State of nat'l emergency due to lawlessness in Mindanao lifted

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2023): State of nat'l emergency due to lawlessness in Mindanao lifted (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

(Photo courtesy of The Official Gazette)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has lifted the declaration of state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao, considering the improved peace and order situation in the region.

Marcos on Tuesday signed Proclamation 298, repealing Proclamation 55 issued in 2016 which proclaims the state of national emergency because of a “spate of violent and lawless acts across many parts of Mindanao.”

Proclamation 298 emphasizes that the lawless violence perpetrated by private armies and local warlords, bandits, criminal syndicates, terrorist groups, and religious extremists “have been significantly mitigated or reduced.”

“Through successful focused military and law enforcement operations and programs that promote sustainable and inclusive peace, the government has made significant gains in improving and restoring peace and order in the region,” the new proclamation said.

According to Proclamation 298, the lifting of a state of national emergency would help boost economic activity and hasten the recovery of the local economy.

A copy of Proclamation 298 was made public on Thursday.

Former president Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 55 on Sept. 4, 2016 because of lawless violence in Mindanao, including abductions, hostage-takings and murder of innocent civilians, bombing of power transmission facilities, highway robberies and extortions, attacks on military outposts, assassinations of media people and mass jailbreaks.

Duterte, in issuing Proclamation 55, explained that the acts of violence exhibit the audacity and propensity of the armed lawless groups to “defy the rule of law, sow anarchy, and sabotage the government’s economic development and peace efforts.”

Proclamation 55 was also issued because of government intelligence reports about “credible threats of further terror attacks and other similar acts of violence by lawless elements in other parts of the country, including the metropolitan areas.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206575

NTF-ELCAC condemns rebels' rejection of PBBM's amnesty offer

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2023): NTF-ELCAC condemns rebels' rejection of PBBM's amnesty offer (By Benjamin Pulta)

MANILA – The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Thursday condemned the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for rejecting the amnesty offer extended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his second State of the Nation Address.

In a statement, NTF-ELCAC Executive Director Ernesto C. Torres Jr. said the offer of amnesty is aimed at achieving lasting peace and reconciliation and will provide an opportunity for those involved in armed conflict to lay down their arms and return to the mainstream of society and contribute to nation-building.

"Their (CPP-NPA-NDF) refusal to accept the amnesty offer only shows their insincerity in pursuing peace and demonstrates their dedication to perpetuating an outdated, violent, and bloody ideology," Torres said.

The NTF-ELCAC called on remaining members and sympathizers of the CPP-NPA-NDF to reconsider their stance and embrace the path to peace.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206579

13 of 18 'resigned' generals, colonels remain in posts - PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2023): 13 of 18 'resigned' generals, colonels remain in posts - PNP (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo (PNA file photo)

MANILA – More than half of the 18 third-level officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) whose courtesy resignations were accepted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remain in their present positions.

Speaking to reporters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Thursday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said 13 officials are still occupying positions while five are currently on floating status.

“Sa ngayon -- five naka-assign sa PHAU (Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit). Yun po floating status kasi wala silang designation while the remaining 13 remains occupying present positions while waiting for the decision kung sila ay ire-relieve pending processing ng resignation (So far -- five are now with PHAU. That's floating status because they have no designation while the remaining 13 are still occupying their present positions while waiting for the decision if they will be relieved pending processing of their resignations),” Fajardo said.

On Tuesday, the President accepted the courtesy resignation of the following officials for their alleged involvement in illegal drugs:

-- Brigadier Generals Remus Medina, Randy Peralta and Pablo Labra II;

-- Colonels Rogarth Campo, Rommel Ochave, Rommel Velasco, Robin King Sarmiento, Fernando Ortega, Rex Derilo, Julian Olonan, Rolando Portera, Lawrence Cajipe, Dario Menor, Joel Tampis, Michael David, Igmedio Bernaldez, Rodolfo Albotra Jr., and Marvin Sanchez.

PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. is set to meet Palace officials to clarify the fate of these officers.

“Wala pa po tayong opisyal na kopya ng dokumento na pinirmahan ng ating Presidente para tingnan yung specific na wording doon -- like kung may colatilla (We still do not have an official copy of the document signed by our President to check the specific wording there -- like if there is a colatilla),” Fajardo said.

“There was an earlier pronouncement before that once your resignation will be accepted you will be considered as optionally retired for purposes of receiving our retirement benefits. That's what we have to clarify, the status of the 18 if they are indeed included in the document signed by the President,” she explained.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. earlier called on third-level officers of the police force to submit their courtesy resignations which were screened by the National Police Commission Ad Hoc Advisory Group on their alleged involvement in illegal drugs.

The move was an offshoot of the 990-kg drug haul in Tondo Manila last year in the warehouse owned by dismissed police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo.

The ad hoc committee, however, rejected the courtesy resignations of 935 other police officials.

Fajardo, meanwhile, said 69 cops are now facing criminal and administrative charges after they were found to have committed irregularities during the seizure of drugs.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206590

AFP deploys land, air, naval units for Egay rescue ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2023): AFP deploys land, air, naval units for Egay rescue ops (By Priam Nepomuceno)

TO THE RESCUE. Troops of the Philippine Army's 77th Infantry Battalion, together with personnel of the Philippine National Police, mount rescue operations in Baggao, Cagayan at the height of Typhoon Egay on Thursday (July 27, 2023). The Armed Forces of the Philippines has deployed land, naval and air units to conduct rescue and relief operations in areas battered by the typhoon. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed troops for relief and rescue efforts in communities in Northern Luzon that were devastated by Typhoon Egay.

The Philippine Army (PA) announced that rescue units of its Isabela-based 5th Infantry Division (5ID) are conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) missions in communities in Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao, and Ilocos Sur that were severely affected by the typhoon.

In a statement Friday, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the 5ID's 17th Infantry Battalion (IB) sent troops for rescue operations in Abulug, Cagayan where the super typhoon caused water levels to rise.

The 77th IB also distributed relief goods to affected families in Baggao, Cagayan.

The 98th IB, meanwhile, led the evacuation of flood-affected residents to their respective municipal evacuation centers in Kabugao, Apayao.

"Also, the 50th Infantry Battalion performed road-clearing operations and mobility rescue of families in Narvacan, Ilocos Sur," Trinidad said, adding that 5ID units are carrying out HADR missions in cooperation with responders from local government units, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Meanwhile, AFP chief and PA commander, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. hailed the 5ID for their "intensified HADR operations for the typhoon-affected communities."

“During natural disasters, the PA maximizes its troops and utilizes modern equipment and facilities to support humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts for the immediate need of our fellow kababayans,” Brawner said.

HADR missions in Baguio City, Ilocos Norte

As this developed, the Philippine Air Force (PAF), through the Tactical Operations Group 1 and 505th Search and Rescue Group, conducted HADR operations in Baguio City and Ilocos Norte on July 26.

"The search and rescue team, together with personnel from the BFP, worked together to clear obstructed roads in Barangay Loakan, Baguio City. Meanwhile, a separate response team in Ilocos Norte rescued and evacuated stranded residents of Barangay Barong, who were affected by the continuous rain and flooding in the area,” PAF spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said late Thursday.

She said the PAF would continue to provide swift assistance to communities in need during calamities.

PH Fleet mobilizes rescue units

Meanwhile, the Philippine Fleet (PF) in Sangley Point, Cavite has mobilized its disaster response and rescue teams (DRRTs) for HADR missions.

“These DRRTs are Fleet personnel who have undergone comprehensive training in disaster response, and fully equipped to perform water search and rescue, provide medical assistance, and deliver essential supplies to those in distress,” PF spokesperson Lt. Giovanni Badidles said in a statement Thursday night.

He said the PF is also readying sea, air, and land assets to facilitate the HADR missions, especially in remote areas and for the necessary transport of affected individuals.

“These efforts manifest the command’s crucial role of mitigating the devastating impact of this disaster and providing a beacon of hope to help our fellow Filipinos recover from these ordeals,” Badidles said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206634

NPA downfall looms with death of another ranking leader - Brawner

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2023): NPA downfall looms with death of another ranking leader - Brawner (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (Screengrab from RTVM)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday said the death of a ranking New People’s Army (NPA) leader in an encounter with troops in Northern Mindanao will help hasten the defeat of the communist movement.

In a statement, the AFP chief cited 4th Infantry Division troops for their successful military operation in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental that resulted in the death of Northern Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) Secretary Dionisio Micabalo, also known as “Muling,” last July 26.

"As the AFP has attained strategic victory against local and communist terrorist groups with most of their armed members neutralized, those who remain are in survival mode," Brawner said.

The AFP chief earlier claimed strategic victory against communist and local terrorist groups.

"This presents an opportunity for us to dismantle and defeat all remaining armed components to end insurgency and prevent their resurgence," he added.

Micabalo's group was notorious for perpetrating numerous atrocities and criminal activities in areas such as Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental and parts of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.

In the encounter, troops captured one “AK rifle” along with a .22-caliber rifle along with various war materiel and personal belongings.

Micabalo, 61, who hails from Dancagan, Bukidnon, is wanted for charges including rebellion, double murder with frustrated murder, multiple frustrated murder and arson, as well as murder and violation of Republic Act 9851 or Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

He was considered one of the top two NPA leaders in the region, with Myrna Sularte, also known as “Iyay/Imang,” operating in most parts of Caraga Region.

Meanwhile, 4th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II commended the efforts of the 58th Infantry Battalion and the 402nd Infantry Brigade.

He said Micabalo's demise is a significant blow to the NPA and may lead to the weakening and disintegration of criminal activities in Northern Mindanao.

He also acknowledged the positive impact of the government's amnesty proclamation for former rebels, encouraging remaining NPA members to abandon violence and contribute to the region's peaceful and prosperous development.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206640

Brawner to reservists: Break barriers as 'crucial asset' of AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2023): Brawner to reservists: Break barriers as 'crucial asset' of AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (Photo courtesy of AFP)

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday called the reserve force a "crucial asset" of the military and recognized their important role in defending the country.

“As steadfast Filipino soldiers, may you all commit to the fulfillment of your sworn oath to the Flag and the people. This recognition welcomes you to the unparalleled world of perseverance and hard work with your co-soldiers supporting you to become an extensively knowledgeable and goal-oriented reserve force," Brawner said during the first National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) Reservists' Jamboree in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"I am sure that the AFP Reserve Command will break more barriers towards maximizing its potential as a crucial asset of the whole AFP,” he added.

The jamboree served as an opportunity to recognize the contributions and service of the NDCP alumni and reservists to the country and the donning of ranks of newly commissioned officers in the reserve force.

As the government's premier institution for defense and security education, research, and training, the NDCP, through its Master in National Security Administration (MNSA) program, remains committed to honing dedicated leaders.

The NDCP's 60th anniversary carries the theme, "NDCP @ 60 and Beyond: Thriving in a New Era of Collective Responsibility. Navigating through Ever-Evolving National Security."

"The NDCP trains the best and the future leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, whether in the Regular Force or in the Reserve Force," Brawner said.

The military chief also expressed his desire to develop and streamline a reserve force that is highly capable of defending the country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206676

Retired general summoned anew over dubious PNP chopper deal

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2023): Retired general summoned anew over dubious PNP chopper deal (By Benjamin Pulta)

Sandiganbayan (File photo)

MANILA – The Sandiganbayan has ruled to recall a retired police general to serve as witness in the ongoing trial over the purchase of second-hand helicopters by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in 2009 and 2010.

The anti-graft court's Seventh Division scheduled a hearing on Aug. 7 to hear retired Maj. Gen. Lurimer Detran as a witness for accused Jesus Verzosa, the PNP chief from September 2008 to September 2010.

The anti-graft court said Detran may return to the witness stand to refute the allegations in the evidence offered by another co-accused, pilot Claudio Gaspar, according to a resolution dated July 26 and made public Friday.

Gaspar had suggested that Detran was directly involved in the refurbishment of the helicopters, causing retouch works on the painting and replacement of some accessories, such as seatbelts.

Detran had earlier denied having visited the Lionair hangar in Pasay City connection with the purchase of the aircrafts.

Two of the three helicopters, reportedly costing PHP105 million, were passed off as brand-new.

The co-accused are Chief Superintendent George Piano, head of the acceptance inspections committee, and members Senior Superintendents Louie Saligumba and Nolan Antonio and Superintendent Edgar Bataan.

Last year, the Sandiganbayan upheld the 2021 graft conviction of Verzosa and five other retired officials, who were members of the Bids and Awards Committee, in connection with the PHP131.5-million contract for the purchase of rubber boats and outboard motors for the PNP in 2009.

They were found to have conspired to give “unwarranted benefit, advantage and preference’’ to suppliers EnviroAire Inc., Geneve SA Corp. and Bay Industrial.

They abandoned the required public bidding and resorted to unjustified negotiated procurement, leading to "functional incompatibility" and "non-usability of the police rubber boats with the outboard motors,” according to the decision.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206687

OPAPRU rolls out program to aid ex-rebels in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26, 2023): OPAPRU rolls out program to aid ex-rebels in Mindanao (By Che Palicte)

DAVAO CITY – The Area Management Unit of Eastern Mindanao of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) said it has capacitated various local government units (LGUs) as it implements the Transformation Program (TP) -- an initiative directed at helping former rebels integrate better into the mainstream society.

OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao Director Elisa Evangelista-Lapiña said the success of the TP Planning Workshops in Regions 10, 11 and 12 from March to June this year have been instrumental in formulating concrete plans to support former rebels in their journey toward sustainable reintegration into society.

She pointed out that TP has been a critical component of the peace-building initiatives under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Through the program, we are paving the way for genuine peace and reconciliation in Mindanao by empowering former rebels (FRs) to rebuild their lives and become positive change catalysts within their communities," she said.

To date, the OPAPRU Eastern Mindanao said it has strengthened the capacities of regional and provincial task forces regarding conflict-sensitive and peace-promoting local peace engagement through the adoption of peace-building approaches for effective TP program implementation.

"Our tireless efforts have strengthened the capacities of regional and provincial task forces for the effective implementation of the TP. This empowerment enables them to make informed decisions and execute strategies that foster lasting peace,” Lapiña said.

She noted that LGUs have been equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to develop their customized plans for TP implementation.

"We have worked hand-in-hand with several LGUs, providing them with the technical know-how to develop their customized plans for the TP implementation at their level,” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206458

Samar rebel leader’s surrender big blow to NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26, 2023): Samar rebel leader’s surrender big blow to NPA (By Sarwell Meniano)

TURNED OVER. Firearms and explosives turned over by a medical officer and political instructor of the New People's Army (NPA) in Las Navas, Northern Samar when she surrendered on July 22, 2023. The recent surrender of the NPA officer is a huge setback to the rebels' effort to recover previously-influenced communities, the Philippine Army said on Wednesday (July 26, 2023). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The recent surrender of a medical officer and political instructor of the New People's Army (NPA) in Northern Samar province is a huge setback to the rebels' effort to recover previously-influenced communities, the Philippine Army said on Wednesday.

Lt. Col. Joemar Buban, commander of the Philippine Army's 20th Infantry Battalion said alias Leah, 45, former medical officer and political instructor of platoon 1, front committee (FC) 15, a sub-regional committee of the NPA, formally surrendered at their headquarters in Las Navas, Northern Samar on July 22.

She turned over two M16 rifles, a long magazine, three short magazines, 75 rounds of 5.56 ball ammunition, and two improvised explosives.

"The continuing surrender and neutralization of the members of the NPA's FC 15 highly contributes to the inevitable collapse of the communist terrorist groups in Northern Samar, particularly in the towns of Las Navas, Catubig and Laoang," Buban said in a statement.

The surrender of the NPA officer, he said, would encourage other rebels to abandon the armed struggle, which would lead to the dismantling of FC 15 and the declaration of Northern Samar as insurgency-free.

The military identified her as the one responsible for intimidation, grave threats, and extortion activities to the populace and small businesses in the communities in Northern Samar. She also served as spokesperson of the Northern Samar Small Farmers Association.

2nd Lt. Joyce Ann Bayron, spokesperson of the Army's 20th Infantry Battalion, said in a phone interview that Leah is currently under their custody undergoing assessment and debriefing to officially avail of the enhanced comprehensive local integration program of the government.

“Her surrender is a result of a series of localized peace engagements in the communities within our area of operations and the frequent calls of the local government units of Las Navas to all the families and victims of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA’s deceptive ideology and false promises,” Bayron added.

Las Navas, a fourth-class town in Northern Samar with a population of 38,000, has been the center of propaganda by several organizations linked to the CPP-NPA.

Northern Samar is considered an NPA stronghold in Eastern Visayas due to its poor road network, thick forest, high poverty incidence, and low level of education in upland communities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206461

19 ex-rebels complete ALS studies in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 26, 2023): 19 ex-rebels complete ALS studies in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT. Nineteen former communist rebels complete their Alternative Learning System education as they were recognized in a graduation ceremony conducted on July 25, 2023 in Butuan City. The former rebels surrendered on different occasions to the Philippine Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion in 2022. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Nineteen former combatants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) have completed their Alternative Learning System (ALS) studies on Tuesday.

Of the 19 former rebels (FRs), two were able to complete their elementary studies, while 17 others passed their high school education.

In an interview Wednesday, 2nd Lt. Paoula Ledesma, 23rd Infantry Battalion civil-military operations officer, bared that five of the graduates are now soldiers of the Philippine Army while the other five are regular members of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary (CAA).

“The ALS education of these FRs was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the 23IB, the Department of Education, and the Agusan del Norte provincial government,” Ledesma said.

Governor Maria Angelica Rosedell Amante, who graced the graduation rites Tuesday, emphasized the significance of education and skills development to support the transition of the former rebels back to their families and communities.

“Education is important and age should not hinder an individual to acquire it. It is the only solution for us to get fair opportunities and achieve our dreams,” Amante was quoted as saying in the 23IB statement Wednesday.

Among those who graduated was Deloy Talja, who surrendered to the 23IB last year and is now a regular CAA member.

“This is a great opportunity given to me by the government after I abandoned the NPA struggle,” Talja said in a phone interview Wednesday.

He said his diploma has assured him to pursue higher education to ensure the future of his family.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206454

Gov't forces clash with DI fighters in Maguindanao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 27, 2023): Gov't forces clash with DI fighters in Maguindanao Sur (By Edwin Fernandez)

TERROR FIREARMS. The guns recovered from Dawlah Islamiya terror group members during a law enforcement operation in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur on Wednesday (July 26, 2023). After a 30-minute firefight with state forces, the rebels escaped, leaving behind their high-powered guns and valuables. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Government forces in Maguindanao del Sur clashed with Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terrorist group fighters during an operation in Rajah Buayan town and recovered five high-powered guns on Wednesday dawn.

Lt. Colonel Udgie Villan, Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion (33IB) commander, said on Thursday his unit backed the Maguindanao police in serving arrest warrants against eight suspected DI members hiding in Barangay Tabungao, Rajah Buayan when an encounter erupted.

“As the lawmen approached the DI lair at about 4 a.m., the terrorists opened fire, triggering a 30-minute firefight,” he said.

The terrorists, however, managed to flee, leaving their hideout where a .60-caliber light machinegun, a .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, an M16 rifle, a Garand rifle, a grenade launcher, and ammunition were recovered.

Seven children and three women were found in the DI safehouses and were unhurt during the firefight. They were turned over to the local government’s social services office.

Principal subjects of the warrants are Jaffer Mariano of the DI Hassan Group and Solaiman Nilong of the DI-Maguid Group, Villan said.

The groups were linked to bus bombings, highway robberies, extortion, and bomb attacks against state forces in Maguindanao del Sur and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Major General Alex S. Rillera, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, lauded the operating units and told them not to lose hope.

“They may have escaped now but they cannot escape forever. In due time they will fall so that peace will reign in this region,” Rillera said.

Meanwhile, in support of the government’s campaign against loose firearms, local officials of Talitay town in Maguindanao del Norte have surrendered 11 high-powered guns to the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade.

Brigadier General Oriel Pangcog, 601st brigade commander, received the firearms from Talitay Mayor Sidik Amiril on Wednesday during a “Balik Baril” program at the town hall.

The loose firearms include four grenade launchers, a Garand rifle, a .30-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, two 7.62mm sniper-type rifles, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, and ammunition.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206542

NPA rebel slain in Sultan Kudarat clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2023): NPA rebel slain in Sultan Kudarat clash (By Edwin Fernandez)

Army map of Kalamansig town, Sultan Kudarat province

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – A communist combatant was killed while two assault rifles were recovered by state forces after a clash with New Peoples’ Army (NPA) rebels in Kalamansig town, Sultan Kudarat province on Thursday.

In a statement Friday, Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, commander of the Philippine Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB), said the gun battle erupted after his troops chanced upon 20 NPA guerillas at about 3 p.m. in Barangay Limulan of the municipality.

“A dead rebel was abandoned by his comrades who fled at the height of the 20-minute firefight,” Baldomar said, noting that there were no casualties on the government side.

He said hours earlier, the troops found an abandoned NPA lair in Barangay Limulan that could accommodate about 30 persons.

Brig. Gen. Michael Santos, commander of the Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, lauded the 37IB soldiers for their relentless campaign against those who still fight a lost cause using violence.

Santos said two M14 rifles were found after the firefight.

“We will continue to hunt the remaining NPA (rebels) in the mountains of Kalamansig,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID), has reiterated his appeal for the remaining guerillas to avail of the government’s offer for reconciliation and the opportunity to lead peaceful lives.

Since January, the 6ID has neutralized 40 communist rebels. Of this number, five were arrested, 11 were killed and 24 voluntarily returned to the fold of the law.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206656

Housing project for ex-rebels in Samar to start in August

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2023): Housing project for ex-rebels in Samar to start in August (By Roel Amazona)

PEACE VILLAGE.The proposed site of Peace Village in San Jose de Buan, Samar. The housing project for former rebels will start in August to help them rebuild their lives shattered by years of arm struggle. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – A housing project for former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the interior San Jose De Buan town in Samar will start in August to help them rebuild their lives shattered by years of arm struggle.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Samar area manager Imelda Bonifacio said members of the joint project committee agreed to hold a groundbreaking for the project next month.

“This is another whole-of-nation approach initiative where local governments, various government agencies, government officials, and even the private sector have been working together to realize the project,” Bonifacio said in a phone interview on Friday.

At least 17 out of 38 former rebels are the priority for the housing project to be funded initially by the municipal and provincial governments.

A total of PHP4 million has been set aside for the construction of permanent shelter for the former rebels, PHP2.5 million from the provincial government through Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and PHP1.5 million from the municipal government through Mayor Joaquin Elizalde.

Priorities are homeless former rebels, those with wives and children, and residents of San Jose de Buan town.

To be called Peace Village, the project located near the town center will provide free housing within a 100-square-meter lot to be awarded to each identified former rebel, who opted not to return to their respective communities.

The proposed village will have permanent houses for former rebels, a training center, and a farm lot for agriculture-related livelihood activities.

In the future, it will also accommodate former rebels from nearby Samar towns.

The house is designed semi-concrete and amakan (woven split-bamboo mats) with two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room.

Army engineers developed the housing site and designed the houses.

This week, the OPAPRU held an orientation for former rebels to help them understand the basic concepts of peace and conflict and a deeper appreciation of the conflict-sensitive and peace-promotion approach.

The orientation seeks to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of housing project implementation.

Partner agencies of the project like the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will train former rebels in carpentry for application during the construction phase.

The project’s resource generation committee led by the Army’s 801st Brigade has been meeting with different government officials and private individuals to extend financial support to the project.

Since 2020, several active NPA members and staunch allies yielded to authorities and turned over several firearms in San Jose de Buan.

The fourth class town with a population of nearly 8,000 is one of the NPA’s strongholds in Samar Island, considering its strategic location within the tri-boundaries of Northern, Eastern, and Samar provinces.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206655

Army sees fall of more NPA fronts with death of top leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2023): Army sees fall of more NPA fronts with death of top leader (By Nef Luczon)

DEAD NPA LEADER. Dionisio Micabalo, secretary of the New People’s Army in North Central Mindanao Regional Command, was killed by government troopers on Wednesday (July 26, 2023) in Barangay Libertad, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. Before his death, Micabalo has been on the run since 2020. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The military has bolstered the dismantling of New People's Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts in the Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions following the death of another top communist rebel leader in the area.

In a statement Friday, Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, Army 4th Infantry Division commander, said all seven guerrilla fronts of the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC) have been dismantled by government forces in the two regions since 2020.

He said the 4ID is maintaining its momentum to finish off the NPA in the region following the death of Dionisio Micabalo, 61, the NCMRC secretary, on July 26 in an encounter with government troops in Barangay Libertad, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

"Since 2020, Micabalo became highly mobile in evading capture and engagements with our troops. With his death, his criminal acts are stopped and justice is served to the hundreds of innocent victims of their crimes," Cuerpo said.

Micabalo's group is linked to numerous criminal activities in the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and parts of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur, he added.

Before his death, Micabalo, a resident of Dancagan, Bukidnon, was facing multiple charges of rebellion, murder, frustrated murder, and arson charges before local courts.

Micabalo was one of two top NPA leaders in the Northern Mindanao-Caraga area, with Myrna Sularte, the secretary of the NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee still on the run.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206642

Mandatory ROTC revival is essential: Davao group

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28, 2023): Mandatory ROTC revival is essential: Davao group (By Che Palicte)

WALL OF COMMITMENT. Maj. Gen. Romulo Manuel Jr., head of the Philippine Army’s Reserve Command, leads the signing of the commitment wall in support of the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) during the National Service Training Program (NSTP) and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) directors and coordinators Summit in Davao City. Representatives from the Commission on Higher Education, NSTP, and ROTC also signed the commitment wall expressing their full support. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)

DAVAO CITY – Various groups from Davao Region convened here Friday to push for the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), citing it as an essential component for college students to develop a sense of patriotism.

Representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and National Service Training Program (NSTP), among others, attended the 2023 Davao Region NSTP/ROTC Directors/Coordinators Summit that seeks to inculcate on the youth the love for country.

In a press briefing Friday, Maj. Gen. Romulo Manuel Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s Reserve Command, said the mandatory ROTC is essential in preparing the youth and citizenry to help the government in times of crisis, and pandemic, among others.

“They will provide expansion of our regular force; as they can help in disaster response and in socio-economic development as well as provide essential services needed by the Filipinos,” he said.

Should the ROTC law be approved this year, Manuel said it will be implemented next school year.

“We have time to prepare. and I am glad that Davao Region is the first to conduct this summit,” he said.

Manuel also sees that the current 334,000 cadets will increase to 2.4 million nationwide if the ROTC bill pushes through.

“All of the other programs being introduced in NSTP will be converted to ROTC. Many universities have applied ROTC course programs and we received many requests to have it implemented nationwide,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr. Maricar Casquejo, the CHED-11 regional director, said they are fully supporting the drive in reviving the mandatory ROTC being implemented in the colleges and universities.

“This summit is our preparation as we wait for the approval and implementation of the law,” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206661