NCIP exec says NTF ELCAC weakened CPP-NPA influence on IPs

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): NCIP exec says NTF ELCAC weakened CPP-NPA influence on IPs

The national anti-insurgency task force established by President Rodrigo Duterte has curbed the "influence and control" of the communist rebel movement on Indigenous Peoples (IPs), an official of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) said Wednesday.

Lawyer Dexter Precioso, legal officer for NCIP-Region 10 (Northern Mindanao), said the clout of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), has weakened since 2018 when President Duterte signed Executive Order 70 (EO 70).

EO 70 seeks to institute a "whole of government" approach in addressing the communist insurgency. It also established the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) in every region, whose clusters are tasked with initiating various development initiatives in geographically isolated areas and disadvantaged, conflict-affected places in the countryside.

"Before this whole-of-nation approach, the government was not as aggressive in informing (the IPs of) its accomplishments, programs, and projects. They (IPs), especially those in the far-flung areas, did not know that the government is implementing certain programs such as free legal services from the Public Attorney’s Office,” Precioso said.

In contrast, the NCIP official said the IP communities "are now being armed with the knowledge that the government is doing its best to serve its people and the far-flung communities."

Precioso said the NCIP is currently implementing strategies to further raise awareness on government programs and help spur development in IP communities.

Led by chairperson Allen Capuyan, the NCIP recently conducted a 14-day visit in various ancestral domains in the region to dialogue with tribal leaders and obtain their inputs on prevailing issues affecting the tribes.

Precioso said the NCIP is currently strengthening the IP governance to promote the indigenous political structure to enable the tribes to govern their communities effectively.

“We now make sure that the efforts of the government are visible to the people. The government exists, and the government cares for the people,” Precioso 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/1131728

NPA rebel wanted for slay of 3 soldiers in NegOcc nabbed

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2021): NPA rebel wanted for slay of 3 soldiers in NegOcc nabbed (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

A suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebel, tagged in the death of three soldiers during a clash in southern Negros last year, was arrested in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City on Wednesday.

The suspect, identified as Dexter Almuete, 36, has an arrest warrant for three counts of homicide issued by Presiding Judge Walter Zorilla of the Regional Trial Court in Himamaylan City.

A report from the Philippine Army on Thursday showed that Almuete was apprehended in his residence at Purok 1 by joint personnel of the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) and Himamaylan City Police Station at 9:30 a.m.

The suspect, believed to be a member of the NPA’s Central Negros 2 Sentro de Grabidad Platoon, was detained at the police station.

On April 19, 2020, the clash between 94IB and communist terrorists claimed the lives of 2nd Lt. Ralf Amante Abibico of Bauko, Mt. Province; Cpl. Joel Nobleza of Jamindan, Capiz; and Pfc. Carl Venice Bustamante of Surallah, South Cotabato.

Four soldiers were also wounded during the 30-minute firefight in Barangay Carabalan.

At that time, government troops were deployed to the area to secure residents claiming social amelioration grant from personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The soldiers pursued the rebels extorting food and money from residents.

As the troops were closing in on them, the communist-terrorists set off an improvised explosive device and threw hand grenades.

The explosion immediately killed Abibico and one of his men. The other soldier died while being evacuated.

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/1131857

Reds torch P5.9-M equipment used in farm-to-market road project

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2021): Reds torch P5.9-M equipment used in farm-to-market road project (By Alexander Lopez)

DESTROYED EQUIPMENT. The communist New People’s Army (NPA) on Feb. 24 burned PHP5.9-million worth of equipment being utilized for the completion of a farm-to-market road project in Barangay Binocaran, Malimono, Surigao del Norte. The damaged dump truck and backhoe are owned by CV Construction based in Surigao City. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

The Police Regional Office in Caraga Region (PRO-13) on Thursday (Feb. 25) condemned the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for burning two units of heavy equipment utilized for the construction of a vital farm-to-market road (FMR) project in Surigao del Norte.

PRO-13 Director, Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., said the burning took place at around 11 am Wednesday in Barangay Binocaran, Malimono town.

The dump truck and a backhoe, owned by CV Construction based in Surigao City, cost more or less PHP5.9 million.

“At least seven armed men poured gasoline and torched the dump truck and the backhoe,” Caramat said.

He said the suspects are reportedly members of the Guerrilla Front (GF) 16B of the NPA Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

“The construction of the FMR project in Binocaran is temporarily stalled because of the attack. The NPA showed anew its true color of being a terrorist group and anti-peace and development. They deserve our shared condemnation,” Caramat said.

He added that the FMR is vital for the farmers and fishermen in connecting them to market centers to deliver their produce.

“Most of the common folks in the area will directly benefit from that FMR project considering that their primary source of living is farming and fishing. They thrive by selling agricultural and fisheries products from the barangays to the markets and the consumers,” Caramat said.

He said investigators are beefing up the pieces of evidence for filing of arson charges against the perpetrators.

“We are also eyeing the possibility that the attacks might be a retaliatory action for the refusal of the company to the extortion demanda of the NPA,” Caramat said.

The 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/1131826

Road improvement needed to address insurgency: PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): Road improvement needed to address insurgency: PRRD (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential Photo)

President Rodrigo R. Duterte said Tuesday there is a need to improve barangay (village) roads in Mindanao, especially in the Caraga region, to address the insurgency there.

The President said this after Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel requested to borrow equipment from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to repair barangay roads damaged by massive flooding during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Auring.

Duterte assured enough funds and equipment for the province, saying the repair of roads would also address threats posed by insurgent groups.

He also asked Pimentel to submit to him a report on the ongoing road improvements being done.

“I need the barangay roads to improve the insurgency problem sa lahat dito, lalo na sa (especially in) Mindanao. The pinaka-malakas is Caraga, sa Eastern Visayas (It is strongest in Caraga and Eastern Visayas),” he said in a situation briefing in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.

Duterte also urged the military to retrieve children who were allegedly recruited by the New People’s Army (NPA) to become armed guerrillas.

“Itong mga NPA, kinukuha nila 'yung mga anak, dinadala nila sa ibang lugar. Kunin ninyo 'yung bata at isauli ninyo sa nanay pati tatay (These NPA rebels, they recruit the sons and daughters and bring them to different places. Bring them back to their mothers and fathers) because a child, a minor, should not be separated from the family home,” he said.

Soldiers, he said, do not need to have search warrants to enter the homes of insurgents who allegedly mold children into warriors.

“If the child is inside the house, there is already a crime committed, so you do not need a warrant to go in. Puntahan mo sa loob, kunin 'yung mga bata at isauli mo (Go inside, take the children, and bring them back) at the earliest opportunity,” Duterte added.

He said he would assume full responsibility in executing the war against the insurgency.

Duterte lamented about how the NPA became rich because rebels collect revolutionary taxes “everywhere and anywhere.”

Saying that “Mindanao remains to be a problem," he reiterated his call to Agrarian Reform Secretary John Castriciones to implement land reform in Caraga.

“Kaya si Castriciones, sabi ko ang land reform kasi niya covers only the 'yung mga hindi nga agricultural e. Sabi ko sa kanya, ibigay na ninyo yung lupa. Lahat ng makita ko sa gobyerno, ibigay ninyo sa tao (That’s why I told Castriciones that his land reform only covers non-agricultural lands. Give them land. All the government land you can see, give them to the people),” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131676

4 IP parents held by ‘communist militants’: Sinas

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): 4 IP parents held by ‘communist militants’: Sinas

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, 2021. The IP children were reportedly taken away from Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and Sultan Kudarat in 2018. (Contributed photo)

Four parents belonging to the Ata Manobo tribe are being held by suspected communist rebels, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, said.

The parents were among the eight Ata Manobo parents who were supposed to meet up with the police in Sitio Kamingawan, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on Monday for their trip to Cebu City, Sinas said in a news release issued late Tuesday.

However, only two parents showed up, he said, citing reports from Police Regional Office 11 (Davao region).

Sinas said they later learned that four parents were taken on Sunday by suspected organizers of communist front groups who introduced themselves as police officers.

He said the four were later monitored applying for travel authority at the airport and undergoing a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test at the New World Diagnostic Center.

“Obviously, these four parents were lured into believing they would be meeting with their children in Cebu when they were taken by persons who disguised themselves as police officers. I can only surmise that this is part of desperate moves by the communist front organizations to get away from the criminal liability of serious illegal detention and child exploitation,” Sinas said.

Police and social welfare authorities in Davao are locating the parents of the children rescued from the University of San Carlos Retreat House in Balamban, Cebu City to obtain their sworn statements.

“These Lumad (Indigenous Peoples) parents need to go to Cebu because their rescued minor children will only be released to them, and will only be allowed to travel back to Davao accompanied by their parents or guardians. However, the Lumad children are back in Davao now and there is no way the parents would be able to meet them in Cebu," he added.

Six parents earlier traveled to Cebu City to accompany their rescued children back to Davao.

Of the 13 Manobo children rescued in Cebu City, only six were able to return to Davao on Sunday accompanied by their parents after the Children’s Legal Bureau canceled the travel of the other seven because they were not accompanied by their parents.

However, social workers from Cebu and Davao, with the tribal leaders, worked together to bring the children to Davao where they could supposedly meet their parents.

The children were among the 19 minors from different parts of Mindanao who were brought to Cebu City by members of the now-defunct Salugpongan school, purportedly to undergo alternative learning, but authorities said the children were undergoing some form of radicalization and revolutionary warfare indoctrination.

The rescue resulted in the arrest of seven suspects who are now facing charges for violations of kidnapping with serious illegal detention and trafficking in persons.

Sinas said the investigation showed that the minors were brought to the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran Center in Davao City in 2018 by a Salugpongan teacher only known as “Michelle”.

They were then transferred to Cebu City without the knowledge and consent of the parents.

Last January 29, an investigation team met three of the parents, Editha Olayan, May-May Anlomon, and Melion Moya, and one guardian, Agustina Ilayao.

The team found out that the Salugpongan teacher asked permission from them to transport their children only to UCCP Haran to continue their studies on the condition that their children can visit them every month.

The promise did not happen because the minors were brought to Cebu City, Sinas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131681

Ex-PNP chief Cascolan appointed OP undersecretary

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): Ex-PNP chief Cascolan appointed OP undersecretary (By Azer Parrocha)  February 24, 2021, 3:51 pm

Former PNP chief Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has given retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, a post in his office, Malacañang said Wednesday.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Duterte signed Cascolan's appointment letter as Undersecretary of the Office of the President last Monday.

"Kinukumpirma po natin na napirmahan na noong Lunes, Feb. 22, ang appointment paper ni dating PNP Chief Camilo Cascolan bilang Undersecretary sa Office of the President (We confirm that the appointment paper of former PNP Chief Camilo Cascolan as Undersecretary of the President was signed last Monday). Welcome aboard, Usec. Cascolan," he said.

Cascolan stepped down as PNP chief when he reached the mandatory age of retirement of 56 last November.

He was succeeded by current PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas.

Cascolan is the author of the Oplan Double Barrel, the police force's flagship campaign against illegal drugs.

Oplan Double Barrel involves the Oplan Tokhang aimed at encouraging the surrender of small-time drug pushers and the Oplan High-Value Target which goes after big-time drug peddlers.

Under his two-month stint, he pushed for the relentless internal cleansing among police ranks.

Before being named as the PNP's second highest official, Cascolan was also named Director for Operations and later held the position as Regional Director of the National Capital Region Police Office starting in April 2018.

Cascolan is also a member of the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala class of 1986 along with Gamboa and former PNP chiefs Ronald dela Rosa, who is now senator, and Oscar Albayalde.

In a separate statement, Cascolan thanked the President for his appointment.

“Of course, it’s an honor for me to serve the President. I just hope I could keep step with his standards and I will do my best,” he said.

He said he has yet to report at the OP since he received his appointment on Tuesday but “accordingly, I will be with the office of special concerns.”

“With my current position, whatever the President tells me, I will do my best of course,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131715

Directive on foreign funding won’t affect ‘legit NGOs’: Locsin

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): Directive on foreign funding won’t affect ‘legit NGOs’: Locsin (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

File photo of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. (Courtesy of the Department of Foreign Affairs)

The Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) directive on foreign government funding would not affect “legit” non-government organizations (NGO) in the Philippines, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said on Wednesday.

“It doesn’t affect legit NGOs. It is how responsible government monitors where money comes from and goes to in the face of insurgent and terrorist-secessionist threats. It should encourage funding from the well-meaning to know their generosity is not misdirected to evil,” he said on Twitter.

Locsin was referring to Note Verbale No. 2021-0592 dated Feb. 5, 2021, which notifies all accredited diplomatic missions in the Philippines that all foreign government funding for Philippine NGOs, “regardless of the mode of disbursement, transfer, or download of funds, shall be coursed through” the agency for “appropriate clearance”.

The DFA, in 2019, had previously asked all European states to “clear any and all donations to their NGOs in the Philippines” with them amid reports that foreign organizations have "indirectly and unwittingly partnered" with local groups allegedly linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Recently, the DFA also issued an advisory, citing two Anti-Terrorism Council resolutions that designated the CPP-NPA, Islamic State East Asia, Maute Group, Dawlah Islamiya, and other associated organizations as “terrorist groups”.

It said, “any financial support that is directly or indirectly extended to these groups by any organization, association, group of persons or individuals shall be dealt with in accordance with existing laws and regulations.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131774

600 cops to secure 35th People Power celebration

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): 600 cops to secure 35th People Power celebration (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan) 

The Eastern Police District (EPD) will deploy 600 cops to secure the 35th anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution on Thursday (Feb. 25).

EPD director Brig. Gen Mathew Baccay on Wednesday said the 600 police personnel will provide necessary public safety services to ensure peaceful commemoration “of the significant milestones and pay tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom and democracy in 1986.”

Aside from the police contingents, EPD Reserve Force is on standby and ready to be deployed on orders as the need arises, Baccay added.

On Wednesday afternoon, Baccay led an ocular inspection within the premises of Edsa Shrine and conducted simulation exercises on crowd control at the venue to make sure that everything is all set come Thursday.

“Let us intensify all police operations, enhance security measures, and strictly implement maximum health standards protocols such as wearing facemasks, and face shields to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Let us utilize all available resources and manpower just to make sure that the celebration of the EDSA People Power Anniversary will be peaceful," he said.

“Likewise, EPD is also taking into consideration, the possibility that terrorist groups, violent extremists, and other criminals may take advantage of the situation to carry out their nefarious activities," he added.

Baccay said police presence will be intensified through the foot and mobile patrols, checkpoint in areas and time when they are most needed, and establishments of Police Assistance Desks (PADs) in places of convergences.

“Target hardening measures will be implemented in the vital installations and counter-intelligence, and police operations will also be intensified to prevent terrorist activities,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131791

PH deposits ratification instrument of Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): PH deposits ratification instrument of Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

MANILA – The Philippine government has deposited the instrument of ratification of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) or the Nuclear Weapon Ban Treaty on Feb. 18, making the Philippines the 53rd state to ratify the said accord.

In a statement dated Feb. 23, the Philippine Mission to the United Nations in New York said the TPNW would represent efforts towards the universalization of global norms against nuclear weapons.

"For the Philippines, the nuclear ban treaty fortifies the nuclear disarmament architecture. It represents the universalization of the hope for the elimination of nuclear weapons, and is in line with the specific provision of the Philippine Constitution and the Treaty on the South-East Asian Nuclear Weapon-Free Zone," it said.

The Philippines signed the Treaty on Sept. 20, 2017 in New York.

Last Feb. 21, the Philippine Senate adopted the resolution concurring with the ratification of the TPNW.

The resolution was introduced and sponsored by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, co-sponsored by all other senators, and was unanimously adopted with 23 votes.

According to the Philippine Mission, the TPNW entered into force on Jan. 22, 2021 when the 50th State submitted its Instrument of Ratification.

Under the provisions of the treaty, the first meeting of the States Parties to the Treaty will be held in Vienna, Austria within one year of the accord's entry into force. The date of the meeting has yet to be set.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131793

Retrieve children recruited as NPA warriors, Duterte tells AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): Retrieve children recruited as NPA warriors, Duterte tells AFP

RETRIEVE THEM. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte convenes members of his Cabinet and local government officials of Surigao del Sur to assess the extent of the damage of Tropical Storm Auring, at the Villa Maria Luisa Hotel in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on Feb. 23, 2021. Duterte in the situation briefing urged the military to retrieve children allegedly recruited by the New People’s Army to become child warriors. (Presidential photo by King Rodriguez)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to retrieve children, who were allegedly recruited by the New People’s Army (NPA) to become armed guerrillas, and return them to their parents.

“Itong mga NPA, kinukuha nila 'yung mga anak, dinadala nila sa ibang lugar. Kunin ninyo 'yung bata at isauli ninyo sa nanay pati tatay (These NPA rebels, they recruit the sons and daughters and bring them to different places. Bring them back to their mothers and fathers) because a child, a minor, should not be separated from the family home,” Duterte said in a situation briefing in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on Tuesday night.

Duterte said soldiers do not need to have search warrants to enter the lairs of NPA terrorists who allegedly mold children into communist warriors.

“If the child is inside the house, there is already a crime committed, so you do not need a warrant to go in. Puntahan mo sa loob, kunin 'yung mga bata at isauli mo (Go inside, take the children, and bring them back) at the earliest opportunity,” Duterte added.

He said he would assume full responsibility in executing the war against insurgency.

“Huwag kayong magpa-ano diyan sa komunista. Kapag nagkasabit-sabit kayo, sinabi ko na sa inyo 'di ba? (Don’t get intimidated by these communists. If you get in trouble, I told you before), I assume full responsibility especially in prosecuting the war against the insurgents. Hulihin ninyo. Kapag magdemanda, sabihin mo "Huwag mo kaming i-demanda. I-demanda mo si Duterte (Arrest them. If they charge you in court, tell them “Don’t charge us, sue Duterte),” Duterte said.

On Feb. 15, the Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 7 and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development rescued 19 young indigenous peoples 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, and seven others who are reportedly Salugpungan teachers.

Salugpungan schools, an alternative learning hub run by communist groups that were ordered closed by the government in 2019 for failing to secure permits, are reportedly being used as breeding grounds for the radicalization of tribal children.

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

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

The IPs groups from Mindanao thanked the police and local government in Cebu for rescuing the young IPs.

“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.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131809

Duterte ‘undecided’ on VFA fate, seeks public opinion

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): Duterte ‘undecided’ on VFA fate, seeks public opinion (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

US-Philippines Balikatan military exercise (File photo)

“Undecided” on the fate of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States (US), President Rodrigo Duterte said he wants public input on the controversial defense deal.

In a public address delivered Wednesday night, Duterte sought to consult the public before he makes a decision on the VFA.

“I will be talking about the Visiting Forces Agreement na pinag-usap usapan na ngayon (which is already making headlines). And I said I must be frank, I do not keep secrets to the people. I have not yet, as yet, decided on what to do. Meaning to say, to abrogate or renew [the suspension of termination], because I want to hear the people,” Duterte said.

To recall, Duterte on Feb. 12 said the US needs to “pay” the Philippines first before he reconsiders his earlier decision to revoke the VFA.

Duterte drew flak over his recent remarks. On Feb. 16, Senator Panfilo Lacson claimed that the Senate’s concurrence is needed before the President can abrogate the VFA.

Duterte said he would consider the stance of the public, including lawmakers.

“I want the narratives to come up, not necessarily from the [lawmakers]. Well, of course they count very much pero hindi limitado dito sa (but it is not limited to) Congress,” he said.

Duterte advised Filipinos to give their opinion through the government’s 8888 citizens’ complaint hotline.

“Ordinary mamamayan (citizens) can have the say and I said there’s always the 888 and you can enter your objections or any comment that you think would help the country. Pati kami dito, matulungan ninyo (You can help us),” he said.

Lacson earlier said the Senate has “something to do with international agreements” like VFA.

Citing Section 21 of Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution, Lacson said “no treaty or international agreement shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all members of the Senate.”

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo opposed Lacson’s statement, noting that Duterte can terminate VFA anytime since the defense deal is not a treaty.

Duterte on Feb. 11, 2020 scrapped the VFA, a 1998 defense deal inked by Manila and Washington that allows US forces to join military drills in the Philippines without the need to secure passport and visa.

The VFA was supposed to be effectively scrapped in August last year, but Duterte on June 1 of the same year ordered the suspension of VFA abrogation for six months due to “political and other developments in the region.”

The Philippines extended in November last year the suspension of VFA termination for another six months.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Feb. 8 said the Philippine and US officials will meet this month to iron out differences over the VFA.

Last week, Senator Christopher Lawrence Go said Duterte will decide on VFA’s fate based on the “best interest of Filipinos.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131810

Makabayan bloc always anti-gov’t: Remulla

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2021): Makabayan bloc always anti-gov’t: Remulla (By Marita Moaje)

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla (File photo)

Senior Deputy Majority Leader Jesus Crispin ‘Boying’ Remulla, said the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives has always been against the government.

Remulla, who is Cavite's 7th District Representative, in a recent interview with Alex Santos over radio station DWIZ, said, “Kasi ang problema namin sa Kongreso ngayon pagka nagsasalita ang Makabayan bloc, eh lagi na lang masama ang gobyerno at iisang side (Our problem here in Congress is whenever the Makabayan bloc speaks up, it is always the government that is at fault, and it is always one-sided).”

He said most congressmen are already sick and tired of how the Makabayan bloc speaks and their noise in Congress hence, nobody bothers to ask them questions anymore.

When asked to expound his stand on the Feb. 15 rescue of 19 young indigenous peoples from the University of San Carlos -Talamban campus in Cebu City, he said his response to 1-Pacman party-list Representative Mikee Romero privileged speech was meant to clarify the latter’s ‘forced rescue” claim.

“Kaya minabuti ko na linawin ang kaniyang mga sinasabi kasi dapat naman malaman ng taumbayan na hindi naman ganoon ang Kongreso, mayroon naman kaming mga nag-iisip naman na mayroon namang malasakit sa ating lipunan (I decided to clarify his statement so the people may understand that not all members of Congress think the way he does. There are also those who think, analyze and have concern for the society), he said.

To recall, during the Lower House’ regular session on February 17, Rep. Romero presented a video showing the alleged “forced rescue” by the police authorities of the 19 indigenous children inside the USC Talamban campus.

Romero slammed the rescue operation and called on Philippine National Police (PNP) Police chief, General Debold Sinas, to relieve all police officers involved in the "illegal speech raid" of children while they conduct a probe on the issue.

Remulla asked Romero if he has complete information on the issue, including the age of the children, their parents' consent, and if those conducting the “face-to-face classes” have appropriate permits from the Department of Education (DepEd).

He added that being minors, the rescued IP students are still under parental authority.

"Tinanong ko sa kaniya, kay Congressman Romero, kung mayroong ano—kung itong mga menor de edad ay subject pa sa parental authority ng mga magulang nila at kung maaaring nangyari na ang mga magulang mismo ang nagreklamo. Eh iyon, eh parang hindi malinaw sa kaniya na itong isyung ito ay dapat tingnan mula sa dalawang aspeto (I asked Congressman Romero if these minors are still subject to parental authority because the parents can file the complaint, but it seems that it was not clear to him that the issue should be seen in two aspects),” Remulla added.

In another Congress session on the rescue of IP children in Cebu City on Feb. 22, Remulla said those who were arrested were already charged with serious illegal detention or kidnapping that is unbailable.

“Yung mga bata ay tatlong taong hindi nakita ng mga magulang, dinala mula Davao papuntang Cebu, walang permiso kaya kidnapping ang naging kaso ng mga tao na nagdala ng mga bata sa University of San Carlos (The parents of these children have not seen them in three years, they were brought from Davao to Cebu, without consent, that is why those who brought them to the University of San Carlos were charged with kidnapping),” he said.

He said he believes that there may be corrupt members of the police force but most of them are honest and working for the good of the people.

It is easy to criticize police officers or the military, he added, but the bigger problem is if that is what the IP children are being taught by their so-called “teachers”.

“Tinuturuan nilang magalit sa pulis at mga military ang ating mga kabataan. Tinuturan nilang magalit at magalit at magalit sa gobyerno ang ating kabataan. Ang nangyayari dito ay (They teach our children to hate the police, the military. They teach them to hate the government. What happens here is) radicalization,” Remulla said.

Remulla went on to say that President Rodrigo Duterte is on the right track in creating the NTF-ELCAC adding that it will be good for all Filipinos if local armed conflicts are finally put to an end

When businessmen go to remote provinces to invest, there will be no group that will block them and demands revolutionary tax, he added.

“Sana ay tingnan natin kung ano talaga ang nais ng lahat ng Pilipino. Ang gusto ng Pilipino ay maging tahimik ang ating bayan na walang naghahari na wala sa batas at gumagamit ng armas na wala sa batas (We should look at what the majority really wants. The Filipinos want peace, that no lawless groups reign and use arms),” Remulla said in his interpellation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131814

Modern naval platforms to beef up Navy defense capabilities

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2021): Modern naval platforms to beef up Navy defense capabilities (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BRP Antonio Luna. (File photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The arrival of modern platforms like the Jose Rizal-class missile frigates will greatly improve the capabilities of the Philippine Navy (PN) to protect the country's vast waters.

PN public affairs office chief, Commander Benjo Negranza, said this when asked late Wednesday regarding the arrival of more modern assets for the Navy.

"As a former CO (commanding officer), I feel elated that the Armed Forces will be better enabled and capacitated to fulfill our mandates with these modern platforms," he said to the Philippine News Agency.

Negranza's last command before taking over the Navy public affairs office was the research vessel BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR-702).

Meanwhile, Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata, the former skipper of the BRP Dagupan (LC-550), said he is proud to witness the PN's steady transformation into a more capable force.

"(I) am proud and deeply honored to be witnessing the Navy's steady transformation into a more capable force especially with the arrival of the second Jose Rizal-class frigate. Today's sailors and skippers are better-motivated seeing that we now have (these) new capabilities to better serve the country," he added in a message to the PNA.

Earlier, the PN said it will be holding the arrival ceremony for the second guided-missile frigate, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila Friday.

The BRP Antonio Luna entered Capones Island, Zambales last February 9 or four days after leaving Ulsan, South Korea last February 5.

The ship also sailed in formation with the Navy's first guided-missile frigate, BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), through Manila Bay before proceeding to its anchorage area in Subic, Zambales where the crew and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) personnel observed a mandatory quarantine period due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

The first frigate, BRP Jose Rizal, was delivered and subsequently commissioned last July 10. BRP Antonio Luna's keel-laying on May 23, 2019, coincided with the launch of BRP Jose Rizal.

The contract for the BRP Jose Rizal and the BRP Antonio Luna was placed at PHP16 billion, with another PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

Both ships are capable of surface, sub-surface, air, and electronic warfare using state-of-the-art electronic sensors, long-range missiles, acoustic guided torpedoes, and an embarked anti-submarine helicopter.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131820

PRRD wants Pinoys to understand consequences of keeping VFA

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2021): PRRD wants Pinoys to understand consequences of keeping VFA (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

File photo

President Rodrigo Duterte wants Filipinos to understand the possible consequences of keeping the Philippines’ Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States (US), Malacañang said Thursday.

This, after Duterte sought public opinion on the VFA before deciding on the fate of the controversial military pact.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in an online press briefing, said Duterte is not discounting the possibility that the Philippines might be put at risk, in case he lifts his earlier decision to terminate VFA.

Duterte, Roque said, raised worry that should a war break out between the US and its enemy, it would cause serious damage to the Philippines.

“Dahil kapag nagkaroon nga ng putukan sa panig ng Amerika at ng kaniyang mga kalaban, siguradong una pang mamamatay ang mga Pilipino kapag sila’y naririto sa Pilipinas (If America engages in war with its enemies, it’s certain that Filipinos will be the first to die if they (Americans) are here in the Philippines),” Roque said.

Roque said Duterte also wants Filipinos to realize that saving VFA could jeopardize Filipinos’ lives.

“Pero sinasabi nga ng Pangulo, dahil alam naman niyang maraming mga Pilipino na talagang tumitingala sa mga Amerikano, kinakailangan alam lang nila na ang buhay nila ay magkakaroon lang ng banta kung mananatili nga sa ating teritoryo ang mga Amerikano (The President said he is aware that many Filipinos look up to Americans but they have to know that their lives will be in danger if we let Americans stay here in our territory),” he said.

In a public address delivered Wednesday night, Duterte admitted that he could not decide whether to enforce or suspend anew the termination of VFA.

Duterte also said he wants to hear Filipinos’ comments on or objections to VFA.

Roque said Duterte’s decision on VFA would be based on public sentiment.

“I guess he is trying to hear the people’s sentiment and on that basis, he will also consider the people’s sentiment in whatever decision he will take,” he said.

Initially, Duterte asked the US to “pay” first before he reconsiders his decision to revoke the VFA, saying there is a need to give the Philippines something in return since it is the “nearest, possible and convenient outpost” near China.

On Feb. 11, 2020, Duterte scrapped the VFA, a 1998 defense deal inked by Manila and Washington to allow US troops to participate in military drills in the Philippines without the need to secure passport and visa.

However, Duterte ordered on June 1, 2020 the suspension of VFA revocation for six months “in light of political and other developments in the region”.

The Philippines and US officials are expected to meet this month to iron out differences over the VFA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131854

Troops to pay for other vax if they don't want Sinovac: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 25, 2021): Troops to pay for other vax if they don't want Sinovac: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo. (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday said coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) inoculation is mandatory for all of its personnel but they have the option to choose among vaccine brands other than Sinovac at their own expense.

"Thus, to get inoculated or not is not an option for the members of the AFP, it is a duty. At the most, the exercise of an option will be the option to as to what brand of vaccine they will be availing of, but the cost of which will not be paid by the AFP," AFP spokesperson, Marine Maj. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in an online press briefing.

Malacañang earlier announced that the first batch of Sinovac Biotech vaccines composed of 600,000 doses donated by China is set to arrive on Sunday (Feb. 28), with 100,000 doses of which will be given to the Department of National Defense, the AFP's mother agency.

Aside from military personnel, Arevalo added that their chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana has said that their dependents must be vaccinated.

Meanwhile, those opting for other vaccine brands who decided to forego their inoculation can do so but once they are called to duty to serve as front-liners, they will have no choice but to follow.

"They must perform their duties and task but they will have to resort to the traditional health protocol, mag-mask, mag-shield, maghugas ng kamay at mag-maintain ng social distance pansamantala habang hindi pa sila natuturukan ng vaccine na pinipili nila (like the wearing of mask, face shields, regularly washing their hands, and maintaining social distance while they are yet to be vaccinated with the brand of their choice)," Arevalo said.

Meanwhile, said AFP personnel assigned and performing duties that will expose them to Covid-19 patients are required to have themselves vaccinated with the available vaccines.

He added that the AFP will play three major roles in the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccine -- security, medical and logistics support operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131869