Kalinaw News: 27IB celebrates 51st Founding Anniversary

From Kalinaw News (Feb 24, 2021): 27IB celebrates 51st Founding Anniversary



Panabo City, Davao Del Norte. The 27th Infantry “ACTION” Battalion headed by its Commanding Officer LTC VICTORINO M SEÑO INF (GSC) PA celebrates its 51st Founding Anniversary on 20 February 2021 at Brgy Dalisay, Panabo City, DDN with the theme “Aksyon: Limangpu’t Isang Taong Kaibigan at kaagapay ng Mamamayan”.

Wreath laying ceremony and awarding of personnel and partner stakeholders are the highlights of the Battalion Anniversary. While paying tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, the Battalion also recognizes the members of the Action Troopers who exemplified excellent performance for the year 2020. Sgt Rex Marvin A Lumandas (Inf) PA, one of the awardees is a combat casualty during the successful encounter against the elements of GF55, SRC5, SMRC in So Barko-barko, Paquibato Proper, PDDC receives the wounded personnel medal. Also, partner stakeholders from the local government units and agencies are also given due recognition as appreciation for their continued support and cooperation that contributed to the accomplishment of the Battalion’s mandates.

Honorable Jose E Relampagos, Mayor of Panabo City together with 1003rd Bde Commander BGEN NOLASCO A MEMPIN PA graced the momentous occasion. The distinguished guests appreciated the efforts of the 27th Infantry Battalion for sustaining the peace and supporting the programs and services of the government in the unit’s area of operation. Likewise, they also encouraged the personnel to continue to be an active partner for peace and development efforts and in ending the local communist armed conflict in general.

Meanwhile, LTC SEÑO conveys the Battalion’s heartfelt appreciation for the unconditional support extended by the City Government of Davao and Panabo City and other partner agencies. Likewise, while he recognizes the dedication of the troops for a job well done, he also reminded the troops to remain focused and committed in performing their mandates. Moreover, LTC SEÑO also expresses his outmost appreciation to the families and dependents of the personnel for the support accorded to their men and women in uniform.

[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/27ib-celebrates-51st-founding-anniversary/

Kalinaw News: Soldiers rescue abandoned and wounded NPA member after an encounter in Sorsogon

From Kalinaw News (Feb 23, 2021): Soldiers rescue abandoned and wounded NPA member after an encounter in Sorsogon



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-The Joint Task Force Bicolandia’s (JTFB) decisive conduct of security operations in Bicol continues to bring serious impact to the already waning capability of the NPA.

In the recent successful military engagement initiated by the elements of 22nd Infantry Battalion against the terrorist group in Barangay Marinab, Bulan, Sorsogon, one NPA terrorist was wounded and an M16 rifle and anti-personnel mine were seized from the encounter site.

Prior to this, residents reported about the presence of CNTs attempting to conduct extortion and recruitment activities in their barangay prompting the troops to verify the information.

While scouring the area, troops encountered an undetermined number of CTG members around 10:50 in the morning, Tuesday, February 23. Firefight lasted for five minutes before the enemies withdrew.

Aside from the said firearm and explosive, an abandoned wounded CNT was rescued by the soldiers and given medical assistance. Lt. Col. Nelson Mico, Battalion Commander of 22IB stressed that as peacekeepers, soldiers are trained to help and fend people even if they are enemies.

Meanwhile, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of JTFB lauded the troops’ another successful operation and recognized the cooperation of the residents in the Army’s fight against communist terrorism.

“Pinapaniwala nila ang mga tao at ang kanilang mga miyembro na sila at ang kanilang ideolohiya ang solusyon sa suliranin ng lipunan. Paano silang makapagbibigay ng solusyon gayong kahit katiting na pagmamalasakit sa kanilang mga kasamahan, wala sila? When their comrades die in an encounter, they abandon them. When they got injured, they also abandon them. That is why we are relentless in our efforts to end this 5-decade armed struggle because we do not want the Filipinos, especially the Bicolanos to sacrifice their lives, their future and the future of their families in this hopeless cause. To the remaining CTG members and even to some who are still supporting this terrorist group, it is about time that you join hands with the government as we put an end to this insurgency. Our children and the next generation deserve an armed conflict-free region,” MGen. Robinson said.

It can be recalled that last week, five high powered firearms were also seized from two successful operations in Masbate and Sorsogon while NPA members and supporters are continuously yielding to the government in all parts of Bicol.

JTF Bicolandia attributed these gains to the growing support of the peace-loving Bicolanos and expressed its confidence that indeed, genuine peace and sustainable development is achievable.

[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/soldiers-rescue-abandoned-and-wounded-npa-member-after-an-encounter-in-sorsogon/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 301st Brigade supports RTF-ELCAC 6’s AKAP-KAPATID Program

From Kalinaw News (Feb 23, 2021): Army’s 301st Brigade supports RTF-ELCAC 6’s AKAP-KAPATID Program



CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo– As one of the member-agencies of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC 6), the Army’s 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade never failed to support the new project of
the task force dubbed “Akap Kapatid Program”.

The Akap – Kapatid Program (AKP) is a uniquely designed intervention program that employs collaborative response among the members of the RTF-ELCAC. It was spearheaded by the DSWD Region 6 and supported by other member-agencies of the RTF-ECLAC 6 and other volunteer non-government organizations.

The pilot program that opened on February 16, 2021, in one of the resorts in Botong, Oton, in the province of Iloilo was participated by 82 former rebels and NPA supporters from Calinog, Iloilo and Tapaz, Capiz. The program used a psychosocial approach, which focused on the 82 “balik-loob” mental health status in the context of the combined psychological factors and the surrounding social environment.

The AKAP aimed to integrate entirely the “balik-loob” personality of the participants through psychosocial intervention. The project was divided into two terms; the short-term program that focuses on the self-assessment, psychosocial program, and confidence-building of participants; and the long-term, which focuses on the general welfare of the “balik-loob” return to their community and live peacefully and sustainably.

BGen Marion R Sison, the Commander of the 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade said that this endeavor immensely helps the reintegration of the former rebels and mass supporters in the mainstream society.

“This program is a perfect venue for all the participants to learn something new, know themselves better, and discover more about their government and their significant role in nation building as they go back to the folds of the law,” Sison added.

[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/armys-301st-brigade-supports-rtf-elcac-6s-akap-kapatid-program/

Kalinaw News: JTF-SULU, PNP arrest 9 potential female suicide bombers in Sulu

From Kalinaw News (Feb 21, 2021): JTF-SULU, PNP arrest 9 potential female suicide bombers in Sulu



February 22, 2021, Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Simultaneous joint law enforcement operations of the Joint Task Force–Sulu and Philippine National Police on 19 February led to the arrest of several potential suicide bombers and personalities linked to members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

According to Joint Task Force – Sulu Commander MGen William N Gonzales, nine female personalities are currently under the custody of government authorities for violation of R.A. 9516 or Illegal/ Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing In, Acquisition or Disposition of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives.

Significantly, among those arrested were Isara Jalmaani Abduhajan, 36, Jedah Abduhajan Amin, 28, and Elena Tasum Sawadjaan-Abun, 40–all daughters of late ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan. Government forces seized and confiscated several IED components from Isara and Jedah while serving their warrants of arrest in Brgy Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu. Meanwhile, Elena, who is also the widow of ASG sub-leader Walid Abun, was arrested in Kalimayahan Village, Brgy Latih, Patikul, with suspected potential suicide bomber Firdauzia Said a.k.a Firdausia Salvin, widow of ASG sub-leader Mannul Said.

In an another law enforcement operation in Brgy Tulay, Jolo, Sulu, the AFP and the PNP units also arrested potential suicide bombers Nudsza Ismanu Aslun– widow of ASG member Alias Jabar and Nurshahada A. Isnain–wife ASG member Alias Akram, one of the trusted followers of ASG sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan.

The intelligence driven operation was a tie-up between military and PNP forces with Metro Jolo Inter Agency Task Group Commander Col Giovanni Franza’s overall supervision. Involved units include 35th Infantry Battalion under Ltc Wilfredo B Borgonia Jr, K9 unit of JTF-S, 7th Special Action Battalion of Special Action Force under P/Ltc Jessie D Balinang and Regional Intelligence Unit 9 of PNP-IG.

“Our combined forces recovered Improvised Explosive Device (IED) components such as switches, batteries, pipes, concrete nails, blasting cap, suspected ammonium nitrate fuel oil (ANFO) and detonating cord. These are now at PNP’s crime lab,” The PNP intelligence unit disclosed that they also found a backpack where some personnel borne IED would be emplaced.

Other personalities under custody for same charges were identified as Linda Darun Maruji, Risa Jhalil, and Sharifa Rajani all residing at Kalimayahan village, Brgy Latih, Patikul, Sulu.

“This is how desperate the remaining terrorists are, willing to sacrifice their families just to get back at government forces. JTF-Sulu will continue to exhaust all our options to put an end to terrorism here in this province. Thus, we will constantly collaborate with the police to press legal charges towards ASG members, supporters and sympathizers,” – MGen Gonzales

[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/jtf-sulu-pnp-arrest-9-potential-female-suicide-bombers-in-sulu/

RCSP Serbisyo Caravan serves two farthest villages of a Northern Samar town

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 26, 2021): RCSP Serbisyo Caravan serves two farthest villages of a Northern Samar town (By Ailene N. Diaz)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Feb 25 (PIA)-- The Retooled Community Support Program Serbisyo Caravan reached Barangay Nago-ocan and served 2 villages including Barangay Osang, town of Catubig, Northern Samar.

From the Catarman, the capital town of the province, the team traveled en route to Jipapad, Eastern Samar, rode a flatboat for more than 2 hours upstream just to set foot on the two barangays, and delivered goods and various services to the residents.

Catubig Mayor Galahad Vicencio brought with him the offices of the LGU to cater to the needs of the community particularly medical, dental, and circumcision to include vaccination of measles, rubella, and oral polio by the medical team from the Rural Health Unit.

Residents of Brgy. Nago-ocan and Brgy. Osang, Catubig, Northern Samar. (PIA - Northern Samar)

Other services cover birth registration by Civil Registrar, Senior Citizen registration and other MSWDO assistance, distribution of seeds, and farmers registration by DA, among others.

The provincial government represented by Board Member Fawa Batula through the PSWDO provided food packs and wheelchairs to the elderly and persons with disability.

The national government provided programs and services through its agencies, DA for the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program to provide goats and other livelihoods to the farmers' organization.

DENR launched the implementation of the Enhanced National Greening Program with the signing of the Letter of Agreement with recipient families in the presence of PENRO Joselito Eco.

The Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Empowerment Cluster, represented by the provincial heads and representatives of TESDA, DOST, DTI informed the available services of the agency and how to avail of the programs.

DILG on the other hand, as the lead coordinating agency, met the local officials, facilitated the formulation of Barangay Development Plan, validated proposed projects of the barangay, provided consultation on Katarungan Pambarangay, VAWC, and other services.

The Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police provided security and discussed services offered by the uniformed personnel for the safety and security of the community.

“I encourage you to express your sentiments to these people who sacrificed in coming here just to listen to your concerns, issues, request. We are here to provide and inform you of the many programs of the government that you can avail of, we have to join hands in helping one another to have a better, healthy, happy, and peaceful life in this community,” said Mayor Galahad.

He also expressed his gratitude to all agencies, local and national for exerting efforts and extending assistance to the two far-flung areas under his care. (nbq/ADiaz/PIA-Northern Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067897

Ata-Manobo leaders condemn fake pastors for deceiving IP minors

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 26, 2021): Ata-Manobo leaders condemn fake pastors for deceiving IP minors (By Jan Vincent Leuterio)

From Left to Right: Datu Inaro Federico, Datu Andigao Agay, and Datu Sarmiento Lugsi

DAVAO DEL NORTE, Feb. 23 (PIA) – Leaders from the Ata-Manobo tribe in Talaingod have condemned the non-government organizations (NGO) who pretend to be a religious church to deceive the Indigenous People (IP) minors.

During the ‘Press Conference on Rescued Talaingod IP Children’ today, February 23, 2021 at the Provincial Pavilion, Datu Andigao Agay said that they are careful at what churches they allow to come in their community.

“Kanang mga daan nga simbahan, okay, pero kanang mga bag-ong simbahan wala kay underground ang ilang ginoo (Those traditional churches are okay, but the new churches are not because they have underground gods),” Agay said.

Supporting this, Datu Inaro Federico explained, “Kay nganu man? Gina haylo nila ang mga lumad, among mga parente, nga pastor daw sila, kay naka barong man pud sila, pero dili diay pastor sila, dili diay pari (They are deceiving the Indigenous People, our relatives, by claiming that they are pastors, because they’re also wearing barong, but they aren’t truly pastors, they’re not priests).”

Federico added that this is how the insurgents manage to brainwash the IPs into following them.

In line with this, Datu Sarmiento Lugsi called on his tribe to be careful with NGOs as they target IP minors on purpose.

“Kasagaran ginakuha sa mga NGO kanang mga minor edad na mga bata para di masakpan sa atong goberno. Tanawa karon ang didto gikan sa Cebu diba mag lisod-lisod ta kay menor de edad pa (The NGOs usually target the IP minors so that they don’t get caught by the government. Look at the case in Cebu, we are having difficulties because they are minors),” he explained.

As such, the three Datus showed their gratitude to the government for the rescue of the IP children of Talaingod from Cebu.

As well, Datu Agay said that because of the government’s efforts, there are no more NGOs nor New People’s Army (NPA) that go to Talaingod.

“Dako’ng pagpasalamat namo sa gobyerno nga nabalik ang among mga kabataan. Limpyo na nga wala nay gubot sa Talaingod. Gani karon nagka hinay-hinay na ug balik ang pagpanginabuhi namo (We are deeply grateful for the government for giving us back our children. Talaingod is now clean and in peace. Now, we are slowly gaining back our livelihood),” Agay added. (Jan Vincent Leuterio/PIA-XI)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067736

DavNor execs condemn CPP-NPA for taking advantage of IP children

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 26, 2021): DavNor execs condemn CPP-NPA for taking advantage of IP children (By Jeanevive Abangan) 

DAVAO DEL NORTE, FEB. 23 (PIA) - Concerned local chief executives of Davao del Norte have denounced allied groups of the Communist Party of the Philippines- New Peoples Army (CPP-NPA) for taking advantage of indigenous peoples (IP) children taken from their ancestral domains without parental consent.

In a press conference, Talaingod Municipal Mayor Jonnie Libayao said a group of parents came to him seeking his assistance and that of the Tribal Council to look for their children who had not been home for so long a time.

Libayao then consequently approached Provincial Governor Edwin I. Jubahib asking him help to locate the lost children. They went to an IP facility called “Haran” located at a compound of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) in Davao City.

Others were found there, so the Governor went on looking for the lost children of Talaingod and ended up knowing that they were taken to a facility in Cebu.

Governor Jubahib corroborated the statements of Mayor Libayao, revealing that he was informed that the Talaingod children were taken to Cebu.

Other than deploying his organized team to locate the children and tapping his network of national line agencies, the Governor shelled out assistance for parents to personally journey to Cebu to fetch their children, and the others who were their relatives too.

A total of 13 Talaingod IP children were rescued from a facility of the University of San Carlos (USC) in February 15. Leading the rescue operation was the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) bearing the mandate to protect children from exploitation.

Giving a hand to locate and final rescue the IP children were the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), among other agencies of the national and local governments.

Reacting to alleged exploitation of these children to join activities found related to communist insurgency movement, Governor Jubahib appealed to stop using the “vulnerable” children.

“Ang panawagan ko sa inyo, hwag ninyong gamitin ang kahinaan ng ating mga kabataang IPs, ng ating mga kapaatid na mga IPs; dahil nga sa hirap ng kanilang buhay ay ina-abuso ninyo na turuan sila na labanan ang gobyerno; instead na kayo pakipag laban ay tulungan natin sila na makakahaon sa kahirapan. (I am calling you not to take advantage of the vulnerabilities of our IP children, of our IP brethren. Having less in life, you have abused them by teaching them to go against the government. Instead of waging rebellion, let us help them rise from poverty.),” he said during the press conference.

Jubahib condemned the continued struggle of the CPP-NPA to overthrow the government, citing it as “useless” and senseless as this has failed to result in concrete improvement in the lives of the lowly IPs.

“Yong pinaglaban nyo kung sa Bisaya pa ‘wala jud na’y pulos," (it is useless) he said addressing the CPP-NPA and its legal fronts.

“Wala mo’y nahatag nga concretong tabang sa atong mga kaigsoonan nga inyong gipang-recruit nga mouban diha sa inyong kawsa. Sa kadugay na sa atong problema hindi pa ba kayo nagsawa? (You have not given concrete assistance to our brethren whom you have recruited to join your cause. For so long a time, are you not fed up?),” Jubahib said.

Jubahib invited leaders of the insurgency movement in the Philippines to join government efforts to spur development especially in far-flung areas where services are most needed by the poor IPs.

“Dapat this time, magkaisa na po tayo at sumuko na kayo at bumalik na kayo sa ating gobyerno. (This time, we have to unite; you surrender and go back to folds of our government.),” he said.

The press conference on the rescue and return of Talaingod IP children, was also paneled by Police Brig. General Filmore Escobal of Police Regional Office XI, Asst. Secretary Jade Jamolod of DSWD, and Brig General Nolasco Mempin, commander of 1003rd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army.

It drew the virtual participation of Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, spokesperson of the National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), and the presence of regional director Evarly Tahanlangit of NICA XI and Frances Mae Macapagat of the Philippine Information Agency XI.

It also generated the presence of officials of the office of G-7 of the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, the 5th Civil Relations Group (CRG) among other provincial and regional support groups.

The press conference was streamed “live” through PTV DavNor 48 and dispatched thru various links of the Philippine Information Agency XI, among other media outlets of the Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO). (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron Abangan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067817

Army Support Command facilities to transfer in Tarlac

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 23, 2021): Army Support Command facilities to transfer in Tarlac (By Trixie Joy B. Manalili)

TARLAC CITY, Feb. 23 (PIA) -- Army Support Command (ASCOM) facilities in Fort Bonifacio will transfer to a 29.8-hectare lot in Camp Servilliano Aquino in Tarlac by next year.

In today’s groundbreaking of the PhP 1.5 billion development project, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Dizon highlighted the collaboration of the state-owned firm, Department of National Defense (DND) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to realize the vision of modern ASCOM logistical facilities.

“We feel that this is a sound investment which not only puts ASCOM in a better position to serve the military, but opens up new opportunities for the national government to generate much-needed revenues by developing the soon-to-be-vacated Army areas in Fort Bonifacio,” Dizon said.

DND and AFP identified the relocation site in Camp Aquino while BCDA is responsible for the construction of structures and facilities, and the engagement of consulting services for engineering design and construction management.

Based on the four-phase development plan, a total of 44 structures will be constructed in the project site which include multiple headquarters facilities, officers' quarters, barracks, a warehouse, student classrooms and transportation and maintenance battalion areas.

In behalf of AFP Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, Northern Luzon Command Commander Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. cited the role of BCDA in transforming former military bases in premier centers of economic growth, paving the way for national development.

Officials from Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of Army Support Command facilities in Camp Servilliano Aquino, Tarlac. (BCDA)

“The transfer of ASCOM here at Camp Aquino is very timely as it will not only boost the unit’s capabilities to carry out its mission and functions but it also reinforces its thrust to sustain personal readiness and enhancement of its operations and even gain momentum towards modernization,” Burgos said.

“ASCOM plays a very significant role in the AFP and the Philippine Army because they provide the logistical support to all the Army units not only in Luzon but also in Visayas and Mindanao. This is why ASCOM should be situated in a strategic location, like here in Camp Aquino,” he furthered.

For his part, ASCOM Commander Major General Glenn Cruz affirmed that the strategic location of Camp Aquino is advantageous in the logistics support and the deployment of support services.

“Considering the congestion in Metro Manila, the ease of our movement and security of our access from one place to another has already been affected. The new ASCOM area provides us with easier and more efficient logistics operations,” Cruz said.

ASCOM's mission is "to provide proactive, integrated and sustained quality logistics support services to Philippine Army units." (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067752

PIA 3 conducts socmed communications workshop for RTF-ELCAC

 From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 24, 2021): PIA 3 conducts socmed communications workshop for RTF-ELCAC (By Marie Joy S. Carbungco)

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Central Luzon organized social media communications workshop for information and public affairs officers and artists of various national government agencies and local government units in the region.

The training-workshop is part of the initiatives under the Strategic Communications Cluster of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 3 (RTF-ELCAC 3).

PIA Regional Director and RTF-ELCAC 3 Strategic Communications Cluster Head William Beltran said the training primarily aims to capacitate all member agencies of the RTF-ELCAC, including those in the provincial, municipal, and city task forces of ELCAC, on how to properly produce online materials on the government’s anti-insurgency and anti-terrorism efforts.

“We all know that this is a priority program of our President because we in the government, particularly the present administration, believe that insurgency, particularly at the local level, is actually a miniature terrorism or at least it is a parcel of terrorism,” Beltran said.

Philippine Information Agency Central Luzon organizes a social media communications workshop for information and public affairs officers and artists of various national government agencies and local government units in the region as part of the initiatives under the Strategic Communications Cluster of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict 3. (Marie Joy S. Carbungco/PIA 3)

The director also encouraged all participants to treat the training and the advocacy to ELCAC as their personal contribution towards human race, adding that in the long run, whatever they do today in terms of advocacy will contribute greatly to a better, safer, and productive future for all the next generations to come.

For her part, Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary and National Task Force-ELCAC Spokesperson Lorraine Marie Badoy stressed that the task of government communicators is crucial in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.

“What are government communicators? What are we? We are the voice, especially of those who do not have a voice, those who have been silenced. Therefore, our role as storytellers is very important,” she said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary and National Task Force-ELCAC Spokesperson Lorraine Marie Badoy stressed the vital role that government communicators play in the fight against communist-terrorist groups. (Marie Joy S. Carbungco/PIA 3)

More than just passing on traditions and values, Badoy said the most important job of storytellers focuses on healing by reminding people who we really are.

“What do the communist-terrorist groups do? They wounded us so deeply. I really think that our job is sacred— to heal our country. I’m really happy that we are learning how to tell our stories better because they tried to make us forget who we are. We really need to remind our people who we are. We are not the type of people who will let your child go there. We are very family-oriented, we love our children, we will kill for our children. We really love our families,” she said.

Among the topics discussed during the four-day training workshop include guide to basic terminologies, clarity of writing a piece, the right attitude of an RTF-ELCAC writer, photography, and editing social cards using Photoshop.

Mentors and facilitators of the training-workshop are from the Integrated Communications Operations Center of the NTF-ELCAC. (CLJD/MJSC-PIA 3)

Philippine Information Agency Regional Director and RTF-ELCAC 3 Strategic Communications Cluster Head William Beltran explains the objective of the training and encouraged participants to treat the fight against insurgency and terrorism as a personal advocacy towards a better and safer future. (Marie Joy S. Carbungco/PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067840

DND to inoculate workforce

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 24, 2021): DND to inoculate workforce (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

PASIG CITY, Feb. 24 (PIA) -- The Department of National Defense (DND) is set to begin its inoculation drive for its employees upon the delivery of the 100,000 doses donated to the DND by China through Chinese Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe.

This, following the emergency use authorization granted to Sinovac Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"The vaccines will be administered to all the employees and military personnel assigned to the DND and its civilian bureaus," the agency told the PIA-NCR.

The DND said included in the list of beneficiaries is the Office of Civil Defense, Government Arsenal, National Defense College of the Philippines and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, as well as the civilian employees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Family members of the Department's employees are also eligible to receive the vaccines.

"The intent is to vaccinate everyone who is in the same working environment and those living in the same households as our employees," Dir. Arsenio R. Andolong, DND spokesperson said. "It is crucial that all must be vaccinated to allow us to create a 'bubble' of an immunized workforce."

The uniformed personnel under the AFP, meanwhile, will be inoculated under a different vaccine rollout plan. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067781

San Juan pledges to end local communist armed conflict

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 25, 2021): San Juan pledges to end local communist armed conflict (By Lucia F. Broñio)

CALOOCAN CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora along with local government officials on Wednesday signed the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) Pledge of Commitment to Support ELCAC (End Local Communist and Armed Conflict) at Barangay Tibagan Covered Court.

National Capital Region Police Office Chief PMGEN Vicente Danao Jr., Eastern Police District Director PMGEN Matthew Baccay, San Juan City Chief of Police PCOL Rodolfo Hernandez, Vice Mayor Warren Villa, and San Juan barangay chairpersons were also present in support of the ELCAC.

The ELCAC was formed through President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 in December 2018, which institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach in achieving an “inclusive and sustainable peace” in the country.

PMGEN Danao said he is grateful to the City of San Juan for their full support to this initiative.

“Local communist have been in existence for 50 years. It’s high time we put a stop to this. Nakikita niyo ang full support ni Mayor Zamora at mga barangay chairmen sa ELCAC,” PMGen. Danao added.

“Dito sa San Juan wala kayong dapat alalahanin, full support from the mayor, the vice mayor, the councilors, the barangay captains, all the way to each and every San Juaneno, kami po ay sumusuporta sa ELCAC. Gagawin po namin ang lahat para manatiling tahimik ang ating lungsod,” Mayor Zamora said in his statement.

Guest of honor PMGEN Danao was also given a certificate of appreciation for his tireless efforts and unwavering support to the City of San Juan, particularly in preserving the peace and order in the city.

Meanwhile, PMGEN Danao also thanked Mayor Zamora for the new 6-storey building that will be the new home of the Eastern Police District Headquarters, San Juan PNP, and San Juan Bureau of Fire Protection Station. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1067868

Army beefs up forces in Sulu, activates new brigade

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): Army beefs up forces in Sulu, activates new brigade (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

NEW BRIGADE. Maj. Gen. William Gonzales (2nd from left), 11th Infantry Division commander, hands over the command flag to Col. Eugenio Boquio, who was installed as the first commander of the newly-activated 1103rd Infantry Brigade, during a ceremony in Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu on Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 23, 2021). The Philippine Army activated the brigade to beef up its forces in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu. (Photo courtesy of the 11th Infantry Division Public Information Office)

The Philippine Army has activated a new infantry brigade to beef up its forces in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, 11th Infantry Division (ID) commander, said Wednesday the activation of the 1103rd Infantry Brigade is a significant step towards sustainable and inclusive peace in Sulu.

Gonzales installed Col. Eugenio Boquio as 1103rd brigade commander in a ceremony in Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo on Tuesday afternoon, marking the activation of the new brigade.

He said the 11th ID now houses three Army brigades and one Marine brigade, which solidifies the presence of the Army in the province.

The other two Army brigades are the 1101st and 1102nd and the marine unit is the 4th Marine Brigade.

The 1101st brigade is responsible for securing the southern portion of the first district of Sulu while the 1102nd is in charge of Patikul town in the northern portion of the same district.

The whole second district of Sulu falls under the responsibility of the 4th Marine Brigade.

The 1103rd brigade's deployment has yet to be determined.

“As of now, 1103rd Infantry Brigade has a skeletal workforce composed of various personnel from other divisions. The creation of the new brigade is a significant step towards sustainable and inclusive peace in Sulu, as we intend to fill it up with Tausug recruits. This provides an opportunity for the people of Sulu to take an active and meaningful role in securing their land,” said Gonzales, who is also the commander of the Joint Task Forces (JTF) - Sulu.

“JTF-Sulu's powerhouse team welcomes another brilliant officer to its line-up. To 1103rd Brigade Commander, Col. Boquio, I expect nothing less than excellent leadership and constant collaboration with other security forces, local government units and agencies, and the general public of Sulu,” he added.

Boquio expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to lead the brigade and pledged to live up to the expectations that come with his position.

Before taking on his new role, Boquio was chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Special Operations Command.

He also served as chief of staff of JTF-Sulu in 2017 and commander of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion from October 2014 to March 2016.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131689

2 ‘demoralized’ NPA rebels yield in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): 2 ‘demoralized’ NPA rebels yield in Zambo Sur (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Demoralized by intensified military offensives against communists, two Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) members surrendered to government authorities in Zamboanga del Sur, military officials reported Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, in a statement, said the two surrendered around 9 a.m. Monday to a joint team of the Army, police, and Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in Barangay Saad, Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

The surrenderers were identified as Jonilou Labito alias Ka Jobel, 33, a member of the HQ-KALAW of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), and Jelboy Senyara alias Ka Zoren, 24, of the Guerrilla Front BBC, WMRPC.

Herrera said the successful surrender was made possible through the efforts of Mayor Joan Abejuela of Dumingag and the 53IB’s Patrol Base commander.

“We intensified our offensives to press the group on thereby demoralizing the militants even more leaving them with no other choice but to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law,” said Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander.

Nicolas said they will continue to employ peaceful mechanisms to convince the remaining militants to choose the path of peace.

The two rebel returnees are now undergoing custodial debriefing prior to their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

“The manpower and capability of the communist terrorist groups in our area of operation are continuously dwindling as some of their members were killed or apprehended while most of them decided to surrender and avail of the reintegration program of the government," said Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, in a separate statement.

“We urge them to heed our call, surrender, and live peacefully together with their families,” Vinluan added.

Based on records of the Westmincom, a total of 202 NPA rebels and supporters were neutralized and 167 firearms were recovered in 2020.

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/1131696

Gov't troops rescue abandoned wounded rebel in Sorsogon

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): Gov't troops rescue abandoned wounded rebel in Sorsogon (By Connie Calipay)

Government troops on Tuesday rescued a wounded New People's Army (NPA) rebel who was abandoned by his comrades after a clash with the military in Barangay Marinab, Bulan, Sorsogon.

Captain John Paul Belleza, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesperson, in a statement Wednesday, said soldiers brought the wounded rebel to a hospital.

Belleza said aside from the rescued rebel, an M16 rifle and anti-personnel mine were recovered from the encounter site.

“Firefight lasted for five minutes before the enemies withdrew,” Belleza said.

He said the Joint Task Force Bicolandia’s (JTFB) decisive conduct of security operations in Bicol continues to bring serious impact on the capability of the communist terrorist group (CTG).

Maj. Gen. Henry Robinson Jr., commander of JTFB, lauded the troops for another successful operation and recognized the cooperation of the residents in the Army's fight against communist terrorism.

"Pinapaniwala nila ang mga tao at ang kanilang mga miyembro na sila at ang kanilang ideolohiya ang solusyon sa suliranin ng lipunan. Paano silang makapagbibigay ng solusyon gayong kahit katiting na pagmamalasakit sa kanilang mga kasamahan, wala sila? (They want people and their members to believe that their ideology is the solution to the problem of the society. How can they make solution if they don't even have a little bit of concern for their comrades?),” he said.

Robinson added that when a rebel is injured or dies in an encounter, his comrades abandon him.

“That is why we are relentless in our efforts to end this five-decade armed struggle because we do not want the Filipinos, especially the Bicolanos to sacrifice their lives, their future and the future of their families in this hopeless cause. To the remaining CTG members and even to some who are still supporting this terrorist group, it is about time that you join hands with the government as we put an end to this insurgency. Our children and the next generation deserve an armed conflict-free region," he said.

It can be recalled that last week, five high-powered firearms were seized in two successful operations in Masbate and Sorsogon while several CTG members and supporters in Bicol have surrendered to the government.

JTF Bicolandia attributed these gains to the growing support of the peace-loving Bicolanos and expressed confidence that genuine peace and sustainable development will soon be achieved in the region.

The NPA, along with the Communist Party of the Philippines, are 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/1131711

Twisted truth, IP kids’ rescuers on Cebu-based NGO claims

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 24, 2021): Twisted truth, IP kids’ rescuers on Cebu-based NGO claims (By Che Palicte)

WITH CONSENT. Along with the parents of rescued minors in Cebu City, law enforcement and military authorities and other government officials hold a press conference on Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 23, 2021) in Tagum City to belie the claim that the families were not informed about the Feb. 15, 2021 operation. According to some of the parents, they were not aware that their children had been taken from the UCCP Haran Center in Davao City by a leftist group to Cebu City. (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

Authorities responsible for the rescue of 19 Mindanaoan tribal children in Cebu City lambasted a Cebu-based child rights group for allegedly twisting the truth on the parents' knowledge about the Feb. 15 operation.

In a press conference here Tuesday afternoon, both the parents of the rescued children and the officials of the Police Regional Office in Region 11 (PRO-11) debunked the claim of the Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB) that the families of the minors involved were not aware of the operation.

“It is not true that the CLB was contacted by the parents of these children and asked the group to represent on their behalf. Before we executed the rescue, the parents already made an affidavit about their concern,” Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, PRO-11 director, said.

Escobal, who organized the operation in coordination with the Cebu City police, said the rescue team even brought the parents' affidavit during the actual operation.

“We brought a statement from the 11 parents. Only six of them managed to join the rescue because the others cited important reasons not to participate. I reiterate that it is a valid complaint; that is why we immediately acted on it,” he said.

Of the 19 rescued children, 13 are from the Davao del Norte town of Talaingod, five from Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao, and one from Zamboanga City. They all belong to various Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups.

Escobal and the parents issued the denial after CLB claimed on Monday that some of the parents of the rescued minors had expressed concern for not informing them about transporting the children back to their respective hometowns.

Escobal also questioned the motive of the CLB for attempting to prevent the transport of the children.

According to their background investigation, he said they discovered that CLB is connected to the National Union of People’s Lawyers, a leftist group that has suspected ties to the communist rebel movement.

“If you look at their advocacy, you can say that it is really good, but their action speaks otherwise. So they are just used as an instrument by the communists,” he added.

Reunited

Rose, a mother of one of the rescued tribal children who attended the press conference, recounted the pain she felt three years ago when his son went missing after he stayed at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Haran in Davao City, supposedly to study.

Rose, the mother of one of the rescued tribal children in Cebu City, narrates how his son was gone missing and brought to Cebu City by a leftist group. Along with other parents, Rose told her story in a press conference in Tagum City on Tuesday afternoon (Feb. 23, 2021). (PNA photo by Che Palicte)

“It was three years already and I keep on looking for him. I went to Haran and ask if my son is there but they cannot show me until we were told that he was in Cebu,” Rose said in vernacular.

The Haran Center at the UCCP compound in Davao City has long been giving shelter to IP evacuees from all parts of Mindanao. However, the center has come under intense scrutiny from the military and tribal leaders for many years for supposedly becoming a recruitment ground for the communist New People's Army (NPA).

According to Rose, she consulted their tribal leader in Talaingod town upon learning that her son was taken from Haran to a facility in Cebu City.

“I am so happy that he is alive and he came back home safely,” Rose said.

Arlani Batua, department head of the Talaingod Municipal Social Development Welfare Office (MSWDO), told Philippine News Agency that the rescued children and their parents are currently staying in a quarantine facility.

The rescued children from the town will be transferred to a temporary shelter after the 14-day quarantine, she said, adding: "They cannot join their community yet because we will prepare them through psychosocial intervention."

Meanwhile, Datu Andigao Agao, a Manobo tribal leader in the area, vowed not to allow any group with suspected links to the NPA to come near their communities.

“They are just telling lies and they will kidnap our children and persuade them with their false promises,” Agay said in vernacular.

At least seven persons were charged with serious illegal detention, kidnapping, and violation of Republic Act No. 9208, or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, two days following the rescue operation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1131670