DWDD: HELPING HAND | NAVFORSOL gives aid to Bicol

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 6): HELPING HAND  |  NAVFORSOL gives aid to Bicol

RAWIS, Legazpi City (DWDD) – Naval Forces Southern Luzon, headed by Commodore Adeluis S Bordado, turned over a total of 1000 face masks, 79 bags of hygiene kits, and 20 Aquaboxes to Rotary Clubs Legazpi, Legazpi Central, Legazpi West, and Metro Legazpi.



Five other Aquaboxes were given to Dios Mabalos Po Foundation, Inc. These donations will be given to the victims of Mayon Volcano’s eruption on the respective disaster relief activities of the said organizations. NAVFORSOL / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/06/helping-hand-navforsol-gives-aid-to-bicol/

DWDD: OUTREACH PROGRAM | NAVFORSOL Brings Joy to Camalig, Albay

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 6): OUTREACH PROGRAM  |  NAVFORSOL Brings Joy to Camalig, Albay

  

RAWIS, Legazpi City (DWDD) – Naval Forces Southern Luzon, in collaboration with Team Albay Youth Organization Inc. and Six in One Corporation, conducted an Outreach Program to the affected individuals of Mayon Volcano’s eruption in Baligang Elementary School, Camalig, Albay.

The dental team of NAVFORSOL had a Dental Hygiene Lecture where kids were taught how to take care of their teeth properly.

They were also entertained by the film showing and parlor games facilitated by NAVFORSOL personnel.

Children were also given new pair of slippers while TAYO Inc. offered relief goods to each family.

This activity is a simple way of Team NAVFORSOL to bring back the spirit of joy despite the difficulties that the evacuees have been going through brought by the said volcanic eruption. NAVFORSOL / MCAG





http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/06/outreach-program-navforsol-brings-joy-to-camalig-albay/

DWDD: TOPS 2018 | Soldiers’ Heroism, Sacrifices to be Recognized

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 6): TOPS 2018  |  Soldiers’ Heroism, Sacrifices to be Recognized



AFP Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero (middle) officially inks the Memorandum of Agreement on the search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) 2018 with Mr. Aniceto Sobrepeña (left), President of Metrobank Foundation Inc., and Atty. Roy Joseph Rafols (right), President of Rotary Club of Makati in a ceremony held at the General Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Monday, 05 February 2018. (Photo SN1 Donald Viluan/PAOAFP)

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officially inked its partnership with stakeholders to award outstanding soldiers for their heroism and sacrifices, Monday, 05 February 2018 in a ceremony held at the General Headquarters Conference Room, here.

General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, AFP Chief of Staff signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the search for The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) 2018 along with Mr. Aniceto Sobrepeña, Metrobank Foundation President, and Atty. Roy Joseph Rafols, Rotary Club of Makati Metro President.

Now on its 19th year, the Search honors the acts of selflessness, sacrifice, bravery and community engagement of soldiers, a reflection of the appreciation of the Filipino people towards soldiers.

Under the MOA, three soldiers who distinguished themselves by actions that demonstrate courage, integrity, responsibility and service will be selected to win the award. Each will receive cash prize of P1 Million, a trophy and a golden medallion.

The AFP is grateful to its partners, Metrobank Foundation Inc., and Rotary Club of Makati Metro, for their tireless efforts and initiative to recognize excellence and responsibility in the performance of duties of our soldiers.

Nominations for the TOPS 2018 have already started. All commanders in the AFP are enjoined to recommend candidates.

The annual search for TOPS is one of the most anticipated external awards being conferred to military officers and enlisted personnel. For the past years, it has upheld its standards in acknowledging the excellent brand of service provided by the AFP. AES / ALS / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/06/tops-2018-soldiers-heroism-sacrifices-to-be-recognized/

DWDD: MOLDING LEADERS | Youth Leadership Seminar in Zamboanga Del Norte

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 6): MOLDING LEADERS  |  Youth Leadership Seminar in Zamboanga Del Norte

ROXAS, Zamboanga Del Norte, (DWDD) – The Local Government Unit of President Manuel A. Roxas, Zamboanga del Norte in partnership with the 53rd Infantry (Matapat) Battalion conducted a four day Youth Leadership Seminar with the theme: “Molding the youth as a catalyst for peace and development” held at the Municipal Gymnasium, Poblacion, Roxas, Zamboanga Del Norte on February 2-5, 2018.
The seminar ended with a Closing Ceremony with Hon. Jan Hendrik I. Vallecer, Municipal Mayor as the Guest of Honor and Speaker together with Lt. Col. Marlowe E. Patria, Commanding Officer, 53rd IB, 1ID, PA. 53IB / MCAG





http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/06/molding-leaders-youth-leadership-seminar-in-zamboanga-del-norte/

DWDD: OFFICIAL VISIT | US National Guard Bureau Chief visits DND, OCD and AFP

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 6): OFFICIAL VISIT  |  US National Guard Bureau Chief visits DND, OCD and AFP

CAMP GEN EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City (DWDD) – General Joseph L Lengyel, Chief, National Guard Bureau of the /United States Armed Forces met with officials of the Department of National Defense (DND); Chief of Staff, Armed of the Philippines (AFP) Administrator, Office of Civil Defense; Deputy Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retirees Affairs (J9) and Commander, AFP Reserve Command, Monday, February 5, 2018 at Camp Gen Emilio Aguinaldo.



General Lengyel met with DND and AFP together with MGen Roderick R Leon Guerrero, The Adjutant General of Guam National Guard and MGen Michael Taheri, National Guard Bureau J5 accompanied by Col Ernest Lee, Chief, JUSMAG Philippines.

The official visit hosted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines discussed topics related to the AFP Reserve Force, AFP Modernization Program and how the Guam and Hawaii National Guard can contribute to disaster preparedness and in enhancing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities of the AFP as part of the State Partnership Program.

Additionally, Mrs Sally Ann Lengyel, souse of Gen Lengyel along with spouses of other officials and guest proceeded to V.Luna General hospital in the morning and visited wounded AFP soldiers. MCAG / Photos-Videos by ALS

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/06/official-visit-us-national-guard-bureau-chief-visits-dnd-ocd-and-afp/

DWDD: VICTRIX TROOPERS | 76th IB has new Commander

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 6): VICTRIX TROOPERS  |  76th IB has new Commander



CAMP MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal (DWDD) – The 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, Philippine Army installed the new Commanding Officer of 76th Infantry (Victrix) Battalion in a ceremony at Capitol Training Center, Capitol Compound, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro on February 01, 2018.

Major General Rhoderick M Parayno, Commander, 2ID presided the Change of Command ceremony.

MGen Parayno has expressed his deepest appreciation to the accomplishments contributed by LtCol Eric Guevarra to the mission of 2ID. He also conveyed his profound and heartfelt thanks to the officers and men of 76IB for supporting Lt Col Guevarra during his stint as commander.

   

On the other hand MGen Parayno welcomes Lt Col Mario Lito I Retirva as the new Battalion Commander of 76IB with high hopes that his vast military experiences and competencies will be a great help to the unit.

“Mario, we are now entrusting to you the “Victrix” Troopers. We are confident that you will continue or will even exceed with flying colors the legacy of the previous commanders of 76th IB”, he said.

The Change of Command is a military tradition that represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding or flag officer to another. The passing of unit color from an outgoing commander to an incoming one ensures that the unit and its soldiers is never without official leadership, a continuation of trust, and also signifies an allegiance of soldiers to their unit’s commander.

MGen Parayno also thanked the presence and support of the different members of local government units and stakeholders of Occidental Mindoro. “I am confident that with all of you, solidly supporting the Army in its programs and undertakings, we will be able to finally win the peace we all deserve”, he added. 2DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/06/victrix-troopers-76th-ib-has-new-commander/

DWDD: EXHAUSTED | 8 NPA members surrender anew in Sultan Kudarat

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 6): EXHAUSTED  |  8 NPA members surrender anew in Sultan Kudarat

BAGUMBAYAN, Sultan Kudarat (DWDD) – Exhausted in the Army’s relentless pursuit operations against the communist terrorists, 8 insurgents finally decided to return to the folds of the law here today, February 02, 2018.



Romeo Dongco a.k.a. Taiwan, 29, was among the tribal members who seized a large swath of coffee plantation owned by Consunji family in September 2017.

“Datu Victor told us to cut the coffee trees so that we can retake our ancestral land. The land lease was extended without the tribe’s approval,” said Dongco, a resident of Sumilil village here.

Dongco’s neighbor and fellow Yunit Milisya member, Junjun Okom, 29, revealed that they were supported by the NPA’s Platoon Arabo in reclaiming the land.

“Ka Yoyo deployed his armed followers behind us. We were able to push the company guards away because we utilized spear-wielding children as our frontliners,” said Okom, who was joined by two telatives, Nasio Dungco, 28, and Binta Okom,50.

The other surrenderors are members of the defunct Platoon Cloudphone, namely: Batoy Tayak, 49, Goong Tugi, 47, Justin Tugi, 21, and a child warrior named Raffy Blah,16.

Meanwhile, three of the surrenderors have executed an affidavit linking a local government official to the communist NPA terrorists.

“He facilitated the organization of the lumads as NPA fighters purposely to reclaim our ancestral lands. He welcomed Ka George and Ka Makmak in his house to recruit us in May 2015,” said one former NPA rebel.

The recent surrender was facilitated by Bagumbayan Mayor, Hon. Jonalette De Pedro and Police Chief Inspector Garyflor Marfil.

The 33rd IB has accounted 111 surrenderors in the unit as of press time.

More communist NPA terrorists are expected to surrender due to the ongoing pursuit operations of the Army and 4th Special Action Battalion, SAF, PNP.

6ID Commander Maj Gen Arnel B. Dela Vega welcomes the former rebels as they return to the fold of law. He indicated that if they are eligible, they may avail the clip of the government in order for them to start a new life and live peacefully with their families. 6DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/06/exhausted-8-npa-members-surrender-anew-in-sultan-kudarat/

DWDD: NEW LIFE | Former Rebels to Visit Manila

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Feb 6): NEW LIFE  |  Former Rebels to Visit Manila

PANACAN, Davao City (DWDD) – Two hundred seventeen of the 683 former members of the New People Army’s (NPA) presented last December 21, at Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOMN) composed the first batch who were sent-off this morning at 9 o clock February 6, 2018 at Tactical Operation Group XI, Sasa, Panacan, Davao City .

    

They will have a dinner with President Rodrigo Duterte at Malacanang tomorrow Feb 7 2018 then they will be accorded with a welcome ceremony at Tejeros Hall in Camp Gen Emilio Aguinaldo that will be presided by AFP Chief of Staff Gen Rey Guerrero.

To encourage active participation of the former rebels in nation-building and peace-building, on the following day the surrenderers will have an educational tour at the Intramuros, Malacañang, and other historic places to awaken their nationalism. In coordination with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) they will also be brought to the mushroom production and other farms in Bulacan to help them get ideas on how to improve their lives and be self-sustaining. The trip will be an all-expense-paid. MCAG / AFP PAO

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/02/06/new-life-former-rebels-to-visit-manila/

DENR awards land patent, seized logs to Cagayan de Oro Army men

From the Business Mirror (Feb 5): DENR awards land patent, seized logs to Cagayan de Oro Army men

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has awarded to the Army in Cagayan de Oro a special patent covering over 4 hectares of land within Camp Evangelista.

The special patent was awarded by Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu to the 4th Infantry Division (ID) during its 48th founding anniversary commemoration on February 2, the DENR reported in a news statement.

The special patent for 43,547 square meters of public land was received by Lt. Gen. Rolao Joselito Bautista, who turned it over to 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Ronald C. Villanueva.

At the same time, the DENR chief, a former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff himself, signed the deeds of donation covering 50,000 board feet of confiscated lumber to the 4th ID and the 103rd Infantry Brigade (IB) of the 1st ID based in Kampo Ranao, Marawi City.

The 4th ID got a total of 40,000 board feet, while the 103rd IB got the remaining 10,000 board feet.

The donations will be used for the repair and construction of facilities in the two military camps.

Cimatu, who once served as division commander of the 4th ID, meanwhile, gave DENR-Region 10, led by its Regional Director Arleigh J. Adorable, a pat on the back for its accomplishment and lauded the official for facilitating the award of the special patent to the 4th ID of the Army.

A special patent is awarded by the DENR on public land actually occupied and used for public schools, municipal halls, public plazas or parks and other government institutions.

The Caraga regional office of the DENR facilitated the donation of the lumber, composed mostly of lauan species.

The DENR is in partnership with the AFP, particularly the Army, in its campaign against illegal- logging activities, particularly in areas that are considered illegal-logging hot spots. There are currently 23 illegal-logging hot spots in the Philippines mostly in Mindanao.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/denr-awards-land-patent-seized-logs-to-cagayan-de-oro-army-men/

Army camp has new commander

From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 5): Army camp has new commander

AN Army general implicated, but later exonerated, in the supposed plunder of military resources has been named camp commander of Fort Bonifacio, home to the 80,000-strong Philippine Army.

Brig. Gen. Roy Devesa assumed the post of commander of the Army’s Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group on Wednesday last week.

Devesa, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, was deputy commander of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division based in Gamu town in Isabela, and commander of the 503rd Brigade based in Upi town, also in Isabela.

Devesa replaced Col. Kiram Azgar Grajo, deputy commander of the HHSG who was named acting after the retirement of Brig. Gen. Rodel Mauro Alarcon on January 27.

Army spokesman Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva said Devesa, as HHSG commander, is handling a very important job in the Army.

“He is the camp administrator. He is supervising the security of the camp, the headquarters of the Philippine Army. Located at the Army headquarters are various units providing support to troops on the ground,” said Villanueva.

Devesa was among several military officers who were charged by former military comptroller Col. George Rabusa with plunder in 2012 in connection with the controversial “conversion” scheme in the Armed Forces.

Among the ranking officers charged by Rabusa were former AFP chiefs Efren Abu, Diomedio Villanueva and Roy Cimatu, and former military comptrollers Carlos Garcia and Jacinto Ligot.

Devesa was the executive assistant of AFP chief Angelo Reyes who committed suicide in 2011 amid allegations he also benefited from the illegal conversion scheme while he was the AFP chief from 1999 to 2001.

The Office of the Ombudsman dismissed the charges against Devesa and the other officers for lack of evidence, except for Garcia.

Garcia, his wife, and his three children were tried for the plunder of about P303 million. The charges were dismissed after Garcia entered into a plea bargain deal with the Ombudsman, which lowered the charges to direct bribery and facilitating money laundering.

As part of the deal, Garcia agreed to return of P135 million of the P303 million he and his family supposedly plundered.

Meanwhile, two senior Army officers were promoted Monday last week -- Army chief of staff now Maj. Gen. Chad Isleta and now Brig. Gen. Henry Robinson, commander of the Army’s 703rd Brigade based in Pangasinan.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/army-camp-has-new-commander

69th IB back to mother unit after 10 years

From Malaya Business Insight (Feb 6): 69th IB back to mother unit after 10 years

AN Army battalion is back to its mother unit in Central Luzon after 10 years of fighting secessionist, terrorist, and communist forces in Mindanao.

The 69th Infantry Battalion, composed of around 500 men, was welcomed yesterday by the 7th Infantry Division in rites held at the division’s headquarters in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija.

The battalion will now be used in the renewed campaign against the New People’s Army which has been declared by President Duterte as a terrorist group, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines.

The Duterte government cancelled formal peace negotiations with the communists in November last year. The military targets to degrade the NPA capability within the year. The NPA, the armed wing of the CPP, has some 3,700 men, according to the military.

The 69th IB will start with its new assignment after re-training, said 1Lt. Catherine Hapin, spokeswoman of the 7th ID.

The battalion became a major subordinate unit of the 7th ID in August 1989 and was first assigned in Bataan. In 2007, it moved to Pampanga and later to Aurora. It was in August 2008 when the battalion was deployed to North Cotabato, under the operational control of the 6th ID based in Maguindanao, and battled secessionist forces.

A year later, the battalion was transferred to Davao del Norte, under the operational control of the 10th ID based in Compostela Valley, and operated against communist rebels.

In 2016, it was redeployed to Sulu, an area where the Abu Sayyaf operates, under the military’s Joint Task Force Sulu. Sulu was the battalion’s last deployment, prior its return to the control of the 7th ID.

“During their stay in Mindanao, the 69th IB played an important role in the joint security operations for the apprehension of members of secessionist groups and in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group,” said Hapin.

Maj. Gen. Filemon Santos, 7th ID commander, said he is glad the battalion is back with the 7th ID.

During the ceremony, Santos installed Lt. Col. Alcadio Posada as battalion commander, replacing Lt. Col. Ali-Luis Macarawis, said.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/69th-ib-back-mother-unit-after-10-years

Top-ranked NPA rebel, 20 others surrender to army

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 5): Top-ranked NPA rebel, 20 others surrender to army

AN ALLEGED vice commander, eight members and 12 supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to the 71st Infantry Battalion at its headquarters in Mawab, Compostela Valley on Saturday.

1Lt. Jhocell Asis, the civil-military operations (CMO) of the 71st IB, identified the ranking NPA officer as Ka Gerald, the vice commander of Guerilla Front 27.

Asis said the NPA members and supporters surrendered without firearms to Lt. Col. Esteveyn Ducusin, the commanding officer of 71st IB, around 3 p.m. Saturday in Barangay Nueva Visayas, Mawab.

“We are very thankful for the support we are getting from the barangay officials and IP (Indigenous Peoples) leaders in our area of operations who are now our partner in facilitating the NPA (members) to surrender,” Ducusin said.

“The significant number of NPAs who surrendered every day is a manifestation that the communist terrorist organization is irrelevant and people are tired of supporting them,” Ducusin added.

Last Jan. 31, eight NPA members belonging to the Guerrilla Front 2 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRMC) also surrendered to the 71st IB.
Asis said the eight did not bring any firearm when they surrendered. But they brought personal belongings reportedly owned by a certain Ka Alex, said to be the political instructor of Guerrilla Front 2, and subversive documents, 11 rounds of ammunition of .45 caliber pistol and one mobile phone.

Ducusin is confident that more rebels will surrender when they find out that their former comrades are now leading normal lives with the assistance from the government.

“We all deserve to live life happily and peacefully with our families,” Ducusin said. “The 71st IB is always open to assist and help NPAs who want to go back to the mainstream of the society and live normally.”

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/top-ranked-npa-rebel-20-others-surrender-to-army/

Rebel brings along his M16 rifle in surrender

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 6): Rebel brings along his M16 rifle in surrender

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the soldiers of 66th Infantry Battalion last Jan. 27 in Montevista town, Compostela Valley.

Lt. Col. Palmer Parungao, the commander of 66th IB, identified him to TIMES as alias Jesse, 26, male, a resident of Barangay Mayaon, Montevista.

 

He also surrendered his M16 rifle (defaced serial number) and one magazine loaded with 16 bullets to the Charlie Company of the 66th IB in Barangay Poblacion.

Parungak said the 66th lnfantry Battalion conducted a massive education drive perations in its area of operations covering the municipalities of Compostela, New Bataan, Maragusan and barangays Araibo, Las Arenas, and Tagugpo of Pantukan, all in Compostela Valley.

The operation resulted to 791 people who surrendered to them from December 2017 to Jan. 27.

“This figure shows a strong commitment of the people in condemning the CPP-NPA terrorist organization which … poses danger to the lives of the people in the communities,” he said.

He said the battalion killed alias Lepi, front secretary, in one of its operations, which cut off the resource generation network of the NPA in the area. It also reportedly caused a leadership crisis which weakened the group.

“The reduction of its equipage due to encounters, intelligence operations and surrenders had also been a strong factor in the bogging down of its fire power,” he said, as he credited the cooperation of the local government unit which spearheads development and livelihood assistance efforts to help the surrenderees.

“People joining the armed movement were just victimized by the false promises of the NPA,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel S Clement, 10th Infantry Division commander, said that they always want the rebels to surrender rather than die in gunbattle.

“Our forces are will continue to hunt down remaining NPA terrorists while local government units and agencies are busy delivering the much needed basic services for the people,” Clement said.

 

http://mindanaotimes.net/rebel-brings-along-his-m16-rifle-in-surrender/

2 more Abu Sayyaf members lay down arms

From Rappler (Feb 5): 2 more Abu Sayyaf members lay down arms

Hasib Sarikin Mion and Hamdi Nor Bareo surrender to members of the 74th Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Jonas Templo in Barangay Macalang in Basilan

SURRENDERING ARMS. One of the two Abu Sayyaf members relinquishes his M1 Garand to the military. Photo by Richard Falcatan/Rappler

As military troops sustain their offensives and pressure terrorists in the BaSulTa (Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi) area, two more Abu Sayyaf members laid down their arms in Basilan on Sunday, February 4.

Hasib Sarikin Mion and Hamdi Nor Bareo surrendered to members of the 74th Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Jonas Templo in Barangay Macalang, Albarka, Basilan at 2:00 pm on February 4.

“Mion is an Abu Sayyaf member under Furuji Indama and Bareo is listed under the AFP’s list as a member of the group of Nurhassan Jamiri,” said Brigadier General Juvymax Uy, the commander of the Joint Task Force Basilan.Mion and Bareo yielded their two US M1 Garand rifles to the troops.


LAYING DOWN ARMS. Hasib Sarikin Mion and Hamdi Nor Bareo. Photo by Richard Falcatan/Rappler

The duo will undergo a custodial debriefing to be facilitated by the troops in Barangay Cabangalan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.

From January 1, 2017 to February 4, 2018, a total of 172 Abu Sayyaf members surrendered to the Joint Task Forces in the area. Of this, 77 yielded to the troops in Basilan, 60 in Sulu, 33 in Tawi-Tawi, and two in Zamboanga City.

“We want to work for peace without the use of arms that is why we are encouraging the rest of the Abu Sayyaf members to surrender because our thrust for internal security in Mindanao is sincere,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

“Our efforts to end terrorism will not only benefit the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the government but every Mindanaoan who yearns to have a peaceful life,” added Lieutenant General Galvez, Jr.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/195323-abu-sayyaf-members-lay-down-arms

Valley cops strengthen tactics against rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 5): Valley cops strengthen tactics against rebels

 

The newly installed regional director of the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO-2) here has ordered all police units in the Cagayan Valley Region to strengthen their forces against rebels and terrorist groups.

Police Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino, in his first visit to the provincial command here, said it is already time for the police to conduct offensive strategies against the New People’s Army rather than engaging in defensive moves.

“The best defense is offense that is why we will shift from the old training and mindset to a strategic tactical offense in running after these armed groups,” Espino said.

He also urged all police stations up to the smallest units to always prepare for possible attacks of these armed groups following the cancellation of the peace talks.

Espino said the rebels might already plan their anti-government and anti-human actions as a show of force following the failed peace negotiation attempt between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF.

He added that the Valley Cops will undergo rigid trainings to further enhance their tactical skills and to ensure that every policeman is prepared during the operations against insurgencies.

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1004745