Army’s 6ID gets 199 new soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7, 2020): Army’s 6ID gets 199 new soldiers (By Edwin Fernandez)

READY FOR DUTY. New soldiers listen as 6th Infantry Division officials give them last-minute instructions before their deployment to various parts of Central Mindanao on Friday (Nov. 6, 2020). The 6ID’s area of coverage includes the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and a part of Lanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

The Army's 6th Infantry Division (ID) received 199 additional infantrymen to serve its area of operation (AOR), an Army official said here Saturday.

The new soldiers recently completed their candidate course and were deployed beginning Friday within the 6ID’s AOR, which includes the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, and a portion of Lanao del Sur.

Of the 199 new soldiers of the “Matindig Class,” 188 were men and 11 were women.

“You are our new strong fighters with dignity,” 6ID commander, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, said in a statement issued Saturday.

Uy reminded the new batch to protect the people against perceived enemies of the state and, at the same time, initiate peace and development projects in their areas of assignment.

“Stand tall with utmost dignity as soldiers of the Filipino people and warriors of our land,” he said.




https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121077

Reds torch construction equipment in Surigao City

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8, 2020): Reds torch construction equipment in Surigao City (By Alexander Lopez)

Suspected members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) burned construction equipment on Saturday night in Purok 10, Barangay Mat-I, Surigao City.

In a report, the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office (SDNPPO) said the construction equipment, a road roller, is owned by JMT Construction.

The said construction company is currently implementing road construction in the area, the report added.

Initial police investigation said the refusal of the owner of the construction company to give extortion money to the rebels was the main reason for the destruction of the equipment.

The equipment costs around PHP3 million.

In an interview Sunday morning, 1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong, 29 Infantry Battalion’s civil-military operations officer, told the Philippine News Agency that more or less 10 armed men were responsible for the destruction of the said equipment.

He added that the armed men belong to Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16B (SYP16B), Guerrilla Front (GF) 16 of the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA.

“The 29IB troopers immediately responded upon receipt of the report. Pursuit operation is still ongoing in the area,” Colagong said.

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/1121134

No new terror threat in Lanao Sur, police assures residents

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8, 2020): No new terror threat in Lanao Sur, police assures residents (By Divina Suson)

Google map of Lanao del Sur

The Provincial Police Office in Lanao del Sur (PPO-LDS) on Sunday assured the public that there is no cause for panic or alarm as there is no new threat of terrorism in the province.

This, after a memorandum circulated on social media ordering all officers-in-charge of municipal police stations and the chief of police of Marawi to be on full alert status after receiving information “from a reliable source that more or less 200 armed men believed to be members of Dawlah Islamiya-Abu Sayyaf Group (DI-ASG) Maute group were sighted consolidating in the areas of Madalum, Marantao and Piagapo towns in Lanao del Sur.

The memorandum was dated Nov. 6 and signed by Lt. Col. Juanito Jamis, the operations officer of PPO-LDS.

“Said group were a composite of Tausog and Maranao-speaking members and planning to conduct atrocities in the areas of Lanao del Sur and its adjacent places,” the memorandum said.

The memorandum, posted in social media without permission from the chief of LDS-PPO, caused worries to residents of Marawi City and Lanao del Sur.

Col. Rex Derilo, chief of LDS police, said validation on the veracity of the information with other security forces and intelligence community is underway.

“At this stage of the validation, wala naman kami nakuhang (we did not have) indicators of such mass up of lawless elements, only raw information,” Derilo said in a statement released to media on Saturday evening.

He said the memorandum intends to direct the ground units to intensify the intelligence efforts and implement target hardening measures, to make them vigilant and ensure the safety and security of the public.

He said the Philippine National Police does not want a repeat of what happened in Marawi in 2017 where presence of armed men gathering in an apartment in Barangay Basak Malutlut was ignored.

The group was later known to be led by the late Isnilon Hapilon, the ASG commander who planned the Marawi siege.

“We have to act on the information though it is yet to be verified before it is too late. On behalf of the PNP in this province, I express my apology that the unauthorized released of that document which is supposed to be internal had caused tremendous alarm to the general public,” Derilo said.

The unauthorized release of the memorandum is now being investigated, according to him.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121148

PNP aids ex-child warrior in filing rap vs. NPA recruiters

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2020): PNP aids ex-child warrior in filing rap vs. NPA recruiters (By Sarwell Meniano)

SEEKING JUSTICE. A photo of Jake de la Cruz alias “Ka Anda” when arrested during an operation of the Philippine Army on June 1, 2020. He filed on Nov. 5 a complaint against recruiters of the New People's Army who deceived him. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 20th Infantry Battalion)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed to assist a former child warrior who filed a human trafficking complaint against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who recruited him.

PNP Northern Samar provincial director, Col. Arnel Apud, said Sunday they are committed to help the former child warrior in his quest to seek justice against NPA recruiters who deceived him.

Jake de la Cruz alias “Ka Anda”, who used to live in a remote village in Northern Samar, said the NPA took advantage of his young age and convinced him to join the armed rebellion for a better future.

In a statement, Apud said he had ordered the women and children protection desk to assist "Ka Anda" in filing charges against the NPA members.

On Nov. 5, “Ka Anda” filed a complaint against two NPA recruiters for violation of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti- =Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 before the Prosecutor’s Office of Laoang, Northern Samar.

De la Cruz's exact age has to be determined since he has no birth registration record.

The minor is one of the three armed rebels arrested during the strike operation of the Philippine Army in the upland Epaw village, Las Navas, Northern Samar on June 1, 2020.

Government troops recovered two improvised explosive devices, a caliber .45 pistol, a magazine with six live ammunition, and a sling bag containing PHP15,000 cash.

“Ka Anda” said the NPA promised him to be sent to school, but he was treated like a laborer, accompanying rebels while collecting food and money from villagers.

“This kind of recruitment is alarming. I am reminding all parents to be watchful of our children. We cannot allow this kind of deceptive recruitment of NPA to the youth. I urge you to immediately report to the authorities if similar activities occur in your communities,” Apud added.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization in the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121161

8 rebels yield in Guihulngan City

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2020): 8 rebels yield in Guihulngan City (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

VOLUNTARY SURRENDER. One of eight members of the New People's Army (NPA) who surrendered in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental is shown as he turns over his firearm to authorities on Sunday (Nov. 8, 2020). The Philippine Army said this is a result of continuing government efforts to end insurgency and obtain lasting and sustainable peace. (Photo courtesy of 62nd IB, Philippine Army)

Eight members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental have surrendered to authorities over the weekend, a report from the Philippine Army on Monday said.

They were identified as “Ka RR”, Squad 1 member, Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) Platoon, Central Negros 1 operating under the Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor of the Leonardo Panaligan Command-NPA; and Yunit Militia members Romeo Barbaquil alias "Ka Sammy", Allan Alpas Estrada, Marlou E. Estrada, Reynaldo B. Delantes, Mariano C. Libaton alias "Ka Moloy", Arlita P. Jabalde, and Bernaldo V. Besario, alias "Ka Bobby".

The Army's 62nd Infantry Battalion said the rebels surrendered on Sunday to the Guihulngan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC).

City Mayor Carlo Jorge “Guido” Reyes was present, along with police and military officials and other task force members during the surrender.

Ka RR turned over a .38-caliber revolver with six rounds of live ammunition; Ka Sammy surrendered two .357-caliber revolvers with 11 rounds of live ammunition; and Allan Estrada a .38-caliber revolver with six rounds of live ammunition.

Records show that since August, the number of suspected NPAs who surrendered in Guihulngan City has reached 42.

Lt. Col. Melvin Flores, acting commanding officer of the 62nd IB, was quoted as saying that he appreciated the initiative of the former rebels, noting that this is the outcome of proper information provided to the people and the collaboration among Guihulngan TF-ELCAC members.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121244

Another ranking NPA leader yields in MisOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2020): Another ranking NPA leader yields in MisOcc (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Another ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader has surrendered due to the relentless military operations against them in Misamis Occidental, officials said Monday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), identified the NPA surrenderer as Mary Grace Tamapad Buhawi, who surrendered Saturday afternoon to the troops of the 10th Infantry Battalion in Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental.

Vinluan said Buhawi, 23, was the platoon leader for Guerrilla Front Sendong of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Buhawi, according to Vinluan, surrendered following the series of combat operations that made it difficult for her and her team to move from one place to the other.

“We were starving because we have limited food supply, and we are experiencing a lot of hardships moving from one place to another,” Buhawi was quoted as saying by the military official in vernacular.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Joint Task Force ZamPelan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao Provinces) commander, said the military continues to welcome more NPA surrenderers "who signify intent to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law."

Buhawi is the second-ranking NPA leader who surrendered in Misamis Occidental this month.

On Nov. 4, 24-year-old Cirilo Biosa Sumibay, an NPA team leader, also surrendered to military authorities in the province.

“We believe that it is always best that the members of the different terrorist groups are neutralized through surrender and without firing a single bullet,” Vinluan said as he commended the Joint Task Force Zampelan for the accomplishment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121196

AFP aids in transport of PhilSys registration kits

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 7, 2020): AFP aids in transport of PhilSys registration kits (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) aided the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) by starting the transport and distribution of the National Identification System (PhilSys) registration kits to 32 provincial offices of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Friday.

This after Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana approved the request of Acting NEDA Secretary Karl Kendrick Chua, who sought AFP logistics and transport support for more than 4,000 registration kits to 655 cities and municipalities in target provinces, the military said in a statement Saturday.

The request aimed to ensure safe and secured transport of PhilSys registration kits, considering the limitations in interisland and provincial transportation as the community quarantine nationwide is still in effect.

The registration kits that were turned over to the AFP from NEDA last October 30, were delivered to the PSA head office in Diliman, Quezon City on November 6.

These are expected to arrive in its target provinces on or before November 12. From the PSA head office, these kits will be distributed to AFP major services.

The Philippine Army was tasked to provide logistics support and deliver the kits to PSA provincial offices in Luzon, while the Philippine Navy for the Visayas, and the Philippine Air Force for PSA provincial offices in Mindanao.

Upon reaching the delivery hubs, which are mostly in military camps, these kits will be turned over to Unified Commands and take over the distribution as well from AFP major services.

Finally, these kits will be handed over to 32 PSA provincial offices nationwide. Registration kits are expected to reach its destination before the conduct of training for the PhilSys registration operations.

Meanwhile, AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay said the national ID system will promote a peaceful and secure environment as criminals, terrorists and other lawless elements will find it difficult to assume fake identities to commit crime and terrorism in the community.

“The National ID System will help us and other law enforcement agencies to curb criminality and terrorism as we can now validate and expose criminals’ identities and prevent them from hiding in other law-abiding citizens’ identities. This will also constrain and lose their freedom of movement, and they will be isolated and unable to transact business as no official identification can be presented when demanded,” he said.

Gapay said the new identification system will contribute to the whole nation's efforts of the government in ending local communist armed conflict.

"The national government may now efficiently distribute and deliver government services to its rightful recipient even in far-flung areas. The CTG (communist terrorist group)'s can no longer use the inefficient delivery of government services as a reason to deceive and recruit unknowing Filipinos,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121100

ASG member killed in clash with police in Zamboanga

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 8, 2020): ASG member killed in clash with police in Zamboanga (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

ASG TERRORIST. Firearms recovered after a police operation was conducted to arrest Abu Sayaff Group member Salip Adzhar Alidjam in his residence in Zamboanga Sibugay on Saturday (Nov. 7, 2020). Alidjam was killed in the operation. (PNP photo)

A member of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed during a police operation in Zamboanga Sibugay, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) said on Sunday.

In a report to Camp Crame, PNP-AKG chief Brig. Gen. Jonel Estomo identified the fatality as Salip Adzhar Alidjam, a resident of Barangay Musso, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay and known in the area as armed and dangerous.

Alidjam is a member of ISIS/ASG, under the leadership of Alhabsi Misaya, whose group has been involved in a series of kidnapping incidents in the past.

The ASG member was positively identified by a kidnap victim, Indonesian Herman Manggak, who was kidnapped in 2016 and was released after paying PHP4 million ransom.

Estomo said the police operation was conducted on Saturday as the PNP-AKG, in coordination with various local law enforcement units, served a search warrant against the suspect for illegal possessions of firearms and explosives.

After sensing the presence of the police operatives, Alidjam quickly went inside his room and fired upon the lawmen prompting authorities to retaliate that led to the death of the suspect.

Authorities recovered one hand grenade, a .45-caliber pistol, one Garand rifle, and ammunition from the crime scene.

The cadaver was properly turned over to the immediate family for disposition based on the Muslim tradition, according to the report.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121120

DND to hold 81st anniversary activities online

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2020): DND to hold 81st anniversary activities online (By Priam Nepomuceno)

All activities related to the observation of the Department of National Defense's (DND) 81st founding anniversary this month will be done virtually as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

"Amid the challenges posed on public health by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Department of National Defense is slated to commemorate its 81st founding anniversary through a series of activities facilitated online, starting on Monday, 9 November 2020," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement.

The DND commemorates its founding anniversary every November, pursuant to Commonwealth Act No.1, or the National Defense Act of 1935, signed by then President Manuel Quezon and enacted on November 1, 1939.

Online celebration activities include Monday's flag-raising ceremony was attended by personnel from the DND and its bureaus – the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Government Arsenal (GA), the National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.

This was followed by a thanksgiving Mass held at the DND Building in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. All events were streamed on the official Facebook page of the DND (facebook.com/DNDPHL).

The DND will also hold an online forum titled "Continuity in the Evolving New Normal: The Philippines' National Security Challenges in the South China Sea" from November 9 to 10 to give its personnel an understanding and update of the country's claims on the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, the webinar "Talakayang Pang Kapayapaan: An Online Forum on the DND's Role in the NTF-ELCAC" set on November 12, meanwhile, shall discuss the DND’s roles, accomplishments, and ways forward relative to the implementation of Executive Order 70 (s. 2018).

The discussion will primarily focus on the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS), and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and Amnesty Program (EAP) Lines of Effort.

Marking the milestone with the theme “DND @ 81: Nagtatanggol at kumakalinga sa gitna ng pandemya”, the DND shall also confer awards to its outstanding employees across various categories and bureaus.

The awarding will be also held online on November 13 and the ceremony will be streamed live via the DND's official Facebook page.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121160

DND continues to protect PH sovereignty despite Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2020): DND continues to protect PH sovereignty despite Covid-19 (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

The Department of National Defense (DND) continues to secure the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity while being preoccupied with helping the national government contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

"(Not) withstanding our preoccupation with Covid-19 response we have fulfilled our strategic priorities. This includes securing the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State, promoting internal stability attaining the highest standard capability and preparedness on disasters to sustaining operations in support to global peace and security and pursuing good government," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in his speech Monday during the virtual celebration of the agency's 81st anniversary.

Lorenzana said this includes the construction of vital infrastructures in the Kalayaan Island Group, Batanes Group of Islands, Sulu Sea, Philippine Rise, and the West Philippine Sea for territorial defense operations.

"In compliance with the President's instructions, the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) also strengthened its presence in the country's eastern seaboard in Fuga Island, (also) we now have a beaching ramp and seaport in the municipality of Pag-asa, this would allow heavy equipment to be brought in for the repair of the airfield and now the materials to improve the living conditions of our troops and civilian citizens living there,'' he added.

Lorenzana also reported that the AFP's air domain coverage in the West Philippine Sea has increased from 27 percent to 57 percent in 2019.

"This was due to our air defense surveillance radars, surveillance aircraft, and long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles," he added. Lorenzana also considered a milestone for AFP the delivery of the corvette BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39) in 2019 and missile-frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) last May as it reinforces the capabilities of the Philippine Navy (PN).

"Likewise, our brand new 'Super Tucano' close-air-support aircraft (deliveries completed last October) would replace the 'Bronco' OV-10 attack aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in close combat support and strike missions," he said.

Lorenzana also cited gains against communist and local terrorist groups as the AFP neutralized thousands of enemies and seized a "sizeable" number of firearms, improvised explosive devices, and anti-personnel mines during the first half of 2020.

"Our troops destroyed hundreds of enemy camps and strongholds and cleared the highest number of guerrilla fronts in the past decade. Three additional fronts were dismantled this year," he added.

As a member of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Lorenzana said the DND-led lines of efforts were also commendable as about 14,000 communist insurgents have returned peacefully to mainstream society or the folds of the law.

Many were given reintegration assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

"Moreover, we pursued the expansion of our bilateral and multilateral engagement to further promote our national interest and international peace. Closer ties have been fostered with South Korea and Japan making us the first ASEAN member state to receive excess Japanese defense equipment. Complementing this, we commenced cooperation with non-traditional partners like Israel, Jordan, Sri Lanka, and Croatia," Lorenzana said.

The DND commemorates its founding anniversary every November, pursuant to Commonwealth Act No.1, or the National Defense Act of 1935, signed by then President Manuel Quezon and enacted on November 1, 1939.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121184

Duterte appoints Sinas as PNP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2020): Duterte appoints Sinas as PNP chief (By Azer Parrocha)

Newly-designated PNP chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed National Police Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, as Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that Sinas’ appointment will be effective Nov. 10, 2020.

“Tinalaga po ni Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte si Debold Menorias Sinas bilang bagong Philippine National Police chief effective po bukas Nov. 10, 2020 (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has appointed Debold Menorias Sinas as new Philippine National Police chief effective tomorrow, Nov. 10, 2020),” he said in a Palace press briefing.

Asked for Duterte’s reason for appointing Sinas, Roque said it is “presidential prerogative”.

“Presidential appointments are really very executive in character. It is a prerogative of the President and he need not make any explanation for his appointment,” he said.

Roque assured that Duterte looked into Sinas’ track record and contribution to the administration’s aggressive anti-illegal drugs campaign.

He described Sinas as an “anti-drug crusader”.

He said Duterte’s marching order to Sinas is to continue the government’s campaign against illegal drugs and ensuring that the country is a safe place to live in.

“Ipagpatuloy pa rin ang war on drugs at ipagpatuloy pa rin ang gains na nakamit natin sa larangan ng peace and order na pinatunayan ng survey ng Gallup poll na number 12 tayo sa buong daigdig na pinaka safe na lugar (Continue the war on drugs and continue the gains we acquired in the field of peace and order which was proven by the Gallup poll wherein the Philippines was ranked as number 12 safest country in the world),” he said.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año agreed with Roque that the President has “absolute prerogative” to appoint the PNP chief from among the current PNP Generals.

“Police Maj. Gen. Sinas is qualified for the position. I expect Gen. Sinas to lead the PNP with intensity in the fight against illegal drugs, criminalities, extremists and communist bandits/terrorists," he said.

Año also said Sinas must “set the standards on the performance and discipline making every policeman counts while leaving no room for scalawags”.

Sinas will be replacing outgoing Gen. Camilo Cascolan.

Sinas, who hails from Butuan City, is an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Hinirang Class of 1987.

Before his appointment as Metro Manila police chief in October 2019, he also served as director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO 7), deputy regional director for administration of the PRO 12 (Soccsksargen), and director of the PNP Crime Laboratory.

He will serve as head of the police force until May 2021.

‘Not perfect’

Last May 8, Sinas drew flak for over his pre-birthday celebration at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City that allegedly violated quarantine protocols.

Duterte refused to sack Sinas, because he believed Sinas was a “good and honest” officer.

Roque acknowledged that Sinas was “not perfect”, but insisted that he is Duterte’s “most-trusted” person for the job.

“Hindi man perpekto po si Chief Sinas ay napa-bilib po niya si Presidente sa kaniyang dedikasyon dito sa laban sa pinagbabawal na gamot (Chief Sinas may not be perfect, but he impressed the President with his dedication on the campaign against illegal drugs),” he said.

He urged the public to “trust” the President’s judgement.

“Naniniwala po si Presidente na magiging epektibo po si Chief Sinas sa kaniyang bagong katungkulan (The President believes that Chief Sinas will be effective in his new position) and let’s trust the President in his decision,” Roque said.

Roque said Sinas has six months to prove himself as a worthy head of the country’s police force.

“Let’s give him a chance and he has six months to prove his worth. Let’s see if after six months he will inspire people,” he added.

He also assured that Sinas' appointment will not free him from charges for violating quarantine protocols.

“That’s not how our laws operate,” he said.

Thankful

Cascolan, meanwhile, said he is thankful for the opportunity to serve the people despite having only a more than two-month stint.

"At least we have done so much for two months, we have proven a lot and if ever, tuloy tuloy pa rin ho ang ating trabaho (and our job will continue). I am happy because I was given the chance and never expected it because it was just two months away from my retirement,” Cascolan told reporters in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

He also shrugged off rumors that he would be heading to the Bureau of Customs after his retirement on Tuesday.

Asked what could he consider as his legacy, he said it is the localization program for the policemen or assigning them nearer to their areas of residence.

"You have basically given them what they want and they will work hard for it," he said.

Cascolan believed that when police officers are assigned near or in the area of their residence, they are able to do their jobs better.

He, meanwhile, added that many things were accomplished in the aspect of getting rid of illegal drugs in the community.

Based on the latest data from the PNP, 357,069 suspects were arrested, 7,987 were killed and 1,290,768 surrendered in 234,036 anti-illegal drug operations conducted from July 2016.

Cascolan is the fourth member of PMA Class 1986 to be appointed as Chief PNP. The first was now Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Oscar Albayalde, and Archie Gamboa.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121181

BRP Pangasinan carries relief personnel, goods to Catanduanes

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2020): BRP Pangasinan carries relief personnel, goods to Catanduanes (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday said that one of its patrol corvettes, the BRP Pangasinan (PS-31), has successfully transported military personnel and relief goods to "Rolly"-devastated Catanduanes last November 7.

This was said by PN public affairs office chief Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas when sought for updates on the Navy's relief efforts for the areas severely affected by the super typhoon Monday.

She added that the ship's transported troops from the 9th Infantry Division and the Philippine Army construction company along with Philippine National Police (PNP) and Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) personnel to Virac town along with assorted relief goods on November 7, leaving Legazpi City, Albay on November 6.

Roxas said the ship immediately departed from Virac on the same day after unloading its passengers and cargo and proceeded to Masbate to seek shelter there due to the series of typhoons.

After the weather cleared on November 8, the BRP Pangasinan arrived in Legazpi City and is now proceeding to Cebu as of this posting.

BRP Pangasinan arrived in Legazpi City last November 5 after departing from Lapu-Lapu City November 4 transporting some 40 tons of relief goods collected through the initiatives of the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) and in coordination with Naval Forces Central and different local government agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs) in the Central Visayas area.

Meanwhile, landing craft BRP Tausug (LC-295) arrived at the Castilla seaport in Sorsogon last November 6, carrying some 13 tons of cargoes consist of tents, folding canvasses, 60 sacks of rice, 2 sacks of used clothing, and 1000 packs of relief goods.

The ship departed Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite City on November 4.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121192

Lacson backs P16-B NTF-ELCAC budget for 2021

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 9, 2020): Lacson backs P16-B NTF-ELCAC budget for 2021 (By Benjamin Pulta)

Senator Panfilo Lacson. (File photo)

Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday backed the proposed budget for 2021 of the government's task force to end communist insurgency.

"I'll join Senate President Sotto's call to retain the PHP16.4-billion allocations to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)," Lacson said in a statement.

Lacson, in explaining his decision to support the budget, pointed out that the fund "is not even at the disposal" of the security sector since it is part of the Special Purpose Fund under the Assistance to Local Government Units (ALGU) and is intended to hold and develop barangays that are cleared of New People's Army (NPA) influence.

The budget will fund development programs such as farm-to-market roads and livelihood, as part of confidence-building to prevent the insurgency problem from returning.

He also hopes that through these programs, affected barangays will no longer be vulnerable to attempts by the NPA to recruit members, especially from indigenous peoples.

"Pagkakataon ito pati sa mga NPA sa mga lugar na ito na magbagong-buhay (This is also a chance for NPA members in these are to lead a new life)," Lacson said.

In a Senate hearing on red-tagging chaired by Lacson last week, it was revealed that the communist terrorist groups (CTG) collect up to PHP300 million annually through extortion from telecommunication companies in the country.

The CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front) can make Smart and Globe pay PHP200 to PHP300 million, said Jeffrey "Ka Eric" Celiz, a former NPA cadre who served the movement for 27 years.

Celiz, said aside from telcos, he added that the NPA can also make "triple A" contractors pay protection money.

The payments, he said, were made through bank remittances transacted outside the Philippines.

He added 40 percent of the protection money goes to CPP central committee while 60 percent goes to regional operations.

Celiz added that the extortion activities “are able to circumvent the Anti-Money Laundering Council” since these funds are coursed through an established network of conduit non-government organizations coming from Belgium and the Netherlands in Europe.

In the same hearing, Senate President Vicente Sotto said the extortion activities by the communist groups could be the reason why telco firms prefer to put up cell sites in military installations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121205

PAF transport aircraft committed for 'Rolly' relief missions: DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6, 2020): PAF transport aircraft committed for 'Rolly' relief missions: DND (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Air Force

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said all available transport aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) would continue ferrying relief supplies and goods to the typhoon-hit province of Catanduanes.

In a televised Cabinet meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday night, Lorenzana said a PAF C-130 aircraft started transporting food items and other essential supplies to the province.

"Doon po sa relief operations sa Catanduanes, nag-umpisa na pong maghakot ‘yung ating C-130 kahapon ng mga foodstuff at saka iba pang mga supplies para doon at tutuloy po ito hangga’t kinakailangang pumunta roon (On the ongoing relief operations in Catanduanes, our C-130 yesterday has started ferrying foodstuff and other supplies and this will continue as long as it needed)," Lorenzana said.

He added that the PAF has allocated two heavy-lift C-130 and four C-295 medium transport aircraft for the transport of relief supplies.

Lorenzana added that military personnel in Southern Luzon and those in Bicol are now coordinating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Energy (DOE) for the repairs of damaged roads and electrical facilities.

Meanwhile, he said troops in Northern Luzon are on standby for possible relief missions in areas in Cagayan Valley, particularly Batanes, in response to the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Siony.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120955

AFP exerts efforts to curb terror propaganda on socmed

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 6, 2020): AFP exerts efforts to curb terror propaganda on socmed (By Priam Nepomuceno)

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

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday said it is sparing no effort to curb terrorist activities and propaganda on social media.

“The AFP shall ensure that terrorists will not be able to use social media as means to advance the ends of terrorism, recruit new members, and generate financial support,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a press statement.

Gapay's assurance came following the first in a series of virtual training by the military with social media giant Facebook on Friday.

Over 60 participants including social media managers and information personnel from various AFP units and offices nationwide attended the event. They were trained about Facebook’s community standards and law enforcement policies.

“The AFP views Facebook along with other social networking sites as platforms to disseminate accurate information that would empower our people to see through the lies, and reject terrorist organizations masquerading as pro-people,” Gapay said.

He added that Facebook could be the medium that will help consolidate the peoples’ support to the AFP whose mandate is to protect and defend the state against various threats to peace and security.

“The AFP looks forward to conducting more training with Facebook to better equip its personnel in honing the strengths of social media as a platform to push forward the government’s national development campaigns,” Gapay said.

Speakers in the two-hour webinar Jan Edward Lim, Content Policy Manager, and Rob Abrams, Law Enforcement Outreach Manager. Also present were Clare Amador, Head of Public Policy; Chris Kuzhuppilly, Public Policy Manager; and Bhume Bhumiratana, Cybersecurity Policy Manager.

Leading the participants from the military was AFP public affairs office Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata. Amador and Kuzhuppilly are from Facebook Philippines while Abrams, Lim, and Bhumiratana are from Facebook Asia Pacific.

Lim, who discussed the social network’s community standards, said the core of developing their policy is anchored on authenticity, voice, safety, privacy, and dignity.

These are the same concepts being advocated by the military through its AFP Social Media Use and Policy published in November 2016.

This letter directive sets the general and specific policies for both the institution as well as the personal utilization of social media platforms by the AFP and its personnel.

Also discussed in the webinar was Facebook’s thrust toward preventing the presence of violent extremists on Facebook.

So far, Facebook, which is part of the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism, said it has taken down 8.7 million posts related to terrorist propaganda, support, recruitment, and attack planning.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1121028