Malaysia arrests 10 over links with South Philippines militants

From InterAksyon (Feb 21): Malaysia arrests 10 over links with South Philippines militants



Google map showing the Celebes Sea between Sabah, Mindanao and Sulawesi

KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysian police have arrested 10 people on suspicion of aiding the movement of militants between the eastern state of Sabah and the southern Philippines, a hotbed of Islamic insurgency, the second batch of arrests this year.

The Muslim-majority Southeast Asian nation has been on high alert since gunmen linked to Islamic State launched several attacks in Jakarta, the capital of neighboring Indonesia, in January 2016.

Police arrested the 10 suspects in three separate raids between Jan. 25 and Feb. 6, inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said in a statement.

Among the suspects is a 27-year-old Filipino believed to be a senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf, and another Filipino, 32, believed to have arranged passage of foreign nationals to the southern Philippines to join Islamic State.

“Preliminary information gleaned from the 10 suspects revealed an attempt by the Abu Sayyaf group to establish a cell in Sabah,” Mohamad Fuzi said.

Mohamad Fuzi said Abu Sayyaf had intended to bring in IS fighters from Southeast Asia to the southern Philippines for military training.

“The same cell members would then be used to launch attacks on Sabah in the future,” he said.

Malaysia has arrested hundreds of people over the past few years for suspected links to militant groups.

A grenade attack on a bar on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur in June 2016 wounded eight people. Islamic State claimed responsibility.

http://www.interaksyon.com/malaysia-arrests-10-over-links-with-south-philippines-militants/

ISIS fighters forced out of Syria, Iraq arriving in PH; may be planning to take Iligan, Cotabato – MILF leader

From InterAksyon (Feb 21): ISIS fighters forced out of Syria, Iraq arriving in PH; may be planning to take Iligan, Cotabato – MILF leader



An ISIS fighter waves the group's flag in Mosul. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

Foreign Islamic State fighters forced out of Syria and Iraq have been arriving in the Philippines with the intent of recruiting, and they have plans to attack two Philippine towns, the head of the country’s largest Muslim rebel group said on Tuesday.

More than 1,100 people were killed last year when pro-Islamic State militants attacked and held the Philippine city of Marawi for five months, leading to massive destruction across the scenic lakeside town.

That could happen in other cities if Congress fails to pass a law to allow Muslims in the southern Philippines to run their own affairs, according to Ebrahim Murad, leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a separatist group which signed a peace deal with the government in return for greater autonomy.

“Based on our own intelligence information, foreign fighters who were displaced from the Middle East continued to enter into our porous borders and may be planning to take two southern cities – Iligan and Cotabato,” Murad said.

The two cities are 38 km (24 miles) and 265 km (165 miles) respectively from Marawi.

Murad said fighters from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Middle East were known to have entered the Philippines, including a Middle Eastern man holding a Canadian passport.

That man went to a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf militant group, notorious for kidnapping and piracy, Murad said.

Murad said militants had been recruiting fighters in remote Muslim communities, exploiting delays in the passage of legislation aimed at addressing long-standing Muslim grievances, the Bangsamoro Basic law (BBL).

“These extremists are going into madrasas, teaching young Muslims their own version of the Koran, and some enter local universities to influence students, planting the seeds of hatred and violence,” he said.

Such a scenario would be a major headache for the military, which is fighting on multiple fronts on the southern island of Mindanao to defeat home-grown Islamic State loyalists, bandits and communist insurgents.

Mindanao is under martial law.

The military has said remnants of the militant alliance that occupied Marawi were trying to regroup and were using cash and gold looted from Marawi to recruit.

Murad’s statement echoed those of President Rodrigo Duterte, who last month urged lawmakers to pass the BBL, or face re-igniting war with separatists after two decades of peace.

“We cannot decisively win the war against extremism if we cannot win the peace in the halls of Congress,” Murad said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/isis-fighters-forced-out-of-syria-iraq-arriving-in-ph-maybe-planning-to-take-iligan-cotabato-milf-leader/

U.S. intel agencies say Duterte a 'regional threat' in Southeast Asia

From Rappler (Feb 21): U.S. intel agencies say Duterte a 'regional threat' in Southeast Asia

The CIA and 16 other US intelligence agencies cite President Rodrigo Duterte's suggestion to declare a 'revolutionary government' and impose nationwide martial law as a threat to democracy in Southeast Asia



US intelligence agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is among the "regional threats" to US national security in Southeast Asia as democracy in the region is expected to "remain fragile" this year.

"In the Philippines, President Duterte will continue to wage his signature campaign against drugs, corruption, and crime," said the US Intelligence Community in its Worldwide Threat Assessment issued February 13.

"Duterte has suggested he could suspend the Constitution, declare a 'revolutionary government,' and impose nationwide martial law. His declaration of martial law in Mindanao, responding to the ISIS-inspired siege of Marawi City, has been extended through the end of 2018," the US Intelligence Community added.

The US Intelligence Community is a group of 17 agencies, including the CIA, that conduct intelligence activities to help in their country's foreign affairs and to protect their national security.

The Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community was released by Daniel Coats, US director of national intelligence, on February 13.

Coats said the report covers "threats to US national security." Their output, he said, is needed "to protect American lives and America's interests anywhere in the world."

Among the likes of Hun Sen
The report placed Duterte's name under the heading "regional threats."

In Southeast Asia, regional threats also include the following:

• Cambodian leader Hun Sen, who "will repress democratic institutions and civil society, manipulate government and judicial institutions, and use patronage and political violence to guarantee his rule beyond the 2018 national election"

• The Rohingya crisis that "will threaten Burma's fledgling democracy, increase the risk of violent extremism, and provide openings for Beijing to expand its influence"

• The pledge of Thailand's leaders to hold elections late this year, even as the new Constitution "will institutionalize the military's influence"

Duterte earlier said he believes the CIA wants him "out of government." He also falsely claimed that the CIA funds Rappler.

 

 

US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim denied in October 2017 that the CIA is backing destabilization plots against Duterte's government.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/196525-united-states-intelligence-agencies-duterte-regional-threat

DOJ formally seeks court declaration of CPP-NPA as terrorists

From Rappler (Feb 21): DOJ formally seeks court declaration of CPP-NPA as terrorists

The DOJ says the CPP-NPA was 'merely buying time' when it entered in peace talks with the government   

 

 

NPA GUERILLA - NPA guerillas inside their camp in Km. 15 barangay San isidro, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. Bobby Lagsa/Rappler

The government has formally made its first step to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) a terrorist organization, pursuant to President Rodrigo Duterte’s earlier proclamation.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed on Wednesday, February 21, a petition before the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) seeking to declare the CPP-NPA as terrorists citing Republic Act 9372 as The Human Security Act of 2007.

The petition, signed by Senior Associate State Prosecutor Peter Ong, accused the CPP-NPA of having an “evil plan of imposing a totalitarian regime.”

 

This is a bitter end to the peace talks that President Duterte resumed when he took over the presidency. The talks have since collapsed, although the National Democratic Front or NDF’s legal counsels said the talks cannot be considered officially terminated if there is no mutual agreement.

“The CPP and NPA are merely buying time by deceiving the Philippine government in entering into peace talks, while their main purpose is to mobilize all their forces in preparation for the people’s war aimed at overthrowing the duly constituted authority, seizing control of the Philippine government and imposing a totalitarian regime,” the DOJ said in its petition.

A Manila court has ordered the re-arrest of NDF consultants Benito Tiamzon, his wife Wilma Tiamzon, as well as Adelberto Silva. This was after the DOJ canceled their bail. They were set free by Duterte to join the peace talks.

NDF consultant Rafael Baylosis was arrested last January 31 over charges of illegal possession of firearms.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/196548-doj-petition-cpp-npa-terrorist

Rappler denounces PSG chief's threat vs reporter Pia Ranada

From Rappler (Feb 21): Rappler denounces PSG chief's threat vs reporter Pia Ranada

(UPDATED) In response, Dagoy says, 'Me to apologize? In their dreams! Sila ang mag-apologize sa sundalo ko (They should be the one to apologize to my soldier)

 

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Rappler on Wednesday, February 21, denounced the threat made by Presidential Security Group chief Brigadier General Lope Dagoy against the news site and its Palace reporter, Pia Ranada, calling his actions “conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman.”

In a statement, Rappler demanded an apology from Dagoy for telling Ranada that she should be grateful that the PSG personnel who stopped her at the New Executive Building gate in Malacañang on Tuesday, February 20, did not hurt her after she supposedly "bullied" him with questions.

“We denounce the threat made by the commander of the Presidential Security Group against Rappler and its Malacañang reporter Pia Ranada,” Rappler said.

“Dagoy’s statement is conduct unbecoming of an officer and a gentleman, coming as it did from a soldier who took his oath to defend civilians, who stands closest to the seat of power, and who serves an organization that has shown, time and again, its respect for and appreciation of civilian institutions such as Rappler,” it added.

 

The news site demanded an apology from Dagoy or for him to be sanctioned by his superiors.

“We ask General Dagoy to apologize for his outburst or for his superiors to take him to task for threatening to use force outside the battlefield,” it said.

In reaction, Dagoy said on Wednesday: "You see how selective they are in finding fault at me without giving the people the whole picture of the incident. I challenge Rappler that they present the whole video to the public and let them decide who between us made the grievous mistake on what transpired during the incident.

Imagine namili lang ng portion of the incident then project me already as the bad guy?Tama ba yan? Ganyan na ba ang standard ng media investigation ng Rappler? (Imagine, they chose only a portion of the incident then project me already as the bad guy? Is that right? Is that Rappler's standard of media investigation?)

Me to apologize? In their dreams! Sila ang mag-apologize sa sundalo ko (They should be the one to apologize to my soldier)."

In an interview with Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson on Tuesday, Dagoy accused Ranada of "bullying" PSG Corporal Marc Anthony Cempron, who had initially kept her from entering the NEB gate to attend a press briefing. He based his assessment on Ranada's repeated questions as to why she was not allowed entry, when she was a member of the Malacañang Press Corps.

In a text message to Ranada on Wednesday, Dagoy reiterated, "It was good that my soldier did not hit you when you were bullying him." (Ranada's video footage of the entire incident can be viewed above.)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana called out Dagoy for making the remark, saying it was "uncalled for".

 

Ranada and the MPC were not informed about President Rodrigo Duterte's order to ban her from Malacañang.

The President issued the order to the head of the Palace Internal House Affairs Office just the night before on Monday, hours after the Senate hearing on the Philippine Navy frigates deal, where Special Assistant to the President Bong Go branded as "fake news" reports of Rappler and the Philippine Daily Inquirer on the project. (READ: Rappler statement on Bong Go's fake news accusation)

Duterte issued the order because Ranada's reports "irritated" him, according to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea offered a different reason – the Securities and Exchange Commission's decision to revoke Rappler's registration, even if this was on appeal and not yet final and executory.

The MPC asserted on Wednesday that Ranada continues to be its member and free to cover presidential events unless the SEC ruling becomes final.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/196554-rappler-denounces-threat-psg-chief-dagoy-reporter-pia-ranada

Military sends more alleged NPA surrenderees to Manila to dine with Duterte

From MindaNews (Feb 21): Military sends more alleged NPA surrenderees to Manila to dine with Duterte

Another batch of alleged former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were flown to Manila on Tuesday morning for a scheduled dinner with President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday in Malacañang and a tour around Rizal Park and Intramuros in Manila.

Major Ezra L. Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) public information office head said in a statement that 241 alleged surrenderees were flown to Manila via two Philippine Air Force C-130 planes from the Davao City International Airport.

Comprising 38 females and 203 males, they were among the 683 persons who reportedly surrendered last year within the jurisdiction of the Eastmincom, Balagtey said.

He added the activity is part of the government’s efforts to reintegrate former rebels in the mainstream of society by providing them a better perspective, including peacebuilding and nationalism.



DINING WITH DIGONG. Two hundred seventeen NPA surrenderers board the C-130 aircraft for Manila on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 for an “educational tour” and dinner with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacanang on February 7, Photo courtesy of EastMinCom
Before the tour around historical and heritage sites, the surrenderees will be welcomed by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero in Camp Aguinaldo and meet former NPA members who are working as advocates of peace and development before the dinner with Duterte in Malacañang.

Balagtey said they will return to Davao on Thursday.

From February 6 to 8, 215 surrenderees were also taken on a tour around Manila, visited a mushroom production site in Bulacan, and dined with the President. The schedule for the third batch has yet to be arranged.

The first batch of surrenderees underwent trainings by the Technical Vocational Education and Skills Development Authority as part of the social integration program.

On November 23 last year, Duterte issued Proclamation 360, calling off the peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF), two days before the supposed fifth round of formal peace negotiations on November 25 to 27 in Oslo, Norway.

The NDF represents the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the NPA in the talks.

On December 5, Duterte issued Proclamation 374 declaring the NPA and the CPP as terrorist organizations pursuant to RA No. 10168, also known as the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2002.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/02/military-sends-more-alleged-npa-surrenderees-to-manila-to-dine-with-duterte/

24 firearms seized from MILF rebels in Maguindanao

From MindaNews (Feb 21): 24 firearms seized from MILF rebels in Maguindanao

Troops from the 40TH Infantry Battalion confiscated 24 high-powered firearms from Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels at a checkpoint in Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindanao.



Members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) put on the ground caliber .50 long-range Barret sniper rifles as they prepare for formation inside Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao 9 July 2012 at the end of the four-day Bangsamoro Leaders Assembly. MindaNews file photo

Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of 6th Infantry Division in Maguindanao said the incident took place on Tuesday, Feb. 20, in Barangay Melib.

He said the soldiers found the firearms hidden beneath a yellow Bongo-Mazda type truck.

“When our troops checked the legality of the firearms, it turned out they have no pertinent legal authority to carry such weapons,” he said in a statement.

Commander Orly Gampung of the MILF 106th Base Command led the group of rebels.

Eighteen M16 riffles, five M14 riffles and one M16 with an attached M203 grenade launcher were confiscated from them.

The rebels submitted themselves to the soldiers and explained they were sent to help ease the tension brewing in nearby Ampatuan and Datu Abudullah Sangki towns between their comrades caused by land disputes covering a banana plantation.

As part of the ceasefire agreement between government and the MILF, the military referred the incident to Coordinating Committee for the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) for its action.

On Wednesday the confiscated firearms were returned to the MILF.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/02/24-firearms-seized-from-milf-rebels-in-maguindanao/

7 NPA rebels, 44 supporters surrender in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21): 7 NPA rebels, 44 supporters surrender in Masbate

Seven New People's Army (NPA) rebels and 44 supporters of the communist movement operating in Masbate province have surrendered to military authorities in Milagros town in Masbate, a report from the Philippine Army 9th Infantry Division (9ID) said Wednesday.

The surrenderers were formally presented to Maj. Gen. Jesus Manangquil Jr., commanding general of the 9th ID in a ceremony at the 2nd Infantry Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Bacolod, Milagros, Masbate, according to Army Col. Ferozaldo Paul Regencia, 9ID spokesperson.

Regencia said the seven NPA rebels, 24 mass base supporters and 20 members of the Militia ng Bayan formally returned to the fold of the law on Monday.

At the ceremony, they surrendered two M16 rifles, a cal. 30 Garand rifle, three .38 cal revolvers and a .45 pistol.

Manangquil said the former communist rebels and mass base supporters were formally included in the government's Comprehensive Local Integration Program under which they would be given livelihood and shelter facilities after undergoing a process of reintegration.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025955

Leyte army again calls on Reds to surrender, avail of aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21): Leyte army again calls on Reds to surrender, avail of aid



A top Army official in Leyte province has called on the New People’s Army (NPA) to abandon communism and avail of government assistance meant for rebel returnees.

Brig. Gen. Francisco F. Mendoza Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Brigade based here, said Wednesday they have been pushing maximum opportunities for rebels to surrender to return to their normal lives.

To encourage more rebels to return, the government offers financial help through the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP), which includes an immediate assistance of PHP15,000 that a rebel returnee would receive while undergoing processing, an additional PHP50,000 for livelihood, and PHP20,000 from the Provincial Social Work and Development Office.

“Rebels who submit firearms would get a financial assistance from the government, ranging from PHP2,000 to PHP449,000, depending on the kind of weapon. These are given so they could start life at the mainstream anew,” Mendoza said.

Any rebel who surrenders a heavy machine gun caliber 7.62 (M73) is entitled to a PHP279,510 cash assistance.

Mendoza said last year, armed rebels deployed 18 individuals from Northern Samar for their recruitment in upland Leyte, which turned out to be a failure.

“The fatality during the encounter in Hilongos, Leyte last year and the one wounded were both from Las Navas, Northern Samar. As we monitored, they have already returned home following failures in their mission,” Mendoza told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The army assured they would assist all rebel surrenderers, whom they advised to approach village officials, local chief executives, religious leaders, relatives from the army and police, or media.

Late last year, at least five rebels from Leyte turned themselves in to authorities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025983

PRRD meets 241 NPA surrenderers

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21): PRRD meets 241 NPA surrenderers



The 241 former New People’s Army (NPA) members have traveled to Manila to meet with President Rodrigo Duterte later Wednesday, February 21, in Malacañang.

Composed of eight women and 203 men, the former rebels left Davao Tuesday via two Philippine Air Force C-130 aircraft at Davao City International Airport with a hope of a better life out of the communist struggle.

Their Manila-trip will give them a better perspective on life, particularly in peace-building and nationalism.

Maj. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson for Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom), said, "It is part of the government's continuing activity of reintegrating the former rebels in the mainstream society."

The group is composed of 241 former rebels from Compostela Valley Province and Davao Del Norte. They were part of the 683 NPA members from different parts of the Eastern Mindanao area that were presented to the President on December 21, 2017, in Panacan, Davao City.

Just like the first batch, the 241 former rebels will tour historical and heritage trip to Luneta Park and Intramuros.

They’re also accorded a welcome ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo hosted by Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero. Prior to their dinner with the President, the former rebels will interact with other former NPA members who are now advocates of peace and development.

Balagtey said the trip of the third batch of the former rebels is now being worked out with the Appointments Office of the President.

Last February 6 to 8, the first batch composed of 215 former rebels toured and dined with the President.

So far, they are enrolled in the Technical-Vocational Education Training with TESDA XI as part of their social integration program.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., the Commander of the Eastmincom, reiterates the willingness and openness of EMC to assist NPA members who are willing to surrender.

"We are committed and more than willing to accommodate NPAs who want to return to the folds of the law and take part in building a nation of peace for progress and development," Madrigal said.

The programs lined up for the 683 former rebel are "manifestation of the social economic reforms being implemented by the government," Madrigal said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025962

PH won’t take part in US-China conflict: Palace insists

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21): PH won’t take part in US-China conflict: Palace insists

The Philippines will not take part in any conflict between the United States and China, Malacañang has said, following the statement of President Rodrigo R. Duterte that the Philippines has good relations with the two countries.

Duterte, during the founding anniversary of the Chinese Filipino Business Club at the Manila Hotel on Monday night, said the Chinese structures and military bases being built in the disputed territories were not intended against the Philippines but against the US.

Roque said Duterte simply meant that because the Philippines was in good terms with both the US and China, it would maintain the policy of neutrality.

“I think the context is we’re in good terms with both US and China, so it is not to our national interest to go to war, which is what some people want--to assert what they perceive to be our weak position in China,” Roque said in a Palace briefing on Tuesday.

Roque said that as part of the Philippine government’s independent foreign policy, it would not allow itself to be dragged into a war between the two countries.

“They want to assert our national sovereignty, I guess, through military means. But the President is saying ‘we don’t have to do that, we’re in good terms with the Americans, we’re excellent terms with Chinese. If there is a conflict between them, so be it. But we will not take part in it,” he added.

Last month, China protested against the sailing of a US Navy warship near the Panatag Shoal or Scarborough Shoal, which is 124 nautical miles from the nearest base point in Zambales Province.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano earlier said that every time a foreign country gets in another country's territory or claimed territory, it was expected that the latter would call the attention of the other.

But in this case, he pointed out the difference was that the Philippines had a mutual defense treaty with the US.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025940

PH must learn to produce own CMS, other military equipment

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21): PH must learn to produce own CMS, other military equipment

The Philippines must produce its own combat management system and other related defense equipment in order to protect its military capabilities.

"The only way we can do that is to make our own. We produce our own CMS, everything, so nobody will know about it," Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said during Monday's Senate hearing about the Frigate Acquisition Project (FAP).

He also admitted that as long as the Philippines sub-contracts ships and other military equipment from other nations, there is nothing the country can do to prevent others from knowing about its capabilities.

The FAP has a contract of PHP18 billion including the weapon systems and munitions.

Earlier, the DND chief said that using the Thales Tacticos CMS would shoot the price of the frigates by USD7 million per ship or USD14 million for the two vessels.

In Monday's hearing, Lorenzana defended the decision of Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to pick Hanwha as the supplier of the CMS for its two frigates over Thales Tacticos, the manufacturer preferred by former PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado.

While acknowledging that Thales Tacticos is a good CMS brand, the DND chief said the Hanwha CMS being selected to fit the Navy's first two missile-firing capable frigates are equally capable.

"We are not buying a lesser product. we are buying an equally capable product to be put into our ship(s)," he added.

Also, Lorenzana emphasized that Mercado's relief last December was brought about by the latter's refusal to comply with two of his memorandum on the CMS and pronouncements that he will have the project cancelled if Thales Tacticos was not selected to supply the above-mentioned equipment.

"(The reason for his relief as FOIC was) dahil dalawang beses na memo ko hindi n’ya sinusunod tapos, sa mga conference niya (sinasabi) na pag hindi (na)tuloy ang (Thales) Tacticos, ika-cancel niya ang FAP (The reason for his relief as FOIC was he disobeyed my memos twice and he says in his conferences that he will have the FAP cancelled if Thales Tacticos will not be selected)," the DND chief pointed out.

Also, Lorenzana said that it was Mercado who had the specification "Tactical Data Link 16" or the ability to transmit and receive data from various platforms in a bid to justify the preference for the Thales Tacticos CMS.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025957

'Bato' elated, saddened over term extension

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21): 'Bato' elated, saddened over term extension

While expressing surprise over the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to extend his term for a little longer, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Tuesday said that he will continue to do his job well.

"Extension? Nagulat nga ako nung lumabas yung balita kahapon na sinabi daw niya (President Duterte). Well, walang problema sa akin, continue lang (I was surprised to hear the news yesterday about what he said. Well, I have no problem about it, just continue, continue the fight)," he added.

And while feeling elated as term extension is equated with trust and confidence of the Chief Executive, Dela Rosa said he is also saddened as his retirement plans were put again on hold.

"Una, masaya na medyo malungkot kaunti (First, I am happy but I am also a bit sad). Masaya in the sense (na) andyan pa rin yung trust and confidence ni Presidente sa atin na patuloy tayong nagtatrabaho and masaya rin ako na patuloy yung aking pagseserbisyo sa ating bansa, tuloy pa rin (Happy in the sense that I still enjoy the President's trust and confidence and that I continue to work and serve the country). On the other hand, medyo malungkot konti dahil nasira yung mga plano sa retirement dahil merong akong mga plano para sa aking pamilya kung ano gagawin namin (I am a bit said because I have to shelve again my plans for retirement. I already have plans for my family when I retire)," the PNP chief emphasized.

Dela Rosa was supposed to retire last Jan. 21 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 but his term was extended by Duterte by three months or until this coming April 24.

The Chief Executive decided to extend Dela Rosa's term as PNP chief in a bid to beef up reforms in the police force.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025981

Only 300 Reds are left in 1001st IB areas: commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21): Only 300 Reds are left in 1001st IB areas: commander

Only an estimated 300 New People's Army (NPA) combatants are operating in areas covered by the 1001st Infantry Brigade, its commander has said.

The brigade is responsible for protecting eight municipalities in Compostela Valley; another five in Davao del Norte; and one town in Agusan del Sur, Col. Erwin Bernard Neri said in an interview following the presentation of 238 NPA rebels and their supporters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City before their visit and meeting with President Rodrigo R. Duterte in Malacanang Palace Wednesday.

Neri said the 238 NPAs and supporters -- 195 men and 43 women -- surrendered to government troops from January to Dec. 21 last year. They also gave up 104 firearms.

Of the total, 60 were regular members of the NPA, 152 were members of the so-called "Militia Ng Bayan", and 26 were party branch members, said Neri.

A lot of rebels and their supporters are surrendering due to hunger, unfulfilled promises and demoralization, he said, adding that from December to Feb. 21, some 559 NPA fighters and their supporters also turned themselves in to authorities, along with 16 high-powered firearms and improvised explosive devices.

Of the figure, 60 were regular NPA combatants while the rest were supporters and allies.

With these surrenders, Neri said peace and order in his area of operation have improved immensely.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025965

Palace rejects US intel report tagging Duterte as threat to democracy

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 21): Palace rejects US intel report tagging Duterte as threat to democracy

Malacañang on Wednesday rejected the US intelligence report that tagged President Rodrigo R. Duterte as threat to democracy, stressing that the President adheres to the rule of law.

“For one, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is no autocrat or has autocratic tendencies. He adheres to the rule of law and remains loyal to the Constitution,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

This comes after the Worldwide Threat Assessment of the US Intelligence Community released a report, dated Feb. 12, stating that Duterte has suggested he could suspend the constitution and declare a revolutionary government or martial law.

Citing a Freedom House report, the US intel report also listed the Philippines as one of the governments that use propaganda and misinformation in social media “to influence foreign and domestic audiences.”

Roque, however, described the report as “myopic and speculative” at best.

He acknowledged that the administration uses social media to promote government messages and accomplishments, but noted that the opposition and other cause-oriented groups do the same.

“We have to understand the use of social media has become an important part of the daily lives of Filipinos,” Roque said describing it “foolhardy” not to tap social media as a tool.

“I don't know of any government in the free world which does not use the internet and social media to promote its agenda. This is very true especially in the case of the US. This latest intelligence assessment is a classic case in point,” Roque said.

Roque also explained that an autocracy is not prevalent in the Philippines since media are still able to broadcast and print what they want, including fake news.

He also said that the Philippine judiciary and the courts are functioning as usual, legislature remains independent, and basic services are still being delivered.

“There is no revolutionary government or nationwide martial law, which US intelligence officials are saying that the President might declare or impose,” Roque said.

In an earlier TV interview, Roque, a human rights advocate, said that he would not join Duterte’s Cabinet if the President, a lawyer himself, was a threat to human rights.

“He’s a lawyer. He knows the law. He wants to uphold the rule of law. He knows about the bill of rights. And of course I wouldn’t have joined him if he was a threat to human rights,” Roque said.

Duterte has previously criticized the US for expressing concern over his aggressive campaign against illegal drugs, noting that he would not take orders from the country’s former colonizer.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1025977