Task Force Davao holds anti-terrorism seminars

From Politiko Mindanao (Sep 27, 2019): Task Force Davao holds anti-terrorism seminars



Task Force Davao has conducted series of anti-terrorism seminars for vendors, business owners, drivers, and mall workers to inculcate the “culture of security,” an official said.

Colonel Consolito Yecla, commander of Task Force Davao, said that almost 400 Roxas Night Market vendors attended the seminar recently in preparation for the declaration of the area as a maximum security zone.

A bomb ripped Roxas Night Market on Sept. 2, 2016, killing 15 people and injuring 69 others.

The same seminar was also separately given to business owners, public utility vehicle drivers, and mall workers, Yecla said.

“They were given a checklist by TFD on how to secure themselves and the market, through the practice of the culture of security,” he said.

The culture of security is part of the anti-terrorism drive of the government. Lessons also emphasize the importance of sharing or reporting of information and maintaining cleanliness and orderliness for the area’s security.

“It is easy to identify potential threat such as unattended baggage if the area is clean and orderly,” Yecla said.

Roxas Avenue is being eyed as the second maximum security zone in the city because it is where people converge and several events are also held, he said.

The first declared maximum security zone is the San Pedro Square which is also the site of major events such as the Araw ng Dabaw, Kadayawan Festival, and Pasko Fiesta.

Yecla explained that the maximum-security zone is an area to which access is controlled through an entry point and limited to authorized, appropriately screened personnel and authorized and properly escorted visitors, and monitored 24 hours a day and seven days a week by peace-keeping forces. This means stricter measures are implemented.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/task-force-davao-holds-anti-terrorism-seminars-1/

Councilor requests colleagues to rally behind Lumad schools

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 27, 2019): Councilor requests colleagues to rally behind Lumad schools

A councilor appealed to her colleagues to investigate the accusation leveled against the Salugpongan Community Learning Center as a recruiting ground for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army.
Councilor Leah Librado said the schools under Salugpongan Community Learning Center and Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI) that were ordered to be temporarily closed by DepEd Region 11 are located in:

• Sitio Gatongon in Tapak, Paquibato District
• Sitio Alon in Malabog, Paquibato District
• Sitio Kapatagan in Malamba, Marilog District
• Sitio Taga Ibo in Malamba, Marilog District
• Sitio Kabalantian in Gumitan, Marilog District
• Sitio Licuyan in Tambobong in Baguio District
• Sitio Indawbong in Salaysay, Marilog District
“I rise because this body needs to address this issue. Some of the Lumad students have been
displaced and are staying here in a sanctuary in this city,” Librado said in her speech. “Most of them due to this temporary closure order, have been long displaced from their communities in Talaingod and Kapalong due to militarization in their community.”

Librado said Salugpongan has requested a dialogue with Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte in a letter officially received by the Sangguniang Panlungsod last September 4, 2019.

“I rise to appeal to my colleagues that we need to verify this accusation and see how as a collective body we can address the need to protect the rights of the Lumad children to education and to protect them from these issues,” she said.

She said the schools were closed without due process and only on the prodding of National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, which identified the schools were exploiting the kids in protest rallies and also teaching them to hate the government.

“The host communities were witnesses to the gradual development of the schools from being literacy-numeracy programs into formal institutions,” she said.

Librado also questioned how the DepEd has come up with a suspension order if they had recognized these schools in the past.

“We also further question the process of their suspension, as they had done this without undergoing due process to investigate first the schools to verify the claims of a report. I have heard statements from school officials that they had received the information first from the media, before they received the suspension order,” Librado said.

Librado also called the other councilors to make room for dialogue and listen to the sentiments of the Lumad communities. “For the rights of our indigenous peoples are the same human rights accorded to each one of us,” she said.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/09/27/councilor-requests-colleagues-to-rally-behind-lumad-schools/

Former NPA allies receive aid from DILG, PLGU

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 27, 2019): Former NPA allies receive aid from DILG, PLGU

Nueva Vizcaya Gov. Carlos Padilla and DILG Prov'l Director Elma Urbina urged former NPA aides to use the government assistance for their livelihood to support their families during the release of fund aid for 13 former 'Militia ng Bayan' members of the NPA.#

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – At least 13 former members of the New People Army (NPA) 'Militia ng Bayan’ recently received assistance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and provincial government here.

The villagers who came from barangays Dulli, Amueg and Camandag in Ambaguio town received checks worth P15,000.00 each which were handed by Governor Carlos Padilla and DILG provincial chief Elma Urbina.

Padilla and Urbina, in their messages encouraged the recipients to use their assistance wisely to support their families.

Milagros Sicat, provincial government’s coordinator for rebel returnees the recipients served as helpers of the NPA in their various activities in their communities.

“They were former allies of the NPA and returned back to the government through the assistance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” she said.

Sicat added that more assistance will be given to rebel returnees this year through the government’s amnesty program (MDCT/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027889

Nueva Vizcaya declares NPA ‘Persona Non Grata’

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 27, 2019): Nueva Vizcaya declares NPA ‘Persona Non Grata’

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – The Provincial Peace and Order and Provincial Anti-illegal Drugs Councils (PPOC-PADAC) recently declared the New People’s Army operating in the province as ‘Persona Non Grata.’

The declaration came during the September 2019 joint meeting of the PPOC and PADAC at the Nueva Vizcaya Pasalubong Center in this town.

Military officials said the official declaration of the NPA as ‘Persona Non Grata’ in the province will provide barangay officials a legal basis in resisting and objecting their possible stay in their respective communities.

Lt. Colonel Remigio Dulatre, commanding officer of the army’s 86th Infantry Batallion said this will dissuade efforts of the communist rebels in conducting their recruitment and other anti-government activities in the 275 barangays of Nueva Vizcaya.

Nueva Vizcaya thru its Prov'l Peace and Order Council (PPOC) declares the CPP-NPA-NDF as 'Persona Non Grata' during the recent meeting in Bayombong. (PIA Photo)

“This declaration will also serve as a legal document for our barangay officials not to accommodate them and further advise the communist rebels to get out from their communities,” he said.

The declaration of the NPA as ‘Persona Non Grata’ has been pushed by military officials in Cagayan Valley as a form of legal rejection on their presence in the province.

Army officials said the province, surrounded by the Cordillera, Caraballo and Sierra Madre Moutnain Ranges serves as one of the major areas for NPA infiltration in the region.

They said the CPP-NPA-NDF has been causing inhumane and terrorist activities since 1987 to present, causing apprehension, anxiety and fear among the villagers.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has declared the CPP-NPA-NDF as terrorist group in December 5, 2017 under Republic Act 10168 or the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suspension Act of 2012.# (MDCT/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027820

AgNor LGU welcomes over 200 NPA surenderees

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 27, 2019): AgNor LGU welcomes over 200 NPA surenderees

BUTUAN CITY -- The provincial government of Agusan del Norte has welcomed and received the more than 200 members and supporters of the New People’s Army in the three barangays of Agusan del Norte, who have voluntarily surrendered to the folds of the law and promised to closely coordinate with the government to help curb the problem on insurgency in the area.

This was in time with the conduct of the Provincial Peace And Order Council (PPOC) immersion held in Barangay Tagbongabong in the municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR).

According to Rocky, a former member of the Militia Ng Bayan, his voluntary surrender to the government meant a lot to his family, as he would now be able to spend quality time with them and could now send his children to school.

“I’m happy to see my family again and will now live peacefully with them. My children would now go to school and I will be there to guide them,” he said.

Edwin, another surrenderee, also shared his hardships and sufferings while he was still in the organization. He expressed his hope that his decision of going back to the mainstream society will ultimately improve his way of living.

“It’s been hard, but now that I’m back in the community, I’m optimistic that there’s a lot of opportunities that I could avail from the government’s programs and services,” he said.

According to Brigadier General Maurito Licudine, commander of 402nd Brigade, Philippine Army, the Barangays Tagbungabong, Balang-Balang, San Antonio and Mahaba are rebel-infested areas, where the terrorist-NPAs recruit new members and supporters.

Along with the conduct of the PPOC immersion in Barangay Tagbongabong, the local residents also declared the NPAs as persona non-grata. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027781

Tagalog News: 200 miyembro, supporters ng NPA nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 27, 2019): Tagalog News: 200 miyembro, supporters ng NPA nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno 

LUNGSOD NG CABADBARAN, Agusan del Norte -- Mahigit 200 myembro at supporters ng New People's Army o NPA sa tatlong barangay ng RTR, Agusan del Norte ang nagbalik loob at makikipagtulongan sa gobyerno upang tuluyang sugpuin ang insurhensiya sa lugar.

Sa ginawang provincial peace and order council o PPOC immersion sa barangay ng Tagbongabong sa bayan ng RTR, nanumpa silang itakwil ang teroristang grupo at nangakong makipagtulungan sa gobyerno at makipag-ugnayan sila sa militar upang tuluyang masugpo ang mga gawaing terorista ng mga NPA.

Pahayag pa ni Rocky, dating miyembro ng militia ng bayan, malaki ang tulong ng kanyang pagbabalik-loob sa gobyerno dahil makapag-aral na ng maayos ang kanyang anak.

Isinalaysay din ni Edwin ang hirap na kanyang naranasan noong siya pa ay miyembro ng NPA, umaasa siyang sa pagbabalik-loob nya sa gobyerno mag iba ang takbo ng kanyang buhay.

Ayon kay Brigadier General Maurito Licudine ng 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army ang barangay ng Tagbungabong, Balang-balang, San Antonio at Mahaba sa bayan ng RTR ay mga rebel-infested barangays kung saan dito ang mga NPA kumukuha ng mga bago nilang kaanib at mga susuporta. (May Amor O. Alabado/NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027784

EV RTF-ELCAC priority barangays undergo LGSF orientation

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 27, 2019): EV RTF-ELCAC priority barangays undergo LGSF orientation

DBM RO VIII Dir. Annabelle C. Echavez as she delivers her opening message during the LGSF-FA to LGUs orientation for RTF8-ELCAC priority barangays on Sep. 17, 2019 at DBM RO VIII, Tacloban City. (DBM-8)

TACLOBAN CITY -- An orientation on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Local Government Support Fund – Other Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FA to LGUs), designed for the 31 priority barangays of the Regional Task Force VIII – End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF8-ELCAC) was spearheaded by Department of Budget and Management Regional Office VIII (DBM RO8) as a member of the Task Force, on September 17, 2019 at its office in Tacloban City.

The concerned Punong Barangays and Chairpersons of the Sangguniang Barangays’ Committee on Appropriations, totalling to 64 barangay officials of the 30 out of the 31 barangays invited were able to attend the orientation.

The activity aimed at sharing information on the said government program which could be an opportunity to support the unmet needs and unfunded priority projects of the said barangays based on the result of the Community Support Programs (CSP) conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in these areas.

The CSP is a program of the AFP which is an upgraded version of the Peace and Development Outreach Program that aims to transform insurgency affected areas into thriving and sustainable communities by integrating programs that promote economic growth and address fundamental issues affecting lasting peace and security.

DILG RO VIII Regional Director Artemio B. Caneja as he gives his message during the LGSF-FA to LGUs orientation for RTF8-ELCAC priority barangays on Sep. 17, 2019 at DBM RO VIII, Tacloban City. (DBM-8)
DBM RO8 Regional Director Annabelle C. Echavez, in her opening message, gave an overview of the Executive Order (EO) No. 70 (Institutionalizing the Whole-Of-Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force, and Directing the Adoption of a National Peace Framework), and acknowledged that it is imperative for the government to prioritize and harmonize the delivery of basic services as provided in the Local Government Code. She emphasized further that in the implementation of any undertaking, funding is an important component.

The full support of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) RO VIII and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) RO VIII has been evident with the presence of the DILG RO VIII Regional Director Artemio B. Caneja and NICA RO VIII Assistant Regional Director Roselyn Segura who took the occasion to impart messages in relation to their respective mandate and as lead members of the RTF8.

Dir. Caneja in his message to the barangay officials, acknowledged that their barangays are still wanting of the government’s basic services but assured of the present administration’s persistent convergence efforts to meet those desired services. He likewise reminded the barangay officials that on the exercise of their functions, a clean, transparent and efficient governance should be of prime consideration.

Assistant Director Segura discussed the salient points of the EO No. 70, with emphasis on the efforts of the government in addressing the root causes of insurgencies, and the role of the key governance factors in the initiative. Further, she highlighted the importance of good planning as the foundation of effective and efficient utilization of funds.

NICA RO VIII Assistant Regional Director Roselyn P. Segura as she discusses EO No. 70 during the LGSF-FA to LGUs orientation for RTF8-ELCAC priority barangays on Sep. 17, 2019 at DBM RO VIII, Tacloban City. (DBM-8)

The discussion of the FY 2019 LGSF-FA and facilitation of the open forum was made by OIC-Chief Budget and Management Specialist Juvy A. Lobedica.

The participants were thankful of the activity as they gained important information of some of the government’s initiatives. They emphatically relayed, however, during the open forum, the top most priority need of their barangays which are Local Concrete Roads or Farm to Market Roads as their areas are situated to as much as 28 kilometers from the Municipal’s poblacion. Their miserable road condition is a major factor that affects the depressing social and economic condition of their barangays.

Even a single lane road would be a very much welcome development to their area as it will ease or alleviate their difficulty in transporting their farm produce to the market, provide access to government’s health and other social services and minimize road accidents.

In her closing statement, Assistant Regional Director Aleli N. Hernandez acknowledged the presence of the LGU officials, especially those from far-flung areas, which shows the LGU’s interest in the programs of the government. Also, she appreciated the concerns and questions being raised by the LGU officials. She reiterated the willingness of the government, through DBM and its staff, to provide technical assistance for the benefit of the LGUs. (DBM-8/PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027987

Abra LGUs declare CTGs 'persona-non-grata'

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 27, 2019): Abra LGUs declare CTGs 'persona-non-grata'



BANGUED, Abra -- All the municipal local government units of the province have declared all Communist-Terrorist Groups (CTGs) as “persona-non-grata” in their areas of localities through their enacted Sangguniang Bayan resolutions.

Through these declarations, the presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the New Peoples’ Army (NPA), National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and other left-leaning groups is not wanted and welcome in the territorial jurisdictions of the municipalities.

Governor Maria Jocelyn V. Bernos said this is a manifestation that the mayors are willing to attain sustainable peace across the province. She lauded all the municipal local government units (LFUs) for their initiative on this matter of peace and security.

BGen. Henry Robinson, Assistant Brigade Commander of the 7th Infantry Division, reported this development during the 3rdquarter joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Development Council. However, he explained that fighting insurgency does not end in declarations and resolutions alone. Instead, LGUs must also take appropriate actions to prevent or stop the spread of rebel recruitments especially to the youth.

During the joint meeting, Executive No. 70, s. 2018 of President Rodrigo Duterte institutionalizing a “Whole-of-Nation Approach” towards the attainment of inclusive and sustainable peace was explained by National Intelligence Coordinating Agency Cordillera Director lawyer Roel Ubosan.

“This means that fighting insurgency is not solely a responsibility of the men in uniform alone. The EO of President Duterte now involves all sectors in combating insurgency,” he said.

Following the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), LGUs are urged to create their respective task force ELCAC to harmonize and optimize government efforts and resources the their level to address the root causes of insurgency.

In line with EO 70, Bernos directed all municipal and barangay LGUs to immediately enact a resolution creating their own ELCAC task force not later than September 30, 2019. (JDP/CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027991

Tagalog News: Mahigit 2,000 residente nakinabang sa 'Project Heart' ng PNP Caraga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 27, 2019): Tagalog News: Mahigit 2,000 residente nakinabang sa 'Project Heart' ng PNP Caraga

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN -- Mahigit 2,000 residente sa Barangay San Antonio, bayan ng Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR) sa Agusan del Norte ang nakinabang sa isinagawang outreach program kamakailan na tinawag na “Project Kasing-Kasing” o “Project Heart” ng Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga, 33 porsyento nito ay mga Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Tumanggap ng libreng gamot ang mga residente matapos dumaan sa medical check-up, tooth extraction, eye check-up, at circumcision. Nabigyan din sila ng school supplies, tsinelas, laruan, libreng gupit, at food packs.

Laking pasasalamat din ni Mayor Richard Daquipil sa PNP dahil sa napili ang kanyang barangay na maging benepisyaryo ng outreach program. Ang Barangay San Antonio ay napabilang sa NPA-affected barangay sa rehiyon ng caraga.

Ilan-ilang insidente na rin ang naitala sa lugar kung saan nagdulot ng pangamba sa seguridad ng mga residente. Matatandaan na noong nakaraang taon, tatlong sundalo ang napatay sa pag-ambush ng teroristang grupong Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) sa nasabing lugar

Ayon kay dating PNP Caraga Regional Director Police Brigadier General Gilberto Dc Cruz, ang “Project Heart” ay flagship program ng Police Regional Office 13 na layung matulungan ang mga kababayang mahihirap na nasa liblib na lugar ng rehiyon. layun din nitong mas pagtibayin pa ang magandang relasyon ng mga kapulisan sa ibat-ibang komunidad na apektado ng insurhensiya.

Ito ay isang paraan din ng PNP sa pagpapatupad ng Executive Order No. 70 o ang whole of nation approach sa pagsugpo ng insurhensiya at pagkamit ng pangmatagalan na kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa bansa.

Ibinahagi rin ng opisyal na mula Enero hanggang Agosto ngayong taon, may kabuuang 2,000 Caraganons na ang nakabenepisyo sa kanilang “Project Heart.” (JPG/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027935

Soldier killed, fellow hurt in Sagada clash with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27, 2019): Soldier killed, fellow hurt in Sagada clash with Reds



Google map of Sagada, Mt. Province

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela -- An Army trooper was killed and another was hurt in a running battle with communist guerrillas in the mountains of Barangay Aguid, Sagada, Mountain Province on Thursday, the military said.

The fatality, Cpl. Jordan Malnawa of Pinukpuk, Kalinga, was brought to a funeral parlor and a necrological service was being readied for him at the military headquarters here, said Army Major Noriel Tayaban, 5th Infantry Division spokesperson.

"Corporal Malnawa is a hero for risking his life for the sake of achieving peace," Tayaban told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday.

The wounded, whose name has not been released by the military, has yet to be extricated from the battle scene as of this writing.

The soldiers found two anti-personnel mines and assorted chemical components for improvised explosive devices in the vicinity of the clash site.

It was also believed that some members of the New People's Army (NPA) were either killed or injured in the 30-minute gunfight, as evidenced by bloodstains from their withdrawal route, said Brig. Gen. Henry Doyaoen, 503rd Infantry Brigade commander.

Doyaoen said they have been scouring the area to remove planted mines as reported by villagers, when they encountered the undetermined number of communist rebels.

The NPA, along with its political wing, the Communist Party of the Philippines, 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/1081623

GenSan cops appeal for calm amid leak of memo on terror plot

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27, 2019): GenSan cops appeal for calm amid leak of memo on terror plot



TERROR PLOT LEAK. Col. Aden Lagradante, General Santos City police director, appeals to the public to remain calm after the circulation of an alert memo regarding a terror plot reportedly targeting the city. He admitted on Friday (Sept. 27, 2019) that the memo was issued by their office but said it was supposed to be an internal document and not intended to be made public. (File photo courtesy of the city police office)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Authorities appealed to residents here to remain calm after a police memo indicating a terror plot reportedly targeting the city was leaked.

Col. Aden Lagradante, city police director, admitted on Friday that the security memorandum was issued by their office but said it was supposed to be an internal document and was not intended to be made public.

Lagradante confirmed the contents of the document, which detailed alleged plans by a local terrorist group to launch bomb attacks in key areas in the city.

“This should not have leaked as we don’t want people to panic. Rest assured that we are doing everything to properly secure the city,” he said.

The alert memo, dated September 24, started circulating on social media on Wednesday.

It contained Lagradante’s instruction to the city’s eight police stations to intensify security measures due to a monitored terrorist threat.

It cited information from a “reliable source” that the group of fugitive bombing suspect Joeffrey Nilong alias Momoy, who has been tagged as a remnant of the Ansar Al-Khilafa Philippines terror group and sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maguif faction, was “planning to conduct terror activities” in the city.

The memo cited as primary targets the KCC Mall, Gaisano Mall, and the city central public market, using improvised explosives fashioned from 60mm and 81mm mortars.

Lagradante said the areas cited in the memo are considered as “soft targets” and they already laid out various security measures to avert these attacks.

“We should avoid going to crowded places as these are likely targets,” he said.

As to the release of the confidential memo to the public, the police official said they have adopted a system to prevent another leak in the future.

“The process is that we only release the internal alert memo to our lower units for proper action. Then the public will only feel the impact of these actions later on,” he said.

The city remains under Alert Level 3 due to the continuing security threats and the prevailing martial law in Mindanao.

Nilong, who is the subject of a continuing manhunt, was among those charged over the bomb blast in front of a lying-in clinic on Sept. 16, 2018 that left eight people wounded.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081632

Laguna declared 'insurgency-free'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27, 2019): Laguna declared 'insurgency-free'



INSURGENCY-FREE. Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr.(3rd from left), Commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) is joined by Laguna Gov. Ramil Hernandez (4th from left), Laguna Police Provincial Office (LPPO) director, Col. Eleazar Pepito Matta (2nd from left) and Col. Alex Rillera, Commander of 202nd Infantry Brigade, in presenting the firearms remunerations to 12 former rebels. The officials signed documents declaring Laguna as “Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SIPS) at the Laguna Provincial Capitol on Sept. 26, 2019. (Photo courtesy of 2ID-DPAO)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Laguna is now an “insurgency-free” province following the joint military and government declaration and signing of the documents as an area with “Stable Internal Peace and Security” (SIPS).

In a ceremonial signing at the Laguna Provincial Capitol on Thursday, Gov. Ramil Hernandez inked the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., Commander of the Army’s 2nd Infantry “Jungle Fighter” Division (2ID) which has military operational jurisdiction over Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon)

Hernandez and Burgos signed the agreement during the Provincial Peace and Order Council attended by Laguna mayors, officials from government agencies, and the military and police commanders in the province.

Laguna is the second among the five Calabarzon provinces and the country's fourth province with such declaration after Cavite province pioneered in the country as SIPS on Dec. 4 last year.

This year, Romblon announced its declaration on February 21 while Marinduque followed on March 25.

Col. Alex Rillera, Commander of 202nd Infantry Brigade, presented the parameters where a locality has met the necessary requirements to be declared free from insurgency.

“Such declaration is a testament of Laguna’s peace-loving people’s desire to liberate themselves from the clutches of terrorism and instead harness their economic potentials by ensuring peace in their community,” Rillera said.

Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) phases of normalization, a province is given the SIPS status if no violent terroristic activity has been conducted by the NPAs for at least one year.

Based on the military records, no atrocity has been recorded in Laguna for more than a year now.

“This rare distinction was attained through the national and local governments’ concerted efforts in providing lasting solutions to the issues which the NPAs are exploiting, thus, denying the terrorists the ability to recruit our people,” Hernandez said.

The governor is confident that by being known as an insurgency-free area, “businesses will further flourish and prosperity shall become a way of life in every corner of Laguna.”

During the ceremony, the national government also awarded some PHP584,000 as firearms remunerations to some 12 former rebels, as part of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Burgos said the declaration and handover of grants are tangible proofs of the government’s “serious and sincere desire to finally attain national unity by ending the local communist armed conflict.”

“The quest for an inclusive peace is now on the doorstep of each Filipino,” Burgos said.

The handover of cheques for firearms remuneration to the former rebels was the second of such undertaking in the Calabarzon after five former rebels received around PHP302,000 on Sept. 20 at Barangay Magsaysay in Infanta, Quezon.

“There is now the unified stand of the local chief executives in operationalizing President Rodrigo Duterte's directive through the different Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflicts (ELCAC) at all levels of government," Burgos said.

The 2ID commanding general also congratulated all Lagunenses for their support in bringing about peace in the province.

“I am calling on the few remaining NPA Terrorists to surrender and be part of the solution to help our country regain its glory so that our people may finally enjoy the peace, prosperity, and development which every Filipino citizen truly deserve,” Burgos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081693

Antique creates task force to end insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27, 2019): Antique creates task force to end insurgency



ENDING INSURGENCY. The province of Antique has established on Thursday (Sept. 26, 2019) its Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC). Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, Commanding Officer of the Army's 61st Infantry Battalion, said Antique was the first province to put up said task force in Panay island. (Photo courtesy of 61IB, Philippine Army)

Antique province has established its Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) on Thursday, an official of the Philippine Army said.

The PTF-ELCAC was created through an Executive Order and joint resolution passed during the Sept. 26 joint meeting of the Antique Peace and Order Council (PPOC), Peace Development Council (PDC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council at the Provincial Capitol Building in San Jose de Buenavista town.

Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao led the signing of Executive Order No. 119 creating the Antique PTF-ELCAC.

In an interview Friday, Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB), lauded Antique for being the first province in Panay to create the PTF-ELCAC.

“The national task force is headed by the President, and it will be cascaded to provinces, to municipalities and villages,” he said.

Batara noted that the task force is joined by the council concerned with security and development “to harmonize programs of peace and order with development”.

“One of the priorities (of the task force) is here on the conflict and vulnerable areas to address insurgency. This is part of the whole-of-nation approach since the problem on insurgency is not only the concern of the Armed Forces of the Philippines alone,” he said.

Although Antique was already declared “peaceful and ready for development” in 2015, Batara noted the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) has “recovery efforts” in some of Antique's towns.

He said Antique is the go-to province of rebels when the government troops conduct operations in neighboring Iloilo province.

“They (rebels) have recovery efforts in towns of Culasi, Valderrama, San Remigio, Sibalom, and Hamtic. This will be the focus of the task force, to clear these areas, so that the rebels will not succeed in their recovery efforts,” Batara said.

With the creation of the task force, a series of workshops to end local insurgency will be held in the provincial level. Also, specific tasks will be identified and implementation plans will be crafted.

Batara said the task force will also work towards the declaration of the CPP-NPA as persona-non-grata in the province.

“That will be included in the program,” he said.

The towns of Anini-y, Belison, Libertad, Culasi, San Jose de Buenavista and Lauan have earlier passed a resolution condemning the terroristic activities of the CPP-NPA and declaring them unwelcome in their respective localities.

Batara urged the leaders of Antique province to continue their efforts towards peace, security and development and said he expects other provinces to also establish the same task force on ending local insurgency.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081672

Hacienda Luisita farmers’ group withdraws support to Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27, 2019): Hacienda Luisita farmers’ group withdraws support to Reds



COMMITMENT VS. TERRORISM. Former members of the Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Hacienda Luisita (AMBALA) sign a pledge of commitment against terrorism during a peace forum held in Barangay Balete, Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac on Wednesday (Sept. 25, 2019). AMBALA is known for its alliance with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army that capitalizes on the non-distribution of lands in the sugar plantation in order to recruit members and stage mass actions against the government. (Photo from 1st Civil Relations Group, CRS-AFP)

SAN MIGUEL, Tarlac—At least 120 former members of the Alyansa ng Manggagawang Bukid sa Hacienda Luisita (AMBALA) have withdrawn their support to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

The former AMBALA members, together with other farmers and tenants from the 11 barangays of Hacienda Luisita, attended a peace forum held Wednesday in Barangay Balete of the sugar plantation in this province, where they condemned the CPP-NPA and its allied organizations.

AMBALA is known for its alliance with the rebel group that capitalizes on the non-distribution of lands to the landless farmers in Hacienda Luisita in order to recruit members and stage mass actions against the government.

“We always joined rallies and demonstrations with a promise that they will give us lands. Instead, it brought turmoil in our lives,” said Florida Sibayan, former AMBALA chair, in an interview.

Sibayan said they formed a new organization called the Malayang Magsasaka ng Hacienda Luisita (MALAYA), a legal group that is free from deception and is supportive of the government.

At present, she said that they are working for the accreditation of MALAYA with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Lt. Col. Norberto P. Aromin Jr., commanding officer of Philippine Army’s 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, said everyone is longing for peace.

According to him, sustainable peace in Hacienda Luisita will be attained if residents will commit to support President Rodrigo Duterte's whole-of-nation approach to ending the decades-long insurgency.

“Let us carry on with the same fervor and perseverance to convince all those skeptics that if we unite and work together for peace, we can make change happen, not just for our family but for the Hacienda Luisita and for the entire nation,” Aromin said.

The 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, together with the 703rd Agila Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army and 1st Civil Relations Group, Civil Relations Service-Armed Forces of the Philippines, in collaboration with the provincial government of Tarlac, facilitated the peace forum with the theme “Sama-sama at Magkaisa Tungo sa Mapayapang Hacienda Luisita.”

The event aimed to enlighten the participants on the issue of land reform through a dialogue with the Provincial Agrarian Reform Office (PARO).

Representatives of concerned government agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) also discussed the programs of the government that could help the former AMBALA members and farmers uplift their living condition.

The forum was highlighted with the presentation of Executive Order No. 70 on the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict through the delivery of basic social services and development in cooperation with the concerned government agencies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081682

Maritime students learn communism's pitfalls

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27, 2019): Maritime students learn communism's pitfalls



COMMUNISM'S UGLY HEAD. A former NPA rebel dedicates her time enlightening college students on communism in the Philippines and why it is senseless. The 53-year-old speaker, "Lola", encourages the youth to love and dedicate themselves to serving the country. (PNA photo by Christine Cudis)

For some students training to be seafarers, communism is an issue they rarely discuss thinking it will not affect them once they graduate and work overseas.

But after a forum on Thursday organized by the Philippine Air Force's Civil-Military Operations, the students weighed in on the matter.

First-year marine engineering student Shushan Odango said he thought that communists join the movement fully aware of the cause and its end-goal.

“Hindi pala sila voluntary sumali. Yung karamihan sa kanila ay nirecruit tapos ginipit din. They [recruiters from communist-front groups] are manipulating the minds of Filipino students, mahirap pala ang karanasan nila [na-recruit na member] (I found out that they did not get in on their own accounts. Most of them were recruited and then blackmailed/deceived. Recruiters are manipulating the minds of Filipino students, I realized their situation is difficult),” Odango said.

Odango was one of the many students of the Asian Institute of Marine Studies (AIMS) who attended the forum on Campus Peace and Development and heard 53-year old former rebel, "Lola", share her 10-year experience being a political officer of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Lola told the forum participants that communist recruiters are usually deceptive, using their physical attributes to lure young people into the movement.

“The recruiters are among you, they do not show to you as armed rebels as they come from the mountains, they pose as friendly strangers, presentable, and some of them are good looking (it helps with the recruitment). Then, they try to know your personal issues, bank on your anger and gradually grow them to bigger issues, societal issues,” the former rebel said.

“Wag nyong biguin ang magulang ninyo, Ang mahal ng tuition. May pamangkin ako, nagchichip in kami para mapag-aral sya (Do not disappoint your parents. It is expensive to send a child to college. I have a nephew who is now a Captain, my siblings and I chipped in so he can finish school),” Lola added.

Xyruss Macatangay, a 20-year-old marine transportation student, said he is also more dedicated to doing good in school after knowing the ill-effects brought to other students who were persuaded to join the communist movement.

“Mahal po ang tuition tapos nakakaawa naman po nagpa-aral sa amin pag di kami magtapos (Our tuition is expensive and I do not want to waste the time and money of the people who sent us to school to go to waste if we chose not to continue studying),” he said in an interview.

Lola also encouraged the students to love their country wherever their job may take them.

"Eventually, you will leave your country. But don’t forget to love it because, at the end of it all, this is your home-- you will always come back here," she added.

AIMS Center for Student Services and Development director Lamberto Mindanao who requested for the forum said he wants to instill discipline on the students.

“This stuff is not taught in school so inviting these experts into our school is an avenue for students to learn and be aware of the government’s cause as well as other social concerns,” he added.

Lt. Col. Sir Byron de Ocampo of the Civil-Military Operations, who lead the organizing team, said it is their fourth time to conduct an information drive regarding peace and development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081595