WESTMINCOM: Victims of Sulu explosion receive aid from AFP top officials

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jun 30, 2019): Victims of Sulu explosion receive aid from AFP top officials

Headquarters, Western Mindanao Command, Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- June 30, 2019.

A day after the explosion that transpired at headquarters of 1st Brigade Combat Team in Tanjung, Indanan, Sulu, AFP top officials led by the Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal and the new WestMinCom chief Major General Cirilito Sobejana extended financial and moral support to the wounded victims and bereaved families of those killed, during their visit earlier yesterday (June 29).

The team also inspected the explosion site while thorough investigation is being conducted by the SOCO. General Madrigal awarded the wounded soldiers during their visit at Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Busbus, Jolo, Sulu.

He likewise checked on the condition of the troops and boosted their morale amid the continuing campaign against terrorism in the province.



Major General Sobejana likewise encouraged the soldiers to maintain the same intensity of effort in eliminating security threats in Sulu. “The men and women of the Western Mindanao Command extend their deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of those killed in action during the unfortunate incident on June 28,” Major General Sobejana said.



“The WMC will be relentless in its effort to bring long and lasting peace and progress in the Bangsamoro Region and the adjoining provinces that it covers,” he added.

http://www.westmincom.com/victims-of-sulu-explosion-receive-aid-from-afp-top-officials/

Zamboanga City - Five years after the siege

Posted to the Relief Web (Jun 28, 2019): Zamboanga City - Five years after the siege

REPORTfrom UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Published on 28 Jun 2019 —View Original

Download PDF (3.52 MB)


Zamboanga City – Five years after the Siege

More than five years after the Zamboanga siege in 2013, 1,080 persons (216 families) remain in five (5) transitory sites (TS) out of the 119,714 persons (23,794 families) displaced at the onset of the conflict. 2,250 persons (or 450 families) are being hosted by their friends and relatives as of May 2019.

Those in the Transitory Sites remain in difficult conditions due to the old, if not damaged, bunkhouses in Buggoc, Rio Hondo, Kasanyangan, and Mampang. Aside from dilapidated bunkhouses and boardwalks, IDPs continue to face other protection issues such as poor sanitation & hygiene, safety & security risks, and limited access to educational and livelihood opportunities. Women, children, and persons with specific needs (PWSN) are particularly vulnerable.

The report provides an overview of the efforts made by UNHCR to address protection needs of IDPs in Zamboanga city over the last 5 years. The document also highlights current protection issues with regard to shelter, livelihood, humanitarian assistance and access to education, with special focus on the way forward to support IDPs in different accommodation settings (Transitory sites & home-based).

Background

Fighting between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) erupted on O9 September 2013. The conflict affected sixteen (16) barangays in Zamboanga City, including the coastal barangays of Rio Hondo, Mariki, Sta. Catalina, and Sta. Barbara. Many houses were burned, hundreds of civilians were held captive, and thousands were displaced from their homes.

The conflict further spread and caused displacement in the island provinces of Basilan and Sulu.
On 25 September 2013, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (URHC) Luiza Carvalho released a statement on behalf of the UN, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the growing needs of the persons of concern.

On 01 October 2013, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) also requested the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to recommend to the president that Zamboanga City be declared under a state of calamity on the basis of a humanitarian crisis.

At the onset of the crisis, a total of 119,714 individuals (23,794 families) were displaced. Of this total, 28,976 individuals (5,881 families) took temporary shelter with their relatives or relatives — locally referred to as evacuation “home-based IDPs. Another 90,738 individuals (17,913 in individuals) sought refuge in seventy (70) evacuation centers in different locations in the city.

With the establishment of an Operations Center by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) of Region IX and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao — Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (ARMM-HEART), local NGOs and UN Agencies Stationed themselves in Zamboanga City to complement the humanitarian response work led by government agencies. UN Agencies established field units at Garden Orchid Hotel to effectively funnel humanitarian assistance into the city and its displaced population.

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/zamboanga-city-five-years-after-siege

EDITORIAL - Lethal weapons

From the Philippine Star (Jun 30, 2019): EDITORIAL - Lethal weapons



The most lethal weapon in the terrorist arsenal is not a gun but a human being who is not scared to die. At a military camp in Indanan, Sulu last Friday, two such persons managed to enter and set off explosives, killing themselves together with three soldiers and wounding at least 11 others.

Almost simultaneously, sniper fire and a mortar attack also hit the tactical command post of the 1st Army Brigade Combat Team in Barangay Kajatian at around noon, triggering a firefight that lasted about an hour, according to military dispatches from Sulu.

The island-province is a stronghold of both the Abu Sayyaf and a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front identified with founding chairman Nur Misuari. As the death toll rose to eight on Friday night, no group had claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing.

The attack prompted a heightened security alert in Metro Manila, which has been hit in previous years by bombings staged by the Abu Sayyaf together with foreign terrorists and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front before the separatists forged a peace agreement with the government. The Abu Sayyaf later teamed up with the Maute group, which is linked to the foreign terrorist Islamic State, to lay siege to Marawi for five months in 2017.

The country has long grappled with separatist extremism and brutal banditry in Mindanao, with the problem periodically spilling over into Metro Manila. For the most part, however, homegrown extremists have preferred to commit homicide rather than suicide in furtherance of their objectives. The twin suicide bombings in Sulu take the threat of deadly violence to a more dangerous level.

Reports said one of the bombers blew himself up as he was being accosted by military sentinels. The other bomber reportedly set off his explosive near the parking area assigned to the Army combat team commander.

Suicide attacks require deep commitment to a cause, no matter how twisted. That cause must be addressed decisively if the state wants to prevent more people from turning themselves into weapons of mass destruction. Addressing the cause starts with identifying the suicide bombers and their cohorts in the latest attack in Sulu, and giving the victims justice.

https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2019/06/30/1930629/editorial-lethal-weapons

Nograles pushes for Human Security Act amendment after Sulu blast

From Politiko Mindanao (Jun 30, 2019): Nograles pushes for Human Security Act amendment after Sulu blast

Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) party-list Rep. Jericho Nograles has underscored the need to amend Republic Act No. 9372, otherwise known as the Human Security Act of 2007, following the alleged suicide bombing incident near an Army command post in Sulu Friday, June 28.

In a statement, the lawmaker said that recent attack could be a foreboding sign that suicide bombing is now becoming a weapon of choice for Islamic extremists in the country.

“The 18th Congress should prioritize national security legislation such as amending the Human Security Act of 2007 (RA 9372). Our Armed Forces and Police cannot fully protect us without the law enabling them to do so. For example, there are no provisions on cyber-terrorism but there are penalties against law enforcers if they arrest or detain a cyber-terrorist,” he said.

The blast last Friday at a command post of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team in Tanjung, Indanan Sulu killed eight people and injured 22 others. Prior to that, twin explosions also hit Jolo cathedral in January this year, killing over 20 people and wounding more than 80 others.

“Foreign terrorists come to our country either through the backdoors or the airports disguised as religious or tourist visits. I think the Anti-Terrorism Council should order for a prompt and full review on the existing protocols defending our nation against terrorists and submit to Congress what is needed for amendments in RA 9372,” Nograles said.

He condemned the attack as he urged government security forces to increase their vigilance and adopt counter measures that could neutralize similar mode of attacks in the future.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/nograles-pushes-for-human-security-act-amendment-after-sulu-blast/

US battleship docked in city

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 1, 2019): US battleship docked in city

American combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) arrived in the city on Saturday for the ship’s first port visit to the Philippines. The ship, with around 40 crew, will be in the city for three days.

In a press statement issued by the US Embassy Public Information Office, Rear Adm. Joey Tynch, the commander of the United Stated Navy’s Logistics Group Western Pacific, stressed the importance of the U.S.-Philippine partnership.

“Our navies, just like our nations, have a long history of cooperation and partnership based on mutual trust, respect and decades of friendship,” Tynch said. “Every port visit and exercise we complete together continues to strengthen maritime security and regional stability.”

During the port visit, Montgomery will host the tour of local military and civic leaders.

According to Cmdr. Edward Rosso, Montgomery’s commanding officer, it is an honor to visit one of the longest-standing U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific region.

“My crew and I are very much looking forward to visiting Davao City,” said Rosso. “Port visits allow us to demonstrate our commitment to maritime security in the region, while strengthening relationships with our friends, partners and allies.”

The U.S. 7th Fleet is conducting forward-deployed naval operations in support of U.S. national interests in the Indo-Pacific area of operations. As the U.S. Navy’s largest numbered fleet, U.S. 7th Fleet interacts with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security, promote stability and prevent conflict.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/07/01/us-battleship-docked-in-city/

PSSCC to rebels: Spare Bantay Bukid volunteers

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 1, 2019): PSSCC to rebels: Spare Bantay Bukid volunteers

The security cluster of the city has called on insurgent groups to spare the Bantay Bukid volunteers from harm.

“We are hoping that they (New People’s Army) will not touch them,” Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) deputy head Angel Sumagaysay told reporters during the recent Watershed Stakeholders Summit.

“To our brothers, please do not lay hands on them because all of us drink water.”

According to a report, there are 70 Bantay Bukid volunteers in the hinterlands of the Third District, particularly in the barangays of Tawantawan (specificially Sitio Ubay-Nanap, Gading, Panigan, and Sumpitan), Gumalang, Wines, Carmen, and Tambubong in Baguio District; and in Tamugan, Marilog District. They are protecting the watershed areas for any illegal activities.

According to Sumagaysay, if there are any insurgent groups present in the hinterlands in the city, they should not harm any of the Bantay Bukid volunteers.

He said Bantay Bukid volunteers put their lives at risk because of the nature of their duty.

“They are in-charge of the monitoring. Once they can monitor illegal activities in the watershed areas, they will immediately report it to the concerned agencies and the law enforcement units like the PNP (Philippine National Police), AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippine) or the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources),” Sumagaysay said.

Sumagaysay noted the improvements of their efforts and the vigilance in monitoring the watersheds by the volunteers.

However, he admitted that the city lacks in some other needs of the volunteers.

“We will raise everything to the Office of the City Mayor but as of now, we have to maximize the resources that the government was able to provide to them,” he said.

To augment the forces of the Bantay Bukid volunteers, Sumagaysay said they will be tapping the assistance of the barangay tanods soon.

“There are city-paid barangay tanods, and one of these days, we will be able to merge them to become part of the monitoring for environmental protection. This is one of the mandates of the barangay tanods,” he said.

“There are 20 barangay tanods per barangay. They will come from the barangays of Marilog, Baguio, and Calinan. Right now, one of their subjects in their training lectures on disaster management,” he added.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/07/01/psscc-to-rebels-spare-bantay-bukid-volunteers/

Photo: US Warship In Davao

From MindaNews (Jun 30, 2019): Photo: US Warship In Davao



A US Navy personnel onboard the USS Montgomery (LCS 8), an Independence-class littoral combat ship, as it arrives in Davao City for a port visit on 29 June 2019. MindaNews photo by MANMAN DEJETO

https://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2019/06/us-warship-in-davao/

USS Montgomery visits Davao City

From MindaNews (Jun 30, 2019): USS Montgomery visits Davao City

DAVAO CITY -- The 70-crew member USS Montgomery, an Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) of the US Navy, arrived at the Sasa Wharf in Davao City around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday for a three-day goodwill visit and to demonstrate the US government’s commitment to maritime security.

Cmdr. Edward A. Rosso, Montgomery’s commanding officer, told reporters in an interview after a quick tour inside the ship that it was the first port visit of the Montgomery to the Philippines, one of the longest-standing US allies in the Indo-Pacific region, for its first deployment.

Rosso said the ship’s goodwill visit aims to help strengthen the comprehensive US-Philippines relations and to learn from the experience of both navies to improve interoperability and exchange culture.

“We’re here to strengthen our partnership and our alliance with the Philippines. We can exchange cultural ideas and interoperability. It’s very important that our military work together, learn how to operate together,” he said.

In press release issued by the US Embassy in Manila, Rosso said port visits “allow us to demonstrate our commitment to maritime security in the region, while strengthening relationships with our friends, partners, and allies.”

Rosso said the visit of Montgomery to Davao has nothing to do with the renewed tensions in the West Philippine Sea after a Filipino fishing boat Gem-Ver was rammed by a Chinese vessel at the Recto Bank in the evening of June 9. The 22 fishermen were reportedly abandoned in that sinking boat.

He maintained the intention of the ship’s visit, which came two weeks after the recent “maritime incident,” was to further the partnership and alliance between US and Philippines.

Last year, Davao was also frequented with Chinese military aircraft and Chinese research/survey vessels, Yuan Wang 3 and Yuan Wang 7.

“It has nothing to do with the Chinese. The US and the Philippines have been in a partnership for over 70 years. Think about the Philippines and Americans. Over 4 million Filipino-Americans are in the US. Any time, it’s 350,000 US citizens traveling in this country,” Rosso said.

During his visit to Davao on June 18, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim assured the Philippines of the US government support amid tensions in the West Philippine sea.

Citing US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, Kim vowed the US will protect the Philippines as part of their commitments under the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty. He said any armed attack “against the Philippine forces, Philippine aircraft, and Philippine public vessels will trigger our obligations under the Mutual Defense Treaty.”

The International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea in The Hague, the Netherlands upheld the Philippine’s 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) over China’s historic nine-dash line claim that borders the former’s maritime territory in a decision last July 12, 2016.

Asked if the Montgomery would be sailing across the disputed West Philippine Sea, Rosso said: “I cannot comment on where we’ve been and where we’re going.”

The official also refused to answer if the ship would be deployed in the Balikatan Exercise, an annual military exercises of the two nations, as part of the US-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement.

According to a press briefer, Montgomery’s speed at 46 miles per hour and maneuverability were among the unique and defining characteristics of the ship.

The Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) is in Davao City for its first port visit to the Philippines during her first deployment. The ship arrived on June 29, 2019 and will host local military and civic leaders, says Cmdr. Edward A. Rosso, Montgomery’s commanding officer. Rosso says port visits “allow us to demonstrate our commitment to maritime security in the region, while strengthening relationships with our friends, partners and allies.” Photo courtesy of Muckley Photography, released for publication by the US Embassy in Manila

The ship, equipped with four steerable water jets unlike most naval ships that utilize propellers and rudders to “drive” the ship, is one of the most agile and maneuverable ships in the fleet.

“A fast, agile, and focused mission platform, it is designed for operation in near-shore environments, yet capable of open ocean operation independently or with a strike group,” it added.

It said the LCS fulfills a crucial role in the six core areas of the Navy’s Maritime Defense Strategy: forward presence, deterrence, sea control, sea power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance/disaster response (HA/DR).

“This ship drafts 14 feet which just gives our navy the opportunity to go into a lot of places that normally we wouldn’t be able. This ship can get to so many places. If we needed to do between disaster relief and humanitarian aid, this is the perfect ship to help you do that,” Rosso said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/06/uss-montgomery-visits-davao-city/

Profiling of Marawi IDPs ends

From MindaNews (Jun 30, 2019): Profiling of Marawi IDPs ends

The profiling of internally displaced persons (IDPs) or Kathanor in Marawi City officially ended Friday or 11 days after it resumed last June 17.

Hundreds of Meranaos came for the last day of Kathanor on Friday (28 June 2019) to beat the deadline. MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

Felix Castro, Task Force Bangon Marawi field office manager said they are now preparing for the next phase of the Kathanor program which is designed for those who rented spaces in Marawi before the the siege two years ago that destroyed the city’s commercial area.

“We are tentatively setting the next phase in the middle of July as soon as we are ready,” Castro told MindaNews.

People still jam-packed the registration centers at the Marawi Resort hotel (formerly known as Ayala Resort Hotel) on the last day of the registration.

Castro estimated at more than 2,000 the people who came in to register last Friday.

“I do not understand why there are still people coming when the registration started last November,” he said.

The profiling of IDPs was suspended last May 22 after it was found out that an unusually large number of people were able to register.

Last day of the Kathanor. MindaNews photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

Castro said it turned out that many of them were “fake IDPs” who were able to get spurious public documents to back their claims.

He said Kathanor was supposed to have ended in March, and the May 20 to 31 schedule was supposedly only for those with grievances or complaints or those who were unable to meet the schedules for their barangays.

Instead, Castro said they were “mobbed” by the fake IDPs.

He said the problem on fake IDPs surfaced during the May 20 to 31 schedule after the Department of Social Welfare and Development released P73,000 “pabaon” cash assistance for those who were already registered under the Kathanor program.

Under the DSWD cash assistance program, P20,000 worth of financial assistance was given to IDPs to start their own business and a lump sum of P53,000 as transitory family support package.

Aside from the financial assistance, the DSWD also gave another “pabaon” package consisting of canned goods and other food items.

“This attracted the people to register,” Castro said.

He said there was no problem in the profiling process from October 2018 to March 2019.

He said as of May 20, a total of 44,497 households of IDPs inside and outside the Main Affected Area had been profiled or registered in the Kathanor program since October 7 last year.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/06/profiling-of-marawi-idps-ends/

Medal for Valor recipient Gen. Sobejana is new Westmincom commander

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 30, 2019): Medal for Valor recipient Gen. Sobejana is new Westmincom commander



Medal for Valor recipient Major General Cirilito Sobejana on June 28 officially assumed the post of Commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) after ceremonies held in Camp Don Basilio Navarro, Bagong Calarian here.

Maj. Gen. Sobejana assumed the post from Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega who retired from the service. The turn-over ceremony was presided by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal.

In his speech, Sobejana emphasized the importance of complementary efforts from stakeholders including the local government units, government agencies and civil society groups.

“To win the threat against the enemy, we must make ourselves bigger. With the support of the civil government, there is no reason for us to fail in the fight against insurgency,” Maj. Gen. Sobejana said.

The commander is not new to his assignment in the Westmincom. Before his previous post as commander of the 6th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, he was commander of Joint Task Force Sulu where he led troops in the operations against the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.

Sobejana is considered to be a living hero having attained the Medal for Valor, the highest award for bravery and exemplary service in the armed forces. He is a scout ranger, special forces operative, a paratrooper, scuba diver and trained in various military disciplines including nuclear, biological and chemical.

Sobejana is confident to end the Abu Sayyaf insurgency within his time, with the support of the troops, the local government units and stakeholders. (EDT/DIS/PIA9-Zamboanga City)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023901

Tagalog News: Puerto Princesa City Peace and Order Council, isusulong na mai-deklarang 'persona non grata' ang CPP-NPA

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 30, 2019): Tagalog News: Puerto Princesa City Peace and Order Council, isusulong na mai-deklarang 'persona non grata' ang CPP-NPA



Larawang kuha ni Leila B. Dagot/PIA-Palawan  Regular na pagpupulong ng Puerto Princesa City Peace and Order Council (PPCPOC) na pinangunahan ni Mayor Lucilo Bayron bilang tagapanguna. (LBD/PIAMIMAROPA/Palawan)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan --- Inihahanda na ng bumubuo ng Puerto Princesa City Peace and Order Council (PPCPOC) ang magiging rekomendasyon nito sa Sangguniang Panlungsod upang mai-deklara bilang ‘persona non grata’ ang grupong New People’s Army (NPA) sa nasasakupan ng lungsod.

Pag-aaralan ng konseho ang mga nararapat na dahilan ng deklarasyon nang naaayon sa batas, at siya namang ipapasa sa kapulungan ng mga lokal na mamababatas sa lungsod upang mapag-aralan at makagawa ng kaukulang hakbang.

Ito ay bilang pagtalima sa kahilingan ng Western Command (WesCom) sa lahat ng lokal na pamahalaan sa lalawigan at lungsod na suportahan sila sa kampanya kontra sa rebeldeng grupo na itinuturing na banta sa seguridad at kapayapaan ng komunidad.

Bilang tagapanguna sa PPCPOC, inatasan ni Mayor Lucilo Bayron ang kinatawan ng Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) na mangalap ng mga magiging batayan sa isinusulong na hakbang.

Samantala, sa lalawigan ng Palawan, mayroon nang ilang LGU ang nagdeklara ng persona non grata laban sa NPA sa pamamagitan ng mga resolusyong inaprubahan ng kani-kaniyang Sangguniang Bayan. (LBD/PIAMIMAROPA-Palawan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023926

Hear our story: IP leaders rally int’l community aid vs. CPP-NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30, 2019): Hear our story: IP leaders rally int’l community aid vs. CPP-NPA

SPEAKING TOUR. Indigenous peoples (IP) leaders check their presentation during a conference before a Filipino community group in Queens, New York City on Saturday (June 29, 2019). The IP leaders are in the United States for a series of speaking engagements about the atrocities of the CPP-NPA-NDFP. (Photo by Mac Villarino/PCOO)

Strained by the attacks in insurgency-torn Philippines, some indigenous peoples (IP) leaders on Saturday urged the international community to help end communist armed conflict in the country, as they “break their silence” on the atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines(CPP-NPA-NDFP).

“Please help us clear the issues of the Lumad killings and the alleged attacks on our communities and schools because truth is, the one who has the motive of attacking and violating our rights and communities are the groups who want to convert our ancestral domain into their guerilla bases and recruit our youth into child warriors,” Datu Bawan Jacob Lanes, member of Mandaya Tribes from Davao City, said in his speech before members of the Filipino community here.

Lanes said the CPP-NPA-NDFP has committed several human rights violations against members of the indigenous people.

“Their lies and deceptions to force us into their framework (of) self-determination and liberation, in fact, we already made our decision that the expression of our self-determination is self-governance and empowerment under the flag of the Philippine government,” he said.

Lanes, along with other tribal chieftains, travelled from the Philippines to the United States of America to raise their voices about the atrocities and attacks made by communist terrorist organizations by engaging the US government, United Nations, Filipino communities, and other international organizations.

Reds’ target

Christine Banugan, whose father and uncle were both murdered by members of the CPP-NPA, shared that she needed to step up not just to give her family the justice they deserve, but to lead her community in attaining peace and development.

“Despite threats to my life, I continue my leadership because if no one will lead them, who will? If this is not the right time to lead, then when?,” she said.

The 28-year-old Banugan now takes the helm in the Mandaya Tribe in Davao Oriental after her father, Likid, who was then tribal chieftain, was killed after consistently upholding the rights of indigenous peoples.

PAIN OF THE PAST. Tribal leader Christine Banugan cries as she recalls the murder of her family by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) during a conference in Queens, New York on Saturday (June 29, 2019). Banugan, who is now leader of the Mandaya Tribe, said she needed to step up not just to give her family the justice they deserve, but to lead her community in attaining peace and development. (Photo by Mac Villarino/PCOO)

Joel Dahusay, an IP teacher and community organizer, lamented how the Salugpungan school has become an institution of deception, radicalization and corruption of IP culture, saying that it “destroyed the traditional way of the IPs especially in Mindanao for 50 years now.”

As a public school graduate, he said he was able to compare the teachings of the Salugpungan and “noticed a big difference.”

“I am wondering why the Salugpungan school did not follow the Department of Education curriculum. It is more on bringing struggle and deception, and brought the students to attend rallies,” he added.

Deception, destruction

Other IP leaders, meanwhile, disclosed that after they were recruited to join the communist rebellion, they became first-hand witnesses of how oppression and deception strangled tribe members to death.

Datu Ramon Bayaan, who was with the NPA for three years, said other than killing thousands of traditional leaders who oppose their ideology and replacing them with revolutionary chieftains, they systematically deceived the IPs.

“Hinay hinay umabot sa akong huna-huna nga ang among kinabalakhan, ngano nakaabot mi diri? Kining pagpamatay sa tribo? (It slowly came to our minds where we realized, how did we get here? We were killing our tribespeople),” he said.

He added that the CPP-NPA occupied “our sacred place in our ancestral domain and established front guerilla camp.”

Datu Awing Maraan Apuga, on the other hand, said he was trained to become a child warrior by the NPA, eventually becoming a medic of the NPA Platoon in Davao del Norte and a teacher of the Salugpungan school.

Apuga said he was only five years old when his father brought him inside an NPA hideout, and was only 12 when he headed the Salugpungan Youth, tasked to convince young people to enroll in the alternative school.

NPA CHILD WARRIOR. Indigenous Peoples (IP) group leader Datu Awing Maraan Apuga shares how he became a New People’s Army (NPA) child warrior, during a conference in Queens, New York on Saturday (June 29, 2019). Apuga said he eventually became a medic of the NPA Platoon in Davao del Norte and a teacher of the Salugpungan school before returning to the folds of the law. (Photo by Mac Villarino/PCOO)

“Murag sakit sa buot nako karon. Nga ang gintudlo sa akoa dili maayo. Gipangandoy nako nga makaskwela ko. An gintudlo dili maayo (It’s hard to accept right now the things I learned were bad. I prayed to become an educated man, but the teachings were evil),” he said.

The tribal leaders will make their way across the United States — from New York to Chicago, California and Washington DC — to call on the international community to hear their plight back home.

Tribal leaders representing the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders (MIPCEL) earlier cited several human rights violations committed by the CPP-NPA against IPs.

The list, which was called "17 atrocities,” was submitted to the Commission on Human Rights as well as the Philippine National Police, which is currently looking into the alleged violations by collating all affidavits of the tribal leaders and victims.

Among the 17 atrocities was the June 25, 1989 massacre in Barangay Binaton, Digos, Davao del Sur, where 39 churchgoers were massacred by armed men believed to members of the NPA.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073668

DND calls for vigilance anew after Sulu bomb attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30, 2019): DND calls for vigilance anew after Sulu bomb attack



Department of National Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong.
The Department of National Defense (DND) on Sunday called on the public for continued vigilance following the bomb attack at the tactical command post of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu, which killed around eight people, including three soldiers, and wounded 22 others last June 28.

"The DND calls for continued vigilance in light of the recent bombings in Sulu which led to the very unfortunate loss of lives, both civilian and military. We extend our sympathies to the victims of this heinous act, and vow to hunt down those who are responsible," said DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong in a statement forwarded to reporters.

He added that Friday's attack highlights the need of the public and the security sector to work together in order prevent and counter violent extremism in the communities.

"As a nation, we must be adamant in our rejection of foreign extremist ideologies which aim to invalidate our gains towards achieving just and lasting peace in the country, particularly in Mindanao," the DND spokesperson said.

Andolong assured the public that government forces are conducting a deeper investigation on the incident and will not stop until the suspects responsible for this atrocity are arrested or neutralized.

As this developed, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal visited troops of the IBCT to assess the situation aside from conducting an ocular inspection on the blast site.

He was accompanied by newly appointed Western Mindanao Command chief, Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

Madrigal also visited troops wounded in the attack at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo.

There, he awarded the Wounded Personnel Medal to wounded members of the 1BCT.

"We condemn the latest bombing in Jolo that victimized not only our soldiers but also civilians who were in the vicinity of the blast. Targeting soldiers and civilians whose only intention is to provide security and maintain peace in the communities is a cowardly act and deserves condemnation in the strongest terms possible," Madrigal said.

He added that the three soldiers, who died in the blast, did not die in vain as they were able to detect and prevent the bomber from entering the camp thus saving many lives.

The second bomber was also neutralized by troops before he was able to get inside the billeting area but was able to detonate the bomb which resulted in the wounding of other troops.

"We commiserate with the relatives of our troops and the civilians and we assure the wounded personnel of the utmost care and medical attention," the AFP chief added.

Madrigal said the AFP is awaiting the result of the post-blast investigation being led by the Philippine National Police.

Meanwhile, the Western Mindanao Command will continue the conduct of current operations while making necessary adjustments in camp security protocols.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073665

Why PRRD’s EO 70 is game-changer in gov’t anti-insurgency drive

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 30, 2019): Why PRRD’s EO 70 is game-changer in gov’t anti-insurgency drive

SPEAKING THE TRUTH. Tribal leader Chiary Balinan becomes emotional as she shared how the CPP-NPA-NDFP has been deceiving and radicalizing Indigenous People’s (IP) communities, in a conference in Queens, New York City on Saturday (June 29, 2019). Balinan and other IP leaders are travelling across the United States to call on the international community to get rid of the CPP-NPA-NDFP. (Photo by Mac Villarino/PCOO)

With the atrocities committed by communist terrorist organizations in conflict-torn Mindanao, Indigenous People’s (IP) leader Chiary Balinan said silence is no longer an option.

On Saturday, armed with “nothing but the truth,” the 28-year-old member of the Ata tribe in Davao City spoke before Filipinos here, as she shared how the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines(CPP-NPA-NDFP) exploited and radicalized IP communities in the Philippines.

“We have come here to tell our stories, the truth of the situation of the indigenous peoples in the Philippines, and to seek your help in addressing our very serious problem, the scars of communist terrorism,” she said in a speech. “We are here because the greatest weapon against deception is truth.”

Balinan said thousands of brave leaders in her community were killed simply because they did not follow what the communist terrorists wanted.

“Our women were raped. Our culture was subverted. Our resources were plundered. Our peaceful communities were destroyed forcing us to seek refuge elsewhere. Our children have been brainwashed and molded to become child warriors,” she said.

Balinan is among the eight tribal leaders currently in the United States of America for a series of speaking engagements about the atrocities of the CPP-NPA-NDFP.

Speaking the truth

The delegation, which includes former NPA child warrior Datu Awing Maraan Apuga and IP teacher and community organizer Joel Dahusay, is calling on the US government, United Nations, and various international organizations here to help get rid of the communist terrorist groups in the country.

“Kung hindi kami nakarating dito at hindi namin naiparating ang ating mga problema ay sino pa kaya ang tutulong sa amin? (If we did not get here and were not able to share our issues, who else would help us?,” Dahusay said.

Dahusay shared how the Salugpungan school has become an instrument of the Left to deceive and corrupt the IP culture, saying it has “radicalized the young children” in Mindanao.

Filipino organizations and community groups in the US are welcoming the IPs with open arms, providing platforms for them to raise their voices on their plight back home.

Filipina Margie Lapiz, who is based in New York City’s Staten Island, said she never expected the intense struggle the IP communities faced in their own ancestral lands.

“Hearing from them today, I feel the need to help our country even more. Since I have friends all over the world, I also want them to know the truth, the needs of the IPs,” she said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy, for her part, said President Rodrigo Duterte’s move to form a national task force to work out a mechanism to help end the decades-old communist insurgency paved the way for the tribal leaders’ voices to be heard.

SUPPORT GROUP. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy throws her support behind IP leaders in their anti-insurgency drive, in a conference before a Filipino community group in Queens, New York City on Saturday (June 29, 2019). Badoy earlier spoke before members of the US-Philippines Society, sharing how the organizational structure of the CPP-NPA-NDFP has infiltrated all sectors of Philippine society. (Photo by Mac Villarino/PCOO)

Badoy called on Filipinos here “to be courageous like the IP leaders” in letting the world know of the true issues confronting tribal communities in the Philippines.

“Sa totoo lang, bakit tayo matatakot? Sila ang matakot dumating na ang araw nila (Truth is, why will we be afraid? They should be afraid because their time has come,” Badoy said, referring to members of the CPP-NPA-NDFP.

Duterte’s creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is contained in Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining an inclusive and sustainable peace.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073694

Analyst: ‘There’s reason to believe’ Sulu blasts were suicide attacks by IS

From ABS-CBN (Jun 29, 2019): Analyst: ‘There’s reason to believe’ Sulu blasts were suicide attacks by IS

Provincial director Paul Labra walks with police personnel on the way to the blast site to conduct a post-blast investigation at the temporary Camp of 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan town, Sulu, on Friday, June 28. Nickee Butlangan, Reuters

MANILA—A security analyst on Saturday said the bombings in Indanan town, Sulu, which left 8 people dead and 12 others wounded, were suicide attacks.

8 killed, 12 wounded in Sulu blast

Rommel Banlaoi, president of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, said he believes the Islamic State (IS) group was behind the blasts.

"I take the word of ISIS for claiming the incident as a suicide attack, because they claimed responsibility for the Marawi City siege, which turned out to be true," he told ANC.

"As far as the track record of claiming responsibility are concerned then the ISIS may have knowledge on this incident. I have reason to believe that it was a suicide attack."

Military officials earlier said the Abu Sayyaf group, an Islamic State-linked terrorist organization, could be behind the blasts, which occurred near a military camp in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan.

Banlaoi warned of ISIS' rising support in the country, citing followings in Mindanao and Luzon.

3 'ISIS supporters' arestado sa Parañaque, Rizal

"It is true that the strength of ISIS is weakening in the middle east particularly in Syria, Iraq but it is not disappearing," he said.

"In fact, just a few weeks ago a group claiming to be followers of Islamic State has pledged allegiance to ISIS again and the the film was done in the Philippines."

Banlaoi added that the Philippines has become "an alternative base for Jihad."

"Particularly from the Middle East and most particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia are being encouraged to come to the Philippines in order to mount violent incidents in southern Philippines," he said.

"And most problematic problem is that some followers are willing to accommodate them when they come to the Philippines."

Banlaoi, meanwhile, assured that government is "exerting its best efforts" to prevent the IS to mount big attacks.

"I'm very very privy to the efforts of our government, particularly coordinating with friendly countries who are willing to share info with us and willing to build our capacity," he said.

"I think what the government should do is to double up its efforts so they will not be outsmarted by the terror groups."

The government earlier said the Abu Sayyaf could be behind the (attack).

"Authorities are eyeing the bandit Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) behind this dastardly attack," Malacañang said.

Military units in Western Mindanao have been placed on red alert, while Metro Manila police also raised a full alert status as a "proactive" following the incident.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/06/29/19/analyst-theres-reason-to-believe-sulu-blasts-were-suicide-attacks-by-is