Friday, July 3, 2020

Cebuano News: Nadakpan nga NPA may kaso sa pagpanglugos

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Cebuano News: Nadakpan nga NPA may kaso sa pagpanglugos (By Rey Anthony H. Chiu)

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CORTES, Bohol, July 3 (PIA) -- Wala’y epekto ang gi-ingon nga balaod sa mga New People’s Army (NPA) ngadto sa ilang nagkakunhod nga mga sakop, mao nga bisan pa og criminal, basta magamit sa ilang niluog nga katuyu-an, pwede.

Kini maoy mingtumaw nga kamatuoran dihang didto sa mop-up operations sa kasundalohan sa 47 Infantry Battalion human nila gikabagat sa sinukli-ay sa bala ang pipila ka armado nga sakop sa NPAs, may nasikop silang usa ka gikatahapan’g tawo.

Kahinumduman nga gitaho sa mga residente sa Bayawahan ngadto sa mga tinugyanan ang bahan sa mga armado nga tawo nga nanghadlok gamit ang ilang armas ug pagka NPA aron makakuha’g pagkaon.

Niadtong Hunyo 27, usa ka adlaw na human ang enkwentro, sa may mga alas 3 sa palis, may usa ka sibilyan nga wa hiilhi sa lugar ang gikataho nga wala magsul-ob og mask didto duol pa sa lugar nga nahitabo ang sinukliay sa bala.


DILI MAAYO SA TURISMO UG KAUGMARAN. Si Gob Arthur Yap sa Bohol kanunay nga mipasabut nga ang kaugmaran ug kalambuan, adto magpugad sa lugar nga linaw ug hapsay, busa mitugot siya nga ang Bohol mahimong bansayanan sa mga sundalo aron mas magamhan ang katawhan sa pagpili kanunay sa kalinaw. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol file photo)

Una nga nga giduol sa mga tinugyanan ang gikadudahan nga tawo sanglit kini wala magmask ug nakasupak sa Executive Order sa Gobernador , dili taga didto ug nagsul-ob og tshirt sa army, lain nga posible nga salaud.

Giila sa mga tinugyanan ang gikatahapan nga usa ka Crisologo Guimaras, alyas Sam, 21-anyos nga residente sa Barangay Bingag, Dauis, Bohol.

Sa dugang pagpakisusi, namatikdan nga ang gikatahapan, may gitago-an nga Improvised Explosive Device (IED) ug usa ka rifle grenade.

Sa tactical investigation ug interrogation sa mga kasundalohan, miangkon si Guimaras nga apil siya sa bahan sa mga NPA nga gikabagat sa mga kasundalohan sa milabay nga adlaw.

Dugang saysay ni Guimaras nga dugay na siya nga regular nga sakop sa NPA ubos sa pagpangulo ni Domingo Compoc alyas Kumander Cobra.

Sa wala pa mosulod sa pagka NPA, si Guimaras

diay, may wala itug-an nga tulo ka kaso sa pagpanglugos ubos sa docket case numbers 17654, 17655 ug 17656 niadto pang Hunyo 25, 2015, nga gipagawas ni President Judge Leo Moises Lison, sa Regional Trial Court Branch 3 sa Tagbilaran City.

Matud pa ni Guimaras, milayas siya sa Luzon aron dili matanggong sa bilangguan niadto pang 2015.

Niadtong 2018, miuli sia dinhi ug sa kahadlok sa kasong atubangon, misulod sa kalihukang walhon nga gipalig-on didto sa mga hilit nga dapit sa lungsod sa Inabanga.

Karon nga nadakpan, ipatong sa tulo ka kaso nga pagpanglugos ang lain nga mga kaso: kalapasan sa RA 9516 o ang illegal nga paghupot sa Explosives, samtang gikustodya siya sa Bohol Provincial Police Office, segun sa Civil Military Operations Officer sa 47IB nga si Lieutenant Elma Grace Remonde-Arbulencia.

Segun pa sa mga tigpamaba sa 47IB, kining sitwasyona ni Guimaras, napakita na nga ang mga bahan sa komunista nga terorista maayo lang mopatuo nga ilang ikapatuman ang hustisya ngadto sa nilupigan, apan ilang gigakos ug gipanalipdan pa ang criminal nga nanglugos.

Ang insidente nagapakita nga ang CTGs dili lamang manglingla sa mga inosente apan mangkuha usab sa mga criminal, nga buot moikyas sa kamut sa balaod.

Ilang giapas, bahalag gipangita sa balaod nga mga criminal, basta daghan lang sila nga tan-awon ug mapalapad ang ilang walhong katuyuan, segun pa ni Lieutenant Remonde-Arbulencia, CMOS sa 47 IB. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

Soldiers are social workers too, army official says

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Soldiers are social workers too, army official says (By Danilo E. Doguiles)

MAGPET, Cotabato Province, July 3 (PIA) – Government troops are also social workers who are prepared to back government efforts for development of underserved villages, an army official assured a Manobo community here.

“Government troops are no longer the typical soldiers. They are now social workers, agriculturists, medics, and school teachers,” Col. Potenciano Camba, commander of the 1002nd Brigade, told residents of Barangay Manobo in Magpet, Cotabato Province during the launching of Project IPEACE in the area on June 24.

Project IPEACE (Indigenous Peoples Empowered as Agripreneurs Towards a Collective End) is a flagship project of the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (JRTF-ELCAC) XII that promotes food security by developing hard-to-reach communities, especially those populated by indigenous peoples as agricultural entrepreneurs.

TESDA Secretary Isidro Lapeña, cabinet officer for regional development and security for SOCCSKSARGEN Region, visited the region last week to lead the launching of Project IPEACE in four pilot sites, namely Barangay Alegria in Alabel, Sarangani; Barangay San Jose in General Santos City; Barangay Datal-blao in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; and Barangay Manobo in Magpet, Cotabato Province.

According to the project briefer, IPEACE aims “to transform IP communities into integrated food production sites; develop self-reliant, resilient, and sustainable IP communities; attain food security for a balanced and equitable resource distribution and dynamic economic livelihood and income opportunities to produce sustainable communities; and end insurgency.”

At the launching event in Barangay Manobo, Col. Camba emphasized that the “Philippine Army and the entire Armed Forces fully supports Project IPEACE and all the programs of the government for the development of the indigenous peoples.”

“Your Army are social workers and you can rely on them. Be assured that your army are here to support your progress,” Col. Camba said.

As a convergence project of the JRTF-ELCAC XII, Project IPEACE will capacitate IP communities in productive agriculture-based enterprises by bringing in skills and entreprenuerial trainings.

With help from agencies like the Department of Trade and Indusry, Department of Labor and Employment, Land Bank of the Philippines and others, the project also plans to establish food hubs and food terminals where farmers can bring ther produce and sell these at better prices without the intervention of middlemen.

Other national government agencies, depending on their agency mandates will also deliver services in these pilot communities for a comprehensive and sustainable development. (DED-PIA XII)

ELCAC Program to bring gov't project better, faster

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 3, 2020): ELCAC Program to bring gov't project better, faster (By Emmanuel D. Taghoy)

GUIPOS, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR (3 July 2020) — Construction and Rehabilitation of three farm-to-market road (FMR) ELCAC projects in Lakewood town will soon come into realization after the Groundbreaking Ceremony held today in Barangay Dagum, Lakewood, this province.

The FMRs are the rehabilitation of 5.925-kilometer Poblacion-Baking-Dagum Road; construction of 4.745-kilometer Dagum-Matalang Road; and the construction of 4-kilometer Dagum-Tiwales Road.

In partnership with the 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion, the said FMRs are priority projects of the ZamboSur Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) chaired by Gov. Victor J. Yu in collaboration with the local government of Lakewood and Lakewood Municipal TF-ELCAC chaired by Hon. Mayor. Domingo Mirrar, also with the support of the Office of ZamboSur 1st District Rep. Hon. Divina Grace Yu.

In his remarks, PTF-ELCAC Chairperson Gov. Victor Yu said that the construction of these roads is the prerequisite to eradicating insurgency.

"I have always said, we first build roads then everything else will follow,” Gov. Yu said.

"Having roads will also translate to the delivery of basic and government services to far-flung areas," Gov. Yu added.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Mayor of Lakewood and Lakewood MTF-ELCAC Chairperson Hon. Domingo Mirrar thanked the Provincial Government and the Army for helping in the realization of said FMRs.

"This year 2020, forty-three years after Lakewood was founded in 1977, is the first time our constituents here in Barangay Dagum will be able to see four-wheeled vehicles," said Mirrar.

"This means that the people [of Brgy Dagum] will now regularly see the transport of their harvest to the market, the entry of basic and government services, and hopefully, the end of insurgency," he added.

For 43 years, four-wheeled vehicles cannot enter Brgy. Dagum because of the unpaved roads, and became a safe haven of NPA terrorists due to lack of access to basic and government services.

Meanwhile, 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Leonel Nicolas, who has operational jurisdiction over the Province of Zamboanga del Sur, lauded the efforts of the Provincial and Municipal Task Forces ELCAC and 53rd IB for putting into action their commitment to end the insurgency in Lakewood town.

"The good governance practiced by our local government will not only put insurgency into an end, but will also sustain our future efforts of delivering services to the people," said Col. Nicolas.

Meanwhile, 1st Infantry Division's Assistant Division Commander Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan, Jr. said that the construction of these roads hopes to open the eyes of NPA terrorists still in the hinterlands.

"We hold this ground breaking ceremony and construct these roads with the hope that more NPA terrorists will abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law," said Brig. Gen. Gaerlan.

"The [NPAs] are also our brothers and sisters who were deceived with the wrong ideology," added Brig. Gen. Gaerlan.

In addition, Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 53rd IB Commander who has tactical control over Lakewood town, said that these roads will form part of conflict resolution as the people will now receive the services they are so longing for.

"What we are building now are the roads that lead to progress, roads that will deliver basic and government services to the people such as health, education, and job opportunities," said Lt. Col. Herrera.

Also present in the Groundbreaking Ceremony were ZamboSur PNP Provincial Director Police Col. Rhode Espero; Lakewood town Vice-Mayor Hon. Ronaldo Looc; Tiwales Brgy Captain Hon. Jonh Montesan; Baking Brgy. Captain Hon. Rolando Langgas; Bulalawan Brgy Captain Hon. Rudy Tillo; Poblacion Brgy Captain Hon. Ivangelen Looc; Dagum Brgy Captain Hon. Felino Galgan. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1046545

Project IPEACE launched in South Cotabato’s largest barangay

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Project IPEACE launched in South Cotabato’s largest barangay (By Danilo E. Doguiles)

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, July 3 (PIA) – All government agencies involved in the implementation of the national government’s Executive Order No. 70 in SOCCSKSARGEN Region have set their development efforts to South Cotabato’s largest barangay, Ned in Lake Sebu.

Rafael Abrogar III, regional director of TESDA 12, led regional directors and representative of national government agencies in the launching on Wednesday of Project IPEACE (Indigenous Peoples Empowered as Agripreneurs Towards a Collective End) in Ned.

Ned, where most of the residents are Tbolis, is comprised of 52 sitios (sub-villages) spread in about 42,000 hectares, nearly half of the 89,000 hectare area of the entire Municipality of Lake Sebu. The farthest barangay of South Cotabato, Ned is situated in the province’s boundaries with the provinces of Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani.

“Project IPEACE is a program in support to the EO 70 of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that mandates convergence of all government agencies in delivering services to the remotest places, especially the indigenous people communities,” RD Abrogar told the villagers who attended the launching activity at Sitio Kibang.

Abrogar explained that Project IPEACE prioritizes improving productivity of agricultural lands in IP communities.

“Thus, we will be partnering with the Department of Agriculture for this project. TESDA, on the other hand, will provide the necessary training to improve your production. Other government agencies will also join to ensure that services are given from the time of planting to harvesting and marketing of products,” Abrogar said.

After the ceremony, several government agencies gathered sitio leaders and residents in a consultative meeting.

Among the agencies that set up desks for consultation were the Department of Agriculture, Department of Labor and Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Philippine Coconut Authority, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

This consultation, Abrogar said, “is essential for government agencies to gather the concerns of the communities and find solutions to their problems.”

Among the immediate concerns identified by the sitio leaders were farm-to-market roads, water systems, school buildings, electricity, agricultural production support and others.

At the event, TESDA announced the start of Project TALA which will train 100 residents of sitio Blit in photovoltaic systems installation and eventually provide solar power to households of the trainees.

The Philippine Coconut Authority, on the other hand, has coordinated with local leaders for the distribution of seed nuts that could establish coconut farms in 200 to 400 hectares in Barangay Ned by the end of 2020.

In his response message, Lake Sebu Mayor Floro Gandam said the selection of Barangay Ned as pilot site of the JRTF-ELCAC XII flagship initiative is much welcome.

"This is a great advantage for the municipality of Lake Sebu, specifically Barangay Ned. Relying only on our own funding, the municipal government may not be able to fund all needed projects. However, with at least 17 national government agencies implementing government projects here, we will surely be able to reduce poverty,” Mayor Gandam said.

Barangay Ned is the fifth barangay to be identified as pilot site of the Project IPEACE as a flagship project of the Joint Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Comflict (JRTF-ELCAC) Region 12.

On June 23 and 24, Secretary Isidro Lapeña, cabinet officer for regional development and security in Region 12, led the kick off ceremonies of Project IPEACE in Alegria in Alabel, Sarangani; San Jose in General Santos City; Datal-blao in Columbio, Sultan Kudarat; and Manobo in Magpet, Cotabato Province.

Project briefer indicates that Project IPEACE aims ““to transform IP communities into integrated food production sites; develop self-reliant, resilient, and sustainable IP communities; attain food security for a balanced and equitable resource distribution and dynamic economic livelihood and income opportunities to produce sustainable communities; and end insurgency.” (DED-PIA XII)

Pres Duterte swears justice for soldiers slain in Sulu misencounter

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Pres Duterte swears justice for soldiers slain in Sulu misencounter (By Dominic I. Sanchez)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 3 (PIA) – President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to remain sober and not to pass any immature judgment in light of the recent tragedy in Sulu where four soldiers were killed by policemen in an alleged misencounter during his Talk-to-Troops in Edwin Andrews Air Base in Zamboanga City tonight (July 3), as he ensures that justice will be served. He likewise warned against any form of retaliation against the suspect policemen involved in the shooting.

“I am pleading, nihangyo ko ninyo nga tabangan ko ninyo pagpakalma (help me to calm) to keep the waters in the meantime calm as we wait for the results of the investigation,” President Duterte said.

“It is my word of honor as president that I will find out the truth from the investigators,” he added. “I love my soldiers, I love the police, but pending the investigation, we must all keep our silence and hope NBI will find out the truth for us.”

On June 29, four army intelligence personnel were killed in a shooting incident in Jolo, Sulu allegedly perpetrated by policemen in the area. The soldiers were reportedly in a mission to capture suspected terrorists when they were shot and killed near a police station.

President Duterte said he ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to fast-track the investigation to give swift justice to the victims.

Nevertheless, he warns concerned parties to refrain from committing acts of retaliation, as this will result to more problems.

“You want to have your revenge? For what? Would it bring the four officers back to life?” he said.

Meanwhile, the Office of the President has already provided assistance for the families of the victims. Yesterday, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, the former special assistant to the President paid his respects to the families of the victims, as he also vowed to bring justice to the victims and their families. (EDT/DIS/PIA9-ZAMSULTA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1046620

Militiaman dead, 2 hurt in Maguindanao grenade attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Militiaman dead, 2 hurt in Maguindanao grenade attacks (By Edwin Fernandez and Noel Punzalan)



Google map of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
Suspected Moro rebels harassed a quarantine detachment and a passenger bus that left a militiaman dead and two others hurt on Thursday, authorities here said.

A member of the Civilian Armed Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was killed while another was injured when
two suspects lobbed a hand grenade at a coronavirus disease (Covid-19) quarantine checkpoint in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao at 7 p.m., said Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson.

Two men riding tandem on a motorbike were seen speeding past the detachment when the back-rider tossed a hand grenade
toward a police-Army quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Mother Labu-Labu, killing CAFGU member Aladin Alon.

Another CAFGU member, Joey Moambing, was slightly injured in the attack.

Atilano said
the incident was the second attack on law enforcers manning Covid-19 quarantine outposts in Maguindanao.



“We condemn this attack against our front-liners,” Atilano said in an interview Friday. “We will work for the attainment of justice to our slain comrades.”

On May 19, Pfc. Jerome Tahad of the 33rd Infantry Battalion was also killed at a quarantine checkpoint attack in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.

Meanwhile, also on Thursday, an explosion hit a passenger bus plying the General Santos City – Cotabato City route while passing through Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.

A report said one of the passengers, Sgt. Jester Cagatan, was injured in his arm and leg when a rifle grenade hit the bus around 3 p.m. while it was traversing the highway in Barangay Iginagampong.

The bus driver, whose identity was withheld by police, told investigators that he heard an explosion while traversing the road but decided to proceed up to the next town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan to report to the police station.

Military officials blamed the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for the series of attacks believed to be in retaliation to the series of offensives by government forces recently that left at least six bandits killed in the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano and Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107845

Agusan Sur villagers declare NPA ‘persona non grata’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Agusan Sur villagers declare NPA ‘persona non grata’ (By Alexander Lopez)



Google map of Loreto town, Agusan del Sur.

Residents of a far-flung village in the town of Loreto in Agusan del Sur have affirmed their full support to the government by declaring the communist New People’s Army (NPA) as persona non grata.

In a community gathering facilitated on July 1, village leaders and members of Barangay Kasapa 1, Loreto denounced the NPA for "causing havoc" in their barangay and hampering the government's delivery of basic services in the area, according to the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion in a statement Friday (July 3).

Aside from the armed NPA, the villagers also declared the legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the National Democratic Front (NDF) no longer welcome into their barangay, the 60IB said.

The residents were joined by 48 former rebels, the NPA's Milisya ng Bayan (MB), and members of the rebel movement's Underground Mass Organizations (UGMO), who also pledged allegiance to the government during the activity, the Army battalion said.

Prior to the persona non grata declaration against the NPA, 60IB said Kasapa 1 villagers underwent a three-day peace-building seminar joined by different line agencies of the government.

The seminar includes an orientation on the different programs of the government, the de-radicalization process, and the orientation on the Community Support Program (CSP) of the Army, 60IB said.

The residents also received various services from the government during the activity, such as free medical check-ups, provision of medicines, while the children received school kits from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Agusan del Sur.

The event was graced by Agusan del Sur Governor Santiago Cane Jr., Vice Gov. Sammy Turtor, Loreto Mayor Lorife Magadan Otaza and Agusan del Sur Provincial Police Office director, Col. Ringo Zarzoso.

Top military officials present during the activity were Maj. Gen. Reuben Basiao, commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division; Col. Luis Rex Brigante, commander of 101st Infantry Brigade; and Lt. Col. Ronaldo Sarmiento of the 60IB.

The CPP-NPA-NDF is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107879

3 TF-ELCAC projects to spur dev't in Zambo Sur town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2020): 3 TF-ELCAC projects to spur dev't in Zambo Sur town (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



PEACE PROJECTS. Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Victor Yu (in blue shirt) leads the groundbreaking ceremony Thursday (July 2, 2020) of three priority farm-to-market road projects of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Lakewood, town Zamboanga del Sur. The projects aim to spur economic development and put an end to the insurgency problem in the area. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

Local and military officials broke ground Thursday the three farm-to-market roads to spur economic development and put an end to the insurgency problem in Lakewood town, Zamboanga del Sur.

The projects consisted of the rehabilitation of 5.92-kilometer Poblacion-Baking-Dagum road; construction of 4.74-kilometer Dagum-Matalang road; and the construction of 4-kilometer Dagum-Tiwales road.

The farm-to-market-roads are priority projects of the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC), chaired by Gov. Victor Yu, in collaboration with the Lakewood Municipal TF-ELCAC chaired by Mayor Domingo Mirrar.

The project is implemented in partnership with the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion and the office of Zamboanga del Sur First District Rep. Divina Grace Yu.

“I have always said, we first build roads then everything else will follow,” Yu said during Thursday's groundbreaking, pointing out that road construction in the countryside has always been a tool for development and the eradication of insurgency.

“Having roads will also translate to the delivery of basic and government services to far-flung areas,” the governor added.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, commander of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, described the projects as "roads that will lead to progress, roads that will deliver basic and government services to the people such as health, education, and job opportunities".

Mirrar, for his part, thanked the provincial government and the Army for helping in the realization of the three projects.

“This year 2020, 43 years after Lakewood was founded in 1977, is the first time our constituents in Barangay Dagum will be able to see four-wheeled vehicles,” he said.

“This means that the people (of Brgy Dagum) will now regularly see the transport of their harvest to the market, the entry of basic and government services, and hopefully, the end of insurgency,” Mirrar added.

The mayor said that for 43 years, four-wheeled vehicles cannot enter Barangay Dagum because of the unpaved roads, and became a haven of the communist terrorist New People’s Army (NPA) due to lack of access to basic government services.

Meanwhile, Col. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the efforts of the provincial and municipal task forces ELCAC and 53rd IB for putting into action their commitment to end the insurgency in Lakewood town.

“The good governance practiced by our local government will not only put insurgency into an end but will also sustain our future efforts of delivering services to the people,” Nicolas said.

Brig. Gen. Bagnus Gaerlan Jr., 1st Infantry Division assistant commander, hopes that the construction and rehabilitation of the three roads will encourage the NPAs to abandon the armed struggle and return to the folds of the law.

“The [NPAs] are also our brothers and sisters who were deceived with the wrong ideology,” Gaerlan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107908

'NPA rebels' kill Army front-liner in NegOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2020): 'NPA rebels' kill Army front-liner in NegOr (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



SHOT DEAD. An Army front-liner was shot dead in Barangay Luz, Guihulngan City by suspected NPA members on Wednesday afternoon (July 1, 2020). Corporal Mark Anthony Quiocson of the Community Support Program of the 62nd Infantry Unifier Battalion was onboard his motorcycle when ambushed at Sitio Compound, Barangay Luz in Guihulngan City. (Photo courtesy of 3ID PA)

Suspected members of the New People's Army have shot dead and took the money and the belongings of a Philippine Army soldier in Barangay Luz, Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental.

A report from the 303rd Army Brigade on Friday identified the victim as Corporal Mark Anthony Quiocson of the Community Support Program of the 62nd Infantry “Unifier” Battalion.

Cpl. Quiocson was serving in the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) Community Control Point and extending assistance to Barangay Development programs.

On Wednesday at 5 p.m., Quiocson was on board his motorcycle when four unidentified armed men believed to be members of the Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) of the NPA waylaid the soldier at Sitio Compound, Barangay Luz by shooting him several times causing instantaneous death, the Army report said.


Recovered from the crime scene were eight .45-caliber shells, six empty shells of 9-mm, one live .45-caliber ammunition, and one slug of unknown caliber.

The soldier’s helmet was removed by the perpetrators who still shot him in the head, the report said.

The suspects took his issued firearm, cash, and ATM cards as well as the money of his fellow soldiers sent by their respective families, his shoes, and the seafood (squid and shrimps) he bought for his teammates, the report added.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, acting commander of the 62nd IB, was quoted in the statement saying, “This is a clear manifestation of human rights violation of the Communist NPA.”

“Despite the pandemic, these terrorists took advantage of the situation to execute their terrorist acts instead of helping the people. With this incident, the NPA really (show) their true color – to terrorize the people of Central Negros,” Flores said.

On behalf of the 62nd IB, the Army commander extended their sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family of Quiocson. “All assistance will be given to his immediate family,” he said.

He also reassured that with the help of the Philippine National Police and the local government unit, they will continue in their efforts to protect the people as they relentlessly pursue their objective of eliminating the insurgency problem.

“We are also appealing to the people of Guihulngan City for your support in identifying and locating these criminals to give justice to the victim and to serve the long arm of the law,” Flores said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107862

Soldier killed in Jolo shooting bore 8 gunshots wounds: NBI

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Soldier killed in Jolo shooting bore 8 gunshots wounds: NBI (By Benjamin Pulta)



The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Thursday said it has concluded the autopsy of three of the four army intelligence officers killed in Jolo, Sulu shooting involving police officers earlier this week.

NBI deputy director Ferdinand Lavin said the forensic autopsy results will be forwarded to the NBI Western Mindanao regional office which is conducting an independent investigation on the incident.

"The party requesting for the autopsy is the NBI Western Mindanao Regional Office so we forwarded the report to them,” Lavin said.

He said the cadavers were examined on June 30 at Ilagan Funeral Homes in Paco, Manila after the arrival honors at Villamor Air Force Base.

"One of the three (bodies) suffered eight gunshot wounds," Lavin said, adding that the gunshot wounds ranged from three to eight per cadaver.

"We sent another forensic team to do crime scene investigation to augment the agents of the Western Mindanao Regional Office who are doing the crime scene investigation in Jolo, Sulu," Lavin said.

Killed during the incident were Maj. Marvin Indammog, 39; Capt. Irwin Managuelod, 33; Sgt. Jaime Velasco, 38; and Cpl. Abdal Asula, 33.

They were tailing four terrorist suicide bombers when the shooting happened. Asula was buried in Sulu in Muslim rites.

President Rodrigo Duterte wanted to talk with the police officers involved in the shooting incident, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said.

Año also reminded Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay to be mindful of making comments over the incident.

Gapay earlier asked for the relief of Jolo police chief Lt. Col. Walter Annayo and Col. Michael Bawayan, Sulu provincial police commander, due to command responsibility.

Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region regional director Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu ordered the relief of Annayo, who will be replaced by Lt. Col. Fillmore Calip, former chief of 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company.

The relieved policemen -- S/Sgt. Almudzrin Hadjaruddin, Pat. Alkajal Mandangan, Pat. Rajiv Putalan, Senior M/Sgt. Abdelzhimar Padjiri, M/Sgt. Hanie U Baddiri, S/Sgt. Iskandar Susulan, S/Sgt. Ernisar Sappal, Cpl. Sulki Andaki, and Pat. Mohammad Nur Pasani -- were disarmed and placed under the custody of the provincial headquarters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107835

Security, intel ops in Sulu still in 'full swing': AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Security, intel ops in Sulu still in 'full swing': AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)



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

Security and intelligence operations in Sulu remain in full swing despite the June 29 incident where four military intelligence personnel were shot and killed by policemen in Jolo, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, on Friday.

"The security and intelligence operations in Sulu continue in full swing up to this very moment," he said in a message to reporters when asked on whether the incident has created an impact on its security operations and the ongoing hunt for reported terrorist bombers in the area.

He added that there is no let-up in their operations as the guidance of AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Filemon Santos to all military personnel is "eyes on the ball" or keeping focus on their tasks.

"The disruption of the operation due to that unfortunate incident was a temporary setback. The entire AFP machinery and infrastructure are still in place and on track," he added.

Killed on Monday's incident in Jolo, Sulu were Major Marvin A. Indammog, 39; Capt. Irwin B. Managuelod, 33; Sgt. Jaime M. Velasco, 38 and Cpl. Abdal Asula, 33.

The four were tailing four terrorist suicide bombers in Jolo when gunned down by the members of the Jolo Municipal Police Station for still unknown reasons.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107863

DILG says Sulu incident 'isolated case'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2020): DILG says Sulu incident 'isolated case' (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



Scene of the shooting incident in Jolo, Sulu on June 29. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)
The shooting incident in Jolo, Sulu that led to the death of four Army intelligence officers involving policemen is an “isolated case”, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Friday.

DILG spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said such an incident is not considered as a norm between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He said the coordination between the two agencies is important particularly amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, as the two are members of the Joint Task Force Covid Shield.

Malaya also condoled with the bereaved families of the four victims in an alleged "shooting incident," as claimed by the PNP.

"We will leave no stone unturned. Mismo si (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año ang nagbigay ng direktibang ito sa ating mga kasamahan dahil kinalulungkot namin itong pangyayari (DILG Secretary Eduardo Año himself gave the directive to all our colleagues because we are saddened by this incident). We can assure the public that the truth will come out and we assure justice will be done," Malaya said.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now conducting a probe on the incident.

Malaya also reminded cops to follow the operations manual to prevent such incidents from happening again.

"Kung tayo po ay susunod dun sa operations manual natin wala na pong mga ganitong pangyayari in the future (If we follow the operations manual, nothing like that will happen in the future)," Malaya said.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac, said on Friday said it will leave everything up to the NBI to get to the bottom of the shooting incident last June 29.

Banac previously described what happened as a "misencounter", but later retracted and said it was rather a "shooting incident".

Banac particularly referred to the validation of CCTV footage which captured what transpired before and after the alleged rubout on June 29.

One of the slain soldiers was said to have died on the spot after being shot eight times, the reason for the military to earlier describe what had happened as “murder” and not a misencounter.

“We expect that to be included in the investigation being done by the NBI and they are the ones who can say what happened after the incident. The PNP maintains its trust in the NBI that the result of the investigation will truly determine who should be held accountable based on evidence, who abused their authority and violated the law for them to answer to justice,” Banac told reporters in Camp Crame.

Banac also reiterated the PNP’s full cooperation and coordination to the probe, adding that the organization will not condone any wrongdoing committed by its personnel.

“We are also hopeful of the immediate resolution of the case and should it be proven that our policemen abused their authority and committed violations, we will make sure they answer to the full force of the law. For now, all we can do is wait for the result of the NBI investigation," he added.

Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region regional director, Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu has already ordered the relief of Jolo police chief, Lt. Col. Walter Annayo.

He added that the relieved policemen -- S/Sgt. Almudzrin Hadjaruddin, Pat. Alkajal Mandangan, Pat. Rajiv Putalan, Senior M/Sgt. Abdelzhimar Padjiri, M/Sgt. Hanie U Baddiri, S/Sgt. Iskandar Susulan, S/Sgt. Ernisar Sappal, Cpl. Sulki Andaki, and Pat. Mohammad Nur Pasani -- were disarmed and placed under the custody of the provincial headquarters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107874

Duterte to meet cops, soldiers involved in shooting incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Duterte to meet cops, soldiers involved in shooting incident (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to fly to Zamboanga City on Friday afternoon to meet with policemen and soldiers following the recent shooting incident between personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Jolo, Sulu.

During the Laging Handa program aired on state-run PTV-4, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte’s visit to Zamboanga City is meant to boost the morale of the police and the military.

“Ganoon po kaimportante ang misyon niya para po makiisa, hindi lang po sa hukbong sandatahan pati na rin po sa kapulisan (That’s how important his mission is. He will show his support to the armed forces and the police),” said Roque, who will join Duterte in the event.

The President recently directed the National Bureau of Investigation to speed up the investigation into the alleged “misencounter” between members of the PNP and AFP in Jolo that led to the death of four military personnel.

Killed were Maj. Marvin Indammog, 39; Capt. Irwin Managuelod, 33; Sgt. Jaime Velasco, 38; and Col. Abdal Asula, 33.

The four slain troops were tailing four terrorist suicide bombers when the shooting happened.

Roque said Duterte wants to personally tell the police and the military that he would make sure that the recent incident would be the “last” under his watch.

He said Duterte would hold separate meetings with soldiers and the nine relieved police officers involved in the shooting incident and he would ensure that justice would be served for the four slain soldiers.

“Nandoon po si Presidente para magbigay assurance na makakamit ang katarungan. Kung merong nagkasala, mapaparusahan po dahil ganyan naman po ang administrasyon ni Presidente Duterte (The President will be there to give assurance that justice would be served. If someone commits a wrongdoing, he would be punished because that’s the policy of the administration of President Duterte),” Roque said.

Risking life

This is the first time Duterte would meet with government troops since the country was hit by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Roque said the Presidential Security Group (PSG) initially thumbed down Duterte’s plan to hold meetings with the military amid the Covid-19 crisis.

Duterte, however, prevailed and decided to “risk his life” just to check the condition of soldiers and policemen, he said.

“Of course, we are (worried). Pero hindi mapigilan ang Presidente. Kung masusunod ang PSG, ayaw po siyang palabasin talaga ng Bahay Pangarap. Pero ang sabi ni Presidente, kapag merong kinakailangan talagang gawin, gagawin niya (But the President cannot be stopped. If the PSG were to have its way, it does not want him to leave Bahay Pangarap. But the President said if something needs to be done, he would do it),” Roque said.

Next public address in Davao

Duterte isolated himself in Manila for two months after he imposed an enhanced community quarantine in the entire Luzon to contain the further spread of Covid-19.

He was able to return to his hometown, Davao City, in May when he relaxed the quarantine restrictions in the country.

“I can say na ang susunod na ulat sa bayan po ay manggagaling po sa Davao (I can say that his next address to the nation will be in Davao City),” Roque said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107875

Veteran Marine unit returns for more training in Cavite

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Veteran Marine unit returns for more training in Cavite (By Priam Nepomuceno)



SEASONED MARINE UNIT. Members of the Philippine Marine Corps' 9th Marine Battalion arrive at Sangley Point in Cavite on Thursday (July 2, 2020). The battalion has been deployed in Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Zamboanga since 2010 and has returned home to undergo training that will allow them to be capable of performing mission-essential tasks to the "full range of military operations". (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Marine Corps' 9th Marine Battalion returned to Cavite City on Thursday to undergo training that will allow them to be capable of performing mission-essential tasks to the "full range of military operations".

In a message to the Philippine News Agency, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, Philippine Navy public affairs office chief, said the training is essential as the 9th Marine Battalion is being envisioned "as the first Marine Amphibious Ready Unit to be attached to the Fleet-Marine Ready Force".

She added that the unit was placed under the non-operational status by PMC commandant, Major Gen. Nathaniel Casem, for this purpose upon arrival at Sangley Point, Cavite City aboard BRP Bacolod City (LS-550) on Thursday.

The 9th Marine Battalion, which is commanded by Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Arabe, has seen action in Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Zamboanga since 2010.

These provinces are under the operational jurisdiction of the Western Mindanao Command.

Roxas said the unit has been instrumental in a wide array of operations such as security, combat, support to law enforcement, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief, and numerous undertakings in support of other government agencies in their area of deployment.

Among the notable accomplishments of the 9th Marine Battalion were the neutralization of several Abu Sayyaf Group members, interception of smuggled lumbers, illegal drugs, human trafficking victims and illegal immigrants, and rescue of more than a hundred passengers and crew of an ill-fated vessel in Tawi-Tawi.

PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, who presided the arrival ceremony following the “new normal” scheme adhering to health and biosafety protocols, called the successful deployment of the 9th Marine Battalion a testament to the "capability and competence of our Marines to respond to emerging security challenges".

To sustain these accomplishments, he said the unit needs to level up as a proficient Marine Operating Force due to the "rapidly changing, complex, simultaneous and overlapping security challenges".

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107829

Duterte signs anti-terror bill into law

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3, 2020): Duterte signs anti-terror bill into law (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



President Rodrigo Duterte. (Presidential Photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed into law a measure that seeks to give the country more teeth to curb terror threats and acts, Malacañang announced on Friday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea confirmed in separate text messages that the anti-terror bill is already passed into law.

“Signed the bill into law earlier,” Medialdea said.

The Palace has yet to release a copy of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

This developed a day after Malacañang said the proposed anti-terror act was under final review at Medialdea’s office.

Duterte earlier certified as urgent the anti-terror bill to toughen up the government’s anti-terrorism policies.

The new law repeals Republic Act 9362 or the Human Security Act of 2007.

It seeks the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days sans a warrant of arrest.

It also allows a 60-day surveillance with an allowable 30-day extension that can be conducted by the police or the military against suspected terrorists.

The law also imposes a 12-year jail term on a person who voluntarily or knowingly joins a terrorist organization.

Anti-terror law targets terrorists
In a separate statement, Roque allayed the Bangsamoro leaders’ concerns over the passage of the anti-terrorism act.

Roque ensured that the new law would secure the country by going after terror groups.

Thus, the anti-terror law does not target any regional or ethnic group, Roque said.

“Passing a class legislation against the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), I would like to stress, would not even cross the minds of the proponents of the said bill. This piece of legislation (anti-terror law) is against terrorists and terrorism and not against a particular regional/ethnic group,” he said.

On Thursday, BARMM leaders urged Duterte to veto the proposed anti-terror law.

In a resolution adopted by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the Moro leaders asked Duterte to “review and address the issue of vagueness” of the measure.

Bangsamoro Chief Minister Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim said the Bangsamoro leaders have raised worry that the anti-terror bill, once enacted into law, would lead to the rise in “incidents of violations of human rights” and would once again subject Bangsamoro people to “discrimination and abuse.”

Roque said Bangsamoro leaders may have prejudged the measure.

“We consider the concern that the bill would lead to abuse, especially to our Muslim brothers and sisters, unfounded,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1107921