PNP to deploy 300 more SAF troopers in Negros

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 30, 2019): PNP to deploy 300 more SAF troopers in Negros

More than 300 elite Special Action Force troopers of the Philippine National Police are coming to Negros Island.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde yesterday ordered the deployment of more than 300 SAF troops to Negros Island to augment the local police in anti-criminality and internal security operations, following the spate of killings in Negros Oriental.

As Albayalde made the announcement to deploy SAF troopers in Negros, troopers of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 yesterday figured in an encounter with a group of suspected New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Upper Talampakan, Brgy.Nalundan, Bindoy town.

The running gunbattle lasted for about 20 minutes, and prompted the NPA rebels to withdraw in separate directions. None of the police troopers were injured.

SAF troopers, numbering more than 300 which is equivalent to one battalion, will augment the two Army Infantry battalions that returned to Negros from Mindanao, in the past months.

Albayalde said, the SAF troopers will augment local police units in anti-criminality and internal security operations against elements and dissident terrorist groups operating in the provinces of Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental.

There are now two companies of the SAF deployed in northern Negros, with another company is deployed in Panay.

The death toll in Negros Oriental killings since July 18 rose to 22 on Sunday, as another man was shot dead in Brgy. Panubigan, Canlaon City, where Councilor Ramon Jalandoni and barangay chairman Ernesto Posadas had also been shot and killed, a day earlier.

Albayalde said he was told by Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas, regional police director of Central Visayas, that their hot pursuit operations, together with the AFP, are continuing, and that they are looking into all these killings.

He added that the local communist rebels are responsible for the series of killings.

The spate of killings occurred after four RMFB 7intelligence operatives of were tortured and killed in Barangay Mabato in Ayungon town on July 18.

“There is also the possibility that the four police officers were tortured and summarily executed and there is also a scheme on the part of the CPP-NPA where they sacrifice their own and then blame government forces for alleged human rights violation. They are also pointing to government forces for these killings,” he said.

In some of the killings, the gunmen would barge into the house of their target and would leave spray-painted graffiti indicating that the NPA is claiming responsibility, Albayalde said.

"This is part of their propaganda. They execute their own and blame the government for it," he added.

During the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo activated the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

The creation and activation of the task force by Degamo, is in compliance with the Executive Order Number 70 - 2018 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict NTF-ELCAC), as a holistic solution employing a whole-of-nation approach in addressing the root causes of insurgency to ensure peace and security in the province, following the series of killings last week.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander (covering 1st District Negros Oriental) and Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Brigade Commander (covering 2nd & 3rd Districts Negros Oriental), both expressed their confidence that the newly created task force will boost the campaign against CPP-NPA-NDF and prevent further killings in the province.

The Diocese of Dumaguete is spearheading a multi-sectoral dialog on July 31 at the Marian Priests’ Center at the Cathedral Compound in Dumaguete City, Bishop Julito Ortiz, who was alarmed by the escalating events of senseless violence, killings and horrible deaths in Negros Island recently, said.

“Let us come together to take stock of the spate of killings in our province, to mindfully listen to each other on how these greatly affected us, to reflectively discern and galvanize possible intersectoral collaboration to support our local government in fulfilling its obligations, to conduct prompt investigation on these killings, to bring to justice the perpetrators, and to prevent the recurrence of these violent inhumane acts,” he said.

The Unyon ng Manggagawa sa Agrikultura, a local affiliate of Kilusang Magbubukid sa Pilipinas, reported having recorded 87 extra-judicial killings in Negros since 2017, under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines- West Visayas Jurisdictional Area also condemned the killings in Negros Oriental.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/July/30/topstory3.htm

Defense chief hits China's 'bullying' in Scarborough Shoal takeover

From Rappler (Jul 30, 2019): Defense chief hits China's 'bullying' in Scarborough Shoal takeover

Filipinos would 'naturally' distrust China for 'grabbing' islands in the West Philippine Sea, says Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

BULLYING. A Chinese militia vessel identified by the Philippine Coast Guard during a patrol in Scarborough Shoal. PCG photo

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday, July 30, criticized China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, and sided with a public opinion survey that showed a sharp decline in China’s trust rating among Filipinos.

China’s aggressive moves in the West Philippine Sea contradict its officials’ statements that it wants peace in the region, Lorenzana told reporters in a briefing.

Asked whether those moves qualify as China “bullying” Filipinos, Lorenzana said, “Well, the way they took over Scarborough Shoal, to me that was bullying.”

China has practically wielded full control of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales ever since a standoff between Chinese and Philippine ships from April to May of 2012.

For years, the Chinese Coast Guard chased away Filipino fishing crews who tried to approach the shoal, their ships closely tailing the fishermen's wooden boats, and firing water cannons at those who attempted to enter the main lagoon.

In 2017, as President Rodrigo Duterte sought broader ties with China, then Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, now the House Speaker, said Filipino fishermen have “returned” to Panatag Shoal in exchange for shelving an international arbitral award of the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

However, despite the government’s claims, the China Coast Guard still prevents Filipino fishing boats from entering the main lagoon, which serves as a shelter from rough seas, and where fishermen can haul in a significantly bigger catch than in any of the surrounding waters.

Filipino fishermen have reported a decline of 30% to 40% in their earnings ever since they were driven away from Panatag Shoal.

The July 12, 2016 international arbitral award based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) declared Panatag Shoal a common fishing ground where no country can claim exclusive ownership or access.

The shoal is nearer to the Philippines than to any other country, and lies within its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

A Pulse Asia opinion survey conducted last month found that 74% of Filipinos had little or no trust in China at all – a 13-percentage-point drop in China's trust rating in March – following the Recto Bank incident on June 9 in which a Chinese ship hit a Filipino fishing boat and left its 22 crew members marooned.

“Natural (Naturally)!” Lorenzana said of China’s low trust rating.

“The Chinese, since they started grabbing islands there and bullying people around, siyempre magdududa ‘yung tao (of course people will be suspicious [of them]). Until such time masabi ko na (I can say) the behavior of the Chinese will match their rhetoric, then the low trust of the Philippines will continue."

Such actions, and the recent passage of Chinese warships in the Sibutu Strait in the waters of Tawi-tawi without notice to the government, are examples of China’s inconsistency in dealing with the Philippines, the defense chief added.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/236636-lorenzana-hits-china-bullying-scarborough-shoal-takeover

China to Philippines: 'We won't take the first shot'

From Rappler (Jul 30, 2019): China to Philippines: 'We won't take the first shot'

Ambassador Zhao Jianhua says that Beijing is committed to a peaceful settlement of disputes

'PEACEFUL SETTLEMENT.' China says it is committed to a 'peaceful settlement' of disputes in the South China Sea. Photos from the Chinese Embassy in Manila

Amid criticism of its growing military presence in the South China Sea, China's ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua claimed Beijing would "not take the first shot," as he appealed to claimant countries to "be patient" when settling disputes.

In a speech celebrating the 92nd anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army on Monday night, July 29 in Makati City, Zhao stressed that China was developing its military "entirely" for self-defense. 

(READ: China's new Great Wall)

"China adopts a military strategy of active defense which adheres to the principle of defense, self-defense, and post-strike response. Meaning, we will not take the first shot," Zhao said.

Zhao's words downplay President Rodrigo Duterte's repeated claim that China would wage war on the Philippine if it asserted its rights in the West Philippine Sea. He maintained that China is committed to settling disputes "peacefully" and would adhere to international law such as the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Beijing's words do not match reality.

"They are saying they want peace in the South China Sea. It does not match what they are doing on the ground.... What you are saying is not what you are doing on the ground." Lorenzana told reporters on Tuesday, when asked what he told the China delegation in the recent Shangri-La dialogue in Singapore.

Lorenzana said that until China's actions match their words, "doubtful yung mga sinasabi nila (what they say is doubtful)."

"Parang optics lang or narrative lang siguro yan. It's good to be heard just to keep us siguro calm or pampalubag-loob sa atin. But the bottomline is hindi magkatugma yung sinasabi nila sa ginagawa nila sa West Philippine Sea," Lorenzana said. (That's just optics or a narrative. It's good to be heard just to keep us calm or make us relax. But the bottomline is what they say does not match what they do in the West Philippine Sea.)

China's 'wisdom'

Describing the South China Sea dispute as a "sensitive issue," Zhao urged other claimant countries to have "confidence in our wisdom that sooner or later we can settle it peacefully."

"China will continue to work with the Philippines and other states directly concerned to resolve the relevant disputes in the South China Sea through bilateral negotiation and consultation on the basis of respecting historical fact and in accordance with international law which also includes UNCLOS," he said.

But Filipinos have denounced China for claiming the West Philippine Sea despite a 2016 international ruling affirming the Philippines' rights over this part of the South China Sea.

China has also been criticized for its militarization of the South China Sea, harassment of Filipino fishermen in Philippine waters, and its deployment of maritime militia across the vast marine area. (READ: Philippines loses to China 3 years after Hague ruling)

In February 2019, reports showed China deployed its maritime militia to the vicinity of Pag-asa Island (Thitu Island) in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) since at least July 2018, after the Philippines began constructing on the island.

The Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies said satellite images captured from mid-December to late January 2019 showed a high of 95 vessels on December 20, 2018, before dropping to 42 by January 26 this year.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/236641-china-to-philippines-will-not-take-first-shot

2 suspects in Negros Oriental police slaying arrested

From Rappler (Jul 31, 2019): 2 suspects in Negros Oriental police slaying arrested

The two are arrested at a checkpoint in Ayungon town as part of a weeklong joint operation by the police and military

JOINT OPERATIONS. Brigadier General Debold Sinas (left), Central Visayas' police director tells reporters, says 4 suspected members of the New People's Army were arrested after an 8-day joint police and military operation. Photo by Rappler/Ryan Macasero

Two suspects in the slaying of 4 police officers in Ayungon, Negros Oriental, were arrested on Monday, July 29.

The police announced the arrests during a press conference in Cebu City on Tuesday, July 30. They said the arrests were part of a joint operation by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Negros Oriental, specifically targeting suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members allegedly involved in the July 18 police ambush.

The two are among 4 total arrests made during the 8-day operations, which took place in the Negros Oriental towns of Ayungon, Bindoy, Mabinay, and Tayasan.

The suspects tagged in the police killings were identified as Rico Oracoy, 39, and Lito Cadusale, 51. Both are farmers and residents of Barangay Mabato, Ayungon town.

According to the police report, they were arrested at a checkpoint on the evening of July 29, while joint combat operations were ongoing in neighboring Bindoy town.

The operation comes after President Rodrigo’s post-State of the Nation Address statement on July 22, where he promised P3 million to anyone who would deliver the "head" of the communists involved in the attack.

He also directed the Central Visayas’ police – who alleged the police were tortured before they were summarily executed – to charge those involved in the killing.

According to police, the suspects possessed two .38 caliber revolvers, a rifle grenade, and two sets of improvised explosive devices.

Oracoy and Cadusale's capture brings the number of suspects charged and arrested to 3 out of a possible 20 or more suspects.

The first suspect arrested and charged was Victoriano Anadon, the slain cops' contact whom they were supposed to meet in the village, but was later found to be allegedly linked to the NPA. He was detained on July 19 and faces multiple murder charges. 

(READ: Village chief tagged in cops' ambush in Negros Oriental dies)

Other suspected rebels arrested

According to police, there were other suspected rebels arrested in the operations, although they are not being linked to the Ayungon ambush.

“Oplan Branstark was launched last July 24 at 1 am,” Philippine National Police Region-7 said in a press statement released on Tuesday afternoon. “The operation was composed of one PNP strike force and one scout platoon of the Philippine Army.”

Sinas told reporters earlier on Tuesday that the operation was launched to “track and neutralize” the suspects in the slaying of the police officers.

A combat operation was launched on July 26 in Barangay Carol-an, Ayungon, Negros Oriental, that led to the arrest of suspected NPA fighters. The operation led to the arrest of 37-year-old Onie Bangala and 25-year-old Nerie "Boy" Bangala.

Both suspects allegedly had weapons, ammunition, and medical supplies confiscated from them when they were apprehended.

"They denied being members of the NPA, but it was later confirmed that they were," Sinas told reporters on Tuesday. Nerie was arrested, but Onie was able to escape.

While the National Democratic Front confirmed the NPA’s involvement in the police’s slayings, they have not yet confirmed if any of the persons arrested in the joint operations are also members. 

(READ: NPA did not torture slain Negros Oriental cops – NDF)

Police said they engaged suspected insurgents in an armed fight in Bindoy town on July 29.

No casualties

"The CTGs (communist terrorist groups) withdrew in the north direction," the police's statement said. There were no casualties or injuries on the government's side, but authorities could not determined if any insurgent fighters were hurt or killed in the firefight.

As of Tuesday, police said the PNP’s striking and blocking forces had withdrawn from operation area for debriefing.

But while police involved in the operation will be withdrawn, Sinas said the Army’s 303rd Infantry Division had been moved to Guihulngan City and he hopes that PNP Director Oscar Albayalde would assign another Special Action Force unit to Negros Oriental to help quell violence in the province.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/236688-suspects-negros-oriental-police-slaying-arrested

300 ka mga residente nakapahimulos sa ‘Hatid Serbisyo’ sa Army

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 30, 2019): 300 ka mga residente nakapahimulos sa ‘Hatid Serbisyo’ sa Army

KAPIN 300 ka mga residente ang nakapahimulos sa “Hatid serbisyo caravan para sa kapayapaan (Service for Peace)” bag-ohay pa lang pinaagi sa paghatag sa libreng serbisyo ngadto sa hilit nga barangay Cagawasan, Kibawe, Bukidnon.

Midugang ang ka-bibo sa “Hatid Serbisyo” tungod kay dungan usab kini sa “mass surrender” kon dinaghan nga pag-surender sa mga tig-suporta sa mga rebeldeng CPP-NPA diin nanumpa sila nga ila nang undangon ang ilang mga bisan unsa nga pakiglambigit ug hinabang sa mga terorista.

Si Punong Barangay Marissa Bayer, ang kapitan sa barangay Cagawasan nga maoy nag-abi-abi sa mga misurender, nagpasalamat ug midayeg sa Philippine Army tungod sa paningkamot sa kasundaluhan nga magmalinawon ang ilang barangay.

“Salamat Philippine Army, adlaw ug gabii walay undang ang inyong paningkamot aron ma-serbisyohan ang katawhan. Karong adlawa, saksi kitang tanan sa kaligdong sa atong kasundaluhan diha sa pagtutok sa ilang mga misyon. Ayaw kamo og kabalaka kay ang katawhan sa barangay Cagawasan makigtambayayong sa atong mga sundalo aron kanunay kitang luwas sa kahadlok ug mahimo kitang lugar nga pinakanindot puy-an,” matud ni Bayer.

Samtang kamulo ang programa, malipayong nagtapok ug naglinya ang mga residente alang sa libreng serbisyo sama sa pag-ibot sa ngipon, urinalysis, prenatal checkup, immunization, libreng alot, pag-apod-apod sa libreng tambal, family planning, health checkup ug uban pang serbisyo.

Ubay-ubay sa mga kabataan ug kababayen-an ang nasilbihan sa Hatid Serbisyo.

Si LtCol Franklin F. Fabic, commander sa 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion nga maoy nanguna sa kalihukan miingon nga buot sa kagamhanan nga mo-uswag ang kinabuhi sa katawhan labi na kadtong naa sa hilit nga barangay tungod kay ang kauswagan sa katawhan maoy makapahimong malinawon sa usa ka komunidad.

“Kami ang inyong tinuod nga sundalo; nia kami dinhi aron manalipod kaninyo. Ang inyong suporta ug kooperasyon maoy magdala kanato ngadto sa kalinaw ug komportable nga kinabuhi diin dugay na natong gipangandoy,” miingon siya.

Kini nga kalihukan pinasubay usab sa mando ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte nga undangon na ang armadong panagbangi sa nasud. Naa kini nakalatid sa Executive Order No. 70 (EO 70) sa Presidente.

Tumong sa EO 70 nga mahatagan sa pagtagad ug kasulbaran ang mga butang o problema nga maoy hinungdan sa armadong kagubot ug padayonon ang paghatag sa serbisyo ngadto sa lugar nga hilit, apektado sa kasamok, ug dili kaayo kanunay’ng makapahimulos sa serbisyo.(By Capt. Norven Jay Garcia)

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/300-ka-mga-residente-nakapahimulos-sa-hatid-serbisyo-sa-army/

Soldier wounded in Maguindanao clash

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 30, 2019): Soldier wounded in Maguindanao clash

A government soldier was wounded in a clash with pro-ISIS militants in the restive Muslim province of Maguindanao in southern Philippines, officials said Tuesday, adding, as many as 9 insurgents were believed killed in sporadic battle since last week.

Officials said the latest fighting erupted in Dasawa village in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town over the weekend after troops clashed with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for at least 10 minutes.

The 6th Infantry Division confirmed that a soldier was wounded in the clash, but it did not release the name of the infantry man. He was the second casualties in the weeklong battle. Militant also killed an army sniper, Sergeant Ahmad Mahmood, on July 25.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the armed campaign against the militants, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to ISIS, will not stop until the Islamic extremist group is neutralized.

“Deliberate offensives against terrorists continue, inflicting more casualties and impeding any hostile plans of terrorists as military troops attempt to penetrate enemy strongholds in Maguindanao. Troops from the Joint Task Force Central Mindanao have beefed up their campaign to pound terrorist groups and neutralize their leaders in Central Mindanao,” he said.

Maguindanao is one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, but Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim did not release any statement or reports on the exodus of civilians in areas where fighting broke out.

It was unknown whether Ebrahim has ordered a humanitarian mission to aid those displaced by the war.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/soldier-wounded-in-maguindanao-clash/

Cebuano News: Militia ng Bayan misurender, CPP-NPA gideklarang persona non grata

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Cebuano News: Militia ng Bayan misurender, CPP-NPA gideklarang persona non grata

KIBAWE, Bukidnon -- Bagang du-ot sa mga “Militia ng Bayan kon rebel supporters” ang misurender, nagkahiusa, ug nagtapok bag-ohay pa lang didto sa “covered court” sa Barangay Cagawasan, Kibawe, Bukidnon aron ipahibalo sa publiko nga undangon na niini ang suporta ngadto sa mga komunistang CPP-NPA ug ideklara kini nga Persona Non Grata.”

Atol sa deklarasyon ug “mass oath-taking,” gipirmahan sa mga misurender ang gitawag nga “Pledge of Commitment” kon “kaakuhan” isip bug-os nga suporta sa gobyerno.

Si Punong Barangay Marissa Bayer nga maoy nag-abi-abi sa mga misurender ug mi-giya aron mopirma sa “Commitment Wall, miingon “sukad karon, ila nang-giundang ang ilang suporta ngadto sa CPP-NPA samtang nanumpa sila ug mipirma niini nga panaad”

Miingon si kapitan Bayer, nga “ang kahigayonan natakdo gyod karon diin ang Barangay Cagawasan nagpagawas sa balaodnon pinaagi sa Barangay Resolution No. 14 ning milabay’ng bulan sa Hunyo nga nagdeklara sa CPP-NPA nga Persona non Grata.”

Si Kibawe mayor Minerva C. Casinabe nga nakigduyog pag-abi-abi sa mga misurender, miawhag sa katawhan nga tabangan ang 88th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army diha sa pagprotekta sa ilang barangay aron malikayan ang kagubot gikan sa mga teroristang CPP-NPA.

“Ngadto sa atong Philippine Army, salamat sa inyong walay hunong nga pagsilbi ug pagrotekta sa katawhan sa barangay Cagawasan. Wala kami’y laing gusto dinhi sa among dapit kon dili mao ang kalinaw. Kining ‘Cagawasan’, bu-ot pasabot niini “kalinaw.” Busa kinahanglan duna kitay “kagawasan” batok sa hulga, kahadlok, ug pag-pangdaug-daug sa mga terorista. Kagawasan diha sa pagpili sa lugar nga atong puy-an diin ang kahusay ug kalinaw maoy mopatigbabaw,” matud sa Mayor.

Usa ka “Hatid Serbisyo Caravan,” ang gipahigayon usab atol sa panagtigom, diin kapin 300 ka mga residente ang nakapahimulos sa libreng serbisyo hatud sa nagkalain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno sama sa ibot sa ngipon, urinalysis, prenatal check-up, immunization, pagpang-alot, pag-apod-apod sa tambal, family planning, ug uban pang mga serbisyo.

Sa iyang mensahe, si Lt. Col. Franklin F. Fabic, ang Commanding Officer sa 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion miingon “kini nga kahigayonan makatabang kaayo diha sa pagpauswag sa kahimtang sa mga residente labi na sa alang sa kahusay ug kalinaw nga hisgutanan.”

“Kami ang inyong tinuod nga sundalo; nia kami aron magprotekta ug magbantay kaninyo. Ang inyong suporta ug kooperasyon maoy maghiusa kanato alang sa kalinaw nga dugay na natong gipangandoy,” miingon siya.

Kini nga kalihukan subay sa Executive Order No. 70 tungod sa panawagan ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte nga undangon na ang panagbangi ug away pinaagi sa armas kon ‘armed conflict’.

Tumong niining EO 70 nga mando mao ang paghatag kasulbaran kung unsa ang hinungdan kon “root cause” sa insurhensya.

Kinahanglan maghimog eksakto ug igo nga mga lakang ang hingtungdan nga ahensya ngadto sa layo ug hilit nga mga lugar aron makatagamtam kini sa kauswagan ug kalinaw. (Capt. Norven Jay Garcia, CMO, 88th Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA/RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025034

3ID lauds Cuartero for declaring CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 30, 2019): 3ID lauds Cuartero for declaring CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata

By 3ID DPAO-Philippine Army

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz, July 29 – The Philippine Army here has commended the municipality of Cuartero, Capiz for declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) persona non grata and for condemning the atrocities of said terrorist group.

Major General Dinoh Dolina, who heads the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, said “The municipality of Cuartero is the first town in the province of Capiz to declare the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata; hence.”

“We are urging other local government units in the province to do the same not only to prevent the terrorist group from entering their towns but also to put an end to the decade-long ruthlessness of the communist terrorists,” Dolina added.

“Huwag na natin silang bigyan ng pagkakataon na makapaghasik ng karahasan at sirain ang tinatamasa nating kapayapaan at kaunlaran. Tama lang ang ginawa ninyo na pagdeklara sa CPP-NPA-NDF bilang persona non grata, dahil ang mga kriminal at teroristang katulad nila ay walang puwang sa ating lipunan,” he said.

Resolution No. 1 series of 2019 passed by the Municipal Peace and Order Council on May 08, 2019 condemns the atrocities relentlessly committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF since it was established.

The resolution pointed out that the terrorist group has engaged in guerilla warfare against government forces, believing armed revolution to be the solution to replace what it considers the current oppressive system.

“The presence of the terror group threatens the security and development of the municipality and its people,” it added.

On the other hand, the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion has deployed four Community Support Program (CSP) Teams in four CPP-NPA-influenced barangays namely in San Antonio, Carataya, Puti-an, and Mahunod-hunod, all of Cuartero town, to facilitate the convergence of all stakeholders in addressing the root causes of insurgency and to help ensure the immediate delivery of the government’s basic services.

61IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara said that as a result of the deployment of CSP teams, 37 Militia ng Bayan (MB) members and 23 Mass Base supporters from Barangay Carataya, San Antonio and Mahunod-hunod withdrew their support from the CPP-NPA terrorist by taking their oath of allegiance to the government last February.

On March, at least 49 Mass Base supporters from Sitio Tigpaka Daku, San Antonio also took their oath of allegiance to the government.

The effective CSP effort with the overwhelming support of all stakeholders and the desire of the people of Cuartero for sustainable peace and development are all instrumental for the declaration of the CPP-NPA terrorist as persona non grata. (JBG/Cpt. Cenon Pancito III/3ID-DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025203

2 suspected NPA rebels nabbed after NegOr clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): 2 suspected NPA rebels nabbed after NegOr clash



SEIZED. Police arrested two suspected members of the New People's Army in Sitio Yamot, Barangay Mabato in Ayungon late Monday afternoon (July 29, 2019), following an encounter between government troops and alleged NPA members in the adjacent town of Bindoy. Recovered from the two suspects were two .38-caliber revolvers without serial numbers, a rifle grenade, two sets of bombs, a piece bandolier, an eco-bag, and a plastic bag. (Photo courtesy of Ayungon Police Station)

Policemen arrested two alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) late Monday afternoon hours following a clash with a group of suspected rebels in Barangay Mabato in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the suspects as Rico Cadelina Oracoy, 39, and Lito Anadon Cadusale, 51, both farmers and residents of Sitio Yamot in Barangay Mabato, the same area where the four policemen were shot dead last July 18 by alleged NPA members.

The two were arrested around 5 p.m. by a joint team of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 (RFMB7), the 704th Maneuver Company and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Philippine National Police and the Bravo Company of the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, acting as blocking force and conducted clearing operations following an encounter that took place in the morning.

The encounter was reported at around 9:20 a.m. at Sitio Talaplatapan in Barangay Nalundan, Bindoy, a town adjacent to Ayungon, where members of the RFMB7 Striking Force on a combat operation, engaged in a 20-minute firefight with an undetermined number of suspected NPA rebels.

Recovered from the two suspects were two .38-caliber revolvers without serial numbers, a rifle grenade, two sets of bombs, a piece bandolier, an eco-bag, and a plastic bag.

Maj. Romel Luga, the Ayungon police chief, said they were preparing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives to be filed against the suspects now under detention.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076500

Over 800 families displaced by military, BIFF skirmishes

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Over 800 families displaced by military, BIFF skirmishes



TIGHT SECURITY. Policemen from Pikit, North Cotabato, conduct a checkpoint along the national highway on Tuesday (July 30) as part of preemptive measures against the possible escalation of the ongoing skirmishes between Army forces and the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the area. (Photo courtesy of Pikit MPS)

The town government of Pikit in North Cotabato is currently attending to the needs of some 829 families or about 4,145 individuals affected by ongoing military operations against Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the border of Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.

Tahera Kalantungan, Pikit municipal disaster risk reduction and management action officer, said in a radio interview Tuesday that the bulk of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are staying at an evacuation center in Sitio Tuka, Barangay Macasendeg, Pikit.

“Some of the IDPs also stay in public schools in Barangay Kabasalan, Macasendeg and Paidu Pulangi, all in Pikit,” Kalantungan said.

Amanah Baylon, one of the IDPs, said they are "afraid to go home as of now. We will stay here in the meantime until the conflict is over”.

Kalantungan said some of the displaced families they are assisting are from the other side of the Pagalungan River in Barangay Dasawao in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, which has also been affected by the ongoing skirmishes.

“We attend to their (Maguindanao evacuees) needs because disaster response recognizes no boundary,” she said in the vernacular.

The vast Pagalungan River separates the towns of Pikit in North Cotabato and Shariff Saydona Mustapha in Maguindanao.

On July 25, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) has launched air and ground assaults against the BIFF in the boundary of North Cotabato and Maguindanao after confirming reports of rebels massing up in the area.

Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 6ID commander, said nine BIFF rebels and a soldier were so far killed in the skirmishes. Military clearing operations are still ongoing as of this posting.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076426

Red Cross resumes services in Sulu after 10 years

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Red Cross resumes services in Sulu after 10 years

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it has reestablished its presence and service in Sulu, 10 years after deciding to shutter its operations there because of violence.

Piotr Dregiel, a Polish and local ICRC office head, said Tuesday that an ICRC team has already visited a hospital in Sulu.

“The team has just returned (yesterday) from Sulu. The main purpose of the field trip was to assess the state of their hospital and to see what kind of support the ICRC could provide to the medical professionals working in that hospital,” Dregiel said.

“Now, as we just have returned from Sulu, it is yet a bit of too early to say anything concrete but depending on the needs, the ICRC will decide as to what kind of support to provide to that medical facility,” he added.

He said the ICRC has stopped providing medical supplies to the hospital in Sulu when the Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped three of its personnel 10 years ago.

Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni, and Filipina Jean Lacaba were returning from a relief and medical mission at the provincial jail in Patikul, Sulu on January 16, 2009 when Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped them.

Lacaba and Notter were released April 16 and 18, respectively, of the same year while Vagni was freed sometime in July, also of the same year.

Dregiel said the support, in terms of providing medical supplies, to Sulu hospital will continue since they have just returned to the province “in the same way we are doing for Basilan provincial hospital.”

“But given the situation in Sulu, we would like to do more for the medical facility in Jolo town,” Dregiel said.

“In Basilan for the time being, we will just continue providing medical supplies. Those supplies were meant for those victims in the armed conflict, all for those who are wounded,” he added.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said the Westmincom is ready to provide security to visiting aid workers whether local and foreign.

Dregiel said the mandate of the ICRC is to help the victims of the armed conflict.

“As long as there is a need to support those people in the Philippines, there ICRC will be present here,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076485

Beijing wants COC done while PH sits as Asean-China coordinator

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Beijing wants COC done while PH sits as Asean-China coordinator



Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua (Photo courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Manila)

The Chinese government wants to finish the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea (COC) as early as possible while the Philippines is sitting as the country coordinator to the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) dialogue until 2021, China's top diplomat to Manila said Monday.

After more than a decade since the two parties agreed to establish the COC, it was only in 2017 that Asean and China adopted the COC framework.

Once the 10-member bloc and Beijing concluded the COC negotiations and arrive at a consensus on the edict's content, the document will serve as a binding guideline for parties in the contested waters.

READ: PRRD disappointed over delay in ASEAN Code of Conduct

At present, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said both parties are "working very hard together" to formulate the COC and maintained the deadline set for its conclusion remains within three years.

"We would like to finalize the COC while the Philippines is the country coordinator of China-Asean relations," Zhao said Monday during the reception for the 92nd Founding Anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army.

For the meantime, he noted that China remains "faithful" in implementing the non-binding 2002 Declaration of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.

'Peaceful freedom of navigation'

Zhao also underscored that China is the last country to seek the disruption of the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

"People are concerned about the freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight. Among all the countries, China consented most because nearly 75 percent of food export and import from China or to China is going through the South China Sea. Nearly 80 percent of oil and gas were imported from other places in the world, is going through South China Sea," he said.

"It goes without saying if South China Sea’s freedom of navigation is disrupted or even blocked by someone, we don’t need too much imagination to conclude that China is going to be somewhat bad," he added, as he asked external parties in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the said activity in the strategic waters.

"So we would like to work not only with the Philippines, with other Asean countries, also with other powers outside this region, it is in our common interest to make sure that South China Sea continue to enjoy relative peace and stability and with freedom of navigation and overflight unchanged and uninterrupted. Particularly for the commercial vessels and for their oil tankers," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076416

US Army 1st Corps commander visits PA chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): US Army 1st Corps commander visits PA chief



Photo courtesy: Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs

United States Army 1st Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Gary J. Volesky on Monday paid a courtesy call on Philippine Army (PA) chief, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The visit served as a venue to discuss future US-proposed exercises and trainings between the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) and PA forces.

“The open lines of communication that we continue to keep, understanding the limitations that we both have brings us together and will benefit us all,” Volesky said.

During the command briefing, the Army Transformation Roadmap was discussed so that both armies may align their endeavors in implementing further engagement plans.

“The Philippine Army sees every interaction with USARPAC as an opportunity to sustain and expand our combined actions to ensure that our enduring alliance is made even stronger and dynamic. It is clear that as we take up mutual matters of interest, we in fact further strengthen our institutional synergy and bolster goodwill among our forces,” Alberto said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076420

China PLA ready to 'deepen mutual trust' with PH counterpart

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): China PLA ready to 'deepen mutual trust' with PH counterpart



Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua (PNA file photo)

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is ready to strengthen its mutual trust and understanding with its Filipino counterpart, Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said on Monday.

Zhao in a speech during the 92nd PLA anniversary celebration in Makati City said such move aims to jointly promote "further cooperation and friendship" between Beijing and Manila, at the same time, ensure regional peace and stability.

Under the term of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the Chinese PLA Navy has already conducted two goodwill visits to the Philippines.

Last January, a task force, consisting of two frigates and a replenishment ship docked in Manila for a four-day visit to the country.

Meanwhile, Zhao allayed fears that China seeks hegemony or spheres of influence in the region, emphasizing that the Asian power "remains committed to serving as a force for peace."

In the South China Sea, Zhao said China is committed to its "policy of peaceful settlement".

"Despite the differences we have, we are ready to discuss with claimants over the differences we have. We always believe by law is much better than confrontation," he said.

"And we all know these are very sensitive issues. For China, for the Philippines and for other claimant countries, it’s not easy to settle. It cannot be settled overnight. So we should be patient," he added.

Pending this "peaceful settlement," Zhao asked parties concerned to put differences in a proper context. "We cannot let the 1 percent differences, the whole 99 percent of friendship and cooperation as hostage," he said.

"This is what I call the realistic and pragmatic approach. So it is in certain efforts of China, the Philippines and other countries in the region, the situation in the SCS has been stabilized in general."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076418

PAF crew in Jordan for 'Cobra' helicopter training

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): PAF crew in Jordan for 'Cobra' helicopter training



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopter pilots and crews have been sent to Jordan to begin their familiarization training on the two AH-1 "Cobra" attack helicopters donated by the Jordanian government.

"On the Cobra attack helicopters from Jordan. While our pilots are already training there, it may take many more months before the helicopters are brought to the Philippines. But we hope it will be before the year ends," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday when asked for an update on the acquisition project.

The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-blade, single-engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was developed using the engine, transmission and rotor system of the Bell UH-1 "Iroquois".

A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the "Huey Cobra" or "Snake".

In September last year, the Department of National Defense and the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation.

Lorenzana and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, signed the MOU during the three-day official visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Jordan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076442