Ex-MILF fighters ‘heroes in their own right’, says Galvez

From Politiko Mindanao (Aug 26, 2019): Ex-MILF fighters ‘heroes in their own right’, says Galvez

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez Jr. called the former combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as heroes.

As the country marked the National Heroes’ Day Monday, August 26, Galvez, a retired military general, said that the former MILF fighters, who like national heroes, such as Dr. Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Aguinaldo, Antonio Luna, Lapu-Lapu and many others, also engaged in armed struggle in order for their people to be liberated from the shackles of poverty, injustice and inequality.

“They, too, are heroes in their own right,” he said.

This as Galvez urged the public to work together to ensure the success of the Bangsamoro Peace Process, particularly the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

According to Galvez, the decommissioning process of the former MILF combatants formally started Monday, August 26.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/ex-milf-fighters-heroes-in-their-own-right-says-galvez/

More than P1-million package awaits every decommissioned MILF combatant

From MindaNews (Aug 27, 2019): More than P1-million package awaits every decommissioned MILF combatant

A package worth P100,000 in cold cash, housing and social services worth P950,000 awaits every Moro combatant set to be decommissioned, according to lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, spokesperson of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Armed MILF troops inside Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. MindaNews file photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA

Sinarimbo, who is also BARMM’s Minister of Interior and Local Government, said in a press briefing today that the non-cash package include “social protection that includes health benefits, scholarships and other social services, including the housing for the family of combatants.”

Before his current posts at BARMM, Sinarimbo was part of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Technical Working Group and legal consultant during the long peace negotiations.

“Overall our goal is that combatants will not only get cash assistance but for them to have a transition to a civilian life from being a rebel, and become a productive member of the community,” he added.

The women and young combatants of the MILF will be the first in line in the processing and profiling as the decommissioning process started this week, which will pave the way for the combatants to lead normal lives.

Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso, of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), confirmed that the top priorities are the vulnerable sectors of the MILF.

Initial works for the profiling and processing of combatants started today until Thursday, in preparation to the scheduled ceremonial decommissioning set on Sept. 7, which will be attended by President Rodrigo Duterte.

It is expected that a total of 1,060 combatants will be decommissioned by then, and around 920 firearms will be turned over to a third party group, which is the International Decommissioning Body (IDB).

The IDB will store the firearms in an agreed area.

Crew-served weapons like machine guns and rapid propelled-grenades and small arms or rifles will be the first to be demobilized.

Hermoso, who is also Minister of Transportation and Communication, said that the political and legislative aspects of the peace agreement has already been given to the MILF in the form of the BARMM.

“Now we are into the security aspect, to which MILF has to comply to what has been agreed upon. And they will subject themselves into the decommissioning,” noted Hermoso.

From peace negotiations, they are now in the stage of peace implementation, said the retired military official.

The initial decommissioning phase happened on June 16, 2016 witnessed by then President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, wherein 20 crew-served weapons and 55 high-powered firearms were turned over to the IDB and 145 Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) members were decommissioned in a ceremony.

The decommissioning for the 40,000 MILF combatants will be in three tranches.

In the first tranche, 30% of the forces and weapons of the MILF would be decommissioned when the Bangsamoro law is ratified, as stated in the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace agreement between government and the MILF signed in March 2014.

The ongoing decommissioning is part of this phase.

The second tranche will cover the next 35% of around 14,000 combatants, and 14,000 more in the last tranche.

For the 40,000 MILF members set to be decommissioned, the government will shell out more than P40 billion in assistance package.

The old capitol of Maguindanao in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat will serve as one of the Assembly and Processing Areas (APA) for the decommissioned combatants. There are nine APAs area all over Mindanao covered in the decommissioning process.

Combatants will be gathered and secured by the teams of Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST) composed of combined military, police and MILF members who are now treated as part of the government’s reservist force.

During the profiling, the combatants will be asked about their socio-demographic profiles, and will be assisted to secure birth or marriage certificates and other documents if they have none.

They have the option to choose what livelihood or education packages they want. Government socio-economic teams are on standby during the process.

“If they want to be a farmer, we have the Ministry of Agriculture. If they want fisheries, we have a ministry to assist, or if they want to study, the Ministry of Education is willing to assist them,” Hermoso said.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/08/more-than-p1-million-package-awaits-every-decommissioned-milf-combatant/

MID commander corrects his figures: Only P14-B for upgrades, not P114-B

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): MID commander corrects his figures: Only P14-B for upgrades, not P114-B

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur —  Major General Robert Dauz, commanding officer of the Mechanized Infantry Division (MID), Philippine Army made a mistake and corrected his statement that he issued on the budget for equipment upgrade and acquisition of military equipment.

In an interview with local media during the 43rd Founding Anniversary of 1st Cavalry Squadron on August 14, he mentioned that P114-B was allotted for the ongoing projects under the AFP modernization program.

In a recent phone interview with Dauz, he said the amount is not P114-B but P14-B only.

“Actually ano yan P14 billion lang yan, 14 billion nag-ano lang seguro yong info sa mind ko kasi back year in year 2015, we had 114 armored vehicles from US yon. Ito P14-B lang ito hindi siya P114,” Dauz clarified.

Over the weekend, the article was critisized on facebook particularly by “MaxDefense Philippines” because of the erroneous figure. (EDT/GCC/PIA-Zamboanga del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1026486

Hearing AFP’s side in schools ‘true academic freedom'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): Hearing AFP’s side in schools ‘true academic freedom'



FORUM. Brig. Gen. Benedicto Arevalo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade stationed in Murcia, Negros Occidental, talks before students and teachers of the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City on the “Deceptive Youth Recruitment Strategy of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front”. After the forum held on Saturday (Aug. 24, 2019), Arevalo said it is a true exercise of academic freedom when the military is also heard about the lies, deceptions and manipulations of the CPP-NPA-NDF. (Photo courtesy of PA's 303rd Infantry Brigade)

Giving the Armed Forces of the Philippines the opportunity to be heard in schools is a “true exercise of academic freedom”, a top Philippine Army official in Negros Island said.

Brig. Gen. Benedicto Arevalo, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade stationed in Murcia, Negros Occidental, underscored this after giving a talk before students and teachers in a security forum hosted by the University of St. La Salle here over the weekend.

He discussed the “Deceptive Youth Recruitment Strategy of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF)”.

“Indeed, it is a true exercise of academic freedom when the military is also heard by the students and faculty about the lies, deceptions and manipulations of the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Arevalo said in a statement on Monday.

The Army official pointed out that some colleges and universities have the thinking that it is only through hearing leftist ideas that they are able to practice academic freedom.

“When the military is seen and heard in the campuses, they call it militarization. That is another lie and deception,” Arevalo said.

As part of his hour-long talk, Arevalo showed the three-minute animated film “Pindoy”, which tells how the CPP-NPA-NDF encroach schools, mislead, enrage students, and eventually turn them into NPA fighters.

“Sadly, statistics tell us that many youth who joined the NPA only perished during encounters with the military,” Arevalo said as he encouraged students to watch “Pindoy” often on video-sharing website YouTube to be shielded from the lies and deceptions of the communist-terrorist group.

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.

“We should be able to distinguish activism from supporting terrorism. The government respects academic freedom and allows the people to express what they want and critic the flaws they see in the society. But once a person starts to take up arms or support terrorist organizations like the CPP-NPA, that is already against the law and the government will act upon it,” Arevalo added.

The USLS forum also featured Negrense development worker Edwin Marthine Lopez of the AlterTrade Foundation Inc., who talked about national security from a different perspective.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078764

MILF member, 2 others nabbed in Zambo Peninsula anti-drug ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): MILF member, 2 others nabbed in Zambo Peninsula anti-drug ops

A member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and two others were arrested while some PHP109,600 worth of illegal drugs were recovered in different anti-drug operations in the Zamboanga Peninsula, a police official said Tuesday.

Maj. Helen Galvez, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) information officer, identified the arrested suspects as Mujahid Hamid, 22, an MILF member; Habagat Bas, 52; and Junior Lucas, 33.

Galvez said Hamid was caught in possession of some PHP14,600 worth of suspected shabu, and a .45-caliber pistol with ammunition when arrested in a buy-bust operation around 6:30 p.m. Monday in Purok 4, Barangay Boyugan West, Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur.

Bas was arrested in a buy-bust operation around 5:30 p.m. Monday in Riverdale Subdivision, Barangay Sta. Maria here, police said.

Police said Bas yielded some PHP35,000 worth of suspected shabu packed in three heat-sealed plastic sachets and PHP200 marked money.

Meanwhile, police said Lucas was found in possession of some PHP60,000 worth of suspected shabu when arrested also in a buy-bust operation around 8:20 p.m. Monday in Barangay Sta. Catalina here.

Police said the suspects were detained as charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 are set to be filed against them.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078775

NoCot cops nab armed man posing as MNLF official

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): NoCot cops nab armed man posing as MNLF official



Google map of Magpet, North Cotabato.

Authorities arrested a man in Magpet, North Cotabato, for possession of a firearm and illegal recruitment during a pre-dawn law enforcement operation Tuesday.

Colonel Maximo Layugan, North Cotabato police director, identified the suspect as Lito Andi, 44, of Barangay Poblacion, Magpet. Also invited for questioning was his wife, Michelle Baya Andi.

Armed with search warrants issued by a local court, a team of Magpet policemen and the Army's 72nd Infantry Battalion personnel raided the house of Adi in Purok Mahayahay, Barangay Poblacion, Magpet.

During the search, law enforcers found a .45 caliber pistol with bullets, a rifle grenade, and a sachet of suspected shabu, Layugan said.

Before his arrest, Andi was summoned by the local police and the Magpet town government for alleged recruitment activities.

Layugan said Andi is allegedly involved in recruiting some 200 locals to join the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) for a fee.

Captain Rolando Dillera, town police chief, said Andi also collected payments for MNLF identification cards.

Dillera said Andi failed to present documents when asked to provide proof that his recruitment activities are legal.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078788

Troops discover NPA arms cache in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): Troops discover NPA arms cache in Zambo Sur

ARMS CACHE. Government troops discover an arms cache of the New People's Army rebels in Barangay Pelukuban, Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2019). The stockpile of arms consisted of two M-16 Armalite and two M-14 assault rifles and eight empty magazines for M-14.(Photo courtesy of the Army's 1st Infantry Division)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Government troops discovered an arms cache belonging to the New People’s Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur, officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion commander, said the arms cache was discovered around Tuesday morning in Barangay Pelukuban, Tambulig town.
Tiongson said the armed cache consisted of two M-16 Armalite and two M-14 assault rifles, as well as eight empty magazines for M-14.
“The valuable information from the residents in the area on the whereabouts of the NPA arms cache led to the successful discovery of these four high-powered firearms,” he said.

The discovery of the arms cache came two days after troops from the Army’s 10th Infantry Battalion, backed by policemen, killed an NPA leader and captured seven other ranking members in Ozamiz City in two separate operations.

The troops also recovered an M-16 Armalite rifle, four .45-caliber pistols, seven grenades, three motorcycles, bomb-making components, PHP50,000 extortion money, and foodstuffs.

Col. Leonel Nicolas, the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, described the recovery of the firearms as "another big blow to the NPA of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee."

"The residents of the communities, whom they’ve terrorized are now against them and now supportive to our troops,” Nicolas added.

Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan, Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces) commander, commended the residents who reported the location of the NPA’s arms cache.

“Peace and security is a shared responsibility. We recognized the bold move of the residents who choose to seek serenity in their community despite their dark experience with the NPA’s,” Ancan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078820

Westmincom honors fallen soldiers on Heroes’ Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): Westmincom honors fallen soldiers on Heroes’ Day



HEROES' DAY. Troops belonging to the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City mark Monday's Heroes' Day commemoration with a wreath-laying ceremony to honor the 168 fallen heroes killed during the five-month Marawi siege in 2017. (Contributed Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY --The Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has honored the heroism of the fallen soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice during operations against the different threat groups as the country commemorated the National Heroes’ Day on Monday.

Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Westmincom spokesperson, said Tuesday that the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade led the wreath-laying activity to pay homage to the 168 fallen heroes killed during the five-month Marawi siege in 2017.

Some 168 soldiers and policemen perished in the battle against the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute terrorists, a notorious group, whose religious adventurism turned more than 200,000 innocent settlers into internally displaced people and left dozens of historic, centuries-old Meranao dwelling enclaves in ruins.

“We honor and cherish the valorous deeds of all those who have made great contributions for the betterment of our country,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Westmincom chief, on Tuesday.

“We also commemorate the heroism of our fallen soldiers who made the whole struggle of humanity worthwhile,” Sobejana added.

Meanwhile, Encinas said that the troops of the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, led by its deputy commander, Col. Pedro Balisi Jr., graced the unveiling of the exhibit, “Putong, Hibla, Kultura Filipina,” organized by the city government of Tacurong.

Encinas said the activity, spearheaded by Tacurong City Mayor Angelo Montilla, was initiated to give recognition to the arts and crafts that depict the gifted hands of the different tribes and the abundance of the culture and heritage of Mindanao.

He said a wreath-laying activity then followed at Dr. Jose Rizal's Monument at the Tacurong City Hall compound, to commemorate the National Heroes’ Day.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078793

Army celebrates Nat’l Heroes Day with capability demos

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): Army celebrates Nat’l Heroes Day with capability demos



Photo courtesy: Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs

The Philippine Army (PA) on Monday celebrated National Heroes Day with a series of capability demonstrations and a variety show at the Bonifacio Global City.

Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said these activities aim to raise awareness on the PA's capabilities, aside from gaining popular support for its peace and security operations.

The demonstration featured the Band and Rifle Drill, K-9 and Explosives and Ordnance Disposal Team, and Combative and Martial Arts, he added.

Also, recruitment booths for individuals interested in becoming a member of the regular and reserve forces were put in place, aside from information campaign materials for the Reserve Officers Training Corps, static displays of Special Operating Forces, new PA equipment and demonstrations on combat fitness test.

Meanwhile, the variety show highlighted performances from the different Army musical bands and artists such as Ronnie Liang, Julian Trono, Katrina Velarde, The Juans, Shanne Dandan, Jean Kiley, Jem Cubil, Jinky Vidal, Janine Teñoso, Jeric Medina, and 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli.

“Commemorating our heroes goes beyond remembering what they did. It also means fighting for what they fought for. We hope that through this event, the Philippine Army is able to bring awareness to the public and encourage them to take part in the Army’s endeavors for the country,” Zagala added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078773

SC affirms dismissal of Marine officer in 1999 allowance scam

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): SC affirms dismissal of Marine officer in 1999 allowance scam



Supreme Court facade.

The Supreme Court (SC) upheld the dismissal of a commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps accused of involvement in anomalies amounting to PHP36.768 million in clothing and equipment allowances for soldiers 20 years ago.

In a July 10 decision made public Tuesday, the SC's Second Division - through Associate Justice Amy Lazaro-Javier - ordered the dismissal from the military service of former Marine commandant, Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, who was charged by the Office of the Ombudsman along with four other Marine officials of pocketing the Combat, Clothing Allowance and Individual Equipment Allowance (CCIE) for year 1999.

The High Court reversed the Court of Appeals (CA) decision which nullified the order issued by the Ombudsman on February 27, 2009, dismissing Miranda from the service, along with five other military officers, for grave misconduct and serious dishonesty.

The SC ruled that the appellate court erred when it cleared Miranda from the charges despite compelling evidence on record showing that he committed the offenses.

“What respondent did was truly indispensable to the consummation of the unlawful disbursement of public funds which cause prejudiced to the government,” the SC ruled.

The Court also ordered the forfeiture of all his benefits except for accrued leave benefits and perpetually disqualified him from re-employment in any branch of service of the government, including government-owned and controlled corporations.

The former Marine commandant is also facing a graft case before the Sandiganbayan for malversation through falsification of public documents in connection with the anomaly.

In its petition before the SC, the Ombudsman insisted that Miranda along with his four co-accused PMC personnel conspired to defraud the government through a fictitious grant of CCIE allowances to enlisted members of the Philippine Marine Corps.

Each enlisted employee was to get PHP8,381.25 as Combat Clothing Allowance and PHP6,337.80 as Individual Equipment Allowance, or a total of PHP14,719.05.

The disbursements were released through 19 checks in various amounts. At least 145 soldiers who were supposed to benefit from the fund attested that they did not receive any amount in full or in part.

Miranda was dismissed from the military service in 2006 for his part in the coup plot to oust then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo but was granted amnesty by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2010.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078774

PRRD wants GPH-MNLF panel to convene by September

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): PRRD wants GPH-MNLF panel to convene by September



GPH-MNLF PANEL. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discusses matters with Moro National Liberation Front Founding Chairman Nur Misuari during their meeting at the Malacañan Palace on February 25, 2019. The two met anew on Aug. 23, 2019 in Davao City where the President relayed to Misuari his desire for the immediate establishment of the government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MNLF coordinating council. (Presidential photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the immediate creation of a coordinating committee between the government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and for discussions to start by the second week of September, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Duterte relayed his desire for ‘immediate’ formation of GPH-MNLF panel to Misuari when the two met in Davao City last Friday (August 23).

He said the President also instructed the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) to convene the GPH-MNLF Coordinating Committee by the second week of September in Davao City “for agenda setting and for the start of discussions”.

“The GPH-MNLF Coordinating Committee will serve as a venue to seek for the cooperation of the MNLF to achieve immediate peace in Sulu by, among others, helping in combatting the Abu Sayyaf Group and convincing MNLF relatives to return to the folds of the law,” Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said the GPH-MNLF Coordinating Committee has full support of the Office of the President in achieving the common goal of resolving the conflict in Mindanao.

Misuari, for his part, expressed hope that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) would be involved in the consultations to determine the remaining compliance of the GPH in the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the MNLF, according to Panelo.

The MNLF chair wanted a similar setup to the previous tripartite talks among the GPH, MNLF, and the OIC, he added.

Meanwhile, Panelo said Duterte was determined to try and test “every undertaking that may lead to a lasting peace and prosperity” in the region.

“We can do less as a people, and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte will walk the extra mile to bring harmony to the country and the nation,” Panelo said.

Last March, Duterte bared that he is “in a hurry” to strike a deal with Misuari to finally end the long-drawn Moro rebellion and achieve lasting peace in Mindanao.

Just like how government has “come to terms” with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim through the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), Duterte said he wanted to do the same with Misuari.

Earlier this month, Duterte said he was “praying to God” that Misuari “will be enlightened and will be able to accept maybe the same terms that we have extended to Murad.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078772

I have the right to be with my daughter, mom to militant groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): I have the right to be with my daughter, mom to militant groups



A MOTHER'S FIGHT. Complainant Relissa Lucena (center) dares militant groups to put themselves in her place for them to understand her agony as a mother, during the preliminary investigation on the charges against communist front groups who allegedly recruited her daughter, at the Department of Justice on Tuesday (August 27, 2019). Lucena is the mother of Alicia Jasper, who was enticed to join the communist movement a year ago when she was still a senior high school student. (PNA photo by Benjamin Pulta)

The mother of a student who went missing after being allegedly recruited by communist front groups on Tuesday asserted that she has the right to be with her daughter.

"May karapatan din naman kami bilang magulang di ba, may karapatan din naman ako bilang ina na makasama yung anak ko, pero parang hindi nangyayari ‘yun. Sila itong mga nasa legalpero parang pinaglalayo nila kami (We also have the right as parents, I have the right as mother to be with my child, but this is not what is happening. They are the ones who are in the legal profession but it seems they continue to separate us from each other)," Relissa Lucena said on the sidelines of the preliminary investigation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) into the charges she filed against the communist front groups.

Lucena also dared these groups to place themselves in her situation for them to understand her ordeal.

"Sila kaya ang lumugar sa sitwasyon ko, ‘yung anak nila wala sa tabi nila tapos ibang tao ‘yung kinakausap, ginagamit sa kung saan-saan (Why don't they imagine themselves being in my place. Their children is not with them and is talking to another person and are being used for whatever agenda)," Lucena said, as she called on these groups to bring back her daughter, Alicia Jasper.

Lucena, accompanied by lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, appeared before Assistant State Prosecutor Cristine T. Perolino to affirm her affidavit in connection with her daughter, who was enticed to join the communist movement a year ago when the latter was still a 17-year-old senior high school student.

"The issue here was that when the children were recruited they were minors still," Topacio told reporters.

Parents of other children similarly recruited also attended the hearing in solidarity with the complainant.

Summoned members of the Anakbayan Morayta, Far Eastern University were unable to attend the hearing on the case filed by the Philippine National Police’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) on behalf of Lucena.

Originally summoned to appear before state prosecutors were Charie del Rosario, Bianca Gacos, Jayroven Villafuente Balais, Vencer Crisostomo, and Einstein Recedes.

Anakbayan, the PNP-CIDG complaint said, is "an organization advocating violence in order to overthrow a legitimate government."

Instead, present during Tuesday's hearing were co-respondents Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares, Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago and former Interior and Local Government Undersecretary and Akbayan Partylist Rep. Tomasino Villarin.

Villarin, however, denied being linked to the Anakbayan group.

The respondents were directed to submit their counter-affidavits in the next hearing on September 10.

The charges were violation of Republic Act 10364 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003; kidnapping; the laws on special protection of children in armed conflicts; and laws prohibiting child abuse.

Among the witnesses were rebel returnees Ma. Rebecca Pecayo and Edison Villanueva, who said they were recruited into the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) through initial indoctrination by front youth groups.

The CPP-NPA is listed as 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/1078807

NPA's use of Salugpungan schools violate PH laws, int'l norms

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): NPA's use of Salugpungan schools violate PH laws, int'l norms



SALUGPUNGAN SCHOOLS CLOSURE. National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. attends a Senate hearing on the proposed closure of 55 Salugpungan schools on Tuesday (Aug. 27, 2019). Esperon said the New People's Army's alleged use of the schools in its recruitment of young indigenous people into the communist movement does not adhere to international norms and Philippine laws. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. on Tuesday said the use of Salugpungan schools by the New People's Army's (NPA) in its alleged recruitment of young indigenous people into the communist movement does not adhere to international norms and Philippine laws.

During a Senate hearing on the suspension of 55 Salagpungan schools catering to indigenous peoples communities across Davao Region, Esperon said these educational institutions have been converted as breeding grounds for the NPA to promote its ideology that espouses the violent overthrow of the government.

Esperon cited Republic Act 11188, which provides that children in situations of armed conflict have the right to be protected from recruitment into government forces or armed groups and from participation in armed conflict.

He also cited the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict, which states that armed groups distinct from the armed forces of a country should not, under any circumstances, recruit or use in hostilities persons under the age of 18 years.

“Therefore, covering to international norms and Philippine laws on the status of children in situations of armed conflict, the Salugpungan in Region 11 teaches the students with different beliefs and systems far from what government prescribes,” said Esperon.

Last July, the Department of Education (DepEd) ordered the suspension of the permit to operate of the 55 schools operated and owned by the Salugpungan Ta’ Tanu Igkanogon Community Learning Centers in Davao Region.

Esperon, who chairs the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, presented his report by enumerating the following reasons for the suspension of the schools' operations: the institutions do not teach the curriculums in accordance with DepEd guidelines; trains its students to hold mass actions against the government; and, teaches students to rebel against the government.

Esperon's claims were based on the affidavit executed on Dec. 6, 2018 by Melvin Loyod, a former student of a Salugpungan school and eventually became a volunteer teacher in a Salugpungan school in Sitio Pongpong, Barangay Sto. Niño in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

During the same hearing, Datu Awing Apuga, a former child warrior of the NPA, called for the total closure of the Salugpungan schools.

Apuga recounted that he was only five years old when his father brought him to an alternative school, believing they would give him proper education but he was eventually trained to become a child warrior of the NPA.

Apuga noted that at the age of 15 years old, he was already taught to handle an M16 rifle and would regularly practice "target shooting."

"Kung sino makatama sa gitna yun yung mataas na grade (Whoever hits the mark gets a high grade)," Apuga said.

"Yung tribo namin ginagamit na lang nila para gawing mga aktibista... Nire-recruit talaga ang mga estudyante (They used our tribe and turned our members into activists... They are really recruiting students)," he added.

He then joined the NPA and became a rebel under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) for seven years.

Currently, Apuga is a tribal leader in Talaingod and an IP rights advocate. He is also an active member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) in Talingod town, tasked with defending their ancestral domain from NPA incursion.

The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and 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/1078801

Academic leaders ‘enlighten’ PNP execs on student activism

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): Academic leaders ‘enlighten’ PNP execs on student activism



'ENLIGHTENED'. PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde says top police officials were enlightened on the issue of academic freedom in their meeting with members of the academe in Camp Crame on Tuesday (August 27, 2019). The meeting came in the wake of some militant student groups and organizations' stand against the entry of military and police personnel in school campuses. (PNA photo by Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday met with top officials of the academe who enlightened them on the issue of academic freedom in connection with some militant student groups and organizations' stand against the entry of military and police personnel in school campuses.

“We just concluded today an informal and exploratory dialogue among representatives from the government security sector and the academe as a confidence-building measure to foster a better understanding of some pressing national issues,” PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters in a press briefing in Camp Crame.

Albayalde said their meeting with Commission on Higher of Education Chairman Prospero de Vera, University of the Philippines (UP) president Dr. Danilo Concepcion and members of the UP Board of Regents; Polytechnic University of the Philippines president Dr. Emmanuel De Guzman and representatives from the Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University is the first of the series of consultations on how the police and the military would effectively engage students amid reports of communist rebel recruitment.

“We are thankful to the officials of the academe for enlightening us on academic freedom and how we can best serve the students and the academic community. We hope that today’s meeting will usher a series of dialogues and consultation to explore common ground where government and the academe can fulfill its respective mandates,” the PNP chief stressed.

Albayalde said that they only have the best intentions for the students and other members of the academe.

“For our part in the security sector, PNP seeks to build stronger collaboration among stakeholders employing the ‘whole of nation’ approach and protect campuses against criminal activities, drug syndicates, and shadowy organizations that promote and espouse Local Communist Armed Conflict against government thru force and violence,” Albayalde said.

“We assure the public and the academe community that we will do our best to fulfill our sworn duty, to serve and protect. We only have the best interest of the youth backing our pure good intention to establish police presence in schools against crime, exploitation, and abuse,” he stressed.

De Vera, meanwhile, said the first step to a good working relationship between the government security forces and the academe is to establish common protocols to avoid misunderstanding, particularly in dealing with UP.

UP students and faculties have been criticizing the plan of the police and the military to enter their campuses, saying it is a form of curtailment of academic freedom.

“What do you mean by common protocols? It can be as basic as information-sharing kasi ngayon kung talagang hindi kayo nag-uusap, wala kayong (because now, if you don't talk to each other, you won't have an) agreement,” de Vera said.

“The UP police does not have information on the crime situation, drug situation inside the campus because they don't have the capability to do that. The PNP has better capability to do that. It can start from very basic sharing of protocols. It can be common training so that the standards of enforcement of the UP police will be up to par okay,” he added.

Earlier, Albayalde said there is nothing wrong with student activism so long as it is expressed through lawful means and actions.

While stressing that security forces will remain tolerant of lawful activities, Albayalde said they will be firm and uncompromising in addressing acts of willful violence, disobedience, anarchy and disrespect for the rule of law.

Albayalde also reiterated that there is no militarization in universities and other campuses as claimed by the militant groups.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078816

DILG lauds PNP, AFP for arrest of commie leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 27, 2019): DILG lauds PNP, AFP for arrest of commie leader



Mugshot of CPP-NPA central committee member Esterlita Suaybaguio. (Photo courtesy: QCPD)

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo M. Año on Tuesday lauded the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the arrest of the regional party Secretary of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Metro Manila, describing the arrest as “a major accomplishment against communist terrorism.”

“Congratulations to the PNP and AFP for the arrest of Esterlita Espinosa Suaybaguio, the new secretary of the CPP-NPA for Metro Manila. This is a major victory for the government and the Filipino people,” Año said in a statement.

Suaybaguio was arrested by joint elements of the PNP, AFP, and Task Force Kalasag during the service of search warrants at a safe house at Escalades Condominium in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday.

Prior to her new post as Secretary of the Metro Manila Regional Party Committee of the CPP-NPA, Suaybaguio was formerly the Secretary of Southern Mindanao Regional Party Committee and Komisyon Mindanao (KOMMID), Año said.

She was reportedly handpicked by the CPP's Central Committee to revitalize student, youth, and labor recruitment for the Communist Movement in Metro Manila.

“She is one example of CPP/NPA leader masquerading as a peace advocate. She is a party member, NPA rebel yet at the same time an NDF (National Democratic Front) Consultant for the failed peace talks. This is the deception that they have shown not only to the PH government but also to the Filipino people,” he said.

He added that Suaybaguio is a respondent in separate multiple murder and frustrated murder cases including the murder of patrolman Ronald U. Napalan Jr. of Regional Mobile Force Battalion of PNP Caraga on June 29, 2019.

“If not for the perseverance of our security forces, Suaybaguio could have spearheaded a revitalized communist campaign in Metro Manila just like what she did in Mindanao. Mabuti na lang at hindi tumigil ang PNP at AFP na tuntunin siya hanggang siya ay masakote,” Año added.

These communist terrorists, he said, are after all a victim of this vicious ideology.

“Let me emphasize: they have so much to lose and nothing to gain in joining this lost cause. Countless lives are wasted in this useless crusade,” he said.

Año specifically commended National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), chief, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar, Joint Task Force-NCR Commander Brig. Gen. Alex Luna, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., and NCRPO Deputy Regional Director for Operations, Brig. Gen. Crizaldo O. Nieves for successfully implementing Search Warrant No. 5918 (19) for violations of RA 10591; and Search Warrant No. 5919 (19) for violation of Section 3 of PD 1866 as amended by RA No. 9516 (Unlawful Manufacture, Sales, Acquisition, Disposition, Importation or Possession of an Explosive or Incendiary Device) both issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 89 on August 23, 2019.

Recovered during the operation are one 9 mm pistol, a magazine assembly for 9mm with seven rounds ammunition, and a hand grenade, among others.

The suspect was brought to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit of the QCPD for booking and medical examination. (DILG PR)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1078832