Ex-Wescom chief denies negotiating for 'new model' pact with China

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2024): Ex-Wescom chief denies negotiating for 'new model' pact with China (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Former Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos (Screengrab)

MANILA – Former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (Wescom) chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos on Tuesday maintained that he did not negotiate with China regarding a "new model" agreement that aims to reduce tensions at Ayungin Shoal at the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In an exclusive interview with state-run People's Television (PTV), Carlos also emphasized that he did not give permission or consent to the Chinese military attaché, whom he identified as Col. Lee, to record their conversation.

Carlos said he met Lee during his job as Wescom commander, which sometimes entailed meeting with foreign representatives in diplomatic activities.

"I've had a very open discussion with him in plain view, several times, so we exchanged numbers so when I received that call, I knew it was him so I received the call from him, although I did not give my consent to be recorded," he added.

Carlos also maintained that he and Lee only had an "informal casual conversation."

"New model, definitely, we did not talk about that. Internal understanding, also we did not talk about that, and there is still no long-term agreement. Hindi naman ako (I am not) authorized to negotiate a long-term agreement, so definitely non-existent as far as I'm concerned, (and) no, I did not engage in any discussion on involving secret details. No secret deals and whatsoever. There is no agreement," he added.

Carlos also maintained that he did not compromise the country's territorial integrity.

"I have not given up our sovereign rights and entitlement. I am a soldier for the Filipino. I remain a loyal servant of the Republic," he said.

Earlier this month, the Chinese Embassy in Manila claimed that Carlos, with the approval of ranking government officials, has agreed to enter into "a new model" agreement as part of easing tensions, which have been heightened by Chinese harassment of Philippine resupply ships and their escorts in Ayungin Shoal.

Carlos also expressed concern for his troops at the Wescom as tensions seem to be escalating in the WPS, given the series of water cannon attacks against Philippine ships that have resulted in damage and injuries to the Filipino side.

He was referring to the March 23 incident in Ayungin Shoal where a resupply mission and its escorts were heavily pummeled by water cannon blasts by the China Coast Guard and the April 30 humanitarian and patrol mission in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), which was also subjected to heavy water cannon attacks.

"I'm really worried about my personnel in Wescom, especially those involved in the RORE (rotation and resupply [missions]). Sa mga kasamahan ko sa Western Command, alam kong napakarami pang hamon ang ating haharapin, marami pa tayong gagawin dyan sa West Philippine Sea. Alam kong kayang kaya natin yan (To my comrades at the Western Command, I know we are facing a lot of challenges and we still have a lot to do at the WPS. I know we can do it)," Carlos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225707

Abu Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Tawi-Tawi clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2024): Abu Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Tawi-Tawi clash (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

NEUTRALIZED. Police seize different firearms from a sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group killed after a gunfight in Barangay Lahay-Lahay, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi province on Tuesday (May 28, 2024). The suspect, identified as Udon Hasim, is wanted for four counts of frustrated murder and 17 counts of murder. (Photo courtesy PNP-PIO)

MANILA – A sub-leader of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was killed in a counter-terrorism police operation in Tawi-Tawi province early Tuesday.

In a media interview at Camp Crame, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said Udon Hasim was killed in a 30-minute firefight with members of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and Intelligence Group (IG) in Barangay Lahay-Lahay in the town of Tandubas at about 5 a.m.

Hasim opened fire on the arresting team, prompting them to return fire which led to an encounter.

Three police officers were also wounded in the firefight.

Hasim is wanted for four counts of frustrated murder and 17 counts of murder.

“On July 28, 2013, involved siya sa (he was involved in an) ambush which killed 23 civilians and wounded 14 others in Talipao, Sulu. Hindi lang siya member ng (He is not only a member of the) ASG, na-involve na rin siya sa (he was involved in) illegal drugs last month, April 2024 in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, yung tao niya na involved sa illegal drugs, namatay din (his followers who are also involved in illegal drugs were also killed),” Marbil said.

Seized from the operation were several plastic sachets containing shabu, an M14 rifle, an M16 rifle, assorted magazines and ammunition for M14 and M16, and a bandolier.

The suspect's cadaver was brought to the Tandubas Health Unit, while the wounded personnel were brought to Ciudad Medical Zamboanga for medical treatment.

Ranking NPA leader falls

In a related development, CIDG director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said a ranking leader of the New People's Army (NPA) was arrested in a manhunt in Cagayan province.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225708

The suspect, alias "Bladdy", was arrested in an operation by the CIDG Regional Field Unit 2 in Barangay Santa Cruz in Ballesteros town on Tuesday afternoon.

Bladdy is the Commanding Officer of the Front Operational Command (FOC), West Front, Komiteng Probinsya (KOMPROB) Cagayan, and Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KRCV) of the NPA.

The suspect is wanted for murder by the Ballesteros, Cagayan Region Trial Court Branch 33. 

CHR probes ambush of social services officer in BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2024): CHR probes ambush of social services officer in BARMM (By Ma. Teresa Montemayor)

MANILA – The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is investigating the ambush of a 28-year-old provincial official of the Ministry of Social Services and Development in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Targeting social service workers can cause a chilling effect to development workers and disrupts the delivery of services direly needed in conflict-vulnerable communities in the region,” the CHR said in a statement on Wednesday.

Christhia Angela Aragoncillo was attacked along a highway in Barangay Semba in Datu Odin Sinsuat last month.

The attack also wounded Aragoncillo’s officemate, Norhano Ado.

The attack happened not far from the victims' office, according to the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office.

The CHR denounced the violence and expressed concern on the safety and security of government workers in the BARMM “who dedicate their lives to the betterment of their communities”.

“This attack not only claimed the life of a young public servant but it is also an affront on the peace and development efforts in the area,” it said.

The CHR has urged authorities to "leave no stone unturned" in investigating the case.

"It is crucial to bring the perpetrators to account to prevent similar incidents from happening.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225776

Navy: Contingency plans in place if tension ups over China fishing ban

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2024): Navy: Contingency plans in place if tension ups over China fishing ban (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PN spokesperson for WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad (PNA file photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) on Wednesday said it has contingency plans in place should tensions heighten over China's announcement of a unilateral fishing ban which covers the Philippines' maritime zones in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"Rest assured that we have sufficient contingency plans in place in the event that situations will escalate," PN spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a media briefing.

He said the PN, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), will support the "actions of the other maritime law enforcement agencies especially the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)" that they will undertake regarding the issue.

He said China's actions that would threaten Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity would only strengthen the PN and the AFP's resolve to perform their mandate.

Earlier, China announced a fishing ban that will take effect from May 1 to Sept. 16 in areas north of the South China Sea north of the 12 degrees north latitude, which covers the Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal).

Trinidad called this action by China as illegal and against international law.

"All the actions of China which is an implementation of their Coast Guard Law which took effect 01 February 2021 are illegal, they are against international law, our Commander-in-Chief (President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.) said they are all unacceptable, the SND (Secretary of National Defense Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.) said they are provocative, China is out tune, out of step, out of their minds," he said.

Asked on whether it is possible that China will use the fishing ban as an excuse to arrest Filipino fishermen going about their lawful business in the WPS, Trinidad said this is possible as the Chinese are using "lawfare" as one of their tactics.

"Lawfare is one of the instruments in their cookbook, the ultimate objective of China is sea control of the South China Sea, they will use the different instruments of a national power to assert that," he said.

Meanwhile, Trinidad, citing information from the Naval Forces Northern Luzon, said Filipino fishermen are allowed to fish in the general area of the WPS "as long as they do not enter Bajo de Masinloc."

There are also no indications that China is implementing its announced ban as of this time, he said.

"Again I mentioned earlier that today's warfare is more narrative, it's more of deception, it's part of the lawfare of China," he said.

He also assured all Filipino fishermen, especially those plying Bajo de Masinloc, that the PN and the AFP support all their lawful actions for their livelihood.

"I would like to say that the PN and the AFP is fully supportive of your actions, of your livelihood which has been a traditional source of income, wag kayong matakot, magpatuloy lamang kayo at (don't be afraid, just continue with business), the AFP and the entire government is behind you," he said.

PCG to beef up presence in Bajo de Masinloc

The PCG, meanwhile, said it would intensify its presence in Bajo de Masinloc to protect Filipino fishermen there, in response to Beijing's fishing ban.

"We're going to intensify our presence in collaboration with the deployment of the BFAR. Kung maalala niyo (if you can remember) way back as February, the National Security Adviser (NSA) has already issued a directive to the Coast Guard and BFAR to maintain a rotational deployment in Bajo de Masinloc," PCG spokesperson for the WPS Commodore Jay Tarriela said in an interview in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing Wednesday.

He said this is in line with PCG chief Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan's commitment to the Chief Executive and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año.

Tarriela said the Chinese fishing ban declaration, according to Filipino fishermen in the past years, was never actively implemented by Chinese maritime law enforcement.

"That only intends to discourage Filipino fishermen from going to WPS," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225785

PH, Brunei agree on peaceful resolution of Indo-Pacific conflicts

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2024): PH, Brunei agree on peaceful resolution of Indo-Pacific conflicts (By Darryl John Esguerra)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah. (Presidential Communications Office Photo)

MANILA – The Philippines and Brunei Darussalam have agreed to endorse peaceful resolution to any conflict in the Indo-Pacific region amid threats to international rules-based order.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said this was agreed upon during the discussions on maritime cooperation with His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah in their bilateral meeting on Tuesday.

Marcos is currently in Brunei for a two-day state visit.

“We talked about maritime cooperation. We talked about strengthening the partnership and streamlining the processes in BIMP-EAGA (Brunei Darussalam Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area). It was really more about trade,” Marcos said in a press briefing with the Philippine media delegation Wednesday.

“On the diplomatic side, the closest we came to any kind of defense agreement was really a diplomatic document that express[es] the understanding that we both endorse a peaceful resolution to any conflicts between our two countries and in the region,” he said.

Marcos and the Sultan witnessed on Tuesday the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on maritime cooperation between the Philippines and Brunei, which both sides agreed to further cooperation on wide ranging areas including pollution, skills training, research and information sharing.

Two other MOUs on tourism cooperation, and on Mutual Recognition of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificates were also signed between the two Southeast Asian countries, along with the letter of intent to renew the MOU on food security and agricultural cooperation.

Marcos’ state visit to Brunei coincides with the 40th anniversary of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and the Sultanate.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225787

China threat vs. ‘trespassers’ an escalation of WPS tensions –Marcos

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2024): China threat vs. ‘trespassers’ an escalation of WPS tensions –Marcos (By Darryl John Esguerra)

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (File Photo)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. once again sounded the alarm over China’s new policy to detain alleged “trespassers” in the South China Sea, including those overlapping in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying that the move was “an escalation” of tensions in the disputed area.

In a press briefing with members of the media on the sidelines of his state visit to Brunei on Wednesday, Marcos described China’s threat as a worrisome development.

“The new policy of threatening to detain our own citizens, that is different. That is an escalation of the situation. So, yes, it is now very worrisome,” Marcos said.

The President made the remarks when asked to react on China’s four-month fishing ban in the South China Sea, including parts of the WPS.

He said China’s self-imposed fishing ban is “just an extension of their claim."

In a media interview last May 19, Marcos called China's policy against perceived "trespassers" as "unacceptable," and vowed that the Philippines will take "whatever measures" to protect Filipinos.

China reportedly empowered its own Coast Guard to detain for up to 60 days without trial foreign trespassers who will cross what it claims are its borders.

This followed the successful conduct of the Atin To Coalition civilian convoy to Scarborough Shoal.

The WPS is part of the vast South China Sea, which Beijing claims entirely as its own.

However, in 2016, the Philippines won a landmark international arbitration case against China, invalidating its ambitious claim over South China Sea— a ruling that Beijing vehemently disregarded.

Ensuring peace

Despite China’s continued aggression in the WPS that includes the use of water cannons, military-grade laser and barriers, the Philippines, Marcos said, is exhausting all remedies to peacefully resolve the issue.

He said there are some sort of a middle ground with China to ensure peace and stability in the area.

“Yes, of course, there are,” Marcos said when asked if there are meetings or backchannel efforts to resolve WPS issues.

“I’ve said it many times. You should try everything. You don’t know what effort is going to be successful. So, as any point of contact that I can establish, I will use it. And at every level, at the leaders' level, at the ministerial, sub-ministerial, private.”

“As long as it gives us, brings us progress in terms of resolving these [issues]. And you know, first of all, number one, to stop the aggressive actions such as water-cannoning and lasers and barrier putting etcetera. And secondly, allowing our fishermen to fish. Let’s start with that,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225809

CIDG nabs local terror leader linked to SoCot killings

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2024): CIDG nabs local terror leader linked to SoCot killings (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

(Photo courtesy of CIDG)

MANILA – Law enforcers have arrested the leader of a notorious local terrorist group in the province of South Cotabato.

In a report on Wednesday, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco said the suspect, 32-year-old alias “Jaffer”, leader of the Daulah Islamiya-Emaruddin Kassan group, was arrested in an operation at about 1:30 a.m. Tuesday ni Barangay Lapu, Polomolok, South Cotabato.

The suspect and his group are linked to a series of killings in Polomolok town and surrounding areas.

"Jaffer" has standing arrest warrants for four counts of murder, one count of frustrated murder, one count of attempted murder and two drug charges issued by courts in the provinces of South Cotabato, Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

The accused is currently detained at the CIDG South Cotabato Provincial Field Unit Office for proper disposition and documentation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225829

Gun-toting Chinese yields firearms, 'hacking equipment' in Makati

From the Philippine News Agency (May 30, 2024): Gun-toting Chinese yields firearms, 'hacking equipment' in Makati (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

SEIZED. The firearms and purported hacking equipment seized from a Chinese national by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. The CIDG on Thursday (May 30, 2024) said an investigation is underway to determine the kind of equipment seized from the suspect, identified as Yuhang Liu. (PNA photo by Lloyd Caliwan)

MANILA – An operation in response to a gun-toting complaint led law enforcers to the discovery of firearms and suspected hacking equipment from a Chinese national in Makati City.

In a report on Thursday, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the suspect identified as Yuhang Liu was arrested along Finlandia Street corner Codornico Street in Barangay San Isidro, Makati City on Wednesday afternoon.

The arrest stemmed from a complainant's call who said Liu coerced him into delivering unidentified communication hacking devices to the suspect's residence.

This equipment would allegedly be placed in vital installations to hack or access mobile phones' international mobile equipment identity (IMEI).

CIDG members caught the suspect visibly in possession of a handgun tucked in his waist, prompting them to accost him and ask for his identification and authority to possess such a firearm. He, however, failed to present proper documents.

During the search of the suspect’s vehicle, law enforcers discovered several firearms and ammunition, a multi-band directional antenna system, battery units, a solar inverter, a radio receiver/transmitter, a Huawei router, an Apple tablet, mobile phones, and some cash.

A subsequent raid on the suspect's residence yielded an inverter unit, aerial drone, computer keyboard, CPU units, portable power supply hubs, several IDs, and cash.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, CIDG spokesperson Lt. Col. Imelda Reyes said they consider the suspect's possession of such equipment as "alarming."

"Meron siyang certain gadgets, like yung drone, and meron din siyang mga cellphone and 'yung makapag-intercept nung other gadgets (He has certain gadgets, like a drone, and he has cellphones and equipment that can intercept other gadgets). So as of now, ang experts ang makapag-justify kung anong klaseng gadgets ang mga ito (experts can justify what kind of gadgets these are) and then we are waiting for a final report," Reyes said.

She also said they were coordinating with the military to confirm whether the suspect is a foreign spy.

The suspect will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and is currently detained at the CIDG - National Capital Region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225898

2 ranking NPA rebels, 1 other killed in Agusan, MisOr skirmishes

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23, 2024): 2 ranking NPA rebels, 1 other killed in Agusan, MisOr skirmishes (By Alexander Lopez)

DEAD REBELS. Two ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebels lay dead after an encounter with government troops in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental on May 21, 2024. A day earlier, an NPA rebel was also slain in a clash with military troops in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

BUTUAN CITY – Two ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and a member were killed in recent encounters that took place in Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental provinces, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said in a statement Thursday.

On May 21, the Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion (IB) engaged in a 10-minute skirmish with a group of NPA rebels in Barangay Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, which resulted in the death of two ranking leaders.

The fatalities were identified as Zaldy Galamiton, the secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee 1, and Johnjhon Ayuma Ramos, the commanding officer of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Eagles, both under the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Recovered from the encounter site were two M16 rifles, bandoliers, magazines, ammunition, and personal belongings, the 4ID said.

On May 20, troopers of the Army’s 29IB on a pursuit operation in Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte also clashed with a group of communist insurgents.

The insurgents immediately abandoned their position after the five-minute firefight and left behind a dead comrade identified as Berto Dayong, a member of the NPA Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad West under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Government troops also recovered a 9mm pistol and a .45-caliber pistol at the clash site.

Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 4ID commander, commended the 29IB and 16IB for swiftly responding to citizens' reports of the presence of NPA guerrillas in their localities.

“These reports indicate the continuing support of the civilians to our government and our forces,” Cuerpo said.

The operations, he added, also thwarted the plans of the insurgents to conduct extortion and harassment of civilians in the area.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225387

AFP to hold peace-geared seminars for job seekers in Laguna city

From the Philippine News Agency (May 24, 2024): AFP to hold peace-geared seminars for job seekers in Laguna city (By Zen Trinidad)

MEETING OF MINDS. San Pedro, Laguna Mayor Art Mercado meets with Lt. Col. Rolando Acido, commander of the 2nd Civil Military Operations (2CMO) Battalion, at the city hall on Wednesday (May 22, 2024). The military seeks a bigger role in supporting the city's economic development by conducting peace and order-oriented seminars for job-seekers and other community stakeholders. (Photo courtesy of 2CMO)

SAN PEDRO CITY, Laguna – Instructors from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 2nd Civil Military Operations (2CMO) Battalion will soon be conducting peace and order-oriented seminars for first-time job-seekers in this city in hopes of steering them away from communist rebels’ influence.

This plan came together as San Pedro is poised to be awarded the stable internal peace and security (SIPS) designation, a seal the AFP confers on jurisdictions that have been without significant rebel activity for at least one year.

In an interview on Thursday, Lt. Col. Rolando Acido, commander of 2CMO, said the military looks forward to contributing to the city’s economic development by promoting constructive relations between the workforce tripartite, which is composed of the government, employers and the labor force by upholding industrial peace.

The Army officer said there was a meeting of minds when officers of the AFP and the Philippine National Police held an engagement meeting with local government leaders at the city hall on Wednesday.

He disclosed that San Pedro Mayor Art Joseph Mercado gave his support for the proposal to conduct AFP-led seminars for prospective entrants to the workforce in venues to be determined by the local leader.

"By fostering an environment of enduring peace within the community and becoming the pioneer city in Laguna to achieve SIPS status, Santa Pedro City can unlock its full economic potential for the benefit of all its constituents," Acido said.

He explained that his office hopes to leverage the participation of the human resource departments of the various hiring enterprises in the city to ensure they have access to as many applicants as possible.

Additionally, it was also agreed upon during Wednesday’s meeting that the military would conduct similar seminars for other community stakeholders, including village representatives and the youth of San Pedro.

“The local government has generously offered venues and other necessary support, while the PNP and CMO will contribute by providing speakers and moderators,” Acido added.

He noted that Santa Pedro has remained devoid of violent terrorist incidents for over a year, and as such, the SIPS seal should be forthcoming.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225435

4 warring Moro families end 'rido' in Maguindanao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (May 24, 2024): 4 warring Moro families end 'rido' in Maguindanao Norte (By Edwin Fernandez)

PEACE. Warring Moro families in Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte, swear before the Qur'an that they will no longer use violence in settling misunderstandings. The peace settlement was brokered on Thursday (May 23, 2024) by Buldon Mayor Pahmia Manalao-Masurong and Vice Mayor Abolais Manalao. (Photo courtesy of Buldon LGU)

COTABATO CITY – After over a month of mediation through an emissary, four families agreed to settle their "rido" (family feud), ending over five years of sporadic skirmishes in Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte.

"We are glad the patriarchs of warring families agreed to settle their misunderstanding peacefully. This is unprecedented since previous efforts for amicable settlement have failed," Buldon Mayor Pahmia Manalao-Masurong said in a statement on Friday.

On Thursday, the mayor, members of the municipal council and Ministry of Public Order and Safety, police, and Philippine Marines collaborated to bring the warring families together.

Involved in the long-standing family feud were the Naser Bada family against the Sanggacala Macaraub family, as well as another rido involving Abdul Azis Nonggo's family against Johaira Balingan Baraocor's family.

"Hopefully, there will be no more skirmishes and fighting," Masurong said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225472

5 ex-rebels get cash aid from Borongan city gov’t

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27, 2024): 5 ex-rebels get cash aid from Borongan city gov’t (By Roel Amazona)

AID FOR EX-REBELS. The former rebels and the firearms they surrendered together with officials from the Philippine Army and the city government of Borongan, Eastern Samar. Five former rebels received cash assistance on Monday (May 27, 2024) through the Local Social Integration Program from the city government of Borongan. (Photo courtesy of Borongan City government)

TACLOBAN CITY – Five former rebels received cash assistance on Monday through the Local Social Integration Program (LSIP) from the city government of Borongan in Eastern Samar.

Former combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) received PHP50,000 each from the city government, handed over to them by Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda, Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, and the Army's 78th Infantry Battalion commander, Lt. Col. Joseph Bugaoan.

The former rebels were identified by the military as Jevie Baleña alias Largo, Oscar Agohayan alias Kardo, Jeboy Mabag alias Sky, Daniel Belicario alias Father, and his wife, Iluminada Belicario alias Mother.

Agda said they are in full support of the reintegration process of former rebels, regardless of their hometowns. Some of them are residents of Giporlos town in Eastern Samar, Hinabangan town in Samar, and General McArthur in Eastern Samar.

“The city government is willing to help active NPA members who are willing to embrace the government once again. I hope they will live a peaceful life and not run in the mountains to be exploited by communists,” the mayor said in a statement.

The former rebels surrendered on April 29, 2024, after the launch of the Enhanced Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families (E-FReE) program of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade in MacArthur, Eastern Samar.

The LSIP is just one of the programs of the local government intended for former rebels and aims to sustain the peace and trust of the family members of active NPA members by convincing the latter to return to the fold of the law.

Vestuir highlighted the success of the implementation of the E-FReE program and the families that have been reunited because of the said program.

“I am also thankful to the Borongan city government for the assistance and to the former members of the NPA for deciding to surrender and be with the government once again,” he added.

The E-FReE Families program optimizes the local government’s efforts to link and convince the remaining NPA members through the active participation of the rebels’ families to work for the peaceful surrender of their loved ones.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225619

Army steps up talks with families of active rebels in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28, 2024): Army steps up talks with families of active rebels in Leyte (By Sarwell Meniano)

INSURGENCY FIGHT. Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade. The Army official said on Tuesday (May 28, 2024) that they are stepping up dialogues with the families of the remaining 19 active New People’s Army combatants in Leyte province. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Army is stepping up on its dialogues with families of the remaining 19 active New People’s Army (NPA) combatants in Leyte in a bid to completely wipe out insurgency in the province.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade, said Tuesday they have been working with local government and even village officials to talk to the rebels’ families.

“We believe these families still have contacts with their loved ones who are still active in the armed struggle. They will be instrumental in convincing their family members to surrender,” Vestuir said in a statement.

The military and local government also extended assistance to family members to ensure that they will not be persuaded to support the armed rebellion.

Of the 19 active NPA rebels who are native to Leyte, six are from Mahaplag town; four from Kananga; two each from Jaro and Albuera; and one each from Carigara, Alangalang, MacArthur, Baybay City, and Hindang town.

Their affiliation with the NPA is a setback in declaring their hometowns as having stable internal peace and security or a full rebel-free status.

But not all NPA members who hail from Leyte are operating in their home province since some are in Samar provinces, according to Vestuir.

The regular dialogue is part of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade’s Friends Rescued Engagement through Their Families (FReE Families) initiative.

It is a local government-led peace engagement program aimed at calling upon the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and embrace peace through their families and loved ones.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225726

Kapatiran peace and development community to rise in northern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2024): Kapatiran peace and development community to rise in northern Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

SITE VISIT. The site assessment and survey of the soon-to-rise peace and development community for former rebels who belong to the Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, earlier this month. Situated in Sitio Huebesan, Barangay Celestino Villacin, it will be established as a Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU). (Photo courtesy of 79th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – A peace and development community (PDC) will soon rise for former rebels who belong to the Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan (Kapatiran) in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental.

The PDC will be established as a Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU).

First Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations officer of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, said in an interview on Wednesday they conducted an assessment and survey of the site in Sitio Huebesan, Barangay Celestino Villacin, earlier this month together with troops of the 542nd Engineering Brigade (EBDe).

“After this, the implementation of the project is set to start in the third quarter,” he added.

The PDC components include housing, livelihood, daycare center, health center, and public market.

“They would have access to all services offered by the government,” Samoza said.

Kapatiran is the new name of Rebolusyonaryong Partido Ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/RPA-ABB) Tabara-Paduano Group (TPG) in line with its institutional transformation after entering into a peace agreement with the national government.

The RPA-ABB is a breakaway group of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Mamad Gandarosa Jr., community environment and natural resources office officer-in-charge; Antonio Agabon, Kapatiran Cadiz City Chapter president; and Nelsan Marie Vedasto, OPAPRU project development officer, joined Samoza and Capt. Emerson Tapang, 542EBDe operations officer, during the site visit.

Samoza said the PDC will serve as a symbol of the Kapatiran’s transition to mainstream society.

“It will highlight their key role in peace-building efforts and will be a reaffirmation of their commitment to the progress of our nation, particularly in northern Negros,” he added.

PAMANA is a key component of the comprehensive peace process in the national government’s program for convergence of peace and development.

It is an integral part of the government’s commitment, under the 2019 Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) signed by the RPM-P/RPA-ABB TPG and the Philippine government on July 19, 2019, towards the completion of the commitments in the 2000 peace deal.

The CID is regarded as the ultimate and definitive settlement of the peace deal, ending the years of armed confrontation between the state and the RPA-ABB.

Through the PAMANA, the government aims to extend development interventions to communities affected by conflict and poverty, promote sustainable peace and development, and support conflict resolution and reconciliation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225771

Army commander bucks NPA fake news on 'encounter'

From the Philippine News Agency (May 30, 2024): Army commander bucks NPA fake news on 'encounter' (By Mary Judaline Partlow)

FAKE NEWS. The 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army has debunked claims by the New People's Army of a supposed encounter in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental. Lt. Col. Evelio Ilanga, 62IB commanding officer, said this is a futile attempt to recover the support of the dismantled guerilla front's mass base. (Photo courtesy of 62IB Facebook)

DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) on Wednesday urged residents in northern Negros Oriental to not fall prey to the fake news being spread by the New People’s Army (NPA) of an alleged encounter in Vallehermoso town.

Lt. Col. Evelio Ilanga, 62IB battalion commander, said these are all lies by a dismantled guerilla front to deceive the people amid futile efforts to recover their mass base support.

“Basically, it is part of their propaganda to spread fake news to make people believe that their presence is still significant and they are still capable of committing atrocities against government forces,” Ilanga said in mixed English and Filipino.

Ilanga was referring to a post on social media purportedly by the Leonardo Panaligan Command saying that an encounter took place between 62IB troops and NPA members at Barangay Malangsa in Vallehermoso town.

The encounter never happened and no soldier was injured or killed, contrary to the claim of the NPA, he said.

The Army commander said that nevertheless, they continue with their peace and security efforts to ensure that the NPA can no longer recoup.

This comes in preparation for the declaration of Negros Island as a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225795