AFP: Commemorating the Life and Legacy of President Fidel V. Ramos

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jul 31, 2023): Commemorating the Life and Legacy of President Fidel V. Ramos

On this day, we remember the life and legacy of former President and AFP Chief of Staff, Fidel V Ramos.

 
Born in Pangasinan, his passion for service was first inspired by his mother who was an educator and his father who has served as the Foreign Affairs Secretary. President Ramos attended the United States Military Academy where he earned his degree in military engineering. He has since then spent most of his career in the military service. The former AFP Chief of Staff was elected by the Filipino people in 1992 as the country’s 12th President.

(Source: AFP Museum)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=653539466808467&set=a.219815940180824

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

AFP: IN PHOTOS | The Philippine Marine Corps hand-in-hand with the United States Marine Corps carry out cleanup operations in Laoag following the onslaught of #EgayPH

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Facebook Page (Jul 31, 2023): IN PHOTOS | The Philippine Marine Corps hand-in-hand with the United States Marine Corps carry out cleanup operations in Laoag following the onslaught of #EgayPH

IN PHOTOS | The Philippine Marine Corps hand-in-hand with the United States Marine Corps carry out cleanup operations in Laoag following the onslaught of #EgayPH. Relief and emergency supplies are also being delivered to affected areas in Northern Luzon.
(Source: US Embassy in the Philippines)

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=653558473473233&set=pcb.653559686806445

https://www.facebook.com/armedforcesofthephilippines

PH-US forces strengthen strategic partnership with year-round training activities in Palawan

From Palawan News (Jul 30, 2023): PH-US forces strengthen strategic partnership with year-round training activities in Palawan

PH-US Forces exchange their skills and knowledge in a joint military exercise. (Photo from WESCOM)

The Western Command (WESCOM) is looking forward to several upcoming training events that will further enhance the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ capabilities alongside its U.S. and international allies.

Among the joint military activities set to be held between the AFP and its U.s. counterparts is a bilateral exercise between the Philippine Marine Corps, American troops, and the Australian Defense Force (ADF) called Exercise ALON, scheduled from August 14 to September 22, and is focusing on enhancing interoperability and rehearsing territorial defense strategies and island maneuver operations.

A multilateral exercise designed to foster cooperation among participants in addressing maritime crises and illegal activities or SEACAT 2023 is also set for August.

In September, a crisis action mission rehearsal between the AFP’s Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and U.S. SOCPAC Tempest Wind 2023 will be held focusing on inter-agency crisis planning at a national level.

KAMANDAG 07-2023, scheduled for October between the PMC and USMC, and Lantern Piston will further enhance the strategic partnership between the AFP, the US, and other allied forces through joint training and capacity-building exercises.

According to WESCOM, these training activities showcase the commitment of both the Philippines and the US to collaborate in addressing challenges and establishing a rules-based order through shared expertise, capacity-building efforts, and continuous joint exercises in WESCOM’s joint operational area. This strategic partnership also aims to promote stability, peace, and adherence to international law.

A recent successful joint training event was the Gas-Oil Platform Takedown and Recovery (GOPLAT-TR) Training 2023, held at the Headquarters Joint Task Force Malampaya in El Nido, Palawan.

Earlier, the US Army Special Operations Command Pacific (SOCPAC) Piston 2023 exercise focused on bolstering unconventional warfare capabilities for direct action and territorial defense, with the Philippine Army’s 18th Special Forces Company (18th SFC) from Rizal, Palawan, and US counterparts undergoing intensive training to acquire specialized skills to counter unconventional threats.

PH and US troops also underwent Marine Aviation Support Activity (MASA) 2023, which emphasized aviation-supported operations for joint and combined forces in countering external threats. This exercise aimed to enhance coordination between the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) and its US Marine Corps (USMC) counterparts while utilizing aviation capabilities.

https://palawan-news.com/ph-us-forces-strengthen-strategic-partnership-with-year-round-training-activities-in-palawan/

Marcos names Roy Galido as new Army head

From CNN Philippines (Jul 31, 2023): Marcos names Roy Galido as new Army head (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Lieutenant General Roy Galido, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, as the 66th commanding general of the Philippine Army, the Department of Defense (DND) announced Monday.

"His extensive experience and well-honed skills resulted in the significant victories of his Command against lawless elements, especially in Mindanao," the DND said in a statement.

Before becoming the WesMinCom chief, Galido was also the commander of the 6th Infantry Division.

"With LtGen Galido at the helm, the Philippine Army will undoubtedly and excellently pursue the strategic path set by the Commander-in-Chief in pursuit of the country's stability amid the changing security landscape," the DND said.

Galido began his 36-year long military career as a platoon leader of the 63rd Infantry Battalion and later as a company commander in the 1st and 2nd Infantry Divisions.

He also spearheaded the campaign against counterterrorism groups in South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Maguindanao provinces.

Galido will replace Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner, who is now the 60th Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/7/31/roy-galido-army-commanding-general.html

EU to share maritime security info with PH amid rising tensions in Indo-Pacific

From CNN Philippines (Jul 31, 2023): EU to share maritime security info with PH amid rising tensions in Indo-Pacific (By CNN Philippines Staff)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 31) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union (EU) is ready to extend more assistance to the Philippines, including sharing data to beef up its maritime security, as she warned that the illegal use of force in the Indo-Pacific cannot be tolerated.

In a speech addressing the Philippine government in Malacañang, she expressed concern about the "rising tensions" in the Indo-Pacific, and stressed that the EU remains "very supportive of a free and open Indo-Pacific."

"The European Union underlines that the 2016 award of the arbitral tribunal on the South China Sea is legally binding and that it provides the basis for peaceful resolving disputes between the parties," Von der Leyen said, referring to the tribunal ruling that largely sided with the Philippines in its maritime dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea.

The ruling, however, has long been rejected by China, with aggressive tactics not ceasing in the disputed waters.

In late June alone, the Philippines recorded another "dangerous maneuvers" from China, seeking to block the resupply mission of Philippine ships. A lawmaker also filed a resolution urging the government to raise the issue before the United Nations General Assembly.

READ: Hontiveros wants DFA to seek UNGA resolution to stop China's harassment in WPS

Amid the challenges, Von der Leyen said the EU is "ready" to boost its security ties with the Philippines, including "sharing information, conducting threat assessment and building the capacity of your national CoastWatch center and your coast guard."

The EU official also described the global geopolitical landscape as "volatile" and "more threatening" amid the continuous war between Russia and Ukraine.

"[T]he illegal use of force cannot be tolerated, not in Ukraine, not in the Indo-Pacific. Security in Europe and security in the Indo-Pacific is indivisible. Challenges to the rules-based order in our interconnected world affect all of us," she added.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2023/7/31/eu-commits-sharing-info-on-maritime-security.html

Former Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels seek long-term safe conduct passes, leniency

From Rappler (Jul 31, 2023): Former MILF rebels seek long-term safe conduct passes, leniency (By ROMMEL REBOLLIDO)

The ex-rebels appeal to the Marcos Jr. administration to expedite the amnesty program

GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – Former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have appealed for long-term safe conduct passes for their members facing criminal charges and subjects of arrest warrants.

During a Stakeholders’ Forum on Bangsamoro Amnesty held at Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao del Norte, on Thursday, July 27, the ex-combatants also asked the Marcos Jr. administration to exercise leniency in law enforcement operations and expedite the amnesty program.

The event, organized by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) regional government and attended by National Amnesty Commission chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento and other NAC commissioners, provided a crucial platform for aging MILF combatants to voice their concerns about the challenging situations they currently face.

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“How can those needing medical treatment go to the hospital?” asked Hadji Bayan Abas, commander of the MILF’s 108th base command.

He lamented the difficulties they face, particularly combatants with pending criminal cases.

“We cannot just move around for fear of being harmed or arrested, and even those who want to work abroad cannot do so anymore because of this situation,” he said.

They said the issuance of safe conduct passes is in line with the 1993 Memorandum Circular No. 57, which mandates the provision of Safe Conduct Passes to rebels seeking to participate in the peace process or apply for amnesty.

Abas said he was among those who were proposing long-term safe conduct passes instead of the existing ones that need to be renewed monthly.

“Why not make it a one-time issuance, valid until the decommissioning process is completed?” he said.

Hadji Wahid Tundok, commander of the MILF 118th Base Command, voiced the same grievance, pointing out that many of his colleagues were aging and had difficulties traveling to military camps to secure their safe conduct passes.

“It takes time to travel from their house to military camps, and many things can happen along the way because the safe conduct pass has expired. The police are unforgiving to those with arrest warrants,” Tundok said.

He said the safe conduct passes may need to be issued only by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) instead of availing them from military headquarters.

Another field commander of the MILF, Hashim Husain, said the government should fast-track the implementation of the amnesty to avoid possible problems in the future, pointing out that that amnesty is a vital component of the peace agreement.

“This is where we can gauge the government’s sincerity in talking peace and in implementing what was agreed upon,” Husain said. “Without amnesty, we will see it as a half-baked sincerity.”

He also said he was worried about the consequences of further delays in granting amnesty to them.

NAC Commissioner Jamar Kulayan said they would explore the possibility of issuing safe conduct passes arranged locally.

Under the amnesty program, safe conduct passes would be provided to former combatants who apply for amnesty.

“This is the arrangement in the peace agreement between the MILF and the government, and once we issue the pass, you can immediately use it. The safe conduct pass will be valid until your amnesty is granted or denied, meaning it will last until the termination of your amnesty application,” he pointed out.

Commission on Human Rights (CHR) director Homero Matthew Rusiana explained during the forum that in criminal offenses, there are two victims – the person who was harmed and the government.

He said the amnesty only covers offenses against the government, and not for criminal cases not related to the Bangsamoro struggle for self-determination.

Rusiana said those seeking amnesty must apply for it as required by law.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/mindanao/former-milf-rebels-seek-long-term-safe-conduct-passes-leniency-marcos-jr-administration/

Marcos picks Mindanao veteran Galido as new Army chief

From Rappler (Jul31, 2023): Marcos picks Mindanao veteran Galido as new Army chief (By Ferdinandh Cabrera)

Despite his move to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Lieutenant General Roy Galido vows to continue his work in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines – Lieutenant General Roy Galido, a soldier who has spent the bulk of his career in Mindanao, is the new chief of the Philippine Army, the Department of National Defense announced Monday, July 31.

Galido, who belongs to the “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990, succeeds newly appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Romeo Brawner Jr.

Despite his move to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Galido vowed to continue his work in Mindanao.

“Efforts will still continue. I will now be managing the Army. I know how to guide them on, how to be more effective d’yan sa area (in that area),” he said in a phone interview Monday evening.

“His extensive experience and well-honed skills resulted in the significant victories of his command against lawless elements, especially in Mindanao,” said defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong in a press release.

Galido’s career started in Mindanao when he was assigned to the 6th Division. He went on to become battalion commander of the 40th Infantry Battalion. He later headed the 601st Brigade and was the 6th ID commander from August 2022 to January 2023.

He then headed the Western Mindanao Command, which oversees military operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/marcos-picks-mindanao-veteran-roy-galido-new-army-chief/

NPA rebel captured in hot pursuit

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 31, 2023): NPA rebel captured in hot pursuit (By RHODA GRACE SARON)

ANOTHER New People’s Army (NPA) fighter was captured by soldiers of the 58th Infantry Battalion following a pursuit operation in Barangay Lawaan, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on July 30.

2Lt Maryknoll Rhea Cuis, Civil-Military Operations officer of the 58th IB, identified him as Rubin Palyares Bago alias Troy, a resident of Municipality of Carmen, Agusan del Norte, and member of the Regional Operations Command of the Northern Central Mindanao Committee (NCMRC).

According to the report, the 58IB troops clashed with the group of Dionesio Micabalo alias Muling, resulting in the death and capture of high-powered firearms, personal belongings and other war materiel.

Afterwards, the 58IB launched a pursuit operation on the fleeing enemy that resulted in the capture of Bago.

On July 30, a concerned citizen informed the military regarding the presence of a suspicious individual in Sitio Minlanag, Barangay Lawaan.

Seized from him was his backpack containing anti-personnel mines.

He was turned over to the Philippine National Police of Gingoog City on the evening of the same day.

Lt. Col. Christian C. Uy, commanding officer of the 58IB, along with the dedicated personnel of the 58th IB reaffirms their call to the remaining members of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) to surrender.

“With unwavering determination, the battalion remains steadfast in tracking down the remaining individuals associated with the NPA, we reiterate our call to the remaining members of the CTGs to voluntarily surrender before it is too late or else end up with the same fate as Dionesio Micabalo alias Muling who was killed in the recent encounter with our troops,” he emphasized.

“As we celebrate this significant achievement, we urge citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. Together, we can continue to build a safer and more prosperous nation for all,” he added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2023/07/31/npa-rebel-captured-in-hot-pursuit/

PH, Singapore keen on deepening security ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): PH, Singapore keen on deepening security ties (By Priam Nepomuceno)

DEEPENING DEFENSE TIES. Philippine and Singaporean defense officials tackle various matters during the 6th Philippines-Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue (DPD) in Manila from July 19 to 20, 2023. The Department of National Defense on Monday (July 31, 2023) said the officials also exchanged views and insights on recent security developments in the region as well as future initiatives which the two defense ministries could further discuss through bilateral and multilateral platforms. (Photo courtesy of DND)

MANILA – The Philippines and Singapore expressed mutual commitment to further revitalize the two nations' defense and security ties.

Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, in a statement Monday, said the commitment was made during the 6th Philippines-Singapore Defense Policy Dialogue (DPD) last July 19 to 20 in Manila.

"Co-chaired by (DND) Assistant Secretary for Strategic Assessments and International Affairs Pablo M. Lorenzo and Singapore's Deputy Secretary (Policy) BGen. (Brig. Gen) Kelvin Fan, both sides acknowledged the positive momentum of bilateral defense relations, marked by the signing of two defense arrangements over the past year," he added.

The officials also exchanged views and insights on recent security developments in the region as well as future initiatives which the two defense ministries could further discuss through bilateral and multilateral platforms.

"The Singaporean side commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on its counter-terrorism operations, which contributed to a conducive environment for the establishment of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and expressed interest to learn the best practices and experience of the Philippines on counter-terrorism," Andolong said.

"In response, the Philippines looked forward to chairing in 2024 the Counter-Terrorism Information Facility (CTIF), initiated by Singapore in strengthening regional intelligence capabilities to monitor and deter terrorist activities through research and analysis, and information-sharing," he added.

Lorenzo also expressed the country's interest to learn more about the recently established Digital and Intelligence Service (DIS) of Singapore.

He also hoped that the Philippines and Singapore could work toward enhancing their respective cybersecurity initiatives through subject matter expertise exchange and information sharing.

"In addition, both sides saw a positive trajectory on enhanced bilateral cooperation through the establishment of working groups of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Philippine Navy (PN) with their respective counterparts at the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF). Opportunities for education and training exchanges were also explored in support of the thrust of the Secretary of National Defense (SND) in improving the professionalization of the DND," he said.

Before the meeting, DND Undersecretary Angelito de Leon received Fan during a courtesy call, where they briefly discussed future defense frameworks that could be pursued between the two countries.

"As part of his visit to the Philippines, the Air Force City Council of Commanders also welcomed Deputy Secretary Fan during his visit to the Clark Airbase on July 19, 2023. The visit provided an opportunity for both countries to discuss potential joint activities and initiatives to enhance cooperation between the air forces of the two countries," Andolong said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206794

Joint relief efforts w/ China more feasible than maritime patrols

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): Joint relief efforts w/ China more feasible than maritime patrols (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

Senator Francis Tolentino (Photo courtesy Senate PRIB)

MANILA – A joint disaster relief effort between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China is more feasible amid the proposal for both countries to conduct joint maritime patrols along the disputed territories in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Sen. Francis Tolentino said Monday.

In a radio interview, Tolentino cited the possibility of joint disaster teams from Manila and Beijing under the so-called humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), which is backed by various United Nations (UN) resolutions.

“Kung gusto nilang tumulong doon sa nabaha sa atin, payagan natin kasi mayroon naman pong U.N. resolution ito (If they want to help our flood victims, we can allow them because there is a UN resolution about this),” the lawmaker said citing UN Resolution Nos. 46-182 and 58-114 which are both imbued with principles on humanity, partiality and independence.

“Ang kundisyon ko lang, kapag tumulong sila sa relief at disaster assistance [dito sa Pilipinas], payagan din tayong pumasok sa China (The only condition I have is if they help us through relief and disaster assistance here in the Philippines, they should also allow us to enter China),” he added.

The vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations stressed that it’s hard for the Philippine government to accept Beijing’s proposal for the conduct of bilateral patrol in WPS, considering that China is not a treaty ally nor has the Philippines had any existing mutual defense treaty with the Asian superpower.

“Kung magkakaroon ng joint patrol [kasama ang China], dapat po ito maging bahagi ng isang tratado na may concurrence ang Senado (If there will be a joint patrol with China, it should be part of a treaty that has the Senate's concurrence),” Tolentino said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206798

AFP welcomes solon's move to scrutinize MUP pension system

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): AFP welcomes solon's move to scrutinize MUP pension system (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday welcomed a lawmaker's move to look closely into the proposed pension system for military and uniformed personnel (MUP) pension system in the upcoming deliberations for next year's national budget.

"We are very thankful to (ACT Teachers Party-list) Rep. France Castro for her concern to our retired AFP personnel and veterans. We assure her that the AFP leadership is one with her in ensuring the well-being of our soldiers after retirement," AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement.

He added that this pension system is one way of recognizing the untiring services and selfless sacrifices of Filipino soldiers in the performance of their duties as protectors of the people and the state.

Aguilar said military personnel who have rendered at least 20 years of service deserve to get pension.

"The AFP thanks our lawmakers for taking the steps to reform the MUP pension system. Rest assured that the AFP will remain faithful to our mandate," he added.

Castro, who is also House deputy minority leader, said she and the Makabayan bloc would carefully look into the MUP pension system during the upcoming budget deliberations.

"Talagang bubusisiin namin ang MUP pension budget dahil ayon nga sa Department of Budget and Management (DBM) ay aabot ito ng PHP300 bilyon sa 2024 budget tapos pumasok pa ngayon ang mga isyu na maaari pa daw makuha ang pensyon ng mga drug cops at ang overpayment/underpayment ng pensyon (We will closely look into the MUP pension budget as the Department of Budget and Management said that it amount to PHP300 billion of the 2024 budget. Adding to this is the issue that drug cops could still get their pension along with overpayment/underpayment)," she added.

This came as the Commission on Audit (COA) instructed the AFP to reconcile and update its Pension Management Information System (PenMIS) after it noted discrepancies on the list of pensioners which resulted in PHP17.095 million in overpayment and PHP2.301 million in underpayment last year.

In the same audit report, the COA also called out the AFP over its failure to timely tag and delete from the pension payroll a total of 1,026 delinquent pensioners who were remiss or delayed in giving updates on their status for several months to more than a year.

“These resulted in the continuous payment to unverified pensioners of monthly pension benefits totaling PHP159.420 million,” the COA said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206829

Ex-village chair, son slain in NoCot ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): Ex-village chair, son slain in NoCot ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Matalam municipality, North Cotabato.

MATALAM, North Cotabato – A former village chairperson who was known for his Bangsamoro peace-building activities was killed with his son following a Sunday evening ambush here, police said Monday.

Lt. Col. Arniel Melocotones, town police chief, identified the victims as Anwar Ebrahim Salem, 52, and his son, Anwar Salem Jr., 21, both of Barangay Arakan.

Melocotones said unidentified gunmen waylaid the victims who were on a motorbike at about 6 p.m.

“The father was killed on the spot while the son expired while undergoing medication in the hospital,” he said.

The elder Salem is a member of the Bangsamoro Council of Elders, a civic organization that helps settle local disputes and “rido” (family feud) involving Moro families in Matalam.

Salem Sr. used to be the village chair of Barangay Arakan and served as president of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC).

Melocotenes said the victims were going home when ambushed in Sitio Lambayao, Barangay Kibia.

“It could be a personal grudge,” Melocotones said in a radio interview.

Melocotones also said the ambush may not be related to the upcoming village polls since the latter has publicly declared not running for any political position.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206816

1 hurt in Cotabato bus terminal grenade attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): 1 hurt in Cotabato bus terminal grenade attack (By Edwin Fernandez)

GRENADE BLAST. Police closed off the main entrance of the Husky Bus private terminal in Cotabato City after unidentified men threw a hand grenade at 5 a.m. on July 31, 2023. A barker at the terminal was hurt in the incident. (Photo courtesy of DXMS Radio Cotabato)

COTABATO CITY – A “barker” was hurt after unidentified men on board a motorbike tossed a hand grenade at the main entrance of a bus terminal here Monday morning, police said.

Maj. John Vincent Bravo, police station 2 chief, said the blast occurred at about 5 a.m. at the gate of Husky Bus terminal on the national highway in Esteros District here.

Grenade shrapnel also damaged a passenger van parked outside the terminal compound.

Witnesses said they heard a motorbike speeding away from the bus terminal followed by a loud explosion.

No one has claimed responsibility, but investigators believed the grenade attack was not meant to hurt but to threaten the bus firm that had been receiving extortion demands from lawless elements.

The victim, whose name was withheld pending investigation, was rushed to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center for minor injuries.

On May 31, three improvised explosive devices were planted at the same bus terminal that bomb experts safely detonated while the city was hosting the Palarong Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao Athletic Association’s sports competition.

On April 17 this year, at least six passengers were hurt after an improvised explosive device went off inside a new double-decker bus at the public terminal in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Police have filed charges for frustrated murder against about 15 men, mostly from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in nearby Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte provinces, in connection with the Isulan bus bomb attack.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206810

Suspected NPA rebel falls in MisOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): Suspected NPA rebel falls in MisOr (By Nef Luczon)

DETAINED. A suspected communist rebel, Rubin Paylares Bago, is currently detained at the Gingoog City Police Office in Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental. Bago was captured after a pursuit operation by the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion on Sunday (July 30, 2023). (Photo courtesy of Gingoog CPO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Government troops captured a suspected communist rebel in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, over the weekend, an Army official said Monday.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Christian Uy, the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion commander, identified the suspect as Rubin Palyares Bago, an alleged member of the New People’s Army Regional Operations Command of the Northern Central Mindanao Committee (NCMRC).

Bago, of Carmen, Agusan del Norte, was nabbed Sunday night in Sitio Minlanag, Barangay Lawaan while in possession of anti-personnel mines inside his backpack.

Following his capture, Bago was brought to the Gingoog City Police Office for the filing of rebellion-related charges and other violations of the law against him.

Uy said Bago was captured with the help of the community in the sitio through a concerned citizen.

"We reiterate our call to the remaining members of the NPA to voluntarily surrender before it is too late or else end up with the same fate as Dionesio Micabalo who was killed in a recent encounter with our troops,” he said.

Uy was referring to the recent death of Micabalo, the NCMRC secretary, in a July 26 encounter with the 58IB in Barangay Libertad.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206780

Viscom targets ranking NPAs to support PBBM amnesty offer

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31, 2023): Viscom targets ranking NPAs to support PBBM amnesty offer (By John Rey Saavedra)

The Headquarters of the Visayas Command in Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City. (PNA file photo)

CEBU CITY - The Visayas Command (Viscom) on Monday vowed to sustain focused military operations against officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in the central Philippines to support the amnesty offered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Lt. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, Viscom commander, said while soldiers in the Visayas sustain the momentum in neutralizing communist rebels, they find the need to pressure ranking CPP-NPA members to surrender and avail of the amnesty.

"With the pronouncement of our President to grant amnesty to former rebels, we will sustain our relentless focused military operations to pressure the ranks of the CPP-NPA for them to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law," Arevalo said in a statement.

Viscom's public information officer, Lt. Col. Israel Galorio, said these ranking officials operate under one remaining guerrilla front active in Northern Samar.

"What we are sure about is that the members of this guerrilla front are in low morale, considering the fall of the two of their leaders in recent security operations," Galorio told the Philippine News Agency.

In his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), Marcos said his administration is dedicated to implementing reintegration programs for former combatants.

The President said he would issue a Proclamation to complete the reintegration process and asked Congress for their support.

Arevalo, meanwhile, said they remain committed to the mandate of ending the local communist armed conflict as soon as possible.

He urged the remaining members of the CPP-NPA in the Visayas to heed the call of the national government for peace, unity, and reconciliation.

He said a wide array of assistance is waiting for the rebels who would lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law via the whole-of-government approach to addressing local communist armed conflict.

The Army official also said military personnel in the Visayas are busy collaborating with the public and private stakeholders, especially the Commission on Elections as the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) nears.

"This is also our way of ensuring the peaceful conduct of the upcoming BSKE in the region by preventing the CPP-NPA from sowing terror and threat to our people to generate funds and install individuals affiliated with the terrorist group," Arevalo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1206823