4 suspects in Isulan blast nabbed

From MindaNews (Sep 24, 2019): 4 suspects in Isulan blast nabbed

A joint Army and police team arrested Monday three Filipinos and a Swedish national suspected of involvement in the Sept. 7, 2019 bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that left seven persons injured.

Col. Noel Detoyato, public affairs office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines identified the three Filipinos as Abedin Camsa and his relatives, Normia Camsa and Norshiya Camsa.

Detoyato said the Swedish national was identified as Hassan Akgun.

Major Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command said they are still investigating Akgun’s connection to foreign terrorists reported to be hiding in Mindanao.

“We are not sure yet what group he belongs [to],” Encinas said.

The military said the raid was conducted by a joint police and army team on the house of Camsa located in Sitio Nakan, Barangay Kapaya, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat province last Monday.

Detoyato said the raiders seized an M16 rifle, two pistols, several mobile phones, bomb-making paraphernalia including two gallons of powdery substances and a black ISIS flag.

The suspects are detained at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Provincial Office in Isulan town.

The bombing in Isulan town happened on the same day the Moro Islamic Liberation Front decommissioned 1,060 combatants and turned over 940 firearms to the Independent Decommissioning Body in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

The decommissioning is part of the normalization process under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/09/4-suspects-in-isulan-blast-nabbed/

Swedish man, 3 others tied to Isulan bombing captured

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 24, 2019): Swedish man, 3 others tied to Isulan bombing captured

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Philippine security forces have arrested a Swedish national and 3 other Filipino Muslims being linked to a recent motorcycle bombing in the southern town of Isulan that left 7 people seriously wounded, the Western Mindanao Command announced Tuesday.

It said the suspects were all arrested in the village of Kapaya in the town of Bagumbayan in Sultan Kudarat province where the September 7 bombing outside a market place occurred.

The military identified the Swedish man as Hassan Akgun, and the others as Abedin, Normia and Norshiya, all surnamed Camsa. It said security forces also seized an ISIS flag from the trio, including an M16 automatic rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, a .38-caliber revolver, a shot gun, an improvised explosive, and 13 cellular phones among other things.

But details of their capture were not made public in the vague military report, but Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, urged the public to remain vigilant. “Let us remain vigilant for there are still enemies out there who will always try to inflict havoc in the communities,” Sobejana said.

It was unknown whether the Swedish man and the others are members of ISIS or other Islamic extremist groups such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters – a breakaway faction of the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) – which was suspected to have carried out the bombing.

The motorcycle, rigged with explosives, was parked outside the market when it went off and wounded people nearby, including a traffic constable. No individual or group claimed responsibility for the terror attack, but it occurred even as the whole southern region is under an extended martial rule.

It was unclear how the bomber managed to sneak into the town, passing through several police and military checkpoints and road blocks and left the motorcycle bomb undetected by authorities.

The attack coincided with the mass surrender of MILF fighters.

The MILF, which signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014, said a total of 1,060 combatants from about 40,000 fighters – and their weapons were decommissioned as part of a process that will help the rebels return to the fold of the law and establish a civilian life.

Rebel chieftain Murad Ebrahim, who is also the Chief Minister of the Muslim autonomous region, said the weapons were handed over to the independent decommissioning body headed by Turkish Ambassador Fatih Ulusoy. After their surrender, the rebels will each receive at least P100,000 from the Duterte government and a socio-economic assistance package of up to P1 million.

In April, over a dozen people were injured when a motorcycle rigged with explosives also went off outside the Carlito’s Chicken restaurant in Isulan town. The blast coincided with the town’s 61st founding anniversary.

A similar attack – claimed by the Islamic State – also occurred in August last year when a motorcycle bomb exploded outside a row of shops in Isulan and wounded several civilians. Security forces have been fighting several Islamist groups in the southern region where President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the armed forces to crush terrorism.

Leaders of the BIFF have pledged allegiance to ISIS, also claimed responsibility for last year’s attack in the town.

https://mindanaoexaminer.com/swedish-man-3-others-tied-to-isulan-bombing-captured/

Tagalog News: Mga sumukong miyembro ng NPA sa Surigao Norte tumanggap ng ayuda

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Tagalog News: Mga sumukong miyembro ng NPA sa Surigao Norte tumanggap ng ayuda

LUNGSOD NG SURIGAO, Surigao del Norte -- Nasa 30 dating miyembro ng rebeldeng grupo na New People's Army o NPA sa Surigao del Norte ang nakatanggap ng ayuda mula sa pamahalaan sa ilalim ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program o E-CLIP.

Ang mga sumuko ay may P15,000 immediate cash assistance at P10,000 mula sa Department of Social Welfare and Development o DSWD. Binayaran din ng pamahalaan ang mga armas na kanilang isinuko depende sa uri at kalidad nito.

Ang pagkaloob ng tulong-pinansyal ay pinangunahan mismo ni National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr., cabinet officer for the regional development and security (CORDS) - Caraga region Cabinet Secretary Carlo Nograles, at iba pang opisyal kasabay sa isinagawang Barangay Summit sa lungsod ng Butuan.

National Security Adviser Secretary Hermogenes Esperon, Jr.

“Ang ating gagawin, lahat ng departamento ay magbibigay ng kontribusyon. Sama-sama ang ating pagpaplano kasi ang target natin ngayon o ang ating tutulungan ay ang barangay. Diyan natin gagamitin at ipalaganap ang community support program o CSP,” sabi ni Esperon.

Inaasahan ring maibibigay sa kanila sa lalong madaling panahon ang P50,000 na livelihood assistance at P20,000 na reintegration assistance na kasalukuyang pinuproseso na.

Isa sa mga nabigyan ng tulong ay naging sundalo na ngayon.

“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko po sa ating mahal na pangulong Rodrigo Duterte at sa Philippine Army dahil binigyan kami ng oportunidad bilang isang former rebel na magiging isang sundalo. Hindi ako tinalikuran ng ating gobyerno at ako’y natulungan. Kung kayo man ay tutulad sa akin na nagbalik-loob, ganun din ang magyayari sa inyo. Ang nakamit ko ngayon bilang isand sundalo ay gayun din ang mararating ninyo,” sabi ni alyas Abdul.

Ipinaabot rin ni alyas Raymund ang kanyang pasasalamat sa ayudang natanggap.

Cabinet Secretary Carlo Nograles, cabinet officer for the regional development and security (CORDS) - Caraga region.

“Maraming salamat sa 30th Infantry Battalion dahil sa tulong ng mga sundalo. Binigyan nila ako ng pag-asang maayos ang aking masalimuot na buhay. Tinulungan nila akong makapagtapos sa ninanais kong kurso,” sabi ni alyas Raymund, 21 taong gulang.

Ayon kay Cabinet Secretary Nograles ay may 800 miyembro ng NPA sa Surigao del Norte ang inaasahang susuko.

“May mga inaasahan pa tayong mga miyembro ng rebeldeng grupo ang tuluyan ng susuko at hangad na magbagong buhay. Ito ay malinaw na indikasyon na positibo ang ating mga ginagawang hakbang at kampanya laban insurhensiya,” sabi ni Sec. Nograles.

Patuloy ang kampanya ng gobyerno laban sa mga rebeldeng grupo at hinihimok ang mga ito na magbalik-loob na at mamuhay ng payapa. (VLG/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

#ELCAC #EO70 #EndLocalCommunistsArmedConflict

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027739

Task Force ELCAC already organized in all six provinces of Eastern Visayas

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Task Force ELCAC already organized in all six provinces of Eastern Visayas



TACLOBAN CITY -- In line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s EO 70, the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict are already organized in all the six provinces in Eastern Visayas.

These include the Leyte Provincial Task Force ELCAC, the Northern Samar Provincial Task Force ELCAC, the Southern Leyte Provincial Task Force ELCAC, the Eastern Samar Provincial Task Force ELCAC, the Western Samar Provincial Task Force ELCAC and the Biliran Provincial Task Force ELCAC.

These Provincial Task Force are chaired by the respective Provincial Governors namely, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla, Northern Samar Governor Edwin Marino Ongchuan, Southern Leyte Governor Damian Mercado, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, Samar Provincial Governor Milagrosa Tan and Biliran Provincial Governor Rogelio Espina.

Assistant Regional Director Valente Bajet of the Department of the Interior and Local Government 8 told the Philippine Information Agency that the provincial governors are very supportive of EO 70 institutionalizing the whole of nation approach to end local communist armed conflict in the Region and in the entire country.

In Eastern Visayas, there are 31 identified priority barangays for ending the armed conflict. Of the 31, some 8 are in Northern Samar, 3 in Eastern Samar and 20 in Samar.

This means that all the convergence efforts of government will be focused on these areas so that the people will be dissuaded from joining the lawless elements.

With EO 70 being a ‘whole-of-nation approach,’ and given up to the year 2022 to attain the goal in ending the insurgency, it is imperative that this will not only be the concern of the national government but rather a harmonized effort from all levels of governance from the barangays to the municipalities and cities, to the provinces and to the regional government agencies and the private sector.

The implementation of EO 70 in Region 8 is supervised by Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) HUDCC Secretary Eduardo del Rosario. (LDL/OPT/PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1027766

MNLF official, companion yield grenades at GenSan checkpoint

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): MNLF official, companion yield grenades at GenSan checkpoint



ARRESTED. Police investigators question Kamlon Kamsa (left) and his niece, Bainoss Camsa (right) after they yielded two hand grenades and an improvised blasting cap during a routine inspection at a security checkpoint in General Santos City on Monday afternoon (Sept. 23, 2019). Kamlon is reportedly the vice chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front's Sabiwang State Revolutionary Committee based in Sultan Kudarat province. (Photo by Richelyn Gubalani)

Army and police personnel arrested an official of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and his companion in Sultan Kudarat province after they both allegedly yielded grenades and a bomb-making material during a routine inspection at a security checkpoint here on Monday.

Maj. Peter Pinalgan, chief of the city police's intelligence branch, said the explosives were found in the possession of suspects Kamlon Camsa, 62, and Bainoss Camsa, 45, while they were about to enter the city past 2 p.m.

Pinalgan said the two were among the passengers of a Yellow Bus Line (YBL) unit who underwent mandatory inspection at the checkpoint of the Army-led Joint Task Force (JTF) GenSan along the national highway in Barangay Apopong.

He said the suspects were acting suspiciously when they disembarked from the bus.

During the inspection, a K-9 unit or bomb-sniffing dog found a black bag carried by one of the suspects as suspicious, prompting the assigned Army personnel to conduct a thorough search that led to the discovery of two live MK2 fragmentation grenades and an improvised blasting cap.

Pinalgan said the suspects are residents of Sitio Nakan, Barangay Kapaya, Bagumbayan town in Sultan Kudarat who claimed to be attending a seminar here.

Kamlon, based on his identification cards, is purportedly the vice chairman of the MNLF's Sabiwang Revolutionary State Committee based in Sultan Kudarat province.

In an interview, the two denied owning the recovered grenades and the improvised blasting cap.

Kamlon said he and Bainoss were just attending a seminar of the National Irrigation Administration here.

He said he is the secretary while Bainoss, who is his niece, is the treasurer of their village's irrigator's association.

"We passed several checkpoints before arriving here and nothing was found from us. These are planted," he told reporters in the vernacular.

Capt. Dave Estorninos, JTF GenSan spokesperson, said they expected the denial of the suspects but added that they have witnesses, including security footages that could prove the charges.

The suspects, who are currently detained at the Makar police station, will be charged with violation of Republic Act 9516 or unlawful possession of explosive and incendiary device.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081264

Village chief, 3 cops hurt in Mindoro ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Village chief, 3 cops hurt in Mindoro ambush



AMBUSHED. Three police officers and a village chief were wounded when still unidentified suspects opened fire at their mobile patrol vehicle while they were on their way to Calapan Tuesday morning (Sept. 24, 2019). Police said three of the victims are now in stable condition. (Photo courtesy of Michael Landicho, Radyo Natin 105.3 FM News Anchor/DJ)

SOCORRO, Oriental Mindoro -- At least three police officers of Pinamalayan Police Station and a village chief were injured in an ambush while on their way to Calapan for a radio interview Tuesday morning.

Barangay Pasi 2 chair Danilo Caspe said the police officers and the village chair onboard a mobile patrol vehicle were passing along the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) in Barangay Pasi 2 when still unidentified suspects fired at them.

Caspe said an improvised bomb exploded near the roadside, toppling some banana plants, while the patrol vehicle was hit by shrapnel and riddled with bullets.

He said Barangay Palayan captain Noli dela Cruz, who was one of the injured, told him there was a loud explosion followed by a burst of gunfire.

Onboard the mobile patrol were dela Cruz, Capt. Ruelito R. Magtibay, Pinamalayan station’s deputy chief of police; Chief M/Sgt. Ivan Fortus, Senior M/Sgt. Irene M. Lazo, Cpl. Ivy Carmona, and the driver Pat. Raquel Generoso, all from Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro.

Police said the victims were brought to the Medical Mission Group Hospital in Calapan City.

Police Regional Office-Mimaropa regional director, Lt. Col. Socrates Faltado said Fortus, Lazo, Carmona and dela Cruz were wounded during the incident.

Faltado, who visited the victims, said as of posting time, a police officer was still in the operating room while two others and the barangay captain are already in stable condition.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081284

Police officer shot dead in Davao Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Police officer shot dead in Davao Norte



OFFICER DOWN. Patrolman Alfie Alcano of the 2nd Davao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company is shot dead by an unidentified man in Barangay Centro Igangon, San Isidro town, Davao del Norte, on Monday (Sept. 23, 2019). Investigators were exploring the possible involvement of the communist New People's Army (NPA) in the killing. (Photo courtesy of Eaishajeff Dotarot)
DAVAO CITY -- A police officer assigned at the 2nd Davao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (DNPMFC) was shot dead by an unidentified man in San Isidro town, Davao del Norte, on Monday.

Police Major Jason Baria, spokesman of the Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) identified the victim as Patrolman Alfie Alcano, 28, a resident of Barangay Pinamuno, San Isidro,Davao del Norte.

Baria said Alcano was approaching his residence on a motorcycle when the suspect shot him, causing his instantaneous death.

A report from PRO-11 said the suspect was on board a Honda XRM motorcycle and was wearing a black helmet.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SoCO) team found one fired bullet from a caliber .45 pistol and one empty cartridge case of .45 caliber pistol.

Brig. Gen. Marcelo Morales, PRO-11 director, denounced Alcano's killing and described the incident "a gross violation of human rights."

"The victim was known to his family and classmates as a good man and further they manifested that they never knew or heard that the victim was involved in a misunderstanding or altercation with another person, prompting this murder to be a big question to his family and friends," Morales said.

As of posting time, police said they considering the possible involvement of the New Peoples Army (NPA), as San Isidro is a known flashpoint for rebel activities.

Morales said he can't confirm "this very early that it is done by the NPA, but I consider it as a possibility."

"This act of ruthless treachery is a trademark patented by the CPP-NPA. We will coordinate with the military forces in the area to track down the suspect for its immediate identification and apprehension," he said, referring to the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Morales also assured that appropriate charges will be filed against the assailant once he is identified.

"We call on the witnesses and residents in the area to help us in our pursuit towards justice. We will leave no stone unturned in probing the murder of Patrolman Alcano by pursuing all possible angles for his death so we can give him and his family the justice he deserve, hold the assailant accountable for his crime, and determine the real motive for this killing," the PRO-11 director said.

Alcano joined the police force in 2015.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081300

Localized peace talks 'better way' to end insurgency: Bello

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Localized peace talks 'better way' to end insurgency: Bello



LOCAL PEACE TALKS. Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III sees localized peace talks as a better way to end insurgency in the country. In an interview at his home in the City of Ilagan, Isabela on Sunday (Sept. 22, 2019), he said the government has not abandoned the negotiations and he hoped the local peace talks would succeed. (Photo by Villamor Visaya Jr.)

CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela -- President Rodrigo Duterte is not giving up on ending the five-decade-old insurgency problem in the country, according to Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

“Instead, the President is focusing on localized peace talks 'as a better way' in its effort to make amends with communist rebels,” he told the Philippine News Agency in an interview at his residence here on Sunday.

The labor secretary said the national government has been tapping governors, mayors, and local government leaders to facilitate peace talks with local communist guerillas.

“Our government peace panel was dissolved but as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) for Region 2, I would still be active with our peace efforts as we coordinate with governors and mayors and other local government unit officials to talk to local communist guerrillas,” he said.

“Hopefully, we can succeed in local peace talks where our panel failed. It is important that we did not abandon the legacy for peace negotiations. We just took a different track and solved the bickering,” Bello said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081181

Eastmincom offers military checkpoints as quarantine areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Eastmincom offers military checkpoints as quarantine areas



CHECKPOINTS AS QUARANTINE SITES. A quarantine checkpoint in Lasang, Davao City. The Eastern Mindanao Command has offered its existing security checkpoints to be expanded into quarantine sites. (PNA File photo by Che Palicte)

DAVAO CITY -- As a prevention measure against the possible entry of African swine fever (ASF) virus in the island, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has offered its existing security checkpoints to be expanded into quarantine sites.

The offer came after Ricardo Oñate Jr., regional director of the Department of Agriculture in Region 11 (DA-11), and other stakeholders visited the Eastmincom headquarters inside the Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Panacan here on Monday

Lt. Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, said the visit aims to seek the assistance of the military in preventing the possible entry of infectious diseases into the region.

"Our fixed security checkpoints can be used as a point of convergence in carrying out the best interest of the government and of the communities," Santos said.

Currently, the checkpoints of Task Force Davao (TFD) have already been expanded into quarantine areas manned by the City Veterinary and Agriculture Office (CVAO).

The CVAO personnel are assisted by 65 TFD members who are trained in animal and meat quarantine functions.

Santos also proposed that other government bodies such as the local Peace and Order Councils (POCs) be included in the crafting of local and regional plans concerning biosecurity protocols.

"Taking off from the initiative of the city government and TFD checkpoints as a template, we are asking the concerned agencies to level the issue to the different POCs to consolidate and synchronized effort in this biological battle," the Eastmincom chief added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081311

Activities lined up for 75th Leyte Gulf Landings

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Activities lined up for 75th Leyte Gulf Landings



LEYTE GULF LANDINGS REVELRY. The McArthur Memorial Landing Park in Palo, Leyte where most of the 75th Leyte Gulf Landings activities will be held. The Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration will be on Oct. 20 with several activities lined up. (PNA file photo)

PALO, Leyte -- The Leyte provincial government is stepping up its preparation for the 75th Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration on Oct. 20 with several activities lined up for the celebration

The three-week activities will kick off through an exhibit of the national costume of Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray at Oriental Hotel from Oct. 10 to 24 and the first Leyte Landing 4x4 off-road challenge at Boy Scout Circle, Government Center, this town on Oct. 12 to 13.

On Oct. 13, the provincial government will lead the inauguration and lighting of newly-rehabilitated McArthur Land Memorial National Park in this town.

Also happening on Oct. 13 is the World War II Vintage Car vehicle show and exhibit at the Boy Scout Circle that will run until Oct. 25.

On Oct. 15, the 75th Leyte Landing Choral Competition along with the “Pagbabalik” Hip-hop competition will be held at the Boy Scout Circle.

There will be an exhibit from Oct. 16 to 22 showcasing the agri, aqua, science and technology products at the Boy Scout Circle. A dancesport competition and the 75th Leyte Landing Speech Choir Competition is going to be held on the same day and venue.

On Oct. 17, the Sentimental Journey will be commemorated in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. Several World War II veterans, personnel from the Armed Force of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the Guiuan local government will participate in the event.

The Sentimental Journey will be held at the Navy 3149 Base in Ngolos village. This is to remember the Battle of Suluan (an island village in Guiuan) as a prelude to the Leyte Gulf Landings.

On the same day, the search for Miss Liberation Diamond will be held also at the Boy Scout Circle. Also on Oct. 17, there will be a two-day National Conference on the 75th Anniversary of Leyte Gulf Landings at the Leyte Normal University in Tacloban City.

The Tolosa Signal Day Commemorative Event is up on Oct. 18 remembering the heroic acts of Scouts Valeriano Abello, Antero Junia Sr. and Vicente Tiston who signaled the Allied Forces from the hilltops of Telegrafo village using the semaphore signs not to bomb the shorelines because thousands of residents were living in the area.

Also happening that day is the 11th Oktubafest competition organized by the An Waray party-list at the Leyte Academic Center in Palo town.

At the Boy Scout Circle, activities are the Executive Band Boy show, a Fashion show and the War of Our Fathers” a tribute to Filipino Freedom exhibit from Oct. 18 to 27.

On Oct. 19, the province will celebrate the Hill 120 Commemorative Event in Dulag town. It is in honor of the first hoisting of the American flag in Philippine soil after it was lowered in Bataan in 1942.

Various activities were also lined-up by the provincial government on Oct. 19 starting with live free festival at the Leyte Academic Center, Palo commemorative event Barrio Fiesta at the Palo Municipal Hall and the grand finals of the Pagbabalik Hip-hop competition at the Boy Scout Circle.

On Oct. 20, the program for the Leyte Gulf Landings commemoration will start with the “Sunrise Ceremony of the Filipino World War II Veterans at the Unknown Soldier Monument at 4 a.m. and will be followed by the 75th National Commemoration Ceremonies at the McArthur Land Memorial National Park at 8 a.m.

Other activities on the 20th are the Subiran Regatta which will start at the Oriental Hotel in this town, the reunion of the veterans at the Department of Education-Leyte Gymnasium, the commemorative luncheon and awarding and recognition of the 10 oldest living Filipino veterans.

A fireworks display at the McArthur Land Memorial National Park in the evening will cap the day-long activities.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), the lead agency for this year celebration, has invited President Rodrigo Duterte as the guest of honor, but the President has yet to confirm his attendance, Leyte Governor Leopoldo Dominico Petilla said on Monday.

Also invited to the 75th Leyte Landings Commemoration are NHCP chairman Rene Escalante, United States Ambassador Sung Yong Kim, Australian Ambassador Steven James Robinson, Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Daniel Robert Pruce, New Zealand Ambassador David John Strachan, Ambassador of Japan Koji Haneda, and Ambassador of Canada John Thomas Holmes.

“Just to remind everyone, this is not that just the provincial government commemoration of World War II but for everybody. This is our commemoration; this is everybody’s activity. Your participation in all activities or by watching our activities is already a big contribution,” Petilla said in an interview.

“This is not just a simple commemoration or ceremony, but we are here to learn a lesson from the valor of our heroes, the example that our heroes are very important. As we face more challenges, we need to learn the lesson for us to overcome all these challenges,” Petilla added.

The Leyte Gulf Landing is a commemoration of the Battle of Leyte Gulf the largest naval battle in the Pacific, and the largest naval battle in recorded history.

The battle spanned 100,000 square miles of sea; and was fought for three days, from Oct. 23 to 25, 1944, during the invasion of Leyte by the Allied forces.

The battle signaled the fulfillment of Gen. Douglas MacArthur's famous words, “I shall return,” who left the country and escaped to Australia to muster support from the Allied forces in the quest to liberate the Philippines from Japanese forces’ occupation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081161

NPA rebel yields in Bislig City

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): NPA rebel yields in Bislig City



Google map of Bislig City, Surigao del Sur

BISLIG CITY, Surigao del Sur--A member of the communist New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the Army's 75th Infantry Battalion early this month, saying the loss of support from the community for the rebel group has compelled him to go back to the mainstream society.

In a statement, the 75IB identified the surrenderer as Romy Paquito dela Serna, alias Salvador, a member of the NPA's Milisya ng Bayan who yielded with his firearm and ammunition on September 2, 2019.

According to the 75IB, dela Serna was a member of the Team Abe, Squad 1, Platoon 1 of Weaken Guerrilla Front 14, of the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Committee.

According to the military, a debriefing on dela Serna revealed that the latter decided to voluntarily yield "due to the continuous massive military operations," tiredness, and fear of being killed in armed encounters.

“I did not wait for the wrath of the community for me to be killed for nothing, as I saw the loss of civilian support for the organization (NPA)," dela Serna was quoted in the dialect as saying.

Following dela Serna's surrender, Lt. Col. Jaime Datuin, 75IB commanding Officer, appealed to the remaining rebels in the hinterlands to "surrender and grab the opportunity to live a normal life with their family and the benefits from the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government for former rebels."

The armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, the 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/1081332

PNP lauds MisOr, Bukidnon for declaring CPP-NPA persona non grata

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): PNP lauds MisOr, Bukidnon for declaring CPP-NPA persona non grata



CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 10 on Tuesday welcomed the move of two Northern Mindanao provinces to declare the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) persona non grata in their respective areas.

In a press statement, Brig. Gen. Rafael Santiago Jr., Police Region Office-10 director, commended Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon provinces for "standing up" against the NPA guerrillas in their areas, even as he hopes other provinces would follow suit.

“The police and military cannot do this alone. We need the help of our local government leaders and their constituents in our effort to achieve an insurgency-free Northern Mindanao,” Santiago said.

Lt. Col. Mardy Hortillosa, PRO-10 spokesperson, said they have been closely working with local government units and the Philippine Army to ensure an end to communist insurgency in the region.

Just recently, the provincial government of Oriental announced that 16 of its 24 towns have already passed rejecting the CPP-NPA's presence in their areas, and declared the communist rebel movement and their fronts persona non grata.

These towns include Alubijid, Balingasag, Binuangan, Claveria, Initao, Jasaan, Lagonglong, Libertad, Magsaysay, Manticao, Medina, Opol, Tagoloan, Talisayan, Laguindingan, and El Salvador City.

A statement from the Misamis Oriental provincial government said the LGUs are “fed up with the incessant atrocities perpetrated by the CPP-NPA against civilians and destruction of civilian properties.”

In Bukidnon, the local chapter of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) also passed a resolution during its Sept. 18 meeting declaring the CPP-NPA persona non grata in the province.

In a statement, the league deplored the communist rebels’ “incessant attacks targeting civilian non-combatants and deliberate destruction of civilian-owned equipment and other properties in defiance and blatant disregard to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).”

Since January this year, the LMP-Bukidnon said the NPA has staged a series of attacks against civilian establishments seizing firearms from security personnel, burning and destroying properties, equipment vehicles in various parts of the province.

Brig. Gen. Edgardo de Leon, the Army’s 403rd Infantry Brigade commander, noted that despite the IHL violations committed by the NPA, not a single IHL case was filed at the Regional Trial Court Branch 25, the special court designated to try IHL cases based in Cagayan de Oro.

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/1081345

DND chief to scrutinize AFP co-location MOA with telco firm

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): DND chief to scrutinize AFP co-location MOA with telco firm



AFP CO-LOCATION DEAL UNDER SCRUTINY. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana says he will study and assess the possible security implications of the co-location memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) with Dito Telecommunity (formerly Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company or Mislatel), on the sidelines of the activation ceremony for the AFPs' new amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) and multi-purpose attack craft (MPAC) at the Philippine Navy headquarters on Monday (Sept. 23, 2019). Based on the agreement, the AFP will determine specific locations with its rental value for use of Mislatel in the installation and management of its communications sites without undermining the operations of affected AFP units. (PNA photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he will study and assess the possible security implications of the co-location memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed by the Armed Forces of Philippines (AFP) with Dito Telecommunity (formerly Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company or Mislatel) last September 11.

"Of course, I have concerns, but I will have to look at the agreement (first). It still has to reach (my office by Sunday) but it could have been submitted today (Monday). I will look at it thoroughly to determine what it contains," Lorenzana said in Filipino, on the sidelines of the activation ceremonies for the four brand-new amphibious assault vehicles and three multi-purpose attack crafts at Philippine Navy headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila late Monday afternoon.

This is in response to concerns expressed by various sectors, citing that the move may affect national security.

The DND chief was on an official trip abroad when the MOA was signed.

Lorenzana, however, stressed that all Dito Telecommunity equipment and facilities will be placed in locations where local carriers, Smart and Globe, are also located, based on a similar MOA signed with these telecommunication firms.

"Smart and Globe also has many towers (inside our) camps. The third telco will have to place their facilities near these sites," he said.

"So we will assess what the possible security implication this deal (will entail)," said Lorenzana, adding that they will see to it that the country's interests are protected.

The defense chief also said he may revoke the deal if it will compromise national security.

"If needed. the MOA is not yet final. As per (Presidential Spokesperson) Secretary (Salvador) Panelo, the (deal is) not yet final. It can still be cancelled or revoked," Lorenzana said.

Also, the DND chief said that his approval or signature is needed for the MOA to be approved as he is the approving authority.

Dito Telecommunity is composed of Chelsea Logistics and Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Udenna Corp, and China Telecom.

It was conferred with the status of New Major Player in the telecommunications industry by the National Telecommunications Commission on November 19, 2018.

The AFP and Dito signed the co-location MOA last September 11.

Earlier, AFP chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., bared that partnering with Mislatel is nothing new as similar MOAs have been entered with Smart and Globe.

Based on the agreement, the AFP will determine specific locations with its rental value for use of Mislatel in the installation and management of its communications sites without undermining the operations of affected AFP units.

The telecommunication firm is also required to “furnish all equipment, labor, and materials necessary to effect the co-location of its facilities and shoulders all expenses in connection with or incidental to the co-location” and payment of all taxes, permits, licenses, and other charges.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081252

Maltreatment has no place in professional AFP: spox

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): Maltreatment has no place in professional AFP: spox



Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philip[pines spokesperson (PNA File photo)

An official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said the military organization never tolerates maltreatment at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA).

This, according to Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, in the wake of reports about the death Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio at a hospital on Sept. 18 due to alleged hazing.

“Maltreatment or similar malpractices have no place in the modern, matured, and professional AFP,” Arevalo said in a media interview.

He added that Infractions of stern regulations governing it and the policies banning it will be meted with the severest penalties --- criminal, civil, and administrative.

The AFP and the PMA, he said, are pursuing all initiatives to eliminate maltreatment and other forms of abuses in the military.

"Violators are the exception in the Academy rather than the rule. And that of the erring cadets comprise the deviant behavior," he added.

He said the AFP and PMA are both enraged by incidents like these and thus reiterate their strong and unequivocal positions condemning maltreatment.

Criminal cases

Arevalo said criminal cases in relation to the death of Dormitorio will be filed against the three suspects in Baguio City this September 24.

"Two of them are now at the PMA stockade, while the other is at the holding center. All of them are under tight watch," he said.

He added that seven senior cadets are facing administrative proceedings, four are may be discharged from PMA, two others are for suspension, while another is facing penalty for Class One Offense.

"Class One is the highest category of offense and is meted the highest form of penalty in the academy which includes demerits and suspension of privileges and touring or while carrying his rifle, moving to and from the parade ground for a certain number of hours depending upon the penalty that will be meted on him. Again these penalties as I mentioned to you are based from their possible liabilities under the law and the PMA regulations," he said.

DND chief’s order

Arevalo said Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana went to the wake of Dormitorio on Sept. 21 at PMA where he also had two separate meetings, upper-class cadets and plebes.

At Monday’s sidelines of the activation ceremony of the three brand-new multi-purpose attack crafts (MPACs) and four amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) at Philippine Navy headquarters in Roxas Boulevard, Manila, Lorenzana said he reminded all PMA cadets that failure to report any maltreatment cases means they are guilty as the perpetrators.

This includes cadets who look away or refuse to be involved who are guilty as those who are perpetrators, he added.

"So now, my orders to the (PMA) Superintendent is that all first-year (cadets) or 'plebes' are subjected to a physical examination, all of them from head to foot. Those who will be found with bruises will be questioned on who did it to them and we are going to deal with them at the full extent of the law," Lorenzana said.

Close monitoring of probe

Meanwhile, Arevalo said outgoing AFP Chief-of-Staff Benjamin Madrigal, Jr., is closely monitoring the investigation into the death of Dormitorio and the hospitalization of two other cadets for alleged hazing.

“AFP Chief General Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. is closely monitoring the developments in the thorough, no-nonsense investigation that he ordered relative to the maltreatment case (of Cadet 4Cl Dormitorio) in the PMA,” Arevalo said

Madrigal's directive, he said, gained more momentum following reports that two other PMA fourth class cadets are now confined and undergoing treatment for alleged maltreatment.

One of the cadets mentioned was admitted last September 17 while the other one was hospitalized on September 22.

"Both cadets were complaining of pain in their abdomen," he said when asked on what the initial diagnosis on the two cadets was.

"But so far these all are fourth class cadets so they are all classmates in the PMA," Arevalo said. “Both cadets are now recovering, responding to medication and are in stable condition.”

He said updates on the conditions of the two cadets will be issued as appropriate.

"For now we would like you to know that we have an officer assigned in the ward from the PMA who is monitoring the development and ensuring that the requirements and the needs of the patients and the parents are well attended. The physicians of the hospital are on a 24-hour duty monitoring and ensuring that the patients are well attended," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081259

AFP holds airfield retake, urban warfare exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 24, 2019): AFP holds airfield retake, urban warfare exercises



'DAGIT-PA' 2019. The three major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) -- Army, Air Force, and Navy conduct airfield retake and Military Operations in Urban Terrain exercises at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija on Monday (Sept. 23, 2019) as part of the ongoing AFP Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA 03-2019. The mission of the scenario-based exercise was to retake Fort Magsaysay airfield and other encampments “seized” by enemy forces, and destroy their command and control and logistics facility in the area. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

Army, Air Force, and Navy units on Monday conducted airfield retake and military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) exercises in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija as part of the ongoing Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s Joint Exercise DAGIT-PA 03-2019.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, DAGIT-PA public affairs office chief, said the mission of the scenario-based exercise is to retake the Fort Magsaysay airfield and other encampments “seized” by enemy forces and destroy their command and control and logistics facility in the area.

DAGIT-PA stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa” and is an AFP-wide exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability during joint operations of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Army.

It is geared to level up existing exercises by integrating the AFP’s Special Operations Forces, Cyber Group, and Reservists.

Around 1,500 soldiers, including reservists, are participating in the ongoing joint exercise that aims to develop joint sea, air and land operations. It was launched on September 16 and will end on September 27.

Special Operations Forces conducted military free fall maneuvers from PAF UH-1H helicopters and conducted air assault following intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.

Meanwhile, a platoon of Army reservists also took part in the activity showing their capability to be deployed in various operations such as territorial defense, counter-insurgency, and humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief among others.

“The airfield retake exercise allows our forces to gain significant knowledge and develop special training techniques in joint air-to-land operations. This will also prepare us for any untoward incidents and potential enemy incursion in the future,” said Commodore Adeluis Bordado, DAGIT-PA exercise director and AFP Education Training and Doctrine Command head.

After the airfield retake, joint ground forces operated to conduct MOUT at the Mega Drug Rehab Facility in Fort Magsaysay. This included CBRNE (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive), combat engineering, explosive ordnance disposal, and K-9 teams.

“The MOUT focused on urban close combat, search and breach, joint fires, and airspace operations. This exercise was an opportunity to train our troops in dealing with urban terrorism utilizing not only modern equipment but testing how effective our combat schemes are,” Bordado said.

Among other activities under the joint exercise were the air/maritime interdiction operation in Palawan, amphibious landing in Zambales, and combined arms live-fire exercise in Tarlac. These events focus on capabilities development in maritime security, military operations in urban terrain, and amphibious operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1081250