DepEd, Army ink MOU for IP soldiers' ALS program

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): DepEd, Army ink MOU for IP soldiers' ALS program



BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division and the 402nd Infantry Brigade in Caraga on Monday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) A&E Program of Indigenous Peoples (IP) soldiers held at the Kalayaan Hall, 402nd Brigade headquarters, Brgy Bancasi, here.

A total of nine IP soldiers will undergo a 10-month ALS program. Among the key personalities who attended the said signing include Romeo O Aprovechar, the Schools Division Superintendent; and Dr. Bevelyn Corvera, the Curriculum Implementation Division Head from DepEd Butuan City Division; and Col Maurito Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade.

The signing of the MOU is conducted to officially launch the partnership of DepEd and 402nd Brigade and accommodate the IP soldiers for the ALS A&E Program in order to enhance their individual development, qualify them for the continuous regular enlistment and military schoolings/trainings. This initiative is in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap whose goal is to professionalize the Army as an organization.

Aprovechar in his speech inspired the participants by telling his life story. “Learning is a continuous process, don’t get discouraged," he said.

The willingness to learn is already there but most people are constrained due to distance and time available while working. Moreover, poverty is not the reason for not having an education. Strive and dream high. If you want to succeed, pursue your dream and work hard,” he added.

After the launching, DepEd ALS Supervisor Ana Marie Ceniza, the ALS/IPEd Focal Person conducted an orientation to the participants. Classes for the IP soldiers will be every Friday and Saturday of the week, for 10 months.

In his statement, Col. Licudine said the IP soldier program started last July 5, 2017 when the Army was given Special Enlistment Quota. President Rodrigo Duterte directed the AFP to recruit IP soldiers to help in the Internal Security Operations of the government.

“Most of the guerrilla bases are situated in the IP domains and about 80% of the NPA manpower are IP members. Hence, to accommodate the IP to become soldiers, other requirements are waived such as the Age Limit, Educational Qualification and Civil Status, among others. However, such enlistment is only good for six years," he said.

“My heartfelt gratitude to the Butuan City Schools Division for assisting us in our efforts of professionalizing the Army. This partnership was launched to continuously improve the knowledge and skills of our soldiers. For the IP soldiers, this is your chance of a lifetime to improve your educational attainment and your career. The outcome of this ALS Program will determine your future in the Philippine Army,” Col. Licudine added. (Cpt Francisco P Garello Jr. (INF) PA Civil Military Operations Officer, 402IB/PIA Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022883

NPA couple, 3 others surrender in Agusan Sur

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): NPA couple, 3 others surrender in Agusan Sur

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur -- A former commander of New People’s Army (NPA), his wife and three others recently surrendered to government forces held in Barangay Poblacion, Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

Javier and his wife Ann, a squad political officer, supply officers Ricky and Yaw, and team leader James (not their real names), surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB).

All five belonged to Guerilla Front 34 of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC). They reportedly operate in the boundaries of Caraga region and Compostela Valley Province.

They brought along with them assorted weapons and paraphernalia including two caliber .30 Carbine Rifles with three magazines, one caliber .30 sub-machine gun with two magazines, one KG9 sub-machine gun, two shotguns, one caliber .45 with one magazine, one fragmentation grenade, and one Anti-Personnel Mine (APM).

The couple’s decision to surrender came after realizing the deception they have fallen into for many years. Ann said the CPP-NPA never fulfilled their promises when they were recruited years ago. Instead, they were separated from their five children who were left to fend for themselves.

“Gusto nako bisitahon akong mga anak, pero among mga labaw dili musugot, bisan kahibalo sila na kinahanglan nako atimanon ang akong anak nga naay sakit. Ug ang ilang mga saad nga suporta para kanamo, wala matuman, ilabi na gyud pagka-hospital sakong anak, wala silay gihatag bisan piso. Dili gud sila uyon sa pamilya (I wanted to visit my children but our leaders did not allow me, even though they knew I needed to attend to my sick son. Also, the support they promised to us for our children never came especially when my youngest son was hospitalized. They did not even bother to provide a single centavo. They don’t care about family),” she claimed.

The couple finally found an opportunity to abandon the armed group after a friend told them about the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Meanwhile, Ricky who was only 17 when he was recruited last year, also lamented about the hardship he suffered being a member of the NPA. “Kanunay mi managan kung adunay operasyon ang sundalo, ug usahay wala na mi kaon sulod sa duha ka adlaw kay dugay ang suplay sa pagkaon. Mao nang hinungdan nga niambak ko sa kalihukan samtang ako naggwardiya, para musurender (We were always on the run when there were military operations. Sometimes we don’t eat for two days because of delayed food supplies. We decided to escape while we were posted as guards because we cannot take it anymore),” he said.

Lt.Col. Romeo Jimenea, the 26th IB Commander said the five were all victims of the CNT’s vicious lies and propaganda especially Ricky who was a minor when he was recruited.

“The International Humanitarian Law prohibits the recruitment of persons under 18 years old to become combatant, even in local armed conflict,” Jimenea said.

He attributed the influx of surrenders from Loreto to the recent declaration of CNT and its supporters as “persona non- grata” by the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), and the Manobo Tribal leaders.

Records show that from January to date, 151 NPAs from Agusan del Sur have already surrendered to the government. They also handed-over 50 firearms of various calibers.

Col. Allan Hambala, 401st Brigade Commander lauded the troops for facilitating the peaceful surrender of the five former terrorists. He vowed to help them live normal lives again through the government’s ECLIP. He said the military will be relentless in its offensive operations against the few remaining armed terrorists as the entire nation strives to end the local communist armed conflict. (26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022890

150 Aeta residents in Capas benefit from AFP outreach activity

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): 150 Aeta residents in Capas benefit from AFP outreach activity

BAYANIHAN SA TARUKAN. About 150 Aeta residents from Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas town benefitted from the outreach activity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Social services provided include free medical check-up as well as distribution of free medicines, school supplies and relief goods. (AFP 1st Civil Relations Group)

CAPAS, Tarlac -- About 150 Aeta residents from Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas town benefitted from the outreach activity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Social services provided include free medical check-up as well as distribution of free medicines, school supplies and relief goods.

AFP 1st Civil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao said the activity is line with the immersion phase of the Strategic Civil Military Operations of the Non-Commissioned Officer Course.

“We chose this community because we want to serve them together with other government agencies. We believe that through bayanihan we can build a better future for the youth that will serve as a hope of our motherland,” he stressed.

“To our beneficiaries, you should always remember that the government is always ready to serve and help you regardless of your race, gender, social status and tribes because we are all Filipinos under one flag,” Tagao emphasized.

In behalf of the beneficiaries, Chieftain Lito Diaz expressed his gratitude towards the community assistance program of the government.

“This is a big help to us, the Aeta community for we are chosen to receive this kind of assistance and services. We can say that even if we are afar, our government did not forget about us,” Diaz shared.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022899

Tagalog News: 150 Aeta sa Capas nakinabang sa AFP outreach activity

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): Tagalog News: 150 Aeta sa Capas nakinabang sa AFP outreach activity

Pinangunahan ni Armed Forces of the Philippines 1stCivil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao (kaliwa) ang pamamahagi ng libreng gamit pang-eskwela sa mga Aetang mag-aaral ng Sitio Tarukan Elementary School ng Sta. Juliana, bayan ng Capas. (AFP 1st Civil Relations Group)

CAPAS, Tarlac -- May 150 Aeta mula sa Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana sa bayan ng Capas ang nakinabang sa Outreach Activity ng Armed Forces of the Philippines o AFP.

Nagkaroon ng libreng check-up at pamamahagi ng libreng gamot, school supplies at relief goods.

Ayon kay AFP 1st Civil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao, ang aktibidad ay parte ng immersion phase ng Strategic Civil Military Operation ng kanilang Non-Commissioned Officer Course.

Napili aniya ang Sitio Tarukan dahil nais nilang mapaglingkuran ang komunidad katuwang ang iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan.

Naniniwala ang mga kasundaluhan na sa pamamagitan ng bayanihan ay kayang magtatag ng magandang kinabukasan para sa mga kabataan na magsisilbing pag-asa ng inang bayan.

Binigyang diin pa niya sa mga residente na ang gobyerno ay handang maglingkod at tumulong sa mamamayan na hindi tumitingin sa anyo, kasarian, tribo at katayuan sa buhay dahil lahat ay Pilipino na may isang bandila at lahing kinikilala.

Samantala, inihayag naman ng lider ng naturang komunidad na si Lito Diaz ang kanyang pasasalamat sa community assistance program ng pamahalaan.

Aniya, isang malaking bagay sa kanilang mga aeta na mapili upang tumanggap ng naturang serbisyo.

Dagdag pa niya, kanilang masasabi na bagkus napakalayo ng kanilang lugar ay hindi pa rin sila nakakalimutan ng gobyerno.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022900

New breed of candidate soldiers take oath to serve country

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): New breed of candidate soldiers take oath to serve country

CAMP SANG-AN, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur -- The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army officially opened the three batches of Candidate Soldier Course Classes 592,593 and 594-2019 at the hallowed grounds of the Tabak Troopers here recently, with 663 new candidate soldiers.

The three batches of CSC 592, 593 and 594 are composed of 608 males and 55 females. They were selected by the Division Candidate Soldier Selection Board based on their physical, medical, and psychological fitness to undergo sixteen (16) weeks rigid military training to be conducted by the 1st Division Training School (1DTS).

The military training will transform them from carefree civilians to brave and tough soldiers and will also mold them into competent, confident and well-disciplined soldiers guided by the Army Core Values of honor, patriotism, and duty adhering to the rule of law, human rights, and international humanitarian law.

After the oath taking rites and opening ceremony with Brigadier General Roberto Ancan, 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, the 1DTS training directorate headed by LTC Renante D. Besa, received the candidate soldiers through a reception rite that signaled the start of their military life.



“The best training program in the world is absolutely worthless without the will to execute it properly, consistently, and with intensity. This 4 to 5 months training will transform you from being “boys” into “gentlemen” and “girls” into “ladies” and instill in you the military doctrines and the Army tactics and procedures that will mold you into a reliable and responsive member of an Infantry squad committed to accomplishing the unit’s mission,” said Brigadier General Roberto Ancan AFP, 1ID Commander.

“Your new journey has just begun. Finish the training and prove your worth to be part of the Philippine Army that uphold the virtues of the Armed forces of the Philippines and perform with pride and honor in serving the people and securing the land,” BGen Ancan encouraged the new soldiers. (ALT-PIA9/Zamboanga Sibugay/1ID Press Release)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022904

NPA continues to lose grip in Leyte: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): NPA continues to lose grip in Leyte: Army

COUNTER-INSURGENCY STRATEGY. Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion (93rd IB) join a gift-giving activity in Leyte as part of its counter insurgency strategy. The absence of violent activities perpetrated by armed rebels in Leyte Island this year is an indication that the group is becoming irrelevant, Capt. Ronald Odchimar, acting executive officer of the 93rdIB, said on Thursday (June 6, 2019). (Photo courtesy of 93rd Infantry Battalion)

Intensified operations against the New People’s Army (NPA) have weakened the communist terrorist organization in Leyte province this year, the military reported on Thursday.

Capt. Ronald Odchimar, acting executive officer of the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion, said the absence of violent activities perpetrated by armed rebels in Leyte Island this year is an indication that the group is becoming irrelevant.

“In the first five months of the year, we only recorded non-violent activities such as movements, foraging, logistical procurement, and visitation in upland areas of Leyte Island,” Odchimar told the Leyte provincial peace and order council members during its quarterly meeting at Hotel Alejandro this city.

As a proactive measure, the military has been conducting community support programs in 26 villages of Ormoc City, Calubian, San Isidro, Baybay City, Mahaplag, Hilongos, and Inopacan in Leyte; and Bontoc, Southern Leyte.

“We have to bridge the gap between the government and people in the communities. They have issues that they want to raise, but they don’t know how to bring this to the attention of concern agencies,” Odchimar said.

The Army official said at least 581 operations have been conducted this year to fight insurgency in Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces. These operations led to the discovery of an NPA lair, recovery of firearms, seizure of anti-personnel landmines, and subversive documents.

Another major accomplishment is the surrender of Liberado Tarong, an NPA platoon commander and executive committee member of the rebel’s organization in Leyte.

“The sustained focused military operations of the unit coupled with intensified community support program operations will continue to keep the enemy on the run and prevent atrocities against government troops, flagship projects and vital installations in the area,” Odchimar added.

Government forces have stepped up its operations as the enemy is expected to continue their recovery efforts on former guerrilla zones and bases in Leyte Island.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is considered 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/1071668

Workers stop NPA attack on Bukidnon construction firm

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Workers stop NPA attack on Bukidnon construction firm



Workers of a construction firm in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, took matters in their own hands to prevent armed men believed to be communist rebels who staged a predawn attack on Thursday (June 6), the military said.

Personnel of Venray Construction Corporation in their field office in Brgy Cabangahan were roused from their sleep around 2:30 a.m. when one of their company vehicles was set on fire, the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade said.

This prompted the workers to drive away the armed men, who scampered away onboard eight motorcycles and fled southwards, according to witnesses.

"The workers immediately doused the fire with water and fire extinguisher, preventing it from spreading" to the other equipment," the 403IB said, adding fire trucks from nearby villages responded minutes later to completely put out the fire.

"The NPA has launched a series of violent attacks on civilians not just in Bukidnon but in other parts of the country," Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, 403IB commander, said in Filipino.

De Leon added: "The leadership of the CPP and the NDF must explain why they can't discipline the NPA from continuously attacking civilians who are not party" to any armed conflict between the government and the rebel group.”

De Leon was referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the NPA's mother organization, and the National Democratic Front, its own political wing.

According to de Leon, investigators are gathering information for the filing of appropriate cases against CPP-NDF-NPA members and their leaders.

In particular, the military official said the communist leadership should answer whether the area that the NPA attacked "is a military camp or a civilian compound; if the equipment burned owned by military or by civilian; and if the equipment burned ever used by military or involved in a military operation against NPA.

He added that the rebels should also answer whether "the people accosted by the NPA ever participated in military operations against the NPA, and if the Venray construction company involved in direct military operations against the NPA.

The 403IB said that "should the result of initial investigation provides a strong case that the NPA attacked civilians," appropriate cases will be filed before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

It said a case will also be filed at the Regional Trial Court Branch 25 in Cagayan de Oro City, the special court designated to try International Humanitarian Law cases.

De Leon also called on the leftist human rights group Karapatan, "which claims to be a citizens watch that monitors IHL violations, to do a parallel investigation to determine if the NPA indeed violated IHL in this particular incident or not."

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4th Infantry Division commander, said he is "thankful to the workers' courageous act of shooing away the NPA terrorists to prevent their equipment from being destroyed and for the quick response of BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection) responders."

"This is the real essence of the "whole of nation" approach in preventing the communist NPA terrorists from sowing chaos in our place. This incident proves that the local communist terrorists are no match to people who unite and resist, even if the people are unarmed," Gacal said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071689

Ex-Air Force internal auditor assumes as new Centcom deputy chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Ex-Air Force internal auditor assumes as new Centcom deputy chief



CEBU CITY – A former internal auditor of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) officially assumed Wednesday as the new deputy commander of the Central Command (Centcom).

Brig. Gen. Jose Mijares Benitez replaced Brig. Gen. Jose Ely Alberto, who compulsorily retired from the service last May 27.

According to Maj. Abel Potutan, Centcom’s information officer, the command’s Headquarters Company headed by Major Cyrus Neoman welcomed with arrival honors the new second in command of all military personnel in the Visayas.

Benitez was officially received by Col. Roehl Belleza, the assistant chief of unified command staff for personnel (U1) of Centcom, in a military ceremony in front of the Centcom headquarters in Camp Lapu-Lapu.

After the arrival honors, Benitez made a call to Centcom commander, Lt. Gen. Noel S. Clement, at the Lapu-Lapu Hall of the Centcom headquarters.

Benitez served as PAF’s internal auditor from August 2018 to May this year before moving to Centcom. He also served as wing commander of Tactical Operations Wing Southern Luzon (TOWSOL) from June to August of 2018.

The new Centcom deputy commander is a member of the PAF Flying School Class of 1987. He took up ground pilot training course in Forth Worth in Dallas, Texas, United States of America, and attended international air force education seminar in Tokyo, Japan.

He finished his Master in Development Administration-Public Administration at the Philippine Christian University in Manila.

He was a recipient of several awards and recognition from both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and civilian sectors and has been consistently recognized for his excellence in the field of academics and physical proficiency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071699

NoCot police exec, 11 cops receive ‘Medalya ng Kagalingan’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): NoCot police exec, 11 cops receive ‘Medalya ng Kagalingan’



POLICE AWARDEES. Brig. Gen. Eliseo Tam Rasco, PRO-12 regional director, pins the Philippine National Police’s “Medalya ng Kagalingan” to one of the awardees during conferment ceremonies held on Monday, June 3, inside PRO-12 headquarters in General Santos City. (Photo courtesy of PRO-12)

COTABATO CITY -- A town chief of police and 11 police personnel received the “Medalya ng Kagalingan” earlier this week for an operation that resulted in the arrest of three communist guerillas.

Capt. Bernard Abarquez, chief of the Antipas police station, vowed Thursday to be more pro-active in law enforcement to ensure the safety of communities and to strengthen public trust on law enforcers.

Abarquez and 11 other policemen in the town were recognized Monday for the clearing operation on March 5, 2019 in Barangay Malatab, Antipas, that resulted in the arrest of three New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels and the recovery of one .357-caliber handgun, several improvised firearms and ammunition.

The other police medal recipients were Executive M/Sgt. Michael Aguasa Mapandi, M/Sgt. Jay Loquinario Canto, S/Sergeants Zalavy Shariff Jubilan Moreno, Melinda Caminero Dela Torre, and Arly Trespuentes Armada Jr.; Corporals Diosdado Espiritu Fontanilla Jr., Rembert Sumugat, Jeriel Prologo Catipay, Milo Cuyong Pagulong, and Demelyn Bernal Pagulong; and Patrolman Ian Aldous Biore Maugin.

“This is an honor for the people of Antipas, we as your law enforcers will continue to serve you day in day out so you can sleep soundly while we perform our duties,” Abarquez said.

Monday's awarding ceremony was held at the Police Regional Office-12 headquarters in General Santos City.

Abarquez also recognized the participation of the Philippine Army in the successful law enforcement in the town of Antipas.

NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071678

Improved services, E-CLIP entice NPAs to surrender

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Improved services, E-CLIP entice NPAs to surrender

The sincerity of the government in improving basic services in communities are sending communist insurgents and underground supporters back to the folds of the law, an Army official said.

Col. Nolasco Mempin, commander of the Army's 1003rd Brigade covering Davao Region areas, said Wednesday the strength of the New People's Army (NPA) is dwindling since the start of the intensified insurgency campaign in 2016.

Mempin said a great number of communist insurgents and supporters have surrendered since last year because of the government's effort to bring basic services closer to the people.

Mempin said the government, under its "whole-of-nation approach," is working on addressing the root causes of insurgency.

He said the decrease in the number of NPA members can also be attributed to the Enhanced – Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (E-CLIP), a strategic flagship program of Duterte administration in achieving the government's peace and development agenda.

“As what we have remembered in early 2018, the Eastern Mindanao Command under former and now AFP chief of staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, there was mass surrender to avail the benefits offered by the government like housing, firearms remuneration and livelihood, and immediate cash assistance,” Mempin said.

"That is why in 2019 the area of 1003rd Brigade expanded until San Fernando and Kitaotao, Bukidnon because in the area of Davao City the Pulang Bagani Company 1, 2, and 3 have been weakened, including the Guerilla Front 56 operating in the area of Marilog," he added.

Mempin said the NPA "ideology is no longer working. It means that the majority of the people are really convinced that the democracy they are trying to project is not the solution."

Mempin is hoping that the remaining insurgents will decide to return to the folds of the law and lead different lives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071698

3 'Abu Sayyaf members' nabbed in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): 3 'Abu Sayyaf members' nabbed in Zamboanga City

Police arrested Wednesday three members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in this southern port city.

The Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) identified the arrested ASG members as Jamik Ibrahim, Majuk Amil, and Hasim Aming. Ibrahim and Amil were arrested in Barangay Arena Blanco, while Aming in Magay, Barangay Zone 1.

Police said the three have standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention and were involved in the June 11, 2001 kidnapping of eight workers of the Golden Harvest Plantation in Lantawan, Basilan.

The three were also involved in the kidnapping of six members of the Jehovah’s witness on August 20, 2002 in Patikul, Sulu, police said.

Police said the three were placed under the custody of the Regional Intelligence Division-9 for proper disposition.

They were arrested by a joint team of police, military, and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071707

Picturing Marawi: A sneak peek into ground zero

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Picturing Marawi: A sneak peek into ground zero

Former journalist Mylah Reyes Roque takes on a personal mission to capture and record the memories in Marawi City after the devastating war and just before the government completes its full refurbishments.

After a few visits with the presidential delegation in Marawi City, former journalist Mylah Reyes Roque brought her professional camera with her and braved grounds that saw violence and destruction.

"It is a record of what Marawi looked before the government completes the rebuilding of the city," Roque said, adding that some of the old infrastructures destroyed by the firefight between terrorists and government troops are going to look different after the planned refurbishments.

This is the prayer hall where the mihrab is intact. The mihrab is the niche on the wall that marks the direction of the qiblah. The qiblah is the direction towards Mecca, where Muslims face during prayer.

The statue of Jesus Christ (A shot from Mylah Reyes Roques' exhibit)

People go through the shots of Mylah Reyes Roque of the Saint Mary's Cathedral in Marawi City. In a glance, the bullet-ridden roof looks like stars shining through the place of worship.

Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra, who flew from his city to attend the opening of Roque's photo exhibit at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, lauded the gesture and thanked the organizers for helping him bring the perspective to other people away from the ground zero.

"This installation will give other people a sneak into what Marawi City looks like after the war. It helps send the message of how massive the damage was and that it is clear now. My people are already into the moving on and starting again phase but we still need the other Filipinos to be supportive as we stand once more," Gandamra said.

Mall-goers can now revisit the tragic backstory of the Maranaos at SM’s Picturing Marawi Photo Exhibit featuring the heart-tugging photos of the Marawi siege aftermath immortalized by Roque from June 6 to August 31 in select SM malls.

“The exhibit memorializes the tragedy in Marawi with the aim to engage mall-goers and help them have a greater understanding of the conflict,” said Jonjon San Agustin, SM Supermalls senior vice president for marketing.

Picturing Marawi narrates the aftermath of human conflict through images of buildings, homes, and mosques that are deserted by the war but nevertheless speak of the community that used to make it alive. These are stories of a siege fought in close quarters.

Catch the photo exhibit in the following SM malls: Megamall (June 6 to June 11), Southmall (June 24 to 29), Sucat (July 22 to 28), Rosario (August 5 to 11), and Telabastagan, Pampanga (August 25 to 31). This endeavor is in partnership with the National Museum.

The Marawi siege was an armed conflict that took place in Marawi, Lanao del Sur -- a city filled with pulsating energy that was silenced by war. The battle started on the 23rd of May 2017 and lasted for five months, leaving the city in ruins and claiming the lives of many Filipinos.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071715

'Bakwit' mural in Manila plain Red propaganda: Parlade

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): 'Bakwit' mural in Manila plain Red propaganda: Parlade



While citing that is artistically impressive, the mural depicting efforts of indigenous peoples (IPs) to survive despite the alleged violence caused by the invasion of military troops is just part of the lies and propaganda being disseminated by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and its allies.

This was the reaction of Major Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), to the "Bakwit" mural painted by artist Archie Oclos on the wall of a 14-storey building in Malate, Manila. 

"Art is a perfect medium for sending messages. It can capture images of places many of us have no chance of ever visiting, of people we have no chance of ever meeting. An artist’s interpretation of the place and people whose images he or she captures can also affect the message and how viewers understand the artwork," he said in a statement Wednesday.

'Art' of deception

While lauding Oclos for his passion, dedication and the risk the artist undertook in scaling and completing his mural, Parlade said the artwork is deceptive as it is part of the communist rebels propaganda to recruit additional cadres and paint a very different version of the government and the military.

"But for those who are informed and knows the workings of the Communist Party of the Philippines, that artwork is deceptive, especially with those text scribbled at the bottom. It is propaganda, plain and simple," the NTF-ELCAC official stressed.

He added that sowing lies and deception are easy for the CPP and the National Democratic Front (NDF) as they have been practicing these for the past 50 years.

"After 50 years they have perfected this art and have deceived us in many ways. As a result they have effectively infiltrated our ranks without us knowing it. Now they appear dressed in religious garb and pretend to be rural missionaries, some as religious brothers. In reality they are working for the destruction of the church (they are God-less, by the way) and are destroying our children in these schools called Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, Inc. (ALCADEV) and Salugpungan," said Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operation.

He also scored the CPP-NPA and its allies for representing themselves as human rights advocates and defenders of the poor but all they do is defend the rights of communist terrorists who have been killing IPs and hapless civilians not inclined to support their cause.

"They introduce themselves as progressive groups advocating ‘Save Our Schools’, but are in fact using this as a smear campaign to vilify government forces trying to prevent more killings by their NPA conduits. They introduce themselves as makabayan (patriotic) when all they do is rally in the streets, shoo away investors, recruit more children to become fighters, threaten businesses who do not pay their extortion demand, radicalize teachers to push their students to the streets and eventually to the hills," he added.

In the case of a talented artist like Oclos, Parlade said these individuals are encouraged to paint the alleged dire situation of the IPs once they are enticed to join CPP-legal front organizations like "ARTISTA" (Artista at Teatro para sa Sining ng Bayan) and "KARATULA"."Oclos is lucky if he is not yet a member of the underground mass organization of 'ARTISTA' which is 'ARMAS' (Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan), in which in case he could be a full-time CPP cadre already. In any case, scaling the mountains as a CPP-NPA cadre should not be a difficult task for him anymore," he added.

Parlade said the story depicted by the mural as "sublime" but debasing as it tells lies about the fabricated and exaggerated AFP human rights abuses considering that the military has no record of human rights abuse for the past several years.

"Stealing chickens may have happened during the Martial Law years but it is now 2019 and the AFP has zero human rights abuses for the last several years. They buy their chicken in Jollibee, and give some to our Manobo brothers. This is the same story they peddle, in Europe and UN, through CPP-front organizations like Ibon Foundation and Karapatan," he said.

The mural's subtle message, he said, is to arouse the sentiment of the youth and used that anger in mobilizing them to fight against the government

"How many more artworks will they create, not simply for art’s sake but for the purpose of AROUSING the sentiments of the youth and the innocent, using false narratives such as this. What will follow is ORGANIZING them into progressive allies, and finally MOBILIZING them to fight their government. Three important operative words that all communists propagandists use to destroy our society: Arouse, Organize, and Mobilize," he said.

'Bakwit' tactic

Parlade also explained what "bakwit" (evacuees) really means for the CPP-NPA is merely a tactic they employ to disrupt and derail government interventions and development programs in the IP communities which they have converted as their guerrilla bases.

"This is the story of the CPP’s artificial hamlet in the Haran Compound in Davao City. The testimony of the recent Haran Lumad escapees are glaring evidence of this deception of the CPP and its front NGOs which have been collecting millions of Euros from unsuspecting donors in Europe," the military official stressed.

Killing also became rampant among Manobos and IPs as trespassing CPP-NPA cadres have destroyed the cultural fabric of these communities.

"They have totally disregarded the norms and values, subverting their Bagani defense system, recruiting their leaders to fight those who would not support the CPP cause, radicalizing students of the AlCADEV and the Tribal Filipino Program in Surigao Del Sur (TRIFPSS), until the children would end up fighting and killing their elders. Emerito Samarca, the ALCADEV Director and Secretary of the CPP's Regional White Area Committee, who is in charge of infiltrating and organizing front organizations for the CPP, would have suffered the wrath of the IPs he have duped," he added.

Parlade also dismissed Oclos' claims that he got his inspiration after meeting and hearing stories from IPs in Mindanao who have allegedly experienced violence in the hands of the military.

"It is now 2019 and just recently last May 15, 2019, Edward Gultia, a former NPA and teacher of TRIFPSS for 19 years surrendered to the government and revealed that the school is indeed run by the NPAs. Jomar Bocales, municipal tribal chief of Lianga, Surigao Del Sur, and Rico Maca, IPMR (Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative) of San Miguel, Surigao Del Sur would reveal the same about the TRIFPSS and ALCADEV," he added.

Parlade also appealed to the media to help them in educating the public about the truth regarding the lies and deception being spread by the CPP-NPA and its allies.

He said communist rebels, for the past 50 years, have proven very skillful in using "press freedom" in fomenting rebellion as proven by the countless numbers of artists, lawyers, and youth recruited in their cause.

"How many more of our artist will be fooled by these commies. How many more of our lawyers will join NUPL in the belief that they are serving poor clients? How many more of our young will end up the mountains for sympathizing in this lost and futile cause of the CPP? How many more are joining Kabataang Makabayan and end up getting killed with the NPAs?" he added.

Appeal to media

Parlade also appealed to the media for its assistance in exposing the deception and lies of the CPP-NPA and its allies so that the insurgency threat can be finally beaten and peace and prosperity can reign in the country.

"(The) media is a very important partner in nation building, We pray that you will be enlightened in educating our people of the TRUTH and nothing else. It is all the NTF-ELCAC is asking. Just share the truth so we will spare our children from more violence. In the spirit of objectivity, fairness and impartiality we hope that you will all help in breaking the duality, duplicity and deception of these communist terrorists, so that, once and for all, we would enjoy peace and progress," he said.

The CPP-NPA 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/1071636

Muslims, Christians celebrate Eid'l Fitr at MILF's Camp Bilal

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Muslims, Christians celebrate Eid'l Fitr at MILF's Camp Bilal

EID’L FITR CELEBRATION. Abdullah Macapaar (2nd from right), a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander and now a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), leads distribution of food packages during Eid’l Fitr celebration at Camp Bilal in Munai Lanao del Norte on June 5, 2019. Officials of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Armed Forces of the Philippines and MILF joined Muslims and Christians in the celebration of Eid’l Fitr, the culmination of the month-long observance of Ramadan, Camp Bilal. (Photo by OPAPP Communications and Public Affairs)

MUNAI, Lanao del Norte -- Residents of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)’s Camp Bilal shared a meal with Christian visitors in the spirit of interfaith unity as they celebrate Eid'l Fitr, the culmination of the month-long observance of Ramadan Wednesday.

"This is the first time we are celebrating the Eid'l Fitr with our Christian brothers and sisters here at Camp Bilal," said Abdullah "Commander Bravo" Macapaar, an MILF commander and now a member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

Part of the Duyog Ramadan program initiated by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the celebration was participated in by Catholic priests, soldiers, and OPAPP personnel led by OPAPP Chief of Staff David Diciano, Director Andres Aguinaldo of PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn, Father Chito Suganob and Director Scheherazade Ruivivar of the GPH-MILF Implementing Panel Secretariat.

Duyog Ramadan is a multi-stakeholder effort spearheaded by OPAPP that aims to promote social healing and reconciliation among residents affected by armed conflict.

"This occasion signify unity between Muslims and Christians," Macapaar emphasized.

"My heart is for peace. We are determined to bring back the peace in Mindanao and strengthen the relationship between Muslims and Christians," he said in the vernacular.



Do not use funds for war

Once a feared Moro commander, Macapaar talked about the need to use the government resources not for internal armed conflict but for the upliftment of the people particularly those in the countryside.

"We spent billions of pesos during armed conflict. Let's not use our funds for war but instead use it to help our people," he added.

Macapaar led the fighting during the so-called 2000's "All-out War" campaign under the presidency of Joseph Estrada, and the fighting during the failure of the 2008's MOA-AD (Memorandum of Agreement-Ancestral Domains) under the Arroyo Administration.

As a member of the parliament, Macapaar, along with the leadership of the MILF, Moro National Liberation Front and other stakeholders in the BTA, is now actively involved in implementing reforms in the Bangsamoro region.

Also during the event, Father Teresito "Chito" Soganub, who was a hostage victim at the height of the Marawi siege, said the new chapter for peace in Mindanao is already here.

Soganub pointed out the need to strengthen interfaith dialogue, saying it is one of the effective ways to prevent the repetition of what had happened in Marawi two years ago.

"One of the reasons why we are here is because we support the development here in Camp Bilal although the area wasn't included in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)," Soganub said.

"We support the interventions of the OPAPP because the government will not leave you," he told the residents.

For his part, Diciano said Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. is in solidarity with the people of Camp Bilal as they celebrate the Eid'l Fitr.

In his message released earlier, Galvez said, “We are one with our Muslim brothers and sisters in prayers and reflection as we celebrate Eid al-Fitr.”

"This sacred occasion marks the culmination of the Holy Month of Ramadan, where Muslims fast to attain not only spiritual enlightenment but also lessons of tolerance and peace. The celebration of Eid al-Fitr brings us compassion, and love in our land, and strengthen our resolve to continue our pursuit of reconciliation and unity in the Philippines," Galvez said.

Diciano said the visit in Camp Bilal is part of the normalization process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the government and the MILF in 2014.

"Even if it will rain or we walk just to reach Camp Bilal, we will do it and be with the residents for the Eid'l Fitr celebration," he said.

Development of Camp Bilal

According to Diciano, Galvez said Camp Bilal will be "showcased" as one of the success stories in the normalization process.

"We will focus on the development of Camp Bilal," Diciano said.

Normalization process has four major components: the security aspect, socio-economic development program, confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

Aguinaldo said the construction of the roads from the main highway in the town of Munai towards Camp Bilal will continue.

He said the government will bring the same development to other recognized camps as identified in the peace agreement.

Other camps include Camp Bushra, Camp Rajamuda, Camp Abubakar, Camp Bad’r, and Camp Omar.

Ruivivar affirmed that OPAPP and the leadership of the BARMM will continue to support those Moro-dominated areas outside of the territory of the BARMM.

"OPAPP will continue to engage the six towns of Lanao del Norte even if you're not part of the BARMM," he told residents here.

Aside from sharing of a meal, OPAPP also distributed 480 food packages, with three slaughtered cattles to the residents of the camp as part of the Eid'l Fitr celebration.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071662

Mindanao IP group rallies behind new NCIP head

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6, 2019): Mindanao IP group rallies behind new NCIP head

NCIP Chairperson, Undersecretary Allen Capuyan. (File photo)

The Mindanao Indigenous Peoples (IP) Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) said it will never support efforts to discredit newly-appointed National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) chair Allen Capuyan.

The group issued the statement Thursday following leftist group SANDUGO's strongly-worded protest to the former military officer's appointment to the NCIP which was made public Tuesday.

"The appointment of Capuyan speaks loudly of the NTF (National Task Force) to End Local Communist Armed Conflict that in fact targets the Indigenous Peoples organizations and leaders. These attacks against us with Capuyan at the helm of the NCIP will further intensify as if we are the enemies. The appointment of another soldier in a civilian post shows that the Duterte government is mustering all its agencies against. This is the core of the 'Whole of Nation Approach' in the government’s Oplan Kapayaan counter-insurgency program. These are instruments that Capuyan and Duterte’s other military minions will use hand in hand with direct military actions," the group said.

MIPCEL claimed there is nothing original with the statement issued by SANDUGO as it merely parroted it from Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay.

Such allegations, the group said, will never be supported by the IPs and the public in general.

Part of communist alliance

"SANDUGO, by the way, is a CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) established alliance whose main mission is to advance the concept of self-determination and liberation. This alliance is composed of the KATRIBU Kalipunan ng mga Mamamayang Katutubo ng Pilipinas and the Moro Sector," the group said.

It added that these organizations are linked and run by National Democratic Front (NDF) member organizations which include the Cordillera Peoples Democratic Front (CPDF), "Rebolusyonaryong Organisadong Lumad" (ROL) and the Moro Revolutionary Liberation Organization (MRLO).

Also, MIPCEL has no plans to support groups known to be calling for the abolition of laws and agencies mandated to serve the country's various IP communities.

"It is ironic that the same organizations are calling for the abolition of IPRA (Indigenous Peoples' Right Act of 1997) from whose provision established the NCIP. Why are they worried (on whose is to be) appointed as NCIP chair when they call for the abolition of IPRA and subsequently (the) NCIP," it said.

The group added that SANDUGO also rendered itself immediately useless by designating itself as "National Minorities", a concept already discarded as the Constitution has already recognized IP rights and so-called Indigenous Cultural Communities. MIPCEL said this eventually became the Constitutional basis of the passing into law of Republic Act 8371 otherwise known as the IPRA.

"Ironic also, because their cohorts are supposedly advancing the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of the IPs (UNDRIP). But look, their dual revolutionary tactics are showing because now they are calling the Indigenous Peoples as National Minorities. What is really your truth? IPs or National Minorities?" the group pointed out.

MIPCEL also dismissed SANDUGO's claims that Capuyan had a hand in the incident where a large amount of “shabu” managed to pass through the Bureau of Customs sometime in May 2017.

"Your basis is the Senate Investigation that did not result in the filing of a legal case against the person. Why? Because it is an investigation only that give a right to any person to explain his side on the issue. It does not give judgment of any criminal liability. In fact, it was in the investigation that Undersecretary Capuyan provided a three-page report included in the five-page report of the DOF (Department of Finance) about the incident. USEC (Capuyan) reported the incident to both PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)," it said.

On claims that Capuyan's time as Task Force Gantangan commander in 2008 resulted in the setting up of several paramilitary groups which include the Alamara and Magahat-Bagani and reportedly are responsible for the murder of many Lumad leaders opposed to the entry of mining companies and agro-corporations in the ancestral lands, MIPCEL said that it was upon the request of Council of Elders and Leaders of the IPs in Mindanao to set up this military unit to safeguard their rights, as provided by the IPRA, which the communist rebels wanted abolish.

Rehash

SANDUGO also showed their true intentions when it made mention of Capuyan's post as head of the National Secretariat of the NTF-ELCAC.

"That in including his position as Executive Director of the NTF-ELCAC show their true intention and that is they are afraid that their National Democratic Revolution will soon become insignificant as the Whole-of-Nation and Whole-of-Government Approach are now in the pipeline. This explains that this is the first time, these CTG (communist terrorist group) Gangs are ganging against the appointed Chairperson of the NCIP," MIPCEL pointed out.

It added that tirades against the new NCIP chief are mere rhetorics of the communist rebels and their allies and just a rehash to foil ongoing efforts to make insignificant and totally defeat the CPP-NPA, which 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/1071679