Halfway house for ex-rebels soon to rise in Oro

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12, 2020): Halfway house for ex-rebels soon to rise in Oro (By Apipa P. Bagumbaran)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- A Php10-million halfway house will soon rise in Cagayan de Oro to serve as a temporary shelter for former communist rebels as they prepare to return to the mainstream of society.

City Mayor Oscar Moreno, along with Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security and Communications secretary Martin Andanar, Task Force Balik Loob chairperson Usec. Reynaldo Mapagu, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Usec. Bernardo Florece Jr., Usec. Rufino Lopez and Asec. Lorenzo Clavejo of the National Security Council, EastMinCom Commander LtGen. Jose Faustino Jr., and 4th Infantry Division Commander MGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kalandang (Peace) Center in Sitio Aura, Brgy. Mambuaya on February 7.

The Kalandang Center will serve as a temporary residence for former rebels while their documents as beneficiaries of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) are being processed.

The facility will also serve as a training center and a venue for education and other related seminars and orientations for former rebels.

DILG provided Php5-million for phase 1 of the project while the remaining Php5-million is the city government's counterpart.

The 729.73 sq.m. center can house 30 former rebels with facilities such as male and female quarters, training center, mess hall, kitchen, storage area, administration office, and lobby, among others.

Jason Dalumbay, one of the former rebels who will benefit from the halfway house is thankful for the livelihood and other assistance he received under E-CLIP. He called on former comrades who are still fighting up in the mountains to return to the government. "Masulbad ang atong problema kung moduyog kita sa gobyerno (Our problems will be solved if we join the government)," he said.

Efren Radao, a full-time member of the New People's Army who has also chosen the path of peace, shared the same sentiment. "Ang gobyerno ang maghatag sa ato og kaayuhan, dili NPA ang makasulbad sa atong kapobrehon,(The government will provide for our welfare, the NPA cannot solve our poverty)," he said.

He said he left the communist group because he could no longer bear the hardships in the mountains.

He thanked the government for accepting his return. "Pasalamat ko kay Presidente Duterte, Mayor Oca, og sa 65th IB nga gedawat mi magbalik-loob og wala mi diretso patya (I am thankful to President Duterte, Mayor Oca, and the 65th IB for accepting and not killing us)," he added.

After undergoing deradicalization and psychosocial interventions at the halfway house, former rebels will be transferred to the housing project of the National Housing Authority towards their eventual integration to the society. (APB/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034431

55 UGMO members in Ilocos Sur yield to gov’t

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12, 2020): 55 UGMO members in Ilocos Sur yield to gov’t (By April M. Bravo)

SANTA CRUZ, Ilocos Sur, Feb. 12 (PIA) – A total of 55 members of the Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) surrendered to the government security forces at the 81st Infantry (Spartan) Battalion Headquarters in Barangay Bugbuga here this February.

Of this number, 33 rebels who surrendered on February 8 are residents of Sitio Linggawa in Barangay Pidpid in this town while 22 residents from Barangay Lucbuban in Salcedo town yielded to the joint elements of the Army’s 81IB and the Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) on February 10.

From the 33 UGMO members from Santa Cruz, three are members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army's (CPP-NPA) Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL), six are Kabataang Makabayan (KM), seven are from Malayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MKBK), and 17 are Pambansang Kilusan ng Magsasaka (PKM).

On the other hand, the 22 surrenderers from the municipality of Salcedo are composed of four Milisyang Bayan (MB), seven KM and 11 PKM.

The significant number of surrenderers is attributed to the combined efforts of the Community Support Program teams of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in delivering enhanced services in the different areas of Ilocos Sur.

Major General Lenard Agustin, commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, said, “CPP-NPA-NDF-influenced communities are now coming back to the folds of law because the government’s efforts are visible through the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach. In the Army, we will ensure continued efforts to put an end to the local communist armed conflict; and we will most assuredly protect and help those who come out to live a life of peace.”

“The presence of the Army and PNP in NPA-influenced areas positively affects these communities. The security forces have done their best to convince the NPA supporters to go back to the folds of the law with an assurance that the government will protect and help them live in peace,” he added.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Rodrigo Mariñas, Jr., commanding officer of the 81IB said, “Basically, the Army’s 81IB and the PNP’s PRO1 have effectively immersed in NPA-influenced communities. We are grateful that we delivered the right information which resulted to the right understanding about local terrorists and their recruitment tactics, further protecting these communities from exploitation by these groups.”

“As public servants, we will continue to work hand-in-hand with the different government units and agencies and private stakeholders to show sincerity in the performance of our mandate of ending local insurgency,” Mariñas added.

The government will assist the former UGMO members through different programs like a peace-building seminar to help them cope with the challenges they are set to face after surrendering and equip them with programs and trainings that will enable them to establish conflict resilient communities. (JCR/AMB/PIA Ilocos Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034430

The Returnees' Portfolio

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12, 2020): The Returnees' Portfolio (By Olive P. Tiu)



(3rd of a series)

The government did not forsake us, did not give up on us

Alyas Ella, 38 years old from Bacud, San Isidro, Leyte, joined the NPA in 2001 at age 20.

In 2002, she met and fell in love with her husband who joined the rebel group just to be with her. He became a combatant under her.

When the lovers got married in 2004, she decided to go down and join the legal organization as chairperson of the Catoogon Farmers Association. She was in charged of the education and training of the members and farmer leaders as a combatant assigned at the white area.

In 2006, there was an encounter and one of her NPA friends was captured. Her friend told the military the names of her comrades.

The military talked to her and convinced her to surrender without firearms.

In 2016, the NPAs returned. Carabaos, chicken were stolen every now and then in the area. Still capitalizing on land dispute, she was not able to say No to the NPAs. She became the secretary of the SK Section which handles one municipality. She was also in the recruitment of more members from San Isidro to Villaba.

In December of 2018, the military returned and helped the community. Despite the fact that she went back to the NPA, the military treated them well patiently enlightening them.

Thus, in April of 2019, she was among the more than 1000 NPAs and militia ng bayan who surrendered.

She was enrolled in the E-CLIP and was one of the 262 Former Rebels who received their benefits from no less than the President on January 23.

“I have felt the goodness and sincerity of the government. I am looking forward to a better tomorrow with my husband and three children.”

To her friends who are still in the mountains, she has this to say: “Meron pang time para makadesisyon kayo. Alam ninyo kung gaano kahirap diyan ang iba sa inyo ay gustong makapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Bukas ang gobyerno na tanggapin kayo.” (PIA-8/RTF-ELCAC8 Stratcom)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034447

Abra police counters CTG propaganda thru song

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12, 2020): Abra police counters CTG propaganda thru song (By Christian Allister G. Tubadeza)



LACUB, Abra, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- The Abra Police Provincial Office headed by Provincial Director PCol. Alfredo K. Dangani employs musical strategies to lure and attract young people from being recruited by the rebels.

Dangani said making songs for the community to sing is an effective way of promoting government programs to redirect the attention of the youth from the propaganda of the communist terrorist groups(CTGs). He is currently introducing an Ilokano song entitled “KADAbra” in the municipalities during his visits.

“While they usually use songs to pollute the minds of our young people, we will do the same by introducing the KADAbra to counter their ideologies and we want every young person in Abra to learn this song,” Dangani said in his message at the Monday morning flag raising ceremony here.

The KADAbra song was written by Dangani himself, who got inspiration from Abra PPO’s best practice called KAD-Abra which stands for “Kagimongan Agdidinnangay para ti Dur-as iti Abra”.

Abra PPO Director PCol. Alfredo K. Dangani is currently introducing their best practice KADAbra song to all municipalities as a strategy to lure and attract young people from being recruited by CTGs.

The KADAbra is the “Whole-of-Province” version of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive No. 70 institutionalizing a “Whole-of-Nation” approach in ending local communist armed conflict in the country.

The KADAbra aims to establish a closer and more solid police-community relations by extending their services concentrating on anti-criminality, anti-insurgency, internal cleansing and good governance.

The practice also promotes police activism which encompasses knowledge, ability and discipline as its foundation.

Dangani shared that he was surprised when students of Our Lady of Guadalupe School in Lacub performed the KADAbra song translated in their own local dialect during the recent Municipal Peace and Order Council in Brgy. Poblacion. The municipality of Lacub is one of the top three priority conflict-affected municipalities of Abra.

For now, almost all the municipalities are familiar with the KADAbra song which lyrics also promotes community togetherness against insurgency and illegal drugs. (JDP/CAGT-PIA CAR,Abra)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034501

CDA helps rebel returnees form coop

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12, 2020): CDA helps rebel returnees form coop (By Carlson B. Alelis)

ILOILO CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) – The Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) - 6 provided assistance to 42 rebel returnees in Negros Occidental to establish their own cooperative.

According to Vincent Unarce, CDA-6 acting senior cooperative specialist, their agency conducted a pre-registration seminar to rebel returnees coming from barangays Washington, Malasibog, Pinapugaran, Alimango, Paitan, Jonob-jonob in Escalante City, last month.

CDA-6 also provided technical assistance on the preparation of registration documents and eventual registration of the proposed cooperative.

The agency recommended for the group to form an agriculture cooperative.

“Ang ginbutang naton nga kooperatiba amo ang agriculture cooperative since ang aton nga site upland (We suggested to put up an agriculture cooperative since the site is an upland area),” said Unarce.

The said cooperative will focus on culturing high-value crops like lettuce, cabbage, carrots, and cauliflowers, among others.

It can also facilitate the procurement of fertilizer and farm implements to be used by members for their crops.

Once the cooperative performs well, it may get net surplus or surplus income.

This comes in the form of interest and share capital or patronage refund, said Unarce.

While CDA-6 suggested for them to have an agriculture cooperative, they may also opt to choose a different cooperative.

Among those that may choose are marketing, consumer, agrarian reform, and producers.

The activity is one of the initiatives of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). (LTP/CBA/PIA-6)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034470

Localized Peace Initiative ends 33-year struggle of Bukidnon peasant group

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12, 2020): Localized Peace Initiative ends 33-year struggle of Bukidnon peasant group (By 403rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

Central Mindanao University (CMU) and officers of the BUFFALO, TAMARAW and LIMUS, also known as BTL, ink a memorandum of agreement to finally end CTG exploitation of the peasant group members. In photo: 403rd Brigade commander Col. Ferdinand Barandon (2nd from left), CMU President Dr. Jesus Antonio G Derije (3rd from left), and officers of the BTL.

MARAMAG, Bukidnon, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The 33-year struggle of the Bukidnon Free Farmers Agricultural Laborers Organization (BUFFALO), Tribe Agricultural Movers Association of Rural Active Workers (TAMARAW), Land Tiller Inhabitants of Musuan (LIMUS) collectively known as BTL formally ended today with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Central Mindanao University (CMU) and the officers and members of the said organization.

Since 1990, the BTL with a membership of more or less 800 farmers fought their rights to own a piece of land within the 3,401 hectares reserved by the government for the Mindanao Agricultural College (now CMU) under Presidential Proclamation No.476.

Through false promises and exploitation of land issues, this peasant organization was deceived by the Kahugpong sa Mag-uuma-Bukidnon (KASAMA-Bukidnon), a Communist Terrorists Group – affiliated farmers’ organization. They were mobilized during protests, rallies and mass demonstrations both at the local and national arena for the past 33 years.

Col. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, tells BTL members to live peacefully and work closely with the government to fulfill their dreams.

Fortunately, this exploitation ended with a localized peace initiative jointly undertaken by CMU, Provincial Government of Bukidnon, Local Governments of Valencia City and Maramag, 403rd Infantry Brigade and 88th Infantry Battalion, together with other stakeholders that brilliantly created ways and means to answer social issues through formalized partnership.

Inked down in the MOA are answers to the clamor of BTL members such as free scholarship for their sons and daughters in CMU; tilling of 517 hectares of land owned by CMU for free provided they will voluntarily share to CMU 400 sacks of palay every harvest; free utilization of farm equipment and facilities owned by CMU; putting up of BTL office upon the completion of the CMU Farmers Techno-Hub; and to allow the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Department of Agriculture (DA) and other government agencies to provide technical assistance, services, and other support to the farmers.

Both parties also agreed that the BTL shall withdraw its support and affiliation from KASAMA-Bukidnon and other CPP-NPA-NDF affiliated groups and promote strong partnership with law enforcers, local government units, and other government agencies.

“The Central Mindanao University is once again opening its doors to the BTL farmers. As an academic institution, it is our duty and mission to help our constituents to have a better social condition. The relationship between CMU and BTL had been very bitter for the past years and the only way to heal it is to have peaceful dialogue and engagement. As the President of CMU and as my advocacy, I will help my constituents especially the BTL to get what they are longing for," said CMU President Dr. Jesus Antonio G Derije

Col. Ferdinand Barandon, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said they are expecting full cooperation from the BTL members to follow the provisions of the MOA and to denounce and withdraw their support to KASAMA-Bukidnon who have exploited them for the past 33 years.

"They were not able to help you resolve the problems and social issues that exist. This is now the time for you to live peacefully and work closely with the government to fulfill your dreams and the dreams of your children," Barandon told BTL members.

Brgy Dologon in the municipality of Maramag in Bukidnon is the birthplace of the BTL. It is now undergoing CSP immersion through the 88th Infantry Battalion. Likewise, before the MOA signing, series of dialogues and consultations involving members of the BTL and CMU were jointly undertaken by 4the 03rd Brigade and PLGU-Bukidnon. (403rd Inf. Bde)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1034523

2 Dawlah Islamiya fighters surrender in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2020): 2 Dawlah Islamiya fighters surrender in Lanao (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Two Dawlah Islamiya fighters have surrendered amid the pressure of continuous military offensive against them in Lanao del Sur, military officials said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, identified the Dawlah Islamiya surrenderers as Metalicop Ambayan Bembang and Sabidra Sisomnong Panulong, who yielded Monday to the troops of the Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sandab, Butig, Lanao del Sur.

The surrenderers turned over one M-203 grenade launcher, ammunition, and a bandolier. The two were placed under custodial debriefing.

Ponio said Bembang and Panulong bared that they were recruited by Mando Panulong, a militant under a certain Commander Langco and have participated in the series of clashes with government troops.

He said the troops remain "steadfast" in their campaign against terrorism and proliferation of loose firearms in the area of Lanao del Sur.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the military’s "ensuing offensives and encompassing initiatives for peace and development debilitated the Dawlah Islamiya in Lanao, compelling more fighters to abandon their cause and join the government’s cause to purge terrorism in Mindanao."

“We are inclined to welcome and assist fighters who want to cross the line. Let us work together for genuine peace and progress,” Sobejana added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093613

Concerns raised over NPA recruitment of youth in Tacloban

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2020): Concerns raised over NPA recruitment of youth in Tacloban (By Sarwell Meniano)



ANTI-RECRUITMENT. Eastern Visayas Police Regional Director Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Divina (left), Army 8th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III (center), and Atty. Marlon Bosantog of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict lawyer answer questions from the media during a press briefing on Monday (Feb. 10, 20202). The arrest of five young activists in this city is a reminder to step up the drive to protect the youth from the influence of the communist terrorist group, Bosantog said. (PNA photo by Gerico Sabalza)

TACLOBAN CITY -- The arrest of five young activists in this city over possession of firearms and explosives is not a “triumph on the part of the government” but a reminder to do more to protect youthfrom the influence of the communist terrorist group.

Lawyer Marlon Bosantog of the national task force to end the local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) said the arrest of the five suspected rebels is proof that they are being used by the New People’s Army (NPA) in their armed struggle.

“It is heartbreaking that we have young people being charged for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. These are very serious charges,” Bosantog told reporters on Monday.

The legal head of the national task force ELCAC was in the city to make sure that due process is followed and there is no human rights violation in handling the case.

Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion, said the military is saddened to see these young people being manipulated by rebels.

“Their parents are sad that their children were arrested. They are not aware of the extent of participation of their children in NPA. The NPA ruined their future since they’re the ones who recruited them and give them firearms and explosives. This is the fault of the NPA,” Diñoso said.

Their arrest, the military official said is an eye-opener to those who are inclined to embrace the NPA’s ideology.

“Prior to their arrest for the illegal possession of firearms and explosives, we have found that these young activists go around schools to teach students about radicalization. Their activities would continue if no one informed us,” Diñoso added.

Government forces arrested Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marielle Domequil, Alexander Philip Abinguna, Marissa Cabaljao, and Mira Legion in a pre-dawn raid on Feb. 7 at the alleged communist terrorist group’s safe houses here.

The suspects yielded two .45-caliber pistols, two magazine assemblies and 14 rounds of live ammunition for .45-caliber, two fragmentation grenades, a red flag with Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA symbol, and PHP557,360 in cash.

Those arrested are active members of militant groups linked to the NPA.

Cumpio is the secretary of Eastern Visayas regional white area committee (RWAC) and anchor of the left-leaning funded radio program “Lingganay han Kamatuuran".

Domequil, a RWAC member, is the finance officer of Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Eastern Visayas. Legion is a member of Bayan-Eastern Visayas, Cabaljao is the spokesperson of People Surge Network, while Abinguna is affiliated with Katungod Sinirangan Bisayas.

On Tuesday, the Tacloban City Prosecutor's Office found probable cause in filing charges against those arrested.

Two of those arrested were charged for violation of the Republic Act 10591 or “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.”

The three other activists are now facing raps for violating Republic Act 9516, the “Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of an Explosive or Incendiary Device.”

The two respondents for the illegal possession of firearms are Legion and Cabaljao. The local court allowed each of them to pay a PHP120,000 bail.

No bail was recommended for three other respondents -- Cumpio, Domiquel, and Abinguna-- who are facing charges for possession of explosives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093547

Parents’ group denounces NPA lies on ‘Tacloban 5’

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2020): Parents’ group denounces NPA lies on ‘Tacloban 5’ (By Sarwell Meniano)



PARENTS' ORDEAL. Anabelle Sabado (right), secretary of Hands Off Our Children turns emotional recalling the ordeal of a parent whose son is a victim of the New People's Army recruitment during a press briefing in Tacloban City on Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2020). With her are Gemma Labsan (center), the group's founder and Elvie Caalaman, Hands Off member. The group was in the city to talk with the parents of some of the five young activists nabbed in a pre-dawn raid on Feb. 7 for illegal possession of firearms and explosives. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

TACLOBAN CITY – Parents who grouped together to fight the “deceptive recruitment” of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Wednesday denounced the left-leaning groups’ misleading information related to the recent arrest of five young suspected rebels in this city.

The group Hands Off Our Children, in a press briefing, said leftists should not label the arrest as a crackdown against the government’s staunch critics because those detained are former student activists who eventually joined the armed struggle of the NPA in Eastern Visayas.

The group was in the city to talk to the parents of some of the five young activists nabbed in a pre-dawn raid on Feb. 7 for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

“The death of 14 teens who were killed in an encounter between the military and NPA in recent years is proof that there is deceptive campus-based recruitment. It all started with student activism that leads to armed rebellion. Their victims are as young as 16 years old,” said Gemma Labsan, Hands Off Our Children founder.

She was referring to the number of documented deaths of young rebels from 2002 to 2019 based on the record of Hands Off nationwide.

Labsan asked militant groups to stop labeling those arrested as human rights advocates or journalists since they are actively engaged in “deceptive recruitment” on campuses and online.

This was their reaction to various social media campaigns by left-leaning groups to free the so-called “Tacloban 5”, which they identified as “political prisoners.”

Anabelle Sabado, the organization’s secretary questioned the militant group’s fundraising drive every time a young NPA member is arrested.

“Why are they asking for donations? They never helped the family of young recruits. Their intention is to raise funds for the communist terrorist group,” said Anabelle, the mother of Christian Sabado, 22, who was captured by government troops in Northern Samar last year while conducting extortion activities for the NPA.

Christian was an accounting student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Manila when he joined the communist terrorist group through student activism.

“They never care about the feeling of a mother whose child’s mind is poisoned by NPA. It’s hard to see my child in jail, but it is better to see him behind bars than to see him die fighting the government,” Anabelle told reporters.

The group was in the city to talk to the parents of some of the five young activists nabbed in a pre-dawn raid on Feb. 7 for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Government forces arrested Frenchie Mae Cumpio, Marielle Domequil, Alexander Philip Abinguna, Marissa Cabaljao, and Mira Legion at the alleged communist terrorist group’s safe houses here.

The suspects yielded two .45-caliber pistols, two magazine assemblies and 14 live ammunitions for .45-caliber, two fragmentation grenades, a red flag with Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA symbol, and PHP557,360 in cash.

Those arrested are active members of militant groups linked to the NPA.

On Tuesday, the Tacloban City Prosecutor's Office found probable cause in filing charges against those arrested. Two of those arrested were charged for violation of Republic Act 10591 or “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.”

The three other activists are now facing raps for violating Republic Act 9516, the “Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of an Explosive or Incendiary Device.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093645

Ex-rebel surrenders in Aurora, yields firearm, grenade

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2020): Ex-rebel surrenders in Aurora, yields firearm, grenade (By Jason De Asis)



WAR MATERIALS. A firearm and hand grenade turned over to the military by a former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) operating in Aurora province who yielded on Tuesday (Feb. 11, 2020). Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army, identified the former rebel as Ka Benny, 45, a resident of Barangay Gupa, Dipaculao, Aurora. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion)

BALER, Aurora -- A former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) operating in this province surrendered and yielded his firearm and a hand grenade Tuesday as authorities intensified their focused military operation against the terrorist organization.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army, identified the former rebel as Ka Benny, 45, a resident of Barangay Gupa, Dipaculao, this province.

Rubio, in an interview, said that Ka Benny had left the communist group for some time already before deciding to properly surrender to the authorities in order to have his name removed from the battle list of both the police and the military.

He added that the former rebel, who served in the underground movement for three years, decided to return to the fold of the law after realizing that there is no hope nor future in the terrorist group.

“Ka Benny said he decided to take the peaceful path to change,” he said.

The former rebel likewise surrendered his hand grenade and .38-caliber revolver to the Bravo Company of the 91IB in Barangay Dibaraybay, Dinalungan, this province.

Rubio commended Ka Benny for voluntarily surrendering his war materials.

He urged the remaining members of the communist terrorist group, including the Militia ng Bayan, to surrender to the government and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Col. Andrew Costelo, commander of 703rd Infantry “Agila” Brigade of the 7th Infantry Division, said the intensified focused military operations conducted by the police and military troops restricted the rebel group’s maneuver space, prompting them to lie low and surrender to the authorities.

He likewise asked the active members of the communist terrorist group to lay down their arms and avail of the benefits and programs being offered by the government.

He expressed hope the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) in Central Luzon, an armed NPA guerrilla front, will be dismantled by the end of this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093648

Troops nab 3 NPA fighters in Zamboanga Sibugay

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2020): Troops nab 3 NPA fighters in Zamboanga Sibugay (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



ARRESTED. Government troops arrest three New People's Army rebels in a law enforcement operation in Barangay Sandayong, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay on Feb. 10, 2020. The suspects yielded guns, grenades, and ammunition. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

Government troops have arrested three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a law enforcement operation in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, military officials said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, identified the arrested NPA rebels as Amado Quilicot, Darwin Petralba, and Delfin Petralba.

Ponio said the three were arrested during the serving of a search warrant around 5:40 a.m. Monday in Barangay Sandayong, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The suspects yielded two .38-caliber revolvers, a homemade handgun, two fragmentation grenades, and ammunition. They were turned over to the provincial office of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, Ponio said.

“We can sustain the gains of peace and progress in Western Mindanao if government forces, local chief executives, and constituents continuously work together as a team,” he said.

Earlier, an alleged member of the Barahama Ali group identified as Ben-Ben Bahari was killed in a shootout with government troops during an anti-drug operation in Barangay Lapaz, Naga.

Police said shootout ensued when Bahari opened fire prompting the troops to return fire during an anti-drug operation over the weekend.

Bahar was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The troops recovered some PHP34,000 worth of suspected shabu, a .45-caliber pistol, magazines, ammunition, and marked bills.

The Barahama Ali’s group gained notoriety for its kidnap for ransom and illegal drug activities in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, vowed that government troops will continue the intensive campaign against terrorists and private armed groups in Zamboanga Sibugay.

“The key to achieving peace and progress is sustenance. The military relentlessly operates in critical areas to pound down terrorists that they may be dissuaded from fighting government troops,” Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093659

PH, UK to hold joint defense meet in March

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2020): PH, UK to hold joint defense meet in March (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



British Ambassador Daniel Pruce (PNA photo by Joyce Ann Rocamora)

The Philippines and the United Kingdom are set to hold a joint defense committee meeting in March, British Ambassador Daniel Pruce said Tuesday night.

The envoy said representatives from the Department of National Defense and UK's Ministry of Defense are expected to discuss during the meet the possibility of a joint military exercise.

"The discussion in March is part of a regular sequence that we have established through our MOU (memorandum of understanding) which we agreed in December 2017," Pruce told reporters during a reception on media freedom in Makati City.

"We're working within those parameters to take forward these training exchanges and greater cooperation between our forces," he added.

Malacañang earlier said Manila is open to forging military deals with other nations like the UK following its decision to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States.

Pruce declined to comment on the issue, but for the part of the UK, he underscored the two nations' "very close and developing relationship" on defense and security issues.

"We'll continue to talk about ways in the period ahead we can deepen and develop further that cooperation," he said.

The MOU on Defense Cooperation signed between the Philippines and the UK in December 2017 has opened up possibilities for training exchanges and cooperation between the two nations' forces.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093608

PH Navy holding info drive among troops on Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2020): PH Navy holding info drive among troops on Covid-19 (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Philippine Navy troops. (File photo) 

As in other battles, information is always a key factor in defeating or neutralizing the enemy.

With this concept in mind, the Philippine Navy (PN) is doing its part in containing the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) through the conduct of regular troop information and education for all personnel, said PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, on Wednesday.

She added that an information campaign is being conducted by personnel from PN hospitals and other medical units.

Aside from this, Roxas said barracks are now allocated for personnel who might fall under the disease's persons under investigation (PUIs) protocol.

"Barracks intended for possible PUIs are allocated, and temperature tests before entering PN premises is practiced," she said in a message.

Also, Roxas said the PN is working closely with the concerned government agencies, especially the Department of Health in monitoring the disease.

"The Navy will continue to monitor the situation in order to reduce the risk of the virus spreading to the different PN units. Along with the other branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the PN will continue to observe the safety of our soldiers, personnel, and civilian human resource," she added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093602

Senators free to challenge VFA termination in SC

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2020): Senators free to challenge VFA termination in SC (By Benjamin Pulta)



Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. (File photo) 

Lawmakers are free to challenge the decision of President Rodrigo Duterte to terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States before the Supreme Court (SC), Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Wednesday.

“Senators may bring up the issue of the VFA termination to the Supreme Court if they are minded to do so,” Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Guevarra, however, said the Constitution does not mention anything about the requirement of the Senate's concurrence on the termination of treaties.

“Although a treaty is considered part of the law of the land, it does not belong to the class of ordinary statutes that pass through the entire legislative process; its abrogation is not similar to the repeal of an ordinary statute,” Guevarra said.

He said the issue of whether the President should at least consult the Senate on the matter is a political question that the Supreme Court will certainly refuse to resolve.

Guevarra also conceded that the termination of the VFA will make the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) “a hollow agreement” among its negative repercussions.

The MDT, signed by the Philippines and the US in 1951, guarantees that both countries will support each other in the event of an “armed attack” on each country’s territory, armed forces, public vessels or aircraft.

“But again note this: we survived the historic termination of the (PH)-US military bases agreement; there's no reason why we shall not survive the termination of a mere visiting forces agreement,” Guevarra said.

On Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs sent the Philippine government's notice of termination of the VFA to the US Embassy in Manila.

The VFA, signed by Manila and Washington DC in February 1998, exempts American forces from passport and visa regulations and allows them to use their permits and licenses in the Philippines.

The agreement also gives the US the jurisdiction over its troops who committed unlawful acts in the Philippines, unless these crimes can be punished in the host country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093672

US defense chief’s remarks on VFA termination ‘expected’: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 12, 2020): US defense chief’s remarks on VFA termination ‘expected’: Palace (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



VFA TERMINATION. US Defense Secretary Mark Esper (3rd from left) exchanges pleasantries with ranking security officials upon his arrival in Manila on Nov. 19, 2019. Malacañang on Wednesday (Feb. 12, 2020) said Esper's claim that the Visiting Forces Agreement’s termination would be a move in the wrong direction is not surprising. (Photo courtesy of the US Secretary Defense Facebook page)

It is not surprising for United States (US) Defense Secretary Mark Esper to claim that Manila’s looming termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with Washington DC would be a “move in the wrong direction,” Malacañang said on Wednesday.

Disputing Esper’s remark, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said dissolving the two nations’ bilateral pact, which covers the conduct of US troops’ visit to the Philippines, is a “move in the right direction.”

Panelo also noted that the revocation of the VFA should have been done “a long time ago” since the military deal is only advantageous to the US.

"We expect no less for such a reaction from the US government following its receipt of the notice of termination of the VFA. Such commentary is expected, given that the VFA favors the US and its abrogation affects its global strategic defensive positioning,” he said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday ordered Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. to send a formal notification to the US regarding the Philippines’ decision to revoke the VFA, which was signed in February 1998.

On Tuesday, Locsin announced that the formal termination notice has already been received by the US government.

The effectivity of the VFA will end 180 days from the day the US formally received the formal notice from the Philippines.

In an interview on Tuesday, Esper said it was “unfortunate” that the Philippines has to scrap the VFA.

Duterte’s move to rescind the agreement came following the cancellation of the US visa of his staunch ally, former police chief and now Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

No longer a ‘parasite’

Panelo said the termination of the VFA would stop the Philippines from being a “parasite” to the US, especially when it comes to “protecting our independence and sovereignty.”

He reiterated that abrogating the military deal with the US was intended to pursue Duterte’s independent foreign policy.

“We must stand on our own,” Panelo said. “It is about time that we strengthen our defense capabilities. Reliance on another country for our own defenses against the enemies of the state will ultimately weaken and stagnate our defense mechanisms.”

He also said the Philippines’ relations with other countries are “anchored solely on national interest and the general welfare of our people.”

Quoting Duterte, Panelo said, “We are friends to all, enemies to none."

“Should any country, however, threaten our territorial integrity and assault our sovereignty, we will rise by our own resources and valiantly defend our motherland the way our forefathers did during their time,” he said.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Panelo said the Philippines hopes for "warmer" ties with the US, as Washington DC is expected to give "preferential attention" to Manila following the revocation of the VFA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093679