Combat award for Navy officer who fought Maute Group

From Rappler (Dec 21): Combat award for Navy officer who fought Maute Group

Lieutenant Junior Grade Reginald Balidoc of the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) is awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star during the 81st anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines   



NAVY ELITE OFFICER. LtJg Reginald Balidoc

The Philippine Navy elite officer who led a major operation against the Maute Group in February 2016 received the second highest combat award on Wednesday, December 21, during the 81st anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Lieutenant Junior Grade Reginald Balidoc, 27, of the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star (DCS) for leading troops in an encounter against an estimated 50 members of the local terrorist group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS).

The encounter with the Maute Group in February resulted in the successful capture of the group's camp in Lanao del Sur. The military said the firefight that Balidoc led in Ragayan in Butig town resulted in heavy casualties on the part of the enemy.

President Rordigo Duterte led the awarding ceremony.

Balidoc's citation reads:

For acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in the face of an armed enemy during an encounter against more or less 50 Foreign and Local Terrorist Organization members under Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute at the Ragayan, Butig, Lanao del Sur that inflicted heavy casualties to the enemy thereby showcasing extreme stability under fire and keeping up with the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery.

He is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 2011.

Balidoc received the award in the presence of the living recipients of the Medal of Valor award, the highest combat award, and the dependents of the deceased awardees.

The Medal of Valor was last awarded in 2014 to the late Private First Class Ian Pacquit. (WATCH: Soldier killed in Zambo given highest military honor)

On Wednesday, Armed Forces chief General Eduardo Año also announced the increase in the benefits of the Medal of Valor awardees.

MEDAL OF VALOR AWARDEES
PH Army Personnel
General Paulino Santos	1935	Deceased
LTC Egmidio Cruz	1944	Deceased
MGen Mariano Castañeda	1950	Deceased
Capt Conrad Yap	1951	Deceased
MSg Francisco Camacho	1955	Deceased
Cpl Weene Martillana	1955	Deceased
Maj Ferdinand Marcos	1958	Deceased
SSg Miguel Pastolero	1964	Deceased
Cpl Bienvenido Fajemolin	1980	Alive
1Lt Hilario Estrella	1987	Alive
Sgt Francisco Granfil	1989	Alive
Pfc Robert Salvador	1990	Alive
Cpt Arturo Ortiz	1990	Alive
2Lt Bartolome Vicente Bacarro	1991	Alive
Cpl Romualdo Rubi	1991	Alive
2Lt Jose Bandong	1992	Deceased
Ssg Roy Cuenca	1992	Alive
Cpt Cirilito Sobejana	1996	Alive
Cpt Eduardo Lucero	2000	Deceased
2Lt Herbert Dilag	2000	Alive
Sgt Claudio Forrosuelo	2000	Deceased
Ssg Lucio Curig	2000	Alive
Ltc Noel Buan	2004	Alive
Ssg Leopoldo Diokno	2004	Alive
Pfc Ian Pacquit	2014	Deceased
Philippine Navy Personnel
Pfc Nestor Acero	1983	Deceased
Cpt Custodio Parcon	1991	Alive
Sgt Tomas Campo Jr	2000	Deceased
1Lt Lolinato Toong	2000	Deceased
Sgt Domingo Deluana	2000	Deceased
LTC Ariel Querubin	2001	Alive
Ssg Herminigildo Yurong	2001	Deceased
Cpl Laurence Narag	2001	Deceased
Cpl Ernesto Layaguin	2001	Deceased
Philippine Air Force Personnel
LTC Jesus Villamor	1954	Deceased
Maj Danilo Atienza	1990	Deceased
A2C Ludegario Bactol	1990	Deceased
Philippine Constabulary Personnel
TSg Desidero Suson	1981	Deceased
MSg Isaias Silvestre Jr	1985	Alive
Sgt Jacinto Moreno	1986	Alive

– Rappler.com

http://www.rappler.com/nation/156185-combat-award-navy-elite-officer



Lacson urges security advisers, experts to study China’s weapons offer

From InterAksyon (Dec 21): Lacson urges security advisers, experts to study China’s weapons offer



Senator Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday asked national security advisers and experts to study the possible implications of the $14-million military aid offered by China to the Philippines.

In a statement, Lacson, former national police chief, said “we can't be too dumb not to realize that while China offers us weapons, they continue fortifying their defense facilities in our islands."

“There should be an in-depth analysis and thorough discussion among our top national security advisers and other security experts before any decision is arrived at, not to mention any action to be undertaken concerning major foreign policy matters,” Lacson said.

Lacson said that the issues involved here have far-reaching implications to our people and our country's future generations.

“Not one man, even if he is the president and commander-in-chief, has the monopoly of wisdom and knowledge concerning issues of this magnitude and proportion,” he said.

http://interaksyon.com/article/135483/lacson-urges-security-advisers-experts-to-study-chinas-weapons-offer

24 former rebels assisted under CLIP in Kalinga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 21): 24 former rebels assisted under CLIP in Kalinga

Twenty four former rebels (FR) who joined mainstream society under the Comprehensive Local Integration Program or CLIP  in the province this year  have been given assistance to live normal life.

Under CLIP, the former rebels were given reintegration support amounting to P15, 000.00 immediate assistance, firearms remuneration of which amount depends on valuation of firearm surrendered, and livelihood assistance worth P50, 000.00.

Eusebia Haddac of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and CLIP focal person, reported that the 24 FRs were recommended to work as “bantay gubat” under the National Greening Program of the government.

The CLIP committee in its recent meeting verified that these FRs are enrolled to Philhealth with some sponsored under PAMANA and others through the National Household Targeting System.

To sustain their livelihood and organize themselves to engage in bigger enterprises, the livelihood sub-committee chaired by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and PSWDO as members was tasked   to plan the conduct capacity building for the group to include preparation of project proposals.

Meanwhile, Engr. Eduardo Tamayao of TESDA announced that the Agency offers technical-vocational scholarship training for FRs who are interested to acquire skills.

Anthony Luminang of the DOLE   assured   assistance to former rebels who are organized and registered with DOLE. He said their dependents and other family members can join the association to meet the 21 minimum number of members, and they can propose any project they are capable of managing and sustaining.

Edwin Muyao of DAR said they can assist organize former rebels, conduct training for the group and also provide livelihood assistance.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/171482218479/-24-former-rebels-assisted-under-clip-in-kalinga

Army capacitates young cultural minority professionals in Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 21): Army capacitates young cultural minority professionals in Caraga

Butuan City -- In its aim to enhance the potential of the young cultural minority professionals to become an agent of peace and development in the communities, the 4th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, Philippine Army capacitated the youth sector thru the conduct of ‘Young Cultural Minority Professionals’ Forum from December 21-22, 2016 at 4CMO Conference Room, this city.

According to 4CMO Battalion commanding officer LTC Rey Pasco, this the first in Caraga region to conduct such forum involving the youth sectors, who are mostly officers of the Caraga Mindanao Cultural Development, Inc. (CMCDI), an Indigenous Peoples (IP) youth organization which was organized by the 4CMO as IP Youth Leaders and Communicators in the region, student leaders from Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in Butuan City and Muslim young professionals identified by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF).

“The youths as future leaders of our society are considered critical and decisive factor in the government's fight against insurgency and violent extremism, for they will soon shape the course of our society, thus, there is a great need to properly address and educate the youth sector so as to deny the Communist Party of the Philippines – New Peoples Army – National Democratic Front (CNN) and violent extremists a source for their recruitment and to discredit the enemy's propaganda against the government,” highlighted Col. Pasco.

Col. Pasco added that lecturers of said forum are coming from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), NCMF, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and 401st and 402nd Brigades of Philippine Army.

 “We invited speakers from the aforementioned agencies to discuss relevant topics, issues and concerns that affect the youth sector. We wanted to equip the participants with the right knowledge and capacitate them through a workshop to come up with an action plan for their respective community. Right after the workshop, they will present and explain their outputs to develop small group interaction and break barriers in expectation and pre-conceptions,” Col. Pasco underlined.

It was also learned that said activity will be replicated and conducted at the provincial and municipal level by the CMO companies in coordination with the brigades in the area of responsibility.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2041482298330/army-capacitates-young-cultural-minority-professionals-in-caraga

New police regional director installed in Northern Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): New police regional director installed in Northern Mindanao

CAMP ALAGAR, Cagayan De Oro City -- A new regional police director has reported on Tuesday to this regional police command in Northern Mindanao.

P/Chief Supt. Agripino Javier was installed as the new regional police director in Northern Mindanao replacing P/Chief Supt. Noel Constantino.

In his acceptance speech, Javier said that he would continue with the programs of the outgoing police regional director without a plan to change anything.

Javier said that he fully supports the policies and program of President Rodrigo Duterte and vowed to carry out the anti-illegal drug and the anti-corruption campaign of the government.

Constantino was promoted to a two-rank general. He would assume a new post in Camp Crame.

Constantino expressed his profound gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte and to Chief Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa for the promotion of his rank.

During the turnover ceremony here Tuesday, Constantino said that 81,000 drug dependents surrendered under the Operation Tokhang (Knock and Plead) anti-illegal drive operation from July to December 20, 2016.

He said that the regional police command also arrested more than 2,000 drug related suspects and killed 44 illegal drug traders during legitimate operations during the same period.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=949830

Former PNP spokesperson now heads PNP-ARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): Former PNP spokesperson now heads PNP-ARMM

CAMP SK PENDATUN, Maguindanao -- A former spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP) now heads the police office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) after he assumed office, replacing Chief Supt. Agripino Javier in simple turnover rites this afternoon.

Chief Inspector Ronald de Leon, regional police spokesperson, said Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac replaced Chief Supt. Javier who was reassigned to PNP Regional Office No. 10 in Cagayan de Oro City.

Sindac was PNP spokesperson until he was moved to head the PNP Logistics Support Services in 2014 following the controversy involving then PNP Director General Alan Purisima on the Mamasapano incident.

PNP-ARMM covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan.

Sindac started his career as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Regular Force, Philippine Army in 1984. He was fielded for combat duty to front-line positions in southern Philippines and served as platoon leader and company executive officer in the different Army line units.

In 1988, after extensive work with the Narcotics Command, he was transferred to the Philippine Constabulary and in 1991, Sindac was absorbed as a Police Commissioned Officer in the newly-created Philippine National Police (PNP) with the rank of Police Chief Inspector (Major). Six months later he became police superintendent.

In the police, he has occupied various middle-management positions, serving as regional chief of the PNP Highway Patrol Group for the Bicol Region, a chief of police of Lucena City and a Provincial Director of Masbate province.

Sindac was also assigned as Chief, Regional Intelligence Division, of the Bicol Police Regional Office; and Regional Logistics, Research & Development Division, for the Central Luzon Police Regional Office; and CDS then DDO of the Highway Patrol Group.

In 2013, he was designated to the position of chief of the PNP Public Information Office and spokesperson.

He was later promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent on December 2013, a senior executive management position in the PNP with the corresponding civil service eligibilities.

He said his over three decades of experience in the law enforcement and military professions have given him a deep understanding of how to develop and motivate winning teams, enhance the capabilities of small & large operating and support units, and connect effectively with various stakeholders.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=949763

Peace building effort with RPA-ABB in Panay Island gets boost under Duterte administration

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Peace building effort with RPA-ABB in Panay Island gets boost under Duterte administration

Peace-building efforts in Panay Island gained momentum under the administration of President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte with the full-swing implementation of the livelihood program in conflict-affected and conflict-vulnerable areas in three provinces through the Sustainable Livelihood Program- PAyapa and MAsaganang PamayaNAn (SLP-PAMANA) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The provision of livelihood support is part of the peace process closure track with the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB) Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG), said Anthony Laruan, focal person for the SLP-PAMANA of the DSWD in Western Visayas.

“Part of the confidence building measure is the economic component, which is to provide livelihood to communities identified by the TPG,” he explained.

It is covered by Joint Resolution 2014-001 of the Department of Budget and Management, Commission on Audit and the DSWD that provides guidelines for the accreditation of civil society organizations (CSOs) to become recipients, beneficiaries or implementing entities of government or public funds.

The recipient communities, which are non-members of the TPG, have been accredited as CSO-beneficiaries, he said.

They are in 39 barangays settled in municipalities of Pandan, Sebaste, Culasi and Lau-an in Antique; Madalag, Ibajay and Nabas in Aklan and Maasin, Janiuay, Cabatuan, New Lucena, Tigbauan, Guimbal and Oton in Iloilo.

Their proposed livelihood projects have been approved and 38 barangays were already released Php500,000 each, Laruan added.

The projects range from agri-trading, vegetable and livestock production and community store, which are all communal projects. Each project has around 40 to 100 participants with the recipients reaching to around 1,000 in 39 barangays.

Laruan said that while the social preparation for the SLP started in April this year, the release of funds happened during the Duterte administration. He said this reflects the desire of the current government to pursue the peace efforts started by the past administration.

The social preparation included the validation of proposed projects, some of which were already identified way back in 2009.

However, most of the projects implemented were totally new following the validation and appraisal through project development and assessment workshop attended by livelihood focal person of the identified local government unit, agricultural officer, municipal social welfare officer and the local chief executive.

Meanwhile, there are two other components of the closure track that could not be implemented because of the unsigned agreement.

These are the livelihood program for profiled members of the TPG and the provision of the core shelter assistance.

The SLP for TPG-identified communities was implemented because it is part of the regular program of the DSWD, he explained.

Aside from livelihood program, DSWD also extended technology transfer training, capability building, seminar on business and financial management and technical sharing sessions on transition.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=949751

Army notes less NPA atrocities in Samar, Leyte provinces

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Army notes less NPA atrocities in Samar, Leyte provinces

The ongoing peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has resulted to less violence committed by the armed rebels in Eastern Visayas in the past six months, according to the Philippine Army.

“The abrupt decline during the third quarter of 2016 was attributed to the peace initiative offered by President Rodrigo Duterte to the communist rebels,” said Lt. Col. George Domingo, chief of the Army 8th Infantry Division civil military operations battalion.

Only 25 NPA-initiated atrocities in the region were recorded by the army from January to November 2016. The official had no available data when asked about 2015 incidents.

Among provinces, Northern Samar has the highest number of incidents at 16, followed by Samar (six), Eastern Samar (two), and Leyte (one).

Most violence was committed during the first quarter of the year, according to Domingo.

“Atrocities had slowed down in the second quarter as some rebels participated in the campaign of their supported candidates,” Domingo added.

Government troops and communities also recorded 447 activities by the CPP’s armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). These activities were concentrated on the conduct of rehabilitation works.

Of the 447 activities, 190 were noted in Northern Samar, 122 in Samar, 114 in Eastern Samar, and 21 in Leyte.

Tagged as NPA-infested areas are Silvino Lobos, Las Navas, San Roque, and Mondragon towns in Northern Samar; San Jose de Buan, Gandara, and San Jorge in Samar; Oras, Canavid, Dolores, Llorente, General McArthur, and Balangiga in Eastern Samar.

In Leyte, NPAs are more active in the upland villages of Burauen, Ormoc City, Albuera, Baybay City, and San Isidro towns.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=949871

(Features) Remembering the indefatigable Nes Isleta as an officer and gentleman

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): (Features) Remembering the indefatigable Nes Isleta as an officer and gentleman

As a soldier, the late Brig. Gen. Honesto M. Isleta is remembered by his peers as a fearless psy-war expert with a soft heart, who was always the cynosure in any occasion because of his jokes and anecdotes which he laughed the loudest.

The sad news is that Gen. Isleta died peacefully in his sleep last week after years of bout with kidney problem. He was 83.

Gen. Isleta was buried at the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” in Fort Bonfiacio, Taguig City on Tuesday (Dec. 20, 2016) where he was given a hero’s burial as a soldier.

Isleta was a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class 1958. His classmate retired Maj. Gen. Ramon E. Montaño and Brig. Gen. Madriño attended the burial.

Also present during the burial was retired Lt. Gen. Eduardo R. Ermita, a close friend of Gen. Isleta.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos was present at the necrological services at Heritage Cemetery Monday night to bid farewell to the late officer.

Incidentally, this writer had the opportunity to know Nes, as he was fondly called by his peers and members of the press, who covered the defense and military beat especially during the Mindanao War in the mid ‘70s and ‘80s at a time when martial law was imposed and the 1986 People Power that ensued and during the Ramos presidency when he was named as press undersecretary.

Unknown to many, Nes was a member of the famed Philippine Civic Action Group (PHILCAG) in Vietnam during the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1969 and as the last PHILCAG man to be out of Vietnam.

It was in Vietnam where he poured his civic action expertise, together with other PHILCAG officers and men in alleviating the suffering of the Vietnamese caught in the crossfire.

He maximized his experience in Vietnam when the Mindanao rebellion broke out in 1974 staged by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

A psychological war expert, Nes was assigned at the Civil Relations Service (CRS) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Nes helped in disseminating information to the media on what was going on in the AFP’s campaign in Mindanao against the MNLF.

During the peace talks initiated by the government in 1977, Nes was assigned to give daily press briefing to members of media covering the negations.

This writer was one of the three Manila newsmen who covered the localized peace talks. The other two were Alex Allan of Daily Express and Fred Sajot of Channel 13.

The mission of government peace talk negotiators was to go directly to MNLF areas in Mindanao, including Sulu and Tawi-Tawi where the talks were held.

We knew it was a dangerous mission, but the peace panel took the risk. We rode aboard a Philippine Navy ship in going to the islands and took the helicopter in our trips to various provinces in mainland Mindanao.

The peace talks lasted for one month.

The most dangerous peace talks the government peace negotiators undertook was in Tuburan, Basilan where MNLF forces under Gerry Salapuddin were based.

As our ship was steaming towards Basilan Nes, who was then a colonel, announced that the MNLF rebels would only talk to the peace panel provided no security forces would be allowed to go ashore.
“We will comply with their request. We are going there without any security forces,” Nes said.

We rode on small boat going to the seashore as it was low tide at that time. When we reached the seashore, we saw men in fatigue uniform with high-powered firearms. We presumed they were advanced army soldiers, but we were shocked to learn that they were all MNLF rebels. Members of the press were told to wait outside the conference room.

After an hour of waiting, we heard shouting inside the conference room when an MNLF rebel, a classmate of Fred Sajot as the latter was from Basilan, told us to be alert and prepare for any contingency.

We looked around and we saw two 30 caliber machineguns positioned to the right and one at the left.
At that point, we could do nothing. I just prayed. After a few minutes, there was complete silence inside the conference room and the negotiators from the government and MNLF came out smiling.
We took a deep breath of relief.

Then Nes told us¨”Everything is alright” and we laughed when Nes said: “Natakot ba kayo? (Were you afraid?)We went back to board our ship anchored 100 meters from the shoreline.

As usual, Nes, a jolly fellow as usual, started cracking jokes of the incident that had just happened.

A religious man he was, Nes will be remembered by veteran journalists as an officer and a gentleman with a big heart of kindness and humility.

May his soul be in heaven.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949956

TRADOC conducts 11-day JCATEX in Fort Magsaysay

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): TRADOC conducts 11-day JCATEX in Fort Magsaysay

In line with efforts to strengthen the Philippine Army's war fighting capabilities, the Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) has conducted a 11-day Joint Combined Arms Training Exercise (JCATEX) held in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija which formally ended Monday.

Capt. Alberto Caber, TRADOC spokesperson, said 694 students of different career courses such as Combat Arms School; Combat Support School; Combat Service Support School; Army Leadership Development Center; The Armor School; The Intelligence School; and Civil-Military Operations School.

Highlights of the activity are military operation in urban terrain; battle drills and situational exercises; field training exercises; live fire exercises of 105 howitzers and mortars; and command post exercise.

In addition, two engineer platoon students of the Philippine Navy also took their part in the exercise while the Philippine Air Force also performed close air support, troops insertion and casualty evacuation exercises.
  
TRADOC chief Brig. Gen. Herminigildo Aquino said the recently-concluded JCATEX will prepare participants to incorporate joint, inter-agency, intergovernmental and indigenous actors into combined arms teams in order to attain the success of an effects-based operation.

“By synchronizing combined arms and applying them simultaneously, maneuver units can achieve a greater effect. To integrate all arms into the fight, maneuver leaders must have an understanding of systems’ capabilities and employment methods that go beyond individual branch competencies.

Importantly, maneuver leaders must be able to integrate, not only Army, but also Air Force and Navy service capabilities into operations with a particular emphasis on joint intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and fire capabilities,” he added.

The implementation of JCATEX is in compliance with the directive of higher headquarters geared to infuse in each and every participant realistic scenarios measuring their preparedness in facing combat.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=949951

Free medical treatment for cops hurt in line of duty

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Free medical treatment for cops hurt in line of duty

Malacañang announced on Wednesday that members of the Philippine National Police who are hurt in the line of duty will now have access to free treatment at the Chinese General Hospital.

"The Philippine National Police has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Philippine Chinese Charitable Association, PCCAI, which is the owner of the Chinese General Hospital," Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella announced in a press briefing.

Abella explained that based on the agreement, police personnel who are engaged in actual police operations or during hot pursuit of enemies of the state, and so forth, will receive comprehensive medical attention from the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center free of charge.

Non-uniformed personnel who are also injured during actual police operations are also covered by the agreement, Abella noted, “provided their immediate superior shall submit documents showing the former in line of duty status.”

At the same briefing, Abella said the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) now has a new warehouse, which increases the storage capacity for relief goods.....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=950090

Pres. Duterte, Joma agree to pursue peace process -- Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Pres. Duterte, Joma agree to pursue peace process -- Palace

A Palace officials confirmed on Wednesday that President Rodrigo Duterte and National Democratic Front (NDF) chief political consultant Jose Maria ‘Joma’ Sison talked over the phone at dawn last Tuesday.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said President Duterte and Sison agreed to pursue the peace process.

"It did go on. It went through at about 3 a.m. dawn of that particular day. From the sources, it was a warm conversation between old friends," Abella said.

"But there were no details, there were no political issues that were covered. However, both were agreed that the peace process must move forward," he added.

In his Facebook post, Sison confirmed the conversation which he described as “friendly and productive.”

Sison said the unilateral ceasefire declarations of the GRP and NDFP will stand during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

He added: "Bilateral ceasefire agreement and the amnesty and release of the political prisoners listed by the NDFP can be discussed and agreed upon before, during and even after the third round of formal talks in Rome from January 18 to 24.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=950005

3 courageous troopers awarded with major military medals during AFP's 81st founding anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): 3 courageous troopers awarded with major military medals during AFP's 81st founding anniversary

For demonstrating courage and gallantry in combat, three military personnel were conferred with three major medals during the 81st founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Wednesday.

These men were Lt. (JG) Reginald M. Balidoc, of the Philippine Navy; 1st Lt. Jay L. Maravilla, of the Philippine Army; and Cpl. Felipe C. Barbadillo, of the Philippine Marine Corps.

They were decorated by President Rodrigo Duterte during Wednesday's awarding ceremonies.
He was assisted Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Balidoc was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Star while Maravilla and Bardadillo were both given the Gold Cross Medal.

The former, who is a member of the Navy Special Operations Group and a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 2011, was given the Distinguished Conduct Star for "acts of conspicious courage and gallantry in the face of an armed enemy during an encounter against more or less 50 foreign and local terrorist organization members under Omarkhayam and Abdullah Maute at the Ragayan, Butig, Lanao Del Sur on Feb. 25, 2016 that inflicted heavy casualties to the enemy thereby showcasing extreme stability under fire and keeping up with the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery."
Balidoc is also the team leader of Naval Special Operations Unit-8.

The Distinguished Conduct Star is given to military personnel of the AFP for singular/personal acts of conspicious courage and gallantry in the face of armed enemy.

Maravilla, a Bachelor of Science of Biology graduate, was conferred the Gold Cross Medal, "for gallantry in action during an encounter against more or less 100 fully armed Abu Sayyaf Group who were involved in several high-profile kidnappings at Sitio Makaita, Barangay Bungkaong, Patikul, Sulu last Aug. 26, 2016 that inflicted heavy casualties to the enemy and recovery of numerous war materiel through superb combat leadership and tactical acumen."

The Gold Cross Medal is usually handed to military personnel of the AFP for singular/personal acts of gallantry in action not warranting the award of the Distinguished Conduct Star.

Barbadillo was also given this medal for gallantry in action while serving as the leading sniper of the Special Operations Platoon of the Marine Landing Team-6 tasked as main effort to conduct law enforcement patrol to neutralize the armed group of Jaafar Sabiwang Maguid, a local terrorist believed to be linked with the foreign terrorist group ISIS at Sinapingan, Barangay Butril Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat last Nov. 26, 2015.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=950055

AFP chief Año cites solid peace gains as military celebrates 81st founding anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): AFP chief Año cites solid peace gains as military celebrates 81st founding anniversary
As the Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrates its 81st founding anniversary Wednesday, AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Año said the military has made solid gains in winning the peace and preserving strong alliances.

"In the area of internal security, to-date, 71 provinces are now Conflict-Manageable and Ready for Further Development, with six more provinces declared in 2016, namely: Agusan Del Norte, Surigao Del Sur, Agusan Del Sur, Compostela Valley, Quezon Province and Occidental Mindoro," he said.

The AFP chief also said the impact of Internal Peace Security Program "Bayanihan" was felt across the Philippines islands, as the whole-of-nation approach to the challenge of winning the peace has forged dynamic partnerships to enable far-flung and indigenous communities.

The latter aims to “provide the strategic guidance in the performance of (the AFP’s) mandated functions of protecting the state and the people. It shall help AFP units in planning for and contributing to the attainment of internal peace and security,” he said.

"Bayanihan" was first implemented on Dec. 22, 2010 and is scheduled to end this year.

"Momentum is our side and we are setting our sights on doing more in the days ahead. With the AFP's track record over the last eight decades, the current and future goals can only mean good things for our country and our people," Año said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=950066

Pres. Duterte declares Christmas, New Year ceasefire with NPA, Moro rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Pres. Duterte declares Christmas, New Year ceasefire with NPA, Moro rebels

The communist and Moro rebels can join their families during Christmas and New Year days after President Rodrigo Duterte declared on Wednesday ceasefire with the New People’s Army (NPA), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

"I would like to declare it officially on my part so that you can go home to your families. All of you, except the criminals," President Duterte said in his speech during the 81st Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the Camp Crame in Quezon City.

President Duterte made the declaration following a consultation with religious leaders, well-meaning individuals and peace process officials.

President Duterte also said he talked with National Democratic Front (NDF) chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison early Tuesday morning and they agreed to pursue peace process.

"Now as agreed with some local and religious leaders, I will honestly and sincerely ask you for a ceasefire beginning Dec. 23 to 27 and then in New Year from Jan. 1 to 3 depending on the response of those who would like to embrace us as brothers," the President said.

"To the NPA, although you do not declare any cessation of hostilities somewhere, I would like to invite everybody, leave your firearms where you are now, and you can come down in the cities where you leave, you visit your family," he added.

The President assured the rebels that no arrest and oppression will be imposed during Christmas and New Year’s Day ceasefire.

"I guarantee you that there will be no arrest, no oppression. If you meet a soldier, you shake hands and if you don’t like, just ignore them," President Duterte said.

"You know those people in farms who’ll join the NPAs, I’m sure you have not seen, or if at all, in fleeting moments with your family, I would like you to come down and be with your family on Christmas day," he added.

President Duterte has urged the soldiers to treat the rebels as brothers by allowing them to eat with them inside their military camps.

"It’s very tiring see each other fighting on Christmas. For the military camps, especially the Army, kindly open you gates and allow the people to break bread with you even on Christmas day," the President said.

President Duterte said he will order to deliver branded canned goods and ‘odong’ in the military camps.

The President, however, clarified that the ceasefire does not cover criminals and terrorists.

"The Maute? I’m sorry. You just burned so many buses the other day. You have to pay for that. It will be no quarters given, no quarters asked. You know that," the President said.

President Duterte assured that he is not conceding “anything in this Republic”.

"Not of it will be surrendered to the enemies of the state but I cannot for the life of me, be forever fighting," he said.

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