Marcos says PH opts for ’peaceful’ resolution to SCS disputes

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2024): Marcos says PH opts for ’peaceful’ resolution to SCS disputes (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

(File photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday maintained his stance to settle the territorial disputes in the South China Sea (SCS) with China and other claimants in a “peaceful” manner.

Amid the growing tensions in the SCS because of China’s provocative acts, Marcos told Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in separate meetings in Hanoi that the Philippines wants to address the maritime row through peaceful dialogue and consultations.

“On regional and international issues, the South China Sea remains to be a point of contention,” Marcos said.

“We are firm in defending our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction against these Chinese provocations. But at the same time, we are also seeking to address these issues with China and all other partners through peaceful dialogue and consultations as two equal sovereign states,” he added.

Still, Marcos expressed dismay over China’s “unilateral and illegal actions that violate our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction, and exacerbate tensions” in SCS.

He lamented that China’s aggressive actions led to “unfortunate” incidents involving Chinese and Philippine vessels.

Despite this, Marcos said the Philippine position on the SCS “has been consistent, clear, and firmly anchored in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

“As a maritime nation, we share a similar assessment of the current state of our regional environment with other maritime nations of the Asia-Pacific. Our countries have crucial roles to play in shaping the regional security discourse and in upholding the rules-based international order,” he said.

“I also wish to stress that the Philippines has an independent foreign policy. The Philippines considers both the United States and China as key actors in maintaining peace and security, as well as economic growth and development of our region,” Marcos added.

Marcos stressed that sailings and air traffic over the SCS must “remain free” for the large amount of trade that goes through the busy waterway.

Noting Vietnam’s continued interest in undertaking a Joint Submission on Extended Continental Shelf to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), Marcos said the Philippines is willing to work with for a joint submission “at the appropriate time.”

Marcos said the Philippines is committed to work with other “like-minded” states to ensure a rules-based international order in the Asia-Pacific region governed by international law.

“Our support for ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) centrality and the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific as the foremost regional framework and as the architecture for collective peace, stability and prosperity remains steadfast,” he said.

Long-lasting resolution of global conflicts

Meantime, Marcos called for a “long-lasting” resolution of international conflicts.

He cited his concern over the escalating tensions in Taiwan Strait, Myanmar, Gaza, Lebanon and the Red Sea.

"The Philippines stands ready to work with other countries towards a long-lasting resolution to the conflict in accordance with pertinent UN (United Nations) Security Council Resolutions and the general principles of international law,” Marcos said.

Marcos likewise thanked Vietnam for supporting the Philippines’ bid to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2027-2028.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217928

OPAPRU: 'Bagong Pilipinas' to foster greater peace, dev’t

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2024): OPAPRU: 'Bagong Pilipinas' to foster greater peace, dev’t (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Wednesday called on Filipinos to rally behind President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s "Bagong Pilipinas" initiative, stressing that this would bring greater peace, progress and unity to the nation.

“I urge my fellow Filipinos to fully support the national government’s Bagong Pilipinas campaign. This is a multi-sectoral effort that seeks to bring all of us together as one nation regardless of ethnicity, religion, economic status or personal beliefs,” Galvez said in a statement.

He added that "Bagong Pilipinas" is the Marcos administration’s clarion for national renewal, as it seeks to build a society that will provide all Filipinos with equal opportunities to uplift their lives and fulfill their full potential.

“‘Bagong Pilipinas’ is a new mindset, a paradigm shift that will enable our nation to overcome issues that have pushed back its growth and caused divisiveness among our people. This will enable our country to move forward under the President’s banner of unity,” he said.

Marcos on Jan. 28 launched the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign and outlined “a master plan for genuine development that benefits all our people.”

The Chief Executive, in his speech, said this is not a “mere slogan,” but a holistic and inclusive “brand of governance” that will guide the government in its development and peacebuilding efforts.

Marcos said “Bagong Pilipinas” is not a political game plan that caters to a privileged few, but a master plan for genuine development that benefits people from all walks of life.

“It is an invitation to all of us to think about being a Filipino and view the nation from a renewed perspective. It is a call for transformation. The transformation of our idea of being a Filipino, and the transformation of our economy, of governance, of society,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217955

BrahMos 'game changer' in PH's push for stronger defense posture

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2024): BrahMos 'game changer' in PH's push for stronger defense posture (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya (PNA file photo)

MANILA – The upcoming delivery of the Indian-made BrahMos cruise missile system would bring the Philippines' military capability to the "supersonic" missile era and greatly enhance the country's defense capabilities, a ranking security official said Wednesday.

"It is a real game changer because it brings the Philippines to the supersonic age. For the first time in our history, the Philippines will have three batteries of supersonic cruise missiles that have a speed of (Mach 2.8) or almost 3x (times) the speed of sound," NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a message to the Philippine News Agency, when asked how this weapon system would contribute to national security.

Malaya also called the BrahMos cruise missile system acquisition a "landmark development in our modernization program" that would significantly increase the capacity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Marine Corps in addressing threats to the country's territorial integrity.

The delivery of the BrahMos cruise missiles and all its systems are expected to be completed within the first quarter of this year.

Malaya said that the BrahMos, which will serve as the country's first shore-based anti-ship missile system, makes concrete the credible defense posture calls of the Marcos administration's national security policy.

"With this acquisition, we can no longer be considered the weakest Armed Forces in the region. We have now become a middle power in the region," he added.

This weapon platform is expected to address the country’s military’s weaknesses and vulnerability in sea control, anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD), and coastal and island defense operations.

Former DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and BrahMos Aerospace director general Atul Dinkar Rane signed the contract worth PHP18.9 billion in a virtual ceremony at defense headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City in January 2022.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217963

Año: China's repeated claims over Bajo de Masinloc unfounded

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2024): Año: China's repeated claims over Bajo de Masinloc unfounded (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Security Adviser Edduardo Año (PNA file photo)

MANILA – National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año on Wednesday slammed the China Coast Guard's claims that Beijing has an "indisputable sovereignty" over the Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal) and its adjacent waters, reiterating that the waterway is located inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

He added that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of Philippine territory, being part of the municipality of Masinloc in Zambales province.

"It is located 124 nautical miles west of Luzon mainland and is well within the 200-nautical mile EEZ and the Philippine continental shelf," Año said in a statement.

Under international law, Año said Manila exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Bajo de Masinloc, as well as the waters and continental shelf surrounding it.

He added that it is an important fishing ground for local fishermen of the provinces of Zambales, Bataan and Pangasinan.

"China’s repeated claims of sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc have no basis in international law or in fact. International law is clear. China cannot, therefore, lawfully exercise sovereignty over it. As clearly stated by the 2016 arbitral award, UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) superseded any ‘historic rights’ as claimed by China. Therefore, China cannot claim entitlements in areas of the ‘nine-dashed line,’ now ‘10-dashed line,’ that exceed UNCLOS limits," Año said.

He also pointed out that based on early Spanish maps of the Philippines, including the 1734 Pedro Murillo Velarde Map, the Bajo de Masinloc was always part of the country's territory.

He added when Spain ceded the Philippines to the United States under the 1898 Treaty of Paris, the Scarborough Reef was included in the census of islands done by the US government.

"This was affirmed under the Treaty of Washington of 1900 where Spain ceded all other islands and places to which it had title or claim of title even if not within the lines drawn by the Treaty of Paris,” he said.

Since then, he said the Philippines has always exercised jurisdiction over the shoal by setting up light stations and navigational aids, regular visits by the Philippine Coast Guard, law enforcement operations and geodetic surveys.

"Since the Philippines exercises sovereign rights over Bajo de Masinloc and its surrounding waters under international law, only the Philippines has the authority to exercise maritime law enforcement functions to the exclusion of other countries. No amount of statements or illegal actions by other states can alter these facts," Año noted.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217986

PH, Vietnam coast guards establish hotline for maritime cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2024): PH, Vietnam coast guards establish hotline for maritime cooperation (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

MARITIME COOPERATION. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (left) and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong (right) witness the signing of a memorandum of understanding between their countries’ coast guards by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) chief, Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan and Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) Commander, Maj. Gen. Le Quang Dao, (center, left and right, respectively), in Vietnam's capital Hanoi on Tuesday (Jan. 30, 2024). The MOU aims to enhance strategic partnership and cooperation between the PCG and VCG through the establishment of a hotline. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) signed an agreement on the establishment of a hotline to boost communication between the two maritime security groups.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed during the state visit to Vietnam on Tuesday by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., PCG Chief, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, and other government officials, the PCG said in a news release on Wednesday.

Marcos and Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong witnessed the signing of the agreement by Gavan and VCG commander Maj. Gen. Le Quang Dao.

The MOU seeks to strengthen the “understanding, mutual trust, and confidence” between the PCG and VCG through the discussion of common issues and interests and the establishment of the hotline.

Gavan said the MOU would enhance the strategic partnership and cooperation between the PCG and VCG towards “promoting, preserving, and protecting mutual interest in the Southeast Asian region.”

Marcos returned to Manila early Wednesday from his state visit to Vietnam, which began on Monday.

During the visit, Thuong lauded Marcos’ achievements in developing the country’s economy, foreign policies, security, and defense achievement.

The Philippine economy grew by 5.6 percent year on year in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Among the major emerging economies in Asia that have already released their economic growth performance in the fourth quarter of 2023, the Philippines recorded the second fastest, after Vietnam (6.7 percent) but ahead of China (5.2 percent) and Malaysia (3.4 percent).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1218020

2 NPA rebels killed, 1 captured in Agusan Norte clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 29, 2024): 2 NPA rebels killed, 1 captured in Agusan Norte clash (By Alexander Lopez)

DEAD REBELS. Two communist rebels lay dead following a clash with government troops in Barangay Sangay, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on Monday (Jan. 29, 2024). Another rebel was captured during the encounter. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Two communist New People’s Army (NPA) guerillas were killed while another was captured in an encounter with government troopers in Agusan del Norte’s town of Buenavista on Monday morning.

Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, the Army’s 402nd Infantry Brigade (Bde) commander, said the clash erupted between the troopers of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB) and the rebels following a report from residents in Sitio Kipundaw, Barangay Sangay of the town.

Government troops seized two high-powered firearms, an M16 rifle and an M4 rifle, during the encounter.

One of the dead rebels was identified as Fuerlan Sugalong, a member of the NPA Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Sagay (SRSDG Sagay) under the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

The other one was only known as “Kasikas,” a political instructor.

The captured NPA rebel, identified as Romeo Maestrado Micabalo, is also a member of SRSDG Sagay.

“The government troopers sustained their momentum following the two armed encounters that occurred in its area of operation in Agusan del Norte and Butuan City earlier this month,” Orio said in a statement.

On Jan. 16, an encounter took place between government troopers and the rebels in Barangay Simbalan, Buenavista town that resulted in the death of two NPA rebels and the surrender of two others.

On Jan. 24, a clash also transpired in Barangay Bitan-agan here. Two female NPA guerillas were captured.

Two NPA couriers yield

Meanwhile, two NPA couriers in the same province surrendered to the police over the weekend, the Police Regional Office in the Caraga Region (PRO-13) said.

Maj. Jennifer Omiter, PRO-13 information office chief, identified the surrenderers as Jhonny Escobal and Rey Doldol, both aged 46 and who separately yielded in Remedios T. Romualdez town on Saturday night.

Omiter said the duo surrendered to the police’s 2nd Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217835

Government offices vulnerable to cyberattacks – NorMin cyber cop chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 29, 2024): Government offices vulnerable to cyberattacks – NorMin cyber cop chief (By Nef Luczon)

Anti-Cybercrime Unit, Philippine National Police-10, Cagayan de Oro City. (PNA file photo by Nef Luczon)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The chief of the Northern Mindanao Police Regional Anti-Cybersecurity Unit (RACU-10) warned on Monday that even personnel and government offices are vulnerable to cyberattacks.

RACU-10 chief Col. Lemuel Gonda said the caution "think before you click" must be remembered when using gadgets or devices that are connected to the internet.

"We have victims of (online) financial fraud who are members of the banking (and) financial institutions. They are frequently reminded about cybersecurity, how much more ordinary people and those in government offices?" he said in a statement.

Gonda warned that "black hat" hackers, who uses ransomware and malware to penetrate a system, can obtain sensitive information of online users, including banking and financial transactions.

One of the common methods used by hackers is "social engineering," which involves tricking unsuspecting victims into providing sensitive information.

Other than dubious internet links, Gonda warns of free Wi-Fi and charging stations in the public, as these are also vulnerable to cyberattacks.

"The hackers will not stop. Even all your details, name, address, friends, how you call them, they will imitate that," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217806

Military aids ex-NPA female fighter during childbirth

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 29, 2024): Military aids ex-NPA female fighter during childbirth (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

CHILDBIRTH. A 29-year-old former New People's Army member delivers her daughter via C-section at a hospital in Negros Oriental on Saturday (Jan. 27, 2024). "Ka Aubrey" is one of two pregnant rebels rescued in Siaton, Negros Oriental in December last year. (Photo courtesy of 11th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A former female fighter of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) delivered her child with the help of the Negros Oriental provincial government and the Philippine Army.

“Ka Aubrey,” 29, gave birth via caesarean section to a girl, weighing just 2.8 pounds, on Saturday at a hospital here.

Her needs are all covered by the government, Maj. Jecey Batiller, Civil-Military Operations Officer of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, said Monday.

“This is a classic example of our collaborative efforts with the provincial and local governments as well as other government agencies that we make sure to look after the welfare of the people we serve, especially former rebels who seek to have a new life after leaving the underground movement,” Batiller said.

Aubrey is one of two pregnant NPA fighters of the dismantled South East Front operating in southern Negros Oriental rescued last month by the Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion, Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, and 705th Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force 7.

The other rebel, “Ka Sarah,” is set to give birth in a few months, Batiller said.

After their rescue, Aubrey was reunited with her two other daughters, aged 5 and 2, who were left in the care of her family.

She urged her husband, who remains an active NPA member, to surrender.

Brig. Gen. Joey Escanillas, brigade commander, said in a statement that Aubrey's story is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and understanding extended by the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217831

6 Moro extremists, 2 NPA rebels yield to Army in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2024): 6 Moro extremists, 2 NPA rebels yield to Army in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

RIGHT PATH. Major Gen. Alex Rillera (2nd from right), together with other military and local government officials, accepts a high-powered rifle from one of eight rebels who surrendered Monday (Jan. 29, 2024) to the headquarters of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion in North Upi, Maguindanao del Norte. The surrenderers consisted of six members of the Dawlah Islamiya Group and two New People’s Army fighters. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Six Moro extremists and two communist rebels surrendered Monday afternoon to military authorities here, saying they desire to live normal lives and benefit from the government’s peace and reconciliation program.

The surrenderers were formally presented to Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, and local officials of North Upi and South Upi towns of Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur provinces at the 57th Infantry Battalion (IB) headquarters in North Upi.

“I commend the former victims of extremism and ‘friends rescued’ for their courage in denouncing violence and extremism,” Lt. Col. Guillermo Mabute Jr., 57IB commander, said in a statement Tuesday.

The six Moro extremists who belonged to the Dawlah Islamiya Group and the two New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents turned over various assault rifles and grenade launchers.

In a separate statement Tuesday, Rillera said the surrenderers had shown a commitment “to leave behind their past affiliations and embrace a new journey.”

The surrenderers received financial assistance and food packs from Maguindanao del Sur’s peace initiative dubbed Anak na may GInintuang LAyunin, upang Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon (AGILA-HAVEN) Program.

NPA squad leader yields in Sultan Kudarat

Meanwhile, in Sultan Kudarat province on the same day, an NPA squad leader with a sniper rifle also yielded in Columbio town.

Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, police regional director for the Soccsksargen region, identified the surrenderer only as “Bonok,” 31, a resident of Barangay Poblacion in the same town.

In an interview with reporters, Bonok said he surrendered because the armed struggle was a useless cause.

“I want to live peacefully with my family, I am tired of hiding from the law enforcers, I am sure I made the right decision,” he said in the vernacular.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217918

2 communist rebels surrender in Bulacan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2024): 2 communist rebels surrender in Bulacan (By Manny Balbin)

NEW LIFE. Communist rebels “Ka Bonbon” and “Ka Mila” surrendered to the Bulacan police on Monday (Jan. 29, 2024). They yielded to the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company in Barangay Sampaloc, San Rafael town. (Photo courtesy of Bulacan PPO)

CAMP ALEJO SANTOS, Bulacan – Two members of the communist Rebolusyonaryong Hukbong Bayan (RHB) surrendered to the Bulacan police on Monday.

“Ka Bonbon,” 46, and “Ka Mila,” 71, turned themselves in to joint elements of the Bulacan Provincial Intelligence Unit and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company in Barangay Sampaloc, San Rafael town, according to a statement Tuesday by Col. Relly Arnedo, director of the Bulacan Police Provincial Office.

Ka Bonbon also surrendered a Smith & Wesson caliber .38 revolver without serial number, four pieces of caliber .38 live ammunition, and a book on neoliberalism.

"Bulacan Police is stern in its intensified campaign against insurgency and terrorism to ensure the provision of social services, employment opportunities, and an improved quality of life in communities that have been experiencing or are vulnerable to armed communist conflict,” Arnedo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217900

NPA rebel surrenders, turns over rifle grenade in NegOr town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2024): NPA rebel surrenders, turns over rifle grenade in NegOr town (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

BOMB COMPONENTS. Police agents recover components for an improvised explosives device at the house of a suspected New People's Army rebel in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Monday (Jan. 30, 2024). Authorities were to serve a warrant of arrest against the suspect who was not around when they arrived at his residence. (Photo courtesy of NOPPO)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebel surrendered and turned over a rifle grenade to police operatives in the Negros Oriental town of Mabinay.

A report from the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) Tuesday identified the surrenderer only as “Dodong,” a resident of Sitio Talinting, Barangay Luyang in Mabinay.

The police said “Dodong” was a sub-leader of the Barrio Liaison Group of the NPA’s Central Negros 2 Guerilla Front.

He surrendered around 9:30 p.m. Monday to a composite team from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the 704th Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7, and local town police.

On the same day, the Guihulngan City police recovered components for an improvised explosives device (IED) when they were about to serve a warrant of arrest against a suspected NPA member.

Lt. Stephen Polinar, NOPPO spokesperson, identified the arrested suspect only as “Rayray” who is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Polinar said the suspect was not around when the police arrived at his residence in Sitio Tuko, Barangay Trinidad. However, the soldiers discovered the IED components in plain view, which included 15 meters of wire, four 9-volt batteries, and various metal nails used as shrapnels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217909

3 cops killed, 4 others wounded in clash with Samar gang

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2024): 3 cops killed, 4 others wounded in clash with Samar gang (By Sarwell Meniano and Roel Amazona)

ENCOUNTER. The situation in the town center of Santa Margarita in Samar late Tuesday (Jan. 30, 2024) after a clash between police officers and members of a criminal group. Three cops were killed and four of their comrades were wounded in a gun battle as they tried serving warrants of arrest against three gang members. (Photo courtesy of Rommel Rutor)

TACLOBAN CITY – Three police officers were killed and four of their comrades were wounded in a gun battle Tuesday between an armed criminal group and operatives serving warrants of arrest in Santa Margarita, Samar.

Initial reports reaching the Philippine National Police (PNP) Eastern Visayas office said 1st Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (SPMFC) and Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) agents headed to remote Mahayag village early in the day to arrest the leader and members of the Ampoan criminal group.

The subject of the warrants of arrest are murder suspects Edito Ampoan, Jr., the gang leader; and gang members Jojo Altarejos and Rogelio Macorol.

“Operating units were engaged in a firefight against the abovementioned suspects during the implementation of the warrant of arrest,” the PNP regional office said, citing reports.

Killed during the encounter were Staff Sgt. Christian Tallo and Corporal Eliazar Estrelles, Jr. of SPMFC; and M/Sgt. Paul Terence Paclibar of RFMB.

Wounded were Corporals Rannel Pedamato and Mark Jason Sixta, and Patrolmen Ham Kritnere Capalis and Mark Redoblado.

The operation resulted in the arrest of four unidentified suspects and recovery of an M-16 rifle, caliber .45 pistol, and several ammunitions.

As of posting time, there was no information if any of the gang members were killed or wounded or if the subjects of the warrants were among those arrested.

“The PNP directed the Northern Samar police provincial office and RMFB to provide additional platoons for deployment and augmentation. Hot pursuit operation is being conducted against the other suspects,” the PNP regional office added.

Residents displaced by the gun battle evacuated to the town’s gymnasium.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217932

Military questions basis of Canada’s travel advisory on Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2024): Military questions basis of Canada’s travel advisory on Mindanao (By Che Palicte)

PEACEFUL AND SAFE. Maj. Mark Anthony Tito, the Army’s 10ID spokesperson, said in a press briefing Tuesday (Jan. 30, 2024), that they are not aware of the basis of the recent travel advisory issued by the Canadian government, warning tourists on visiting Mindanao, including Region 11. He maintained that the Davao region is peaceful and safe. (PNA file photo)

DAVAO CITY – The Army’s 10th Infantry Division (10ID) is not aware of the basis of the recent travel advisory issued by the Canadian government, warning tourists on visiting Mindanao, including the Davao region.

“We can assure and attest that our region is peaceful,” Maj. Mark Anthony Tito, the 10ID spokesperson, said during a press briefing Tuesday.

He noted that in 2023, they have not recorded any violent incidents in terms of terrorism, and insurgency.

“All we can say is, the [travel advisory] does not fit with what is happening here in our region,” Tito said.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. formally declared Davao as an insurgency-free region on Oct. 27, 2022, following the resolution passed by the Regional Peace and Order Council Region 11 days earlier.

The Jan. 10 travel advisory released by the Canadian government warned tourists on traveling to several provinces of Mindanao island, due to the serious threat of terrorism, kidnapping, high levels of crime, and violent clashes between the security forces and rebel groups.

The areas include the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao); Northern Mindanao (Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental); Soccsksargen (Cotabato, Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat); and Zamboanga Peninsula (Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

For Eastern Mindanao, the advisory urged tourists to avoid non-essential travel to Caraga (Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Dinagat Islands Surigao del Norte, excluding Siargao Island and Surigao del Sur); and the whole of the Davao Region except Davao City.

Joji Ilagan Bian, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce Industry-Mindanao and BIMP-EAGA chairperson, said they were disheartened by the recent travel advisory, noting that Mindanao and all its provinces continue to slowly usher peace toward progress.

“We understand that it is the role of their government to remind their citizens of their welfare, however, the advisory does not reflect the real situation on the ground. The security and safety of everyone, for travel and leisure, are guaranteed wherever they are in Mindanao,” Bian said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Maria Belen Acosta reiterated that Mindanao-island is safe and peaceful.

She said Mindanao is a work in progress, and some incidents cannot be controlled like any other transforming communities, but, she said all those “do not warrant serious concerns.”

“Those are readily addressed and swiftly responded to by the government with the strong support of the communities, and the safety and security forces,” she said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217982

Police manhunt on vs. group in Samar shootout

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2024): Police manhunt on vs. group in Samar shootout (By Roel Amazona)

FALLEN. The wounded police officers after an encounter with a criminal group in Santa Margarita, Samar, on July 30, 2024. Three of their colleagues died in the shootout. (PNP photo)

TACLOBAN CITY – Police have intensified their manhunt against the members of the group who shot it out with law enforcers in Santa Margarita, Samar, on Tuesday, killing three police officers and wounding four others.

In a phone interview Wednesday, Maj. Marjorie Manuta, Eastern Visayas police regional office spokesperson, said all police units near the encounter site have been alerted to hunt the members of the criminal group.

Police arrested seven suspects, who also yielded several firearms and ammunition, after the shootout.

The suspects, aged between 23 and 68, are residents of upland Mahayag village, some 20 kilometers away from the town center.

On Tuesday, a team of police operatives were about to serve arrest warrants on Edito Ampoan Jr., the alleged gang leader, and members Jojo Altarejos and Rogelio Macorol when armed men fired on them, triggering a shootout.

The suspects are facing murder charges for killing a village chief, Tiburcio Ocong, in October 2015.

Killed during the encounter were Staff Sgt. Christian Tallo and Corporal Eliazar Estrelles Jr. of the 1st Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company, and M/Sgt. Paul Terence Paclibar of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion.

Wounded were Corporals Rannel Pedamato and Mark Jason Sixta, and Patrolmen Ham Kritnere Capalis and Mark Redoblado.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217985

Westmincom honors troops in Lanao Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2024): Westmincom honors troops in Lanao Sur clash (By Nef Luczon)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) gave honors to troopers of the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion under the 103rd Infantry Brigade who survived the recent encounter against Moro extremists in Lanao del Sur.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Westmincom said it awarded the Military Merit Medal interim to Distinguished Conduct Star to 1st Lt. Allan Kenny Manuel, and Private First Class Mark John Culaway for "acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry in action while serving as the platoon leader."

Second Lt. Feljoy Ending was also given the same medal citation.

Manuel and Caluway were ground commanders and lead scouts of the assaulting team during a series of encounters against the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG).

The DI-MG, comprising at least 15 armed men, was led by Arsani Membisa in Barangay Taporog, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur on Jan. 26, during the encounter with the troops.

Eleven other members of the military force were awarded the Military Merit Medal interim to Gold Cross Medal for their role in deliberate operations against the DI-MG.

Westmincom commander, Lt. Gen. William Gonzales, said the unwavering courage and uncommon self-sacrifice of Manuel and his team were instrumental in the neutralization of nine DI-MG combatants.

Gonzales also visited and conferred medals to the injured troops in a hospital in Iligan City. “My salute goes to our valiant soldiers who dedicate their lives to serve and protect the people amid all adversaries,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217999