NTF-ELCAC: Tool for a peaceful and progressive society

From Palawan News (Dec 10, 2021): NTF-ELCAC: Tool for a peaceful and progressive society (By Maridel Pillo)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) was established to provide mechanisms and ensure effective and efficient implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach (WNA) in the realization of an inclusive and sustainable peace.

Institutionalizing the WNA means the convergence of all government instrumentalities, the private sector, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders in the delivery of basic services and in peace-building programs, plans, and activities.

Since its implementation, the NTF-ELCAC has achieved a leap in terms of eliminating local armed conflict in just a matter of two years.

The task force had accomplished several projects and effectively addressed most of its plans and programs through its 12 operational clusters, namely, Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management; Local Government Empowerment; Strategic Communications; Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building, Empowerment, and Mobilization; Basic Services; Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment; Infrastructure and Resource Management; Local Peace Engagement, Peace, Law Enforcement, and Development Support; Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration and Amnesty Program; and International Engagement.

The task force’s accomplishments under its Basic Services Program include the 190 completed and 141 ongoing housing developments in Davao del Norte and Cagayan de Oro City through the National Housing Authority for the Indigenous People (IP) since 2016, the closure of Salugpungan Schools, the construction of 9,691 last-mile schools by the Department of Education from 2019 to 2021, the establishment of 8,244 barangay health stations by the Department of Health (DOH), and the electrification of 40 sitios by the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

Through the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Program, it has provided livelihood training to 194 barangays with 268 interventions from various agencies, as well as skills training to 710 barangays with 1,576 interventions from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Department of Education, and other agencies.

The Task Force also installed solar lighting and charging systems, formed cooperatives, delivered funding to agrarian reform recipients, established vegetable and poultry farms, and provided former rebels with livelihood kits, as well as established Project IPEACE in IP villages.

The task force’s Peace, Law Enforcement, Development, and Security Program had dismantled 16 guerilla fronts and 6 regional guerilla units while weakening five others; filed International Humanitarian Law violations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) with the Commission on Human Rights in Region 10; provided orientation on Executive Order No. 70 to officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, and rescued trafficked IP students in Cebu.

Another notable accomplishment of the task force was the designation of the NDF as a terrorist group by the Anti-Terrorist Council. The Anti-Money Laundering Council was given the authority to execute a freeze order on any accounts and assets associated with the NDF, which was described as long overdue.

Through the Legal Cooperation and Local Peace Engagement Program, the following were achieved: the filing of perjury cases against Communist Terrorist Groups, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, Gabriela, and Karapatan; the backing of the Commission on Elections in the bid to cancel the Gabriela Party-list Registration; the investigation and case build-up on Haran 31; the freezing of CTG’s assets; the Samar Bishops’ leading local peace dialogues; and the holding of Ugnayan sa Barangay, among others.

With the continuing efforts of the task force in achieving its mandated mission of eradicating terrorist groups and ceasing internal insurgencies through WNA, the country will soon see the light of a more progressive and developing land—for the Filipino people, and for the future to come. Indeed, there is still a lot more to accomplish, but through the good process, government leaders’ support, and the public’s participation, the task force’s vision may be eventually realized.

https://palawan-news.com/ntf-elcac-tool-for-a-peaceful-and-progressive-society/

14 NPA members surrender in Davao Region on Dec. 5-8

From the Davao Times (Dec 10. 2021): 14 NPA members surrender in Davao Region on Dec. 5-8 (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division

FOURTEEN members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the 10th Infantry Division in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, and Davao Occidental from Dec. 5-8.

Capt. Mark Anthony Tito, the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, said they facilitated the surrender of 11 fighters, as well as the arrest of three supply and medical officers of the NPA in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte, and the recovery of four high-powered firearms.

On Dec. 7, the 73rd Infantry Battalion has facilitated the surrender of Far South Mindanao Region members from the revelation of alias Che-Che, Borjack, and Nilo at Sitio Kibayo, Barangay Sugai, Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental.

The surrenderees are:

 
Alias Carding/Arman, 45, resident of So Tamuan, Barangay Barrio bukid, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
Alias Rockey, 25, resident of Sitio Liburon, Brgy Manuel Peralta, Malita.
Alias Tban, 37, resident of Sitio Balantako, Brgy Kalbay, JAS.
Alias Goliau Black, 40, resident of Sitio Mainit, Brgy Caburan.
Alias Cvariel, 20, resident of Barangay Mangga, Matanao, Davao del Sur.
Alias Tamsi, 28, resident of Barangay Mangga, Matanao.
Alias Boyka/ Baking, 27, resident of Sitio Malinawon, Brgy Barrio Bukid.
Alias Happy, 18, resident of Barangay Congan, Glan, Sarangani.

The military said they were all members of Far South Mindanao Region. They also confiscated two M16A1 rifles and an M653 rifle.

Meanwhile, an M60 machine gun was also recovered by the 73IB in a separate operation, together with the Malapatan Municipal Police Station and 1st Sarangani Provincial Mobile Company of the Philippine National Police at Barangay Tuyan, Malapatan, Sarangani Province last Dec. 5.

The troops also accommodated the surrender of the 20-year-old fighter from the Guerilla Front Musa under FSMR in Barangay Sugal, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. A .45 caliber pistol, two cellular phones, and commercial radio were also surrendered to the troops by the rebel.

Also, four improvised explosive devices weighing 12 kilos each were recovered by the troops of the 72nd Infantry Battalion following an operation in Sitio Upper Banban, Barangay Miaray, Dangcagan, Bukidnon last Dec. 7, 2021.

In addition, two former rebels in the 27th Infantry Battalion area of operation were assisted in their surrender on Dec. 8, 2021, both in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte.

The Bravo Company of the 27IB has aided the surrender of alias Dampan, a former Militia ng Bayan and courier of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), in Sitio Nasilaban, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte with his one M1 Garand with ammunition.

On the same day, the Charlie Company of the 27IB, facilitated the surrender of alias Pawan under Iskwad Primera of SRGU, SRC5 in Sitio Old Laslasakan, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao Del Norte.

Furthermore, troops of the 89th Infantry Battalion encountered more or less six rebels under Ka Mandy of SRC5 at Sitio Pusod, Barangay Cayaga, San Fernando, Bukidnon last Dec. 7 at 10:25 p.m.

The firefight resulted in the capture of:

Alias Beauty, Platun Medic, Basil Platun, SRGU, SRC5, SMRC and a resident from So Sambulungan, Talaingod, DDN;
Alias EBA, Supply Officer, Squad Primera, Basil Platun, SRGU, SRC5, SMRC and a resident from Laslasakan, Talaingod, DDN;
Alias AILYN, Medic, Squad Primera, Basil Platun, SRGU, SRC5, SMRC and a resident from So Peroy, Talaingod, DDN.

The said rebels were tasked to pick up the supply of SRC5 but were overrun by the troops at the drop-off site.

Maj. Gen Ernesto C. Torres Jr., 10th Infantry Division commander, vows to continue the intensive military operations to eliminate the remnants of the NPA that continued to disrupt the peace and development in their area of responsibility.

“Our troops will aggressively pursue peace spoilers to make way for more insurgency-free communities. We urge our fellow Filipino brothers and sisters who are still in the CTG to lay down their arms….and may this yuletide season become the start of lasting peace in our region,” he said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/12/10/14-npa-members-surrender-in-davao-region-on-dec-5-8/

Sabah, Philippines dismiss 'fantastic' reports of Sulu invasion plan

From the Mindanao Examiner (Dec 10, 2021): Sabah, Philippines dismiss 'fantastic' reports of Sulu invasion plan

Sabah police have shut down a news report of an alleged secret plot hatched by elected officials in the Filipino province of Sulu to invade Sabah off the southern Philippines.

The news article published on December 9 by the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post (SCMP) quoted an unnamed regional security source, who elaborated the plot hatched on December 1 following a clandestine meeting by a locally-elected official of Sulu who gathered all 19 mayors to discuss plans to set up a “Royal Sulu Army” with a target of recruiting up to 600 men to invade Sabah.

The report said of the 19 mayors who attended the secret meeting, 11 agreed to the plan while the rest sat on the fence, neither agreeing to nor rejecting it. “Each mayor is expected to provide 50 men who are skilled and brave in battle. The cost of ammunition and other logistics is to be borne by the high-ranking official who also promised to contribute 500,000 pesos to build 100 speed boats that will be used to attack Sabah,” the source said.

The source said that according to the plan, the local official was believed to have supplied 500 firearms to local representatives in Sulu who would then distribute them, adding, some 150 to 200 spies from Sulu were expected to be directed to Lahad Datu and Semporna – two key coastal towns where an invasion force might land.

“All the Sulu soldiers entering the waters of Lahad Datu and Semporna will be bringing in firearms [according to the plot],” said the source. “All the firearms will be buried in an area before being used to attack the targeted area.”

However, the source added that “no one” had infiltrated Sabah – but warned the Sulu plotters had “sleeper cells” there. The security source said intelligence gathering and security had been stepped up in Sabah since the discovery of the Sulu meeting.

“The potential of the plan to attack Sabah coming to fruition depends on how much political support and funds it can get from various parties. Many stakeholders in the Philippines and abroad are willing to exploit this issue for their respective political and strategic interests,” the SMCP quoted its source as saying.

The source said February next year was seen as the best time to invade. That time was likely to have been chosen to “commemorate” an invasion of Sabah eight years ago by fighters from Sulu, the SCMP source added.

In February 2013, Sabah was rocked by the – ultimately unsuccessful – invasion of over 200 armed followers of the Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III. The men were led by the sultan’s brother, Agbimuddin Kiram, who had come to press an ancestral claim over Sabah. Malaysia responded by sending troops and launching airstrikes before the stand-off ended. The conflict, which lasted more than a month, resulted in the deaths of 68 men from the Sulu sultanate, nine Malaysian armed services personnel and six civilians.

“The failure of the heirs of the Sulu Sultanate to obtain the consent of the Malaysian government to settle the proprietary rights over Sabah prompted the implementation of this plan,” the SCMP quoted its source as saying.

Malaysia Inspector General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said there is no confirmation on the intended plan so far. He said it is believed “information has been manipulated by parties who are jealous of the level of security and close ties between Sabah and the southern Philippines.”

“The Royal Malaysian Police takes this matter seriously and will take immediate action to increase the preparedness [of the police] to the highest level in Sabah to face any possibility of a threat of invasion and to avoid any repeated incident of infiltration in the state,” he added.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah also dismissed the news report as untrue. “The report is not true, nevertheless, we are always enhancing maritime security,” Idris told Daily Express on December 9 after the SCMP came out with the article which was branded as “fantastic” by a Philippine military commander based in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

Philippine Army First Lt. Jerrica Angela Manongdo, a spokesperson for the Joint Task Force Sulu, also denied the news report, although he admitted there was a meeting, but it has nothing to do with Sabah, now a federal state of Malaysia.

“There was a meeting (by Sulu leaders), but (it) has nothing to do with Sabah or Malaysia,” Manongdo told Daily Express.

In a separate statement, Manongdo said meeting - convened by Gov. Sakur Tan and the 19 municipal mayors - was aimed at developing a project to strengthen the maritime borders of Sulu by organizing the “Bantay Dagat” in the province.

The Bantay Dagat, in collaboration with the military, will manned by fishermen and volunteers and patrol the sea around the province to help improve border control against terrorist and any other lawless elements, and will also be utilized for disaster response during calamities in the maritime and coastal areas.

“This initiative stemmed out of the inclination to continue improving the island province’s stability in terms of security and economic aspect,” Manongdo said.

The spokesperson said some 299 locals were also recruited as soldiers and now members of the 11th Infantry Division in Sulu and that 300 civilian volunteers are currently undergoing military training in the province.

“All in all we have 820 men and women ready to serve the nation wearing the military uniform. We will continue to recruit and train to fill-up the manning of our newly created infantry division. We are at the forefront of ensuring security and we will tirelessly collaborate with the local governments when it comes to humanitarian development and economic initiatives,” Maongdo said.

The SCMP, founded in 1903 and was once one of the most profitable newspapers in the world, boosted by a large classified job-advertisement section. Media mogul Rupert Murdoch acquired control of the paper in 1986 before selling his stake to Malaysian tycoon Robert Kuok in 1993. The paper changed hands again in 2015 when Alibaba agreed to buy it in a HK$2.06 billion deal.

Alibaba, whose founder Jack Ma came under fire for criticizing China’s financial watchdogs last year, has been under pressure from the Chinese government to divest some of its media assets, including the SCMP, Bloomberg News reported in March, according to Reuters. (Mindanao Examiner)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2021/12/sabah-philippines-dismiss-fantastic.html

152 ex-commies denounce deceitful CPP-NPA front groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): 152 ex-commies denounce deceitful CPP-NPA front groups (By Sarwell Meniano)

DENOUNCING INSURGENCY. Former members of New People’s Army front organizations burn rebel flags outside the People’s Center and Library in Tacloban City on Friday (Dec. 10, 2021). At least 152 formally disaffiliated from communist terrorist groups. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 152 members of New People’s Army (NPA) front organizations here formally turned away from the communist terrorist group on Friday.

In a ceremony at the People’s Center and Library here, NPA-affiliate group members pledged their loyalty to the government and joined the Metro Tacloban Integrated Peace and Development Workers Federation.

Of the 152 surrenderers, 42 were formerly from Kadamay, 36 Katrabaho, and 26 from Gabriela.

The rest belonged to Sagupa, Masanag, Bayan Muna, and Anakpawis.

The groups are affiliates of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), a group linked with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) - NPA.

KMU-Tacloban chair Roy Perez, who has four children, abandoned the CPP-NPA after 15 years.

"Those 15 years are too much. I want to live in peace with my family. I'm tired of fighting the government," the 47-year-old Perez told the Philippine News Agency.

He was 32 when he joined the NPA in the Davao Region in late 2006 and was designated as a squad leader and finance officer.

He visited his family here in 2013 and was not able return to Mindanao due to the devastation caused by Super typhoon “Yolanda”.

Since then, Perez had been organizing anti-government rallies.

Perez recalled visiting NPA lairs in the mountains of Basey and Calbiga in Samar in 2018 and 2019.

Napoleon Escalona, 54, also realized that he was deceived by the CPP-NPA for the past 10 years.

"We were made to believe that laborers like us are oppressed and undesirable. They took advantage of our vulnerable situation. Usually, the NPA mobilized us to conduct rallies especially during demolition of houses of poor families," Escalona, chair of labor group Katrabaho, said in another interview.

He was convinced to join the NPA-affiliated group when his 20-year-old son died at work due to an accident -- sacks of cement buried him alive.

"My intention was to seek justice for my son's death, but the labor group indoctrinated me to fight the government by joining the NPA front organization," Escalona added.

Mayor Alfred Romualdez, who led the oath-taking rites, assured former NPA supporters of help from the city government.

"We want you to live a normal life and become productive citizens. The government is here to support you," the mayor said in his speech.

Representatives from government agencies also committed to support them through capability building, access to funds, and technical assistance.

Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, said the mass disaffiliation was a result of the whole -of-nation approach by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

ELCAC, according to de Leon, paved the way for the surrender of NPA fighters and supporters and dismantling of guerrilla fronts.

"With the task force ELCAC, we have stopped the NPA recruitment. Front organization members used to rally expressing anger to the government, but now you are joining a rally for peace and development," de Leon said in his speech.

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/1162371

Sulu, 11ID maintain security fortification vs. terrorists

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Sulu, 11ID maintain security fortification vs. terrorists (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Sulu Provincial Capitol Building. (File photo)

The provincial government of Sulu, in partnership with the 11th Infantry Division (ID), continues to fortify security measures to deter atrocities by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the province.

Maj. Gen. William Gonzales, the 11ID commander, said Friday Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan has tasked the mayors of the 19 towns to develop a project to strengthen the province’s maritime borders.

“The project which will be called ‘Bantay Dagat (Sea Guards)’ will involve the municipal and barangay local government units (LGUs),” Gonzales, also the Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said in a statement.

Gonzales said municipal mayors and barangay officials were assigned to recruit fishermen or seafarer volunteers who would conduct maritime patrols in collaboration with 11ID troopers to help improve border protection against ASG bandits.

The Bantay Dagat will also be used for disaster risk reduction and management in time calamities in the maritime and coastal areas of the province, Gonzales said.

He said the additional security measures are aimed at increasing the confidence of the residents as well as attracting investors to the province.

Meanwhile, he said 299 privates joined the ranks of the 11ID, through special enlistment, and took oath Thursday to dedicate their lives in service of the nation.

Most of them are Tausugs, who either have special skills or have served as members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary or Army reservists.

Apart from them, Gonzales said there are also 221 new privates undergoing a 60-day infantry orientation course (IOC) and another 300 civilian-volunteers who are currently training to become reservists.

The IOC is a prerequisite before the newly-graduate soldiers get deployed to the different line units of the 11ID.

“Overall, we have 820 men and women ready to serve the nation wearing the military uniform. We will continue to recruit and train to fill up the manning of our newly created infantry division,” Gonzales said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, accompanied by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, led the activation on Dec. 17, 2018, of the 11ID, which is dedicated to fighting the Islamic State-affiliated terrorist groups in the region.

“We are at the forefront of ensuring security and we will tirelessly collaborate with the LGUs when it comes to humanitarian development and economic initiatives,” Gonzales said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162380

41 ex-rebel supporters in Pangasinan vow allegiance to gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): 41 ex-rebel supporters in Pangasinan vow allegiance to gov't (By Hilda Austria)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Forty-one former supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) from Bayambang town, Pangasinan. They denounced on Friday (Dec. 10, 2021) their support to the terrorist group and pledged allegiance to the national government anew. (Photo by Hilda Austria)

BAYAMBANG, Pangasinan – Some 41 former supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) here denounced their support to the terrorist group, and pledged allegiance to the national government anew.

"Wala din kami napala. Wala din 'yong pinangako nilang lupa. Akala namin yong sinalihan namin ay party-list lang para sa election, di namin alam NPA na pala. Sinasama kami sa mga rally. Kami naman sumasama para makapasyal, libre pagkain at sasakyan pero walang pera (We got nothing out of it. The promised land to us was not fulfilled. We thought at first we just joined a party-list for the election, we didn't know they were part of NPA. They asked us to join rallies. We joined because of the free food and travel but they did not give us money)," said Jennie (not her real name), 62, in an interview on Friday.

She said a party-list group recruited them along with other farmers from the town with a promise to give them lands way back in 2016.

"We thank the national government for their effort to attain peace in the country," she added.

Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) officer-in-charge Col. Richmond Tadina said the former supporters were part of the underground mass movement organizations (UGMO) in the province.

"Since Pangasinan has been insurgency-free since 2019, there are no armed groups but there are still the UGMO who support the CPP-NPA although they are now denouncing their support," he said.

As part of the whole-of-nation approach of the national government, the PPPO and the provincial government gave cash aid worth PHP5,000 to each of the former supporters as well as livelihood aid, seedlings, and other farm inputs.

They will also be given training by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for water search and rescue and basic life support.

Tadina said there are still more from Bayambang who will be denouncing their support to the terrorist group and will join the government from Bayambang town.

"It's a good sign. Due to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), many are now denouncing support as they see that they are just being deceived. The national government is also addressing the problems at the grassroots level," he said.

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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162383

6ID gets 560 force multipliers for peacekeeping missions

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): 6ID gets 560 force multipliers for peacekeeping missions (By Edwin Fernandez)

NEW PEACEKEEPERS. The 560 civilian volunteers graduate as new members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliaries during rites at the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) training base in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Friday (Dec. 10, 2021). They will actively take part in the peacekeeping missions of the 6ID and the Joint Task Force Central in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 560 civilian volunteers have been added to the military’s force multipliers in Maguindanao following their graduation from basic military training on Friday.

The 560 civilians completed their 45-day basic military training at the 6th Division Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) Affairs Unit Training Base at Barangay Taviran in Datu Odin Sinsuat town.

Colonel Michael Santos, 6ID chief of staff, served as guest of honor and speaker during the graduation rites that turned the 560 civilian volunteers into new members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliaries (CAFGU-CAA).

“You have evolved from carefree civilians to disciplined and skilled military troops,” Santos told the graduates.

Santos represented Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, 6ID commander and concurrent head of the Army-led Joint Task Force Central (JTFC), during the graduation activity.

The group belonged to CAA-I Basic Military Training Classes 90-100 2021 and are considered as “Army force multipliers.”

“Remember you are not only CAFGUs but you will play vital roles to achieve the vision-mission of JTFC that is to achieve peace in this part of Mindanao,” Santos added.

The new CAAs will be deployed to the different communities in Central Mindanao and will complement the 6ID peace advocacy campaign.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162441

Antique-ELCAC holds 2-day medical mission

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Antique-ELCAC holds 2-day medical mission (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)

ELCAC MEDICAL MISSION. Residents of remote barangays in San Remigio, Antique register for a medical mission at the Sinundulan Elementary School on Thursday (Dec. 9, 2021). More than 1,500 residents of San Remigio and Sibalom towns also availed themselves of free school supplies and rice. (PNA photo by Annabel Consuelo J. Petinglay)

Residents of remote barangays in the municipalities of Sibalom and San Remigio gained from the two-day medical mission of Antique’s Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

The medical mission and information caravan were held at the Sinundulan Elementary School in Barangay Sinundulan, San Remigio, and the Villafont Elementary School in Barangay Villafont, Sibalom on Thursday and Friday, benefitting more than 1,500 residents of the two villages and adjacent areas.

“There were medical and dental services, eye check-up, and distribution of other forms of assistance,” James Rubino, Antique Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) - ELCAC program in-charge, said in an interview.

He said the PSWDO distributed rice to at least 750 indigent beneficiaries while the Department of Labor and Employment gave away school supplies.

San Remigio Mayor Margarito Mission Jr. said residents of Sinundulan and the eight neighboring villages were privileged to have availed of the medical mission.

“The residents of Sinundulan and the other barangays used to go to the town proper to avail of these medical services but today, the different government agencies brought the services closer to them,” he said in an interview Thursday.

Sinundulan, about 12 kilometers away from the town proper, has no Internet signal.

Residents of Sinundulan barangays Bawang, Atabay, Bugo, San Rafael, Trinidad, Bagumbayan, Lumpatan, and Bulan-bulan, and Sibalom’s Villafont, Igpanulong, Bugnay, Maasin, Igsuming, Igdalaquit, Cabladan, and Imparayan went to the medical mission.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order 70 in December 2018, creating the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) that employs a whole-of-nation approach to end communism and institute peace-building initiatives.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162412

CPP-NPA rebels are human rights violators: Army official

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): CPP-NPA rebels are human rights violators: Army official (By Perla Lena)

NEUTRALIZED. The remains of some of the nine Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army rebels who were killed in a military operation in Miagao, Iloilo on Dec. 1, 2021. The Philippine Army said in a statement on Friday (Dec. 10, 2021) that military operations against communists are the result of communities’ desire to be free from violence and terrorism. (Photo courtesy of 301IB, Philippine Army)

The top official of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army asserted that the true violators of human rights are the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army terrorists.

On the occasion of Human Rights Day on Friday, Maj. Gen Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3ID, said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of Justice, and United Nations are aware of the atrocities committed by these groups.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Center for Law of Armed Conflict has submitted to the CHR 1,672 violations committed by the CPP-NPA from 2010 up to the first semester of this year.

In October this year, an additional 166 violations were recorded, consisting of 16 cases of recruitment and use of child combatants, 10 cases of destruction of civilian-owned properties, 113 cases of anti-personnel mine use, 20 cases of willful killings, and seven other alleged violations of international humanitarian law.

“Let us be wary of these terrorists for they are hiding behind the mask of fake human rights advocates. Let us not be fooled by their deceptive tactics and maneuvers. They are experts in fabricating and propagating false accusations and stories. They are trained to blame and point their guilty fingers at government security forces like us to cover their crimes,” Arevalo said in a statement.

He added that as the legitimate armed forces, the Philippine Army has to defend the people within their area of responsibility.

The 3ID has jurisdiction over Western and Central Visayas.

“We are only fulfilling the people’s cry for justice for all the victims of these terrorist groups' atrocities and terroristic actions,” he said, adding that their offensive against the CPP-NPA is driven by the people’s desire to have a community that is free from violence and terrorists.

Arevalo added that they are also open to any independent investigation, particularly the probe by the CHR on their operations, including the December 1 encounter in Barangay Alimodias, Miagao, Iloilo that left nine CPP-NPA rebels dead.

Scene of the crime operation and Explosives and Ordinance teams who processed the scene of the incident will attest that properties, agricultural lands, and local communities were not subjected to the indiscriminate use of military assets, he said.

He called on the CHR to investigate instead the CPP-NPA’s recruitment of minors.

Based on the testimony of relatives, two of those who died were only 17 years old when recruited to the terrorist movement.

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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162396

AFP gets firearms, equipment donation from Singson group

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): AFP gets firearms, equipment donation from Singson group (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DONATION. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (middle) receives a firearm from LCS Group of Companies chairperson and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Luis "Chavit" Singson during the turnover of donated firearms and equipment to the AFP in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday (Dec. 9, 2021). The AFP received a total of 41 units of assorted firearms and accessories which will be distributed to various military units. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s counter-terrorism capabilities got a boost after it received 41 firearms and equipment from the Triton Defense and Logistics Inc. (TLDI) and LCS Group of Companies on Thursday.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP chief Lt. Gen. Andres Centino accepted the donation from LCS Group of Companies chairperson and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Luis "Chavit" Singson, in a short ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"Today's ceremonial turnover is indeed a significant milestone especially for the AFP, as these donated firearms shall undoubtedly complement our firepower capability as we continue to sustain the gains of our internal security campaigns while equally supporting the government's national development agenda," Centino said in a statement.

The AFP received a total of 41 units of assorted firearms and accessories which will be distributed to various military units.

The assistance was made possible through a deed of donation agreed upon and signed by former AFP chief, Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. and TDLI chief operating officer Randolf V. Singson which was subsequently approved and signed by Lorenzana.

The donation emphasized the donors' appreciation towards the AFP and their willingness to assist in the military's mandate.

"I would like to thank you for accomplishing your tasks to help our government under the leadership of our President, Rodrigo Roa Duterte," Singson said.

Centino also guaranteed the donors that their assistance will be put to good use.

"Be assured that we will take extraordinary measures to ensure that this equipment will be cared for and utilized to their maximum potential in fulfillment of the AFP's constitutional mandate," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162341

New nurses to boost PH Army's Covid-19 response

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): New nurses to boost PH Army's Covid-19 response (By Priam Nepomuceno) 

NEW ARMY NURSES. An Army nurse joins the pinning and donning of ranks ceremony at the Army General Hospital at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Dec. 7, 2021. The enlistment of nurses is expected to help boost the Philippine Army's Covid-19 response efforts. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

The Philippine Army (PA) Nursing Service's coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic response efforts got a much-needed reinforcement with the arrival of 83 enlisted provisional staff.

In a statement Thursday night, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the pinning and donning of ranks ceremony for these new nurses took place at the Army General Hospital at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City last December 7.

"Army nurses formed part of AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) medical teams deployed to various public and private hospitals that were previously overwhelmed due to the Covid-19 surge," he added.

Trinidad also said PA nurses also helped administer vaccines in Metro Manila in the three-day national vaccination drive from November 29 to December 1.

Meanwhile, PA chief nurse, Col. Maria Victoria Juan lauded Army nurses for their crucial role in the government's Covid-19 response and vaccination efforts.

"I commend your bravery and resolve in facing head-on a constantly evolving unseen enemy. You have shown that a soldier's heroism is not only evident in times of war but also during a global health crisis," she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162343

Brawner vows all-out support for Army troops to curb insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Brawner vows all-out support for Army troops to curb insurgency (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Army (PA) chief, Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

Philippine Army (PA) chief, Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. vowed to enhance the competencies and skills of Filipino troops to ensure that they are well-trained, equipped, and prepared for the challenges of fighting the "enemies of the state" and protecting the people.

During his assumption as the new Army chief at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday, Brawner pledged to provide the necessary resources to units in the field all over the country so that they are capacitated to do their assigned tasks effectively and efficiently.

He also vowed to continue the programs and accomplishments, implemented by his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, now the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff.

"It is imperative that we pursue this thrust so that we be able to accomplish the mission that was ordered by no less than the Commander-in-Chief (President Rodrigo R. Duterte) which is to end the local communist armed conflict by the end of his term," he added.

Once this is achieved, PA units will be deployed to help the Commission on Elections in ensuring that the coming local and national elections this May 2022 are credible, peaceful, and orderly.

"In the long term, this thrust will help propel the PA towards modernization and towards achieving our vision stated in the Army Transformation Roadmap to be a World-Class Army by the year 2028," Brawner said.

Brawner also vowed to focus more efforts on ensuring that troops and their families are well taken care of.

"We will make sure that the Army soldier and his family (are) well taken care of. A soldier is, after all, the most important resource of the Army. We will make sure he is healthy physically, more importantly mentally," he said.

He said ensuring the well-being of troops under his command has been his advocacy since he started his military career shortly after graduation from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1989.

"Kita ko po rin kasi during the Marawi Siege (in 2017), nung natapos na yun Marawi Siege na biglang nag-uwian yun mga sundalo natin without the benefit of a proper mental, psychological debriefing. Meron naman pero, it wasn't really enough. Not everybody will do that(I saw that shortly after the Marawi Siege, participating troops went home without the benefit of proper mental and psychological debriefing. There (were) some, but it wasn't really enough. Not everybody will do that)," he added.

Brawner also said during his term as commandant of cadets in the PMA, improving mental health is among his advocacies. This came after he learned that some of the cadets then had "suicidal tendencies".

"I will continue with that advocacy here in the Philippine Army because no matter how good you are, no matter how competent and skilled you are, there are times you get too much affected by personal problems," Brawner said.

"We will also protect the soldier and his family from the wrath of this Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic," he added, noting that the health crisis is still far from being over.

Before his appointment as PA chief last December 7, Brawner commanded the Cagayan De Oro-based 4th Infantry Division which was responsible for neutralizing high-ranking communist terrorist group personalities in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, including the head of the New People's Army (NPA) National Operations Command Jorge "Ka Oris" Madlos.

This feat demoralized the NPA nationwide, resulting in the mass surrender of communist rebels.

Brawner held various key positions in the AFP such as 2nd Special Forces Battalion commanding officer, 6th Infantry Division chief-of-staff, spokesperson of the PA and the AFP, and Civil-Military Operations Regiment commander.

During the Marawi siege, he was designated as Task Group Ranao deputy commander and Task Force Marawi spokesperson. Later on, Brawner assumed command of the 103rd Infantry Brigade based in Marawi City.

Aside from this, he also became the PMA commandant of cadets where he considers the eradication of hazing his most significant contribution. Brawner was also the first AFP deputy chief-of-staff for financial management or J-10.

He is a member of PMA Class of 1989 where he graduated salutatorian and was a "Baron" or Regiment Commander of the Cadet Corps.

Brawner acquired three master’s degrees - Master of Science in Information Management from the Ateneo de Manila University, Master of Business Administration (Management of Technology) from the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand, and the European School of Management in Oxford, the United Kingdom, and a Master in Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162369

SC ruling on Anti-Terror Law shows checks, balances in place: Go

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): SC ruling on Anti-Terror Law shows checks, balances in place: Go

Senator Christopher "Bong" Go (File photo)

Senator and Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security Christopher “Bong” Go said the rule of law and due process are protected in light of the Supreme Court ruling which upheld the majority of Republic Act No. 11479 or the “Anti-Terrorism Act”.

In a statement on Thursday, Go said, “I welcome the Supreme Court’s decision which substantially upheld the constitutionality of… the Anti-Terror Law. The decision shows that checks and balances are at work in our government system.”

“Nililinaw ng Korte Suprema na buhay pa rin ang due process sa ating gobyerno at hindi intensyon ng Kongreso na tanggalin ang mga karapatang pantao, tulad ng pagprotesta o paglahad ng opinyon sa kahit anumang mapayapang paraan (The Supreme Court is clarifying that due process is still working in our government and it’s not the intention of Congress to remove the rights of the people to hold protest and express their opinions in any peaceful manner),” he added.

The Supreme Court struck down two highly contested portions of the law as unconstitutional but upheld all other provisions.

Go said Filipinos everywhere will continue to enjoy their constitutionally protected freedoms while still providing the government enough mechanisms to battle terrorism.

He reassured that efforts to address the threat of terrorism will continue within the bounds of the law, adding that all law-abiding citizens need not fear as the government strives to ensure that everyone’s rights, regardless of who they are, are respected and upheld at all times.

“The decision only shows that despite what detractors and opposition figures are trying to paint that there is no rule of law in this country, no less than the Supreme Court affirms that anyone is free to exercise his or her legitimate rights without fear of prosecution or persecution,” Go said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162392

OPAPP launches ‘new avenue’ for peace in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): OPAPP launches ‘new avenue’ for peace in Maguindanao (By Christine Cudis)

CONGREGATE. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) inaugurates the newly-completed House of Peace in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Tuesday (Dec. 7, 2021), to promote peaceful activities and strengthen relationships among partner organizations. The center, dubbed as “Walay na Kalilintad” in Maguindanaon, will be an avenue for government agencies and other stakeholders to congregate as they promote peace in Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of OPAPP)

To promote peace in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has opened the newly-completed House of Peace in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

“The Peace Center called Walay na Kalilintad is more than just a physical structure. It symbolizes the strong and enduring partnership between our organizations, as we work with our other peace partners in bringing a just and lasting peace to the Bangsamoro people,” said Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. in a shared statement on Thursday.

The peace center, which was opened on Tuesday and also dubbed as “Walay na Kalilintad” in Maguindanaon, aims to provide not only a venue for various peace-building initiatives, but more importantly, an avenue for collaboration between the OPAPP and its peace partners such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in pushing for sustainable peace and development in BARMM.

“It is our hope that this Peace Center will serve as an inspiration for all of us to go the extra mile and work even harder, as we put an end to the culture of violence here in Mindanao, and lay the foundations where long lasting peace and sustainable development can take root and flourish,” Galvez added.

In a Facebook post, the OPAPP said that the construction of the building was funded through a memorandum of agreement it signed with the AFP in December 2020. It was constructed by the 549th Engineering Construction Battalion of the Philippine Army.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162266

Do not vote for CPP-linked party-list bets: groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Do not vote for CPP-linked party-list bets: groups (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

HUMAN RIGHTS DAY. Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines and Liga Independencia Pilipinas pelt a poster of former Bayan Muna party-list representative and senatorial aspirant Neri Colmenares and Communist Party of the Philippines founder Jose Maria Sison with tomatoes during a press conference held at a restaurant in Manila on Friday (Dec. 10, 2021) in observance of Human Rights Day. The groups also expressed solidarity with the thousands of victims of human rights abuses committed by the CPP-New People's Army-National Democratic Front. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

Multi-sectoral groups on Friday reminded the public anew to be critical of and vigilant against party-list organizations that will be joining next year's elections but have links with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

On Human Rights Day, members of Liga ng mga Magulang (LPP), Liga Independencia Pilipinas (LIPI), and Yakap ng Magulang, along with parents of children recruited by militant organizations, urged anew the boycott of party-lists belonging to the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (Makabayan) bloc, including Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, ACT Teachers and Gabriela Women’s Party.

LPP chair Remy Rosadio said the representatives of the organizations must not be given seats in Congress.

"Ilang taon na ang Makabayan Bloc sa Kongreso, may nakikita tayong projects na ginawa nila? Wala akong nakita ni isa (How many years have the Makabayan bloc been in Congress? Did they have any projects? I haven't seen any)," Rosadio said during the press conference at a restaurant in Manila.

Rosadio lamented that Makabayan bloc members have been using government's funds to advance communism.

Instead of pushing for party-list mandates, Rosario said the CPP-NPA front organizations are fixated on overthrowing the government.

"Mag-eeleksyon na naman. Kailangan tayong mga botante lalo na yung may mga anak na nabiktima ng NPA, ay kailangan maging wise na tayo. Suriin natin ang ating mga iboboto (The elections are happening soon. We need to vote wisely, especially those who have children victimized by the NPA. We need to be wiser. Scrutinize the candidates)," she said.

Rosadio said there is no need to red tag the party lists as it was the CPP founding chair himself, Jose Maria "Joma" Sison, who validated their ties.

She cited Sison's interview with a publication called Pinoy Weekly on Dec. 4, 2006, urging government employees to join the labor group Confederation for Unity, Recognition, and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE).

She said Sison himself described the role of their legal fronts, including COURAGE, in the armed revolution.

VOTE WISELY. Members of the League of Parents of the Philippines, Liga Independencia Pilipinas, and Yakap ng Magulang hold a press conference at a restaurant in Manila on Friday (Dec. 10, 2021) in commemoration of Human Rights Day. The groups have consistently denounced the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army and asked voters not to vote for party-list groups affiliated with insurgents. (PNA photo by Joey Razon)

Rosadio also thanked the Supreme Court for upholding the constitutionality of provisions of the anti-terror law.

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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the NDF as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162427