Borongan TF ELCAC sails to distant barangay to usher through 'Dul-ong Serbisyo' caravan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Borongan TF ELCAC sails to distant barangay to usher through 'Dul-ong Serbisyo' caravan (By Samuel D. Candido)

BORONGAN CITY, September 14 (PIA) — The Borongan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) on Sunday sailed to Brgy. Pinanag-an, a distant barangay in the Suribao River, to bring a truckload of services through a “Dul-ong Serbisyo” caravan.

The activity was led by Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan C. Agda which also ushered a dialogue or pulong-pulong consultation.

According to Mayor Agda, the activity aims to bring the government closer to the people.

“This Dul-ong Serbisyo” caravan is one of the program of the city government to deliver the basic services to the people in the far-flung barangays by bringing the city government to barangays and to hear the sentiments or the issues and concerns of a particular barangay,” Mayor Agda said.

He disclosed that the said activity was conducted with free services like medical and dental consultation, mass wedding, haircut and circumsition.

In response to the mandate, other national government agencies attended the said activity such as DTI, DepEd, DENR-PENRO/CENRO, and TESDA which also brought various services of the government.

DTI brought information on business entrepreneurship, DepEd talked on free education and psychological first aid to the grade school pupils and relayed the mechanics of distant learning.

The DENR-PENRO-CENRO talked about the free land titling, while TESDA talked on livelihood training and the different TESDA NC-II courses.

Brgy. Pinanag-an is considered a hotspot where communist rebel movement and activities have been reported.

DILG Gemma Amit said that it is the mandate of the TF-ELCAC to go to the community and talked about how the rural folks can help the government end the protracted war on communism.

She said that this caravan is the answer to the implementation of Executive Order No. 70 “Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation approach in attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), and Directing the Adoption of a National Framework.

The LGU said that the City government will be bringing some more government interventions in the barangay. (nbq/SDC/PIA-E. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1053169

Ex rebels, Army one in attending training on mushroom production, processing

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Ex rebels, Army one in attending training on mushroom production, processing (By Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy)

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Sept. 15 -- Aimed to equip participants with technical knowledge as well as help develop their income-generating skills as they return to the mainstream society, 22 former rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) and some soldiers of the Philippine Army participated in a skills training on Mushroom Production (Phase I), Processing and Marketing (Phase II). The said training is a collaboration between the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center X (ATI-RTC X) and the 403rd “Peacemaker” Brigade, Philippine Army.

Aside from attaining peaceful coexistence and collaboration with the rebel returnees through farming, more technology and skills training will be given as well as after-training support such as growing of spawns of oyster mushrooms and straw mushrooms.

Straw mushrooms (Volvariella volvacea), a type of edible tropical mushroom, can be grown cheaply using rice straw or banana leaves as bedding material.

“Since most of them are former rebels, this training will help develop their skills as well as give them an alternative source of income,” said Colonel Ferdinand T. Barandon, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade.

He added that some of the participants were also trained in Organic Medicinal Herbs and Spices Production and Utilization last March 4-6, 2020. Col. Barandon is one of the pillars of "From Arms to Farm" program of ATI and the Philippine Army when he was still a Battalion Commander assigned in Lanao del Norte.

OIC-Center Director Maria Lydia A. Echavez encouraged the participants to open their minds to the new knowledge, their hearts for the willingness to learn, and their hands to accept new skills. She also encouraged them to share what they have learned not only to their families but to others as well.

Echavez hopes that the training participants will help attain the Department of Agriculture’s twin goal on “Masaganang Ani at Mataas na Kita.”

Former Center Director Angelito Y. Quirog, Ph.D; Mr. Pedro B. Mariquit; Mr. Numeriano O. Quemado III; Mr. Reynaldo Gil Lomarda (Datu Makadingding); Ms. Cristine A. Galupo; and Ms. Jisa T. Dulay served as resource persons.

The five-day training, with proper health protocols and social distancing, was held last August 31 to September 4, 2020, at Camp Osito D. Bahian, 403rd Brigade, 4ID, Philippine Army in Impalambong, Malaybalay. (ATI 10, with reports from Aden Jade B. Bonggo/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1053142

Army uncovers abandoned CNT lair in AgNor; seizes firearms parts, supplies

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Army uncovers abandoned CNT lair in AgNor; seizes firearms parts, supplies (By 23rd Infantry Battalion)

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Sept. 15 -- An abandoned hideout of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) was recently uncovered by the troopers of 23rd Infantry “Masigasig” Battalion (23rd IB), Philippine Army in the forested area of Mt. Indocay, Sitio Bulak, Barangay Lower Olave, this town.

The discovery of the hideout and the retrieval of the different parts and supplies for high-powered firearms was successful due to the timely information provided by the local residents in the area. Upon receipt of said information, 23rd IB troopers were immediately dispatched in the area for security operations that led to the discovery of the CNT den.

The abandoned hideout measured 300 square meters that can accommodate around 30 persons. The civilians in the area said the CNTs abandoned the hideout about five months ago.

Recovered from the area includes one generator (PROMAX), one magazine for AK-47 rifle, two magazines for M-14 rifles, two magazines for caliber .45 pistol, 40 rounds of CTG 5.56mm balls, eight rounds for CTG caliber .30 balls, one bolt assembly for M15E2S rifle, one barrel for M15E2S rifle, one lower receiver for M15E2S rifle, one upper and lower handguard for M15E2S rifle, one butt for M15E2S rifle, one buffer tube for M15E2S rifle, one butt plate for M-14 rifle, and one upper receiver of caliber .45 pistol.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commander of 23rd IB, expressed gratitude to the local populace in the area who pinpointed the exact location of the abandoned enemy hideout.

“We are glad that the local residents are very cooperative to us in ending local communist armed conflict in Agusan del Norte,” Paulo said.

He emphasized that Sitio Bulak is formerly known as the guerrilla base of the CNTs until they realized that they were just manipulated by the said terror group.

“After years of suffering from the hands of the CNTs, the people finally disowned and cut their support to said group making it hard now for the CNTs to enter in the said village,” Paulo said.

He also thanked the local government unit (LGU) of Buenavista, the barangay officials and the other stakeholders for their continued support in the efforts to drive out the remaining CNTs in Agusan del Norte.

“With the support of the local government and other stakeholders, numerous plans and programs will soon be established in the area,” Paulo said.

Among the efforts he highlighted is the implementation of the People Empowerment in Agriculture for Community Enhancement or PEACE Project that will promote increased agricultural production through organic farming.

The project, he added, will benefit the former rebels (FRs) who are now with their families and communities, the Indigenous People (IPs) and other sectors in the different towns of Agusan del Norte.

“This program will also be implemented in Sitio Bulak and will be successful if supported by the residents,” Paulo said.

He urged the residents of Sitio Bulak to continue their support to the government and the Army and cooperate with the implementation of different peace and development interventions of the government.

“This is what we promised you before – that when you abandon the CNT movement, the government will pour all its resources to uplift your socio-economic life conditions and bring genuine peace and development right into your homes and community,” Paulo said. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1053160

Ex-ASG stronghold eyed as Basilan ‘peace zone’

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Ex-ASG stronghold eyed as Basilan ‘peace zone’ (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



MILITARY RESERVATION. Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief (left) and Basilan Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman (right) share a light moment after a visit Monday (Sept. 14, 2020) to the Sampinit complex. The governor plans to convert the area into a military reservation and as a 'peace zone.' (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

The provincial government of Basilan is pushing to convert the Sampinit complex from a former stronghold of the terrorists Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) into a military reservation and to be declared as a “peace zone.”

Basilan Gov. Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman made this pronouncement after Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) and other military officials visited Monday the Sampinit Complex in Sumisip town.

“We want that this area is converted into a military reservation for it to be off-limits to lawless groups and be declared as a ‘peace zone,’” Hataman said in a statement Tuesday.

The Sampinit complex used to be a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan. It was known as “springboard for satanic acts” because it was where most kidnap victims were beheaded in the past after they or their families failed to pay the ransom.

One of those tortured and killed on May 3, 2000 in Sampinit complex was Claretian priest, Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, who was then in his sixth year of priesthood.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped Gallardo along with 22 students and four teachers on March 20, 2000 from Claret School of Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan.

The number of students taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf bandits reached 54 as they also seized school children along the way while proceeding to the Sampinit complex.

Government troops launched an assault on the complex after negotiations to free the hostages failed.

Aside from Gallardo, the Abu Sayyaf bandits also killed three teachers and five students.

During his visit, Vinluan inspected the 200-hectare lot donated by the local government of Sumisip to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which will be converted into a military reservation.

Salliman, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, Sumisip Mayor Jul-Adnan Hataman, Maluso Mayor Hanie Bud, other local government officials, Col. Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force Basilan commander, accompanied Vinluan during the inspection of the lot.

Vinluan also visited the Mahatallang Roundball, a new highway from Mahatallang area to the adjoining Punoh Lumot and Punoh Timugen at the Sampinit complex.

“I am personally elated seeing the fruits of our soldiers’ hard work and dedication,” Vinluan said. “Their indefatigable service led to the restoration of this sanctuary. Rest assured that we will continue their legacy by eliminating hostility and bringing about the normalcy in the area."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115456

Navy rescues 4 fishermen off Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Navy rescues 4 fishermen off Zamboanga City (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



RESCUED. Navy personnel try to revive Enricky Brocka, 55, the boat master of M/B Elsa 3, which capsized Monday (September 14, 2020) in San Mateo Point, off Sinunuc, Zamboanga City. The rescuers rush Brocka to the hospital but he was declared dead on arrival by an attending physician. (Photo courtesy of Naval Forces Western Mindanao)

Personnel of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) rescued late Monday four fishermen here amid inclement weather, officials said.

Rear Adm. Erick Kagaoan, NFWM commander, said Tuesday the fishermen were rescued around 5 p.m. at San Mateo Point, Barangay Sinunuc by the crew of a BA492, multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC).

Kagaoan said the MPAC was on the way from Naval Station Romulo Espaldon to a shipyard in Barangay Cawit when they noticed four fishermen standing on a capsized motorboat, M/B Elsa 3, seeking help.

Kagaoan said the BA492 crew responded and rescued the four fishermen after which they were informed that the boat master was still inside the capsized motorboat.

Appropriate rescue techniques, he said, were applied to retrieve the boat master, and that coordination was made with the 4th Boat Attack Division and the Naval Special Operation Unit-6 for the deployment of the emergency response team to the area.

The boat master, 55-year-old Enricky Brocka, was unconscious upon retrieval and was rushed to Zamboanga City Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival due to asphyxiation secondary to accidental drowning, Kagaoan said.

He said the rescued four fishermen -- Erickson Brocka, 19; Richard Brocka, 30; Oroy Gay, 27; and, George Alvarasen, 36, all from Pagadian City-- were brought to Camp Navarro General Hospital for proper medical treatment.

Erickson and Richard are sons of the boat master.

“We provided the necessary assistance to the victims of the sea mishap and communicated with their respective families,” Kagaoan said.

The motorboat capsized after it was battered by big waves brought about by inclement weather due to the low-pressure area being experienced by the country since Sunday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the sons and relatives of the boat master who perished after their boat was capsized due to bad weather yesterday afternoon (Monday),” said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115493

3 CPP-NPA members surrender in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): 3 CPP-NPA members surrender in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)



BACK TO THE FOLD OF LAW. Three active members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) voluntarily surrender to the government troops on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in Baler, Aurora. The three decided to return to mainstream society due to unfulfilled promises by the terrorist organization. (Photo by Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion)

BALER, Aurora – Three active members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) voluntarily surrendered on Monday to the operating troops of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Aurora Police Provincial Office (APPO), and other intelligence network operatives here.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commanding officer of 91st IB, said the three members of the CPP-NPA terrorist (CNT) group were identified as alias Ka FPJ/Bekit, 32, squad leader of Platoon 4A4 Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla (KLG) Cesar; alias Ka Lara/Renren, 18, member of Platoon 4A4, KLG Cesar; and alias Ka JM, 31, member of Platoon 4A4, KLG Cesar.

He said the Delta Company of 91st and other friendly forces in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) facilitated the voluntary surrender of the three rebels.

“The intensive joint military and police operations in the area prompted the three members of Platoon 4A4, KLG Cesar, Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) to return to the folds of the law. It is also in relation to the effective implementation of localized peace engagement and peace, law enforcement, and development support operations being conducted by the AFP, PNP, and other law enforcement agencies,” Rubio said in an interview.

The surrenderers are now undergoing initial interviews and documentation at the headquarters of 91st IB in Barangay Calabuanan.

Rubio said the three rebels voluntarily surrendered due to unfulfilled promises for their better future by the terrorist organization and exhaustion due to non-stop running from the government troops.

“They could no longer stand the extreme fatigue, hunger, and hardships that they experienced in the mountains. They are already tired of fighting for an ideology full of lies,” Rubio said.

He also urged the remaining CPP-NPA members to lay down their arms and live a normal life with their families while they still have a chance.

“Those who will surrender will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), the program of the government that provides shelter, employment, and livelihood for the rebel returnees,” Rubio added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115455

113 ex-NPAs in Surigao Sur get P1-M scholarship from TESDA

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): 113 ex-NPAs in Surigao Sur get P1-M scholarship from TESDA (By Alexander Lopez)

At least 113 former members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur received over PHP1-million worth of scholarship package from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The scholarship package was handed over by TESDA Surigao Del Sur (SDS) director Julius Sol Jamero in time with the awarding of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) to the former rebels held at the provincial capitol in Tandag City on Tuesday.

The awarding was graced by Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander T. Pimentel and top officials of line agencies in the area, particularly the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, and the Philippine Army.

“The certificate of scholarship commitment awarded to Surigaonon former rebels include training on Driving NC II, Tailoring NC II, Electrical Installation, & Maintenance NC II," TESDA-Surigao del Sur said in a message sent to Philippine News Agency Tuesday.

The agency said that the Driving NC II package has 64 slots, Tailoring NC II with 23 slots, and the Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II with 25 slots.

“The scholarship packages include free training, free assessment, and free training support fund,” the TESDA-SDS statement said.

It said the scholarship aid also includes a training support fund of PHP160 per day, free PHP500 personal protective equipment allowance, PHP500 internet allowance, and one-year accident insurance coverage.

“This assistance is on top of the other livelihood and cash assistance awarded by other line agencies to the former rebels during the awarding activity,” the TESDA-SDS statement added.

During the awarding ceremony, Gov. Pimentel led the oath of allegiance of the former rebels to the government.

A halfway house that will serve as temporary shelter for the former rebels while processing their documents for reintegration and for benefits from the ECLIP program was also formally turned over to the provincial government during the activity.

The halfway house will also serve as a training center for the skills and livelihood programs for the former NPA combatants.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115516

DepEd, US embassy launch virtual series on digital learning

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2020): DepEd, US embassy launch virtual series on digital learning (By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the US Embassy on Monday launched a nine-day virtual series for teachers and educators in support of the country’s transition to digital learning amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction Diosdado San Antonio and US Embassy Public Affairs Counselor Philip Roskamp opened the series with a virtual audience of more than 3,600 education administrators.

Roskamp said the series will run from Sept. 14 to Oct. 23, expecting to gather 8,000 Filipino teachers, educators, and administrators.

"We are extremely honored to partner with DepEd's Bureau of Learning Delivery and the National Educators Academy of the Philippines on this important program. American English Language Specialists will use the latest instructional techniques to best support Filipino students’ learning during the Covid-19 pandemic,” he added.

The series was designed by a team of three American English Language Specialists in the United States to meet the specific needs of Filipino teachers and students.

The specialists will deliver a series of virtual classes on the multiple learning modalities. These include course content includes guidance, methodology and instructional materials.

They will also provide resources to assist with the delivery of online and other non-face-to-face classroom instruction, critical for continuing the education of Filipino students during the pandemic.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of the team in making possible this rare opportunity to learn from their specialists on how best we could provide language teaching, particularly in the time of Covid-19,” San Antonio said.

San Antonio commended the Bureau of Learning Delivery and the National Educators Academy of the Philippines “for your efforts in partnering with our generous stakeholders and benefactors.”

“My sincerest gratitude to our partners from the US Embassy for making sure that our fellow language teachers will be capacitated,” he added.

The project is sponsored by the US Embassy’s Regional English Language Office, which works with DepEd, education administrators, and teachers to enhance English language learning.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115415

Big chunk of PNP 2021 budget mostly for personnel services

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Big chunk of PNP 2021 budget mostly for personnel services (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



PNP chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan. (File photo)

A significant part of the proposed Philippine National Police (PNP) budget for 2021 amounting to PHP190.846 billion is allocated for personnel services and allowances of its personnel, its chief said Monday.

"A huge chunk (89 percent) of the proposed budget is allotted for personnel services for the salary and allowances of 228,000 PNP personnel, including retirement and life insurance premiums (RLIP)," PNP chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan said in a statement.

Meanwhile, 9 percent is allotted for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), and 2 percent for capital outlay or for procurement of new equipment; development of new infrastructure; and recruitment of new personnel.

"The proposed 2021 PNP budget is 1.7 percent higher than the PHP187.620-billion PNP budget under the 2020 General Appropriations Act," Cascolan said.

However, appropriations for capital outlays are significantly reduced by as much as 14 percent or roughly PHP566 million in the 2021 proposed PNP budget, while the budget for MOOE was reduced by 2 percent or roughly PHP436.45 million.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115431

5 Reds surrender to gov't troops in Laguna

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): 5 Reds surrender to gov't troops in Laguna (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Five more members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) have voluntarily surrendered to government security forces in Kalayaan, Laguna on Sunday.

In a statement Tuesday, 202nd Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Alex Rillera, said negotiations with the communist rebels took place at Barangay San Antonio that resulted in the surrender of three firearms.

He said the surrenderers belong to the CPP-NPA's NPA’s Sub-Regional Military Area or SRMA 4A and 4C which operates in the boundaries of Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, and Quezon.

The names of the surrendered NPAs are being withheld as part of the security protocol being implemented to prevent possible retaliatory actions against them by their former comrades.

“All NPA terrorists who chose to abandon armed struggle will be treated by our soldiers humanely and with dignity which is contrary to what the underground movement has been indoctrinating to their members," Rillera said.

On the other hand, he said those who insist on staying the path of terrorism are destined to meet tragic ends. Rillera said the surrendered NPAs will undergo debriefing and profiling as part of the enrollment process to the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP wherein a former rebel could receive up to PHP700,000 worth of grants and reintegration packages.

He attributed the NPA's eroding manpower and firearms support to the military's "relentless intelligence-driven combat operations complemented by the unrelenting push for localized peace talks".

The CPP-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/1115435

Anti-insurgency funding 'valid expenditure': Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Anti-insurgency funding 'valid expenditure': Palace (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)

Malacañang has defended the proposed PHP16.4 billion allocation as “valid expenditure” for the government’s anti-insurgency campaign.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the statement after the Makabayan bloc of the House of Representatives claimed that the proposed PHP16.44-billion budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) could be a form of "pork barrel" and called for its removal.

“Ang pagkakaintindi ko po, lahat po iyan ay projects related to the anti-insurgency campaign ng ating gobyerno and that's a valid expenditure (From what I understand, [the funding] is for all the projects related to the government's anti-insurgency campaign, and that's a valid expenditure),” Harry Roque said in an online briefing on Monday.

Roque said the Executive department has the duty to submit annual budget proposals.

“In any case, hindi po para sa Makabayan bloc alone na kuwestiyonin yan. Sana po makuha nila ang suporta ng mas maraming kasama nila sa Kongreso para mawala yung ganyang entry (In any case, it is not for the Makabayan bloc alone to question this. We hope that they could still get the support of their colleagues in Congress to remove such entry),” he added.

Roque, however, noted that the Executive will "bow" to the wisdom of Congress in the scrutiny of its budget proposal.

Aside from the anti-insurgency funding, Roque also defended the Office of the President's proposed confidential and intelligence funds for 2021.

During the budget briefing of the OP's proposed PHP8.238-billion 2021 budget at the House of Representatives, opposition lawmakers have questioned the proposed intelligence and confidential funds amounting to PHP4.5 billion, which accounts for more than half of the total budget of President Rodrigo Duterte's office for next year.

While he did not disclose details on where the funds will be spent, Roque assured that the use of these funds would undergo the usual audit process that would be aligned with the guidelines issued by the Commission on Audit (COA).

"Alam ninyo po kung sasabihin natin kung ano yung pinaggamitan ng intel fund (You know, if I divulge where the intel fund will be spent, it will not be intel fund anymore)," he said. "Pero (But) needless to say, although they are intel funds, mayroon pa rin pong proseso na dapat sundin sang-ayon na rin sa mga guidelines na ini-issue ng COA (there are still processes to be followed and are aligned with the guidelines issued by COA).”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115492

3 more police execs reshuffled

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): 3 more police execs reshuffled (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



PNP chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan. (File photo)

Three more police officials were included in the latest revamp in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In an order dated Sept. 14, PNP chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan, reassigned Drug Enforcement Group chief, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat, to lead the Police Regional Office in Region 13 (Caraga).

Caramat, during his stint as PDEG chief, led the successful operation that yielded PHP5.63 billion worth of shabu that resulted in the arrest of a Chinese national with two Filipino cohorts in Marilao, Bulacan last June 4.

Replacing Caramat as PDEG chief is Brig. Gen. Armando de Leon, erstwhile chief of the PRO-11 (Davao Region).

Meanwhile, Col. Lorenzo Detran Jr. will head to the PRO-11 after his stint at the PRO-4B (Mimaropa).

The latest revamp would take effect on Thursday (September 17).

On Monday, Cascolan explained the reason for the cancelation of an earlier reshuffle involving three police officials.

“Well, with regard to that, sometimes they have tasks that they need to finish in their stations. We took cognizance of that and we also have to respect that especially if it is very important. Those jobs that they have to do in the field, they cannot just leave it and that is one thing we have considered,” Cascolan told reporters.

In an order dated September 8, Cascolan has assigned Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, formerly director of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) to head the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), replacing Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Ferro, who was reassigned to the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Southern Luzon.

Estomo was supposed to be replaced by Brig. Gen. Joseph Ulysses Gohel.

However, Cascolan recalled their new assignments in another order on September 9.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115449

Senate hearing chance for AFP to present facts on MOA with Dito

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Senate hearing chance for AFP to present facts on MOA with Dito (By Priam Nepomuceno)



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

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it welcomes the move of the Senate to call a hearing on its co-location memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Dito Telecommunity which would allow the telecommunication firm to set up facilities inside military camps.

"We respect the Senate’s oversight function. (Thus) We are happy to be tasked and in fact, welcome the call for a Senate inquiry on the signed MOA between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and (Dito Telecommunity) Corp," AFP spokesperson Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to reporters.

He added that the AFP considers the Senate hearing an opportunity to present to the "honorable members of Congress the whys and wherefores of our decision to sign the MOA." "(And, looking forward), this may even be an opportunity for the legislators to draw inputs from the said hearing on the matter to aid them in their legislative function," Arevalo said.

The AFP and Dito Telecommunity signed the co-location MOA in September 2019.

Based on the agreement, the AFP will determine specific locations with its rental value for use of Dito Telecommunity in the installation and management of its communications sites without undermining the operations of affected AFP units.

The telecommunication firm is also required to “furnish all equipment, labor, and materials necessary to effect the co-location of its facilities and shoulders all expenses in connection with or incidental to the co-location” and payment of all taxes, permits, licenses, and other charges.

On Monday, Senator Risa Hontiveros called for the immediate approval of Senate Resolution No. 137, a resolution she filed in September 2019 which seeks to probe national security implications of the agreement that allows Dito Telecommunity to set up equipment and facilities within the military bases.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115489

Panelo blasts Joma over latest remarks vs. PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): Panelo blasts Joma over latest remarks vs. PRRD (By Marita Moaje)



Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo (left) and Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison (right)

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo has belied the latest statements of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison against President Rodrigo Duterte and his administration.

In his Counterpoint program aired over state-run PTV4 recently, Panelo hit back at Sison for, among other things, commenting that the President looks sluggish, pale, and very sick.

"Ikaw kaya mag-presidente? Kita mo hindi ka nga presidente nagkakasakit ka kaiisip kung papano mo sisirain itong gobyernong ito eh yun pang president na ang iniisip naman kung paanong sirain yung pangarap mong sirain ang gobyerno (Why don’t you become president? You’re not even the president but you get sick thinking how to destroy the government while the president is thinking how to destroy your dream of destroying the government)," he told Sison.

Panelo told Sison not to be malicious.

“Isa lang ibig sabihin nun, kulang lang sa tulog yun. Number two, sa dami ng problema sa bansang to eh talagang hindi ka makakatulog, hahanapan mo ng solusyon (it only means that he lacks sleep. Number two, with the problems the country is facing, you won’t be able to sleep having to think about solutions to the problems)," he said.

Panelo said Sison’s description of Duterte as a tyrant, fascist, dictator, and mentally deranged fits Sison more than the President.

Panelo reiterated Duterte's earlier statements that he has no intention of ruling and staying in power beyond 2022.

He said for several occasions, the President has attempted to leave the position because of the bureaucratic red tape, graft, and corruption in different government agencies even as he fired public officials, despite being his friends, over corruption involvement.

Panelo said it took him 10 long years to convince Duterte to run for the presidency back in 2016.

On the accusation of supposed militarization of the Cabinet, Panelo told Sison that being a military man doesn’t mean that they only know warfare and combat.

He said military personnel undergo “schooling” where they take up management or even obtain master's degrees or a doctorate, in addition to the “discipline” they acquire from their training.

On the issue of supposedly using the anti-terrorism law as a means to "escalate state terrorism,” Panelo said the measure is not new since the country has the Human Security Act since 2007.

Panelo added that the country need not wait for another Marawi Siege or Jolo bombing before the government acts to terrorist activities.

Panelo, meanwhile, said the CPP-NPA-NDF is now weak since many of its members already returned to the fold of the law.

With this, Panelo encouraged Sison to go back to the country, do what the other members of his organization did and make amends and cooperate with the government for the betterment of the country and of the Filipino people.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115536

San Juan, USAID ink deal to expand community-based drug rehab

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 15, 2020): San Juan, USAID ink deal to expand community-based drug rehab (By Lade Jean Kabagani)



ADDRESSING DRUG ADDICTION. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora (right) and USAID Representative Ma. Regina Alampay (left) sign a memorandum of agreement on Tuesday (Sept. 15, 2020) to boost the community-based drug rehabilitation program in the city. The agreement is aimed at helping drug users regain their normal lives and enhance drug prevention initiatives within communities. (Screengrabbed from Mayor Zamora's Facebook live)

Recovery to drug addiction is possible and drug users could regain their normal lives, San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said on Tuesday, as the city government signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to boost community-based drug rehabilitation program.

"Tayo po ay naniniwala na kahit sila po ay mga drug users ay meron pa rin po talagang malaking pagkakataon na baguhin nila ang kanilang buhay at bumalik sa normal ang kanilang kalagayan (We believe that drug users do have huge opportunities to change their lives and can go back to their normal lives)," Zamora said in a Facebook live.

Zamora said the agreement is aimed at helping drug users to regain their normal lives and enhance drug prevention initiatives within communities.

Meanwhile, Ma. Regina Alampay of USAID said the agreement includes the implementation of the RenewHealth project and expanding access to community-based drug rehabilitation.

The program could help drug users recover from addiction and live a healthy and productive life.

Under the MOA, the program targets to help drug users in the city obtain access to information, care, self-help, and community-based rehabilitation and recovery support.

It also allows the local government to implement an evidence-based and sensitive program for its drug-dependent residents.

The agreement said the USAID will be partnering with the city government to address drug dependency by expanding access to evidence-based and culturally-appropriate community-based drug treatment and recovery services.

On the other hand, Vice-Mayor Warren Villa assured the public that the local government will continue to address the problem of drug addiction in the city amid the prevailing health crisis.

The USAID will be providing technical assistance to the city government to ensure that the local strategies are aligned to the standards provided by the Dangerous Drugs Board and other regulations prescribed by the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

Zamora said the city government is yet to release announcements related to the anti-drug abuse program.

"Ako ay naniniwala na malaking tulong po sa ating lungsod, lalung-lalo na sa mga San Juaneño nalulong na sa droga (I believe that this is a huge help to the city, particularly to those residents who were addicted to drugs)," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1115529