Advisory board welcomes new Army chief

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 17): Advisory board welcomes new Army chief



The Philippine Army Multi-Sector Advisory Board (PA-MSAB) welcomes the newly-appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA), Lt. General Macairog S. Alberto. (PIA)
MANILA  -- To reiterate and fully strengthen efforts in ensuring continuity in the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR), the Philippine Army Multi-Sector Advisory Board (PA-MSAB) welcomed newly-appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA), Lt. General Macairog S. Alberto, in a fellowship dinner at the Manila Polo Club in Makati on Saturday.

Spearheaded by PA-MSAB Chairperson, Atty. Arnel P. Casanova, the gathering also lauded the contributions of former Army chief, retired Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, and outgoing Board members, Samira Gutoc, and Dr. Maria Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, through a simple recognition ceremony.

PA-MSAB was established in 2015 primarily to promote continuity, sustainability, and shared responsibility for the ATR, an 18-year transformation and governance program adapted from Harvard’s Palladium Balance Scorecard framework. Its inception is a recognition of the important roles of external stakeholders in the Army’s performance governance system, which is the basis of the formulation of the ATR.

Developed in 2010, the ATR aims to pursue genuine transformation in the Army with the goal of becoming a world-class institution that is a source of national pride by 2028. This partnership between civilians and the Army guarantees public engagement in strategy formulation and execution, and serving as a link of the Army to the people in the formulation of plans, programs, and policies, the Board provides inputs on how the military should continuously improve its systems, processes, and services.

The group, which is composed of representatives from key sectors of society, helps the Army pursue transformation initiatives. In July 2018, the board organized themselves into committees to effectively and efficiently support the ATR.

The committees include Governance, Resource, Strategic, and Assessment and Review.

In his message, Alberto recognized the efficient and significant contribution of the Board as a public body that has been supporting the Philippine Army.

He vowed to “fully support the MSAB and ensure that the Philippine Army will continue to listen” to the advisory body.

The consistent engagement of MSAB members with the Army leadership through the years signals a continuous open link on communication and a stronger multi-sector governance coalition for the attainment of the Philippine Army’s 2028 vision.

Manifested in this interest of partnership with the public is the Army’s commitment to genuine reforms promoting good governance through transparency and accountability.

Also in attendance in the ceremony are other MSAB members Alberto Lim, Mel Sarmiento, Vicky Garchitorena, and Harold Clavite; officials of the Army’s Government and Strategy Management Office; and the Army’s Conference Group Alpha.

Meanwhile, outgoing board member Gutoc, who is seeking an elective office in the 2019 mid-term elections, recommended that another Muslim woman from Mindanao be chosen as her replacement.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1015170

More villages seek inclusion in BARMM

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): More villages seek inclusion in BARMM



North Cotabato Board Member Kellie Antao carries the resolutions to Comelec Manila early this week. (Photo by NCCT-CSO)

COTABATO CITY -- A Moro peace advocate said on Friday that more villages inhabited by Moros want to join the proposed new political entity in Muslim Mindanao.

“These villages really wanted to join because they see better life ahead,” said Taher Solaiman, chairperson of North Cotabato Composite Team of Civil Society Organizations (NCCT-CSO).

Solaiman said local officials and residents of 44 Muslim-dominated villages in North Cotabato and 12 barangays in Zamboanga del Sur want to join the proposed new territory of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

He said the officials and residents of the 44 Muslim villages have passed resolutions seeking inclusion in the proposed new political entity.

Solaiman and North Cotabato Board Member Kellie Antao, hand-carried the 44 petitions to the main office of the Commission on Elections in Manila early this week.

Solaiman said another group of peace advocate from Zamboanga del Sur also hand-carried village council resolutions asking the poll body that they be included in the January 2019 plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Residents will be asked if they wish to join the expanded regional government. If so, they need to vote yes to the BOL.

In North Cotabato, the BOL plebiscite only identified 39 villages where residents will be asked if they wanted to be part of the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“So the number in North Cotabato would be from 39 to 44 villages,” Solaiman clarified.

The BOL (RA 11054) seeks to implement the major provisions of the peace deal between the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the political group representing the Bangsamoro people.

The 39 villages subject to inclusion in a plebiscite in January are in Carmen, Kabacan, Pikit, Pigcawayan, Midsayap, and Aleosan towns.

Solaiman said the 44 villages that petitioned for inclusion to the BARMM now includes Barangays Ilian and Natutungan in Matalam town; Balabak, Balungis, Bualan, Bulod, Bulol, Dalingaoen, Fort Pikit, Gli-Gli, Inug-ug, Langayen, Manaulanan, Nabundas, Nalapaan, Nunguan, Pamalian, Panicupan, Rajahmuda, Talitay and Tinutulan in Pikit; Buluan, Kayaga, Kilagasan, Lower Paatan, Magatos, Simone, and Tamped in Kabacan; Rangeban and Tumbras in Midsayap; Banucagun, Datu Mantil, Cabpangi, Libungan Toreta, Simsiman, and Upper Pangangkalan in Pigcawayan; Kibayao, Kitulaan, Langogan, Lanoon, Manili, Pebpoluan and Tupig in Carmen; and Pagangan in Aleosan.
Solaiman said he hopes the poll body will consider these resolutions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054166

Abu Sayyaf bandits release female hostage

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): Abu Sayyaf bandits release female hostage



The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits have released a woman they kidnapped together with her husband almost two months ago in Zamboanga del Norte, police said Saturday.

In a statement, the Sulu Provincial Police Office said the victim, Helen Roda, was released around 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Barangay Anuling, Patikul, Sulu.

ASG sub-leaders Mujer Yadah and Injam Yadah released Roda following the alleged payment of a PHP1-million ransom, police said. The ransom was reportedly delivered by two unidentified negotiators, who at the same time, accompanied Roda in her travel to this city aboard a commercial ferry, police said.

Roda was released 29 days after the ASG bandits freed her husband, Rufo, a militiaman, on October 18 following the alleged payment of PHP1.2 million in ransom.

The couple was seized on August 31 by five ASG bandits following a firefight in Barangay Piacan, a coastal village in the town of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Six people, including a militiaman, were killed while a child was wounded in the clash that broke out when the militiamen responded to the reported arrival of five gunmen clad in camouflage uniforms.

Roda's release has brought down to six the number of hostages still in the hands of the ASG bandits. The hostages include a Dutch, a Vietnamese, and four Filipinos.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054161

71 ex-rebels in Misamis Occidental get financial aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): 71 ex-rebels in Misamis Occidental get financial aid

Former New People's Army rebels from Misamis Occidental on Saturday take the oath of allegiance to the government after they received financial aid through the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy: Army's 1st Infantry Division Public Information Office) 

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur -- Seventy-one former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from Misamis Occidental on Saturday received financial assistance from the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Col. Bagnus Gaerlan, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said that Department of National Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana led the distribution of checks in a ceremony held at the Misamis Oriental provincial capitol in Oroquieta City.

Gaerlan said each of the former NPA rebels received PHP65,000 in check while the rest, who are “Yunit Militia” members, received PHP15,000 in check.

“Sixty-nine out of 71 surrenderers were regular Communist NPA terrorist members. The two others were Yunit Militia (members),” Gaerlan said.

Misamis Occidental Gov. Herminia Ramiro noted that the E-CLIP has changed the lives of former NPA rebels and has led to the decreasing number of rebels in the province.

“To our former rebels, there is no turning back, you are now our partners for peace and development in our province,” Ramiro said.

Alias Man-Man, one of the former NPA rebel, thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for coming up with the reintegration program. He said they experienced hardships while with the NPA.

“The promise of our government is different compared to Communist NPA terrorist. We fulfill our promise of a good governance, they (NPA) didn’t,” Lorenzana said.

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, has thanked Ramiro and other Misamis Occidental stakeholders for being active in implementing the E-CLIP.

The E-CLIP seeks to contribute towards achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups.

The distribution of the financial assistance was followed by the oath of allegiance by the former NPA rebels where they pledged their commitment, loyalty, and support to the government.

The activity was also attended by Roosque Calacat, DND assistant secretary for barangay affairs and partnership; Reynaldo Mapagu, head of the DND Task Force Balik Loob; Misamis Occidental Vice Governor Virginia Almonte; E-CLIP committee members and police and local government officials as well as other stakeholders.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054172

5 soldiers killed, 23 wounded in Sulu clash with Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): 5 soldiers killed, 23 wounded in Sulu clash with Abu Sayyaf

Five soldiers were killed while 23 others, including an officer, were wounded when they clashed with members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the hinterlands of Sulu, the military reported.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the clash took place around 4:10 p.m. Friday in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu.

The encounter happened a day after the ASG bandits released a woman they kidnapped along with her militiaman-husband almost two months ago in Zamboanga del Norte.

Besana said the troops from the Joint Task Force Sulu were conducting intensified military operations when they clashed with some 50 ASG bandits led by sub-leader Almujer Yadah.

Besana said the firefight lasted for about one hour and 30 minutes after which the ASG bandits fled to different directions “bringing along their casualties with them.”

He said the exchange of gunfire resulted to undetermined number of casualties on the ASG bandits “as evident on the blood stains scattered in the encounter site.”

While he did not release the identities of the slain and wounded soldiers, he said they belong to the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion.

He said the slain and wounded soldiers were rushed to the Kuta Heneral Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu for immediate medical attention and proper disposition.

“We are deeply saddened by the demise of our five gallant soldiers,” said Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Westmincom chief.

“Rest assured we will provide all sorts of assistance to the bereaved families and to our wounded soldiers,” dela Vega added.

He said troops have been deployed to pursue the fleeing ASG bandits.

On Thursday, the group of Yadah released Helen Roda in Barangay Anuling, Patikul, Sulu following an alleged payment of PHP1-million ransom.

The Sulu Provincial Police Office said the ransom was reportedly delivered by two unidentified negotiators, who at the same time, accompanied Roda in her travel to this city aboard a commercial ferry.

Roda was released 29 days after the ASG bandits freed her husband, Rufo, a militiaman, on October 18 following an alleged payment of PHP1.2-million ransom.

The couple was seized on August 31 by five ASG bandits following a firefight in Barangay Piacan, a coastal village in the town of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Six people, including a militiaman, were killed while a child was wounded in the clash that broke out when the militiamen responded to the reported arrival of five gunmen clad in camouflage uniforms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054191

AFP-PNP ‘joint assessment’ on ML extension out soon

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): AFP-PNP ‘joint assessment’ on ML extension out soon

The final decision to extend martial law in Mindanao may be out by next week as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are to come up with a “joint assessment” for a “more validated conclusive reports”.

As of now, the AFP has yet to recommend an extension of martial law, Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez, Jr. said this during a press conference in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Friday afternoon.

He added there is no final decision yet. “From Singapore, I was tasked by the SND (Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana) to make a consultative report with the PNP. So we directed the (AFP) J-3 (deputy chief-of-staff for operations) to have a joint conference for us to assess our different reports so we can have a more validated conclusive reports,” he added.

Lorenzana was part of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s delegation for the 33rd ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Summit in Singapore, which started on November 13.

Galvez added that the decision to extend martial law might be finalized by next week upon the return of the President.

After the ASEAN Summit, Duterte is also set to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) events in Papua New Guinea on Saturday.

"Perhaps next week when the President arrives, maybe (in the next) PNP-AFP national security conference, there we will report our separate assessments and at the same time, our joint assessment," Galvez said.

Earlier, Malacañang said it would depend on the recommendation of the AFP on whether or not martial law will be extended after the end of the year.

Martial law in Mindanao was declared on May 23, 2017 following attacks launched by the Maute Group in Marawi City. The House of Representatives, in a special joint session in July last year, granted the extension of martial law until Dec. 31, 2017 at the President's request.

The Senate and House of Representatives, convening in a joint session early December, later granted the Chief Executive's request for the extension of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus for a period of one year from January 1 to December 31 this year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054150

Advisory board welcomes new Army chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 17): Advisory board welcomes new Army chief

To reiterate and fully strengthen efforts in ensuring continuity in the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR), the Philippine Army Multi-Sector Advisory Board (PA-MSAB) welcomed newly-appointed Commanding General of the Philippine Army (CGPA), Lt. General Macairog S. Alberto, in a fellowship dinner at the Manila Polo Club in Makati on Saturday.

Spearheaded by PA-MSAB Chairperson, Atty. Arnel P. Casanova, the gathering also lauded the contributions of former Army chief, retired Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, and outgoing Board members, Samira Gutoc, and Dr. Maria Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, through a simple recognition ceremony.

PA-MSAB was established in 2015 primarily to promote continuity, sustainability, and shared responsibility for the ATR, an 18-year transformation and governance program adapted from Harvard’s Palladium Balance Scorecard framework.

Its inception is a recognition of the important roles of external stakeholders in the Army’s performance governance system, which is the basis of the formulation of the ATR.

Developed in 2010, the ATR aims to pursue genuine transformation in the Army with the goal of becoming a world-class institution that is a source of national pride by 2028.

This partnership between civilians and the Army guarantees public engagement in strategy formulation and execution, and serving as a link of the Army to the people in the formulation of plans, programs, and policies, the Board provides inputs on how the military should continuously improve its systems, processes, and services.

The group, which is composed of representatives from key sectors of society, helps the Army pursue transformation initiatives.

In July 2018, the board organized themselves into committees to effectively and efficiently support the ATR.

The committees include Governance, Resource, Strategic, and Assessment and Review.

In his message, Alberto recognized the efficient and significant contribution of the Board as a public body that has been supporting the Philippine Army.

He vowed to “fully support the MSAB and ensure that the Philippine Army will continue to listen” to the advisory body.

The consistent engagement of MSAB members with the Army leadership through the years signals a continuous open link on communication and a stronger multi-sector governance coalition for the attainment of the Philippine Army’s 2028 vision.

Manifested in this interest of partnership with the public is the Army’s commitment to genuine reforms promoting good governance through transparency and accountability.

Also in attendance in the ceremony are other MSAB members Alberto Lim, Mel Sarmiento, Vicky Garchitorena, and Harold Clavite; officials of the Army’s Government and Strategy Management Office; and the Army’s Conference Group Alpha.

Meanwhile, outgoing board member Gutoc, who is seeking an elective office in the 2019 mid-term elections, recommended that another Muslim woman from Mindanao be chosen as her replacement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054182

8 cops promoted for repelling NPA attack in MisOr

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 18): 8 cops promoted for repelling NPA attack in MisOr

Eight members of the Binuangan Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Misamis Oriental were promoted for defending their post against the attack of members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the National Police Commission (Napolcom) said in a press release Friday.

Promoted to the next higher rank are Senior Insp. Dante H. Hallazgo, SPO 4 Lorimer Z. Cabil, SPO1 Ramonito M. Zambas, PO3 Alberto A. Bernadas, PO3 Crispin H. Dalugdug, PO2 Necil O. Japuz, PO1 Josua G. Satur and PO1 Laila S. Gumahin.

Napolcom Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Rogelio T. Casurao announced their special promotion after the Commission en banc chaired by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año approved Resolution No. 2018-569 dated Oct. 22, 2018.

The police officers were promoted for their exceptional bravery and steadfast dedication to duty in standing their ground and defending their post against the attack of more than 200 NPA rebels who tried to lay siege and burn their station on Dec. 3, 2017.

In recognition of their heroic act, the Commission awarded the cops with the NAPOLCOM Gallantry Award during the 53rd Founding Anniversary of the Commission last Sept. 7, 2018.

“While the Napolcom remains committed to continuously cleanse and professionalize the PNP, we also take cognizance of the outstanding accomplishments of our police officers by promoting those who truly deserve career advancement in the police service,” Casurao said in a statement.

Under Section 38 (b) of RA 6975, as amended by Section 33 (b) of RA 8551, any uniformed member of the PNP who has exhibited acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry at the risk of his/her life above and beyond the call of duty shall be promoted to the next higher rank, provided, that such acts shall be validated by the Commission based on established criteria.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1054193

DWDD: OFFICIAL VISIT | AFD ICRC pays courtesy call to FOIC, PN

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Nov 14): OFFICIAL VISIT | AFD ICRC pays courtesy call to FOIC, PN



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2316705788573904/2316704251907391/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2316705788573904/2316704261907390/?type=3&theater



https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/pcb.2316705788573904/2316704248574058/?type=3&theater

NAVAL BASE JOSE ANDRADA, Roxas Blvd. , Manila (DWDD) - The Chief, Naval Human Rights Office (NHRO), Captain Arturo G Sahagon PN (MNSA), accompanies Mr. Andrew Bell, Armed Forces Delegate of the International Committee of the Red Cross Philippines, as he pays a courtesy call to the Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy, Vica Admiral Robe...rt A Empedrad AFP, at the Flag Office, Headquarters PN, Naval Base Jose Andrada, Roxas Blvd., Manila.

Also present were Colonel Ricardo D Petrola PN (M) (GSC), Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Civil Military Operations, N7, and Mr. Ricardo Lucero, Program Manager, ICRC. NPAO / MCAG

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: COURTESY CALL | Foreign Armed Forces Attaches (FAFA) Corps visits PH Army

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Nov 15): COURTESY CALL | Foreign Armed Forces Attaches (FAFA) Corps visits PH Army

 

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2316764608568022/?type=3&theater

FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) - To strengthen diplomatic ties with the Philippine Army, members of the Foreign Armed Forces Attaches (FAFA) Corps paid a collective courtesy call to the Army Chief, Lieutenant General Macairog S. Alberto here today, Wednesday, November 14, 2018.

Foreign Armed Forces ...Attachés to the Philippines from Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain, United States, Vietnam Turkey and Germany were all present.

Defense attachés are military experts attached to a diplomatic mission. They are normally high-ranking military officers who work for defense and military related matters in behalf of their state with foreign governments.
Essentially, the activity was an offshoot of the assumption of Lt.Gen. Alberto of the Philippine Army last October 15, in which, it is customary for all the defense attachés to render a courtesy call to the new Chief.

During the call, the CGPA, together with his key staffs exchanged pleasantries and engaged with some discussions with the members of the defense attaches. The event served as a venue for everyone to personally get acquainted and enhanced further understanding and camaraderie.

In his message, CGPA expressed his appreciation to the group. He told that diplomacy is a vital component to Landpower Maneuver Concept, not only as a means to strengthen relationship and ensure peace and stability in the region, but also as a means for everyone to work together in addressing various emerging security and non-traditional challenges.

Further, he emphasized that through continuous collaboration and security engagements, it provided the organization a global perspective and exposure to new technologies and systems, modern and sophisticated solutions to its needs and most importantly, it leads to the sharing of new skills and knowledge, thereby strengthening interoperability and friendship.

“Seeing all of you in person here today makes me feel more motivated, not only to serve my country and people as the Commanding General, but also to work with your respective countries. Through this, we strengthen each other’s capabilities so that we can better fulfill our commitment to the security of our nations,” CGPA added.
The Philippine Army values its diplomatic ties with its military counterparts across the globe and its significance in pursuit of attaining security and stability in the region. OACPA / MCAG

https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

DWDD: CHANGE OF OFFICE | PH Army installs new Chief of Staff

From Katropa DWDD-CRS Virtual RTV (Nov 15): CHANGE OF OFFICE | PH Army installs new Chief of Staff

 

https://www.facebook.com/dwdd1134/photos/a.1469610063283485/2316765281901288/?type=3&theater

FORT ANDRES BONIFACIO, Taguig City (DWDD) - The Philippine Army has a new Chief of Staff in the person of Brigadier General Jose C. Faustino who succeeded Major General Chad D. Isleta in a simple Change of Office ceremony held here today, Wednesday, November 14, 2018. The ceremony was presided by no less than the Commanding General, Lie...utenant General Macairog S. Alberto.

Brig. Gen. Faustino is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988. He started his military career with the Scout Ranger and spent his early years of deployment in Luzon and later in Mindanao.

He also occupied various key-positions in the then Intelligence Support Group and later as Assistant Chief of Staff for Intelligence of 10ID and Assistant Chief Unified Command Staff for Intelligence, U2 of NCRCOM.

Significantly, he also had the opportunity to serve as Assistant Chief of Staff for Education, G8 of the Philippine Army. In 2016, he was designated as the Commander of the 501st Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division deployed in Sulu area. Prior to his current post, he was assigned as the Commandant of the Philippine Military Academy.

CGPA, in his message congratulated Maj. Gen. Isleta for steering well the Army in his capacity as Chief of Staff. He personally expressed his gratitude for all the things that he has done and contributed for the betterment of the Philippine Army. On the other hand, he also urged the personnel of the office of Chief of Staff to accord the same support, trust and cooperation to their new chief who equally holds high sense of credibility, competence and professionalism. OACPA / MCAG

 https://www.facebook.com/pg/dwdd1134/posts/?ref=page_internal

2 rebels killed in AFP, NPA clash in Escalante

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 17): 2 rebels killed in AFP, NPA clash in Escalante

Government troopers and suspected New People’s Army rebels figured in an encounter yesterday in Sitio Puting Bato, Brgy. Washington in Escalante City, Negros Occidental, that reportedly claimed the lives of two communist rebels, a military officer said.

Col. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said that an M16 assault rifle, a 45 caliber pistol, a bandoleer with six magazines containing 120 rounds of ammunition, two sacks of rice, two water containers, assorted personal belongings, as well as subversive documents, were recovered at the encounter site.

But Arevalo said they were not able to recover the two slain rebels, as they could have been carried away by their withdrawing comrades, or being hidden in the area.

Before the encounter at about 10 a.m. yesterday, Arevalo said they had already received reports of armed men being sighted in the area, where the NPA rebels managed to establish their “mass-based organizations”.

The pursuit operations against the estimated 10 communist rebels, who were reported to have been seeking refuge in Sitio Puting Bato, which is a coastal area, are still underway, as of this time, he added.

Militant organizations Bayan Negros and Pamalakaya claimed that there is an ongoing militarization in Brgy. Washington, Escalante City, and its neighboring barangays, in the guise of counter-terror action against the supposed Abu Sayyaf elements, who landed in the coastal areas of northern Negros.

Arevalo laughed off such claims, saying that the NPA and its allied organizations are hallucinating, and trying to divert their attention, by fabricating stories.

The running gunbattle lasted for about 15 minutes, and the NPA rebels withdrew in separate directions, leaving behind the firearms and ammunition, among other items, he added.

No casualty was reported on the government side.

Arevalo justified the establishment of checkpoints and sealing off of the area, to prevent the escape of withdrawing rebels.

In his visit to various infantry units, Arevalo told Army soldiers not to wait for the NPA to attack them.

“We will attack them first before they attack us,” he said.

Arevalo also enjoined Negrenses to report the presence of NPA rebels in their communities, to prevent them from committing more atrocities.

Escalante City Mayor Eddie Montero yesterday said that the situation has already been managed and “is under control”.

Montero encouraged Escalantehanons to stay calm and remain vigilant, as they go back to normal activities.

“Rest assured that the City Government, particularly our local police, is doing the best we can to ensure our safety and maintain peace and order in Escalante,” he added.

 http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/November/17/topstory1.htm

Non-ratification of Bangsamoro Law may leave 'fertile ground for extremism'

From Rappler (Nov 17): Non-ratification of Bangsamoro Law may leave 'fertile ground for extremism'

To help ensure the Bangsamoro Organic Law's ratification, the government will launch a 'Yes vote' campaign in early December, says Chief Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza

BLACK MEMORY. The devastation of Marawi City from a 5-month siege by terrorists highlights the urgency of addressing historical grievances among Muslims in Mindanao. Photo by Martin San Diego/Rappler

If efforts to block the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) are successful or if the law is not ratified, violent extremism will flourish in Mindanao, Chief Presidential Adviser Jesus Dureza warned.

Dureza expressed this view as he explained the importance of greenlighting the BOL, which is being questioned before the Supreme Court.

"If BOL will not pass – I'm not threatening, I'm not making people fearful that you have to support the BOL – but my real sense is that violent extremism may have a fertile ground if we don't push through with the BOL," he said during a Rappler Talk interview on Wednesday, November 14.

There are "high expectations" for the BOL, especially among residents of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) who will become part of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) if the BOL is ratified.

The 5-month Marawi siege, said Dureza, had convinced many in the region of the urgency of ratifying the BOL in order to contain the spread of extremism.

"They saw what happened in Marawi. They thought that they won't be affected...because they thought they are our fellow Bangsamoro they won't touch us, but it happened," he said.

"The ugly face of violent extremism had surfaced and I'm sure one big thing in getting people to support the BOL is the real danger that if this doesn't push through, many will spread intrigue and it will even trigger more [people] to adopt the violent extremist ideology," Dureza added.

The plebiscite for the BOL is set to take place on January 21, 2019 – just two months away. But a plebiscite period when government and the law's supporters can campaign will be from December 7 to February 5.

'Yes!' campaign starts in December

Dureza said the government is set to launch a "Yes vote" campaign for the BOL to help ensure its ratification.

A grand launch is being organized on December 7 with events happening simultaneously in various critical cities and towns in Mindanao.

One challenge the BOL is up against is disinformation, said the presidential adviser.

"Our chief concern now is the correct information must be brought to the grassroots. Remember there are those who are opposing and they can easily twist some information there," he said.

Though he declined to specify what false information was being spread, he said there have been attempts to "scare" Mindanaoans about the BOL.

An information campaign to bring "the real story of the BARMM" to the masses will be carried out during the December to February plebiscite period.

Supreme Court test
Another test looms for the Bangsamoro law, this time in the halls of the Supreme Court.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II filed a petition seeking to block the BOL, citing supposed constitutional infirmities.

But Dureza is confident the BOL will pass the constitutionality test.

He gave credit to the Senate and House of Representatives for being particularly careful in "navigating the constitutionally sensitive provisions" and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for agreeing to modify those provisions.

"When both chambers came up with a reconciled version…after a lot of work and after the MILF agreed to even downscale some of the provisions there because of constitutionality issues, I think I am very confident it will pass the constitutionality test," said Dureza.

In the interview, Dureza also said he supports another martial law extension in Mindanao to help ensure a successful and peaceful BOL plebiscite.

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/216762-non-ratification-bangsamoro-organic-law-may-leave-fertile-ground-extremism

8 pro-ISIS militants surrender in Lanao Sur

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 16): 8 pro-ISIS militants surrender in Lanao Sur

Eight pro-ISIS militants have surrendered to the military in southern Philippines where security forces are hunting down extremist groups blamed for the spate of terrorism in the troubled region.

Captain Clint Antipala, a spokesman for the 1st infantry Division, said 7 militants, who were fighters of the Maute Group, surrendered Thursday afternoon in the town of Lumbaca Unayan and the other one Butig town in Lanao del Sur, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

He said the militants surrendered to Lt. Col. Ian Noel Ignes, commander of the 55th Infantry Battalion. “They also surrendered two M16 and one M14 rifles, one UZI sub-machinegun and two .45-caliber and one 9mm pistols,” Antipala said.

The militants are currently being interrogated by soldiers.

Maj. Gen. Roseller Murillo, the division commander, said the continuous surrender of Mautes entails weakening of their organizational leadership and capabilities. “We encourage others to lay down their arms and live peacefully. We will continuously work together with stakeholders in order to attract more Maute and pro-ISIS groups to surrender,” he said.

The Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf occupied Marawi, the capital of Lanao del Sur, last year and declared the city as a province of ISIS, and deadly fighting between them and soldiers lasted 5 months and left the whole city in ruins with residents fleeing to nearby areas to escape the war.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/8-pro-isis-militants-surrender-in-lanao-sur/

Rebels raid Bukidnon military patrol base

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 16): Rebels raid Bukidnon military patrol base

Security forces were hunting down a group of former communist rebels who stormed an army post and ransacked its arsenal in Bukidnon province in southern Philippines.

The 4th Infantry Division launched an operation to pursue Commander Alde Salusad alias Ka Butchoy, who is the leader of the raiders, following a daring assault on a military patrol base in Kibungkog village in San Fernando town.

Two other pro-government militias who connived by Salusad’s group is also being hunted down. There were no casualties in the raid, but Salusad’s group caught militias and soldiers by surprise when they attack the army base.

According to the army, Salusad’s group carted at least 14 automatic rifles and radio communication sets, including military uniforms, backpacks and cell phones, among other things.









In 2015, members of the Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry (JMCIM) led by Brother Danny Cuarteros went to the mountain hideout of Salusad – who put up his own armed group called the New Indigenous People’s Army Reform – in a daring religious mission and convinced him and about a dozen other followers, including his father, Benjamin, to embrace God.

The JMCIM is one of the largest and most successful apostolic churches based in the Philippines with millions of followers in the country alone. It has stations also in the United States and other parts of the world.

Cuarteros said they travelled to the province and trekked the mountains for nearly 7 hours to convince Salusad’s group to “surrender to the will of the Lord and embrace his teachings and eventually ended being baptized by the JMCIM.”

“And we did, we were able to convince the group of Ka Alde through the power of God and his words to surrender and embrace God in their lives. It was very moving, it’s so emotional and in the end, God is victorious,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said not only Salusad and his followers accepted and embraced God; they also donated a parcel of land for the JMCIM so it can put up a chapel in the heart of NIPAR’s stronghold in the town.

According to Cuarteros, Salusad also told village leaders to play worship songs every morning to remind them of God and the glorious mission of JMCIM. “That journey of faith and mission from God has become one of my most unforgettable experiences and it is a mission of peace,” Cuarteros said. “Ka Alde and his group accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour and they wanted to start a new life through the JMCIM.”



Members of the Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry (JMCIM) led by Brother Danny Cuarteros with Commander Alde Salusad alias Ka Butchoy, leader of the New Indigenous People’s Army Reform in this undated photo from the religious group.

Cuarteros’ group recently met with Salusad and his group who even allowed a JMCIM photographer to take pictures with President Rodrigo Duterte’s signature fist pose.

Salusad, who is also being hunted by the now rival group NPA, has reportedly wanted to be part of the government’s militia force Civilian Armed Force Geographical Unit, to protect communities from lawless elements in the province.

It was unknown what triggered Salusad’s group to attack the military base.

 

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/rebels-raid-bukidnon-military-patrol-base/