Security tightened vs. bus bomb attacks in Cotabato, Kidapawan

 From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8, 2022): Security tightened vs. bus bomb attacks in Cotabato, Kidapawan (By Edwin Fernandez)

DEACTIVATED BOMB. The integrated terminal in Kidapawan City is deserted by residents while bomb experts deactivate an explosive device inside a box found over the weekend in the area. Bomb experts confirmed on Tuesday (March 8, 2022) that the unattended package contained a homemade bomb. (Photo from DXND - Kidapawan)

Police authorities here and in North Cotabato have taken extra steps to ensure the safety of the commuters against terrorism and bombings.

The stricter safety measures came about after authorities recently foiled a bombing attempt at a bus terminal in Kidapawan City, and the explosion that took place inside another passenger bus while parked in Cotabato City last week.

On Tuesday, Lt. Col. Peter Pinalgan, Kidapawan police director, said a box found unclaimed for three days inside the city integrated public terminal that bomb experts intentionally set off was an improvised explosive device.

Pinalgan said the improvised bomb was mixed with dried fish so that the bomb-sniffing dog would not be able to detect it.

“The scent of dried fish covered the smell of explosive powder that K-9 dogs are trained to identify,” he said in the vernacular.

Bomb experts defused the IED by setting it off.

Pinalgan said public awareness and vigilance to immediately report dubious-looking boxes and other wrapped containers to the police helped prevent the bombing.

“We are also reviewing our security measures to determine how the IED was sneaked into the terminal compound,” he said.

In Cotabato City, a bomb was set off inside a Mindanao Star Bus while parked inside the bus terminal here last week.

The bus had just arrived from Davao City and all the passengers have disembarked when the bomb, a cellphone triggered explosive device, was set off.

Police believed the bomb was meant to scare the bus firm.

An inquiry from the bus firm if it has extortion demands from armed groups remained unanswered.

The extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has been blamed for the series of bus bombings in Central Mindanao last year.

Authorities said extortion could be behind the bombings of several buses plying major routes in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato last year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169252

Kalinaw News: ENCAP under BALIKATAN 37-2022 kicks off

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 8, 2022): ENCAP under BALIKATAN 37-2022 kicks off



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- The Philippine and US armed forces kicked off the 37th BALIKATAN Exercises 2022 through the simultaneous groundbreaking ceremony of four school buildings in different locations in Cagayan and Isabela under the Engineering Civic Action Program (ENCAP) on March 07, 2022.

Four school buildings will be built in Taggat Sur and Pinas Elementary Schools both in Claveria, Cagayan, Masi Elementary School in Rizal, Cagayan, and San Francisco Elementary School in Alicia, Isabela with $100,000 budget each from the US government for the construction of their school building. The completion of the said infrastructure that has a size of 18×17 square meters is expected within 40 working days.

Lt Austin Koch, USAF, US Site OIC in Masi Rizal, said that the ENCAP will serve as a teaching tool both for the US and Philippine armed forces with regards to how both parties do their construction of infrastructures. “We will be providing materials and other heavy equipment for the duration of construction of the classrooms. And we are very willing to teach Filipino forces on using these advanced technologies as they will be teaching us how to build buildings in their own way. We will work side by side. We will be understanding the ways of each other. As of now I am pretty excited to learn the innovative process from Filipino counterparts.”

On the other hand, Dr. Erna Angeles, the DEPED District Supervisor in Rizal, Cagayan lauded and commended the ENCAP as part of the BALIKATAN Exercises. “We are thankful that you have chosen Masi Elementary School as one of your beneficiaries. This school serves learners from kindergarten to grade six with just four classrooms. To cater all our learners, we need to divide the existing classrooms into two to accommodate the students. But with the construction of additional school building, our learners will really get the quality education they must have and deserved.

Further, MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division said that joint exercises like BALIKATAN demonstrate the commitment to peace, stability, and adaptability of the US and the Philippine armed forces. “Since the launching of BALIKATAIN in the year 1991, it has been a give and take learning opportunity for both Filipino and American soldiers and sometimes with our other allies in the Indo-Pacific region. This is a bilateral relationship that is founded on our shared history of promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations. For this year, with the kick-off of BALIKATAN in Cagayan and Isabela provinces, we will again reinvigorate the strong friendship, partnership, and alliances.”

Meanwhile, the residents showed their appreciation to the US forces by giving them warm welcome despite the language and cultural differences.

 

[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/encap-under-balikatan-37-2022-kicks-off/

Kalinaw News: Former CTG Supporters Receive 3k Tilapia Fingerlings in Tarlac

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 7, 2022): Former CTG Supporters Receive 3k Tilapia Fingerlings in Tarlac



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA said that the Lubigan Farmers Association (LFA), a former Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) supporters, received 3K Tilapia fingerlings from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of Region 3 during the turn-over ceremony held in Barangay Lubigan, San Jose, Tarlac on March 4, 2022.

According to MGen Costelo, the livelihood project led by the MTF-ELCAC of San Jose aims to create an additional source of income for the members of the LFA.

“Naging matagumpay itong proyektong pangkabuhayan para sa mga dating taga suporta ng CTG dahil sa ating pagkakaisa at pagtutulongan. Nawa’y palaguin ninyo ang pangkabuhayang ito na ibinigay ng ating pamahalaan. Layunin nitong matulongan ang inyong pang-araw araw na pamumuhay,” said MGen Costelo.

It can be recalled that the Community Support Program (CSP) team of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Armor Division, Philippine Army have organized the members of the LFA following their withdrawal of support to CTGs last year.

Earlier, LFA’s members underwent livelihood training and seminar on fish raising in order for them to properly handle and sustain the said project.

The 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, after clearing the CTG influenced barangays of Tarlac and Zambales from CTG influence, has been resolute in its efforts to sustain the livelihood programs and projects for the CSP-organized peoples’ organization.

“Sa pamamagitan ng pagtataguyod ng kapakanan at kabuhayan ng mga dating biktima ng terorista ay atin silang mapoprotektahan at masisigurong hindi na mababalikan ng mga rebelde,” said Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Henry Z Cabusao, the Commanding Officer of the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion.

[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/former-ctg-supporters-receive-3k-tilapia-fingerlings-in-tarlac/

Kalinaw News: BCDA formally turns over military facilities to AFP, SND visits the home of the defenders of the North

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 7, 2022): BCDA formally turns over military facilities to AFP, SND visits the home of the defenders of the North

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) formally turns over the newly-constructed Army Support Command (ASCom) facilities to the Philippine Army during a short program held at Camp Aquino in Tarlac City on March 7, 2022.

Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, alongside Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr, and ASCOM Commander Maj. Gen. Glenn Cruz received the symbolic key of the replicated facilities from BCDA as represented by their Officer in Charge Atty. Aristotle Batuhan. Twenty-one completed buildings out of the total forty-four facilities were turned-over to ASCOM during the ceremony. Construction is expected to be completed by August 2022.

Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Andres C Centino, and Northern Luzon Command Commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr were also present to witness the event.

Upon their acceptance, Secretary of National Defense
Lorenzana said that the undertaking is “another milestone in upgrading our military facilities” which is a thrust towards the “AFP Modernization Program.”

“This will have a positive impact on the readiness of our combat support and service battalions in providing firepower, transportation, as well as organizational and maintenance equipment to army units on the ground,” added the Defense Secretary.

Sec Lorenzana also expressed his gratitude to the BCDA, describing them as “one of the AFP’s strongest pillars of support” in attaining the AFP’s vision into becoming “A world-class Armed Forces, a source of national pride”.

Multiple headquarters facilities, officers’ quarters, barracks, a warehouse, student classrooms, and transportation and maintenance battalion areas were among the completed and turned-over facilities of the BCDA, which had an estimated cost of 1.5 billion pesos.

The new ASCom area in Camp Aquino provides easier and more efficient logistics operations due to its strategic location that lays out ease of movement and security of access from one place to another for the deployment of support services.

Subsequently, SND together with the visiting generals had a dialogue with the NoLCom senior officers led by Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr, and a “Talk to Troops” where he addressed the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resources and other units under NoLCom via video teleconferencing.

In his message, Sec Lorenzana conveyed his appreciation for the contributions of the men and women of NoLCom, and for being “one of the most dependable commands of the AFP”

The Defense secretary hailed the NoLCom troopers as “peacekeepers of the north” for their continuous gains in their territorial defense operations, internal security operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

“Given all these, you aptly embody the desired image of the AFP that is feared by the enemy but loved by the people. You have created an environment that is conducive to the progress and development not only of north and central Luzon but also for the entire nation,” said Sec Lorenzana.

The Northern Luzon Command is the AFP’s stronghold in the North in charge of guarding the country’s northern frontier against threats to peace, security, and development.

[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/bcda-formally-turns-over-military-facilities-to-afp-snd-visits-the-home-of-the-defenders-of-the-north/

Kalinaw News: Lawless element nabbed, explosive components seized in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 7, 2022): Lawless element nabbed, explosive components seized in Sulu



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – A lawless element was arrested and several explosive components were seized in a joint law enforcement operation conducted at Zone 3, Barangay Tulay, Jolo, Sulu Saturday evening, March 5, 2022.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said combined elements from the 35th Infantry Battalion, 37th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, K9 Team, 7th Special Action Battalion, 9th Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and Jolo Municipal Police Station conducted a joint operation to implement Search Warrant Nr. 2022-08-03 for violation of RA 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives) against Nursitta Mahalli Malud.

According to Lt. Col. Domingo Robles, Jr., Commanding Officer of 35IB, operating troops successfully apprehended the target and seized explosive components including one 81mm Cartridge, nine inches detonating cord, one blasting cap, 23 inches #16 stranded wire attached to the blasting cap, one 9-volt battery with snap connector, one plastic container with arming switch (15 inches #16 stranded wire loop type switch), one roll electric tape, one lighter, 15 meters nylon string, and one shoulder bag.

Also seized were assorted identification cards, green notebook, one black analog Samsung phone, two android Samsung phones, four sim cards, three SD cards, and assorted money remittance receipts.

“This exemplifies that if an operation is well-coordinated, it will definitely be successful. My commendations to the members of the operating teams for this laudable accomplishment,” Brig. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu expressed.

The arrested person was placed under the custody of Jolo MPS while the seized pieces of evidence were turned over to CIDG PFU9 and PECU Sulu for proper documentation and disposition.

“Law enforcement support operations, in collaboration with the police, will continuously be conducted by the Joint Task Force Sulu to contain lawless elements operating in the area. This significant accomplishment is a testament to the strengthened relationship we have established with our partners. It is with pride that I congratulate the soldiers of the Joint Task Force Sulu headed by Brig. Gen. Patrimonio and the policemen of the different police units in Sulu.

[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/lawless-element-nabbed-explosive-components-seized-in-sulu/

Kalinaw News: Abu Sayyaf Group Supporter neutralized in Basilan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 7, 2022): Abu Sayyaf Group Supporter neutralized in Basilan



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – A supporter of the Abu Sayyaf Group was killed in a short encounter in Basilan at noon Friday, March 4, 2022.

According to Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, troops were conducting combat operation when they received information of the presence of alias Buloy Parang in the vicinity of Barangay Mangal, Sumisip, Basilan. “Alias Buloy Parang served as a courier and planter of anti-personnel mine (APM) used for extortion by the ASG under Pasil Bayali in Sumisip area,” Brig. Gen. Gobway said.

While operating troops were approaching the reported location, the target opened fire which prompted the government forces to return fire. Short exchange of fires ensued which resulted in the death of Alias Buloy and the recovery of one cal. 45 pistol and one anti-personnel mine.

Brig. Gen. Gobway stated that the slain ASG supporter together with Pasil Bayali and Tawakal Bayali were involved in the serries of APM bombings targeting a batching plant and the road construction projects in Barangays Limbo Candis, Central Sumisip, Lower Benembengan, and Mangal, all of Sumisip that killed two innocent civilians and one Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) member.

“We remain steadfast in fighting against terrorism and neutralizing not only terror group members but even their supporters with the hopes of achieving our ultimate goal. All our achievements are attributed to our dedicated soldiers, our partners, stakeholders, and the populace,” Brig. Gen. Gobway emphasized.

[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/abu-sayyaf-group-supporter-neutralized-in-basilan/

Kalinaw News: AFP Chief inspects military facilities in Palawan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 7, 2022): AFP Chief inspects military facilities in Palawan

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Andres C Centino PA inspected
vital military and government facilities in Palawan on March 3, 2022.

General Centino visited the Headquarters of Joint Task Force
Malampaya in El Nido, Palawan, responsible for safeguarding the
Malampaya gas field. He also inspected the former Matinloc and Nido
gas platforms also in Palawan, which is now manned by JTF
Malampaya.

The Chief of Staff also inspected the Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal
(FF150), which conducts routine patrols in the West Philippine Sea.
In his Talk to Troops, Gen. Centino reminded the troops of the
importance of their responsibility of securing the area and guarding the
facilities that provide energy in the Philippines. He also assured the
troops that the AFP would support the continuing modernization of the
Philippine Navy.

“The AFP recognizes your sacrifices and contributions in safeguarding
our territory and people in this part of the country. Rest assured that as
your Chief of Staff, I will leave the AFP and the Philippine Navy
modernized and very different from its state when I entered the military
service,” the Chief of Staff emphasized.

Gen. Centino’s visit and inspection is part of his regular troops and unit
visitation to ensure soldiers’ morale and welfare. It also aims to ensure
that appropriate support reaches all soldiers and units in the field to be
operationally ready in accomplishing their missions.

[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/afp-chief-inspects-military-facilities-in-palawan/

Kalinaw News: AFP Chief of Staff visits troops in Pag-asa Island

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 7, 2022): AFP Chief of Staff visits troops in Pag-asa Island



AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino visited the troops in Pag-asa Island in the municipality of Kalayaan on Friday, March 4, 2022.

The Chief of Staff’s visit aims to inspect military facilities, check troops’ morale, and ensure unit operational readiness to accomplish the AFP mission.
Gen. Centino assured the troops of support from the AFP general headquarters. He conveyed that the AFP and the Filipino people are grateful for the soldiers’ services and sacrifices as defenders of the country’s western frontier.

In a simple yet meaningful donning of rank ceremony witnessed by the troops in Pag-asa island, the Chief of Staff donned the third-star rank to the newly-promoted Commander of Western Command Vice Admiral Alberto B Carlos PN.

Vice Admiral Carlos assumed as commander of Western Command after the retirement of Vice Admiral Ramil Roberto Enriquez last January 21.

“Today, we are veering away from the usual elaborate and formal donning ceremony as the event all the more highlights or gives more meaning to awarding the rank to Vice Admiral Carlos. This is very significant because we are all here in the most remote deployment of our troops, the valiant defenders of the Philippines’ first frontier,” says General Centino.

[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/afp-chief-of-staff-visits-troops-in-pag-asa-island/

Kalinaw News: CGPA lauds 53EBde’s HADR efforts in Cebu City visit

Posted to Kalinaw News (Mar 7, 2022): CGPA lauds 53EBde’s HADR efforts in Cebu City visit



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., lauded the 53rd Engineer “Visayas Builders” Brigade led by Col. Proceso S. Rebancos, for its contribution to the nation-building particularly its humanitarian assistance and disaster-response (HADR) efforts for Typhoon “Odette” victims in his visit to Camp Lapulapu, Cebu City on March 5, 2022.

In his “Talk to Troops,” CGPA commended the Visayas Buiders for building key road projects in far-flung upland communities and for launching HADR efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon “Odette.” Lt. Gen. Brawner enjoined the brigade to continue its community-support programs and other nation-building efforts.

“Our purpose at the Headquarters is to serve and support you—our operating units on the ground. Looking at the accomplishments that you have achieved in the recent months, you have done a lot to serve the people and secure the land,” the CGPA remarked.

The CGPA also reiterated to the Visayas Builders his three thrusts and two tasks encapsulated in the command guidance “SERVE”.

Lt. Gen. Brawner has vowed to take care of the soldiers’ physical and mental health; enhance soldiers’ skills and unit capabilities; and push down resources to all units. He underscored that the three thrusts will fully capacitate the Army to achieve victory against threat groups before the June 2022 set by the president and ensure a safe and orderly national and local polls on May 2022.

[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/cgpa-lauds-53ebdes-hadr-efforts-in-cebu-city-visit/

Remains of ex-rebel exhumed

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 8, 2022): Remains of ex-rebel exhumed (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE military reported that remains of a former member of the New People’s Army were exhumed Friday in a forested area of Pintoy Hill, Purok Banban, Barangay Lumiad, Paquibato District.

Based on the report, soldiers and members of the police exhumed the remains of Ritchel Daydayan, a former rebel living in Purok 11, Sitio Kibalatong, Brgy Paňalum.

The report added that Daydayan, 35 when he was executed, was a victim of the NPA’s “kangaroo court under the late Leoncio Pitao, commanding officer of Pulang Bagani Command (PBC1) operating in Paquibato,

The community where he a resident informed the law enforcers about his remains, the report added as he was executed nine years ago.

The victim’s wife, Analyn condemned the armed group for his fate.
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/03/08/remains-of-ex-rebel-exhumed/

Sayyaf bomber captured in Sulu

 From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 7, 2022): Sayyaf bomber captured in Sulu

Security forces captured a suspected Abu Sayyaf bomber who is also the wife of a notorious terror leader and bomb expert Mundi Sawadaan in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, officials said Monday.

Officials said the woman, Nursitta Malud alias Kirsita Ismael, was captured over the weekend after soldiers and policemen swooped down on her house in the village of Tulay in the capital town of Jolo.

The 34-year old woman is the second wife of Abu Sayyaf terror leader Mundi Sawadjaan, said Brig. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the 11th Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Sulu.

He said troops recovered an 81mm mortar bomb, detonation cord, one detonator, a blasting cap, electric wire, and a nine volt battery, among others.

The arrest of the woman came barely a week after soldiers diffused an improvised explosive planted on a roadside in Patikul town’s Anuling village following a tip off from civilians.

“Bombing has no place in Sulu. We need to zero in on the leadership of the local terrorist group and its members as soon as possible to prevent any atrocities to happen. We cannot allow any bombing attack, because it will only hamper the furtherance of the relative peace Sulu has today,” Patrimonio said.

“As the group of Mundi Sawadjaan dwindled, they were becoming desperate at the same time reckless. Now that all his companions were arrested one after another, his capability to conduct a possible attack has weakened. The continuous effort of our troops and other law enforcement agencies after the recovery of IED last week has indeed save innocent lives as we pre-empted possible bombing attack,” he added.

Patrimonio called on civilians to stay vigilant as security forces continue the hunt against Abu Sayyaf terrorists. “I am asking our local community to be more vigilant and let’s sustain our cooperation for us to achieve our long aspiration for just and lasting peace here in Sulu,” he said.

He said there had been no bombing since August 2020 after the task force pre-empted previous bombing attempts in the province.

“To recall, the last twin bombings attack was on 24 August 2020 dubbed as twin bombing. Since then, the JTFS had pre-empted bombing attempts and will continue to do so even today. We will not stop until we zero-in the enemy and their leadership. We will continue to do our mandate and strengthen our capabilities to perform our duties to protect our fellow Filipino here in the province of Sulu,” he said, referring to the twin suicide bombings in the capital town of Jolo.

Two Indonesian female bombers carried out the daring attacks that left dozens of casualties, mostly civilians.

One of the bombers was an Indonesian widow of Abu Sayyaf suicide bomber Norman Lasuca, who blew himself up outside a military base and killed 8 people in Sulu’s Indanan town 2019. The other bomber was the wife of an Abu Sayyaf explosives expert Talha Jumsa, who was also slain in a clash with soldiers in Patikul town.

A parked motorcycle rigged with explosives was detonated near two military trucks and the second bomber detonated her explosives while soldiers and policemen were rushing to the scene to aid the victims.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/03/sayyaf-bomber-captured-in-sulu.html

Sermonia gets PNP's No. 2 post as more officials retire

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2022): Sermonia gets PNP's No. 2 post as more officials retire (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia (File photo)

Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia is now the second-highest official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) after being named as the deputy chief for administration effective Monday.

In an order, PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos named Sermonia as the replacement of Lt. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson, who is now on non-duty status ahead of his mandatory retirement on March 27.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Divina replaced Sermonia as the deputy chief for operations, the PNP's third in command.

As deputy chief for operations, Divina will also serve as the new commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Covid-19 Shield, the enforcement arm of the national government in the implementation of quarantine rules and health protocols.

Divina is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1988.

Meanwhile, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said only President Rodrigo R. Duterte has the authority to appoint the replacement of Carlos, who is scheduled to retire on May 8, the eve of this year's national local and elections.

"(Only) the President will decide on that but it's still too early to discuss that," he said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

Article VII, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution states that "two months immediately before the next presidential elections and up to the end of his term, a President or Acting President shall not make appointments, except temporary appointments to executive positions when continued vacancies therein will prejudice public service or endanger public safety."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169142

PH, US troops start annual 'Salaknib' exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2022): PH, US troops start annual 'Salaknib' exercise (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PA) and the US Army Pacific (USARPAC) formally started the 20-day "Salaknib" Exercise that aims to deepen interoperability between the two armies at the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija last March 5.

“Salaknib demonstrates the long-standing partnership between PA and USARPAC,” USARPAC deputy chief Maj. Gen. Matthew McFarlane, the guest of honor and speaker said in his speech, which was sent to reporters on Sunday.

"Salaknib", which means shield in Ilocano, is an annual bilateral combined exercise that aims to enhance the defense readiness of Filipino and American troops by developing tactical interoperability.

The 2022 edition of "Salaknib" focuses on the capability development of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT), the PA's primary combined arms, and rapid deployment unit.

US soldiers and Philippine Army troops from 1BCT, Training and Doctrine Command, Army Support Command, 51st Engineering Brigade, Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Army Artillery Regiment, Army Aviation Regiment, Armor Division, Light Reaction Regiment, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), and First Scout Ranger Regiment, will be participating in the 20-day exercise.

"Salaknib" also showcases the US government’s resolve to fulfill its alliance obligations in the region.

Last January 21, the PA and USARPAC teams completed the three-day inspection of the proposed training sites in Central Luzon to ensure availability, suitability, and training-worthiness.

PA chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier commended the "Salaknib" planning team for carrying out a thorough planning process aimed at ensuring the success of the bilateral exercise even amidst the pandemic.

"The conduct of combined training exercises between the Philippine and US armies will capacitate us in effectively dealing with the fast-changing security landscape of the Indo-Pacific region," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169145

Close to 2K MILF combatants decommissioned in Q1 2022

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 7, 2022): Close to 2K MILF combatants decommissioned in Q1 2022 (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

NORMALIZATION PROCESS. Rowaida Taha, a former member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Women's Auxiliary Brigade (BIWAB) in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao, receives PHP100,000 worth of transitional cash assistance. Taha said she will use the money for her grandchildren's education and starting a business. (Photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

Some 1,950 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have successfully participated in the third phase of decommissioning process for the first quarter this year under the normalization track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

In a social media post on Monday, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said the decommissioned combatants from February 15 to March 1 have each received PHP100,000 worth of transitional cash assistance, through the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities (TFDCC).

Part of the socioeconomic package is the PHP80,000 worth of Bangsamoro Transitory Family Support (BTFS) Package they can use for their basic needs such as food, hygiene kits, sleeping materials, kitchen and shelter kits, as well as medical, educational, and transportation allowances.

They also get PHP20,000 worth of Livelihood Settlement Grant (LSG) for seed capital to start up a micro-enterprise or to purchase starter kits for their future businesses.

The data from the OPAPRU showed 5,250 MILF combatants already underwent the third phase of the decommissioning process from November to December last year.

Some 19,345 former combatants have already been through the three phases of decommissioning process since 2015 as to date.

Another 14,000 MILF members are scheduled to be decommissioned under the third phase process this year.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, all MILF combatants scheduled for decommissioning were subjected to pre-health screening and antigen Covid-19 testing, before proceeding to the assembly and processing area site for decommissioning, followed by a needs assessment of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the TFDCC.

After the on-site validation process, former combatants will be referred to the concerned government agencies for appropriate interventions and services.

The decommissioning process is one of the key provisions of the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the peace agreement forged between the government and MILF in 2014 that aims to empower former MILF combatants in their transitioning as "peaceful and productive civilians," including the provision of health, technical and livelihood services.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169144

French Navy eyes stronger cooperation with PH counterparts

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8, 2022): French Navy eyes stronger cooperation with PH counterparts (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

The French Navy has expressed willingness to work with its Philippine counterparts at sea.

"We are ready to work with your forces at sea. We need to protect, we need to defend the freedom of navigation including (on) the West Philippine Sea,” said Rear Adm. Jean-Mathieu Rey, Joint Commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific (ALPACI), during his courtesy call on Philippine Navy (PN) chief, Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado, on Monday.

PN spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza, in a statement, said Rey's visit is in line with the scheduled March 8 to 11 port call of French surveillance frigate Vendémiaire (F-734) to the country.

"Rear Admiral Rey was accorded with arrival honors as he paid a courtesy call on the Flag-Officer-In-Command, PN, Vice Admiral Adeluis Bordado. The French Ambassador to the Philippines, H.E. (Her Excellency) Michele Boccoz was present during the event together with the Non-Resident Defense Attaché of France to the Philippines, Col. Emmanuel Peltriaux; and military assistant, Lt. Eric Grauliere," he added.

The port call is part of the French Navy's deployment in Asia to contribute to regional stability, promote international rule of law, and develop cooperation among Asian countries.

Among the highlights of the visit were talks on maritime security, protection of natural resources at sea, and possible future exercise engagements, which Rey believes to be "good opportunities to improve the Philippine and French navies’ knowledge and interoperability."

Rey also expressed the French Navy’s intention to increase the level of cooperation with the PN, particularly with the scheduled deployment of their amphibious and training task force in 2023.

He even cited possible conduct of command patrols with partner navies in the region.

Meanwhile, Bordado thanked the French Navy for their continuing support to the PN.

"He agreed to explore talks on future participation of the two navies in bilateral and multilateral exercises and other possible areas of collaboration," Negranza added.

The French delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Commander Philippine Fleet, Rear Admiral Nichols Driz Monday afternoon, at Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite City.

As this developed, Rear Admiral Antonio Palces, the Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Education, Training, and Doctrine (J-8) assumed his post as PN second-in-command during short ceremonies that took place last March 7 at PN headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila last March 7.

Bordado also presided over the turnover ceremony that ushered in Palces who succeeded Major Gen. Nestor Herico who earlier assumed as the Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169235