2 ex-NPA siblings reunited after surrender to gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18,2021): 2 ex-NPA siblings reunited after surrender to gov't (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office

Two siblings who were separated after being recruited by communist terrorist groups finally reunited with each other after voluntarily surrendering to government forces.

"A life-changing decision to surrender and return to the fold of the law taken by Ka Redy, 25, reunited him with his long lost brother Ka Anda, 17, who joined CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) as a child warrior at a young age until he was arrested recently in Northern Samar with two other Red fighters with firearms and explosives," said Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, in a statement released Wednesday night.

Sinas, citing reports from Police Region Office 8 head Brig. Gen. Ronaldo d Jesus, said Ka Redy voluntarily surrendered to the PNP after hearing that his younger brother was arrested with two others armed with firearms, ammunition, and explosives.

During the briefing with the 2nd Northern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company led by Lt. Col. Rafael Tayaban on February 14, Ka Redy said he decided to return to the folds of government and surrendered all his weapons at Silvino Lubos Municipal Police Station.

In his statement, Ka Redy said he does not want his brother to suffer hunger and homelessness, which he experienced when he joined the communist movement.

On February 15, the siblings were finally reunited through the help of Northern Samar Provincial Police Office director, Col. Arnel Apud.

"This is a strong message to all members deceived by the communist terrorist groups, you were convinced to leave your families so that they can drag you into a failed communist campaign," Sinas said.

He also assured the two siblings that they will get assistance from the government through the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131020

AFP must be able to stand alone even without VFA: Sobejana

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18,2021): AFP must be able to stand alone even without VFA: Sobejana (By Priam Nepomuceno)  

File photo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) should be able to stand alone even if the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States is abrogated.

"Well as an organization, as (the) AFP we should be able to stand alone because we cannot be so dependent on other countries. Ang sinasabi natin (what we say is) we should be on top of situation always so it is just a matter of allocating what we have, optimizing the utilization of our resources to make things happen, to solve problems, and achieve long and lasting peace and progress," said AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, in an interview with One News' The Chiefs on Wednesday night.

Sobejana added the VFA is for the training of a large number of troops and that American personnel are never allowed or included in actual AFP operations.

"Hindi naman sila kasama sa operations actually natin so enhancement of our capability lang ang kanilang naipamigay dahil tayo mismo physically ang humaharap sa kalaban ng ating estado (They are not actually included in actual operations. They are just providing us an enhancement of our capability because it is us who physically faces the enemies of the state)," he added.

Also, Sobejana clarified that the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the US and the Philippines is still standing despite the talks about the VFA.

"The VFA is just one, meron pa tayong (we still have the) MDT with the United States, wala pa namang pinagusapan (there are no talks about it). The MDT remains so nandun pa rin yung ating relationship (our relationship remains). VFA lang naman yung binanggit ng ating Pangulo (It was only the VFA that was mentioned by the President). The MDT, as what I have said, remains and it shall continue to function as long as walang pagbabago sa usapan (there are no changes in the talks). Let's differentiate VFA from MDT and in that treaty, it is explicitly cited that in times of aggression our allies, the US armed forces, in particular, will be on our side," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131033

Front-liners, troops must get Covid-19 vax first: AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18,2021): Front-liners, troops must get Covid-19 vax first: AFP chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana. (File photo)

The country's military chief said he is giving way for other sectors, especially front-liners, to get inoculated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccines first before he himself gets vaccinated.

"Well much as I wanted to get the vaccination first but (you) have to understand that there are other sectors that direly need more than me, so it is right that the 25 percent of our troops come first, then our front-liners," said Armed Forces of the Philippines chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana in an interview with One News' The Chiefs Wednesday night.

Sobejana was referring to the 25 percent of the AFP troops who will be vaccinated once the first doses of the vaccines arrive in the country.

These troops are tasked to conduct security operations to protect the areas for vaccinations.

Also included are those involved in the delivery and transportation of these vaccines to the cold storage and vaccinations areas and those assigned to medical support operations.

"At ako naman hindi kasama dun sa (I am not among) front-liners, I am just providing directions and guidance so maaring mahuli na ako, hintayin ko na lang yung (I can be at the end of the line, I will just wait). In due time I will get my share," Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131037

IP leaders laud gov’t efforts to rescue young IPs in Cebu

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18,2021): IP leaders laud gov’t efforts to rescue young IPs in Cebu (By Christine Cudis)

Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders (File photo)

Indigenous peoples (IPs) groups from Mindanao have thanked the police and local government in Cebu for rescuing young IPs from the communities in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

“Government should and need to act to save these young indigenous people as advocates of citizen rights or Human Rights duty bearer,” Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) and the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO) said in a joint statement released on Feb. 16.

The groups cited the IPs right to proper education that is approved by the Department of Education (DepEd) and will accelerate the IPs knowledge as well as secure them with a degree.

They said the target of the Save Our Schools (SOS) Network, the group that brought the IP youths from Davao del Norte to Cebu City, is to fight not only the present government but also the past administrations.

The SOS Network also wants to abolish Indigenous People's Rights law, the groups added.

“The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP) were the first to build the so-called Lumad schools in Barangay Lydia in La Paz and Barangay Balit in San Luis in Agusan del Sur and their first program is Literacy and Numerology (LitNum) only and not the whole curriculum of Education according to DepEd regulations so they should apply for DepEd registration so that they will be recognized as a full school,” the statement said.

The groups also said the SOS Network is the one that helped spread “this kind of schools that we know as native schools like Salugpongan Ta Tano Igkanogon Community Learning Center (STTCLC) and Community Training and Resource Center (CTRC) in Region 11, CLANS and Fr. Pops Tentorio Institute in Region 12, MISFI in Region 10 with some schools in Region 12 and 11, TRIPFSS and ALCADEV in Region 13 and AIFSI in Region 11 with also a School in Region 9”.

They said these schools were founded by the organizations that are members of KALUMARAN such as PASAKA, KALUMBAY, ALUHHAMIN and SGS which are also supported by the SOS Network.

These schools are transforming students to become members of the New People’s Army (NPA), an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The IP leaders urged community leaders to look into the activities and system performed by these “supposed educational institutions.”

“These schools are taking students to rallies, campers and the City because they caused the planting of hate and wrong thoughts to fight the government that usually caused them to be put in the situation of violence and became bakwit like bakwit school in UP, bakwit school in Haran in Davao and now bakwit school in Cebu. Situation that pushed them to become victims of NPA recruitment and use them as Child Warriors,” the statement said.

The IP leaders said a member of their tribe Datu Guibang Apuga said that his son Awing became a member of the New People's Army at the age of 12 along with the other young IPs in Talaingod, Davao del Norte who entered Salugpongan schools.

“So he is now leading the call for indigenous leaders to close Salugpongan schools there,” they said.

The groups also said these schools are collecting aid and funds from other countries.

“This is what everyone should know so that we can see carefully why we are thankful for the safety of our indigenous youth in Cebu by their parents with the help of the government,” they added.

In a television interview on Wednesday, SOS volunteer teacher Rose Hayahay maintained that they were not holding the IP students hostage.

Rescue ops

On Monday, Central Visayas police rescued 19 young IPs at the University of San Carlos (USC) in Talamban, Cebu.

Police Regional director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo said they are preparing human trafficking, child abuse, and kidnapping cases against Societas Verbi Divini (SVD) or the Society of the Divine Word, the congregation that supervises the USC.

Montejo said investigation results showed that the IPs, mostly minors, were supposed to be brought only to Davao City in 2018.

Parents, he said, were worried since their children have not returned home since then.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region 7 is conducting a "motu proprio inquiry" or probe on the rescue of the IP minors.

CHR 7 director Arvin Odron said the probe shall determine whether rights were violated or were put at risk of being violated so that they can intervene and protect the same or prevent it from recurring.

"As we deal here with children whose rights are prone or vulnerable to abuse, we want to ensure that all stakeholders act ‘for the best interest’ of our children," Odron said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1130965

7 charged after cops rescue IP minors in Cebu school

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18,2021): 7 charged after cops rescue IP minors in Cebu school (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Police officers filed several charges against seven persons following the rescue of 19 indigenous people (IP) minors in Cebu City earlier this week.

In a statement on Thursday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas said the respondents -- two datus (chieftain), two teachers, and three adult IP students -- underwent inquest proceedings on Wednesday via teleconference from the Police Regional Office - 7 (Central Visayas) in Cebu City before the Davao del Norte Provincial Prosecutor's Office on charges of kidnapping, child exploitation and human trafficking.

Lawyer Grazielynne Corpuz, duty inquest prosecutor, received the information sheet on the cases under NPS docket Nr XI-03-INQ-21B-00076.

Corpuz gave the respondents 15 days to submit their counter-affidavit, after they manifested through a counsel from the National Union of People's Lawyers to avail of preliminary investigation.

The case stemmed from the complaints by six Ata Manobo parents of the minors inside the University of San Carlos (USC) in Talamban, Cebu City who were rescued by local police on Monday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131063

Groups ignorant for claiming rescue of IP kids in Cebu fake

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 18,2021): Groups ignorant for claiming rescue of IP kids in Cebu fake (By Marita Moaje)

RESCUED. Some 19 minors belonging to the indigenous peoples (IP) communities reunite with their parents after social workers rescued them from the retreat house of the University of San Carlos-Talamban campus on Feb. 15. The IP children were reportedly taken away from Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and Sultan Kudarat in 2018. (Contributed photo)

The Regional Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Western Visayas said that individuals and groups that claim that the rescue operation of indigenous peoples (IP) minors in Cebu are ignorant of the facts and the true issue at hand.

RTF6-ELCAC, in a statement on Feb. 17, said they are the critics are ignorant of the laws on child protection, and the country’s expanded anti-human trafficking laws.

“(They are) ignorant of the parents' plight, suffering, and emotional distress when their children were taken from their custody and wherein their children were transported to Cebu City without their express or implied consent by persons who are not even authorized to transport these children,” RTF6-ELCAC.

The primary goal of the Feb. 15 rescue operation, the statement said, is to reunite the IP children with their parents.

The press statements issued by various groups criticizing the anti-human trafficking rescue operations failed to mention that the minor’s parents were present during the operation and were the complainants and the aggrieved parties in the case.

“Be reminded that being a member of an NGO or an organization, however cute or charitable the name of the organization is, does not and will not vest upon any person the authority to replace the parental authority of the biological parents of a child,” said lawyer Flosemer Chris Gonzales, chairperson of the Legal Cooperation Cluster 6.

Gonzales said the University of San Carlos – Talamban campus, the collaborating institution where the rescue operation took place, should have checked and verified whether the minor “delegates” were truly allowed by their parents to join the “delegation”.

He said “assuming” that they have their parents' consent is irresponsible thus, the institution should explain the presence of the trafficked children on their premises.

Let the parents speak

He also advised those who are saying that the rescued IP children were saved from the conflict in Mindanao to speak first with the children’s parents.

To recall, about 19 IP children from Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and Sultan Kudarat were rescued by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development and Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 7 on Monday inside the University of San Carlos in Cebu City.

PNP-Region 7 chief, Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, said the operation was launched after parents of six IP children sought help.

Some left-leaning groups including Karapatan condemned the operation saying that it was a “forced” rescue causing stress on the children.

He said minor children cannot just leave their homes and decide on their own to go with a group if their parents do not allow them.

Children should always ask for their parents' consent, otherwise, they should stay at home.

Gonzales said that they will eventually let the IP children speak after they undergo the necessary psycho-social intervention to assess how their absence from their families for a long time has affected their thinking and frame of mind.

IP minors turned into NPA child warriors

RTF6-ELCAC said the real cause of the problem is the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

It added that had there been no communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in the region, Mindanao would have been a haven for the IPs and the other residents.

Gonzales said that it is true that IPs are victims of oppression and injustice because their children are forcibly taken away from them by the CPP-NPA and turned into child warriors.

“This is a real injustice. This is real oppression,” RTF6-ELCAC said, adding that they cannot allow CTGs to use the children against their families, and the government.

Non-government organizations, including the legal fronts of the CPP-NPA have no right to interfere in the affairs of the IP families, Gonzales added.

They challenged the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), and all the other organizations questioning the operation to know what a rescue operation is in the context of the enforcement of anti-human trafficking laws.

“Condemn the CPP-NPA and their pseudo-legal fronts for the atrocities that they have committed against the IPs of Mindanao. Condemn the CPP-NPA's recruitment of Lumad children as child warriors,” Gonzales said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131086

NDF/CPP-CIO: Oppressors of the Lumads will be made to pay

Posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Feb 16, 2021):  Oppressors of the Lumads will be made to pay

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

February 15, 2021

The Party adds its voice to the widespread denunciation of the horrific police raid earlier today against the Lumad bakwit school in the University of San Carlos (USC) Talamban Campus in Cebu City where 21 Lumad students, two Lumad elders and two teachers were manhandled and forcibly taken by the Duterte regime’s fascist thugs.

The CPP condemns the PNP for trampling on the Lumad children’s rights with utter contempt of the sanctuary provided them by the university campus. With the USC police raid, the UP campus shelter of the Lumad children are now also under threat.

The CPP condemns the NTF-ELCAC which undoubtedly is behind this monstrosity. The Lumads and their community schools have long been targeted by the AFP and the NTF-ELCAC for teaching their children how to love and defend their ancestral land and culture.

We also hold the NTF-ELCAC responsible for massacre of the Tumanduk people in Capiz last December 30 where nine of their leaders were murdered in their own homes. The NTF-ELCAC is also responsible for the torture and detention of two Aeta farmers from Zambales and the military oppression against their communities. The Igorot people are also under incessant attacks for standing to defend their land.

The Lumad people of Mindanao and other minority groups across the country are being punished by the Duterte fascist regime for not bowing to the armed might of the military, police and paramilitary monsters that have caused the masses untold suffering. For years now, their communities have stood firm against the government’s plans to allow big mining companies and agribusiness, dams, energy, ecotourism and other big capitalist firms to take over and plunder their ancestral lands.

The Party and all revolutionary forces join in demanding the immediate release of the Lumad children, their teachers and elders collectively known as the Lumad 25. We enjoin the Filipino people to voice out their protest against this latest attack against their democratic rights. Duterte’s military and police forces are set on carrying out more brutalities having been emboldened by the Anti-Terror Law and as the ruling Duterte clique aims to paralyze all those who will resist his scheme to perpetuate his dynasty in power.

The oppressors of the Lumad people will be made to pay. The Party and the New People’s Army (NPA) will do everything to avenge and attain justice for the Lumad people, the Tumanduks, the Aetas and the rest of the minority peoples, the workers, peasants and other democratic classes and sectors.

The fascist criminals will be punished.

https://ndfp.org/oppressors-of-the-lumads-will-be-made-to-pay/

Kalinaw News: Peace rally sa Brgy. Bural, sa Zinundungan Valley, nilahukan ng mahigit 300 residente

From Kalinaw News (Feb 16, 2021): Peace rally sa Brgy. Bural, sa Zinundungan Valley, nilahukan ng mahigit 300 residente



TUGUEGARAO CITY – Nasa mahigit 300 residente ng Barangay Bural, Zinundungan Valley, sa bayan ng Rizal, Cagayan ang nakiisa sa isinagawang peace rally kamakalawa.

Layon ng aktibidad na pinangunahan ni Barangay Captain Evelyn Baloran na itaboy ang mga miyembro ng rebeldeng Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) sa kanilang lugar.

Bilang pagpapakita sa kanilang katapatan sa gobyerno ay sabay-sabay na nanumpa ang mga residente at nangakong tuluyan nang itakwil ang CPP-NPA sa kanilang lugar.

Sinunog din ng mga ito ang bandila ng CPP-NPA-NDF bilang tanda ng kanilang pagtalikod at pagtatakwil sa rebeldeng grupo.Sa pamamagitan din ng isinagawang peace rally, naglabas ng kanilang hinaing ang ilang residente sa mga pang-aabuso at pananakot na ginagawa ng mga makakaliwang grupo.

Kabilang dito si Ginang Venancia Gayagos na nawalan ng anak dahil sa panlilinlang ng mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA. Bukod dito ay isa pang katutubong agta ang nawawala na pinaniniwalaang sumampa rin sa kilusan.Samantala, tiniyak naman ni LtCol Angelo Saguiguit, Commanding Officer ng 17th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, na kabalikat ng mga residente ang kanilang hanay sa mga programa at aktibidad upang maisulong ang kapayapaan at kaunlaran hindi lamang sa bayan ng Rizal kundi sa kanilang buong nasasakupang mga lugar.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/peace-rally-sa-brgy-bural-sa-zinundungan-valley-nilahukan-ng-mahigit-300-residente/

Kalinaw News: 3 NPAs killed, 4 firearms seized in Agusan Sur Clash

From Kalinaw News (Feb 16, 2021): 3 NPAs killed, 4 firearms seized in Agusan Sur Clash



Bancasi, Butuan City – Three (3) NPA members were killed and three (3) firearms to include assorted war materiel were seized after a five (5) minute firefight between the government troops and the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) at So Damming, Brgy Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur at around 2:00pm, February 15, 2021. Troops of 26th Infantry (Ever Onward) Battalion under the operational control of 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade clashed against more or less seven (7) CPP-NPA

Terrorist believed to be members of Guerilla Front 88 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Said firefight resulted to the tragic demise of three (3) NPA terrorists and the seizure of the following items at the encounter site: one (1) M16 rifle; two (2) shotguns; one (1) cal. 38; two (2) hand grenades; one (1) anti-personnel mine (APM); assorted ammunitions; five (5) cellphones; one (1) binocular; medical paraphernalia; fifteen (15) sets of Army Battle Dress Attire (BDA); lousy caps; combat boots; numerous ammunitions of different caliber; and various subversive documents.

Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, the Commander of the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, lauded the troops’ decisive victory and its persistent determination in tracking the NPA terrorist who were pestering the communities in the area. “This victory is for the people who for the longest time wanted to live without the intimidation and threat from the NPA Terrorist. We urge the CNT to stop using violence as it will not solve our problems”.

Likewise, BGen Licudine offered his sympathies to the dead NPAs and ensures that the cadavers will be turned over to the families once it will be identified for decent and proper burial. However, he stressed that the tragic fate of the dead NPAs was a reminder of the futility of the armed struggle which the communist terrorist group is espousing and placing the lives of innocent youths and the masses who were deceived and exploited, to extreme danger during skirmishes.

“We reiterate our call to the remaining members of the NPA to voluntarily surrender and heed the call of peace. We want to assure the CNTs that our troops will be relentless in pursuing them, there is no other way for them but to lay down their arms or continue hiding and be hunted. It’s their choice but we insist that they follow the path of peace for the sake of their families and for the people who longed to live normal lives in peace”, BGen Licudine said. No casualty on the government side and
troops are still on pursuit operations.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/3-npas-killed-4-firearms-seized-in-agusan-sur-clash/

Tagalog News: Pamamahagi ng rice assistance sa mga decommissioned MILF combatant nagsimula na

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 16, 2021): Tagalog News: Pamamahagi ng rice assistance sa mga decommissioned MILF combatant nagsimula na (By PIA Cotabato City)

LUNGSOD NG COTABATO, Peb. 16 (PIA)-- Nagsimula nang mamahagi ng rice assistance ang pamahalaang nasyunal, sa pamamagitan ng Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Bangsamoro Government, Task Force for the Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC), at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), sa mga decommissioned na Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatant.

Sa unang batch ng pamamahagi kamakailan, abot sa 106 na decommissioned MILF combatants ang nakatanggap ng ayuda sa ginanap na seremonya sa Camp Darapanan sa Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Nabatid na ang tulong ay bahagi ng decommissioning package.

Samantala, nilinaw ni OPAPP Undersecretary David Diciano ang ilan sa mga isyu na may kaugnayan sa normalization package. Aniya, ang isang milyong pisong package ay hindi ibibigay ng buong cash, sa halip ay hahatiin ito sa iba’t-ibang components tulad ng scholarship, training, at iba pang socio-economic assistance. Ito naman ay bukod pa sa P100,000 cash na ibinigay sa bawat combatant.

Nabatid na nasa kabuuang 40,000 dating MILF combatants ang nakatakdang ma-decommission hanggang makumpleto ang normalization process.

Sa ngayon,12,000 MILF combatants o 30 porsyento na ang na-decommission sa second phase sa ilalim ng Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). (LTBolongon-PIA Cotabato City/With reports from BIO-BARMM).

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066956

CNT member returns to the fold of government in Sarangani

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 16, 2021): CNT member returns to the fold of government in Sarangani (By DPAO-6ID, PA)

KIAMBA, Sarangani, Feb. 16– In the peace effort campaign of the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), another Communist NPA terrorist surrendered to government troops in Sarangani Province on February 9, 2021.

According to 38th Infantry Battalion commanding officer, Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr., a 32-year old man-former extremist turned himself to Army and PNP troops in Sitio Malayo, Brgy. Maligang, Kiamba, Sarangani Province. He was a CNT (Communist-NPA-Terrorirst) member under the Platoon Cherry Mobile, Guerilla Front Daguma, FSMR and was deceived by their terrorist leader alias Yoyo.

“The former terrorist member was long before deceived by the ideology of the Communist Terrorist Group but decided to return to the folds of government. Currently he is on lie-low status prior to his surrender and desires to have a peaceful normal life. He will be accorded with the government’s E-CLIP program to help him go back to the mainstream society,” said LTC Vilchez Jr.

Col. Eduardo Gubat, 603rd Infantry Brigade Commander lauded the 38IB troops in their peace building efforts. “During his withdrawal from the communist party, he turned over one Carbine Rifle, two magazines with four rounds of ammunitions, one Caliber .45 Pistol, one magazine with seven rounds of ammunitions, and a hand grenade.”

Meanwhile, Major General Juvymax R. Uy, 6th Infantry Division and JTFC Commander said that the surrender of former CNT member was due to the relentless Focus Military Operations, their confidence on the government security forces, and the delivery of government services to their communities.

“The peace initiative of 38IB is proven effective thus gained the support of the local government unit, the communities and the security forces in the area.” Maj. Gen. Uy added. (DPAO-6ID, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066959

Iligan opens halfway house for former rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 16, 2021): Iligan opens halfway house for former rebels (By Claire R. Gigje)

ILIGAN CITY, Feb 15 (PIA) - The Iligan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) inaugurated a halfway house for former rebels Monday, February 15.

Constructed by the 554th Engineer Battalion, the halfway house, tagged as Happy Home, is located at the former National Steel Corporation (NSC) Compound, Brgy. Suarez, this city.

City Councilor Ian Uy, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Peace and Order and Safety, said this will serve as a temporary shelter to former rebels while their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) are being processed.

“Ang halfway house or Happy Home temporaryo nilang pagapuy-an samtang giproseso pa ilang mga papeles. Diri pud pagahimuon ang pagtreat sa radicalization nila ug pagatudluan sa ilang livelihoods aron pagbalik nila sa tagsa-tagsa nila nga komunidad, mahimo silang produktibo,” said Uy.

[The halfway house or happy home will be their temporary shelter while their papers are processed. It will be here where their radicalization will be treated and they will be taught with their livelihoods so that when they return to their own community, they will be productive.

Col. Irineo Sebastian, commander of the 55th Engineer Brigade of the Philippine Army, turns over the symbolic key of the Happy Home halfway house for former rebels to Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia. Assisting Sebastian is LtCol Hassan Badar, commanding officer of the 554th Engineer Battalion, the army unit responsible for the construction of the halfway house. (Angelo Dologmandin/ PIA-ICIC)

Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia bared that following this transitory house, a DILG-funded shelter will be constructed in Brgy. Bonbonon at the end of the year or 1st quarter next year to stably house the former rebels.

“Ang atong area ani nga sa kinabag-an na mao ang area sa Brgy. Bonbonon diin ang magfunding sa building mao ang DILG. Hopefully, by the end of this year or the 1st quarter of next year, maimplementar na pud ni para mapadak-an nato ang kaning area aron atoang ma-house ang atong mga FR o former rebels nga ania karon diri sa syudad sa Iligan,” he said.

[Our area really is in Brgy. Bonbonon wherein the funding for the building will be shouldered by the DILG. Hopefully, by the end of this year or the 1st quarter next year, this will be implemented already to widen the area to house the FRs or former rebels who are here in the city of Iligan.]

Regencia also cited that the realization of the halfway houses and assistance to former rebels was through the unified efforts of different government agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine National Police (PNP).

Apart from the halfway house, former rebels also received financial assistance from the DILG and DSWD.

TESDA also provided them with skills training on driving and wielding.

Meanwhile, former rebels expressed gratitude for welcoming them back as they return to the hands of the government.

“Dako nakong pasalamat kay tarong kaayo akong paglakaw karon kay naa ko sa sabakan sa balaod sa gobyerno. Nadawat namo ang ilang giingon nila nga tabang sa amoa,” alias Rolly, once a rebel for four (4) years, stated.

[I am very grateful that I am walking correctly right now because I am already in the hands of the government. We received what they said was their help for us.]

They also encouraged their comrades who are still in the mountains to return to the fold of the law and that it is never too late to turn once again to the government.

“Ang akong ipabati, walay hadlok-hadlok, kita mag-anam anam na og baba sa sabakan sa gobyerno kung kita adunay panlantaw sa atong mga kaigsuonan, kabatan-onan ug ginikanan… Akong ginahangyo sa mga kaubanan nako nga kung naa pay mga nagpahipi karon nga magduol-duol sa atoa, ato silang ingnon nga muanha sa sabakan sa gobyerno kay anaa dinhi ang insakto nga kalambuan,” alias Toto called on.

[I want to express, with no cowardice, let us slowly go down to the care of the government if we thinking for our sisters and brothers, youth and parents… I am requesting my comrades that if some are silently reaching out to us, let us tell them to go to the care of the government because the right development is there.] (CRG/ PIA-ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066911

PCOO chief commends RTF-ELCAC for rescuing child-warrior

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 16, 2021): PCOO chief commends RTF-ELCAC for rescuing child-warrior (By Gideon C. Corgue)

PAGADIAN CITY, Feb 16 (PIA) —The chief of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) praised the success of the Regional Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ECAC) especially the surrender of the 14-year-old boy who is a member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

At a press conference held at the mayor's office on Monday, Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar thanked the Situational Awareness Knowledge Management (SAKM) Cluster of the Regional Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC-9) with members of the Midsalip Municipal Task Force-ELCAC for successfully negotiating the surrender of Rudy Sagino, aka Sony who lives in Sitio Pisyu, Barangay Balonay in Midsalip town and is a member of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit- Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (MRGU-WMRPC).

During his surrender, Sagino, who is also a member of the Indigenous People (IP), revealed that he was encouraged to join the NPA units in the mountains, was instructed to carry a pistol, serve as a cook and errand in the camp of the rebels.

“As Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) Region 10, I commend the achievement of ELCAC which enabled the surrender of the warrior child Rudy Sagino. This is what proves that there really are child warriors on the ground,” Andanar said.

Andanar felt very sorry for the child's condition because the lives of the child warriors were very wasted if they remained in the hinterlands.

Andanar also announced that there are many policies created and implemented by President Rodrigo Duterte that provide great help to the poor people such as free education, free medicine, providing healthcare program for the poor, construction of Malasakit Center for the sick, and many others.

"The success of the RTF has served as an inspiration not only in region 9 but throughout the country," Andar concluded.

Andanar along with Director General Ramon Cualoping III of the Philippine Information Agency visited Pagadian to support PIA's advocacy campaign called 'Explain, Explain, Explain' to enlighten the people on important government programs especially the roll out the COVID-19 vaccination program.

(RVC/GCC/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)

Generals in Cabinet among PMA Cavalier awardees 2021

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 14, 2021): Generals in Cabinet among PMA Cavalier awardees 2021 (By Ileana Cortes)

CEBU CITY, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The country's defense chief and three Cabinet members who are at the forefront of managing the COVID-19 health crisis are among the 21 cavalier awardees of the two-day Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni homecoming this year.

Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana, Social Welfare Sec. Rolando Bautista, Interior and Local Governement Sec. Eduardo Año, and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr., who is also the National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and vaccine czar, are at the top of the list for outstanding achievements in public administration.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana is an Outstanding Achievement awardee.

Lorenzana is the oldest retired general in Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet and is a member of PMA Class of 1973.

Galvez and Bautista graduated in 1985, while Año belongs to PMA Class of 1983.

Also in the list of awardees are Lingayen town, Pangasinan Mayor Leopoldo Bataoil of PMA Class of 1976, and retired Army chief Jaime delos Santos, who served as PMA superintendent (Class 1969).

All 21 cavaliers received their awards on Feb. 13 in a program led by the guest of honor, Supreme Court Chief Justice Diosdado Peralta.

Senate Pres. Vicente "Tito" Sotto III was also a key speaker at the alumni assembly on Friday.

The PMA alumni homecoming in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City proceeded this year on Feb. 12-13 with limited in-person participants; only one representative from each class physically attending.

Others will attend via video conferencing to strictly observe physical distancing and minimum health and safety protocols. (idc/PIA-7)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066810

Roxas City-based people's groups denounce communists

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 16, 2021): Roxas City-based people's groups denounce communists (By Alex Lumaque)

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb. 16 (PIA) – Some Roxas City – based people's groups staged an indignation rally against the Communist Party of the Philippines - News People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), Feb. 12, at the People’s Park in Brgy. Baybay, here.

In a simple program, the members of the Hugpong Farmers’ Association, Baybay Fisherfolks Association, Baybay Women’s as well as Youth Organizations and Lawis Fishcage Association coming from the three barangays in the city condemned the CPP-NPA-NDF and their evil doings.

They likewise took an oath of allegiance to the government and promised to support the government initiatives and programs.



“I congratulate the people of Roxas City especially those from the three barangays for denouncing the Communist Terrorist Group in their areas. Let us work hand in hand to end insurgency for our family and for our children’s future,” said 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Marion R. Sison.

During the activity, the participants carried placards and burned the NPA flag to show that there is no room for the communist-terrorist group in their communities.

The peace initiative was organized by the 141st Civil Military Operations Enabler Company of the 301st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in view of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace by ending the local communist armed conflict. (JBG/AAL/Story and photo from Capt. Hazel Joy Durotan/CMO-301Brigade)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1066973