TESDA, Army chiefs lay down peace interventions

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27, 2020): TESDA, Army chiefs lay down peace interventions (By TESDA Agusan del Norte)



BUTUAN CITY, July 27 -- Peace interventions are now put in place by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office and the Philippine Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) under its new leaders.

The development came after TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Director Rey M. Cueva recently paid a courtesy visit to the 23IB headed by Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo.

During the meeting of the two officials, Dir. Cueva presented the interventions that TESDA is offering to communities that are considered Peace Development Zones (PDZs). He also pointed out that former rebels (FRs) are one of the special clients that TESDA is serving, in support to the implementation of EO 70 institutionalizing a whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

Through this, the official said the “TESDA Abot Lahat” slogan of the agency was conceptualized following the directive of Sec. Isidro S. Lapeña which anchors on EO 70.

For his part, Lt. Col. Paulo welcomed the newly-assigned provincial director and ensure its continuous partnership with TESDA. For the past years, TESDA has been closely working with the Philippine Army’s 23rd IB in the implementation of skills trainings and livelihood programs to FRs and the Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

Paolo stressed that a number of FRs are currently in their custody. They will be resettled in resettlement areas dubbed as “Masigasig Village for Peace” (MVP) which will be constructed in the following areas: MVP-1 in Sitio Bulak in Brgy. Lower Olave in Buenavista town; MVP-2 in Brgy. Hinandayan in Nasipit; and MVP-3 in Sitio Bukbokan in Brgy. Lawan-lawan, Las Nieves, all in Agusan del Norte. While in the village, the community will develop a farm as a form of livelihood.

The official further said that Agusan del Norte 2nd District Cong. Ma. Angelica Rosedell Amante-Matba and Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera have already committed to provide construction materials for the resettlement village.

Together with Dir. Cueva are the Vocational School Administrator II of the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) Mr. Romel M. Natad whose trainers are regularly handling skills trainings in the 23IB, and Buenafe G. Enaya, Supervising TESD Specialist of TESDA-Agusan del Norte Provincial Office. (Robert E. Roperos, TESDA Agusan del Norte/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048460

Army assists in CLOA distribution to Escalante farmers

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 27, 2020): Army assists in CLOA distribution to Escalante farmers (By Lorenzo O. Lambatin, Jr.)



NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, July 27 (PIA)- The Philippine Army's 79th Infantry (Masaligan) Battalion assisted the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in distributing Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA) to farmer beneficiaries in a ceremony held recently at Barangay Dian-ay, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

Twenty Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) sealed ownership of the land as they received the CLOAs covering about 10 hectares of farmland, a press release from the 79th Infantry Batallion said.

Escalante DAR office headed by Maricel Seduco initiated the activity with barangay officials of Dian-ay and Escalante City Center for Collaborative Solutions representative Janet Pantonial.

During the distribution, social distancing and wearing of facemasks were strictly observed in compliance with health protocols against COVID-19.

The issuance of CLOA formalizes the legitimacy of the farmer beneficiaries as owners of the land they till. Farmers were reminded of their obligations as CARP beneficiaries.

Lieutenant Colonel Gerard T. Alvaran, Commanding Officer of 79th IB praised the efforts of Escalante City DAR office and the Escalante City under the leadership of Mayor Melecio J. Yap Jr.

"The government, through its agencies under the program to end local communist armed conflict is doing its best to deliver the services to our farmers. Thus, we encourage our farmers and farm workers to always trust the capabilities of our government and avoid being used and exploited by the communist terrorist for their evil and selfish interests," Lt. Colonel Alvaran said. (79th Infantry Battalion, PA /JSC/Lljr/PIA6 Negros Occidental)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1048683

Clash foils NPA extortion in Eastern Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): Clash foils NPA extortion in Eastern Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)



FOILED EXTORTION. The encounter site in Pinanag-an village, Borongan City, Eastern Samar. A clash between government troops and members of the New People’s Army has stalled extortion activities of the communist terrorist group in an upland village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar. (Google image)

A clash between government troops and members of the New People’s Army has foiled extortion activities of the communist terrorist group in an upland village in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

Sick of extortion activities, civilians gave information on the presence of NPA in their communities that led to a brief firefight on Saturday, the Philippine Army said in a press statement sent to reporters Sunday night.

Troops of the 78th Infantry Battalion (IB) figured in a brief gun battle with seven NPA members tasked to extort food supplies and cash from residents in Pinanag-an village, Borongan City.

The clash happened in the same village where six soldiers died and 20 others from the government troops were critically injured after the NPA detonated a landmine and staged an ambush in November 2019.

Recovered after the clash was an improvised grenade, two magazines with ammunition for the M16 rifle, vital documents, and personal belongings. No one was hurt from both sides, according to the military report.

“Villagers now speak about the massive extortion collection happening in many years in the villages along the stretch of the Suribao River. A former NPA supporter revealed that rebels collect six cups of rice per farmer, cash, and root crops. Farmers didn’t escape from their excessive resource generation activity,” said Lt. Col. Oliver Alvior, commander of the Army’s 78th IB.

The military said rebels resort to extortion due to the scarcity of food supply during the health crisis.

"Your Philippine Army will not hesitate to use legitimate military force against those armed groups that threaten the people's safety and well-being," he added.

Borongan, the capital of Eastern Samar province, is home to about 70,000 people.

At least nine of its 61 villages are still threatened by activities of the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines 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/1110131

Gov't ready to accept growing number of rebel returnees

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): Gov't ready to accept growing number of rebel returnees (By Connie Calipay)



TEMPORARY SHELTER. A halfway house in Masbate province shelters 17 former rebels and their families. Halfway houses serve as temporary shelters for surrendered rebels as they undergo reintegration to the mainstream society and also as venue for livelihood and skills trainings provided to them by the government. (Photo courtesy of 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army)

Despite the danger caused by the coronavirus diseases (Covid-19) pandemic, halfway house projects for former rebels continue in Bicol Region, the 9th Infantry Division (9ID) of the Philippine Army said Monday.

Army Capt. John Paul Belleza, 9ID spokesperson, said with the ongoing construction of halfway houses in Camarines Norte and Sorsogon, the government is more than ready to accommodate the growing number of communist terrorist group (CTG) members who are returning to the fold of the law.

“In Camarines Norte, the construction of the said facility which started in October 2019 is already 90 percent, while in Masbate province, halfway house is already operational. The same facility will be constructed in Juban town in Sorsogon province,” Belleza said in an interview.

Halfway houses, he said, serve as temporary shelters for former rebels (FRs) as they undergo reintegration to the mainstream society and also serve as venue for livelihood and skills trainings provided for FRs.

Belleza said a former rebel who temporarily resides in the Masbate halfway house along with 17 other FRs and their families, narrated how his life changed when he abandoned the CTG.

“According to alias Raymart, the fear of being killed by soldiers while hiding in the mountains and the loneliness of being away from their families are enough reasons to make the life inside the armed movement unbearable,” the Army official said.

"Naisip ko na malayo na ako sa panganib dahil sa maganda at maayos ang pakikitungo sa amin ng mga sangay ng ating gobyerno. (I’m away from danger because of the well and good treatment of the government to us)," he quoted "Raymart" as saying.

The former rebel said he realized that there is a good life and bright future that is awaiting him and his family.

“Napagtanto kong may mas mapayapa at magaan palang pamumuhay na naghihintay sa akin na ganito napapa-improve pa ang kaalaman dahil sa mga binigay na mga training tungkol sa hanapbuhay na pinagpawisan namin tulad ng sa Technical Education Skills Development Authority (A peaceful and happier life waits for me and I was able to improve my knowledge because of livelihood trainings given by TESDA),” said "Raymart".

Meanwhile, Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) chief Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr. said rural developments experienced in the countryside are attributed to the earnestness of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) to fast-track the delivery of efficient services to the public.

“Ang gobyerno ay hindi tulad ng CTG na mapanlinlang. Itong mga proyektong ito ay patunay lamang kung gaano tayo kaseryoso na tulungan ang mga dating myembro ng CTG na makapagbagong buhay. (Our government does not deceive like the CTG. These projects are a manifestation of how sincere our government is in helping the former rebels). We know that some of them are hesitant to surrender because they fear for their lives. Halfway houses are also built to ensure their safety,” Robinson said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110158

Army credits teams’ ties with locals in locating rebel lair

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): Army credits teams’ ties with locals in locating rebel lair (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



SEIZED FROM REBEL LAIR. The improvised explosive device seized by troops of the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion in a hideout of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army in Sitio Calagmakan, Barangay Camindangan in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental on July 21, 2020. Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said on Monday (July 27, 2020) the locals provided accurate information on the location of the communist-terrorists to soldiers. (Photo courtesy of 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) has credited the collaboration of its Community Support Program (CSP) teams with residents of far-flung villages in locating the hideout of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in southern Negros.

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, commander of the ID, said on Monday that the locals helped the troops by providing them accurate information on the location of the communist-terrorists.

On July 21, troops of the 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) overran a rebel hideout after a clash with the rebels in Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City. The lair in Sitio Calagmakan can accommodate about 60 persons.
Soldiers found the area after engaging some 20 members of the NPA’s South West Front Platoon 2, Sentro de Grabidad to a 15-minute firefight.

They seized an improvised explosive device, a generator set, electrical wires, a pair of binoculars, a blood pressure apparatus, and a computer printer. Other items recovered included subversive documents, teach-in materials, office supplies, a map of Negros, containers of gasoline, personal items, foodstuff, and cooking utensils.

“The people’s vigilance in supporting their Army was indeed a great help not only in capturing the communist-terrorists’ lair but also in preventing the enemy from causing terroristic activities like landmine attacks,” Vinoya said.

He added the Army’s CSP campaign in the area has been effective in raising awareness among the residents on the importance of people’s participation in addressing the insurgency problem.

Following the fall of the NPA lair in Sipalay, Vinoya directed the 15IB troops to continue pursuing the remaining communist-terrorists in the area until they will run out of places to hide and be rendered irrelevant to the community.

Earlier, Lt. Col Erwin Cariño, commanding officer of 15IB, thanked the village residents for their support to the troops by providing information that led them to discover the rebels’ hideout.

He said their cooperation is a manifestation of the growing mass resistance to the presence and influence of the CPP-NPA.

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/1110203

4 rebel surrenderers in Bohol get P235-K cash aid from gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): 4 rebel surrenderers in Bohol get P235-K cash aid from gov't (By John Rey Saavedra)



OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. "Ka Arlene" and "Ka Goliat" take their oath of allegiance before Governor Arthur Yap during the turnover of their cash benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the national government, on July 25, 2020 in Mabini town, Bohol. They were among the four former rebels who received a total of P235,000 cash assistance in exchange for returning to the fold of the law. (Photo courtesy of 47th Infantry Battalion CMO)

Four former members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in Bohol will have a good start in life after receiving a total of PHP235,000 cash assistance from the government.

1Lt. Elma Grace Remonde, 47th Infantry “Katapatan” Battalion (47IB) civil military operations chief, on Monday said Governor Arthur Yap turned over the checks to the surrenderers identified as beneficiaries of the national government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)

Yap handed a check worth PHP50,000 to “Ka Arlene” and PHP15,000 to “Ka Goliat”, while “Ka Ernie” and “Ka Asyong” got PHP95,000 and PHP75,000, respectively, in separate ceremonies in Mabini and Alicia towns last Saturday.

Remonde said the former rebels were identified as youth organizers in the communist-terrorist movement in Bohol.

She said the rebels yielded to the authorities, bringing their firearms, on different occasions after they felt the displeasure in fighting a lost cause clouded with false promises.

“They have been deceived to having a good life in exchange for joining the New People's Army. Rather, a miserable life awaits them as they entered the organization,” the Army officer told the Philippine News Agency.

Ka Arlene persuaded her former comrades who are still fighting in the mountains to come down and be one with the government in working for the country’s progress.

"I thank our government for the help they had given me and my family. I call on my former colleagues to come down and live in peace. I hope you understand that the rebels cannot revive us, they are the ones who are asking from the masses instead. Leave the armed group and avail the government's integration program for you to start a new and live well," she said in her message to the rebels still fighting the government.

Ka Ernie recalled his miserable situation while fighting against government forces, saying he braved the rains with an empty stomach and in fear of being killed.

"We slept in grassy and rocky places. The hardships of life especially when it rains and there is nothing to eat. At night, we walked in fear that the military might overtake us. We always talked about the incapability of the government and only the support from the communist party could help me and my family,” Ka Ernie said in a statement.

The former communist rebel said for several years that he lived in the mountains with other fighters, “nothing happened with their (CPP-NPA) promises”.

“Now, that I have returned to the government, I have proven more that the government is the one who can help me live in peace,” he said.

With the recent programs in addressing the issues with rebels, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Administrative Order No. 10 institutionalizing E-CLIP as one of the programs to help the members of the CPP-NPA-NDF and Militia ng Bayan reintegrate to mainstream society.

The interventions are led by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, government agencies and local government units.

Remonde said the 47IB is continuously urging NPA fighters to return to the fold of the law and live with their families without fear and anxiety. “Our government is sincere in its campaign of winning the genuine peace that everyone is longing for,” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110200

Army’s peace campaign attracts more BIFF surrenderers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): Army’s peace campaign attracts more BIFF surrenderers (By Edwin Fernandez)



SURRENDER. The eight BIFF members who decided to avail of the government’s livelihood program in exchange for the firearms they surrendered await formal surrender rites inside Camp Siongco, Maguindanao Monday (July 27, 2020). The surrenderers said the BIFF has done no good in their lives. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Eight members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have yielded to the government Monday, an Army official said, adding the military’s peace campaign has continued to attract more Moro rebels into mainstream society.

“The rebels turned in assorted firearms as they renounced their membership with the group," Mayor Resty Sindatok of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao told reporters.

Sindatok facilitated the surrender of BIFF members, led by Ibrahim Guno, after weeks of negotiation.

“They just grew tired of fighting a futile cause,” Sindatok said.

During the surrender ceremonies, the former BIFF members also pledged allegiance to the government and the Philippine flag.

Guno told reporters he and his group decided to return to the fold of law after realizing that their involvement with the BIFF has not given them good since.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 6th Infantry Division commander and chief of Joint Task Force Central, lauded Sindatok for his help in convincing the rebels to return to the mainstream.

The surrenderers turned in assorted firearms comprising of three M16 rifles, one Carbine rifle, one M14 rifle, two M1 Garand rifles, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, one Mauser rifle and one M79 grenade launcher.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110215

5 BIFF fighters yield in Central Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): 5 BIFF fighters yield in Central Mindanao (By Noel Punzalan)



Google map of Leba townk, Sultan Kudarat.

Five members of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) yielded to military authorities in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat on Sunday.

Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) chief, identified the surrenderers as Haris Marohom, Amer Sanday, Mindo Abdullah, Marvin Guima, and Casim Sanday--all members of the BIFF–Kiram Abdullah faction.

The five submitted themselves before military and police officials at the 603Bde headquarters in Barangay Tibpuan, Lebak, Sultan Kudarat.

“All five surrenderers are followers of Kiram Abdullah who earlier surrendered to the government last July 17, 2020, in Ampatuan, Maguindanao together with four other followers,” Carreon said in a report Monday.

The surrenderers yielded one .30-caliber sniper rifle, two .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifles, and one anti-personnel mine weighing eight kilograms with components and a triggering device.

Carreon lauded the government troops for the continuous surrender of local terrorist group members in the 6ID’s area of responsibility.

“We are now reaping the fruits of your hard work and sacrifices,” he told the soldiers of the 6ID in a statement.

Also on Sunday, a communist rebel was killed while a soldier was wounded after a clash in the periphery of Mt. Payong-Payong, Palimbang town of Sultan Kudarat.

Carreon said the wounded soldier was brought to the 6ID headquarters’ Camp Siongco Station Hospital in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

He said government troops were responding to a report from officials of upland Barangay Baluan, Palimbang on the presence of an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas in their area around 6 a.m. when a firefight took place.

The rebels later withdrew to the thickly forested section of Mt. Payong-Payong and splintered into smaller groups. “Military pursuit operations are still ongoing,” Carreon said.

Government troops recovered at the encounter the remains of the still-unidentified NPA fighter, an M16 rifle, one bandolier, and six magazines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110204

Army engineers help UN-Habitat build homes for Marawi IDPs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26, 2020): Army engineers help UN-Habitat build homes for Marawi IDPs (By Divina Suso)



BUILDING HOMES. The 55th Army Engineer Brigade prepares heavy equipment to be used in constructing permanent shelters for Marawi siege victims. In partnership with the UN-Habitat, the Army unit is helping build the homes for the families displaced by the siege in 2017. (PNA photo by Divina M. Suson)

MARAWI CITY – Three years after leaving their house in Barangay Wawalayan Marinaut, a village inside the area most affected by the siege in Marawi City, and almost a year of living in a transitory shelter, the family of couple Janny and Sittie Binasing is excited to transfer to a permanent home.

Sittie said the fulfillment of the government's promise to give them a permanent housing unit is one of the family’s most awaited moments.

“From there, we can be comfortable, I know we can take off and start anew. Before the siege, we knew that the lot we lived in was not ours. We knew that we are living there informally but we have no choice because we have nowhere to go,” Janny said.

Before the Marawi siege, the family had a store that sold dresses, clothes and malong.

“We regularly went to Manila to buy items that we sold in Marawi. Our life before the siege was very comfortable. When the siege happened, all of those were gone,” Janny said.

The family tried but failed to revive their business while staying in Area 4 of the transitory site in Barangay Sagonsongan.

With the promise of being given a permanent shelter where they can live with their five children, the couple said there seems to be a new dawn waiting for them.

“Ang sa akin lang, sana walang magpapaalis sa amin dito, sana walang manggugulo kasi nakaka-trauma na ang mamuhay na magulo, may barilan. Hindi ko pa makalimutan ang nangyari sa amin noong siege (All I am praying for is that no one will drive us away from here, no one will harass us here because it is so traumatic to live in a chaotic community, when there is fighting. I still cannot forget what happened to us during the siege)," Sittie said.

The Binasing household is one of the 250 families who were chosen through a raffle to own a permanent shelter inside the 70-hectare land acquired by the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Barangay Kilala, Marawi City.

The government is constructing 1,500 permanent houses for the families who lost their home in the ground zero, referred to by the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) as the most affected area (MAA).

In a follow-up interview on Saturday, Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra said these families used to live in the six-meter easement from the Agus River and inside the 20-meter reclamation area of Lake Lanao.

“These families can no longer go back to their place because the government has declared it ‘danger zone’ and ‘no build zone’,” Gandamra said.

Of the 1,500 units, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) will build 250 through the financial support from the government of Japan.

Of the 250 units, 50 will be constructed by the 55th Army Engineer Brigade using its manpower and construction equipment.

Each shelter is a one-story concrete structure to be constructed on a 90-square meter lot, with a total floor area of 46 square meters. It will include a toilet and kitchen and complete with electrical and plumbing system.

Two hundred units will be constructed by UN-Habitat’s builder-partner, Alay Balay Construction Company.

Engineer Vicente Bañares, president of Alay Balay, said all of the 250 units will be built using the steel frame technology with concrete infill, which is “four times stronger than hollow blocks”, and will be finished in 16 days.

A conventional house that uses hollow blocks is done in 28 days, according to Bañares.

Workers scramble to finish some 50 units of permanent shelter in Barangay Gadongan, Marawi City, a project of UN-Habitat for the Marawi Siege-displaced families. (PNA photo by Divina M. Suson)

On Thursday, July 23, the UN-Habitat and the 55th Army Engineer Brigade signed an agreement for the housing project.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command, said through this project, the AFP would like to tell the public that the organization works not only to fight against the enemies of the government but also for civil military operations.

“We give more premiums on our operations other than war and that is the civil military operations. This (project) is one of the manifestations that your soldiers are not only for war but also for development,” said Sobejana, who went to Marawi for the signing of memorandum of agreement with the UN-Habitat.

The UN-Habitat has three other permanent housing locations in Marawi City aside from the one in Barangay Kilala. These are in the villages of Dulay Proper, Dulay West and Barangay Gadongan.

In Dulay Proper, the site development was started by the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), which acquired the land, but is currently on hold due to the pandemic. UN-Habitat targeted to build 409 shelter units in the area.

In Barangay Gadongan, 50 units are targeted to be constructed in partnership with the provincial government of Lanao del Sur. The NHA acquired the land. As of this posting, 22 units are undergoing construction.

In Dulay West, 109 units are targeted to be constructed. Forty-five are undergoing construction at the site acquired by the SHFC.

Warren Ubongen, project manager of UB-Habitat, said the project is part of the organization’s “Rebuilding Marawi through Shelter and Livelihood Project” which was started after the 2017 Marawi siege.

“Given the challenging post-siege context of Marawi City, UN-Habitat has been exerting effort to respond to the clamor of the IDPs (internally displaced persons) for permanent shelter,” Ubongen said.

“The homeowners associations under the Rebuilding Marawi Project had shown patience amidst all the challenges that the project face but also they have been actively working with UN-Habitat to find solution on how we can overcome the various challenges,” he added.

While actual shelter construction has just started to take off, the livelihood component of the Rebuilding Marawi Project is also making its significant contribution in restoring the economy of Marawi City with 31 cooperatives engaging in various enterprises and businesses including transport service, water refilling station, printing shop, groceries and rice wholesale and retailing.

Ubongen said access to capital for individual or group income-generating projects is also being provided through the Islamic Micro-Finance System.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110104

US military donates P11-M in medical supplies to PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): US military donates P11-M in medical supplies to PH (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The United States Army and Marine Corps service members delivered on Monday an additional PHP11.4 million (US$230,600) in medical equipment to hospitals in 11 cities across the Philippines.

This new donation brings the total US government pandemic assistance to the Philippines to PHP989 million or more than US$20 million.

“This latest delivery of US government assistance for Filipino front-liners in the battle against Covid-19 is a testament to our ongoing commitment to help the Philippines defeat the pandemic,” US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim said.

The assistance, delivered in cooperation with the Philippine Office of Civil Defense and Department of Health (DOH), will provide medical clinics from Luzon to Mindanao with much-needed personal protective equipment and other essential supplies to support frontline workers in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019.

The US Embassy in Manila said the donation would be distributed to 16 medical clinics, hospitals, and local DOH in Palawan, Batangas, Pampanga, Cebu, Sulu, Maguindanao, Zamboanga del Sur, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte.

The supplies include disposable gloves, masks, medical clothing, various types of face protection, and tools such as infrared thermometers.

Washington has provided more than PHP228 billion or approximately US$4.5 billion in development assistance to the Philippines over the past 20 years, including PHP29 billion or around US$582 million in health assistance.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110143

AFP all set to secure PRRD's 5th SONA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): AFP all set to secure PRRD's 5th SONA (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to secure President Rodrigo R. Duterte's 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) even if it has not detected any threat from lawless groups that might mar the event, the chief of its public affairs office said Monday.

"While the AFP has not monitored any threat from local terrorist groups, its forces will continue to be on a proactive stance against all threats of violence and will exert every effort to preserve the peace, particularly in the National Capital Region where the seat of the government is in," Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata said in a statement.

Zata said the AFP is ready to respond to any threat that may arise during the Chief Executive's SONA with the Joint Task Force - National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) taking the lead in supporting the Philippine National Police in maintaining peace and order.

"The JTF-NCR has already deployed personnel and other military units in collaboration with the NCRPO (NCR Police Office), Task Force SONA, and other security agencies within and around the NCR," he said.

Among those deployed were the Security Company, K9 teams, Civil Disturbance Management Platoon, Ambu-Medic team, Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams, and Communication teams, which were placed in strategic locations to swiftly respond to any contingency.

Zata also called on the public to immediately report to authorities any suspicious individuals and activities in their surroundings.

"The fight against terrorism and the preservation of peace is a shared responsibility of everyone. We should all do our part in this whole-of-nation approach towards peace and development," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110169

PH Navy ships free from Covid-19 contamination

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): PH Navy ships free from Covid-19 contamination (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday assured that all of its ships deployed in the ongoing campaign to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) are clean and free from contamination due to stringent disinfection procedures.

PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said the Navy ships being utilized for Covid-19 missions are safe to use and disinfected, once they complete their mission of transporting locally stranded individuals (LSIs), personal protective equipment (PPE) sets and other medical supplies to known Covid-19 areas.

"Disinfection of ships tapped for those missions is (an) automatic procedure. On the other hand, when transporting LSIs, it is automatic for PN personnel to disinfect areas where they are accommodated once they disembark," Roxas said.

She added that there is no need for the entire ship to be disinfected as the areas where LSIs are allowed are strictly controlled.

The PN has allocated 16 vessels to help the government in its ongoing efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic.

One of its largest ships, the BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), transported 403 LSIs and three Filipino repatriates from India and Sri Lanka at the Port of Iloilo last June.

This humanitarian mission is considered the largest ever involving LSIs.

Meanwhile, BRP Bacolod City (LS-550) was deployed last April to pick up PPE sets acquired from China by the Department of Budget and Management for use of Department of Health personnel.

The shipment consisted of 700,000 KN95 face masks and 200,000 sets of PPE, comprising goggles, coverall suits, head cover, gloves, shoe covers, surgical masks, and surgical gowns.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110146

DND chief stops aircon installation in comfort rooms

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): DND chief stops aircon installation in comfort rooms (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

The Department of National Defense (DND) has ordered the "discontinuance" of the renovation project involving the installation of air-conditioning units in the comfort rooms of the department's main building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, its spokesperson said Monday.

This came after the Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the DND for installing the air conditioning units and called the spending for the project unnecessary.

"In response to the said findings, Secretary Delfin Lorenzana has ordered the discontinuance of the renovation project and removal from the said comfort rooms of the air conditioning units in question, which will instead be used in other approved facilities," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

He added that the DND has taken note of the COA's findings on the matter that were presented and discussed by the audit body during a mandatory exit interview held in February.

In a separate statement, Lorenzana said he respects the audit body's mandate to ensure that government funds are properly spent.

"The COA is the body that evaluates if the people’s money is spent wisely. It does not mean that if a project has been approved by Congress, the COA can no longer audit it according to its mandate. It can disallow it or it can raise a red flag that the money has not been used properly," he said.

The COA earlier said the remodeling and renovation of the comfort rooms violated the procurement law.

"We noted that in addition to the basic items inside the facilities, shower with heater was installed in the PWD rooms while air conditioning unit and shower with heater were installed in the male and female rooms totaling PHP553,807.62," the report said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110166

No US bases to be set up in Subic Bay: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): No US bases to be set up in Subic Bay: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday assured the public that no bases of American troops of any kind will be established or constructed on Subic Bay, Zambales.

"There will be no US base in Subic. I can assure you about that," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency when sought for comment.

Lorenzana also called the report claiming such information as "fake and misleading news".

During his fifth State-Of-the-Nation-Address (SONA), President Rodrigo R. Duterte said that while he has nothing against the United States and China, he believes that allowing the Americans to set up a base in Subic Bay would be dangerous for the country in case war erupts, much like in World War II during the liberation of Manila, which became the second most devastated city after Warsaw, Poland.

"I'll just put on record my thoughts. Just like Manila during the Second World War during the retaking of the city, one of the most devastated cities in the world. Kaya kung maglagay lagay ka ng (And if you put a) base at this time this will ensure, if war breaks out because there would be atomic arsenals brought in, this will ensure the extinction of the Filipino race," he said.

Meanwhile, Lorenzana supported Duterte's calls for Congress to pass a unified pension program for uniformed personnel as their ballooning pensions are now becoming a big burden for taxpayers.

"The proposed pension plan calls the building up of a trust fund that will pay for future pensions. The fund will come from member contributions and lease of government lands," he said.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the military welcomes the Chief Executive's pronoucements calling for the institution of a new retirement and separation benefits systems for new AFP recruits and officer candidates.

"That will address the concerns of the present pension and retirement pay of the AFP which is taken from the defense budget," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110245

Diplomatic means pursued to counter Chinese claims in SCS: PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2020): Diplomatic means pursued to counter Chinese claims in SCS: PRRD (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



DIPLOMATIC MEANS. President Rodrigo Duterte tackles disputed South China Sea in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday (July 27, 2020). Duterte said his government works without fail to protect the Philippines’ rights in the West Philippine Sea through diplomatic means. (Presidential photo)

Manila cannot afford to go to war against Beijing to forcefully retake the Philippine territory it occupied in the South China Sea.

Thus, said President Rodrigo Duterte in his penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA) said on Monday.

"China is claiming it, we are claiming it. China has the arms, we do not have it so it's simple as that. They are in possession of the property... it's akin to they are in possession, so what can we do? We have to go to war, and I cannot afford it. Maybe some other President can, but I cannot," Duterte said.

Under his administration, Duterte assured that the government "works without fail" in protecting Manila's rights in the region through diplomatic means, "neither beholden nor a pawn to anyone".

"We broaden the boundaries of Philippine diplomacy. We build productive ties with everyone willing to engage us on the basis of equality and mutual respect, and we redefined our relations with our most important partners, placing the country in a far better position to advance our interest in an evolving regional order and emerging global problems," he said.

On the other hand. he rejected plans to reestablish Washington's military base in Subic Bay, noting the risk would put Manila in should a nuclear war breaks out.

"I have nothing against America, I have nothing against China. (But) just like Manila during the Second World War, during the retaking of the city, (it became) one of the most devastated cities in the world. Kaya kung maglagay lagay ka ng (That's why if you put a) base at this time this will ensure, if war breaks out because there would be atomic arsenals brought in, this will ensure the extinction of the Filipino race," he said.

READ: No US bases to be set up in Subic Bay: DND

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana assured that no bases of American troops of any kind will be constructed in Subic Bay.

Tensions had been escalating between China and the US since the latter released its new policy in the South China Sea, deploring Beijing's sweeping claims in the region.

The resource-rich region is contested by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, and China.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled that Beijing's nine-dash line, an invisible demarcation laying claim on almost the entire South China Sea, is illegal.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1110284