Kalinaw News: Member of terrorist CPP-NPA slain by his comrades

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 8, 2021): Member of terrorist CPP-NPA slain by his comrades

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- A cadaver of a terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who was killed and indecently buried by his comrades was exhumed by the troops of 501st Infantry Brigade together with the 77th Infantry Battalion and PNP forces at Sitio Birao, Barangay Hacienda Intal, Baggao, Cagayan on June 4, 2021.

Through the disclosed information by an asset, the cadaver of Vincent Cusipag alias MJ was excavated and recovered in the said place which was witnessed by some locals and Barangay Officials of Hacienda Intal.

He was positively identified by his grandmother, Christina Samoy through his clothes and his bracelet.According to the revelation of the informant, alias MJ joined the terrorist CPP-NPA sometime in year 2018.

But due to the hardships and difficulties running away from government troops, he escaped from the group and went on lie-low. Unfortunately, the terrorist CPP-NPA did not give him a chance to start a new life and be with his grandmother.

On May 2019, five members of the terrorist CPP-NPA led by a certain alias Andy captured, killed and eventually buried him in Sitio Birao. The killing of Alias MJ was the verdict of the terrorist CPP-NPA’s Kangaroo court.

The informant said that alias MJ pleaded the NPA members to spare his life but the group did not listen and murdered him helplessly.Meanwhile, alias Yain, a resident of Sitio Birao, Hacienda Intal voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 77IB on the same date.

He also surrendered his homemade cal. 30 rifle. Major General Laurence E Mina PA, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army commended the 17th Infantry Battalion and the 501st Infantry Brigade for their continuing effort to pursue peace and prosperity in Cagayan. “It is our goal to ensure the safety of the people against the terrorist CPP-NPA in our Area of Responsibility.

These accomplishments speak of the professionalism and dedication to duty of every Startrooper. We are on the right tract in ending the terror of the communist insurgents.” He then extended his condolences to the bereaved family of alias MJ who was killed inhumanely by the terrorist CPP-NPA. “This Command condemns the inhumane acts of the terrorist CPP-NPA.

They have shown complete disregard and gross disrespect of human rights, not just of alias MJ’s, but of all of their victims. With public’s cooperation and all out support of the different government agencies, we will surely sustain our gains in winning this fight to end insurgency.”

https://www.kalinawnews.com/member-of-terrorist-cpp-npa-slain-by-his-comrades/

Kalinaw News: NPA neutralized, high-powered firearm recovered in Misamis Oriental clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 8, 2021): NPA neutralized, high-powered firearm recovered in Misamis Oriental clash

CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – A communist NPA terrorist was killed, and one high-powered firearm was seized by the 58th Infantry Battalion during an encounter at the hinterlands of Brgy Mimbuli, Salay, Misamis Oriental, June 07, 2021.

The encounter occured at around three in the afternoon as the 58IB responded to a tip-off from a concerned citizen that a group of armed men was conducting food foraging and was threatening them anew.

The slain rebel was identified by his former comrades as Elly Marianas Cabusog, alias Dariel, a member of Guerilla Front Huawei of the Sub-regional Committee 1 of North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC). He was a resident of Sitio Salahon of Barangay Alipuaton in Salay, Misamis Oriental.

While scouring the encounter site, the troops discovered a male combatant who had been abandoned and left to die on-site of the battle, one M16 rifle, personal belongings, and assorted medical paraphernalia was also recovered.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58IB, remarked, “Our relentless operations in the remote areas are meant to drive the NPA terrorists away from communities so they will not have the chance to disrupt the communities in peace; and avoid the prevalence of resource generation through crimes like extortion.” He then expressed his profound condolences to the family of the deceased NPA rebel. “Another life has been lost in the war against the failed ideology of the NPA rebels.”

He also urged the remaining NPA fighters to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, and avail the government programs. “I truly hope that a growing number of NPA rebels will now surrender and cease believing the lies and deceptions that have been placed in your heads. Do it for the sake of your own life and to avoid dying prematurely. It’s still not too late. You still have the option of surrendering and returning to the folds of the law. Similarly, your Army will continue to work to safeguard the safety and security of everyone in the communities.” He concluded.

The found cadaver was subsequently transported to a funeral home in Salay, where he was given a decent and proper turn-over to his family.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-killed-high-powered-firearm-recovered-in-misamis-oriental-clash/

Ex-rebel slain in Masbate shooting

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 8, 2021): Ex-rebel slain in Masbate shooting (By: Ma. April Mier-Manjares)

A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed Monday by armed men in Monreal town in Masbate, police said Tuesday.

Colonel Joriz Cantoria, Masbate police chief, reported that Rey Labustro, 25, was feeding his fighting cocks when at least 15 gunmen, believed to be NPA guerrillas, appeared around 10 a.m. in Barangay Rizal and shot him several times, killing him instantly.

Cantoria said Labustro was part of the Larangan 1 of Komiteng Probinsya 4 under Eliseo Cabarles alias Ka Reymond/Kiko.

Recovered from the area were nine fired bullets for 5.56mm and one for 7.62mm.

About 30 minutes later, when the police were about to serve an arrest warrant against Glen Gutierrez in the same village for separate homicide charges, they were fired upon by at least 15 suspected rebels.

No one was hurt on the government side in the 20-minute firefight, Cantoria said.

The police recovered nine fired bullets for 5.56mm and one for 7.62mm from the clash site.

Cantoria said the rebels whom the government forces encountered were the same group that killed Labustro.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1443155/ex-rebel-slain-in-masbate-shooting

‘Exploited’ IPs comprise 80% of NPA — task force

From the Manila Standard (Jun 7, 2021): ‘Exploited’ IPs comprise 80% of NPA — task force

The New People’s Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front , are today mostly composed of Indigenous People (IPs) whom the communist terrorist groups have forcibly recruited as their combatants, according to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Gaye Florendo, the task force’s assistant spokesperson on IP Concerns, said that 70 to 80 percent of the CTG surrenderees in the country are IP members and this was also the reason that led to a review of government efforts to resolve the communist insurgency.

What followed, Florendo said, was the eventual signing of Executive Order No. 70 by President Rodrigo Duterte which created the NTF-ELCAC that underscored the “Whole of Nation’ approach in ending local armed conflict through good governance while addressing its root cause.

“The issue has existed for a long time,” Florendo explained adding that the CCP-NPA along with their political wing the NDF and other organizations disguising as party-list groups continue their trade of “rampant disinformation and intentions to deceive the people.”

She emphasized that there is also a “pattern of radicalization and confinement” being continuously done by CPP-NPA-NDF that is forcing the IPs to become members of CTGs.

Datu Bawan Jake Lanes, former cadre of CPP-NPA-NDF, now the Executive Director of Mindanao IP Council of Elders, on the other hand, narrated the process on how IP communities were being infiltrated by the CTG.

Lanes explained that the CTG will first research on what problems the IP communities are facing, especially with regard to their ‘ancestral domain’, then enter the community by offering itself as a partner that could give a “helping hand” to solve IP problems.


“Using church and non-government organizations as their fronts, they will offer help to the (IP) council of elders. Once they have the permission they will organize, putting up schools for the youth while the male IP members are taught to be “Militia ng Bayan’ and the women are taught to support the struggle and the leaders would become revolutionary leaders,” Lanes said.

He added that any resistance from IP leaders are penalized with death and once the IPs are already organized and “exploited”, some of the tribe members are brought to Manila through Manilakabayan, a yearly march by communist insurgents to plant combatants in strategic areas in the metropolis, citing the case of the IP students that were trafficked from Davao to Cebu and confined at the University of San Carlos in Cebu without the knowledge of their parents.

Lawyer Marlon Bosantog, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for IP Concerns, said the abducted IP students who were brought to Cebu were trained and organized by the group Karapatan and were given Bayan identifications cards to board planes for their transfer to be used in rallies and later to be trained as combatants.

Bosantog added the government has already filed Motion for Reconsiderations (MR) that questioned the dismissal of the case against the seven abductors of IP students on the ground of jurisdiction, and not because of lack of probable cause.

This was seconded by Lt. Col. Edel Ferreira of Police Regional Office 7 who said that there was a conspiracy to commit the crime of kidnapping for bringing the IP students to Cebu from Davao del Norte, prompting also their office to file an MR in the case as the minors were residing in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

https://manilastandard.net/index.php/news/national/356532/-exploited-ips-comprise-80-of-npa-task-force.html

Suspected NPA leader nabbed in Zamboanga

From the Philippine Star (Jun 8, 2021): Suspected NPA leader nabbed in Zamboanga (By Roel Pareño) 

An alleged ranking member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in Zamboanga peninsula on Sunday, security officials said yesterday.

Benjie Gomez, 47, deputy secretary of the NPA’s Regional White Area Committee in Western Mindanao was arrested in Mutia, Zamboanga del Norte, according to Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Genaro Ylagan, chief of the Zamboanga regional police.

Gomez had a standing arrest warrant for murder issued by a local court in Sindangan town in January 2019.

No bail was recommended for Gomez’s temporary liberty.

On the same day, two more rebels surrendered to the military in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur.

The surrenderees, identified as Okie, 53, and his wife Ana, 43, surrendered to the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Anonang.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the couple could no longer bear the hardships in the mountains due to the relentless operations launched by the military.

Okie and Ana were members of the defunct Main Regional Guerrilla Unit and of the Regional Urban Committee of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party, respectively, according to Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, chief of the Army’s 102 Infantry Brigade.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2021/06/08/2103801/suspected-npa-leader-nabbed-zamboanga

Former army chief Faustino named Joint Task Force Mindanao commander

From Rappler (Jun 4, 2021): Former army chief Faustino named Joint Task Force Mindanao commander (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

(1st UPDATE) Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr will oversee the combined units of the Eastern and Western Mindanao Command

Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr, former chief of the Philippine Army, was appointed as the first-ever commander of the new Joint Task Force (JTF) Mindanao on Friday, June 4.

His term as the 6th commanding general of the army was cut short in May 18, after Senator Panfilo Lacson, flagged Faustino’s appointment as unconstitutional.

Lacson argued that Faustino’s appointment was illegal under the law that required major service chiefs and other senior officers – except for the military chief of staff – to have at least one year in active service as a condition for their promotion. Faustino fell short of the one-year active service requirement because he started as army chief in February and would reach his mandatory retirement by November 2021.

Originally, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana said Faustino would be appointed as the Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff on Peace and Development.

New task force

On Friday, the AFP also announced the activation of the JTF Mindanao, which unified the two military commands in the southern Philippines: the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

According to Sobejana, the creation of the task force will streamline the military operations in Mindanao.

“The creation of JTF-Mindanao aims to unify the efforts of the two Unified Commands, the Eastern Mindanao Command and Western Mindanao Command, to widen its reach in addressing common peace and security problems, most especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and its peripheries,” Sobejana said in a statement.

The JTF Mindanao would also assist the local government units (LGUs) in the normalization of former rebels in the region. Normalization was the process where former rebels would be provided jobs, livelihood to help them participate in society.

The task force was also created at the height of new threats of terrorism in Mindanao. Just last month, on May 8, over 100 members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters linked to the Islamic State occupied the Datu Paglas market in Maguindanao.

Sarapida Pacasum Jr, former leader of Lanao del Sur provincial capitol rescue team, said that the delay in rehabilitation, as well as the government’s unfulfilled promises caused unrest among Maranaos. This anger could breed terrorism, the former official said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/former-army-chief-named-joint-task-force-mindanao-commander

Suspected Abu Sayyaf bomber killed in Basilan police

From the Business World (Jun 6, 2021): Suspected Abu Sayyaf bomber killed in Basilan police operation

PNP

A SUSPECTED bomb-maker of the Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf group was killed Saturday morning by police after allegedly resisting arrest based on a court-issued warrant.

In a statement on Sunday, Police chief Guillermo T. Eleazar identified the suspect as Aroy “Oroy” Ittot whom he described as “one of the trusted bomb-makers” of the late Abu Sayyaf leader Furuji Indama.

“During the service of Warrant of Arrest, the suspect fired upon the arresting team using his M16 rifle which prompted the operating troops to return fire that eventually led in the neutralization of Oroy,” Mr. Eleazar said.

The warrant was based on a murder case filed at a local court.

The police recovered various guns and ammunitions, grenade riffles, and components for making improvised bombs.

The police said the suspect was involved in various bombing incidents in Basilan, including attacks targeting local government officials.

https://www.bworldonline.com/suspected-abu-sayyaf-bomber-killed-in-basilan-police-operation/

AFP chief visits troops in Palawan

From Palawan News (Jun 8, 2021): AFP chief visits troops in Palawan (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

3rd Marine Brigade (3Mbde) headquarters in Puerto Princesa City welcomes Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Cirilito Sobejana on Monday, June 7, visited the soldiers of the 3rd Marine Brigade (3Mbde) headquarters in Puerto Princesa City.

3MBde commander Col. Jimmy Larida told Palawan News that Sobejana’s visit was to acknowledge the accomplishments of the military units in the province, particularly the awarding of Campaign Streamers to them, Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3), Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 (MBLT-4), Naval Forces West (NAVFORWEST), Tactical Operations Wing West (TOW-WEST), and the 18th Special Forces Company (SFC).

“Ang pinakapurpose nito [ng pagbisita] ay to acknowledge the accomplishments ng brigade and its attached units. Nagbigay sya ng Kapayapaan Streamers for the accomplishment in dismantling the KLG- Palawan since last year up to this year,” Larida said.

He added that the chief of staff also conducted inspections on the capability and readiness, and at the same time, to boost the morale of the personnel in the province.

“Ang guidance ay ‘wag magsawa at mapagod na magsuporta [to AFP’s mission. Kasabay niyan ay to see the readiness and capability of the troops here in Palawan. Parang regular na inspection,” Larida explained.

“Of course, all the personnel are very happy na nabisita tayo ng ama ng mga sundalo. High morale silang lahat,” he said.

He also ensured that the camp and its personnel are strictly imposing health protocols against COVID-19.

“Dito sa brigade at sa attached units ay alam natin ang epekto every time na may magpositive. Kaya in our level, we implement the protocols strictly,” he said.

The AFP chief also flew to Naval Station Emilio Liwanang (NSEL) in Barangay Pag-asa, Kalayaan in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

During his visit, Sobejana talked to the troops stationed on the island and inspected the logistics facilities at the station.

He also conducted a tree planting activity along with his staff and distributed school kits provided by the National Bookstore to school children of Pag-asa Elementary School, in preparation for the coming school year.

Among the facilities inspected by Sobejana were the beaching ramp, sovereign marker, the ongoing rehabilitation of the communication tower and the newly constructed fish port facility of the local government unit. He also received a briefing from the commander of the Joint Task Unit Pagasa on the prevailing security and covid-19 situation in their joint area of responsibility.

https://palawan-news.com/afp-chief-visits-troops-in-palawan/

Military tells Concha: Surrender before it’s too late

From Panay News (Jun 8, 2021): Military tells Concha: Surrender before it’s too late (By Ruby Silubrico)

BOCALA

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is calling on Maria Concepcion “Concha” Araneta-Bocala, a high-ranking official of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay Island, to surrender “before it’s too late”.

“We have caught Bocala before…we definitely can catch her again,” said Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

Bocala is the wife of Reynaldo Bocala, also a ranking rebel leader in Panay Island, who died in a police operation in Barangay Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo on May 28 along with his aide Willy Epago.

“If I were her, she better surrender, stop being hard-headed. Tomorrow may not be favorable to her. Baka maubos din swerte nya gaya ng asawa nya,” Pancito said.


The military had been patiently hunting Reynaldo for some 30 years.

“There is no safe haven for (rebel) leaders and their fighters. They move every now and then to evade government troops,” Pancito said. “Every day is an opportunity to bring them to justice.”

Citing intelligence reports, Pancito said Bocala – recently tagged a terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council – is still in Western Visayas hopping from one place to another to avoid being caught.

“She is literally living the life of an NPA (no permanent address),” said Pancito. “We will never get tired (looking for her).”

Bocala was arrested by combined forces of the military and police on Aug. 1, 2015 at a safe house in Barangay Calumpang, Molo, Iloilo City. She was temporarily released from detention in 2016 to participate in the peace talks between the Communist Party of the Philippines and the national government in Norway.

After President Rodrigo Duterte terminated the negotiations 2017, Bocala sought the help of comrades to hide.

“We will still give Bocala and other leaders (a chance) to surrender. (But) hanggang kailan sya magtatago,” Pancito said.

In the early 1970s, Bocala was a student activist at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. When martial law was declared, she joined the NPA to fight the Marcos dictatorship.

Her husband Reynaldo handled several positions in the NPA in Panay Island before he was killed. He was the former deputy secretary of the NPA Southern Front Committee, chief of the NPA regional operational department and finance officer, among others.

https://www.panaynews.net/military-tells-concha-surrender-before-its-too-late/

Task force as tip of spear vs. terrorist groups in Mindanao

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 7, 2021): Task force as tip of spear vs. terrorist groups in Mindanao (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) activated the new Joint Task Force (JTF) for Peace and Security in Mindanao on June 4 to widen the net against terror groups in the south.

AFP Chief of Staff Cirilito Sobejana said, “The creation of JTF-Mindanao aims to unify the efforts of the two Unified Commands, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EestMinCom) and Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), to widen its reach in addressing common peace and security problems, most especially in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and its peripheries.”

The JTF-Mindanao was conceptualized as an offshoot of the President’s directive to the AFP during the Command Conference in Cotabato City on May 8, 2021. It shall assist local government units (LGUs) and the Joint Normalization Committee in ensuring the success of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority particularly on the normalization process of former MILF combatants.

The military said it will further develop and implement a contingency plan to defeat armed terrorist groups and other peace spoilers that would pose as a serious threat to the smooth implementation of the Final Peace Agreement and the transition to theBangsamoro Autonomous Region as embodied in the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Moreover, the joint task force is tasked to synchronize the operations of EastMinCom and WestMinCom in the holistic whole of nation approach to restore peace and order in conflict-affected areas as well as prevent conflicts in vulnerable areas.

This will be done in collaboration and cooperation of field offices of the national government agencies and the LGUs.

Sobejana presided over the activation ceremony held at the General Headquarters Canopy in Camp Aguinaldo.

Present were key officers from the general headquarters and the incoming commander of the JTF-Mindanao, Lieutenant General Jose Faustino Jr.

“In order to lead this unit, we need a very capable, highly competent and dependable leader – a leader who has forged his career under the banner of excellence and selfless service through his exemplary achievements making him truly worthy of being chosen as the Commander of JTF Mindanao,” said Sobejana.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988, Lieutenant General Faustino is the former acting commanding general of the Philippine Army.

He had been designated as battalion and brigade commander in Western Mindanao, particularly in Basilan and Sulu; he also served in Eastern Mindanao as commander of 10th Infantry Division covering Regions 11 and 12, and commander of the EastMinCom securing Regions 10, 11, 12, and 13.

“Rest assured that Lieutenant General Faustino has the AFP’s vote of confidence and we are certain that he would be able to successfully achieve the two main objectives of the creation of this Joint Task Force. This is to establish a conducive environment in our continuing pursuit of lasting peace and the inclusive development for the entire Mindanao region,” the AFP Chief of Staff said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/06/07/task-force-as-tip-of-spear-vs-terrorist-groups-in-mindanao/

5 MILF base command in Lanao del Sur get mobile rice mill

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): 5 MILF base command in Lanao del Sur get mobile rice mill (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 5 (PIA)--Former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants in Lanao del Sur and their families are set to benefit from the national government’s livelihood and entrepreneurial projects.

This, after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), launched on Friday, June 4, mobile rice mill projects for five MILF base command under the Northeastern Mindanao Front based in Camp Bushra Somiorang in the municipality of Butig, this province.

The recipients are 120th Base Command Madrasah Norol Hidaya Picotaan Producer Cooperative based in Lumbatan town; Bangsamoro Bushra Region Producer Cooperative 119th Base in Butig town; and 101st Base Command Robinhood Farmers and Fisherfolk Producer Cooperative, 103rd Base Command Producers Cooperative, and Insan Livelihood Service Cooperative, all based in Nusa, Balindong.

The project turnover was implemented through the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization-Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (ICCMN-PRAISE), a program that seeks to boost agricultural productivity and economic development in major MILF camps and Bangsamoro communities.

Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman of DTI Special Concerns and Trade Promotions Group said the initiative is part of the national government’s sustained efforts to fulfill its commitment under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The CAB is the final peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF in 2014 after 17 years of negotiations.

Under the Normalization track of the CAB, programs that cover the aspect of security, political participation, confidence building, transitional justice and reconciliation, socio-economic interventions, and sustainable livelihood must be implemented to uplift the lives of decommissioned MILF combatants and accelerate the transformation of MILF camps into peaceful and resilient economic zones.

Macatoman said the mobile rice mill project can create job opportunities and provide a livelihood to the recipient MILF-communities.

“Kami sa DTI, adhikain natin na makapagbigay ng maraming trabaho at makapagcreate ng maraming negosyo at kabuhayan. Ito po ay ginagawa natin para makatulong doon sa mga kapatid nating Bangsamoro na hindi makahanap ng trabaho, makapagturo ng tamang pagnenegosyo, at makapagbigay ng pangkabuhayan,” he said.

[We at DTI, aim to provide more jobs and create more entrepreneurship opportunities. We are doing this to help our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters who cannot find work, to teach them proper entrepreneurship, and provide them livelihood.]

Asec. Ameenah Fajardo of DTI Special Concerns reiterated her Department’s commitment to support efforts in fulfilling the commitments made by the government under the CAB.

“We, at DTI, make sure to find ways to help Filipinos to get back on their feet not only for themselves but also their families,” she said.

She also emphasized that the establishment and operation of the mobile rice mill will provide lucrative means of livelihood and job opportunities for MILF members in Camp Bushra.

During the project launching, the respective Presidents of the recipient-cooperatives of each base command signed a usufruct agreement which sets forth their duties and responsibilities and the role of DTI in monitoring the project.

The signing was witnessed by Northeastern Mindanao Front commander and Member of the Parliament Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas Abbas who thanked DTI, OPAPP, and other government agencies and organizations for implementing projects under the normalization track of the peace process.

“Today is very significant and historical because this is a reflection or continuation of our noble endeavors and sacrifices to attain just and lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro and our country in general,” he said.

Mobile rice mill projects were also turned over to five cooperatives under Camp Bilal in Lanao del Norte on June 3. The same project is also set to be launched on June 10 in Camp Darapanan in Simuay, Maguindanao. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077339

MILF communities in Lanao del Sur thankful for gov’t projects

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): MILF communities in Lanao del Sur thankful for gov’t projects (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 5 (PIA)--Leaders of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities here in the province conveyed their gratitude and appreciation to the government for bringing in projects that could boost economic development in their respective communities.

A member of one of the MILF recipient cooperatives shows a thumbs-up gesture after their cooperative got a mobile rice mill from the government. (PIA-ICIC)

Through the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization-Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (ICCMN-PRAISE) program, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), launched on Friday, June 4, mobile rice mill projects for five MILF base command under the Northeastern Mindanao Front whose general headquarter is in Camp Bushra Somiorang in the municipality of Butig.

Muhammad Rabani, commander of the 120th Base Command based in Lumbatan town, said the mobile rice mill is indeed a big help for the farmers as they will be spared from spending money in taking the paddy (palay) to private rice millers in other barangays and bringing back the rice to their barangay.

“Libre at walang bayad ito (this is free of charge),” he said, thankful that they can get the milling work done right at their camp or barangay.

“Sobrang nagpapasalamat kami sa (we are very grateful to) DTI at sa (and) national government,” expressed Mahid Diongal, president of the 120th Base Command Madrasah Norol Hidaya Picotaan Producer Cooperative. With the mobile rice mill, he said it would be convenient for the cooperative members to mill the paddy.

Brgy. Sandab chairperson Macalawan Diamaoden also thanked the government for the intervention which for him would create a great impact on the socio-economic development of his barangay that envisions to be one of the top rice-producing barangays in the province.

Meanwhile, Northeastern Mindanao Front commander and Bangsamoro Government Member of the Parliament Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas Abbas thanked DTI, OPAPP, and other agencies and organizations for implementing projects under the normalization track of the peace process.

“Today is very significant and historical because this is a reflection or continuation of our noble endeavors and sacrifices to attain just and lasting peace and development in the Bangsamoro and our country in general,” he said. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077341

MILF’s mobile rice mill to benefit other Bangsamoro communities

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): MILF’s mobile rice mill to benefit other Bangsamoro communities (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, June 5 (PIA)--Bangsamoro communities near the camps of the five Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Base Command in Lanao del Sur are also set to benefit from the mobile rice mill project granted to the MILF Northeastern Mindanao Front.

MILF Northeastern Mindanao Front commander and Bangsamoro Government Member of the Parliament Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas Abbas expresses gratitude DTI, OPAPP, and other agencies and organizations for implementing projects under the normalization track of the peace process.

Front commander and Member of the Bangsamoro Parliament (MP) Basit “Jannati” Mimbantas Abbas gave the assurance that his base commanders are going to share the livelihood facility from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to other farmers in neighboring communities

“I instructed our base commanders saka yung mga cooperatives natin na recipient ng mobile rice mill na galing sa DTI na hindi lang yan sa atin, para yan sa mga barangay natin, at mga farmers natin para mapakinabangan yung mobile rice mill,’ he said.

[I instructed our base commanders and our cooperatives that are recipients of the mobile rice mill from the DTI that it is not just for us, it is for our barangays, and our farmers so we can take advantage of the mobile rice mill.]

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) launched the mobile rice mill project in Camp Bushra Somiorang in Butig on Friday, June 4, as part of the government’s commitment under the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The project was launched through the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization-Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (ICCMN-PRAISE) program, a socio-economic intervention that aims to create economic opportunities for decommissioned MILF combatants, their families, and their communities.

DTI Special Concerns and Trade Promotions Group Usec. Abdulgani Macatoman lauded the MP for his instruction to share the facility.

‘Ito rin naman usaping kapayapaan ay hindi lang para sa isang asosasyon o kooperatiba lamang, kung hindi ang magiging recipient ay pangkahalatan,” he said. [This peace talk is not just for a particular association or cooperative only, but for all.]

Macatoman also explained that the usufruct agreement stipulated that the facility should be shared.

“This would be shared . Kaya lang ina-identify lang natin yung cooperative, yung people’s organization or association para sila yung mangangalaga dun sa facility,” he further said. [This would be shared. But we identify the cooperative, the people's organization or association for they are the ones who will take care of that facility.]

Meanwhile, Macatoman assured that DTI field staff from the Project Monitoring Office will be ready to assist the recipient-cooperatives should they need further assistance in the operation of the facility.

“May mga field staff na tuloy-tuloy ang pagmonitor kung kailangan pa nila ng training at sapat na kaalaman kung paano gamitin ang facility or equipment, ituturo natin yan sa ating mga recipient na kooperatiba,” he added. [There are field staff who are constantly monitoring if they still need training and sufficient knowledge on how to use the facility or equipment, we will teach that to our recipient-cooperatives.] (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077342

OPAPP manager cites importance of concerted efforts in peacebuilding

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): OPAPP manager cites importance of concerted efforts in peacebuilding (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 5 (PIA)--The Northern Mindanao area manager of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) reiterated on Friday, June 4, that attaining sustainable peace can be achieved through the concerted efforts of all sectors of society.

Speaking at the launching of the Mobile Rice Mill Project for former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants in Lanao del Sur, James Alih Abdul said peacebuilding has now shifted to the whole-of-nation approach (WNA) strategy.

“Ang peacebuilding naging whole-of-nation po ito dahil sa Executive Order na ginawa ng Presidente, ang EO 70... ito ang tinatawag na whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach. Ito po ay isang realization na yung approach natin sa armed conflict hindi lang sa pamamaraan ng military solution, kailangan lahat ng mamamayang Pilipino ay makaparticipate at kasali sa usaping peace building,” he said.

[Peacebuilding has become whole-of-nation because of the Executive Order of the President, the EO 70 .. this is called the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach. This is a realization that our approach to the armed conflict is not only through a ‘military solution’, but all Filipinos must be able to participate in peacebuilding.]

The WNA is a multi-pronged strategy wherein government agencies will prioritize and sync their efforts to bring social development interventions to conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable communities and ensure active participation of all sectors of society in the pursuit of inclusive and sustainable peace.

Abdul noted that such participation is also needed to sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process.

“Dito, na establish na natin ang BARMM...pero hindi huminto dun sa peace agreement or dun sa pag decommissioned ng mga combatants. Tuloy-tuloy ang support ng gobyerno kaya meron tayong socio-economic support through the DTI,” he said while citing the mobile rice mill project as part of the dividends of the peace agreement between the government and the MILF.

[Here, we have established the BARMM ... but it did not stop with the peace agreement or the decommissioning of the combatants. The government's support is continuous, that is why we have socio-economic support through the DTI.]

“Yung limang mobile rice mill, inaasahan natin na yung ating mga decommissioned combatants ay makinabang dito with their families and their communities,” he added.

[We hope that our decommissioned combatants with their families and their communities will benefit from the five mobile rice mills.]

Meanwhile, Abdul reminded the former combatants of their commitments to strengthen peacebuilding and development efforts.

‘On our part, dapat magsubmit din tayo dun sa mga polisiya at guidelines ng cooperative [On our part, we must also submit to the policies and guidelines of the cooperative],” he emphasized referring to the usufruct agreement between the DTI and the recipient-MILF cooperatives on the operation of the mobile rice mill. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077344

DTI assures MILF coops of marketing assistance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 6, 2021): DTI assures MILF coops of marketing assistance (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, June 5 (PIA)--Undersecretary Abdulgani Macatoman of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Special Concerns and Trade Promotions Group assured Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) cooperatives who will receive entrepreneurial projects of the Department’s assistance in providing market access.

Macatoman, who recently visited MILF’s Camp Bilal in Lanao del Norte and Camp Bushra Somiorang in Lanao del Sur to lead the turnover of mobile rice mill projects, conveyed that DTI is not only committed to provide equipment and other shared service facilities but also marketing support and other related services such as branding, packaging, and labeling, among others.

“Expert po ang DTI sa mga marketing assistance kung papano nila ibenta (yung mga produkto). Dun sa value chain, kami ay makakaassist sa kanila pati sa packaging kung sila ay may mga products na gusto nilang ibenta,” he said.

[DTI is an expert in marketing assistance, on how they can sell (their products). In the value chain, we can assist them as well as in packaging if they have the products they want to sell.]

Macatoman said he is attending turnover of projects under the Inter-Cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization-Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (ICCMN-PRAISE) program to personally assess what other interventions are needed by the MILF camps noting the different characteristics and needs of each camp.

“Tinitingnan natin yung pwedeng mga high-value crops na pwede nilang maexport not just for domestic consumption. Aside sa palayan o kaya mais, tinitingnan din natin ang coconut, lalong-lalo na yung virgin coconut oil na pwede tayong makapagbigay din ng equipment para makapagprocess sila,” he said. [We are looking at possible high-value crops that they can export, not just for domestic consumption. Aside from rice or corn, we also look at coconut, especially virgin coconut oil wherein we can also provide equipment for them to process (VCO).]

Macatoman added that DTI is also eyeing shared service facilities for the production and processing of other high-value crops such as coffee and cacao.

On Friday, June 4, MILF cooperatives under the five base command of the Northeastern Mindanao Front received mobile rice mill projects from DTI through the ICCMN-PRAISE, a program that seeks to boost economic development in major MILF camps and Bangsamoro communities.

The recipients are 120th Base Command Madrasah Norol Hidaya Picotaan Producer Cooperative based in Lumbatan town; Bangsamoro Bushra Region Producer Cooperative 119th Base in Butig town; and 101st Base Command Robinhood Farmers and Fisherfolk Producer Cooperative, 103rd Base Command Producers Cooperative, and Insan Livelihood Service Cooperative, all based in Nusa, Balindong. (APB/PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1077346