From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2019): Suicide bombing angle in Jolo blast ‘questionable’: DND chief
The theory that suicide bombers are behind Sunday's bloody twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu remains hanging as the alleged terrorist groups that might be behind the attack are yet to claim responsibility for the incident.
“The theory of being a suicide bombing or not is (still) hanging in the air. It appears to be a suicide bombing dahil maraming (there were so many) body parts but we are still waiting for confirmation, kasi normally yung mga (because normally, the) ISIS (Islamic State), they will immediately identify the person, martyr, the cause,” Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said during a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Wednesday.
The DND chief admitted that he was initially poised to believe that the attack was done by suicide bombers.
“It appears to be a suicide bombing and I was also convinced immediately na baka (that it might be a) suicide bombing. But kapag kasi sa suicide bombing na yan (if it really is a suicide bombing), somebody will immediately claim na itong tao ito, naging martir (that this person became a martyr). Wala naman tayong nakikitang ganon (We do not see anything like that), although the ISIS, in their website claimed that the 21 Filipino crusaders died, hindi naman niya sinasabi na si taong ito, ganito martir siya (it did not say that this person became a martyr),” Lorenzana said.
As this developed, the DND chief added that they are still trying to identify a half-blown face recovered in the crime scene.
“(May) kalahati ng mukha ng tao nasa (There is this halved face which is at) SOCO (Scene of the Crime Operations) (that) you cannot identify, nobody (is claiming him yet). Wala pa eh (There is no update yet). So we’re trying to have his DNA tested para malaman natin (so we will know) how we’re going to find out. Maybe we can find out the nationality, Pilipino ba o (Is it a Filipino or) foreigner, kasi may nagsasabi na foreigner daw yung nag-suicide bombing diyan. Wala pa namang Pilipino na nag-suicide bombing eh (because there are those who say it a foreigner conducted a suicide bombing there. No Filipino has ever done a suicide bombing). So questionable pa yan (That is still questionable),” Lorenzana said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060542
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Confirmation of military officers sign of mature democracy
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2019): Confirmation of military officers sign of mature democracy
The confirmation of ranking military officers is a clear demonstration that the country's democracy is a mature one, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said Wednesday.
Madrigal's remarks came shortly after the Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed his appointment as AFP chief and the country's highest ranking military officer with a four-star rank.
Madrigal, who received his ad interim appointment as AFP chief on Dec. 12, 2018, got his fourth star last January 10.
"The process of confirmation is a reminder of our place in a mature democratic society and our unbreakable subservience to civilian authority," Madrigal said in a statement.
Also confirmed were the ad interim appointments of Lt. Gen. Noel Clement as AFP Central Command head and Brig. Gen. Virgilio Bartolome as Philippine Army Headquarters and Headquarters Service Group commander.
The AFP chief reminded his fellow appointees of the high expectations that come with their ranks and positions in the military.
"I congratulate my fellow appointees for this confirmation. I hope that this will further inspire us to work hard in the performance of our duties and responsibilities to the Filipino and our country," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060587
The confirmation of ranking military officers is a clear demonstration that the country's democracy is a mature one, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said Wednesday.
Madrigal's remarks came shortly after the Commission on Appointments (CA) confirmed his appointment as AFP chief and the country's highest ranking military officer with a four-star rank.
Madrigal, who received his ad interim appointment as AFP chief on Dec. 12, 2018, got his fourth star last January 10.
"The process of confirmation is a reminder of our place in a mature democratic society and our unbreakable subservience to civilian authority," Madrigal said in a statement.
Also confirmed were the ad interim appointments of Lt. Gen. Noel Clement as AFP Central Command head and Brig. Gen. Virgilio Bartolome as Philippine Army Headquarters and Headquarters Service Group commander.
The AFP chief reminded his fellow appointees of the high expectations that come with their ranks and positions in the military.
"I congratulate my fellow appointees for this confirmation. I hope that this will further inspire us to work hard in the performance of our duties and responsibilities to the Filipino and our country," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060587
2 killed, 3 hurt in Zambo mosque grenade explosion
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2019): 2 killed, 3 hurt in Zambo mosque grenade explosion
ZAMBO MOSQUE BLAST. Two people died while three others were injured when an unidentified person tossed a grenade around 12:20 a.m. Wednesday into a mosque in Barangay Talon-Talon, Zamboanga City. (Photo by Ely E. Dumaboc)
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Two people were killed while three others were wounded in a grenade explosion shortly after midnight at a mosque in an east coast barangay of this city, police disclosed Wednesday.
Senior Supt. Thomas Joseph Martir, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, disclosed that the incident happened at the Maharlika mosque in Sitio Logoy Diutay, Barangay Talon-Talon, this city at about 12:20 a.m. Wednesday.
Martir identified the two fatalities as Hadji Sattal Bato, 47, of Barangay Marketsite, Isabela City; and, Rex Habil, 46, a councilor in Barangay Matatag, Lamitan City.
Martir said wounded were Palson Asgali, 44; Alnizkar Sabbaha, 30; and Jikilani Albani, 60. They were rushed to the hospital.
He said investigation showed the victims, who are members of Tablig, were asleep inside the mosque when an unidentified person tossed a grenade.
He said investigation continues in a bid to unmask the people behind the grenade attack.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060457
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Two people were killed while three others were wounded in a grenade explosion shortly after midnight at a mosque in an east coast barangay of this city, police disclosed Wednesday.
Senior Supt. Thomas Joseph Martir, Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) director, disclosed that the incident happened at the Maharlika mosque in Sitio Logoy Diutay, Barangay Talon-Talon, this city at about 12:20 a.m. Wednesday.
Martir identified the two fatalities as Hadji Sattal Bato, 47, of Barangay Marketsite, Isabela City; and, Rex Habil, 46, a councilor in Barangay Matatag, Lamitan City.
Martir said wounded were Palson Asgali, 44; Alnizkar Sabbaha, 30; and Jikilani Albani, 60. They were rushed to the hospital.
He said investigation showed the victims, who are members of Tablig, were asleep inside the mosque when an unidentified person tossed a grenade.
He said investigation continues in a bid to unmask the people behind the grenade attack.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060457
ASG bandit slain as troops hunt down Jolo church bombers
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2019): ASG bandit slain as troops hunt down Jolo church bombers
Troops have neutralized a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in a firefight as an operation was launched against the culprits behind the twin bombing of a Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu, military officials said Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the firefight ensued around 5:40 a.m. in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.
Besana identified the slain ASG bandit as Ommal Usop, a follower of the ASG’s Ajang-Ajang group led by Ben Saudi.
Besana said the firefight ensued as Usop resisted arrest, prompting the joint military and police forces to return fire in a raid in Sitio Kalimayahan.
Besana said the troops recovered a .45-caliber pistol with five live ammunitions and a sniper scope.
He said the target of the raid was a certain Kamah, a member of the Ajang-Ajang group, who was one of the four suspects behind Sunday's blasts that rocked the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.
He said Kamah, who is the logistics officer of the ASG, has eluded arrest during the raid.
“As of this posting, troops continue to pursue Kamah,” he said.
The Joint Task Force Sulu troops have turned over the remains of Usop to the barangay officials of Latih for proper disposition.
The raid was launched two days after the President Rodrigo Duterte left a marching order for government troops to crush the ASG in Sulu.
“Military forces are on pursuit to capture Kamah and the rest of the militants, who are now hiding from the government troops. Expect that, with the pronouncement of the Commander-in-Chief, we will intensify our focused military operations to pound down the remaining terrorists and penetrate strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu,” Westmincom chief, Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060501
Troops have neutralized a member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in a firefight as an operation was launched against the culprits behind the twin bombing of a Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu, military officials said Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the firefight ensued around 5:40 a.m. in Barangay Latih, Patikul, Sulu.
Besana identified the slain ASG bandit as Ommal Usop, a follower of the ASG’s Ajang-Ajang group led by Ben Saudi.
Besana said the firefight ensued as Usop resisted arrest, prompting the joint military and police forces to return fire in a raid in Sitio Kalimayahan.
Besana said the troops recovered a .45-caliber pistol with five live ammunitions and a sniper scope.
He said the target of the raid was a certain Kamah, a member of the Ajang-Ajang group, who was one of the four suspects behind Sunday's blasts that rocked the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.
He said Kamah, who is the logistics officer of the ASG, has eluded arrest during the raid.
“As of this posting, troops continue to pursue Kamah,” he said.
The Joint Task Force Sulu troops have turned over the remains of Usop to the barangay officials of Latih for proper disposition.
The raid was launched two days after the President Rodrigo Duterte left a marching order for government troops to crush the ASG in Sulu.
“Military forces are on pursuit to capture Kamah and the rest of the militants, who are now hiding from the government troops. Expect that, with the pronouncement of the Commander-in-Chief, we will intensify our focused military operations to pound down the remaining terrorists and penetrate strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu,” Westmincom chief, Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060501
2 NorMin 'activists' arrested, not missing: Cops
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2019): 2 NorMin 'activists' arrested, not missing: Cops
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Two members of leftist organizations here who were thought to be missing since Monday turned out to have been arrested by police for various criminal charges.
In a statement Wednesday, Chief Supt. Timoteo Pacleb, Police Regional Office-10 director, said Ireneo Udarbe and Jomorito Goaynon were arrested for four counts of attempted murder and frustrated murder.
Human rights group Karapatan reported Goaynon, chairman of the Kalumbay Regional Lumad Organization, and Udarbe, chairperson of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Northern Mindanao Region, as missing since they left their office here.Pacleb said Udarbe and Guaynon are members of the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
“They are not missing. Udarbe and (Guaynon) were arrested in Barangay Patag by virtue of a court-issued arrest warrant according to our records,” he said, adding that the arrest warrants were issued by Judge Emmanuel Pasal of the Regional Trial Court Branch 38 in this city.
Pacleb said arresting policemen seized from Udarbe and Goaynon several firearms, fragmentation grenades, and subversive documents during their arrest.
Prior to the arrest, Guaynon filed a complaint against the Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion for “harassment and forced surrender.”
Karapatan Secretary General Kristina Palabay condemned the duo's arrest, describing it as "harassment against leaders of militant groups, especially peasants and tribal peoples."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060566
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Two members of leftist organizations here who were thought to be missing since Monday turned out to have been arrested by police for various criminal charges.
In a statement Wednesday, Chief Supt. Timoteo Pacleb, Police Regional Office-10 director, said Ireneo Udarbe and Jomorito Goaynon were arrested for four counts of attempted murder and frustrated murder.
Human rights group Karapatan reported Goaynon, chairman of the Kalumbay Regional Lumad Organization, and Udarbe, chairperson of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas-Northern Mindanao Region, as missing since they left their office here.Pacleb said Udarbe and Guaynon are members of the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
“They are not missing. Udarbe and (Guaynon) were arrested in Barangay Patag by virtue of a court-issued arrest warrant according to our records,” he said, adding that the arrest warrants were issued by Judge Emmanuel Pasal of the Regional Trial Court Branch 38 in this city.
Pacleb said arresting policemen seized from Udarbe and Goaynon several firearms, fragmentation grenades, and subversive documents during their arrest.
Prior to the arrest, Guaynon filed a complaint against the Army’s 65th Infantry Battalion for “harassment and forced surrender.”
Karapatan Secretary General Kristina Palabay condemned the duo's arrest, describing it as "harassment against leaders of militant groups, especially peasants and tribal peoples."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060566
ARMM, OPAPP, MILF leaders meet for smooth Bangsamoro transition
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 31, 2019): ARMM, OPAPP, MILF leaders meet for smooth Bangsamoro transition
PEACEFUL TRANSITION. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman (left) suggests a point for the smooth transition of the current ARMM set up to the new Bangsamoro political entity during a meeting with Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief Al Haj Murad (center) and Office of the Presidential Assistant to the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez (right) in Cotabato City on Wednesday (Jan. 30, 2019. (Photo by BPI-ARMM)
Key peace leaders met here Wednesday to ensure the smooth transition of the regional government from the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. sat together at the ARMM executive building inside Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the provisional seat of the ARMM in this city, to discuss the region’s shift to the new Bangsamoro government.
Following the ratification of Republic Act 11054, Hataman had hoped for autonomy that makes full use of good governance to make a positive impact on the lives of the region’s constituents.
“We must put a premium on the welfare of our people and ensure open and transparent governance if we are to build a lasting peace that benefits all,” Hataman said.
Stressing the importance of Wednesday’s meeting, Hataman said “It was a fruitful meeting, we discussed substantial steps on how to go about the transition from ARMM to BARMM’s Bangsamoro Transition Authority.”
The meeting ensured the next steps to a historic transition, where the new autonomous political entity BARMM will replace the 29-year-old ARMM.
Murad welcomed the efforts of OPAPP to ensure a smooth transition of governance from the current ARMM leadership to the leaders of the MILF, as provided for in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060585
PEACEFUL TRANSITION. Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Governor Mujiv Hataman (left) suggests a point for the smooth transition of the current ARMM set up to the new Bangsamoro political entity during a meeting with Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief Al Haj Murad (center) and Office of the Presidential Assistant to the Peace Process Secretary Carlito Galvez (right) in Cotabato City on Wednesday (Jan. 30, 2019. (Photo by BPI-ARMM)
Key peace leaders met here Wednesday to ensure the smooth transition of the regional government from the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. sat together at the ARMM executive building inside Shariff Kabunsuan Complex, the provisional seat of the ARMM in this city, to discuss the region’s shift to the new Bangsamoro government.
Following the ratification of Republic Act 11054, Hataman had hoped for autonomy that makes full use of good governance to make a positive impact on the lives of the region’s constituents.
“We must put a premium on the welfare of our people and ensure open and transparent governance if we are to build a lasting peace that benefits all,” Hataman said.
Stressing the importance of Wednesday’s meeting, Hataman said “It was a fruitful meeting, we discussed substantial steps on how to go about the transition from ARMM to BARMM’s Bangsamoro Transition Authority.”
The meeting ensured the next steps to a historic transition, where the new autonomous political entity BARMM will replace the 29-year-old ARMM.
Murad welcomed the efforts of OPAPP to ensure a smooth transition of governance from the current ARMM leadership to the leaders of the MILF, as provided for in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060585
NDF consultant shot dead in Nueva Vizcaya
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2019): NDF consultant shot dead in Nueva Vizcaya
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Randy Felix P. Malayao was shot dead inside a bus in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya before dawn Wednesday, the Cagayan Valley Region police said.
Investigators said Malayao, 49, was on board a Victory Liner bus, which made a stop at CCQ bus stop at 2:30 a.m. in Aritao town, when a gunman reportedly boarded, approached the sleeping victim and shot him at close range, according to witnesses.
The victim died on the spot while the gunman fled on board a black motorcycle.
"We will immediately form a task force to solve the killing of Malayao as we condemn any act of atrocities," Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino, Cagayan Valley regional police director, told reporters on Wednesday.
Malayao was on his way back to his hometown in San Pablo, Isabela from Manila when the attack took place.
Malayao attended formal peace negotiations in Europe as a consultant from Cagayan Valley prior to the cancellation of the peace talks. He also acted as one of the spokespersons of the NDFP Negotiating Panel in Europe.
He represented the NDFP in peace forums abroad and in the country, along with government negotiators Secretary Silvestre Bello III, lawyer Angela Librado Trinidad and others.
Malayao was a former political prisoner, spent more than four years in jails in Cagayan and Isabela provinces, and was freed after he had been acquitted of the charges against him.
Bello once served as Malayao’s legal counsel when he was then in private practice.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060488
A writer-contributor of various local publications and former college publication editor-in-chief, Malayao earned his Bachelor of Science in Fisheries degree from the University of the Philippines Visayas-Miag-ao in the 1990s.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060488
BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant Randy Felix P. Malayao was shot dead inside a bus in Aritao, Nueva Vizcaya before dawn Wednesday, the Cagayan Valley Region police said.
Investigators said Malayao, 49, was on board a Victory Liner bus, which made a stop at CCQ bus stop at 2:30 a.m. in Aritao town, when a gunman reportedly boarded, approached the sleeping victim and shot him at close range, according to witnesses.
The victim died on the spot while the gunman fled on board a black motorcycle.
"We will immediately form a task force to solve the killing of Malayao as we condemn any act of atrocities," Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino, Cagayan Valley regional police director, told reporters on Wednesday.
Malayao was on his way back to his hometown in San Pablo, Isabela from Manila when the attack took place.
Malayao attended formal peace negotiations in Europe as a consultant from Cagayan Valley prior to the cancellation of the peace talks. He also acted as one of the spokespersons of the NDFP Negotiating Panel in Europe.
He represented the NDFP in peace forums abroad and in the country, along with government negotiators Secretary Silvestre Bello III, lawyer Angela Librado Trinidad and others.
Malayao was a former political prisoner, spent more than four years in jails in Cagayan and Isabela provinces, and was freed after he had been acquitted of the charges against him.
Bello once served as Malayao’s legal counsel when he was then in private practice.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060488
A writer-contributor of various local publications and former college publication editor-in-chief, Malayao earned his Bachelor of Science in Fisheries degree from the University of the Philippines Visayas-Miag-ao in the 1990s.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060488
Cop slain in NoCot NPA attack set to marry pregnant fiancée
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2019): Cop slain in NoCot NPA attack set to marry pregnant fiancée
BOMBED. The ill-fated police patrol car driven by slain Police Officer 1 Christopher Anadon after the NPA roadside bombing and ambush in Magpet, North Cotabato on Monday (Jan. 28). (Photo courtesy of North Cotabato PPO)
A police officer slain on Monday in a North Cotabato roadside bombing by communist rebels was set to marry his girlfriend next month.
The girlfriend of PO1 Christopher Anadon, 28, told reporters she and the slain policeman were engaged and set to get married in February this year.
She asked not to be named but added she was three months pregnant.
She briefly spoke to media at a funeral parlor here, saying she was grief-stricken that “the marriage will no longer take place.”
Senior Supt. Maximo Layugan, North Cotabato police director, said Anadon was with about 20 other police officers heading for Kidapawan City from Barangay Poblacion, Magpet when a roadside bomb went off in Purok Kabisig at 6 p.m. Monday.
Anadon, a resident of Parang, Maguindanao, was the driver of one of two police vehicles used by the North Cotabato Provincial Police Mobile Force that were hit by an anti-personnel landmine planted by New People’s Army (NPA) militants.
Eleven other police officers were injured, two of them still confined at the Amas Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City.
Chief Supt. Eliseo Rasco, police director for Region 12, condemned the communist rebels’ use of anti-personnel landmines.
Rasco lauded other police officers who stood their ground following the explosion by trading bullets with the NPA ambushers.
Police in Magpet believed the NPAs also suffered fatalities but carried their comrades as they fled deep into the forest.
Rasco appealed to the public in Region 12 to help the police eradicate the terrorists and remain extra vigilant against terrorism. The Communist Party of the Philippines/NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060479
A police officer slain on Monday in a North Cotabato roadside bombing by communist rebels was set to marry his girlfriend next month.
The girlfriend of PO1 Christopher Anadon, 28, told reporters she and the slain policeman were engaged and set to get married in February this year.
She asked not to be named but added she was three months pregnant.
She briefly spoke to media at a funeral parlor here, saying she was grief-stricken that “the marriage will no longer take place.”
Senior Supt. Maximo Layugan, North Cotabato police director, said Anadon was with about 20 other police officers heading for Kidapawan City from Barangay Poblacion, Magpet when a roadside bomb went off in Purok Kabisig at 6 p.m. Monday.
Anadon, a resident of Parang, Maguindanao, was the driver of one of two police vehicles used by the North Cotabato Provincial Police Mobile Force that were hit by an anti-personnel landmine planted by New People’s Army (NPA) militants.
Eleven other police officers were injured, two of them still confined at the Amas Provincial Hospital in Kidapawan City.
Chief Supt. Eliseo Rasco, police director for Region 12, condemned the communist rebels’ use of anti-personnel landmines.
Rasco lauded other police officers who stood their ground following the explosion by trading bullets with the NPA ambushers.
Police in Magpet believed the NPAs also suffered fatalities but carried their comrades as they fled deep into the forest.
Rasco appealed to the public in Region 12 to help the police eradicate the terrorists and remain extra vigilant against terrorism. The Communist Party of the Philippines/NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060479
6 rebels killed in CamSur clash with gov't troops
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2019): 6 rebels killed in CamSur clash with gov't troops
Six New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with Philippine Army (PA) soldiers in Barangay Tierra Nevada, a remote area in Tinambak, Camarines Sur on Wednesday morning.
The troops were on patrol when they chanced upon the group of NPA rebels at around 6 a.m. in the said village, according to 1Lt. Felise Solano, Philippine Army-Southern Luzon spokesperson.
A 20-minute firefight ensued, resulting in the killing of six insurgents and the recovery of four M16 rifles, a grenade launcher and personal belongings, Solano said.
She said as the rebels fled the encounter site, they left behind the bodies of their slain companions.
The identities of the killed guerrillas were not yet available. Their bodies were brought to the town police station for documentation.
Pursuit and clearing operations are still ongoing as of press time.
Meanwhile, Capt. Joash Pramis of the Army's 9th Infantry Division said the entire region is still under full alert following the Jolo bombing.
The said directive was issued by the higher headquarters, Pramis said.
Tinambac was identified as among the towns of Camarines Sur where there had been sightings of rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060460
Six New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with Philippine Army (PA) soldiers in Barangay Tierra Nevada, a remote area in Tinambak, Camarines Sur on Wednesday morning.
The troops were on patrol when they chanced upon the group of NPA rebels at around 6 a.m. in the said village, according to 1Lt. Felise Solano, Philippine Army-Southern Luzon spokesperson.
A 20-minute firefight ensued, resulting in the killing of six insurgents and the recovery of four M16 rifles, a grenade launcher and personal belongings, Solano said.
She said as the rebels fled the encounter site, they left behind the bodies of their slain companions.
The identities of the killed guerrillas were not yet available. Their bodies were brought to the town police station for documentation.
Pursuit and clearing operations are still ongoing as of press time.
Meanwhile, Capt. Joash Pramis of the Army's 9th Infantry Division said the entire region is still under full alert following the Jolo bombing.
The said directive was issued by the higher headquarters, Pramis said.
Tinambac was identified as among the towns of Camarines Sur where there had been sightings of rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060460
2019 Pacific Partnership Program thrills Tacloban
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2019): 2019 Pacific Partnership Program thrills Tacloban
Officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Tacloban city government meet for the 2019 Pacific Partnership Program on Monday (Jan. 28, 2019). (Photo courtesy of city government)
TACLOBAN CITY -- American soldiers will soon start arriving in the city before the end of February for the upcoming two-week 2019 Pacific Partnership Program.
Maria Lumen Tabao, Tacloban City Information Office head, said Wednesday that meetings have been conducted for the Pacific Partnership Program on the second event after 2014.
Pacific Partnership is an annual deployment of forces from the Pacific Fleet US Navy, in cooperation with regional governments and military forces, along with humanitarian and non-government organizations. This year’s event will be held from March 10 to 24.
The first meeting was held on Monday and was presided by Armed Forces of the Philippines Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operation Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, 546th Engineer Construction Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Ronilo Cudal, and Dr. Gloria Fabregas, representing the city government.
Tentative activities include beach and coastal cleanup and tree planting, press engagements, visits to school and orphanages, medical missions, refurbishment of a rehabilitation center, and construction of an evacuation center in northern Tacloban.
“Some ground works, especially on construction, will start this February by personnel from the army engineers, but the official program will last for two weeks from March 10 to 24,” Tabao said.
“This has a big impact on us. We will gain more by learning from their expertise,” he said.
In 2014, more than 300 servicemen from the United States, Japan and Australia landed in Tacloban to participate in the Pacific Partnership Program, just few months after the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda. Their works included engineering, medical, veterinary and other aid work.
Among the engineering works they did was the construction of two-classroom buildings at the Castilla Elementary School in Palo, Leyte, four-classroom buildings and two-science buildings at the San Fernando Central Elementary School in this city and repair of the orthopedic building at the Tacloban City Hospital.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060534
Officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Tacloban city government meet for the 2019 Pacific Partnership Program on Monday (Jan. 28, 2019). (Photo courtesy of city government)
TACLOBAN CITY -- American soldiers will soon start arriving in the city before the end of February for the upcoming two-week 2019 Pacific Partnership Program.
Maria Lumen Tabao, Tacloban City Information Office head, said Wednesday that meetings have been conducted for the Pacific Partnership Program on the second event after 2014.
Pacific Partnership is an annual deployment of forces from the Pacific Fleet US Navy, in cooperation with regional governments and military forces, along with humanitarian and non-government organizations. This year’s event will be held from March 10 to 24.
The first meeting was held on Monday and was presided by Armed Forces of the Philippines Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operation Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, 546th Engineer Construction Battalion Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Ronilo Cudal, and Dr. Gloria Fabregas, representing the city government.
Tentative activities include beach and coastal cleanup and tree planting, press engagements, visits to school and orphanages, medical missions, refurbishment of a rehabilitation center, and construction of an evacuation center in northern Tacloban.
“Some ground works, especially on construction, will start this February by personnel from the army engineers, but the official program will last for two weeks from March 10 to 24,” Tabao said.
“This has a big impact on us. We will gain more by learning from their expertise,” he said.
In 2014, more than 300 servicemen from the United States, Japan and Australia landed in Tacloban to participate in the Pacific Partnership Program, just few months after the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda. Their works included engineering, medical, veterinary and other aid work.
Among the engineering works they did was the construction of two-classroom buildings at the Castilla Elementary School in Palo, Leyte, four-classroom buildings and two-science buildings at the San Fernando Central Elementary School in this city and repair of the orthopedic building at the Tacloban City Hospital.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060534
4 persons of interest in Jolo church bombing surrender
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2019): 4 persons of interest in Jolo church bombing surrender
Four persons of interest in the double bomb attack on a church in Jolo, Sulu have surrendered to authorities to clear their names, a military official said Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, identified them as Alshaber Arbi, 18; Gerry Isnajil, whose age was not provided; Alsimar Mohammad Albi, 24; and a 17-year old male.
Besana said Arbi, a Grade 11 student of the Kalingalan Caluang National High School, and Isnajil, a teacher in the same school, were among those caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera after Sunday's twin blasts at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.
On the CCTV footage, Arbi was the person in a ponytail while Isnajil was the man in maroon baseball cap with a red backpack.
Besana said Arbi and Isnajil surrendered to Senior Supt. Pablo Labra II, Sulu police director, around 10 a.m. Wednesday to clear their names.
He said that Alsimar and his 17-year old brother submitted themselves to Labra around 3 p.m. Wednesday, for the same reason.
He said the investigation showed that prior to the explosion the two went to a pharmacy to buy medicine for Alsimar’s mother who is confined at the Integrated Provincial Health Office hospital.
After they bought the medicine, a loud explosion occurred at the church and Julius immediately went near the vicinity when secondary explosion occurred.
According to Besana, Alsimar called his younger brother to stay away just as the suspects who were seen behind him fled the vicinity.
According to the brothers' statements, the two did not know the identities of the suspects and that they came out for fear that authorities will hunt them down.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060573
Four persons of interest in the double bomb attack on a church in Jolo, Sulu have surrendered to authorities to clear their names, a military official said Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, identified them as Alshaber Arbi, 18; Gerry Isnajil, whose age was not provided; Alsimar Mohammad Albi, 24; and a 17-year old male.
Besana said Arbi, a Grade 11 student of the Kalingalan Caluang National High School, and Isnajil, a teacher in the same school, were among those caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera after Sunday's twin blasts at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in Barangay Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.
On the CCTV footage, Arbi was the person in a ponytail while Isnajil was the man in maroon baseball cap with a red backpack.
Besana said Arbi and Isnajil surrendered to Senior Supt. Pablo Labra II, Sulu police director, around 10 a.m. Wednesday to clear their names.
He said that Alsimar and his 17-year old brother submitted themselves to Labra around 3 p.m. Wednesday, for the same reason.
He said the investigation showed that prior to the explosion the two went to a pharmacy to buy medicine for Alsimar’s mother who is confined at the Integrated Provincial Health Office hospital.
After they bought the medicine, a loud explosion occurred at the church and Julius immediately went near the vicinity when secondary explosion occurred.
According to Besana, Alsimar called his younger brother to stay away just as the suspects who were seen behind him fled the vicinity.
According to the brothers' statements, the two did not know the identities of the suspects and that they came out for fear that authorities will hunt them down.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060573
Kin of 2 soldiers killed in Jolo blast plead for justice
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2019): Kin of 2 soldiers killed in Jolo blast plead for justice
FALLEN 'HERO'. The coffin bearing the remains of one of the two soldiers killed in last Sunday's church blast in Jolo -- identified as Sgt. Mark Dres Simbre and Cpl. John Mangawit -- is carried by their fellow soldiers upon arrival in Cauayan City from Zamboanga City, January 29, 2019 . (Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)
CAUAYAN CITY -- The families of two soldiers who were killed in the deadly church blasts in Jolo, Sulu last Sunday, cried for justice as the Philippine flag-draped coffins of the victims arrived at the Cauayan airport here on board a C-130 plane, Tuesday afternoon.
The remains of Army Sgt. Mark Des Simbre of San Isidro, Isabela and Corporal John Mangawit of Tanudan, Kalinga were met with arrival honors by their colleagues and were later brought to the 5th Infantry Division for necrological services before they would be brought to their hometowns on Wednesday.
Simbre and Mangawit belong to the 41st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army who were deployed in Jolo in 2017 to beef up the military contingent there.
“It pains to see my husband in a coffin but I cannot bring him back to life anymore. He is a hero for the country,” Simbre’s wife, Rosemarie, said as she was comforted by her relatives.
Mangawit’s coffin was also met by some his relatives from Kalinga while his wife was still on her way to the military camp in Gamu after staying in Abra.
Major Gen. Perfecto Rimando, 5th Infantry Division commander, described the slain soldiers as “heroes who lost their lives and limbs” in the quest for peace.
“We honor their service in the military as exemplary for sacrificing their lives for service,” he added.
Simbre and Mangawit were among the 22 people killed and more or less 100 others wounded in the bomb blasts.
Their colleagues who were wounded in the incident were identified as Staff Sgt. Victor Ubaldo, Corporal Jonel Ngitit, Corporal Timothy Bigot, Private First-Class Jonathan Magguia, and Private Cliver Serquiña.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060489
CAUAYAN CITY -- The families of two soldiers who were killed in the deadly church blasts in Jolo, Sulu last Sunday, cried for justice as the Philippine flag-draped coffins of the victims arrived at the Cauayan airport here on board a C-130 plane, Tuesday afternoon.
The remains of Army Sgt. Mark Des Simbre of San Isidro, Isabela and Corporal John Mangawit of Tanudan, Kalinga were met with arrival honors by their colleagues and were later brought to the 5th Infantry Division for necrological services before they would be brought to their hometowns on Wednesday.
Simbre and Mangawit belong to the 41st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army who were deployed in Jolo in 2017 to beef up the military contingent there.
“It pains to see my husband in a coffin but I cannot bring him back to life anymore. He is a hero for the country,” Simbre’s wife, Rosemarie, said as she was comforted by her relatives.
Mangawit’s coffin was also met by some his relatives from Kalinga while his wife was still on her way to the military camp in Gamu after staying in Abra.
Major Gen. Perfecto Rimando, 5th Infantry Division commander, described the slain soldiers as “heroes who lost their lives and limbs” in the quest for peace.
“We honor their service in the military as exemplary for sacrificing their lives for service,” he added.
Simbre and Mangawit were among the 22 people killed and more or less 100 others wounded in the bomb blasts.
Their colleagues who were wounded in the incident were identified as Staff Sgt. Victor Ubaldo, Corporal Jonel Ngitit, Corporal Timothy Bigot, Private First-Class Jonathan Magguia, and Private Cliver Serquiña.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060489
DSWD, AFP to build 105 housing units in Zambales
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2019): DSWD, AFP to build 105 housing units in Zambales
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 3 (Central Luzon) has collaborated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in implementing a core assistance shelter project.
Under the agreement, the AFP will send 20 troops to construct 105 housing units in Kainomayan village of this town.
The project, dubbed "KiSLAP ng CSAP" (Kikilos ang Sandatahang Lakas, Aagapay sa Pabahay ng Core Shelter Assistance Program), was launched here Monday, during which representatives of the two government agencies signed a pledge of commitment.
“We will do our best efforts. If there is a need for us not to sleep, we will do it in order to finish the construction of the housing units,” said Lt. Col. Fernando G. Balona, AFP staff leader, who will be in charge of the construction of the units.
The shelters are expected to be completed within 30 working days.
Struggling for workforce of the construction, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Edwina Sibug said she is very thankful for the project.
"Actually, we have a difficult time mobilizing the beneficiaries, especially the elders and those who do not have relatives to work, thus it is indeed a big help,” Sibug said.
The Core Shelter Assistance Program is one of the interventions of DSWD in disaster response and rehabilitation, aiming to provide environment-friendly, structurally strong shelter units for victims of disasters or those living in hazardous areas.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060556
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 3 (Central Luzon) has collaborated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in implementing a core assistance shelter project.
Under the agreement, the AFP will send 20 troops to construct 105 housing units in Kainomayan village of this town.
The project, dubbed "KiSLAP ng CSAP" (Kikilos ang Sandatahang Lakas, Aagapay sa Pabahay ng Core Shelter Assistance Program), was launched here Monday, during which representatives of the two government agencies signed a pledge of commitment.
“We will do our best efforts. If there is a need for us not to sleep, we will do it in order to finish the construction of the housing units,” said Lt. Col. Fernando G. Balona, AFP staff leader, who will be in charge of the construction of the units.
The shelters are expected to be completed within 30 working days.
Struggling for workforce of the construction, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Edwina Sibug said she is very thankful for the project.
"Actually, we have a difficult time mobilizing the beneficiaries, especially the elders and those who do not have relatives to work, thus it is indeed a big help,” Sibug said.
The Core Shelter Assistance Program is one of the interventions of DSWD in disaster response and rehabilitation, aiming to provide environment-friendly, structurally strong shelter units for victims of disasters or those living in hazardous areas.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1060556
Tuesday, January 29, 2019
4 Reds killed in Mindanao clashes
From the Manila Standard (Jan 28, 2019): 4 Reds killed in Mindanao clashes
Four members of the New People’s Army were killed while a wounded rebel was captured following two separate skirmishes with army troopers in Cotabato and Iligan City on Sunday.
The first clash occurred when army soldiers surprised a group of heavily-armed NPAs reportedly extorting from villagers in Sitio Kalo Kali, Brgy Bagumbayan, Magpet in Cotabato at around 1 p.m.
Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion, said about 70 armed terrorists of Guerrilla Front 53 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command scampered to different directions as troops opened fire at the rebel group.
Paraso said despite being outnumbered, the soldiers overwhelmed the rebel group in the firefight that lasted for about 30 minutes.
The rebels eventually retreated to different directions leaving behind a dead rebel and several wounded fighters.
An army soldier was also wounded in the fighting.
Paraso said a wounded rebel tried to evade soldiers who were conducting mapping operations after the fighting but was intercepted in a military checkpoint in Brgy. Gubatan and was immediately brought by an ambulance for medical attention.
Recovered from the battle scene were an M14 rifle, an M16 rifle with anM203 grenade launcher, an anti-personnel landmine, 5 magazines with 20 rounds of ammunition, 2 flags each from the NDF, NPA, and CPP, medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.
“We had been receiving reports from concerned civilians about the presence of the terrorist NPA in the area the reason why we launched our operations. This village was a former mass base of the terrorist group and they are trying to recover it by harassing the populace and threatening former rebels to rejoin them in their failed armed struggle,” Paraso said.
Authorities had extended their sympathies to the family of the dead terrorist as they coordinated with the local government unit and the PNP counterparts to help find the family’s whereabouts and those of the relatives of the wounded rebel.
“Members of the terrorist group have a choice―they can remain and accept their fate of being killed in an encounter against government troops, or they can go back to their families and return to the mainstream society,” said Maj. Gen. Ronaldo Villanueva, commander of the 4th Infantry Division.
The second fighting took place in the outskirts of Butan City where army troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion battled CPP-NPA terrorist in Sitio Patagon, Brgy Anticala at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday leaving three terrorist killed.
Maj. Ronaldo Putol, Civil Military Operations officer said the firefight erupted after troops received information from a civilian that the NPAs were extorting money from the villagers.
He said that as soldiers were approaching Sitio Patagon, the NPA members believed to be members of Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee under Toto Anub fired at government forces sparking a firefight which lasted 10 minutes after which the rebels scampered to different directions leaving three dead comrades.
The troops recovered one AK47 rifle, two M16 rifles, and an M203 rifle grenade launcher at the encounter site.
http://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/286455/4-reds-killed-in-mindanao-clashes.html
Four members of the New People’s Army were killed while a wounded rebel was captured following two separate skirmishes with army troopers in Cotabato and Iligan City on Sunday.
The first clash occurred when army soldiers surprised a group of heavily-armed NPAs reportedly extorting from villagers in Sitio Kalo Kali, Brgy Bagumbayan, Magpet in Cotabato at around 1 p.m.
Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion, said about 70 armed terrorists of Guerrilla Front 53 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command scampered to different directions as troops opened fire at the rebel group.
Paraso said despite being outnumbered, the soldiers overwhelmed the rebel group in the firefight that lasted for about 30 minutes.
The rebels eventually retreated to different directions leaving behind a dead rebel and several wounded fighters.
An army soldier was also wounded in the fighting.
Paraso said a wounded rebel tried to evade soldiers who were conducting mapping operations after the fighting but was intercepted in a military checkpoint in Brgy. Gubatan and was immediately brought by an ambulance for medical attention.
Recovered from the battle scene were an M14 rifle, an M16 rifle with anM203 grenade launcher, an anti-personnel landmine, 5 magazines with 20 rounds of ammunition, 2 flags each from the NDF, NPA, and CPP, medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.
“We had been receiving reports from concerned civilians about the presence of the terrorist NPA in the area the reason why we launched our operations. This village was a former mass base of the terrorist group and they are trying to recover it by harassing the populace and threatening former rebels to rejoin them in their failed armed struggle,” Paraso said.
“Members of the terrorist group have a choice―they can remain and accept their fate of being killed in an encounter against government troops, or they can go back to their families and return to the mainstream society,” said Maj. Gen. Ronaldo Villanueva, commander of the 4th Infantry Division.
The second fighting took place in the outskirts of Butan City where army troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion battled CPP-NPA terrorist in Sitio Patagon, Brgy Anticala at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday leaving three terrorist killed.
Maj. Ronaldo Putol, Civil Military Operations officer said the firefight erupted after troops received information from a civilian that the NPAs were extorting money from the villagers.
He said that as soldiers were approaching Sitio Patagon, the NPA members believed to be members of Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee under Toto Anub fired at government forces sparking a firefight which lasted 10 minutes after which the rebels scampered to different directions leaving three dead comrades.
The troops recovered one AK47 rifle, two M16 rifles, and an M203 rifle grenade launcher at the encounter site.
http://manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/286455/4-reds-killed-in-mindanao-clashes.html
Army official assures new detachment in Rizal, Cagayan
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 28, 2019): Army official assures new detachment in Rizal, Cagayan
RIZAL, CAGAYAN -- The commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion based in Alcala town assured the establishment of a new detachment in this town particularly at the Zinundungan Valley following the request of its residents and the local government unit.
Lt. Col. Camilo Saddam, commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, says that peace is everybody's concern. (PIA-2 photo)
The Zinundungan Valley in this town is just one of the barangays in the province where affectation of the New Peoples Army (NPAs) is very strong.
During the Joint Grand Pulong-Pulong for Peace and Development held in this town on Jan. 22, Lt. Col. Camilo Saddam, commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division said they are just waiting for the final approval for the establishment of a new detachment in the area to provide tighter security.
Saddam said while the establishment of a new detachment is on process, they will still augment regular troops at Zinundungan Valley.
“Hangga’t hindi sila [NPAs] sumusuko, laging nandiyan ang kasundaluan ng 5th ID,” Saddam said.
Peace is everybody’s concern
Barangay folks of Zinundungan Valley pledge to help the government in its fight against insurgency. (PIA-2 photo)
Saddam added that insurgency is a multifaceted problem and is everybody’s concern not only the military.
“Ito po ay problema nating lahat. Kapag may insurhensiya, ang pagaaral ng mga kabataan, ang pagbibigay ng basic services, kabuhayan, at iba pa ay apektado rin,” said Saddam.
Saddam said that every Rizalino should be vigilant and reminded them not to be enticed by the false promises of the NPAs. “When we entertain them, we give them reasons to stay,” Saddam added.
The Grand Pulung-Pulong is a continuing activity of the community support program of the Philippine Army with the aim to bring the government services closer to the barangay folks where insurgency is presence.
In this way, Saddam said they will have more appreciation about what the government is doing for them rather than "having thoughts of joining the rebels".
During the Grand Pulung-Pulong, representatives from the different national government agencies (NGAs) in the region presented their different programs and services to the residents of this town.
The agencies present were the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) , Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
DSWD Regional Director Leonardo Reynoso informs the attendees on the different programs and services of their department. (PIA-2 photo)
A Ray of Hope
Saddam urged everyone to help the government in its fight against insurgency.
“We can’t do this alone. This fight against insurgency requires a convergence effort not only from us, working with the government, but most importantly, from you being at the ground,” Saddam said.
“I just hope that one day we can freely walk and ride going to and from Zinundungan Valley,” Saddam added.
For her part, Lawyer Brenda Ruma, mayor of Rizal expressed her gratitude to the Philippine Army, PNP and the NGAs present during the Grand Pulong-Pulong.
“Tunay nga na kapag may kaagapay, may kapayaan,” she said.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017717
RIZAL, CAGAYAN -- The commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion based in Alcala town assured the establishment of a new detachment in this town particularly at the Zinundungan Valley following the request of its residents and the local government unit.
Lt. Col. Camilo Saddam, commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division, says that peace is everybody's concern. (PIA-2 photo)
The Zinundungan Valley in this town is just one of the barangays in the province where affectation of the New Peoples Army (NPAs) is very strong.
During the Joint Grand Pulong-Pulong for Peace and Development held in this town on Jan. 22, Lt. Col. Camilo Saddam, commanding officer of the 17th Infantry Battalion, 5th Infantry Division said they are just waiting for the final approval for the establishment of a new detachment in the area to provide tighter security.
Saddam said while the establishment of a new detachment is on process, they will still augment regular troops at Zinundungan Valley.
“Hangga’t hindi sila [NPAs] sumusuko, laging nandiyan ang kasundaluan ng 5th ID,” Saddam said.
Peace is everybody’s concern
Barangay folks of Zinundungan Valley pledge to help the government in its fight against insurgency. (PIA-2 photo)
Saddam added that insurgency is a multifaceted problem and is everybody’s concern not only the military.
“Ito po ay problema nating lahat. Kapag may insurhensiya, ang pagaaral ng mga kabataan, ang pagbibigay ng basic services, kabuhayan, at iba pa ay apektado rin,” said Saddam.
Saddam said that every Rizalino should be vigilant and reminded them not to be enticed by the false promises of the NPAs. “When we entertain them, we give them reasons to stay,” Saddam added.
The Grand Pulung-Pulong is a continuing activity of the community support program of the Philippine Army with the aim to bring the government services closer to the barangay folks where insurgency is presence.
In this way, Saddam said they will have more appreciation about what the government is doing for them rather than "having thoughts of joining the rebels".
During the Grand Pulung-Pulong, representatives from the different national government agencies (NGAs) in the region presented their different programs and services to the residents of this town.
The agencies present were the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) , Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).
DSWD Regional Director Leonardo Reynoso informs the attendees on the different programs and services of their department. (PIA-2 photo)
A Ray of Hope
Saddam urged everyone to help the government in its fight against insurgency.
“We can’t do this alone. This fight against insurgency requires a convergence effort not only from us, working with the government, but most importantly, from you being at the ground,” Saddam said.
“I just hope that one day we can freely walk and ride going to and from Zinundungan Valley,” Saddam added.
For her part, Lawyer Brenda Ruma, mayor of Rizal expressed her gratitude to the Philippine Army, PNP and the NGAs present during the Grand Pulong-Pulong.
“Tunay nga na kapag may kaagapay, may kapayaan,” she said.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017717
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