CAR reg’l task force to end communist armed conflict organized

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): CAR reg’l task force to end communist armed conflict organized



Department of Budget and Management OIC Undersecretary Janet Abuel , the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) for Cordillera welcomes members of the Cordillera Regional Development Council during the organization of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (CCD/PIA CAR)

BAGUIO CITY - - The National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF – ELCAC) met with members of the Cordillera Regional Development Council to discuss President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s agenda for a whole nation approach to finally address the country’s problem on communist armed conflict and recruitment.

Department of Budget and Management Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Janet Abuel, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) for Cordillera, and National Security Adviser Deputy Director General Rufino Lopez Jr. led the NTF – ELCAC. 

Abuel explained that the NTF – ELCAC wants to emphasize the President’s goal of a Whole – of – Nation approach in ending the 50- year old local communist armed conflict, which is a more serious, more centralized and more focused approach.

With the armed forces, police and the regional line agencies, we want to converge and synchronize our efforts, not by way of combative approach but for bringing in the basic programs and services especially to geographically isolated and displaced areas, Abuan stressed.

The goals are to make communist armed groups to return back to the mainstream and be active part of society, as well as to avoid additional membership or recruitment, she added.

Lopez along with Lt. Col. Joel Johnson provided briefing on the national plan to end local communist armed conflict for regional development and security, and on Executive Order No. 70 institutionalizing the Whole – of- Nation Approach in attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, creating the NTF – ELCAC, and directing the adoption of the National Peace Framework.

Lt. Gen Emmanuel Salamat of AFP NOLCOM, MGen Pablo Lorenzo of the 5th ID of the Philippine Army and Police Regional Office Cordillera Regional Director P/BGen Israel Ephraim Dickson were also present in the meeting to provide more inputs on peace and order and armed conflict – related matters.

For the RDC – CAR’s part, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Regional Director Roel Obusan presented the peace and order situationer for the region, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples - CAR Regional Director Roland Calde gave a situationer on the Indigenous People of Cordillera; NEDA - CAR Regional Director Milagros Rimando gave a briefing on the region’s socio – economic status and the role of the RDC while DILG – CAR Regional Director Marlo Iringan gave a presentation on the role of the Regional Peace and Order Council in ending armed conflict.

The activity also served as the organizational meeting for the Cordillera Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF – ELCAC).

The RTF – ELCAC will soon craft a regional plan. Member agencies will have 12 clusters to work on namely situational awareness and knowledge management; local government empowerment; legal cooperation; strategic communication; sectoral unification, capacity – building and empowerment; basic service; poverty reduction, livelihood and employment; infrastructure, resource management and employment; localized peace agreements; peace, law enforcement and development policy; E – CLIP and Amnesty Program, and International Engagement. This will then be cascaded down to the provincial, municipal and barangay level.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023290

4 FRs take oath of allegiance to gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): 4 FRs take oath of allegiance to gov't

Four former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) formalized their surrender by taking their “Oath of Allegiance” during the celebration of the 121st Independence Day on Wednesday, here.

Ka Alex, Bombo, Lyka and Rigor (not their real names) also officially turned-over six firearms including M653 rifle and various improvised explosive devices to authorities. These former rebels (FRs) assured to abide with all government laws for a peaceful and meaningful life.

“As we are remembering our independence, we are also sharing another independence of our once lost brothers from the chain of claws of terrorists. These four regular CNT (Communist NPA Terrorist) members who bravely accepted the challenge to end up the armed struggle and work side by side with the government are truly courageous,” said Lt. Col. Narciso Nabulneg, Jr., 54th Infantry Batallion commander.

For the attainment of long and lasting peace which everyone is longing, Nabulneg said, “I appeal to the remaining CNT supporters to have a firm stand and be with the government. Don’t be deceived by the CNTs’ deception and luring promises; after all, they are just using the locals for their own selfish intentions.”

The four FRs will be officially enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program , the government’s holistic inter-agency approach and peaceful initiative to end insurgency. Under this program, the FRs are provided various grants and compensations to start life anew and become responsible members of the society. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)

 

Police and military officials together with Ifugao Gov. Pedro Mayam-o take a look at the firearms and improvised explosives surrendered by former NPA members in Ifugao.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023213

PRRD renews offer to communists to surrender; vows to give them shelter, livelihood

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): PRRD renews offer to communists to surrender; vows to give them shelter, livelihood

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech after leading the distribution of Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) to the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) at the Lagao Gymnasium in General Santos City on June 13, 2019. JOEY DALUMPINES/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte renewed his offer Thursday to the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who want to return to the fold of the law saying his government is ready to provide them with shelter, job and livelihood if they lay down their weapons.

Speaking before the recipients of certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) in Soccsksargen (Region XII), the President said his dialogue with the communist insurgents is about to end whether they agree with the government or not.

The communists’ fighting capability has diminished and they no longer have guns and ammunition as well as food to defeat the government.

“To the communists, come down here. I’ll give you a small condo. The same condo that I allot for the military and police,” he told the members of the NPA in his renewed offer. “But it’s a house that you can live in. It’s habitable so to speak.”

It won’t be easy for the communists to surrender but the President said he believes they will slowly come down from the mountains.

Once they lay down their weapons, the President said he is willing to provide them with houses, job and skills training from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

President Duterte also expressed the seriousness of his administration to give land to the landless, noting he has instructed government agencies to distribute all surveyed state lands to the people.

During Thursday’s event, the President led the distribution of 12,548 CLOAs in Soccsksargen, which is expected to benefit 13,585 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

Soccsksargen is composed of four provinces and one city: South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santos City.

The CLOAs distributed by the President in the event held at the Lagao Gymnasium here, covered a total aggregate of 24,000 hectares of lands all over Soccsksargen.

The region-wide CLOA distribution is in line with President Duterte’s directive to fast track the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms or CARPER.

The CLOAs distributed Thursday covered lands located in four provinces of Soccsksargen that include those in North Cotabato with 9,419.7459 hectares; Sarangani, 1,393.0000 hectares; South Cotabato, 3,142.9546 hectares; and Sultan Kudarat, 3,364.2370 hectares.

Around 2,000 ARBs attended Thursday’s event along with 500 other attendees from local government units, DAR and other government agencies.

The CLOA distribution was significant because it supports the President’s 10-point socio-economic agenda and at the same time provide a sense of security to the Soccsksargen ARBs.

With more lands being handed over to ARBs in the region, the government expects an increase in agricultural productivity and investments that in turn improve the overall economic status of the region.

After the issuance of CLOAs, the DAR, in partnership with other government agencies will continue assisting farmers in Soccsksargen to uplift their lives through the provision of livelihood programs, scholarships, crop insurance and credit assistance. (PND)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023329

Ranking NPA rebel slain in Sorsogon clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14, 2019): Ranking NPA rebel slain in Sorsogon clash

SLAIN REBEL. Ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebel, Edwin Dematera alias Dupax, deputy secretary of Larangan 2, Kumite Probinsiya 3 operating in Sorsogon, was killed in an encounter with Army troopers on Wednesday in Barangay Incarizan, Magallanes town. There was no reported casualty on the government side. (Photo courtesy of 9ID)

A ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was slain in an encounter with government troop on Wednesday night in a village at Magallanes town in Sorsogon, a Philippine Army (PA) report said on Friday.

The slain NPA leader was identified as Edwin Dematera alias Dupax, deputy secretary of Larangan 2, Kumite Probinsiya 3 operating in Sorsogon.

In a phone interview, Maj. Ricky Anthony Aguilar, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs chief, said the incident took place around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday (June 12) in Barangay Incarizan, Magallanes town when government troops engaged rebels in a clash that lasted for about three minutes.

Aguilar said during the clearing operation, government troops recovered from the site a cal. 45 with one magazine loaded with four cartridges, .45mm ball; a cal.38 revolver; two Icom radios; a laptop; two flash drives; two medical kits; and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Aguilar also confirmed that during the firefight the government troops captured Jimuel Bueno, an active communist member.

“The captured NPA is now under the custody of Magallanes Municipal Police Station while the body of Dematera is now at Barangay Incarizan and will be transferred tomorrow to Barangay Aroroy in Juban town,” Aguilar said.

There was no reported casualty on the government side.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072416

Soldiers in Sultan Kudarat donate ‘precious gift of life’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): Soldiers in Sultan Kudarat donate ‘precious gift of life’



PRECIOUS BLOOD. A nurse extracts blood from a soldier of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion during a blood-letting program in Barangay Masiag, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat on Friday (June 14, 2019). The event coincided with the observance of World Blood Donor Day. (Photo courtesy of 33rd IB)

ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat -- Soldiers belonging to the Alpha Company of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB) stationed in a mountain town of Sultan Kudarat province have shared blood in observance of World Blood Donor Day on Friday. 

The blood donation, which has for its theme “By Donating Blood, You Can Save Lives”, was held at the gymnasium of Barangay Masiag, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat.

Lt. Col. Boongaling, 33IB commander, said the soldiers volunteered to help the Philippine Red Cross bolster its stocks of blood. 

Boongaling said blood donation is beneficial to both donor and recipient. “The donor will have cleansed blood circulation while the donee or beneficiary would have the chance to live longer, brought about by the blood as a medium for the ‘precious gift of life’,” he explained.

Apart from the soldiers, in attendance were members of the Tacurong City Health Unit, the local government of Bagumbayan, and the village women’s organization.

A symposium on how to prevent the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that leads to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) was also held to help educate the residents of Masiag, mostly members of the Indigenous Peoples community.

The worldwide observance of blood donor day aims to raise awareness that individuals can save lives and improve the health of others by donating.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072427

Gov’t troops foil NPA training in Mindoro, 3 rebels killed

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): Gov’t troops foil NPA training in Mindoro, 3 rebels killed



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal -- Joint military and police forces on Thursday killed three rebels as they foiled attempts of the New People’s Army (NPA) to conduct training for their young recruits.

In a report that reached this camp Friday, Brig. Gen. Marceliano V. Teofilo, commander of the 203rd Infantry Brigade that has operational jurisdiction over Mindoro, said validated information from a concerned citizen disclosed the NPA's planned training for new recruits believed to be minors.

Upon confirmation of the report, troops of the 4th and 76th infantry battalions and police personnel proceeded to Sitio Mawan, Panaytayan, Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro, and engaged some 40 communist rebels belonging to the KLG MAV of SRMA 4D, leaving three rebels dead.

The troops overtook the training camp and recovered three M16 rifles, one AK-47, a caliber 45 with two magazines, a grenade launcher tube, two improvised explosive devices and switch, three blasting caps, two Myphone analog cellphones with spare batteries, and assorted ammunition.

According to Teofilo, the enemies suffered several casualties due to heavy traces of blood stains along the enemies’ escape route, based on information from civilians.

He added that the intelligence community is currently validating reports that an NPA commander was among those killed during the clash.

“This is a major blow (to) the NPA in Mindoro. Their days are numbered and in just a matter of time, the NPA here will be on the verge of collapse due to their numerous setbacks in armed encounters and snowballing of surrenderers," Teofilo said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Alexander Arbolado, commander of the 4th Infantry Battalion, confirmed that a soldier was slightly wounded in the left ear during the clash, but he is safe.

“Right now we have already dispatched our additional troops and K9 tracking dogs to go after this bunch of criminals," Arbolado said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072402

NPA attacks in Bukidnon violate int'l humanitarian law: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): NPA attacks in Bukidnon violate int'l humanitarian law: Army

The commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade (403IB) denounced the recent attacks perpetrated by alleged members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in San Fernando, Bukidnon.

Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, in a statement Friday, said the NPA attacks on a police station was against International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

"The police station is there as a public service facility. The policemen on duty were providing assistance to the people and maintaining peace and order. They are not involved in counterinsurgency operations, thus are protected by (International) Humanitarian Law," de Leon said.

He also said that the attacks were condemnable as the NPA terrorists did not exercise “precaution” in firing their guns amid a civilian populated area.

"The CPP-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines - National Democratic Front) must discipline the NPA by directing the NPA to respect Humanitarian Law. KARAPATAN, which pretends to be the watchdog of IHL, must investigate the growing number of IHL violations perpetrated by NPA terrorists in Bukidnon," he added.

At about 11 p.m. Thursday, armed men believed to be NPA members reportedly fired their weapons at the municipal police station in the middle of Barangay Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon.

The policemen on duty responded by assaulting the perpetrators who immediately fled their positions.

There was no reported casualty. Recovered from the scene were seven empty shells and a round of misfired ammunition for an M16 rifle. Traces on the ground indicate two to three individuals could have perpetrated the gunfire.

The Philippine Army’s 88th Infantry Battalion immediately responded by pursuing the rebels and deploying checkpoints to block possible cohorts.

Recently, NPA spokespersons Pia Alonzo and Nicolas Marino claimed responsibility for burning civilian-owned vehicles in the municipality of Manolo Fortich and City of Malaybalay in Bukidnon.

Earlier this year, the NPA terrorists also claimed responsibility for destroying farm equipment of Dole plantation in Valencia City and equipment owned by a farmers’ cooperative in the municipality of Don Carlos, also in Bukidnon.

The IHL and Republic Act 9851 prohibit state and non-state armed groups, such as the CPP-NPA from attacking civilians and/or destroying civilian property. Complaints against CPP-NPA were already submitted to the Commission on Human Rights Office (CHR) 10 (Northern Mindanao) with a request to conduct a separate investigation.

However, CHR-10 has yet to disclose the results of its fact-finding investigation on the incident. De Leon expressed optimism that the agency will soon complete its investigation and make its findings known to the public.

The NPA, the armed wing of the CPP, 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/1072422

GMA visits US-funded Samar road project

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): GMA visits US-funded Samar road project

ADDRESSING THE PEOPLE. Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo addresses the people's organization at the Samar Island National Park office in Paranas, Samar on Friday (June 14, 2019).With just two weeks left before stepping down as House Speaker, Arroyo said she wants to see how the 212-km. road project in Samar changed the lives of impoverished families. (PNA photo by Sarwell Q. Meniano)

PARANAS, Samar -- Former president and outgoing House of Representatives Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday visited the 212-km. road project in Samar that was funded by the US government during her term. 

With just two weeks left before stepping down as House Speaker, Arroyo said she wants to see how the road project changed the lives of impoverished families in Samar.

"We pushed for this project since Samar is one of the poorest provinces in the country. We believe that through good strategic infrastructure, people's lives would improve," she told reporters.

Eugene Igdalino, president of a group of boatmen and tour guides in Ulot River here, said that with the good road network, more tourists have been visiting their place to explore Samar Island's longest river.

"From an annual income of PHP10,000 when we started nine years ago, our earnings from tourism went up to PHP2.4 million in 2018. Our income has increased significantly after the road was upgraded," Igdalino said.

Started in 2012 and completed in 2016, the USD214.4-million grant for road project was aimed at rehabilitating existing roads and bridges in Samar to reduce transportation costs and improve access to markets and social services for an estimated 290,000 residents.

The roads pass through 15 towns in Samar and Eastern Samar, two of the poorest provinces in the Philippines.

"You told me how the project helped you. I am so happy to be here in my last two weeks as House Speaker. I've been telling people that before I leave my post, I want to visit my favorite projects," Arroyo added.

The Arroyo administration conceptualized the project in 2006 to fight poverty in Samar province. On Dec. 15, 2009, she signed an executive order establishing the Millennium Challenge Account Philippines, the entity tasked to supervise the project.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072442

31 ex-Reds hurdle 4-month TESDA skills training

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): 31 ex-Reds hurdle 4-month TESDA skills training

A total of 31 former members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) are setting a new path to a brighter future after finishing the four-month skills training and apprenticeship program for heavy equipment operation.

Alias Omar, former vice commander of the NPA's Pulang Bagani Command 1, said the skills training was a big help as it gave them an opportunity to land a job and earn a living.

"It was new learning for us," Omar said here Friday after the graduation ceremony that was facilitated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and GE 64 Enterprises, Inc.

Omar, who said he was part of the NPA's urban assassination unit, the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU), said he surrendered in November last year after seeing the opportunities being provided to rebel returnees.

"Also, it was tiring and the movement no longer has any direction. There was no progress in our lives," he said in the dialect.

Col. Nolasco Mempin, commander of the Army's 1003rd brigade, said the 31 surrenderers belonged to the NPA units operating in Paquibato district who returned to the folds of the law through the collaboration of the local government, TESDA, and other partners.

Mempin said the graduates received a daily allowance PHP394 while on training, and some will be employed by GE Enterprise.

The others, he said, will be referred to other construction firms.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072433

Mindanao’s youth IP leaders vow support for EO 70

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): Mindanao’s youth IP leaders vow support for EO 70



Young indigenous peoples (IP) leaders from across Mindanao threw their support behind the implementation of the Duterte Administration’s “Whole-Of-Nation” Approach under Executive Order No. 70 creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

The more than 200 participants to the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples’ Youth Assembly committed to helping the national government implement the initiative which primarily aims to address the decades-long communist rebellion in the country.

“We, the representatives of this assembly, declare our full and unequivocal support to the national government’s Whole-Of-Nation Approach, which is a centerpiece of the Duterte Administration’s Peace and Development Agenda,” the delegates said in a resolution passed on June 15. “We believe that this approach is the best solution to the communist insurgency that has ravaged our communities, and provide us, the youth, the opportunity to work hand in hand with the government to achieve this goal.”

They pledged not to be used and abused by the communist insurgents, and will utilize our voices to speak out and convince members of our communities not to support the organization’s distorted ideology,” the resolution added.



President Rodrigo Duterte has formed NTF ELCAC to work out a mechanism to help end the decades-old communist insurgency, and institutionalize a “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining an “inclusive and sustainable peace.”

The Whole-Of-Nation Approach mandates all concerned agencies of government to work in a holistic and integrated manner to deliver much-needed services to underdeveloped, conflict-affected communities.

Through its Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building and Empowerment Cluster with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) as a member, the NTF-ELCAC has started to engage various peace stakeholders to jumpstart the process.

The approach will utilize localized peace engagements wherein local government units and other community members situated in conflict-affected areas will take the lead in providing solutions to best resolve the nation’s insurgency problem.

In the same resolution, the youth leaders also urged President Duterte to declare the full implementation of RA 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Acts (IPRA) as part of the national government’s policy agenda in his upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“Through this declaration, we envision the IPRA’s full implementation to significantly impact on the lives of our indigenous peoples, specifically by allowing us to completely enjoy the four bundle of rights as stated in the IPRA,” the resolution said.

According to Dante Tumanding, political officer of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO), they can contribute a lot to the Whole-Of-Nation approach.

“We are the frontlines and are the first ones affected whenever there is armed conflict in our communities,” Tumanding said.

This is the reason, Tumanding said, why the conduct of the peace assembly, organized by OPAPP in collaboration with MIPYO, is both timely and relevant.

“We wanted to equip our youth IP leaders across Mindanao with the skills and knowledge they will need to support the implementation of EO 70,” he said.

Meanwhile, James Binayao, MIPYO chairperson, said the youth assembly will enable them to advocate for the full implementation of IPRA law.

The IPRA is a peace covenant between the national government and indigenous peoples that aims to promote and protect the welfare and rights of IPs.

Since its passage in 1997, there has been a growing sentiment that IPs have not truly reaped the dividends of the landmark measure and as a result, have remained in the fringes of development.

“The youth can help push for the full implementation of the IPRA. This is the only law that fully recognizes the rights of the indigenous peoples,” Binayao said.

Through the Whole-Of-Nation Approach, he said the IP youth will be empowered and can serve as a bridge between the national government and indigenous communities.

“This assembly has given us the chance to speak up and be involved in the discussions. And now that the IP youth are united, we already have the confidence to tell the government what is in our hearts and minds,” Binayao said.

At the same event, OPAPP Director Pamela Padilla-Salvan, who spoke on behalf of Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr, called on the delegates to be strong and committed, as she urged them to use their voices to express their sentiments.

“Do not be afraid to speak out. There will be instances when your resolve will be tested. But if you believe in yourselves, you will succeed,” Padilla-Salvan said.

She also advised the participants to remain on the side of truth, listen to their elders, and be a partner of government.

“You have the power in your hands. Use this power with all your strength. We at OPAPP will remain by your side as you make your journey towards long-lasting peace and development,” Padilla-Salvan said.

The Mindanao Indigenous Peoples’ Youth Assembly was also supported by the NCIP, Ateneo de Zamboanga University, National Youth Commission and the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ 4th Infantry Division, 401 Brigade, 402nd Brigade, 403rd Brigade, 901st Brigade, 19th Infantry Battalion, 72Ist Brigade, 3Ist Brigade, 3rd Special Forces Battalion, and 1st Special Forces Battalion. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072460

Capuyan assumes IP body chairmanship

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14, 2019): Capuyan assumes IP body chairmanship



NEW LEADERSHIP. Outgoing National Commission on Indigenous Peoples chair Leonor Oralde-Quintayo (left) personally hands over a symbolic key to retired colonel Allen Capuyan during a ceremony at the NCIP office in Quezon City on Friday (June 14, 2019). (PNA photo by Jess Escaros Jr.)

Retired Col. Allen Capuyan on Friday officially assumed the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) chairmanship.

Outgoing NCIP chair Leonor Oralde-Quintayo, who headed the 6th and 7th commission, personally handed over a symbolic key to Capuyan during a ceremony at the NCIP office in Quezon City.

In an interview, Capuyan vowed to strengthen the NCIP from the national to the local level.

"We have now a national task force so we will mainstream the concerns of the NCIP," Capuyan said when asked about his priorities as the new NCIP chairman.

"The IPs' right to ancestral domain, the right to self-governance, their justice system and human rights as well as their cultural integrity, we will mainstream that," he added.

Datu Lipatuan Joel Unad leads the "Od Kilaa To Od Uuwon", a Manobo ritual acknowledging a leader during the official assumption of office of Allen Capuyan (seated) as the new chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in Quezon City. (Photo by Joyce Rocamora)

Capuyan, a Manobo, will serve as the NCIP chair concurrent with his post as the executive director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

Holding these positions, the official believes he could further help bring the indigenous peoples' issues to agencies concerned.

"Dahil ang problema ng seguridad ay naka-focus kadalasan sa lugar ng IP, ma-mi-mainstream ngayon ang concern ng mga tribo (Because the problem in security is mostly happening in the lands of the IPs, we could easily mainstream their concerns)," he said.

"Right at the very core of the national task force, we give attention to the IPs and their human rights. Sinasabi ng iba na ang kanilang karapatang pantao ay sinisira ng gobyerno, that is not true (They accuse the government of disregarding the rights of the IP, that is not true)," he added.

The NTF-ELCAC was formed by virtue of Executive Order 70 on December 4, 2018 “to synchronize the utilization of the government's instrumentalities of power with the capabilities of private sector stakeholders to finally end the 50-year long deceit, lies, and atrocities committed by the communist terrorists against the people”.

Among these atrocities are the 17 listed act by the CPP-NPA against IPs, said Capuyan. "In the CPP-NPA's 17 major atrocities, all the communist insurgents' violations against our IPs are cited there."

Capuyan also vowed to continue the initiatives started by the 6th and 7th NCIP commission led by Quintayo.

Asked what areas that need further attention in the NCIP, Quintayo said there is still a lot to be done on the issue of delineating the IPs' ancestral domain. "

To date, more than 86 ancestral domain titles have already been approved by the 6th and 7th commission where I headed. All-in-all, we already delineated 245 CADTs (Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title), 5.7 million hectares, but we still have more than seven million hectares left," she said.

"That's a big issue to peace and order, the security of tenure of the IPs," she added.

There are around 110 IP groups in the Philippines or about 14 million individuals.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072380

Embassy confirms China vessel involved in boat sinking

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): Embassy confirms China vessel involved in boat sinking

The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Friday night said the vessel involved in the boat sinking incident in the West Philippine Sea was indeed China-flagged but denied it was a case of “hit and run."

The China Embassy, in a statement, identified the Chinese fishing boat as Yuemaobinyu 42212 from Guangdong Province, China. It initially berthed at the vicinity of Reed Bank.

"It was suddenly besieged by 7 or 8 Filipino fishing boats. During the evacuation, 42212 failed to shun a Filipino fishing boat, and its steel cable on the lighting grid of larboard bumped into the Filipino pilothouse," it said.

"The Filipino fishing boat tilted and its stern foundered. The Chinese captain tried to rescue the Filipino fishermen but was afraid of being besieged by other Filipino fishing boats. Therefore, having confirmed the fishermen from the Filipino boat were rescued on board of other Filipino fishing boats, 42212 sailed away from the scene," it added.

Referring to their own report, the Embassy said "there is no such thing as hit-and-run."

Meanwhile, it vowed to properly handle the issue with the Philippines "in a serious and responsible manner," saying the Chinese side "attaches great importance to China-Philippines friendship and safety of life at sea."

"The two sides are maintaining close communication through diplomatic channels," it noted.

On Friday, the 22 fishermen arrived in Occidental Mindoro aboard the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

In recalling the night of June 9, F/B GEMVIR1 Captain Junel Insigne, in an interview with ABS-CBN, said they were anchored when a "Chinese boat" hit them.

"Noong pagbangga, akala namin pagbalik niya tutulungan kami, biglang sumindi 'yong ilaw na marami, dahil nakita kaming lubog na... Ayon, pinatay nila ulit 'yong ilaw palayo na ulit sa amin (When they hit us, we thought they were going to help us when they came back. Their lights suddenly flickered on, when they saw us sinking... then they turned off their light and left)," he said.

Insigne said the Chinese should have helped them at least the moment they saw them sinking.

"Umikot lang muna sila, binalikan kami bago sumindi 'yong ilaw, 'yong maraming ilaw, noong makita lubog na, pinatay 'yong ilaw bago umatras papalayo (They circled first then went back to the scene, when they saw that our boat already sank, they turned off their lights before they left)," he narrated.

"Kung wala 'yong Vietnam baka mamatay na kami doon lahat, mga tatlong oras rin (If the Vietnamese weren't there we would have drowned to death, we were floating for around three hours)," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072418

We did nothing provocative: Pinoy fishing boat capt.

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): We did nothing provocative: Pinoy fishing boat capt.



ABOARD THE BRP RAMON ALCARAZ -- The captain of the San Jose, Occidental Mindoro-based F/B Gem-Ver on Friday maintained that he and his crew were minding their own business when a reported Chinese fishing vessel appeared out of nowhere and struck them while anchored off Recto Bank midnight of June 9.

"It was around 12 midnight. We were anchored and we were showing a lot of white bright lights to signal our position, when a ship suddenly appeared out of nowhere and hit us. It was fast, I was trying to start our engine when we were hit in the stern, cutting it off from the rest of our boat," Junel Insigne, 43, said in Filipino when asked by reporters on the circumstances of the incident that capsized their boat, tossing him and his crew to the sea.

Insigne said they were doing nothing provocative to warrant such actions by the suspected Chinese fishing vessel.

"We were lucky that we were hit in the stern. If we were struck in the middle, the boat would have been cut in half and it would have sunk immediately," he said.

Insigne, a veteran fisherman, said the Chinese fishing vessel stopped after his boat capsized, then circled them.

"We thought it was going to pick us up from the water and rescue us. However, it turned off its lights and turned away before speeding up," he added.

Insigne said they were floating for three hours before they were rescued by a Vietnamese fishing vessel some five miles away.

He added that the Vietnamese ship managed to learn of their predicament when two of his men, whom he instructed to contact the vessel, were able to make their situation known by 2 a.m.

"The Vietnamese ship managed to rescue all of us by 3 a.m.," Insigne said.

The fisherman said the Vietnamese crew fed them, gave them time to rest, and provided them with other necessities, including radio communications, which they used to contact their fishing boat's owner.

Eventually, F/B Gem-Ver's sister ship picked them up from the Vietnamese vessel before they were transferred to the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

Insigne said he is very sure that it was a Chinese fishing vessel that hit them based on the fishing equipment it was using, which included a "Superlight" and metal.

He also said that in the many years he has been fishing, it was the first time that he was struck by a Chinese vessel, an incident that has deeply scared him and his crew.

The boat captain believes that their boat was struck intentionally, noting that if it were an accident, the offending vessel would have immediately stopped and picked them up from the waters.

"We were anchored and resting as we spent the entire day fishing. We were surprised when it suddenly appeared and hit us. In the past, when it comes alongside us, it just stays with us in peace," he related.

Insigne also described the Chinese vessel as larger than his fishing boat.

At the time their boat was hit, he said,they have caught about three tons of assorted fish, including "lapu-lapu" (grouper).

Members of the media earlier boarded the BRP Tausug (LC-295) in San Jose town to meet up with the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16), which was transporting Insigne and his crew.

There, medical staff of the naval ship treated the fishermen and provided them with medicines and food. The two naval ships met off the northeastern part of Capulong Island, Occidental Mindoro.

Insigne said he hopes that the government would do something to aid their operator in terms of financial losses.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the military can assist relevant government agencies in its probe into the incident.

"The AFP may assist the relevant government agency that may conduct a formal inquiry on the incident. But on top of it, we will, as we did upon learning of the incident, come to the aid and succor fellow Filipinos in need," he said in a message to reporters.

Earlier, Philippine Navy (PN) flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said that regardless of who is at fault, vessels that sustain minimal or no damage are obligated to rescue distressed mariners at sea.

This, he said, is mandated by the seafarer's conscience and is an established part of international maritime law.

Empedrad was referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which states that every signatory to the convention must require the master of a ship flying its flag to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost and to proceed to the rescue of persons in distress.

The Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) likewise sets out the obligation of ships' masters to render assistance if they are in a position to provide help upon receiving information that there are people in danger in the high seas.

"(Helping distressed mariners) is also conscience-based. Why would you not help people who are in danger of dying? What kind of people are you? I mean, regardless of who is to blame for the collision, especially in the event of a sinking, you have to help the people who are going to drown. It is the responsibility of everyone (to save distressed mariners)," Empedrad said in Filipino.

The Navy chief also said that he strongly supports the statement issued by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana condemning the incident and demanding that an investigation and diplomatic protest be made.

"We call for the conduct of a formal investigation on the matter and for diplomatic steps to be taken to prevent a repeat of this incident," Lorenzana said.

Empedrad added that nobody can just collide with a ship and leave the crew in the water.

The offending ship can be charged for possible violations of the "Rules of the Road", also known as the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972 (Colregs), which set rules for ships to prevent collisions between vessels, he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072420

Air Force activates FA-50PH simulator facility

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): Air Force activates FA-50PH simulator facility



(Photo courtesy: Air Force Public Affairs Office)

In line with efforts to produce more military pilots versed in fast jet operations, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Friday conducted acceptance, turn-over and blessing ceremonies for its FA-50PH flight simulator and facility at the Fighter Wing, Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga.

Present during the ceremonies were Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana who served as guest-of-honor together with the South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-Man, PAF spokesperson Maj. Aristides Galang said.

The FA-50PH flight simulator is a ground-based simulation training system that can help improve the operational capability of real aircraft through systematic flight training and tactical mission training programs.

It also provides the appropriate training environment for pilots by simulating scenarios similar to actual flight operations, Galang said.

The facility is part of the Horizon I of the AFP Modernization Project.

The construction of the facility began on October 19 last year and was finished last February 20, with the Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI) as contractor.

The Philippines' 12-plane contract with KAI is worth PHP18.9-billion and was signed in February 2014.

The FA-50PH has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one-and-a-half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines gets enough experience in operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.

The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities, among them the use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072419

PH urges US to help uphold states' sovereign rights in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15, 2019): PH urges US to help uphold states' sovereign rights in SCS

For the freedom of navigation to mean anything in the South China Sea (SCS), the United States must also use its power to uphold the sovereign rights of states surrounding the strategic waters, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Saturday.

"Freedom of navigation in the South China Sea by itself is merely the freedom to walk in a zoo past cages of animals. Freedom of navigation to mean anything includes willingness to use US power to uphold the sovereign rights of the littoral states of Southeast Asia or it is nothing," Locsin said, reacting to a statement from the US Embassy in Manila.

On Friday, the US issued a comment on the collision near Reed Bank in the West Philippine Sea involving Chinese and Filipino boats.

At the same time, it reiterated Washington's "clear" position on the South China Sea.

"We saw news reports of the collision at sea. We are thankful none of the Filipino fishermen lost their lives and glad that Vietnamese fishermen rescued them from the open sea," it said.

"Our position on the South China Sea is clear: We support lawful uses of the sea, respect for international law, unimpeded lawful commerce, and peace and stability. We urge all parties to refrain from using coercion and intimidation to assert their territorial and maritime claims," it added.

Although Locsin acknowledged that the statement was meant to fence-sit, he recalled that "the last time the US opened its mouth, it told the Philippines and China to stand down in Scarborough and withdraw."

"We did. China stayed. The US was silent. Silence gives consent. We lost. Under (President Donald) Trump this is supposed to change. (Former president Barack) Obama's craven diplomats must be purged from State," he said.

China, the Philippines, and several littoral states have overlapping claims in the vast South China Sea, believed to have deposits of oil and natural gases.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072428