Rebel with explosive nabbed in Escalante

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 17, 2019): Rebel with explosive nabbed in Escalante

An alleged member of the New People’s Army was arrested yesterday by Army soldiers in Purok Bagong Buhay, Brgy. Balintawak, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

Nabbed was Rem Lanie Pintor, 49, of the place.

The arrest of Pintor by Army soldiers yielded a rifle grenade. He was immediately turned over by soldiers to the Escalante City Police Station for detention.

The apprehension of Pintor came in the wake of ongoing pursuit operations against fleeing NPA rebels encountered on Wednesday by 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Brgy. Minautok, Calatrava.

But Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that the arrest of Pintor was made, as his troops were following two women, who came from the encounter site in Calatrava.

The pursuit of the two women, who were riding in two motorcycles, ended at the residence of Pintor in Brgy. Balintawak, Escalante City, that led to his arrest for illegal possession of explosives, Arevalo said.

But he added that the two women they had been following were nowhere to be found, following the arrest of Pintor.

Three soldiers were slightly injured in the latest gunbattle in Calatrava, the third encounter initiated by the 79th Infantry Battalion since January that left three rebels killed, and the recovery of two high-powered firearms.

Arevalo said that the group of NPA rebels encountered by 79IB troopers alleged to be supporting a candidate in Calatrava, were mobilized against another candidate.

The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command, meanwhile issued a statement of giving honors to Ka Julie and Ka Zero, who died during a raid initiated by the 79IB in Brgy. Marcelo, Calatrava on April 17.

Rebel spokesperson Cecil Estrella, however, debunked military claims that a certain Sulpicio Hernan, who also died in the raid, was among their members, insisting that he was a civilian.

Meanwhile, two persons were arrested by the police at a checkpoint on Tuesday in Sitio Polopangyan, Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso, Negros Occidental.

Nabbed were Ronnie Panday, 31, of Brgy. Makiling, Sagay City, and Aljune Navarro, 20, of Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava.

Recovered by the police from the Fuzo Canter, where the two suspects were riding, were a 9mm caliber pistol and three magazines containing 47 live ammunition.

Panday and Navarro are now locked up in jail.


http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/May/17/topstory9.htm

U.S. to continue West PH Sea patrols despite China's disapproval

From Rappler (May 16, 2019): U.S. to continue West PH Sea patrols despite China's disapproval

'We'll consistently be present,' says United States Navy chief Admiral John Richardson



ON PATROL. The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) on June 26, 2017. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Mortensen/Released

MANILA, Philippines – The United States will continue sailing in the South China Sea despite the opposition of China, US Navy chief Admiral John Richardson said on Thursday, May 16.

Speaking to reporters in a teleconference from Tokyo, Japan, Richardson said their fleets’ freedom of navigation will continue despite opposition from China.

“The United States Navy has been consistently present in the South China Sea for 70 years. Our operations there have really not fluctuated much over those 7 decades, including in recent times. And so we'll consistently be present. We have [a] tremendous amount of national interest,” Richardson said.

This comes after the US Navy was slammed by the Chinese government for sailing in May close to Gaven and Chigua reefs in the Spratly Islands, which Beijing calls Nansha.

China also rebuked the US in February after it sent two ships through the Taiwan Strait. The pass-by was seen by China as a breach of its sovereignty. The US, however, disputed this, saying they were simply sailing through international waters.

Richardson stressed that the operations are all consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It’s under the same convention that a Hague tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea were illegal.

“We do this around the entire world, and the operations a dozen or so of these throughout the world, including contesting the excessive maritime claims of even our allies and partners,” Richardson added.

In early May too, navies from the Philippines, United States, India, and Japan flexed their muscles in the disputed South China Sea after coming together for the ASEAN-Plus Defense Ministers' Meeting Maritime Security Field Training Exercise. (IN PHOTOS: PH, U.S., Japan, India flex muscles in South China Sea)

Rest assured, Richardson said, the operations were not intended to be “provocative” to the Chinese in any way. As the US Navy and Filipino fishermen have seen, however, Chinese sea forces are easily provoked.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/230814-us-navy-to-continue-west-philippine-sea-patrols-despite-china-disapproval

U.S. Pacific Air Forces chief visits Philippines to boost ties

From Rappler (May 17, 2019): U.S. Pacific Air Forces chief visits Philippines to boost ties

'We’re finding ways to better integrate and to better train together,' says US Pacific Forces commander General Charles Brown Jr

CHIEFS. US Pacific Air Forces commander General Charles Brown Jr meets with Philippine Air Force chief Lieutenant General Rozzan Briguez in Manila on May 16, 2019. Photo courtesy of the US Embassy - Manila

MANILA, Philippines – US Pacific Air Forces commander General Charles Brown Jr is in the Philippines for several engagements with his counterparts, a signal of firm ties between the two militaries amidst geopolitical shifts in the region.

"It's important that we continue to work together. It's part of the reason I'm here in the Philippines for this visit," Brown said in a roundtable with select journalists on Thursday, May 16.

"We’re finding ways to better integrate and to better train together," he added.

Brown met with Philippine military chief General Benjamin Madrigal Jr and Philippine Air Force chief Lieutenant General Rozzano Briguez on Thursday. He was also scheduled to visit air bases in Clark and Basa in Pampanga on Friday, May 17.

The two militaries bound by a Mutual Defense Treaty hold regular exercises to improve interoperability between commanders and among troops. President Rodrigo Duterte, who pursued warmer ties with China despite a maritime dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), threatened at the beginning of his presidency to cut ties with the US.

The Philippine military scrapped a few exercises with the US then, but the decades-long ties prevailed even as the Philippines also initiated engagements with the Chinese military.



CAMP AGUINALDO VISIT. US Pacific Air Forces commander General Charles Brown Jr paid a visit to Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr on May 16, 2019. Photo courtesy of the US Embassy - Manila

More exercises for 2019

In 2019, concerns about the strength of the Philippines-US alliance under Duterte have ebbed. The two militaries even increased engagements this year with a total of 281 bilateral activities, including 60 engagements involving the Philippine Air Force and the Pacific Air Forces. There were a total of 251 engagements in 2018.

In January, the two air forces held a major exercise, the Bilateral Air Continent Exchange-Philippines (BACE-P) where the Pacific Air Forces flew in its F-16 fighter jets for drills with the FA-50 fighter trainer jets of the Philippine Air Force. (ANALYSIS: Despite rhetoric, US military gains forward base in PH)

"One of the requests of the Philippines is to bring fighter aircraft there because the Philippines is looking to rebuild its fighter air force capablity," said Brown.

They also hold regular airman-to-airman talks or subject matter expert exchanges, where counterparts visit each other in the Philippines or the headquarters of the Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii.

Brown said the US is also committed to assist the Philippines in response to natural disasters.

"In the time that I’ve been here, I noticed a number of typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis that impact the region. I think the key aspect is we take our capabilities to respond very quickly where it can take sometimes take days and weeks to get to.... We can do those in hours so that to me is important," Brown said.
Advertisement

Brown assumed as the commander of the Pacific Air Forces in July 2018. –

https://www.rappler.com/nation/230861-us-pacific-air-forces-chief-brown-visits-philippines-may-2019

Peace 911 to mark anniversary

From the Mindanao Times (May 16, 2019): Peace 911 to mark anniversary

The City Peace 911 will celebrate its first anniversary this coming May 25 with a theme “From Terrorism to Tourism” in Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District.

Meanwhile, in the last City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting, a motion was passed creating the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, as mandated by the national task force.

Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., the deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao, told reporters yesterday during the AFP-PNP press briefing that the Peace 911 is an effective mechanism to address the insurgency problem.

“As a move of city mayor, she instructed the legal officer to study the EO so that we can, through the council, already establish the city task force,” he said. “With this, we are looking forward to a more closer coordination to the launching of a more focused program to address the problem of insurgency.”

The principles and mechanisms of Peace 911 were used as a model in implementing the Executive Order 70 or the Whole of Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace.

The EO reframes and refocuses government policy by recognizing that insurgencies and other armed conflicts are not only military and security concerns, but are symptomatic of broader social, economic and historical problems.

The Peace 911 will mark its anniversary with a program conducted in Barangay Malabog, Paquibato.

“Everybody would be there to really put an end and to bring in lasting peace in Davao City,” he said.

He also said by next month, the city task force to end insurgency should already be in place.

The National Task Force to End National Conflict was created by EO 70. The task force should also be created at regional level, provincial, municipality, and city level. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police are a member of the task force.

Torres said the role of the AFP is to defeat the New People’s Army while other agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Economic Development Authority, will bring in basic services to improve the lives of the communities.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/05/16/peace-911-to-mark-anniversary/

NPA rebels, supporters surrender in Bukidnon

From the Mindanao Times (May 17, 2019): NPA rebels, supporters surrender in Bukidnon

Forty-three NPA members and supporters surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Poblacion, Impasugong in Bukidnon on Wednesday, May 15.

Lt. Col. Ron Illana, the commander of 8th IB, attributed the surrenders to the efforts of the community support teams that have been engaging communities and helping bringing basic services to far-flung villages.

On March 19 this year, Illana said the unit immersed its community support teams in Barangay Kibalabag, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, a geographically isolated heavily influenced by the NPA.

He said after series of dialogues, the residents understood the unit’s mission.

Then on May 15, around 43 individuals decided to surrender through the community support teams. They are composed of one regular NPA fighter, eight Militia ng Bayan members, and 34 supporters.

For the past years, they have been directly helping the Guerilla Front 89, particularly Sentro de Grabidad, operating in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon.

Illana commended the soldiers for helping convince the NPA members and supporters into surrendering.

“I am encouraging all teams immersed in other isolated areas to do the best they can for the people to understand the Army now,” he said.

“I thank also the NPA supporters who chose the right path by approaching our Army teams. This marks a new life with the government. No NPA affectation in our barangay will lead to development so I’m again calling those NPA members and supporters to approach your Army. They are there to help you get closer to our government,” he added.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/05/17/npa-rebels-supporters-surrender-in-bukidnon/

High-powered guns, explosives seized in Maguindanao

From MindaNews (May 17, 2019): High-powered guns, explosives seized in Maguindanao

DATU ANGGAL MIDTIMBANG, Maguindanao (MindaNews/17 May) – Government troops seized Friday several high-powered firearms and explosives from two groups who were engaged in a gunfight starting Tuesday over the results of the election in Talitay, Maguindanao.

Lt. Col. Crisaldo Fernandez, commander of the 90th Infantry Battalion covering Talitay town, said his unit moved to pacify the two warring groups.

Fernandez said his troops made it appear that they had left but returned early morning on Friday to the surprise of one of the armed groups, which fled the area, some on bancas, leaving their armaments behind.

Firearms and explosives seized from armed men reportedly backed by politicians in Talitay, Maguindanao are shown to reporters at the 90th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao on Friday, 17 May 2019. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

Among the seized firearms were five M-16 rifles, four M-653 rifles, three Garand rifles, four M-203 grenade launchers, one shotgun, one carbine rifle, one KG-9 automatic rifle, two Thompson rifles, two RPG launchers, and a caliber 50 sniper rifle.

The explosives included assorted mortars and four hand grenades.

Ammunition for various firearms were also seized.

The military added they recovered illegal drugs paraphernalia, election campaign T-Shirts and bandoliers.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said the clash started in Sitio Sultan, Barangay Kilalan in Talitay on Tuesday and spread to the nearby village of Bentan, forcing some civilians to flee.

Encinas said the groups involved were men of the brothers Abdulwahab and Montasir Sabal, who both won as mayor and vice mayor of Talitay, respectively, and those of Sedik Ameril, former assemblyman of the abolished Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The Sabals’ group of armed men was reportedly led by a certain “Kalbo” while that of Ameril was led by Mike Sitti.

Montasir, the elder brother, was the elected mayor in 2016 while Abdulwahab was his vice mayor. But both brothers went into hiding when they were included in the narco list.

Abdulwahab later resurfaced and cleared his name, and thus succeeded his brother on the vacated mayoral post.

Ameril was also in the narco list, the reason why he is also in hiding.

Encinas said that what apparently triggered the feud is rooted on an unfulfilled agreement between Abdulwahab and Sedik.

Both parties, he said, agreed that to establish a harmonious relationship between them, Abdulwahab must junk Montasir so Ameril’s sister Suraida would win in the vice mayoral race in Talitay.

Encinas said that based on information they gathered in their investigation, the Sabal brothers dumped Suraida in the last minute. Abdulwahab thus backed his elder brother despite the funds contributed by Sedik to the younger Sabal’s campaign.

Montasir garnered 2,350 votes in the vice mayoral race, while Suraida Ameril was only in third place with 1,537 votes.

Col. Wilbur Mamawag, commander of the Army’s 603rd Brigade said they were looking for more firearms.

Joint Task Force Central commander, Major General Cirilito Sobejana commended the joint efforts of his troops and local government units which enabled the the displaced residents to return to their homes.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/05/high-powered-guns-explosives-seized-in-maguindanao/

Rebel returnees in Iloilo get E-CLIP aid

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2019): Rebel returnees in Iloilo get E-CLIP aid

NPA SURRENDER. A former member of the New People's Army (NPA) (left) shakes hand with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. as he receives financial assistance under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Seven former rebels alongside their surrendered war materiel were presented to the governor on Friday (May 17, 2019). (PNA photo by Gail Momblan)

Seven rebels in Iloilo province who have returned to the fold, received financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) on Friday.

Teodora Sumagaysay, director of the provincial office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said six of the seven returnees were members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and one was a member of the Militia ng Bayan (MB).

They hailed from the towns of Lambunao, Calinog, Bingawan, Igbaras, and Barotac Viejo, Sumagaysay said.

She said the E-CLIP also grants government assistance to the MBs, who are supporters or force multipliers of the rebels.

The rebel returnees received PHP65,000 each -- PHP15, 000 in immediate assistance and PHP50,000 in livelihood assistance.

“Our Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office monitors the returnees to ensure that the financial assistance given to them are being used for the ntended purpose,” Sumagaysay said in an interview Friday.

Rebel returnees who availed of the E-CLIP have submitted their business plans, she said, noting that most returnees venture into livestock raising.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the 16th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army (PA), said the surrender of the seven is the result of the community support program conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“This is a victory, not only for the Philippine Army but also for the people of Panay because we see that this activity is a manifestation that the dying bogus organization, New People’s Army, is only good in making false promises.

Their members are slowly being enlightened,” Batara said in an interview.

He noted that among the war materiel surrendered by the former rebels were a US Rifle caliber .30 M1 Springfield (garand), clips and bandolier, homemade 12-gauge shotgun, caliber 357 revolver, caliber .38 revolver, and grenade.

“We have turned them (firearms) over to the local government and they will be turned over to the Philippine National Police,” Batara said, adding the E-CLIP committee will determine ways to dispose of the firearms.

Although he was unable to cite a figure, Batara said there will be a next batch of returnees, particularly from the northern municipalities of Iloilo, whose surrender is being processed.

Sumagaysay and Batara both encouraged other rebels to return to the government.

“The government does not stop thinking of programs that will benefit them (rebels). There are a lot of programs in store for them,” Sumagaysay said.

The rebel returnees and the surrendered firearms were presented to the E-CLIP chairman in the province.

The NPA, which has been engaged in a five-decade armed struggle, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070090

Army Signal Regiment vows more reforms

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2019): Army Signal Regiment vows more reforms

The Army Signal Regiment (ASR) celebrated its 8th founding anniversary on Wednesday and pledged to further strengthen its organization with the institutionalization of new doctrines and the acquisition of new equipment.

Strengthening the organization will be through the conduct of combat training of its troops, pursuing the modernization program to acquire the latest information and communications technology (ICT), and developing leaders and training personnel to ensure that the regiment has the right man for the right job, said Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, in a statement forwarded Thursday.

Also, the unit is aiming to institutionalize the Army Signal Doctrine in collaboration with the PA Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Command and Control Systems.

The ASR is the Army's sole provider of signal support and services and aims to provide one network for the PA through its various transformation initiatives.

Zagala said all these transformation efforts will ensure that the ASR is equipped with the right technology and facilities as well as skilled personnel ready to perform the mandate of the regiment.

Present during its eighth founding anniversary ceremonies was PA chief, Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto.

The ASR's theme for this year's celebration is “ASR@8: Transforming the Army Signal Regiment to provide One Network to the Philippine Army.”

“Your accomplishments will continue to enable stronger Army, particularly in cyber operations capability with the establishment of the Cyber Security Operations Center and Cyber Laboratory and the activation of the Network Enterprise Battalion," Alberto said.

The regiment also acquired several ICT facilities and established networks and databases being maintained at secured locations that operate on a 24/7 basis.

The PA recognizes the vital role of the ASR and fully supports its transformation endeavors that greatly contributes to the Command's journey to be a world class Army by 2028.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070060

People's support vital in defeating insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2019): People's support vital in defeating insurgency

People's support is essential in defeating communist guerillas, a former Colombian Armed Forces officer told his Philippine Army (PA) counterparts Wednesday.

Retired Major Gen. Carlos Rojas made this statement during a cross-learning seminar held in PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, which was attended by senior officers, division and brigade commanders, said Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala in statement Thursday.

In the seminar, Rojas recounted that five million Colombians supported the military by going out to the streets clamoring for the end of violence.

This mass movement against communist insurgency was a crucial element that prompted members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a large Marxist-Leninist guerilla organization claiming to fight for social equality and resist the influence of foreign governments in Colombia, to finally come to an agreement with the government to reintegrate themselves back to society.

The Colombian government’s conflict with the FARC dates back to its formation in 1964.

Out of many attempts, Colombia finally succeeded to resolve armed conflict through a negotiation with the FARC using a model that involved the military on the peace table.

The negotiation between Colombia and FARC had three peace agenda – agrarian reform, political participation, and end of conflict.

The Colombian delegates further stressed that inclusivity, accountability and sincerity must be present on both parties for a peace negotiation to work.

In its three-point peace agenda, the Colombian military was focused on the end of conflict which consists of the demobilization, disarmament and the reintegration to society of the former FARC members upon the signing of the peace deal in 2016.

Under the agreement, the military had 180 days to gather all weapons of former FARC rebels which were subsequently turned over to the United Nations to be destroyed.

The rebels were then transferred in confinements and given military protection as they prepare for their reintegration to the society.

According to Rojas, three critical factors contributed to the defeat of communist insurgency, namely, the military’s overwhelming combat power, intelligence, and the fall of five out of seven FARC key leaders.

Of the three, he emphasized that the use of 100 Blackhawk helicopters to transport troops quickly in and out of battles provided them with a tactical advantage against the guerillas.

“As shown by the Colombian experience, the PA recognizes the importance of the people’s support in ending violence and the promotion of inclusive peace and development. If we can gain the same level of popular support in our country, then we can end this conflict once and for all. That is why we implore the active involvement of every Filipino in this pursuit for the sake of our children and the nation,” Zagala said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070063

Japanese destroyer arrives in SBMA for goodwill visit

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2019): Japanese destroyer arrives in SBMA for goodwill visit

The three-day goodwill visit of the JS Samidare (DD-106), a Murasame-class destroyer, will further beef up ties between the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Philippine Navy (PN).

"The goodwill visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the PN and JMSDF. It targets to further enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation of the two countries through naval diplomacy and camaraderie," PN spokesperson, Captain Jonathan Zata, said in a statement Friday.

Zata said the Japanese ship berthed on Alava Wharf, SBMA, Olongapo City Friday morning.

The naval vessel, which is carrying two SH-60 patrol helicopters and 200 officers and enlisted personnel, will stay in Olongapo until Sunday.

The JMSDF contingent is led by the Commander of Escort Division Four, Captain Takahiro Nishiyama. In his speech, he stated that the purpose of their visit is to deepen cooperative relationship with the Philippine Navy (PN) through various exchanges and interactions.

“I believe that this visit will make a great contribution to further strengthen relations between our two countries,” Nishiyama added.

Meanwhile, the welcoming PN delegation was headed by Captain Jose B. Petilla Jr., representative of the Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad. The visit is the first for JS Samidare in the Philippines and the second for the visit of the JMSDF this year and the eighth since 2016.

Similar to their previous visits, there will be a scheduled courtesy call to the head of Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command; pre-coordination meetings; reciprocal reception; and shipboard tour.

A send-off ceremony with customary Passing Exercise (PASSEX) will cap off the JS Samidare's visit.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070103

DND chief discharged after brief hospitalization

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2019): DND chief discharged after brief hospitalization



Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was discharged from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center early Friday where he was confined after suffering from stress and eye troubles.

"Hi everyone, I was released earlier today (Friday). Except for some issues that go with advancing age such as elevated cholesterol, sugar, BP(blood pressure), I was given a clean bill of health. Thanks for your concern. I am now in my office catching up with paper works," he said in a message to reporters.

Lorenzana earlier denied rumors claiming that he was hospitalized due to cardiac arrest Wednesday night.

"No I did not. Just a routine executive check up after came here at the Veterans Hospital for some eye problem. They are doing a series of tests. While here they did a full check up. Stress related daw," he told the Philippine News Agency when asked regarding his medical status.

He was also advised by doctors not to push himself too hard with work.

The 70-year-old Lorenzana was supposed to attend a disaster risk reduction conference in Geneva, Switzerland last Monday but this was shelved due his hospitalization.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070125

Kalinaw News: Concerned Tausugs foil planned bombing in Sulu

Posted to the Kalinaw News (May 17, 2019): Concerned Tausugs foil planned bombing in Sulu

Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo Sulu – Acting on reports from concerned civilians, The troops of Joint Task Force Sulu recovered 3 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) rigged in 20-liter plastic water container in separate locations in the towns of Patikul and Talipao, Sulu.

The first 2 IEDs were implaced about 300meters from the Ablayan Elementary School in Talipao, Sulu which was being used then as a voting center. The vigilant residents in the area notice the suspicious packages at around 7:am yesterday (May 15, 2019) and immediately reported it to the Headquarters of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion stationed in Talipao. Immediately, Special Forces teams together with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and K9 Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) team were deployed to the area. The responding teams promptly confirmed the items as IED devices and succesfully recovered and disarmed them. The recovered 2 IEDs utilized plastic water containers as housing for the explosives with attached cellphones serving as triggering devices.

The 3rd IED was reported at 8:30 AM today (May 16, 2019) by local residents of SO Lab, Brgy Latih, Patikul,Sulu to elements of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion who are on Election duty at said locality. A composite team from the 15SRBn, 35IB, K9 team,EOD team and HHC,1101Bde led by 1LT PACASIO immediately responded to check on the reported suspicious looking 20-liter plastic water container in an abandoned house at said area. The teams confirmed that is endeed and IED and succesfully disaremed it. The make up of this IED is similar to the IEDs recovered earlier in neighboring Talipao. All the recovered IED are now safety stored at the 3rd Explosive Ordnance Detachment in JTF Sulu Headquarters for profiling and further study as of this report.

Brigadier General Divino Rey C Pabayo Jr, Commander, Joint Task Force Sulu remarked that the continuous vigilance and cooperation of the populace has been valuable in keeping the people safe. “These developments in our security campaign only indicates that the people are now fully aware that security concerns are not just for the military and the police to handle, but an issue which the entire community should be involved. The recent recovery of 3 IEDs would not have been possible without the help and cooperation of the public. Hence, I congratulate the entire Tausug Community for the successful united effort against terrorism.”

https://www.kalinawnews.com/concerned-tausugs-foil-planned-bombing-in-sulu/

Suspected rebel nabbed

From the Daily Guardian (May 17, 2019): Suspected rebel nabbed

A man believed to be a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested at Barangay Balintawak, Escalante City, Negros Occidental Thursday morning.

Police identified the suspect as Rem Lanie Pintor, 49, of the said village.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Necerato Sabando, city police chief, said personnel of the 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army endorsed the suspect to the custody of Escalante City Police Station after he was sighted at the said area.

Sabando said the military troops followed Pintor from Calatrava town, following a clash between the military and NPA rebels in the town last Wednesday.

Pintor is suspected to be among the armed men the military had encountered in Calatrava, Sabando said.

Authorities recovered from his possession a rifle grenade. He will be charged for illegal possession of explosives.

https://thedailyguardian.net/negros/suspected-rebel-nabbed/

Royal Thai Navy vessels in Subic for goodwill visit

From the Philippine News Agency (May 16, 2019): Royal Thai Navy vessels in Subic for goodwill visit

Two vessels of the Royal Thai Navy (RTN) docked at this premier Freeport on Wednesday as part of a goodwill visit to the Philippines.

The His Thai Majesty’s Ship (HTMS) Taksin (FFG-422), a Naresuan-class frigate, and the HTMS Krabi (OPV-551), a modified river-class patrol vessel, will be here until Saturday.

SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma T. Eisma said the naval visit “is not only an opportunity for the Philippine government to further strengthen maritime relations with the government of Thailand, but is also a manifestation of the critical role that the Subic Bay Freeport plays in enhancing maritime cooperation between the Philippines and its allies.”

“The SBMA is always ready and willing to be of service in pursuit of regional cooperation, peace and security, and the promotion of the Philippines as an active partner in these endeavors,” Eisma said during a courtesy call of Rear Admiral Sompong Poowiang and Commander Archarigaruth Noichinda in her office on Thursday.

Poowiang conveyed his appreciation to the warm welcome and expressed his keenness for the scheduled engagements between the two navies during their stay.

The RTN officials are scheduled to visit the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) in San Antonio, Zambales, while the crew will take part in “confidence-building engagements” with the Philippine Navy like shipboard tours, reciprocal receptions and friendly games.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070024

Kalinaw News: Philippine Army and TESDA-Ilocos Sur Strike Partnership

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 16, 2019): Philippine Army and TESDA-Ilocos Sur Strike Partnership



STA. CRUZ, ILOCOS SUR – In yet another meaningful step towards convergence, the Army’s 81st Infantry (Spartan) Battalion and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) – Ilocos Sur entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) at the TESDA Office, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, yesterday.

The MOA outlines the responsibilities of 81IB and TESDA-Ilocos Sur to efficiently perform what is mandated to both in their mutual desire to empower the people of Ilocos Sur and bring development in the province.

It can be recalled that in Section 6 of the Convergence of the Executive Order Nr 70 dated December 04, 2018 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, all departments, bureaus, offices, agencies or instrumentalities of the government, including Government-owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) and State Universities and Colleges (SUC) are directed to render the necessary support to the Task Force that will end the local communist armed conflict.

With this, Lieutenant Colonel Charles DZ Castillo, Commanding Officer of 81IB, implements the Community Support Program (CSP) in Ilocos Sur as part of the AFP’s Development Support & Security Plan “Kapayapaan” in collaboration with the local government units (LGU), the national and local government agencies, and TESDA, among others. The CSP is a community-based, people-oriented peace and development effort aimed to establish and develop disaster and conflict-resilient communities.

TESDA-Ilocos Sur, headed by Provincial Director Marissa T. Alcantara, in partnership with the 81IB, will conduct skills and entrepreneurship training based on the identified needs of the concerned communities in Ilocos Sur. Scholarship programs will also be offered to the community.

Director Alcantara said, “With or without a MOA, it is our pleasure to be working with the Philippine Army to attain what is mandated. Now, strengthened by the MOA, TESDA-Ilocos Sur will most assuredly take part in the Army’s future endeavours.”

Major General Lenard T Agustin AFP, Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, commended the development saying, “The MOA Signing manifests the mutual desire to share the responsibility in achieving a common goal. With this, I congratulate the 81st Infantry Battalion for this partnership established with TESDA-Ilocos Sur. May this serve as a good start for a better working relationship”.

MGen Agustin extended his appreciation to TESDA-Ilocos Sur and hoped that more government agencies will be intentional in lifting the state of living of the Ilocanos.

“This effort is a remarkable step by the government for it will reduce the possible issues to be exploited by the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs)”, MGen Agustin added.

“We are privileged to partner with TESDA-Ilocos Sur. We are beyond grateful to know that we are not alone in our campaign against insurgency in this part of the country. This development fuels us to be more intentional in performing our job”, said Lt Col Castillo.

Division Public Affairs Office 7th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Catherine H Jubas
Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 7ID
Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija
09175547417

https://www.kalinawnews.com/philippine-army-and-tesda-ilocos-sur-strike-partnership/