Tagalog News: Kampanya laban CPP-NPA ng Army at PNP, pinaigting pa sa pamamagitan ng social media

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Tagalog News: Kampanya laban CPP-NPA ng Army at PNP, pinaigting pa sa pamamagitan ng social media

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN - Dahil sa kanilang determinasyon na mas mapaigting pa ang kampanya ng gobyerno laban kaguluhan at karagasan dulot ng Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) sa rehiyon ng Caraga, nagsasanay nang mabuti ang Philippine National Police (PNP) at Philippine Army (PA) sa pagbuo ng Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials at pagbahagi nito sa social media.

Ito ay para maipaabot sa publiko ang mga tamang impormasyon at labanan ang mga kasinungalingan ng teroristang grupo.

Sa isinagawang Journalism Training ng Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga sa mga kawani ng 402nd Brigade, PA at PNP Caraga regional office 13 sa lungsod ng Butuan, ipinamalas nila ang kanilang abilidad at pagiging malikhain sa pagbuo ng konsepto at mensahe para sa infographics at social media cards na kanilang ibabahagi sa netizens.

Para kay 1Lt. Wilfredo Quilang, commanding officer ng Bravo Company, 30th Infantry Battalion, PA na isa sa mga partisipante, mas lumawak ang kanyang kaalaman sa pagawa ng balita, feature news, infographics at social media cards bilang sandata sa online laban terorismo.

Ayon naman kay Police Corporal Laarni Mabilog ng Butuan City Police Office, tumaas ang kanilang morale sa isinagawang pagsasanay dahil marami siyang natuklasang bagong techniques sa pagawa ng IEC materials na magagamit ng kanilang ahensiya sa kanilang ibat-ibang programa at kampanya.

Pinuri naman ni 402nd Brigade Commander Col. Maurito Licudine ang lahat ng partisipante at hinimok na maging aktibo sa pagamit ng kanilang natutunan, at mas maging epektibo sa kanilang komunikasyon o pakikisalamuha at coordinasyon sa ibat-ibang sektor ng komunidad.

Samantala, binigyang-diin din ni PIA Caraga regional director Abner Caga na isa itong mabisang paraan upang ma-counter ang mga propaganda at panlilinlang ng teroristang CPP-NPA. Malaking tulong din ito sa pagpapalaganap ng Executive Order 70 o whole-of-nation approach sa pagsugpo ng insurgency sa rehiyon. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024892

Tagalog News: Mga ahensya ng gobyerno, nagpulong para sa pagsugpo sa insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Tagalog News: Mga ahensya ng gobyerno, nagpulong para sa pagsugpo sa insurgency

PAGADIAN CITY - - Nagpulong-pulong kamakailan sa Pagadian City ang mga member-agencies ng Regional Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (RPRLEC) na pinangungunahan ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), upang seryosong pag usapan ang mga gagawing tulong para sa mga rebel returnees, IPs at mga mahihirap sa mga liblib na lugar na kalimitan ay target ng insurgency.



Layunin ng RPRLEC ang poverty reduction, paggawa ng oportunidad sa trabaho; food security at patatagin o e-empower ang mga komunidad. Napagkasunduan ng naturang cluster na magkaroon ng isang pilot area ang bawat probinsya na magsisilbing model village bago matapos ang taong 2019.

Base sa rekomendasyon ng National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), napili ng naturang grupo ang barangay Titik, Leon Postigo sa Zamboanga del Norte at Guinoman, Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay bilang priority insurgency-prone areas, samantalang pag-uusapan pa kung aling lugar sa Zamboanga del Sur ang magiging pilot area.



Tiniyak ng naturang cluster na babaha ang tulong at serbisyo ng gobyerno sa maa-identify na pilot area, upang matiyak na hindi mahihikayat sa pagsapi sa anumang komunistang grupo ang mga naninirahan dito, lalong-lalo na ang mga kabataan.

Ang RPRLEC ay isa sa labindalawang cluster ng National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) na binuo ng administrasyong Duterte sa ilalim na EO 70 upang sugpuin ang insurgency sa bansa. (ALT/JPA-PIA9/Zamboanga del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024899

39 FRs complete TESDA training in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 22, 2019): 39 FRs complete TESDA training in Agusan Norte (By 23IB Philippine Army)

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte -- The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Caraga, in partnership with the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion and 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion under the operational control of 402nd Infantry Brigade together with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development, awarded certificates of completion to 39 former rebels (FRs) for the Technical for Works Scholarship Program (TWSP) at the 29IB headquarters, Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte on July 19, 2019.

The 39 FRs, considered as special clients, completed the training in Food Processing and Wellness Massage "Hilot" training.

This is part of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government in capacitating the FRs in preparation for their reintegration to the mainstream society.

One of the FRs from 23IB alias Mars, expressed his gratitude to the government for the assistance they provided to them.

“Dako kayo ang akong pasalamat sa gobyerno tungod sa ilang tabang nako. Niadtong anaa pa ko sulod sa kalihukan, grabe nga kalisod ang akong natagamtaman mao nga nakahuna-huna ko nga mobalik na sa sabakan sa gobyerno kay wala gyod koy kaugmaon kung mopadayon ko sa NPA. Pagsurender nako, wala ko nagdahom nga hatagan kog importansya sa gobyerno ug gitabangan gyod ko aron sa pagbaton ug bag-ong kinabuhi ug mas hayag nga kaugmaon pinaagi sa ilang mga programa (I am so grateful to the government for helping me. When I was still in the underground movement, I experienced too much hardship until I decided to go back to the folds of the government. The time I surrendered, I didn’t expect that the government will give me an importance and encouraged me build a new life)," said alias Mars.

Meanwhile, Dr. Ashary Abanto, Regional Director of TESDA, stressed that “the TESDA together with other government agencies continuously conducts trainings for special clients FRs to help them have better lives as they go back to the mainstream society.”

Likewise, Rep. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba of Agusan del Norte as the guest of honor and speaker, said the government is always willing to help them "but we beg you to value everything we gave to you. Don’t waste it for nothing.”

Moreover, 23IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Francisco Molina Jr. expressed his extreme gratitude to the government and to the FRs.

"We will continue encouraging the remaining victims of the CPP-NPA to return to the folds of the government. It's not yet the end of their time. Especially now that all government agencies are working together towards this endeavor," he said. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024897

4 hurt in Leyte road gun attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): 4 hurt in Leyte road gun attack



Image from Google maps

ORMOC CITY, Leyte – At least four persons, including a village chief, were injured when an unidentified assailant attacked a moving car along a populated portion of a national road in Jaro, Leyte on Sunday.

Jaro police chief Lt. Arnel Saregumba said the victims belonging to the families of Geraldo and Po from the nearby town of Tunga, were on their way home from Tacloban City, when perpetrators, on board a sports utility vehicle and believed to have been tailing them, attacked the victims.

The injured were identified as Estrella Geraldo, 62, village chief of San Pedro in Tunga town, businessman Leopoldo Po, 44 (driver); public school teacher Ailen Po, 40; and Rachel Cuña, 40.

Luckily, Wilfredo Geraldo, 62, and two children (six and four years of age) were not hurt during the gun attack in Hibucawan village, Jaro town early Sunday night.

Rescuers from the municipal disaster and risk reduction management office rushed all the victims to a hospital in Tacloban City.

Saregumba said in a phone interview that the victims’ brand new mini multi-purpose vehicle swerved towards the cliff near a bridge when the driver lost control of the steering wheel after a bullet hit his head.

The police are still pursuing the suspects, who drove back to the direction of Tacloban.

The police official said they are looking for footages captured by a closed-circuit television camera to help identify the attackers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075605

Army deploys community support teams in 5 Iloilo villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Army deploys community support teams in 5 Iloilo villages



SUPPORT TEAMS DEPLOYMENT. Men of the Philippine Army's 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB) on Monday (July 22, 2019) prepare for their deployment in five villages in Calinog town, Iloilo. The 61IB command said the Army will be deployed as part of the Community Support Program which aims to solve insurgency in villages with rebel influence. (Photo courtesy of 61IB)

ILOILO CITY -- The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) deployed on Monday 10 Community Support Program (CSP) teams to address the insurgency problem in five villages in Calinog town, Iloilo.

The CSP teams of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB), local government officials of Calinog, regional officials of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), among others, were present at the send-off ceremony at Camp General Ceferino S. Carreon, Libot village, Calinog.

Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the 61IB, said the villages of Guinbonyugan, Supanga, Binolosan Grande, Binolosan Pequeño and Manaripay will each have two CSP teams in their areas.

“Their purpose is to facilitate the convergence of stakeholders or facilitate the synchronized implementation of government services programs and projects,” Batara said in an interview Monday.

The CSP teams will also empower the LGU and the locals to address specific problems, one of which is the insurgency problem.

“Our teams will clear the minds of the locals there,” he said, noting that these villages are “influence” villages of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

He described Calinog town as the “mobility corridor” which rebels use as a passageway from time to time.

“They influence the people and sometimes they recruit their men from the villages,” he said.

According to him, leftist groups spread fake information on the ongoing construction of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP) II.

The PHP11.2-billion JRMP II, which is one of the flagship projects of the government, held its ceremonial groundbreaking on February 27.

Batara said the leftist group tells Calinog locals the mega-dam will lead to their “dislocation" among others.

“They poison the minds of the people. We will coordinate with the National Irrigation Administration to explain to them the benefits of the mega-dam,” he said.

The CSP teams will serve as facilitators to gather and coordinate with the right agencies that conduct information drives in the villages.

Meanwhile, Batara said the locals in the villages should take advantage of the presence of the CSP teams in their area.

“This is a people-oriented program and I hope each family, each sector should support this. This is not meant to destroy anyone. We facilitate the entry of government services and we address terrorism and insurgency,” he stressed, adding that ending insurgency calls for the cooperation of anyone.

The CSP teams will render a weekly development in their area of assignment, he said.

Batara said their deployment will last for three to six months depending on how it can empower the LGU and the village officials.

“The villages are expected to establish their own internal defense system that even without the Army, the people can protect themselves from any mechanisms of the rebels,” he said.

With the CSP deployment and coordination of the LGU, Batara is positive that inclusive and sustainable peace will be attained.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075636

150 military reservists undergo air-to-ground drills in Cebu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): 150 military reservists undergo air-to-ground drills in Cebu



AIR-TO-GROUND DRILLS. Reservist Cpl. Cesar Conde (left), designated radioman of the "Stick 2", performs the perimeter security formation along with other reservists who executed the parachute landing fall from the UH-1D helicopter during the air-to-ground field training exercises at a vacant lot in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City on Sunday (July 21, 2019). Around 150 reservists from the Philippine Army and Philippine Air Force joined the Air-to-Ground Operations Seminar training organized by PAF's 5th Air Force Reserve Center based in Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base on Mactan Island, Cebu. (Photo courtesy of Lt. Col. Tiburcio Adrian Umbac)

CEBU CITY – Around 150 military reservists in Central Visayas on Sunday joined air-to-ground exercises which are considered among the toughest drills experienced by the citizens' armed forces in the country, the 5th Air Force Reserve Center (5th ARCEN) said.

1st Lt. Czarina Arceo, operations officer of the 5th ARCEN, said the FTX (field training exercise) of the Air-to-Ground Operations Seminar (AGOS) training was successfully conducted with zero-casualty.

Brig. Gen. Simeon Felix Jr., commander of the Tactical Operations Wing Center based in Mactan Benito Ebuen Air Base on Mactan Island, Cebu, said during the opening ceremony that the AGOS training would serve as simulation of joint mobilization of the reservists coming from the different provinces in the region.

Felix said the training was meant to prepare the reservists in Central Visayas for any eventuality.

“As a military, you must be physically fit, mentally fit, and emotionally and spiritually prepared,” Felix said, stressing that adventurous trainings will make the reservists emotionally prepared and can easily perform the tasks given to them.

The chief of the Philippine Air Force’s tactical operations in central Philippines said the AGOS training provides the reservists enough competence to coordinate and communicate with the aircraft pilot and conduct marshaling in guiding the helicopter to hover and to land.

Those skills, he said, would prepare the reservists in case of crisis or calamities which may strike the region.

Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, director of the 701st Community Defense Center, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview that the Army Reserve Command’s 7th Regional Community Defense Group sent a 120-strong contingent to the training.

The Army reservists who joined the training came from Cebu, Bohol, and Negros Oriental. The Cebu contingent which was considered as the biggest comprised members of the 1901st Infantry Brigade Ready Reserve headed by reservist Brig. Gen. Erik Miguel Espina and the 701st Ready Reserve Battalion headed by reservist Lt. Col. Antonio Esmero.

The training started with a series of lectures on Saturday to educate the reservists in the region about the role of PAF in the country’s peace, security, and development efforts, significance of weather in airborne operations, basic communications, codes and signaling, and forward air guide.

The lecturers also provided the reservists knowledge about aircraft identification and ammunitions, close air support, air to ground techniques and safety.

They were also trained to perform the parachute landing fall (PLF), the basic jumping technique in any air-to-ground operations. They boarded a UH-1D Huey helicopter flyby before jumping off, executing the PLF to the ground and performing the perimeter security formation before exfiltration.

1st Lt. Ronald Conopio and Cpl. Cesar Conde, who are both enlisted reservists of the 1901st, told the PNA that it was their first time to undergo such an adventure as a citizen army.

Among the notable reservists who joined the training were Maj. Liza Quirog of the provincial government of Bohol, Lt. Col. Lino Garsuta who is a licensed physical therapist and a college professor, Lt. Col. Mario Montejo who is the regional director of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Lt. Col. Tiburcio Adrian Umbac who is a labor arbiter of the National Labor Relations Commission, and Maj. Thadeo Jonkie Ouano, an incumbent board member of the provincial government of Cebu, among others.

Other reservists who joined the training are teachers, psychologists, journalists, call center agents, security consultants, office clerks, among others.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075626

NoCot village chairman, escort shot dead

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): NoCot village chairman, escort shot dead



Google map of Midsayap town, North Cotabato.

COTABATO CITY – Unidentified gunmen shot dead Monday morning a village chief of North Cotabato town and his escort, police said.

Lt. Col. Benito Rotia Jr., Midsayap town police chief, identified the slain official as Alcon Guiabar Tubasan, 44, of Barangay Tumbras, Midsayap, North Cotabato, and Samanudin Inok, 26, a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT).

Rotia said Tubasan’s wife, Armia Bacar Tubasan, 39, was not harmed by the gunmen.

Initial police investigation showed that the village official and his companions had just finished taking breakfast at a roadside restaurant in Barangay Poblacion 8, when two of four gunmen onboard two separate motorbikes approached and opened fire on them.

“Witnesses said the victims were about to board a tricycle in front of Otso Restaurant around 9 a.m. when four men on two motorbikes arrived. Two of them shot the victims at close range,” the police official said in a radio interview.

Inok, the BPAT member, was reportedly armed and the gunmen took his firearm before fleeing, the same witnesses added.

Spent shells from .45-caliber and 9mm pistols were found at the crime scene.

Relatives said Tubasan’s family is currently locked in a “rido” (family feud) with another Muslim clan in Barangay Tumbras.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075647

Murder raps filed vs. 'rebels' over NegOr cops’ deaths

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Murder raps filed vs. 'rebels' over NegOr cops’ deaths



WAKE OF SLAIN COPS. The remains of Cpl. Relebert Beronio, and Patrolmen Raffy Callao, Ruel Cabellon, and Marquino de Leon of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 (RMFB7), lie in state at the multi-purpose hall of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) at Camp Francisco Fernandez in Agan-an, Sibulan town, in a file photo taken on Saturday, (July 20, 2019). The four cops were tortured and killed allegedly by 15 or more members of the New People’s Army. (Presidential Photo)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Ayungon, Negros Oriental filed over the weekend multiple murder and robbery charges against six suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members for the killing of four police officers in Barangay Mabato in this town last Thursday.

Police Capt. Romel Luga, police chief of Ayungon, confirmed on Monday that the criminal charges were filed against suspects Victoriano Bangala Anadon Jr., Jonathan Baldivino, Rengie Anadon Baluhabo, Gelie Anadon Ebedo, Joseph Torres Ogates, and Jelly Anadon Ebedo.

Except for Victoriano Anadon Jr., the five other suspects remain at large, Luga said.

Other John Does at large were also included in the complaint sheet, he said.

The six suspects were charged with murder for the deaths of Cpl. Relebert Beronio, and Patrolmen Raffy Callao, Ruel Cabellon, and Marquino de Leon of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 (RMFB7).

The four police intelligence officers were captured, tortured, and killed allegedly by 15 or more members of the NPA while they were on their way to the house of Anadon Jr. around 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

Luga said based on witnesses’ testimonies and photos, all six suspects have been identified as alleged NPA members.

Robbery charges were also filed against them for allegedly taking away the cops’ service firearms and other personal belongings.

The charges were filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office through inquest proceedings by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Ronald R. Tenaja.

Anadon is now under detention at the Ayungon Police Station awaiting a commitment order for transfer to the Negros Oriental Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Dumaguete City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075673

Teachers in Davao Norte get threat of 'tribal war'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Teachers in Davao Norte get threat of 'tribal war'



Google map of Talaingod town, Davao del Norte.

DAVAO CITY--The mayor in the Davao del Norte town of Talaingod said he requested the Department of Education (DepEd) to temporarily halt the deployment of teachers in the town after receiving a “pangayaw” or tribal war threat.

Mayor Jonnie Libayao said Monday he received the threat through a text message on Saturday, the same day the local government declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) "persona non-grata" in the municipality.

Libayao said he immediately called a meeting on Sunday with the local police and the military stationed in the town, adding he was worried over the safety of the teachers--especially those assigned in the town's far-flung areas.

Talaingod, a second-class municipality, is mostly mountainous and has been a flashpoint for communist rebel activities. The town is home to Ata-Manobo tribal communities.

“As the mayor, I want to make sure that our teachers are safe. This is why I sought the temporary halt on their deployment to their assigned schools,” Libayao said.

In particular, Libayao said he requested that DepEd teachers temporarily cease classes in four areas covering three barangays because of their isolated locations.

To further ensure the teacher’s safety, Libayao said he asked tribal leaders in the three communities to verify the threat and obtain assurance for the teachers' safety.

He said the threat could possibly come from other Ata Manobo NPA leaders who are sympathetic to the Salugpongan schools, whose permit to operate was suspended by DepEd last week for alleged links with the communist rebel movement.

Meanwhile, DepEd-Region 11 spokesperson Jenelieto Atillo has called on government security forces to consider the threat seriously, saying the learners of the affected schools will be adversely impacted if classes remain suspended for many days.

“It is not good that something of this sort has transpired. Whether the issue on "pangayaw" is true or not, this matter must be given utmost and serious attention considering there is an element of threat against the lives of our teachers,” Atillo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075705

Pacman win an inspiration to PH: Army chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Pacman win an inspiration to PH: Army chief



MANILA -- Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao's victory over American boxer Keith Thurman did not just inspire the Philippine Army (PA) but the entire nation as well.

This was stressed by Army commander, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, in a statement forwarded to reporters shortly after the boxing match Sunday.

"The PA congratulates Manny Pacquiao on his win, bringing pride not only to his fellow Army soldiers but to the entire nation as well. His discipline and determination will inspire our soldiers all over the country who are continuing to fight for a just and lasting peace," he stressed.

In December 2017, Pacquiao was promoted to the rank of a full-fledged colonel after finishing his General Staff Course.

Prior to this, his promotion to lieutenant colonel was approved in September 2011 as recommended by Army Officials.

He first enlisted in the Army Reserve Force with the rank of sergeant in 2006 with the recommendation of then Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff, General Alexander Yano.

Pacquiao was then promoted to technical sergeant in the same year, rising through the ranks when he became a master sergeant in 2009.

Earlier, the Army chief hosted a live viewing of the Pacquiao-Thurman fight at the Ricarte Hall, PA Officers Clubhouse, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

The viewing was part of the Wounded Warriors' Program attended by wounded Army soldiers and their dependents.

Several celebrities were also in attendance such as Matteo Guidicelli, Robin Padilla, Solenn Heusaff and husband Nico Bolzico, and Rhian Ramos.

The match between Pacquiao and Thurman was held at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas Saturday night (US time).

The boxer-senator, commonly known as 'Pacman', prevailed against Thurman over a split decision and won his 13th world title overall.

There, Pacquiao scored his 61st win against seven defeats and two draws. Thurman, meanwhile, suffered his first career loss after a 29-0 start with 22 knockouts.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075615

Intel cops in civilian clothes not for surveillance: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Intel cops in civilian clothes not for surveillance: PNP



MANILA – The deployment of non-uniformed intelligence monitoring teams in rally sites for the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Rodrigo Duterte is not aimed at conducting surveillance among protesters, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

"This is not for surveillance on them. This is for their own safety. Remember, even these militant protesters do not personally know all those joining them. They should really understand why police intelligence operatives are deployed. This is for their own safety, for the safety of the community," PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters in a press briefing during his inspection of policemen deployed along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City hours before the President Duterte’s fourth SONA.

The police have intensified security measures following the suicide bombing in Sulu last June 28.

The country’s top cop said that police intelligence operatives were tasked to secure the protesters from infiltrators who may disrupt or sabotage the peaceful conduct of protest actions.

"Our goal here is simple, peaceful conduct of the protest actions so I hope that they (protesters) would cooperate and help us," said Albayalde.

Albayalde said that he placed the entire PNP on full alert status since Saturday to ensure the availability of security forces to perform law enforcement and public safety duties, as the President of the Republic of the Philippines delivers his State of the Nation Address at the opening of the 18th Congress.

“To ensure that everyone will enjoy the right to freely and peacefully appreciate the significance of this occasion, the entire PNP is on full alert to address any situation that will require police action,” Albayalde said.

“I am confident that with all our preparations, including the series of dialogues and coordination with leaders and organizers of participating groups in the projected mass actions today, the 2019 SONA will be peaceful, orderly, and uneventful,” Albayalde added.

Guided by President Duterte’s specific instructions to allow free expression and public assembly, and prevent violent confrontation between security forces and rallyists, the instruction to CDM units is to observe maximum tolerance at all times, even when provoked.

Albayalde said they have not monitored any serious threat of attacks.

"Sa ngayon, wala pa rin naman (and) as of this time wala pa tayong nakukuhang (For now, there is none and as of this time, we have not monitored any) threat. But then again, we appeal to the public to remain vigilant," Albayalde told reporters.

Albayalde said the annual SONA is an important national event that every Filipino must look forward to with enthusiasm and optimism to witness the President of the Republic of the Philippines deliver his annual review of achievements, statement of the present situation and announcement of future prospects before the joint houses of Congress.

The SONA, which is delivered by the President of the Philippines every year, is a constitutional obligation, required by Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution.

It is a venue that allows the President to report on the state of the country, as well as the government’s agenda for the coming year, and to propose certain legislative measures to be acted upon by Congress.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075618

Sotto to prioritize anew anti-terrorism bill

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Sotto to prioritize anew anti-terrorism bill



RE-ELECTED. Senator Vicente Sotto III takes his oath as the re-elected Senate President during the opening of the 18th Congress. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA -- Senate President Vicente Sotto III on Monday said he would prioritize again the three measures that the previous Congress failed to pass.

As the Senate opened its first day of session, Sotto said the priority bills that he would push for in the 18th Congress include the proposed Anti-Terrorism Act, the Foreign Investment Act, and the proposed amendments to the Public Service Act.

"More or less the amendments to the Human Security Act which eventually be called the Anti-Terrorism Act is going to be a priority, and then the amendments also to the Public Service Act and the Foreign Investments Act," Sotto told reporters in an interview.

"These were some of the bills that I know were left from the 17th Congress that we wanted to prioritize, but for lack of time," he added.

Sotto said he is also expecting President Rodrigo Duterte to ask Congress to pass some of his priority bills, particularly those that will support the administration's "Build, Build, Build" program, during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA).

"We expect him to ask Congress to pass some of the bills that were not taken up during the last Congress, and that he will seek the support of Congress again so that programs, particularly the 'Build, Build, Build' program will continue and that the other programs will be supported," Sotto said.

Sotto, who was re-elected as Senate President during the first day of the first regular session of the 18th Congress, vowed that the chamber would be "independent, balanced, and sincere" while still being "cooperative" with the current administration.

"I will reiterate what we promised during the May elections when I was elected Senate President, that we will be cooperative but independent, balanced, and sincere," Sotto said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075641

Lim, Faeldon eyed to take witness stand vs. Trillanes

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Lim, Faeldon eyed to take witness stand vs. Trillanes



MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim (left) and Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor Faeldon (right). (File photo)

MANILA – State lawyers on Monday informed the Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC), which is hearing the rebellion case against embattled former lawmaker Antonio Trillanes IV, that the prosecution will call two former allies of the lawmaker from the military, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Danilo Lim and Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) chief Nicanor Faeldon, to take the witness stand.

The prosecution informed Judge Elmo Alameda that there "would be no need for a subpoena" to compel the two witnesses who were members of the military group which stormed the Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati City hostage in November 2007 after walking out of a trial.

Assistant State Prosecutor Evee Eunice De Keyser declined to elaborate on the specific points that Lim and Faeldon would be asked to testify in connection with Trillanes case which resumes trial in October.

Defense counsel Reynaldo Robles informed the court that they would object against allowing Lim and Faeldon to take the witness stand and said the two were not on the original list of witnesses submitted to the court.

However, prosecutors clarified that they can lawfully include additional testimony to shed light on the case.

Likewise during Monday's hearings, the defense conducted a cross-examination of Assistant State Prosecutor Mary Jane Sytat who had been a prosecutor 12 years ago and present during the Manila Peninsula incident.

Sytat testified to how one of the accused, Navy Lt. Senior Grade James Layug, stood up during the trial and ordered that it be stopped and then how Trillanes and the group walked out and walked to the Manila Peninsula hotel.

The group was subsequently penalized with 10 days imprisonment for contempt of court.

Faeldon, 53, was a bemedaled captain with the Philippine Marine Corps, when on July 27, 2003, along with a group of 321 military men took control of the Oakwood serviced apartments in Makati City. He was captured and detained until the Manila Peninsula incident on November 29, 2007.

The Manila Peninsula siege involved Trillanes, Brig. Gen. Danilo D. Lim, and 25 other Magdalo officers who walked out of their trial and marched through the streets of Makati City, called for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and seized the second floor of the hotel along Ayala Avenue.

The reinstatement of charges against Trillanes came after President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 572, which declared the former Navy Lieutenant Senior Grade’s amnesty as void ab initio (from the beginning).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075664

Slay of 4 NegOr cops part of NPA terror acts: NTF ELCAC

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Slay of 4 NegOr cops part of NPA terror acts: NTF ELCAC



Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines' Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations (PNA File photo)

MANILA – The cold-blooded torture and execution of four undercover police by members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Ayungon town, Negros Oriental on July 18 is nothing new as they have been committing atrocities left and right for the past 50 years.

This, according to Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), in a statement Monday which condemned all gruesome acts perpetrated by the communist terrorists.

"What else is new? The CPP-NPA has been doing these barbaric acts ever since. Last June 14, they beheaded a CAFGU member Ryard Badiang in Surigao Sur. A few weeks ago we found the body of an NPA medic they tortured, killed and buried in a shallow grave, after being suspected of being a government spy," he said.

Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines' Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, said the rebels have no qualms in killing these four police officers as they been known to brutally torture and kill their own supporters whom they suspect of betraying them.

These atrocities, he said, are made for the public viewing as the CPP-NPA have posted them on their website in 2018 as part of their anniversary statements.

"If they can torture and brutally kill their own kind, more than 6,000 of them during the Oplan 'Missing Link, Kadena de Amor, Ahos, Zombie, and Oplan Olympia' during the purge in the early and mid 1980's (see the CPP Anniversary Statements published in the CPP website in 2018), torturing and killing four, police agents at that, is peanuts to the CPP-NPA," he added.

Parlade lauded Human Rights Watch (HRW) researcher Carlos Conde for calling the killing of the four police officers as a serious violation of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by the rebel group, in his Facebook post last July 20.

"But is Mr. Conde saying that it is only now that he knew about these IHL violations of the CPP-NPA? As a member of College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) during his student days, and later of NUJP which are both front organizations of the CPP, is he now declaring he did not know about the killings that most of their colleagues from the CPP and NPA have been doing through the years?" he added.

Although Conde admittedly is now out of the CPP-NPA ambit since joining HRW, Parlade said the former is still allied with the communist organization.

"After joining the HRW, Mr. Conde is technically out of direct supervision and discipline of the CPP, but remains an ally. He has not severed his links with the NDF (National Democratic Fron)t but remains a significant partner of the CPP," he said.

Conde's Facebook post shows he doesn’t agree to the killings of the four police officers perpetrated by the CPP-NPA in Ayungon, Negros Oriental. Earlier reports claimed that the undercover police officers were lured by their rebel contact into an NPA trap where they were captured, disarmed, tortured and executed.

"But this time Mr. Conde is now saying that he is not agreeable to these killings in Ayungon by his former colleagues in the communist terrorist group. Is he, therefore, ready to condemn this dastardly act of summary execution? If this is true, you are heaven-sent Mr. Conde. This is exactly what we are saying -- activism is welcome but this killing is an act of terrorism," Parlade added.

Work together

He said the HRW and the government, along with other members of militant groups, deceived by the double-talk of the CPP-NPA, can work together to denounce the brutalities and atrocities committed the rebel group.

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

"Mr. Conde can bring along his former colleagues from NUJP and even NUPL(National Union of Peoples' Lawyers) and Karapatan, but only if they believe that they, too, were deceived by the CPP. This is only possible if they can condemn the violence of this communist terrorist group," he said.

He added that it is time that these individuals separate themselves from the CPP and help the government in pursuing and defending the human rights of the country's vulnerable sectors.

"At this point, we also urge all the other exploited members of the Kamatayan Bloc, the poor teachers of ACT (Alliance of Concerned Teachers) the unwitting mothers of GABRIELA, our youth in LFS (League of Filipino Students) ANAKBAYAN and KABATAAN who were exploited for their naivete, our innocent OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers) who joined MIGRANTE for protection while overseas, and the many more who are joining the street march this Monday for SONA (State-Of-the-Nation Address)," Parlade said.

Thin line

While activism is always welcome in a democracy, many of these rallyists do not realize they very thin line they are threading which is only a step to espousing terrorism.

"Many of them do not know what they are shouting about. Their activism is welcome in this democracy, but they don't realize the very thin line they are threading, which is only a step to espousing terror. Many were only too poor not to accept payment to join the protest. Many of these students are joining, only because their CPP cadre teachers require them to be in the streets in order for them to get better grades. Indeed, many of these laborers were promised many things by the CPP, in order for them to join the rallies," he said.

Parlade also expressed hope that many of these individuals, deceived by the communist rebels, will return to the government voluntarily and work together to achieve peace and progress.

This can be achieved, he said, with the help of the NTF ELCAC that is willing to welcome them with open arms and thus prove to the world that poverty is the result of insurgency and not the other way around.

"We hope most of you will wake up and realize how you were hoodwinked by the CPP into blind obedience. We hope many of you will be enlightened, just like Mr. Conde," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075623

Justice served as Sandigan drops 'Morong 43' raps: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 22, 2019): Justice served as Sandigan drops 'Morong 43' raps: AFP



AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)

MANILA -- Justice is served.

This was how Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, described the Sandiganbayan 7th Division's dismissal of the torture and preventing access to lawyers charges filed by the so-called "Morong 43" against seven ranking military and police officers in 2010.

"While we are yet to obtain a copy of the Sandiganbayan decision and learned about it only from news reports, the AFP is elated that justice is served for the respondent military (and police) officers," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency Monday.

"The AFP hails this verdict of the Sandiganbayan’s Seventh Division that clears Generals (now retired) Jorge Segovia, Aurelio Baladad, and Joselito Reyes; and Brigadier General Cristobal Zaragoza from the charges of torture and preventing access to lawyers for the 43 arrested individuals who represented themselves as health workers arrested in a resort compound in Morong, Rizal in 2010 on information that they were into bomb-making training," he added.

Named as respondents, in this case, are police officers Marion Balonglong, Allan Nobleza, and Jovily Cabading.

Also, the Sandiganbayan decision debunked the claim of the prosecution that the lawyers for the persons arrested were prevented from talking to their clients, who also happen to be the complainants in the case.

Arevalo added that the dismissal of the case against named three retired and lone active generals further goes to show that the AFP abides by the mandates of the Bill of Rights.

"Further, the ruling implies that the allegations are unfounded even as we maintain that the charges are meant to legally harass security forces who were in a legitimate combat and law enforcement operation. The charges of torture were dropped and the hold departure orders against the accused were lifted," he pointed out. The complainants, thru counsels, failed to prove in their own testimonies their charges against the accused military officer thereby rendering a decision adverse to the complainant, Arevalo stressed.

"We enjoin NUPL (National Union of People's Lawyers) President Edre Olalia to respect the decision of the court and avail of legal remedies available," the AFP spokesperson concluded.

On Friday, the anti-graft court's 7th Division cleared the police and military officials as it granted their demurrer to evidence.

A demurrer to evidence is a document that seeks to dismiss outright a case due to insufficiency of evidence presented by the prosecution.

Each of the seven officials was charged with eight counts of violation of Republic Act 7438 or the Rights of Persons Arrested, Detained or Under Custodial Investigation.

In a 39-page ruling penned by Associate Justice Zaldy Trespasses and concurred by Associate Justices Maria Theresa Dolores Gomez Estoesta and Georgina Hidalgo, the court held that the prosecution failed to prove that the health workers had a lawyer at the time of their arrest.

The case stemmed from the military and police officials' act of turning away private lawyers from the NUPL who tried to talk to the “Morong 43” members at the time of their detention.

In siding with the police and military officials, the court said the NUPL members were not lawyers whom the health workers chose to represent them in the case.

The “Morong 43” members were detained for 10 months after they were arrested for allegedly holding an explosives training at a house in Morong, Rizal.

In December 2010, the Department of Justice dropped the criminal charges against the “Morong 43”.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075677