NPA hideout, war materials, food supplies seized in Bukidnon

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 12, 2020): NPA hideout, war materials, food supplies seized in Bukidnon (By Mike Crismundo)

Troops of 16th Infantry Battalion (16th IB) seized a New People’s Army (NPA) hideout, war materials and food supplies in the past three days of focus military operations (FMOs) in the hinterland areas of Kitaotao town, Bukidnon province. 

In a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Tueday afternoon, 16th IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer First Lt. Jeffrey Paulo V. Alba said the discovery of the NPA hideout and the seizure of war materials, including bomb-making materials and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), in the different locations came about after the revelation of former rebels in the area.

Last Wednesday, August 5, joint forces of 16th IB and Third Infantry Battalion (3rd IB) recovered war materials that were buried in the hinterlands of Sitio Spring, Barangay Sinaysayan, Kitaotao town, Bukidnon, identified by the troops as one of the mobility corridors of the NPA.

Upon reaching the area, the 16th IB troops recovered an M1 Carbine rifle and eight magazines with 102 live ammunition, and five sets of detonating materials used for Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Later that day, another two IEDs, weighing five kilograms each, were also recovered in Sitio San Jose, Barangay Bulukbukan in the same municipality, the 16th IB CMO officer said.

On Friday, August 7, 16th IB troops were conducting operation when they discovered the NPA hideout located in Barangay Tandong of that same municipality that can accommodate approximately 20 persons, he said.

Recovered at the hideout were nine containers of rice and an anti-personnel mine that could be deadly both to soldiers and civilians.

“The recovery of IEDs with detonating components clearly describe the NPA’s intent on the continuous utilization of this prohibited device that poses serious danger not only to combatant but to non-combatant as well. In the agreement, the use of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or mines violates the provisions of Part III, Article 2, Section 15 of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHIHL) between the government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP),” the 16th IB CMO officer said.

The concerted effort of the 16th IB in the recovery of enemy’s war materials and supplies may have thwarted any hostile plan of the NPA to conduct terroristic activities especially in the vulnerable communities, he said.

“It only appears that these terrorists can put at risk the lives of the civilians just to do their atrocities and the implication it may cause to the community,” Alba added.

The 16th IB urged the local populace to continue their cooperation and support government’s effort in attaining peace and development in the area, the 16th IB CMO officer added.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/12/npa-hideout-war-materials-food-supplies-seized-in-bukidon/

DSWD DROMIC Report #1 on the Armed Conflict in Brgy. Mandahican, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon as of 07 August 2020

Posted to the Relief Web (Aug 11, 2020): DSWD DROMIC Report #1 on the Armed Conflict in Brgy. Mandahican, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon as of 07 August 2020

Download report(PDF | 212.45 KB)

SUMMARY

On 31 July 2020 at around 10 AM, an armed conflict transpired between alleged New People’s Army (NPA) and the Philippine Army in Sitio Mlaray and Sitio Calapacan, Brgy. Mandahican, Cabanglasan, Bukdinon which resulted to the displacement of families and individuals in the area.

Source: DSWD-FO X

I. Status of Affected Families / Persons

A total of 150 families or 654 persons were affected by the armed conflict in Brgy. Mandahican, Cabanglasan, Bukdinon (see Table 1).

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/dswd-dromic-report-1-armed-conflict-brgy-mandahican-cabanglasan-bukidnon-07

QCPD: No forcible entry in Randy Echanis slay case

From Rappler (Aug 12, 2020): QCPD: No forcible entry in Randy Echanis slay case (By RAMBO TALABONG)

This raises the possibility that Anakpawis chair Randall Echanis and his apartment mate Louie Tagapia knew their killers

Initial investigation by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) revealed that there was no forcible entry into the rented apartment where Anakpawis chairman Randall "Randy" Echanis and civilian Louie Tagapia were found dead with stab wounds on Monday, August 10.

This was announced in a Camp Karingal press briefing led by QCPD chief Brigadier General Ronnie Montejo and QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit chief Major Elmer Monsalve on Wednesday, August 12.

"There was no forcible entry. The door was not damaged," Monsalve said.

What does this mean?

According to Monsalve, this raises the possibility that Echanis and Tagapia knew their killers and let them in their apartment themselves.

Monsalve added this could also mean that they left their door open for the suspects to enter without much trouble.

Primary target still unclear

Monsalve said that, at first glance, it appeared that Tagapia was the primary target of the suspects because he was the one found dead with his hands tied behind his back, and that Echanis may just be an unwanted witness to the crime.

Montejo added, however, that they have to consider Echanis as the primary target too, considering that he is a high-profile personality. 

(READ: Randall 'Ka Randy' Echanis: Lifelong reform advocate)

What happened before?

Monsalve said that based on interviews with Echanis and Tagapia's landlords, Tagapia was a new occupant in the apartment and only stayed there starting April 2020 after being released from jail serving a drug-related sentence.

Police said Tagapia bore a tattoo affiliated with the criminal group "Sputnik Gang," and this connection may point to a crime motivated by personal grudges.

What comes next?

So far, the police investigation has not gathered much evidence or testimony that could narrow down their search.

Montejo and Monsalve noted that they are anticipating the autopsy results of Echanis, as well as an interview with Echanis' kin.

Calls for impartial probe

In a text message to Rappler, National Union of Peoples Lawyers president Edre Olalia called for the probe to be headed by another agency to ensure an impartial investigation. He said the police have been hampering the probe by delaying the release of Echanis' body for 3 days.

"We hope the investigation will be handled by another body that is credible, thorough, impartial, and independent.The police that fouled up the initial investigation and generated an unnecessary vortex of conflict over his identification and remains should step aside," Olalia said.

https://rappler.com/nation/quezon-city-police-no-forcible-entry-randy-echanis-killing

Digitization in the Time of Pandemic: A New Normal in the Philippine Airforce

Posted to the Palawan News (Aug 11, 2020): Digitization in the Time of Pandemic: A New Normal in the Philippine Airforce (By Captain Cristopher G Jorquia PAF)


For many government institutions, their operations have to continue regardless of the situation and health risks. They had to shift a big percentage of their employees from an office setup to a work-from-home scheme so they could process requests, handle the influx of inquiries from stakeholders, and provide support to the government’s developmental programs.





The coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic has continued to inconvenience many Filipinos for five months now – declining economy, school closure, travel restriction, delay in delivery of services, cancellation of events that require mass gatherings, and challenge to sustaining quality healthcare system.

For many government institutions, their operations have to continue regardless of the situation and health risks. They had to shift a big percentage of their employees from an office setup to a work-from-home scheme so they could process requests, handle the influx of inquiries from stakeholders, and provide support to the government’s developmental programs.

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) faces the same challenges as with other institutions. It has formed clusters and task forces within its organization in order to address the different facets of its operations. These groups have persistently devised ways to embrace the new normal in its delivery of services which is part of its Business Continuity Plan.

While many consider this as an inconvenience, the PAF perceives it differently; the status quo it experiences has presented opportunities for the organization.

Back when there was no COVID-19, digital applications were quite trendy but now, they have become a necessity.

Similar to many businesses and other government institutions that have to rapidly respond, the PAF has also started adjusting quickly through digitization in order to provide the services that its stakeholders rely on.

In terms of handling its internal communication, the PAF has resorted to implementing a paperless and non-face-to-face transaction. Through its PAF Messaging application, all communication or documents from different PAF units and offices that require approval from higher headquarters are just a few clicks away and can be monitored or accessed anytime.

In this time of crisis, the PAF has relied so much on technology to ensure that there is continuity in conducting its Command activities.

Also, effective communication is key during this trying time and outside of it to the PAF running smoothly. In order to conduct operations without disruption, the PAF has turned to virtual teleconference to get messages across quickly and address concerns on the spot. In adherence to the guidelines on physical distancing, the PAF has applied this mechanism in the conduct of any fora.

These are only a few of the many examples of how digitization has transformed and helped the PAF in its continued operations.

Certainly, digitization in the PAF’s operations will remain. Looking forward, it is expected that this transformation will continue. Technology will also be seen to play a more profound role in making the PAF an innovative and resilient organization.

https://palawan-news.com/digitization-in-the-time-of-pandemic-a-new-normal-in-the-philippine-airforce/

Marine detachment itinayo ng AFP sa Fuga Island

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): Marine detachment itinayo ng AFP sa Fuga Island (By Mark Djeron C. Tumabao)

Itinaas ang bandila ng Pilipinas kamakailan sa Fuga Island na pinangunahan ni Col. Simplitius Adecer PN (M), ang deputy commander for Marine Operations ng NFNL, at commander ng Naval Task Force 12 (NTF 12). (Litrato ng Nolcom)

APARRI, Cagayan, Aug. 12 (PIA) - - -Nagtayo ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ng marine detachment nitong ika-7 ng Agosto sa Fuga Island, ang pangalawang pinaka-hilagang isla ng Pilipinas na bahagi ng Babuyan Archipelago.

Ayon kay Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Spokesperson Maj. Ericson Bulosan, ang nasabing detachment ay kabibilangan ng sheltered pier, naval station, at 20 ektaryang littoral monitoring station para mabantayan ng husto ang hilagang teritoryo ng bansa.

Ayon pa kay Bulosan, nakumpleto na ng Nolcom sa pamamagitan ng Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) ang Marine detachment noong nakaraang linggo.

Sa parehas na okasyon ay itinaas din ang bandila ng Pilipinas na pinangunahan ni Col. Simplitius Adecer PN (M), ang deputy commander for Marine Operations ng NFNL, at commander ng Naval Task Force 12 (NTF 12).

Ang Fuga Island ayon kay Bulosan ay may air strip at ang lokasyon nito ay malapit sa mga fiber-optic cables sa karagatan na ginagamit sa internet at komunikasyon na nag-uugnay sa Pilipinas sa Mainland Asia.

Dagdag ni Bulosan na patuloy din ang pagtatayo ng NOLCOM, NFNL, at Philippine Coast Guard ng mga Flag markers at light house sa mga isla sa Cagayan, Batanes, at Babuyan Group of Islands para masigurado na mabantayan ang maritime at sovereign territory ng bansa. (MDCT with reports from Leo Sarne /PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050125

Ifugao, PA break ground for construction of P110-M road

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): Ifugao, PA break ground for construction of P110-M road (By Liza Agoot)



GROUNDBREAKING. The provincial government of Ifugao and the 5th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army will jointly undertake the construction of the 4.4-kilometer road project in Asipulo Ifugao. The project will connect Sitio Nangkatengey and Numpaling in Namal which are vegetable producing areas. (Photo courtesy of 5ID) 

The provincial government of Ifugao and the 5th Infantry Division (5ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) will jointly implement the construction of a road in a remote village in Asipulo, Ifugao, the military said on Tuesday.

Maj. Noriel Tayaben, division public affairs officer, in a press release sent on Tuesday said the groundbreaking on Monday and the signing of the Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MOPA) will commence the construction of the 4.4-kilometer farm-to-market road (FMR) at Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao.

Tayaben said Barangay Namal is a far-flung mountainous village which formerly was a stronghold of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), particularly under the Kilusang Larangan Gerilya (KLG) Ifugao.

The said barangay was cleared by the 54th Infantry Battalion (54IB) under the 5ID from the influence of the NPA which led to the dismantling of the KLG Ifugao and was turned over to the Provincial and Municipal Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF/MTF ELCAC) for the development of the area.

Grace Tayaban, Namal barangay captain, said their place is an agricultural community, and vegetable farming is the primary source of income of the people.

She said the project will connect Sitio Nangkatengey and Numpaling in Namal to the road system.

"This project of the government will surely improve the lives (of) people and help in the development of my barangay," Tayaban said.

She also thanked the military for ousting the NPA and clearing their village of the influence of the communist terrorists.

In the MOPA, the 5ID will help the provincial government of Ifugao in the construction of the farm-to-market road by providing manpower and equipment that will augment the manpower and equipment of the provincial government.

The 513th Engineering Construction Battalion will be the unit of the Philippine Army that will help in the road construction.

Governor Jerry Dalipog urged his townmates to support the programs of the PTF/MTF ELCAC in order to sustain the peace and usher in development for the province.
He said the aim of the provincial government is to fast-track the construction of the FMR to facilitate the development of the place and improve the lives of the people.

Dalipog also thanked the 5ID for responding to his request to help in the construction of the road.

The MOPA was signed by 5ID commander Brig. Gen. Laurence Mina, Governor Dalipog, and Asipulo Mayor Armando Domilod.

Mina said that development in the area will insulate the people from the influence of the communist terrorists.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111964

5 ASG 'supporters' nabbed in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): 5 ASG 'supporters' nabbed in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



Google map of Jolo, Sulu province.

Government troops apprehended five alleged supporters of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province of Sulu, military officials said Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said identified the suspects as Alsamer Kasim, 26; Kasmer Kasim, 18; Kerwin Asjada, 25; Denrasher Ahadan Avestruz, 18; and Sulmeser Kasim, 22.

They were apprehended by a team of military and police personnel around 1:09 a.m. Monday in Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.

“Troops were acting on a report received of the presence of Mundi Sawadjaan roaming around in Busbus accompanied by armed group,” Vinluan said.

He said the suspects yielded several firearms and ammunition.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, attributed the arrest of the five suspects to the good coordination between the troops of Joint Task Force Sulu, Metro Jolo Inter-Agency Task Group, and the residents in the area.

“This is a clear manifestation that if we work together, we will surely reap better results. Rest assured that we will never stop supporting other law enforcement agencies in all their endeavors,” Sobejana said.

The suspects were turned over to Jolo municipal police station for filing of appropriate charges.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111992

Youth, kin of ASG surrenderers undergo computer skills training

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): Youth, kin of ASG surrenderers undergo computer skills training (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



COMPUTER SKILLS. Trainees and soldiers harvest some 70 kilos of Bottle Gourd from the Demo Farm of the Army's 64th Infantry Battalion in Sumisip, Basilan province, on Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2020). The battalion shared the vegetables to the 20 youths and dependents of Abu Sayyaf Group surrenderers, who are undergoing a two-month Basic Computer Literacy Program that kicked off Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 64th Infantry Battalion)

The Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion (IB) launched a two-month Basic Computer Literacy Program in Basilan province to draw away the youth from violent extremism, an official said Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Renante Besa, 64IB commander, said the program that kicked-off Tuesday is being held in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan.

Besa said 15 young people and five dependents of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) surrenderers joined the program.
The program is also in support of the government’s campaign in educating the youth under the “new normal,” Besa said, adding the participants will be taught on basic computer operations as well as hardware maintenance and troubleshooting.

Besa said the program also prepares students for employment with computer literacy, as one of the competencies required, and insulate the youth from violent extremism.

“This action promotes and encourages the youths to enjoin us as catalysts of change and unity,” he said.

Meanwhile, the participants got fresh vegetables that were harvested from the 64IB’s Demo Farm in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip.

Besa said they harvested Tuesday some 70 kilos of Bottle Gourd from the Demo Farm that was established by the battalion in partnership with the Sumisip CARES Program and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112020

TESDA conducts training in Antique’s CNT-affected area

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): TESDA conducts training in Antique’s CNT-affected area (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)



TRAINING FOR PEACE-BUILDING. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Regional Director Gaspar Gayona speaks before recipients of the house wiring training in CNT-affected area in Barangay Cabladan, Sibalom town on Aug. 6, 2020. The training is part of the campaign to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), wherein TESDA is the chair of the Livelihood, Poverty Reduction and Employment Cluster. (Photo courtesy of TESDA Antique)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has brought skills training to a village in Sibalom town considered as a Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) affected area.

TESDA Antique provincial director Rick Abraham, in an interview Tuesday, said TESDA began its house wiring installation training in the remote sitio of Apong, in Barangay Cabladan on August 6. The area was monitored to have the presence of CNTs.

“TESDA Regional Director Gaspar Gayona went to Sitio Apong last August 6 for public consultation and the start of the training with 25 scholars,” he said.

He said the scholars are residents of Sitio Apong who wanted to learn how to do house wiring installation since there is no barangay electrician in the community.

He said TESDA will be coordinating with the Antique Electric Cooperative (Anteco) if they could prioritize hiring the scholars after the completion of their 10-day training.

The lone electric distributor in the province can deploy them as barangay electricians in their community and other neighboring barangays in the municipality.

“The scholars will be given Certificate of Training by TESDA after their training,” he said.

Abraham said the training is part of the campaign to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) wherein TESDA is chair of the Livelihood, Poverty Reduction and Employment Cluster.

After the training, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the province will provide scholars with installation kits that they cand use for their livelihood.

Meantime, the provincial government through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) will also be offering training on dressmaking for other interested residents of the barangay.

“The Department of Trade and Industry will also provide sewing machines to the trainees after their dressmaking training,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111888

PH Navy says won't fire 'first shot' despite provocations in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): PH Navy says won't fire 'first shot' despite provocations in WPS (By Priam Nepomuceno)



The Philippine Navy (PN) will not fire the first shot and is willing to resolve issues through peaceful means despite provocative actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), its chief said on Tuesday.

"The one who fires the first shot loses public support because in so many of our engagements, we (reiterated that) we should resolve our issues through peaceful means," Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in an interview with reporters.

One of the provocative incidents he was referring to involved the anti-submarine corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39), which was allegedly targeted by the fire-control system of the Chinese People's Liberation Army - Navy corvette it encountered while patrolling off at the Kalayaan Island Group last February 17.

"Remember the February incident with (BRP) Conrado Yap where they pointed their fire-control system in the direction of (BRP) Conrado Yap? That is an example. That is actually a provoking action. That is a provoking action from one Navy ship to another Navy ship. So if let's say, worst(-case) scenario that there was an actual conflict or firing of the first shot, that is a very unpopular move," Bacordo said.

Other provocative actions of the Chinese include its ships getting too close to replenishment civilian vessels, he added.

Bacordo, however, said the decision to fire or not is a judgment call of the commander of the PN vessel.

"That's a judgment call already so you can invoke self-defense, or unit self-defense in that case, that's a different story. So again, that's why (ship) commanding officers before they reach that position, they (must) have spent several years (on) sea duty," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111877

Navy contingent lauded for Covid-19 containment efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): Navy contingent lauded for Covid-19 containment efforts (By Priam Nepomuceno)



VISIT TO TROOPS. Naval Task Group - National Capital Region (NTG-NCR) commander, Marine Col. Noel Beleran (left), visits troops deployed to various quarantine checkpoints in Metro Manila and nearby areas on Tuesday (Aug. 11, 2020). Some 300 Navy personnel were redeployed to checkpoints as Metro Manila and nearby Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal reverted to the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) from August 4 to 18 to stem the rise in the number of Covid-19 infections. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

Newly-appointed Naval Task Group - National Capital Region (NTG-NCR) commander, Marine Col. Noel Beleran, on Tuesday visited Philippine Navy (PN) troops deployed to checkpoints in Cavite, Las Piñas, Alabang, and Marikina and lauded their efforts in helping the government contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

In a statement, Beleran praised the Navy personnel for their “dedication and sacrifices for the good of humanity by sharing the responsibility and burden of helping the government in its program to address the increasing number of Covid-19 cases by strictly implementing the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) guidelines and protocols.”

Such visits also aim to boost the morale of Navy personnel stationed in various quarantine-controlled areas.

Some 300 Navy personnel were deployed to checkpoints again following the reimposition of the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in the NCR and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal from August 4 to 18 to stem the rise in the number of Covid-19 infections.

Beleran recently took over the helm of the NTG-NCR from Navy Capt. Lemuel Espartinez.

The NTG-NCR is at the forefront of the Navy's Covid-19 task force in Metro Manila.

While calling the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic a challenge, he said that as members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, they must do everything they can to help minimize, if not completely arrest, the spread of the virus.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111961

No Duterte intervention in Echanis’ case: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): No Duterte intervention in Echanis’ case: Palace (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte cannot intervene in the case of slain National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Randall Echanis, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

In an interview with CNN Philippines’ The Source, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte would leave it to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a probe into the killing of Echanis.

“It’s being investigated now. It’s not just the police investigating it. It’s the NBI now, through the Department of Justice,” Roque said. “It’s very difficult for anyone, including the President, to interfere. So he will allow the process to continue.”

He issued the statement after Echanis’ widow, Erlinda, urged Duterte to intervene in the case of her husband.

Echanis and his neighbor, Louie Tagapia, were found dead inside the peasant leader’s apartment in Novaliches, Quezon City early Monday morning.

A police report said Echanis had multiple stab wounds on different parts of his body, while Tagapia sustained a head wound.

Besides the stab wounds, Echanis’ body bore torture marks and gunshot wounds, his wife said.

The Quezon City Police District identified Echanis as a certain Manuel Santiago, based on the identification card recovered from the crime scene.

Echanis’ wife, however, positively identified her husband’s body.

Due to the confusion, the NBI was directed on Tuesday to carry out a separate investigation to determine the identity of the person slain in Quezon City.

Roque said Duterte would let the PNP and NBI exercise their independence as they conduct a probe into Echanis’ killing.

“Because there are questions about the identity, we now have the modern technology that will guide us,” he said. “I think the President, as a lawyer, will allow investigators to proceed.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111969

AFP chief only wants to protect socmed from terror infiltration

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): AFP chief only wants to protect socmed from terror infiltration (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo, AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations. (PNA File photo)

The suggestion of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, to regulate social media was only meant to protect the platform from the infiltration of terrorist groups that could use it as an avenue in furthering their violent goals.

This, according to AFP Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, Major Gen. Benedict Arevalo, in an interview over DWDD Tuesday.

He added that Gapay's suggestions to have social media regulated stemmed from the five-month Battle of Marawi where the terrorist groups managed to get support locally and abroad using the above-mentioned platform.

"Through social media, these terrorist groups were able to get support and reinforcement inside and outside the country. Due to this, a lot of civilians, soldiers, police were killed while thousands of others wounded and a lot of properties were destroyed in the conflict," Arevalo said in Filipino,

Gapay, he said, is only taking precautions should terrorist groups make use of this tactic to sow terror and violence again.

He added that this shows Gapay's concern for the well-being of the country's soldiers and citizens and has no wish of suppressing the rights of those using the various social media.

"The only goal of the AFP chief is to protect the citizenry so have faith in your AFP to serve and protect and always keep your minds open," he added.

Earlier, AFP spokesperson Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo said by "regulating", Gapay is looking for the need to explore mechanisms by which would ensure that social media will not be used as a convenient tool to promote terrorism, recruit new members, solicit and generate financial, logistical, and material support from domestic and foreign sources.

He added that if Gapay was to give his inputs to the implementing rules and regulations for Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, the AFP chief is aware that the military is just one among other agencies to be consulted and his view is subject to constitutional limitations, existing laws, and regulations.

"The AFP assures the public that it will not curtail and instead protect the people’s right to free speech, assembly, and redress of grievances as enshrined in the Constitution," Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111989

AFP vows to help civilians trapped in crossfires on IHL Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): AFP vows to help civilians trapped in crossfires on IHL Day (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (File photo)

As the country celebrates International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Day on Wednesday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will continue to protect civilians caught in armed conflicts.

"We will continue to carry out our duties and responsibilities to protect our citizens caught in the middle of armed conflicts and assure total respect to their human rights as stipulated in the International Humanitarian Law," said AFP chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a statement.

Executive Order No. 134, s. 1999 declares every August 12 as IHL Day to enhance the understanding of and enforce the adherence of public officials and law enforcement agencies to the principles of IHL.

The Philippines is a party to the Four Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949 and accepts direct responsibility for the application of IHL.

"We likewise echo this year's theme, 'Preserving Human Dignity in Times of Armed Conflict: A Shared Human Responsibility' and pledge our support both as soldiers and citizens of this democratic country to this end," Gapay added.

As part of the month-long celebration, the AFP lined up a series of activities aimed at enhancing the understanding of the principles of IHL of its officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees.

This includes a webinar on IHL and a talk show with regional commanders and the chief of the AFP Human Rights Office.

Likewise, the AFP will also host a symposium with the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, state prosecutors, and members of the media.

"Our efforts to inculcate the values enshrined in the Geneva Conventions and the Republic Act 9851 will continue to dictate our focused military operations and ensure our full adherence to the principles of IHL and rule of law," Gapay said.

Meanwhile, the AFP condemned the communist terrorist group for its continued atrocities against civilians and non-combatants.

The AFP has recorded a total of 104 IHL and human rights violations committed by CTGs from January to June this year including the use of improvised explosive devices, recruitment of minors, attack on humanitarian activity, and attack on schools and civilians and their property.

"We join every Filipino in their call for just and lasting peace, an end to decades-old violence, and the complete victory against the New People's Army and its front organizations that continue to exploit and put the lives of innocent people at risk," Gapay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112013

Manobos decry misrepresentation by Bayan Muna, other groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12, 2020): Manobos decry misrepresentation by Bayan Muna, other groups (By Marita Moaje)


File photo

Leaders of the Manobo tribe in Mindanao on Wednesday condemned the alleged misrepresentation, false claims and the use of the indigenous peoples (IPs) by Save our Schools group and Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat.

In a statement, IP Mandatory Representatives of Surigao del Sur, Datu Jomar Bucales and Datu Rico Maca, said Cullamat and Bayan Muna together with other alleged leftist groups like Katribu, PASAKA, and Karapatan are allegedly spreading false reports and disinformation and continue to misrepresent the “true” IPs.

These groups, they said, raise and solicit funds from different international organizations on behalf of the IPs, but these same funds are allegedly being used to buy weapons to kill them.

They said if these groups really wanted to help them, they should talk with them.

“Kung gusto ninyo mutabang, dinhi mo sa amoa sa ancestral domain. Atubangi mi ug making istorya mo sa amua. Dili mo magbakak sa ngalan namo ug mangayo ug pondo o kwarta diha sa laing mga tawo ug grupo (If you want to help, be with us here in the ancestral domain. Face us and talk to us. Do not deceive people, claiming to speak on our behalf, that this is our situation and then ask for funds from other people or groups),” Maca said.

He said these groups pass on the blame to the government when it is actually their groups who are killing and suppressing the IPs.

Maca said recently, they were able to talk with the United Nations through UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Francisco Cali Tzay and UN Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales, saying they relayed to them their actual situation, including challenges they face in their ancestral domains.

“We are happy that the United Nations last week has listened and talked to us about these personalities and groups that continue to kill and abuse the tribes but who are the same people who claim to help us. They use us in asking for funds and support allegedly for us. Do not believe these people. Do not listen to them. They are impostors who use and kill us, tribes,” Maca said in their local language.

Meanwhile, Bucales said they are asking the UN and the public not to listen to these groups who claim to be helping them and speaking on their behalf.

Bucales said they were also deceived and believed them.

“Kami nituo sad sa ilaha. Kami pa nagbuhat aning mga Lumad nga eskwelahan. Amo pud gipasara kay gina tudluan nila ang mga bata na mag rebelde sa mga tawo ug gobyerno ug musapi sa NPA (We also believed them. We even built the Indigenous Peoples 'Lumad' schools. But we also closed these schools because they taught our children to rebel against the people and the government and to join the New People’s Army),” he said.

The two Datus called on Cullamat and the other groups to stop using IPs and face them instead.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112072