule might not be enough to complete systemic and structural changes in the region, including the crucial decommissioning of combatants under the peace deal’s normalization process. “Kasi nga nakita natin na kailangan talaga na meron. Halimbawa, mabuti kung talagang siguradong manalo kami (in 2022 elections). Pero walang assurance ‘yun kasi anybody’s game na pagka-eleksyon na. Pag hindi, ano mangyayari dun sa other aspects ng negotiation?” he told Esguerra.

Esguerra’s report said BARMM was allocated a much bigger budget compared with the old Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Its block grant is worth P65.3 billion in this year’s appropriations law, on top of a P10-billion special development fund it was supposed to receive. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/12/misuari-silent-on-proposed-barmm.html

Gov’t brings Serbisyo Caravan to suppress armed-conflict in Zambo Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 3, 2020): Gov’t brings Serbisyo Caravan to suppress armed-conflict in Zambo Norte (By Jayson R. Aucensillo)

Zamboanga City, Dec 3 (PIA) – Barangay Sto. Niño in Gutalac, Zamboanga Del Norte recently benefited from the Serbisyo Caravan, converged through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC)-IX, in the hope to suppress armed conflict in this identified influenced area of Communist-Terrorist Group (CTGs).

Through a whole of a nation approach, the National Task Force (NTF)-70 headed by the Situation Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM)-9 Cluster began reaching out the communities for over a year now, particularly to the Indigenous People (IPs) in the uplands, which topped the New People’s Army – Communist Party of the Philippines (NPA-CPP) recruitment.

“Ninety percent of the NPA fighters are coming from the Indigenous People,” NICA-9 Regional Director Ariel Perlado said.



Therefore, the RTF-ELCAC persistently addressing the needs of the IPs through the government services being offered and consistently giving out awareness as well as information to counter the proliferation of wrong ideologies of the lawless group.

“We have to make them feel that they have a government. The government should be working for them,” the Director added.



He said that through the strategy of personally visiting the remote areas in the region, the Executive Order No. 70 has come a long way suppressing communism and terrorism in Zamboanga Peninsula (ZamPen) that exists for over fifty years of armed conflict.

More so, he explained that the RTF-ELCAC had also reached out to NPA fighters where they had ‘peace talks and community engagements with the known NPA personalities’.

“These engagements and community consultations have probably resulted to the surrender of several NPA members,” Dir. Perlado said.



Meanwhile, the different government agencies delivered their respective services to the residents of Barangay Sto. Niño, such as the provision of medical and dental care by the Municipal Health Office (MHO) and Department of Health (DOH); food packs and other social services by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Free training for some skills enhancement were also offered by the Technical Educations and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Tree and vegetable seedlings were provided by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and livelihood programs such as livestock from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

A feeding program and a hundred pairs of slippers were distributed by the Philippine National Police, while an information dissemination drive was conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

The government remains positive and committed to serve the public especially to end armed conflicts.

“We are one working on this because we have the responsibility to diswave you from joining the CTGs”, Perlado disclosed. (RVC/JRA/PIA-Zamboanga City)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060831

Youth, uniformed men hold a candle lighting event denouncing NPAs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 3, 2020): Youth, uniformed men hold a candle lighting event denouncing NPAs (By Ninfa Barcena-Quirante)

BORONGAN CITY, Dec. 2 (PIA) – The Sangguniang Kabataan of Brgy. Lalawigan led by SK Chairperson Angela Narte, Brgy. A SK leader Cyril Alegre, other SK members and uniformed men from the City Police Office in this city held a candle lighting event denouncing the NPAs.

Borongan City Chief of Police Doughlas Antonio Eloja said that the higher headquarters directed the different station commanders to hold a simultaneous candle lighting on November 30 at 5: 30 p.m.

The event aims to instill in the minds of the public especially young people to denounce the NPAs and their activities.

The event focused on Kabataan Maglingkod sa Bayan, Hindi sa CPP-NPA-NDF; Kabayanihan Para sa Bayan, Hindi sa Terorismo at Komunismo; and Itigil at Labanan ang Recruitment ng Kabataan mula sa Communist Terrorist Group.

"I am aware that they are recruiting the youth, but media has enlightened me in so many ways to stay away from them. They believe they are smarter than our government, they do not realize the difficulties of the families of their recruits," Brgy. Lalawigan SK Chairperson Angela Narte said.

She added that when times get better, SK will sponsor a seminar on Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorista to encourage the youth to serve their communities, instead.

Another youth leader Cyril Alegre of Brgy. A, the host of the event, shared that the youth should not be willing recruits and instead study better.

"They should carry with them knowledge and useful information rather than arms or weapons and turn against the government, I want to show my colleagues that I am a law-abiding citizen."

In Hernani town, another group of uniformed men from the PNP, Army and youth leaders also held the candle lighting activity simultaneously with the Borongan event. (nbq/PIA E. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060766

BCDA donates equipment to Philippine Army’s dental service unit

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 3, 2020): BCDA donates equipment to Philippine Army’s dental service unit (By Jimmyley E. Guzman) 

PASIG CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Wednesday donated medical equipment the Philippine Army for the continued and safe dental services amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 1301st Dental Dispensary under the Philippine Army’s Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG) received from the BCDA air-driven dental instruments that will aid the Army in providing safe dental services for troops.

Army HHSG Commander Col. Rosalio G. Pompa expressed thanks to the BCDA for the donation

“We are fortunate to have proactive partners in government such as the BCDA who continuously support and recognize our service through their corporate social responsibility program. The dental equipment will boost our operations and help us maintain a safe and COVID-free environment both for our personnel and patients,” said Pompa.

According to the Army, the donated equipment will help ensure the well-being of its health workers, military troops and dependents, as well as civilian personnel, while safely preventing COVID-19 infection during the conduct of dental services.

The items donated include air filter machines, dental aerosol vacuum machines, dental aerosol isolation boxes, and disinfectants such as UV lamps and misting machines.

According to the Philippine Army, the HHSG’s dental procedures and surgical operations require air-driven instruments that generate aerosols.

Having air purifiers and disinfectants during the said procedures will help prevent cross infection from such aerosols and avoid the spread of coronavirus among dental health workers and their patients.

The equipment facilitates HHSG’s strict compliance with safety protocols and guidelines set by the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) and the Department of Health (DOH) to control infection while carrying on dental practices.

The HHSG has also previously received dental equipment for use in prosthodontics and endodontic services, modernizing health care facilities and supporting operational readiness of troops. (PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060841

Remains of NPA rebel killed by comrades found in NegOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Remains of NPA rebel killed by comrades found in NegOcc (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

SKELETAL REMAINS. Scene of the crime operatives of the police process the burial site in Sitio Aguntilang 3, Barangay Riverside in Isabela, Negros Occidental, where they exhumed the skeletal remains of New People’s Army rebel Randy Garsola on Nov. 30, 2020. Garsola was killed by his comrades in October 2018 after he manifested the intention to surrender, a former rebel said. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

The skeletal remains of a Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebel, killed by his comrades two years ago, were found in a shallow grave in Isabela, Negros Occidental on Monday.

The Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade on Thursday released photos of the exhumation in Sitio Aguntilang 3, Barangay Riverside initiated by police scene of the crime operatives, troops of 62nd Infantry Battalion, and village personnel.

The remains of Randy Garsola, 34, were found after his father sought help from the patrolling troops following reports of a cadaver buried in the area.

In a statement, the 3rd Infantry Division called the killing of Garsola “an inhuman act that proves how barbaric the NPA is, as an organization.”

Capt. Joseph Partidas, chief of Isabela Municipal Police Station, said in a radio interview the Philippine Army coordinated with them after former rebel “Ka Rey” confessed the whereabouts of Garsola’s body.

One of the photos showed “Ka Rey” pointing to the location of the shallow grave.

Garsola’s remains were placed inside a sack and enfolded in a canvas material.

“Ka Rey” said Garsola, a member of SDG Platoon of Central Negros 1 Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, was killed by his comrades led by Adidas “Ka Bato” Acero in October 2018 when he expressed intention to surrender.

Garsola’s kin last saw him two years ago when he told them that he would look for a job in Cebu.

Acero was among those arrested by the authorities in Barangay Buenavista, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last September 19, a report of the Philippine Army 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.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123763

Army helps NorMin farmers with alternative market

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): Army helps NorMin farmers with alternative market

MARKET INSIDE THE CAMP. The Department of Agriculture Region 10 in partnership with the Army's 4th Infantry Division on Tuesday (Dec. 1, 2020) launch the Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani. The new alternative store is for farmers and fisherfolk to directly sell their produce to soldiers and their respective families, and other nearby camp residents at reasonable prices. (Photo courtesy of DA-10)

Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) has provided opportunities for local farmers in Northern Mindanao to profit more from their produce by opening an alternative market inside its headquarters.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 10 office said in a statement Wednesday the opening of a farmers’ market on Dec. 1 inside 4ID's Camp Evangelista will directly link farmer-producers and suppliers.

The project, Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani, is originally implemented by the DA through "Katuwang sa Diwa at Gawa para sa Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita (Kadiwa)."

Active military personnel are not the only potential customers but civilians and retired soldiers and their families, who reside near the camp, as well.

DA-10 regional executive director Carlene C. Collado turned over the Tienda/Kadiwa outlet to Col. Michele B. Anayron Jr., Assistant Division Commander for Retirees Reservist Affairs, on behalf of Maj. Gen. Andres C. Centino, 4ID commander.

The outlet, amounting to PHP500,000 has an area of 20 square meters with the following components: building at PHP280,000; equipment with PHP170,000 composed of freezer, chiller, weighing scale, and cash register; and capital of PHP50,000 funded by the DA.

The Kadiwa program aimed to establish and create an alternative market outlet for farmers, especially those with lesser access to commercial markets, while providing increased accessibility to affordable fresh, safe, and nutritious farm products to consumers, according to the DA.

“In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, this partnership will give another opportunity for the farmers to become more productive," Collado said.

He added that the partnership with the 4ID, Philippine Army in various undertakings has resulted in the promotion of the welfare of soldiers and their families.

“Tienda para sa mga Bayani is strategically designed to lessen the cases of our soldier senselessly killed by the NPA (New Peoples Army) while at the same time, a market scheme to provide farmers, fisherfolk and livestock raisers to sell their products directly to the consumers at farm gate price — a win-win partnership on both ends,” reads Centino’s message delivered by Anayron, during the launching.

The Tienda/Kadiwa para sa mga Bayani is open every Friday and Saturday at the 4ID headquarters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123769

AFP photo documentation vital in case build up: gov’t lawyer

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 2, 2020): AFP photo documentation vital in case build up: gov’t lawyer (By Gigie Arcilla)

Contrary to a few quarters’ claim, the shared military photos showing firearms and subversive materials recovered from the New People’s Army (NPA) and the corpse of slain NPA rebel Jevilyn Cullamat is part of the military’s documentation in the aftermath of an armed clash.

Thus, said lawyer Gabriel S. Villanueva, Office of the Solicitor General spokesperson to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, in a press statement Wednesday.

“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) is clear that it is part of their protocol to document casualties, recovered items, and other pertinent details of an armed counter, should the circumstances permit,” Villanueva said.

This protocol, he said, is not intended to desecrate or disrespect human casualties in armed hostilities but rather to document the aftermath to serve many important purposes.

“These pieces of documentation is vital for the AFP in building cases against armed groups, analyzing the outcomes of similar encounters, establishing or refining rules of engagement, among others,” he added. “It also helps them in identifying casualties later on, which could not be identified at the time of documentation or if no one within the area could help establish their identities.”This may well serve even for the CHR because by documenting casualties – they can assess whether any laws or rules of engagement had been violated, he said.

“Rather than tugging along the cadaver, certainly, showing a photograph would make an easier reference material,” he said.

Reacting to criticisms that Army soldiers used as a trophy the dead body of Jevilyn youngest daughter of Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Eufemia Cullamat, Villanueva said the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner recognizes casualty recording as “an important and effective means of enhancing the protection of civilians in armed conflict situations and elsewhere.

Jevilyn, a member of the Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 19, was killed in a firefight with members of the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion in the hinterlands of Barangay San Isidro, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur on Nov. 28.

The documentation, he added, may come in the form of photographic evidence, written documents, data recording, and other tools, to properly record casualties and other incidents of armed conflict.

Villanueva went on to explain that among the good reasons for instituting casualty recording is because “[t]he evidence base generated from casualty recording frequently facilitates engagement with parties to a conflict as well as informs their efforts to better protect civilians and prevent violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. It also serves as a bridge to strengthen dialogue and coordination with other actors involved in protection work, including humanitarians, helping to direct resources to communities with pressing protection needs.”

“Had the picture shown that Cullamat was beheaded or shot at the back of the head, it would call into question the claim that there was a gunfight. And without showing who was part of the squad in the encounter, how else would the CHR (Commission on Human Rights) establish direct accountability with greater clarity,” he added.

Confusing

He said it is confusing, if not appalling, for the CHR to say that they could not find “good reason in posing for photos with the lifeless body of Jevilyn along with the seized firearms and communist flags.

“It betrays a lack of understanding of the importance of documentation and how it can even assist them in their mandate,” he said.

He added that though the AFP has recognized that the photos should not have been shared publicly, even as their protocol required that they be taken and that the matter is already being investigated, the pictures per se do not violate any law, international norm, much less does it amounts to the desecration of a corpse.

“The documentation, in this case, gains greater importance in light of the claim that Cullamat was a medic for the NPA which was totally belied by the photographs,“ he said.

The photo, Villanueva added, points to Jevilyn as a combatant at the time of the encounter thus, the importance of retaining the AFP’s protocol of documenting casualties after hostilities with armed terrorist groups like the NPA.

The CPP-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/1123667

PH Air Force gets 57 units of aviation engineering equipment

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2020): PH Air Force gets 57 units of aviation engineering equipment (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NEW EQUIPMENT. A chaplain leads the blessing of 57 units of aviation engineering equipment of the Philippine Air Force at the Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga on Wednesday (Dec. 2, 2020). The equipment consists of trucks, hydrostatic bulldozers, a compact backhoe loader, equipment haulers, self-loading mixers, excavators, and road rollers. (Photo courtesy of Air Force Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) held the blessing of 57 units of aviation engineering equipment which are expected to close the capability gaps of the 355th Aviation Engineer Wing (AEW) during short ceremonies at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga on Wednesday.

In a statement Thursday, Lt. Col. Aristides Galang, said Air Force commander, Lt. Gen. Allen T. Paredes, graced the blessing as guest-of-honor.

He said the aviation engineering equipment consists of nine trucks, four hydrostatic bulldozers, one compact backhoe loader, six equipment haulers, eight self-loading mixers, 12 excavators, and 17 road rollers.

Galang said these will be utilized for all pavement projects of the 355th AEW and are expected to solve identified gaps in the unit's construction capability. This covers surveying, design, area preparation, construction proper, rehabilitation and demolition of structures, and mission essential support equipment.

Also, these aviation engineering equipment are expected to perform general engineering, including during humanitarian assistance and disaster response and providing combat aviation support in times of conflict.

"All of these equipment including the previous acquisition projects of the PAFAEE (Philippine Air Force Aviation Engineering Equipment) will be distributed and permanently deployed to the different PAF major installations once the reorganization is conceived," Galang said.

He added that the reorganization highlights the placing of eight PAF civil engineer squadrons all over the country under the administrative control of the 355th AEW.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123674

AFP not keen on Yuletide truce with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2020): AFP not keen on Yuletide truce with Reds (By Priam Nepomuceno)

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

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not inclined to recommend any truce with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) this holiday season, noting that the communist terrorists have been demonstrating insincerity in previous agreements.

"The AFP — wishing and longing for a peaceful Yuletide Season for the Filipino people notwithstanding — will not recommend to the Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo Duterte) a holiday ceasefire with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)," AFP spokesperson Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a press statement on Thursday.

This is because the CPP-NPA, as proven by the AFP's experiences in past Yuletide ceasefire agreements, have demonstrated their insincerity and unwillingness to comply with an agreement they have signed with the government.

"This was the AFP’s painful experience where the CTG reneged from their own ceasefire declaration by attacking and killing soldiers on humanitarian and peace and development missions," said Arevalo, who is also AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC) commander.

Despite the incumbency of a truce, these terrorists also continued their extortion activities and committed crimes of murder, arson, and the likes, he added.

Arevalo said the CPP-NPA will only seek peace talks only to give themselves the chance to regroup, refurbish, recruit new members, and recoup their losses.

"Luis Jalandoni, an NDF (National Democratic Front) negotiator, boldly declared that they push for peace negotiations not really to bring about tranquility, but to pursue armed struggle. They broker peace covenants as a means to an end which is to overthrow the government," he added.

Considering these many hard lessons of the past, Arevalo said they will not allow CPP-NPA to trample upon the Filipinos’ bonafide desire for peace and continues to be firm in their desire to defeat the movement which they describe as a menace to society.

"Amidst this strong position, AFP Chief General Gilbert Gapay assures the President of the AFP’s support to whatever decision the Commander-in-Child makes in the exercise of his prerogatives," said Arevalo, who is also the spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) Peace, Law Enforcement, Development and Security (PLEDS) Cluster.

The CPP-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/1123685

Arrest of slain NDF consultant's daughter legal: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2020): Arrest of slain NDF consultant's daughter legal: PNP (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas. (File photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday dismissed allegations of the Anakpawis Party-list that the firearms and explosives seized in an operation that led to the arrest of the daughter of slain National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Randy Echanis were planted.

“’Yung sinabi nila na planting (of evidence) hindi po totoo yun kasi papaano ka mag-plant ng mga baril na’to kasi mga bago, mga high caliber mahirap po mag-plant noon bahay n’ya yun eh (What they claim as the planting of evidence is not true because how would you be able to plant these new and high-caliber guns. It would be difficult to do that in her house),” PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas said in a television interview.

Sinas insisted that Amanda Echanis is a part of the communist movement, particularly the New People’s Army (NPA).

“Her husband is an NPA leader in Cagayan Valley, that is why she has firearms. Hindi basta-basta pinamalita dahil kumukuha pa kami ng ebidensya tungkol dyan at hindi totoong wala sya sa underground, meron po yan, ang problema lang kasi ‘yung mga report namin walang gustong to come up at mag-testify para mafile-an ng kaso kaya nung natiktikan na may mga baril sila sa bahay, inapplyan ng search warrant (This was not immediately made public because we are still gathering evidence against her and it is not true that she is not a part of the underground movement. The problem was no one wants to come forward and testify so that we could file charges. So when we learned upon surveillance that they have guns in their home, we have applied for a search warrant),” he added.

Sinas also maintained that it was Amanda who insisted to bring his baby to the police station after she was arrested in an operation in Baggao, Cagayan on Wednesday morning.

Police officers served the search warrants dated Nov. 27 issued by Judge Sheila Gacutan-Labuguen of the Baggao Municipal Trial Court.

The search was witnessed by village chief Velario Calderon and village councilors Kagawad Imelda Baniaga, and Ronald Reyes.

The search yielded an M16 ARIS Colt 5.56mm assault rifle with SN 4951346; a long plastic magazine for an M16 rifle; a long steel magazine for M16 Rifle; 20 pieces of live ammunition for M16 rifle and two hand grenades.

Amanda is the finance officer of the West Front of the Communist Party of the Philippines' (CPP) regional committee operating in Cagayan, authorities said.

She will be presented before a prosecutor for inquest proceedings.

Amanda was detained at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group regional office in Cagayan.

To ensure the safety of the baby, Sinas said social workers were present there to assist Amanda and her one-month-old baby.

Meanwhile, five suspected communist terrorists were killed in a separate operation in South Cotabato.

In a report to Sinas, Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 (Soccsksargen) director, Brig. Gen. John Michael Dubria identified the fatalities as Bernie Canyon alias Delmar, Rogelio Magsaya alias Sargs/Delio; Romeo Hebron alias Frank/Melvin; a certain Ka Mercy, and a certain Mckoy, who belong to the Guerilla Front 53 of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The suspects were killed after they opened fire on officers from the Lake Sebu Municipal Police Station and the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office who were about to serve warrants of arrest against them on Wednesday for charges of murder, frustrated murder, and attempted murder.

Sinas said the operation is part of the legal offensive action of the PNP under Executive Order No. 70, creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Recovered from the suspects were a caliber 5.56 M16 Rifle; a cal.30 Carbine; a Cal.45 pistol; a Cal.40 pistol; and an improvised explosive device and IED components.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123686

PRRD gives weight to AFP proposal to nix holiday truce with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2020): PRRD gives weight to AFP proposal to nix holiday truce with Reds (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte will give much importance to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) recommendation not to have a truce with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) this holiday season.

In a press briefing from Palawan, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said that although Duterte has yet to decide on the matter, he gives “a lot of weight” to the recommendation of the AFP.

“Ako po’y tagapagsalita lamang (I am just spokesperson), I cannot second guess the decision of the President. But ang ma-a-assure ko sa inyo yung mga ganyang rekomendasyon ng AFP (but what I can assure you is that recommendations from the AFP), the President gives it a lot of weight,” he said.

Roque said the decision remains with Duterte as the AFP’s commander-in-chief.

“Pakikinggan po ‘yan (He will listen to the recommendation) but ultimately it’s only the President who will decide,” he added.

In a press statement on Thursday, AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the AFP is not inclined to recommend a truce with CPP-NPA, noting that terrorists have been demonstrating insincerity in previous agreements.

"The AFP — wishing and longing for a peaceful Yuletide Season for the Filipino people notwithstanding — will not recommend to the Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo Duterte) a holiday ceasefire with the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)," he said.

Arevalo pointed out that the ceasefire period was just being used by the NPA to continue attacking and killing government troops and civilians.

He explained that there were cases in the past that the CPP-NPA reneged from their own ceasefire declaration.

Quoting National Democratic Front of the Philippines negotiator Luis Jalandoni, Arevalo said the CPP-NPA will only seek peace talks to give themselves the chance to regroup, refurbish, recruit new members, and recoup their losses.

"Luis Jalandoni, an NDF (National Democratic Front) negotiator, boldly declared that they push for peace negotiations not really to bring about tranquility, but to pursue armed struggle. They broker peace covenants as a means to an end which is to overthrow the government," he said.

He said the AFP will not allow the CPP-NPA to trample upon people’s desire for peace, especially during the holiday season.

However, he said the AFP will respect the President’s decision.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123712

Comelec backs bid to cancel Gabriela party-list registration

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3, 2020): Comelec backs bid to cancel Gabriela party-list registration (By Benjamin Pulta)

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has upheld a government anti-insurgency body’s petition seeking cancellation of the Gabriela Women’s Party’s registration in the party-list system for violations of the election law and the Constitution.

In an order dated November 27 and signed by presiding Commissioner Socorro B. Inting, the Comelec's Second Division ruled that the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) "has the legal standing to file" a petition to void the registration of Gabriela Women’s Party for receiving foreign government funding and supporting terrorists’ activities.

The NTF-ELCAC, which was created under Executive Order No. 70 adopting a whole-of-approach against insurgency, also named Gabriela, Inc. and General Assembly of Women for Reforms as respondents in its petition filed before the Comelec in May last year.

The poll body’s ruling, however, does not yet resolve the main case brought by the government's petition against the respondents.

Section 8 of the Rule 32 of the Comelec Rules of Procedures provides that upon verified complaint of any interested party “registration of any political party under the party-list system may be cancelled after due notice and hearing on the following grounds,” including acceptance of financial contributions from foreign governments and/or their agencies for activities related to elections.

The case stemmed from the document entitled “Overview of Non-Government Actors in the Philippines-Program 2017-2021,” shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium to Philippine delegates during a meeting in Brussels in February 2019.

“Said document revealed that the Belgian Government, through its accredited non-government organizations (NGOs) particularly G3W, also known as Viva Salud, funded the respondents,” the petitioner said.

It also cited the report of the Anti-Money Laundering Council, that from 2012 to 2016, the respondents received more or less PHP22.7 million.

“Respondent’s act is a blatant and direct violation of the Constitution which prohibits, in no uncertain and equivocal trend and qualifications, political parties, coalitions of political parties or organizations from receiving support from any foreign government,” the NTF-ELCAC said.

The NTF-ELCAC added that the respondents have violated the Constitution for their “acts of helping and supporting a declared terrorist organization”, referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

At the same time, the petition cited the sworn statement of Edison Coloma Villanueva attesting that the Gabriela Party-list supports the outlawed advocacies and principles of the NPA.

“What is more revealing, Villanueva, in his salaysay (testimony), states that Gabriela utilizes its funds for the procurement of firearms and ammunitions for the CPP-NPA.,” it said.

“Since the CPP-NPA has been declared as a Terrorist Organization, through Proclamation No. 374, s. 2017 under Republic Act No. 10168, and having also been declared as a Terrorist Organization by the United States of America through Public Notice 9768 and the European Union Council Decision, Common Foreign and Security Policy dated August 4, 2017, respondents acts of helping and supporting a declared terrorist organization is violative of the Constitution, and are clearly advocating and or using violence and other unlawful means to advance their goals,” the petition added.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123785