DCPO conducts suicide bomb drill

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 21, 2019): DCPO conducts suicide bomb drill

With the recent bomb attacks in some parts of the island, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) conducted a suicide simulation exercise (simex) on Wednesday at the DCPO entrance gate to train and prepare public safety officers in case an attack occurs.

“The purpose that we are conducting this simex drill is to prepare our people for the worst, because we have this saying that goes, ‘if we fail to prepare, then we are preparing to fail.’ So that’s why we conducted this so that in all possible scenarios that may happen in the future our people will be prepared,” said DCPO Director Alexander Tagum.

According to him, the simex was also to test coordination and skills of law enforcement personnel as to their performances in responding the bombing situation.

“They managed the situation and lessened the possible effect of the attack because of their performance,” he said.

Tagum said he was grateful for the productivity of the drill.

“They have given us the best performance. They followed the protocols, they followed the standard operating procedure, and immediate action drill, which was given to our personnel in case similar attack that happened in Sulu will happen in our area,” he said.

He added that all security and law enforcement safety units under Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) are performing well.

“All security forces and law enforcement safety unit under public safety and security command center are performing well”, he said, pointing out the expeditious coordination and the quick responding of the law enforcement force.

Although there are still more to improve, Tagum ensured that they will be correcting their shortcomings.

“We will keep on preparing our people so that we will be more effective in our service for the people in Davao,” he said.

Among those who cooperated in the said drill were the Central 911, City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CCTMO), Task Force Davao, and other security forces.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/09/21/dcpo-conducts-suicide-bomb-drill/

CDO mourns death of PMA cadet

From MindaNews (Sep 20, 2019): CDO mourns death of PMA cadet

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews/20 September) – This city and the high school alma mater of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio of the Philippine Military Academy, who died from injuries allegedly caused by hazing, poured out their sympathy over his untimely death.

In a statement, City Mayor Oscar Moreno said the 20-year-old Dprmitorio is “a promising local boy whose dreams were shattered aimlessly.”

PMA cadets attend a forum on the Bangsamoro peace process on March 9, 2016. MindaNews file photo by H. MARCOS C. MORDENO
“We urge the authorities to thoroughly investigate the death and to leave no stone unturned,” Moreno said.

The mayor demanded that authorities should go after the suspects.

“Mr. Dormitorio’s death should not pass unresolved regardless of any circumstance,” he added.

Dormitorio’s teachers and classmates attended a mass offered for him at Xavier University (XU) High School in Upper Carmen, this city Friday morning.

The young cadet was a graduate of XU Senior High School.

“The Xavier Ateneo community mourns the death of Darwin Dormitorio,” the school community posted in its Facebook page.

The victim was the son of former Army Major William Dormitorio, a member of PMA class 1974.

The elder Dormitorio figured prominently in the Army mutiny in Mindanao in 1989, and along with former Army Colonel Alexander Noble, joined the Reform the Armed Forces Movement or RAM.

Classmates and friends of the younger Dormitorio posted on Facebook a heartbreaking letter from the cadet addressed to his parents.

“If may oras po kayo, kahit si Kuya or Ate na lang ang bumisita. Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kalian ako mako-confine (If you have time, it would be enough tp have Kuya or Ate visit me. I don’t know how long I’d be confined),” the cadet wrote from the hospital where he was confined after complaining of stomach pains and vomiting.

Police in the Cordillera said Dormitorio died due to injuries caused by hazing on Sept. 18.

PMA officials were investigating at least 20 cadets for the death of Dormitorio.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/09/cdo-mourns-death-of-pma-cadet/

750 IPs attend peace warriors reorganization

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 20, 2019): 750 IPs attend peace warriors reorganization

A total of 750 Indigenous Peoples came down from the 27 mountain barangays of Paquibato District, Davao City, Santo Tomas and Panabo City, Davao del Norte and parts of Bukidnon to attend the reorganization of the Bahani peace warriors as guards of the ancestral domain of the Ata Tribe.

Konolan Jose Amban, head of the Tribal Council said the primary purpose of their gathering held in Barangay Malabog in Paquibato District, is to foster unity among the Ata members within the 80,000 hectare-ancestral domain covering Barangay Callawa, all of Paquibato District, a portion of Panabo City and Sto. Tomas in Davao del Norte all the way to a portion of San Fernando, Bukidnon.

He stressed that the primary role of the Bahani is to ensure that the tribal laws of the land is followed within the ancestral domain.

“We need to bond ourselves together to ensure that peace is maintained within the ancestral domain area,” Amban said.

He also said that indeed peace remains touchy in Paquibato District since the rebels use the ravines as access from one barangay to another.

Amban said the communist rebels now avoid going to the places of dwelling and would hide their movement in the gullies to avoid detection by the people and the security forces.

Many Atas came with the bows and arrows, and spears.

Colonel Nolasco Mempin, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade assured the presence of the soldiers in Paquibato and guaranteed that the rebels would stay at bay and far from the peaceful existence of residence due to their focused operations.

He observed that the Davao City government’s peace program or the Peace 911 has restored the peace by bringing in the area the needed government services.

However, Mempin stressed that the traumatic experience of the Paquibato residents on the 50-year communist insurgency must not be discounted.

He stressed the need for healing and the restoration of the trust in government especially the Armed Forces who would stay with them in times of emergency.

“The reorganization of the Bahani will ensure the maintenance of peace and order in the ancestral domain area, as we focus on security through the conduct of focused military operation. The Peace 911 which is an effort of the city government ensures the delivery of basic services through a whole-of-nation convergence,” Mempin said. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027559

Bayugan City rewards NPA surrenderees

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 20, 2019): Bayugan City rewards NPA surrenderees (By 3rd Special Forces Battalion, PA)

The 3rd Special Forces (Arrowhead) Battalion (3SFBn), Philippine Army presented on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at the Bayugan City Mayor’s Office of this province the surrenderees, including alias “Sion,” a rebel surrenderee who disclosed last August 2019 the arms cache in Sitio Hugmakan, Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City to Mayor Kirk Asis.

The city government of Bayugan immediately handed cash assistance to surrenderees aside from the support and interventions from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Presented to the mayor are two surrenderees who are both residents of Barangay San Juan, Bayugan City with one M16 rifle and three caliber 30 Garand rifles which were disclosed by alias “Sion” last August.

Alias “Sion’s” disclosure of the arms cache is a clear manifestation that Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) forcibly exploit indigenous peoples in hinterlands for their logistical support. “Indigenous Peoples cannot say “No” when tasked to become couriers because they will be killed. The IPs are threatened and forced. Lumad killings are part of the Communist NPA Terrorists’ way to gain support from the masses,” he said.

Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, commanding officer of the 3SFBn, expressed his gratitude to the Bayugan City LGU for the constant support. “We express our sincerest gratitude to the Bayugan City LGU under Mayor Kirk Asis, who also leads the RDC-RPOC Social Welfare sector for his support in the attainment of the Executive Order No. 70’s Whole-of-Nation Approach in ending insurgency,” he underscored.

“With this gesture of providing assistance to surrenderees, it will greatly help in boosting the influx of surrenderees because they will see the government’s sincerity to attain lasting peace through ending the local communist armed conflict in this city,” added Baybayan.

The E-CLIP and Amnesty Program is one of the 12 clusters of EO 70 wherein the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is the lead agency. This cluster shall orchestrate the inter-agency operations to implement necessary assistance and interventions to surrenderees and their families. Further, it aims to reintegrate surrenderees into mainstream society and become productive citizens of the country. (1Lt. Krisjuper Punsalan, CMO Officer, 3SFBn, PA/ PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027518

8 soldiers killed battling ASG conferred Order of Lapu-Lapu

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 20, 2019): 8 soldiers killed battling ASG conferred Order of Lapu-Lapu

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte posthumously awards the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kalasag to the kin of one of the killed soldiers during a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on September 17, 2019. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Monday posthumously conferred the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag on eight soldiers killed while fighting the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Basilan and Sulu. Their families received the award.

Among those who received the Order of Lapu-Lapu were TSgt. Alberto P. Garde, SSgt. Jayson C. Sawit, SSgt. Aldam S. Baginda, SSgt. Kasir J. Riban, Cpl. Nelson Vidal, and Pfc. Jake A. Ameglio. They were killed on November 8, 2017 in a clash with the ASG in Sumisip, Basilan.

Pfc. Emie Pumicpic and Pfc. Benhar Ahajul were also conferred the award. They died while fighting the bandit group in Sulu on August 7, 2016.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu is given to persons in government or private sector who have rendered extraordinary service or have made exceptional contributions to the success of the President’s campaign or advocacy.

The Kalasag medal is awarded to officials and personnel of the government and private individuals who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.

President Duterte vowed to support the families of the slain soldiers for their housing needs as well as for the education of their children. (PND)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027610

Pres. Duterte assures support to rebel returnees

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 20, 2019): Pres. Duterte assures support to rebel returnees

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Sept. 20 (PIA) -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assured government support to rebel returnees.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte assured government support to rebel returnees for them to become productive members of the society. (PIA photo)

In his speech during the disposition of arms and forces of the Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas- Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade - Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG) or KAPATIRAN, September 19, President Duterte said the government will provide support to rebel returnees for them to become productive members of the society.

President Duterte led the decommissioning of 727 members of the KAPATIRAN and the demilitarization of 337 turned over firearms of the said group.

“Be assured of government support for your reintegration in the mainstream of society,” the President said before a thousand people who witnessed the event at the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army at Camp General Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz.

As part of the support program, the President has awarded to the Kapatiran members the certificates of availment of vegetable, rice and corn seeds, fruit trees seedlings, chicken and native pigs from the Department of Agriculture.

A community-based Forest Management Agreement and Forest Guards contracts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and certificate of entitlement of livelihood projects from the Department of Labor and Employment were also given to them.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte inspects the 337 turned over firearms of the 727 members Rebolusyonaryong Partidong Manggagawa ng Pilipinas- Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade - Tabara Paduano Group (RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG) or KAPATIRAN during the decommissioning ceremony at the 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army at Camp General Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz. (PIA Photo)

The President also awarded each of the Kapatiran members a P25,000 immediate cash assistance through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Certificates of Lot Awards for 24 housing units from the National Housing Authority, PhiliHealth cards for the 727 Kapatiran members, and Certificate of Completion for Well Water Drilling training of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

On the other hand, the province of Aklan turned over the P5-million coco oil mill project to the group.

President Rodrigo Duterte leads the awarding of continuous support and agency commitment to KAPATIRAN. (PIA photo)

A number of government agencies such as the Commission on Higher Education, National Electrification Administration, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agrarian Reform, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Budget and Management have likewise pledged their continuous support to the group.

Meanwhile, President Duterte encouraged all the 727 Kapatiran members to take advantage of this opportunity to have a productive life with their family and loved ones.

“This is a step closer toward building a peaceful and prosperous nation,” he said, urging all concerned parties to continue to work together to ensure that the fruits of the years of peace negotiations will not go to waste.

He also lauded the OPAPP, AFP, PNP and all other partners that worked together to end the war between the government and the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG. (JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027635

Bohol launches JTF Dagohoy to end local communists’ armed conflict

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 20, 2019): Bohol launches JTF Dagohoy to end local communists’ armed conflict



PERPETUATING DAGOHOY’S FIGHT. Bohol Governor Arthur Yap (right) signs the Executive Order creating the Provincial Peace Framework in creating Joint Task Force Dagohoy which is envisioned to bring convergence strategy in all addressing insurgency in an effort to end local communist armed conflict by 2020. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol -- Gov. Arthur Yap led the launching of the Provincial Peace Framework with the Joint Task Force (JTF) Dagohoy recently as he signed the executive order creating the Provincial JTF to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) at Camp Lino I. Chatto in Macaas-Cabulijan in Tubigon town on Sept. 10.

This as Bohol strengthens its anti-criminality, environment sustainability and disaster resilience while pushing for the Rural Development Program Purok Power Movement (RDP-PPM) through community mobilization and social economic interventions. 

FROM BOHOL TO "WHOLE OF NATION." Bohol Governor Arthur Yap shows to the media the signed executive order creating Joint Task Force Dagohoy and the use of the Rural Development Program Purok Power Movement as a vehicle for cascading government programs to conflict-affected communities during the JTF launching on Sept. 10 at Camp Lino Chatto in Tubigon. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

The Provincial JTF Dagohoy is an enhancement of the JFT Dagon, Bohol’s anti-criminality, public safety, environmental protection and disaster resilience and mitigation.

This now includes ELCAC through the promotion of participatory governance, synergy of government development efforts and enhancing local government unit participation and responsibilities, according to Bohol Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Provincial Director John Joan Mende during the launching.

Mende said this is nothing new to Bohol as the province has kept a successful anti-insurgency template for other areas to emulate.

Set in reference to Executive Order (EO) No. 16, series of 2017 which adopted the national security policy 2017-2022, and called for the end of all armed threats while recognizing the factors contributing to the socio-political stability, JTF Dagohoy brings the whole-of-nation approach to address the root causes of insurgency by harmonizing service delivery and social development packages.

The task force, in support of the national government's ELCAC campaign, leads in the formulation of whole of nation approach driven by the Provincial Peace Framework (PPF), coordinate with agencies in the implementation of the PPF, ensure inter-agency convergence in the implementation of the PPF in conflict areas and vulnerable areas, formulates plans and develop strategic communication advocacy and peace contingency plans to enable local peace bodes to engage and facilitate local peace engagements, according to the EO.

It then keeps support teams including intelligence, public information, legal, finance and logistics to attain its tasks.

JTF Dagohoy is composed of two task forces with distinct strategic personality: Task Force Dagon is set to implement peace and security programs while TF Hoyohoy implements the development strategies of the JTF Dagohoy, added Mende.

TF Dagon is also composed of Task Groups Luwas Kinabuhi for relief operations, safety and security, immediate medical service as well as disaster evacuation; TG Turista for tourists’ safety and security, TG Kontra Palusot to curb illegal trade, customs fraud, smuggling and regulations; TG Kinaiyahan for biodiversity protection and conservation, anti-pollution and environmental law enforcement; TG Banat for anti-drug campaign; TG Kalinaw for sustaining peace and development programs, convince and compel the armed fighters to abandon their cause and stop recruitment; TG Kadalanan for real time efficient road traffic control, implementation of traffic laws; TG Kadagatan to conduct maritime security operations and enforce fishery laws; TG Kontra Krimen to prevent recurring crimes, enforce sanctions for violation.

On the other hand, TF Hoyohoy is composed of situational awareness and knowledge management cluster, local government cluster, legal cooperation cluster, strategic communications cluster, sectoral unification, capacity building and empowerment cluster, Basic services cluster, poverty reduction, livelihood and employment cluster, Infrastructure Resource Management Cluster, Localized Peace Engagement Cluster, Peace, law Enforcement and Development Support Cluster, E-Clip and Amnesty Program, and International Engagement.

With the EO, RDP PPM becomes the vehicle in cascading all component programs, projects and activities of JTF Dagohoy through its mobilization mechanism. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027437

DILG: Good governance to check communism

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 20, 2019): DILG: Good governance to check communism

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL—Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Secretary Roosque Calacat said ending communist insurgency is best dealt with good governance.

During the recent “Dagyaw” Regional Town Hall Meeting at the Iloilo Convention Center, he said the current administration believes Asia’s longest rebellion can be addressed as the government makes its services available to every Filipinos.

“The President agreed that the best solution for the five-decade problem of insurgency does not lie on military efforts alone. It requires collective action where good governance must be at the forefront,” Calacat said.

For this reason, he explained, the Executive Order 70 was implemented and modified this time directing the national government to organize the National Task Force- Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in the country.

“Part of the commitment efforts of the department (DILG) in the implementation of the EO 70 is to identify and address governance gaps and bring government programs and projects down to where the needs are,” he said before a crowd of more than 500 coming from the cross-section of the society in Region 6.

He said the government is open to participatory, inclusive, and sensitive to the people’s needs.

Negros Occidental has recently organized its ELCAC provincial counterpart with Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson rallying Negrenses to support the program.

303rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo welcomed the support of the provincial government and is upbeat on the partnership of various government agencies that will bring services to the identified barangays here in Negros Occidental, mostly far-flung.

“The government is dead serious in battling the biggest spoiler of our country- the communist insurgency problem,” Calacat said. (JBG/LLJR-PIA6)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027495

Bukidnon mayors deplore CPP-NPA’s disrespect of IHL

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 20, 2019): Bukidnon mayors deplore CPP-NPA’s disrespect of IHL (By 403rd Infantry Brigade)

League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) - Bukidnon Chapter during its meeting, Wednesday, September 18, deplored the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army (CPP-NPA’s) incessant attacks targeting civilian non-combatants and deliberate destruction of civilian-owned equipment and other properties in an open defiant and blatant disregard to Humanitarian Law.

On those grounds, LMP-Bukidnon, as a body, passed a resolution declaring the CPP-NPA- National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) “Persona Non Grata” (PNG) in the province of Bukidnon.

Prior to the motion, Army’s 403rd Brigade Commander BGen Edgardo De Leon presented a situationer to the body enumerating the atrocities of the NPA against civilians since the start of 2019, which include the following:

- January 18, 2019: NPA-claimed attack of a banana plantation in Barangay Lilingayon, Valencia City, Bukidnon where they cut-down 8500 banana trees and destroyed a multi-million worth farming equipment.

- February 25, 2019: Four NPA terrorists posed as civilians approached the two tourist policemen in their outpost at Barangay Sumpong, Malaybalay City and shoot at them using automatic rifles and pistols. One of the policemen was killed at point blank, despite raising his hands in surrender as he was cornered. IHL prohibits “perfidy” or disguising as non-combatants, and the killing of persons no longer has the capacity to fight.

- May 28, 2019: In Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, NPA of SRC1, NCMRC indiscriminately fired their automatic rifles towards civilian village watchmen (barangay tanods), hogtied on of them, then destroyed by burning civilian vehicles.

- June 14, 2019: NPA in southern Bukidnon attack a farm-lot in Don Carlos, Bukidnon and deliberately destroyed a harvesting machine and backhoes owned by a farmers association.

- May 30, 2019: NPA spokesperson of SRC1, NCMRC claimed responsibility for detonating Anti Personnel Mine against a group of Foreign IP being escorted by an army team on their visit of an IP community in Barangay Hagpa in Brgy Kalabugao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

- June 6, 2019: NPAs of SRC4, NCMRC deliberately destroyed civilian-owned vehicles parked at Barangaay Kabangahan, Malaybalay City

*Destruction of Civilian properties June 8, 2019: NPAs of SRC2 destroyed by burning a civilian-owned bulldozer at Barangay Sinabugan, Valencia City.

-June 24, 2019: NPAs of SRC2, NCMRC claimed responsibility for destroying by burning road construction equipment in Barangay Mabuhay, San Fernando.

-June 24, 2019: NPAs of SRC2, NCMRC claimed responsibility over the radio broadcast the destruction of a civilian-owned winged truck and damaging a farm tractor in sitio Waray, Barangay Iba, Cabanglasan.

De Leon emphasized that despite the obvious IHL violations by the NPAs, not a single case of IHL was filed in RTC Branch 25 in CDO City, the special court designated to try IHL cases. Nonetheless, a case was referred to CHR-10 personally received by its Director Ivy Jeanne Abrina, awaiting results of investigation.

"Kung dili ta mayor karon wala ta'y gahom kay yano rata nga mag-uuma, wala ta'y kakayahan nga proteksyonan ang ato katawhan. Mao isip mayor kinihanglan muhimo ta'g aksyon (If I didn't become the mayor today I will not have the power because I am just a mere farmer, I won't have the capability to protect the people. As mayor, I should take am action)," said Mayor Ozmundo Dela Rosa of Malitbog, Bukidnon before moving for a motion declaring CPP-NPA-NDF unwelcome in the province.

During the discussion, the mayors reminisced the CPP-NPA attack of the late Mayor Mario Okinlay in 2014 killing him on the spot. The NPA even bragged about the violent murder of the mayor.

"Duna mi obligasyon nga proteksyonan ang amo gisakupan, karong nasayod mi nga ang IHL diay gimugna aron proteksyonan ang mga sibilyan amo kining gamiton batok sa pagpanghulga ug pagpanghadlok sa NPA" said LMP-Bukidnon President Mayor Reynante Inocando of Cabanglasan, San Fernando. (We have the obligation to protect our constituents. Now that we know that IHL is created to protect the civilians, we will use such from threats and extortion of the NPA)

The mayors pledged to create their respective Fact-Finding Teams to investigate IHL cases and file complaints on behalf of their constituents who were victims of NPA atrocities. They also agreed to launch an information dissemination campaign about IHL in their localities so their constituents would be capacitated to resist the NPAs.

Earlier this week, the joint Municipal Peace and Order and Municipal Development Councils of Malitbog, Bukidnon declared the CPP-NPA as persona non grata.

In the nearby province of Misamis Oriental, 16 out of 24 local government units and 200 out of 424 barangays councils also declared CPP-NPA as PNG. (403rd Infantry Brigade)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027655

Bohol camps now open to military trg courses

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 20, 2019): Bohol camps now open to military trg courses



The 302nd Infantry Brigade may have moved its headquarters from Camp Rajah Sikatuna in Carmen to Camp Leon Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, but the move did not affect the strength and number of the 47th Infantry Battalion, assured Col. Noel Baluyan of the Task Group Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor.

In the movement of troops, as Boholanos have requested the Department of National Defense (DND) for reinforcement, Bohol Gov. Arthur Yap signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the 3rd Infantry Division opening up the camps in Bohol for army training courses on Sept. 10, 2019 at the Camp Lino I Chatto, in Macaas-Cabulijan, Tubigon.

3rd Infantry Division commanding officer, Major General Dinoh Dolina signed the agreement for the Philippine Army.

"YOU MIGHT HAVE ALL THE TECHNOLOGY, but without the discipline and integrity you get in training, you will not be able to hold the ground," Gov. Arthur Yap tells the dumb-guards for this year’s military training during the formal opening of the training cycle in Bohol. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

With the signing of the agreement, the Philippine Army’s Visayas Army Training Group (VATG) Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), through Capt. John Alvin Rico, VATG operations Officer, also declared the opening of five training classes which starts immediately and would end after the soldiers have completed 11 to 14 weeks in the training period.

Officially declared open during the same day were Infantry Basic Officer Leadership Course Class 08-19, Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer Advanced Course Class 538-19, Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer Basic Course Class 693-19, and Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer Basic Course Class 695-19.

Rico said trainees for the Infantry Basic Officers Leadership Course would complete the course in 11 weeks or 444 training periods while the Infantry Non-Commissioned Officer Basic Course takes 14 training weeks of 524 training periods.

The Bohol training forms the third Training Cycle for the Academic Year 2019, according to Major Saldy Pedregosa, Acting Deputy Group Commander of the VATG TRADOC, PA.

Bohol’s VATG TRADOC is now led by Lt. Col. Edgar Mangabay, INF (GSC) PA.

As to the MOA, Bohol now allows the Philippine Army to do training visits and ocular inspections on the training sites and areas in Bohol, making sure that these visits and inspections are covered by an order, coordinated with the Local Government Units, including the setting up of the training exercises.

With the declaration of the opening of the training season, Yap said soldiers today might have been equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and technology as part of their tools, but at the end of the day, it is he who controls the ground that wins.

"There is no substitute to integrity, discipline, hard work and sacrifice of a soldier that will bring us victory," he reminded the 151 dumb-guards and officers going into training.

Earlier, Boholanos have aired concerns over the transfer of the 302nd Brigade to Negros Oriental.

Despite an insurgency-free status since December 2010, Boholanos have noted the recent increase in activities of cause-oriented groups here, which the military authorities have also been closely monitoring.

In the midst of these concerns, the transfer of the 302nd IB could create a vacuum upon which communist insurgents who are now feeling the heat in relentless military operations in Negros Oriental, could come and spill over to Bohol. (rahc/PIA-7Bohol)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027440

Ex-rebel bares link of 'legal orgs' to NPA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 20, 2019): Ex-rebel bares link of 'legal orgs' to NPA

Former member of Communist Party of the Philippines – National People’s Army (CPP-NPA) urged rebels to stop their violent activities and instead, save their lives by way of surrendering and going back to the fold of the government.

“Sa mga kasamang nagpatuloy sa mga gawain, sana po ay huminto na kayo at e-save ninyo ang mga buhay ninyo kasi alam naman ninyo na ang ating mga ginagawa ay hindi tama (To those who keep on doing violent activities, I hope that you will stop and save your lives instead, since you know that all that you are trying to do are all wrong), said the rebel who preferred to be called “Dina” during a special Talakayan sa PIA in Cagayan de Oro City.

Dina, 35 years old, a resident of Cagayan de Oro City and Education graduate from a state college in Bukidnon mountain province, saw how the rebellious group put their plans into a realization through deceit. Upon pondering it as not proper, she quit and surrendered to Armed Forces of the Philippines early in 2019.

Dina (left) CPP-NPA shares during a special Talakayan sa PIA how CPP-NPA manages the fundcoming from foreign countries.

She was a full time “Legal” worker of the communist group and has been hopping from one sub-organization to the other which are under the CPP-NPA. She was once under their Rural Urban Committee that monitors literacy and numeracy school in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte where most Indigenous Peoples go. After that, she was assigned in emergency response and disaster team in Butuan City, then in a Community-based Health Services and eventually a cashier who “withdraws millions,” according to her.

She shared how CPP-NPA manages the fund coming from supporting agencies, coming from foreign countries. There is 40-60 scheme, where 60% is used for different and big activities, to supply the needs of the armed members, for the schooling of the children of those who are assigned in the armed group, for allowance of those “Legal” staff workers whose salary are not in their regular fund.

40% of the fund will go to the exact implementation, which is doctored and recreated in order to liquidate an entire amount given by different funding agencies.

Dina also explained the relationship between their so-called White and Red Areas, or the Legal and Illegal Areas. She said Red Area are those who are armed and faces a bloody battle. The White Area, on the other hand, is the “Legal” side who are tasked to facilitate the needs of the armed group such as medicines, food, supplies, clothes, and other forms of logistics. The Legal group, she shared, are front-line organizations of CPP-NPA.

During her part in the Talakayan sa PIA, Dina has a message to these organizations. She said she did not mean to stop the light of these organizations nor for the members to lose their jobs, but she is doing it as what she believes as proper.

“Yung mga taga-Legal po, like yung Karapatan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, League of Filipino Students, Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis at iba pang front-line organizations ng CPP-NPA, alam niyo po yung mga ginagawa ninyo. Pwede pa naman pong ayusin po natin ang gulo (To those working under Legal - Karapatan, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas, League of Filipino Students, Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis at other front-line organizations of CPP-NPA, you already know that you are doing the wrong things. We can still fix all of these),” she called to them.

Dina concluded that she would like to start her life anew and plans to go back to teaching, after all the wasted years that neglected her to pursue her profession. (PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027669

NPA rebel, supporter surrender in Lanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 20, 2019): NPA rebel, supporter surrender in Lanao Sur

A New People's Army (NPA) rebel (left) and a supporter of the communist rebel movement (right) surrender to military authorities in Saguiran town, Lanao del Sur on Thursday (September 19, 2019). The military attributed the surrender to the relentless offensives against the rebel group in Lanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 1st Infantry Division)

A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel and a supporter have surrendered to government authorities brought about by pressures of continuous military offensive against them in Lanao del Sur, officials said Friday.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, said the two surrendered and turned over an M-16 Armalite rifle around 12:40 p.m. Thursday in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur.

Altre said the NPA militia, who was eager to surrender, “has influenced the supporter to follow him”.

“Our initial custodial debriefing also found out that, their surrender was the result of our relentless combat operation in the province of Lanao del Sur,” Altre said.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, said they are gaining grounds in their relentless operation in Lanao del Sur and “we are thankful to the local populace and the local government unit for their continued trust and support”.

“We also want an unhampered recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in the most affected areas which was brought by the terrorist groups in Marawi,” Brawner added.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, commended the efforts of the troops that led to the surrender of the NPA militia and his supporter.

“We are confident that the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) in the respective regions were properly managed by various government agencies and will continuously encourage and facilitate our former rebels to return into the mainstream society,” Ancan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081038

AFP fast-tracks efforts to end insurgency thru TF Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 20, 2019): AFP fast-tracks efforts to end insurgency thru TF Negros

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has formed the Negros Anti-Insurgency Joint Task Force to speed up the resolution of the insurgency problem in the island.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) Negros was recently launched in compliance with the order of President Rodrigo Duterte during the 40th Cabinet Meeting, said Capt. Cenon Pancito III, chief of the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office of the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

Brig. Gen. Eric C. Vinoya, Assistant Division Commander of the 3ID, was designated as commander of JTF Negros.

In a telephone interview on Thursday, Pancito said the task force would be based in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental.

He explained that JTF Negros would take “operational control” of all AFP units in Negros Island and would be under the administrative control of 3ID and under the operational control of the AFP’s Central Command.

“It is very hard to harmonize or synchronize the operations if there are two commanders and that is why we have to treat Negros Island as one and there should be also one commander to synchronize these efforts,” Pancito said, referring to the two brigades in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

Vinoya was quoted as saying in a media release that JTF Negros “intends to address (the) insurgency situation in the island, reduce and cease local and national and foreign terrorist groups and ultimately dismantle priority guerilla fronts in order to defeat” the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.

It is also aimed at not only addressing the roots of insurgency and fighting the enemies of government but “to develop good working relationships among its members and other stakeholders by adopting the whole-of-nation approach,” as directed by President Rodrigo Duterte, Vinoya said.

“Ending insurgency to attain the desired sustainable peace and development does not only depend on the hands of the law enforcement agencies, military and police but also through the cooperation of all local government units and national government agencies. Hence, we are adopting the said national peace framework,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081034

PRRD vows to protect 727 ex-rebels from communist threat

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 20, 2019): PRRD vows to protect 727 ex-rebels from communist threat



PROTECTION FOR EX-REBELS. President Rodrigo Duterte pledges protection for the 727 decomissioned members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) or Kapatiran at Camp General Macario B. Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz on Thursday (Sept. 19, 2019). The former rebels surrendered a total of 315 long and short firearms from the Western and Central Visayas regions. (PNA photo by Gail Momblan)

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has vowed to protect the 727 decommissioned members of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas -- Revolutionary Proletarian Army -- Alex Boncayao Brigade – Tabara-Paduano Group or Kapatiran, saying the former rebels are now part of the government.

The President witnessed the historic disposition of firearms of the group at Camp General Macario B. Peralta Jr. in Jamindan, Capiz on Thursday evening.

In his speech, Duterte assured that the former combatants would be protected against any threat from the communist rebels.

“You are part of government. Magkasama na tayo ngayon. Kung ipitin kayo ng komunista (We are now together. If the communists bother you), and they really want trouble, I will give you a new firearm. Mas maganda pa dito (Better than this),” he said.

The former combatants surrendered to the government a total of 315 long and short firearms from Regions 6 and 7 (Western and Central Visayas).

Duterte said the firearms they surrendered were already old and dirty. “I’m going to arm you. Sira na ‘yan, wala na ‘yan. Bigyan ko ng armas kayo. Sumama na kayo sa gobyerno. (Those firearms are no good. I will give you firearms. Join the government now.) We are now duty-bound to protect you,” he said.

Veronica Tabara, current head of Kapatiran, expressed her gratitude to the government for its effort to reintegrate their group back into mainstream society.

“Nandito kami ngayon kasama ng pamahalaan para sa decommissioning ng lahat ng mga hinawakan naming mga armas at sandata ng karahaasan nang kami ay tumiwalag sa mali at kriminal na pamumuno ng CPP-NPA (We are here with the government for the decommissioning of all our firearms and weapons for violence after we have left the wrong and criminal leadership of the CPP-NPA [Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army]),” she said in her speech.

She assured that the group would be one with the government in moving forward peace and progress in the country.

“Mula rito, buo ang loob at mahigpit ang aming paninindigan na ipagpatuloy ang pagpupunyagi upang paunlarin ang matibay na cooperasyon sa pamahalaan sa paglutas ng ugat ng armadong tunggalian para sa kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng mamayan at ng buong bansa (From here, we are bent on continuing efforts to develop cooperation with the government in resolving the root of armed struggle for the peace and progress of the people and the country),” she said.

Meanwhile, Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, who represents Kapatiran in Congress, said the decommissioning of the former combatants was the “first step” towards the closure agreement with the group, expected to be signed by 2022.

Last July 19, the Clarificatory Implementing Documents (CID), which lists down the commitments of the government and Kapatiran, was signed between the two groups.

The CID components include disposition of arms and forces and security arrangements, social and economic reintegration of Kapatiran, release of the remaining alleged political offenders, transformation of the group into a civilian organization engaged in socio-economic and political activities, and community peace dividends.

“With the painstaking work of the OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process), we saw the decommissioning of the former RPA-ABB troops and as you saw, most of the political leaders are of old-age already,” Paduano said.

He said “martyrs”, including political leaders from the group, have died upholding the principle of rejecting the “old strategy and tactics of the CPP-NPA, which is armed revolution.”

“There’s a light in every tunnel and now is the time that all the doubts of the group will be given solutions,” the lawmaker said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081012

Military denies coercion claims on surrendered NPA ‘amazon’

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 20, 2019): Military denies coercion claims on surrendered NPA ‘amazon’



NPA TRAINING. Alexandrea Pacalda (middle) is seen undergoing weapons training with the New People's Army, in an undated photo she shared with the military's 201st Infantry Brigade during her surrender to authorities in General Luna town, Quezon on September 15. (Photo from AFP's 201st Infantry Brigade)

The Army’s 201st Infantry Brigade (IB) on Friday vehemently denied allegations by militant group Karapatan that Alexandrea Pacalda, allegedly a human rights worker, was coerced into signing documents without legal counsel and being deprived of food and sleep.

Capt. Benedick Alfonso G. Cagatin, civil-military operations officer of 201st IB, said 24-year old Pacalda signed an affidavit of voluntary surrender last September 15 in the presence of her brother, father, and a certain Helen Benig, who identified herself as "Pangulong Pang Municipal" San Francisco of Karapatan. 

"This was signed at General Luna Municipal Police Station," Cagatin said in a statement.

Pacalda, he said, was not detained nor charged with any crime as she gave herself up voluntarily.

She reportedly surrendered to combined Army and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel in General Luna town, Quezon on September 15.

On Karapatan claims that Pacalda was made to do things without a legal counsel, he said there is no need for this as the former voluntarily surrendered.

"On (claims of) being deprived of sleep and food, she sleeps in an air-conditioned room with a bathroom. Likewise, members from the Commission on Human Rights inspected the billeting area of Alexandrea Pacalda while she is in our custody. When her mother stayed with her, she even commented that: ‘Mabuti dito na may pagkain ng maaga. Sa bahay namin kape lang at nagpapang-abot kung minsan ang tanghalian at agahan (It's good here because there is food in the morning. In our house, there is only coffee and sometimes we have lunch and breakfast altogether)," Cagatin said.

For the record, he said Pacalda was allowed to stay inside the camp in Barangay Rizal Ilaya, Calauag, Quezon on the premise that she wants to live a normal life again after being victimized by New People's Army’s (NPA) deception and propaganda that prompted her to join the rebel ranks.

"Her family was immediately brought in to be with her knowing that she was fearful and to establish good faith to assure her that we had the best intentions. In fact, it was her first reunion with her family after two long years following her surrender," he said, adding that with her surrender, Pacalda was extended the necessary assistance and protection within their means.

Karapatan's claims that Pacalda is a "human rights worker" is not true as the items she turned over during her surrender contained pictures of her as an NPA fighter and other NPA documents, he added.

Pacalda is known to be a member of the Platoon Sol, Sub- Regional Military Area (SRMA) 4B, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) of the NPA.

"Karapatan has continued to manifest their coercive and manipulative action to bring forth the youth to the brink of destruction victimizing our youth towards perdition.," Cagatin said. “Let us not be fooled by this leftist group, Karapatan, that pretends to be defending our rights but really protecting the communist terrorist group.”

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1081056