Tagalog News: RAdm. Ramil Roberto B. Enriquez, bagong Wescom Commander

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 27, 2020): Tagalog News: RAdm. Ramil Roberto B. Enriquez, bagong Wescom Commander (By Orlan C. Jabagat)

Sina Outgoing Commander Lt. Gen. Erickson T. Gloria at Incoming Commander RAdm. Ramil Roberto B. Rodriguez, sa isinagawang Change of Command ng Western Command (WESCOM) kamakailan. (Larawan mula sa WESCOM)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Nob. 27 (PIA) -- Opisyal nang nanungkulan bilang bagong Commander ng Western Command (WESCOM) si Rear Admiral Ramil Roberto B. Enriguez, pagkatapos ng isinagawang Change of Command kamakailan sa Rizal Reef Hall sa Wescom Headquarters.

Ang Change of Command ay pinamunuan ni AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert I. Gapay sa pamamagitan ng zoom.

Si RAdm. Enriquez ay kabilang sa 1988 Maringal Class ng Philippine Military Academy (PMA) at siya ay mula sa hanay ng Philippine Navy.

Pinalitan nito si Lt. Gen. Erickson T. Gloria na na-promote bilang Vice Chief of Staff ng Armed Forces of the Philippines. Si Lt. Gen. Gloria ay nanungkulan lamang ng anim na buwan bilang Wescom Commander.

Si RAdm. Enriquez naman ang ika-34 sa hanay ng mga miyembro ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas na naging Wescom Commander.

Bago ito naging Wescom Commander ay pinamunuan din nito ang Naval Task Force 41 ng Naval Foces West. Pinamunuan din niya ang iba’-ibang Naval Task Group sa Mindanao.

Naging Commanding Officer din ito ng iba’t-ibang barko ng Philippine Navy tulad ng BRP Cebu (PS28), BRP Bonny Serrano (PG111), BRP Alberto Navarette (PG-394), at BRP Federico Martir (PG-385).

Sa kanyang talumpati, ipagpapatuloy nito ang mga kasalukuyang polisiya at regulasyon na ipinatutupad na sa Wescom ng mga nagdaang commander maliban na lamang kung may mga bagong direktiba sa hinaharap mula sa kanilang pinakamataas na tanggapan.

Pagtutuunan din nito ng pansin ang career development ng mga opisyal at kawani ng Wescom. Hindi rin nito hahayaan ang mga tauhan ng Wescom na masangkot sa ipinagbabawal na droga, gayundin ang pagmamaneho ng nakainom ng alak. (OCJ)

NPA militia operating in Quezon surrenders firearms, ammunitions to gov't security forces

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 27, 2020): NPA militia operating in Quezon surrenders firearms, ammunitions to gov't security forces (By PA 2ID PDAO) 

Former rebel alias Ben from Barangay Lumutan, Gen. Nakar, Quezon surrendered an M16 rifle, two magazines and ammunitions to government security forces in Barangay Sta. Ines, Tanay, Rizal, Nov. 24, 2020. (Photo & caption: PA 2ID PDAO)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, Nov 27 (PIA) – An NPA militia operating in the areas of Quezon surrendered an M16 rifle, two magazines and ammunitions to government security forces in Barangay Sta Ines, Tanay, Rizal on Tuesday, November 24.

This development came after government forces responded through relief and other post-disaster operations after the onslaught of Typhoons Quinta, Rolly, and Ulysses benefitting a total of 200 families in said barangay.

MGen Greg T Almerol, Commander 2ID praised the bravery of the former rebel in surrendering the firearm, taking up the fight against the NPA’s futile armed struggle.

The military identified the former rebel as alias Ben from Barangay Lumutan in General Nakar, Quezon.

During an interview, Alias Ben claimed the rifle and magazines were entrusted to him by alias Luis, an NPA personality operating in the hinterlands of Quezon for safekeeping.

Ben decided to turn over the rifle when he realized that the NPAs continuously failed to provide support for his family.

“Soldiers were the ones who were there when we needed them,” Ben added.

Meanwhile, Almerol commended the soldier’s rapid disaster response to the areas devastated by the typhoons.

“Your soldiers will always be one with you in times of catastrophe. You can always count on us,” he said.

The 2ID is very vocal in its call for the remaining NPA terrorists to lay down their arms, surrender, and avail as much as PhP 700,000 worth of E-CLIP grants, which will help in their reintegration to mainstream society. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060246

DOST implements CEST projects in 15 ELCAC barangays in Kalinga

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 27, 2020): DOST implements CEST projects in 15 ELCAC barangays in Kalinga (By Peter A. Balocnit) 

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga, Nov. 27 (PIA) - - The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is implementing Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) projects in 15 End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) barangays in the province.

These various projects approved by DOST cover economic development, health and nutrition, human resource development, environment protection and conservation, disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRRM-CCA) entry points.

Total projects cost PhP2, 297,989.06 including PhP439, 400.00 local government unit counterpart. DOST approved requested budget sums up to PhP1, 858,589.06.

Proponent beneficiaries are barangays Mabaca, Balantoy, Gawaan, Ababaan, Daoangan, Maling in Balbalan; Tanglag, Western Uma, Upper Uma, and Lower Uma in Lubuagan; Baay, Apatan, Wagod and Ammacian in Pinukpuk and Guinaang in Pasil.

DOST Provincial Science and Technology Center Specialist Engineer Ralf Sapi-il, in his presentation during the National Science and Technology Week at the Davidson Hotel, said the implementation started third quarter of this year and targeted for completion by second quarter of 2021.

Technology trainings are being implemented in barangays Daoangan, Maling, Gawaan, and Lower Uma; skills training on food processing in Upper Uma; soap making, black smith in Western Uma; skills training on soap making packaging and labeling in Gawaan; skills training on bread pastry in Guinaang while Apatan and Ammacian are for 120 days supplemental feeding of children.

Sapi-il said some ELCAC barangays in the municipalities of Balbalan, Lubuagan and Pasil opted for the deployment of RxBox while others proposed STARBOOKS with solar panel, and laboratory analysis for water.

The RxBox project aims to provide rural health units in identified Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas with a medical device that can be used for diagnostic procedures as well as Electronic Medical Record which can be utilized for the storage and referral of clients' medical records.

Pinukpuk and Pasil CEST communities also requested for the conduct of forum on DRRM and CCA and training while

Tanglag in Lubuagan proposed equipment for solid waste management, Ababaan proposed for hand-held i-com and radio base while Baay for flood early warning system. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060281

Army uncovers rebel armaments

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 27, 2020): Army uncovers rebel armaments (By Oliver T. Baccay)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Nov. 27 (PIA) - - The army troops of the 501st Infantry Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army have discovered war weaponry believed to be of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating at Sitio Rissik, Barangay Mabuno in Gattaran town this province.

In the report of the army, some concerned residents have disclosed the whereabouts of the war materials to the joint operatives of the 501st Brigade composed of soldiers from the 77th and 17th Infantry Battalions.

Upon validation, the ‘Valiant Startroopers’ uncovered arms cache containing one M16 rifle, five units of shotgun, two hand grenades, one rifle grenade, four ammunitions of mortar, 10 rounds ammunition of caliber 45, 107 ammunitions of M16 rifle, two blasting caps, three improvised explosive devices, two handheld radios and 85 pieces of propaganda leaflets.

The team also discovered five dental/tooth extraction tools, four pieces of syringe, 14 liters of ammonium nitrate, two dextrose, two disposable gas sterile, a pair of rainboots, and three packs of pads.

Major General Laurence E Mina, commander of 5ID, said that the cooperation of the populace in the community in revealing the locations of the NPA’s war material is a manifestation of their aspiration to end the deception and abuse of the insurgents. MGen Mina further lauded the troops for the successful operation conducted leading to the discovery of the war materials. (MDCT/OTB/PIA-Cagayan with reports from Maj. Jekyll Julian Dulawan/PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060240

51st Engineer Brigade ensures brgy dev’t programs in 2021

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 27, 2020): 51st Engineer Brigade ensures brgy dev’t programs in 2021 (By Venus May H. Sarmiento)

MANAOAG,Pangasinan, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The 51st Engineer Brigade is bent on ensuring that development programs in remote barangays will be given priority in 2021.

Lt. Col. Domingo Mestiola, Jr., chief of staff of Commander PBGen. Lyndon Sollesta of the 51st EB, said the development programs are part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) of ensuring that no barangay will be left behind.

“Tuloy-tuloy ang pagtulong natin sa remote areas. Ang hindi maabot ng mga contractors, ang gagawa ay ang mga Army Engineers para patuloy na madevelop ang mga barangays,” Mestiola said during the Kapihan sa Pangasinan conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Friday.

On deck for the first month of 2021 are the construction of barangay school buildings, roads, and health centers, he added.

ARMY ENGINEERS. Lt. Col. Domingo Mestiola, Jr, (right) chief of staff of Commander PBGen. Lyndon Sollesta of the 51st Engineer Brigade said the Brigade is bent on ensuring that development programs in remote barangays will be given priority in 2021. He said the development programs are part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) of ensuring that no barangay will be left behind. (RPM/PIA)

Meanwhile, LTC Mestiola said concerns of Army Engineer support during calamities are part of the Humanitarian Assistance Disaster (HAD) Plan of the Brigade.

“Inherent sa mga sundalo ang magbigay ng assistance especially during disaster and calamities. Bago pa man dumating ang sakuna ay nakahanda na ang inyong kasundaluhan. Sa 51st Engineer Brigade, kami ang una sa mga disaster sites dahil kami ang nagcle-clear ng mga kalsada para madaaanan ng mga rescuers at mga nasa relief operations,” Mestiola added.

In a separate interview, Major Amadeo Panlilio, commander of the 51st Engineer Support Battalion (ESB) based in Manaoag town, said he is happy with the unit’s Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board (MSAB) which is very active in outreach programs.

“The MSAB meets regularly to discuss programs and initiatives na makakatulong sa mga sundalo at sa komunidad,” Maj. Panlilio said.

The 51st ESB, he said, is also gearing up towards the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) 2028 which pursues to develop a world class army that is a source of national pride. (JCR/JPD/VHS, PIA Pangasinan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060268

Gapay lauds AFP Leadership Development Center on its 2nd Founding Anniversary

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 27, 2020): Gapay lauds AFP Leadership Development Center on its 2nd Founding Anniversary (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert I. Gapay (center) with the men and women of the AFP Leadership Development Center during its 2nd Founding Anniversary celebration. (Photo credit: AFP PAO)

PASIG CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert I. Gapay attended the 2nd Founding Anniversary of the AFP Leadership Development Center (AFPLDC) as the Keynote Speaker on Wednesday, Nov 25.

Present in the activity were the AFP Spokesperson and Commander of the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC) Major General Edgard A. Arevalo and AFPLDC Director Captain Andro Val B Abayon who welcomed the Chief of Staff at the Manipula Hall of AFPETDC in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

With the theme, “Leading The Way Towards Filipino Military Leadership”, the AFPLDC under the AFPETDC aims to continue their mandate of nurturing AFP leaders whose attributes represent the best of the Filipino.

“Your anniversary theme not only underscores your exemplary performance and stellar achievements in the past year, but also sets the tone for the jumpstart for this center to grab opportunities to further refine your method of operations in the coming years,” Gapay said in his speech.

A blessing ceremony was conducted on the reconfigured AFPLDC Office to start the program. The AFP Chief of Staff also joined in a tree planting activity in the vicinity of AFPETDC. Thereafter, General Gapay was assisted to a facility tour, which showcased the assets and improvements of the command.

The program also highlighted the AFPLDC’s accomplishments since its establishment.

Meanwhile, stakeholders and outstanding personnel were also given due recognition through an awarding ceremony.

Gapay then congratulated the entire leadership and staff of the AFPETDC and AFPLDC and urge them to put their best foot forward.

“This office provides support to the security sector in reporting the efforts of the defense establishment in developing professional, moral, and ethical AFP leaders. Despite being only on its second year, the men and women behind the AFPLDC has adapted swiftly to the drastic changes in this time of rampant crises,” he said. (AFP PAO/PIA-NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1060273

Soldier dies, another hurt in Lanao Sur air mishap

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27, 2020): Soldier dies, another hurt in Lanao Sur air mishap (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr. and Divina Suson)

Google map of Madalum town, Lanao del Sur.

A soldier died and another was wounded when their rescue helicopter made an emergency landing Thursday in Lanao del Sur due to inclement weather, a military official said.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, 1st Infantry Division commander, on Friday said the fatality was among the four soldiers who sustained wounds in an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion in Madalum, Lanao del Sur.

The other wounded soldier, Ponio said, was part of the helicopter's rescue crew.

Ponio did not identify the fatality but said he belongs to the Army's 55th Infantry Battalion (IB) that pursued the group of Abu Zacaria, a sub-leader of Owayda Benito Marohomsar, also known as Abu Dar, one of the planners of the 2017 Marawi siege.

Ponio said the helicopter was sent to extricate the four wounded soldiers from the blast site and take them to a hospital for treatment.

However, he said the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing around 5 p.m. Thursday in Madalum, Lanao del Sur due to bad weather.

The impact could have killed one of the four injured soldiers, he said, adding that the rest of the troops aboard the aircraft were safe.

Ponio expressed his condolences to the families and friends of the “hero trooper”.

“We have done everything just to save our wounded soldier the fastest way we can through our air assets. Unfortunately, the incident happened,” he said.

“Rest assured that the benefits of the fallen trooper will be taken cared and the financial or other assistance will be given to his immediate family,” he added.

All wounded troopers are being treated in the hospital and “all are in stable condition,” the military official said.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the Army's 103rd Infantry Brigade, said another rescue chopper also made an emergency landing in the same area on Friday morning.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123142

Zambo cops nab NPA, HVI; seize P2.8-M shabu

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27, 2020): Zambo cops nab NPA, HVI; seize P2.8-M shabu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ZAMBOANGA CITY--Policemen have arrested a communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatant and a high-value individual (HVI) in separate anti-drug operations in the region, officials said Friday.

Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr., Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, said NPA rebel Marlon Barol Narciso, who is also listed as an HVI, was arrested by the Regional Drug Enforcement Unit-9 (RDEU-9) in a buy-bust operation on Thursday in Barangay Bigong, Tigbao, Zamboanga del Sur.

Narciso, 33, yielded some PHP6,800 worth of suspected shabu, PHP1,000 marked money, a homemade pistol, ammunition, and other pieces of evidence.

Meanwhile, police identified the other captured HVI as Nadzmin Misba, 27, who was arrested by the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) in a buy-bust operation Thursday evening in Barangay Talon-Talon here.

Capt. Edwin Duco, PRO-9 information officer, said authorities confiscated from Misba's possession some 200 grams of suspected shabu with an estimated value of PHP2.8 million, and other pieces of evidence.

Duco said charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the arrested suspects.

Cambay said additional charges for violation of the Republic Act No. 10591, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, will be filed against Narciso.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123182

AFP intel op vs. NPA in Pangasinan town continues

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27, 2020): AFP intel op vs. NPA in Pangasinan town continues (By Hilda Austria and Jerick James Pasiliao)  

TERRORIST CAMP. A New People's Army (NPA) terrorist camp at Barangay Lawang Langka in Mangatarem town in Pangasinan seized by the Army on Nov. 24, 2020. The intelligence security operation continues to find the NPA members. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANGATAREM, Pangasinan – The Armed Forces of the Philippines' (AFP) conduct of intelligence security operations in the mountainous area in this town continues following the armed encounter against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on Tuesday.

“We just terminated the conduct of combat operations but we are still enhancing our intelligence security operations to find them. Two big enemy encampments hastily abandoned by the terrorist group were discovered at Barangay Lawang Langka. But they have left. Based on reports we received, they splintered into small groups away from the area, some returned to Tarlac and some to Zambales,” said Brig. General Audrey Pasia, Commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade, in an interview on Friday.

Pasia said the group was not from Pangasinan but from Tarlac and Zambales.

“They thought they were safe in the mountainous areas of Pangasinan lying along the provincial tri-boundary of the three provinces. But no, they are not welcome there, not in Pangasinan or any place. The people do not want them anymore, they just threaten the people, but the people are fed up. They are losing support in the barrios and urban areas, even in Congress,” he added.

Pasia urged the terrorist group to denounce the "armed struggle” adding “if they want to have changes in the political leadership, they should wait for elections.”

“We are encouraging the members of the NPA to just return to the folds of the government, there's no use of fighting this government—their government. They should choose peace, instead,” he said.

Pasia added there were no casualties on both sides reported.

Nonetheless, the Army said the operation was not to annihilate the NPA members but to check if any of them needed medical attention and to convince them to return to the government and their families especially this Christmas season.

Public information officer of the AFP-Northern Luzon Command, Maj. Marco Antonio Magisa, said members of the terrorist group wanting to give up the armed struggle could approach their village chiefs, local chief executives, and camps of the military.

“We assure that their rights will be respected and they will be assisted on how to formalize their surrender and how to avail of the grants under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP),” he said in a separate interview.

Magisa said ECLIP provides PHP700,000 worth of benefits that will be given to rebel-returnees.

He said the first they will receive upon surrender is the immediate cash and livelihood assistance amounting to PHP65,000.

“Aside from that, former rebels can also avail of up to PHP400,000 worth of housing,” he said adding the government also extends monetary assistance for firearm remuneration depending on the caliber.

Magisa added that as of October this year, there are already 301 former rebels who benefited from the government grants.

Meanwhile, Magisa said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other government agencies also provide skills and livelihood advancements in accordance with the Executive Order No. 70, or the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

“These are the tangible proof of the sincerity of the government in attaining long-lasting peace and hope with the communist group,” he said.

Magisa said the government is now closer to achieving genuine peace, progress, and prosperity due to the eradication of insurgency in many parts of the country.

“We should work hand-in-hand to stop the fight between Filipinos. The time must come to us as a nation to move forward as a nation and let’s together attain the life we all deserve,” he said.

The Army has been monitoring the movement of the group since a few weeks ago following the report from the community in the area.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123200

Caraga cops nab NPA rebel, 2 wanted persons

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27, 2020): Caraga cops nab NPA rebel, 2 wanted persons (By Alexander Lopez)

The Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) announced Friday (Nov. 27) the arrest of a member of a communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebel and two other individuals considered as most wanted persons in the area.

“The arrests were made in a one-day police operation conducted on Thursday in the different provinces in Caraga,” said Capt. Dorothy M. Tumulak, the public information officer of PRO-13.

Tumulak identified the arrested NPA combatant as Roberto C. España, a resident of San Luis, Agusan del Sur, who is facing charges for murder.

España, 39, is a regular member of Guerilla Front (GF) 88 of the NPA's Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC). He was arrested in a joint police and Army operation in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, Tumulak said.

In Surigao del Sur, police also arrested the sixth most wanted person in the area, identified as Hurry S. Labiste, a resident of Cagayan de Oro City.

Labiste, 42, is facing charges in violation of the Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004, police said.

In Agusan del Norte, police operatives also nabbed the second most wanted person in Buenavista town, identified as Ricky J. Borja, 34, who is facing charges for attempted homicide.

Tumulak said 15 other individuals facing lesser criminal charges were also arrested in separate police operations on Thursday.

PRO-13 director Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat, Jr. underscored the military's support in the police's campaign to put fugitives and NPA rebels behind bars.

“Amidst the pandemic we are facing today, PNP Caraga’s relentless efforts against wanted persons will continue to ensure safety and security in the region,” Caramat said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123189

FP leadership dev't hub adapts to changes, crises

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27, 2020): AFP leadership dev't hub adapts to changes, crises (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

AFPLDC ANNIVERSARY. AFP chief of staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay (left) and AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo grace the second anniversary of the AFP Leadership Development Center (AFPLDC) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday (Nov. 26, 2020). Gapay lauded the personnel of the AFPLDC for being able to quickly adapt to changes and crises. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

The officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Leadership Development Center (AFPLDC) have adapted quickly to changes and crises.

"Despite being only on its second year, the men and women behind the AFPLDC have adapted swiftly to the drastic changes in this time of rampant crises,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in his speech at the second founding anniversary of the AFPLDC in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.

Gapay said this is a great achievement as the AFPLDC is tasked to support the security sector in "reporting the efforts of the defense establishment in developing professional, moral, and ethical AFP leaders."

With the theme “Leading The Way Towards Filipino Military Leadership”, the AFPLDC, which is under the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command (AFPETDC), aims to continue with the mandate of nurturing military leaders whose attributes represent the best of the Filipino.

The AFPLDC is led by Navy Capt. Andro Val Abayon while the AFPETDC is commanded by Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, who is also AFP spokesperson.

“Your anniversary theme not only underscores your exemplary performance and stellar achievements in the past year but also sets the tone for the jumpstart for this center to grab opportunities to further refine your method of operations in the coming years,” Gapay said.

He also congratulated the entire leadership and staff of the AFPETDC and AFPLDC and urged them to put their best foot forward.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123120

Defense leader Naval Group opens Manila office

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27, 2020): Defense leader Naval Group opens Manila office

Photo courtesy of Naval Group

Naval Group, a world leader in naval defense, announced the opening of a representation office in the Philippines to be operated in Manila.

In a news release, the firm said the opening signifies the first step of a long-term commitment of cooperation and partnership in developing naval capabilities for the country.

Naval Group, which is based in France, is a reputable naval systems provider and integrator with a history of more than 400 years in the defense industry.

Partnering with more than 50 navies around the world, Naval Group aims to bring to the Philippines its breadth of experience and unrivaled technical expertise in ships and submarines with combat systems and all critical equipment and services necessary to engage naval power in a theatre of operations.

“We are the only provider with previous experience in helping a country develop a submarine force from scratch and we stand ready to assist the Philippines Navy by providing the submarines but also setting up the training, facilities and supply chain required to operate a fully operational submarine fleet,” says Alain Guillou, Naval Group Senior Executive Vice President Development.

The company’s extensive portfolio opens many opportunities to address the entire range of Filipino naval needs from the development of the naval forces to the constitution of a world-class submarine force.

Naval Group has demonstrated in many countries such as Malaysia, India, and Australia its capability to support military capabilities and economic growth of its partners. The opening of the representative office enables them to identify synergies and partners to support the needs of the Philippine Navy.

“The creation of the submarine force is a fantastic opportunity for us to develop long term partnerships with the local industry where there will be transferring of knowledge and technology that will also create hundreds of jobs for the program and beyond,” said Anne Clausard, Country Head of Naval Group.

The creation of the submarine force is part of the Armed Forces of the Philippine modernization program aiming to protect the nation's maritime sovereignty and interests.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123168

Tiamzon couple's conviction victory for Reds' victims

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27, 2020): Tiamzon couple's conviction victory for Reds' victims (By Priam Nepomuceno and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Military and police officials said Friday the conviction of ranking Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) officials Benito and Wilma Tiamzon on charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention is a victory for the victims of the communist-terrorist group.

In a statement, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said the court decision is a victory for the many victims of the atrocities of the NPA, particularly the orders to conduct murder, arson, extortion, ambushes, bombing, and other activities they orchestrated.

"They were convicted 'beyond reasonable doubt' by the Regional Trial Court 216 of Quezon City for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention," he said.

The couple is also facing multiple murder charges over the Inopacan Massacre where CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison is a co-accused.

They are also charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

"They have violated the provisions of their temporary liberty (as consultants) when they refused to surrender after the peace negotiations failed. But the AFP will continue to hunt them down," Arevalo said.

He said the AFP would continue to strengthen its resolve to bring other criminals to justice in honor of the victims of the violence perpetrated by the CPP-NPA.

"We join the Filipino people in calling for a justiciable end to the armed struggle that has dragged on for decades and claimed thousands of lives," Arevalo said, adding that it is high time for the rest of the CPP-NPA members to abandon the armed struggle and take part in bringing genuine peace and development to the country.

"They can run. But just as justice has caught up on them with this conviction (kidnapping with serious illegal detention), we will nab them soon. By then, they will be back in jail to pay for the crimes they committed against our people through the many atrocities perpetrated by the NPA which acts they planned and orchestrated," he said.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana, called the conviction of the Tiamzon couple a triumph of justice.

"It is also another success story on the efficiency of our prosecutors and investigators who secured the validity of evidence presented during the trial. The court also helped make the justice system work with its verdict. Of course, it is also a manifestation of the sins committed by communist terrorists against our people," Usana said in a statement.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said he was very happy with the conviction of the Tiamzon couple.

"Malaki kasi yung hirap ko diyan sa paghuli niyan (I exerted a lot of effort in capturing them). I was the chief of ISAFP (Intelligence Service of the AFP) when they were arrested in March 2014. I spent (almost) half of my career looking for this couple," Año said.

He said his efforts to track down the Tiamzons started when he was just a military captain.

After hiding for many years, the Tiamzon couple was arrested in Barangay Zaragoza, Cebu City in March 2014.

"I personally led the arrest and it was (a) joint operation of ISAFP and Army Intelligence. This is a great victory because this couple owes so much blood to the Filipino people. They kidnapped and killed so many people and burned so many equipment," Año said, noting that the conviction of the couple is proof that "crime does not pay."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123173

Tiamzon couple gets 40 years for kidnapping, illegal detention

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27, 2020): Tiamzon couple gets 40 years for kidnapping, illegal detention (By Benjamin Pulta)

Photo from Facebook

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Friday sentenced two ranking leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to up to 40 years imprisonment for the abduction and more than two-month detention of military personnel who were on furlough in 1988.

In a 19-page decision, RTC Branch 216 Judge Alfonso Cruz II found Benito Tiamzon and his wife, Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, guilty of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and sentenced them to "reclusion perpetua", which spans 20 to 40 years in prison.

They were also ordered to pay the complainant, Lt. Abraham Claro Casis, a total of PHP225,000 in civil indemnity and damages.

The Tiamzon couple was granted bail on Aug. 15, 2016 to attend and participate in a formal peace negotiation in Oslo, Norway.

Both have since failed to appear in court even after the peace negotiations collapsed, their bails canceled, and warrants for their arrest were issued on Aug. 29, 2018.

The Tiamzon couple is also facing multiple murder charges before the Manila RTC over the alleged 1985 purge in Leyte of communist rebels suspected of being military informants, known as the Inopacan massacre.

The complaint stemmed from the discovery of a mass grave in Leyte containing alleged victims of the purge.

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

Casis, in 1988, was a member of the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Division, 42nd Infantry Battalion, Charlie Company stationed in Macalelon, Quezon at the time of his abduction.

He testified that while on rest and recreation leave, he was supposed to travel to Manila to attend a wedding on June 1, 1988 with three other men, Lt. Clarito Santos, Lt. Oscar Singson, and Lt. Rommel Salamanca.

They were in a private car when they were flagged down when they reached the Magnolia Farms somewhere along the boundary of the municipalities of Tiaong and Candelaria by armed men manning a checkpoint who identified themselves as NPA regulars.

They were then moved, first by motor vehicle, and later marched to a house.

At this time, they were joined by another captured military personnel, Sgt. John Jacob, of the now-defunct Philippine Constabulary.

The march continued during daytime from June 1 to 16 until they reached a shoreline where they were made to board a boat for a four-hour trip until they arrived at their destination, referred to as the NPA-controlled Molave Detention Center in the middle of mountains.

They were then placed in wooden cells with plastic roofing.

The area, the complainant said, was manned by at least 30 NPA rebels.

On August 12, they left the Molave Detention Center and were brought to Barangay Mamala, Sariaya, Quezon where they were formally released by the late Gregorio Rosal, also known as "Ka Roger".

During his time in the Molave Detention Cell, Casis said he witnessed Benito, known as "Ka Goryo", and Wilma, known as "Ka Cipring", in regular meetings with media personnel and other officials of the communist-terrorist group, such as Ka Roger, a certain Ka Hector, and Tirso "Ka Bart" Alcantara, who identified himself as field commander.

"The members of the organization, including the accused, conspired to commit the crime charged. Thus, they are responsible for everything done by their confederates, in view of the conspiracy, and considering that the accused appear to be actually the ones who run the organization," the court said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra called the decision a welcome development.

"It's a victory for the prosecution, so as secretary of justice, I am happy about the outcome of the trial," Guevarra said in a message to newsmen.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123172

Tiamzon couple's conviction, a 'triumph' of PH justice system

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 27, 2020): Tiamzon couple's conviction, a 'triumph' of PH justice system (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Malacanang on Friday hailed as a "triumph" of the Philippine justice system the conviction of Benito and Wilma Tiamzon for kidnapping and serious illegal detention of four military personnel in 1988.

"We respect the decision of the Quezon City court convicting Benito and Wilma Tiamzon for a crime that happened in 1988," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

"The long arm of the law has finally caught up with the Tiamzon couple. We, therefore, consider this latest court decision as a triumph of the justice system. It clearly shows that the wheels of justice continue to grind," he added.

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 216, in a decision issued Nov. 27., found the couple guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of kidnapping and serious illegal detention and sentenced them to "reclusion perpetua", which spans 20 to 40 years in prison.

READ: Tiamzon couple gets 40 years for kidnapping, illegal detention

In a separate statement, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the court's decision is a "positive development" towards the elimination of all forms of criminality in the country through a fair and just trial, and under a thriving democracy and independent Judiciary.

"Let this be a reminder to everyone that the Philippines is a republican and democratic country that is governed by the rule of law. The enemies of society and of the government who seek to undermine the integrity of the social order and of the nation’s lawful institutions shall answer for their misdeeds," he said.

"Those who seek to reform the social and political structure must do so in accordance with existing laws. Otherwise, they shall be accountable and punished accordingly," he added.

The Tiamzons, both consultants of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF), walked free in 2016 after being granted bail to attend and participate in a formal peace negotiation in Oslo, Norway.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1123222