Army aborts attack

From the Negros Chronicle (Aug 17, 2019): Army aborts attack



GUIHULNGAN, Negros Oriental —Elements of the 94th Army Infantry Battalion on patrol in Bgy Balogo, Guihulngan over the weekend believed that they aborted another possible terrorist attack by the New People’s Army when the troops encountered insurgents in camouflaged military uniform and heavily armed also in apparent patrol mission in the same area.
According to Capt. Cenon Pancito III, the chief of the 3rd Division Public Affairs Office of the 3ID, it was through civilian informants that the army met a number of red fighters and engaged them in an encounter. The rebels scampered into different directions and got lost in the terrain. Powerful guns were recovered during the chase, including a KG9 sub-machine gun, magazine and ammunition recovered by government troops during security patrol operations.

That is the difficulty of an army in an unfamiliar terrain that when an encounter ensues and the enemy scampers to different directions, it would be hard to give them a chase.

Lt. Col. Randy Pagunuran, 94th IB commanding officer, was quoted as saying that his troops were conducting “Focused Military Operation” following an intelligence report and tips from civilians about the NPA presence and recruitment activities in the area.

The Army believes the armed men had planned to launch an attack as a form of tactical offense against the Balogo CAA Patrol base.

“We will be relentless in our operations; we will give them no chance of recruiting innocent children to do the dirty work for them. Exploiting the youth’s innocence to become criminals is even tantamount to violation of RA 7610 which provides children with special protection against exploitation,” Pagunuran said.

Meanwhile, Major General Dinoh Dolina, Commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, cited the importance of maintaining a relationship with the community, saying that their participation, such as providing accurate information, “denies them of space to hide, plan and carry out terroristic plans”.

Further, Dolina urged the remaining members of the CPP-NPA to return to the fold of the law and take advantage of the government’s livelihood program.

“Give peace a chance, we will work with other stakeholders to ensure your safety and well-being and that of your family. We will make it sure that you will receive all the benefits offered by the government,” he was quoted in the report as saying.

https://negroschronicle.com/army-aborts-attack/

LGU anti-insurgency task force

From the Negros Chronicle (Aug 17, 2019): LGU anti-insurgency task force

Gov. Roel Degamo has directed all local government units (LGUs) particularly those affected by the insurgency to create local anti-insurgency task forces to counter communists issues.

The governor made the call shortly after the creation of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) to the seven LGUs where most of the recent killings were executed by suspected Communist New People’s Army Terrorist Groups (CNTGs). The task force identified the cities and municipalities affected by CNTG, including the cities of Canlaon and Guihulngan and municipalities of Sta. Catalina, Zamboanguita, Siaton, Valencia, and Ayungon.

Heads of line agencies comprising the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Commu-nist Armed Conflict (NOTF ELCAC) convened on Aug. 7 and created the 12 clusters that will implement strategies to resolve issues that contribute to the insurgency problem in the province.

Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo and Vice Gov. Dr. Mark Macias spearheaded the seminar-workshop on creating the 12 clusters of NOTF ELCAC held at the Visionaire’s Lounge, Provincial Convention Hotel. The top five issues linked to insurgency are Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) issues, non-issuance of tenurial instrument by concerned agency, lack of coordination of different agencies particularly on issuance of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens cards, inadequate information campaign efforts, and inclusion and exclusion on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), poor access roads, and poor infrastructure support facilities.

https://negroschronicle.com/lgu-anti-insurgency-task-force/

Local execs push for reconciliation program for Islamic militants

From the Philippine Star (Aug 17, 2019): Local execs push for reconciliation program for Islamic militants

Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman and Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim met in Cotabato City on Friday.   Philstar.com/John Unson

Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman and Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim will jointly formulate an institutional program meant to return Islamist militants into mainstream society.

Hataman, while governor of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao from 2012 to February this year, and the provincial government of Basilan together worked out the return to the fold of law in the past three years of more than 200 Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the province.

Ebrahim and Hataman, now congressional representative of Basilan, met at the capitol here of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Friday and discussed the prospects of forging ahead with a legislation that can help hardcore Islamic extremists fighting the government start life anew as peaceful citizens in their provinces.

Hataman said he and other Moro lawmakers can ventilate in the House of Representatives the need for an institutionalized reconciliation program providing hardcore members of the Abu Sayyaf, the Maute group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters livelihood and other psycho-social support if they decide to reform for good.

“If the government has a program for members of the New People’s Army, why not extend a hand of reconciliation to these religious extremists too? Some officials of our national security organizations also call the NPA a terror group,” Hataman told Murad during their hour-long meeting.

The Hataman-Murad engagement was facilitated by Hexsan Mabang, a senior official of the Regional Board of Investments-BARMM, and Bangsamoro parliament member Amir Mawallil.

Hataman pioneered the Program Against Violent Extremism, or PAVE, while at the helm of the ARMM regional government.
His office then used ARMM funds for the rehabilitation, education and livelihood support for the militants in Basilan who came out in batches from 2017 to early this year and denounced over the Qur’an their Abu Sayyaf membership.
“We relied only on local funds and other available fiscal resources subject to state auditing procedures. If we can a have legislated measure, supported by Malacañang, the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces, we can nip misguided Islamic militancy from the bud,” Hataman said.

Hataman said potential beneficiaries of his envisioned expanded anti-extremism reconciliation program can trade their firearms for psycho-social and socio-economic support from the government.

Murad said he will support a House bill meant to foster amity between the government and local militant blocs.

The Abu Sayyaf, the Maute and the BIFF have a common denominator --- that of having leaders circumventing teachings in the Qur’an to radicalize followers and imbue among them extreme hatred for non-Muslims.

All three groups are operating in the fashion of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Murad said he wants the program to cover all three groups, most particularly the BIFF, which splintered from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front almost a decade ago.

Maguindanao Second District Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu said he is ready to endorse any proposed measure Hataman will submit for congressional imprimatur.

Mangudadatu, who was governor of Maguindanao for three terms that spanned from June 30, 2010 to June 30 this year, had also helped the Army’s 6th Infantry Division convince more than 20 BIFF members to lay down their arms one after from 2018 until shortly before his election as congressional representative last May 13.

Mangudadatu said he is certain that Ebrahim, chairman of the MILF, and his followers can help compel the BIFF to refrain from hostile acts while efforts to institutionalize a reform program that they can avail of are still underway.

“These are militants wrongly indoctrinated by extremely radical preachers. They do not have any other option now but fight the government. If they will realize that they can still have a second lease of life, in harmony with all people around them, surely they will come out and reform,” Mangudadatu said.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/08/17/1944180/local-execs-push-reconciliation-program-islamic-militants

2 ‘Sparu’ members, 2 civilians killed in Eastern Samar

From the Sun Star-Tacloban (Aug 17, 2019): 2 ‘Sparu’ members, 2 civilians killed in Eastern Samar

TWO alleged members of the Special Partisan Unit (Sparu) of the New People’s Army, along with two other civilians, were killed during two separate encounters in Sulat, Eastern Samar Friday, August 16.

Authorities said the first shooting happened at around 3 p.m. Friday at the cockpit arena of Barangay Maglipay in Sulat.

The alleged Sparu members were engaged in a firefight against two civilians identified as Juancho Mabahin Basada, legal age, former Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) active auxiliary member, and Winifredo Guballo, 53, both residents of Barangay Baybay in the said town.

The encounter resulted to the instantaneous death of one of the Sparu and wounding of the two civilians who were brought to the nearest hospital but declared dead by the attending physicians afterwards, according to the police report.

Army personnel and policemen from Sulat Municipal Station led Lieutenant Antonico Docena who conducted a hot pursuit operation against the other fleeing Sparu also killed the latter after engaging in another firefight.

Police are investigating the incident.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1819181

3 dead in Negros gun attacks

From the Philippine Star (Aug 17, 2019): 3 dead in Negros gun attacks

Three persons were killed in gun attacks in Negros on Thursday.

Police said Grade 11 student Joshua Philip Partosa, 20, and his siblings were on their way to school when he was shot by motorcycle-riding men in Purok 2, Barangay Bolocboloc, Sibulan, Negros Oriental.

Partosa reportedly managed to run but the gunmen chased him and fired more shots. One of the suspects also stabbed the student in the neck.

In Negros Occidental, barangay kagawad Raul Fat of Macagahay, Moises Padilla was shot by suspected New People’s Army rebels in the barangay hall.

Five bullet shells for a caliber .45 pistol were recovered at the scene.

Former village councilman Fernando Toreno was shot by unidentified men in a red Ford Everest in Barangay Kumaliskis, Salvador Benedicto, also in Negros Occidental.

Three persons of interest in the killing of Toreno, identified as Armando Larida, his cousin George and Junever Nuñez were collared at a checkpoint in Barangay Rizal, San Carlos City.

Col. Romeo Baleros, Negros Occidental police director, said Larida yielded a caliber .45 pistol and five magazines with ammunition.

Last month, 21 people were killed in shootings in Negros Oriental in 10 days.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/08/17/1943956/3-dead-negros-gun-attacks

2 NPA hitmen, 1 Cafgu, 1 civilian dead in Eastern Samar firefight

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 17, 2019): 2 NPA hitmen, 1 Cafgu, 1 civilian dead in Eastern Samar firefight

A former militiaman, two suspected communist rebels, and a civilian were killed in a firefight and subsequent operation on Friday afternoon in Sulat town, Eastern Samar.

Juancho Basad, a former member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu) and his companion Winifredo Guballo succumbed to bullet wounds in their bodies.

The police had yet to identify the two alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who ambushed Basad.

Reports reaching the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas showed that Basad and Guballo, both residents of Barangay Baybay in Sulat, were inside a cockpit in Sulat’s Barangay Maglipay around 3 p.m. when they were approached by two alleged members of the Sparrow Unit, NPA’s hit squad, and tried to shoot at the two.
But Basad fought back, resulting to a gunfight. He managed to shoot dead one of the two NPA rebels before he and Guballo were fatally wounded.

The other NPA rebel was killed by pursuing operatives during a subsequent operation.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1154673/2-npa-hitmen-1-cafgu-1-civilian-dead-in-eastern-samar-firefight

Lead Inspector General for Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines I Quarterly Report to the United States Congress I April 1, 2019 – June 30, 2019

Posted to Oversight.gov (Aug 9, 2019): Lead Inspector General for Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines I Quarterly Report to the United States Congress I April 1, 2019 – June 30, 2019

See the following URL:

https://www.oversight.gov/sites/default/files/oig-reports/Operation%20Pacific%20Eagle-Philippines%2C%20Report%20to%20the%20United%20States%20Congress%2C%20April%201%2C%202019-June%2030%2C%202019.pdf


https://oversight.gov/report/dod/lead-inspector-general-operation-pacific-eagle-philippines-i-quarterly-report-united

IG: Anti-ISIS Efforts in Philippines Continue

Posted to FedWeek (Aug 16, 2019): IG: Anti-ISIS Efforts in Philippines Continue

Tactics aimed at countering terrorist activities in the Philippines changed significantly in June, after a Filipino citizen carried out the first suicide bombing there.

Before the attack, U.S. and Philippine officials had believed that the country’s citizens were generally averse to suicide attacks, the Defense Department’s inspector general stated in an Aug. 9 report on Operation Pacific Eagle-Philippines.

The U.S.-supported operation is aimed at helping the Philippine government fight ISIS and other terrorist organizations. The report addressed activities that took place this year from April 1 to June 30.

Before the attack, officials in both countries also believed that militants there “simply adopted the ISIS ‘brand’ without its ideology,” the report stated.

The Philippine government also had trouble quelling the terrorist fund-raising tactic of kidnapping persons and demanding ransoms, according to the report.

The report also cited the annual Balikatan military exercise that took place in April, involving 7,500 troops from both countries. Now in its 35thyear, Balikatan included counterterrorism, maritime security, close-air support and amphibious operations, as well as humanitarian missions and civic assistance.

The report noted that the U.S. anti-terrorism thrust in the Philippines is not simply a military enterprise. As Balikatan was happening, and throughout the year as well, the State Department oversaw training sessions with Philippine law enforcement entities.

Additionally, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided funding to rebuild communities. The agency estimated that terrorist-related violence displaced as many as 51,000 Filipino citizens in the southern part of the country. Thanks to the construction projects, the report stated, many of them were able to return home.

https://www.fedweek.com/armed-forces-news/ig-anti-isis-efforts-in-philippines-continue/

MILF: Decommissioning of 40,000 MILF combatants could encourage other armed groups to return to the folds of the Law-Galvez

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Aug 17, 2019): Decommissioning of 40,000 MILF combatants could encourage other armed groups to return to the folds of the Law-Galvez



Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao – Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez said that the successful decommissioning of 40,000 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants could encourage other armed groups in Mindanao to turn in their weapons and return to the folds of the law, OPAPP website said in its report on Wednesday.

In an inter-cabinet Cluster Mechanism on Normalization (ICCMN) meeting held at Malacañang on Tuesday, Galvez said “We will ensure that the MILF combatants who will undergo the decommissioning process will receive a decent comprehensive and sustainable socio-economic package,”

“Now, if the other armed groups will see the fruits of this process, I believe they will be encouraged to join in the decommissioning process,” he added.

“The main goal of the government is for non-state armed groups to become irrelevant in the country”, Galvez stressed.

Galvez said that based on his informal conversations with representatives of these armed groups, some of them have already expressed their desire to be part of the decommissioning process.

“The willingness to give up their firearms is already a sign that they want to change their lives,” he said.

Normalization is a multi-faceted strategy which encompasses the key aspects of security, socio-economic development, sustainable livelihood, political participation, confidence-building, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

Early this month, the Office of the President instructed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to release the P2.024-billion Normalization Fund for the 12,000 MILF combatants.

At present, there are about 225 MILF-Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) who are undergoing basic military training in Camp Lucero in the town of Carmen in North Cotabato who will compose the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) along with some selected members of the Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Office (PNP).

Representing Cabinet Secretary Nograles, Undersecretary Jo Ann Burgos said “everything is proceeding as planned for the implementation of the Normalization program for the new Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.L-R: Undersecretary Jo Ann Burgos, Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez

Burgos said the ICCMN “is mandated to ensure the timely, appropriate and efficient delivery of services under the Normalization program in the Bangsamoro.”

“We need to get all government agencies to seriously work together, especially when it comes to peace and development in Mindanao,” Burgos said. (Source: OPAPP Website)

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1878/decommissioning-of-40-000-milf-combatants-could-encourage-other-armed-groups-to-return-to-the-folds-of-the-law-galvez

Kalinaw News: Government Troops recovers IED in Quezon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 17, 2019): Government Troops recovers IED in Quezon

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Soldiers conducting unrelenting focused military operations in the hinterlands of Quezon Province recovered an Improvised Explosive Device and other NPA personal belongings at Sitio Cabungahan, Brgy Cagsiay of Mauban town on August 14 after responding to reports from concerned citizens.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan S Manio, Commanding Officer of the 1st Infantry Battalion, the planting of IED, weighing around five kilos, is believed to be perpetrated by NPAs belonging to SRMA 4A under alias Hammer which operates in the boundaries of Laguna and Quezon.

He added that “it is not only a proof of the NPAs’ desperate attempt to project power and relevance but a crime against humanity” since it endangered the people from the area.

He concluded his statement by saying that “the IED has been safely recovered by the EOD team for proper disposal thereby ensuring the safety of the villagers”.

Col Alex Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over the area, condemned “this act of terrorism that was executed with blatant disregard to the safety of the people.”

He called on the NPA terrorists “to obey internationally accepted rules of engagements which puts premium on insulating innocent civilians” in every courses of action that the opposing forces will take.

When asked for comment, Brigadier General Arnulfo Marcelo B Burgos Jr, Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division which covers CALABARZON and MIMARO Regions, said that “this incident exposes the NPA’s true nature and proves the government’s claim that they are a band of terrorists contrary to what they are trying to project” in their statements.

He ended his statement by calling upon the enemies of the state to “go back to mainstream society and be part of the solution to the problems which our country is facing.”

“We have now government mechanisms in place to facilitate your reintegration. We are confident that with your help, we will be able to create a better future for the next generations of Filipinos”, said BGen Burgos.

Division Public Affairs Office 2nd Infantry Division Philippine Army
CPT JAYROLD TERNIO
Chief, DPAO, 2ID, PA
Camp General Mateo Capinpin, Tanay, Rizal
09175047068

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/government-troops-recovers-ied-in-quezon/

Kalinaw News: Another Agusan Town denounces CPP-NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 17, 2019): Another Agusan Town denounces CPP-NPA

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur – Another bad impact for the leftist group NPA as the Municipality of San Luis, Agusan del Sur declared Persona Non-Grata against them, Thursday morning, August 15, 2019.

The denouncement came to action when the office of the Sangguniang Bayan Members passed Resolution Number 14 declaring CPP-NPA and its allied legal organizations as Persona Non-Grata. Likewise, the Liga ng mga Barangay also passed Resolution Number 01 series of 2019, declaring the same.

The said activity was spearheaded by San Luis Municipal Mayor Phoebe L. Corvera who also officiated the Oath of Allegiance to the Philippine Constitution by the 400 former supporters of the NPA including Tribal Leaders and Barangay Officials from the twenty five (25) barangays of San Luis, Agusan del Sur.

As history would recall, San Luis which consists 80% of the Banwaon tribe in its local populace, while the rest are Manobo and Higaonon, is formerly the stronghold of the CPP-NPA terrorist, making it very poor on economic improvements due to its threat to investors.

Hon.Ederlina N Precioso, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of San Luis said, “Ato ng humanon ang ilang (NPA) pagpanamastamas sa atong mga katungod sa atong yutang natawhan. Kay kung atong huna hunaon wala silay maayong gitabang sa atong tribu, hinuon gihimu ra ta nila ug gatasan sa ilang mga armadong lihok, nga naghatag lang sa atuang kumonidad ug gubot ug kahadlok”.

“Ang CPP-NPA-NDF wala nagtabang sa atua nga makuha nato ang atong katungod sa atong yutang natawhan, kundi ang tinuod nga gobyerno pinaagi sa Philippine Army.

Sila ang nahimung dalan nato nga maaprubahan ang CADT Resolution # 079 dapit sa side 2, ug ang # 070 dapit sa side 1”, she added.

The Municipal declaration of PNG was inspired from the latest declaration of Barangay San Pedro and Balit which were both former mass bases of the NPA terrorist group.

“This declaration of persona non grata should not be taken for granted because this will be the start of our progress. Look at barangay Balit, due to their declaration, the farm to market road from Barangay Sta Rita-Policarpo-Balit had already started”, Vice Mayor Ronald Corvera proudly said during his message.

The activity also included the burning of two (2) flags that symbolizes the CPP-NPA organization. “Nakabalos gihapon ta”, one of the residents said.

“Never support these NPA terrorists again. Your government is on your side. They (NPA) have just polluted your minds in order to achieve their personal desires. You have your LGU, PNP, and Philippine Army. We are all on your side. We will help you face a brighter future. What belongs to you will be given to you,” Mayor Phoebe Corvera said.

Meanwhile, Lt Col Romeo C Jimenea,the Commanding Officer of 26th IB said, “I am glad that the San Luis LGU and Liga ng mga barangay stood together to denounce the CPP-NPA and its allied organization. To see the local government empowering its people to cooperate with the government’s effort of peace and order is a great manifestation that we are near from reaching our goal to attain peace and further development”.

“With the implementation of EO 70 which is the Whole of the Nation Approach to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict, we the 26th IB will continue to support the LGU of San Luis especially the local populace of the municipality. We will do our utmost effort to our mandate of securing the land and serving the people of San Luis”, he ended.

Likewise, the 544th Engineering Battalion also joined the said activity and extended some services such as blood pressure check up to one hundred (100) patients, free haircut to (40) children and fifty (50) adults.

26 Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Aldim Viernes
CMO Officer, 26th Infantry Battalion
Patag Cagayan de Oro City
09076699160

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/another-agusan-town-denounces-cpp-npa/

Kalinaw News: Army conducts 3-day Peace-Building training in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 17, 2019): Army conducts 3-day Peace-Building training in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon- Balay Mindanaw Foundation Inc. in partnership with 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion successfully conducted a three-day peace training dubbed as “Operation Peace Course (OPKors)” Training at Battalion Headquarters, Impasugong, Bukidnon on August 13-15, 2019.

The army CSP teams and civilian peace-builder participants prepared themselves for the training knowing the aim that is to give knowledge on peaceful solutions to conflicts existing in the community. Also, the training encourages them to include peaceful resolutions to conflict instead of resulting to violence. Force-field analysis, conflict analysis, and conflict mapping as tools in resolving conflict were also taught during the training which are essential in determining possible peaceful solutions to the conflicts existing in the community.

Charlito Zamora Manlupig, founder and the Chairperson of Balay Mindanaw, emphasized why peace building is important, “After the gunfight, what does the soldiers do? As soldiers, if there is no war in your area, you should engage in the community and the people to take a closer look on the problem. You don’t just immerse in the community and see the situations in the surface level – you should assess deeper to know what the community needs and what you can provide to address the needs of the people. As you become peace builders, after this training, you will see the real situations under the surface problems and analyze what you should do and provide interventions to resolve conflicts.” He explained.

Lt. Colonel Ronald M Illana, the battalion commander of 8IB also encouraged the troops and other participants to understand the modules, “When we had the Operation Peace Course at PMA, we had different comments about the training – We were trained to fight for four years and yet they wanted us to lay down our arms and do peace talks instead. But, in the context, this is very interesting training as you go back to your company, to your Community Support Program areas, always remember that violence cannot be always resolved by war fight, let us always resort to a solution where there would be no more bringing fuel to the fire.” He emphasized.

8th Infantry Battalion 4th Infantry Division Philippine Army
1LT KENNETH T CABBIGAT (INF) PA
CMO Officcer
dependable_cmo@yahoo.com

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-conducts-3-day-peace-building-training-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 53IB celebrates 17th reactivation Anniversary

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 17, 2019): Army’s 53IB celebrates 17th reactivation Anniversary

CAMP SANG-AN, Pulacan, ZDS – Army’s 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion celebrated its 17th Reactivation Anniversary Friday, August 16,2019, at their headquarters in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

The 53rd Infantry Battalion was originally activated on 01 January 1985 as an organic Battalion of the 4th Infantry (DIAMOND) Division.

However, with the force reduction scheme and the streamlining of the Phillippine Army during the Ramos Presidency, the battalion was deactivated on Febraury 14, 1992.

Due to the volatile security situation in the area of the 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division in Western Mindanao area, the unit was rectivated on May 1, 2002, after ten years of dormancy.

Lt. Col. Marlowe Patria, the current Battalion Commander, during his speech acknowledged the achievements of the previous commanders and the stakeholders who supported the unit.

The anniversary was also celebrated by awarding of military and civilian stakeholders who greatly contributed the unit in accomplishing its mission.

Hon. Victor Yu, Governor of Zamboanga del Sur and one of the awardee, during his message thanked the unit for their efforts in protecting and serving the constituents of Zamboanga del Sur.

“Rest assured that the local government of Zamboanga del Sur will support 53IB in any endeavor in order to sustain peace and security of the province”, said Yu.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Roberto T Ancan, Commander of 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, congratulated 53IB for the reactivation anniversary and for rendering selfless service to the Filipino nation and the people.

“You have shown your innovativeness and distinction in all your efforts in making your area of operations peaceful”, said Ancan.

“Let us continue to support the objectives of our government and of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, work hand-in-hand with encompassing loyal service to the over-all achievement of peace and progress of our nation”, Ancan concluded.

53rd Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division Philippine Army
H53IB, Camp Sabido, Poblacion
Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
Contact us: contact@kalinawnews.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/armys-53ib-celebrates-17th-reactivation-anniversary/

AFP-CRS: AFP seeks tougher counterterrorism law

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 17, 2019): AFP seeks tougher counterterrorism law



AFP seeks tougher counterterrorism law
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/08/15/1943545/afp-seeks-tougher-counterterrorism-law

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2642206182464756/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

AFP-CRS: PNP to file cases against teachers linked to rebels’ recruitment

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Aug 17, 2019): PNP to file cases against teachers linked to rebels’ recruitment



PNP to file cases against teachers linked to rebels’ recruitment
http://manilastandard.net/news/national/302409/police-go-after-teachers-linked-to-rebels-recruitment.html
https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2642200509131990/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo