How the modernization of the Philippine Air Force is going

From InterAksyon (Sep 26): How the modernization of the Philippine Air Force is going

Philippine Air Force planes purchased in 2017. (Philippine Air Force page)

 

The Philippine Air Force continues to beef up its defense and surveillance capabilities at a time of maritime tensions.

Aerospace company Airbus at a press conference on Tuesday in Manila presented an aircraft it is recommending to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The tactical and strategic aircraft A400M and the C295, a number of which the air force purchased in 2014 and the A330 Multi Role Tanker Transport are among the products the company will offer in line with the armed forces’ modernization drive.

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The C295 is hailed as one of the top planes for maritime and overland surveillance, with an integrated tactical system that provides fusion to assist pilots.

The A400M airlifter meanwhile is in use in Asia’s most developed countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.

 

The country’s defense department, meanwhile, has its eyes on two squadrons of multi-role fighters, that will possibly come from Sweden’s Saab. An additional 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter planes are also expected to be delivered from South Korea.

Calls to modernize the Philippines’ defense and surveillance assets have sounded in recent years amid tense relations with China over its overreaching claims in the South China Sea.




Former president Benigno Aquino III in July 2013 set aside P75 billion to help modernize the air force by purchasing new and modern aircraft before the end of his term. President Rodrigo Duterte also vowed to bankroll the program’s second phase from 2018 to 2022.

Military modernization: An urgent requirement

RA 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Act expressly mandates the active development of the AFP’s capabilities. The purchase of new equipment and weapons and the phaseout of old assets is one of the law’s directives.

Passed in 2012, the updated version of the modernization act first passed in 1995 mandates the continued improvement of the country’s arms capabilities for 15 years following passage of the act.
Horizon 2 of the program is expected to run from 2018 to 2022 and mandates the purchase of different kinds of aircraft and as well as unmanned aerial vehicles for the benefit of the air force. A budget of P300 billion for Horizon 2 was approved in June 2018.

The acquisition of a number of multi-role fighter jets was approved in June 2018, one of the first big approved purchases under the modernization act’s second phase this year.

Those advocating for the modernization of the country’s military are celebrating the country’s recent purchases so far.

Some analysts have attested to the Philippines’ modernization of the AFP’s assets over the years, even as ties with China improved under the Duterte administration.

Alexander Vuving of the Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies pointed to an increase in purchases of sea vessels and aircraft as proof of the country’s commitment to improving its defense and security assets.

Sources of new assets

The Philippines aside from purchasing from private manufacturers has also consolidated security and defense partnerships with other countries.

The Australian government sent a number of aircraft to the Philippines during the Marawi siege of 2017 to help local armed forces identify terrorist elements in the city.

A conference attended by various policy organizations based in Australia as well as representatives from the Department of National Defense and the Australian Embassy held in July 2018 in Manila explored opportunities for security cooperation between the Philippines and Australia.

The government of Jordan in May 2018 also pledged to donate two attack helicopters to the Philippines.

A “wishlist” prepared by military officials puts the emphasis on equipment needed by the PAF, which includes multi-role fighters, airlifters, maritime patrol aircraft and heavy lift helicopters.

http://www.interaksyon.com/how-the-modernization-of-the-philippine-air-force-is-going/

Duterte on reward for soldiers’ bravery: ‘Rolex na sunod’

From ABS-CBN (Sep 29): Duterte on reward for soldiers’ bravery: ‘Rolex na sunod’

DAVAO CITY - Patay ang isang miyembro ng Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) habang sugatan ang isang sundalo sa engkuwentro ng 3rd Infantry Battalion (IB) ng Philippine Army at mga hinihinalang miyembro ng New People's Army (NPA) sa Barangay Salaysay sa lungsod na ito Biyernes ng hapon.

Kinilala ang namatay na miyembro ng CAFGU na si Jonel Ombayo. Ayon sa asawang si Irene, wala pang isang taon sa pagiging CAFGU ang kaniyang asawa. Siya rin lamang ang inaasahan ng kaniyang pamilya para makabangon sa kahirapan.

Ayon sa 3rd IB, una silang pinaputukan ng Pulang Bagani Command 2 at Guerilla Front 53 ng NPA sa Sitio Alicuson nang rumesponde sila sa mga sumbong ng mga residente laban sa pangingikil sa komunidad.

Sugatan din sa engkuwentro si Private First Class Dave Gonzales.

Pinasabugan din umano sila ng landmine kaya gumanti na ng putok ang mga sundalo.

Binigyan na ng tulong pinansyal ang nabiyudang asawa ng sundalo.

Nangako naman ang 3rd IB na tutulungan ang pamilya ni Ombayo.

Patuloy ang hot pursuit operation laban sa NPA.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/29/18/cafgu-patay-sa-engkuwentro-sa-davao-city

Duterte on reward for soldiers’ bravery: ‘Rolex na sunod’

From ABS-CBN (Sep 29): Duterte on reward for soldiers’ bravery: ‘Rolex na sunod’



President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he would give luxury watches to soldiers in Agusan del Sur should they show exceptional bravery performing their duties. File/Malacañang Photo
(UPDATE)—President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he would give luxury watches to soldiers in Agusan del Sur should they show exceptional bravery performing their duties.

Duterte gave the 401st and the 402nd Infantry Brigades P100,000 each for their service in a ceremony held in the provincial capital of Prosperidad town, then brought up his offer of designer timepieces.


“’Yung each brigade will get . . . we’ll give you P100,000 each para pang-blowout ninyo pag-uwi ninyo sa kampo,” Duterte told soldiers in Agusan del Sur.

“And, of course, ’yung nakatanggap na ng relo, hindi na ’yan. Rolex na sunod. Oo, totoo. Di ako nagsusuot ng, pero pagka valor kayong lahat, Rolex kayong lahat. Sigurado ’yan.”

Duterte commended the Armed Forces’ Western Command for “a wonderful performance.”

“Maganda ang pinakita ninyo sa bayan. And I give you my salute,” he said.

The President led the awarding of medals to the military personnel under the said infantry brigades and the donning of ranks to newly promoted officers.

Last year, Duterte said he received a Rolex watch for his upcoming birthday but refused to accept it.

“My birthday is coming up. Do not give me the gifts. Somebody gave me a Rolex watch, gold, in advance. I returned it. He does not want to accept it,” Duterte said in a speech in March 2017.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/29/18/duterte-on-reward-for-soldiers-bravery-rolex-na-sunod

Philippines, US to add more security cooperation activities next year

From ABS-CBN (Sep 29): Philippines, US to add more security cooperation activities next year





Philippine and US marines participate in an annual joint military exercise in May. According to an AFP statement released on Friday, The two countries agreed on 281 security cooperation activities for 2019, an increase from 261 activities this year. File/Ted Aljibe, AFP​

US Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Philip Davidson and AFP chief of staff General Carlito Galvez sign agreements on security cooperation activities for 2019. Handout
The Philippines and United States have agreed to increase military activities for next year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.

The two countries agreed on 281 security cooperation activities for 2019, an increase from 261 activities this year, the AFP said in a statement.
The activities were approved by AFP chief Gen. Carlito Galvez and US Indo-Pacific Command chief Adm. Philip Davidson on Thursday during an annual meeting of the Mutual Defense Board (MDB) and Security Engagement Board (SEB) at Camp Aguinaldo.

"We have been doing this year after year, and yet there is still so much left to learn. We hope that this year would be another fruitful interaction that will lead to favorable outcome. May our discussions lead to actions, and may these actions thereby lead us to success," Galvez said in a statement.

Before the MDB-SEB meeting the military chief co-chairs, Davidson paid a courtesy call to Galvez.

"During the visit, matters of mutual interest were discussed including the strength of the US-Philippine partnership and the importance of the U.S-Philippine alliance to the Indo-Pacific region," said Col. Noel Detoyato, chief of AFP's Public Affairs Office.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/29/18/philippines-us-to-add-more-security-cooperation-activities-next-year

Patikul update: RHRC asks 3 military officials in Sulu to answer claims 7 killed were not Abu Sayyaf members

From MindaNews (Sep 29): Patikul update: RHRC asks 3 military officials in Sulu to answer claims 7 killed were not Abu Sayyaf members

The Regional Human Rights Commission (RHRC) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has asked three military officials in Sulu to answer allegations in the affidavits of families and witnesses that the seven persons slain in Patikul town on September 14 were civilians harvesting fruits and not Abu Sayyaf members killed in an encounter as the military claimed.

Atty. Fatten Hinay, head of the BaSulTa (Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-tawi) sub-regional office of the RHRC told MindaNews on Friday that subpoenas were served Wednesday afternoon on Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu; Lt. Col. Samuel Yunque, commander of Task Group Panther; and Capt. MichaelAsistores of the Scout Rangers.

She said the officials were given five working days or until Wednesday, October 3, to “answer the allegations in the affidavits” of the families and witnesses.



Three probe teams have been sent to Patikul, Sulu to look into the alleged massacre of seven persons on Friday, September 14, 2018. The military claims they were Abu Sayyaf members killed in an encounter. Relatives of the victims said they were civilians harvesting mangosteen fruits. Photo courtesy of Mahmur Arula

The Western Mindanao Command’s press release on September 15 said that while troops of Task Group Panther led by Yunque and the Scout Rangers led by Asistores were conducting a “focused military operation,” they encountered “more or less 100 fully armed Abu Sayyafs” under senior leader Radullan Sahiron and sub leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan and Idang Susukan in Barangay Bakong, Patikul town.

It said seven Abu Sayyaf members were killed and six others were injured, including Sawadjaan, while 17 soldiers were “slightly wounded due to shrapnel.”

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) last week sent a team composed of representatives from the central office in Manila and Western Mindanao CHR, in coordination with the RHRC to meet with and get the affidavits of the families of the victims and witnesses. The families also gave their consent to an exhumation of the bodies to determine the cause and manner of death, Atty. Jacqueline de Guia, CHR Executive Director told MindaNews last Sunday. The CHR and RHRC are still arranging the schedule for the exhumation.

Hinay said the RHRC also issued a subpoena duces tecum for the military to present before the RHRC the logbook at the detachment of the 45th Infantry Battalion which supposedly contains the names of persons who sought permission from the military “to go to their lands in the critical areas in Patikul,” among them the seven victims who allegedly harvested fruits, and harvest fruits, the youngest of whom was 15.

A relative of the victims told MindaNews the seven were among residents who fled their sitios in Kabuntakas and evacuated to safer grounds due to armed conflict, allegedly after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial Mindanao-wide on May 23, 2017.

But as is the common practice in conflict-affected areas, residents who wish to return to their areas to harvest, for example, need to bring their identification cards and affix their signatures on the logbook at the military detachment and again report to the detachment when they have left the area.

The subpoena duces tecum was not served on Wednesday and Thursday “because of (military) operation in Igasan, Patikul where the detachment is,” Hinay explained. But it was finally served Friday afternoon, she said.

The RHRC, in a Sept. 19 statement signed by chair Abdulnasser Badrudin, said the Commission “maintains and reminds the state that right to life continues to be inviolable even in times of military operations and martial law.”



The RHRC noted that while the Armed Forces of the Philippines “claims that the seven were killed in an encounter, still, the incident shows semblance of an ing1excessive use of military authority and failure to exercise due diligence in identifying ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) members during military operations.”

The joint CHR and RHRC investigations are still ongoing.

Last week, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez told MindaNews that a team from the Inspector General Office was activated on September 17 to conduct a probe on what happened in Patikul, to “ensure that all raised issues will be answered.”

MindaNews has repeatedy followed up on the findings of the AFP probe and it followed up again on Friday but Galvez has yet to send his reply.

The House Committee on Human Rights has yet to act on the resolution introduced by the Makabayan bloc, another representative and the chair of the House Committee on Peace, Reconiliation and Unity, to conduct a probe of what happened in Patikul.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2018/09/patikul-update-rhrc-asks-3-military-officials-in-sulu-to-answer-claims-7-killed-were-not-abu-sayyaf-members/

PRRD to visit Army camp in Agusan Sur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 28): PRRD to visit Army camp in Agusan Sur



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is set to visit the Philippine Army’s 401st Brigade at Camp Datu Lipus Makapandong in Brgy. Awa, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on Saturday, Sept. 29.

President Duterte will lead the donning of ranks and awarding of medals to deserving troops under the 401st Brigade.

He is expected to arrive at the venue by 4 pm and will speak before some 400 soldiers and civilian personnel from the 401st and 402nd Brigades.

He is also set to hold an executive briefing with military officials led by 401st Brigade Commander BGen. Andres Centino.

Afterwhich, the president will join the troops in the ‘Boodle’ fight dinner at the venue.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1013354

Army’s 2ID soldiers spearhead 'bike for peace'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 29): Army’s 2ID soldiers spearhead 'bike for peace'



BIKE FOR PEACE. Soldiers and civilians show their winning form in the 40-kilometer “Bike for Peace” race on Saturday (Sept. 29, 2018) from the headquarters of the 80th Infantry Battalion in Baras, Rizal to Camp General Mateo Capinpin, Tanay Rizal. The race was hosted by the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID), led by its commander Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno. (Photo courtesy of 2ID-PAO)

CAMP GEN. MATEO CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – The Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) kicked off on Saturday morning its “October Peace 2018,” highlighting a 40-kilometer ‘bike for peace’ race from Baras, Rizal to this camp.

The “Bike for Peace” carried the theme “Nagkakaisang kasundaluhan at mamayan tungo sa layuning mapayapa at masaganang Timog Katagalugan” (united soldiers and the citizenry towards a peaceful and prosperous Southern Luzon).

Col. Marceliano V. Teofilo, Chief of Staff of the 2ID, led the bike run starting 6:30 a.m. from the Headquarters 80th Infantry Battalion in Baras, Rizal to the finish line in this camp.

Around 157 bikers composed of officers, enlisted personnel, dependents, civilian employees, retired soldiers and other civilian guest bike riders joined the race.

Major General Rhoderick M. Parayno, 2ID Commander, led the awarding of plaques to the winners especially the Banana Bikers, who won the 1st place in the team category.

Parayno also thanked and congratulated all the participants for hurdling the bike race as opening salvo for the October Peace observance.

He said the month-long series of events advocates not only health but fellowship as well.

“We would like also to promote the peace and security efforts of 2ID in the regions”, Parayno added.

Meanwhile, Capt. Patrick Jay M. Retumban, chief of the 2ID public affairs office, said the upcoming events include a Basketball Tournament (Oct. 6); Football Tournament (Oct. 11); Golf for Peace (Oct. 12); Run for Peace (Oct. 13); Foot march/Trekking (Oct. 14) and the two-day Shoot for Peace (Oct 17-18).

Next month’s activities also include the Mega Zumba (Oct. 19); Bingo Social (Oct. 19); Towering, Trade and Food Fair, Jungle Fighter Bar and Photo Booth (Oct 15- 20), and the Musical Night (Oct. 20).

He said the events are open to all interested civilians.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049538

Task Force Balik Loob welcomes 64 rebel returnees

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 29): Task Force Balik Loob welcomes 64 rebel returnees



REBEL RETURNEES. Former members of the New People's Army, who decided to return to mainstream society, flash the peace sign as they were formally welcomed by Task Force Balik Loob during the E-CLIP turnover ceremony held at the Capitol Building in Nabunturan town, Compostela Valley on Thursday (Sept. 27, 2018). The 64 returnees were given livelihood aid and cash for the firearms they surrendered. (Photo courtesy of the DND Public Affairs Service)
Some 64 former members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Compostella Valley province were formally welcomed to mainstream society by Task Force Balik Loob during a short ceremony on September 27.

“Bilang mga makabayang mamamayang Pilipino, ating pakatandaan na ang pagkakaisa at kapayapaan ng sambayanan ang daan tungo sa maunlad na kinabukasan ng bayan (As patriotic Filipinos, we must remember that a united and peaceful country is the path towards a progressive future)," Task Force Balik Loob head Reynaldo Mapagu, who is also Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Retirees Affairs, told the rebel returnees during the ceremony, held at the social hall of the Capitol Building in Nabunturan town in Compostela Valley.

Mapagu said these former NPAs were given immediate and livelihood assistance, as well as cash in exchange for the firearms they surrendered.

Compostela Valley Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy and Vice Governor Manuel E. Zamora handed to the former rebels their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits.

Each rebel returnee received a check worth PHP65,000 representing immediate and livelihood assistance amounting to PHP15,000 and PHP50,000, respectively.

A total of 25 of them also received remuneration for surrendering their firearms to the government, ranging from PHP10,000 to PHP75,000, depending on the type and condition of the weapon surrendered.

E-CLIP is one of the flagship programs of the Duterte administration that seek to address social healing and national unity towards the higher objective of having just and lasting peace.

It aims to provide social equity to former members of the NPA, Communist Party of the Philippines, National Democratic Front of the Philippines, and the Militia ng Bayan to reintegrate them into mainstream society.

Unlike previous government reintegration programs, the E-CLIP provides a wide array of benefits based on the particular needs of the former rebels and their families, such as financial assistance, shelter, education, skills training, health care, and legal assistance, through a convergence of various national and local government agencies.

These benefits, Mapagu said, are not the “end” but just the means or tools to aid the former rebels while in the process of transitioning into mainstream society.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049497

NPA, drug links eyed in ex-kagawad’s slay

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 29): NPA, drug links eyed in ex-kagawad’s slay

The Philippine National Police is considering several possible angles, such as illegal drug activities and alleged involvement of the New People’s Army in the death of a former councilman Elmer Cabayaof Barangay Panciao, Manjuyod, who was shot Monday in adjacent Bindoy town, Negros Oriental.

A police progress report from the Bindoy police station forwarded yesterday by Supt. Kat Ramos of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, disclosed that the police have received various information that could possibly be linked to the death Cabaya.

While the Bindoy police station is verifying different reports on Cabaya’s activities before his death, the police report said “there is a strong indication that it (the shooting) was perpetrated by the members of the NPA, after (the) said victim received several death threats from the group through text messages”.

Cabaya was shot dead in Sitio Bayog, Barangay Cabcaban – a mountainous barangay about 33 kilometers from the town proper of Bindoy, the report said.

The victim was a livestock buyer/seller and a former kagawad, or councilor, of Barangay Panciao, Manjuyod.

Cabaya was driving his motorcycle with backriders Peter Cabaya Gordon and Anecito Acebes, from SitioAbaka, Barangay Nalundan in Bindoy, where they sold livestock in the regular “tabo” or market day, when the suspects opened fire at them.

Gordon and Acebes told investigators that after they fell off the motorcycle, they stood up and tried to help the bloodied Cabaya.

Police ruled out robbery after finding out that the PHP3,000 cash of Cabaya, that he received from the sale of a cattle, was intact.

Police investigators are also looking into other reports that the victim was an alleged former NPA supporter who later became a military informant, and his reported involvement in the shooting to death of Panciao barangay chairman Mario Gonzales over a family grudge.

Gonzales was shot dead several weeks ago by suspected NPA members who allegedly warned him against seeking re-election, as the rebel group wanted to field its own candidate, the Manjuyod police said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/September/29/topstory7.htm

Army condemns militiaman’s killing

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 29): Army condemns militiaman’s killing

The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade yesterday condemned the latest atrocity perpetrated by New People’s Army rebels, who claimed responsibility for the killing of an off-duty government militiaman in Guihulngan, City, Negros Occidnetal.

The NPA Leonardo Panaligan Command had claimed responsibility for the killing of CAFGU member Rodolfo Yucaran on Sept. 23 in Brgy. Tacpao, Guihulngan City.

Col. Alberto Desoyo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday “ these terrorist murderers are now in desperate times, killing an unarmed CAFGU member, which clearly violates the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law."

Desoyo said that Yucaran died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Police investigations showed that the victim was on his way to Sitio Bantayan in Barangay Tacpao, Guihulngan City, on his motorcycle, when he was waylaid, and shot simultaneously by four gunmen.

“I urge the people to condemn this inhumane act by the communist terrorist group. There is no room for terrorism if the intention, really, is to help the poor, to help the people.” Desoyo said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/September/29/topstory9.htm

Philippine coast guard orders single H145

From Update Philippines (Sep 27): Philippine coast guard orders single H145

The Philippines coast guard has ordered a single Airbus Helicopters H145, which will function in the search and rescue (SAR) and law enforcement missions.

This will be the first H145 in the Philippines used for parapublic missions, says Airbus Helicopters.

The 4t rotorcraft will be equipped with high frequency radios, emergency flotation gear, fast roping capability, a cargo sling, a search light, and other systems consistent with the SAR, medical evacuation, maritime patrol, and law enforcement missions.

“We are honoured by the Philippine Coast Guard’s decision to introduce the country’s first parapublic H145 into its fleet, as the perfect complement to the current workhorse BO105 which has served the agency well for the past 40 years,” says Philippe Monteux, regional head for Airbus Helicopters.

 

https://www.update.ph/2018/09/%e2%80%8bphilippine-coast-guard-orders-single-h145/25561

Photo: Singapore Army Visit at TABAK

From Update Philippines (Sep 29): Photo: Singapore Army Visit at TABAK



COL ANDREW LIM, Commander HQ 9 Division/ Chief Infantry Officer, Singapore Army and party, visited 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army on 26 September 2018.

https://www.update.ph/2018/09/singapore-army-visit-tabak/25569

DILG backs AFP's proposed anti-communist task force

From Rappler (Sep 29): DILG backs AFP's proposed anti-communist task force

A former Armed Forces chief himself, DILG Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año says the country's long-running communist insurgency 'is not primarily a military or police problem but a governance problem'

EX-AFP CHIEF. In this file photo, DILG OIC Eduardo Año speaks during a press conference at the PDEA Headquarters in Quezon City. File photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday, September 29, threw its support behind the proposed anti-communist task force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement on Saturday, September 29, DILG Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año said that the long-running communist insurgency "is not primarily a military or police problem but a governance problem."


Effectively ending it "requires not only police and military response but necessitates a triad of development, governance, and security efforts," Año added.

He agreed with AFP Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr, who said that to quash communist recruitment, civilian agencies and other stakeholders must be aware of and integrated in a "whole-of-government strategy."

"Insurgency is rooted in poverty, inequality, and grievances that could be addressed by respective mandates of various government institutions," said Año, himself a former AFP Chief of Staff.

"We have all the mechanisms to face these issues but all government agencies have to perform our roles in a concerted manner."

While Año noted that the military is "winning the battle in the mountains" and that there have been many communist surrenderers, "it's in the propaganda war and parliamentary battle that we are losing."

"Communists are using as propaganda the inefficacies of government to advance their aspiration of toppling democracy. Thus, all instrumentalities of the government have to recognize their role in addressing this urgent and long standing problem," he said.

Año added that the proposed national task force "will ensure that other government agencies help the [Department of National Defense] and DILG in this effort." (READ: Anti-communist task force for talking not shooting – PNP)

Año also said there is "no need for a loyalty check" among the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP), which is under the DILG. He said the PNP's allegiance "is to the Constitution and the people."

The AFP earlier said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has supposedly hatched a "Red October" plot alongside members of the opposition to remove President Rodrigo Duterte from office. (READ: Duterte slams communists amid supposed ouster plot)

On Saturday, Senator Franklin Drilon denied "in the strongest possible terms" that the Liberal Party (LP) is part of any supposed move to oust the President. (READ: Linking opposition to Red October plot ‘politicizes the AFP’ – Robredo)

In a DWIZ radio interview, Drilon said LP's link to the supposed ouster plot is "propaganda without basis."

"We will stand together with the people to defend our Constitution. We will never agree to any destabilization move, much less to be part of it."

Asked about the AFP supposedly having proof against LP, Drilon said, "If they have any evidence that the Liberal Party is part of it, ilabas na nila para malaman ang katotohanan (release it now so we will know the truth)."

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/213130-dilg-supports-afp-proposed-anti-communist-task-force

OPAPP, MPC collaborate forpeace consciousness month

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 27): OPAPP, MPC collaborate forpeace consciousness month

The office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) partnered with the Mindanao Peace Council (MPC) for the annual celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month.

The celebration is broken down into three major activities: the “Dagan para sa Kalinaw” a fun-run for a cause led by the MPC in partnership with 4Life last Sept. 2, 2018 at the Rizal Park, San Pedro Street, Davao City with approximately 1,000 participants, next is the three-day multi-cultural Peace Fair Bazaar held on Sep. 13 at the Abreeza Mall, Davao City with a total of 40 exhibitors from inside and outside of the city where 15 were from the indigenous peoples, and now this coming Sept. 28, 2018, OPPAP in partnership with MPC is set to lead the national culmination.

The National Peace Consciousness Month is mandated under Proclamation No. 675 issued in July 2004, which aims to “instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Filipino people on the comprehensive peace process to strengthen and sustain institutional and popular support for and participation in this effort, as well as in the global movement spearheaded by the United Nations to promote a culture of peace based on non-violence, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, tolerance, understanding and solidarity.”

 “Working for peace is not just for the government agencies and we do believe the significance of working with the CSOs (civil society organizations) because certainly it is the CSO that will sustain these gains… that’s why we partnered with Mindanao Peace Council,” said Oliver Binansilan, OPAPP-Davao region area manager on Wednesday.

 The national culmination opens with a motorcade parade that will start at 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., followed by a culmination program from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., after that “Huni sa Kalinaw,” a peace concert will follow from 6 p.m. onward.

“The very purpose of this is to instill greater appreciation and better understanding of the public in the implementation of the peace process,” said Binansilan.

The OPAPP invited national agencies in Region 11, LGU and the key municipalities and cities in Davao Region. The OPAPP sent an invitation to President Rodrigo Duterte. The five peace tables such Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA), and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP/RPA-ABB) are also expected to attend the said event.

 The IP students and OPAPP scholars from Talaingod, Davao del Norte and Kapalong, Davao del Norte are also expected to attend the event and will be performing in the culmination. They will serve as a representative on behalf of the people in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

http://mindanaotimes.net/opapp-mpc-collaborate-forpeace-consciousness-month/

240 Cafgus complete basic military training

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 28): 240 Cafgus complete basic military training

A total of 240 Cafgus graduated from a 45-day basic military training conducted in Surigao del Sur.

Capt. Francisco Garello Jr., the civil-military operations officer (CMO) and acting executive officer of 36th Infantry Battalion, said the unit, along with the 16th Special Forces Company and 3rd Special Forces Battalion (SFBn), helped shape up the civilian volunteers.

The closing ceremony was conducted on Wednesday, with Mayor Salvacion Azarcon of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur as guest of honor, at the unit’s headquarters in St. Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Garello said the 240 newly appointed CAAs (cafgu active auxiliaries) mostly coming from Carmen, Lanuza, Tandag, and Cantilan of Surigao del Sur will be deployed to the newly established patrol bases in the 36th IB’s areas of operation as part of the strengthening of the integrated territorial defense system (ITDS) in the communities.

He said they will also augment the regular troops in the conduct of the AFP’s community support program in the conflict areas to help drive out the communist rebels from the communities.

The ceremony was also graced by Lt. Col. Parralag, commanding officer of 3rd Special Forces Battalion; Maj. Marcos Quico, the battalion commander Surigao del Sur Ready Reserve Battalion; and Garello as an acting battalion executive officer.

http://mindanaotimes.net/240-cafgus-complete-basic-military-training/