New Regional Counterterrorism Training Center to Boost U.S.-Philippine and Regional Cooperation

From the US Embassy Manila, Philippines (Oct 11 2019): New Regional Counterterrorism Training Center to Boost U.S.-Philippine and Regional Cooperation

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim and Philippine Police Chief General Oscar Albayalde lead the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art Regional Counterterrorism Training Center at the PNPA Academy in Silang, Cavite.

As part of our deepening bilateral counterterrorism partnership, today, Philippine Police Chief General Oscar Albayalde and U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim broke ground on a new state-of-the-art Regional Counterterrorism Training Center in the Philippines.
The U.S. and Philippine governments will construct and operate the center on the grounds of the PNP Academy in Silang, Cavite. The U.S. Department of State has secured Php 520 million ($10 million) in counterterrorism partnership funds to establish and jointly operate the center with the PNP.

Once constructed, the center will provide counterterrorism training for law enforcement units and personnel from the Philippines and regional partner nations.

The initiative comes in response to a request from the PNP for a state-of-the-art facility to provide enhanced regional counterterrorism training. The establishment of this center reflects the U.S.’ enduring commitment to support Philippine counterterrorism efforts and work together to address threats to peace and security in the region.

https://ph.usembassy.gov/new-regional-counterterrorism-training-center-to-boost-us-philippine-and-regional-cooperation-2/

Training hub to boost fight vs. terrorism in PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 12, 2019): Training hub to boost fight vs. terrorism in PH



TRAINING HUB VS. TERRORISM. Philippine National Police chief Police Gen. Oscar Albayalde (4th from right) join US officials led by Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim (5th from right) and a representative from the Department of Foreign Affairs in the ceremonial lowering of a time capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony of the first-ever, state-of-the-art Regional Counterterrorism Training Center (RCTTC) in the Philippines held at Camp General Mariano Castañeda, Silang, Cavite on Friday (Oct. 11). The RCCTC will train Filipino law enforcement personnel on counter-terrorism operations and strengthen the regional security relationship and cooperation between the Philippines and East Asia Pacific partners nations-- Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. (PNA photo by Gladys S. Pino)

SILANG, Cavite -- The government's fight against terrorism in the Philippines will be strengthened after the recent groundbreaking of the first-ever counter-terrorism training center in Southeast Asia here.

The PHP350 million, state-of-the-art Regional Counter-Terrorism Training Center (RCTTC) that would rise at Camp General Mariano A. Castañeda will be jointly operated by the United States (US) and Philippine governments.

The RCTTC, which forms part of the PHP520-million US investment, aims to train Filipino law enforcement personnel on counter-terrorism operations and further strengthen the regional security relationship and cooperation between the Philippines and East Asia Pacific partners nations-- Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.

The project, built on decades of US' close counter-terrorism cooperation with the Philippine National Police, "is a major step in the deepening of our counter-terrorism partnership," said US Ambassador Sung Kim, who led on Friday the groundbreaking rite along with PNP chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde.

"This reflects the enduring US commitment to support the Philippines' counter-terrorism efforts and to work together to address threats to peace and security in the whole region," Kim added.

Meanwhile, Albayalde said as terrorism continues to pose a serious threat to the Philippines and across Asia, the RCTTC will empower the Philippine law enforcement personnel in the pursuance of their mission.

"With the RCTTC in place, we hope to be able to keep in step with the latest training methods and technology in fighting terrorism," he said.

The PNP led the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the US government, through the support of the US Department of State Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA) Program for the construction and operation of a multi-purpose RCTTC last Aug. 15 this year.

The RCTTC will provide a venue for the ATA counter-terrorism training for PNP units, particularly the Special Action Force (SAF), EOD/K-9 Group, Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), Aviation Security Group (ASG), Intelligence Group (IG), and Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG).

Other Philippine law enforcement group that will also benefit from the project are the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Immigration, Office for Transport Security, among others.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082970

Philippine air force reactivates seven old Huey helos thanks to spares from Japan

Posted to Defense News (Oct 11, 2019): Philippine air force reactivates seven old Huey helos thanks to spares from Japan

Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. service members exit a helicopter during air assault training at Fort Magsaysay, Philippines in 2014. The Philippine Air Force seeks to boost its helcopter fleet using donated spares from Japan. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Michael G. Herrero/Released)

The Philippines is set to return more U.S.-built utility helicopters to its stretched helicopter fleet thanks to spare parts from Japan, even as the country continues to buy newer transport helicopters and is reportedly seeking more.

According to the government’s official newswire, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman Maj. Aristides Galang said in a statement that seven Bell UH-1 "Huey" helicopters would be brought back to flying status using the spares donated by the Japanese government in March this year.

Galang was quoted by the Philippine News Agency as also saying that an inspection team from the PAF’s 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing visited the storage unit holding the spares earlier this month and found several items needed for restoring seven of the helicopters in operational status.

The inspected spare parts were main rotor blades, tail rotor blades, and tail rotor driveshafts, which were then turned over to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing the next day for restoration work on the helicopters.

The PAF has received a large fleet of the 1960s-vintage UH-1s on hand, including several received from surplus U.S. military stocks, although it has faced issues sustaining the fleet and keeping them flying in the past, leaving many airframes either mothballed or unserviceable.

"The restoration and maintenance of UH-1 aircraft are vital in performing missions such as humanitarian assistance and disaster response, transport, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activity of the PAF," Galang said.

He added that the remaining donated spare parts will be utilized for the PAF’s existing fleet of UH-1 helicopters to maintain and increase higher operational readiness of the PAF.

In addition to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, the UH-1s are also operated by the PAF’s 505th Search and Rescue Group. The Philippines has gotten a lot of use out of its UH-1s, with the helicopters seeing use in the disaster relief role as well as counter-insurgency operations against communist and separatist movements in the country.

The Philippines has also signed a contract for 16 Sikorsky S-70i Blackhawk helicopters to be produced by Poland’s PZL Mielec to further bolster its helicopter fleet. Local media has reported that the U.S. ally is also on the verge of signing a contract for 16 Russian-built Mi-17 transport helicopters.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2019/10/11/philippine-air-force-reactivates-seven-old-huey-helos-thanks-to-spares-from-japan/

Caraga intensifies human-induced displacement preparedness

Posted to the Relief Web (Oct 11, 2019): Caraga intensifies human-induced displacement preparedness

REPORT from Government of the Philippines
Published on 11 Oct 2019 —View Original

By Venus L. Garcia

BUTUAN CITY, Oct. 11 (PIA) -- The members of the response cluster and Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council convened in this city to polish the comprehensive plan as the basis for concrete response action and implementation of policy relating to human-induced displacement.

The three-day workshop aims to review and update the regional document where the interoperability of the established response systems such as the cluster approach, emergency operations center and incident command center will be integrated in the updated contingency plan.

Office of Civil Defense Caraga regional director Liza Mazo puts a strong emphasis on the importance of following the response protocols in addressing crisis not only caused by natural calamities but including armed conflict.

“The formulation of this contingency plan started in 2016 and we need to revisit and update it as this will be our guide in responding well to an emergency and its potential humanitarian impact. This will be useful especially now that we are intensifying our efforts related to the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 70 of President Duterte,” said Mazo.

Arthur Casiño, resource person, also tackled the conflict sensitivity approach and ‘Do No Harm’ (DNH) principle.

He said the main call for the DNH is to encourage the responding individuals or organizations to make sure that their actions will not cause any problem.

According to him, there are practical tools that focus on how organizations interact with conflict and how they can work effectively in conflict contexts while helping to mitigate their negative impacts on conflict, and support local capacities for peace.

“To do that we have to exercise conflict sensitivity. It is good to note that state actors in Caraga region are doing this and that I see a growing practice of the DNH principle,” Casiño said.

Captain Aldim Viernes, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of the 401st Brigade, Philippine Army who joined the planning workshop, said the plan will be helpful in providing effective, efficient, timely and well-coordinated response mechanisms in the event of the occurrence of armed conflict in the region.

Mazo said the contingency plan and the formulation of strategies are vital in doing appropriate actions and in developing community resilience. (VLG/PIA-Caraga)

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/caraga-intensifies-human-induced-displacement-preparedness

PA senior officers brief PMA cadets on leadership

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 11, 2019): PA senior officers brief PMA cadets on leadership



CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. Philippine Army Commander, Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto speaks before PMA cadets during the Cadet Leadership and Character Development Program in Fort Gregorio Del Pilar, Baguio City on Thursday (Oct. 10, 2019). The activity seeks to come up with recommendations in solving malpractices and obsolete traditions that hinder professionalism in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs)

The Philippine Army (PA), headed by its commander, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto and other senior officers, conducted on Thursday a Cadet Leadership and Character Development Program at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Baguio City to come up with recommendations in solving malpractices and obsolete traditions that hinder professionalism in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The initiative aims to impart a development tool in managerial and leadership skills anchored in the Army’s core values of honor, patriotism, and duty, PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.

The seminar came in wake of the alleged maltreatment incidents, which caused the death of Cadet 4th Class Darwin Dormitorio and hospitalization of several others last month.

Under the guidance of the PA chief, Army general staff officers, former company commanders, senior non-commissioned and legal officers, a focused group discussion was held with the PMA's third, second, and first-class cadets.

The speakers shared their experiences in motivating subordinates and exercising compassion without sacrificing discipline.

They highlighted the value of “Mission First, People Always” and the promotion of the mental and physical well-being of their future comrades as an important factor in mission accomplishment.

“True leaders manage people and bring out the potential and capability in each of them in constructive approaches,” Macairog said. On the other hand, Army legal officers also provided additional lectures on Republic Act No. 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law.

“True leadership requires taking responsibility for the people you command, which means caring for your troops, ensuring their safety, and looking out for their welfare. As you continue with your training and education here at the Academy, I encourage you to develop an appreciation for the deeper purpose of your formation as future officers of the AFP,” Alberto said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1082875

CPP: Duterte’s antagonism towards the people breeding conditions for NPA recruitment

CPP propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 11, 2019): Duterte’s antagonism towards the people breeding conditions for NPA recruitment

Like Marcos before him, Duterte has now become the No. 1 recruiter of the New People’s Army (NPA). His corruption and anti-people policies have inflicted greater sufferings on the people resulting in widespread indignation and fueling resistance.

Duterte’s corruption was put on public display by the recent purchase of two luxury jets worth P2-billion each for his personal use. Using the people’s money, Duterte satisfied his lust for high-style travel and rubbed salt into the wounds of millions who suffer daily his regime’s failure to address the breakdown of public transportation.

While he spends billions of pesos on his whims in the form of so-called discretionary funds, Duterte has ignored the clamor for salary increases of hundreds of thousands of public school teachers, nurses and government employees who struggle daily to make ends meet. He has also dismissed with contempt the widespread opposition of drivers and operators and other transport workers to the pro-business jeepney phaseout plan.

Duterte is completely indifferent to the widespread problems of joblessness, low wages, high prices, lack of access to education and health services, and so on.

Instead of addressing the social and economic plight of the people, Duterte and the AFP/PNP have obsessed themselves with “ending the local communist armed conflict.” Under his overarching “counterinsurgency” plan, Duterte has ordered intensified state acts of repression in a futile attempt to silence the people and make them bow to his tyrannical rule.

Duterte and his military and security officers, however, are succeeding only in inciting more resistance in their overzealous drive to tag all opposition as communists, communist recruiters, sympathizers or collaborators. Duterte is creating more and more enemies by red-tagging youth activists, workers and peasants, as well as teachers, journalists, religious people, Lumad community schools, film makers, artists, and so on. They are being put under surveillance, threatened, persecuted, arrested, detained and/or murdered.

Duterte’s reign of undeclared martial rule, widespread violation of democratic rights and political repression are the most glaring aspect of the rottenness of the ruling system and rationale of the need for the people to wage national democratic revolution.

Duterte is inciting widespread hatred for his regime. Duterte’s oppression, corruption and treachery, are negative examples which are generating widespread animosity and teaching and convincing more and more people to support or join mass struggles and all forms of resistance.

With his anti-people and anti-poor policies, Duterte is actually helping the Party and the NPA by creating conditions favorable for widespread recruitment . Through red-tagging and undeclared martial law nationwide and shutting down by degrees all avenues of seeking redress within the legal system, Duterte is pushing more and more people to join or support the revolutionary underground and the armed struggle.

https://cpp.ph/2019/10/11/dutertes-antagonism-towards-the-people-breeding-conditions-for-npa-recruitment/

NDF-Negros: Oppressed peasants struggle and grow stronger

NDF-Negros statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 11, 2019): Oppressed peasants struggle and grow stronger

BAYANI OBRERO

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-NEGROS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

OCTOBER 11, 2019

In the Philippines, peasants have suffered perennial hunger and poverty meanwhile Malacañang bureaucrats bloat and indulge their corruption.

Land is the basic source of living for farmers who feed the whole population as the backbone of our economy. They break sweat from dawn till dusk; a bit more and their body will bleed from exhaustion, they are our true heroes. Because of the backwardness of agriculture and rudimentary tools of production, they are deep in debt and are chained to slavery.

Furthermore, every year “tiempo muerto” or dead season (commonly called tigkiriwi) worsens. It aggravates the hardship of workers in sugarcane fields and sugar mills while land lords continue to monopolize vast haciendas in Negros.

The Duterte regime is slowly killing the peasants. It burdens the people with the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. The flood of imported rice in the Philippines after the Rice Tariffication Law was passed resulted to economic loss of farmers. In Negros, the price of rice has plunged to P10 per kilo.

Peasants and their families suffered severely from economic crisis since Duterte became president. In the worsening crisis faced by the people, the peasant masses unitedly cry out against anti-people laws and programs; there is no else to blame but the Duterte regime.

If we recall, nine farmers were massacred in Hacienda Nene, Barangay Bulanon, Sagay City last October 20, 2018. It has been a year since the land lords displayed their barbaric and traitor character but until now justice eludes the peasants who only wanted to get the land taken from them.

Negros became a massacre capital of the Philippines after the Sagay 9 fell victim to state fascism. Included here are the 14 farmers and other innocent civilians experiencing fascism of combined troops of the AFP/PNP.

The peasants cry for LAND, upon the orders of Joint Task Force – Negros they are answered with BULLETS. Under de facto martial law, oppression, human rights violations, fake surrenderees, illegal arrests and trumped-up charges will proliferate.

As blood spills from the lives of butchered peasant so will their strong determination to struggle for the realization of genuine land reform.

This October, peasants’ month, the broad people must unite against tyranny and courageously topple down a pro-land lord, big bourgeois comprador Duterte regime.

https://cpp.ph/statement/oppressed-peasants-struggle-and-grow-stronger/

Kalinaw News: Inter-agency arrest NPA spox and a leader in Far South

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 11, 2019): Inter-agency arrest NPA spox and a leader in Far South

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – A Spokesman and a Leader of CPP-NPA-NDF Terrorist Group (CTG) being monitored in Far South Mindanao, together with two others, were arrested by an Inter-Agency Group composed of the elements of 1002nd Infantry Brigade under BGen. Adonis Bajao and Police Region Office 12, during a Law Enforcement Operation at Barangay Kalaong, Maitum, Sarangani Province in the early morning of October 10, 2019.

Ltc. Jones Otida, Commanding Officer of 27th Infantry Battalion, identified the arrested as Nicanor Pason or also known as Kumander Costan, Leader of a CTG being monitored in the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat; Bernard Prespetero, Spokesperson of the Far South Mindanao Regional Committee of the CTG; and a certain Josephine Carvajal Sumagaysay and Reynaldo Beringel Loyola, both CTG couriers and contacts.

Alias Costan has a standing Warrant of Arrest for murder issued by Regional Trial Court 11, Branch 38 Alabel, Sarangani Province.

Accordingly, during the apprehension, Costan attempted to diffuse a fragmentation grenade to negate arrest which prompted the arresting troops to execute a calibrated action to immobilize the subject.

Alias Costan, who is the lone wounded was brought by the apprehending soldiers to Maitum Hospital for immediate treatment and further medical attention while the three others were brought the PNP station for necessary legal proceedings.

“Now that the CTG is losing mass support and manpower brought about by the initiatives of LGUs and other government agencies, we will be running after their leaders who continuously embrace the violent armed struggle,” Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command said.

“While doing so, we will continue to work for the resolution of issues that are being exploited by the CTGs, so that, once and for all, we will achieve peace under the President’s timeline,” he added.

27th Infantry Battalion 10th Infantry Division Philippine Army
1LT Efren James C Halawig (INF) PA
0948-737-8176
0997-691-2064

[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/inter-agency-arrest-npa-spox-and-a-leader-in-far-south/

IED explodes inside Bilibid’s maximum security compound

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 11, 2019): IED explodes inside Bilibid’s maximum security compound

An improvised explosive device (IED) suddenly went off while authorities were demolishing illegal structures inside the maximum security compound (MaxSeCom) of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City on Friday morning.

Police Major General Guillermo Eleazar, regional director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), said the blast occurred inside Quadrant 4, east sector of the MaxSeCom, NBP around 10 a.m.

The area is occupied by violent extremist offenders, including jailed members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, Islamic State (ISIS)-affiliated Maute terrorist group, Rajah Solaiman Group, Jimaah Islamiya and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) PDLs (persons deprived of liberty).

Authorities have yet to determine if there were any casualties.

Police were also trying to establish whether the IED was deliberately detonated, or was accidentally triggered while the clearing operations were ongoing.
Eleazar said joint teams from the Explosive Ordnance Division and K9 unit of the NCRPO were immediately dispatched to the area to investigate the incident.

“The EOD team conducted a thorough search within the area for possible secondary explosive device using explosive detection dogs,” Eleazar said.

He added that the team found two more hand grenades and two blasting caps inside a shanty adjacent to the site of explosion.

Joint government agencies have been conducting clearing operations inside the national penitentiary since Tuesday to demolish illegal structures, such as kubols or shanties allegedly built by inmates with “powerful connections.”

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/10/11/ied-explodes-inside-bilibids-maximum-security-compound/

DoJ to probe explosion in Bilibid

From Business World (Oct 11, 2019): DoJ to probe explosion in Bilibid



JUSTICE SECRETARY MENARDO I. GUEVARRA — PCOO.GOV.PH

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) will be looking into security breaches in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) after an IED exploded in the maximum security compound on Friday morning.

Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra confirmed there was an explosion at the eastern portion of the maximum security compound of the NBP. He added that he will be ordering Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag to submit the findings on BuCor’s investigation to him.

Other than the BuCor, the Philippine National Police (PNP) contingent stationed inside the NBP will also be conducting an investigation.

“(I)t’s an indication of how serious the security problem is inside the NBP,” Mr. Guevarra said in a Viber message to the press on Friday.

According to a National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) report released on Friday, there was an explosion inside the NBP at around 10 a.m. The NCRPO’s K9 team checked the site and found the remains of an improvised explosive device (IED).

As the search continued for a possible second device, the unit found two grenade hands and two blasting caps inside the shanties adjacent to the explosion site.

The explosion site, according to the report, “was occupied by violent extremist offenders,” including members of the Abu Sayyaf, Maute Isis, Rajah Solaiman Group, Jimaah Islamiya, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

https://www.bworldonline.com/doj-to-probe-explosion-in-bilibid/

NPA leader, 3 others arrested in Sarangani province

From CNN Philippines (Oct 11, 2019): NPA leader, 3 others arrested in Sarangani province



Metro Manila (CNN Philippines — Government forces captured a ranking commander of the New People's Army (NPA) and three other members of the rebel group on Thursday in Sarangani province, authorities said.

Nicanor Pason, alias Kumander Costan — said to be the leader of the guerilla front operating in Sarangani, South Cotabati and Sultan Kudarat — was wounded and arrested during the joint operation of the Army's 27th Infantry Battalion and the police in Sarangani's Maitum town. Also arrested were Bernard Presbetero (alias commander Aldrin), Josephine Sumagaysay, and Reynaldo Loyola.

The Army's 10th Infantry Division said in a statement that Costan was captured following a tip from disgruntled former members of his group, who have since returned to the fold of the law.

It said operatives were supposed to serve 10 warrants of arrest for cases including murder and arson against Costan and several others, but the rebel leader resisted and threw a grenade that wounded a member of the arresting team.

Two hand grenades. several blasting caps. a mobile phone. and documents were reported recovered from the rebels during the arrest.

Costan was taken to hospital for treatment, while Presbetero, Sumagaysay, and Loyola were temporarily brought to the municipal police station, authorities added.

https://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2019/10/11/NPA-Sarangani-province.html

NPA leader, spokesman nabbed in Sarangani

From MindaNews (Oct 11, 2019): NPA leader, spokesman nabbed in Sarangani

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A law-enforcement interagency task force composed of the military and the police arrested a ranking leader and the alleged spokesman of the New People’s Army in Southern Mindanao and two of their companions in Sarangani province Thursday, the military said.

Nicanor Pason aka Kumander Costan (left) and his three companions. Photo courtesy of EastMinCom

The arrest of Nicanor Pason, also known as Kumander Costan allegedly operating in Sarangani, South Cotabato and Sulan Kudarat, came hours before police in Butuan City arrested 68-year-old peasant leader Virgilio Torralba Lincuna, whom they accused to be the head of the NPA’s urban unit in the area.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command, said Pason was wounded when he tried to resist arrest by lobbing a grenade at the arresting team.

Also arrested with Costan was Bernard Prespetero, NPA spokesperson of the Far South Mindanao Regional Committee, Balagtey said.

With the two NPA leaders during the raid in Barangay Kalaong in the municipality of Maitum were Josephine Carvajal Sumagaysay and Reynaldo Beringel Loyola, reportedly couriers for the rebel group.

Balagtey said Pason was arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest for murder issued by Regional Trial Court 11, Branch 38 in Alabel, Sarangani.

He said while the Army and police team made the arrest, Pason allegedly tried to throw a grenade, prompting the law enforcement team to fire and neutralize him.

Balagtey said the soldiers brought the wounded Pason to a hospital in Maitum town for treatment while his three companions were brought to the PNP station for legal proceedings.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/10/npa-leader-spokesman-nabbed-in-sarangani/

Summit tackles sustaining gains, closing gaps in addressing insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 11, 2019): Summit tackles sustaining gains, closing gaps in addressing insurgency

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- The six Regional Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in Mindanao converged here to tackle how to sustain the gains and address the gaps in the fight against insurgency.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. gives guidance on how to harmonize the efforts between the National task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and the Regional Task Force-ELCAC. (PIA Cagayan de Oro)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. said the Mindanao RTF-ELCAC Summit was convened so that Mindanao RTFs can learn from the successes and best practices of other regions noting that many of the good accomplishments were coming from Mindanao.

He said the summit was also intended to harmonize the current undertakings of the task forces and identify the issues and concerns, and possible solutions to close the gaps in addressing insurgency.

"We have to plan for a more systematic, harmonized convergence of efforts to defeat the CTG," he said.

He also emphasized the transformation from military-driven operations to civilian-led operations. "We cannot defeat the CTG by the efforts of the military and the police alone. We need the civilian sector. You have the key to the solution of the CTG problem not only in Mindanao but the entire Philippines," he added.

For his part, Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar S. Moreno stressed the importance of coming together to bring government closer to the people to address the root causes of insurgency.

Cagayan de Oro Mayor Oscar S. Moreno cites the importance of the national and local governments coming together to bring services closer to the people. (PIA Cagayan de Oro)

"If we want to end insurgency, then we have to bring government closer to the people, that's the only effective way," he said while citing the Lantad experience as a possible model of convergence and government's determination of reaching out to its constituents.

During the summit, all six RTFs presented their accomplishments. Some of the gains cited were the increases in the number of barangays cleared and local government units declaring CPP-NPA as persona non grata.

Accordingly, the focused military operations also resulted in the reduction of CTG capability. NPA-initiated violence incidence also declined. Immediate assistance to surrenderees was further provided through the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Moreover, the government's delivery of major programs and projects, as well as basic services, were prioritized in the focused areas.

Despite being hounded by certain concerns such as scarcity of funds, the Mindanao RTFs underscored the need to strengthen the link between the national task force and RTFs as well as among the local task forces.

The conduct of regular RTF clusters and inter-cluster meetings to deliberately discuss actions and ways forward in the operationalization of Executive Order 70 was also emphasized.

The Mindanao RTF-ELCAC Summit was participated by RTF-ELCAC Technical Working Group chairpersons, heads of the RTF-ELCAC clusters in Mindanao regions, nominated chairpersons of the Regional Peace and Order Council and Regional Peace and Order Council, NCIP regional and provincial directors, and NTF-ELCAC Secretariat.

The Cabinet Officers for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) of the Mindanao regions who graced the summit include Secretary Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, CORDS IX; Usec. Lorraine A Badoy representing Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M. Andanar, CORDS X; Asec. Danielle Marie S. Rieza-Culangen representing Secretary Carlos S. Dominguez, CORDS XI; Secretary Isidro S. Lapeña, CORDS XII; Cabinet Secertary Karlo B. Nograles, CORDS Caraga; and Usec. Cesar B. Yano representing Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana, CORD­S BARMM.

Participants to the Mindanao RTF-ELCAC Summit listen to the best practices of Northern Mindanao in the fight against insurgency being presented by RTF-ELCAC TWG chairperson MGen. Franco Nemesio Gacal. (PIA Cagayan de Oro)

The Commanders of the Western and Eastern Mindanao Command and the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations for both Eastern and Western Mindanao were also present during the summit.

The RTF-ELCAC summit will also be conducted in Luzon and Visayas this month. The results of the summits will be presented to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the National Summit.

It can be recalled that on December 4, 2018, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Executive Order No. 70 known as Institutionalizing the Whole-of-Nation Approach (WNA) in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Creating a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and Directing the Adoption of a National Peace Framework.

Through EO 70, the President directed the adoption of a national peace framework and institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in addressing the root causes of local armed conflict by prioritizing the delivery of basic government services, social development packages, and construction of needed infrastructures with the end-in-view of ushering inclusive development in the pursuit of the country’s peace agenda. (APB/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1028572

Capiz forms Task Force vs. insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 11, 2019): Capiz forms Task Force vs. insurgency

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The province of Capiz has already formed its Provincial Task Force to counter insurgency.

Resolution No. 1, series of 2019, jointly passed and approved by the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Development Council has created the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in the province of Capiz.

Governor Esteban Evan B. Contreras presides the joint meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Development Council which passed and approved Resolution No. 1, series of 2019 that created the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) in the province of Capiz.

The joint meeting held September 30 here was presided by Governor Esteban Evan B. Contreras and attended by majority of the members of the two councils.

The Task Force is chaired by the Governor with the Vice Governor as the vice chairperson.

Members of the Task Force are all the mayors from the city and municipalities here, key officials and heads of the provincial local government, heads of identified national government agencies and civil society organizations.

The creation of the PTF-ELCAC is in view of Executive Order No. 70 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in the countryside by putting an end to local insurgency.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government had earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 2019-125 directing local government units to strengthen the Whole-of-Nation approach to attain the goal of attaining inclusive and sustainable peace through intensified development and other peace building initiatives in conflict and vulnerable communities.



The primary responsibility of the Provincial Task Force is to harmonize and optimize government efforts and resources at the provincial level to address the root causes of insurgency and attain sustainable peace and development.

On the other hand, the 12 Clusters/Lines of Efforts under the Whole-of-Nation approach National Framework have already prepared their respective Implementation Plan.

The 12 clusters/lines of efforts include Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management, Local Government Empowerment, Legal Cooperation, Strategic Communication; Sectoral Unification, Capacity-building and Empowerment; Basic Services; Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment; Infrastructure, Resource Management and Employment; Localized Peace Engagement; Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support; E-CLIP and Amnesty Program; and International Engagement. (JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1028567

3S strengthens ‘Whole-of-Nation’ approach vs. insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 11, 2019): 3S strengthens ‘Whole-of-Nation’ approach vs. insurgency

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The National Anti-Poverty Commission’s Sambayanihang Serbisyong Sambayanan (3S) will strengthen the Whole-of-Nation approach towards inclusive and sustainable peace in the countryside by putting an end to local insurgency.

National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Noel Felongco said that through the 3S, convergence of all the sectors and government services towards poverty alleviation is ensured.

National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary lawyer Noel Felongco conveys that the NAPC's Sambayanihang Serbisyong Sambayanan (3S) will strengthen Executive Order No. 70 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation approach towards inclusive and sustainable peace in the countryside by putting an end to local insurgency.

This, he said, is in line with Executive Order No. 70 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that institutionalizes the Whole-of-Nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace in the countryside by putting an end to local insurgency.

The 3S is a five-year development program of NAPC that aims to have a climate-responsive, culture and gender-sensitive and participatory, convergent anti-poverty strategies in the country, he said.

Felongco said “In this plan, we are asking the cooperation of the LGUs to actively cooperate and participate in the poverty reduction program of President Duterte, in view of poverty being one of the issues raised by the insurgents.”

He said that to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) there is need to plan and implement programs that will benefit the unserved or underserved areas.

The programs now of the government are focused on addressing the 10 basic needs to include food, water, shelter, employment, healthcare, education, social protection, healthy environment, peace, and people’s participation.

Felongco said that NAPC was created and sits in the convergence meetings to ensure the proper implementation of social reform and poverty alleviation initiatives of the national, regional and local levels. (JBG/PIA6-Capiz)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1028574