BRP Ramon Alcaraz ends patrol missions in Cebu waters

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13, 2021): BRP Ramon Alcaraz ends patrol missions in Cebu waters (By John Rey Saavedra)

PATROL MISSIONS. Central Command chief, Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan (left photo) listens to the briefing from a Navy officer about the combat capabilities of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, during his visit on Friday (Feb. 12, 2021). The Gregorio del Pilar-class warship completed its patrol missions in Cebu and eastern seawaters of the Visayas. (Photos courtesy of Centcom and Navforcen PIO)

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz completed its patrol missions in Cebu and eastern seawaters of the Visayas on Friday with the visit of the Central Command (Centcom) chief on board the warship.

Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Centcom commander, conducted an appreciation visit to the second ship of the Gregorio del Pilar-class OPV (offshore patrol vessels) and received a briefing on the Philippine Navy ship’s capability in securing the territorial waters within the joint area of operation (JAO) in Regions 6,7, and 8.

“The presence of the patrol ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS16) and its conduct of maritime patrol strengthens our position against foreign and internal threats in the Visayas region,” Ancan said in a statement. .

Ancan said being part of the “peacemaker in the Visayas”, BRP Ramon Alcaraz “signifies our preparedness, and (at) the same time, the continuous effort of the AFP, particularly of the Central Command, (in maintaining) peace and continuous development in the Visayas”.

Lt. Commander Neil Rafael Ybera of Naval Forces Central, in a separate statement, said apart from the patrol missions in the eastern seawaters of the Visayas, the patrol vessel also conducted sea lines of communications (SLOCS) activities.

Before patrolling towards the Cebu seawater areas, the vessel conducted maritime territorial defense operations in the eastern seawaters of Samar Island and checked for the presence of unauthorized entry of foreign vessels to guarantee the protection of territory and local fishermen.

The warship is a high-endurance cutter formerly commissioned as United States Coast Guard Cutter Dallas and was later acquired by the government as a commissioned vessel in the Philippine Navy on Nov. 22, 2013 under the excess defense article transfer program.

The vessel is named after Commodore Ramon Alcaraz, a Filipino naval officer known for receiving a silver star medal for heroism and gallantry during World War 2.

She arrived on Feb. 10 and departed the Cebu’s pier located at the back of the Malacañang sa Sugbo (old customs house) shortly after Ancan’s visit.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130544

CPP-NPA-NDF declared persona non-grata in Sipalay City

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13, 2021): CPP-NPA-NDF declared persona non-grata in Sipalay City (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

UNWELCOME. Residents of Sipalay City, Negros Occidental hold a peace parade, rejecting the presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front in the southern Negros city on Friday (Feb. 12, 2021). The parade was part of the activity held in Barangay Gil Montilla covered court, where all the 17 villages of the city publicly declared the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non-grata. (Photo courtesy of 15th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

All 17 villages in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental have declared the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) and its political wing, National Democratic Front (NDF), persona non-grata, the Philippine Amy said in a report on Saturday.

The public declaration was made in a gathering held in the covered court of Barangay Gil Montilla Gil on Feb. 12 after the barangays passed a resolution stating that the communist-terrorist groups are unwelcome in their respective localities.

The activity, attended by local and barangay officials led by Mayor Maria Gina Lizares and city police chief Maj. James Latayon Jr. was participated in by 145 individuals, who also held a peace parade while carrying placards expressing their rejection of the presence of the CPP-NPA-NDF in the southern Negros city.

Col. Leo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, acknowledged the collaborative peace initiatives of all village chiefs under the leadership of Lizares, who chairs the city’s Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC).

“I urge you to be more participative in the whole of government and whole of nation approach to further alienate the public against the communist-terrorists,” he said.

Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, commanding officer of 15th Infantry Battalion based in neighboring Cauayan town, said publicly declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non-grata is a bold move in eradicating and preventing the communist-terrorist group’s influence in Sipalay, the top tourist destination in Negros Occidental known for its beaches and dive sites.

“The activity is a good start in devoting ourselves to being exemplars of peace and development…It lifted our resolve and ensured everyone's commitment in fighting and ending the local communist armed conflict…We need to stand up in this fight against terrorism and work together to ensure the protection of the Sipalaynons and their communities,” he added.

During the program, the village officials were reminded of their duties and responsibilities to ensure the realization and operationalization of the TF-ELCAC at the barangay level and given an orientation on the campaign against insurgency and the Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Each barangay also received the persona non-grata tarpaulin to be mounted in their respective villages.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130567

IP groups hit Cullamat for contributing to system of exploitation

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2021): IP groups hit Cullamat for contributing to system of exploitation (By Che Palicte)

Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat

Indigenous peoples (IP) groups lambasted Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat and individuals whom they said are “pretending to be human rights defenders that had contributed in a system of exploitation.”

The Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) and the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO) criticized Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Cullamat for allowing her daughter to be victimized by the communist terrorist group New People’s Army’s (NPA).

“We condemn the adults pretending to be human rights defenders that had contributed in this system of exploitation like Representative Eufemia Culiamat, whose daughter fell victim to this systematic recruitment and still believes that it is the right of the children to enter the path of violence,” Datu Lipatuan Joel Unad, MIPCEL chairperson and Albin James Binayao, MIPYO chair, said in a statement on Feb. 12.

Jevilyn Campos Cullamat alias “Ka Reb”, 22, a member of the Sandatahan Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) of Guerrilla Front (GF) 19 was killed in an encounter in the hinterlands of Barangay San Isidro, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur in November last year.

“She is a failure as a mother and as a leader. She, for a long time, had exchanged tradition with revolution. The tribe’s elders and leaders are promoters of peace; that’s the essence of why the community chooses leaders,” they said.

In time for the International Day of Condemnation on the use of Child Warriors in Armed Conflict, the IP groups expressed concern about the exploitation of IP children which eventually led them to become child warriors of the NPA.

“We are talking here of our children, brothers, and sisters. We are talking here of Awing Apoga, Asenad Bago, Manuel Salangani and more youth from Talaingod, of Magdalena Gano of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur and of Jocelyn Danwata of Arakan, North Cotabato. We are talking here of the stories of IP pupils brought to the University of the Philippines (UP) in Manila like Michael and Lance,” the statement added.

It also added that at the young age of 10 and 12, they had been recruited to the NPA, bore arms against government forces, got wounded and scarred, saw relatives being killed by their own comrades, and witnessed the horror of wars.

“We also condemn the strongest possible the terroristic and cowardly act of the CPP-NPA-NDF, they who cannot bring their fight to their own home and territories and used our ancestral domains as their battlegrounds. Bringing the curse of death and destruction into our communities and our lives. Cursed that suffered our future, our children,” the statement said.

MIPCEL and MIPYO also sought for the help of the government and international institutions to inform the world of the communist terrorists’ exploitation of IP children in order to bring justice to their children and people.

“(This is) so they will not be victimized into a deception that will make them unconscious supporters of these terrorist organizations,” the statement read.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130606

Troops overrun Dawlah Islamiya lair in Lanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2021): Troops overrun Dawlah Islamiya lair in Lanao (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

FOXHOLE. Government troops overrun a lair with 70-person capacity of the Dawlah Islamiya following air and ground assaults Saturday (Feb. 13, 2021) in Barangay Bawang, Madamba, Lanao del Sur. In photo is one of the makeshift huts with foxholes underneath. (Photo courtesy of the Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

Soldiers are tracking down a group of Dawlah Islamiya terrorists whose lair the troops overran following ground and air assaults in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, officials said Monday.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the troops were on combat operation when they clashed with around 15 terrorists shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday in Barangay Bawang, Madamba.

Vinluan said the terrorists disengaged and hide in their foxholes as fierce gun battle ensued.

The troops pounded the lair with air assault and artillery fires that flushed out the terrorists out of their foxholes.

“We deployed air and artillery troops to conduct assault forcing the enemies to abandon their position,” said Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, commander of the Joint Task Force ZamPeLan (Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces).

After the air and artillery assaults, intermittent firefight ensued and lasted for about six hours and 55 minutes as the terrorists “scattered for survival", Ponio said.

No one from the government side was hurt during the encounter while the number of casualties from the enemy side is yet to be determined.

“Our troops were able to penetrate the enemy’s defensive line through timely and accurate supporting fires,” said Ponio, who is also the 1st Infantry division commander.

The ground troops are from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion, who were supported by the 1st Field Artillery Battalion and Tactical Operations Group-9.

He said the captured lair has 20 foxholes and eight makeshift huts that can accommodate around 70 people.

He said the troops saw several empty shells 7.62-millimeter linked, 40-mm grenade launcher, 5.56-mm and caliber 30 scattered in the area.

Meantime, Vinluan assured that the campaign against terrorism will not falter and “we thank our partner stakeholders for their undying support to all our endeavors.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130629

Village chief slain in Camarines Norte town

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2021): Village chief slain in Camarines Norte town (By Mar Serrano)

A village chief in Labo, Camarines Norte was shot and killed at his residence by three unidentified gunmen on Monday morning, a police report said.

Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-5 (PRO-5) spokesperson, identified the victim as Geoffrey Castillo, 58, of Barangay Macogon.

The report said the victim and his wife were sleeping when the gunmen knocked on their house's door, pretending to be villagers seeking assistance at around 12:30 a.m.

"The victim upon opening the door, one of the attackers armed with a handgun fired several shots and hit the victim in different parts of his body," Calubaquib said.

The suspects fled after the attack. The victim died while being rushed to the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital in Daet town.

Police investigators are still determining the identities of the suspects and the motive of the killing.

Meanwhile, in Cawayan town in Masbate, a minor and his cousin were waylaid by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Barangay Tuburan at around 7:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Noe Conje, 17, died on the spot while his cousin Ana Marie Conje, 23, was wounded in the attack. Both reside in the same village.

A police report said the cousins were riding a motorcycle driven by the victim and traversing a road bound for Barangay Divisoria, when the gunmen fired at them.

Police are still conducting investigation on the incident to identify the suspects and the motive of the attack.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130648

Panglao residents get Valentine treat from Army troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15, 2021): Panglao residents get Valentine treat from Army troops (By John Rey Saavedra)

V-DAY TREAT. Members of the 47th Infantry (Katapatan) Battalion render free haircut to the children of Barangay Tawala, Panglao Island during a Valentine’s Day outreach program on Sunday (Feb. 14, 2021). The soldiers as well as government and private partners visited Tawala, one of the villages in Panglao Island where tourism-related livelihood of the residents was greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo courtesy of 47IB CMO)

Members of an Army battalion and a youth advocacy group on Sunday gifted the residents of a tourist island village in Bohol with a Valentine’s Day treat.

Lt. Col. Allan Tabudlo, commander of the 47th Infantry Battalion (47IB) of the Philippine Army, said they initiated an outreach program to the residents of Barangay Tawala in Panglao town.

The soldiers rendered free haircut and circumcision to the children who also received food as well as Valentine’s gifts from the unit.

The battalion opted to visit the island of Panglao for their civic action mission as the place is reeling from the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, where many locals lost their tourism-related livelihood due to travel restrictions and strict community quarantine protocols.

2Lt. Elma Grace Remonde, battalion civil-military operations officer, said their unit partnered with the Youth for Peace Philippines–Bohol Chapter in the activity supported by the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president of Loon, April Joseph Corciega III, and other private stakeholders.

“The team was able to distribute food packs and gift treats to 200 children and 40 youngsters were circumcised with the help of Dr. Estrella Lim and the Provincial Government’s Medical Outreach Unit,” Remonde told the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

She said the unit was also grateful for the support from the local government unit of Panglao and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Tawala.

“The world is now having its hard times due to the current pandemic making everyone worries their tomorrow. May this simple way of celebration from the 47IB troopers bring love and hope not only for the people of Tawala but also to all Boholanos around the world,” Remonde said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130641

Firearms recovered from Army-NPA clash site in NegOr town

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15,2021): Firearms recovered from Army-NPA clash site in NegOr town (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

RECOVERED. The firearms and other items recovered from the site of a clash between troops of the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB) of the Philippine Army and around six suspected members of the New People's Army in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Sunday (Feb. 14, 2021). Capt. Francis Salcedo, 11IB public information officer, said the encounter occurred following a tip from the community on the presence of armed men in the area. (Photo courtesy of 11IB, Philippine Army)

Government troops of the 11th Infantry Battalion (11IB), Philippine Army, have seized firearms and other items following a brief exchange of gunfire with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Siaton, Negros Oriental on Sunday.

In an interview on Monday, Capt. Francis Salcedo, 11IB public information officer, said the encounter occurred following a tip from the community on the presence of armed men in Sitio Balaskan, Barangay Napacao in Siaton town.

The operating troops engaged more or less six suspected NPA members believed to be remnants of the Southeast Front, Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor (SEF, KR-NCBS), he said.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes after which the suspects fled in different directions, leaving behind some of their belongings which the soldiers recovered.

These include an M16 rifle, one .45 caliber pistol, a laptop, five cellular phones, personal belongings, and “subversive documents”.

Salcedo said the clash site is in the vicinity of another encounter last December that resulted in the death of two suspected NPA members.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the community for providing timely information that led to the successful operation. Another win for the government forces and Negrosanon," Lt. Col. Ramir Redosendo, commanding officer of 11IB, was quoted as saying.

"Your Army in Negros Oriental is determined to end the local communist armed conflict in the province. We will continue to safeguard the people and the community against those who continue to pursue their twisted ideology and sow terror," he added. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130680

Sulu task force training to enhance interoperability

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15,2021): Sulu task force training to enhance interoperability (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.) 

TRAINING EXERCISE. Troops from different military units under the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu undergo a week-long Joint Training Exercise to enhance interoperability as they fight terrorism in the province. In photo are the key officers of the military units under JTF-Sulu on the planning session that took place after the start of the training on Feb. 13, 2021. (Photo courtesy of JTF-Sulu Public Information Office)

Troops belonging to the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu are undergoing a week-long Joint Training Exercise (JTX) to enhance interoperability and strengthen camaraderie.

Dubbed “JTX Lupasug 01-2021”, the training involves the Army, the Navy, and Air Force troops under the JTF-Sulu. It kicked off Saturday and ends Friday, February 19.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, JTF-Sulu commander, said Monday that the JTX was conceptualized even before the command’s interdiction operation called Perfect Storm 2 that led to the neutralization of key Abu Sayyaf Group members on November 3, 2020.

During the operation, seven Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were killed when Army’s Special Forces troops aboard a helicopter gunship and a multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) intercepted a twin-engine speed boat of the ASG off Sulare Island, Parang, Sulu.

The slain ASG bandits were set to stage kidnapping anew when the clash ensued as the troops intercepted them at sea.

“I am very proud of the JTF-Sulu’s notable achievements. Our brave men and women who steered the Perfect Storm operation were able to bring down the terrorists and prevented them from conducting kidnapping activities and other atrocities in northern Mindanao. These accomplishments demonstrate how our collaboration is significantly weakening the terrorists. It also reminds us that we should always gear up and remain focused on our mission, which is to ultimately obliterate the Abu Sayyaf Group and other terrorist groups that continue to threaten our security as a nation,” Gonzales said.

“Through this Joint Training Exercise, let us concentrate on how we can further synchronize our capabilities. While we recognize our cultural and organizational diversities, we should work as one strong JTF-Sulu. Through this exercise, I expect that we will be able to close the land-air-sea gaps, develop solid camaraderie, and together, defeat the scourge of terrorism and usher in lasting peace and development into Sulu,” Gonzales added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130669

5 ex-rebels surrender to authorities in C. Luzon

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15,2021): 5 ex-rebels surrender to authorities in C. Luzon (By Zorayda Tecson)

SURRENDER. Two inactive members of the communist terrorist group Regional Yunit Guerilla surrender to authorities in Zambales on Monday (Feb. 15, 2021). Three other former rebels likewise returned to the fold of law in Aurora province. (Photo courtesy of PRO-3)

Five former members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Central Luzon on Monday.

Brig. Gen. Valeriano T. De Leon, regional director of the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO-3), said the surrenderers were only identified as Joy/Jaster, Ka Edwin/Lando and Ka Eric, former members of Platoon Uno of the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla-Sierra Madre operating in Central Aurora, and Peter and Erwin, both inactive members of the Regional Yunit Guerilla (RYG) operating in Zambales and Pangasinan.

De Leon said the three surrendered in Aurora province while the two yielded to authorities in Zambales.

He said the former rebels also surrendered a home-made shotgun with two live ammunition without serial number and a .38 caliber revolver with three live ammunition also without serial number.

“The five former rebels have returned to the fold of law because they want to have renewed life with their families,” the PRO-3 chief said in a statement.

He said that the PRO-3, together with all member agencies of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict III (RTF-ELCAC III) will continue the whole-of-sector approach against communist terrorists to achieve peace and national unity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130698

Organizations in Capiz denounce communist terrorist group

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15,2021): Organizations in Capiz denounce communist terrorist group (By Perla Lena)

TERRORISM DENOUNCED. Various organizations in Roxas City hold an indignation rally to denounce the communist terrorist group (CTG) on Feb. 12, 2021. The activity is a result of the community support program of the Philippine Army, according to the 3rd Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of the 301st Brigade, Philippine Army)

The community support program (CSP) of the Philippine Army in Roxas City, Capiz has borne fruit with the people in the area denouncing the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Last week, members of the Hugpong Farmers' Association, Baybay Fisherfolk's Association, Baybay Women's Organization, Baybay Youth Organization and Lawis Fishcage Association held an indignation rally marked by the torching of the NPA flag to denounce the communist terrorist group (CTG) in Barangay Baybay, the Philippine Army said in a press statement on Monday, Feb. 15.

In the same occasion, they took their oath of allegiance and promised to support government initiatives and programs.

“We have deployment of our community support program to Roxas City. The community support program is one of our tools in terms of clearing CTG-influence,” said Major Cenon C. Pancito III, spokesperson for the 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), in a phone interview also on Monday.

He added that apart from the "red areas" being influenced by the NPAs, they are also looking at “white areas” or those located in urban areas, where the funds or logistics of NPAs are coming from.

Pancito said the activity was one of the immediate responses that was generated by the implemented CSP.

“The people or organizations within the community should denounce the New People’s Army because our end state is to clear the communities from insurgency,” he said, adding that the holding of an indignation rally, is part of the people's realization that they should not support the CTG.

Pancito said more similar activities are expected in the future.

The Army hopes that the CSP can help in raising public awareness as well as in the “unmasking” of the deceptive tactics of the NPA.

Currently, the CSP is being implemented in Barangays Culasi and Baybay in Roxas City.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130657

Army to exhume remains of teen NPA fighter killed by own comrades

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15,2021): Army to exhume remains of teen NPA fighter killed by own comrades (By Divina Suson and Nef Luczon)

KILLED BY HER OWN COMRADES. Hope Capangpangan joined the New Peoples Army when she was 16 in 2016. Two years later, she was killed by her own comrades for suspicion that she was a government informer. (Photo supplied by 4ID)

The Army's 103rd Brigade (103Bde) is set to exhume the remains of an 18-year-old communist New Peoples Army (NPA) rebel killed two years ago by her own comrades after being suspected as a government informer.

Brig. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo, commanding officer of the Army's 103rd Brigade in Marawi City, said the exhumation of Hope Capangpangan's remains on Tuesday will take place at a hinterland area somewhere in Lanao del Sur with the help of an eyewitness to the victim's killing.

The Army said the eyewitness came forward with the help of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency in Region 10 (NICA-10).

The Army official did not disclose the exact place where Capangpangan's remains were buried but said the area is within the jurisdiction of the 103Bde.

Troops belonging to the Army's 5th Infantry Batallion tasked with exhuming the remains would have to hike for at least 12 hours to reach the burial site.

According to Army information, a former rebel had earlier informed the military about Capangpangan's death, adding that the victim was believed to have been tortured by the rebels to force confession on allegations that she was a government spy.


In a video released by 4ID on February 13, Ricky Capangpangan, the victim's father, said her daughter was recruited by the NPA in 2016 when the latter was just 16-years-old.

Ricky said he managed to speak with his daughter on the phone sometime in 2918, shortly before she was killed.

"She asked how I was. (I told her) I would want for her to take a rest and finish her studies. She said she wanted to come back home, but it was not easy to leave the NPA," he said in vernacular.

According to the 4ID, Ricky was also a former rebel who surrendered to the government in 2018.



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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130692

Groups hit Reds for exploitation, recruitment of youths

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 13,2021): Groups hit Reds for exploitation, recruitment of youths (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

League of Parents of the Philippines and Hands Off Our Children members. (Contributed photo)

The League of Parents of the Philippines (LPP) on Saturday railed against the deceptive schemes of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to recruit more youths to join the communist insurgency.

Remy Rosadio, LPP chair, said the communist groups are also exploiting youths to overthrow the government which has been very visible by the NPA's infiltration of schools, targeting massive recruitment of students to join the armed movement.

"We cannot just sit down and watch the children being victimized by the evil group CPP-NPA-NDF," Rosadio said in a statement on Friday.

She assailed the communist groups' continuous indoctrination of wrong ideologies to the youth to recruit more members of the NPA.

"As mothers, we felt that it is our obligation to protect not only our children but all children nationwide and stop the deceptive recruitment that was happening inside the school campuses," she said.

Rosadio recalled that the LPP's formation was by issues on the CPP-NPA’s supposed recruitment of the youth into the armed movement.

"Since the year 2019, LPP has been going out in the street and not afraid for our security in order to protect our youth and all children nationwide against the deception, lies, and exploitation of the CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal front organization," she said.

Rosadio said they will be relentless in holding series of indignation and picket rallies alongside parents of student activists who were reportedly recruited by progressive youth organizations, to end armed conflict perpetrated by the communist movement.

"We know that our lives will be endangered because we are fighting the communist groups and their allies, but we are not afraid to face them and we will do every possible way to stop the recruitment of the children used as child soldiers by the CPP-NPA-NDF," she said.

Rosadio cited the need to end the deceptions and lies of the communist rebel groups and their legal front-organization, as she urged other parents to be vigilant against the recruitment schemes of the communists.

"In line with the celebration of the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers 2021, I am calling the attention of all parents nationwide, especially those residing in the remote areas in various provinces, to be vigilant and watch their children activities in order to avoid being victimized by the terrorist group CPP-NPA-NDF," she said.

Rosadio called on the government to heighten the protection of children against the lawless elements.

"It is very depressing that the NPA is using children as young as 7 years old to take part in the armed conflict. Let us join hands and protect our children against the atrocities of these terrorists," she said.

Parents' battle vs. terrorists

Meanwhile, the Hands Off Our Children (HOOC) also condemned the CPP-NPA-NDF's recruitment of children into armed revolution.

"We will continue with our advocacy to protect our children and all the youth of this nation against the CPP-NPA-NDF and their allied organizations' deceptive recruitment," the group said.

HOOC vowed to become more aggressive in their fights against communist groups' recruitment schemes.

"We will be more vigilant in fighting against any front organization of CPP-NPA-NDF that radicalizes our youth leading them to participate in the armed struggle," it said.

HOOC said there will be no pause in their call for initiatives to end armed conflicts, particularly in the far-flung communities.

"We will continue to reveal the truth as you will continue to hear our voices, share our stories spread awareness, and protect our children from the terrorist groups," the group said. "Hands Off Our Children will continue to protect and save our children, our youth, our Filipino families and the nation."

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130574

Navy chief willing to be vaccinated in public vs Covid-19

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15,2021): Navy chief willing to be vaccinated in public vs Covid-19 (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

PNA file photo

Philippine Navy (PN) chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, on Monday said he is willing to be vaccinated in public to help appease the Filipinos' hesitancy on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines.

"If ever, I am willing to make my inoculation public to allay fears of our countrymen with Covid vaccines. By making public my vaccination, I believe that I can help the national government build confidence and ease the general public's hesitancy with Covid vaccines," he said.

With the roll-out of the country's coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccination program about to start, Bacordo said they had already identified 641 Navy personnel who are priority for the jabs.

He said these personnel consists of uniformed and non-uniformed medical front-liners.

"The PN has identified 641 medical front-liners (uniformed and non-uniformed) as our first priority for anti-Covid vaccination," he said in response to the Philippine News Agency's queries regarding whether the Navy already has a priority list for the Covid-19 vaccines.

Earlier, the PN said it can deploy its two landing docks equipped with reefers to help Covid-19 vaccines go to remote areas once these become available.

"Ang ating mga LD (landing dock vessels) po ay may mga reefers onboard na maari pong magamit na cold storage, upon orders by higher headquarters po (Our LD have reefers aboard that can be used for cold storage if these ships are ordered by higher headquarters to transport Covid-19 vaccines)," PN public affairs office chief Commander Benjo Negranza earlier said.

Negranza was referring to the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) and BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602), both of which have an overall length of 120 meters, breadth of 21 meters, a draft of five meters and can carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

The vessels have a cruising speed of 13 knots and a maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

Both ships can carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units, and three helicopters.

Both were acquired from Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL for around PHP4 billion and were delivered to the PN in 2016 and 2017 with the BRP Tarlac being named the lead ship.

Negranza said the following are initial information on the volume and sustained temperatures of these reefers aboard the two landing dock vessels:

*Meat and fish reefer: 60 cubic meters/ -20°C;

* Vegetable room: 50 cubic meters/ 3°C; and

*Lobby: 12 cubic meters/ 10°C.

If these reefers are not enough, Negranza said these ships can still be used to transport vaccine cold-storage units that would be used by the government.

"For our other ships with substantial cold-storage capacities that may be used, I cannot confirm as of yet," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130678

Demand for US compensation over VFA ‘not extortion’

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15,2021): Demand for US compensation over VFA ‘not extortion’ (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo Duterte's demand to make the United States "pay" if it wants to continue its Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the Philippines is in line with the country’s national interest and not to extort money from the US government, Malacañang said Monday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque rejected how Vice President Leni Robredo likened Duterte's demand for US to pay before he reconsiders his decision to scrap the VFA to extortion.

“Sa mga nagsasabing extortion, hindi po ‘yan extortion. ‘Yan po ay isang pagtaguyod ng pang-nasyonal na interes ng mga Pilipino at dahil marami po tayong gastusin lalung-lalo na sa Covid-19 (To those calling it extortion, it’s not extortion. That’s in line with the national interest of Filipinos because we are spending a lot especially in terms of Covid-19 response),” he said.

Roque said seeking compensation from the US could also be additional funding for the Philippine Health Insurance Corp (PhilHealth)’s Universal Health Care (UHC) program.

“Bakit hindi tayo sumingil ng sa ganun yung perang makukuha natin magagamit natin para sa Covid response natin, para sa libreng pakain ng ating mga estudyante, para po sa Universal Health Care, para sa libreng patubig. Lahat po ‘yan kinakailangan ng pondo (Why don’t we seek compensation because the money we get can be used for our Covid-19 response, free meals for our students, for the Universal Health Care, for free water services. All those need funding),” he said.

He appealed to Duterte’s critics not to deny poor Filipinos of the chance to have better lives.

“Huwag naman natin ipagkait sa ating mga kababayan ang karagdagang pondo ngayong puwede naman talaga pagbayarin ang mga Amerikano para sa paggamit ng ating teritoryo (Let’s not deny our citizens additional funds if we can ask America to pay for using our territory),” he added.

Roque also pointed out how little the US has been spending for its security assistance to the Philippines compared to other countries.

Citing a report by the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center, Roque said the Philippines received a total of USD3.9 billion from 2002 to 2017 for counterterrorism efforts while Pakistan got USD16.4 billion.

“Pakistan got USD16 billion, we think we should get something similar or close to that amount. But definitely, not the amount we are currently getting,” he said.

He did not exactly explain how the government determined benchmarking its military assistance needs to that of Pakistan, but cited strong ties between the Philippines and US as basis for seeking a higher compensation.

"We are basing it on the fact that we have had historically very strong ties and if you have very strong ties with a very strong ally, then I think it also comes with a higher amount of financial assistance to be given," he said.

He said that should the US decide not to pay the Philippines, the VFA termination will proceed as scheduled.

“I think the President has been clear, he wants compensation. If the Americans don’t agree, then there is also the previous declaration of the Filipino President that he will terminate the VFA,” he said.

On VFA’s importance

Asked to comment on criticism that the President’s demand is an undiplomatic move as it puts the Philippines in a bad light, Roque emphasized that Duterte remains chief architect of foreign policy.

“Diplomacy is only about niceties, but the policy remains the sole prerogative of the President because the President is the sole architect of foreign policy. So, that is the policy of the President either way you put it,” he said.

Roque also doubted experts’ remarks that the presence of US troops in the country has been helpful in terms of protecting Philippine territories.

“Hindi ko po alam kasi matagal na iyang VFA eh nagkaproblema naman po tayo diyan sa West Philippine Sea (I don’t know because VFA has been there a long time but we still have problems there in the West Philippine Sea),” he said.

Despite the VFA and Mutual Defense Treaty, he said the US has consistently told the Philippines that the pact does not obligate them to defend Philippine territory rights in the disputed waters.

“Kung talagang tinupad ng Amerika iyong kanyang obligasyon na bigyan tayo ng saklolo kapag tayo ay nilusob ay marami ng pagkakataon, nawala na sa atin iyong isang isla, hindi lang Panatag ‘no, eh hindi naman po tumulong ang Amerika. Ang naging consistent position ng Amerika pagdating doon sa pinag-aagawang teritoryo sa West Philippine Sea (If America really fulfilled its obligation to give us help when we were attacked, we already lost an island, not just Panatag’ no, but America did not help. America's consistent position when it comes to the disputed territory in the West Philippine Sea is) ‘America does not take sides on the ongoing territorial controversy,’” he said.

In February 2020, the Philippines formally notified the US about its intent to revoke the VFA.

However, the VFA remains in effect after Duterte ordered on June 1 last year the suspension of VFA termination “in light of political and other developments in the region”.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130699

Tribal leader who stood up vs. NPA ‘lies’ passes away

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 15,2021): Tribal leader who stood up vs. NPA ‘lies’ passes away (By Marita Moaje)

Datu Ramon Bayaan, tribal leader of the Obo Manuvu tribe of Kidapawan

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is mourning the death of what it described as one of the most courageous leaders of the Indigenous Peoples (IP) community who stood up against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and the atrocities it committed to IPs.

Datu Ramon Bayaan, tribal leader of the Obo Manuvu tribe of Kidapawan, succumbed to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, on Feb. 14.

"Today, our country lost one of its fiercest warriors –– Datu Ramon Bayaan, tribal leader of the Obo Manuvu tribe of Kidapawan that was targeted by the CPP-NPA-NDF for recruitment and radicalization by way of their legal fronts," the NTF-ELCAC said in a statement.

In 2019, Bayaan stood before the United Nations in New York City to correct the lies being spread by the CPP-NPA, as he relayed the experience of tribal communities in the hands of communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

‘Truth caravan’

Bayaan was head of delegation of the 2019 “Truth Caravan” composed of indigenous leaders from different tribes in Mindanao who personally relayed to the UN, for the first time, their side of the story and the situation of IPs where they claimed to have been lured by the CTGs into joining the armed struggle.

He presented before the UN an extensive list of the crimes and atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA NDF the indigenous communities.

"He had been deceived into joining this terrorist group and had become one of its leaders until it became clear to him that they were being used by these terrorists and their culture systemically destroyed then replaced with the violent ideology of the CPP-NPA-NDF: communism," the NTF-ELCAC said.

CPP-NPA atrocities

Bayaan said true tribal leaders who defend the community from the CPP-NPA are being killed while their children are turned into “child warriors, who, in their tender age, become experts in firearms and even participate in encounters with the military.”

As soon as he stood up against the CTGs, Bayaan said he returned to the fold of law and cooperated with the NTF-ELCAC to help IP communities stand up.

During one of the presentations with the Filipino community in the US, Bayaan encouraged them to be informed and not allow themselves to be deceived by the legal fronts of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

He urged the Fil-Am community to unite and help them fight the CPP-NPA to end the violence against their community, as he warned them that its legal fronts are already in the US.

“Sana wag nyo isipin (na) ang NPA wala pa dito. Andito na sila hindi nga lang mga armado, andito na sila, kita na natin, nakasama na natin kaya makikiusap ako sa inyo na sana nagkakaisa tayo, magkakaisa kayo at ipalaganap itong mga problema sa buong mundo, itong teroristang komunisatang NPA (Please don’t think that NPA members are not yet here. They are already here although they are unarmed. I appeal to you to join us spread the word with the rest of the Filipino communities in different parts of the world),” Bayaan told the Fil-Am community in Los Angeles after a group of protesters disrupted their talks.

Bayaan said the NPA has used their ancestral domain and turned them into their guerilla bases, with rebels raping women and turning children into warriors.

He said the CTGs’ legal fronts used the IPs to collect funds from the international community.

Bayaan served as vice chairman of the Mindanao Indigenous People’s Conference for Peace & Development (MIPCPD) and of the Mindanao Indigenous People’s Council of Elders & Leaders (MIPCEL).

“In the last years of his life, he had come to belong not just to his tribe but the entire Philippine nation. There is no price tag we can peg on Datu Ramon’s contributions to the country in advancing the rights of our indigenous peoples and in ending this 52-year insurgency,” the NTF-ELCAC said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130733