BRP Andres Bonifacio back to WPS patrols after comms, sensor upgrade

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2024):  BRP Andres Bonifacio back to WPS patrols after comms, sensor upgrade (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BACK IN ACTION. The BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), one of the Philippine Navy's three offshore patrol vessels, in this undated photo. The ship is back to patrol duties after a significant upgrade in its combat management system and search radar. (Photo courtesy of BRP Andres Bonifacio)

MANILA – The BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), one of the Philippine Navy (PN)'s three offshore patrol vessels, is back to its patrol duties after an intensive upgrade of its communications and sensor equipment.

"Following the successful completion of its extensive upgrades, Philippine Navy patrol ship BRP Andres Bonifacio is back in action, resuming its naval operations with upgraded capability within the Naval Forces West and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Western Command area of operations," read the ship's Facebook post on Monday.

The works included a significant upgrade in combat management system, the central nervous system that integrates various sensors and systems to provide real-time situational awareness, command, and control capabilities.

"It was also fitted with air and surface search radar, bolstering its capability in long-range surveillance, search and rescue, and maritime patrol," the post added.

No other details were provided due to security reasons.

The upgrades reflected the vessel’s optimum operational readiness, emulating its motto “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready).

"With enhanced systems and advancing capability, PS-17 is poised to better fulfill its mandates under the Naval Task Force 41 from maritime patrol operations, to internal security operations, and to logistics support missions," it said.

Beefing up capabilities

The AFP, meanwhile, would focus on five major defensive capabilities as it adopts the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept (CADC), aimed at defending all the country's territories, including its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The five focus areas are cyber systems, air interdiction, surface and sub-surface, missile defense systems, and support systems capabilities.

This was discussed during the National Security Cluster Communications of the "Bagong Pilipinas" Media Engagement and Workshop held at the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy in San Narciso, Zambales on May 2 to 4.

All the improvements are part of the AFP Modernization Program Re-Horizon 3.

To ensure that it is capable of conducting this mission, the AFP needs adequate radar coverage to detect and identify intrusions in Philippine territory; air and maritime assets with adequate defensive capabilities; cyber defensive capabilities to defend against opponents looking to attack cyber infrastructures; and missile systems to defend critical infrastructures.

Also needed are credible and capable land maneuver forces for both conventional and asymmetric warfare, credible reserve forces and logistics support systems.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier said the CADC will allow the AFP to protect and guarantee "Philippine nationals, Philippine corporations, and those authorized by the Philippine government the unimpeded and peaceful exploration and exploitation of all natural resources within our EEZ and other areas we have jurisdiction."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224087

WPS charade aims to veer attention from China's 'creeping invasion'

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2024): WPS charade aims to veer attention from China's 'creeping invasion' (By Jose Cielito Reganit)

Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers (Photo courtesy of the House Press and Public Affairs Bureau)

MANILA – Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers on Monday denounced the continuing lies, false narratives and propaganda from the Chinese government on West Philippine Sea (WPS) issues.

Barbers issued the statement after Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro debunked the latest “charade” made by a Chinese Embassy official that there exists a “new model” or gentlemen’s agreement meant as “confidence-building measures to avoid conflict in the WPS.”

“The claim made by a Chinese Embassy official, I believe, is an outright and calculated lie, and forms part of their propaganda intended or designed to veer away and/or deviate the Filipinos’ attention on their creeping invasion and maybe other evil designs in the Philippines,” Barbers said.

“China is banking on those fabricated or non-existent verbal agreements to justify their incursions inside the Philippine territory in the WPS. China has been lying and Filipinos should always adopt extreme caution on whatever they say and do on the WPS issue,” he added.

The chairperson of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs noted that “a great majority of Filipinos” were aware of the influx of Chinese nationals in the Philippines engaged in spying activities while working undercover as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) workers; money laundering and shabu shipments; and other criminal activities.

There is also the issue on the growing number of Chinese students, soldier-age retirees, and overstaying tourists supported and heavily funded by their benefactors from China, he said.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila on Saturday claimed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (Wescom) made repeated confirmations that the "new model" for the handling of raising tensions in the WPS have been approved by key Philippine government officials, including Teodoro and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

China also claimed that it has records of "communication and negotiation" on this matter and that it has nothing to do with the sovereign positions of the two countries.

"I would like to clearly state that any insinuation that the Department of National Defense is a party to any new model is a devious machination of China through their Embassy in Manila, and it is curious that it comes right after their actions were condemned in the recent Squad meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii," Teodoro said in response.

Meanwhile, Barbers said there is also a “strong and justifiable need” to provide naval troops or conduct military exercises in the country’s eastern seaboard to cover the Pacific Ocean due to the “real possibility” that China may intrude and invade the “unguarded areas” in the eastern border.

“Considering the China’s aggressiveness, and complete disregard of the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) decision and our diplomatic protests on the WPS issue, the country should now adopt a pro-active stance on those issues to protect our territorial waters,” he said.

Barbers and his elder brother, Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers, has earlier announced that they welcome any government move to provide and install a Philippine Navy station or an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site in the province to further protect and defend the country’s eastern seaboard from drug traffickers, criminal enterprises, and foreign intruders.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224111

PH refusal to use water cannons proves peace efforts in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2024): PH refusal to use water cannons proves peace efforts in WPS (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

PRO-PEACE. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Commodore Jay Tarriela during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel media forum on April 12, 2024. Tarriela said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s refusal to use water cannons against China shows the country's peace-keeping efforts in the West Philippine Sea. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s refusal to use water cannons is proof that the country does not wish to escalate tensions in the West Philippine Sea, an official of the National Task Force for the WPS (NTF-WPS) said Monday.

NTF-WPS spokesperson, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela said the mission of the Philippine Navy and the PCG vessels in the WPS is merely to maintain the country’s presence in the region and assert the country’s sovereignty, “not to cause damage to other vessels that would potentially escalate tension.”

“How can the pro-China trolls explain why [Marcos] will not allow the PCG to use water cannons if they claim that he wants to engage in war and escalate tension in the WPS?” he said in a statement posted over X.

He said the threat of war with China is merely a “pro-China narrative of threatening the Filipino people” based on “lies and misinformation they are spreading to confuse and mislead.”

“Their true intention is to make us submissive and silent in the face of the illegal presence, provocative actions, and bullying tactics of the China Coast Guard and Chinese Maritime Militia against the Filipino fishermen, the PCG and even the AFP,” he said.

On Monday, Marcos said the Philippines has no intention of “attacking anyone with water cannons or with such offensive weapons” in an interview on the sidelines of the 2024 Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations Day at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

Using water cannons would only increase regional tension and that the country “will not follow the CCG and other Chinese vessels down that road", he said.

On April 30, the PCG’s BRP Bagacay and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel BRP Bankaw were on a routine humanitarian mission to distribute food and other supplies to Filipino fishermen near Bajo de Masinloc when they encountered at least 10 Chinese ships.

Both Philippine vessels were attacked with water cannons and were repeatedly blocked through dangerous maneuvers by the Chinese vessels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224127

NSC: No probe on Wescom chief over fake 'new model' of China

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2024): NSC: No probe on Wescom chief over fake 'new model' of China (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya (PNA file photo)

MANILA – A ranking official of the National Security Council (NSC) Monday said there is no need to investigate Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (AFP Wescom) chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos after he was tagged by the Chinese Embassy in Manila as among those who agreed to a "new model" in managing the situation in Ayungin Shoal.

"I don’t think there is any cause for the investigation because this narrative coming from China is simply, you know, there to create dissent and sow disinformation sa ating mga kababayan (to our fellow Filipinos)," NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

Earlier, the Chinese Embassy claimed that Wescom made repeated confirmations that ranking Philippine government officials have approved the "new model" to reduce tensions in Ayungin Shoal.

He also said Carlos is a decorated member of the Philippine Navy, aside from being one of its most senior officers.

"And kawawa naman siya at dinadawit siya dito sa mga (and it is unfair that he was dragged into these) insinuations, fake stories and fake news and disinformation coming from the Chinese Embassy," Malaya said.

Malaya recounted that Carlos was among the Navy officials hurt in a resupply mission in March after they were harassed and water cannoned by the China Coast Guard.

"So, it’s really a tragedy na nadadawit iyong pangalan ni Vice Admiral Carlos (that his name was dragged into this)," Malaya said.

Such allegation is part of the so-called cognitive domain warfare by Beijing through rumors that may lower the morale of the military, Malaya said.

"You will create rumors na kesyo ganito, na hindi kayo handa, na mas malakas iyong kalaban, na ‘pag nagkakaroon ng giyera, matatalo naman kayo kasi ganito (that they are not prepared, that the opponent is stronger than them, and in case war erupts, you will just lose)," Malaya said.

"It seeks to advance a political objective. Which is what? To weaken the resolve of the Philippines in asserting our rights in the West Philippine Sea," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224124

Army pays tribute to soldier slain in Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2024): Army pays tribute to soldier slain in Samar clash (By Sarwell Meniano and Roel Amazona)

Cpl. Arvien Pajanustan. (Philippine Army photo)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army has paid tribute to the heroism of Cpl. Arvien Pajanustan, who was killed in a clash with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Matuguinao, Samar on Saturday.

“He offered the ultimate sacrifice, while serving the people of Samar to attain lasting peace,” Capt. Jefferson Mariano, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said on Monday.

Pajanustan, one of the troopers of the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion based in Catubig, Northern Samar died during a clash past 2 p.m. on May 4 with a group of 10 rebels led by a certain Tigeo Dela Cruz in the upland village of San Roque in Matuguinao town.

The soldier died at the encounter site after a bullet hit his neck, according to Mariano.

“San Roque village is isolated and there were recent reports of sightings of rebels, prompting us to include the area in our focused military operations,” Mariano added.

Pajanustan, 27, is a native of Taft, Eastern Samar. He and his wife, a public school teacher, have two young children.

In a statement, Matuguinao Mayor Aran Boller said the heroism of the fallen soldier will never be forgotten by the townspeople.

“I strongly condemn the atrocity and inhumane act of communist terrorist group that led to the death of Pajanustan,” Boller said.

Matuguinao is a fifth-class town in Samar province with a population of 7,288 people. The town is 105 kilometers from Tacloban City, the regional capital.

Almost all of its 20 villages used to be influenced by the New People’s Army (NPA). At present, all communities are free from NPA influence, although four villages are under monitoring for recovery attempts by rebels, according to the local government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224078

Samar provinces now free from NPA influence

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2024): Samar provinces now free from NPA influence (By Sarwell Meniano)

PEACE DIALOGUE. Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr. speaks to local officials of Samar provinces during a dialogue at the Northern Samar provincial capitol in Catarman town on Monday (May 6, 2024). He commended them, along with government security forces, for their efforts to eradicate armed struggle. (PNA photo by Sarwell Meniano)
CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The three Samar provinces are now free from the influence of the New People's Army (NPA) after years of whole-of-nation efforts against insurgency.

During a peace and development dialogue at the provincial capitol here Monday, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. lauded local officials and government forces for their efforts to eradicate armed struggle.

"I would like to commend the police, military, governors, mayors, and village officials for their efforts. The true test is that if our government forces leave, the rebels will not be able to recover," Abalos said.

Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo said no single village in three Samar provinces is under the influence of NPA this year.

"They are roving bandits with no support from any village officials and locals. Those running in the mountains are remnants of NPA fronts and units," Ligayo said.

The military earlier reported that about 1,000 communities in Eastern Visayas were influenced by the NPA before the formation of the task force to end local communist armed conflict in 2018. Most of these areas are in the three Samar provinces.

Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan said in their province, those who surrendered have been organized into peacebuilders, employed as farm workers, and provided with free housing.

"These interventions encouraged NPA members to surrender and become peacebuilders," Ongchuan said.

To date, there are 50 former rebels in Northern Samar listed as farm workers, earning a PHP350 daily wage.

They have been planting crops within a four-hectare farmland in Cablagan village in Mondragon town, the same site where houses for former rebels will be built.

Meanwhile, Ongchuan asked the national government to build a circumferential road in the tri-boundaries of Samar to ensure the sustainability of anti-insurgency efforts.

"We are the last bastion of insurgency and ending insurgency is a big challenge, especially in the boundaries of three Samar provinces," he said.

The proposed road will connect the towns of Silvino Lubos and Las Navas in Northern Samar to Matuguinao in Samar and Jipapad in Eastern Samar.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224143

Army dismantles another NPA front in Panay

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2024): Army dismantles another NPA front in Panay (By Perla Lena)

DISMANTLED. The recoveries during an encounter between government troops and the remnants of the Southern Panay Front (SPF) in Leon, Iloilo, on May 2, 2024. Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, chief of the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office, said Panay Island is soon to be declared a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) area. (Photo courtesy of 3DPAO)

ILOILO CITY – The Philippine Army has dismantled the Southern Panay Front (SPF) of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Panay that will pave the way for the declaration of a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) in the island.

“SPF was declared dismantled at the level of 3ID last April 8 and approved by Visayas Command on April 15. We are now waiting for the NJPSCC (National Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center) to officially declare SPF as dismantled. But this is already approved in principle,” 3rd Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) chief Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines said on Monday.

The remnants with a squad size are no longer capable of a tactical offensive since they have no man and firepower, Javines said.

With their SPF relegated, their efforts are now focused on breaking up the Central Front (CF) followed by the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG) and the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay (KR-Panay) so they could recommend Panay as SIPS, Javines said.

The CF is around 30 in number and could reach up to 50, including the regional force, Javines said.

He said they are optimistic in declaring the SIPS in Panay similar to Negros Occidental.

“The declaration of SIPS is a symbol of concerted efforts of the military, Philippine National Police, local government units, other agencies, and the people to manifest that there is no longer the threat of insurgency. That the people realized that the NPA is already negligible,” he said.

Meanwhile, Javines said the body of alias Junjun/Cedrick, one of the two rebels killed in an encounter in Leon, Iloilo, on May 2 was brought to his hometown in San Joaquin on Monday.

The body of Nahum Camariosa alias Rodel/Bebong, squad leader of the SPF, will be buried in Tigbauan, Iloilo, beside the tomb of his wife Rebecca Aliparo, and daughter Rhea Rena, who also died in separate encounters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224125

C. Visayas army reservists hone skills, prep for external threats

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2024): C. Visayas army reservists hone skills, prep for external threats (By John Rey Saavedra)

RESERVISTS MARKSMANSHIP. Some of the members of the 1901st Infantry Brigade Ready Reserve participate in the marksmanship proficiency training as part of capability building to augment the regular force for the territorial defense. Brig. Gen. Erik Miguel Espina on Monday (May 6, 2024) said the activity rekindled the eagerness of the ordinary citizens to wear the Army uniform and prepare for any eventualities amid territorial row in the West Philippine Sea. (Photo courtesy of Army Reservist Sgt. Princess Jean Pepito)

CEBU CITY – The reserve force of the Philippine Army is getting ready for capability building to augment the regular force in event they need help to protect the country’s territorial integrity.

Brig. Gen. Erik Miguel Espina, head of the 1901st Infantry Brigade Ready Reserve based in Cebu, said over 100 Army reservists joined the marksmanship proficiency training over the weekend supervised by the Army Reserve Command’s 7th Regional Community Defense Group.

Espina, a media practitioner, said the activity sparked the ordinary citizens’ eagerness to defend the Philippines in case of any external threat amid the continuing row in the West Philippine Sea.

“The reservists of the Philippine Army left their homes just to join the annual recording of their rifle skills, with a mission in mind to keep themselves abreast of the latest concept of defense to secure our family, country, and independence,” Espina told the Philippine News Agency.

The activity is just part of a regular readiness test of the Army reservists in Cebu to arm the citizen armed forces with ample skills to defend the land when needed.

Among the reservists who joined the annual marksmanship training are government officials like Major Thadeo Jonkie Ouano who is the current board member of Cebu’s sixth district and Undersecretary Terence Calatrava, head of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas.

Ouano is the current intelligence officer of the Reserve Brigade while Calatrava is part of the Security Platoon of the unit.

Mandaue City Lone District Rep. Emmarie Ouano-Dizon also holds the position as Executive Officer of the Brigade.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224135

NPA losing manpower, influence in NorMin, Caraga - 4ID chief

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2024): NPA losing manpower, influence in NorMin, Caraga - 4ID chief (By Nef Luczon)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Philippine Army declared that the communist rebels' influence and armed personnel are "disintegrating" in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions, which fall under the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) area of responsibility.

In a statement on Monday, Major General Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II 4ID commander, said that military brigade units reporting successful operations against the communist New People's Army (NPA) often led to a series of surrenders, with the help of the community residents providing information, which isolated the rebel groups.

Cuerpo noted that the surrender of NPA leaders would create a ripple effect within a rebel unit, prompting disintegration as leaderless low-ranking members follow suit and turn themselves in.

"These recent series of surrenders manifest the realization of the low-ranking members of their group's eventual collapse, as they are crumbling and in total disarray," the Army official said.

The 403rd Infantry Brigade facilitated the latest surrender on May 3, negotiating the surrender of nine NPA combatants in Bukidnon province to the Army's 88th and 26 infantry battalions.

Meanwhile, on the same day, two other NPA combatants, identified as Tony Lindaan Taquin and Rian Pid-ak Pedyaan, also surrendered to Army forces at the boundary of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinces.

The two rebels brought along with them an M16 rifle and an M79 grenade launcher during their surrender.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224151

PH, US troops' live fire exercise in Laoag promotes combat readiness

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6, 2024): PH, US troops' live fire exercise in Laoag promotes combat readiness (By Leilanie Adriano)

JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES. 'Balikatan' 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico briefs observers of the joint exercises at the La Paz sand dunes in Laoag City on Monday (May 6, 2024). The exercises will culminate with a maritime strike on May 8. (Photo by Leilanie Adriano)

LAOAG CITY – Joint forces of the Philippines and the United States military showed their prowess in a counter-landing live fire exercise held at the Metro La Paz dunes in this city on Monday.

Using high-powered arms to thwart a simulated invasion in the coastal waters of Ilocos Norte which is located near Taiwan, about 200 soldiers took turns "defending" the shores of Metro La Paz as they launched Javelin missiles and fired howitzers and machine guns to prevent an enemy attack.

The live exercise was set last year in the Ilocos waters but it was moved to Zambales due to unforeseen events including some logistical concerns, which at that time, have not been resolved yet.

After a year of planning and preparation, "Balikatan" 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico told local reporters they decided to return to Ilocos Norte due to the exponential value of the location.

“The waters in Ilocos Norte provide the best training venue for both our AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the United States Armed Forces not to mention, it has better weather conditions compared to other areas,” said Logico.

He said this year’s US-Philippines Balikatan exercise has evolved from being a tactical unit training venue to an operational level which means more complex activities and complicated exercises were undertaken to improve the combat readiness of all service components involving the Army, Navy and Air Force personnel.

In a separate interview after the live fire exercise, US Marines Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm, commanding general of 1 Marine Expeditionary Force and of the joint task force Balikatan, said the exercises aim to improve the forces' operation alongside each other and were not directed against a specific adversary.

“We don’t do this for any third party. We don’t do this for messaging. We do this to create interoperability,” Cederholm said.

He said Balikatan is designed to prepare both the Filipino and American troops to defend Philippine sovereignty. "If anyone has any question about whether we’re ready, we answered that today. We’re ready. And we always will be,” he said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Exercise Director Maj. Gen. Marvin Licudine recognized the critical component of the Balikatan Exercise to enhance interoperability and readiness in safeguarding stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

“The successful execution of this exercise underscores the strengthened cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in defending our shores. With every iteration, we continuously leverage the valuable insights and expertise gained to ensure regional security and stability,” Licudine said.

Smaller contingents are also located in the coastal towns of Burgos and Pasuquin where a village health center is being constructed in Barangay Davila as part of the exercise’s humanitarian project for the community.

Some 600 combined forces of the Philippines and the United States are participating in the exercises which will culminate with a “maritime strike” on Wednesday in the coastal waters of Metro La Paz.

Huge success

Cederholm also touted the activity as a “huge success”.

"The weapons were spot on, they were literally hitting the targets, which were pretty small, the fields of fire were very effective, they were overlapping but they were conducted in a safe manner, there was a layer of defense that started way out, worked it ways all the back in the shore and then to chase them back off as we repel the attacks of high effective manner," he added.

He said this activity is a "great opportunity" for the Philippines to beef up its defense capabilities, as part of the implementation of its Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept. (with report from Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224134

Islamic teachers receive stipends from Cotabato provincial gov't

From the Philippine Star (May 5, 2024): Islamic teachers receive stipends from Cotabato provincial gov't (By John Unson)

The grant of stipends for Islamic teachers in Cotabato province from their provincial government began on May 2, 2024 facilitated by employees under the office of Gov. Emmylou Talino Mendoza.
Photo courtesy of Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY — Around 300 Islamic teachers in Cotabato province each received a P1,500 cash allowance for January to March from their provincial government in support of their efforts to promote religious solidarity among local Muslim and Christian communities.

Islamic teachers in Cotabato province are active in programs addressing violent religious extremism being espoused by misguided radical groups fomenting animosity for non-Muslims.

Radio reports in this city and in nearby provinces on Sunday stated that the program, pioneered by the office of Gov. Emmylou Talino-Mendoza, complements the peace process between Malacañang and Mindanao’s Moro sectors.

The grant of a P500 monthly stipend to Islamic teachers in Madaris, or religious schools in Cotabato, which covers 17 towns and more than 40 barangays in its capital, Kidapawan City, shall be a continuing program of the office of Mendoza, who is chairperson of the multi-sector Regional Development Council 12.

The three-month allowance for each of the 300 Islamic teachers in Moro-dominated areas in Cotabato province were personally released by employees of the Moro Affairs section of the provincial government led by Edris Gandalibo, himself a Muslim.

Teachers in government-accredited Islamic schools in different towns in Cotabato are also known for their subjects promoting cultural and religious solidarity among culturally-pluralistic communities.

A member of the 80-seat Bangsamoro parliament, the physician-ophthalmologist Kadil Monera Sinolinding Jr., who has peacebuilding projects in Bangsamoro barangays in Cotabato province, told reporters the allocation of a P500 monthly cash assistance to Muslim preachers by Mendoza’s office is meaningful owing to her being a non-Muslim and that her province is under Region 12, not part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“Many of the preachers who got the initial allowances are from Bangsamoro barangays in that province. For that, we are thankful,” Sinolinding said.

Major Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said many Islamic missionaries in Cotabato province were even instrumental in negotiating the surrender of more than 300 members of the outlawed Dawla Islamiya and its ally, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, in the past 12 months.

https://qa.philstar.com/nation/2024/05/05/2352814/islamic-teachers-receive-stipends-cotabato-provincial-govt

Rifles, pistol seized from 2 illegal dealers in CIDG operation

From the Philippine Star (May 5, 2024): Rifles, pistol seized from 2 illegal dealers in CIDG operation (By John Unson)

The two illegal gun dealers arrested in Alamada, Cotabato are now both detained, awaiting prosecution.  Photo courtesy of Philstar.com / John Unson

COTABATO CITY — Policemen seized two M1 Garand rifles and a .45 caliber pistol from two illegal gun dealers entrapped in Alamada, Cotabato on Saturday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Allan Huesca, regional chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, told reporters on Sunday that the duo, Marlon Danding and Saddam Polayagan, are now clamped down in a police detention facility.

Danding and Polayagan fell in a sting by CIDG-BAR agents in a secluded area in Alamada town in Cotabato, a component-province of Region 12, but close to towns in Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, both in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The CIDG-BAR shall use the two .30 caliber M1 Garand rifles and .45 caliber pistol confiscated from them during a tradeoff on Saturday afternoon in Alamada as evidence in prosecuting them for violation of the Republic Act No. 10591 or the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act”.

RA No. 10591 prohibits possession, or sale of firearms, ammunition and explosives without permission from the Philippine National Police.

Text messages have been spreading around Alamada and nearby towns stating that Danding ang Polayagan have long been peddling unlicensed firearms clandestinely in Cotabato and Maguindanao del Norte provinces and that they both have links with the outlawed Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/05/05/2352798/rifles-pistol-seized-2-illegal-dealers-cidg-operation

2 ‘illegal gun dealers’ nabbed in Cotabato City

From the Philippine Star (May 6, 2024): 2 ‘illegal gun dealers’ nabbed in Cotabato City (By John Unson)

The suspects, identified as Marlon Danding and Saddam Polayagan, were collared after they allegedly tried to sell firearms to police undercover agents in a remote barangay in Alamada town.
Philstar.com / Jovannie Lambayan

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Two suspected illegal firearms dealers were arrested in a sting that also resulted in the seizure of two rifles and a pistol in Cotabato on Saturday.

The suspects, identified as Marlon Danding and Saddam Polayagan, were collared after they allegedly tried to sell firearms to police undercover agents in a remote barangay in Alamada town.

Danding and Polayagan were allegedly connected to the outlawed Dawlah Islamiya and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, police said.


Charges of violation of Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, will be filed against the suspects.

https://qa.philstar.com/nation/2024/05/06/2352867/2-illegal-gun-dealers-nabbed-cotabato-city

5 PNP officials get new posts in latest reshuffle

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2024): 5 PNP officials get new posts in latest reshuffle (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – Five ranking police officials will get new assignments in the latest reorganization of the Philippine National Police (PNP) effective May 6.

Based on PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil's order dated May 4, Police Regional Office-Caraga Director Brig. Gen. Eleazar Mata will be the director of the Drug Enforcement Group.

Mata will replace Brig. Gen. Dionisio Bartolome, who will be transferred to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit, Directorate for Personnel and Records Management.

Directorate for Police Community Relations chief Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo will be the new director of the Civil Security Group while Maritime Group Director Brig. Gen. Romaldo Bayting will be assigned as Area Police Commander (APC) Western Mindanao.

Philippine National Police Academy Director Brig. Gen. Jonathan Cabal will replace Bayting.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco assumed office as the 48th director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in a turnover ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Friday.

Francisco replaced Maj. Gen Romeo Caramat Jr. who will take the post of Acting APC of Northern Luzon. The movement is necessary for Caramat to be promoted to lieutenant general.

Under Caramat’s term for over a year, the CIDG conducted 20,290 operations, arrested 22,802 suspects, confiscated PHP16.8 billion worth of evidence, and seized 2,652 firearms.

Francisco, on the other hand, wants all CIDG officers to the lowest ranks to be investigators.

Marbil said he has full confidence that all officers will exert their best efforts.

“Sa ating mga kapulisan (To our police officers), I urge you to always respect the law and value human life. Let us professionalize our beloved PNP dahil ang gusto ng pulis, ligtas ka (because the police want you to be safe),” Marbil said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224068

No-sail zone in Ilocos Norte waters for Balikatan

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5, 2024): No-sail zone in Ilocos Norte waters for Balikatan (By Leilanie Adriano)

READY FOR BALIKATAN. Exercise Balikatan 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico talks to reporters during a press conference at the Office of Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc on Sunday (May 5, 2024). A no-sail zone will take effect in the waters off Ilocos Norte on May 6 to 10 due to live-fire exercises. (PNA photo by Leilanie Adriano)

LAOAG CITY – A no-sail zone will take effect Monday in the coastal waters of Ilocos Norte to give way to the counter-landing live-fire exercises at La Paz Sand Dunes in this city as part of the “Balikatan” military exercises.

Balikatan 2024 executive agent Col. Michael Logico said the notice to mariners was published three weeks in advance as approved by the Philippine Coast Guard.

“The displacement (of fisherfolk) will take effect tomorrow. It is for the safety of fishermen and commercial vessels entering the exercise area,” Logico said in a press conference Sunday at the office of Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc.

The exercises will last until May 10.

He said around 600 Filipino and American troops have arrived in the province with high-powered weapons systems.

Counter-landing live-fire refers to a military tactic aimed at preventing or repelling hostile forces from establishing themselves in a country's territory.

In a media advisory, the joint counter-landing fires will feature the United States Army, Philippine Army and Philippine Marine Corps artillery, and the Philippine Marine Corps' Littoral Combat Team Rifle Company.

The military assets to be used in the exercises include 105mm and 155mm howitzers from the Philippine Army and Marines; four tanks from the Armor Division; a fast attack craft from the Philippine Navy; caliber .50 platforms from the US Marine Corps along with their Javelin anti-tank missiles and multi-role anti-armor anti-personnel weapons systems; and the US Air Force MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle and B-52 heavy bomber.

Logico clarified that the B-52 heavy bomber will be used in the simulation but it will not be fired.

In welcoming the Exercise Balikatan troops, Manotoc assured residents that he would closely monitor the military exercises.

“We just want our people to be informed and protected and our environment is not adversely affected. If anything happens or there is any untoward activity (during the exercise), my office door is open to any complaint. I want everyone to be safe and well taken care of,” he told reporters.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1224066