Eastmincom offers military checkpoints as quarantine areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Eastmincom offers military checkpoints as quarantine areas



CHECKPOINTS AS QUARANTINE SITES. A quarantine checkpoint in Lasang, Davao City. The Eastern Mindanao Command has offered its existing security checkpoints to be expanded into quarantine sites. (PNA File photo by Che Palicte)

DAVAO CITY -- As a prevention measure against the possible entry of African swine fever (ASF) virus in the island, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has offered its existing security checkpoints to be expanded into quarantine sites.

The offer came after Ricardo Oñate Jr., regional director of the Department of Agriculture in Region 11 (DA-11), and other stakeholders visited the Eastmincom headquarters inside the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan here on Monday

Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, said the visit aims to seek the assistance of the military in preventing the possible entry of infectious diseases into the region.

"Our fixed security checkpoints can be used as a point of convergence in carrying out the best interest of the government and of the communities," Santos said.

Currently, the checkpoints of Task Force Davao (TFD) have already been expanded into quarantine areas manned by the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO).

The CVAO personnel are assisted by 65 TFD members who are trained in animal and meat quarantine functions.

Santos also proposed that other government bodies such as the local Peace and Order Councils (POCs) be included in the crafting of local and regional plans concerning biosecurity protocols.

"Taking off from the initiative of the city government and TFD checkpoints as a template, we are asking the concerned agencies to level the issue to the different POCs to consolidate and synchronized effort in this biological battle," the Eastmincom chief added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081311

Activities lined up for 75th Leyte Gulf Landings

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Activities lined up for 75th Leyte Gulf Landings



LEYTE GULF LANDINGS REVELRY. The McArthur Memorial Landing Park in Palo, Leyte where most of the 75th Leyte Gulf Landings activities will be held. The Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration will be on Oct. 20 with several activities lined up. (PNA file photo)

PALO, Leyte -- The Leyte provincial government is stepping up its preparation for the 75th Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration on Oct. 20 with several activities lined up for the celebration

The three-week activities will kick off through an exhibit of the national costume of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray at Oriental Hotel from Oct. 10 to 24 and the first Leyte Landing 4x4 off-road challenge at Boy Scout Circle, Government Center, this town on Oct. 12 to 13.

On Oct. 13, the provincial government will lead the inauguration and lighting of newly-rehabilitated McArthur Land Memorial National Park in this town.

Also happening on Oct. 13 is the World War II Vintage Car vehicle show and exhibit at the Boy Scout Circle that will run until Oct. 25.

On Oct. 15, the 75th Leyte Landing Choral Competition along with the “Pagbabalik” Hip-hop competition will be held at the Boy Scout Circle.

There will be an exhibit from Oct. 16 to 22 showcasing the agri, aqua, science and technology products at the Boy Scout Circle. A dancesport competition and the 75th Leyte Landing Speech Choir Competition is going to be held on the same day and venue.

On Oct. 17, the Sentimental Journey will be commemorated in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Several World War II veterans, personnel from the Armed Force of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the Guiuan local government will participate in the event.

The Sentimental Journey will be held at the Navy 3149 Base in Ngolos village. This is to remember the Battle of Suluan (an island village in Guiuan) as a prelude to the Leyte Gulf Landings.

On the same day, the search for Miss Liberation Diamond will be held also at the Boy Scout Circle. Also on Oct. 17, there will be a two-day National Conference on the 75th Anniversary of Leyte Gulf Landings at the Leyte Normal University in Tacloban City.

The Tolosa Signal Day Commemorative Event is up on Oct. 18 remembering the heroic acts of Scouts Valeriano Abello, Antero Junia Sr. and Vicente Tiston who signaled the Allied Forces from the hilltops of Telegrafo village using the semaphore signs not to bomb the shorelines because thousands of residents were living in the area.

Also happening that day is the 11th Oktubafest competition organized by the An Waray party-list at the Leyte Academic Center in Palo town.

At the Boy Scout Circle, activities are the Executive Band Boy show, a Fashion show and the War of Our Fathers” a tribute to Filipino Freedom exhibit from Oct. 18 to 27.

On Oct. 19, the province will celebrate the Hill 120 Commemorative Event in Dulag town. It is in honor of the first hoisting of the American flag in Philippine soil after it was lowered in Bataan in 1942.

Various activities were also lined-up by the provincial government on Oct. 19 starting with live free festival at the Leyte Academic Center, Palo commemorative event Barrio Fiesta at the Palo Municipal Hall and the grand finals of the Pagbabalik Hip-hop competition at the Boy Scout Circle.

On Oct. 20, the program for the Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration will start with the “Sunrise Ceremony of the Filipino World War II Veterans at the Unknown Soldier Monument at 4 a.m. and will be followed by the 75th National Commemoration Ceremonies at the McArthur Land Memorial National Park at 8 a.m.

Other activities on the 20th are the Subiran Regatta which will start at the Oriental Hotel in this town, the reunion of the veterans at the Department of Education-Leyte Gymnasium, the commemorative luncheon and awarding and recognition of the 10 oldest living Filipino veterans.

A fireworks display at the McArthur Land Memorial National Park in the evening will cap the day-long activities.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the lead agency for this year celebration, has invited President Rodrigo Duterte as the guest of honor, but the President has yet to confirm his attendance, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla said on Monday.

Also invited to the 75th Leyte Landings Commemoration are NHCP chairman Rene Escalante, United States Ambassador Sung Yong Kim, Australian Ambassador Steven James Robinson, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Daniel Robert Pruce, New Zealand Ambassador David John Strachan, Ambassador of Japan Koji Haneda, and Ambassador of Canada John Thomas Holmes.

“Just to remind everyone, this is not that just the provincial government commemoration of World War II but for everybody. This is our commemoration; this is everybody’s activity. Your participation in all activities or by watching our activities is already a big contribution,” Petilla said in an interview.

“This is not just a simple commemoration or ceremony, but we are here to learn a lesson from the valor of our heroes, the example that our heroes are very important. As we face more challenges, we need to learn the lesson for us to overcome all these challenges,” Petilla added.

The Leyte Gulf Landing is a commemoration of the Battle of Leyte Gulf the largest naval battle in the Pacific, and the largest naval battle in recorded history.

The battle spanned 100,000 square miles of sea; and was fought for three days, from Oct. 23 to 25, 1944, during the invasion of Leyte by the Allied forces.

The battle signaled the fulfillment of Gen. Douglas MacArthur's famous words, “I shall return,” who left the country and escaped to Australia to muster support from the Allied forces in the quest to liberate the Philippines from Japanese forces’ occupation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081161

NPA rebel yields in Bislig City

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): NPA rebel yields in Bislig City



Google map of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur--A member of the communist New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the Army's 75th Infantry Battalion early this month, saying the loss of support from the community for the rebel group has compelled him to go back to the mainstream society.

In a statement, the 75IB identified the surrenderer as Romy Paquito dela Serna, alias Salvador, a member of the NPA's Milisya ng Bayan who yielded with his firearm and ammunition on September 2, 2019.

According to the 75IB, dela Serna was a member of the Team Abe, Squad 1, Platoon 1 of Weaken Guerrilla Front 14, of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Committee.

According to the military, a debriefing on dela Serna revealed that the latter decided to voluntarily yield "due to the continuous massive military operations," tiredness, and fear of being killed in armed encounters.

“I did not wait for the wrath of the community for me to be killed for nothing, as I saw the loss of civilian support for the organization (NPA)," dela Serna was quoted in the dialect as saying.

Following dela Serna's surrender, Lt. Col. Jaime Datuin, 75IB commanding Officer, appealed to the remaining rebels in the hinterlands to "surrender and grab the opportunity to live a normal life with their family and the benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government for former rebels."

The armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the 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/1081332

PNP lauds MisOr, Bukidnon for declaring CPP-NPA persona non grata

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): PNP lauds MisOr, Bukidnon for declaring CPP-NPA persona non grata



CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 10 on Tuesday welcomed the move of two Northern Mindanao provinces to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) persona non grata in their respective areas.

In a press statement, Brig. Gen. Rafael Santiago Jr., Police Region Office-10 director, commended Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon provinces for "standing up" against the NPA guerrillas in their areas, even as he hopes other provinces would follow suit.

“The police and military cannot do this alone. We need the help of our local government leaders and their constituents in our effort to achieve an insurgency-free Northern Mindanao,” Santiago said.

Lt. Col. Mardy Hortillosa, PRO-10 spokesperson, said they have been closely working with local government units and the Philippine Army to ensure an end to communist insurgency in the region.

Just recently, the provincial government of Oriental announced that 16 of its 24 towns have already passed rejecting the CPP-NPA's presence in their areas, and declared the communist rebel movement and their fronts persona non grata.

These towns include Alubijid, Balingasag, Binuangan, Claveria, Initao, Jasaan, Lagonglong, Libertad, Magsaysay, Manticao, Medina, Opol, Tagoloan, Talisayan, Laguindingan, and El Salvador City.

A statement from the Misamis Oriental provincial government said the LGUs are “fed up with the incessant atrocities perpetrated by the CPP-NPA against civilians and destruction of civilian properties.”

In Bukidnon, the local chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) also passed a resolution during its Sept. 18 meeting declaring the CPP-NPA persona non grata in the province.

In a statement, the league deplored the communist rebels’ “incessant attacks targeting civilian non-combatants and deliberate destruction of civilian-owned equipment and other properties in defiance and blatant disregard to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).”

Since January this year, the LMP-Bukidnon said the NPA has staged a series of attacks against civilian establishments seizing firearms from security personnel, burning and destroying properties, equipment vehicles in various parts of the province.

Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, noted that despite the IHL violations committed by the NPA, not a single IHL case was filed at the Regional Trial Court Branch 25, the special court designated to try IHL cases based in Cagayan de Oro.

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/1081345

DND chief to scrutinize AFP co-location MOA with telco firm

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): DND chief to scrutinize AFP co-location MOA with telco firm



AFP CO-LOCATION DEAL UNDER SCRUTINY. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says he will study and assess the possible security implications of the co-location memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with Dito Telecommunity (formerly Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company or Mislatel), on the sidelines of the activation ceremony for the AFPs' new amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) and multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) at the Philippine Navy headquarters on Monday (Sept. 23, 2019). Based on the agreement, the AFP will determine specific locations with its rental value for use of Mislatel in the installation and management of its communications sites without undermining the operations of affected AFP units. (PNA photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he will study and assess the possible security implications of the co-location memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) with Dito Telecommunity (formerly Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company or Mislatel) last September 11.

"Of course, I have concerns, but I will have to look at the agreement (first). It still has to reach (my office by Sunday) but it could have been submitted today (Monday). I will look at it thoroughly to determine what it contains," Lorenzana said in Filipino, on the sidelines of the activation ceremonies for the four brand-new amphibious assault vehicles and three multi-purpose attack crafts at Philippine Navy headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila late Monday afternoon.

This is in response to concerns expressed by various sectors, citing that the move may affect national security.

The DND chief was on an official trip abroad when the MOA was signed.

Lorenzana, however, stressed that all Dito Telecommunity equipment and facilities will be placed in locations where local carriers, Smart and Globe, are also located, based on a similar MOA signed with these telecommunication firms.

"Smart and Globe also has many towers (inside our) camps. The third telco will have to place their facilities near these sites," he said.

"So we will assess what the possible security implication this deal (will entail)," said Lorenzana, adding that they will see to it that the country's interests are protected.

The defense chief also said he may revoke the deal if it will compromise national security.

"If needed. the MOA is not yet final. As per (Presidential Spokesperson) Secretary (Salvador) Panelo, the (deal is) not yet final. It can still be cancelled or revoked," Lorenzana said.

Also, the DND chief said that his approval or signature is needed for the MOA to be approved as he is the approving authority.

Dito Telecommunity is composed of Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Udenna Corp, and China Telecom.

It was conferred with the status of New Major Player in the telecommunications industry by the National Telecommunications Commission on November 19, 2018.

The AFP and Dito signed the co-location MOA last September 11.

Earlier, AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., bared that partnering with Mislatel is nothing new as similar MOAs have been entered with Smart and Globe.

Based on the agreement, the AFP will determine specific locations with its rental value for use of Mislatel in the installation and management of its communications sites without undermining the operations of affected AFP units.

The telecommunication firm is also required to “furnish all equipment, labor, and materials necessary to effect the co-location of its facilities and shoulders all expenses in connection with or incidental to the co-location” and payment of all taxes, permits, licenses, and other charges.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081252

Maltreatment has no place in professional AFP: spox

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Maltreatment has no place in professional AFP: spox



Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philip[pines spokesperson (PNA File photo)

An official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said the military organization never tolerates maltreatment at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

This, according to Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, in the wake of reports about the death Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio at a hospital on Sept. 18 due to alleged hazing.

“Maltreatment or similar malpractices have no place in the modern, matured, and professional AFP,” Arevalo said in a media interview.

He added that Infractions of stern regulations governing it and the policies banning it will be meted with the severest penalties --- criminal, civil, and administrative.

The AFP and the PMA, he said, are pursuing all initiatives to eliminate maltreatment and other forms of abuses in the military.

"Violators are the exception in the Academy rather than the rule. And that of the erring cadets comprise the deviant behavior," he added.

He said the AFP and PMA are both enraged by incidents like these and thus reiterate their strong and unequivocal positions condemning maltreatment.

Criminal cases

Arevalo said criminal cases in relation to the death of Dormitorio will be filed against the three suspects in Baguio City this September 24.

"Two of them are now at the PMA stockade, while the other is at the holding center. All of them are under tight watch," he said.

He added that seven senior cadets are facing administrative proceedings, four are may be discharged from PMA, two others are for suspension, while another is facing penalty for Class One Offense.

"Class One is the highest category of offense and is meted the highest form of penalty in the academy which includes demerits and suspension of privileges and touring or while carrying his rifle, moving to and from the parade ground for a certain number of hours depending upon the penalty that will be meted on him. Again these penalties as I mentioned to you are based from their possible liabilities under the law and the PMA regulations," he said.

DND chief’s order

Arevalo said Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana went to the wake of Dormitorio on Sept. 21 at PMA where he also had two separate meetings, upper-class cadets and plebes.

At Monday’s sidelines of the activation ceremony of the three brand-new multi-purpose attack crafts (MPACs) and four amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) at Philippine Navy headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Lorenzana said he reminded all PMA cadets that failure to report any maltreatment cases means they are guilty as the perpetrators.

This includes cadets who look away or refuse to be involved who are guilty as those who are perpetrators, he added.

"So now, my orders to the (PMA) Superintendent is that all first-year (cadets) or 'plebes' are subjected to a physical examination, all of them from head to foot. Those who will be found with bruises will be questioned on who did it to them and we are going to deal with them at the full extent of the law," Lorenzana said.

Close monitoring of probe

Meanwhile, Arevalo said outgoing AFP Chief-of-Staff Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., is closely monitoring the investigation into the death of Dormitorio and the hospitalization of two other cadets for alleged hazing.

“AFP Chief General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. is closely monitoring the developments in the thorough, no-nonsense investigation that he ordered relative to the maltreatment case (of Cadet 4Cl Dormitorio) in the PMA,” Arevalo said

Madrigal's directive, he said, gained more momentum following reports that two other PMA fourth class cadets are now confined and undergoing treatment for alleged maltreatment.

One of the cadets mentioned was admitted last September 17 while the other one was hospitalized on September 22.

"Both cadets were complaining of pain in their abdomen," he said when asked on what the initial diagnosis on the two cadets was.

"But so far these all are fourth class cadets so they are all classmates in the PMA," Arevalo said. “Both cadets are now recovering, responding to medication and are in stable condition.”

He said updates on the conditions of the two cadets will be issued as appropriate.

"For now we would like you to know that we have an officer assigned in the ward from the PMA who is monitoring the development and ensuring that the requirements and the needs of the patients and the parents are well attended. The physicians of the hospital are on a 24-hour duty monitoring and ensuring that the patients are well attended," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081259

AFP holds airfield retake, urban warfare exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): AFP holds airfield retake, urban warfare exercises



'DAGIT-PA' 2019. The three major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) -- Army, Air Force, and Navy conduct airfield retake and Military Operations in Urban Terrain exercises at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija on Monday (Sept. 23, 2019) as part of the ongoing AFP Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA 03-2019. The mission of the scenario-based exercise was to retake Fort Magsaysay airfield and other encampments “seized” by enemy forces, and destroy their command and control and logistics facility in the area. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

Army, Air Force, and Navy units on Monday conducted airfield retake and military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) exercises in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija as part of the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA 03-2019.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, DAGIT-PA public affairs office chief, said the mission of the scenario-based exercise is to retake the Fort Magsaysay airfield and other encampments “seized” by enemy forces and destroy their command and control and logistics facility in the area.

DAGIT-PA stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” and is an AFP-wide exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability during joint operations of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Army.

It is geared to level up existing exercises by integrating the AFP’s Special Operations Forces, Cyber Group, and Reservists.

Around 1,500 soldiers, including reservists, are participating in the ongoing joint exercise that aims to develop joint sea, air and land operations. It was launched on September 16 and will end on September 27.

Special Operations Forces conducted military free fall maneuvers from PAF UH-1H helicopters and conducted air assault following intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

Meanwhile, a platoon of Army reservists also took part in the activity showing their capability to be deployed in various operations such as territorial defense, counter-insurgency, and humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief among others.

“The airfield retake exercise allows our forces to gain significant knowledge and develop special training techniques in joint air-to-land operations. This will also prepare us for any untoward incidents and potential enemy incursion in the future,” said Commodore Adeluis Bordado, DAGIT-PA exercise director and AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command head.

After the airfield retake, joint ground forces operated to conduct MOUT at the Mega Drug Rehab Facility in Fort Magsaysay. This included CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive), combat engineering, explosive ordnance disposal, and K-9 teams.

“The MOUT focused on urban close combat, search and breach, joint fires, and airspace operations. This exercise was an opportunity to train our troops in dealing with urban terrorism utilizing not only modern equipment but testing how effective our combat schemes are,” Bordado said.

Among other activities under the joint exercise were the air/maritime interdiction operation in Palawan, amphibious landing in Zambales, and combined arms live-fire exercise in Tarlac. These events focus on capabilities development in maritime security, military operations in urban terrain, and amphibious operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081250

PMA head's resignation upholds integrity of academy: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): PMA head's resignation upholds integrity of academy: Palace



Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo

Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed the resignation of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista following the death of cadet Darwin Dormitorio due to hazing inside the academy.

Evangelista announced his resignation at a press briefing in Baguio City after leaving it to the proper authority to decide on the finality of the case.

“We welcome this development as a right step towards upholding the integrity of the PMA as the country's premier military institution and recognize the same as a form of genuine delicadeza on the part of Lt. Gen. Evangelista,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

The Palace official hoped that all government officials tagged in anomalies within their agency would learn from Evangelista’s delicadeza.

“Sana ganyan yung mga public officials. Pag nagkaroon ng isang insidente sa opisina ninyo (All public officials should be like that. If there are incidents in your office) and you feel that it’s command responsibility e wag na kayo maghintay na bigyan ng insinuation, dapat mag-resign ka (don’t wait for an insinuation, you should resign),” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Evangelista’s resignation came a day after Panelo asked him to step down as part of command responsibility.

“I think the superiors in that Academy should be held accountable, from the top to the bottom who are supposed to know what is happening in their Academy. If they cannot stop the hazing, then they have no business staying in their positions. They should be charged administratively, if not criminally,” Panelo said in an interview over a cable television on Monday.

Aside from Evangelista, Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, the commandant of the cadets, also resigned from his post.

While an investigation is ongoing, Panelo assured no whitewash and that justice will be rendered for those involved in Dormitorio’s death.

“We will, of course, proceed with the investigation and we will prosecute those behind this,” Panelo said.

Dormitorio, whose body reportedly bore bruises, was found unconscious in his room and declared dead on arrival at the hospital last Sept. 18.

To date, Baguio City police have identified and are readying charges against three upperclassmen as persons of interest or suspects while other cadets are under restrictive confinement pending investigation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081280

DND lauds resignation of PMA execs amid maltreatment issues

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): DND lauds resignation of PMA execs amid maltreatment issues



PMA EXECS QUIT. Department of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong says the agency lauded the resignation of Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista and Brig. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro to resign from their respective positions as Superintendent and Commandant of Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy, in a message to reporters on Tuesday (Sept. 24, 2019). The resignations came in the wake of the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio due to alleged hazing and the hospitalization of two other cadets, purportedly due to maltreatment. (File photo)

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday lauded the decision of two ranking officials of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) to quit their posts following the death of Cadet Fourth Class Darwin Dormitorio and the hospitalization of two other cadets due to alleged maltreatment.

"The DND commends the decision of Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista and Brig. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro to resign from their respective positions as Superintendent and Commandant of Cadets of the Philippine Military Academy in light of recent events involving the institution," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement forwarded to reporters.

He was referring to the alleged death of Dormitorio due to maltreatment last Sept. 18, and the hospitalization of two others last September 17 and 21.

"By choosing this course of action, Lt. Gen. Evangelista and Brig. Gen. Bacarro have shown the hallmark of true leadership as espoused by the military profession and the principle of command responsibility. We wish both gentlemen the best in their future endeavors," he added.

Earlier, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the military organization does not tolerate maltreatment at the PMA.

“Maltreatment or similar malpractices have no place in the modern, matured, and professional AFP,” he said. He added that infractions of stern regulations governing it and the policies banning it will be meted with the severest penalties -- criminal, civil, and administrative.

The AFP and the PMA, he said, are pursuing all initiatives to eliminate maltreatment and other forms of abuses in the military.

"Violators are the exception in the Academy rather than the rule. And that of the erring cadets comprise the deviant behavior," he added.

He said the AFP and PMA are both enraged by incidents like these and thus reiterate their strong and unequivocal positions condemning maltreatment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081297

PRRD might consider DND request if it involves national security

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): PRRD might consider DND request if it involves national security



DND REQUEST. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana chats with President Rodrigo Duterte during one of the previous Palace events. Lorenzana on Monday (Sept. 23, 2019) said he might consider asking the President to exempt his agency from a suspension of loans from 18 countries supporting Iceland-backed UN resolution that will look into the country’s drug war. (Presidential photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte may review Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana’s proposal to exempt his agency from the suspension of loans from the 18 countries that supported the Iceland-sponsored United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution to probe the drug war, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

“I do not know if the proposal has reached President’s ears so let’s see,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“The President is a very reasonable man. If it involves national security he might…or I do not know yet. We have to wait for his thoughts on the matter,” Panelo said.

On Monday, Lorenzana said that although the Department of National Defense (DND) will no longer accept grants, he might ask the President to exempt his agency because the memorandum order would affect the military’s modernization program.

"Oo, kasi order ni Presidente yun eh. Maaapektuhan ‘yung loans and grants. Pero 'yung loans, siguro we might ask for exemption kung kinakailangan ma-exempt tayo sa directive ni Presidente (Yes. It’s because it is an order from the President. It might affect the loans as well as the grants, but as for the loans, we might ask, if necessary, for an exemption from the President’s directive)," Lorenzana said during the sidelines of the activation of the three multi-purpose attack crafts and four amphibious assault vehicles at the Philippine Navy headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Monday.

Of the 18 countries covered with the suspension of loans and grants memorandum issued by the Chief Executive through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea last August 27, the Philippines is known to source military equipment and items from four nations which including Australia, the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.

Items acquired from these countries include the AW-109 combat utility and AW-159 anti-submarine helicopters from United Kingdom and Italy, and the C-295 medium transports from Spain and a possible soft loan grant from Australia to build the Navy's six offshore patrol vessels.

The Defense chief earlier bared the prospect of a soft loan from Australia for the purchase of six offshore patrol vessels for the Philippine Navy.

“Let us wait for him (Duterte) to evaluate whatever recommendation the Secretary of National Defense will provide him,” Panelo said.

Other countries that supported Iceland's resolution are Argentina, Austria, Bahamas, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Fiji, Iceland, Mexico, Peru, Slovakia, Ukraine and Uruguay.

Political statement
Panelo defended anew Duterte’s order shunning financial aid from the 18 countries calling it a “political statement.”

He reiterated that Duterte felt insulted by the resolution which “presupposes” that Philippine courts are not doing anything about the complaints and abuses related to the drug war.

“That’s a political statement. You don’t mess with this country with that kind of resolution,” Panelo said, stressing how Iceland expressed concern over the killing of drug suspects when it has legalized abortion.

“They are supporting a resolution coming from a country questioning the kind of governance of this country relative to the war on drugs yet this country sponsor is allowing murders, killings of unborn children. Kumbaga (It’s as if saying), what hypocrisy,” he added.

Asked if the memo is the President’s personal decision, Panelo said: “According to him, he immediately called --upon the height of the Iceland resolution -- Secretary (Salvador) Medialdea to issue that memorandum.”

The Palace official said it was the President’s discretion not to consult with other Cabinet Secretaries before issuing the memo.

“He’s the President… that is his discretion. These are only alter egos of the President,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, Panelo shrugged off Senator Francis Pangilinan’s remark urging the President to think twice about issuing the memo as it may affect overseas Filipino workers in those countries.

“He (Pangilinan) should also think twice before issuing such statement because when the President makes a decision, he has studied all aspects of the same,” Panelo said.

Not confined to loans

Panelo pointed out that despite the President's memo, foreign relations between the Philippines and the 18 countries that backed the drug probe will not be affected.

“Walang epekto kasi yun namang relasyon natin (There is no affect because our relation) is not confined to loans. Pareho rin yun ng ating away (Just like our dispute) with China, hindi lang naman dun sa conflict natin, marami pang areas na puwede natin pag-usapan (we don’t just focus on our conflict, there are many other areas we can discuss),” Panelo said.

“Wala pa akong nakikitang (I haven’t seen any) adverse effect. Wala akong naririnig na (I haven’t heard any) reaction coming from them. Kung walang reaction sa kanila, ang tingin ko doon (If there’s no reaction from them, I guess), they’re not even offended by the move of the President,” he added.

The Palace official insisted that just because the President rejects the resolution to look into the drug war, doesn’t mean the Philippines will have problems in other areas.

“Tingin ko (I think), let us see how it develops,” he added.

On Monday, Panelo assured the suspension of financial assistance from the 18 countries will have no negative impact on the Philippine economy because it will not affect existing loans or grants which are already being implemented.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081303

PMA must relentlessly pursue justice over cadet's death: solon

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): PMA must relentlessly pursue justice over cadet's death: solon



Senator Ralph Recto

Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto on Tuesday said the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) should "relentlessly pursue" justice over the death of cadet Darwin Dormitorio due to hazing inside the academy.

Recto stressed the value of PMA cadets, whom he described as "people's investments" since the cost of producing one PMA graduate is about PHP2.982 million.

The senator noted that the cost is six times higher compared to producing a University of the Philippines graduate with funding of only PHP507,000.

"PMA cadets are "the people's investments", to whom the defense of the Republic will later be entrusted. Bawat isa sa kanila ay mahalaga (Each of them is important). If they will have to drop out, then it must be on their own steam, and not on a stretcher out of a hospital or morgue," Recto said.

"The PMA's grief for losing one of its own should be translated into justice it must relentlessly pursue," he added.

Dormitorio, whose body reportedly bore bruises, was found unconscious in his room and declared dead on arrival at the hospital last Sept. 18.

To date, Baguio City police have identified and are readying charges against three upperclassmen as persons of interest or suspects while other cadets are under restrictive confinement pending investigation.

Citing the tradition of command responsibility, PMA Superintendent, Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista has stepped down from his post following the cadet's death.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081322

IPs to int'l community: 'Help save our culture, youth from dying'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): IPs to int'l community: 'Help save our culture, youth from dying'



'HELP US.' Datu James Binayao, a leader of the Manobo-Talaandig Tribe in Maramag, Bukidnon, tells the guests of a forum titled “A Conversation with Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines" on Sept. 20 that CPP-NPA groups use front organizations with a vast knowledge of the Constitution to deprive the IPs of their ancestral domains. The IPs are seeking help from the international body to back their cause against the CPP-NPA, which they blamed for the killings and grabbing of their ancestral domains. (Contributed photo)

Armed with the mission to save their culture and the next generation of their tribes, eight leaders of Filipino indigenous people (IP) appealed to the members of the European community to stop funding the front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

Datu James Binayao, a leader of the Manobo-Talaandig Tribe in Maramag, Bukidnon, told the guests of a forum titled “A Conversation with Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines" on Sept. 20 that CPP-NPA groups use front organizations with a vast knowledge of the Constitution to deprive the IPs of their ancestral domains.

The forum, which was organized by European Institute for Asian Studies, a leading think tank in Brussels that specializes in Asian issues, was attended by representatives of Reuters and Euronews at Rue de La Loi 26, Brussels.

'We are dying everyday'

This is how Binayao described their situation in Mindanao.

“For over 50 years, they stole the peace in our community. They stole our privileges and the youth of our tribes who they train as child warriors to go up against the government,” he said.

Binayao shared that their culture is also on the verge of vanishing as the CPP-NPA groups establish their communities within the IP communities.

“Our indigenous peoples' knowledge system is almost 60 percent destroyed because they’re killing our tribal leaders. When our leaders die, the culture and tradition that are supposed to be passed on the next generation die with them because these are only transmitted through oral practice,” he said.

Meanwhile, Joel Dahusay, member of the Matigtalomo tribe in Talaingod, Davao, said he wanted to educate his tribesmen about their rights as stated in the Republic Act Number 8731 or An An Act to Recognize, Protect, And Promote the Rights of Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples” which the IPs consider as a covenant between them and the government.

EDUCATING FELLOW IPs. Datu Joel Dahusay says he wants to educate his tribesmen about their rights as stated in the Republic Act Number 8731 or An An Act to Recognize, Protect, and Promote the Rights of Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples”, in a forum titled “A Conversation with Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines" in Brussels, Belgium on Sept. 20. The law is considered by the IPs as a covenant between them and the government. (Contributed photo)

“But our area is already infiltrated by the communist groups and they did not allow me to teach because I’m a graduate from a government school. They said I can only teach my tribe if I belong to their group but I don’t want to be a ‘parateacher’ for them because I know they’re no good,” Dahusay said.

He added that he has witnessed how a number of Salugpungan schools teach the children communist ideologies – preparing them to become professional activists after graduation.

“They are the violators of the IPs rights because their commanders kill the tribal leaders. They destroy the culture of the indigenous people like farming and our natural laws so we’re unable to practice our laws because the CPP NPAs have governed our communities,” Dahusay said.

While stressing that some non-government organizations (NGOs) are “only using IPs” and not actually helping them, Bae Magdalina Iligan from Mamanwa tribe of San Miguel, Surigao urged the international community to be careful in choosing organizations to help in the Philippines.

“I was tasked to capture some leaders and even some people in my family. They force killings within families and organized evacuations or "haran" to raise funds by the same NGOs like the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc.,” Iligan said.

Iligan appealed to the forum attendees to help them inform the whole world about the atrocities brought about by the CPP-NPA in Mindanao and to stop supporting their groups who are responsible for killing the next generation of IPs.

Government efforts

Meanwhile, Dr. Annette Mangrobang of the University of the Philippines Diliman-Philippine Institute for Development Studies said certain actions can be done even if the list is unavailable.

“We at the civil society can and should do something about this to prevent funds from being used in illegal activities that we've heard from our IPs,” Mangrobang said.

More careful

Earlier, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UN-FAO) has promised that it would be more careful in choosing which non-government organizations (NGOs) to help in the Philippines.

This, after a group of indigenous people’s (IP) leaders visited their office in Rome, Italy to report about communists and left-leaning groups taking advantage of the help they send.

UN-FAO Partnerships and Capacity Development Division Director Marcela Villareal said she is touched by the stories of the IP leaders’ bitter experiences under the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army conquest of their respective areas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081323

Duterte skips AFP Change of Command

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Duterte skips AFP Change of Command

President Rodrigo Duterte skipped on Tuesday the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony and Retirement Honors for outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr.

Duterte designated Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to lead the program instead.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, who was also present in the event, said the 74-year-old President opted to rest after his punishing schedule.

“The punishing schedule of official and social events the previous days has slightly affected his body temperature. He opted to rest so he can be his usual healthy self in no time,” Panelo said in a statement.

On Sunday, Duterte attended the baptism of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and wife Rowena Kristina Velasco’s daughter, Sara in a hotel in Makati City.

Duterte was also present at Panelo’s surprise birthday party in a Makati City hotel on Monday night.

Earlier, Madrigal, 56, said he would retire from service with a "grateful heart and fulfilled soul".

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985.

Prior to his appointment as AFP chief on Dec. 11, 2018, Madrigal commanded the Eastern Mindanao Command, Southern Luzon Command, the 4th Infantry Division, the 701st Infantry Brigade, and the 26th Infantry Battalion.

Madrigal's previous posts include being the chief of staff of the Philippine Army; chief of War Plans in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans J5; Secretary Joint Staff; and chief of the Army Management and Fiscal Office.

Lt. Gen. Noel Clement, commander of the Central command based in Cebu, will take Madrigal’s place.

He is the 52nd AFP Chief of Staff and the sixth under the Duterte administration.

Clement will serve for barely four months, as he is set to reach 56 years old, the mandatory retirement age for military service, on Jan. 5, 2020.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081342

PRRD thanks outgoing AFP chief Madrigal for numerous reforms

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): PRRD thanks outgoing AFP chief Madrigal for numerous reforms



PRRD THANKS MADRIGAL. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana delivers President Rodrigo Duterte’s speech during the Armed Forces of the Philippines Change of Command at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday (Sept. 24, 2019). Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte skipped the event because he needed time to rest from his hectic schedule. (Screenshot)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday expressed gratitude to outgoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr. for his dedication in strengthening the military and securing the nation.

In a speech delivered by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on his behalf during the AFP change of command ceremony at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Duterte said Madrigal’s “untiring commitment” has paved the way for numerous reforms within the organization.

“General Madrigal, I congratulate you for completing your remarkable tour of duty as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. You have made a mark in this noble institution by initiating and pursuing organizational reforms to strengthen its operational effectiveness,” Duterte said.

“We thank you for your steadfast leadership and for ensuring that the AFP remains to be a reliable player in our whole-of-nation approach to achieving security and development in the country,” he added.

Duterte said among these reforms include the increase in the AFP’s authorized troop strength and the activation of the 4th Marine Brigade to improve command control over government troops in Jolo.

The President also lauded Madrigal for improving the country’s internal security operations under his watch.

“Thousands of local and communist terrorist group members have been neutralized, apprehended or surrendered, making our communities safer,” Duterte said.

“Our troops have also remained at the forefront of humanitarian assistance and disaster response, particularly in the aftermath of the earthquake in Batanes and the capsizing of a motorized banca in Guimaras, among others,” he added.

Duterte recalled how Madrigal conducted hundreds of surface and air patrols in seaboards and deployed AFP personnel to the Kalayaan Island Group, which bolstered territorial defense.

Meanwhile, Duterte also urged troops to support the new AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Noel Clement.

“I now enjoin the troops to continue the fight against the threats of terrorism and insurgency under the leadership of the new Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Noel Clement,” Duterte said.

He also assured troops that government will continue to support and upgrade AFP capabilities and pursue initiatives in securing the safety of Filipinos.

“Be assured that the entire nation is behind you as you bravely march towards the battlefield to advance the common good and secure genuine and lasting change for our motherland,” Duterte said.

Madrigal, 56, was appointed as AFP chief on December 11, 2018.

Prior to his appointment, he commanded the Eastern Mindanao Command, Southern Luzon Command, the 4th Infantry Division, the 701st Infantry Brigade, and the 26th Infantry Battalion.

Madrigal's previous posts include chief of staff of the Philippine Army; chief of War Plans in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans J5; Secretary Joint Staff; and chief of the Army Management and Fiscal Office.

He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985.

Clement, on the other hand, is the 52nd AFP Chief of Staff and the sixth under the Duterte administration.

Clement, commander of the Central Command, will serve for barely four months, as he is set to reach 56 years old, the mandatory retirement age for military service, on January 5, 2020.

Duterte skipped the ceremony because he needed time to rest from his punishing schedule, according Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, who was present during the event.

“The punishing schedule of official and social events the previous days has slightly affected his body temperature. He opted to rest so he can be his usual healthy self in no time,” Panelo said in a statement.

On Sunday, Duterte attended the baptism of Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and wife Rowena Kristina Velasco’s daughter, Sara, in a hotel in Makati City.

Duterte was also present in Panelo’s surprise birthday party on Monday night.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081351

New AFP chief commits to end insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): New AFP chief commits to end insurgency



CHANGING OF GUARDS. Incoming Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Noel Clement (left) and outgoing AFP chief, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., shake hands during the formal Change of Command ceremony at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday (Sept. 24). Clement, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, vows to end insurgency threats during his watch. (PNA photo Joey O. Razon)

As he formally assumed the top post in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Tuesday, Lt. Gen. Noel Clement said the military will remain committed to ending the threat posed by the communist armed insurgency.

"On our operational engagements, we will remain committed to ending the armed insurgency, similarly our focused operations will be sustained and surgically conducted on those who threatened the peace in our communities," he said during the formal Change of Command at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Clement, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985, succeeded his classmate at the PMA, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., who left the service as he will be reaching the mandatory military retirement age of 56 on September 28.

The newly-appointed AFP chief said the "enemies of peace will be dealt with accordingly."

Clement also urged all remaining communist rebels and their allies to return to the path of peace like what their former colleagues in the insurgency movement have done.

"I, therefore, call on the leftover of a lost cause, peace is not elusive. we have worked with your comrades. We have worked with our people; we engage communities who now partake of the fruits of our peaceful endeavors. Therefore, I enjoin the remaining peace spoilers to work with us," he added.

Clement said under his watch, the AFP will remain professional, non-partisan, a staunch defender and advocate of human rights, and respectful of International Humanitarian Law but at the same time assuring the Rule of Law.

"My leadership aims to highlight values, advocates for the collective good of most people, and our uniformed personnel," he said.

Clement, who was born Jan. 5, 1964 in Lipa, Batangas, studied at DOLE Philippines School, Stella Maris Academy of Davao and had his first year in Bachelor of Science in Commerce at Ateneo De Davao University, before entering the PMA in 1981.

Prior to his appointment as AFP chief, Clement was designated as the head of the Cebu-based Central Command on Nov. 16, 2018. He also commanded the 10th Infantry Division, 602nd Infantry Brigade, and the 56th Infantry Battalion and Joint Task Force Sulu.

A multi-decorated officer, Clement earned four Distinguished Service Star medals, an Outstanding Achievement Medal, three Bronze Cross Medals, two Meritorious Achievement Medals, among others.

He is also happily married to Geraldine Anne Valerio and is blessed with two sons, Cheeno and Carl Angelo.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081353