Kalinaw News: 1 sick abandoned NPA rescued by 60IB Troopers; 1 NPA dead in encounter

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 1, 2021): 1 sick abandoned NPA rescued by 60IB Troopers; 1 NPA dead in encounter



ASUNCION, DDN- September 30, 2021 (Thursday), an encounter transpired between the 60th Infantry (Mediator) Battalion under the leadership of Ltc Ronaldo DP Sarmiento and undetermined number of CTGs belonging to the Weakened Guerilla Front 3 (WGF 3), Sub Regional Committee 4 (SRC 4), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) at the hinterlands of So. Bagtok, Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

Prior to the encounter, an information was received by the operating troops of 60IB from the concerned residents that a severely ill NPA a certain Buwakaw Tumagsa Tiklonay @TULDOK/MASTER/ASTER/PLUS of WGF 3 was abandoned by his comrades under Alfie Olbis Trabado @COCO/CARDO/SULAY/MARTIN. Buwakaw Tiklonay was rescued by 60IB troopers at vicinity Umayam River, So. Bagtok, Brgy Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

Upon receipt of information, Ltc Sarmiento immediately ordered the troops of Bravo Company under 1Lt Pasion to confirm the veracity of the said information in order to rescue said NPA. Upon the arrival of troops last 29 September, they discovered Buwakaw weak and starving. The troops provided immediate medical assistance to Buwakaw. The 60IB Medical Team then fetched Buwakaw to the nearest Sitio and transported to District Hospital of Kapalong, DDN where he received proper medication.

However while extricating the abandoned NPA, the operating troops of Bravo Coy encountered undetermined number of CTGs belonging to WGF 3 at Kalihayan, So Bagtok, Gupitan, Kapalong, Davao del Norte that lasted for almost 20 minutes of firefight. The said encounter resulted to the death of Arturo Rene Tiklonay @ Banog/Kuligi, Political Instructor of Andoy Pltn, WGF3, SRC4, SMRC and recovery of one (1) M16 rifle.

In his statement, Ltc Sarmiento told: “Wala nasilay ma saligan na katawhan. Wala na ang mga saunang naga supporta og nagatoo sa mga pagpangilad og paglimbong nila. Ang mga kasundaluhan lakip na ang 60IB dili gayud mohunong sa paggukod sa ilang grupo. Padayun giyapon namo ipatuman ang kampanya batok sa WGF 3 hangtud nga mahurot ang ilang mga miyembro. Sa makausa pa, akung ipaabot sa mga kaubanan ni Rene og Bumakaw Tiklonay nga anaa pa sa maong grupong na mosurrender na og mobalik na sa sabakan sa balaod. Dili na nato pagahulaton na dunapay laing kinabuhi nga makalas. Andam usab ang military nga maghatag tabang pinaagi sa ECLIP ug amnesty programa ubos sa balaod sa atung pang gobyerno.”

In the statement of Mayeth Tiklonay, daughter of Rene and also a former minor rebel: “Ako nagapangandoy onta nga mag kauban me sa akoang pamilya hangtod nga ni abot ang punto sa masubo nga kamatayon ang akoang amahan. Ang pagpangilad og pagpanglimbong sa huna-huna sa tao nga ginamasa CPP-NPA-NDF maoy hinungdan nga nabongkag ang amoang pamilya og ginatawag nako ang akoang ginikanan og igsoon na mohawa na sila sa Haran og manginabuhi na mahapsay.”

Brigadier General Jesus P Durante III, Commander 1001st Infantry Brigade lauded the troops’ bravery and dedication to duty in maintaining the peace and going against the peace spoilers. “As soldiers of the people we lay down our lives in serving the people and securing our land. We ensure the safety of Filipinos and their communities even in far flung areas of the archipelago. Insurgency has no place in peace-loving areas of the country. We continue to reach out to local terrorist groups like the NPA to lay down their arms in the pursuit of peace or face the full force of the 1001st Brigade” Durante said.

The body of Rene Tiklonay will be brought to Escriba Funeral Homes, Kapalong. While, Bumakaw Tiklonay is currently undergoing medical treatment at the District Hospital of Kapalong, Davao Del Norte.Likewise, Bumakaw will undergo Custodial Debriefing after his medication.

[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/1-sick-abandoned-npa-rescued-by-60ib-troopers-1-npa-dead-in-encounter/

Kalinaw News: The Government had successfully launched Ground Breaking Ceremonies of SBDP to 7 barangays of North Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 1, 2021): The Government had successfully launched Ground Breaking Ceremonies of SBDP to 7 barangays of North Cotabato



Magpet, North Cotabato – The Provincial Government Unit of North Cotabato in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), Local Government Units of President Roxas, Magpet, Makilala, Tulunan, and Arakan in partnership with 1002nd Infantry (Bagwis) Brigade, 72nd Infantry (Gabay) Battalion and 39th Infantry (Smash ‘Em) Battalion, successfully launched Ground Breaking Ceremonies of Concreting of Farm-to-Market Roads (FMRs) to seven (7) barangays of the different municipalities of North Cotabato.

Among the provinces covered by Region 12, the Province of North Cotabato is the first to fulfill the implementation of Support to Barangay Development Programs (SBDP) of ELCAC through Ground Breaking Ceremonies. The first seven (7) barangay beneficiaries of the SBDP are: Barangay La Esperanza and New Cebu of President Roxas, Barangay Don Panaca and Bantac of Magpet, Barangay Luayon of Makilala, Batang of Tulunan, and Barangay Datu Ladayon of Arakan, all of North Cotabato. These barangays were allocated with an amount of PhP20,000,000.00 each to be used for the concreting of farm-to-market roads and other projects such as water and sanitation systems, health stations, electrification, and livelihood projects. These were funded by the Local Government Support Fund – Support to the Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP) initiated by the National Government.

Further, these projects are the government’s response to the issues and developmental gaps being exploited by the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) in those previously affected communities.

Hon Nancy A Catamco, Governor, Province of North Cotabato, lauded the efforts of the government agencies involved in the realization of the ELCAC Projects. She said, “My utmost gratitude to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, for the implementation of Executive Order No 70, the Whole-of-Nation approach in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). This Ground Breaking Ceremony is a manifestation that the government is sincere in bringing the government closer to the people.”

In response, Brigadier General Potenciano C Camba, Commander, 1002nd Brigade, expressed his gratitude for the support of partner LGUs and the DILG for the launching of ELCAC projects. He said, “This is the fulfillment of your long-awaited farm-to-market road and this is an early Christmas gift of the government. Now, you are more motivated to plant more in your respective farms. I hope that you would help the Philippine Army in maintaining peace and order here in your community. Let us all unite and work together to end this decades-long insurgency because it really hampered and continuously disrupting our developmental agenda.”

[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/the-government-had-successfully-launched-ground-breaking-ceremonies-of-sbdp-to-7-barangays-of-north-cotabato/

Kalinaw News: Aurora town Mayor created monitoring and evaluation team to ex-rebels to sustain government projects and assistance

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 1, 2021): Aurora town Mayor created monitoring and evaluation team to ex-rebels to sustain government projects and assistance



BALER, Aurora-In line with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order 70 whole-of-nation-approach to end local communist armed conflict, Maria Aurora town Mayor Amado M. Geneta together with Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division under the leadership of Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio and 1st Lieutenant Hamilton Dawaton, Charlie Company Commander, and key persons of Maria Aurora Municipal Police Station, Aurora Police Provincial Office, Municipal Local Government Operations Officer (MLGOO), Municipal Agriculture Office among others are beefing up efforts to address the insurgency in their respective areas of jurisdiction; hence the creation of monitoring and evaluation team to former rebels.

The move is to ensure that the government funds given to them will not go to waste and the benefits will be given to those deserving beneficiaries.

Mayor Geneta said that the creation of the team is legal and based on executive order number 25-2021 whom he is the chairperson of the team held at Municipal Compound of Maria Aurora on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

“As the convergence of efforts being the pilot with the concerned LGU is working hand in hand in the delivery of services needed by these barangays. Together with the approval of government funds and the initial projects that we, the 91st IB, PNP initiated the start a program has already in place which needed some monitoring for the sustenance of the same, and here comes the programs and projects identified by the concerned barangays under support to Barangay Development Program which will surely develop the countryside,” Geneta said, pointing out that there is a need to monitor and evaluate the implementation of those projects and programs to ensure that the government programs are properly implemented.

Geneta said that he is grateful with the national government headed by President Duterte for initiating and approving the support to barangay development program under ELCAC.

“We are also thankful to Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, Battalion commander of 91st IB for implementing and giving us the opportunity to be the recipient of this program,” Geneta said.

Geneta said that they passed executive order to sustained and monitor the former rebels in his town in the livelihood assistance and trainings given to them so that they will not returned to armed struggle and will continue to live in peace with their families.

He said that the move is also a part of the over-all Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) efforts in his barangays, the government facilitated the establishment of people’s organization, as one of the requirement of the RCSP and as part of territorial defense system and the need to sustain the operational gains to prevent communist terrorist groups (CTGs) from conducting recovery works and counter their hate propaganda activities.

“The purpose of the monitoring and evaluation team is to monitor the progress and development of organized POs and its implementation of various program and activities. Our team will conduct intervention to facilitate the sustainability of the programs and projects,” Geneta said.

[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/aurora-town-mayor-created-monitoring-and-evaluation-team-to-ex-rebels-to-sustain-government-projects-and-assistance/

Army denies charge putting pressure on IP leader’s kin

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 1, 2021): Army denies charge putting pressure on IP leader’s kin (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Captain Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division
Photo Courtesy of 10th Infantry Division

THE 10TH Infantry Division strongly denied the accusation that the relatives of Bae Bibyaon Ligkayan Bigkay were forcibly brought by the Army to the municipal hall to sign documents for her rescue from Manila.

Captain Mark Anthony Tito, the 10ID spokesman said, the move to craft resolutions addressed to the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples and the Tribal Council of Elders in Talaingod was initiated by the families and relatives of Bae Bibyaon.

Also, he said the move of the communist “front organizations” to reject the plea of the family and relatives to facilitate the safe passage home of Bae Bibyaon “shows their cruelty, selfishness, and intent to destroy family bond and kinship among Indigenous Peoples (IPs) to disrupt the culture and customs of the community.”

He added the NDF-affiliated groups intend to bring a gap between the IP elders to create disunion among the already vulnerable IPs to continue exploiting them to generate funds from international groups.

Contrary to the claims, the 10ID maintains good working relations with both IP and non-IP communities in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte, and other parts under its area of responsibility and is warmly welcomed by the people in their respective lands, he said.

Meanwhile, through the collective effort from various government agencies, the local government units and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will continue to uphold the mandate under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s guidance in uplifting the lives of the Filipino people dislocated by armed operations of the communist group.

The military said the NPAs continue to insist on their influence and force in the region.

However, 11 former Cadre members under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee said that the guerilla fighters continue to dwindle in number with the destruction of mass bases due to the effective implementation of Executive Order 70.

Maj. Gen. Ernesto C Torres Jr., 10th Infantry Division commander, remains confident in the sincerity of the troops toward the peace-building efforts of the Army while challenging the leadership of the CPP-NPA to prove their claim of their so-called “force and influence” in the region.

“The people itself will be the living proof with the various programs poured and received by communities as an answer to their plea for basic services and programs. Together with the community, the Agila Division is working hand in hand with the people in forming communities of nation builders, development seekers, and peace-loving leaders,” Torres said.

“And to the leadership of the CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT), we will be in the forefront in this fight, with your mass bases and alliances destroyed, the government, together with the awakened people, will eradicate the remaining remnants of peace-spoilers in the region,” he added.

Furthermore, to preserve its mandate, the troops under Agila Division firmly commit their strength in maintaining peace and order stability in the region through its various programs anchored and tailored-fitted to the needs of the communities with the help of local chief executives.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/10/01/army-denies-charge-putting-pressure-on-ip-leaders-kin/

Terrorism tackled in SCN meeting

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 1, 2021): Terrorism tackled in SCN meeting

ZAMBOANGA MAYOR Beng Climaco has joined an international steering committee meeting facilitated by the Strong Cities Network (SCN) which discussed the efforts of the local government in “Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism.”

The virtual meeting was aimed at addressing all forms of violent extremism, hate and polarisation, while promoting a human rights-based prevention framework in which local knowledge and practice informs national, regional and international approaches.

The steering committee - which consists of a geographically diverse group of representatives from up to 25 cities and local governments, which are members of the SCN - is the leadership and decision-making body of the SCN. It provides strategic direction and promotes the SCN’s mission guided by its members.

Climaco, a staunch peace advocate, was the recipient of the United States plaque of “Recognition of Distinction” for her dedicated support to the “Countering Violent Extremism Program” (CVET) and its successful outcome in Zamboanga City.

The award was given recently by the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) under the Department of Justice. ICITAP-Philippines Attaché Juan Bortfeld presented the plaque to Climaco through Eric Orillaneda, ICITAP Site Supervisor.

The plaque cited Climaco’s “visionary leadership of local government, exemplified through collaborative outreach with partnering agencies, augmenting capacity building and development opportunities for leading constituents enhancing their abilities to improve the quality of life for the citizens they serve.”

Bortfeld also awarded Climaco’s executive assistant, Jojo Abdusalam, with a plaque honoring his distinctive service during the series of community dialogues and other activities on the CVET.

Last March, Climaco was also featured from among over a dozen selected mayors and practitioners from all over the world and spoke at the SCN’s “Strong Cities, Strong Female Leadership,” in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The SCN asked leading female mayors, policy leaders, directors and practitioners from a broad spectrum across our global network to give their views. The first in the list to answer was Climaco and these were the answers she had given to a set of questions from the organizer.

Why is female leadership important to building community resilience? “Women by nature are nurturing, caring and can multitask across the workplace, at home and with their families. When rebels attacked our city, my priority was our people – 120,000 were displaced and many living in fear. Being a family counsellor, I made sure hostages got psychological first aid. By night, I would be in communities reassuring their safety. This built trust since people knew the Lady Mayor was present with them.”

What advice would you give to girls and women aspiring to get involved in local government? “Follow your heart. Make your voice heard. You are a leader with big heart.”

How can we as a global society support increased female leadership on local issues? “Hone women from childhood. My mom told me to speak out for my rights as a girl and teenager. We must continue to educate women of our rights and our significant roles in contributing to our community.”

Aside from Climaco, among in the list or mayors and professionals who joined the forum were the following: Mayor Anna König Jerlmyr, Stockholm, Sweden; Mayor Valérie Plante, Montreal, Canada; Vice-Mayor Rina Mariann Hansen, Oslo, Norway; Rubina Abu Zeinab, National Coordinator for Preventing Violent Extremism, Lebanon; Gulmina Bilal, Director for Individualland in Nowshera, Pakistan; Munira Hamisi, Director for CVE and Community Engagement in Mombasa, Kenya; Malin Martelius, Safety and Security Coordinator in Malmö, Sweden;

Julie McKercher, MERIT Specialist from Ottawa, Canada; Marijeta Mojasevic, Youth Advisor in the Municipality of Berane, Montenegro; Johanne Nilsen, Crime Prevention Coordinator in Kristiansand, Norway; Rehema Zaid Obuyi - Integrated Initiatives for Community Empowerment in Nairobi, Kenya; Joumana Silyan-Saba, from Los Angeles in the U.S.A.; Desanka Stoshevska, Secretary of the Municipality of Kumanovo in North Macedonia.

And early this year, the SCN also invited Climaco to join a group of selected global mayors for an audience with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Climaco said she was impressed by the wisdom of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who talked about the Covid-19 pandemic and appreciating medical scientists and health workers for their sacrifices, learning and listening to experts, and telling everyone to be cautious.

The webcast was held from the residence of His Holiness in Dharamsala in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and broadcast live in Zamboanga City, India, Los Angeles and Washington DC in the United States, London in the United Kingdom, Beirut in Lebanon, Nairobi in Kenya, Surabaya in Indonesia and Melbourne in Australia.

SCN is the first ever global network of mayors, policymakers and practitioners united in building social cohesion and resilience to counter violent extremism in all its forms. (Zamboanga Post)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/10/terrorism-tackled-in-scn-meeting.html

Cop wounded in Sulu ambush

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 1, 2021): Cop wounded in Sulu ambush

One policeman was wounded in an ambush Friday evening in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, police said.

It said the ambushers attacked a police patrol in the village of Tagbak in Indanan and wounded a member of the 1402nd Regional Mobile Force Battalion. At least six policemen headed by Patrolman Sanaani Julmunir were in the patrol vehicle and heading to Maimbung town when gunmen ambushed them at around 7:30.

Police have identified the wounded only by his rank and name as Patrolman Ibrahim who was rushed to hospital in the capital town of Jolo, about 15 kilometers away.

There was no report of enemy casualties, but security forces were deployed in the town to hunt down the ambushers.

“Upon receipt of the information elements of Indanan municipal police station led by Major Edwin Sapa, the chief of police; Special Action Force, 1st and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Companies, Maimbung police station, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, and AFP counterpart proceeded to the area to reinforce, but the suspects fled toward unknown direction upon seeing the responding team. Furthermore, ongoing clearing operation and hot pursuit is conducted,” a police report said.

The motive of the attack was not immediately known and no individual or group claimed responsibility for the ambush. The pro-ISIS group Abu Sayyaf is actively operating in Indanan town, however, it was unclear whether it had anything to do with the attack.

The ambush has broken the tranquility in the province whose economy is recovering from the crunch of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sulu only has 25 active Covid-19 cases.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/10/cop-wounded-in-sulu-ambush.html

Security beefed up after grenade attack in Maguindanao town

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2021): Security beefed up after grenade attack in Maguindanao town (By Edwin Fernandez)

DAMAGED. An M79 grenade projectile partially damaged the dome of the masjid (mosque) located inside the Shariff Aguak municipal compound on Thursday night (Sept. 30, 2021). The police has yet to determine the group responsible for the attack. (Photo courtesy of Shariff Aguak MPS)

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – Local authorities on Friday raised the alert status of all police stations across the province following a blast from a grenade projectile that damaged a mosque here.

Colonel Jibin Bongcayao, Maguindanao police director, said the police here have devised a security plan to prevent a repeat of the attack in this town on Thursday night.

“Additional police personnel were deployed and more roadblocks were set up around the town,” he said in a statement.

In a report, Major Radzak Musa, municipal police chief, said unidentified men fired an M79 grenade launcher toward the town government center at Barangay Poblacion around 8 p.m. Thursday.

The explosive device landed at the dome of the mosque located inside the compound and beside the town’s Commission on Elections (Comelec) office.

“We could not say this early if it is election-related but we are not discounting that,” Muza told the Philippine News Agency on Friday.

“This is unfortunate because a holy place was partially damaged,” he added.

Muza theorized the perpetrators could have been targeting the police office located nearby in retaliation to the death of a suspected highway robber during a recent police operation here.

“I suspect that the grenade was maybe intended for the police,” he said, adding that nobody was hurt in the explosion.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155311

Troops recover NPA extortion letters, receipts in north Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2021): Troops recover NPA extortion letters, receipts in north Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

EXTORTION. Copies of the extortion letters and official receipts of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Apolinario Gatmaitan Command in Negros Island that were recovered by government troops after an encounter with communist terrorists in Barangay San Pablo, Manapla, Negros Occidental on Thursday (Sept. 30, 2021). The four rebels who died in the clash were the “brains” of the NPA extortion activities in northern Negros, a Philippine Army official said. (Photos courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

Government troops recovered copies of extortion letters and receipts being used by the New People’s Army (NPA) in their operations to force individuals and business owners in Negros Island to give them money.

The documents, which belong to the NPA’s Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, were recovered during the clearing operation conducted by Army and police troopers after a clash with about 10 communist rebels, four of whom were killed, in Hacienda Builder, Barangay San Pablo in Manapla, Negros Occidental on Thursday.

1Lt. Dansan Camua, civil-military operations officer of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (79IB), said Friday those who died during the encounter were behind the extortion activities in northern Negros.

“We were informed that there is extortion going on in the area so we responded,” Camua told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview.

Those killed were identified as Marilyn “Monet” Badayos, finance officer of the Northern Negros Front (NNF) and former secretary of the South East Front; Ronilo “Wowie” Desabille, propaganda and education officer; Rody “Brod” Carbajosa, finance and logistics officer of Sentro de Grabidad Platoon; and Rufino “Simo” Bocaval, taxation and finance committee member.

“They are mobile and they go to places where they still have mass supporters and stay there to rest,” Camua said.

However, when they came to the area of Barangay San Pablo, the locals reported their presence to the government forces, he said, noting that after the death of Badayos and her three comrades, they expect reduced extortion activities of the NNF remnants.

“It has a big impact (on their operation). Although it will not totally stop, but somehow the extortion activities will lessen,” Camua said.

Police records show that Badayos was arrested in this city in 2011 for her involvement in the killing of an Army Scout Ranger but was released on bail.

In 2016, she was again arrested in Negros Oriental for homicide related to the killing of a 79IB soldier in Bais City, Negros Oriental.

Badayos also had an arrest warrant for three counts of attempted murder involving the ambush of police officers in Candoni, Negros Occidental in the same year.

Earlier, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said the Army, in collaboration with the police, foiled one of the major extortion activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA in Negros Island with the death of the four communist rebels.

“(They) were the ‘brains’ of extortion scheme. They were responsible for all extortion activities in the area (that targeted) big companies, construction firms, and private individuals for years,” he added.

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/1155326

Indo-Pacific issues pose major security concerns: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2021): Indo-Pacific issues pose major security concerns: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

While seemingly calm, the Indo-Pacific region has many flashpoints and hostilities that could ignite at any moment if security issues are not properly addressed.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana made this comment during an online Stratbase ADR Institute for Strategic and International Studies forum titled "70 Years of the 1951 Philippine-US Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT)" on Thursday afternoon.

"The Indo-Pacific region is relatively small, but beneath this calm surface, are issues between and among nations that if not managed properly could ignite open hostilities," he added.

He added that these issues and challenges are beyond the capacity of one nation to solve and thus, the need for multilateral approach for possible resolution.

One of the flashpoints Lorenzana mentioned is the territorial disputes that seem to involve almost all nations in the region.

"First is the age-old-territorial disputes. Everybody is familiar with the disputes in the Senkaku Islands between Japan, the South China Sea among four nations of Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and China, the Sabah issue between the Philippines and Malaysia, and the boundary dispute between India and China," he added.

He said another is the presence of homegrown terrorists who have easy access to and from neighboring countries and also are aided by imported terrorists.

"We consider terrorism as a major security threat, because more than any other country in the region, the Philippines has perhaps suffered the most from terrorist attacks.

The most recent of which is the suicide bombing of the Jolo Cathedral in January 2019," Lorenzana said.

Around 21 people were killed and 111 others were wounded in this attack which was allegedly perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf and their allies on Jan. 27, 2019.

"Third is China’s long dream of unification with Taiwan. This has the potential to create a major conflagration with the possible involvement of the United States," Lorenzana said.

North Korea's nuclear arms program, he said, continues to be a great concern to its neighboring countries like South Korea, Japan, and the region as a whole.

"Fifth is the proliferation of drugs, no country in the region is free of this scourge. Drugs respect no boundaries," Lorenzana said.

Another is the extraction of resources like underwater hydrocarbons and water resources.

"An example is the drilling of oil in the South China Sea, and the use of the Mekong River which passes through five Asian nations," he added.

The seventh point are transnational crimes like trafficking of people, especially women and children and the illegal sales of weapons and ammunition.

"Eighth, automation. With the speed of technological advances, it was reported by the World Bank that about 50 million people in Southeast Asia will lose their jobs to machines in the next decade," Lorenzana said.

He also mentioned the effect of climate change where rising sea levels have displaced millions of people living in small islands and low-lying coastal areas.

"There are many other issues and concerns but these are the major ones that can cause a lot of problems for all concerned," the DND chief said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155265

PRRD to NHA: Relocate IPs living within Crow Valley gunnery range

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2021): PRRD to NHA: Relocate IPs living within Crow Valley gunnery range (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has directed the National Housing Authority (NHA) to relocate the indigenous peoples (IP) communities residing within the Crow Valley in Capas, Tarlac.

In his taped Talk to the People delivered Thursday night but aired Friday morning, Duterte told NHA General Manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. to ensure that IPs will be given decent houses that are “far” from the Crow Valley.

“I have a problem somewhere in Tarlac. Ito ‘yung mga IP na within military area na adto, may mga IP diyan, about 300 plus something (There are about over 300 IPs within the military area). Kinakailangan kong irelocate (I need to relocate them) because the military is telling them to get out of the area. At gusto kong mabigyan at least ng magandang pabahay (I want to give them a nice housing),” Duterte said.

Crow Valley, also known as the Col. Ernesto Ravina Air Base, is a 17,814-hectare land that is under the control of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and used for bombing and gunnery exercises.

The base also hosts the PAF’s special operations unit 710th Special Operations Wing (SPOW).

Members of the Aeta tribe, however, have pending ancestral domain claim over the area.

Escalada told Duterte that he had allocated roughly PHP80 million for the relocation of IP communities in Crow Valley.

He, however, said it was difficult to convince the local government unit (LGU) and Aeta leaders to move the IP communities to a safer place that is far from the shooting range.

“Apparently, the LGU, as well as some IP leaders, gusto nila, doon pa rin (they want to stay there),” Escalada said.

He, nevertheless, said he had asked the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the 710th SPOW to decide whether Aeta tribes will be transferred “either outside the impact area and outside the military reservation or somewhere nearer but still within the military reservation which is of less risk on their part.”

Duterte, however, said the IP communities must be moved out of Crow Valley.

“If the real problem is they have to be out of the fire range being used for military exercises, there should be cannons there and it must be far enough from the madding crowd, ika nga, Hindi sila puwedeng magbigay ng ano na hindi sila aalis doon (then they could not insist that they would not leave there),” he said.

Duterte said staying within the Crow Valley might only put the Aeta members in jeopardy.

“That’s not good there. Sabihin mo sa kanila umalis sila at bigyan natin ng bahay (Tell them to leave the place and we will give them free housing),” Duterte said.

Escalada said he would hold a meeting with LGUs, Aeta leaders, and 710th SPOW next week to relay Duterte’s message.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155302

2 military medical teams ready for NCR hospital deployment

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2021): 2 military medical teams ready for NCR hospital deployment (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP Surgeon General, Col. Fatima Claire Navarro (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday it has readied two medical teams for deployment to hospitals dealing with an influx of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases in the National Capital Region (NCR).

"We have initially prepared two teams, each composed of one military doctor and five military nurses who will be deployed to hospitals identified by the DOH (Department of Health)," AFP Surgeon General Col. Fatima Claire Navarro said in a statement.

The first deployment will be to St. Luke’s Medical Center should the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the DOH be approved by Monday, she added.

The MOA seeks to define the deployment of military medical personnel to hospitals requesting augmentation.

"It will detail the specific number of military doctors, nurses, and nursing aides that will be deployed as needed by the hospitals, as well as the duration of their deployment to hospitals in need of support," Navarro earlier said.

The agreement will be implemented by the AFP Health Service Command and guided by the Office of the Surgeon General.

"Each team will undergo RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) tests before deployment. After they are assured of a negative result and no Covid-19 symptoms, they will go on a 14-day duty followed by a 14-day quarantine period," she said.

The duration of deployment will be one month, including the quarantine period. This is subject to extension or reallocation of DOH depending on their evaluation.

"The AFP will continuously coordinate with DOH being the authorized agency to accept requests of hospitals and allocate personnel coming from the AFP, as well as from the PNP (Philippine National Police) and BFP (Bureau of Fire Protection)," Navarro said.

She added that the deployment of medical teams in the NCR is apart from their current deployment to mega swabbing and quarantine facilities in Metro Manila, and the teams sent to augment health care workers in Davao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155308

AFP chief seeks closer ties with Australia

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2021): AFP chief seeks closer ties with Australia (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CLOSER TIES. AFP chief, Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. (right) and Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven Robinson AO share a light moment during a meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday (Sept. 30, 2021). The meeting between Faustino and Robinson came on the sidelines of the conclusion of the Indo-Pacific Endeavor held from September 26 to 29, which included the Exercise Lumbas participated by the Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna and Australian vessels Canberra and Anzac. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

With the success of this year's Indo-Pacific Endeavor (IPE 2021), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. is looking forward to holding more bilateral engagements with the Australian government.

Faustino made this comment after he congratulated the Australian Ambassador to the Philippines, Steven Robinson AO, during a meeting at the AFP Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday.

“The AFP acknowledges the significance of participating in this year’s Indo-Pacific Endeavor. Collaboration on activities like IPE echoes our mutual commitment in advancing our partnership to inculcate resiliency in the region through events of beyond military nature,” Faustino said in a statement Friday.

Meanwhile, Robinson said the IPE 2021 has been the most significant maritime activity of the year.

“It is tremendous to have the opportunity to have three Australian Navy vessels here in Philippine waters conducting exercise with you (AFP),” he said.

The IPE held from September 26 to 29 is the Australian Defense Force’s flagship engagement activity with Southeast Asia. It is aimed at strengthening regional partnerships and collaborations on humanitarian aid and disaster relief, maritime security, gender, peace and security, increased interoperability and capability integration.

Among activities during IPE 2021 was the Exercise Lumbas participated by the Philippine Navy’s BRP Antonio Luna and Australian vessels (HMAS) Canberra and Anzac.

Other activities were the Women, Peace and Security Symposium, Amphibious Symposium, Special Forces Counterpart Talks and Close Quarter Battle Mobile Training.

“The conduct of trainings provides great opportunity for our personnel to advance their skills and knowledge with the Australian forces. I look forward to more engagements and robust bilateral relationship between our countries’ respective military organizations,” Faustino said.

The Philippines and Australia are celebrating 75 years of long-standing diplomatic partnership as both countries work closely in areas of defense, counter-terrorism, law enforcement, education and development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155310

Alba named new PNP spokesperson

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2021): Alba named new PNP spokesperson (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP spokesperson, Col. Roderick Augustus Alba (Photo courtesy of PNP PIO)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, on Friday designated Col. Roderick Augustus Alba as the new spokesperson of the police force.

“My marching orders to Colonel Alba are to sustain PNP public information programs with utmost transparency and public accountability by ensuring public right to information; and to promote public information consciousness among PNP Units and personnel,” Eleazar said in a statement.

Alba will also serve as acting chief of the PNP Public Information Office, replacing Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Olay, who was promoted as acting director for logistics at the PNP Directorial Staff.

Alba is a member of the Philippine National Police Academy “Tagapagpatupad” Class of 1992.

Prior to his new post, Alba is the deputy director for administration of the PNP Information Technology Management Service (ITMS).

He also served as the officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO), provincial director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), Chief, Regional Operations and Plans Division of the Police Regional Office 6, and other commands, staff and training assignments as a senior PNP officer.

Based on the existing PNP policy, the spokesperson is the official mouthpiece and publicist of the PNP on public information matters involving internal security and general peace and order and accomplishments of the PNP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155345

Mother of missing activist says Elago deceives students

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2021): Mother of missing activist says Elago deceives students (By Marita Moaje)

EVIDENCE. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group members bring boxes of evidence against communist terrorist groups to the Department of Justice on Friday (Oct. 1, 2021). Parents whose children were recruited by the New People’s Army and former rebel leaders filed cases against Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison, Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago, and other communist terrorist group leaders for violating anti-trafficking and child abuse laws.

(Erratum: An Oct. 1 Twitter post of PNA on the filing of cases by former CPP-NPA cadres before the Department of Justice against CPP founder Jose Maria Sison and Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago erroneously identified the latter as an Anakbayan party-list representative. A correction has been posted. We apologize for the error. — The Editors)

The distraught mother of a student-activist who was recruited by a group affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) on Friday sought an end to youth recruitment by terrorist organizations.

Luisa Espina’s daughter, Louvaine Erika, was a 16-year-old student of Polytechnic University of the Philippines when recruited by the militant Anakbayan in 2016.

Two years later, Louvaine Erika joined the NPA and her mother has not seen her since.

Espina gets strength from the testimonies of former CPP-NPA cadres who said they met her daughter.

She said her daughter’s plight showed Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago is lying whenever she claims that they are simple activists, along with members of their affiliates Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, League of Filipino Students, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, and Gabriela, among others.

Espina, a member of Hands Off Our Children, joined the filing of complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, Elago, and other members of their front organizations for violation of the anti-trafficking and child abuse laws.

“Sinabi ni Sarah Elago na simpleng aktibista lamang ang nire-recruit nila ngunit hindi po ito totoo. Ito po ‘yung patotoo. Harapin nyo, sagutin nyo lahat ng hinain naming dito sa DOJ. Sagutin nyo lahat kung ano yung nangyari sa anak ko. Sagutin nyo lahat ng kaso na to na hinain namin (Sarah Elago previously said they only recruit youths to be simple activists. This is not true. Face and answer our charges here before the DOJ. Tell me what happened to my daughter),” Espina challenged Elago.

She said legal front organizations turn students into activists and send them to the mountains to take up arms.

“Ngayon nyo sagutin, ngayon nyo sabihin na hindi kayo nagpapaakyat ng kabataan sa armadong pakikibaka. Ngayon nyo sagutin sa korte (Answer us now, tell us now that you do not let these youths join the armed struggle. Now is the time to answer our charges in court),” she said.

Espina said it is time that communist terrorist groups are stopped from destroying children’s future and families.

“Enough with exploiting the youth. Let us stop this,” she said.

MOTHER’S APPEAL. Luisa Espina, who has not seen her daughter, Louvaine Erika, since she joined the New People’s Army three years ago, takes part in the filing of a class suit against communist terrorist groups and their legal fronts, at the Department of Justice on Friday (Oct. 1, 2021). Louvaine Erika was only 16 when recruited by the militant Anakbayan in 2016 and left her family two years later. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

The Philippines' Anti-Terrorism Council has designated the CPP, NPA, and National Democratic Front as terrorist groups.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155344

Ex-NPA rebels sue Sison, Elago for trafficking, child abuse

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2021): Ex-NPA rebels sue Sison, Elago for trafficking, child abuse (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

STOP CTG ATROCITIES. Former New People’s Army member Jeffrey ‘Ka Eric’ Celiz file criminal cases against Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison, Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago and other leaders of terrorist organizations before the Department of Justice on Friday (Oct. 1, 2021). Celiz and other fellow former cadres want Sison and his cohorts charged for violations of Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. (Contributed photo)

(Erratum: An Oct. 1 Twitter post of PNA on the filing of cases by former CPP-NPA cadres before the Department of Justice against CPP founder Jose Maria Sison and Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago erroneously identified the latter as an Anakbayan party-list representative. A correction has been posted. We apologize for the error. — The Editors)

Former high-ranking officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) will be relentless in putting an end to deceptive practices and atrocities of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs).

On Friday, former NPA members, including Jeffrey Celiz (Ka Eric), Joy James “Ka Amihan” Saguino, Daniel “Ka Steven" Castillo, Lady Desiree "Ka Shane" Miranda, Julius "Ka Virgo" Acyatan, and Kurt Russel "Ka Ugnay" Sosa filed criminal cases against CPP founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison, Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago, and other CTG leaders before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

They were joined by Luisa Espina, whose daughter, Louvaine Erika, was recruited by militant group Anakbayan in 2016 when she was only 16 years old.

They want Sison and his cohorts charged for violations of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Saguino said there is a need to halt the CTGs' massive recruitment and radicalization of minors and other vulnerable sectors of the society, such as indigenous people, into joining the "senseless" armed revolution.

"Lubhang karima-rimarim 'yung mga nagiging karanasan ng mga kabataan gaya ko, gaya ng iba pang kasama ko ngayon dito, na mga dating NPA din na nagmula rin sa mga front organizations ng Anakbayan, ng League of Filipino Students (LFS) atsaka ng Kabataan party-list, sa pagsali sa armadong pakikibaka (Youth like me, and like other former NPA rebels here, who were former members of the communist front organizations of Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students and Kabataan party-list, had horrible experiences in joining the armed revolution)," he said in an interview.

Saguino said they will not stop until they "unmask the true colors" of the CPP-NPA-NDF and its legal front organizations.

"Unti-unti na nating nahuhubaran ang totoong kulay nung mga nagpapanggap na legal na organisasyon na wala namang ibang ginawa kundi pabagsakin yung gobyerno, linlangin ang mga kabataan at sirain ang mga pamilya (We are now slowly unmasking the true colors of those pretending to be legal organizations but have done nothing but to overthrow the government, deceive the youth, and destroy families)," he added, noting that the CPP-NPA front groups have been actively campaigning for the armed revolution "at the expense of the youth's future and better life”.

Saguino bared one of the most challenging parts of filing criminal cases is how to clearly correlate the link between the legal front organizations to the CPP-NPA-NDF.

"Iyon po ang naging isang matagumpay na naging hakbang ngayon ng gobyerno para mas pa-igtingin ang kampanya para mamulat 'yung taumbayan laban sa mga makakaliwang grupo (That's one of the triumphant steps of our government, to be able to promote a more aggressive campaign of awakening the people against leftist groups)," he said.

'Tell the truth'

Castillo, also a former member of Anakbayan, slammed Elago and other members of the Makabayan Bloc for continuing to deny their ties with CTGs.

"Isang napakalaking kasinungalingan na sabihing walang link o walang relasyon 'yung Kabataan party-list, Anakbayan at LFS sa recruitment ng CPP-NPA-NDF dahil ako mismo ay nanggaling sa Anakbayan at 'yung Anakbayan talaga ang nagsilbing tulay para maging NPA ako (It is a big lie to say that the Kabataan party-list, Anakbayan and LFS are not connected or linked to the recruitment process of the CPP-NPA-NDF, because I myself, came from Anakbayan and Anakbayan served as a bridge for me to become an NPA member," Castillo said.

Fueled by disturbing social issues, Castillo said he decided to move to the mountains to join the armed struggle.

"Kung titingnan natin, nakakapukaw talaga ng damdamin at makaka-udyok talaga sa mga kabataan na sumama sa armadong pakikibaka (If we will look at it, it is really provoking and tempting for the youth to join the armed struggle)," he said.

After serving the NPA's Guerilla Front 55, operating in the boundaries of Bukidnon province and Davao City, Castillo returned to the fold of the law and is now helping the government expose the deceptions committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF and allied groups.

"Kung gusto talaga natin makamit ang pagbabago, hindi natin kailangan idaan sa marahas na pamamaraan (If we really want change, we don’t have to go through violence)," he said.

Castillo reminded the youth to become vigilant against the massive recruitment of the CPP-NPA's front organizations.

"Hindi na kailangang gumamit ng marahas na pamamaraan para lang sa ating mga ipinaglalaban. Maraming tamang avenues para sa mga hinaing na nais nating iparating (We don't need to choose violent methods to push what we are fighting for. There are many right avenues to convey our grievances)," he said.

Unstoppable

Saguino said the Sentrong Alyansa ng mga Mamamayan para sa Bayan, a multi-sectoral organization primarily composed of former rebels, Hands Off Our Children, and other anti-communist civic organizations, are committed to helping the next administration fight CTGs.

"Handa kaming makipagtulungan sa kung sinomang presidente ang maluklok for next year's elections para maipagpatuloy 'yung paglaban namin para sa katotohan, para patuloy na sagipin ang mga kabataang na-recruit ng NPA at maibalik sa mga magulang ang mga nawawalang nilang anak (We are ready to work with whoever the next President will be, to continue our fight for the truth, to continue rescuing the youth recruited by the NPA, and to help parents get back their missing children)," he said.

He said they will not stop even if the next administration will not be as aggressive as the Duterte government in fighting CTGs.

The Philippines' Anti-Terrorism Council has designated the CPP, NPA, and NDF as terrorist groups.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1155346