Kalinaw News: Ground Breaking at turn-over ng Php300k halaga ng Livelihood Project iginawad sa People’s Organization ng Paquibato District

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 15, 2020): Ground Breaking at turn-over ng Php300k halaga ng Livelihood Project iginawad sa People’s Organization ng Paquibato District (By 10ID)

Paquibato District, Davao City – Pinangunahan ng Department of Social and Welfare Development Office, Region XI ang ground breaking ng Livelihood Project na nagkakahalaga ng Tatlong Daang Libong Piso (Php300,000.00) na bahagi ng Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) sa mga miyembro ng Triple Tribal SLP Association (TTSA) ng Brgy Pañalum, Distrito ng Paquibato, Bayan ng Dabaw noong Oktubre 12, 2020.

Ang programa ay isa sa mga proyekto ng DSWD bilang tugon sa Executive Order 70 (EO 70) o mas kilala sa tawag na “Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict” bilang kasagutan sa mga isyung ginagamit ng teroristang NPA. Ang SLP ay tinanggap ni Ginang Reame Bregole, presidente ng TTSA na binubuo ng 28 na residente ng Barangay Pañalum, PDDC. Ang paggawad ng SLP ay pinangunahan ni Ginoong Sherwin Gomez, ang Focal Person ng SLP sa Distrito ng Paquibato. Ang nasabing programa ay dinaluhan ni 1st Lt. Adrian Gautane Philippine Army, CMO Officer ng 27th Infrantry Battalion, 10ID, PA kasama sina PLt. Napoleon Sabes at PLt. Jelcris Toledo ng PNP RPSB at mga opisyal ng Barangay Pañalum na pinamumunuan ni Punong Barangay Hon. Analou Trespeses ng Brgy Pañalum.

Binigyang diin ni Ginoong Sherwin Gomez na ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno ay nagsama-sama upang tuluyan ng wakasan ang insurhensiya sa pamamagitan ng paghahatid ng mga proyekto at serbisyo ng gobyerno sa mga conflict affected areas. Kaya naman hinikayat nya ang lahat ng myembro ng nasabing asosasyon na pahalagahan at palaguin sa pamamagitan ng wastong pamamahala ang ibinigay na kapital upang makapagsimula sa kanilang napiling negosyo na General Merchandise.

Samantala, binigyang diin naman ni 1Lt. Gautane na suportahan at maging bahagi sa hangarin ng gobyerno na wakasan na ang insurhensiya. Aniya, mapapabilis nating matamo ang mimimithi nating kapayapaan at kaunlaran kung ang bawat isa ay magtutulungan at magkakaisa na isulong ang EO 70 at huwag ng magpalinlang sa mga teroristang NPA. Bilang tugon, lubos namang nagpasalamat ang punong barangay ng Pañalum na si Hon. Analou Trespeses sa DSWD at 27th Infantry Battalion sa patuloy na pagbibigay ng programa at seguridad sa kaniyang nasasakupang barangay. Hinikayat rin ng punong barangay ang mga residente ng kaniyang barangay na suportahan ang gobyerno at huwag ng magpapaloko sa mga kasinungalingan ng mga teroristang NPA.

[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/ground-breaking-at-turn-over-ng-p300000-00-halaga-ng-livelihood-project-mula-sa-eo-70-iginawad-sa-peoples-organization-ng-paquibato-district/

Kalinaw News: 2 miyembro ng NPA sa Isabela, nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan; 2 armas narekober

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 14, 2020): 2 miyembro ng NPA sa Isabela, nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan; 2 armas narekober (By 5th Infantry Division)

Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela– Nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno ang dalawang supply officer ng rebeldeng New People’s Army sa magkahiwalay na lugar sa bayan ng San Mariano, Isabela habang dalawang armas naman ang narekober, noong ika-11 nang Oktubre taong kasalukuyan.

Sa ginawang panghihikayat ng kani-kanilang mga asawa na una na ring nagbalik-loob, sumuko sa hanay ng 95th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army at mga kapulisan sina alyas Grace at alyas Lita ng Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV).

Pagbabahagi ni alyas Grace, taong 2014 nang mahikayat siya nina alyas Acer at alyas Peter na umanib sa rebeldeng kilusan sa bayan ng Nagtipunan, Quirino bago siya inilipat sa bayan ng San Mariano, Isabela. Habang si alyas Lita ay nahikayat na umanib noong taong 2015 sa panghihikayat naman ni alyas Shuli.

Taong 2019 nang kapwa hindi na naging aktibo sa kilusan ang dalawang nagbalik-loob matapos na makita nilang tuluyan nang humina ang kanilang hanay dahil sa kawalan ng suporta ng mga tao sa grupong NPA. Nakita din nila ang pagbabago sa kanilang komunidad simula ng mawala ang impluwensya ng mga NPA. Napagtanto na rin nila ang ginawang panlilinlang ng mga teroristang NPA at hindi na nila nanaisin pang muli silang maging biktima ang mga ito, lalo na ang mga kabataan.

Samantala, narekober naman ng mga otoridad ang isang M16 rifle, US carbine M1 at isang short magazine sa pamamagitan ng impormasyong ibinahagi ng isang dating miyembro rin ng rebeldeng grupo. Nakuha ang mga gamit pandigma sa Barangay Cadsalan, San Mariano, Isabela na itinago ng mga terroristang NPA.

Ipinahayag naman ni BGen. Laurence E. Mina PA, Commander ng 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army ang kanyang papuri sa patuloy na pakikiisa ng mga dating rebelde upang hikayatin ang iba pa nilang dating kasamahan na bitawan ang maling ideolohiyang isinusulong ng teroristang NPA. “Ang sunod-sunod na pagsuko at pagkakadiskubre ng mga gamit pandigma ng teroristang NPA sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagtulungan ng mga dating rebelde at mga mamamayan ay nagpapakita lamang ng kanilang pagnanais na tuluyang mawala ang impluwensiya ng NPA sa kanilang komunidad. Ikinagagalak kong makita na namulat na ang taumbayan sa tunay na adhikain ng NPA- panloloko, panlilinlang, pangingikil at paghahasik ng takot sa mga komunidad. Hangad ko ang walang humpay na pagtutulungan ng lahat upang iwaksi ng tuluyan ang teroristang NPA sa ating bayan.”



[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-miyembro-ng-npa-sa-isabela-nagbalik-loob-sa-pamahalaan-2-armas-narekober/

Army’s 3ID vows to hit hard remaining NPAs in Region 6

From Panay News (Oct 15, 2020): Army’s 3ID vows to hit hard remaining NPAs in Region 6 (By Ruby Silubrico)

“We’re optimistic that we can render them (NPAs) irrelevant in the communities,” says Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson Major Cenon Pancto III. PN File

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) vowed to work double-time to neutralize the remaining New People’s Army (NPA) rebels still hiding in the mountains across Western Visayas.

“Our promise to the people is a peaceful life without fear that they might become victims of the NPA’s atrocities and negative propaganda,” said Major Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the 3ID.

According to Pancito, 81 barangays remain subject for clearing of NPA’s presence.

These barangays represent 1.7 percent of the 4,051 total barangays in Western Visayas after 130 have been “liberated” between 2016 to 2019.

There were also 333 communist-terrorist groups that threatened barangays, said Pancito. Of these, one maintained a foothold in Aklan province, three in Antique, 37 in Capiz, 80 in Iloilo province, and 212 in Negros Occidental.

“We are optimistic that we can render them (NPAs) irrelevant in the communities,” Pancito said, stressing that the communist insurgency is an “immediate” political security threat that must be resolved in the last two years of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.

“The reality may be hard for our enemies to accept that they are losing ground but real statistics reveal their influence on the communities. Pilit man nila ginagalingan ang pagkukunwari na sila ay grupo na dapat konsiderahin pero ang nasabing linya ay hindi na bumebenta sa mga tao,” Pancito said./PN

http://www.panaynews.net/armys-3id-vows-to-hit-hard-remaining-npas-in-region-6/

NPA leader killed, soldier hurt in Bukidnon clashes

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 15, 2020): NPA leader killed, soldier hurt in Bukidnon clashes (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

A VICE commanding officer of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed after a series of gun battles with troops of the 88th Infantry Battalion in the hinterland barangays of Nakabuklad of San Fernando and Minungan of Quezon in Bukidnon on Oct. 6 and 9.

Meanwhile, a soldier was also wounded after he was hit by an improvised explosive device.

The slain rebel was identified as Loloy Gayuran Dal-anay, the vice commanding officer of Platoon 1, Guerrilla Front Malayag, Sub-Regional Command 2, Northern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Capt. Norven Jay Garcia, the civil-military operations officer of the 88th IB, said that the rebel was hastily buried by his comrades on a shallow grave not far from the encounter site.

For now, the body of the slain rebel was later turned over to the local government unit of San Fernando.

The first encounter lasted for about ten minutes at the vicinity of Mt. Miyangki, Sitio Supon, Nagkabuklad at around 1 p.m. on Oct. 6. Soldiers encountered 20 members of NPA under the leadership of alias Migs.

Meanwhile, government troops also encountered more or less 30 NPAs in the hinterland area of Minungan on Oct 9 at around 8:55 am.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes. While the government troops were scouring the vicinity of the encounter site, another gun battle transpired at around 12:33 p.m. on the same day. The exchange of gunfire lasted for another 20 minutes and resulted in the injury to the soldier.

The soldier was airlifted to Camp Evangelista Station Hospital in Cagayan de Oro for medical attention and he is now stable.

Government troops recovered an anti-personnel landmine, ammunition, detonating wires, assorted medicine, and personal belongings of the NPAs at the sites.

Lt. Col. Franklin F. Fabic, commanding officer of the 88IB said, “It is with sadness that another Filipino who was deceived by misleading ideals of the communist terrorist died in one of the encounters.”

The battalion commander further said that the information provided by the locals to the government troops led to these engagements.

“These manifest the strong support of local communities to the efforts of the government in ending the local communist armed conflict in the area,” he added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/10/15/npa-leader-killed-soldier-hurt-in-bukidnon-clashes/

‘Terrorists’ reported | TFD commander says community exercise a success

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 15, 2020): ‘Terrorists’ reported | TFD commander says community exercise a success (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

TERRORIST Actor being interviewed by the Tourist Police and Mall Security Manager.

THE FIRST-EVER community simulation exercise was a success with 19 of the 25 “terrorists” reported by Davaoeños to the dedicated hotline within four hours since the experiment started.

“Our security system will never be the same after this exercise,” said Col. Consolito Yecla, Task Force Davao commander. “We are now having a robust security system in Davao City based on the support and cooperation of all Davaoeños.”

According to the report from Task Force Davao, as of 1:30 p.m., yesterday, only six of the people playing the role of the terrorist were not spotted by the public.

– At 10:20 a.m., one terrorist was neutralized by security personnel of Gmall Bajada.

– At 10:26 a.m., another terrorist was neutralized at Abreeza Mall by a lady guard of EO Optical Clinic

– At 10:37 a.m., one terrorist was neutralized by security personnel of SM Lanang.

– At 10:39 a.m., one terrorist was neutralized at MacDonald’s along Sta. Ana Avenue. The terrorist was identified by the manager of the fast-food chain.

– At 10:56 a.m., one terrorist was neutralized at Gaisano Buhangin. The terrorist was identified by a merchandiser at Counter Nr 30 of the store.

– At 10:30 a.m., one terrorist was neutralized after he was identified by the manager of Chowking Lanang.

– At 11 a.m., one terrorist was neutralized at SM Annex, Ecoland after he was identified by a CRS clerk of the establishment.

– At 11:53 a.m., one terrorist was neutralized at SP Building by an employee of the city. Accordingly, the terrorist was able to eat and conduct surveillance inside a restaurant along Bolton Street.

– At 12:10 p.m., one terrorist was identified and neutralized at City Hall by a GSO employee. The 13th terrorist was also able to visit a church as his original target of surveillance before proceeding to City Hall.

– At 12:29 p.m., one terrorist was neutralized at Woodlane by an employee of BDO. During the interrogation, the 14th captured terrorist revealed that he was able to visit a church unnoticed.

– At 12:35 p.m., one terrorist was identified and reported by the manager of Rinas Treasure Inn in Matina Aplaya.

– At 1 p.m., one terrorist was identified and neutralized by a lady guard at the releasing window of the Philippine Statistics Authority long Cabaguio Avenue.

– At 1:16 p.m., one terrorist was identified and reported by an employee of DOLE along Dacudao Avenue, Agdao District.

– At 1:20 p.m., one terrorist was identified and reported by an employee of the DILG office at the Almendras Recreational Center, along Quimpo Boulevard

– At 1:27 p.m. today, one terrorist was reported and neutralized by an employee in the lobby of My Hotel.

The community exercise was part of the “Culture of Security” campaign of the TFD and the city government to engage the public into becoming more vigilant and report unattended bags, as well as suspicious persons and activities.

The public was told to be on the lookout for these “terrorists” who were wearing a blue t-shirt, denim pants, a black face mask, and a black ballcap with a ribbon tied on it.

Yecla noted that the exercise did not cause panic and a traffic jam. “This is the exercise with the biggest coverage but the most effective one,” he said.

The Task Force Davao commander added that they will conduct a post-simulation assessment. “But if there are shortcomings, we can easily address them. Remember that we can learn both from our successes and failures,” Yecla added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/10/15/terrorists-reported-tfd-commander-says-community-exercise-a-success/

ANGAY-ANGAY LANG: Personal Reflections on Kalinaw Mindanaw (Part 3 of 5)

From MindaNews (Oct 14, 2020): ANGAY-ANGAY LANG: Personal Reflections on Kalinaw Mindanaw (Part 3 of 5) (By RUDY BUHAY RODIL)

Session with Experts

Part of the GPH-MILF Peace Negotiation

On the occasion of Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), Chair was Mrs. Mô Bleeker of Swiss Government
Marco Polo, Davao City
24-25 November 2014

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 15 October) – Moving forward. More good things emerged earlier. In 1996, the Kalinaw Mindanaw was born. This is what I wrote later in my website:

Kalinaw Mindanaw is literally translated into English as Peace Mindanaw. The use of w instead of o emphasizes its indigenous character, not the English.

Kalinaw is a Cebuano Bisayan word for peace. The word is used interchangeably with linaw with exactly the same meaning. But this is not the monopoly of Cebu in Central Philippines. The term seems to be used universally, with very slight variations, throughout the Philippine archipelago. The root word linaw also means silent, clear water among the Tagalogs of Luzon, as well as among the Tausug of the Sulu Archipelago. Among the Manobos, a large Lumad ethnolinguistic group with several sub-groups that inhabit many parts of Central and Eastern Mindanaw, the meaning is both clear water and lake. Also expressing essentially the same meaning, the Meranaws of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte use the word ranaw for lake. For their part, the Maguindanawons of Maguindanao, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani, use the word danaw to mean water overflowing the riverbanks at the Pulangi (Rio Grande) delta. Mindanaw is derived from this word.

Mindanaw’s association with water in the languages of its people is a faithful reflection of its natural situation. Water surrounds Mindanaw; water flows through Mindanaw. Mindanaw’s development is thus intimately linked to water. Lake Lanao feeds seven hydroelectric plants along the Agus River that produces 944 megawatts (MW), about 80 percent of the total power requirements of Mindanaw.

This web page has adopted the Peace Credo of Kalinaw Mindanaw, a loose movement of peace advocates from all over Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago who met in conference in Cagayan de Oro City on July 4-6, 1996. The assembly was aptly called Consultation-Workshop on Peace Education in Mindanao with the theme: Journey to Peace and Harmony held at the South East Asia Rural Leadership Institute (SEARSOLIN), Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City on 4-6 July 1996. Co-sponsored by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and SEARSOLIN. Convenor was Fr. Antonio Ledesma, S.J., then vice president of Xavier University. He has since become the Bishop of the Prelature of Ipil in Zamboanga del Sur and is a co-convenor of the Bishops Ulama Forum. [Now, he is the archbishop of Cagayan de Oro] The staff of MINCARRD (Mindanao Support Center for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development of Xavier University College of Agriculture), headed by Ms. Estrella Borja, has since served as the secretariat.

Kalinaw Mindanaw has broken through many barriers in the propagation of the culture of peace all over Mindanao and Sulu among the tri-people. It has conducted more than 50 peace culture seminars. Many other organizations picked up the initiative. Now we hear of the Bishops Ulama Forum, several Catholic schools, and dioceses, and Conferences among the Protestant groups speaking of and carrying on the same undertaking. In 1998, it published Panagtagbo sa Kalinaw, its manual for peace education which was the product of several consultations. Financial support has been provided by OPAPP, UNICEF and CRS. The official newsletter of the Kalinaw Mindanaw Network is also called Kalinaw Mindanaw.

The Peace Credo states the diversity among the people, the need to be one, the basis of unity which is one God, one land and one dream. The original version is in Tagalog. A Maguindanao participant has put a tune to the original; other tunes were added later. So far, four years after its birth, 18 translations have been made, as follows: Tagalog, English, Maguindanaw, Meranaw, Cebuano Bisaya, Sinama, Tausug, Higaunon, Ilonggo, Ilocano, Ubo Manuvu, Ata Manobo, Teduray, Bla-an, Mandaya, Dibabawon, Bicol.

Tagalog (Original):

(Rudy “Ompong” Rodil)

Kalinaw Mindanaw!

Lumad, Muslim, Kristiyano

Magkaiba, magkaisa

Isang Diyos

Isang lupain

Isang adhikain

Kalinaw Mindanaw!

English

(Rudy “Ompong” Rodil)

Peace Mindanaw!

Lumad, Muslim, Christian

They are different, they can be one

One God

One land

One dream

Peace Mindanaw!

[Si Prof. Rudy Buhay Rodil ay aktibong historyan ng Mindanao, tagapasulong ng kalinaw (Bisaya sa kapayapaan). Kilala siyang espesyalista sa paghusay ng mga gusot sa Mindanao-Sulu. Naging Komisyoner noon ng Regional Consultative Commision sa siyang nagbuo ng draft organic law ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao noong 1988. Dalawang beses siyang naging miyembro ng GRP Peace Negotiating Panel. 1993-1996, pakikipag-usap sa Moro National Liberation (MNLF), at noong 2004-2008 sa pakikipag-negosasyon sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Naging visiting propesor sa Hiroshima University, Oktubre-Disyembre 2011. Nagretiro noong Oktubre 2007.]

https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2020/10/angay-angay-lang-personal-reflections-on-kalinaw-mindanaw-part-3-of-5/

Task Force Bangon Marawi to lead commemoration of ‘Liberation Day’

From MindaNews (Oct 14, 2020): Task Force Bangon Marawi to lead commemoration of ‘Liberation Day’ (By RICHEL V. UMEL)

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 14 Oct) – Task Force Bangon Marawi will lead next week’s third commemoration of the Marawi Liberation Day, which will include the laying of wreaths for the heroes inside the Army brigade headquarters and the inauguration of the Banggolo Bridge downtown, which was repaired after sustaining damage during the Marawi Siege in 2017.

Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (right), of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, and Task Force Bangon Marawi chair Eduardo del Rosario pay respects to the fallen soldiers of the Marawi Siege at a heroes’ landmark inside the headquarters of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade during the second commemoration of the “Liberation of Marawi” on 17 October 2019. MindaNews file photo by RICHEL V. UMEL

Assistant Secretary Felix Castro Jr., TFBM Field Office Manager, said wreaths will be offered at a heroes’ landmark inside the headquarters of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, known locally as the Kampo Ranao.

Castro said Secretary Eduardo del Rosario, TFBM chair, will be visiting Marawi to check on ongoing housing and other infrastructure projects. He was referring to the inauguration of the Banggolo Bridge, which was severely damaged during the siege owing to its strategic location in the heart of the city, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Bato Ali Mosque, site of fierce battles between the ISIS-inspired Maute Group and government troops.

The Maute group attacked downtown Marawi on May 23, 2017, occupied most of the downtown area and engaged government troops in the country’s longest battle since World War II. President Rodrigo Duterte declared Marawi to be “liberated from the terrorist influence” almost five months later, on October 17.

The siege had resulted in more than 1,100 fatalities, including at least 47 civilians.

Meanwhile, General Gilbert I. Gapay, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said over the weekend that the government is very much concerned on the rehabilitation of Marawi as it saw that “terrorism is really a clear and present danger that threatens the way of life” of all Filipinos.

“The way forward now is for us to work together to rehabilitate Marawi and to bring it back to how it used to be, or even better,” he added. (Richel V. Umel / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/10/task-force-bangon-marawi-to-lead-commemoration-of-liberation-day/

Former rebels get E-CLIP benefits worth P589K

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 15, 2020): Former rebels get E-CLIP benefits worth P589K (By Lilibeth A. French)

ILOILO CITY, Oct. 14 (PIA) - - Seven former rebels (FRs) from the municipalities of Tubungan, Janiuay and Calinog in Iloilo province have been added to the recipients of package of benefits and assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government administered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The FRs who are former members of the New People’s Army received a total of P589,000.00 worth of immediate cash and livelihood assistance and renumeration for the firearms they turned over through E-CLIP amid COVID-19 situation in the country.

Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., Chairperson of the E-CLIP Committee, led the distribution of the package of assistance to FRs in a simple ceremony which was witnessed by DILG Iloilo Provincial Director Teodora Sumagaysay, Iloilo Police Provincial Office Director Gilbert Gorero, Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion Commander Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara and representatives of Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Civil Society Organization on October 12 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Each of the five FRs got P65,000.00 that include P15,000.00 immediate cash assistance and P50,000.00 to fund their identified livelihood projects.

On the other hand, two FRs received a total of P264,000.00 for the firearms they turned over to the Armed Force of the Philippines. The firearms that include 0.38 caliber revolver, .30 caliber rifle, 7.62 mm Springfield carbine and 5.56 mm M1GA1 Colt Rifle were presented to the Philippine National Police during the ceremony.

DILG Iloilo E-CLIP Focal Person and LGOO II Dolyn Jane Palcia said the FRs will get twice the amount according to the assessed value of the firearm they surrendered through the program.

Palcia said two more rebels surrendered to the government and are processing their papers to avail of the E-CLIP that ensures them and their respective families assistance as they reintegrate into the mainstream of society. (JSC/laf/PIA6 Iloilo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056116

PTF-ELCAC conducts 18 Serbisyo Caravan-Barangayans in Camarines Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 15, 2020): PTF-ELCAC conducts 18 Serbisyo Caravan-Barangayans in Camarines Norte (By Rosalita B. Manlangit) 

DAET, Camarines Norte, (PIA) – A total of 18 Serbisyo Caravan-Barangayans were conducted by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in this province since September this year.

Of the 18 barangays, five (5) in Capalonga town were conducted particularly in Brgys. Villa Aurora, San Antonio, Villa Belen, Binawangan and Tanawan; while 13 in Labo specifically in Brgys. Malaya, Malatap, Bagong Silang I, Bagong Silang II, Tigbinan, Canapawan, Baay, Maot, Pag-Asa, Calabasa, Anameam, Daguit and Dumagmang.

The Barangayan/Retooled Community Support Program (RCSCP) under the ELCAC program is in line with the Executive 70 or the “Whole of Nation Approach” signed by President Rodrigo Duterte that aims to bring government programs, projects and services at the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDAs).

During the most recent Barangayan held in Labo town on Oct. 7, Punong Barangay Arnulfo A. Jalimao of Barangay Dumagmang said that the activity is a great opportunity for them in laying down programs and projects that their barangay identified for the government to answer and deliver.

Jalimao expressed gratitude to the government for bringing various services like free haircut, distribution of medicines, reading glass and food packs, “libreng kasal” along with information about government programs and projects beneficial to his constituents.

A Commitment Signing was inked by the stakeholders of national government agencies, Provincial Government of Camarines Norte and Local Government Unit of Labo.

During the Solution Seeking Table, barangay officials and stakeholders discussed the needs identified by the residents of Brgy. Dumagmang.

Among the projects identified include farm to market road, water system Level II, barangay post, irrigation system and alternative livelihood assistance, among others which status were immediately explained by the government agencies and LGU officials present including how to avail and when it will be delivered to them.

Initially, the government already allocated for next year P170 M for the construction of 4 kilometer road in Barangay Dumagmang.

Brgy. Dumagmang have a total population of 3,033 with 806 families in 738 households.

The RCSP Barangayan in Brgy. Dumagmang was spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and was graced by DILG 5 Asst. Regional Director Arnaldo E. Escober Jr.

Among the agencies present and discussed their programs in Brgy. Dumagmang were directors, heads and representatives of the PNP, AFP-PA, PIA, DepEd, CDA, DENR, DOH, DPWH, DA, DAR, TESDA, DSWD, PCA, DAR, DICT, PPO-DOJ and DOST.

The provincial government also provided assistance in the above-mentioned activity through the Multi-Services Caravan team of Governor Edgardo Tallado, PSWDO, PPDC and PIO-DWCN-FM with logistical support from LGU-Labo.

During the Kasalang Bayan, sixteen (16) couples were solemnized by Labo Vice Mayor Dindo Pardo.

DILG Provincial Director Ray B. Caceres who facilitated the presentation of proposed projects also thanked the stakeholders in providing support to the program with special mention to the uniformed men the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police.

Meanwhile, Barangay Rizal of Sta. Elena town will be the last area in the province that the PTF-ELCAC is set to provide with the same Barangayan activity. (RBManlangit-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055904

70 HH in Kalinga conflict area receive seedlings, poultry

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 15, 2020): 70 HH in Kalinga conflict area receive seedlings, poultry (By Peter A. Balocnit) 

PINUKPUK, Kalinga, Oct. 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) under its Special Area for Agriculture Development (SAAD) Program distributed fruit tree and coffee seedlings and chicken and ducks to 70 households in Asibanglan in this municipality.

Mowanah Marie Jovellanos of DA said support materials for production, feeds and plastic fence for poultry were also provided for this intervention project

The beneficiaries are members of the Asibanglan Farmers Development Organization.

“All they need is to have at least 250 square meter lot to plant those seedlings”, she said adding however that space is not a problem in SAAD covered barangays since they have tracts of land and hillsides to plant.

Under SAAD, P46.5 million was allotted to Kalinga for 2020 for 1,500 beneficiaries in 19 barangays.

Jovellanos said SAAD will further expand its coverage next year to benefit other conflict areas identified under ELCAC. For 2021 program expansion, an addition of 14 barangays will be covered with P48M fund allocation

Social preparation and orientation are on-going for 70 households each in these barangays, she said. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1056067

DAR vows CLOAs for former rebels in Vizcaya

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 15, 2020): DAR vows CLOAs for former rebels in Vizcaya (By Benjamin Moses M. Ebreo)

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Oct. 14 (PIA) - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will soon distribute land titles and livelihood assistance to former rebels here as part of the End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) Convergence Program.

Agrarian Reform Provincial Officer Gerald 'Dindi' Tan (center) join in the pre-groundwork activity for the commencement of survey of the "New Lands" target under our Land Tenure Security (LTS) Division in Vizcaya.

Agrarian Reform Provincial Officer Gerald 'Dindi' Tan said at least 40 former rebels will be benefited with the proposed Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) with livelihood assistance.

"DAR is an active partner in ensuring that our rebel returnees have a sustainable livelihood to start their lives for their families," she said.

Tan said they have recently conducted interviews with the target beneficiaries in Bagabag town to facilitate the processing of their qualifications and other requirements.

The proposed distribution of CLOAs and livelihood assistance to the former rebels will also be assisted by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Army (PA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

"The DILG will review the proposed list of the proposed CLOA and livelihood assistance beneficiaries which will be submitted to us for our final approval," Tan said.(MDCT/BME/PIA 2-Nueva Vizcaya)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055958

25 ex-NPAs get financial aid in DavOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15, 2020): 25 ex-NPAs get financial aid in DavOr (By Che Palicte)

FINANCIAL AID. Davao Oriental Vice-Governor Niño Sotero Uy (right) hands over the cash aid from the Department of Social and Welfare Development to a former rebel on Tuesday (Oct. 13, 2020), at the provincial Capitol in Mati City. Each rebel returnee received PHP20,000 under the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program. (Photo courtesy of Davao Oriental province)

DAVAO CITY – At least 25 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered to the government received financial aid from the Department of Social and Welfare Development in Davao Region (DSWD-11), the Davao Oriental provincial government said in a statement Thursday.

Each rebel returnee received PHP20,000 under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of DSWD, one of the lead agencies in the implementation of E.O. 70, which institutionalized the "whole-of-nation" approach in combatting communist insurgency in the countryside.

SLP aims to improve the economic well-being of the vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged individuals and families in communities by mobilizing and empowering the same through the support of the local government units and other government agencies, according to the provincial government.

“I am urging the recipients to encourage their former comrades to return to the folds of the government with a promise of continuous efforts for sustained programs to give the former rebels more opportunities,” Vice-Governor Niño Sotero Uy said during the distribution of cash aid.

Apart from the cash, the former rebels also received a package of benefits such as education, housing, medical assistance, legal assistance, firearms remuneration, psychosocial assistance, market livelihood, and employment opportunities at the provincial government-run halfway home for former rebels.

“These efforts aim to let the former rebels feel that the government is an ally and not a threat,” Uy said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118636

ATA rules, regulations to capacitate AFP in tracking terrorists

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15, 2020): ATA rules, regulations to capacitate AFP in tracking terrorists (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has said the approval of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 (ATA) would greatly help the military in tracking down and arresting terrorists and their allies.

"This will surely capacitate and empower the AFP to run after, assist in the arrest and prosecution, and secure our country and people against terrorist organizations, associations, groups, individuals, proponents, and supporters," AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said in a statement sent to reporters on Thursday.

Arevalo also lauded the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC), whose technical working group was headed by the Department of Justice (DOJ), for completing the IRR on schedule.

On Wednesday, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said his office would disseminate copies of the law's IRR to Congress and law enforcement agencies, as required under the law, and will publish the IRR online and in a newspaper of general circulation in the coming days.

Arevalo expressed optimism that the law's IRR, which provides details and clarifies its provisions, would be an effective deterrent against terrorists.

"It should be terrorists and abettors and not law-abiding citizens who should be spooked by the passage of the law and the approval of the corresponding IRR," he said.

Arevalo added that AFP Chief, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, assures the public that the military is and will always be committed to protecting and respecting the civil and political rights of Filipino citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año described the IRR as well aligned with the law.

"I am a member of the ATC and we deliberated and reviewed the IRR thoroughly. All the provisions are well defined and aligned with the law," Año added.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police spokesperson, Col. Ysmael Yu, said they have yet to receive a copy of the IRR to determine the PNP's exact role in implementing the law.

Yu said concerned agencies have yet to meet regarding the matter.

The DOJ last August began drafting the IRR of the law signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 3.

The new law, which repeals RA 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007, seeks the detention of suspected terrorists for up to 24 days with no warrant of arrest.

It also allows the police or the military to conduct a 60-day surveillance with an allowable 30-day extension on suspected terrorists. (With reports from Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118641

PH Army Covid-19 molecular lab now operational

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15, 2020): PH Army Covid-19 molecular lab now operational (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MOLECULAR LABORATORY. A soldier examines a specimen for Covid-19 testing at the Philippine Army's Covid-19 molecular laboratory in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Thursday (Oct. 15, 2020). The PA Molecular Laboratory is also capable of conducting the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction" (RT-PCR) test and can process about 90 samples a day. (Photo courtesy of the Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

In line with its ongoing efforts to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), the Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday announced that its molecular laboratory is now operational after receiving accreditation from the Department of Health (DOH).

The facility was established to provide quality health care services related to emerging infectious diseases in the Army as well as leveling up the organization’s capabilities against the Covid-19.

"Army personnel and dependents, civilian human resource, and other authorized civilians can avail the laboratory’s services by sending their swab samples collected and delivered by the requesting individual or institution," PA spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala said in a press statement.

The PA Molecular Laboratory is also capable of conducting the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction" (RT-PCR) Covid-19 testing process and can accommodate about 90 samples a day.

Army commander, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, meanwhile, thanked the DOH and the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine as well as the Army offices and units that made this new healthcare capability possible.

"The PA rises to the challenges to be resilient even in the face of this pandemic. And, today’s launching of the PA Molecular Laboratory illustrates this resolve to battle the coronavirus disease and build the Army’s health care service,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118647

Ex-NPA rebels get livelihood grants anew from DSWD

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 15, 2020): Ex-NPA rebels get livelihood grants anew from DSWD (By Christine Cudis)

EX-REBELS GET AID. The Department of Social Welfare and Development's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) conducts a payout for the livelihood settlement grant to former rebels at the Provincial Capitol of Davao De Oro this week. Some 75 beneficiaries will receive PHP20,000 each for their respective livelihood projects. (DSWD-11 photo)

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it has been strengthening its sustainable livelihood program (SLP) as it slowly shifts its focus towards providing livelihood grants after implementing the social amelioration program (SAP) for families most affected by the health crisis.

On Thursday, the DSWD 11 (Davao region) said 75 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Davao de Oro, formerly called Compostela Valley province, received the livelihood settlement grant (LSG).

Under the program, each of them received PHP20,000 for his livelihood project.

“Moreover, the DSWD’s Community-Based Social Services (CBSS) provided an additional of PHP4,000 for their food and transportation assistance,” DSWD-11 said.

The DSWD is one of the lead agencies implementing President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70, which institutionalized the creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

On October 10, it provided LSGs to 26 former rebels from various towns in the Mountain Province.

In a statement, the DSWD said the grant totaled PHP520,000.

Each of them also received PHP20,000.

The SLP aims to improve the economic well-being of vulnerable, marginalized, and disadvantaged individuals and families in communities by mobilizing and empowering them through the support of the local government units and other government agencies.

According to the DSWD, the SLP is related to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) by the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

The E-CLIP is a holistic package of benefits that former rebels and former violent extremists could avail of, such as livelihood and medical assistance, education, housing, and legal assistance, to help them reintegrate into normal society.

“The program is part of the government’s efforts to end communist insurgency through the attainment of just and lasting peace utilizing the whole-of-nation approach as envisioned by EO 70,” the DSWD added.

It said the former rebels would be assessed to ensure that the “most appropriate” programs and services would be extended to them.

The programs and services that may be extended to the former rebels are enrollment in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), provision of livelihood assistance under the SLP, and the cash-for-work program, among others.

The provision of livelihood grants for former rebels has been among the priority programs of the DSWD since Secretary Rolando Bautista, a retired lieutenant general, took over the department.

However, it was pushed aside for a while so the DSWD could focus on the SAP.

As of October 14, the second tranche of the SAP was distributed to some 13.98 million family beneficiaries.

The distributed amount reached PHP83.5 billion.

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said once the SAP is completed, they could go back to focusing on the implementation of the SLP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118655