Additional combat duty pay eyed for uniformed forces

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7, 2023): Additional combat duty pay eyed for uniformed forces (By Leonel Abasola)

(Courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – As the nation’s protectors who preserve peace and harmony and ward off threats, it is only fitting that members of the military, police and coast guard be provided with adequate compensation and substantial benefits.

Under Senate Bill 1816 or the Combat Incentives Act filed by Senator Raffy Tulfo, the Combat Duty Pay (CDP) will be fixed at PHP5,000.00 per month for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

On the other hand, the Combat Incentive Pay (CIP) will be PHP1,000 per day provided that the operation to which the enlisted personnel or officer is deployed must be for a specific combat mission that is duly covered by an Operations Order or Fragmentary Order for the AFP or a Mission Order for the PNP; the personnel involved in combat must be in the published task organization of the AFP Operations Order or Fragmentary Order or the PNP Mission Order; and the total additional CIP for each qualified individual shall not exceed 50 percent of the base salary pay per month.

The CIP shall be over and above the CDP and will be tax-exempt.

Combat duty includes field operations involving armed hostilities against insurgents or dissidents, outlaws, and terrorists; operations against armed criminals such as hostage rescue operations, anti-hijacking operations, hot pursuit operations, and other similar armed confrontations; planned activities undertaken independently or in coordination with civilian entities; activities designed to preserve internal security against insurgents, secessionists, and terrorists, including intelligence; providing security to the President and family; and seaborne or mobile patrols within coastal areas conducted by PCG uniformed personnel who are in actual operation against elements of maritime threats.

Under Executive Order 201 in 2016 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte, all uniformed personnel were given a fixed rate of PHP3,000 CDP and daily CIP of PHP300.

“Our soldiers and police personnel receive measly salaries, inadequate allowances and insufficient benefits, compared to the circumstantial stressors and challenges they face. Some of these are societal isolation, the sleep deprivation that comes with long shifts, and continued exposure to harmful human elements,” read the bill’s explanatory note.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194577

South Negros village residents flee homes amid armed clashes

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 5, 2023): South Negros village residents flee homes amid armed clashes (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

EVACUATION. Displaced residents stay in modular tents at the covered court of Barangay Oringao in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental following armed clashes between government troops and communist rebels. As of Sunday (Feb. 5, 2023), 822 individuals from 283 families are staying in the evacuation site. (Courtesy of Kabankalan City-DRRMO)

BACOLOD CITY – Hundreds have fled their homes amid the ongoing armed clashes between troops of the Philippine Army's 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) and New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the remote village of Oringao in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

Data released by Mayor Benjie Miranda showed that as of 6 p.m. on Sunday, 822 individuals from 283 families, are staying in the village covered court.

"Another encounter transpired between troops of 94IB and more or less 15 members of the NPA on Feb. 5," the battalion reported at past 10 a.m. on Sunday.

The initial encounter took place on Saturday.

The report added the soldiers engaged the rebels during security patrol operations after receiving reports of extortion and harassment.

On Saturday night, the City Department of Social Welfare and Development and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office installed modular tents and distributed food assistance to affected residents from three sitios (subcommunities) -- Mansawin, Nabalikan and Pitgong.

Last month, more than 200 residents of Purok Malipayon, Barangay San Jose, Sipalay City, also in southern Negros, were displaced following two armed clashes between 15IB troops and NPA rebels.

The first encounter on Jan. 18 took place in the hinterlands of Barangay Camalandaan, Cauayan town, followed by another clash later in the afternoon in adjacent Purok Malipayon during the pursuit operations for some 20 rebels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194434

Bodies of 3 NPA rebels, weapons recovered in Negros clash site

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2023): Bodies of 3 NPA rebels, weapons recovered in Negros clash site (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

CASUALTIES. Two of the three bodies of unidentified New People's Army rebels recovered by joint military and police forces on Sunday (Feb. 5, 2023), after a two-day gun battle in the hinterlands of Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City over the weekend. Troops also found three firearms, personal belonging and subversive documents. (Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Joint military and police troops recovered the bodies of three unidentified New People's Army (NPA) rebels and their weapons on Sunday, following a two-day clash in Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City in southern Negros Occidental.

The casualties resulted from the 20-minute encounter between government forces and a group of 15 rebels in Sitio Bugne around 8 a.m. on Sunday, the Philippine Army's 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) said in a report.

The first skirmish took place at past 5 p.m. on Saturday when 94IB troops together with personnel of the Philippine National Police's Regional Mobile Force Battalion-Western Visayas and 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company responded to the presence of armed men in the remote sitios of the village.

In a statement Sunday night, Col. Orlando Edralin, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, commended the 94IB troops for their immediate response to the information given by the locals.

"The bravery you exhibited during the series of security operations in Kabankalan is incomparable," he said.

Edralin also acknowledged the vigilance and cooperation of the residents that manifest their genuine desire for NPA-free Kabankalan City.

Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of 94IB, also thanked the locals for providing information to government forces.

"This is a clear manifestation that communist-terrorists are not welcome in Kabankalan," he added.

During the clearing operation, troops found an M14 rifle, .45 and .38 caliber pistols, all loaded with ammunition, along with backpacks, personal items and subversive documents.

"The NPA terrorists are fighting a losing war. Their armed struggle is ending. They must surrender before it's too late," Almonte said.

Kabankalan City Mayor Benjie Miranda said the series of encounters displaced more than 800 residents who have sought shelter in the village covered court since Saturday night.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194448

Suspects in ambush of Marines in Lanao Sur pursued

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2023): Suspects in ambush of Marines in Lanao Sur pursued (By Edwin Fernandez)

AMBUSHED. A Marine sergeant was killed while three others were wounded in an ambush by suspected Islamic militants in Marogong town, Lanao del Sur province, on Saturday (Feb. 4, 2023). The injured are getting medical care in a local hospital in Parang town in neighboring Maguindanao province. (Photo courtesy of Marogong MPS)

COTABATO CITY – Police and Marine field units are hot on the trail of suspects behind the weekend ambush in Marogong town, Lanao del Sur province, that killed a Marine sergeant and injured three others, a police official said Monday.

“We have identified the suspects and a joint police and Marine manhunt operation is ongoing,” said Lt. Joseph Chicano, Marogong municipal police station chief, referring to the ambush of a Marine vehicle in Barangay Cabasaran, Marogong at around 3:50 p.m. on Saturday.

Slain Marine Sgt. Tonti Melbert Pamaran, and his wounded companions identified as Sgts. Jeram Aradji and Joan Aniñon, and Cpl. Mark Anthony Bañares, are all under the 2nd Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT-2) based in Malabang town, Lanao del Sur.

Chicano said around 10 gunmen, led by Faharudin Hadjisatar, leader of Dawlah Islamiya (DI) in Lanao del Sur, positioned on both sides of the dirt road in Barangay Cabasaran and opened fire on the approaching military vehicle, triggering a brief firefight.

“It was unclear if the ambushers also suffered casualties during the exchange of gunfire," Chicano said.

According to military and police intelligence reports, Hadjisatar is now the leader of the DI in Lanao del Sur, a remnant of the Maute terror group that laid siege in Marawi City in 2017.

Hadjisatar succeeded Owaida Marohombsar, also known as Abu Dar, the leader of the DI-Maute Group who was killed in Lanao del Norte in March 2019.

The Marawi siege left more than 1,200 soldiers, civilians, and terrorists killed and ruined the city.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194452

MILF co-founder Sheik Khalifa Nando dies, 82

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

7 ASG bandits killed, 2 captured in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2023): 7 ASG bandits killed, 2 captured in Sulu clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

SULU CLASH. Seven followers of the Abu Sayyaf Group were killed while two are captured in a clash Sunday (Feb. 5, 2023) in the boundary of Maimbung and Parang towns in Sulu. Government troops recovered seven high-powered firearms after the 30-minute clash. (Photo courtesy of Area Police Command-Western Mindanao)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Seven Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) extremists were killed while two others were captured following a firefight in the hinterlands of Sulu province, a top police official said Monday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said the clash broke out around 1:21 a.m. Sunday on the border of Barangays Labah and Kapuk in the towns of Maimbung and Parang, respectively.

Verceles identified the slain ASG members as Juko Dahim, Aldimar Kanih, Gamil Halik, Norhan Pasi, Malik Iron, Jimming Akjal and his son, only known as alias Iron.

He said they were taken to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Those captured were identified as Julmin Amdan and Rogir Mukatrir.

Wounded in the crossfire were Crismalyn Hail Tajid, 22, and a child who were both taken to a hospital in Jolo, the capital town of Sulu.

Verceles said the firefight broke out when the policemen led by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) were fired upon by the group of Juko and Alganer while they were about to serve a warrant of arrest for murder against the former.

A 30-minute firefight ensued as the policemen fired back, resulting in the death of Juko and six of his companions. Alganer managed to escape.

Verceles said Juko was involved in the ambush-slay of Col. Julasirim Kasim, the police director of Sulu, in 2009 in Barangay Bato Ugis, Maimbung, Sulu.

He said the slain ASG members were followers of Majan Sahidjuan operating in the towns of Indanan, Parang and Maimbung.

Sahidjuan was killed in a clash with government troops in March 2021 in Kalupag Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.

Verceles said the policemen recovered nine high-powered firearms, assorted ammunition and war materiel from the clash site.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194446

4 BIFF extremists renounce violence, get livelihood aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2023): 4 BIFF extremists renounce violence, get livelihood aid (By Edwin Fernandez)

BIFF SURRENDERERS. Four former Moro extremists show their firearms before formally turning over them to military authorities as they renounce violence in favor of peace. Their surrender took place at the Army’s 92nd Infantry Battalion headquarters in Midsayap town, North Cotabato province on Sunday (Feb. 5, 2023). (Photo courtesy of MILG-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – Four members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have received food aid and livelihood assistance after they laid down firearms and renounced violence in Midsayap town, North Cotabato province, officials reported Monday.

Naguib Sinarimbo, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) interior and local government minister, said the ex-Moro rebels who surrendered were presented by the Army’s 92nd Infantry Battalion (IB) to Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong, the 2nd Infantry Division (ID) commander, on Sunday.

Sinarimbo assured the BARMM government will assist the ex-combatants through the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government's (MILG) Project TuGoN (Tulong ng Gobyernong Nagmamalasakit).

TuGoN is a project of the BARMM government aimed at ending local armed conflict. It is a humanitarian assistance program administered by the MILG for former members of other local armed groups in the region who have chosen to return to the folds of the law.

The activity was carried out in collaboration with the Ministries of Social Services and Development, Public Order and Safety, and other line agencies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194541

2 ex-rebels, 15 supporters cut ties with CPP-NPA in Aurora

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2023): 2 ex-rebels, 15 supporters cut ties with CPP-NPA in Aurora (By Jason De Asis)

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE. Two former members and 15 supporters of the communist terrorist group take an oath of allegiance following their surrender to the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry Battalion in Baler town, Aurora province on Sunday (Feb. 5, 2023). Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto Jr., 91IB commander, assured that the Army will help them as they rejoin the mainstream society. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora – Two former members and 15 supporters of the communist terrorist group (CTG) in this province have surrendered to the military on Sunday.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto Jr., commander of the Army’s 91 Infantry Battalion (91IB), said on Monday the two surrendered rebels were former members of the Aurora Provincial Party Committee of the dismantled Domingo Erlano Command of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Recto said the 17 surrenderers signified their withdrawal of support from the CTG as they took their oath of allegiance to the government during a ceremony in this town.

“Those people voluntarily submitted themselves to 91B. They came here for a lasting sense of peace and are now committed to supporting the government’s program,” he said in an interview.

Recto lauded the decision of the surrenderers as he pointed out that the government is always ready to accept and help them lead peaceful lives anew.

“They were all victims of the lies, deceptions and propaganda of the terror organization which added fire and fabricated issues against the government to destroy its good image," he said.

He assured that the Philippine Army will help the surrenderers in their reintegration into mainstream society.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194521

10 former rebels to get P65K E-CLIP benefits

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 6, 2023): 10 former rebels to get P65K E-CLIP benefits (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

Provincial Director Farah Diba Gentuya of the Department of the Interior and Local Government of Negros Oriental. (PNA file photo)

DUMAGUETE CITY – Ten former rebels (FRs) of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) who surrendered to authorities in Negros Oriental province will soon receive financial assistance of PHP65,000 each under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Provincial director Farah Diba Gentuya, of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Negros Oriental, said the FRs have complied with all the requirements and the monetary aid for them is now ready for downloading.

“Of the total amount, PHP15,000 is for immediate cash assistance while PHP50,000 is for livelihood assistance”, Gentuya told the Philippine News Agency on Monday.

“The immediate cash assistance could not be released right away following the surrender of a former rebel as that person still has to go through a validation process and is required to comply with certain documentary requirements," she said.

The 10 E-CLIP beneficiaries have surrendered separately to either the police of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Negros Oriental between 2020 and 2021, although their identities are withheld for security reasons.

On top of the PHP65,000 aid, each qualified FR will also receive a PHP21,000 re-integration assistance which shall be granted to the receiving unit, such as the Philippine Army or the Philippine National Police, who will facilitate the beneficiaries as they return to or resume their normal lives, the DILG official said.

Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, said they usually cover the expenses of the FRs while awaiting the release of the re-integration assistance.

The brigade has completed construction of a halfway house for the FRs, funded by the provincial government, and is awaiting its formal turnover, alongside the assignment of government workers to run the facility, he said.

An E-CLIP audit to check on solutions to hasten documentation and release of benefits was held here recently to help improve some processes, as it usually takes a year or longer to complete all the necessary requirements due to a variety of reasons, Gentuya said.

These include the certification from the Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee (JAPIC), the absence of birth certificates, valid identification, and other credentials, among others.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194529

Cebu Army reservists upgrade skills, combat capabilities

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7, 2023): Cebu Army reservists upgrade skills, combat capabilities (By John Rey Saavedra)

MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING. Photo shows Army reservist, Staff Sgt. Adonis Quitoy, head of the security office of a giant mall in Cebu City, assisting a fellow volunteer during the "Tansan Challenge" marksmanship training at the Visayas Command firing range in Camp Lapu-Lapu on Feb. 5, 2023. Brig. Gen. Erik Miguel Espina on Tuesday (Feb. 7) said the marksmanship is included in the monthly skills training of the 1901st Reader Reserve Infantry Brigade. (Photo courtesy of 1901st Public Affairs Team)

CEBU CITY – Army reservists in Cebu province will undergo monthly skills training to upgrade their capabilities in both humanitarian operations and combat tactics to prepare them for disaster and territorial emergencies, an official said on Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Erik Miguel Espina, head of the 1901st Ready Reserve Infantry Brigade, said the initiative for regular skills advancement activities came up during the recent Assembly Test where the reservists gathered for capabilities inventory as well as records updating.

Apart from being a “force multiplier” for disaster emergencies, Espina said there is also a need to send reservists to continuous training to expose them to different combat capabilities even without actual threats.

“In other countries, they have recruitment centers, one has to fill out a form (and) then become a reservist. If you are a citizen, you are welcome because you are willing to give your time to serve. In our country, it is pure volunteerism, it’s a privilege to serve (the reserve force),” he told the Philippine News Agency.

Espina commended the reservists for attending a one-day marksmanship proficiency training and a lecture on field artillery on Sunday (Feb. 5).

“They are supposed to be with their families because (that) was a Sunday. But because of their love of service to our Inang Bayan as volunteer soldiers, they underwent a crash course on field artillery and hone their skills on rifle shooting,” Espina said.

Reservists Technical Sergeant Andy Chua, a businessman, and Staff Sergeant Adonis Quitoy, head of the security office of SM Seaside, assisted their fellow reservists in marksmanship proficiency training dubbed as "Tansan Challenge" at the Visayas Command’s firing range.

Retired Maj. Gen. Alan Bontuyan gave the reservists an overview of artillery operations, discussing the effective range and lethality of mortars, 105mm and 155mm Howitzers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194567

2 NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7, 2023): 2 NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat (By Roel Osano)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Two members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) have surrendered to authorities in Lebak town, Sultan Kudarat province after they survived a clash with government forces in the area, an official bared Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Guillermo Mabute Jr., commander of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (IB), welcomed the two rebels during surrender rites held in Barangay Salangsang, Lebak, on Monday.

Mabute identified the ex-NPA fighters through their aliases as "Malakas" and "Justice," both active members of the Baghdad Platoon, NPA Daguma Command, Far South Mindanao Region.

The surrenderers handed over an M16 rifle and an M14 assault rifle with ammunition.

Mabute lauded the intelligence information provided by residents in the village that helped in the surrender of the rebels.

“We were continuously monitoring their whereabouts after the recent encounter with troops of the 57IB in the nearby municipalities where they have scampered into different directions following the clash,” he said.

Mabute described the duo’s surrender as a “right move” to be with their families again.

“Their families are residing in our area of responsibility (AOR) so they will soon be reunited with their respective families,” he said.

Major Gen. Alex Rillera, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) commander, said the two surrenderers will be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and other “Balik-Loob” aid packages of the Sultan Kudarat provincial government.

“The 6ID is reiterating its call to remaining NPAs operating in our AOR to peacefully return to the folds of the law and avail various amelioration benefits offered by the government,” Rillera, also the commander of Joint Task Force Central, said.

Last month alone, at least 10 communist rebels surrendered to the Army’s ID area of operation in the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194617

MILF member tagged as Zambo Norte’s 10th most wanted arrested

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7, 2023): MILF member tagged as Zambo Norte’s 10th most wanted arrested (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Google map of Sirawai municipality, Zamboanga del Norte.

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities have arrested in a manhunt operation a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) member tagged as the 10th most wanted person in Zamboanga del Norte province, a top police official reported Tuesday.

Col. Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said Masuud Hassan Alip was arrested around 5:30 p.m. Monday in Barangay Panabutan in Sirawai town, Zamboanga del Norte.

He said Alip, 29, has a standing arrest warrant for murder with no recommended bail issued by a municipal court in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, in April last year.

The suspect is also linked to the killing of a former militiaman in 2021 in Barangay Doña Cecelia, Sirawai.

Verceles said the suspect is also believed to be a contract killer working with Abdul Lumarang, the leader of the Lumarang crime group that has ties with the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf Group.

Alip was taken to the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Police Office for documentation and proper disposition before his turnover to the court.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194568

Cops recover NPA claymore mine, pipe bomb in Butuan village

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7, 2023): Cops recover NPA claymore mine, pipe bomb in Butuan village (By Alexander Lopez)

RECOVERED EXPLOSIVES. The Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) reports on Tuesday (Feb. 7, 2023) the recovery of two deadly improvised bombs hidden by New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Taligaman, Butuan City. The recovery of the explosives was made possible through information provided by a tipster in the area. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13)

BUTUAN CITY – Policemen recovered two deadly explosives hidden by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a village here, an official said Tuesday.

“The communist group buried the improvised explosive devices in Purok 1 of Barangay Taligaman,” Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) director, Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, said in a statement.

Acting on a tip, he said personnel of the Butuan City Police Station 4 found the improvised claymore mine, a cylindrical pipe bomb, and four plastic containers filled with rice explosives on Monday.

A report from the PRO-13 intelligence division said the recovered explosives were from the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 21C, Weakened NPA Guerilla Front 21, Sub-Regional Command Westland, Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee under a certain Arnel Banguis.

“The PRO-13 expresses appreciation for the informant's assistance in the recovery of the dangerous explosives,” Labra said.

The support, he said, proves the strong partnership between the police and the communities in the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194614

Army targets end of NegOr insurgency in 2023 Q1

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7, 2023): Army targets end of NegOr insurgency in 2023 Q1 (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

RELIEF AID. Residents of Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental receive food packs at a gymnasium where they stayed following clashes between government forces and the New People's Army on Sunday (Feb. 5, 2023). An Army official on Tuesday said they target to end the communist insurgency in Negros Oriental by the first quarter of this year. (Courtesy of the Philippine Army)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine Army targets to end the communist insurgency in Negros Oriental as early as the first quarter of this year with sustained operations.

Brig. Gen. Leonardo Peña, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday that continuous combat and non-combat operations in the province and in Negros Occidental will reduce the fighting capabilities of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

“Actually, our objective at the brigade is to completely flush out the ranks of the NPA or reduce it to the lowest, insignificant level, or in a state where they can no longer fight the government forces,” Peña said in mixed English and Filipino.

“That is why we have intensified our combat operations to track these NPA rebels down and ensure that they can no longer regain their strongholds and build up their mass base,” he added.

Peña said the recent encounters between the NPA and government forces on Negros Island are the result of the civilian populace’s cooperation with their anti-insurgency efforts.

The clashes in Barangay Oringao, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, which is near the boundary of Negros Oriental, over the weekend forced 800 individuals to leave their homes and seek safety.

Peña said Executive Order (EO) No. 70 of former president Rodrigo Duterte is now seeing gains in this Central Visayas province, the only one among four provinces in Region 7 (Central Visayas) that is still dealing with insurgency.

EO No. 70, signed in December 2018, created the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict that employs a whole-of-nation approach to end communism and institute peace-building initiatives.

“We intend to make Negros Oriental insurgency-free, just like Bohol, and we need the cooperation of government agencies, local government units, local chief executives, and various stakeholders for us to achieve this goal,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1194647

US pledges failed to stop Sino moves in WPS – Bayan

From Panay News (Feb 4, 2023): US pledges failed to stop Sino moves in WPS – Bayan

Photo courtesy of Gabriela Women’s Party

MANILA – Members of progressive organizations on Thursday protested against a military agreement between the Philippines and the United States that allows American troops to use Filipino military camps and called for its outright abolition.

The rally, attended by hundreds of protesters, outside Camp Aguinaldo, the national defense and Armed Forces headquarters, was timed for the visit of US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III, who held separate talks with President Marcos and acting Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.

The two defense departments on Thursday jointly announced that American troops would be granted access to four Philippine military camps in addition to the five that they already had been allowed to use.

Allowing US military access to now nine camps is part of the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) between Manila and Washington, which the protesters want to be abolished.

The agreement allows US troops to rotate through these bases, including those close to the West Philippine Sea, where Chinese forces have increased their incursions.

It also allows the US military to preposition defense equipment and supplies in these bases, including those supposed to be deployed for disaster and humanitarian assistance.

The Philippines and US security alliance was sealed by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT). After the Senate booted out the US military bases in 1991, the two countries agreed in 1998 to continue to allow US troops into the country for joint exercises under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

‘Foolish to believe’

Renato Reyes, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), said that despite the MDT and the VFA, and Washington’s promise that the presence of US military forces in the country “helps our cause,” the United States did not stop China’s aggressive acts in the West Philippine Sea.

“The matter of asserting Philippine sovereignty and sovereign rights rests with the Filipinos, not any foreign power. It would be foolish to believe that the United States, with its own geopolitical interests, is here to help us in asserting our sovereignty,” Reyes said.

Ivan Sucgang, chair of the League of Filipino Students, warned that the youth would be the “foot soldiers of the military” if war were to break out between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea.

The women’s group Gabriela and the LGBTQ group Lakapati said that with access to an increasing number of bases across the country, more Filipino women and transgenders would be open to abuse and harassment by US troops deployed to the Philippines as had happened in the past.

De facto base

Under Edca, the United States could set up military facilities inside Philippine bases rent- and tax-free.

Reyes said that the United States can also have access to any part of the country, turning the Philippines into a de-facto base for US troops. (Abby Boiser, Krixia Subingsubing, Dempsey Reyes, AFP © Philippine Daily Inquirer)

https://www.panaynews.net/us-pledges-failed-to-stop-sino-moves-in-wps-bayan/