Negros NPA leader, comrade killed in clash with gov’t troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): Negros NPA leader, comrade killed in clash with gov’t troops (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

CLASH SITE. Troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion engage CPP-NPA rebels in Barangay Amin, Isabela, Negros Occidental early Wednesday (March 9, 2022) after receiving information about their presence in the village. Killed in the clash were Virgilio Marco “Bedam” Tamban, commanding officer of SYP Platoon Lenovo, tagged by the military as a “notorious hitman”, and an unidentified comrade. (Photo courtesy of 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

A Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) leader and his comrade were killed in an encounter with troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Amin, Isabela, Negros Occidental early Wednesday morning.

The 62IB identified one of the fatalities as Virgilio Marco “Bedam” Tamban, commanding officer of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) Platoon Lenovo, tagged by the military as a “notorious hitman”, while the other one has yet to be identified.

One of their comrades, still unnamed, was captured with two cal.45 pistols and a hand grenade.

In a statement, Lt. Col. William Pesase Jr., acting commanding officer of 62IB, said justice has been served to the civilians killed by Tamban’s group.

“I commend the bravery of the concerned residents in divulging reliable information to finally stop the killings initiated by the NPA in central Negros,” he added.

According to the 62IB, about 10 CPP-NPA members had planned to execute a civilian they suspected to be a government informant in the area.

Concerned citizens reported their presence to troops of 62IB and personnel of Isabela Municipal Police Station.

When the troops responded at around 2 a.m., they engaged the rebels in a three-minute firefight that led to the death of Tamban and his comrade.

2Lt. Mary Liza Joy de Guzman, civil military operations officer, said the bodies were brought to Nalagon Funeral Homes in Isabela town.

The 62IB added the rebels were the primary suspects in the recent murder cases in central Negros.

The victims included Jay Maykel Ledesma of Barangay Macagahay, Moises Padilla, killed on March 2; Crish John Guyha of Barangay Luz, Guihulngan City, February 28; Heide Boca of Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, February 19; and Lucio and Tony Perater of Barangay Malangsa, Vallehermoso, February 16.

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

The National Democratic Front has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169367

Ex-Cebu rebels form sectoral groups to counter CPP-NPA-NDF lies

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): Ex-Cebu rebels form sectoral groups to counter CPP-NPA-NDF lies (By John Rey Saavedra)

CEBU EX-REBELS. Jeffrey Celiz alias Ka Eric Almendras administers the oath of local chapter officers of the Sentrong Alyansang Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (Sambayanan) at Sindulan Sports Complex in Mabolo, Cebu City on Tuesday (March 08, 2022). Former rebels in Cebu province formed sectoral groups comprising the local chapter of the Sambayanan to work with the government in addressing societal issues, bringing public services closer to the people, and denouncing the lies and deceits of the CPP-NPA-NDF. (Screengrab from contributed video)

Former rebels in Cebu have pledged to work hand in hand with the government in addressing societal concerns through the "whole-of-nation approach" and to denounce the lies of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Jeffrey Celiz, also known as Ka Eric Almendras, said on Tuesday about 200 former rebels from different towns of Cebu have organized sectoral groups that will comprise the local chapter of the Sentrong Alyansang Mamamayan Para sa Bayan (Sambayanan).

Sambayanan is a national organization of former rebels registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and engaged in peace and development-building activities nationwide, in coordination with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Celiz visited Cebu to meet with the representatives of different sectoral organizations from the northern and southern towns of the province, cementing a resounding commitment to denounce the atrocities of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Chapter officers took their oath of office before Celiz at the Sindulan Sports Complex in Barangay Mabolo here, pledging to denounce violence and terrorism, support the national government's peace and development efforts, defend the Constitution and laws, and reject ideas to fight against the government.

In his talk with the sectoral leaders, Celiz narrated how he was recruited while studying in West Visayas State University in Iloilo in 1989 and worked as chair of various left-leaning organizations, as founding national leader of the Anakbayan, and as coordinator of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan.

“Kapag kami ang nagsabi at nagbanggit kung ano sila, 'yun ay hindi red-tagging, 'yun ang katotohanan. Sapagkat doon kami nanggaling. 10 years din ako, 12 years ako sa urban mass movement or white areas, 10 years ako halos sa NPA national operations command NOC, 'yun ang last touch ko (If it is us who say and mention what they are, that's not red-tagging, that's the truth. Because it’s there where we came from. About 10 years, I spent 12 years in the urban mass movement or white areas, almost 10 years that I was with the NPA national operations command (NOC), that was my last touch),” Celiz said.

Of the 12 personalities recruited to the underground movement, only four, including Ka Eric, are alive. Of the four, three are prosecutors and the other one is a judge while eight of his batchmates are dead.

Ka Eric also received on behalf of the former rebels from Cebu a check worth PHP60,000 intended for the livelihood program.

The amount was the proceed from the Heroes Adventure Challenge - Bike/Run for A Cause facilitated by the 3rd Civil Relations Groups (3CRG) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, supported by Smarties Apparel as well as Bikes and Brews.

As local chapters of Sambayanan, the different sectoral organizations of former rebels in the province will conduct regular community engagements to counter the lies and deceits of the leftists who are also doing mass-based organizing.

Using the whole-of-nation approach, these organizations will also work with regional government agencies in bringing public services right to the doorsteps of the people and address specific issues that concern an office or agency.

The former rebels here also registered their local chapters with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to qualify for livelihood grants and skills training programs from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

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

The NDF has also been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169386

Gov’t militias undergo environment education in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): Gov’t militias undergo environment education in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

ENVIRONMENTAL ORIENTATION. The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office - Bislig conducts a daylong Education and Information Campaign course on Wednesday (March 9, 2022) among the CAA members of the Delta Company of 48IB in Barangay Maharlika, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur. The activity was aimed at orienting the CAAs on existing environmental laws, rules, and regulations in the country. (Photo courtesy of CENRO-Bislig)

Around 30 members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA) have completed a daylong education and information campaign (EIC) instruction on Wednesday, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office Bislig (CENRO-Bislig) reported.

In a statement Wednesday, the CENRO-Bislig said the CAAs were under the command of 2nd Lt. Jan Miguel Bacuestes of the 48th Infantry Battalion’s (48IB) Delta Company.

“The EIC was conducted at the company headquarters of the 48IB Delta Company in Barangay Maharlika, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur,” the CENRO-Bislig said.

The agency added that the EIC was focused on existing environmental laws, rules, and regulations in the country.

The EIC was part of the ongoing five-day CAA-1 in-house training for the semester of 2022 of the CAA members under the 48IB’s Delta Company.

“The one-day activity was aimed to orient the CAAs on the environmental laws and regulations as they perform their duties and responsibilities in the different areas in Bislig City and the nearby towns of Surigao del Sur under the 48IB,” the CENRO-Bislig said.

It added that the five-day training is a refresher course among the CAA members of the 48IB Delta Company aimed to enhance their capabilities in their peace and development works in Surigao del Sur communities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169397

DSWD-NorMin, Army continue relief aid to 'Odette' survivors

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): DSWD-NorMin, Army continue relief aid to 'Odette' survivors (By Nef Luczon)

EXTENDED HELP. Personnel from the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) on Wednesday (March 9, 2022) continue giving relief aid to the survivors of last year's Typhoon Odette in Mindanao and the Visayas. The Army's 4th Infantry Division and its partner groups also continuously carries out relief operations to the typhoon-devastated areas in Mindanao and the Visayas. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-10)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development - Northern Mindanao (DSWD-10) and the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) have continued sending relief packs to the survivors of last year's Typhoon Odette in parts of Mindanao and the Visayas.

In a statement Wednesday, Roshiel M. Galia, DSWD-10 information officer, said their agency has provided a total of 28,773 family food packs (FFPs) and 9,383 non-food items that include family kits, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits to the typhoon victims.

A box of family food packs can sustain a family of five to six members for two to three days.

She said the agency's regional resource operations section has also extended help to the people in Caraga who were devastated by the storm.

"The DSWD-Field Office - Caraga received a total of 900 non-food Items (family tents, modular tents, and laminated sacks) which served as temporary shelters for the families who had lost their houses," Galia said.

Meanwhile, troopers from the Army’s 42nd Civil-Military Operations Company under the 4th Civil-Military Operations Battalion have joined with the 30th Infantry Battalion in facilitating the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations in Caraga to assist the survivors.

The troops led the distribution of assorted relief goods to 500 households from Barangay Quezon, Barangay Mapawa and Barangay Cabongbongan, all in Surigao City; and Barangay Salvacion in Taganaan, Surigao del Norte, on March 2.

The relief goods were donated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Finance Center.

In the aftermath of Odette, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID), in partnership with the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict - Northern Mindanao, launched the #BangonVisMin Typhoon Odette Donation Drive, to help the affected communities.

The people positively responded to the call as manifested by the outpouring of donations from various groups.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur C Mamawag, the 4ID commander, said they will work closely with partner stakeholders to uplift the condition of the typhoon-affected families in Mindanao and the Visayas.

"Even as we continue to perform our primary task of protecting the people and securing the land from threats of the remaining members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG)," he said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169406

811 ex-rebels surrender, get gov't aid from 2016-2020: 10ID study

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): 811 ex-rebels surrender, get gov't aid from 2016-2020: 10ID study (By Christine Cudis)

SURRENDERERS. Communist rebels surrender with their firearms at Sitio Mahayag, Barangay St. Peter in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Oct. 27, 2021. The Armed Forces of the Philippines' 10th Infantry Division (ID) on Wednesday (March 9, 2022) said 811 former rebels under its area of responsibility have so far received livelihood and employment assistance from the government after leaving the armed struggle. (Contributed file photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 10th Infantry Division (ID) on Wednesday said a total of 811 former rebels under its area of responsibility have so far received livelihood and employment assistance from the government after leaving the armed struggle.

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, 10th ID public affairs chief, told the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday that more rebels are getting convinced to give up arms and return to the folds of the law after suffering in the rebel movement.

“When they surrender, the government offers them either livelihood or employment as a way for them to reintegrate into the society,” Tito said.

The Davao Region was declared by the national government in 2010 as a national priority area to be cleared from the influence of the communist terrorist group.

A study by the 10ID showed that a total of 1,691 Custodial Debriefing Reports (CDRs) of surrenderers have been collected from 2016 to 2020.

The 10ID's area of responsibility covers the Davao Region, parts of Soccsksargen (Sarangani, South Cotabato, 2nd district of Cotabato and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat), Trento, Agusan del Sur and Lingig, Surigao del Sur.

Of the 1,691 CDRs of surrenderers, 48 percent or approximately 811 of them received employment or livelihood from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E CLIP), the study added.

“There are even some who are offered to join the Philippine Army because they embody qualifications that we need in the force like our recent trainees who are education graduates,” Tito said.

He said some of the rebels who obtained college diplomas went through a deradicalization process and were later on assessed fit to get employed.

“Some of the surrenderers do not immediately receive an employment because there are existing charges against them, those should be settled first before they can be employed,” he added.

The study also emphasized the need to implement a combination of the "Dislocate, Isolate, Disintegrate and Destroy (DIDD)" and "Shape, Clear, Transform and Sustain (SCTS)" policies to ensure Peace Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169435

France eyes possible joint EEZ patrols with PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): France eyes possible joint EEZ patrols with PH (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA TRIP. (From left) Vendémiaire Commander Alain Gaborit, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz, Rear Admiral Jean-Mathieu Rey during the ALPACI commander's visit to Manila on March 7, 2022. The French government is open to holding joint patrols with the Philippines within its exclusive economic zones to develop the two nations' interoperability. (Photo courtesy of French Embassy in Manila)

The French government is open to holding joint patrols with the Philippines within its exclusive economic zones to develop the two nations' interoperability.

The idea was floated during the Manila visit of Rear Admiral Jean-Mathieu Rey, joint commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific, who also met with various Filipino military and defense officials from March 7 to 8.

During these meetings, the military officials affirmed their willingness to expand operational bilateral engagement between the French and Philippine armed forces, including in the area of humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

“With the Philippines, we share a common interest in areas such as humanitarian assistance. We are under the same threat of natural disasters in our overseas territories," Rey said.

"The second domain is the protection of our exclusive economic zone. We share the same necessity to protect our resources in our EEZs against threats such as illegal fishing,” he added.

Based in French Polynesia, Rey leads the joint French armed forces operating in the Asia-Pacific, contributing to the protection of France’s territories and its 1.6 million citizens in the Indo-Pacific region.

This joint force is composed of assets from the French Navy, the French Air & Space Force, and regiments from the French Marine Infantry, and works with France's partners in the region in carrying out Paris' Indo-Pacific Strategy.

In a statement Wednesday, the French Embassy in Manila said this strategy seeks to promote a "stable, rules-based, multipolar order" and provides a framework for developing cooperation with its partners, including the Philippines and the Asean.

“France is a country of the Indo-Pacific, and we are here to stay. This is a long-term commitment and we want to walk the talk. We do this by having the presence of the French Armed Forces here and developing our relationship with their counterparts in the Philippines,” French Ambassador Michèle Boccoz said.

Rey's Manila trip coincided with the port visit of Floréal-class light surveillance frigate Vendémiaire. The vessel will be docked in Manila until March 11 and will participate in a HADR preparedness activity with the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The Vendémiaire last held a port visit to the Philippines in 2021.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169401

Scrapping deal to acquire Russian helicopters unlikely: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9, 2022): Scrapping deal to acquire Russian helicopters unlikely: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Wednesday said the contract for the 17 Russian-made Mil Mi-17 heavy-lift helicopters is unlikely to be scrapped for now despite the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

"No, we do not see any likelihood of (of the contract) being scrapped as of this moment," he said in a message to reporters, when asked if the project will still push through despite the conflict.

The DND chief added that the heavy-lift helicopter procurement project is a multi-year procurement contract and the delivery of the first batch will be in 24 months.

"The heavy-lift helicopter procurement project with Russia is on track. The contract was signed and the down payment (was) done before the Ukraine crisis happened," he said.

"Will the Ukraine crisis affect the project? Only time will tell," he added.

The DND chief added that the PHP12.7 billion Mil Mi-17 contract was signed last November and a down payment was made last January.

Lorenzana did not mention the amount given as a down payment.

The PAF earlier announced that it is looking at the possibility of acquiring heavy-lift helicopters as part of efforts to beef up its helicopter fleet. A heavy-lift helicopter is a type of rotary aircraft capable of lifting large numbers of personnel or cargo.

The Mil Mi-17 is a Soviet-designed Russian military helicopter family in production at two factories in Kazan and Ulan-Ude. It is known as the Mi-8M series in Russian service.

The helicopter is mostly used as a medium twin-turbine transport helicopter, as well as an armed gunship version. It has a maximum speed of 280 km/h (170 mph, 150 knots) and a range of 800 km.

The Mi-17 has a crew of two pilots and one engineer and is capable of transporting 24 soldiers or 12 stretchers internally.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169414

MILF: Region 12 Salaam Police Advocacy Groups hold oath-taking and induction of officers

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 9, 2022): Region 12 Salaam Police Advocacy Groups hold oath-taking and induction of officers (By Gandhi Kinjiyo)



The Region 12 Salaam Police Advocacy Groups in regional, provincial, municipal and city levels held an oath-taking and induction ceremonies on Monday (March 7, 2022) administered by a key official of the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame.

Through virtual mode, Police Brigadier General Arnel Amor Libed, Deputy Director of the Directorate for Police Community Relations of the Philippine National Police, administered the oath-taking and induction of the officers of SPAGs of Region 12 who were gathered in their respective towns.

Libed underscored in his message the important role of civilians in supporting the police in maintaining the peace and security of the communities

SPAGs are organized groups of Muslim leaders, peace advocates, and force multipliers that undertake peace advocacy initiatives and promotion of human rights to sustain peace and order in the communities.

“We hope for your support by conducting peace and security programs that address the challenges faced by our society like the Covid-19 pandemic, the proliferation of illegal drugs, terrorism, violent extremism as well as criminalities,” Libed said in Filipino language.

Libed further hoped that SPAGs will also help in the conduct of safe and orderly local and national elections.

He said the SPAGs officers took their oath as a manifestation of their resolve to have peaceful communities and lauded their willingness in helping the PNP in its efforts to protect the citizens.

Sheikh Ibrahim Andang, Jr., SPAGs Region 12 President, cited the importance of consolidating the efforts of the community leaders and peace advocates with the security sector in undertaking activities that help sustain and strengthen community peace.

He shared how the Muslim religious sector of SocSarGen area have been engaged in grassroots-based peace advocacy activities as one way promoting tolerance and understanding and in support to the program of the security sector in preventing violent extremism.

SPAGs Region 12 Adviser Jocelyn Lambac-Kanda, head of the City Mayor’s Office – Integrated Communities Affairs Division, expressed her support to SPAGs and said that her office undertakes various peace-related projects where the group can collaborate with.(Gandhi Kinjiyo)

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2443/region-12-salaam-police-advocacy-groups-hold-oath-taking-and-induction-of-officers

MILF: Duterte to maintain status quo for Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s membership

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 8, 2022): Duterte to maintain status quo for Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s membership (Alexander Iskandar, Luwaran)

Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the body that will govern the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao until June 30, 2022 take their oath before President Rodrigo Duterte at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang on 22 February 2019.MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao (March 5, 2022)—Good news for incumbent members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

 
President Rodrigo Duterte has approved on February 21 the recommendation of the Security, Justice and Peace Cabinet Cluster (SJPCC) to maintain the status quo on the membership of the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

A report by Mindanews on Saturday, says that, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr. of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity and National Security, and Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. of the National Security Council announced that Duterte approved their recommendation last February 21.

Moreover, maintaining the status quo in the BTA will enable the incumbent President to focus on ensuring that the key aspects of the transition process in the Bangsamoro, such as building the capacity of the BTA parliament and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Cabinet for good and accountable moral governance, are effectively carried out, it added, the report said.

.“Undoubtedly, the BTA has over the past two years played an instrumental role in uplifting the lives of the Bangsamoro people and unleashing the economic potential of the region. Given these major accomplishments, its current membership must not only be given due recognition but must also be given the chance to complete what it has started,” the SJPCC members said.

“By keeping the status quo in the BTA, we are not only building on and sustaining the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process; we are laying the foundations where genuine development and long-lasting peace can take root and flourish, and where our Moro brothers and sisters can look ahead to a better and brighter future,” they added.

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2442/-duterte-to-maintain-status-quo-for-bangsamoro-transition-authority---s-membership

MILF: Implement agreement related on security, disband private armed groups’- UNYPAD Pres. on Rido

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 6, 2022): Implement agreement related on security, disband private armed groups’- UNYPAD Pres. on Rido (By Gandhi Kinjiyo)

The President of United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) said the best way to address Rido (clan feud) is the implementation of agreement related to security and disbanding of private armed groups.

“I think the best way to address rido is the implementation of agreement related to security,” said Dr. Rahib Kudto, head of UNYPAD, the largest organization of Moro youth in the country, and member of the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT), during its 7th Public Report on Thursday (March 3) at Discovery Suites, this city.

He added, “There is also a need to disband private armed groups and address the socio-economic problem of the people.”

“There’s a ministry responsible for addressing the conflicts in the Bangsamoro, it has to look into this,” Kudto further suggested.

The UNYPAD chief said, “There are also civil society organizations that are doing conflict mitigations and interventions. They can be very useful and can be partnered with the ministry of the BARMM concerned to this (rido).”

Kudto referred to the agency as the Ministry on Public Order and Safety (MPOS), one of the ministries of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He also underscored the important role of a development partner to help in addressing the problem of Bangsamoro communities on Rido.

The TPMT released its 7th public report noting that there is steady progress in advancing the peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the reporting period November 2020 to January 2022.

In its report, the monitoring body encourages the following steps to consolidate the implementation of the peace process:

• Adopt priority legislation ideally within the originally defined timeframe prior to June 2022;
• Use the IGRB to methodically address pending issues and proceed with the operationalization of remaining IGR mechanisms;
• Address normalization on the basis of synchronized actions combining all its different elements. Most importantly, resolve questions related to the provision of socio-economic packages for decommissioned combatants and agree on guidelines for the entry of MILF and MNLF into the PNP;
• Ensure that the National Amnesty Commission can begin operations as soon as possible;
• Strive for greater security and prevention of violent incidents, whether involving rido, resource conflicts or extremism, through holistic and strategic measures.

Formally established in 2013, the body is mandated to monitor and review the implementation of the peace agreements between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

TPMT is chaired by German former European Union diplomat Heino Marius. Other foreigner members of TMPT are Huseyin Oruc, a Turkish and founding Trustee of The Humanitarian Forum (UK), and founding member of UNIW (the Union of NGOs of the Islamic World), and Sam Chittick, an Australian and currently the country representative of The Asia Foundation.

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2441/___implement_agreement_related_on_security__disband_private_armed_groups_____unypad_pres__on_rido

MILF: Third Party Monitoring Team for the Bangsamoro peace process releases 7th public report

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Mar 2, 2022): Third Party Monitoring Team for the Bangsamoro peace process releases 7th public report (By Gandhi Kinjiyo)



The Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) for the Bangsamoro Peace Process released its 7th public report in a press conference on Thursday (March 3, 2021) noting that there is steady progress in advancing the peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) during the reporting period November 2020 to January 2022.

The independent monitoring body noted several development that include the foundations for effective institutional and legislative structure have been laid by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the adoption of two more priority codes, the Civil Service Code and Education Code, the transfer of Cotabato City into BARMM administrative structures, regular interaction between the National Government and Bangsamoro Government through the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) and ceasefire mechanism remains intact.

TPMT Chair Heimo Marius, a German national, cited in their report, “Key achievements include the adoption of the 3rd round of decommissioning of MILF combatants last November, preparing the ground for granting amnesty towards the members of the MILF and operationalization of the Bangsamoro Normalization Trust Fund.”

He said the implementation of the peace process was slowed down by two factors which are Covid-19 pandemic that delayed the consultative processes and program delivery and the debate over the extension of the transition period that absorbed much the attention of the Parties.

Marius said, “It had become apparent that the allotted 3-year timeframe in the Organic Law for establishing a new autonomous political entity was very ambitious from the start given the complexity of the task.”

The TPMT chair added, “As we move towards the extension we as TPMT believe that this is the right time to look at the peace agreements from a broader perspective, to assess what has been achieved and what remains to be done.”

He also underscored the importance to understand that the peace accords combine and counterbalance two fundamental ideas which are meaningful self-governance for the Bangsamoro and gradual normalization of the conflict-affected areas and their transformation to peaceful and progressive communities.

The monitoring body encourages steps to consolidate the implementation of the peace process such as adopting priority legislation ideally within the originally defined timeframe prior to June 2022, using the IGRB to methodically address pending issues and proceed with the operationalization of remaining IGR mechanisms, and addressing normalization on the basis of synchronized actions combining all its different elements.

The TPMT said with the extension now in place the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority (BTA) has more time to accomplish its priority tasks and the Parties to the peace agreements have the opportunity to focus on completing what they agreed with renewed vigor.

The monitoring body further suggests to the concerned parties to ensure that the National Amnesty Commission can begin operations as soon as possible and strive for greater security and prevention of violent incidents, whether involving rido (clan war), resource conflicts or extremism, through holistic and strategic measures.

The TPMT was set up by the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to monitor the implementation of the GPH-MILF peace agreement, as provided for in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed on 15 October 2012 and its Annexes.

Huseyin Oruc, a Turkish and one of the founding members of the Union of NGOs in the Islamic World, and Sam Chittick, an Australian and the Philippines Country Representative of The Asia Foundation are the two other foreigner TPMT members.

Rebecca Tañada Executive Director of Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute and Dr. Rahib Kudto, Chairman of the United Youth for Peace and Development are the local TPMT members.

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2440/third_party_monitoring_team_for_the_bangsamoro_peace_process_releases_7th_public_report

30 Dawlah Islamiyah supporters surrender in Lanao

 From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Mar 8, 2022): 30 Dawlah Islamiyah supporters surrender in Lanao

ZAMBOANGA. Thirty supporters and couriers of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) surrender to military on Friday, March 4, three days after troops captured the DI-MG lair in Ilalag village, Maguing, Lanao del Sur. A photo handout shows the surrenderers in a group photo after they received food packs from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (SunStar Zamboanga)

THIRTY supporters and couriers of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) have surrendered to military in the province of Lanao del Sur, a top military official said.

Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Payapaya, 51st Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said the DI-MG supporters surrendered Friday, March 4, three days after troops captured the rebels’ lair in Ilalag village, Maguing, Lanao del Sur.

The lair of DI-MG leader Faharudin Hadji Satar alias Abu Zacariah fell into the hands of government troops following hours of firefight preceded by an early morning airstrike Tuesday, March 2.

Brigadier General Jose Maria Cuerpo, II, 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said that Abu Zacariha is the new emir of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Southeast Asia.

Payapaya said the 30 DI-MG supporters and couriers surrendered to the 51IB headquarters in Dilausan village, Madalum, Lanao del Sur. They are from Talao and Palacat villages in Piagapo town of the same province.

He said the surrender can be attributed to the successful offensive in Maguing on March 1 that brought fear to all other members and supporters of the DI-MG and the sustained combat operations in the hinter of Piagapo village where the DI-MG members were frequently monitored in the previous months.

Payapaya warmly welcomed the surrenderers who withdrew their support to the DI-MG.

The surrenderers sworn to the Holy Qur'an that they will never support again the DI-MG and before they returned to their respective villages, they received food packs from the local government and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1923021/zamboanga/local-news/30-dawlah-islamiyah-supporters-surrender-in-lanao

All-female Aviators hold training flights at Fort Magsaysay

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 9, 2022): All-female Aviators hold training flights at Fort Magsaysay (By Liezle Basa Iñigo)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija — Female Aviators of the Aviation “Hiraya” Regiment, Philippine Army, marked International Women’s Day on Tuesday, March 8, with an all-female training flight at Fort Magsaysay Army Aerodrome.

Hiraya Female Aviators in Flight used the Robinson R44 trainer helicopter.

Cpt. Pearl Esther I Taladro, pilot-in-command, and Maj. Sharon Jill F Carangrang, co-pilot, with Cpt. Rhona K Salvacion onboard, performed a series of take-off and landing exercises, co-pilot landing, air taxi, and quick stop maneuvers.

Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army / MANILA BULLETIN

The all-female flight crew is the Aviation Regiment’s way of showcasing the capabilities of its female Army Aviators in celebration of International Women’s Month Celebration and carried the theme: “Agenda ng Kababaihan Tungo sa Kaunlaran.”

The Aviators were wearing purple shirts which is historically associated with efforts to achieve gender equality and linked to contemporary feminism.

It inspires hope and vision and symbolizes the gains so far achieved and those that are yet to come, the Aviators said.

The Aviation (Hiraya) Regiment, Philippine Army, under Col. Andre B. Santos participated in the Subject Matter Expert Exchange conducted with 3-25 Combat Aviation Battalion, US Army as part of Exercise SALAKNIB on Monday, March 7.

Tackled during the exchange were aviation safety with CW4 Jamie C. Toner, Safety Officer of Task Force Hammerhead, 3-25 Combat Aviation Battalion, US Army, as the speaker.

Toner elaborated on the safety administrative practices, emergency management planning, safety related programs, and aviation mission risk mitigation.

The Aviation Regiment has prioritized safety, especially with the increase in the number of flight missions and aircraft.

This will help the unit improve its safety programs and mitigate accidents during the conduct of flightline operations and aerodrome operations.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/09/all-female-aviators-hold-training-flights-at-fort-magsaysay/

US, Philippines gather for 10th Airman-to-Airman Talks, continue building upon strong alliance

 Posted to Pacific Air Forces (Mar8, 2022): US, Philippines gather for 10th Airman-to-Airman Talks, continue building upon strong alliance

Published March 8, 2022
By Tech. Sgt. Hailey Haux
Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii --

Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), Guam and Hawaii Air National Guard Airmen, as well as Hawaii Army National Guard members met with Airmen from the Philippine Air Force for the 10th iteration of Airman-to-Airman (A2A) Talks between the two countries, Feb. 15-18.

The talks provide an avenue to develop interoperability, foster military-to-military relations and improve bilateral cooperation. The U.S. and partner nation air forces conduct these engagements to plan for upcoming bilateral activities and establish partner goals.

“We appreciate the Philippine Air Force’s ability to support this event as it is critical to advancing our ability to work together and achieve common objectives,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. David Burgy, Air National Guard Assistant to the Commander, Pacific Air Forces, during his opening remarks.

Burgy outlined three main objectives of these annual talks: review the effectiveness of all engagements, refine engagement priorities over the next several years, and strengthen the interoperability between the two air forces.

“In this current volatile security environment, interoperability is becoming more and more important,” said Philippine Air Force Maj. Gen. Stephen P. Parreño, Chief of Air Staff, Philippine Air Force. “Despite our cultural differences and other various challenges for our nations’ militaries, it is relevant that our alliance shall continue to grow and be more effective. May this engagement serve as a venue to nourish long-standing friendship and cooperation with the Philippine Air Force and Pacific Air Forces.”

Over the course of the week, the two air forces held several discussions about an array of topics in order to develop a better understanding of the needs of the two countries. Working group sessions consisted of logistics, plans and policy, training and operations, and cybersecurity.

“Ultimately, what we hope to achieve is improving the interoperability between our two air forces,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Christopher Faurot, Assistant Adjutant General-Air/Commander, Guam Air National Guard, Air National Guard Assistant to Commander, 11th Air Force. “It’s important because these engagements clearly demonstrate the air component support to the mutual defense treaty so that we can leave no doubt as to the steadfast nature of our alliance between our two great nations. So we want to make sure that people understand that a threat to you is a threat to us and we will be side-by-side with you.”

Guam and Hawaii are the State Partners to the Philippines, through the State Partnership Program—or SPP—which began in 2000, giving them 22 years of working together. One key aspect of the SPP links a unique component of the Department of Defense–a state's National Guard—with the armed forces or equivalent of a partner country in a cooperative, mutually beneficial relationship.

Through the SPP, the National Guard conducts military-to-military engagements in support of defense security goals. The program also leverages whole-of-society relationships and capabilities to facilitate broader interagency engagements spanning military, government, economic and social spheres.

“For over 20 years, our state partners have participated in [many] events and we look forward to the next 20 years [and beyond] as we improve our relationship and interoperability to meet future challenges as brothers, together,” Faurot said.

During the week-long Airman-to-Airman engagement, members of the Philippine Air Force received a historical tour of Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam as well as tours of Wheeler Army Airfield, Mount Ka’ala Radar Facility, Arizona Memorial and the Pacific Aviation Museum, giving them more insight as to how the base, and its surrounding facilities, plays a role in the security and stability of the Indo-Pacific.

“This annual event is also about strengthening our service-to-service relationships while working toward common goals with a long-term focus on regional peace, security and stability,” Burgy said. “More importantly, the engagements discussed in this venue will provide the air component support to the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951, further bolstering the steadfast alliance of our great nations. I look forward to building upon the previous successes and ultimately developing a solid roadmap for future exercises, engagements and activities.”

The two air forces participate in exercises, such as Balikatan, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, and Bilateral Air Contingency Exchange-Philippines—which will be called Cope Thunder-Philippines in the future.

“As we pursue our strategic initiatives….we look forward to the activities of this year as it will help us in our goal to become a more agile, independent air force,” Parreño said.

PACAF provides a number of opportunities for A2A talks throughout the Indo-Pacific region with other ally and partner nations to continue to build strong relationships.

https://www.pacaf.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2960001/us-philippines-gather-for-10th-airman-to-airman-talks-continue-building-upon-st/

US-PH Balikatan exercises begin in Cagayan

From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 9, 2022): US-PH Balikatan exercises begin in Cagayan (By Liezle Basa Iñigo)

The 37th iteration of the Philippines-US Armed Forces Balikatan exercises formally began in Cagayan through the simultaneous groundbreaking ceremony for school buildings under the Engineering Civic Action Program or ENCAP.

Photo courtesy of PGS via Liezle Inigo

Four schools — Taggat Sur and Pinas Elementary School in Claveria town; Masi Elementary School in Rizal town, Cagayan; and San Francisco Elementary School in Alicia, Isabela were given a funding of $ 100,000 each by the US government.

Each building measures 18×17 square meters and is expected to be completed in April this year.

17th Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Oliver Logan said such Balikatan exercise will be an opportunity for the US Air Force to share their skills with Philippine Army troops.

It also aims to strengthen the army’s friendship with the forces and to exchange knowledge, tactics, and other means in other aspects.

Photo courtesy of PGS via Liezle Inigo

The official also reiterated that no live firing exercise will take place in accordance with the resolution of the Cagayan Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) led by Governor Manuel Mamba, which was approved by the Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces.

Austin Koch, USAF, US officer-in-charge said that ENCAP will serve as a stepping stone for US and Philippine Armed Forces’ cooperation in the construction of new buildings.

The US government will also provide the equipment until the project is completed.

“We will be providing materials and other heavy equipment for the construction of the classrooms. We are very willing to teach Filipino forces on using these advanced technologies as they will be teaching us how to build buildings in their own way. We will work side by side. Now I am pretty much excited to learn the innovative process from Filipinos,” Koch said.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/09/us-ph-balikatan-exercises-begins-in-cagayan/