From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Jun 6): Army says village cleared of rebels
AN ARMY official said the area where soldiers and New People's Army (NPA) rebels clashed in Sitio Camansi, Banglay, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental has been cleared since Saturday, June 2.
This means that military operations in the area has ceased and evacuees can now safely go home, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) spokesperson 1st Lieutenant Tere Ingente said.
Some 38 families or 161 individuals evacuated to the Provincial Capitol last Sunday, a day after the area was declared cleared by the military.
Ingente maintained that the evacuees, who first evacuated to a basketball court in Barangay Lumbo of the same town, were already well taken cared of.
"We are saddened that the evacuees came all the way to CDO from Barangay Lumbo Basketball Court in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental. Before the encounter happened last May 27, they have already evacuated. They received aid from the Municipal Disaster Risk and Reduction Office that includes: rice, canned goods, meat, mats and blankets during the time they were in Lumbo," she said.
She urged the evacuees to go home and not allow themselves to "be used by organizations as propaganda to advance their own self-serving agenda".
She said the public should look into who funded the evacuation and who provided the vehicles to transfer the evacuees from Lagonglong, which is 70 kilometers away from Cagayan de Oro.
One of the evacuees' concerns is the construction of a military detachment in their area, but Ingente disclosed that this initiative is supported by the local government unit in their Lantad Valley Complex project.
The project aims to make Balingasag, Lagonglong, and Gingoog City-- all in the Lantad Valley Complex stretch, insurgency-free areas.
"The detachment is 1 to 2 kilometers away from the community, and what is prohibited is building a detachment only 500 meters away from a community. The local government is also aware of the detachment construction and is part of the government's development plan for security purposes," she added.
Some tribal leaders even wrote a request to 4ID to build a military detachment in their areas so that Indigenous People (IP) soldiers can be assigned in the detachment.
"These 38 families is only maybe 1/8 of the whole Sitio Camansi population, they do not represent the whole community," Ingente said.
The evacuees claim they left their community because gun battles between soldiers and the NPA have been continuing since May 27.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1746655/Cagayan-De-Oro/Local-News/Army-says-village-cleared-of-rebels
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
New 6th ID commander, Maguindanao gov't to step up cooperation for peace
From the Philippine Star (Jun 6): New 6th ID commander, Maguindanao gov't to step up cooperation for peace
Gen. Cirilito Sobejana paid Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu an official visit Tuesday, his first as commander of the 6th Infantry Division.
MAGUINDANAO, Philippines — The new chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division was admitted member of the Maguindanao peace council to ensure cohesion in addressing religious extremism plaguing parts of the province.
The Maguindanao provincial government has current socio-economic, health and education programs meant to weaken the influence of local militant blocs fomenting hatred to the police, the military and to non-Muslims.
Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who assumed commander of 6th ID only last May 26, and the chairman of the Maguindanao provincial peace and order council, Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, met in Buluan town Tuesday and discussed how they can cooperate in addressing peace and security issues via diplomatic interventions.
It was Sobejana’s first official visit to the office of Mangudadatu in Buluan, capital town of Maguindanao, located in the second district of the province.
Mangudadatu said after their meeting that he will let Sobejana sit as member of the PPOC, a multi-sectoral group focused on solving domestic peace and security problems.
“The 6th ID is keen on securing the surrender of more militants out there. We in the PPOC support that initiative. We are ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Islamic State-inspired militants wishing to return to the fold of law,” said Mangudadatu, presiding chairperson of the PPOC.
The 6th ID had worked out the surrender last month of 11 members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, just three weeks after four bombers from the same group yielded to the division and pledged allegiance to the government.
The BIFF, which uses the black Islamic State flag, has small groups holding out in isolated areas in Maguindanao.
Sobejana said he will sustain the backchannel efforts, meant to hasten the return of violent religious extremists to mainstream society, that were pioneered by his predecessors, Generals Arnel Dela Vega and Carlito Galvez Jr.
Galvez, now chief of the Armed Forces, and Dela Vega, who got to the helm of the Western Mindanao Command in May, had both served as commander of the 6th ID.
They both embarked on local programs complementing Malacañang’s peace process with Moro sectors as they served as 6th ID commander one after another.
“I’m grateful to the office of the provincial governor of Maguindanao for the cordial reception extended to me during my first official visit there,” Sobejana said via text message Wednesday.
Sobejana and Mangudadatu have also agreed to cooperate in resolving amicably vendetta clan feuds involving local clans to complement the normalization agenda of the peace efforts of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and President Rodrigo Duterte.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/06/06/1822120/new-6th-id-commander-maguindanao-govt-step-cooperation-peace
The Maguindanao provincial government has current socio-economic, health and education programs meant to weaken the influence of local militant blocs fomenting hatred to the police, the military and to non-Muslims.
Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who assumed commander of 6th ID only last May 26, and the chairman of the Maguindanao provincial peace and order council, Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, met in Buluan town Tuesday and discussed how they can cooperate in addressing peace and security issues via diplomatic interventions.
It was Sobejana’s first official visit to the office of Mangudadatu in Buluan, capital town of Maguindanao, located in the second district of the province.
Mangudadatu said after their meeting that he will let Sobejana sit as member of the PPOC, a multi-sectoral group focused on solving domestic peace and security problems.
“The 6th ID is keen on securing the surrender of more militants out there. We in the PPOC support that initiative. We are ready to provide humanitarian assistance to Islamic State-inspired militants wishing to return to the fold of law,” said Mangudadatu, presiding chairperson of the PPOC.
The 6th ID had worked out the surrender last month of 11 members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, just three weeks after four bombers from the same group yielded to the division and pledged allegiance to the government.
The BIFF, which uses the black Islamic State flag, has small groups holding out in isolated areas in Maguindanao.
Sobejana said he will sustain the backchannel efforts, meant to hasten the return of violent religious extremists to mainstream society, that were pioneered by his predecessors, Generals Arnel Dela Vega and Carlito Galvez Jr.
Galvez, now chief of the Armed Forces, and Dela Vega, who got to the helm of the Western Mindanao Command in May, had both served as commander of the 6th ID.
They both embarked on local programs complementing Malacañang’s peace process with Moro sectors as they served as 6th ID commander one after another.
“I’m grateful to the office of the provincial governor of Maguindanao for the cordial reception extended to me during my first official visit there,” Sobejana said via text message Wednesday.
Sobejana and Mangudadatu have also agreed to cooperate in resolving amicably vendetta clan feuds involving local clans to complement the normalization agenda of the peace efforts of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and President Rodrigo Duterte.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/06/06/1822120/new-6th-id-commander-maguindanao-govt-step-cooperation-peace
1 dead, 12 hurt in encounters with NPA in Cordillera
From Rappler (Jun 6): 1 dead, 12 hurt in encounters with NPA in Cordillera
Members of New People's Army launch June offensive in Northern Luzon
BAGUIO, Philippines – The New People's Army launched a June offensive in Northern Luzon with two encounters in Isabela and Mountain Province, resulting in one death and 12 injuries on the government side.
In the morning of Tuesday, June 5, members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 and Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company had an encounter with an undetermined number of NPA guerrillas at Mt. Sipitan, Brgy Aguid, Sagada, Mt. Province.
The encounter resulted in the killing of PO2 Henry Dion, and wounding Police Superintendent Joseph B. Cayat, PO3 Wilfred Manacnis, PO1 Aldrin C. Bocalan, PO1 Clarence D. Abuan, PO1 Antolin D. Potpoten, PO1 Xander M. Depnag, PO1 Jake B Paat, PO1 Yasser L. Guzman and PO2 Regie Palome.
Earlier on June 4, Monday, 6 members of the Philippine Army under the 86th Infantry Battalion were wounded in a 20-minute clash with NPA guerrillas in Echague, Isabela.
The army personnel were conducting focused military operation when they had an encounter in Barangay Mabbayad with about 20 NPA guerrillas.
No casualty were reported among insurgents but Police Regional Office-Cordillera Regional Director, Police Superintendent Rolando Zambale Nana directed all cops to coordinate with the heads of government hospitals and private clinics within the immediate and nearby areas of Sagada and Bontoc and check on any person with gunshot wounds and to block all possible exit point within their area of responsibility.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/204279-encounters-with-npa-cordillera
Members of New People's Army launch June offensive in Northern Luzon
GRIEF. Police Regional Office-Cordillera Regional Director, Police Superintendent Rolando Zambale Nana with the father of slain SAF PO2 Henry Dion. Photo by Frank Cimatu/Rappler
BAGUIO, Philippines – The New People's Army launched a June offensive in Northern Luzon with two encounters in Isabela and Mountain Province, resulting in one death and 12 injuries on the government side.
In the morning of Tuesday, June 5, members of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 and Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company had an encounter with an undetermined number of NPA guerrillas at Mt. Sipitan, Brgy Aguid, Sagada, Mt. Province.
The encounter resulted in the killing of PO2 Henry Dion, and wounding Police Superintendent Joseph B. Cayat, PO3 Wilfred Manacnis, PO1 Aldrin C. Bocalan, PO1 Clarence D. Abuan, PO1 Antolin D. Potpoten, PO1 Xander M. Depnag, PO1 Jake B Paat, PO1 Yasser L. Guzman and PO2 Regie Palome.
Earlier on June 4, Monday, 6 members of the Philippine Army under the 86th Infantry Battalion were wounded in a 20-minute clash with NPA guerrillas in Echague, Isabela.
The army personnel were conducting focused military operation when they had an encounter in Barangay Mabbayad with about 20 NPA guerrillas.
No casualty were reported among insurgents but Police Regional Office-Cordillera Regional Director, Police Superintendent Rolando Zambale Nana directed all cops to coordinate with the heads of government hospitals and private clinics within the immediate and nearby areas of Sagada and Bontoc and check on any person with gunshot wounds and to block all possible exit point within their area of responsibility.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/204279-encounters-with-npa-cordillera
7 soldiers from Eastmincom receive award for gallantry
From Politiko Mindanao (Jun 5): 7 soldiers from Eastmincom receive award for gallantry
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. has conferred awards to seven officers and enlisted personnel in Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) for their bravery.
Galvez visited Eastmincom in Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City Monday, June 4.
First Lt. Francis Hernaez of 66th Infantry Battalion was given with Gold Cross Medal for his gallantry in action during an encounter against the New People’s Army (NPA) in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province on January 20.
Capt. Nilo Ramones Jr., 1Lt. Joesepher Ansay, and SSg. Forferio Barotas received the Silver Cross Medal Award “for acts of heroism not involving directly with the threat group but involving risk of life which led to the capture of NPA terrorists,” Eastmincom said.
Galvez also awarded the Military Merit Medal to three personnel for their combat accomplishments.
1Lt. Jayson Pariñas was awarded for his meritorious act during a firefight with the NPA in Kitaotao, Bukidnon on May 10; Cpl. Mescach Aynaga, for his individual act of gallantry when his group encountered the rebels on December 2, 2017 at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato during a combat patrol; and Cpl. Nurhan Palias, for his act of gallantry during the encounter in Montevista, Compostela Valley Province.
http://mindanao.politics.com.ph/7-soldiers-from-eastmincom-receive-award-for-gallantry/
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. has conferred awards to seven officers and enlisted personnel in Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) for their bravery.
Galvez visited Eastmincom in Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City Monday, June 4.
First Lt. Francis Hernaez of 66th Infantry Battalion was given with Gold Cross Medal for his gallantry in action during an encounter against the New People’s Army (NPA) in New Bataan, Compostela Valley Province on January 20.
Capt. Nilo Ramones Jr., 1Lt. Joesepher Ansay, and SSg. Forferio Barotas received the Silver Cross Medal Award “for acts of heroism not involving directly with the threat group but involving risk of life which led to the capture of NPA terrorists,” Eastmincom said.
Galvez also awarded the Military Merit Medal to three personnel for their combat accomplishments.
1Lt. Jayson Pariñas was awarded for his meritorious act during a firefight with the NPA in Kitaotao, Bukidnon on May 10; Cpl. Mescach Aynaga, for his individual act of gallantry when his group encountered the rebels on December 2, 2017 at Lake Sebu, South Cotabato during a combat patrol; and Cpl. Nurhan Palias, for his act of gallantry during the encounter in Montevista, Compostela Valley Province.
http://mindanao.politics.com.ph/7-soldiers-from-eastmincom-receive-award-for-gallantry/
Soldier killed, 2 others wounded in Quezon ambush
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5): Soldier killed, 2 others wounded in Quezon ambush
CAMP GEN. CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal - A soldier was killed while two others were wounded in an ambush by New Peoples Army (NPA) terrorist group in Barangay Silang, Lopez, Quezon at about 8:30 p.m. Monday.
Colonel Elias H. Escarcha, Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade said Tuesday the slain and wounded soldiers, were aboard a military truck on their way to fetch fellow troopers of 85th Infantry Battalion, who conducted a community civic action in a remote village, when ambushed along a village road.
Escarcha identified the slain soldier as Corporal Nilo R. Julian, who died while on the way to St. Jude Hospital, and the wounded soldiers as Sergeant Victor Bartocillo and Pfc Jonathan Baylar, both sustained injuries when the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) used by the NPA terrorists exploded and damaged the military vehicle along the village road.
The wounded soldiers are now in stable condition.
According to Escarcha, fire fight ensued from the ambuscade incident for about 30 minutes between the military troops and the communist terrorist group, until the military reinforcement came.
He said that another clash occurred as the reinforcing troops engaged the state enemies to a firefight , forcing the terrorist group to withdraw from the battle site along Barangay Cogorin, also in Lopez town an hour later.
No one was hurt from the government site during the second gunbattle while an undetermined number of casualties on the scampering enemies were reported based on the traces of bloodstains along the escape path.
Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) condemned the NPA atrocities.
Parayno said that the NPAs utilization of IEDs is a clear violation of Republic Act 9851, an act penalizing crimes against International Humanitarian Law.
He also dismissed claims by the NPA terrorist group of territorial control as there is no provision in the Constitution that provides the NPAs jurisdiction over a portion of the Philippine territory.
“The national territory belongs to the people, and the government as the people’s legitimate representative has the sole authority over it,” he expounded.
Parayno said the presence of the soldiers in the barangays is to conduct Community Support Program (CSP) in order to sustain the delivery of the government’s basic services to the people.
“It is a multi-sector endeavor of the Local Government Units (LGUs), the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philppines), PNP (Philippine National Police), Non- Government Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in order to uplift the living condition of the people in the remote villages,” he said.
The 2ID Commander has expressed condolences to the bereaved family of the slain soldier.
“Rest assured that his heroism and sacrifices will not be in vain. We will pursue them(NPAs)”, he vowed.
The PNP Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) also arrived at the ambush site to investigate and recovered an unexploded IED, detonating chords and personal belongings of the communist terrorists.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037587
CAMP GEN. CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal - A soldier was killed while two others were wounded in an ambush by New Peoples Army (NPA) terrorist group in Barangay Silang, Lopez, Quezon at about 8:30 p.m. Monday.
Colonel Elias H. Escarcha, Commander of the 201st Infantry Brigade said Tuesday the slain and wounded soldiers, were aboard a military truck on their way to fetch fellow troopers of 85th Infantry Battalion, who conducted a community civic action in a remote village, when ambushed along a village road.
Escarcha identified the slain soldier as Corporal Nilo R. Julian, who died while on the way to St. Jude Hospital, and the wounded soldiers as Sergeant Victor Bartocillo and Pfc Jonathan Baylar, both sustained injuries when the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) used by the NPA terrorists exploded and damaged the military vehicle along the village road.
The wounded soldiers are now in stable condition.
According to Escarcha, fire fight ensued from the ambuscade incident for about 30 minutes between the military troops and the communist terrorist group, until the military reinforcement came.
He said that another clash occurred as the reinforcing troops engaged the state enemies to a firefight , forcing the terrorist group to withdraw from the battle site along Barangay Cogorin, also in Lopez town an hour later.
No one was hurt from the government site during the second gunbattle while an undetermined number of casualties on the scampering enemies were reported based on the traces of bloodstains along the escape path.
Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) condemned the NPA atrocities.
Parayno said that the NPAs utilization of IEDs is a clear violation of Republic Act 9851, an act penalizing crimes against International Humanitarian Law.
He also dismissed claims by the NPA terrorist group of territorial control as there is no provision in the Constitution that provides the NPAs jurisdiction over a portion of the Philippine territory.
“The national territory belongs to the people, and the government as the people’s legitimate representative has the sole authority over it,” he expounded.
Parayno said the presence of the soldiers in the barangays is to conduct Community Support Program (CSP) in order to sustain the delivery of the government’s basic services to the people.
“It is a multi-sector endeavor of the Local Government Units (LGUs), the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philppines), PNP (Philippine National Police), Non- Government Organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in order to uplift the living condition of the people in the remote villages,” he said.
The 2ID Commander has expressed condolences to the bereaved family of the slain soldier.
“Rest assured that his heroism and sacrifices will not be in vain. We will pursue them(NPAs)”, he vowed.
The PNP Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) also arrived at the ambush site to investigate and recovered an unexploded IED, detonating chords and personal belongings of the communist terrorists.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037587
Zamboanga City to purchase drone for security, disaster management
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5): Zamboanga City to purchase drone for security, disaster management
ZAMBOANGA CITY--The City Council passed a resolution on Tuesday allocating an initial amount of PHP500,000 to purchase a military-type of drone for the use of the local government.
The resolution was approved during the regular session following a dialogue with Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, the head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).
Apolinario said the drone will be used for disaster risk reduction management, security, and traffic management.
He said they need a military-type of drone as it is bigger and equipped with the latest technology. It has also longer hours flying time.
Another resolution, authored by Councilor Benjamin Guingona IV, was approved authorizing the CDRRMO to source out additional funds to be able to purchase a military-type drone.
Apolinario said his office needs at least PHP1 million to purchase one unit of such type of equipment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037597
ZAMBOANGA CITY--The City Council passed a resolution on Tuesday allocating an initial amount of PHP500,000 to purchase a military-type of drone for the use of the local government.
The resolution was approved during the regular session following a dialogue with Dr. Elmeir Jade Apolinario, the head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO).
Apolinario said the drone will be used for disaster risk reduction management, security, and traffic management.
He said they need a military-type of drone as it is bigger and equipped with the latest technology. It has also longer hours flying time.
Another resolution, authored by Councilor Benjamin Guingona IV, was approved authorizing the CDRRMO to source out additional funds to be able to purchase a military-type drone.
Apolinario said his office needs at least PHP1 million to purchase one unit of such type of equipment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037597
Cop killed, 9 others wounded in Sagada clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5): Cop killed, 9 others wounded in Sagada clash
A policeman was killed while nine other cops were wounded during an encounteer with members of the New People Army (NPA) in Sagada, Mountain Province before noon on Tuesday, according to the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PROCOR).
PROCOR Director Chief Supt. Rolando Nana identified the fatality as Police Officer (PO2) 2 Henry Dion.
The wounded were identified as Supt. Joseph Cayat, PO3 Wilfred Manacnis, PO2 Regie Palome, and PO1s Aldrin Bocalan, Clarence Abuan, Antolin Potpoten, Xander Depnag, Jake Paat, and Yasser Guzman. They were brought to the medical facility for treatment.
Nana said that personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 and Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company were conducting peacekeeping operations when they chanced upon undetermined number of terrorist rebels at Mt. Sipitan, Barangay Aguid in Sagada town.
The area is considered by the local resident as “Peace Zone”.
The police were conducting operations to prevent the reported extortion and other criminal activities by members of the armed group when the incident happened.
Nana directed all police commanders to coordinate with the heads of government hospitals and private clinics within the immediate and nearby areas of Sagada and Bontoc and check on any person with gunshot wound and to block all possible exit points within their area of responsibility.
PROCOR strongly condemned the criminal acts of the terrorists against the police officers who were conducting routine peacekeeping efforts in Sagada.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037631
A policeman was killed while nine other cops were wounded during an encounteer with members of the New People Army (NPA) in Sagada, Mountain Province before noon on Tuesday, according to the Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PROCOR).
PROCOR Director Chief Supt. Rolando Nana identified the fatality as Police Officer (PO2) 2 Henry Dion.
The wounded were identified as Supt. Joseph Cayat, PO3 Wilfred Manacnis, PO2 Regie Palome, and PO1s Aldrin Bocalan, Clarence Abuan, Antolin Potpoten, Xander Depnag, Jake Paat, and Yasser Guzman. They were brought to the medical facility for treatment.
Nana said that personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 15 and Mountain Province Provincial Mobile Force Company were conducting peacekeeping operations when they chanced upon undetermined number of terrorist rebels at Mt. Sipitan, Barangay Aguid in Sagada town.
The area is considered by the local resident as “Peace Zone”.
The police were conducting operations to prevent the reported extortion and other criminal activities by members of the armed group when the incident happened.
Nana directed all police commanders to coordinate with the heads of government hospitals and private clinics within the immediate and nearby areas of Sagada and Bontoc and check on any person with gunshot wound and to block all possible exit points within their area of responsibility.
PROCOR strongly condemned the criminal acts of the terrorists against the police officers who were conducting routine peacekeeping efforts in Sagada.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037631
Davao mayor lauds arrest of NPA leader
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Davao mayor lauds arrest of NPA leader
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Tuesday lauded the military for the successful operation leading to the apprehension of Elizalde Caṅete alias Ka Jinggoy, the top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Davao Region and some parts of Bukidnon.
“I am very happy with the result of the operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) we can really see the outcome of their hard work to apprehend the big personalities in the rebel group. I’d like to congratulate them on this success,” the mayor said on Tuesday.
Duterte-Carpio said that the apprehension of Caṅete was a big step in achieving justice for all atrocities involving the rebel leader in the city.
She also asked for the people’s support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to continue giving their trust and confidence to the men in uniform to achieve just and lasting peace in the city.
“I’d like to solicit the support of the public in all the programs and projects of the city government of Davao, AFP, Philippine National Police and the barangays because these institutions represent the government which the people should support,” the mayor said.
The mayor added that the city will support the filing of charges against Caṅete to give justice to those people who were affected by the action of the NPA leader.
“The city will help in the filing of charges against him,” she said. “The City Prosecutor’s Office will file charges against them.”
It can be recalled that Larry Buenafe, a fish vendor was killed after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded after the rebels burned the Lapanday Box Plant in Mandug last year.
The mayor called on the NPA and asked for justice for the death of Buenafe.
On May 29, Caṅete was turned over to Davao City Police Office (DCPO) after he was arrested in a hospital in Bukidnon.
Caṅete replaced Leoncio Pitao who was killed in an encounter with the 10th Infantry Division in 2015.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037618
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio on Tuesday lauded the military for the successful operation leading to the apprehension of Elizalde Caṅete alias Ka Jinggoy, the top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Davao Region and some parts of Bukidnon.
“I am very happy with the result of the operation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) we can really see the outcome of their hard work to apprehend the big personalities in the rebel group. I’d like to congratulate them on this success,” the mayor said on Tuesday.
Duterte-Carpio said that the apprehension of Caṅete was a big step in achieving justice for all atrocities involving the rebel leader in the city.
She also asked for the people’s support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to continue giving their trust and confidence to the men in uniform to achieve just and lasting peace in the city.
“I’d like to solicit the support of the public in all the programs and projects of the city government of Davao, AFP, Philippine National Police and the barangays because these institutions represent the government which the people should support,” the mayor said.
The mayor added that the city will support the filing of charges against Caṅete to give justice to those people who were affected by the action of the NPA leader.
“The city will help in the filing of charges against him,” she said. “The City Prosecutor’s Office will file charges against them.”
It can be recalled that Larry Buenafe, a fish vendor was killed after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded after the rebels burned the Lapanday Box Plant in Mandug last year.
The mayor called on the NPA and asked for justice for the death of Buenafe.
On May 29, Caṅete was turned over to Davao City Police Office (DCPO) after he was arrested in a hospital in Bukidnon.
Caṅete replaced Leoncio Pitao who was killed in an encounter with the 10th Infantry Division in 2015.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037618
Army battalion of 500 men deployed to Negros Island
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Army battalion of 500 men deployed to Negros Island
DEPLOYED. Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, leads the send-off of the 94th Infantry Battalion troops to Negros Island on Wednesday (June 6, 2018). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army, 3rd Infantry Division)
BACOLOD CITY -- The Philippine Army deployed the newly-activated 94th Infantry Battalion to Negros Island on Wednesday to augment the existing three battalions in the island’s two provinces.
This was announced by the 3rd Infantry Division in an emailed statement on the same day.
Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the 3rd ID, led the send-off ceremony and closing program of the 94th IB’s organizational training in rites held at the division’s headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
The 94th IB, composed of 500 troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Carlo Ferrer, will be the fourth battalion under the 303rd Infantry Brigade, covering the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
The battalion was activated by Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista, chief of the Philippine Army, during the 44th founding anniversary of the 3rd ID last May 10.
Before their deployment to Negros, the soldiers underwent organizational training designed for counter-insurgency operations and other trainings to enhance their combat competency.
Dolina told the troops to continue adhering to the international humanitarian law, human rights and rule of law in serving and securing the Negrenses.
“Always put the people’s welfare at the center of your duties,” he added.
The three other battalions in Negros include the 62nd IB and the 15th IB based in Sagay City and Cauayan town, both in Negros Occidental, respectively and the 79th IB in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037750
DEPLOYED. Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, leads the send-off of the 94th Infantry Battalion troops to Negros Island on Wednesday (June 6, 2018). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army, 3rd Infantry Division)
BACOLOD CITY -- The Philippine Army deployed the newly-activated 94th Infantry Battalion to Negros Island on Wednesday to augment the existing three battalions in the island’s two provinces.
This was announced by the 3rd Infantry Division in an emailed statement on the same day.
Brigadier General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the 3rd ID, led the send-off ceremony and closing program of the 94th IB’s organizational training in rites held at the division’s headquarters at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.
The 94th IB, composed of 500 troops led by Lieutenant Colonel Carlo Ferrer, will be the fourth battalion under the 303rd Infantry Brigade, covering the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
The battalion was activated by Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito Bautista, chief of the Philippine Army, during the 44th founding anniversary of the 3rd ID last May 10.
Before their deployment to Negros, the soldiers underwent organizational training designed for counter-insurgency operations and other trainings to enhance their combat competency.
Dolina told the troops to continue adhering to the international humanitarian law, human rights and rule of law in serving and securing the Negrenses.
“Always put the people’s welfare at the center of your duties,” he added.
The three other battalions in Negros include the 62nd IB and the 15th IB based in Sagay City and Cauayan town, both in Negros Occidental, respectively and the 79th IB in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037750
Army bolsters coordination with MILF, stakeholders in war on drugs
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Army bolsters coordination with MILF, stakeholders in war on drugs
INTER-AGENCY MEETING VS. DRUGS. Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central commander, talks with other stakeholders in the campaign against illegal drugs. (Photo by 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao--To ensure effective implementation of ceasefire mechanism and successful campaign against illegal drugs in Central Mindanao region, officials of the Army-led Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) met Tuesday with partner agencies and Moro rebel ceasefire panel members.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), hosted the gathering held at this camp in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
In attendance were officials from the police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and in Region 12, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-ARMM) and PDEA-12, Army brigade and battalion commanders as well as Moro Islamic Liberation Front Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH).
Sobejana, also chief of JTFC, said the joint conference was aimed at reviewing and revisiting the mandates of relevant government agencies in the campaign against illegal drugs, issues on coordinating and actual conduct of anti-drug operation.
It also aims to formulate measures to minimize, through proper inter-agency coordination, problems encountered in previous operations in affected communities within Central Mindanao.
Among the consensus was the need to observe coordination with the MILF-CCCH whenever law enforcement operations are to be conducted in recognized MILF camps.
Butch Malang, MILF-CCCH chair, assured that his group will fully cooperate with government law enforcers in the campaign against illegal drug personalities in MILF identified communities.
“The MILF leadership does not tolerate the use of illegal drugs as this is generally forbidden in Islam,” Malang pointed out. Sobejana presented his desire for peaceful communities as gatekeepers of peace in the region.
“We are the guards of the gates of change and we have to start the change within us,” Sobejana said. Internal cleansing among the Army ranks is ongoing through drug tests and other means, he said.
Sobejana stressed the need for proper and effective inter-agency coordination, collaboration, and cooperation with the PNP and PDEA as the lead agencies in all drug operations and to address capability gaps to accomplish the mission without casualties as much as possible.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037679
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao--To ensure effective implementation of ceasefire mechanism and successful campaign against illegal drugs in Central Mindanao region, officials of the Army-led Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) met Tuesday with partner agencies and Moro rebel ceasefire panel members.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), hosted the gathering held at this camp in Barangay Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
In attendance were officials from the police in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and in Region 12, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-ARMM) and PDEA-12, Army brigade and battalion commanders as well as Moro Islamic Liberation Front Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (MILF-CCCH).
Sobejana, also chief of JTFC, said the joint conference was aimed at reviewing and revisiting the mandates of relevant government agencies in the campaign against illegal drugs, issues on coordinating and actual conduct of anti-drug operation.
It also aims to formulate measures to minimize, through proper inter-agency coordination, problems encountered in previous operations in affected communities within Central Mindanao.
Among the consensus was the need to observe coordination with the MILF-CCCH whenever law enforcement operations are to be conducted in recognized MILF camps.
Butch Malang, MILF-CCCH chair, assured that his group will fully cooperate with government law enforcers in the campaign against illegal drug personalities in MILF identified communities.
“The MILF leadership does not tolerate the use of illegal drugs as this is generally forbidden in Islam,” Malang pointed out. Sobejana presented his desire for peaceful communities as gatekeepers of peace in the region.
“We are the guards of the gates of change and we have to start the change within us,” Sobejana said. Internal cleansing among the Army ranks is ongoing through drug tests and other means, he said.
Sobejana stressed the need for proper and effective inter-agency coordination, collaboration, and cooperation with the PNP and PDEA as the lead agencies in all drug operations and to address capability gaps to accomplish the mission without casualties as much as possible.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037679
Army recruits to train as peace builders
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Army recruits to train as peace builders
PEACE BUILDERS. Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Army's 6th Infantray Division chief, speaks before 285 recruits of the military unit who are currently training, not only as good soldiers, but peace builders as well. (Photo by 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao--The military here said Wednesday that the latest Army recruits who will undergo a six-month basic military training will also be trained as peacemakers to help protect people of various faiths.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the 285 candidate soldiers, 29 of whom are women, will have special lectures on peace advocacy in complex communities they are going to serve in Central Mindanao.
The second batch of candidate soldiers had started their rigid military training at the Division Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Sobejana said the candidate-soldiers will be trained about insights on peacebuilding to prepare them to engaged in areas where Muslim-Christian and Lumad settlers co-exist.
Sobejana, himself a peace advocate, said outside military duties, the soldiers of the 6ID are trained peace-builders as well, giving primacy on the peace process between the government and Moro rebels.
The 6ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and parts of North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037670
PEACE BUILDERS. Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, Army's 6th Infantray Division chief, speaks before 285 recruits of the military unit who are currently training, not only as good soldiers, but peace builders as well. (Photo by 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao--The military here said Wednesday that the latest Army recruits who will undergo a six-month basic military training will also be trained as peacemakers to help protect people of various faiths.
Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, the commander of the 6th Infantry Division (6ID), said the 285 candidate soldiers, 29 of whom are women, will have special lectures on peace advocacy in complex communities they are going to serve in Central Mindanao.
The second batch of candidate soldiers had started their rigid military training at the Division Training School in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Sobejana said the candidate-soldiers will be trained about insights on peacebuilding to prepare them to engaged in areas where Muslim-Christian and Lumad settlers co-exist.
Sobejana, himself a peace advocate, said outside military duties, the soldiers of the 6ID are trained peace-builders as well, giving primacy on the peace process between the government and Moro rebels.
The 6ID covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and parts of North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037670
Solons now keen to modernize military: DND chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Solons now keen to modernize military: DND chief
With the reported militarization in the South China Sea, members of the legislative have grown more receptive to increase the budget for the military's modernization program.
This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in an interview aired Tuesday by the ABS-CBN News Channel.
The latter took place in Singapore on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1-3.
"Now, I am hearing (that) some different tune from some congressmen and senators. Normally our (defense) budget is just one percent of the Gross Domestic Product. Now, I heard one congressman saying that it would be increased to 2 percent. That's well and good," he stressed.
This is in response to questions on whether the DND chief sees a sense of urgency from the country's political leaders following reports of continued military build-up in the South China Sea.
"Some senators, we have heard, (are) saying they shall allocate sufficient funds for the Armed Forces to modernize their aircraft, their ships and the people, buy newer equipment than we have now. I think the perception of those in our Congress is changing also in the light of what’s happening in South China Sea," Lorenzana said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037649
With the reported militarization in the South China Sea, members of the legislative have grown more receptive to increase the budget for the military's modernization program.
This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in an interview aired Tuesday by the ABS-CBN News Channel.
The latter took place in Singapore on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1-3.
"Now, I am hearing (that) some different tune from some congressmen and senators. Normally our (defense) budget is just one percent of the Gross Domestic Product. Now, I heard one congressman saying that it would be increased to 2 percent. That's well and good," he stressed.
This is in response to questions on whether the DND chief sees a sense of urgency from the country's political leaders following reports of continued military build-up in the South China Sea.
"Some senators, we have heard, (are) saying they shall allocate sufficient funds for the Armed Forces to modernize their aircraft, their ships and the people, buy newer equipment than we have now. I think the perception of those in our Congress is changing also in the light of what’s happening in South China Sea," Lorenzana said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037649
Marawi siege forced PH military to reacquire lost fighting skills
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Marawi siege forced PH military to reacquire lost fighting skills
The five-month battle to retake Marawi City from the clutches of Maute-ISIS Group terrorists showed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has to relearn its former skills like fighting in urban terrain.
This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in interview aired Tuesday by the ABS-CBN News Channel.
The interview took place in Singapore on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1-3.
"(Previous) lessons we learned in urban area (fighting), which was a skill we used to have but lost along the way because we don't use it (to train) people on what we call the military operations in urbanized terrain, we never use it, so we stop teaching people until Marawi has come so now we have to reacquire that skill plus the necessary equipment that goes with it," Lorenzana lamented.
A total of 168 soldiers and police officers were killed in the bloody fighting, which started May 23, 2017 and ended on October of that year.
An estimated 1,000 Maute-ISIS Group terrorists, including then ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, and Maute co-founder, Omar Maute, were killed in the government offensive.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037653
The five-month battle to retake Marawi City from the clutches of Maute-ISIS Group terrorists showed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has to relearn its former skills like fighting in urban terrain.
This was disclosed by Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in interview aired Tuesday by the ABS-CBN News Channel.
The interview took place in Singapore on the sidelines of the 17th Shangri-La Dialogue on June 1-3.
"(Previous) lessons we learned in urban area (fighting), which was a skill we used to have but lost along the way because we don't use it (to train) people on what we call the military operations in urbanized terrain, we never use it, so we stop teaching people until Marawi has come so now we have to reacquire that skill plus the necessary equipment that goes with it," Lorenzana lamented.
A total of 168 soldiers and police officers were killed in the bloody fighting, which started May 23, 2017 and ended on October of that year.
An estimated 1,000 Maute-ISIS Group terrorists, including then ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, and Maute co-founder, Omar Maute, were killed in the government offensive.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037653
PH Navy flotilla for RIMPAC leaves Cebu Wednesday
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): PH Navy flotilla for RIMPAC leaves Cebu Wednesday
The two-ship flotilla of the Philippine Navy, bound for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercises off Hawaii, left Cebu along with the Malaysian frigate KD Lekiu Wednesday morning.
The Navy contingent, now called Naval Task Force RIMPAC, is composed of the 7,000-gross-ton strategic sealift vessel BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the 3,000-gross-ton frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), and an AgustaWestland AW-109 utility helicopter, along with 700 sailors and marines.
It is commanded by Capt. Ernesto Baldovino while Commodore Toribio Adaci will serve as mission head.
"The Philippine Navy is actively participating in RIMPAC for the very first time through sending contingents and its largest ship, a frigate and modern naval helicopter. This will also be an opportunity for the Navy to build and enhance relationship with other navies participating in the exercise through cultural exchanges, sports and similar activities and also engaging the sizeable Filipino community in Hawaii," Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said in a statement.
"The vigorous support from the government and its stakeholders through the modernization program, provided the Philippine Navy with the capability to participate in RIMPAC 2018 further fulfilling its diplomatic role in keeping peace and stability in the region," Lincuna added.
The Filipino ships and the Malaysian craft will link up with the Indonesian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Royal Australian Navy for the ASEAN++ Group Sail on their way to RIMPAC 2018.
Lincuna noted that this is the first time the Philippine Navy would deploy naval and air assets to RIMPAC.
RIMPAC 2018 is scheduled on June 27 to August 2.
The Philippine Navy ships left Pier 13, Manila South Harbor for Cebu last June 1 and arrived there Sunday while the KD Lekiu docked there a day later.
Some 30 navies are expected to join this year's RIMPAC.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037684
The two-ship flotilla of the Philippine Navy, bound for the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercises off Hawaii, left Cebu along with the Malaysian frigate KD Lekiu Wednesday morning.
The Navy contingent, now called Naval Task Force RIMPAC, is composed of the 7,000-gross-ton strategic sealift vessel BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), the 3,000-gross-ton frigate BRP Andres Bonifacio (FF-17), and an AgustaWestland AW-109 utility helicopter, along with 700 sailors and marines.
It is commanded by Capt. Ernesto Baldovino while Commodore Toribio Adaci will serve as mission head.
"The Philippine Navy is actively participating in RIMPAC for the very first time through sending contingents and its largest ship, a frigate and modern naval helicopter. This will also be an opportunity for the Navy to build and enhance relationship with other navies participating in the exercise through cultural exchanges, sports and similar activities and also engaging the sizeable Filipino community in Hawaii," Navy spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said in a statement.
"The vigorous support from the government and its stakeholders through the modernization program, provided the Philippine Navy with the capability to participate in RIMPAC 2018 further fulfilling its diplomatic role in keeping peace and stability in the region," Lincuna added.
The Filipino ships and the Malaysian craft will link up with the Indonesian Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and Royal Australian Navy for the ASEAN++ Group Sail on their way to RIMPAC 2018.
Lincuna noted that this is the first time the Philippine Navy would deploy naval and air assets to RIMPAC.
RIMPAC 2018 is scheduled on June 27 to August 2.
The Philippine Navy ships left Pier 13, Manila South Harbor for Cebu last June 1 and arrived there Sunday while the KD Lekiu docked there a day later.
Some 30 navies are expected to join this year's RIMPAC.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037684
US provides PH marines with new personal protective equipment
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 8): US provides PH marines with new personal protective equipment
The United States military has provided new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Philippine Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG) and Inshore Boat Battalion valued at about PHP178 million, the US embassy in Manila announced Wednesday.
The 525 sets of ballistic vests, lightweight ballistic plates, tactical ballistic helmets, and accessories were given through Washington's Counterterrorism Train and Equip Program in Taguig City last May 31.
The equipment will provide increased protection for personnel conducting counterterrorism operations, as well as operations against transnational threats, specifically in the southern Philippines.
According to the embassy, these force protection equipment delivery will fill critical equipment gaps for Marine Operators within MARSOG, a key Counterterrorism and Special Operations unit within the Philippine Marine Corps.
Washington, as Manila's long-standing ally, stressed commitment to provide support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through both grant assistance and the expedited sale of arms and munitions to assist both the long-term AFP modernization goals and urgent counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037755
The United States military has provided new Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Philippine Marine Special Operations Group (MARSOG) and Inshore Boat Battalion valued at about PHP178 million, the US embassy in Manila announced Wednesday.
The 525 sets of ballistic vests, lightweight ballistic plates, tactical ballistic helmets, and accessories were given through Washington's Counterterrorism Train and Equip Program in Taguig City last May 31.
The equipment will provide increased protection for personnel conducting counterterrorism operations, as well as operations against transnational threats, specifically in the southern Philippines.
According to the embassy, these force protection equipment delivery will fill critical equipment gaps for Marine Operators within MARSOG, a key Counterterrorism and Special Operations unit within the Philippine Marine Corps.
Washington, as Manila's long-standing ally, stressed commitment to provide support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through both grant assistance and the expedited sale of arms and munitions to assist both the long-term AFP modernization goals and urgent counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1037755
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