New assets boost Navy capability to defend PH waters

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2019): New assets boost Navy capability to defend PH waters



Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

The Philippine Navy (PN) will be more capable of securing the country's vast waters and deal with intruding foreign vessels once additional assets are acquired to beef up its inventory.

Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad made this statement when asked to comment on reports that the Philippines' capability to stop foreign ship intrusions is weak.

To address this, the Navy is acquiring eight fast-attack craft-interdictor-missiles (FAIC-Ms), which is capable of speeds of up to 40 knots; six offshore patrol vessels, two brand-new corvettes and two more "Pohang"-class corvettes from South Korea.

Empedrad said President Rodrigo R. Duterte approved this acquisition, which aims to boost the PN numbers and its capabilities to protect the country's waters.

"(Once these ships arrived), I think we are credible enough to secure all our territorial waters even if it is in Mindanao, Northern Luzon or Visayas Region. Our waters are vast and we need to modernize the Philippine Navy," the PN chief said in a mixture of English and Filipino in a press briefing Wednesday.

At present, the Navy is enhancing its littoral monitoring stations to detect the approach of possible intruders, and deploy or vector naval assets to accost or intercept these vessels, Empedrad added.

In order to fully defend the country's territorial waters, the PN chief said they will be utilizing the "Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy" (AADS), which will require the use of varied weapon systems and platforms like submarines, frigates, and coastal missile defense systems.

Aside from this, the PN also has its "swarming strategy", which involves the use of high-speed naval craft armed with missiles against intruding foreign warships.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078998

Kalinaw News: Determined to end insurgency, Bicol region holds its first successful convergence

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 30, 2019): Determined to end insurgency, Bicol region holds its first successful convergence

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-The very first convergence of Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in Labo, Camarines Norte today, August 29 was ‘very successful.’

This is how Mayor Joseph Ascutia and the rest of the attendees described the recently concluded Convergence for Sustainable Peace and Development with the theme “Salita at Gawa para sa Masa.”

“Ang napakaganda pong nangyari ay very successful po ito purely because ‘yon pong mga taga Labo at taga ibang bayan ng Camarines Norte, nakita po nila kung ano talaga ang mga problema. Nakita po nila na pwede palang mas paramihin ang mga tulong na maibibigay sa ating mga kababayan,” Mayor Ascutia added.

[The good news is, this event was very successful purely because the eyes of the residents of Labo and other municipalities of Camarines Norte were opened to the real problem we’re facing. They realized that we can multiply the services which can be offered to our constituents.]

Instead of a simple dialogue of different representatives from national government offices and local officials, the event became a multi-service caravan.

Over a thousand of individuals benefited from the various services offered by the different clusters of the task force such as medical check-up, tooth extraction, free medicines, goto, slippers, massage and haircut.

Moreover, out of more than five hundred job seekers, thirty one were hired on the spot in the job fair organized by the Technical Education Skills Development Agency (TESDA), Provincial Employment Services Office (PESO), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) while a hundred of applicants could possibly receive free trainings and scholarships.

Other offices on the other hand just like Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Justice grabbed the opportunity to deal with their clients’ important queries.

The 9th Infantry Division (9ID) set-up a recruitment booth for the aspiring soldiers.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bicol handed over to Gov. Edgardo Tallado the fund amounting to P5-M intended for the construction of half-way house inside Camp Busig-on, Baranggay Tulay na Lupa, Labo Camarines Norte.

Half-way houses are temporary shelters for rebel returnees while their benefits from Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is being processed.

Aside from this, more than P3-M were also given by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to three Barangays as Kabuhayan Kit.

LTGEN GILBERT I GAPAY AFP, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) congratulated the provincial government of Camarines Norte for creating the very first task force in the provincial level underscoring its historic significance in the peace and development efforts of the government.

COL ROMMEL K TELLO, Brigade Commander of 902nd Brigade supported Lt. Gen. Gapay’s statement and added that they are very happy because his men and the Barangay officials’ efforts to attain peace will now be a lasting one and will also pave the way for the development of communities.

Talking to more than a hundred Barangay Captains from the different towns of the province, Gov. Tallado asked for full support which will enable the government to deliver efficient services to its constituents.

“Tulungan po natin ang lahat ng mga ahensya para sa mabilis na pag-unlad po natin, ng ating mahal na lalawigan. Kasi hindi po ako titigil at gagawin ko po ang lahat para mapaunlad ang ating mahal na lalawigan,” Tallado said in his speech.

[Let us help all the agencies of the government to speed-up our progress and of our beloved province. Because I will not stop and I will do everything to make our beloved province even more progressive.]

Lacking government facilities, road constructions and repairs were few of the concerns raised by the Barangay officials in the conducted executive meeting which was one of the highlights of the activity.

According to the DILG, the meeting will be very helpful in identifying the services and projects which the government should prioritize.
During the executive meeting, it was learned that the number of Barangays declaring the communist terrorists as persona non-grata is consistently increasing.

Right after the event, the municipalities and Barangays are expected to create their own local task forces which will intensify the implementation of President Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70.

EO 70 is a Whole of Nation Approach or the unification of all government agencies to efficiently provide the needs of the people and resolve the long-running armed conflict in the country.

The government believes that insurgency is not just a military problem and requires not a military solution alone but the effort of each government offices which will push the armed movement to its natural death.

For five decades, communist terrorist group (CTG) lure the people to join their useless cause by using the issues which the government fails to solve immediately and brainwashed their members that the solution to these problems is armed struggle.

Hence, Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) under MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP reiterated that the Army in Bicol will not put their guards down and will continue to intensify their operations to preempt any atrocities which the communist terrorists plan to do.

Aside from the Sangguniang Bayan members of Labo, provincial Board Members, Barangay officials, and Youth Groups, present in the event was the nine clusters of the Task Force composed of different government offices.

Division Public Affairs Office 9th Infantry Division Philippine Army

Cpt Joash Pramis
Chief, Division Public Affairs Office, 9ID
Camp Elias Angeles, Pili, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Cell number: 09151434816
email: dpao.9id.pa@gmail.com

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]
https://www.kalinawnews.com/determined-to-end-insurgency-bicol-region-holds-its-first-successful-convergence/

Kalinaw News: 114 Region 7 Cops Now Ready for Internal Security Operations

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 30, 2019): 114 Region 7 Cops Now Ready for Internal Security Operations

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz- 114 police personnel from the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) successfully completed the PNP Internal Security Operations (PISO) Training at 3 rd Division Training School (3DTS) on August 28, 2019.

The closing ceremony was graced by MGen Dinoh Dolina, Commander, 3ID and PRO-7 Director BGen Debold Sinas.

The said training which commenced last July 16 is part of the collaborative efforts of the Army and PNP in implementing internal security operations through the expanded cross-trained training of more or less 30 to 45 days.

It is designed to train and equip PNP personnel with right attitude, knowledge, skills, and capability on public safety in order to secure the people against criminality, violence, terrorism and threats of insurgency.

In his message, MGen Dolina commended the graduates of the PNP ISO Training for enduring and completing more than a month of training at 3DTS in order to become the best guerilla fighters in the Visayas.

MGen Dolina also expressed his gratitude to BGen Sinas for choosing Camp Peralta as training ground for PRO-7’s potential counter-insurgents. “Having a common denominator with our soldiers here in Visayas brings our organizations closer to each other, thus making our jobs easier,” MGen Dolina emphasized.

He lauded the effort of BGen Sinas for taking serious action to capacitate the PRO-7 and taking the lead in fight against insurgents in Army and PNP joint area of operations.

It can be recalled that the 3DTS also catered the PNP Basic Internal Security Course (BISOC) where 317 police personnel from Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) completed the course last May 03, 2019. These police personnel were trained by 25 Community Support Program (CSP) instructors from 3ID.

Division Public Affairs Office 3rd Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT CENON C PANCITO III (SC) PA
Chief, 3rd Division Public Affairs Office
Camp General Martin T Delgado, Fort San Pedro, Iloilo City
Contact: dpao.3idpa@gmail.com / 0917-124-1983

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/114-region-7-cops-now-ready-for-internal-security-operations/

MNLF/Misuari: MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari meets with Indonesian Diplomats

Posted to the MNLF/Misuari Facebook Page (Aug 27, 2019): MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari meets with Indonesian Diplomats

Chairman Nur Misuari meetings with the Indonesian Diplomats PEACE PROCESS and UNDERSTANDING THE CORE ISSUES

THE CHAIRMAN WISHES THE INDONESIAN PEOPLE ON THEIR NEW CAPITAL CITY IN BORNEO. BARAKALLAHU FEEKUM JAMIAN !

The new capital will be located between North Penajam Paser and Kutai Kartanegara on the Indonesian part of Borneo

Indonesian Embassy

Presidential Communications (Government of the Philippines)

#MNLF Nur "Maas" Misuari

https://www.facebook.com/MNLFMISUARI/photos/pcb.406243793353617/406243490020314/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/MNLFMISUARI/photos/pcb.406243793353617/406243543353642/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/MNLFMISUARI/?__tn__=kC-R&eid=ARAGRBBoK7RKyIarL762BR45_ZRdQCEyAyYt6E8oNtTvc-iWpumG8WF-QAz763bzdkbaz8sjSyADG44w&hc_ref=ARTV032y6HhvWn6bdpAEe3nJ5llGfl5nWCmxQasFQcx4fGjQ_HLSJMU1IOGfgBUCSmU&fref=nf&__xts__[0]=68.ARBlBK8rbV848PCyCjDqLwAojkmlO_WYn7X4o4DBOPefZbmv3Gx7nK_CvN3UK7laIt6ZhWkacSnSWbJgn5GXKi93hw3PQHtH_bYDGE7hN2tcXSEvGBF6cq88NSTLvCSggjPB9Nrz0_6SEMviBT0TFzl1OmMD-y2PDeC6Vz7RW95Rn9qseQLSA48bHkN5olt94nKpXk7EH9kz0uq-U1ky7K2AYwQobbim5q3kxMW7eiy2qaDiovnTN_R3iPlbXY8lfInFpWqOrZKPLezns4tQ9c5ASIMtiL3uwuwTRG3ttqG_oWlWJj8KRi4yeDQYrfjlzKqcnHB3r7MBrt_JPLrhCZM

MNLF/Misuari: President Rody Duterte and Chairman Nur Misuari Meet in Davao City

Posted to the Moro Voice Online-Suara Bangsamoro-Moro National Liberation Front (Aug 23, 2019): President Rody Duterte and Chairman Nur Misuari Meet in Davao City



In a series of informal talks to discuss peace and development initiatives between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), President Rody Duterte and MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari met for the fourth time this year.

In attendance from the GRP side are Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and Senator Bong Go. With Chairman Nur Misuari were Atty. Arthur Lim, Atty. Singcar Pinote, members of the 5-member MNLF peace panel, MNLF Davao State Chairman Rolando Olamit, and the MNLF Cabinet Secretary Prof. Mashur Jundam.

Both President Duterte and Chairman Nur agree that holistic peace and order of the entire nation is an urgent concern. In mid-September, the coordinating panels between the GRP and the MNLF will meet to discuss matters to be included in the impending peace talks between both parties. One of primary agendas is the proposed shift to a federal system of government, a shared advocacy of Chairman Nur and President Duterte.

The Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) will be the third party in the new GRP-MNLF tripartite talks. In 1996, the MNLF signed a peace deal with the GRP, also known as the Final Peace Agreement (FPA). However, there are still some provisions that have not been fulfilled, as agreed upon by both parties.

The situation in different parts of Mindanao, particularly Sulu, was also discussed. Chairman Nur offered his assistance to the President in this regard.

This marks the 14th in a series of meetings between the two leaders since the incumbency of President Duterte. Chairman Nur also attended the President’s SONA for the first time this year.

Back (from right): OPAPP Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr, Prof. Mashur Jundam, Atty. Arthur Lim, President Rody Duterte, Chairman Nur Misuari, Senator Bong Go, Atty. Singcar Pinote, Mr. Rolando Olamit

Front (from right): MNLF Secretariats Ms. Nur-Ainee Lim and Ms. Nur Redha Misuari.

http://mnlf.org.ph/index.php/economics/364-president-rody-duterte-and-chairman-nur-misuari-meet-in-davao-city

MILF: 219 former MILF combatants graduate from basic military training for peacekeeping mission

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Aug 29, 2019): 219 former MILF combatants graduate from basic military training for peacekeeping mission

CAMP LUCERO, North Cotabato -- Two hundred nineteen former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) completed their 26-day basic military training (BMT) here Tuesday to serve as peacekeepers.

The training is a requirement for the former combatants to become part of the composite Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST). The graduates will now form the 6,000-strong JPST contingent that will be composed of 3,000 MILF, 1,600 Philippine National Police (PNP), and 1,400 Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) members.

The 6,000-member JPST will be divided into several teams whose main task is to maintain peace and security in the MILF communities that will undergo the Normalization Process within and outside the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Normalization Track is part of the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which the government and the MILF signed in 2014.

At the heart of the Normalization Track is the decommissioning of 40,000 MILF combatants wherein their weapons will be put beyond use. The MILF camps will also be transformed into peaceful, progressive and resilient communities.

The entire process is expected to be completed within a three-year period, starting this year until 2022 in time for the signing of the Exit Agreement between the government and the MILF.

On September 7, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is expected to lead the public launching of the decommission process of the MILF combatants and their weapons.

Historic event

Speaking on behalf of the BARMM Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim Al Haj, Minister of Finance, and Budget and Management Eduard Guerra described the graduation ceremony as a historic event for the Bangsamoro peace process.

“You are now part of history as you will be the first batch of JPST to be deployed where you will be joining your comrades from the PNP and contingents from the army,” Guerra said.

“I am really impressed. This is beyond my expectations. You really persevered in your training. You keep that perseverance and patience in your hearts and minds,” he added.

Joint efforts as one security force

Though the participants belong to different organizations – MILF, AFP and PNP – being members of the JPST has united them as one peacekeeping force.

“Wala na tayong pinagkaiba, iisa na tayo ngayon…Napakahalaga ng inyong gagawing tungkulin sa decommissioning process na magpapatuloy hanggang2022,” said Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon, commander of the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao province.

Lt. Gen Cirilito E Sobejana, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, emphasized the crucial role of the graduates in the peace process.

“You are now the new Ambassadors of Peace for successfully hurdling this milestone in your life. Your role will be as important as the role of every member of the security forces,” Sobejana said.

“You will help us fight against terrorism and illegal drugs so that peace will be restored in the Bangsamoro communities…I am confident enough that with our convergence, nothing is impossible,” he added.

Police BGen Marni C. Marcos, Jr, who presented the Police Regional Office of BARMM, said he considers the former MILF combatants as comrades.

“The product of our strength, sympathy, and collective efforts is now about to be realized. The stability in the Bangsamoro cannot be achieved by force…we are happy to work with our brothers from the BIAF (Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces) together with our military counterparts,” Marcos said.

“We acknowledge the efforts of our President in putting eternal end to armed conflict in Bangsamoro communities…let us continue our commitments, strengthen our initiatives and the paradigm in waging peace in the BARMM,” he concluded.

Functions of the JPST

Two hundred JPSTs will be created and deployed throughout Mindanao. Each team is composed of 15 MILF members, eight policemen, and seven soldiers.

The JPST will be under the oversight of the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC), which is composed of six officials – one representative each from the AFP, PNP, and Government Implementing Panel, and three coming from the MILF leadership.

Aside from securing MILF communities that will undergo the decommission process, JPSTs will also help track and document private armed groups and other lawless elements, as well as “reduce and control” the proliferation of undocumented firearms in the concerned areas.

Moreover, the JPSTs are expected to help enforce the existing ceasefire agreement between the government and MILF, and prevent the outbreak of hostilities.

MILF-BIAF ready for Normalization Process

During the graduation ceremony, the former MILF combatants reunited with their families after their almost month-long training. The graduates were also provided with financial and food assistance.

“Masaya kaming lahat pati yung mga kasama ko na natapos na angtraining namin pero hindi pa dito nagtatapos ang lahat. Dapat ay pagbutihan namin ang aming trabaho hindi lang pag-secure ng Bangsamoro kundi sa ikakabuti ng mamamayan dito saMindanao,” the top graduate of the class said, who was dressed in a crisp military uniform. (We are all happy, including my comrades for the training already ended, but this is not the ultimate end. We have to do good in our task, not only in securing the Bangsamoro, but for the benefit of the communities here in Mindanao.)

Their participation in the JPSTs will make their transition to civilian life easier said another graduate.

“Napakaganda na napapanatili ang pagkakaisa at magandang pakikitungo sa bawat isa. Ito ay nagbibigay ng daan upang maging mapayapa ang ating bansa,” he said, referring to the importance of carrying out collaborative efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the Normalization process. (It was really good that the solidarity and good relations among one another was maintained. This paves the way for achieving peace in our country.)

“Para po sa akin, napakabuti na sama-sama ang BIAF, AFP, at PNP upang magkaisa na i-secure at protektahan ang aming community, ang mga tao, at ang buong bansa,” he added. (For me, it is really good that the BIAF, the AFP, and the PNP are working together to secure and protect our communities, our people, and the whole nation.)

Present during the ceremony were OPAPP Assistant Secretary David Diciano, member of the Joint Normalization Committee-GPH; Ariel Hernandez, co-chair of JNC-GPH; BARMM Minister of Transportation and Communications Dickson P. Hermoso; BARMM Minister of Finance, and Budget and Management Eduard Guerra; P/BGen Gerardo Rosales, JPSC-GPH member; BGen. Cesar De Mesa, JPSC-GPH member; Col. Primo M. Ferrer, 38IB; Col Joel Q Mamon, PA, Head, Security Unit; and BGen. Alfredo Rosario Jr, 602nd IB commander.

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1888/219-former-milf-combatants-graduate-from-basic-military-training-for-peacekeeping-mission

NDF/Sison: Stupidity thrives well with state terrorism

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Aug 30, 2019): Stupidity thrives well with state terrorism

Jose Maria Sison
National Democratic Front Philippines

Chief Political Consultant

August 30, 2019

Stupidity thrives well with state terrorism in the so-called whole nation approach to end the revolutionary movement of the Filipino people led by the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Legal organizations of various sectors are first red-tagged and falsely accused of being “communists” and “terrorists”.

And then the idiots in the reactionary armed forces and police call upon or even require them to present themselves as “legal fronts” of the CPP for a dialogue against the revolutionary movement or to do the dirty work of the fascists in attacking the revolutionary movement.

At all levels of state terrorism, from the level of the tyrant Duterte downwards, stupidity reigns and is based on the pretense of ignorance about imperialism, feudalism and bureaucrat capitalism as the root causes of the revolutionary movement of the people.

The more the tyranny of Duterte employs state terrorism or fascism to serve US imperialism and the local exploiting classes of big compradors and landlords, the more shall the people continue to wage revolution under the leadership of the CPP in order to achieve their own national and social liberation.

https://www.ndfp.org/stupidity-thrives-well-with-state-terrorism/

CPP/KM: Duterte, the revolution will outlive you

Kabataang Makabayan (KM) propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 29, 2019): Duterte, the revolution will outlive you

KABATAANG MAKABAYAN

LUCILLE GYPSY ZABALA BRIGADE

AUGUST 29, 2019

After intervals of weeks out of public sight, the tyrant Rodrigo Duterte comes back to the spotlight at the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program anniversary to waste the people’s time on delirious talk. He spoke of ending the communist rebellion now in his time. He talks of an impossible dream.

Ironic that he would have spoken of that intent in that event—the subject of which is land and the lack of it in the hands of the people is what actually spurred the armed struggle of peasants in the countryside. The bureaucracy and the military, corrupt to the core as they are, cannot resolve the land problem and the guerilla war despite billions and billions of government funds drained on them for the past few decades. The government will now allot hundreds of billions of the proposed 2020 national budget to end the war. We will not be surprised if the people’s money ends up in the military and police top brass’ pockets.

After 50 years, the national democratic revolution of a new type—one that succeeded the old type waged by the Katipunan against the 300-yr old Spanish colonizers—rages on.

As history has shown in various places around the world, the struggle between the oppressed and its oppressor in a society will erupt into an antagonistic struggle—a civil war—because their interests are absolutely opposed each other. And for as long as exploitation exist, generation after generation will lay down their lives for an armed uprising that will end the present kind of society to create a new one with equality. They do this in the present as it is the only way they can survive or live with dignity. The revolution will carry on.

However, you, Duterte, you will meet your end.

You fatten the AFP and PNP with billions of the people’s money so they become your private army. However, you are terrified of the US who has the AFP’s loyalty and fear they will point their guns at you if you don’t play by their whims. You are also cowed by China whose unlimited funds you drool at, and bartered the country’s territory and the people’s interests to the usurper. These are the fundamental reasons you cannot and will not serve the interests of the people. And your puppetry to the US and China are the very reasons, however extreme your methods become, why you will not succeed.

The revolutionary movement is ignited to end your tyrannical rule with every fascist scheme you launch against the people. Whether by the sickness you are hiding or in jail languishing for your crimes against the people and the country—you will go. Either way is a pittance to you and you should be grateful.

But then, your deeds will be passed on to your children and their children, in shame and in blame. Like the definition in the Urban Dictionary, your name Duterte will live in infamy. The Filipino people will curse your name and remember ‘Duterte’ as fascist and traitor.

The revolution will outlive you. The youth, awakened to the injustices long-suffered by the people, and the Filipino people will bear arms, carry on the torch of revolution to its inevitable victory.

https://cpp.ph/statement/duterte-the-revolution-will-outlive-you/

CPP: Negros and Cagayan de Oro vigilante groups behind red-tagging and killings are AFP/PNP creations

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 30, 2019): Negros and Cagayan de Oro vigilante groups behind red-tagging and killings are AFP/PNP creations

1. PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde is feigning ignorance when he ordered a probe of the Negros group Kawsa Guihulnganon Batok Komunista (Kagubak). This group which has openly tagged activists, human rights defenders and lawyers is a creation of the military and police forces in Negros Oriental. It is widely believed in Negros that Kagubak is composed of military, police and paramilitary agents.
2. By feigning ignorance, Albayalde and the entire PNP are showing they have done absolutely nothing in investigating the murder of Atty. Anthony Trinidad who was among those tagged as “communist sympathizers” by Kagubak and who had filed a complaint against before local police.Even before he could start the probe, Albayalde is vainly trying to convince the public that the Kagubak is actually a creation of the NPA. This is a monstrous lie. As an army of people, the NPA exerts all effort to defend the people.
3. The Negros red-tagging is no different from the Cagayan de Oro red-tagging and threats against life perpetrated by agents of the 4th ID hiding behind the so-called “Movement Against Terrorism-NMR.” They are emboldened by conditions of martial law in Mindanao to carry out these dastardly acts.
4. The red-tagging of Cagayan de Oro personalities aims to hide the widespread killings and abuses of human rights being perpetrated by the military and police, especially in Bukidnon province, where at least 10 peasant activists have been murdered. By threatening journalists and human rights defenders to prevent them from reporting the real conditions in Mindanao.
5. The red-tagging in Negros and Cagayan de Oro, are similar to red-tagging by Duterte himself, Albayalde, Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, and other key state security officers. It is part of the counterinsurgency fascist doctrine under which the AFP is applying the tactic of “whole-of-nation control” to put every sector under its fascist control and threatening dominance.

https://cpp.ph/2019/08/30/negros-and-cagayan-de-oro-vigilante-groups-behind-red-tagging-and-killings-are-afp-pnp-creations/

SOLCOM: Governor of Pampanga declares CPPNPA 'Persona Non Grata'

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 27, 2019):



https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/photos/a.1503968379863230/2337320776527982/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/

SOLCOM: Colonel Lastimado Change-of-Command Ceremony

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 27, 2019): Colonel Lasimado Change-of-Command Ceremony

BRIGADIER GENERAL ARNULFO MARCELO B BURGOS Jr, AFP Commander, 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, presided the formal transfer of authority, responsibility and accountability from BRIGADIER GENERAL MARCELIANO TEOFILO AFP to COLONEL ANTONIO R LASTIMADO PA at Brgy Pag-asa, Bansud, Oriental Mindoro.

BGEN BURGOS commended BGEN TEOFILO for the “headways which his troops and units recorded during his almost 10-month tour of duty” brought about by the “decisive engagements, NPA mass surrender and neutralization of key terrorist personalities.”

He congratulated the former commander and expressed his belief “that MIMAROPA is over the hump and RTF ELCAC is ready to take the lead in bringing peace, prosperity and development not only for the people of Mindoro and Romblon, but for the entire region".

A “Military Merit Medal Interim to Distinguished Service Star” was conferred to BGen Teofilo for meritorious achievements in a position of major responsibility.

BGen Teofilo expressed his “utmost gratitude to the men and women of the 203rd Brigade as well as to our stakeholders for the unwavering dedication to duty and unparalleled support” which they extended upon him during his stint as Brigade Commander.

He attributed his success as Commander to his “hardworking battalion commanders and troops in the frontlines” whose commitment to duty “made things happen in this part of the country” while also recognizing the iron-clad partnership which his unit has forged with the local government officials, PNP, NGOs and the general public.

COL LASTIMADO, a native of Leyte, served as the 203rd Brigade's Deputy Commander prior to his assignment as Brigade Commander.

He graduated from the Army’s Officer Candidate School in 1988 and went up the ladder of Philippine Army from being a Company Commander of 6th Special Forces Company. After completing his Command and General Staff Course in the AFP Command and General Staff College, he led the 21st Infantry Battalion of 5th Infantry Division.

COL LASTIMADO vowed to continue to support the initiatives of the local government units and to closely collaborate with the stakeholders in line with the AFP Development Support and Security Plan “KAPAYAPAAN” and promised to "sustain what the 203rd Brigade has so far achieved toward fully winning the peace in the provinces of MIMARO."

BGEN BURGOS reminded the new commander that he is now “responsible in ensuring that RTF ELCAC MIMAROPA will continue to flourish and attain its desired end-state by facilitating the whole of nation approach in our identified convergence areas” while urging him to aspire for excellence by saying that “your fellow Jungle Fighters and the people of MIMARO are expecting a lot from you.”

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/photos/pcb.2337257489867644/2337257179867675/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/photos/pcb.2337257489867644/2337257203201006/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/photos/pcb.2337257489867644/2337257299867663/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/photos/pcb.2337257489867644/2337257373200989/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/SouthernLuzonCommandAFP/

WESTMINCOM: LTG supporter yields, turns over firearm in Lanao del Sur

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Aug 29, 2019): LTG supporter yields, turns over firearm in Lanao del Sur



A local terrorist group supporter yielded to the troops of the 49th Infantry Battalion in Butig, Lanao del Sur at 3pm yesterday, August 28.



Hadji Soaib Ander also turned over 1 US KG9 Semi-auto Pistol and 2 9mm Magazines Long with 29 rounds of ammunition.

Ander was a supporter of a group led by Ali Amintao a.k.a White Lawaan during their series of encounters with the Philippine Army’s 103rd Brigade troopers in Butig last 2016. He was the group’s provider of firearms, ammunitions, and food.

“Hadji Soaib had a son named Hadip who was recruited by the Maute brothers and was unfortunately killed in a firefight on September 23, 2017,” said Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner, Commander of the 103rd Brigade.

“We are delighted by his decision to return to the mainstream of society and we will provide the necessary assistance to help him start a new life,” Brig. Gen. Brawner added.

The successful surrender of said LTG supporter was facilitated by the troops of the Charlie Company of the 49IB led by 1st Lieutenant Rodriguez, and the municipal government of Butig led by Mayor Dimnatang Pansar.

Subject surrenderor is currently undergoing debriefing at the headquarters of 49IB in Camp Darul-iman, Barangay Sandab, Butig.

“Convergence is all we need in our quest for peace and sustainable development here in Mindanao,” said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Rest assured that we will remain relentless in our efforts against the different threat groups as we accustom the whole-of-nation approach in ending terrorism and radicalism,” added Lt. Gen. Sobejana.

http://www.westmincom.com/ltg-supporter-yields-turns-over-firearm-in-lanao-del-sur/

PNP to purge all CPP-NPA fronts

From the Manila Times (Aug 30, 2019): PNP to purge all CPP-NPA fronts

The Philippine National Police will end the communist insurgency by engaging all fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA), PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said on Thursday.

 

Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines hold a rally to denounce the recruitment of their children by progressive groups suspected as fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army. PHOTO BY JOHN ORVEN VERDOTE

The statement came as President Rodrigo Duterte said he would crush the communist insurgency “now.”

“We will engage them in all their fronts [in] agriculture, [in] labor, even the health [sector], even sa (in) academe, which we started already,” Albayalde told reporters.

Religious groups and people sitting in the government are also targets of the PNP.

“Engage natin ‘yan in all their legal fronts, kasi may mga fronts ‘yung mga ‘yan, sinasabi marami ‘yan sila even sa political side, although hindi natin ‘yun saklaw kasi nasa armed sector tayo (We will engage them, in all their legal fronts because there are many of them even in the political side, although we can’t do anything about it because we are an armed sector),” the police chief said.

But with the PNP’s National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), he added, they could go after the legal fronts with leftist affiliation.

“May haharap diyan, kasi we have [the] National Task Force-ELCAC. This is a whole-nation approach, not only whole-government approach (Someone will face them because we have the National Task Force-ELCAC. This is a whole-nation approach, not only whole-government approach),” Albayalde said.

He cited the importance of a bigger intelligence fund to curb terrorism and the communist insurgency, as requested by Duterte for 2020.

“We have to invest in counter-terrorism equipment, counter-terrorism effort [and] counter-terrorism intervention. Napakaimportante po nito at makukuha lang natin ito (This is very important and we will only realize this objective) when we enhance our intelligence effort),” Albayalde said.

Based on the National Expenditure Program for 2020, the Office of the President is requesting P4.5 billion for intelligence, which is higher than the P2.5 billion confidential and intelligence fund of the office in 2018 and 2019.

Earlier, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said increasing the intelligence fund and amendments to the Human Security Act could lead to a “de facto police state.”

Albayalde thanked President Duterte for raising the PNP budget from 2019’s P173.5 billion to 2020’s P184.9 billion.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/08/30/news/top-stories/pnp-to-purge-all-cpp-npa-fronts/608147/

Joma belittles Duterte’s threat of wiping out insurgency

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 28, 2019): Joma belittles Duterte’s threat of wiping out insurgency

LUCENA CITY – Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison scoffed at President Duterte’s renewed threat to wipe out the communist insurgents in the coming months.

“Duterte has threatened so many times to wipe out the CPP and the New People’s Army. But his threats have always been futile,” Sison said in a statement from Utrecht, the Netherlands on Wednesday.

Instead of being defeated, “the armed revolutionary movement has become stronger from year to year,” he claimed.

Sison said the CPP-NPA belittled Duterte’s threat.

“The CPP-NPA have even far lower regard for Duterte. They always recall that the 14-year fascist dictatorship of Marcos could not wipe them out but served only to incite more people to join the revolutionary movement,” he said.

On Tuesday, President Duterte renewed his order to government forces to put an end to more than 50 years of communist insurgency.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1158401/joma-belittles-dutertes-threat-of-wiping-out-insurgency

Defense seeks Congress approval of proposed P258 billion budget

From ABS-CBN (Aug 27, 2019): Defense seeks Congress approval of proposed P258 billion budget

The Department of National Defense (DND) is asking Congress to approve its proposed P258 billion budget for 2020, which also covers the funds for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Based on the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for next year, P68.70 billion will go to retired servicemen's pensions, if the proposed budget is approved, leaving about P188.6 billion for the regular budget.

The Philippine Army will get P90 billion, General Headquarters (GHQ) will have P36.83 billion, the Philippine Navy will get P29.02 billion, and the Philippine Air Force will be allotted P25.9 billion.

Of the GHQ’s budget, P25 billion will be allotted for the AFP Modernization Program, such as buying new weapons and equipment, while P1.18 billion will be alloted for its intelligence funds.

The intelligence funds of the DND and the AFP are broken down are as follows: 

Office of the Secretary - P10 million
Philippine Army - P444 million
Philippine Air Force - P17 million
Philippine Navy - P39.7 million
General Headquarters - P1.18 billion

Also, Veterans Memorial Medical Center will be allotted P1.6 billion, the Government Arsenal will get P1.28 billion, the Office of Civil Defense will have P1.21 billion, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office gets P567.45 million, the Office of the Secretary gets P517.21 million, and the National Defense College of the Philippines will have P10.75 million.

The DND ranks 4th in the top 10 government departments with the highest allocations in the 2020 budget.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/27/19/defense-seeks-congress-approval-of-proposed-p258-billion-budget