'Oplan Sauron' to continue in Negros Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): 'Oplan Sauron' to continue in Negros Oriental



Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde. (PNA file photo)

“Operation Sauron” or the intensified campaign of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental will continue, according to PNP Director, General Oscar Albayalde.

Albayalde issued the statement during a visit to the wake of four policemen at Camp Francisco Fernandez in Agan-an, Sibulan, Negros Oriental over the weekend.

Since “maganda ang epekto,” (the results were good) if we see that this Oplan Sauron is effective to end insurgency not just in Negros but throughout the country, then why not,” Albayalde pointed out.

"Operation Sauron", which pertains to the beefed-up campaign of the AFP and PNP against suspected New People's Army (NPA) guerillas in Negros Oriental, does not hinder the campaign against criminality and illegal drugs, he stressed.

Records show that in less than six months, 20 people were killed as part of the campaign.

In November last year, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Memorandum Order 32 directing the military and the police to undertake all necessary measures to suppress any and all forms of lawless violence in the Mindanao region and the provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Samar and Bicol.

The same directive prompted the deployment of additional troops in Negros Oriental.

In an official statement read by Albayalde at the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) command, he vehemently denounced and condemned in the strongest sense the inhumane acts and gross violation of human rights committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to the four policemen who were slain Thursday last week.

He said the long arms of the law are now stretching within and beyond the borders to catch all those responsible for the death of the policemen.

“We are calling on the people of Negros Oriental to maintain their allegiance to the sovereign power of the state, reject and deny the promotion of arms struggle being viciously inculcated in the minds and hearts of the people by the CPP/NPA/NDF terrorists for this is the greatest hindrance to progress and development that everyone is entitled to enjoy,” Albayalde said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075740

2 BIFF members yield to Army in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): 2 BIFF members yield to Army in NoCot



BIFF SURRENDER. The two Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (blurred faces) and their firearms following their surrender to the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion in Pikit, North Cotabato on Monday (July 22, 2019). At their side is a senior officer of the Army’s 7th IB. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

Two members of Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in the border of North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces have yielded to the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion (7IB) and handed over two high powered guns, the military here said Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the two BIFF surrenderers turned over an M14 rifle and a homemade .50-caliber sniper rifle during simple surrender ceremonies at the 7th IB headquarters in Pikit, North Cotabato on Monday. The identities of the surrenderers were withheld for security reasons.

Their surrender came a month after a commander of the BIFF also gave himself up to the 7IB. He surrendered an M-14 rifle and one B-40 rocket-propelled grenade rifle.

“The surrender of the BIFF fighters is an indication the Army’s campaign against terrorist groups in Maguindanao and North Cotabato is gaining headway,” Carreon said.

He appealed to other BIFF members to come down from the mountains and live normal lives again instead of pursuing a lost cause.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075726

Westmincom leads 'emergency' bloodletting vs. dengue

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): Westmincom leads 'emergency' bloodletting vs. dengue

MORE BLOOD VS. DENGUE. Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, donates blood Tuesday, July 23, in an emergency bloodletting activity for dengue patients. Westmincom initiated the activity in partnership with other agencies and associations. (PNA photo by Teofilo P. Garcia Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Some 42,300 cubic centimeters of blood were collected Tuesday during the joint emergency bloodletting activity initiated by the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) in this city.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, said the bloodletting activity is for the benefit of dengue patients who need a blood transfusion.

Sobejana said they initiated the activity, in partnership with other organizations and agencies, as the local health office has recorded high cases of dengue and there is a shortage of blood supply.

The regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) has reported that there were 8,076 cases of dengue all over the region, with 48 deaths recorded as of July 6.

DOH data showed that Zamboanga City registered 2,663 cases of dengue, the highest compared to other areas in the region. The DOH regional office further stated that the cases recorded as of July 6 is 285 percent higher than the 2,067 cases registered in the same period last year.

“We are thankful that several people responded to our call to voluntarily donate blood despite the short notice,” said Sobejana, who also donated blood.

“This is a manifestation that the whole-of-nation approach is working to address whatever problem we confront,” he added.

The bloodletting activity was held at the La Solidaridad Hall of Westmincom in partnership with the Westmincom Defense Press Corps, Zamboanga Press Club, Inc., Zamboanga City Medical Center, City Health Office, police, Coast Guard, Navy, and, Fraternal Order of the Eagles.

The bloodletting activity is anchored on the theme “Sama-Sama kontra Dengue.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075815

Westmincom chief backs reinstatement of death penalty

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): Westmincom chief backs reinstatement of death penalty



Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command chief. (PNA file photo)

The chief of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said Tuesday he supports the reinstatement of the death penalty for heinous crimes, which forms part of the legislative agenda spelled out by President Rodrigo Duterte in his 4th State of the National Address (SONA) on Monday.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, said the reinstatement of the death penalty will boost the campaign of the government against the proliferation of illegal drugs in the country.

Sobejana said the reinstatement of the penalty will serve as a strong deterrence for individuals from getting involved in the illegal drug trade.

During his fourth SONA on Monday, Duterte requested Congress to reinstate the death penalty for heinous crimes related to drugs, as well as plunder.

Duterte noted that after three years since he took office, the problems on illegal drugs and corruption continue to persist despite the administration’s moral recovery initiatives.

Sobejana said the capital punishment would ensure that "no one will dare to get involved in drug trafficking and other heinous crimes with the reinstatement of the death penalty".

He added they will continue to provide support to the other agencies of government in the fight against illegal drugs in areas where their assistance is needed.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075792

Army provides food to abandoned, hungry anti-SONA rallyists

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): Army provides food to abandoned, hungry anti-SONA rallyists




TO THE RESCUE. Soldiers from the Army's 403rd Brigade in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, distribute food packs to rally participants who assembled at the Provincial Capitol grounds Monday to protest President Duterte's State of the Nation Address on Monday. Protest leaders, however, abandoned the rallyists who were left without transportation back to their villages. (403rd Brigade photo)

MALAYBALAY CITY--Some 70 participants invited to a protest action against the 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday were seemingly abandoned and left hungry by organizers, prompting the Army to give them food and water.

A statement by the Army's 403rd Infantry Brigade Tuesday said the rallyists were bused in from rural villages to hold their protest inside the Provincial Capitol grounds here.

"Early birds were welcomed by singing soldiers who were ahead in the Capitol grounds. A team of soldier-medics were also at the capitol grounds offering free blood pressure check," the 403rd IBde statement said.

"The soldiers shared bread and canned soft drinks to the rally participants while waiting for their leaders. Little did they know that the snack shared by the soldiers will be their last meal for the day. Worse, they were later given instruction by the rally leaders to vilify the soldiers," it added.

Based on the statements from the rallyists, the Army brigade claimed that their organizers taught them to shout protest slogans and other invectives against the military.

It added that a confusion among the would-be protesters broke out hours later as the protest leaders decided to change the venue.

"Then while they (protesters) were waiting for food at around 3 p.m., they were abandoned as their leaders left when the rain started to pour," the 403rd IB said.

According to the military, some participants told them they were recruited by two organizers who promised them food and bus fare.

With most of the participants unable to go home because they had no money, the Army said social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development intervened to provide assistance to the stranded protesters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075842

Avoiding WPS conflict compels PH to adopt delicate balancing act

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): Avoiding WPS conflict compels PH to adopt delicate balancing act



BALANCING ACT. President Rodrigo Duterte tackles the West Philippine Sea issue in his 4th State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday (July 22, 2019). He said the avoidance of conflict and protection of the country's territorial waters compel the government to perform a delicate balancing act on the issue. (PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan)

The Philippine government is performing a "delicate balancing act" on the issue of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) so as to avoid engaging with conflict with other claimants such as China, President Rodrigo Duterte assured the public on Monday.

"On the matter of the West Philippine Sea. The avoidance of conflict -- armed conflict and protection of our territorial waters and natural resources compel us to perform a delicate balancing act," he said during his 4th State of the Nation Address at the Joint Session of the 18th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

"A shooting war is grief and misery multiplier. War leaves widows and orphans in its wake. I am not ready or inclined to accept the occurrence of more destruction, more widows and more orphans, should war, even on a limited scale, breaks out," he said.

The chief executive added that the administration believes that a bilateral discussion would prove to be fruitful than a squabble in public, thus the existing Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea between the two states.

"That is why I will do in the peaceful way, mindful of the fact that it is our national pride and territorial integrity that are at stake," he assured.

Answering those urging the government to stand up and stop those who fish in the country's exclusive economic zone, Duterte said the Philippines "will do in due time".

Defending PH ties with China

Meanwhile, the President defended Manila's friendly ties with Beijing.

Duterte shared that during his first few months as president, the rifle sale between the Philippines and the United States was cancelled, a deal which was supposed to be critical on law enforcement, especially with the reported passing of weapons within Marawi at that time.

"When I became President and when the M16 rifles were cancelled by America upon the prodding of the US Congress, I found myself in a quandary because reports were already very ripe na (that) there was the passing of arms in Marawi," he shared.

"And because the arms were already -- mostly in the hands of the police, hands-me-down from the army were quite old and sometimes the bolt that pushes the bullet flies out and the barrel has really become lose, and there are no more lands and plains to push it into a circular trajectory to maintain its accuracy. So I was forced to go to China," he said.

In 2016, he had his state visit to Beijing where he held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During his talks with Xi, the Filipino leader bared that he asserted Manila's right to dig oil in the disputed waters.

"In that meeting, I said --- Cabinet members were there --- 'I want to go to my territory to dig oil.' That was the word, 'I dig.' Because that is ours. President Xi on the other hand said: 'Well, you know there is a conflict there. Do you think, rather than go there and have a confrontation --- not necessarily the grey ships, war ships. But you know a squabble there could lead to something else,'" Duterte said, recalling a conversation between him and the Chinese leader.

Duterte added that Xi brought Beijing and Manila's recently thawed relations and asked that they discuss the prevailing territorial dispute "but not an outright precipitate move" because, as the Chinese president put it, "it can mean trouble.”

"If the trouble comes out from the mouth of a president of a republic, anong magawa ko? (What can I do). So what did I answer? 'Well then maybe, sir, we can talk about this at some other time.' But definitely, before I go, we must talk about the West Philippine Sea. We cannot you know, have our cake and eat it too," he said.

Citing the existing condition in the area, Duterte said he cannot easily send the Coast Guards to drive the Chinese away from Philippine waters.

"China also claims the property and he is in possession. ‘That's the problem. They're the ones in possession and claiming all the resources there as an owner. We are claiming the same but we are not in the position because of that fiasco noong dalawang nag-standoff doon (when the two standoff there) during the time of my predecessor si Albert, ambassador," he said.

Duterte was referring to the standoff between China and the Philippines at the Panatag (Scarborough Shoal) in 2012. On June 15, 2012, the Philippines withdrew its two vessels, but China did not.

"Tayo ang umatras. Pagsabi niya umatras, that was a kind of a compromise. Tayo ang umatras. Noong umatras tayo, pumasok sila. Marami na (We were the ones who withdrew. When he said withdraw, that was a kind of a compromise. When we backed off, they entered the waters. They're already too many)," he narrated.

Nevertheless, Duterte maintained that WPS belongs to the Philippines and the national honor and territorial integrity “shall be foremost in our mind”.

“When we may take the next steps in this smoldering controversy over the lines of arbitral ruling, the West Philippine Sea is ours. There is no ifs and buts. It is ours. But we have been acting, along that legal truth and line. But we have to temper it with the times and the realities that we face today,” Duterte said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075715

Task force's success in securing SONA lauded

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): Task force's success in securing SONA lauded



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

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal commended the officers and enlisted personnel of Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) for doing a good job in ensuring the peaceful conclusion of President Rodrigo R. Duterte's fourth State-Of-the-Nation Address (SONA).

This was bared by AFP spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo in a message to reporters shortly after the conclusion of the SONA Monday.

"AFP chief General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. commends the officers, men, and women of Joint Task Force NCR under the command of Brigadier General Cristobal Zaragoza and the ready force contingents from the Army, Air Force , Navy, and Marines for their hard work and sacrifices that led to the success of this historic event in our nation’s history," he said.

Arevalo added that weeks of security planning, preparation, coordinations, and rehearsals conducted by the JTF-NCR paid off.

"The fourth SONA of President and Commander-in-Chief Rodrigo Duterte has been delivered. So far, on the part of the AFP, there was no reported untoward incident inside and outside the Session Hall where Senators and Congressional Representatives hold a joint session," the AFP spokesperson said.

Around 14,000 police officers and auxilliaries, including those of JTF-NCR, were deployed to secure this year's SONA.

Earlier, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato urged the public to immediately report to authorities any suspicious looking individuals or activities within their immediate vicinity.

"The AFP calls on our citizens to report to authorities any suspicious individuals and activities in their surroundings. The fight against terrorism and the preservation of peace are a shared responsibility of everyone so we should all do our part in this whole of nation approach towards peace and development," Detoyato stressed.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075731

PNP lauds PRRD bounty vs. killers of 4 NegOr cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): PNP lauds PRRD bounty vs. killers of 4 NegOr cops



PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde (File photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte's move to offer a bounty for the capture of the suspects in the crime.

"What is good here is it will entice the people to come out and speak because we know that there were many witnesses because our policemen were executed right in front of the barangay folks there,” PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters during a press conference held in Camp Crame.

“The report that reached us said the people from the barangay were gathered and the police officers were executed in front of them,” he added.

Duterte earlier offered a PHP1 million reward for the capture of the killers but later bared that he would add PHP300,000 to the bounty.

In a chance interview after his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Duterte said he preferred to have the killers dead.

“Mas gusto kong patay sila. Kung patay sila magdadagdag pa ako ng PHP300,000 (I prefer to see them dead. If they’re dead, I’m going to add PHP300,000). So it’s [PHP1.3 million], just bring me the head of that idiot leader there,” Duterte said.

Over the weekend, the PNP in Ayungon, Negros Oriental filed multiple murder and robbery charges against six suspected NPA members for the killing of the four police officers in Barangay Mabato in this town last July 18.

Capt. Romel Luga, Ayungon police chief, 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 suspects were charged for the murder of Cpl. Relebert Beronio, Pat. Raffy Callao, Pat. Ruel Cabellon, and Pat. Marquino de Leon -- all intelligence personnel from the 704th Mobile Force Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the PNP in Central Visayas.

Albayalde said the barangay chairman in the area is also being investigated over the incident and will be among those who will be slapped with murder charges along with the 11 NPA rebels.

“According to the regional director, ‘yung (the) barangay captain doon (there) is not off the hook kasi (because) based on the investigation, (he did not necessarily participate in the killing). But definitely, he was aware of the presence of armed group members and at the time when these people arrived, he was talking to the four police officers from 7:30 a.m. I think the police officials even had lunch with him and then, they were killed around 2:30 p.m.,” he explained.

According to Police Regional Office 7 director Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, the four cops were "dragged, hogtied, buttstroked and ganged up by about 30-40 men with one officer's rib broken before they were shot kneeling down, resembling a summary execution, more than an ambush."

The victims were supposed to meet an informant who was believed to have set them up with the NPA for an ambush.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año earlier described the killing of the four police officers was a direct assault not just to the PNP but to the advocacy of the national government towards ending the decades-long communist insurgency in the country.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075745

PAF allots P179.2-M for Sokol chopper parts

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): PAF allots P179.2-M for Sokol chopper parts

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Philippine Air Force Bids and Awards Committee, is allocating some PHP179.2 million for spare parts needed for 1,500 hour mandatory inspection, repair, and maintenance of its W-3A "Sokol" combat utility helicopter with tail number 905.

The pre-bid conference is slated for July 29, 1:30 p.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

While the deadline for bid submission and bid opening is slated for August 16, 9:15 a.m. at the same venue, the bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System said.

"The Philippine Air Force reserves the right to reject any and all bids, declare a failure of bidding, or not award the contract in accordance with Section 41 of Republic Act 9184 and its IRR, without incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders," PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Carlo Bueno N. Buena said in the same bid bulletin.

The PAF acquired eight of "Sokol" from Polish manufacturer PZL-Swidnik and British-Italian firm AugustaWestland for PHP2.8 billion sometime in 2012.

"Sokol" helicopters are used by the PAF for medical and transport missions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075751

Why mum on cops execution?, Parlade to rights groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): Why mum on cops execution?, Parlade to rights groups



AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., (File photo)

Why the deafening silence from two militant groups whose alleged mission in Filipino society is to protect human rights?

This was question raised by Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), on the silence of Karapatan and the National Union of Peoples' Lawyers (NUPL) despite the widely reported capture, torture and cold-blooded execution of four police officers by Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists in Ayungon town, Negros Oriental on July 18.

"After the torture and brutal killing of four hapless cops in Ayungon, Negros Oriental by CPP NPA a few days ago, we have not heard anything from Karapatan, the self-proclaimed human rights defenders who have been harping on a call for UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) to probe alleged EJK in the Philippines," he said in a statement sent to the Philippine News Agency Monday.

Parlade was referring to the Iceland-initiated resolution that was adopted with 18 votes in favor, 14 against, and 15 abstentions by the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) last July 11.

The resolution expressed concern over reported cases of extrajudicial killings in line with the illegal drugs campaign but also raised the issue of reported violations targeting critics and human rights defenders.

"In this instance, nothing is alleged as clearly the perpetrators are local NPAs in Negros (Oriental). Why can't Cristina Palabay and her Karapatan not raise a howl before the UN? You profess to fight for the rights of individuals whose right to life have been brutally violated, yet you choose to be silent in this case?" he said.

Parlade maintained his earlier claims that Karapatan's human rights advocacy is not genuine.

"Like we averred before, your advocacy is fake and selective. You need to justify the funds you have been scamming the European organizations, and now is the time to prove 'Joma' (CPP founding chair Jose Maria Sison) wrong for red-tagging your organization," he added.

Self-righteous NUPL

He also scored the NUPL for its continued silence on the issue and yet are self-righteous in their claims of defending those are aggrieved.

"How can you let this gruesome incident pass in silence? Carlos Conde of Human Rights Watch has already condemned the summary execution as a serious violation of International Humanitarian Law. Who else can provide the right legal perspective of this barbarism of the NPAs but the distinguished lawyers amongst your rank," Parlade added.

This is the proper time for the lawyer group to denounce the CPP-NPA terrorists for its latest brutal act if only to prove that they are not allied with the communists.

"It's time you come clean of your bias. If you say you are not what we say you are, communist thugs that is, denounce the CPP-NPA now," he dared the two groups.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075766

More linkages needed to end insurgency: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): More linkages needed to end insurgency: PNP

The Philippine government must strengthen its ties with neighboring countries, particularly in the area of police cooperation and law enforcement, in order to counter communist terrorist groups (CTG), the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday.

In a letter addressed to Undersecretary Allen Capuyan, Executive Director of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), Directorate For Operations (DO) officer-in-charge, Brig. Gen. Rey Lyndon Lawas, said the PNP recommended the conduct of efforts aimed at solving crimes and fostering enhanced coordination and cooperation with Philippine government officials deployed in other countries, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and communities.

He added that creative law enforcement must be implemented to combat the mobilization of CTGs, adding that "radicalization must be countered with strategic communications efforts".

"Since the CTGs paradigm has shifted to tapping greatly into the workforce, business owners together with their decision makers have to carry out preventive actions to make their workers rally for and not against them on labor infiltration," Lawas said.

The police force, he said, will fully support the creation of counter-insurgency groups composed of experts on various subjects that will serve as counterparts of CTGs’ cadres.

“The lack of information campaign by the government has eroded the faith and trust of the masses in the government and redressing this gap should come from the people in the government wherein addressing apathy has to be dealt with and patriotism must be reawakened,” he added.

Lawas also vowed to uphold gender equality in all fields of social activity and combat gender/sexual discrimination.

This is through the conduct of Gender Sensitivity Training (GST) regularly to PNP personnel to address the issues and concerns on women and children to achieve gender equality and women empowerment.

He added the Community Support Programs of both the AFP and PNP, under the supervision of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), which are the agents of Peace and Development should know how to arouse, organize, and mobilize the community against the CTGs.

The PNP's Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo has been effective in responding to the adverse effects by these two major issues being addressed by the Duterte administration, he added.

The NTF ELCAC was created by virtue of Executive Order 70 issued on Dec. 4, 2018 “to provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to aid in the realization of the collective aspirations for inclusive and sustainable peace.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075774

PNP to submit plan on beefing up intel efforts to PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): PNP to submit plan on beefing up intel efforts to PRRD



PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde. (File photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to submit to President Rodrigo a plan on improving its intelligence gathering, in a bid to curb the threat of terrorism.

"He (President Duterte) asked us jointly with the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) to submit a plan on how we will improve our intelligence gathering. It includes of course the training, skills development of our personnel recruitment plus the technical equipment. This is only not because of the local terrorist movement natin, yung CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) problem but also the threat group and global problem on terrorism," PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters Tuesday.

Albayalde said the President will provide funds for this strategy, adding that he included in their recommendation the acquisition of surveillance equipment in order to improve intelligence gathering to thwart possible terror attacks.

"I think it is a good investment. You know, the problem of terrorism is global and we are not excused from this problem. We have this particularly in Mindanao so we really have to invest on this and we want to thank the President because he appreciates these things," Albayalde said.

During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, Duterte said he has taken the helm of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and assigned a Cabinet member in each region to harmonize government efforts in attaining national development and security.

Albayalde said included in their recommendation was the acquisition of surveillance equipment in order to improve intelligence gathering to thwart possible terror attacks.

Since Duterte’s assumption in 2016, the PNP has been provided with not just operational requirements but also morale and welfare services, which have improved living standards of uniformed personnel and their families.

“Over the last three years, the PNP has been able to keep up with our modernization and development plan with the procurement of more and better equipment and recruitment of more personnel,” said PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen Bernard Banac, earlier.

“Between now and three years hence, the PNP is in a better position to perform its law enforcement and public safety mandate thru enhanced operational capability,” he added.

Meanwhile, Albayalde said the PNP is taking all the initiative of supporting the government’s effort in enhancing its internal security postures particularly by pushing for the restoration of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC).

Duterte reiterated his call for the passing of the ROTC bill during his SONA, noting that it will help strengthen the defense of the country.

“That is very important. We have there is the sense of nationalism, love of country and patriotism for all Filipinos and especially among the youth. It is really very important to us, the love of country, sense of nationalism and patriotism,” said Albayalde.

The House of Representatives earlier voted 167-4-0 to approve on third and final reading House Bill 8961, which makes it mandatory for senior high school students to enroll in ROTC.

House Bill 8961 seeks to amend for the purpose Republic Act 7077 or the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act. Under the proposed measure, ROTC training would apply to “all students in Grades 11 and 12 in all senior high schools in public and private educational institutions.”

The bill also states that ROTC training shall be a requirement for graduation.

As provided, the following students may be exempted: those who are physically or psychologically unfit; those who have undergone or are undergoing similar military training; those who are chosen by their school to serve as the school’s varsity players in sports competition; and those who may be exempted from training for valid reasons as approved by the Department of National Defense, upon recommendation by an educational institution where the student is enrolled.

The proposed measure also strictly prohibits the use of ROTC training for “political” objective and for teaching and instilling a particular political ideology on students. House Bill 8961 also specifically bans hazing and other forms of physical or mental abuse.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075780

Curbing terror, insurgency essential for economic progress: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23, 2019): Curbing terror, insurgency essential for economic progress: DND



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

Security threats must first be neutralized for the Philippines to achieve economic progress, the Department of National Defense (DND) said Tuesday.

“The first thing that we should be doing which we have been doing all along is to try to eradicate terrorism or communist insurgency all over the Philippines. The President (Rodrigo Duterte) has been constantly reminding us that we cannot progress until we eradicate these menaces to society,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said during the post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) press conference held at the Asean Theater at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on Tuesday.

As the country moves to achieve these goals, he said the Department of National Defense (DND) is constantly improving the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“This (is done) by procuring more defense equipment as well as pushing for legislative measures that will help secure our communities,” he added.

Lorenzana also said the DND has been supporting the passage of a new law to amend the Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007.

He added that the DND believes it is necessary to pass such amendments to enhance security forces’ efforts to enforce the country's laws and protect the people.

The DND has also been consistent in its call for the Filipino people to closely work with the authorities and remain united in the prevention and countering of violent extremism in the country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1075810

Foreign terror suspects found to train suicide bombers in southern Philippines: military

From Xinhua (Jul 23, 2019): Foreign terror suspects found to train suicide bombers in southern Philippines: military

At least seven foreign terrorists are in the southern Philippines to train Filipinos to become suicide bombers, a Philippine army general said on Tuesday.

The seven suspected terrorists are being coddled by the terrorists Abu Sayyaf Group in the remote island provinces of Basilan and Sulu, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao in central Mindanao, said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Sobejana did not give details of the seven, including their nationalities except that they are affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

"They are here to train bombers, especially suicide bombers. They are also training (Filipinos) on other terroristic actions," Sobejana said.

He said that the military is vetting the 42 other foreigners appeared in the Mindanao region to determine if they belong to any global terror groups.

"We cannot confirm yet. We have criteria in validating them to be considered as foreign terrorists. It's more of an effort by our intelligence unit," he added.

Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has earlier voiced concern over Philippines' frequent suicide bomb attacks.

He said the Philippines has so far recorded three suicide attacks since last year, including the June 28 twin bombing attacks at an army camp in Indanan town in Sulu that killed seven. That attack "changed and raised the level of extremism in the Philippines," he added.

The Philippine experienced its first suicide bomb attack on July 31, 2018 when a powerful bomb exploded in a van when the troops were inspecting at a military checkpoint in Lamitan, a city on Basilan island. One Filipino soldier, five militiamen, four villagers and the van driver were killed in the attack.

The second suicide bombing attack occurred on January 27 this year at a Roman Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, leaving 27 people dead and many more injured.

The Abu Sayyaf Group operates in the waters off the west coast of Mindanao island in the southern Philippines, mainly in the Philippine provinces of the Sulu Archipelago, namely Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, the Zamboanga Peninsula, and Mindanao, but has also conducted cross-border operations into eastern Malaysia.

The group, estimated to have 400 members, is notorious for carrying out kidnappings-for-ransom, bombings, ambushes of security personnel, public beheadings, assassinations, and extortion.

They preys on foreign tourists, businessmen and fishermen not only from the Philippines but also from Indonesia and Malaysia and hide them in Philippine jungles or remote islands.

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is an Islamic separatist organization also based in the southern Philippines. The BIFF was founded in 2010 by Ameril Umbra Kato as a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), itself a splinter group of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). MILF and MILF have forged peace with the Philippines government.

http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-07/23/c_138250901.htm

AFP reports 7 'foreign terrorists' in Sulu, Basilan, Maguindanao

From Rappler (Jul 23, 2019): AFP reports 7 'foreign terrorists' in Sulu, Basilan, Maguindanao

The commander of the Armed Forces in Western Mindanao says the 7 suspects are grooming suicide bombers among local extremist groups

AT LARGE. This image from the main battle area of the 2017 siege of Marawi City is a grim reminder of the lingering terrorist presence in the Philippines. Rappler photo

Seven “foreign terrorists” are at large in Sulu, Maguindanao, and Basilan, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said the 7 foreigners are “embedded” with local terror groups with links to the international terror group, the Islamic State (ISIS): the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Another 42 people are “watchlisted and being monitored” for possible terror links.

Sobejana said the foreign suspects are grooming the groups’ members to become bombers, or even suicide bombers, and training them in “other terroristic actions.”

The military commander declined to reveal the suspects’ nationalities. As for the 42 people on the watchlist, Sobejana said, “Hindi pa natin na-confirm talaga. Marami pa tayong (We have yet to fully confirm it. We have more) criteria in validating for them to be considered as foreign terrorists.”

“It’s more an effort by our intelligence unit. We cannot divulge,” he added.

Although the suspects’ precise terror links have yet to be ascertained, Sobejana said it is known that factions within the ASG and BIFF have pledged allegiance to ISIS.

“Pagka (When it is) foreign terrorists naman, these are more of ISIS-inclined,” he added.

Faced with setbacks in the Middle East, ISIS has shifted its focus to Southeast Asia and called on its followers there to carve out a “caliphate” locally.

On July 10, the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that the June 28 attack on an army camp in Indanan, Sulu, was carried out by two suicide bombers, one of them Filipino.

It was the first case of a suicide bombing by a Filipino in the Philippines, the AFP and PNP said, marking a major escalation in terror tactics by local extremists.

A twin attack on the Jolo Cathedral last January 27 and a vehicle explosion in Lamitan, Basilan, on July 31, 2018, are believed to be suicide bombings by foreigners.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/236102-afp-reports-foreign-terrorists-sulu-basilan-maguindanao