Kalinaw News: 7ID welcomes 180 new soldiers; reminded to be responsible defenders of the Filipino people

From Kalinaw News (Aug 30, 2020): 7ID welcomes 180 new soldiers; reminded to be responsible defenders of the Filipino people

Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – The 7th Infantry Division Philippine Army welcomes the 180 new soldiers during the closing ceremony of Candidate Soldier Course Class 632, cross trained with Jungle Warfare and Mountain Orientation Course at the 7ID Grandstand, Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on August 28, 2020.







7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Alfredo V. Rosario, Jr. PA congratulated the new soldiers as he emphasized the importance of discipline and integrity. He further reminded them to be responsible defenders of the Filipino people.

With soldiers being authorized by law to carry firearm, the Kaugnay Commander said, “Ang mga baril na ipinagkatiwala sa inyo ay kakambal ng inyong buhay… na dapat lamang gamitin sa pagtatanggol ng buhay at kapayaan.”

CSC Class 632 named themselves SIKLAB, which stands for “Sandatahang Iaalay ang Kanyang Lakas At Buhay”.

The new soldiers will be deployed to the different line units of the 7ID.







[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/7id-welcomes-180-new-soldiers-reminded-to-be-responsible-defenders-of-the-filipino-people/

Kalinaw News: 66 NPA members, mass supporters surrender in Misamis Oriental

From Kalinaw News (Aug 30, 2020): 66 NPA members, mass supporters surrender in Misamis Oriental

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Sixty-six (66) members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB) and mass supporters of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) yield to the government in a Mass Surrender and Oath of Allegiance to the Government Ceremony held on Friday, August 28, 2020 in Barangay Mindulao, Magsaysay town in Misamis Oriental.

The mass surrender activity was conducted through the convergence of efforts of the joint Community Support Program (CSP) team of the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion and Community Action (ComAct) Team of the Philippine National Police (PNP), members of the barangay council of Mindulao and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Magsaysay.
The CNT members and mass supporters, as they pledged loyalty and allegiance to the government, also renounced the Communist Party of the Philippine (CPP) and its armed wing, the NPA, and the National Democratic Front (NDF) and their terroristic activities that affected the lives of the residents and communities in Misamis Oriental.

The activity was graced by Magsaysay Mayor Rey B. Buhisan, Vice Mayor Charlie Buhisan, 23IB Acting Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, Magsaysay Police Chief Capt. Steohen Benbian F. Latar and the representatives from different line agencies of the government.

Alias Ken-Ken, a Militia ng Bayan Member (MB) made a testimony during the activity particularly on how he was convinced to join the CNT movement.

“Tungod kay naa me nagpuyo sa sook nga dapit, dali ra gyod me nakabig ug mahangyo sa armadong grupo. Tungod usab kay nahadlok me sa ila kay naa man silay dala nga tag-as nga armas busa among gisunod ang ilang mga sugo kanamo. Nagmahay na me sa among mga nahimong desisyon tungod kay among nakita karon nga dako diay kaayo to ug kadaot sa among komunidad. Karon, padayon na natong suportahan ang kalihukan sa atong gobyerno ug dili na namo usbon ang paghatag ug pagkaon sa mga armado,” Ken-Ken said.

Meanwhile, in his message, Mayor Buhisan told the former rebels that the government is serious in its pursuit to attain genuine peace and development.

“Our government is serious in its mission of pursuing development in every community through ending the local communist armed conflict and with the convergence for peace and development program. Every agency is directed to use its available resources and budget to provide services to the local populace to achieve lasting peace and development,” Buhisan said.

He also expressed gladness over the decision of the sixty-six (66) former CNT members to go back to the folds of the law.

“You are not doing this only for yourselves but also for the future of your children and for the next generation. We always wish to give you all a peaceful life apart from the CNTs who keep on exploiting and disturbing you. Let us all fulfill our dreams in life; if there is a need for changes, we will change it by doing what is right for the benefit of everyone. Do not hesitate to build yourselves positively to achieve a bright, harmonious and peaceful kind of life that can also make positive changes in your community and our country as a whole,” Buhisan said.





For his part, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the acting commander of 23rd IB expressed gratitude to the former rebels for giving their full support to the government.

“We thank the former CNT members and supporters for trusting the government and bravely submitting theirselves in the folds of the law. Our government is always willing to help you start a new beginning in order for you and your children to have a brighter future because you chose to stand in the right path,” Paulo said.

He also emphasized that the 23rd IB and the different line government agencies of the government are always ready to help and will remain sincere in providing support to the former rebels.

“Let us give back to the government all the great plans they want for us by giving our support and by helping one another. We urge you not to be afraid of the CNTs and don’t believe in their deceptions who will just take advantage of your innocent vulnerabilities. They are just using socio-economic issues to agitate you to fight the government,” Paulo said.

Furthermore, he also urged the former CNT members to protect their communities in order for them to live peacefully and progressively.

“We are here and we conduct this activity because we care about you and we want you to experience living in peace and harmony,” Paulo said.





[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/66-npa-members-mass-supporters-surrender-in-misamis-oriental/

Kalinaw News: 2 Female NPAs involved in Janiuay clash surrender to 12IB

From Kalinaw News (Aug 30, 2020): 2 Female NPAs involved in Janiuay clash surrender to 12IB

CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo—Two female members of the CPP-NPA terror group surrendered to the Army’s 12th Infantry (Lick Em) Battalion on Saturday, August 29, 2020.

The surrenderers were identified as “JL” and “Alexa” who are members of BALOY Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng-Rehiyon Panay, the same group that the 12IB encountered and engaged in consecutive firefights in Janiuay town.





The armed engagements have caused demoralization within their ranks as the Army registered consecutive victories against the terrorists through the help of the people who shared vital information that led to the decisive hit against the enemy who continue to lose maneuver space in their former strongholds.

JL and Alexa admitted that they were with the group that the 12IB engaged on August 26 and 28. Likewise, they positively identified their personal belongings recovered by the troops from the encounter area. Their surrender was facilitated by a barangay kagawad who brought them to the headquarters of 12IB in Calinog after their comrades abandoned them in the aftermath of the said armed engagement.

Brigadier General Marion R Sison PA, Commander, 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade lauded the troops for their successful combat operations that continues to put intense pressure on the NPA terrorists, denying them the opportunity to further commit their atrocious acts. He likewise thanked the barangay officials for their support especially in assisting JL and Alexa to return to the folds of the law.

“There will be no let up in our hunt for these communist terrorists. Your Army here in Panay and Guimaras will relentlessly pursue these enemies of the state, to prevent them from sowing terror in the communities and to save our youth from getting involved in the senseless bloody armed struggle. We are here to protect, and here to serve; thus our door is always open to those who choose peace. And in time with the nation’s celebration of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month, the surrender of JL and Alexa speaks volumes about the Army’s high regard for human dignity as manifested by how we have protected these surrenderers. We compel the people to abandon communist ideology that has only caused death and misery; we shall show compassion and assist those who choose to return to the folds of the law in going back to mainstream society,” said Sison.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-female-npas-involved-in-janiuay-clash-surrender-to-12ib/

Duterte visits Jolo after twin blasts

From Rappler (Aug 30, 2020): Duterte visits Jolo after twin blasts

(UPDATED) 'I would like to give importance to our soldiers, my soldiers, my police after their deaths,' says President Rodrigo Duterte

Malacañang on Sunday evening, August 30, announced that President Rodrigo Duterte visited Jolo, Sulu, a few days after twin blasts rocked the provincial capital.

“This is to confirm that PRRD visited Jolo, condoled with some of the victims of the latest blast, and conferred with the mayor (Kerkhar Tan),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

The President would be back in Manila on Sunday evening, he added.

In a video message during an online pro-Duterte concert on Sunday afternoon, Duterte said he was about to head to Jolo to visit the blast site and pay his respects to those killed in the explosions.

"I’m going to Jolo, diretso ako ngayon sa Jolo, doon sa blast site. Mabigyan ko lang 'yung mga sundalo natin, mga sundalo ko, mga pulis ko ng importansya sa kanilang kamatayan," said the President. (I'm going to Jolo. I'm now going straight to Jolo, to the blast site. I would like to give importance to our soldiers, my soldiers, my police after their deaths.)

"I'll go there to fulfill the duty of a commander in chief," he added. "Magti-take off po kami, tamang tama, eh kaso lang sa ere walang ano, hindi 'nyo ako mapanood." (We'll be taking off, and the timing is perfect. You won't be able to watch me up in the air.)

The latest visit to Jolo is Duterte’s second in nearly two months. In July, he went and met with troops following the shooting of Army intelligence officers by police.

Two suicide bombings hit Jolo on Monday, August 24, killing 14 people: 7 soldiers, 6 civilians, and one police officer. At least 75 people were wounded.

A unit subleader and bombmaker of the Abu Sayyaf Group was behind the blast, said AFP Western Mindanao Command chief Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr on Thursday, August 27.

The Philippine National Police backed the imposition of martial law in Sulu following the blasts, but Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana did not support the proposal. Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana on Sunday then withdrew his recommendation for a province-wide martial law.

https://rappler.com/nation/duterte-visiting-jolo-after-twin-blasts

AFP medical team arrives

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 29, 2020): AFP medical team arrives

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command yesterday deployed a 12-man team of military doctors, nurses and medical aides to Bacolod City to augment efforts of the local government unit in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The deployment of AFP medical personnel in Bacolod City was in response to the request of Mayor Evelio Leonardia to President Rodrigo Duterte to fill the gap left by doctors and nurses, who are still on quarantine, or serve as alternates of the hospital staff on duty.

Maj. Eduardo Precioso, Public Information Officer of the AFP Central Command, said yesterday that the military doctors, nurses and health aide personnel, equipped with PPEs (Protective Personnel Equipment), were transported by an Air Force plane from Cebu to Negros Occidental.

The medical team is composed of two doctors, four nurses and six health aide personnel.

Precioso said they will be stationed at the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Medical Center and Queen of Mercy Hospital in Bacolod City.

The AFP Central Command in Visayas is headed by Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan,who is a Negrense.

Before their flight to the Bacolod-Silay Airport, the members of the medical team underwent the necessary health precautionary measures, Precioso said.

Department of Health regional chief Dr.Marlyn Convocar said in an advisory that the AFP medical health personnel will be stationed in private hospitals in Bacolod City which have a high number of admitted COVID-19 patients and with high care utilization rate.

Convocar said these two private hospitals have expressed willingness to increase their COVID-19 bed allocation but lacked the necessary workers to complement the expansion.

She added that DOH Western Visayas will also deploy 10 nurses to be assigned at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

Another batch of health workers from DOH Central Visayas, composed of 10 nurses, will also be deployed in health facilities in Bacolod and Iloilo on Sept. 1.

Convocar said that these health personnel responded to the recruitment made by the DOH Central Visayas for emergency hiring of medical personnel for COVID response.

All of them will be provided with pre-deployment orientation and capacity building, complete set of PPEs, full board and lodging in their areas of assignment, full payment of travelling expenses, diligent monitoring of health status, 14-day working schedule and deployment, as well as observance of a 14-day quarantine period post deployment with pay, she added.

The Office of the President has kept its promise to immediately assist Bacolod City amid the worsening COVID-19 health crisis, Leonardia also said yesterday.

Leonardia said that 10,000 test kits, 2,000 PPEs (personal protective equipment) and 400 Remdisivir antiviral medicine are being sent to Bacolod.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/29/topstory5.htm

Former NPA militiamengiven DTI livelihood aid

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 29, 2020): Former NPA militiamengiven DTI livelihood aid

Twenty-six former members of the New People’s Army Militia Ng Bayan, who surrendered to the 62nd Infantry Battalion,received P260,000 worth of livelihood assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry(DTI) Wednesday at Camp Tirambulo in Brgy. McKinley, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Col. Michael Samson, deputy commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said yesterday that each of the 26 former rebels received P10,000 worth of grocery items, livestocks with feeds, grower and vitamins, as well as sacks of rice as their starter kit.

Samson said that the assistance form part of the livelihood seeding program of the DTI- Negros Oriental dubbed the “Pangkabuhayan sa pag Bangon at Ginhawa”, that aims to uplift and provide livelihood assistance to entrepreneurs –especially micro small and medium enterprises "MSMEs” – in areas hit by fire and other calamities, including ELCAC (End Local Communist Armed Conflict) areas.

He added that the move was in line with the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to capacitate and support former rebels in going back to mainstream society and becoming productive citizens.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, 62IB commander,on the other hand,said that the giving of livelihood assistance worth a total of P260,000 was facilitated by DTI-Negros Oriental Provincial Director Nimfa Virtucio.

Flores also said that the program aims to enable the 26 former NPA militiamen who were recipient of the E-CLIP to innovate income generating activities that could advance their economic status.

The distribution of livelihood assistance was attended by Guihulngan City Mayor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes, Joel Villagracia of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Virtucio, Samson and Flores.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/August/29/topstory12.htm

UN hits continued use, detention of child soldiers by state and non-state actors

From MindaNews (Aug 30, 2020): UN hits continued use, detention of child soldiers by state and non-state actors (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

The use of child soldiers by non-state actors remains prevalent in the Philippines, according to the United Nations, which also expressed alarm on the rising number of minors detained by government forces for their alleged association with the armed groups, mostly actively operating in Mindanao.

According to the UN Security Council’s fifth report on children and armed conflict in the Philippines released recently, of the 67 verified child soldiers, the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, recruited 23 minors, followed by the Maute Group with 21, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters with 17 and other Islamic State –inspired groups with five. One case was attributed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“I urge armed groups, in particular NPA, to immediately halt the recruitment and use of children, and to release associated children from their ranks for reintegration purposes,” Virginia Gamba, UN Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, said in the report covering the armed conflict in the country from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019.

Children are not soldiers. The UNICEF and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front held a ceremony to mark the end of the participation of chidren in armed conflict at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. on February 18, 2017. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

The non-state Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) currently undergoing decommissioning of combatants and weapons and whose leaders have been appointed by the Philippine President to head the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the peace pact signed in 2014 by the Philippine government and the MILF, was delisted in 2017 as employing child soldiers, resulting in the disengagement of 1,869 minors from its ranks, the UN report said.

To protect children from armed conflict, Gamba urged the Philippine government to swiftly implement the landmark Children in Situations of Armed Conflict (CSAC) law approved last year.

“Despite progress achieved, children in the Mindanao region have been disproportionately affected by violence and I urge the Philippines to facilitate access of humanitarian actors to affected areas of Marawi City to assess the impact of the siege on children,” she said in a statement dated August 25.

In a 15-page report, Gamba expressed concern over the two-fold increase in the number of children detained by government security forces for their alleged association with armed groups — 51 children (23 girls and 28 boys) detained, with a spike in 2019 — from the previous report.

“Detaining boys and girls for their actual or alleged association with armed groups only contributes to further victimizing them. I call on the government to abide by the provisions in the CSAC Law that maintain children should be treated as victims, with the best interest of the child as the primary consideration,” she said.

The killing and maiming of children remained the most verified violation with 139 children affected, the majority of incidents due to ERW (explosive remnants of war) or IEDs (improvised explosive devices), the UN report said.

According to her, the UN also verified attacks on 62 schools and 36 hospitals by state and non-state actors.

Gamba said she was also particularly concerned that the education of at least 20,000 children was disrupted following an increase in verified attacks on schools and protected personnel, with increasing cases being attributed to government and pro-government forces and groups regarding threats to children and schools operated by non-governmental organizations in indigenous peoples’ communities in Mindanao. (Bong S. Sarmiento / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/08/un-hits-continued-use-detention-of-child-soldiers-by-state-and-non-state-actors/

TESDA launches skills training projects for ELCAC-priority barangays

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 30, 2020): TESDA launches skills training projects for ELCAC-priority barangays (By Joyah Mae C. Quimoyog)



CANDON CITY, Aug. 30 (PIA) - The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), through its Ilocos Sur Provincial Office, officially launched new development projects in two communist-terrorist group (CTG) affected barangays of this city on Friday, August 28.

As the chair of the Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, TESDA-Ilocos Sur Acting Provincial Director Arnel Gallardo said that this was conducted as part of TESDA's celebration of its 26th anniversary wherein they were instructed to come up with development programs that they could launch through the directive of Secretary Isidro Lapeña.

One of which was launched in the morning at Barangay Tablac where 125 beneficiaries will undergo any of the 10 training courses which focus mainly on organic agriculture production that also include carpentry, welding, driving, small engine servicing, and solar powered irrigation system operation and maintenance.

The said project entitled "Project Nam-ay: A Poverty Reduction Program for Barangay Tablac, Candon City, Ilocos Sur through the Integrated Organic Farming System Program" aims to enhance the skills, knowledge and right attitudes of graduates in agriculture and food production programs.

“After the training, the community will be able to establish a livelihood program that would reduce the effects of poverty,” said Gallardo.

The said project aims to benefit former rebels and their families, other CTG-affected individuals, agrarian reform beneficiaries, and other members of the marginalized sectors.

PROJECT NAM-AY: Beneficiaries of the Project Nam-ay, along with 81st Infantry Battalion (IB) Philippine Army Battalion Executive Officer Major Reynante Carsano, 7th CMO Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division Major Roger Dumbrique, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Gina Cordero and Jaime Singson, and barangay officials pose for a photo op after the launching of the TESDA-Ilocos Sur project in Barangay Tablac, Candon City. (jmcq/pia)

During the launching of Project Nam-ay, Mayor Ericson Singson said that with the negative impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, these trainings provided by TESDA will offer big help to the community to overcome the effects of the health crisis that people are facing.

“COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the economy, livelihood and the lives of the community that’s why we need to cooperate with one another to overcome this. Study well and let us support the programs our government is implementing," he said.

Through his message read by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member (SPM) Gina Cordero, Gov. Ryan Luis Singson said, “I congratulate the trainees today as they venture into this much needed experience to increase their learning and apply what they have learned to be able to provide both income and healthy food for their families. As we continue to move forward amidst this pandemic, let us always remember that we need each other’s support now more than ever.”

In behalf of the residents of Tablac, Barangay Captain Ronald Torres expressed his gratitude to the national government for this program as it helps with the development of their barangay.

"This project will help with the development of our barangay. Yesterday, we have formed their organization and we will soon register it. As the head of our barangay, I urge the beneficiaries to act as one with the government because this training will not only benefit them but will also benefit the youth who are the future of our community," he said.

Another project was launched in the afternoon at Barangay Bugnay where 18 beneficiaries will undergo 11-day training program in raise organic small ruminants leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II.

The said project entitled "Empowering Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Bugnay, Candon City, Ilocos Sur through Skills Training in Raise Organic Small Ruminants (Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II)" is under the Special Training for Employment Program (STEP) which aims to empower the IPs and residents of CTG-affected barangays towards the establishment of livelihood/enterprises and other income opportunities for the marginalized sectors.

The said beneficiaries are IP members (Itneg, Kankana-ey and Bago Tribes) and the marginalized sectors.

With this, TESDA Ilocos Sur Acting Provincial Director Gallardo hopes that in the future, Barangay Bugnay will become the center of goat produce in the province.

He added that TESDA is always open to help them in terms of conducting trainings that can help develop their community.

TESDA SKILLS TRAINING PROJECT BENEFICIARIES: TESDA launches the "Empowering Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Bugnay, Candon City, Ilocos Sur through Skills Training in Raise Organic Small Ruminants (Leading to Organic Agriculture Production NC II) Project" on Friday, August 28 in Bugnay village, Candon City. (jmcq/pia)

All projects under the STEP implemented in the second disrict of Ilocos Sur are funded by the Office of Ilocos Sur Second District Representative Kristine Singson.

“Isa itong paraan upang malabanan ang insurhensiya, maangat ang buhay natin magkaroon tayo ng sariling hanapbuhay na magbibigay suporta sa ating araw-araw na pangangailangan,” said 81st Infantry Battalion (IB) Philippine Army Battalion Executive Officer Major Reynante Carsano.

The launching of these projects was spearheaded by TESDA Ilocos Sur Acting Provincial Director Gallardo, 81st Infantry Battalion Philippine Army Battalion Executive Officer Major Carsano, Company Commander, 2nd Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Company, 7th CMO Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division Major Roger Dumbrique, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Ilocos Sur Provincial Director Reggie Colisao, representatives from the Department of Agrarian Reform-Ilocos Sur, headed by Provincial Director Christianne Suguitan, SPMs Jaime Singson and Gina Cordero including the representatives of 2nd District Representative Kristine Singson, Candon City Mayor Singson, Sangguniang Panlungsod Member David Wagayen, and Acting Candon City Police Station Chief-Of-Police PLTCOL Randy Arellano. (JCR/AMB/JMCQ/PIA Ilocos Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1051721

IP leaders slam continued NPA killings in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2020): IP leaders slam continued NPA killings in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



Datu Rico Maca, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Facebook Page)

Indigenous peoples (IPs) leaders in Surigao del Sur and parts of Mindanao decried anew the continued killings done by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) among Manobo tribesmen in the area.

Datu Rico Maca, the IP Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Miguel town, lambasted the NPA for the killing of two Manobos in the area last Friday (August 28).
“The Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) are again into their killing-spree, this time, shooting to death two Manobo tribesmen, one of whom was a minor,” Maca told the Philippine News Agency on Sunday.

He said Arnel Cuarteron Martinez, 19, a Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member and Jeffrey Cuarteron, 17, a civilian, were mercilessly shot and killed by NPA rebels in the evening of August 28 in Barangay Bayugo, Madrid, Surigao del Sur.

“The people identified the killers as CNT members led by Noel Tumarlas Alacre, alias Megan, the leader of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) of Guerrilla Front (GF) 30,” Maca said.

He stressed that Martinez was off-duty at that time as he just arrived from the hinterlands of Barangay Bayogo to do some gold panning — the usual grind that civilians do in the area to earn additional income to survive their families.

“The wife of Martinez is still four-month pregnant of their first child. He would usually go out when off-duty to do some gold panning to find extra income for his family. Unfortunately, the CNTs killed him that evening,” Maca said.

He also decried the killing of the minor Cuarteron whom he said was only suspected by the NPA of being an informer of the military.

“It’s that easy for them to kill our fellow Manobo tribesmen. Even on mere suspicion they go out and kill. They spare no one, even the minors,” Maca said.

Maca condemned the killing, describing it as inhuman as he called for justice for the victims and their families.

Pretending to be human rights defenders

A separate statement of condemnation was also issued by Lipatuan Joel Unad of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders on Sunday.

“We, therefore, call on the CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) who pretends to be human rights defenders to stop the genocide and respect the rights of the Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs) and Indigenous Peoples (IPs),” Unad said.

Maca also called on those IPs who continue to adhere to the ideology of the NPA to come back to the folds of the law and help the government in attaining peace in their ancestral lands.

“They must realize that the communist party is just using them to fight the other tribal members who refuse to follow their ideology. The CNT wants us divided so that they can go on with their sinister agenda in our communities and ancestral lands,” Maca said.

He also challenged Rep. Eufemia C. Cullamat of Bayan Muna Party-list to come to Surigao del Sur and conduct an investigation on the killings done by the NPA to the members of her tribe.

“Rep. Cullamat is a Manobo from Surigao del Sur. Yet, despite the series of killings among the members of her tribe by the CNTs, she continues to be silent and mum,” Maca said.

He emphasized that Cullamat is constantly wearing the Manobo attire, a manifestation that she continues to recognize herself as part of the tribe.

“If she fails to make a move to look into these killings done by the CNTs, she better stop wearing the Manobo attire. It’s a shame wearing that dress that symbolizes one’s belongingness to the Manobo tribe yet, during this time, especially when our members are being executed by the CNTs, she is very silent,” Maca said.

Last month, Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel also issued a statement condemning the NPA for the series of IP killings in the province.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113846

Task group expedites probe on NoCot shooting incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2020): Task group expedites probe on NoCot shooting incident (By John Andrew Tabugoc)



MURDERED. The bodies of the Kabacan shooting victims sprawl by the side of the road at the back section of the University of Southern Mindanao in Kabacan, North Cotabato following their murder by still unidentified attackers on Saturday (Aug. 29, 2020). The provincial police formed a special task group to hasten the investigation of nine victims in the incident that reports said were flagged down by five armed men before they were gunned down for still unknown reasons. (Photo courtesy of DXND – Kidapawan)

KABACAN, North Cotabato – The North Cotabato Police Provincial Office (NCPPO) has formed a special investigation unit to look into the killing of nine persons at a secluded section of Barangay Poblacion here on Saturday.

Killed on the spot in the 12:30 p.m. shooting incident along Aringay Road in the Poblacion were Kors Salilangan, Sandigan Zailon, Benladin Dimanalao, Romeo Balatamay, Katindig Kagayawon, Fahad Mandigan, all from this town; Budsal Lipusin of Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao; and Musaid Jaiden of Midsayap, North Cotabato.

The ninth victim, Tong Guiman of Barangay Aringay, Kabacan, died hours after he was rushed to a local hospital.

Maj. Peter Pinalgan, Kabacan police chief, said Col. Henry Villar, provincial police director, ordered the creation of the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to resolve the multiple angles shrouding the incident.

The SITG would comprise the Kabacan police, the NCCPO intelligence unit, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) North Cotabato.

“We would like to determine who the killers are, where the victims came from prior to the shooting incident, and what led the perpetrators to shoot them,” Pinalgan told the Philippine News Agency in an interview Sunday.

Initial police investigation disclosed that some five suspects armed with high-powered firearms stopped the motorcycle-riding victims along the provincial road at the rear section of the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) campus and subsequently fired at them for still unknown reasons.

“The SITG is also set to establish who the main target of the killers is and if there really was a shootout as earlier mentioned by witnesses,” Pinalgan said.

He said Guiman, while critical in his hospital bed, was able to relay some details of the incident before he died. Police crime scene investigators disclosed that the slain victims were not armed when found.

Pinalgan reiterated that the incident is not a police operation as earlier surmised “as cops merely responded to the incident.”

Recovered at the crime scene were 32 empty shells from an M16 rifle, M1 Carbine rifle, and .45 caliber pistol.

He said the SITG is also set to determine as to what type of vehicles the killers used in their escape as there are also conflicting reports.

“Some of the witnesses said the killers used a pickup truck while others disclosed they sped off aboard motorcycles while escaping,” Pinalgan said.

Pinalgan said there are several “persons of interest” currently being monitored but he declined to comment further.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113847

BARMM, MILF to conduct parallel probe on Kabacan killings

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2020): BARMM, MILF to conduct parallel probe on Kabacan killings (By Albashir Saiden)



Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao executive secretary Abdulraof Macacua, concurrent chief of staff of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces. (Photo courtesy of BPI-BARMM)

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has condemned Saturday’s killing of nine Moro individuals in Kabacan, North Cotabato, and announced that it will conduct a parallel investigation on the incident.

In an official statement on Sunday, the BARMM leadership stated that such senseless violent acts have no place in a progressive society, especially at a time when people are in the grip of a pandemic.

"Although the unfortunate incident happened outside of our area of jurisdiction, all of the victims identified were Bangsamoros," the statement said.

BARMM said it will conduct a separate investigation on the incident to give justice to the victims.

"The BARMM would like to inform the provincial government of North Cotabato and the municipal government of Kabacan that we are ready to cooperate to get into the bottom of this ruthless killing," it said.

Meanwhile, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) also denounced the killing, describing it as tragic.

In a separate statement, BARMM executive secretary Abdulraof Macacua, concurrent BIAF chief of staff, said the BIAF is mourning and condemning the massacre of defenseless Muslims using high-powered firearms in broad daylight.

"This again reminds us of the dark period in our not so recent past, when the Bangsamoro people were besieged and beleaguered in their very own ancestral homeland,” Macacua said.

Despite this, he said they will continuously abide by the peace process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Macacua said the BIAF will ask the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation on the tragic incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

"BIAF is also hoping that the pursuit operation, if any, of the Philippine National Police will yield some positive result that can contribute to the speedy and just resolution of the case," he said.

At least 8,000 members of the BIAF were decommissioned in 2019 under the MILF-led BARMM region.

The decommissioning figure is targeted to reach a total of 12,000 for this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113859

2 ‘abandoned’ female NPA members yield in Iloilo

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2020): 2 ‘abandoned’ female NPA members yield in Iloilo (By Perla Lena)



ABANDONED. Alexa (left) and JL (right), members of the New People's Army, surrender to the Philippine Army after being abandoned by their fellow communist group members in Janiuay, Iloilo following a series of encounters in the town’s Sitio Naguihot, Barangay Panuran last Aug. 26 and Sitio Tinorian, Barangay Aglobong on August 28. The two surrendered to the 12th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Calinog, Iloilo with the help of a village official in Janiuay on Saturday (Aug. 29, 2020). (Photo courtesy of 3rd Division Public Affairs Office, PA)

Two female members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorist (CNT) group surrendered on Saturday after their comrades abandoned them following a series of encounters with Army troops in Janiuay, Iloilo.

Alias “JL” and “Alexa” yielded to the 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) of the Philippine Army (PA) in Calinog town. Their surrender was facilitated by a village councilor in Janiuay, said Maj. Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of PA’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID).

Both are members of the Baloy Platoon, Central Front, Komiteng-Rehiyon Panay that engaged the 12IB forces in Sitio Naguihot, Barangay Panuran last Aug. 26 and Sitio Tinorian, Barangay Aglobong, both in Janiuay, on August 28.

“These two ladies are involved in the encounter and they have positively identified their belongings that were left in the encounter site. As of now, they are still under custodial debriefing by the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the Army for us to get their story and to process also their surrender,” Pancito said in a phone interview Sunday.

He said the two initially admitted that they got tired of moving from one place to another due to the series of engagements with government troops. They claimed that they were new to the movement, hence Pancito said they are not yet "ripe" as fighters.

JL, 20 years old, said she is a resident of Barangay Garida of Tapaz, Capiz. She claimed that she had been in the movement for just a few days and that her brother, who was wounded in the Janiuay encounter, urged her to join the CNT.

She also said she is a college student taking up Bachelor of Science in Theology in this city.

Alexa, on the other hand, is 19 years old and is taking up Business Administration at the Capiz State University-Tapaz campus. She said she is from Barangay Lahug in said town.

She also alleged that she has been “in and out of the movement” and was recruited to the Baloy Platoon of the CNT just recently.

“All of these are based on the initial information they have provided. We are not taking them as gospel truth,” Pancito said of the claims of the two who did not yield any firearm during their surrender on August 29.

Pancito said the two were abandoned by their group in Barangay Atimonan in Janiuay and whether they would receive assistance from the government would depend on the result of the custodial debriefing and interrogation.

“If they will not be cooperative with the government, then we will be left with no choice but to file a case against them. But if they are willing to cooperate with the government and really will totally cut-off their connections with the NPA, then I think they have the right just like with any other NPA surrenderers to get support from government,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a press statement, Brig. Gen. Marion R. Sison, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade, lauded the troops for their successful combat operations.

He likewise thanked barangay officials for their support, especially in assisting JL and Alexa in returning to the fold of the law.

“There will be no letup in our hunt for these communist terrorists. Your Army here in Panay and Guimaras will relentlessly pursue these enemies of the state, to prevent them from sowing terror in the communities and to save our youth from getting involved in the senseless bloody armed struggle,” Sison said.

Sison added that the “surrender of JL and Alexa speaks volumes about the Army’s high regard for human dignity as manifested by how we have protected these surrenderers”.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA 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/1113863

Sobejana drops martial law recommendation for Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2020): Sobejana drops martial law recommendation for Sulu (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Army commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (File photo)

Days after suggesting that it would be prudent to place Sulu under martial law following the deadly twin blasts in Jolo on Aug. 24, Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana on Sunday said he is withdrawing his recommendation as there might be better options.

"I drop my recommendation for martial law declaration over Sulu despite the turmoil as there might be other better options. Besides, I always give due respect to the wisdom of our national leadership and the sentiment of the general public," Sobejana said in a message to reporters.

The PA commander earlier said it would be best to place Sulu under martial law so that normalcy would return to the province and control the movement of terrorists behind the attack that killed 15 people and wounded 74 others.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said there are other options to contain the terrorists in Sulu.

This, he said, includes using Presidential Proclamation 55 where President Rodrigo R. Duterte placed Mindanao under a state of national emergency due to lawless violence after the bomb attack in Davao City that killed 14 people and wounded over 60 others on September 2, 2016 and the newly-enacted Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Despite dropping his suggestion, Sobejana said the military had displayed utmost professionalism and maturity during its martial law implementation in Sulu when he was the Joint Task Force Sulu head in 2017.

Sobejana said massive gains have been made in containing the threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group. He cited surrender of 100 of ASG members aside from neutralization of its key leaders, recovery of 1,000 loose and undocumented firearms, and reduction of kidnap victims from 54 to three.

"We remain committed to protect the interest of our Tausug brothers and sisters and the rest of the Filipinos. God bless Sulu and God bless all," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113843

‘Rule of succession’ eyed as PNP awaits Gamboa’s replacement

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2020): ‘Rule of succession’ eyed as PNP awaits Gamboa’s replacement (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)  August 30, 2020, 3:39 pm



PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac (File photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will follow the “rule of succession” of command if no announcement will be made on who President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will appoint to succeed PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa before Sept. 2, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said on Sunday.

"If no pronouncement will be coming from the President regarding the next PNP chief, by the 'rule of succession' of command will be observed and Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan will be appointed as caretaker or officer-in-charge of the PNP," Banac said in an interview over radio station DZWIZ.

Banac said naming Gamboa's successor is entirely the prerogative of the Chief Executive.

"It is up to the President to decide on when he will announce his choice as PNP chief. Regardless, the PNP will go about fulfilling its duties and responsibilities to the country," he added.

Gamboa, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1986, is set to retire on September 2 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Earlier, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año submitted three names to Duterte as possible successor of Gamboa.

“May pinasa na ko kay PRRD, three (I have submitted a list to PRRD, three names). The President's health cannot be compromised so while I am at the hospital and besides, we have the technology right now, so I submitted it (via email) around Friday last week," Año told the Philippine News Agency.

He did not mention the names of the officials on the shortlist.

Among the possible contenders for PNP chief are Cascolan; Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, deputy chief for operations and commander of the Joint Task Force Covid Shield; and Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag, chief of the PNP directorial staff.

Cascolan, Gamboa’s batchmate in PMA Class of 1986, will mandatorily retire upon turning 56 in November.

Binag and Eleazar, both from PMA Class of 1987, will retire in April and November 2021, respectively.

Banac said they have been preparing the retirement honors for Gamboa.

“(The) PNP is now preparing to render retirement honors to Gen. Archie Gamboa and for a possible change of command ceremony. It will be held at (the) PNP Multi-Purpose Center on September 2, subject to availability of President Rodrigo Duterte as the guest of honor and speaker,” Banac said.

He said all invited officials would join the ceremony via video teleconferencing due to quarantine restrictions.

“All health standards and safety will be strictly observed,” Banac said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113854

Duterte to visit Jolo blast site

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 30, 2020): Duterte to visit Jolo blast site (By Azer Parrocha)



SINGING FOR THE PRESIDENT. President Rodrigo Duterte briefly appears in a virtual concert held for him hosted by singer Jimmy Bondoc (green shirt) and writer-director and singer-songwriter Njel de Mesa (white shirt) on Sunday (Aug. 30, 2020). Duterte said he will visit victims of the twin blasts that rocked Jolo, Sulu last Sunday. (Screenshot from Sing Out by the South)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday will be visiting Jolo, Sulu to inspect the site where the twin blasts took place.

Duterte himself made this announcement in a short video call with singer Jimmy Bondoc and writer-director and singer-songwriter Njel de Mesa during the “Singing for the President” virtual concert.

Bondoc, staunch supporter of the President, is also vice president for Corporate Social Responsibility of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor).

“I’m going to Jolo. Diretso ako ngayon sa Jolo, doon sa blast site. Mabigyan ko lang ang mga sundalo natin, mga sundalo ko, mga pulis ko ng importansya sa kanilang kamatayan (I’m going straight to Jolo, there in the blast site. I want to honor the deaths of our soldiers and police),” Duterte told them.

During the video call, Duterte said he was about to leave for Jolo, Sulu to “fulfill” his duties as commander-in-chief.

He, however, said he would not be able to watch the virtual concert since he would be travelling via plane.

“Magti-take off kami. Tamang-tama. Eh kaso lang sa ere walang ano, hindi niyo ako mapanood (We’re going to take off. But I can’t watch you up in the air),” he added.

Duterte thanked the performers who have and will be serenading him until the evening and expressed hope he would have a chance to share a meal with them when the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) situation improves.

“Maraming-maraming salamat sa inyo at (Thank you very much and) I hope to see you one of these days sa aking bahay (in my house). Mag salu-salo tayo ng maruya pati soft drinks (Let’s have maruya and soft drinks). One of these days after perhaps Covid,” he said.

Duterte said he owed the performers a debt of gratitude and that he would remember them as friends and supporters for all time.

Local artists including Freddie Aguilar, Anthony Castelo, Raffy Buenavides, Giselle Sanchez, Cesar Montano, among others volunteered to serenade the President.

Current and past appointees of the Duterte administration were also listed as performers such as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Deputy Administrator Mocha Uson, former OWWA Deputy Administrator Arnell Ignacio, former Tourism Undersecretary Kat De Castro among others.

The virtual concert, which started streaming at 2 p.m., has reached nearly 7,000 views.

Meanwhile, Duterte also expressed hope that a Covid-19 vaccine would be available in time for the Christmas season.

“With the grace of God, baka December magkaroon na tayo ng bakuna at mailigtas ang Pilipinas sa marahas na sakit na ito (maybe by December, we will have a vaccine and the Philippines will be saved from the wrath of this disease),” he said.

On Thursday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the President will consider three options to address terrorism in Mindanao in wake of the deadly twin blasts which killed 17 people and injured 75 others in Jolo, Sulu.

“So abangan na lang po natin kung ano ang desisyon pero dalawang pong alternatibo—o tatlo ‘no: as is, martial law or iyong Anti-Terror law (Let’s just wait for his decision but he has two alternatives or three: as is, martial law, or the Anti-Terror law),” Roque said.

While Duterte would take into consideration the state forces’ recommendation to place the entire Sulu province under martial law, Roque said he needs to be “very careful” in assessing the recommendation because there should be a “legal and factual” to do so.

Roque also noted that the President can decide to implement the Anti-Terrorism law to address terrorism.

Reports showed that the first explosion happened along Serrantes Street in Walled City village in Jolo at about 11:53 a.m. on Monday, while the second one occurred just 100 meters away at 1:06 p.m.

The attacks were reportedly carried out by two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) suicide bombers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1113872