Hunt on for killers of police intel officer in Gensan City

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11, 2024): Hunt on for killers of police intel officer in Gensan City (By Edwin Fernandez)

GUNNED DOWN. The crash helmet and motorbike of Cpl. Ricky Mendoza Gomez, a police intelligence officer from North Cotabato, after he was ambushed in General Santos City on Sunday night (March 10, 2024). Gomez died on the spot due to multiple gunshot wounds. (Photo courtesy of Gen. Santos CPO)

KORONADAL CITY – Police have launched a massive manhunt for those who ambushed and killed a police intelligence officer in General Santos City on Sunday night.

In a statement Monday, Col. Nicomedes Olaivar Jr., city police director said local authorities have also coordinated with other police units in South Cotabato and Sarangani provinces to help track the killers of Cpl. Ricky Mendoza Gomez.

Gomez, an intel officer assigned to North Cotabato province, was driving his motorbike when ambushed at 6 p.m. by gunmen on board a motorbike using an M16 rifle, based on empty shells recovered at the crime scene.

Olaivar said Gomez is in General Santos City because he is one of the participants of the Intelligence Basic Course at the police’s Regional Training Center in Barangay Apopong.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220505

Army braces for counterattack after 2 BIFFs die in clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11, 2024): Army braces for counterattack after 2 BIFFs die in clash (By Edwin Fernandez)

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division. (File photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Military forces in Maguindanao del Sur have been placed on heightened alert after two extremists were killed in a clash with government forces in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town over the weekend.

As of Monday, military detachments in the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona in Maguindanao Sur, areas where the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIFF) operates, remain on alert for possible retaliatory attacks.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team conducted the decisive military operations at about 5 a.m. Saturday that left two members of the BIFF dead.

Brig. Gen. Jose Vladimir Caraga, 1BCT commander, said the remains of two slain BIFFs were retrieved in the village of Kitango in Datu Saudi Ampatuan.

“We found an M16 rifle, a .50-caliber homemade Barrett rifle, ammunition, and two improvised explosive devices,” Caraga said in his report to Rillera.

Caraga said about 20 BIFFs were sighted by civilians in the village and alerted military checkpoints nearby, which triggered the clash.

He said soldiers are now pursuing the BIFF group belonging to the Kagui Karialan faction.

On March 3, a BIFF fighter was killed while his father, a sub-leader, was arrested in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220490

9 'demoralized' NPA rebels yield in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 11, 2024): 9 'demoralized' NPA rebels yield in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)

BUTUAN CITY – Nine communist New People's Army rebels separately surrendered in the provinces of Agusan del Norte and Surigao del Sur, the military here said Monday.

Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, Philippine Army's 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde) commander, said on Sunday, five rebels yielded to the 29th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Agusan del Norte, while the other four to the 36IB in Surigao del Sur.

In Agusan del Norte, the surrenderers were identified as Maria Sila Galupo, Hanah Sarah Galupo, Narlyn Consuegra, Manuel Nakira Jr., and Urily Nakila, who all belonged to the NPA Regional Headquarters of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

The group handed over two M16 rifles, an AK-47 rifle, and an M79 grenade launcher with ammunition.

In Surigao del Sur, the four other surrenderers belonging to the weakened NPA Guerrilla Front 30 under the NEMRC are Bernabe Pamad, Ronel Estano, Mary Koy Cuarteron, and Lito Montenegro. The group turned in an AK-47 rifle and a .45-caliber pistol.

"The nine (rebels) escaped from their groups because they feared being hit by the continuous combat operations of the 29IB and the 36IB," Sadural said in a statement.

Sadural said the surrender of the nine rebels indicated that the NEMRC is "on the brink of collapse. We are now at the stage wherein insurgency is at its lowest point and nearing extinction. It's the right time to unite and embrace peace."

He said the surrenderers are set to avail of government services under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220492

P120-B road project pushed to pave growth of former 'no man's land'

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12, 2024): P120-B road project pushed to pave growth of former 'no man's land' (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

MUDDY ROAD. A vehicle gets stuck in the mud on the road leading to Tamlang Valley in Negros Oriental in this undated photo. The provincial government of Negros Oriental is pushing for a PHP 120-billion road network that would connect at least three towns to Tamlang Valley, once known as a no-man's land due to the communist insurgency. (PNA file photo by Mary Judaline Flores Partlow)

DUMAGUETE CITY – A PHP 120-billion project that would connect at least three towns in Negros Oriental to a former rebel-infested Tamlang Valley is seen to pave the way for progress and development, an official said Monday.

Alejandro Rafal, head of the Department of Agriculture-Provincial Agriculture Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) in Negros Oriental, told the Philippine News Agency Monday that the project has sought funding from the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

The multi-billion project includes two farm-to-market road networks connecting Barangay Datagon in Pamplona town to Barangay Dobdob in Valencia and from Sta. Catalina town to Dobdob.

The connecting road will pass through Tamlang Valley, once touted as a no-man’s land in the late ‘80s and early '90s at the height of the insurgency in the province, and is now being pushed for a massive agro-industrial development project.

The project scheme entails a 10 percent counterpart from the provincial government of PHP 12 billion, which the provincial government has promised to shell out, Rafal said.

The governor said the local counterpart is already available but what is being done now are preparatory works for submission to the PRDP.

The DA has already allocated PHP10 million for the conduct of the feasibility study.

Additionally, about 55 percent of the program of work and detailed engineering design have already been completed, Rafal said.

He added that the PRDP, a World Bank-supported project, aims to increase rural income and enhance farming and fisheries sectors.

On Monday, the province requested a re-orientation of the PRDP for a new Provincial Project Implementation Unit (PPIU).

Officials from the PRDP and DA in Region 7 were present during the meeting and re-orientation attended by the different offices and sectors comprising the PPIU, Rafal said.

The massive road network project for the development of Tamlang Valley is highly dependent on how fast the provincial government can comply with the PRDP’s requirements, he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220536

Army sustains fight vs insurgency in Pangasinan

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2024): Army sustains fight vs insurgency in Pangasinan (By Hilda Austria)

PEACE AND SECURITY. Philippine Army 71st Infantry Batallion Commander Lt. Col. Benny Singca during a briefing at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Council) session at the provincial capitol in Lingayen, Pangasinan on Monday (March 11, 2024). Singca said the Army continues to fight insurgency in the province. (PNA photo by Hilda Austria)

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – Measures against the resurgence of insurgents in Pangasinan continues through programs that will make residents, including the youth, self-sufficient and productive members of society.

In an interview Tuesday, Philippine Army 71st Infantry Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Benny Singca said deployment of mobile community support continues.

Four people’s organizations, registered with the Department of Labor and Employment, form part of the overall territorial defense system.

“So that even if there are no military and police forces they will be self-sustaining and prevent resurgence of threat groups, meaning they will not accept the presence of threat groups in their area,” he said.

The Philippine Army also teamed up with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and other stakeholders for the Peace and Community Empowerment, which provides three-month skills training like masonry, carpentry, and scaffolding in far-flung areas.

Since its launch last year, 14 individuals from Mangatarem town and 11 from Infanta town have joined the program.

A youth summit is also conducted.

“Threat groups are focusing their recruitment on the youth due to their nature as adventurous and (this group is the) main source of their cadres,” he said.

Singca said they are likewise enhancing humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities in partnership with the Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, while outreach programs with other non-government and government entities continue.

“The majority of forces of the threat groups are in the east side in the Sierra Madre. They are trying to consolidate forces to create another guerilla unit in the boundaries of Aurora and Nueva Ecija. We are anticipating that they have a two-year plan to create a unit and try to recover forces and regain forces areas in the Caraballo Mountain range on the side of the province,” he said.

Hence, the government’s efforts to increase forces in the eastern side of the province, deploying platoons in San Nicolas, Natividad, San Quintin, and Umingan towns, to secure hydro projects as well as monitor different groups in Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220569

Army foils NPA extortion try on Agusan Norte small-scale miners

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2024): Army foils NPA extortion try on Agusan Norte small-scale miners (By Alexander Lopez)

RECOVERED ITEMS. Government troops from the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion respond to the report of harassment and extortion by community rebels, leading to a brief gunfight in a hinterland village in Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte, on Tuesday. Soldiers recovered ammunition and war matériel following the armed encounter. (Photo courtesy of 29IB)

BUTUAN CITY – Government forces foiled an extortion attempt by communist rebels on small-scale miners in the Agusan del Norte city of Cabadbaran, the military said Wednesday.

In a statement, the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion(29IB) said a group of small-scale miners in Brgy. Del Pilar, Cabadbaran, reported the presence of NPA on Tuesday and complained that the rebels had extorted and threatened their lives.

Soldiers dispatched to the village encountered a group of NPA rebels, resulting in a brief gunfight that led to the recovery of assorted ammunition and other war matériel.

“The communist NPA terrorists (CNTs) belonged to Squad 2, Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Westland under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA,” Lt. Col. Cresencio Gargar, 29IB commander, said.

Gargar said the group is led by Ricky Per Sr., who was identified by the residents in the area.

“This recent encounter follows a previous engagement with the same group last February 23, 2024, in the hinterlands of Barangay Concepcion in Cabadbaran City, which resulted in the death of one NPA rebel and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle,” he said.

He also lauded the prompt report made by area residents, which he said should be emulated by other villages harassed by the NPA.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220688

DSWD provides P357-K aid to armed conflict-affected families in CamSur

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2024): DSWD provides P357-K aid to armed conflict-affected families in CamSur (By Connie Calipay)

GOV'T AID. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) personnel and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops provide family food packs to residents of Barangays Santa Rita and Bagong Silang in Del Gallego, Camarines Sur on Tuesday (March 12, 2024). A total of PHP357,000 worth of assistance was given to those displaced by the recent clash between government troops and New People's Army rebels. (Photo courtesy of DSWD Bicol)

LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development 5 (DSWD-Bicol) distributed PHP357,000 worth of assistance to families affected by the recent clash between government troops and the New People's Army (NPA) in Camarines Sur.

In an interview on Wednesday, Carl James Cabarles, DSWD disaster risk reduction management division information officer, said a total of 145 families or 725 individuals from Barangays Santa Rita and Bagong Silang in Del Gallego town were provided with family food packs (FFPs) and hygiene kits.

"This is the second tranche of assistance given by DSWD-Bicol. The first was given last March 4, hours after the incident. We provided family food packs and hygiene kits worth PHP68,000 and the second was yesterday (March 12) as additional relief assistance, including FFPs and essential non-food relief items such as sleeping kits and family kits worth of PHP291,209," he said.

Based on DSWD-Disaster Response Management Division (DRMD) data, at least 19 families remain displaced and still seeking refuge among their relatives in the neighboring barangays.

In a statement, DSWD-Bicol Regional Director Norman Laurio reassured the displaced and affected families that the agency, as directed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, will continue to provide for their needs and support.

In a separate interview, Maj. Frank Roldan, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief, said the 9ID prioritized the safety of residents before, during or after the conduct of operation.

"Ensuring the safety of civilians and residents is our top priority during operations, and all human rights are respected," Roldan said.

The clash between government troops and communist terrorist groups belonging to the Bicol Regional Party Committee (BRPC) took place on March 4.

"They are the group who are responsible for the killing of five Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) members in Barangay Mapulot, Tagkawayan, Quezon last Sept. 1, 2023," Roldan said.

After the encounter, soldiers recovered two M16 rifles, one M14 rifle, ammunition, magazines, terrorist items and personal equipment from the clash site.

Roldan said they conducted Civil Military Operations engagement in the affected barangays in coordination with the local government unit of Del Gallego.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220719

Police allay fears over killings in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2024): Police allay fears over killings in Leyte (By Roel Amazona)

PEACE COUNCIL. Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla (in white barong) speaks during the provincial peace and order council on March 7, 2024. Petilla said that town mayors in the 3rd District of Leyte have expressed fear over the recent killing incidents involving village officials in their area. (PNA photo by Roel Amazona)

TACLOBAN CITY – Town mayors in the 3rd District of Leyte are optimistic that the additional police officers in their respective municipalities would allay fears over the recent killing incidents involving village officials in their area.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla said security concerns were raised by local officials from five towns during the recent provincial peace and order council after the series of shooting incidents last month that killed five village officials.

“All concern in the 3rd District is about their safety and the safety of their families,” Petilla told reporters on Wednesday.

The 3rd District covers the towns of San Isidro, Tabango, Villaba, Leyte, and Calubian.

“The solution for this, like I said before, is more police force. Right now, a big chunk of our Philippine National Police forces are in the 3rd District, including our army,” he said.

“Am I confident? I am confident that we don’t have shooting incidents now, but I am not confident that there will be any killings when they leave. We are asking them not to leave the district unless the cases of killing are solved.”

On March 9, Leyte’s provincial police deployed an additional 389 police officers to beef up law enforcement operations.

Their presence would be reinforced by village watchmen to keep peace, order, and security in every village throughout the district.

Police Regional Office 8 (Eastern Visayas) Director, Brig. Gen. Reynaldo Pawid, witnessed the send-off ceremony held at the San Isidro Civic Center in San Isidro town.

“Their presence will not only enhance law enforcement capabilities but also strengthen the bond between the police and the residents they serve,” Pawid said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220724

Aurora declared under stable internal peace, security

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 13, 2024): Aurora declared under stable internal peace, security (By Jason De Asis)

PEACE AND SECURITY DECLARATION. Aurora Acting Governor Reynante Tolentino (in white shirt) is shown together with other government officials after the signing of a resolution declaring the province of Aurora under a state of stable internal peace and security in Baler town on Wednesday (March 13, 2024). This was after the Department of the Interior and Local Government declared that 15 villages in two municipalities were cleared of insurgency influence. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has declared Aurora province to be in a state of stable internal peace and security, which is seen to promote sustainable development, attract more investments, and boost tourism.

This was after five barangays in San Luis town and 10 in Maria Aurora were declared cleared of communist insurgency influence through the sustained Community Support Program (CSP) and Retooled Community Support Program by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The declaration came through a resolution of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) and was signed by Acting Governor Reynante Tolentino and members of the PPOC at the capitol compound in Barangay Suklayin here on Wednesday.

It was affirmed by Assistant Commander Brig. Gen. Dennis Pacis of the Army's 7th Infantry Division (7ID) who represented Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, DILG Regional Director Anthony C. Nuyda, and Provincial Board Member Dan Boyet Ong.

Tolentino said the provincial government of Aurora has always wanted and worked to have a stable peace and order situation in the whole province and thanked the 91st Infantry Battalion (91IB) under the 7ID, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other concerned agencies for attaining it.

Pacis, reading the message of Costelo, said the declaration is the result of relentless efforts of the 91IB, PNP, devoted government agencies, non-government organizations, private sectors, and the local communities in Aurora.

“As one united, we have played our role as stewards of peace putting an end to the local communist armed conflict and paving the way for development in our beloved province,” he said.

“As we celebrate this achievement, let us commit ourselves to the principles of peace, unity, tranquility, and progress,” Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, commander of 91IB, said.

In his message, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency-Central Luzon (NICA-3) Director Niňo Anthony E. Balagtas said the declaration is a testament to the collective efforts of the government, law enforcement agencies, and most importantly, the resilience and cooperation of the people.

“This declaration is not just a formality but a recognition of the hard work and sacrifices made by countless individuals to ensure the safety and well-being of the province. It is a tribute to our brave men and women in uniform and other government partner agencies who have dedicated their lives protecting community and upholding the rule of law,” he said.

He cited that the focused military operations under the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support have effectively dismantled the Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) communist terrrorist group (CTG) in 2021.

Moreover, since 2018, the collective efforts of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) of Aurora through various clusters have yielded remarkable results in their pursuit of peace and security.

"Through intelligence gathering, we have facilitated surrenders and disaffiliations of leaders and members of the CTG, paving the way for local peace engagements and community consultations," Balagtas said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220741

Top NPA cadre, 3 others surrender in Surigao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2024): Top NPA cadre, 3 others surrender in Surigao Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

SURRENDER OF A LEADER. Juanita Leyson, the secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee Northland under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA) turns herself in along with three other rebel fighters on March 11, 2024 at the Headquarters of the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion in Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte. Leyson is the highest ranking NPA leader in the Caraga Region to surrender to authorities this year, Army officials said. (Photo courtesy of 901Bde)

BUTUAN CITY – A top official of the Sub-Regional Committee Northland under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the headquarters of the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) in Surigao del Norte, the Army said Thursday.

In a statement, the Army's 901st Brigade (901Bde) said NPA regional secretary Juanita Leyson turned herself in at the unit's headquarters in Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit town, on Monday.

Leyson brought with her three other comrades– Rajem Pertos, Jezalyn Platil, and Pegi Diaz.

“Her decision to surrender will cut off the group’s extortion activities in Surigao del Norte and neighboring provinces and weaken the financial backbone of the communist terrorist group in the region to fund its criminal operations,” Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, 901Bde commander, was quoted as saying.

During the surrender, Leyson and her group handed over a bushmaster rifle, an AR-15 rifle, more than 1,000 rounds of assorted ammunition, bulletproof vests and other war materiel.

Saural said Leyson's surrender was a "crucial step" to achieving lasting peace and prosperity in Caraga.

Earlier this week, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division said the NPA rebels in Caraga suffered a huge setback with the surrender of 14 combatants and in the early part of March.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220781

Batanes produces 119 more Navy reservists

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 10, 2024): Batanes produces 119 more Navy reservists

Over 100 Batanes residents have formally entered the reservist forces of the Philippine Navy as the country aims to boosts its military presence in its northernmost province and territory nearest Taiwan.

A total of 119 Ivatans capped their basic citizen military training with a graduation ceremony on Saturday in the provincial capital of Basco town.

The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) said another batch of potential recruits made up of 76 Ivatan students had been undergoing training also in Basco since February.

Batanes is being eyed as among the possible sites in April for the next “Balikatan” exercises between Filipino and American forces, according to Philippine Army Col. Michael Logico.

Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr., the Philippine Navy chief, told the new reservists in his speech that they would be vital “in providing a secure and safe environment” in Batanes. He called the archipelagic province the country’s “last and northernmost frontier.”

‘Base for expansion’

“When the government needs mobilization or additional force, you will be the base for expansion,” he said, adding that the recruits could also help in humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

“That is why we should improve our ability to protect it (Batanes) from those who want to invade it,” Adaci said.

He also noted the military infrastructure in Batanes which he said has allowed the Navy and other units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to conduct maritime patrols there.

The Navy maintains a detachment at Mavulis Island at the northern extreme of the province—about 140 kilometers from Taiwan’s southern tip.

Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco, herself a reservist, told the new recruits in her speech “to commit yourself to selfless service for the love of our nation.”

“Being a reservist is not an easy duty because we must always be ready to respond to the call of service to defend our beloved country against any kind of invasion, violence and untoward events,” she said, adding that the reservists “are founded on the Ivatan values of resilience and sense of community.”
‘Operational tempo’

In February, Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido urged Ivatans to join the military’s reserve force after Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said he wanted an increased military presence in Batanes.

READ: Philippines to deploy over 100 naval reservists to Batanes

Teodoro, together with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and other officials, visited the province on Feb. 6, particularly Mavulis.

The defense chief also inspected the construction of the Naval Forward Operating Base in Mahatao town on the province’s main island of Batan.

“Starting 2024, the operational tempo for the AFP will be higher,” Teodoro said during his visit.

Maritime expert Jay Batongbacal, head of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the University of the Philippines’ College of Law, earlier told the Inquirer that improving the military’s outpost in Batanes would “certainly help secure our fishing grounds and fishermen operating there.”
Needing a friend

Maritime security expert Ray Powell posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) on March 1 that two Chinese vessels were “loitering” northeast of Luzon at Philippine (Benham) Rise.

Batongbacal said Batanes is “vital in case of Chinese aggression against Taiwan.”

“Taiwan needs the Philippines as a friend in times of both peace and armed conflict in the Taiwan Strait,” he said.

Beijing has long maintained that self-governing Taiwan is part of its territory.

Security analyst Chester Cabalza, president and founder of Manila-based think tank International Development and Security Cooperation, said also in his earlier interview with the Inquirer that new military bunkers in Batanes were “necessary to achieve a strong deterrence in protecting the national sovereignty of the Philippines.” —NESTOR A. CORRALES

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1916643/batanes-produces-119-more-navy-reservists

Joint AFP-PNP, Moro Islamic Liberation Front security teams face evolving role in Bangsamoro peace process

 From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 10, 2024): Joint AFP-PNP, Moro Islamic Liberation Front security teams face evolving role in Bangsamoro peace process (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

(L-R) Moro Islamic Liberation Front and GPH Joint Peace Security Committee (JPSC) co-chairmen Senior Minister Von Al Haq and Maj. Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III (Ret.) give updates on the Bangsamoro peace process during a recent media engagement at the JPSC Operations Center in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. (Photo by Martin Sadongdong / MANILA BULLETIN)

The Joint Peace Security Teams (JPSTs) deployed in Mindanao are facing an evolving role in the ongoing peace process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), owing to the “very high” expectations from the communities.

Francisco Ariel Felicidario III, the co-chair of Philippine government (GPH) Joint Peace Security Committee (JPSC), said this was the result of an assessment on the efficiency of the JPSTs made by a third-party non-violent force, the International Organization Migration (IOM), with funding support from the Government of Japan.

“After we deployed the JPSTs, when it was time for us to do the assessment, a third party group shouldered the expenses and they were supported by the Japanese government because we had no funds for that,” Felicidario, a retired Army major general, said during a recent interview with select members of the media in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

“They had researchers who went to the ground, who interviewed the people in the communities. The assessment went well. When they had the report, the feedback was mostly positive from the communities. The only negative thing about the report is that the people are expecting more from the JPSTs. Since they are the only people in those remote areas, they expect that the JPSTs could do a lot more which is already outside their mandate,” he added.

From foe to allies

The JPSTs are a composite force between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.

From being adversaries, the security forces from AFP-PNP and BIAF now work as comrades-in-arms to ensure stability in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao following the signing of the final peace agreement between the GPH and Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Operating since the creation of BARMM in 2019, the JPSTs assist the communities in efforts to sustain peace, manage conflicts and foster resolution, especially for those impacted by horizontal and vertical conflicts such as “rido” or clan wars. They also track and document lawless elements in areas where they are deployed.

At present, there are 24 JPSTs deployed in various areas in Mindanao: 13 teams in Maguindanao; three in North Cotabato; two each in Basilan, Lanao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur; and one apiece in Zamboanga Sibugay and Sultan Kudarat.

Each JPST is composed of 30 members: eight PNP personnel, seven AFP personnel, and 15 decommissioned BIAF members. They are supervised by the Joint Peace Security Committee being co-chaired by Felicidario and his Moro Islamic Liberation Front counterpart, Senior Minister Von Al Haq.

Before the BIAF members are integrated with their AFP-PNP counterparts, they undergo a 45-day basic military training (BMT) at the division training unit of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

Once they finish the BMT, the BIAF members can now legally carry a firearm, one thing which they cannot do before since they are part of a rebel group. They are to join another training on peacekeeping and security at the BARMM Police Regional Office in Parang, Maguindanao for almost one month where they learn about peace-building, mediation and harnessing synergy and camaraderie with their AFP-PNP counterparts.

Apart from their role as peacekeepers, the JPSTs are now being sought by the communities when disasters strike such as typhoons, flooding, and earthquakes, and they readily respond while facing limitations in terms of community safeguarding, communications, logistics, and operational infrastructure. The enhanced southwest monsoon (amihan) experienced in Mindanao in recent months even destroyed 10 JPST stations which added to their woes.

“Because the perception of the communities has been high, the JPSTs have been responding to disasters. They are actually not mandated to respond to disasters but the communities seek for their help. So of course they are there, they would provide the support," said Erina Yamashita, IOM Philippines project development officer and head of IOM Cotabato sub-office.

"There has been an evolving role for JPST which is kind of like inevitable in terms of their capacity. We are trying to address some of the recent gaps through our projects,” she added.

Capacitating JPSTs

To address the issue, the JPSTs are now undergoing disaster response training at the 6ID.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front Senior Minister Al Haq admitted that there is an immediate need to provide assistance to JPSTs in order to enhance their resilience and effectiveness as catalyst for peace.

“We know we cannot stand alone except if there is a joint collaboration. I’m very optimistic that out of this collaboration with IOM and Japanese government, our JPSTs would be fully armed with all the aspect of a peacekeeper. This cooperation can truly tackle this issue,” he noted.

Almish Guimba, 37, is a co-team leader of the Joint Peace Security Team (JPST) based in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. (Photo by Martin Sadongdong / MANILA BULLETIN)

Almish Guimba, 37, an Moro Islamic Liberation Front combatant, said that his involvement with the JPST enabled him to send his two children to school, one of them already going to college.

Guimba joined the BIAF in 1994 and served as a general staff officer at Camp Abubakar. On the orders of his Moro Islamic Liberation Front commanders, he joined the JPST and trained with his counterparts from the AFP and PNP in 2019, and now serves as a co-team leader of the JPST based in the JPSC Operations Center in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

“Maganda ang JPST kasi ang mga dating kaaway mo, ngayon brother mo na, kaibigan mo na. Maganda ito para malaya na rin kami (Being with JPST is a good thing because our previous enemies became our brothers and friends now. This is a good thing for us because we have been freed),” Guimba said.

He also hopes that Mindanao will sustain the peace that the Bangsamoro people enjoy now.

“Malaking tulong ‘yung kapayapaan, 'yung peace negotiation kasi kami dati hindi kami nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral dahil sa struggle. Ngayon nakapag aral na yung mga pamilya namin (Peace and peace negotiation are really important because we were not able to attain any level of education due to our struggle. Now, we can send our families to school),” Guimba said.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/10/joint-afp-pnp-moroislamicliberationfront-security-teams-face-evolving-role-in-bangsamoro-peace-process#google_vignette

PH’s ‘push back’ vs Chinese aggression gaining int’l traction

From Palawan News (Mar 10, 2024): PH’s ‘push back’ vs Chinese aggression gaining int’l traction (By Rudolph Ian Alama)

A China Coast Guard vessel deploys at around 8:15 a.m. its water cannon on Unaizah May 4 (UM4) during its rotation and reprovisioning mission to BRP Sierra Madre (LS57) at Ayungin Shoal on March 5. (Photo from Armed Forces of the Philippines)

The Philippine government is fighting disinformation and propaganda against its efforts to protect its interests in the West Philippine Sea with a strategic transparency initiative.

“Our aim is to strengthen national resilience and consolidate support for our national interest in the West Philippine Sea; build and drum up international support and recognition for the 2016 arbitral award in our interest in the West Philippine Sea,” said Assistant Secretary Michel Andre del Rosario of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

He said the initiative exposed an entrenched, well-organized, and well-funded maligned influence network of Filipinos, organizations, and institutions, which include local media and public personalities deployed in various channels to carry out propaganda and information against the government efforts in the West Philippine Sea.

Among this propaganda reframing the instigating acts against the Philippines and its allies; it also includes fearmongering and outright slander against officials, including the president.

“We are fighting back; we are gaining ground. Internal polling showed that our people right now outright distrust the People’s Republic of China, from -9 in November 2022 to -46 in November 2023. The decline is precipitous and unprecedented,” del Rosario said.

Also on the diplomatic front, more nations have expressed their support for the Philippine position in the West Philippine Sea.

He added that the initiative leverages the whole of government and the whole of society approach to prepare for instability, volatility, and shocks.

“Communication is crucial in delivering this by informing, preparing, and mobilizing our population,” del Rosario said.

The PCO official said they have seen the power of communication in the past year in countering the adversary’s disinformation.

“Our unified and coordinated approach to strategic communication in the West Philippine Sea, akin to the UK’s communication model, has allowed us to make and deliver high-quality, relevant, consistent, and comprehensive messaging without sacrificing the rigor of what might have been once called ‘peacetime communication’,” del Rosario said during his Zoom lecture at the Strategic Communication Workshop for Philippine Information Agency (PIA) information officers held March 5 in Dapitan City.

Del Rosario said that the PCO, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Information Agency are sustaining the transparency initiative campaign by innovating and adapting and keeping the messaging consistent, coordinated, cohesive, calibrated, and clear.

“We dictate our tempo, sustain the initiative and momentum, save the information landscape, and dominate the information and communication environment,” del Rosario cited the keys to winning the battle against disinformation about the country’s interest in the West Philippine Sea. (RGA/PIA Davao)

https://palawan-news.com/phs-push-back-vs-chinese-aggression-gaining-intl-traction/#google_vignette

AFP: Implementation of new defense concept not meant to escalate tension in WPS

 From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 10, 2024): AFP: Implementation of new defense concept not meant to escalate tension in WPS (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) adoption of a new defense concept centered on the protection of the country’s maritime territory is not intended to escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla explained that the implementation of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC) is crucial for enhancing the country’s defense posture, but not necessarily to lock horns with any other nation.

The Philippines has overlapping maritime territorial claims with China in the South China Sea.

“The Philippines is an archipelagic country so we are composed of several islands and we have to enhance our defense posture in terms of the territorial waters surrounding our archipelagic country,” Padilla said in a radio interview over dzBB on Sunday, March 10.

Recently, Chinese President Xi Jinping ordered his military to coordinate their actions and prepare for potential maritime conflict.

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said they are working closely with the AFP for the implementation of the CADC to "[develop] our capability to protect and secure our entire territory and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)."

“For us, we cannot speculate on the other side. We can only be speaking in terms of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. For our end, our actions are not really meant to escalate tensions, rather, these are regular operations in our territorial waters,” Padilla stated.

The AFP has been regularly conducting resupply mission in all the nine features it occupies in the Spratly Island, including Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

Last week, the resupply mission was marred by a collision between a Philippine Coast Guard vessel, which supported the indigenous boats chartered by the AFP to bring the supplies to the BRP Sierra Madre outpost in Ayungin Shoal, and a China Coast Guard (CCG) ship. The CCG also fired water cannons against the Philippine vessels.

Four Filipino personnel were hurt in the mission, drawing condemnation locally and internationally towards China.

“The AFP strongly asserts the legitimacy of our operations within the West Philippine Sea. These are guided by international rules-based order and international law, and our commitment to protecting our national sovereignty,” Padilla stressed.

“Any challenges that we will be facing will be addressed with utmost professionalism. However, let it be clear that the AFP is fully prepared to defend ourselves and the lives of our members if necessary,” she added.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/9/afp-implementation-of-new-defense-concept-not-meant-to-escalate-tension-in-wps

Retiring EastMinCom chief lauds JTF Diamond’s accomplishments

From the Mindanao Times (Mar 10. 2024): Retiring EastMinCom chief lauds JTF Diamond’s accomplishments (By RHODA GRACE SARON)



OUTGOING Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) chief Lieutenant General Greg T. Almerol lauded the accomplishments of the Joint Task Force Diamond (JTFD) in ensuring peace and development in its area of operations.

In the Talk to Troops during his farewell visit at the Montalvan Hall at Camp Evangelista, Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on March 5, Almerol commended the JTFD’s successful operations resulting in significant gains against the communist terrorist group (CTG), such as the dismantling of nine guerilla fronts, neutralization of 208 high-value individuals, the capture of 2,205 firearms, and the neutralization of 1,505 CTG members under his stint as the EastMinCom commander for more than three years.

“Your dedication has been the cornerstone of our collective success, transporting Mindanao into a beacon of peace under your vigilant watch. Over the years, your resilience and commitment have propelled us to become the foremost unified command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Almerol said.

“Your relentless pursuit of strategic victory in your area of operation has not only set a commendable example but has also exceeded initial aspirations marking a triumph for us all,” he added.

Meanwhile, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, commander of the 4ID and the JTFD, expressed his profound gratitude to Almerol for the support and guidance, which greatly impacted the overall performance of the Diamond troopers, leading to mission accomplishments.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/retiring-eastmincom-chief-lauds-jtf-diamonds-accomplishments/