From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 6, 2019): Australians warned vs traveling to some parts of Mindanao
The Australian government has cautioned its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” when traveling to parts of Mindanao due to ongoing risk of kidnapping, terrorist attack, as well as crime and violent clashes there.
In its latest travel advisory updated on Wednesday, the Australian government said “reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao due to the very high levels of violent crime and the high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.”
“Do not travel to central and western Mindanao due to the very high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups,” it added.
The Australian government’s updated advisory comes less than a week after a long-held Dutch hostage was killed in Sulu by his Abu Sayyaf captors.
READ: Dutch hostage, 6 Abus killed in clash
Ewold Horn was shot dead while he tried to escape during a fierce firefight between Abu Sayyaf and Army troops, a military official said.
“There is a very high threat of kidnapping in the southern Philippines, especially along the Zamboanga peninsula and in the Sulu Archipelago,” the advisory further said.
“Tourists in southern Palawan, southern Negros or Siquijor could also be targeted,” it added.
The Australian government, meanwhile, advised its citizens to “be alert to possible threats around locations that have a low level of protective security and places that could be terrorist targets” due a “high threat’ of terrorist attack in the Philippines, including Manila.
“Possible targets include commercial and public places frequented by foreigners,” it added. (
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1127457/australians-warned-vs-traveling-to-some-parts-of-mindanao
Thursday, June 6, 2019
3 terror suspects nabbed in raids
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 6, 2019): 3 terror suspects nabbed in raids
Three suspected members of the homegrown terror group Abu Sayyaf had been arrested in separate operations on Wednesday, according to police.
Police Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, police regional chief for Zamboanga Peninsula, said Jamik Ibrahim, Majuk Amil and Hashim Aming were separately arrested in counterterrorism operations by police and National Bureau of Investigation agents from Manila.
Aming was the first to fall, leading to the capture of the two other suspects.
Aming, according to police, was involved in the kidnapping of six Jehovahs Witnesses in Patikul, Sulu in 2001. Ibrahim and Amil were involved in the kidnapping of workers of Golden Harvest in June 2001.
Quidilla said the three suspects will be brought to Manila on Friday.
Police Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, police regional chief for Zamboanga Peninsula, said Jamik Ibrahim, Majuk Amil and Hashim Aming were separately arrested in counterterrorism operations by police and National Bureau of Investigation agents from Manila.
Aming was the first to fall, leading to the capture of the two other suspects.
Aming, according to police, was involved in the kidnapping of six Jehovahs Witnesses in Patikul, Sulu in 2001. Ibrahim and Amil were involved in the kidnapping of workers of Golden Harvest in June 2001.
Quidilla said the three suspects will be brought to Manila on Friday.
NegOcc ‘reformed rebels’ get financial aid
From Panay News (Jun 6, 2019): NegOcc ‘reformed rebels’ get financial aid
Reformed members of the New People’s Army take oath of allegiance before Negros Occidental governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. RICHARD MALIHAN
BACOLOD City – The provincial government in Negros Occidental extended financial aids to nine reformed members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
The former NPA fighters received P65,000 each from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. They previously surrendered to the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion.
“This shows the sincerity of the government in fulfilling its promise to allow the rebels to start anew and live normal lives again,” said Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo.
Aside from financial assistance, the reformed insurgents also received food packs from the Negros Occidental Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program health cards.
The assistance program is part of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
It was instituted by President Rodrigo Duterte geared towards surrendered enemy combatants. (With a report from 303IB /
https://www.panaynews.net/negocc-reformed-rebels-get-financial-aid/
BACOLOD City – The provincial government in Negros Occidental extended financial aids to nine reformed members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
The former NPA fighters received P65,000 each from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. They previously surrendered to the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion.
“This shows the sincerity of the government in fulfilling its promise to allow the rebels to start anew and live normal lives again,” said Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo.
Aside from financial assistance, the reformed insurgents also received food packs from the Negros Occidental Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program health cards.
The assistance program is part of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
It was instituted by President Rodrigo Duterte geared towards surrendered enemy combatants. (With a report from 303IB /
https://www.panaynews.net/negocc-reformed-rebels-get-financial-aid/
2 young NPA rebels surrender
From Panay News (Jun 7, 2019): 2 young NPA rebels surrender
ILOILO – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the police with the help of Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr.
Twenty-year-old Ka Princess, who also went by the nom de guerre Ka Nemia, and 21-year-old boyfriend Ka MJ Coda, was safely picked up by a team from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) led by director Police Colonel Marlon Tayaba in Barangay Pali, Mandurriao, Iloilo City at around 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
Through emissaries, the rebels asked Defensor to facilitate their surrender. The governor contacted Tayaba and gave instructions.
The rebels, who said their group operated in the central municipalities of the province, would be availing themselves of the national government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“They told us they were going hungry in the mountains and they wanted to have a normal life,” said Police Major Jonathan Pinuela of the IPPO.
Ka MJ said it was her girlfriend who first joined the underground movement one year and three months ago. After three months he decided to join, too, so he could be with her.
A “good news” was how Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion described the surrender of the two rebels.
“We encourage rebels to surrender and avail themselves of livelihood programs of the government,” said Batara.
https://www.panaynews.net/2-young-npa-rebels-surrender/
Twenty-year-old Ka Princess, who also went by the nom de guerre Ka Nemia, and 21-year-old boyfriend Ka MJ Coda, was safely picked up by a team from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) led by director Police Colonel Marlon Tayaba in Barangay Pali, Mandurriao, Iloilo City at around 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
Through emissaries, the rebels asked Defensor to facilitate their surrender. The governor contacted Tayaba and gave instructions.
The rebels, who said their group operated in the central municipalities of the province, would be availing themselves of the national government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
“They told us they were going hungry in the mountains and they wanted to have a normal life,” said Police Major Jonathan Pinuela of the IPPO.
Ka MJ said it was her girlfriend who first joined the underground movement one year and three months ago. After three months he decided to join, too, so he could be with her.
A “good news” was how Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion described the surrender of the two rebels.
“We encourage rebels to surrender and avail themselves of livelihood programs of the government,” said Batara.
https://www.panaynews.net/2-young-npa-rebels-surrender/
Kalinaw News: Workers stop NPA from burning road construction equipment
Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 6, 2019): Workers stop NPA from burning road construction equipment
Workers of Venray Construction Corporation prevented the CPP-NPA terrorists from burning their construction equipment that were parked in their field office in Brgy Cabangahan, Malaybalay early morning today (June 6, 2019).
Employees woke up at 2:30AM with unusual noise and saw their company’s Bonggo truck lit by fire. This prompted them to respond and drive away the perpetrators who immediately escaped. The workers immediately doused the fire with water and fire extinguisher thus prevented it from spreading towards nearby Grader and Backhoe. Fire truck from Brgy Aglayan arrived minutes later to completely stop the fire.
Perpetrators were riding on 8 motorcycles and fled southwards according to witnesses
“Sunod sunod ang ginagawang karahasan ng NPA laban sa mga inosenteng sibilyan hindi lang dito sa Bukidnon, pati sa ibat-ibang panig ng bansa. Dapat pagpaliwanagin ang pamunuan ng CPP at NDF kung bakit hindi nila madisiplina ang hanay ng NPA sa patuloy na pag atake sa mga sibilyan na walang kinalaman sa labanan ng sundalo at NPA”, BGen Edgardo De Leon, 403Bde Commanders said.
Investigators are now focused on gathering information for the filing of appropriate case against CPP-NDF-NPA members and leaders. Line of investigations to check:
1. If the area that was attacked is a military camp or a civilian compound?
2. If the equipment burned owned by military or by civilian?
3. If the equipment burned ever used by military or involved in military operation against NPA?
4. If the people accosted by the NPA ever participated in military operations against the NPA?
5. If the Venray construction company involved in direct military operations against the NPA?
Should the result of initial investigation provides a strong case that the NPA attacked civilians, then appropriate case will be filed at CHR10 which handles investigation of IHL violations. A case will also be docketed at RTC Branch 25 in CDO City, the special court designated to try IHL case.
“We call on 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”, BGen De Leon added.
“We are very 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 responders. This is the real essense of the “whole of nation” approach in preventing the communist NPA terrorists from sowing chaos in our place. This incident proves that the local communists terrorists are no match to people who unite and resist, even if the people are unarmed”, said MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID Commander.
Recently, a certain Pia Alonzo, a self-declared spokesperson of the NPA terrorists in Bukidnon claimed responsibility over the straffing of Brgy Tanods in Brgy Sto Niño, Manolo Fortich and for detonating Anti-Personnel Mines in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon that hit a convoy carrying foreigners who came to observe our IP’s best practices in preserving the tribal heritage. Karapatan is yet to issue statement on these incidents.
A similar NPA terrorist attack on construction equipment in Samar last week prompted Catholic Church leaders into condemning the CPP-NDF-NPA as it hampers economic development and deprives the people of the much needed infrastractures. Notably, Region 10 Peace and Order Council made an earlier resolution condemning the NPA’s atrocity committed against civilians. CDO City Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, as a member of RPOC10 recognized and expressed strong support to the Resolution and called upon the CPP-NDF leaders to direct the NPA to stop attacking civilians. The NPA seemed playing deaf on the pleadings.
403rd Infantry "Peacemaker" Brigade 4 Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Marcelito Quijano
CMO Officer, 403Bde, 41D, PA
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
09564177497
[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]
Workers of Venray Construction Corporation prevented the CPP-NPA terrorists from burning their construction equipment that were parked in their field office in Brgy Cabangahan, Malaybalay early morning today (June 6, 2019).
Employees woke up at 2:30AM with unusual noise and saw their company’s Bonggo truck lit by fire. This prompted them to respond and drive away the perpetrators who immediately escaped. The workers immediately doused the fire with water and fire extinguisher thus prevented it from spreading towards nearby Grader and Backhoe. Fire truck from Brgy Aglayan arrived minutes later to completely stop the fire.
Perpetrators were riding on 8 motorcycles and fled southwards according to witnesses
“Sunod sunod ang ginagawang karahasan ng NPA laban sa mga inosenteng sibilyan hindi lang dito sa Bukidnon, pati sa ibat-ibang panig ng bansa. Dapat pagpaliwanagin ang pamunuan ng CPP at NDF kung bakit hindi nila madisiplina ang hanay ng NPA sa patuloy na pag atake sa mga sibilyan na walang kinalaman sa labanan ng sundalo at NPA”, BGen Edgardo De Leon, 403Bde Commanders said.
Investigators are now focused on gathering information for the filing of appropriate case against CPP-NDF-NPA members and leaders. Line of investigations to check:
1. If the area that was attacked is a military camp or a civilian compound?
2. If the equipment burned owned by military or by civilian?
3. If the equipment burned ever used by military or involved in military operation against NPA?
4. If the people accosted by the NPA ever participated in military operations against the NPA?
5. If the Venray construction company involved in direct military operations against the NPA?
Should the result of initial investigation provides a strong case that the NPA attacked civilians, then appropriate case will be filed at CHR10 which handles investigation of IHL violations. A case will also be docketed at RTC Branch 25 in CDO City, the special court designated to try IHL case.
“We call on 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”, BGen De Leon added.
“We are very 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 responders. This is the real essense of the “whole of nation” approach in preventing the communist NPA terrorists from sowing chaos in our place. This incident proves that the local communists terrorists are no match to people who unite and resist, even if the people are unarmed”, said MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID Commander.
Recently, a certain Pia Alonzo, a self-declared spokesperson of the NPA terrorists in Bukidnon claimed responsibility over the straffing of Brgy Tanods in Brgy Sto Niño, Manolo Fortich and for detonating Anti-Personnel Mines in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon that hit a convoy carrying foreigners who came to observe our IP’s best practices in preserving the tribal heritage. Karapatan is yet to issue statement on these incidents.
A similar NPA terrorist attack on construction equipment in Samar last week prompted Catholic Church leaders into condemning the CPP-NDF-NPA as it hampers economic development and deprives the people of the much needed infrastractures. Notably, Region 10 Peace and Order Council made an earlier resolution condemning the NPA’s atrocity committed against civilians. CDO City Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, as a member of RPOC10 recognized and expressed strong support to the Resolution and called upon the CPP-NDF leaders to direct the NPA to stop attacking civilians. The NPA seemed playing deaf on the pleadings.
403rd Infantry "Peacemaker" Brigade 4 Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Marcelito Quijano
CMO Officer, 403Bde, 41D, PA
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
09564177497
WESTMINCOM: Memorabilia of Zambo siege hero unveiled in Pagadian City
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jun 6, 2019): Memorabilia of Zambo siege hero unveiled in Pagadian City
Military and public officials witnessed the unveiling of the memorabilia of Private First Class Ian Paquit, a Medal of Valor awardee, in a ceremony held in Pagadian City yesterday, June 5.
Pfc Paquit distinguished himself for his acts of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an automatic rifleman of the Special Operations Command during an armed encounter with factions of the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City in 2013.
“Nay, ang anak mo ay sundalo ng Republika ng Pilipinas na handang makipaglaban at mamatay mailigtas lamang ang ating bansa (Ma, your son is a warrior, ready to fight and to die just to defend our country,” said the late Pfc Paquit, despite repeated pleadings for him to leave the battleground.
“Pfc Paquit was one of the military men who fought to defend the city. He was hit on the neck and was rushed to the hospital. He was given a 15-day leave, but he did not avail of it. Instead, he went back to the battlefield,” said Arnold Cabantug, Otto Lingue National High School principal.
Despite the enemy’s massive fire power, Pfc Paquit adjusted his position to the most perilous spot to protect the troops and to deliver accurate fires toward the MNLF’s strongholds, causing him his life.
Cabantug said this was the first time for Otto Lingue National High School and even for the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur to have a graduate with a Medal of Valor at such a young age.
Pfc Paquit was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor in December 2013.
“Aking pinasasalamatan ang gumawa nitong recognition dahil ito pa lang ang unang ginawa at sa anak ko pa iginawad ang Medal of Valor. Nagpapasalamat rin ako sa mahal na Pangulo na nag-apruba nito (I want to thank the people who worked for this recognition. This is the first time that the memorabilia was made, and I am happy to learn that the same was made for my son),” said Eduard Paquit, the father of the Medal of Valor awardee,
AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Melchor Mison, Jr. said the armed forces take pride in the heroism of Pfc Paquit.
“Nay, tay, kami po ang magpapasalamat sa inyo dahil bayani ang inyong anak. Hindi mauubos ang pagpapasalamat ng Armed Forces. Kung may kailangan po kayo, lumapit lamang po kayo sa mga sundalo,” added Lt. Gen. Mison, Jr.
Dr. Julieto Fernandez, Department of Education Pagadian Division Superintendent, said: “This (recognition) will remind us that an ordinary man, who was once enrolled in this school, did an extraordinary job beyond his duty, and that made him great. I know that we can also do great things by doing things beyond our duty.”
The unveiling of Pfc Paquit’s memorabilia was held at Otto Lingue National High School, where the hero finished his secondary education.
Brigadier General Cirilo Thomas Donato, Jr., Western Mindanao Command Deputy Commander for Administration, and other officials graced the unveiling ceremony in Pagadian City yesterday.
“The courage and dedication displayed by our heroes, like Pfc Paquit, in the face of adversity shall continue to drive us to fight hard and to win our battles for our countrymen and for peace and development to thrive on our lands,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, WestMinCom chief.
http://www.westmincom.com/memorabilia-of-zambo-siege-hero-unveiled-in-pagadian-city/
Military and public officials witnessed the unveiling of the memorabilia of Private First Class Ian Paquit, a Medal of Valor awardee, in a ceremony held in Pagadian City yesterday, June 5.
Pfc Paquit distinguished himself for his acts of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an automatic rifleman of the Special Operations Command during an armed encounter with factions of the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City in 2013.
“Nay, ang anak mo ay sundalo ng Republika ng Pilipinas na handang makipaglaban at mamatay mailigtas lamang ang ating bansa (Ma, your son is a warrior, ready to fight and to die just to defend our country,” said the late Pfc Paquit, despite repeated pleadings for him to leave the battleground.
“Pfc Paquit was one of the military men who fought to defend the city. He was hit on the neck and was rushed to the hospital. He was given a 15-day leave, but he did not avail of it. Instead, he went back to the battlefield,” said Arnold Cabantug, Otto Lingue National High School principal.
Despite the enemy’s massive fire power, Pfc Paquit adjusted his position to the most perilous spot to protect the troops and to deliver accurate fires toward the MNLF’s strongholds, causing him his life.
Cabantug said this was the first time for Otto Lingue National High School and even for the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur to have a graduate with a Medal of Valor at such a young age.
Pfc Paquit was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor in December 2013.
“Aking pinasasalamatan ang gumawa nitong recognition dahil ito pa lang ang unang ginawa at sa anak ko pa iginawad ang Medal of Valor. Nagpapasalamat rin ako sa mahal na Pangulo na nag-apruba nito (I want to thank the people who worked for this recognition. This is the first time that the memorabilia was made, and I am happy to learn that the same was made for my son),” said Eduard Paquit, the father of the Medal of Valor awardee,
AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Melchor Mison, Jr. said the armed forces take pride in the heroism of Pfc Paquit.
“Nay, tay, kami po ang magpapasalamat sa inyo dahil bayani ang inyong anak. Hindi mauubos ang pagpapasalamat ng Armed Forces. Kung may kailangan po kayo, lumapit lamang po kayo sa mga sundalo,” added Lt. Gen. Mison, Jr.
Dr. Julieto Fernandez, Department of Education Pagadian Division Superintendent, said: “This (recognition) will remind us that an ordinary man, who was once enrolled in this school, did an extraordinary job beyond his duty, and that made him great. I know that we can also do great things by doing things beyond our duty.”
The unveiling of Pfc Paquit’s memorabilia was held at Otto Lingue National High School, where the hero finished his secondary education.
Brigadier General Cirilo Thomas Donato, Jr., Western Mindanao Command Deputy Commander for Administration, and other officials graced the unveiling ceremony in Pagadian City yesterday.
“The courage and dedication displayed by our heroes, like Pfc Paquit, in the face of adversity shall continue to drive us to fight hard and to win our battles for our countrymen and for peace and development to thrive on our lands,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, WestMinCom chief.
http://www.westmincom.com/memorabilia-of-zambo-siege-hero-unveiled-in-pagadian-city/
WESTMINCOM: Eid’l Fitr celebrated at 6th Infantry Division
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jun 6, 2019): Eid’l Fitr celebrated at 6th Infantry Division
The Muslim believers of the 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army gathered to commemorate the Eid’l Fitr or Feast of the Breaking of the Fast on June 5, 2019.
The military Muslim personnel were joined by their families and other civilians living near the camp in an early morning prayer in front of the 6th ID Grandstand yesterday.
This year’s celebration was led by Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs, Colonel Carlito Bueno, who greeted everyone with Eid Mubarak or blessing on their celebration.
“Ang kahulugan ng pag-aayuno sa Islam ay isang uri ng gawaing pagsamba sa Allah sa pamamagitan ng pagpigil at pag-iwas mula sa pagkain, inumin, pakikipagtalik, at sa iba pang nakakasira sa pag-aayuno, simula sa pagsapit ng madaling araw hanggang sa paglubog ng araw,” said Col. Bueno.
Col. Bueno, in his message, outlined the purpose of fasting, which is considered the holiest among the Islamic celebrations.
The 6ID Commander, Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, extended his greetings to the Muslim brothers and sisters of the 6th ID and stakeholders and thanked them for choosing the 6th ID camp to celebrate Eid’l Fitr.
“May the blessings of Allah fill your life with happiness and this worthy celebration will touch the love and peace to each and every one of us,” expressed MGen Sobejana.
http://www.westmincom.com/eidl-fitr-celebrated-at-6th-infantry-division/
The military Muslim personnel were joined by their families and other civilians living near the camp in an early morning prayer in front of the 6th ID Grandstand yesterday.
This year’s celebration was led by Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs, Colonel Carlito Bueno, who greeted everyone with Eid Mubarak or blessing on their celebration.
“Ang kahulugan ng pag-aayuno sa Islam ay isang uri ng gawaing pagsamba sa Allah sa pamamagitan ng pagpigil at pag-iwas mula sa pagkain, inumin, pakikipagtalik, at sa iba pang nakakasira sa pag-aayuno, simula sa pagsapit ng madaling araw hanggang sa paglubog ng araw,” said Col. Bueno.
Col. Bueno, in his message, outlined the purpose of fasting, which is considered the holiest among the Islamic celebrations.
The 6ID Commander, Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, extended his greetings to the Muslim brothers and sisters of the 6th ID and stakeholders and thanked them for choosing the 6th ID camp to celebrate Eid’l Fitr.
“May the blessings of Allah fill your life with happiness and this worthy celebration will touch the love and peace to each and every one of us,” expressed MGen Sobejana.
http://www.westmincom.com/eidl-fitr-celebrated-at-6th-infantry-division/
81 soldiers get medals
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 6, 2019): 81 soldiers get medals
The Philippine Army honored its 81 soldiers involved in two successful encounters against the New People’s Army in Negros Occidental, by awarding them with medals in separate ceremonies held Tuesday.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, personally conferred Military Commendation Medals on 38 soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and 43 troopers of the 79th Infantry Battalion for demonstrating exemplary performance of duties in combat operations.
The encounter of the 62IB on May 4 in Sitio Dawhan, Brgy. Buenavista, HImamaylan City, Negros Occidental, led to five rebel casualties, the apprehension of a minor recruited by the NPA, recovery of an anti personnel land mine, seven back packs containing personal belongings and subversive documents, to the 303rd Infantry Brigade reported.
On May 15, the 79IB also figured in an encounter with communist rebels in Brgy. Minautok, Calatrava that also claimed the lives of five more rebels, based on reports of the populace, and the recovery of ammunition for Garand rifle, assorted foodstuff and personal belongings.
The pinning of medals was held in the headquarters of the 79IB in Brgy. Bato, Sagay City, andn the 62IB in Brgy. L:ibas, Isabela, Negros Occidental, respectively.
Arevalo said the medals he conferred on his men are in recognition of their commitment to the service, hard-work and bravery in fighting the NPA, noting that well-motivated and appreciated troops will perform better than what is expected from them.
Military records show that 225 medals were already conferred by Arevalo on soldiers under 303rd Brigade, for the 12 successful encounters against the NPA in Negros Occidental, since his assumption as its commander October 29 last year.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/06/topstory3.htm
The Philippine Army honored its 81 soldiers involved in two successful encounters against the New People’s Army in Negros Occidental, by awarding them with medals in separate ceremonies held Tuesday.
Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, personally conferred Military Commendation Medals on 38 soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and 43 troopers of the 79th Infantry Battalion for demonstrating exemplary performance of duties in combat operations.
The encounter of the 62IB on May 4 in Sitio Dawhan, Brgy. Buenavista, HImamaylan City, Negros Occidental, led to five rebel casualties, the apprehension of a minor recruited by the NPA, recovery of an anti personnel land mine, seven back packs containing personal belongings and subversive documents, to the 303rd Infantry Brigade reported.
On May 15, the 79IB also figured in an encounter with communist rebels in Brgy. Minautok, Calatrava that also claimed the lives of five more rebels, based on reports of the populace, and the recovery of ammunition for Garand rifle, assorted foodstuff and personal belongings.
The pinning of medals was held in the headquarters of the 79IB in Brgy. Bato, Sagay City, andn the 62IB in Brgy. L:ibas, Isabela, Negros Occidental, respectively.
Arevalo said the medals he conferred on his men are in recognition of their commitment to the service, hard-work and bravery in fighting the NPA, noting that well-motivated and appreciated troops will perform better than what is expected from them.
Military records show that 225 medals were already conferred by Arevalo on soldiers under 303rd Brigade, for the 12 successful encounters against the NPA in Negros Occidental, since his assumption as its commander October 29 last year.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/06/topstory3.htm
Army battalion arriving Sunday
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 6, 2019): Army battalion arriving Sunday
The returning 11th Infantry Battalion is arriving Sunday on board a Philippine Navy Vessel, at a port in Negros Oriental.
Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that a welcome reception to be led by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo will be held, for the returning Army soldiers the next day.
The 11IB deployed for two years in Zamboanga City, was replaced by the 74th Infantry Battalion from Sumisip, Basilan.
Madriaga, who described the return of 11IB to Negros Oriental as a welcome development, said it will help fast track their objective of clearing the province of armed insurgents sooner than anticipated and make the whole Region 7 insurgency-free.
An Army battalion is composed of about 500 military personnel.
The 15th Infantry Battalion also returned from Marawi to Negros Occidental early this year.
The return of the 11IB will increase the number of Army battalions deployed in Negros Island to five.
On June 4, Mayor Beng Climaco, who hosted a thanksgiving dinner for the 11IB, cited the effort of the concerned Army unit in securing Zamboanga City that resulted to zero bombing and zero kidnapping incidents in the past years.
The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army in central Negros slammed the return of 11IB, that will have its headquarters in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, issued a statement alleging that the return of 11IB to Negros is part of the implementation of what he claims to be a de facto martial law in the island.
Regalado also linked to the 11IB the killing of a couple and three others in Guihulngan City, before they were deployed to Mindanao.
He also said that all LPC units were ordered to launch offensives against government forces and to immediately enforce the decision of the revolutionary court to punish those responsible for the implementation of Oplan Sauron 1 and 2 in Negros Oriental.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/06/topstory5.htm
Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that a welcome reception to be led by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo will be held, for the returning Army soldiers the next day.
The 11IB deployed for two years in Zamboanga City, was replaced by the 74th Infantry Battalion from Sumisip, Basilan.
Madriaga, who described the return of 11IB to Negros Oriental as a welcome development, said it will help fast track their objective of clearing the province of armed insurgents sooner than anticipated and make the whole Region 7 insurgency-free.
An Army battalion is composed of about 500 military personnel.
The 15th Infantry Battalion also returned from Marawi to Negros Occidental early this year.
The return of the 11IB will increase the number of Army battalions deployed in Negros Island to five.
On June 4, Mayor Beng Climaco, who hosted a thanksgiving dinner for the 11IB, cited the effort of the concerned Army unit in securing Zamboanga City that resulted to zero bombing and zero kidnapping incidents in the past years.
The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army in central Negros slammed the return of 11IB, that will have its headquarters in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, issued a statement alleging that the return of 11IB to Negros is part of the implementation of what he claims to be a de facto martial law in the island.
Regalado also linked to the 11IB the killing of a couple and three others in Guihulngan City, before they were deployed to Mindanao.
He also said that all LPC units were ordered to launch offensives against government forces and to immediately enforce the decision of the revolutionary court to punish those responsible for the implementation of Oplan Sauron 1 and 2 in Negros Oriental.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/06/topstory5.htm
Generals snub red-tagging hearing at Court of Appeals
From Rappler (Jun 6, 2019): Generals snub red-tagging hearing at Court of Appeals
The generals, including national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon and defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, are required to attend the hearing on July 11
WRIT OF AMPARO. (From left) Human rights lawyers Rachel Pastores, Czarina Musni and Edre Olalia attend a hearing before the Court of Appeals on June 6, 2019, on the writ of amparo accusing the Philippine military of red-tagging and harassment. Photo by Lian Buan/Rappler
The top brass of the Philippine military snubbed a hearing at the Court of Appeals (CA) on Thursday, June 6, frustrating human rights lawyers who sued them of red-tagging and continuous harassment.
“Their red-tagging is so vicious yet they don’t even show up, they don’t have the audacity to stand their ground,’ said National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) president Edre Olalia in a mix of English and Filipino.
The CA's Special 15th Division required the generals to attend the next hearing on July 11.
"The Court required the respondents to appear next hearing, July 11, and they committed to present, or that 7 generals will attend the next hearing," said Rachel Pastores, lawyer for petitioners NUPL.
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), representing the military, initially reasoned that they thought the generals’ presence were not required, but later cited conflict of schedule.
The hearing aims to thresh out the complaint of the NUPL that the military has been sanctioning harassment and red-tagging against their lawyers nationwide. The Supreme Court earlier granted the NUPL a writ of amparo, a legal remedy seeking a protection order.
The Court of Appeals will have to decide whether to give protection orders to the lawyers, which would be akin to a restraning order against the military.
Summoned to appear on July 11 were: national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon; defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana; Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal; AFP deputy commander for intelligence Major General Fernando Trinidad; Intelligence Service of AFP chief Major General Erwin Bernard Neri; Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto; and AFP deputy chief for civil military operations Major General Antonio Parlade Jr.
Olalia added that during the pre-trial conference, the OSG committed to put Parlade on the witness stand.
Parlade spoke before a convention in Singapore where he accused the NUPL of having links to communist rebels. Parlade is the same military official who accused certain non-governmental organizations of being front groups for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
The European Union (EU), which funds the NGOs, said it would conduct an audit to verify Parlade’s claims.
Condemning the accusation as red-tagging, the NUPL said Parlade’s statements are the peak of harassments against human rights lawyers since the start of President Duterte’s administration.
By its count, there have been 55 lawyers attacked and threatened since July 2016; 36 of them were killed.
Olalia said that the red-tagging and harrassment from the army is worse in the Duterte administration than in the Arroyo administration, whose anti-insurgency campaign was tainted by multiple allegations of human rights violations.
The most infamous case of the Arroyo era is Army Major General Jovito Palparan, who has been convicted of kidnapping activists and is serving lifetime imprisonment at the New Bilibid Prison.
“The Duterte administration is more vicious, more malicious, more unrelenting, in red-tagging. It is without let up, it is unscrupulous, and characterized by impunity,” Olalia said.
Olalia was the first witness of the NUPL to go on the stand. He had a slightly tense exchange with the OSG lawyer doing the cross examination who called the NUPL’s petition “nitpicking.”
Lawyer Czarina Musni from Cagayan de Oro also took the witness stand, testifying on her inclusion in several posters distributed in her province tagging her, other lawyers, priests and teachers as communist rebels.
President Rodrigo Duterte was included as respondent in the NUPL's complaint, but Pastores conceded that he cannot be compelled to come to the court "because he is the president."
https://www.rappler.com/nation/232442-military-generals-snub-red-tagging-hearing-court-appeals-june-6-2019
The generals, including national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon and defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, are required to attend the hearing on July 11
The top brass of the Philippine military snubbed a hearing at the Court of Appeals (CA) on Thursday, June 6, frustrating human rights lawyers who sued them of red-tagging and continuous harassment.
“Their red-tagging is so vicious yet they don’t even show up, they don’t have the audacity to stand their ground,’ said National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) president Edre Olalia in a mix of English and Filipino.
The CA's Special 15th Division required the generals to attend the next hearing on July 11.
"The Court required the respondents to appear next hearing, July 11, and they committed to present, or that 7 generals will attend the next hearing," said Rachel Pastores, lawyer for petitioners NUPL.
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), representing the military, initially reasoned that they thought the generals’ presence were not required, but later cited conflict of schedule.
The hearing aims to thresh out the complaint of the NUPL that the military has been sanctioning harassment and red-tagging against their lawyers nationwide. The Supreme Court earlier granted the NUPL a writ of amparo, a legal remedy seeking a protection order.
The Court of Appeals will have to decide whether to give protection orders to the lawyers, which would be akin to a restraning order against the military.
Summoned to appear on July 11 were: national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon; defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana; Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal; AFP deputy commander for intelligence Major General Fernando Trinidad; Intelligence Service of AFP chief Major General Erwin Bernard Neri; Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto; and AFP deputy chief for civil military operations Major General Antonio Parlade Jr.
Olalia added that during the pre-trial conference, the OSG committed to put Parlade on the witness stand.
Parlade spoke before a convention in Singapore where he accused the NUPL of having links to communist rebels. Parlade is the same military official who accused certain non-governmental organizations of being front groups for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
The European Union (EU), which funds the NGOs, said it would conduct an audit to verify Parlade’s claims.
Condemning the accusation as red-tagging, the NUPL said Parlade’s statements are the peak of harassments against human rights lawyers since the start of President Duterte’s administration.
By its count, there have been 55 lawyers attacked and threatened since July 2016; 36 of them were killed.
Olalia said that the red-tagging and harrassment from the army is worse in the Duterte administration than in the Arroyo administration, whose anti-insurgency campaign was tainted by multiple allegations of human rights violations.
The most infamous case of the Arroyo era is Army Major General Jovito Palparan, who has been convicted of kidnapping activists and is serving lifetime imprisonment at the New Bilibid Prison.
“The Duterte administration is more vicious, more malicious, more unrelenting, in red-tagging. It is without let up, it is unscrupulous, and characterized by impunity,” Olalia said.
Olalia was the first witness of the NUPL to go on the stand. He had a slightly tense exchange with the OSG lawyer doing the cross examination who called the NUPL’s petition “nitpicking.”
Lawyer Czarina Musni from Cagayan de Oro also took the witness stand, testifying on her inclusion in several posters distributed in her province tagging her, other lawyers, priests and teachers as communist rebels.
President Rodrigo Duterte was included as respondent in the NUPL's complaint, but Pastores conceded that he cannot be compelled to come to the court "because he is the president."
https://www.rappler.com/nation/232442-military-generals-snub-red-tagging-hearing-court-appeals-june-6-2019
Over 5,700 dead soldiers still got pension in 2018 – COA
From Rappler (Jun 6, 2019): Over 5,700 dead soldiers still got pension in 2018 – COA
The Commission on Audit wants to hold officials liable for the payment of more than P70 million to pensioners who were already dead
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) was flagged by state auditors for its payment of P70.25 million worth of pension to 5,721 soldiers who turned out to be dead.
The pension for dead soldiers made up 84.5% of the total amount that the PVAO paid in pension for 2018, according to the annual audit report on the agency.
"Comparison of the payroll of pensioners and list of reported deaths for CY 2018 disclosed that 5,721 or 84.5% out of 6,768 total reported deaths continuously received their regular monthly pensions which ranged from 1 to 64 months, thus [resulting] in the overpayment amounting to P70,250,300.00," said the Commission on Audit (COA).
COA recommended that the PVAO identify the officials involved in the lapse and "hold them liable."
This is apparently a lingering problem in the PVAO because from 2015 to 2016, the agency also paid pension to dead veterans. The agency, in fact, improved in 2018.
"The period covered for the continuous payment of regular monthly pension to deceased pensioners decreased to 1 to 65 months as compared to 1 to 132 months continuous remittance...for FYs (fiscal years) 2015 to 2016," said COA.
State auditors said that of the P70.25 million given to dead veterans, the PVAO has already recovered P33.79 million, which leaves them with P36.45 million more to get back.
"However, the recovered amounts were still deposited in PVAO servicing banks and not remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury in violation of Section 10 of General Provisions of [the] General Appropriations Act," auditors said.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/232446-dead-soldiers-still-got-pension-audit-report-2018
The Commission on Audit wants to hold officials liable for the payment of more than P70 million to pensioners who were already dead
The pension for dead soldiers made up 84.5% of the total amount that the PVAO paid in pension for 2018, according to the annual audit report on the agency.
"Comparison of the payroll of pensioners and list of reported deaths for CY 2018 disclosed that 5,721 or 84.5% out of 6,768 total reported deaths continuously received their regular monthly pensions which ranged from 1 to 64 months, thus [resulting] in the overpayment amounting to P70,250,300.00," said the Commission on Audit (COA).
COA recommended that the PVAO identify the officials involved in the lapse and "hold them liable."
This is apparently a lingering problem in the PVAO because from 2015 to 2016, the agency also paid pension to dead veterans. The agency, in fact, improved in 2018.
"The period covered for the continuous payment of regular monthly pension to deceased pensioners decreased to 1 to 65 months as compared to 1 to 132 months continuous remittance...for FYs (fiscal years) 2015 to 2016," said COA.
State auditors said that of the P70.25 million given to dead veterans, the PVAO has already recovered P33.79 million, which leaves them with P36.45 million more to get back.
"However, the recovered amounts were still deposited in PVAO servicing banks and not remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury in violation of Section 10 of General Provisions of [the] General Appropriations Act," auditors said.
https://www.rappler.com/nation/232446-dead-soldiers-still-got-pension-audit-report-2018
Tribal school report of continuing military harassment
From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Jun 5, 2019): Tribal school report of continuing military harassment
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – School authorities of two tribal schools in Davao Oriental and North Cotabato operated by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI) has reported of continued Army harassment, ranging from encampment nearby and asking residents around to refrain from sending their children to the MISFI school.
Teachers of the schools in Sitio Casunugan, Baranggay Mahan-ub and Sitio Limot, Barangay Binondo, Baganga town, in the province of Davao Oriental, said they saw soldiers in civilian houses and in a community church.
Leah Serra, area coordinator of MISFI told Davao Today in a phone interview that soldiers were only a few meters away from the MISFI school in the community. Serra said parents also complained that soldiers forced them to sign documents indicating that they will not enroll their children to a Lumad school.
Families also said they were allegedly threatened that they would no longer avail of 4Ps if they do enroll in MISFI, she added.
In Sitio Bantaan, Barangay Bagumbayan, Magpet, North Cotabato, teachers also reported about soldiers setting up camps in several households.
Davao Today tried to reach Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division for comment on the reported presence of soldiers in Lumad communities, but have not responded as of posting.
A recent report by Save our Schools Network shows that 89 Lumad schools in Mindanao were forcibly shut down affecting around 3,000 students since the start of the Duterte administration.
The SOS Network noted in its report that, 24 teachers, 17 members of Parent Teachers Community Association (PTCA) and nine human rights defenders are currently facing “trumped-up” charges. Twelve of them are still detained.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/tribal-school-report-of-continuing-military-harassment/
DAVAO CITY, Philippines – School authorities of two tribal schools in Davao Oriental and North Cotabato operated by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI) has reported of continued Army harassment, ranging from encampment nearby and asking residents around to refrain from sending their children to the MISFI school.
Teachers of the schools in Sitio Casunugan, Baranggay Mahan-ub and Sitio Limot, Barangay Binondo, Baganga town, in the province of Davao Oriental, said they saw soldiers in civilian houses and in a community church.
Leah Serra, area coordinator of MISFI told Davao Today in a phone interview that soldiers were only a few meters away from the MISFI school in the community. Serra said parents also complained that soldiers forced them to sign documents indicating that they will not enroll their children to a Lumad school.
Families also said they were allegedly threatened that they would no longer avail of 4Ps if they do enroll in MISFI, she added.
In Sitio Bantaan, Barangay Bagumbayan, Magpet, North Cotabato, teachers also reported about soldiers setting up camps in several households.
Davao Today tried to reach Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division for comment on the reported presence of soldiers in Lumad communities, but have not responded as of posting.
A recent report by Save our Schools Network shows that 89 Lumad schools in Mindanao were forcibly shut down affecting around 3,000 students since the start of the Duterte administration.
The SOS Network noted in its report that, 24 teachers, 17 members of Parent Teachers Community Association (PTCA) and nine human rights defenders are currently facing “trumped-up” charges. Twelve of them are still detained.
http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/tribal-school-report-of-continuing-military-harassment/
KAPALONG OFFICIAL: Rescued Haran residents still home with relatives
From the Mindanao Times (Jun 6, 2019): KAPALONG OFFICIAL: Rescued Haran residents still home with relatives
The Municipality of Kapalong in Davao del Norte dismissed reports that the Lumads it helped rescue last month are now back in the UCCP Haran compound.
In a text message with Jamal Magantor, the information officer of the Kapalong LGU, he said that as per monitoring of the local government unit team and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR), they are still in their respective villages.
On May 18, 31 people reportedly escaped the compound by climbing over the fence. They are now back with their families in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Meanwhile, left-leaning group, Pasaka, claimed that the “escape” was a mere publicity stunt.
There are reports earlier that the group were back at the compound nor the group were allegedly joining the New People’s Army (NPA) group.
But in the text message Magantor denied the said report saying that (the group) “they are still living with their relatives.”
The Municipality of Kapalong in Davao del Norte dismissed reports that the Lumads it helped rescue last month are now back in the UCCP Haran compound.
In a text message with Jamal Magantor, the information officer of the Kapalong LGU, he said that as per monitoring of the local government unit team and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR), they are still in their respective villages.
On May 18, 31 people reportedly escaped the compound by climbing over the fence. They are now back with their families in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Meanwhile, left-leaning group, Pasaka, claimed that the “escape” was a mere publicity stunt.
There are reports earlier that the group were back at the compound nor the group were allegedly joining the New People’s Army (NPA) group.
But in the text message Magantor denied the said report saying that (the group) “they are still living with their relatives.”
The Davao Police Regional Office also launched an investigation whether the families inside the UCCP Haran are being held against their will.
Maj. Jason Baria, the spokesperson of PRO XI, said the police are looking at violations on human trafficking, IPRA law, serious illegal detention, and violation of RA 7610 (Child Abuse Law).
“The discussion was not limited to the Haran 31 but all other incidents involving UCCP haran,” Baria said.
He said the investigators will interview the 31 Lumads who escaped to give significant information. One of the priorities right now is to identify the leaders inside the UCCP Haran, Baria said.
In its Facebook page, the Pasaka, a group reportedly composed of Lumads, claimed that plainclothes soldiers accompanied Datu Basing Balanban, Dol-om Tumagsa, Jovelyn Tiklunay—who were described as members of the Alamara—to force some families to leave the compound.
“Even if we want to go home, we are alarmed at how the Alamara, the military, and the state are forcing us to do so,” the group said in a statement. “Even if we want to return to our communities, would there be peace if the Alamara and the military will continue to harass us? This is the very reason why we evacuated from our communities.”
Maj. Jason Baria, the spokesperson of PRO XI, said the police are looking at violations on human trafficking, IPRA law, serious illegal detention, and violation of RA 7610 (Child Abuse Law).
“The discussion was not limited to the Haran 31 but all other incidents involving UCCP haran,” Baria said.
He said the investigators will interview the 31 Lumads who escaped to give significant information. One of the priorities right now is to identify the leaders inside the UCCP Haran, Baria said.
In its Facebook page, the Pasaka, a group reportedly composed of Lumads, claimed that plainclothes soldiers accompanied Datu Basing Balanban, Dol-om Tumagsa, Jovelyn Tiklunay—who were described as members of the Alamara—to force some families to leave the compound.
“Even if we want to go home, we are alarmed at how the Alamara, the military, and the state are forcing us to do so,” the group said in a statement. “Even if we want to return to our communities, would there be peace if the Alamara and the military will continue to harass us? This is the very reason why we evacuated from our communities.”
Communities’ support to EO 70 strengthens task force ELCAC—PCOO chief
Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): Communities’ support to EO 70 strengthens task force ELCAC—PCOO chief
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon --The dynamic involvement of local government unit leaders and civil society groups in the recent assembly at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater in Malaybalay City in support of the Executive Order 70, strengthened the Task Force ELCAC in carrying out its mission.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar conveyed the message via phone emphasizing the government’s resolve to end the local communist rebellion.
“This is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ versus insurgency,” Andanar said.
MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon --The dynamic involvement of local government unit leaders and civil society groups in the recent assembly at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater in Malaybalay City in support of the Executive Order 70, strengthened the Task Force ELCAC in carrying out its mission.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar conveyed the message via phone emphasizing the government’s resolve to end the local communist rebellion.
“This is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ versus insurgency,” Andanar said.
The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in region 10, leads around 300 barangay leaders, mayors, civil society groups, including national and local government heads in doing their share during the “Validation of Needs” workshop at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater, Malaybalay City. As directed in Executive Order No. 70, the assemblage seeks to round up thoughts, ideas, and detailed outlines that describe the roots of communist insurgency so those various governing bodies would know how to deal with real issues. (BSGempisao, MCG/PIA Bukidnon)
Led by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in region 10, around 300 barangay leaders, mayors, civil society groups, including national and local government heads did their share during “Validation of Needs” workshop within the day of the assembly.
The assemblage seeks to round up thoughts, ideas, and detailed outlines that describe the roots of communist insurgency so those various governing bodies would know how to deal with it, considering the scope of setbacks in addressing peace and order issues.
In the pre-workshop briefing, Armed Forces of the Philippines 4th Infantry Division commander Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal said a “purely military option in combating terrorism and extremism” is not enough.
“Guns and cannons can’t do the job alone. All agencies aboard should do its share in ending communist insurgency across the country. Neither the armed forces nor any law enforcement squad alone can conquer insurgence. We need the support of all the stakeholders, the local government units,” Gacal said.
The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), in the same session, emphasized the value of information and communication to create healthy and peaceful communities.
“We need to inform and let people know what the government has been doing for them. The people, especially those in geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas, must be updated on various projects and programs that will benefit them. We also need to upgrade our communications system. People should know that everyone cares,” Plormelinda Olet, NICA-10 deputy director said.
Meanwhile, LGUs and community stakeholders’ workshop output showed poverty topped in the list on “why insurgency lives on.” Conversely, the list also showed that “the root cause of poverty is insurgency.”
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Northern Mindanao regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said “despite continuing triumphs of security forces in battlefields, beating the enemies spin in vain due to the recurrence of stubborn poverty.”
Hence, the government fortifies its counterterror scheme by creating NTF-ELCAC stipulated in Executive Order No. 70 (EO 7O) signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018, she said.
“The whole of nation approach is not new. We have been working hard for this in the past, but all weave in a slow marching step due to lack of synchronization of some agencies’ plans and programs to combat insurgency. Now we have EO 70 to make it happen,” Cariño said.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022779
Led by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in region 10, around 300 barangay leaders, mayors, civil society groups, including national and local government heads did their share during “Validation of Needs” workshop within the day of the assembly.
The assemblage seeks to round up thoughts, ideas, and detailed outlines that describe the roots of communist insurgency so those various governing bodies would know how to deal with it, considering the scope of setbacks in addressing peace and order issues.
In the pre-workshop briefing, Armed Forces of the Philippines 4th Infantry Division commander Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal said a “purely military option in combating terrorism and extremism” is not enough.
“Guns and cannons can’t do the job alone. All agencies aboard should do its share in ending communist insurgency across the country. Neither the armed forces nor any law enforcement squad alone can conquer insurgence. We need the support of all the stakeholders, the local government units,” Gacal said.
The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), in the same session, emphasized the value of information and communication to create healthy and peaceful communities.
“We need to inform and let people know what the government has been doing for them. The people, especially those in geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas, must be updated on various projects and programs that will benefit them. We also need to upgrade our communications system. People should know that everyone cares,” Plormelinda Olet, NICA-10 deputy director said.
Meanwhile, LGUs and community stakeholders’ workshop output showed poverty topped in the list on “why insurgency lives on.” Conversely, the list also showed that “the root cause of poverty is insurgency.”
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Northern Mindanao regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said “despite continuing triumphs of security forces in battlefields, beating the enemies spin in vain due to the recurrence of stubborn poverty.”
Hence, the government fortifies its counterterror scheme by creating NTF-ELCAC stipulated in Executive Order No. 70 (EO 7O) signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018, she said.
“The whole of nation approach is not new. We have been working hard for this in the past, but all weave in a slow marching step due to lack of synchronization of some agencies’ plans and programs to combat insurgency. Now we have EO 70 to make it happen,” Cariño said.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022779
NPA terrorists attack foreign observers convoy in Bukidnon
Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): NPA terrorists attack foreign observers convoy in Bukidnon
MPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- At least 10 were hurt when NPA terrorists detonated an anti-personnel mine on a convoy of vehicles bearing foreign nationals, local volunteers and soldiers escorting the group while passing Sitio Nasandigan, Brgy Kalabugao, Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon, May 30.
Among those hurt were seven army soldiers. In response, the soldiers returned fire and chased the perpetrators, hitting three NPA terrorists as revealed by the troops.
MPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- At least 10 were hurt when NPA terrorists detonated an anti-personnel mine on a convoy of vehicles bearing foreign nationals, local volunteers and soldiers escorting the group while passing Sitio Nasandigan, Brgy Kalabugao, Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon, May 30.
Among those hurt were seven army soldiers. In response, the soldiers returned fire and chased the perpetrators, hitting three NPA terrorists as revealed by the troops.
AFP troops discover two more anti-personnel mines that remained unexploded and left behind the fleeing terrorists. (4ID)
Foreigners from the IP communities in Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia came to Sitio Mintapod, Brgy Hagpa to observe the activity of local IP community volunteers belonging to Higaonon Amamag Malandang Olandok Gagaw (Hamog), a non-government organization which promotes cultural preservation in the area. The group is also supposed to have a forest visitation for their “Paunlay Ta Aghimicu" (forest visitation phase II).
Hamog sought the assistance of the Impasugong Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and the Philippine Army for security during their activity.
"We thought a tire exploded, then we heard burst of fire, somebody shouted duck," a foreigner said. We were afraid but we are very thankful to Filipino soldiers for providing us protection," she added.
"Our troops discovered two more anti-personnel mines that remained unexploded and left behind by the fleeing terrorists.
These AP mines could have injured the foreign observers. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now recovering those AP mines to avoid harming civilians passers through.
It is obvious that the incident this morning is a direct attack to civilians who are not involved and should be protected from any form of attack. This incident deserves international condemnation on the CPP-NPA terrorists," Col Edgardo De Leon, 403 brigade commander said.
After the incident, the foreign delegation proceeded to Laguindingan Airport for their flight to their next destination. (4ID)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022799
Foreigners from the IP communities in Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia came to Sitio Mintapod, Brgy Hagpa to observe the activity of local IP community volunteers belonging to Higaonon Amamag Malandang Olandok Gagaw (Hamog), a non-government organization which promotes cultural preservation in the area. The group is also supposed to have a forest visitation for their “Paunlay Ta Aghimicu" (forest visitation phase II).
Hamog sought the assistance of the Impasugong Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and the Philippine Army for security during their activity.
"We thought a tire exploded, then we heard burst of fire, somebody shouted duck," a foreigner said. We were afraid but we are very thankful to Filipino soldiers for providing us protection," she added.
"Our troops discovered two more anti-personnel mines that remained unexploded and left behind by the fleeing terrorists.
These AP mines could have injured the foreign observers. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now recovering those AP mines to avoid harming civilians passers through.
It is obvious that the incident this morning is a direct attack to civilians who are not involved and should be protected from any form of attack. This incident deserves international condemnation on the CPP-NPA terrorists," Col Edgardo De Leon, 403 brigade commander said.
After the incident, the foreign delegation proceeded to Laguindingan Airport for their flight to their next destination. (4ID)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022799
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