15 soldiers, 27 Sayyafs killed in clashes in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 30): 15 soldiers, 27 Sayyafs killed in clashes in Southern Philippines

The Philippine military on Tuesday said 15 soldiers were killed in fierce clashes with Abu Sayyaf militants in Sulu, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

It said at least 12 more army soldiers were wounded in Monday fighting in Patikul town, a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf which pledged allegiance with the Islamic State. Military forces continue its assault, firing artillery on suspected lairs of the militant group blamed for the spate of ransom of kidnappings across the Malaysian border.

Philippine military chief Ricardo Visaya said the “fifteen soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice while twelve others were wounded following series of intense skirmishes in Sulu. As we gaze at the national flag that flies at half-mast anew, soldiers knew that one too many heroes among them has again offered his life – that others may live. Much as every soldier, sailor, marine or airman knows that laying down one’s life is all part and parcel of their job, we in the AFP vow to pursue this battle to conclusion.”

Among the military casualties was an army officer, Lt. Ernan Gusto, and most of those killed were members of the 32^nd Infantry Battalion, ambushed by militants in Patikul. The soldiers – sent to the province to fight the Abu Sayyaf still holding nearly 2 dozen Malaysian and Indonesian hostages – were not familiar with the town’s terrain and virtually walked into their brutal demise where over a hundred Abu Sayyaf gunmen were battling security forces since last week in Patikul and Talipao towns.

One of the slain soldiers, Pfc. Jison Falcasantos, was beheaded by militants and even sent cell phone message to his family in Zamboanga City to say that they chopped off the head of the infantryman. Using Falcasantos’ cell phone, one militant said: “Patay na ang son mo. Wala ang ulo niya, pinutulan na naman kahapon.”

Falcasantos’ family replied: “Wala kang kunsensya.” But the unidentified militant went on to say: “Talaga, wala kaming kunsensya dahil nagpunta sila dito sa lugar namin, pati ikaw puputulan din kita.”

The Western Mindanao Command said over 2 dozen militants had been killed in the clashes, but troops only recovered at least 10 cadavers and one of them was the body of Mohammad Said alias Amah Maas, an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader blamed for the beheading of Canadian hostages John Ridsdel and Robert Hall just this year after their families failed to raise P600 million ransoms for their freedom.

There was no military report on the fate of the hostages, including Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, who was kidnapped last year in Samal Island in Davao del Norte province along with Ridsdel and Hall.

President Duterte ordered security forces to destroy the Abu Sayyaf following the recent beheading of a Filipino hostage Patrick James Almodovar after his family failed to pay P1 million ransom.

Duterte said negotiators had paid P50 million ransoms to the Abu Sayyaf for the safe release of Sekkingstad, but the militants demanded P250 million more. He did not say where the ransom came from.

The Western Mindanao Command said among those killed in the fighting was Mohammad Said, alias Amah Maas who was an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader tagged by the military as involved in the beheading of 2 Canadian hostages – John Ridsdel and Robert Hall – just this year.

Sulu Governor Totoh Tan has ordered social workers to look into the welfare of civilians who fled their villages and to ensure their safety.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/15-soldiers-27-sayyafs-killed-in-clashes-in-southern-philippines/

Project B.O.S.S, Phil. Army conduct free surgical mission in Tandag City

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 26): Project B.O.S.S, Phil. Army conduct free surgical mission in Tandag City

The Project B.O.S.S or Brotherhood Operation Sweet Smile, a non-government organization supported by the Philippine Army is holding a three-day free surgical mission to adult and children with cleft lip/palate from August 26-28, 2016 in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

All Surigaonons, dependents and relatives of military personnel and civilian employees of the Philippine Army who have cleft lip/palate patients are encourage to avail of the free surgery and medicines.

Project B.O.S.S has provided doctors in Tandag City who will perform the operation/surgical mission to adult and children with cleft lip/palate. X-Ray films, anesthesia and other medial supplies needed, including pre and post operation medicines will also be provided.

According to Captain Reggie Go, Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army, this is the first time that the Project B.O.S.S. held their free surgical mission in Tandag City.

“As of reporting time, we have already some 54 individuals in the list who have started availing this free surgical mission, and we are still expecting more as the operation will continue until Sunday, August 28, 2016,” disclosed Go.

Go then called on other Tandaganons/Surigaonons to avail the free surgical mission that will give better perspective in life to the beneficiaries.

It can be recalled that the Project B.O.S.S or Brotherhood Operation Sweet Smile (a non-government organization) has partnered with the Philippine Army in 2011.

The mission was first held at the 1st Infantry Division in Zamboanga with 82 patients successfully operated. The team also conducted 3 other activities again in the 1st Infantry Division, 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City, and Army General Hospital in Fort Bonifacio.

The sweet smile project has already benefitted some 308 individuals.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2041472208966/project-b-o-s-s-phil-army-conduct-free-surgical-mission-in-tandag-city

BPATs, CVOs, MNLFs join hands to conquer Abu lairs in Basilan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 25): BPATs, CVOs, MNLFs join hands to conquer Abu lairs in Basilan

The success of the government forces in overrunning Abu Sayyaf lairs in the hinterlands of Basilan recently is attributed to the support and expertise of local peace action teams, civilian volunteers, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the local populace.

1LT Ron Villarosa, Public Affairs Officer, 4TH Special Force (SF) Battalion said that utilizing the elite 12-man team to conduct mass base operations and harness popular support, the operators effectively earned the trust of the masses to support military operations.

The Barangay Peace Action Teams (BPATs) and members of the Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) from the municipalities of Albarka, Akbar, Tuburan, Maluso, Lantawan and Hadji Mutamad (Pilas) totaled to some 150 personnel. As the joint team pledged allegiance to the government’s Special Forces, the 12-man unit effectively turned into a formidable force.

“Leading the local militias to secure vital supply lines and deny the enemy use of communities as safe havens, the Airborne Troopers waged an unseen warfare that delisted the enemy of the mass base support system they once enjoyed. Utilizing the locals’ complete mastery of the terrain and familiarity of the enemy’s tactics, the BPATs/CVOs led by the Special Forces were able to seize and secure hill 497 – a gateway to the ASG’s defensive complex stretching from the municipalities of Albarka, Tipo-Tipo and Ungkaya Pukan – just within days of the offensive,” Villarosa narrated.

He said that this was the first outpost captured from the enemy since the start of the relentless operation.

Next to fall was the Hill 332 at Brgy Bohe Piang, Albarka which gave the operating troops a window to the infamous Baguindan complex of hilltops where the enemy outposts and defensive positions are strategically constructed. Several face-to-face dialogues likewise were conducted to dissuade the local populace from providing support to the ASGs. Within a week after the unit was deployed, reports on the ASG’s diminishing supplies surfaced as communities refute the enemy of resources and rally their support to the government troops.

LTC Andrew B. Bacala Jr, commanding officer of the 4TH Special Forces Battalion, noted the operation as a “liberation” for the populace of Baguindan , Tipo-Tipo and Bohe Piang of Al-Barka. Since last month, Special Forces have infiltrated strategic communities in the area, extending into three municipalities.

Villarosa revealed that in return for the MNLF’s alliance, the 4th Special Forces Battalion facilitated the enrollment of 263 MNLF dependents under the unit’s “Education4Life” project.

Under the program, qualified MNLF dependents are given full scholarship in accordance with the partnership that was formalized in a MOA signing between the 4TH Special Forces Battalion, Furigay Colleges Incorporated (FCI) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Such focused civil-military operation (CMO) projects enable the unit to harness the LGUs, civilians and the MNLFs for the conduct of an Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS), bringing a popular uprising against the Abu Sayyafs.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1421472030226/bpats-cvos-mnlfs-join-hands-to-conquer-abu-lairs-in-basilan

Tabak commander extols 1CAV squadron on its 40th anniversary

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 30): Tabak commander extols 1CAV squadron on its 40th anniversary

True to its mandate to serve the people and secure the land for four decades, the commanding officer of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division extolled the soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Squadron (Tagapanguna) Battalion, Mechanized Infantry Division (MID), Philippine Army (PA) for their remarkable achievements.

Speaking before officers and enlisted personnel of the 1st CAV during its 40th Founding Anniversary on August 22 at Camp Jacobe Zobel, MGen. Gerardo Barrientos, Jr., in a message read by Col. Casimiro Tamparong, acting chief of staff, said the 1st Infantry Division is more than proud of the unit’s high caliber performance.

The 1st Cavalry Squadron is a combat support unit that extends support in the implementation of Internal Peace and Security Operations in the area of operations of the Philippine Army’s primary infantry unit to win the peace and keep an environment conducive to sustainable development.

“The discipline, dedication and cooperation of every member of your squadron completed the successful action and heavy fire support during the time of exigency and other ground operations,” Barrientos announced.

It can be recalled that one of the regiment’s greatest achievements was the success of the Zamboanga operation in September 2013 where they have shown their extreme act of bravery and courage. This resulted to the rescue of more than 100 hostages and the neutralization of some 500 rebels during the siege.

Barrientos said the 1CAV provides strong deterrence against armed elements which hinder peace and security in the division’s area of responsibility.

“I encourage each and every member of 1CAV to move forward with the people. Let us continue to be united to overcome every obstacle that stands  in the way towards peace, security and development,” Barrientos added.

The good general likewise urged the 1CAV to maintain their good record and surpass their previous achievements.

Meanwhile, LtCol. Charlemange F. Batayola, Jr. congratulated the officers and enlisted men for another year of an outstanding performance.

“My heartfelt congratulations to all Tagapanguna troopers as I commend each one  for a job well done for the past years,” Batayola said.

Batayola also acknowledged the meaningful involvement and active participation of key stakeholders in the implementation of the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan” campaign of the AFP.

“I congratulate most of all our local government units and all the peace and development stakeholders and partners under the 1CAV area of operations for your active support. We could not have done this without you,” Batayola concluded.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371472537003/tabak-commander-extols-1cav-squadron-on-its-40th-anniversary

PPRD says peace with the communist and Moro rebels brings a window of opportunity

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 30): PPRD says peace with the communist and Moro rebels brings a window of opportunity

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte cited the window of opportunity brought about by the current truce between the government and the communist rebels and the peace convergence between the government and the Moro rebels.

Speaking in the 10th Year Anniversary celebration of the Eastern Mindanao Command Friday (August 26) night, he said the current peace situation being experience in the countryside gives reprieve not only to all forces involved in the conflict but also to the Filipino people who have been suffering long.

Duterte said the government must use the peace as window of opportunity for it to strengthen its forces against possible external aggression in the future.

“We respect the truce with the left and the peace convergence with the Moro rebels.  As we make peace with everyone, including foreign countries, we need to prepare,” he pointed out.

He revealed that the Defense department has been asking 20,000 personnel to add to its ranks.

Duterte said it is only feasible to add 10,000 new recruits in the Armed Forces at the moment.

He said the government still needs to deal with extremism and the order to crush the Abu Sayyaf remains.

Duterte led the awarding of medals and plaques to deserving soldiers and non-uniformed personnel under the Eastern Mindanao Command ranging from gold cross medals for gallantry in action and plaques of appreciation with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Visaya and Lt. General Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command.

In a separate interview, Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said his contingent has contributed two battalions of soldiers to Sulu Province to support the effort of government against all terrorist organizations in the area.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381472260545/pprd-says-peace-with-the-communist-and-moro-rebels-brings-a-window-of-opportunity

4ID receives new military vehicles

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 30): 4ID receives new military vehicles

The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army received a total of 43 KM450 1¼ ton troop carrier trucks and 10 KM 451 ambulance that will be issued to the units under 4ID.

This is part of the modernization program and the continuing mobility enhancement program of the Army and is a product of a Government-to-Government procurement between the Republic of the Philippines and South Korea.

A ceremonial blessing of the vehicles issued to Army units based in Region 10 was held at the 4ID Grandstand in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City, August 30.

Meanwhile, those vehicles to be issued to units based in CARAGA region will be blessed and issued to the units after a similar ceremony at the 4th Infantry Division Advance Command Post in Butuan City.

The issuance of these vehicles suits the mobility requirements of the subordinate units of 4ID.

These vehicles can withstand the terrain and weather in the Division’s area of responsibility (AOR)—Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, where troops are being deployed in the hinterlands and mountainous area for the Bayanihan Team Activities and Rescue and Relief Operations.

“The 4ID is very grateful for the arrival of these new military vehicles that will definitely support the accomplishment of the Command’s mission especially in undertaking peace and development and disaster response activities,” said Maj. Gen Benjamin R Madrigal Jr, 4ID commander.

He further said they are thankful for the support of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, their commander-in-chief, and the leadership of Department of National Defense-Armed Forces of the Philippines (DND-AFP) and the Army in the continuous effort for the AFP modernization program and the Army Transformation Roadmap.

Prior its distribution to the end users, a technical inspection has been made to ensure the completeness of parts and accessories to ensure that all are functioning and will not compromise the safety of our troops and the success of every mission.

“These military vehicles will be used in the campaign for peace and development in the AOR. Rest assured that our taxpayers, the people we are protecting in this part of Mindanao, will be glad to have an Army that is well equipped and could better serve them in any way necessary,” Maj. Gen. Madrigal added. (4ID/PA)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1461472545871/4id-receives-new-military-vehicles

Pres Duterte honors WWll veteran in Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 30): Pres Duterte honors WWll veteran in Samar

In his visit to Catbalogan City, Samar on Monday, to pay tribute to  slain cop PO1 Gary Cabaguing, President Rodrigo Duterte unexpectedly met a WW ll veteran named Demetrio Patrimonio, 95.

The veteran blended with the media and lost no time to air his comments to the President.

The President was delighted to meet him, saluted him and told him the good news he announced in the celebration of National heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani earlier.

Patrimonio praised him, “Bilib ako, amo pala ine an Presidente nga nagbisita han mga patay,” (I appreciate his coming over, this is the only President who pays tribute to dead heroes.) he said, and briefly narrated his brushing soldiers with the famous.

Duterte told him, “May inaprubahan kami almost P 4 B, ang P 3 para beterano, kanina ko lang binasa.

He added that he will tap DILG, “ Sasabihin ko kay Diokno na i-tap si Sueno (referring to DILG Secretary Ismael Sueno), yung arrears na hindi nila nakuha, sa mga beterno at byuda, Sir, malaki respeto ko sa inyo, you are the heroes.”

Duterte said that he will direct Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno to release the amount.

“Huwag na mag follow up,” he said, he just advised them to wait, but the amount will be out very soon.

Patrimonio, still sharp at 95 and has good hearing said earlier, he wanted to meet the President.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1221472527734/pres-duterte-honors-wwll-veteran-in-samar

3ID to take in IPs as soldiers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 30): 3ID to take in IPs as soldiers

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) officially opens its door of opportunity to Indigenous People (IP) for the succeeding training cycles of Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) at the 3rd Division Training Unit (3DTU).

 

The move was in line with the request of the Office of the Panay Indigenous People’s Organization (PIPOL) as embodied in its approved Resolution No. 2016 – 006 which asked for a quota of the IPs particularly Panay Bukidnon and Ati in the Philippine Army.

 

“They are more than welcome to be part of the Philippine Army,” 3ID commander Gen. Harold N. Cabreros said in a Division news article, noting that there are already IP soldiers in the army service.

 

IPs will constitute 10 percent of the total number of trainees in the CSC’s next succeeding training cycles to address the concern of the PIPOL.

 

Cabreros added that the response of 3ID was aimed “to empower IP communities, recognize their rights and reduce marginalization in the area.”

 

Interested applicants for the CSC must be 18 to 26 years old, earned at least 72 units in college, not less than 5 feet in height, mentally fit and no pending case in any court to be able to qualify for the course.

 

However, for high school graduate applicants, they must possess a certified skill needed in the military service.

 

Applicants are required valid identifications, original transcript of record and diploma, birth certificate from the Philippine Statistics Authority, pencil #2 and a long folder.

 

The interested IPs must take and pass the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) scheduled in various dates and venues in the Visayas to proceed to  becoming a soldier.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1001472544727/3id-to-take-in-ips-as-soldiers

Westmincom: Offensive against Abu Sayyaf continues amid death of 15 soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Westmincom: Offensive against Abu Sayyaf continues amid death of 15 soldiers

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) declared the death of the troops did not dampen the fighting spirit of the soldiers pursuing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands in Sulu.

Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz, Westmincom chief, issued the statement Tuesday, a day after 15 soldiers, including a junior officer, were killed while 10 others were wounded in intense gunbattle against the ASG brigands in Barangay Maligay, Patikul, Sulu.

Dela Cruz said the slain troops were immortalized as heroes as they sacrificed for the love of country and to achieve peace and security for the future generation.

“Our forces fought gallantly, the firefight was intense and our troops sacrificed their lives to give the next generation the peace and security they truly deserve. We will mourn the loss of our brothers, but it will not dampen the fighting spirit of our troops,” Dela Cruz said.

“The momentum is on our side and we will continue this fight until we accomplish the mission, kung sinuman ang humarang o tumulong sa ASG, sasagasaan kayo ng AFP,” he added.

He said that more troops, equipment and firepower will be committed to destroy the ASG brigands, citing what they have seen “is just the tip of the iceberg.”

The focus military operations operations have been ongoing against the bandit group since August 26, a day after the brigands beheaded 18-year-old Patrick Jhames Almodavar.

“It is just a matter of time. We appeal to every Filipino to pray for our troops, alam po namin ang peligro na hinaharap ng bawat sundalo, pero ni minsan hindi kami nagrereklamo sapagkat alam namin na ang pinaglalaban namin ay para sa Sambayanang Pilipino,” Dela Cruz said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=918445

Flags in military camps flown at half-mast to honor 15 troopers killed in fight vs Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): Flags in military camps flown at half-mast to honor 15 troopers killed in fight vs Abu Sayyaf

Flags in all military camps nationwide were flown at half-mast Tuesday to honor the 15 troopers killed in the ongoing operation to neutralize the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

"(It is) part of our standard practice and tradition in the Armed Forces of the Philippines everytime our soldiers fell in battle doing their mission or constitutional mandate," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in Filipino.

Placing all flag at half-mast also indicates that the rest of the military is grieving with the loved and families of the slain troopers, he added.

"(All soldiers are well) aware of the inherent risk of their profession, they are aware they can get wounded or killed doing their mission," Arevalo said.

Aside from the 15 dead in Monday's 4:30 p.m. clash with the ASG at Sitio Kan Jalul, Barangay Maligay, Patikul, another 12 troopers were wounded the gunbattle that lasted until 6 p.m.

All of the fallen and wounded troopers were from the 35th and 21st Infantry Battalions and all were from Sulu and Mindanao, the AFP public affairs office chief said.

When asked whether President Rodrigo Duterte is planning to visit the fallen troopers, Arevalo said they would leave the matter to the Chief Executive and Malacanang.

"We would like to leave that to the President and to Malacanang, but so far, if you would look at his practice, (President Duterte is known) to visit, commiserate and condole with the families and relatives of those who are slain or who are killed in action while performing their duty. We supposed that he will be also doing the same this time," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=918370

PHL considers provisional fishing agreement with China in Scarborough Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): PHL considers provisional fishing agreement with China in Scarborough Shoal

Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay wants to establish a provisional fishing agreement with China to allow access to Filipino fishermen into the resource-rich Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.

He made this statement during a budget briefing at the House of Representatives on Tuesday, adding that this will help reduce the rising tension and establish a better environment for bilateral negotiations with China.

”But before these bilateral negotiations to take place, we would like for China, at this point, to come out and agree with what is known as a provisional agreement for the purpose of allowing our fishermen to go back into their traditional fishing grounds,” said Yasay.

Yasay stressed that the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that the Scarborough Shoal is a common fishing ground, not entirely restricted to a particular exclusive economic zone or continental shelf.

“We have also committed to them, under the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal, (that) these are also the traditional fishing grounds of the Chinese and the Vietnamese, and we have under this ruling, no right to drive them out as well,” said Yasay.

The Foreign Secretary said that there is a West Philippine Sea Task Force which encourages Filipino fishermen to go to the traditional fishing grounds amid reported restrictions imposed by the Chinese government.

“This is just as much as we can do for now. We protest against any actions taken by the Chinese in disallowing or preventing our fishermen from fishing there,” Yasay said.

The Philippines’ top diplomat, however, assured that the country “won’t be engaging China in a shooting war.”

”We will exercise maximum tolerance, restraint and sobriety for this purpose. Our task, at this point, is to make sure that our diplomatic processes that we will be embarking and continue to embark, in fact, will result in the kind of objectives that we would like to achieve,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=918400

ASG death toll in Sulu focused military operations now at 30

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): ASG death toll in Sulu focused military operations now at 30

The number of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits killed in the ongoing focused military operations in Sulu has climbed to 30 as five more bandits were reported killed in Sulu Tuesday.

This was stressed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in message to the PNA.

"To date 30 ASGs are killed following this (Tuesday) morning's encounter," he added.

However, Padilla did not give specifics on where these bandits were killed.

Another 11 terrorists were reported wounded in the ongoing operations.

Government casualty count stands at 15 troopers killed and 12 wounded as of this posting.

Last Monday, four ASG bandits were killed in two separate operations in Sulu, bringing the total number of terrorists killed as of Monday to 25, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

The first clash took place 1:50 p.m. at Sitio Kugan, Barangay Bakung, Patikul when troopers from the 21st Infantry Battalion clashed with an estimated 30 ASG bandits led by sub-leader Jamiri Jawong.

In the 30-minute firefight, two of the terrorists were killed and an undetermined number, including Jawong, were wounded, forcing the ASG to retreat.

No losses were recorded by government troopers in this encounter, Arevalo said.

In the second clash at 3:42 p.m., an estimated 80 brigands were encountered by members of the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion.

In the ensuing 30-minute firefight, two more of the bandits were killed while two soldiers were wounded.

In focused military operations which started Aug.26, an estimated 21 ASG terrorists were reported killed.

The offensive was the offshoot of the bandit group's brutal beheading of 18-year-old Patrick Jhames Almodavar last week.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=918406

DSWD acts to provide assistance to families of soldiers killed or wounded in action

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30): DSWD acts to provide assistance to families of soldiers killed or wounded in action

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Tuesday that it has begun to act on the instructions of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to provide its counterpart assistance to the families of some 95 soldiers who were wounded in action (WIA) and four soldiers killed in action (KIA).

It can be recalled that Malacanang has instructed the DSWD, along with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to provide assistance to the families of the WIA/KIA soldiers.

DSWD Undersecretary for Institutional Development Group (IDG) and Usec. Mae Fe Ancheta-Templa said that the DSWD’s Protective Services Fund Management Office led by Director Pacita Sarino has already forwarded the list of the KIA/WIA soldiers to the DSWD Field Offices where the soldiers' families live.

The list also includes information on the dependents of the WIA/KIA soldiers.

“The status of the families will be subjected to assessment and eligibility for the various programs of the DSWD,” Usec. Ancheta-Templa said.

She clarified though that the eligibility will not necessarily mean inclusion in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) because there are also other programs that may suit the needed intervention.

“We have an existing system to deliver the most apt and suitable services for the dependents of the K/WIA soldiers, and this system is implemented through the swift coordination between the DSWD Central Office and Field Offices. DSWD-FO social workers in the regions where the soldiers’ dependents live will conduct home visits to determine their needs and assess what services and interventions can be provided to them. At the onset, the assistance that we can immediately provide are educational, livelihood, and employment opportunities through skills training for the dependents. If the soldiers have senior citizen parents, we can enroll them in the Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens,” the DSWD official said.

Meanwhile, Usec. Ancheta-Templa said that four of the soldiers have already been assessed as 4Ps members, and their families will receive one sack of rice per month.

She assured that DSWD will provide Malacanang, through the Presidential Management Staff (PMS), updates on the status of the assistance the DSWD and its Field Offices will provide the dependents of the KIA/WIA soldiers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=918473

Joma Sison off the European terror list

From the Manila Times (Aug 30): Joma Sison off the European terror list

PRESIDENTIAL Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza returned to Manila on Monday after the resumption of talks with communist rebels, announcing that Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison has been removed from the European Union listing of terrorists.

But the CPP, its armed wing the New People’s Army, and political arm the National Democratic Front (NDF) remain classified by the EU as a terrorist group, he said.

Nonetheless, Dureza is confident both sides will achieve peace given a “high level of confidence.”

“In a peace process, every agreement is a foundation. It is a brick on a building that one must build from. Just like lovers, you have to build on that relationship, trust, and it takes time,” Dureza said in a news conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Dureza, along with Angeles City Mayor Ed Pamintuan, arrived from the peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway aboard a Thai Airways flight.

Pamintuan, who is a government peace panel adviser, said Sison expressed a desire to conclude the negotiations in six months.

But the government expects the process to take eight months, he said.

Dureza cautioned that the peace process would have bumps along the way and there would be a lot of “sensitive issues.”

The negotiating panels of the Philippine government and the NDF reached agreements on six major items, he recalled.

These are: reaffirmation of previous agreements, reconstitution of the list of NDF members covered by safe passes under the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees, acceleration of peace negotiations, release of NDF consultants, a government amnesty proclamation for prisoners listed by the NDF, and an indefinite ceasefire.

Both parties agreed to resume talks on October 8 to 12 in Oslo.

The government panel is looking toward a final peace agreement with the NDF to end almost half a century of armed hostilities in the Philippine countryside.

http://www.manilatimes.net/joma-sison-off-the-european-terror-list/282909/

De-list NPA from terror groups, Manila asks US

From The Standard (Aug 30): De-list NPA from terror groups, Manila asks US

PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said Monday he had asked the United States and other partner nations to consider removing the Communist Party of the Philippines, New People’s Army and National Democratic Front from their list of international terrorists to move the peace process forward.

“I trust [delisting] will move the peace process forward,” Dureza said.

“They are partners, the EU and the US. I think they will concede to probably something good for the Philippines.”

 Dureza on Monday also confirmed that Princess Astrid of Belgium will be visiting Manila soon to discuss her country’s ties with the Philippines.

“I flew to Brussels because the Belgian government, which hosts the EU, was interested to know about the peace process and because of the planned visit of Princess Astrid who will come in May 2017 to head a high-level economic team for investments,” Dureza said.

CPP founder Jose Maria Sison was first included in the US list of foreign terrorists on Aug. 12, 2002, and in a similar Dutch list on Aug. 13, 2002.

Later, when Sison’s lawyers announced they would challenge his inclusion in the Dutch list, his listing was withdrawn but the The Hague demanded Sison be included in the EU terrorist list in October 2002.

On Sept. 30, 2009, however, the European Court of First Instance in Luxemburg removed Sison from the list, but Sison’s movements remained restricted because of the risk that he would be arrested due to his inclusion in the US list of terrorists.

Dureza said no formal communication about the delisting was mentioned in his visit to Brussels, but he hoped the EU and the US “will not provide the stumbling blocks” toward peace.

He met with EU representatives in Brussels following the peace talks with the NDF in Oslo.

“The EU already removed Joma Sison,” Dureza said.

“Only the CPP-NPA-NDF are listed. We did not discuss this in my meeting with them. It is premature yet.”

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/214734/de-list-npa-from-terror-groups-manila-asks-us.html