‘EO 70 hurting CPP-NPA’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 18, 2019): ‘EO 70 hurting CPP-NPA’ (By Gilbert P. Bayoran)

Executive Order No. 70, that aims to address the root causes of insurgency through the Whole-of-Nation approach, and the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), that is hated by the New People’s Army and its allied organizations, is gaining ground in Western and Central Visayas, a top Army official in the Visayas said yesterday.

Brig. Gen. Eric Vinoya, 3rd Infantry Division commander, yesterday said that the CPP-NPA is now desperately building a fountain of lies and fabricated stories to destroy the people’s drive against insurgency, because they were badly hurt by the results of EO 70.

“Discrediting EO 70 is like rejecting peace,” Vinoya said, stressing also that their attack without concrete basis on government’s sincere strategy is an insult to the intellect of peace-loving Visayans.

Six local government units in Negros Occidental also declared the CPP-NPA as persona non grata, in support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines campaign against the local terrorist organization in Negros.

Vinoya challenged the leaders and members of the CPP-NPA and their allied groups who are blatantly maligning EO 70, to read its content for them to be enlightened.

“With EO 70, government agencies are converging their efforts toward delivering the most needed services to eradicate social issues that these communist groups are capitalizing on”, he added.

“Offering them a new and peaceful life is part of this consolidated effort, but they are the ones who maliciously and continuously reject peace and development. They are now showing their identity as true enemies of peace and progress,” Vinoya also said.

He also called on other LGUs and local chief executives to take a cue from those provinces, cities, and towns that stand bravely against the CPP-NPA by declaring them persona non grata.

“Refusing to declare the communist-terrorists unwelcome is like supporting their terroristic activities. And, supporting this terrorist group is a betrayal of public trust”, Vinoya said.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/December/18/topstory10.htm

Police on red alert ahead of NPA’s founding anniversary

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 19, 2019): Police on red alert ahead of NPA’s founding anniversary (By Rhoda Grace Saron)

The Davao Police Regional Office is in full alert status for possible attacks of the New People’s Army (NPA) ahead of their founding anniversary on Dec. 26.

Effective Dec. 15, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, the DCPO acting chief, ordered has ordered all police units and maneuver forces to be on full alert mode to preempt any attacks on government forces and vital installations.

All station commanders are directed to recall all their personnel to help implement the security plan, which includes police visibility, checkpoints, more security on places of convergence.

“Well, we have our mobile units in the cities and provinces ready for any eventualities,” Escobal said.
“We have been receiving intelligence reports of threats coming from the CPP-NPA-NDF and we do not take those lightly.”

“This terrorist group has been known to launch offensive attacks against government forces, structures and even against common civilians,” he added.

It can be recalled that on Dec. 13 last week, a policeman and a 3-year old boy were killed in an ambush staged communist guerrillas, with the use of an improvised explosive device, in Borongan, Samar.
Six other police officers were also injured while several civilians were wounded on the said attack.

“This proves they don’t respect human rights and have no regard for the lives of others including that of an innocent child. They have no conscience. Nevertheless, we have always observed active defense at the stations and have our mobile units continue to have active support to the AFP in going after terrorists and insurgent groups,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office XI encouraged the public to be vigilant and help the government by reporting to authorities any suspicious individuals and activities in their areas.

“We call on our people to be wary of the pattern of deception of the communist NPA terrorists, to be proactive and to be part of the conscious effort to deny them of the chance to regain strength,” RD Escobal further said.

All the same, he said the PNP still welcomes them into the folds of the law, so they can come home and spend Christmas with the families.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/12/19/police-on-red-alert-ahead-of-npas-founding-anniversary/

ARMY: No terrorist attack, no abuses from soldiers on Martial Law

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 19, 2019): ARMY: No terrorist attack, no abuses from soldiers on Martial Law (Rhoda Grace Saron)

The martial law implementation in Mindanao was a success since they recorded no terrorist attacks and human rights violations committed by the soldiers.

Speaking in yesterday’s AFP-PNP press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Col. Consolito Yecla, the commander of Task Force Davao, said they are recommending a modified gun ban policy after the lifting of the Martial Law.

Their proposal was supported by the City Council, Police Regional Office XI, and the Davao City Police Office.

“This to preempt armed group possible sneaking firearms inside the city,” he said. “We have institutionalized already some measures, so we just sustain it to ensure that there will be no untoward incident that will happen in the city,”

“We believed that we have prepared the people of Davao and visitors for the lifting of Martial Law, ” he further said.

Also, Capt Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of the 10th Infantry Division, said they have not confirmed any abuses committed by the soldiers in the implementation of Martial Law.

Lamosao said soldiers of today know the dignity of their uniform. They practice discipline and respect for human rights in performing their duties.

“We really follow the provisions of the IHL (International Humanitarian Law) and rule of law, and due process in the cases we are facing, ” he added.

Malacañang is not extending martial rule in Mindanao for the fourth time. The announcement pleased the private sector and the city government, as local officials have been asking to exempt the city from the Presidential directive.

Earlier this year, Mayor Sara Duterte sent a letter to President Rodrigo Duterte to reconsider and review the declaration of Martial Law in Davao City.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/12/19/army-no-terrorist-attack-no-abuses-from-soldiers-on-martial-law/

CPP-NPA members escape struggles, yield to gov’t

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 18, 2019): CPP-NPA members escape struggles, yield to gov’t (By Gideon C. Corgue)

PAGADIAN CITY, December 18 (PIA) – At least two members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) on Sunday, voluntarily surrendered to the authorities.

Aka “Jed” and Aka “Jerben” (not their real names), members of the Mindanao Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU) surrendered to LtCol. Alvin Saguban, chief of police at 3:00 o’clock in the morning in Purok Dumali-an, Barangay Lourdes. They yielded two .45 caliber pistols and one hand grenade.

Following the CTGs surrender, they were formally presented to the 3,000 participants of the fun run at the City Plaza.

Aka “Jed” said he and his comrade fled the armed group because they could no longer bear the hardships they had encountered while being in the insurgent group.

“Misurender mi sa gobyerno tungod sa grabeng kalisod nga among nasinati sa bukid sa rebolusyonaryong kalihokan. Among nasinati ang kagutom, kakapoy sa paglakaw, ug walay tulog (We surrendered to the government because of the hardships we experienced in the mountain from the revolutionary government. “We experienced hunger, fatigue from days of walking, and sleepless nights),” a teary-eyed and emotional Jed announced as he recounted his painful experiences inside the armed movement.

He also said that among the tasks given to them were to do errands like buying rice and other supplies needed in their camp. “We were treated like slaves,” he added.

“They promised us a good life for our families. But none of those promises ever came true,” he added.



Saguban said the surrender of the CPP-NPA members is an achievement of the government in its effective implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 (Institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace) and addressing the decades-old communist insurgency.

Saguban said after the ‘Serbisyo Caravan’ conducted by the city government on December 12 in Purok Avocado, Barangay Lison Valley, the IPs have sincerely felt the presence of the government in the area by availing the basic services from the different government agencies.

He said that during the event, he received an information from the residents that members of CPP-NPA planned to surrender to the government.

With this development, Saguban expects that there will be more surrenderees in the coming months.

The rebels are now temporarily under the care and custody of the Philippine National Police. (NBE/RVC/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga Del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031653

Duterte assures AFP of his unqualified support

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 18, 2019): Duterte assures AFP of his unqualified support (By Susan G. De Leon)

President Rodrigo R. Duterte leads AFP's 84th founding anniversary at the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City,Tuesday, December 17, 2019. (Photo courtesy of RTVM)

QUEZON CITY, Dec. 18 (PIA)—President Rodrigo R. Duterte assured members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of his unqualified support as they fight to defeat terrorism, violent extremism and insurgency and address lingering emerging threats.

Duterte led the AFP during the celebration of its 84th founding anniversary in a ceremony held at the Lapu-Lapu Grandstand, Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City,Tuesday, December 17, 2019.

“Ang sundalo natin, sundalo ng bayan, utusan ng bayan, runner ng bayan. Kapag earthquake, baha, pumutok na volcano, may flooding, andun sila,” Duterte said.

“We have to assure that the next generation will be free of these vagaries of life, especially itong droga,” he said.

“That is why I declared war. War is war. Itong droga is worldwide, it is not limited to any country which borders. It is almost seamless at lahat nagdudusa,” he added.

“Try to make this country as peaceful as it can ever be. Sa utos ko na yan na ubusin nyo sila, sabihin ko sa inyo, I will take responsibility,” the President said.

“Kung sakali man we'll go to prison, you can enjoy your freedom. I will take the risk,” the President added.

During the event, the President awarded the Order of Lapu-Lapu to 1Lt Deardito Layan of PH Air Force, an MD-520MG pilot who gave close air support to ground troops operating against local and foreign BIFF-Daesh forces under Abu Toraype and the Dawla Islamiya (ISIS) in Brgy Tee, Datu Salibo in Maguindanao.

President awards the Order of Lapu-Lapu to 1Lt Deardito Layan of PH Air Force, an MD-520MG pilot who gave close air support to ground troops operating against local and foreign BIFF-Daesh forces under Abu Toraype and the Dawla Islamiya (ISIS) in Brgy Tee, Datu Salibo in Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of RTVM)

The conduct of law enforcement operation resulted in the successful elimination of huge drug trade activities of known high-value target narco-politicians in Maguindanao w/o violating the Rules of Engagement nor committing any collateral damage.

For the past year, the AFP has sustained operational gains, particularly in its internal security campaign anchored on the government’s Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) “Kapayapaan”. It has seen tremendous gains in its military, intelligence and civil-military operations that pushed the Communist Terrorists out of the communities where they were very comfortable before, constricting them in areas that are far-flung.

The bulk of the AFP’s gains come from the trust and confidence of former New People’s Army members and supporters who now have chosen to return to the fold of law and abandon the armed struggle.

“The communist terrorist group is in disarray due to continuous neutralization of its members, particularly the high ranking personalities. This is manifested by the minimal number of atrocities committed by the group, which are mostly unsuccessful harassments,” AFP Chief of Staff General Noel Clement said.

The past year also marks a significant victory for the AFP against local terrorist groups, particularly the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Notable of which were the successful rescue of the British couple Hyrons from the bandits in Sulu last November 25.

“We have contained the local terrorist groups in Western Mindanao. We have neutralized three suicide bombers that could have inflicted massive death, injury and destruction were if not for the vigilance of our soldiers,” Clement added.

The AFP also noted significant improvements in the security situation and development of Mindanao due largely on the implementation of Martial Law in the region and on the general optimism on the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Nevertheless, efforts are continuously being exerted both militarily and through non-conventional interventions through the AFP’s preventing and countering violent extremism (PCVE) programs.

“The year 2019 has been a fruitful and meaningful year for your Armed Forces. Rest assured that we will always be ready to adapt, change and transform as we come closer to realizing our vision to become a world-class armed forces, truly a source of national pride,”Clement said.

Also present in the ceremony were National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, other government officials, foreign dignitaries, and former leaders of the military. (AFP/PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1031766

IP in Visayas air concerns, issues in regional workshop

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2019): IP in Visayas air concerns, issues in regional workshop (By Gail Momblan)



ACTION PLANNING. Indigenous cultural communities and indigenous people’s leaders and government agencies gather at the Diamond Jubilee Hall in Iloilo City for the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)-led Visayas Regional Action Planning Workshop from December 16 to 18, 2019. The workshop is in line with the thrust of the present administration in ending the local communist armed conflict. (PNA photo by Gail Momblan)

ILOILO CITY -- The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) heard the issues and concerns of indigenous cultural communities and their leaders during the three-day Visayas Regional Action Planning Workshop held at Diamond Jubilee Hall in this city.

Line agencies of the government were gathered to help address the issues of the indigenous peoples, in support of the Executive Order 70 or the whole-of-nation approach in ending the local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).

“This program is in line with the thrust of our beloved President (Duterte) to help our IP siblings because the president said you (IPs) have your own land, and what you need to do is to develop that based on your culture and tradition,” said Jeorge Largado, NCIP commissioner in the island groups and rest of Visayas, in an interview Wednesday.

The ELCAC clusters and IP leaders presented their issues and concerns to the panel consist of officials from the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, among others.

The issues and concerns particularly revolved on the four bundles of rights, namely: rights to ancestral domain; self-governance and empowerment; social justice and human rights; and cultural integrity.

The common issues that arose during the panel discussion is the lack of knowledge of the IPs regarding the process of acquiring land titles for their ancestral domains, lack of will of some local government units to have Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR), lack of knowledge of the young generation of the IP’s tradition and culture, among others.

“They have voiced their concerns and issues that can be addressed by different line agencies for us to at least harmonize the issues in the country,” Largado said.

He said the workshop will be one of the steps for the IPs to know that the government looks after their welfare.

“We need to address the issues of the IP. We do not focus on only one, but all of their needs,” he said.

Largado emphasized to the IP participants to be proud of themselves because IPs in the Visayas are now already recognized, respected, and protected.

The workshop in the Visayas is the 13th and final leg of the NCIP-led program. Largado said all the outputs in the country will be gathered and be presented to President Rodrigo Duterte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089056

Basilan task force extends aid to Kaulungan children anew

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2019): Basilan task force extends aid to Kaulungan children anew (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)




LOVE FOR CHILDREN. Lt. Col. Ivan San Jose, the Army's 18th Infantry Battalion commander, hands over a school bag to one of the beneficiary-children of a civic action program in Kaulungan Island, Al-Barka, Basilan province on Tuesday (Dec. 17, 2019). The program is a joint project of the Joint Task Force Basilan, local officials and non-government organizations. (Photo courtesy of Joint Task Force Basilan)

Soldiers, local officials, and non-government organizations provided social services anew to the children in Kaulungan Island in Al-Barka, Basilan province.

Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, said that the recipient-children from Barangays Lookbisaya and Sangkahan received school supplies, loot bags, and toys during the civic action program held Tuesday.

“Progress is an upshot of convergence rallied by pro-peace communities, such as the Kaulungan Island,” Reyeg said Wednesday.

Reyeg encouraged the children in the island, as Basilan’s hope, to pursue education and instill their positive values.

He said they have partnered with the local officials of Al-Barka municipality and the barangays of Lookbisaya, Sangkahan, Kuhun-Lennuh, Kuhon, Bucalao, and Cambug for the conduct of civic action in Kaulungan Island.

The program was also sponsored by the Nagdilaab Foundation, Inc., Save the Children of War Foundation, D'Biel Bus Company, JRS Business Corporation, Isabela Foundation Inc., 100 Happy Kids, and Basilan Community Hospital.

On October 28, the military helped resolve decades-long feuds that hampered the economy, education, and security in Kaulungan Island.

“By reaching out, we are empowering the youth to become active social actors for peace and nation-building because children in conflict-afflicted and far-flung areas are those who really cry in silence and yearn help, so things must really be done for them,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

“The military is doing this out of its genuine object to bring about sustainable peace and development in Mindanao,” Sobejana added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089057

IPs in Panay support gov’t fight vs. insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2019): IPs in Panay support gov’t fight vs. insurgency (By Gail Momblan)



SUPPORT FROM IPS. Vergelio Santiago Sr. (left) and David Amador, both Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representatives for Tapaz, Capiz, and Janiuay, Iloilo respectively, on Wednesday (Dec. 18, 2019) express their support for the administration's thrust to end the local communist armed conflict. Santiago and Amador participated in the three-day regional action planning workshop facilitated by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in support of Executive Order 70. (PNA Photo by Gail Momblan)

ILOILO CITY -- The "whole-of-nation approach" in ending the local communist armed conflict has solicited the commitment of the indigenous peoples in Panay through their Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR).

The indigenous cultural communities and the indigenous people’s leaders were gathered here for a three-day regional action-planning workshop facilitated by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, in support of the Executive Order 70, which institutionalizes a "whole-of-nation approach" against insurgency.

In an interview on the sidelines of the workshop on Wednesday, Vergelio Santiago Sr., a member of Panay Bukidnon and IPMR in the Sangguniang Bayan in the municipality of Tapaz, Capiz, expressed his support to the government’s fight to end the insurgency.

Santiago bared his priority plans for the IPs in Tapaz, with the opening of road networks in upland areas as his priority.

“We need road networks because we saw that it prevents those from the other side (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army) to visit our villages. In the lowlands, where there are road networks, they are not usually seen,” Santiago said.

With the help of its local chief executive, Santiago said the villages of Rizal Norte, Maliao, Aglupacan, Siya, Hilwan, and Minan will soon have a 70-kilometer road network.

The budget for the road construction is included in the 2020 annual budget of Tapaz, he said.

Santiago reaches out to rebels by informing them of the services and programs offered by the government.

“We are happy to say that they do not prevent the entry of government projects, like the roads in the area. I talked to them that the project of the government will benefit the locals, and they should not stop the projects entering the villages,” he said, noting that his influence as IPMR also encouraged some six CPP-NPA members to return to the fold of the law.

“As IPMR, I also protect our youth in the villages not to join the armed struggle, and encourage the rebels to surrender to the government,” he said.

Meanwhile, David Amador, a member of Panay Bukidnon and IPMR in the Sangguniang Bayan in the municipality of Janiuay, Iloilo, said rebels are sometimes seen moving around the villages of Barasalon, Atinmonan, and Canawillian but do not stay.

“We do not have a problem with peace and order in our IP communities,” he said. The neighboring town of Maasin is more affected by the presence of NPA members.

Now an ex-officio member of the Janiuay SB, Amador said he can easily air to the local government any issues affecting the IPs.

He expressed his full support to the Executive Order 70 to also protect the IPs in Panay Bukidnon in Janiuay from the atrocities of the CPP-NPA.

“We push for genuine peace. The government can expect support from the IPs in Janiuay for the EO 70,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089080

ROTC inculcates values for dev't of Filipino youth

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2019): ROTC inculcates values for dev't of Filipino youth (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



FANCY DRILL. High school cadets of the STI-West Negros University in Bacolod City who participated in the 11th Bago City Invitational Fancy Drill Competition in Negros Occidental last November 5. Two members of the Bacolod City Council have expressed support to the bill reinstating the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in public and private senior high schools on Wednesday (Dec. 18, 2019). (File photo courtesy of The Citybridge, Bago City Newsletter)

BACOLOD CITY -- Two city councilors here have expressed support to the bill reinstating the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in public and private senior high schools as a way to inculcate values among the Filipino youth.

Councilor Al Victor Espino, chairman of police matters and peace and order, said Wednesday he believes that undergoing the mandatory military training would instill discipline and respect for hierarchy among students.

“I’m in favor of reviving the ROTC as part of the curriculum. I think it’s a laudable legislative endeavor. I will advocate the return of ROTC,” he added.

Espino said discipline and respect were what he learned himself from ROTC in college.

He also said those who have military training as students will be able to defend the country if needed.

Meanwhile, Councilor Israel Salanga, the youngest city councilor, said he also supports the proposed law for mandatory ROTC, which is the priority legislation of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The ROTC program will inculcate patriotism, nationalism, and discipline among the youth,” said Salanga, who was also an ROTC cadet while he was studying at Bacolod City College.

Through military training, young people, particularly students, can also develop their physical, moral, intellectual, and social well-being and get involved in public and civic affairs, he added.

“As the saying goes, 'It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war' which in my opinion suggests that it is best that a country’s workforce are military-trained,” Salanga said.

He also cited Section 4, Article 2 of the 1987 Constitution, which partly states “the government may call upon the people to defend the State and, in the fulfillment thereof, all citizens may be required under conditions provided by law to render personal military or civil service.”

On December 20, an ROTC summit, which will be attended by around 2,500 cadets from selected colleges and universities and uniformed personnel, will be held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

It will be led by the Office of the President through the Presidential Management Staff and Presidential Security Group, in coordination with the Department of National Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, through the Office of the Reservist and Retiree Affairs.

The event will feature the silent drill competition among the best cadets in the Philippine Military Academy, Philippine National Police Academy, Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, Philippine Army Officer Candidate School, Philippine Navy Officer Candidate School, and the Philippine Air Force Officer Candidate School.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089090

Army brigade in Ilocos calls for vigilance vs. CPP-NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2019): Army brigade in Ilocos calls for vigilance vs. CPP-NPA (By Hilda Austria)



VIGILANCE VS. CPP-NPA. Col. Audrey Pasia, Army’s 702nd Infantry Brigade commander (middle), recently conducted a lecture for the youth at Camp Lt. Tito Abat in Manaoag, Pangasinan. The Brigade held forums all over the Ilocos Region to discourage the young people against joining the terrorist group. (File photo courtesy of Juro Malazo)

MANAOAG, Pangasinan -- The 702nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army here is urging citizens to report immediately sightings of any armed group or individuals, as it intensified monitoring on possible attacks by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on its upcoming founding anniversary celebration.

“We also ask for the cooperation of the entire citizenry to report to us sighting/s of any armed group or individuals so that we can act appropriately,” brigade commander, Col. Audrey Pasia said in an interview Wednesday.

He said barangay officials are mandated to report any suspected CPP-NPA activity to the municipal police stations.

“We wish the barangay officials will do their job. That is one of our expectations on our barangay officials, particularly now that we have our whole-of-nation approach or "TF-ELCAC" (Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict). Once the report reaches our police stations, we have existing mechanisms for the AFP- PNP (Armed Forces of the Philippines-Philippine National Police) to conduct operations, jointly or independently. In some areas, we also have contact numbers of our units appropriately displayed for the people to see,” he said.

In the past years, Pasia said alert status has always been heightened, particularly days immediately before or after Dec. 26, the CPP-NPA’s anniversary.

“This year, no heightened alert status yet, but the leadership has encouraged our units and soldiers to be extra cautious and to intensify our monitoring of the CPP plans,” he said.

He added the troops in the AFP, together with the PNP, are prepared to thwart any violent or hostile plan in the region by the terrorist group.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who is also vice-chairperson of NTF ELCAC, said they have received reports that the CPP-NPA has operationalized its Special Partisan Units to conduct assassinations and terrorist activities in urban areas to take advantage of the Yuletide season.

“Even as Christendom celebrates Christmas to remember the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, these atrocious communist terrorists seek to continue their attacks against our peace-loving people,” Esperon said in a recent statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089087

BRP Jose Rizal exceeds design speed for endurance range

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2019): BRP Jose Rizal exceeds design speed for endurance range (By Priam Nepomuceno)



BRP Jose Rizal. (File photo)

MANILA -- BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the country's first guided-missile frigate, exceeded design speed at endurance range during the ship's initial sea trial which was held last November 23 to 27 off South Korean waters.

"During the first sea trials, BRP Jose Rizal's speed was higher than her design speed at endurance range," Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a message to the Philippine News Agency late Tuesday.

BRP Jose Rizal has a maximum designed speed of 25 knots and a cruising speed of 15 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.

The first sea trials, which was conducted in the waters of Ulsan, Busan, and Mokpo, had the frigate performing well even at Sea State Condition 4 where waves are known to reach between four to eight feet.

It was conducted to check the ship's performance and general seaworthiness. Also, she added that the second sea trials, which is focused on checking the ship's performance, noise, vibration measurement, and navigation equipment test is still ongoing having started on December 16 and will end on the 19th.

"(Present during the 2nd sea trials) are PN representatives, (ship-builder) Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) QM (quality management) technicians, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) engineers and Lloyd's Register of Shipping inspector," she added.

For the third and fourth sea trials, which are yet to be scheduled, Roxas said this will be more on testing the ship's various weapons systems.

The sea trials are the last phase of construction prior the frigate’s delivery to the Philippines scheduled tentatively in April or May 2020. This took place six months after the vessel was launched at the HHI shipyard for the first time at HHI shipyard in Ulsan last May 23.

"The PHP8 billion warship is a big-ticket acquisition of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that is poised to be the benchmark of PN’s transformation journey," Roxas earlier said.

Incidentally, BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), the sistership of BRP Jose Rizal, was launched in the same facility last November 8. The contract for the two ships are placed at PHP16 billion with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

These ships are capable of conducting Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASUW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Electronic Warfare (EW) Operations and it is fully equipped with Surface-to-Air and Surface- to-Surface Missiles, torpedoes, launchers, and weapon systems.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089021

AFP motivated with 'Soldiers of the Filipino nation' tag

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2019): AFP motivated with 'Soldiers of the Filipino nation' tag (By Priam Nepomuceno)



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

MANILA -- The entire Armed Forces of the Philippines is very much honored with President Rodrigo R. Duterte's remarks calling them "Soldiers of the Filipino nation" during its 84th founding anniversary celebration on Tuesday.

“We feel immensely proud to hear how the C-in-C (Commander-in-Chief) President Rodrigo Duterte sees and appreciates us he calls, 'Soldiers of the Filipino nation'," said AFP spokesperson Marine Brig, Gen. Edgard Arevalo in a message to reporters.

Duterte's appeal to the Filipino public to love their soldiers also further inspired the military to do more.

"His powerful message exhorting the people to 'Love your soldiers' inspires us to do more, fires us to win more, and empowers us to exceed expectations," he added.

With these encouraging words, the AFP spokesperson said the military will not fail the people.

Earlier, Duterte recognized the organization’s “selfless service” and thanked the AFP for defending the nation from external and internal security threats and for providing humanitarian and disaster response in times of disaster.

Duterte also called on the public to provide them with support as they risked their lives in making the country safer and more secure.

“If there is [disorder], they establish order. If there is a lawless environment, they provide stability. Ang sundalo natin, (Our soldiers) they are everything and that is why you should love your soldier. Tayong mga Pilipino, tulungan natin (Us Filipinos, should help them),” Duterte said.

“The dependability and reliability of the AFP have been recently tested after the series of earthquakes that rocked Mindanao and the storm and flooding that inundated [parts] of Luzon and in some areas in the Visayas. Know that for your selfless service during these times of need, the entire nation will be grateful,” he added.

Duterte asked members of the AFP to remain committed in their duty as the primary force in ensuring lasting peace across the country.

“The Filipino people will continue to count on you, each one of you, to remain steadfast in your noble mission to defend our sovereignty and maintain peace in our communities and you should not fail,” he added.

Duterte also vowed to give them his “unqualified support” as the government continues to address threats to national security.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089020

PSG ready to protect Duterte amid alleged NPA hit list

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2019): PSG ready to protect Duterte amid alleged NPA hit list (By Azer Parrocha) 



PROTECTING THE PRESIDENT. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during his visit at the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Headquarters in Jolo, Sulu on December 14, 2019. Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander, Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra on Wednesday (Dec. 18) said the PSG is ready to protect the President from all forms of threat to his life. (Presidential photo of Robinson Niñal)

MANILA -- Amid reports that a communist group has placed President Rodrigo Duterte on its hit list, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) on Wednesday said its men are ready to protect the Chief Executive from all forms of threat to his life.

Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander, Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra made this remark after National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said he received information that the President is on the hit list of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“We expect that the President is number one on their list. As to preparations and hardening up of security procedures, I think amin nalang ‘yun (we’ll keep it to ourselves) but rest assured we’re doing something to protect the President,” Niembra told reporters in a media interview in Malacañang.

The CPP, which is set to commemorate its 51st founding anniversary on December 26, marks the occasion with attacks against the police and military carried out by its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Niembra said receiving information about alleged threats was not new, especially because of the President’s tough stance against terrorism, illegal drugs, and other crimes.

“Meron kaming natanggap na information na ganyan. Actually, matagal na (We have received information long ago) that the President is one of the top priority targets not only of NPA but also of drug lords, the syndicate groups,” Niembra said.

“Being the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces should be the number one target every day of the year,” he added.

He said that with or without reported threats, it was the mission of the PSG to “see to it that we have a living President day by day.”

“Of course, we take it seriously kasi (because) it’s not a joking matter because it’s the life of the President and the survival of the country,” Niembra said.

Both police and military intensified intelligence monitoring and maximize defense posture in anticipation of attacks.

‘Boundaries’

Niembra has no word whether the President would proceed with his annual Christmas gift-giving activity at their ancestral residence in Barangay Bangkal, Davao City.

However, he assured that the President “knows how to handle himself" and will heed the security protocol of the PSG.

“Alam naman niya kung hanggang saan yung (He knows his) boundary nung puwede niya gawin. Minsan sumusobra, minsan sumusunod (on what he is allowed to do. Sometimes he steps over his boundary, sometimes he follows),” Niembra said.

“It’s a matter of advising him actually which is critical and which is not,” he added.

Duterte is expected to spend Christmas break with his family in his hometown, Davao City after the scheduled first presidential silent drill competition on Friday (Dec. 20), he said.

Meanwhile, Niembra said the President will not be allowed to ride his motorbike during the Christmas break in his hometown.

He said the President will only be given the green light to use his motorbike within the PSG compound in Malacañan Palace.

“Kung sa loob lang ng PSG puwede (He can do so within the PSG compound), but if he goes out, I think we should advise him but in a secured or controlled area,” he said.

The President, however, expressed willingness to drive around Metro Manila.

“In recent days, dito lang po sa loob ng (he only drives within the compound of) PSG. But he has a plan to go around Metro Manila in a motorcycle. I don’t agree, actually,” Niembra said.

Earlier, Duterte joked about wanting to receive a new motorbike for Christmas but went on to say his only wish is for the Philippines and the Filipinos.

Despite figuring in a minor motorbike incident at the PSG compound on October 16, Duterte has repeatedly said he would keep riding motorbikes until his last breath.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089068

Proposed mandatory ROTC not prelude to PH militarization: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2019): Proposed mandatory ROTC not prelude to PH militarization: AFP (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



ROTC NOT PRELUDE TO MILITARIZATION. Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander, Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, answers questions about the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in a press conference in Malacañang on Wednesday (Dec. 18, 2019). Niembra vehemently denied that proposal to make ROTC compulsory for senior high school students will be a prelude to militarization. (Screenshot)

MANILA – Philippine security officials dismissed on Wednesday that the proposal to make Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) compulsory for senior high school students will be a prelude to the country’s militarization.

In a press conference in Malacanang, Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander, Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, clarified that the plan to reinstate mandatory ROTC among students in Grades 11 and 12 is merely intended to instill discipline among the youth.

He said the government wanted to train the Filipino youth and transform them as “effective rescuers or first responders for natural and man-made disasters”.

Niembra also stressed that it was “impossible” to transform the Philippines into a military state because such move “takes years to develop”.

“First of all, this is only the start. Militarization takes years to develop. So eto, si Presidente naman only has two years more so it’s impossible na magiging prelude ito ng militarization of the entire youth sa buong Pilipinas (And the President only has two years more so it’s impossible that proposed mandatory ROTC will be prelude to militarization of the entire youth all throughout the country),” he said.

“And secondly, ang gusto nating i-develop dito ay readiness for any eventualities, hindi lang po pang-giyera (we want to develop their readiness for any eventualities, not just for war). We know that the ROTC and the reserved force of the country is the number one force that we can rely on in case of natural and man-made disasters,” the PSG chief added.

In June this year, Duterte certified as urgent a Senate bill mandating senior high school students in public and private schools to mandatorily undergo ROTC program in an effort to "invigorate their sense of nationalism and patriotism necessary in defending the State and further promote their vital role in nation-building".

The House of Representatives in the 17th Congress approved its measure reviving the mandatory ROTC for senior high school students, but the Senate failed to pass its version of the bill.

ROTC used to be mandatory until Republic Act (RA) 9163 or the National Service Training Program (NSTP) was passed in 2001 under the Arroyo government, making the training course optional and voluntary for college students.

ROTC, one of the three components of the NSTP, provides military training to motivate and train students for national defense preparedness.

The two other components of the NSTP are the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and the Literacy Training Service and (LTS).

‘Stricter’ implementation of mechanisms to avoid abuses

Brig. Gen. Royland Orquia, Armed Forces of the Philippines’ assistant deputy chief of staff for reservist and retiree affairs, said there are “safety nets” for those who will undergo mandatory ROTC program.

Orquia guaranteed that the government will be “stricter” when it comes to implementing the mechanism for assessing the success of the military training, as well as for ensuring that the program will not be a breeding ground of abuse.

He likewise noted that professionalization of and training for ROTC commandants are among the current administration’s initiatives, in anticipation of the possible approval of proposed mandatory military training among the youth.

“Now, ang mukha po ngayon ng bagong ROTC is very different from previous dahil sa ngayon, nagkaroon na po tayo ng mga training doon sa prospect commandants, sa mga hahawak ng ROTC units (Now, the face of new ROTC is very different from the previous because now, we have been conducting trainings for prospect commandants),” said Orquia during the press briefing.

“There [is] strict implementation of the system and processes. May safety nets po tayong dinagdag dito ngayon sa present program ng ROTC, if and when maging mandatory (We have included safety nets in the present ROTC program, if and when it becomes mandatory),” he added.

Congress’ nod on proposed mandatory ROTC sought

The 18th Congress has yet to pass a proposed measure backing the President’s intent to reinstate the mandatory ROTC for senior high school students.

To date, there are at least 34,000 ROTC enrollees nationwide, Orquia said.

Orquia added that many have also expressed willingness to join the military training.

Learning the lesson from the past, the government will make sure that ROTC recruits will become the “best and bravest,” Niembra said.

Presidential Management Staff Assistant Secretary Joseph Encabo expressed hope that the lawmakers would approve the mandatory military training in senior high school.

Encabo said stakeholders are also willing to cooperate with Congress to expedite the passage of the proposed measure.

“It is an act of Congress needed in the said bill. And we’re looking forward to that,” he said.

“And we hope that all our efforts, our joint efforts here, coming from the service academies, from the technical working group, and the other government agencies will somehow be able to connect with them if they need some information or data gathering,” Encabo added.

Silent drill competition to showcase ROTC cadets’ ‘capability, character’

Meantime, no less than the Commander-in-Chief conceptualized the first presidential silent drill competition that will be held at the Quirino Grandstand in Metro Manila on Dec. 20.

Technical working group chairman, Commander Julien Dolor said competitors include the Philippine Military Academy, the Philippine National Police, the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy, the Philippine Army Officer Candidate School, the Philippine Navy Officer Candidate School, and the Philippine Air Force Candidate School.

Niembra said the silent drills are meant to showcase the ROTC cadets’ “capability and character.”

“He (Duterte) ordered that it be done doon sa Quirino Grandstand para po ma-appreciate ng ating mga kababayan na ito ‘yung ating Armed Forces, ito ‘yung ating mga kadete (He ordered that it be done at the Quirino Grandstand so our countrymen would appreciate our armed forces, our cadets),” he said.

“Hopefully, this will awaken the interest of our people doon po sa ating (in our) ROTC program),” the PSG chief added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1089067

Class suit vs. schools allowing 'recruitment' to NPA mulled

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 18, 2019): Class suit vs. schools allowing 'recruitment' to NPA mulled (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



MANILA-- The Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) is planning to file a class suit against some universities in Manila for allegedly allowing groups fronting for the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) recruit students inside its campuses.

"We are preparing a class-action suit against the universities that tolerate and allow these communist front organizations to use their schools as areas of recruitment," VACC lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum in Manila on Wednesday.

"The order has been out, we have to stop these communists within the term of President (Rodrigo) Duterte and we in the private sector will always do our share in complying with this directive of our government," he added.

Topacio particularly warned the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) and the Far Eastern University (FEU), saying the two are among the institutions that may be included in the lawsuit.

"Pinag-a-aralan namin (We're studying) how to take action on an institutional level," he said. "We're studying the matter, the case would be civil damages, a class action by the parents."

Topacio said universities should keep in mind that "they are liable for the welfare of students because they exercise substitute parental authority over their students".

"School is liable kung tino-tolerate mo... alam mo nang may recruitment 'yong communist front organizations diyan, hindi mo pa pinipigilan (School is liable if they are tolerating... if they already knew there's recruitment by communist front organizations and yet they don't intervene)," Topacio said.

“Kung ikaw ay school administrator at hindi mo alam na may recruitment sa campus mo, inutil ka. Nagre-recruit na, doon na gumagawa ng symposium, ginagamit na ‘yong facilities ng schools para mag-indoctrinate, pinababayaan mo, you’re also liable, at least civilly (If you are the school administrator and you're unaware of the recruitment inside your campus, then you are inutile. They're already recruiting there, the symposium to indoctrinate is being held there with the use of school facilities but you allow it, you're also liable, at least civilly)," he said.

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/1089091