WESCOM: NPA muling nagpakita ng Kawalang-hiyaan sa Sofronio Espanola, Palawan

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 29, 2019): NPA muling nagpakita ng Kawalang-hiyaan sa Sofronio Espanola, Palawan



Muli na namang nagpakita ng kawalang-hiyaan ang teroristang grupo ng New People's Army (NPA) matapos nitong sunugin ang mga heavy equipment ng isang kompanya, kahapon, Oktubre 25, 2019 bandang ala-una ng hapon sa Brgy Punang, Sofronio Española, Palawan.

Ang mga nasabing heavy equipment (isang grader at isang dump truck) ay nasa ilalim ng pamamahala ng Canipaan Environmental Resources, Inc (CERI) Construction Company na sub-con ng Citi Nickel.

Bagamat may insurance ang mga kagamitang sinunog ng NPA, ilang mahihirap nating kababayan ang nawalan ng panandaliang kabuhayan sa saglit na pagtigil ng operasyon ng minahan.

Kinondena ng mga manggagawa ng minahan ang kawalanghiyaan ng NPA na siyang lalong nagpapahirap sa mga kumakayod nating kababayan.

Patuloy naman ang isinasagawang pagtugis ng ating mga kapulisan at kasundaluhan sa mga teroristang NPA matapos nitong kumaripas ng tumakbo papalayo sa lugar na pinangyarihan ng panununog.

Pinaniniwalaang, ang panununog ng teroristang NPA ay kanilang paghihiganti mula sa pagkapilay nang mahuli ang kanilang mga lider na nagpapanggap ng "Human Rights Workers," noong ika-4 ng Oktubre.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#Team6CRGPalawan
See Translation— supporting As Safe As Palawan - ASAP at Western Command General Headquarters, AFP.

https://www.facebook.com/6crgcrsafp/photos/a.281543902006362/1378671788960229/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESCOM: NPA muling nagpakita ng Kawalang-hiyaan sa Sofronio Espanola, Palawan

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 29, 2019): NPA muling nagpakita ng Kawalang-hiyaan sa Sofronio Espanola, Palawan

Muli na namang nagpakita ng kawalang-hiyaan ang teroristang grupo ng New People's Army (NPA) matapos nitong sunugin ang mga heavy equipment ng isang kompanya, kahapon, Oktubre 25, 2019 bandang ala-una ng hapon sa Brgy Punang, Sofronio Española, Palawan.

Ang mga nasabing heavy equipment (isang grader at isang dump truck) ay nasa ilalim ng pamamahala ng Canipaan Environmental Resources, Inc (CERI) Construction Company na sub-con ng Citi Nickel.

Bagamat may insurance ang mga kagamitang sinunog ng NPA, ilang mahihirap nating kababayan ang nawalan ng panandaliang kabuhayan sa saglit na pagtigil ng operasyon ng minahan.

Kinondena ng mga manggagawa ng minahan ang kawalanghiyaan ng NPA na siyang lalong nagpapahirap sa mga kumakayod nating kababayan.

Patuloy naman ang isinasagawang pagtugis ng ating mga kapulisan at kasundaluhan sa mga teroristang NPA matapos nitong kumaripas ng tumakbo papalayo sa lugar na pinangyarihan ng panununog.

Pinaniniwalaang, ang panununog ng teroristang NPA ay kanilang paghihiganti mula sa pagkapilay nang mahuli ang kanilang mga lider na nagpapanggap ng "Human Rights Workers," noong ika-4 ng Oktubre.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#Team6CRGPalawan
See Translation

— supporting As Safe As Palawan - ASAP at Western Command General Headquarters, AFP.

https://www.facebook.com/6crgcrsafp/photos/a.281543902006362/1378672158960192/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESCOM: Mga NPA na suspek sa pagsunog sa mga makinarya sa S. Española, timbog sa pinagsanib na puwersa ng PTF-ELCAC

Posted to the Western Command (WESCOM) Facebook Page (Oct 29, 2019): Mga NPA na suspek sa pagsunog sa mga makinarya sa S. Española, timbog sa pinagsanib na puwersa ng PTF-ELCAC

Huli ang tatlong miyembro ng New People's Army (NPA) na sila ring suspek sa panunog sa makinarya ng isang kompanya noong ika-25 ng Oktubre, dalawang araw matapos ang panununog, Kahapon, ika 27-Oktubre habang nagpapatrolya ang pinagsanib-pwersa na tropa ng Marines mula sa Marine Battalion Landing Team-4 at PIB, PPO sa Brgy Maasin, Brookes Point, Palawan.

Sa nakalap na impormasyon, ang tatlong miyembro ng NPA ay itinuturong may direktang partisipasyon sa pagsunog ng mga makinarya ng Citi Nickel. Kinilala ang mga ito na sina KOLAN BADBAD, 26 Y/O; JUN PABLO GARZON, 31 Y/O; at NERLITO IMON, 36 Y/O, na napag-alamang may anak na sumama sa mga teroristang grupo ng NPA noong isang buwan at kinilalang si MELIN IMON, 15 Y/O, isang estudyante ng ALS sa Maasin. Nakuha sa tatlo ang mga sumusunod: shotgun na may limang bala; cal .38 revolver na may limang bala; rifle grenade; at 30 pirasong bala ng M16. Nakuha din sa tatlo ang isang cellphone na naglalaman ng mahahalagang mensaheng may kaugnayan sa mga transakyon at bukas na kuminikasyon kay Ka Allan, na siyang lider sa nasabing panununog.

Ang pagkakahuli sa mga kasapi ng NPA ay isang nanamang katunayan ng lantarang pagre-recruit ng teroristang grupo ng mga menor-de-edad.

Patuloy na ginagalugad ng mga marines at PNP ang lugar kung saan nahuli ang mga miyembro ng NPA upang matuldukan na ang kanilang pamiminsala at pang-aabuso sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan.

Kinondena ng mamamayan ng Brookes Point ang karahasang ginagawa ng NPA. Nagpaabot sila ng suporta at kooperasyon sa mga ginagawa ng tropa ng pamahalaan upang lalong mapabilis ang pagkakahuli sa mga terorista.

Sa panig ng WESCOM, pinapaabot naman nito sa mamamayan ng Palawan ang pasasalamat sa mga impormasyong kanilang ibinabahagi upang higit na mapabilis ang pagtugis sa mga terorista. Kaya't nananawagan ang AFP na sumuko ng maayos ang bawat NPA at ibaba ang kanilang armas upang mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon sa pagbabagong buhay.

Ang mga nahuling NPA ay binigyan muna ng medical and physical check-up at maayos na sinumete sa kustodiya ng Palawan Provincial Police Office, ngayong umaga, ika-28 Oktubre, 2019.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWESCOM
#Team6CRGPalawan
See Translation— supporting As Safe As Palawan - ASAP at Western Command General Headquarters, AFP.

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=734944696976161&set=a.251273235343312&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/wescom/

WESTMINCOM: Loose high-powered firearms turned over to gov’t forces in LDN

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Oct 28, 2019): Loose high-powered firearms turned over to gov’t forces in LDN



A total of 29 loose firearms were turned over to the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion troopers in Lanao del Norte on Friday, October 25, 2019.

Said firearms were handed-over by the locals from the municipalities of Matungao, Linamon, Munai, Pantar, Poona-Piagapp, and Pantao Ragat, all of Lanao del Norte.

Turned over were 11 Garand, 4 M16, and 4 Carbine rifles; 5 shotguns; and 5 handguns.

“The successful turnover was a result of our concerted effort and intensified collaboration with the local government units, and stakeholders,” said Lt. Col. Bernardo Taqueban, 4th Mech Inf Battalion Commander.



The ceremonial turnover was witnessed by Col. Facundo Palafox, commander of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

“The support of the local government units to our campaign against loose firearms manifests their desire for a lasting peace and prosperity in the province,” said Col. Palafox.

“We encourage not only the local government units, but also other stakeholders especially the local populace of Lanao del Norte, to trust and support our campaign against loose firearms for us to be able to attain a peaceful and secured province towards its faster development,” Col. Palafox added.

Meanwhile, Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander Maj. Gen. Roberto Ancan said, “Your 1st Infantry (TABAK) Division, in collaboration with the LGUs and other stakeholders, remains steadfast in its commitment to attain just and lasting peace in our area of operation”.

WestMinCom commander Lt. Gen Cirilito Sobejana lauded the troops of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the JTF ZamPeLan as a whole for this commendable accomplishment.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/loose-high-powered-firearms-turned-over-to-govt-forces-in-ldn/

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom personnel pledge to abide by the Code of Ethics

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Oct 28, 2019): WestMinCom personnel pledge to abide by the Code of Ethics



The officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian human resource of this command pledged to abide by the Ethical Standards in the Oath of Allegiance held during the AFP-wide simultaneous flag raising ceremony this morning, October 28.

This is in line with the commemoration of the 29th year of the Code of Ethics.

In his message, read by WestMinCom Deputy Commander for Operations Brig. Gen. Gene Ponio, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lt. Gen. Noel Clement said, “It is considered submission that a genuine commitment of an honest public service begins with the individual as governed by certain sets of rules of action and policies,” said Lt. Gen. Clement.



“These are conduct-based commitment molded into ingrained values and constitute the moral fiber that makes out an ideal characteristic of the individual soldier who is ready, willing, and able to offer even the ultimate sacrifice to selflessly serve this country and its people at any cost,” Lt. Gen. Clement concluded.



The Oath of Allegiance was led by WestMinCom’s Deputy Commander for Admin, Brig. Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III.

Source: By PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/westmincom-personnel-pledge-to-abide-by-the-code-of-ethics/

WESTMINCOM: Peace caravan settles 21-year rido in Basilan

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Oct 28, 2019): Peace caravan settles 21-year rido in Basilan



The Joint Task Force Basilan, through the 18th Infantry Battalion, initiated a peace caravan which resulted in the settlement of a 21-year rido held in Kaulungan Island, Albarka, Basilan today, October 28.

“The rido between the two sitios and the coastal barangays of Albarka had severely crippled the economy, education, and the normal delivery of basic government services in the area hence, this settlement will significantly contribute to the peace, security, and development of Basilan province,” said Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan.



This peace caravan is in connection with the sustainment phase initiated by JTF Basilan to settle feuds in the province.

Likewise, more or less 500 residents from Look Visaya and Sangkahan, all of Kaulangan, benefitted from the services offered during the caravan.



School supplies were distributed to 165 students while others had free haircut, medical check-up, and received free medicine, hygiene kit, and food.

They were also entertained by the fun games, magic show, and live band prepared by the 18IB.



The successful activity was conducted in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Basilan, NGOs, other stakeholders, and members of Basilan Ulama Supreme Counsil (BUSC).

“Let us continue our convergent efforts for the peace and progress in the province,” said WesMinCom chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/peace-caravan-settles-21-year-rido-in-basilan/

WESTMINCOM: 10 Sayyafs yielded, 32 assorted FAs turned over to troops in Basilan

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Oct 29, 2019): 10 Sayyafs yielded, 32 assorted FAs turned over to troops in Basilan



A total of ten Abu Sayyaf Group members under Furuji Indama yielded to the troops of the 18th Infantry Battalion in Ungkaya Pukan on October 28, 2019.

Masbil Hoben, Haidal Tadling, Tong Sarunan, Said Kapon, Atung Ajallun, Samatin Matindo, Mulhakim Alabin, Asanuddin Dailon, Andoy Pingli, and Sanny Arasain yielded bringing along their high-powered firearms.



Additionally, assorted firearms were also turned over by the barangay officials from the municipalities of Albarka and Tipo-Tipo in Basilan.

A total of 32 firearms including 1 ultimax, 2 M14, 4 M16, 1 M203, 4 Carbine, and 20 Garand rifles were turned over to the 18IB troopers on the same day.

“We welcome all those who want to end the conflict in a peaceful way,” said Lt. Col. Ivan San Jose, Commanding Officer of the 18IB.

“We expect more of them to return to the mainstream of society,” he added.

The surrenderors and turned over firearms were subsequently presented to JTF Basilan Command Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg.

“This manifests the effectiveness of the combined efforts of the AFP, the LGUs, and other stakeholders in sending our message of peace to the ASG,” Said Brig. Gen. Reyeg.

According to the surrenderors, they are tired of engaging in armed confrontations and they want a better future. “Psychosocial interventions shall be provided to the surrenderors for them to start a new and more meaningful life,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, WestMinCom Commander.

Source: PIO Western Mindanao Command

http://www.westmincom.com/10-sayyafs-yielded-32-assorted-fas-turned-over-to-troops-in-basilan/

Soldiers reaffirm oaths to AFP code of conduct

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 29, 2019): Soldiers reaffirm oaths to AFP code of conduct

Army soldiers led by Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo yesterday reaffirmed their oath to the AFP Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards at Camp Maj. Nelson Gerona in Brgy Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental, in an activity simultaneously held by all AFP units nationwide.

Arevalo said the AFP Code of Conduct is the bible of AFP soldiers for them to follow the core values of honor, valor, duty, solidarity and loyalty to the Constitution.

He added that the activity aims to remind every soldier to observe and conform to the accepted principles of right conduct.

The activity was highlighted with the reading of the message of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Gen. Noel Clement, which states that: “The AFP Code of Conduct is the cornerstone that firmly grounds the AFP to the character and desired values which fundamentally mold our institution to a professional armed forces that our country trusts and take prides in.

“A strong foundation that is anchored on the commitment of every member of the AFP to walk with the highest conduct of decorum and integrity”, Arevalo also said

“Often, we are faced with crucial circumstances that require us to decide with discernment – circumstances that are sometimes in the gray area and stands on the thin line of what can be good or bad. The best decision does not rely on what is merely popular, political or safe. Hence, always choose to do what is right”, the statement of the AFP chief, as read by Arevalo, said.

It also urged every soldier to cooperate and contribute in fostering a moral climate that offers no place for corruption, transcends through generations, and abounds in the way of life of every member of the AFP.




http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/October/29/topstory12.htm

Groups create messaging hub to combat youth recruitment in extremist groups

Posted to the Davao Today (Oct 28, 2019): Groups create messaging hub to combat youth recruitment in extremist groups

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Local groups have launched an initiative that aims to help the youth understand the various peace-building efforts in combating extremism in Mindanao.

The initiative is the creation of a messaging hub, an online-offline platform created by Al Qalam Institute of the Ateneo de Davao University and Equal Access International.

Al Qalam Institute is the technical working group assigned to gathering messages to create counter-narratives, alternative narratives, and best practices. It has partnered with Equal Access International, which will be the online platform to disseminate peace-building information and efforts.

The messaging hub is an avenue for the youth to talk and come up with positive efforts to engage in peace-building activities in the midst of massive recruitment of extremism in Mindanao, the groups said.

Both Al Qalam and Equal Access International said the youth in Mindanao, for the longest time, have been the target of recruitment in extremist groups in the area.

Kenny Angon of Al Qalam Institute said that during the recent siege in Marawi City, many young people of the city were enticed into joining “terrorist” groups allegedly linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

Angon said, “The messaging hub…will accommodate people to learn the various efforts related to peace-building programs to go beyond preventing and countering violent extremism.”

He added that aside from the messaging hub, the group will also maximize other platforms like the media, and organize forums and talks to ensure that the effort will surely reach the target audience.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/groups-create-messaging-hub-to-combat-youth-recruitment-in-extremist-groups/

Naval Task Group seizes P150M ammonium nitrate, smuggled tobacco products off Sulu

From Politiko Mindanao (Oct 29, 2019): Naval Task Group seizes P150M ammonium nitrate, smuggled tobacco products off Sulu



Authorities have confiscated P150-million worth of ammonium nitrate and about 10,000 cases of assorted smuggled tobacco products off Sulu.

Rear Admiral Erick Kagaoan, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao, said the contraband items were loaded in a vessel, which was intercepted in the waters east of Tara Island, Siasi Sunday, October 27.

“Through the intelligence efforts of the different units, the Naval Task Group-Sulu was able to monitor and intercept Motor Launch (M/L) 3 Brothers loaded with smuggled tobacco products from Malaysia,” he said.

Kagaoan said the vessel’s crew failed to show legal documents or permits of the shipment.

He said the vessel manned by 10 male crew members was also loaded with approximately 200 sacks of ammonium nitrate with an estimated market value of P150,000,000.00.

The intercepted vessel and the confiscated items were temporarily placed under the custody of Naval Forces Western Mindanao at Ensign Majini Pier, Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City for proper documentation and disposition.

https://mindanao.politics.com.ph/naval-task-group-seizes-p150m-ammonium-nitrate-smuggled-tobacco-products-off-sulu/

Cagayan guv takes oath as RPOC chair

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 29, 2019): Cagayan guv takes oath as RPOC chair

Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba (second from right at the second row starting from the back) together with the newly aappointed government officials take his oath as the new chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) for Cagayan Valley before President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday at the Malacañang Palace. 

Cagayan Governor Manuel Mamba took his oath of office as the chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) for Cagayan Valley before President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday at the Malacañang Palace.

As the RPOC chairperson, the governor is expected to help in maintaining the peace and order in the region, as well as to strengthen the campaign to end insurgency.

During the oath taking, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the newly appointed government officials for taking on the opportunity to serve the Filipino people thru their respective office with a sincere commitment to effect positive change within the bureaucracy.

“The values of transparency, accountability, and efficiency are the pillars that continue to guide us in our quest to good governance across all levels of government,” the President added.

For the past months, Governor Mamba has been very supportive to the implementation of the Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace and which created a national task force to end local communist armed conflict.

In one of the meetings of the regional task force held in his residence in Tuguegarao City, Governor Mamba has called for the participation of all the local government units in the region, even those that are not affected by insurgency. (MDCT/PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029378

Gov’t gives focus on WNA to end local insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 29, 2019): Gov’t gives focus on WNA to end local insurgency

ILOILO CITY - - National government agencies and local government units here will focus their initiatives towards Whole of Nation Approach in delivering basic services to address local insurgency.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) - Iloilo is set to meet local chief executives (LCEs) of the six insurgency-affected municipalities in the province to strengthen efforts to end local armed conflict through the Whole of Nation Approach.

Director Teodora Sumagaysay of DILG Iloilo said the LCEs together with the chiefs of police and municipal local government operations officers of the municipalities will be briefed on Executive Order No. 70 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte that called for the Whole-of-Nation approach to end communist insurgency and creation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Per report from the Philippine Army, the six municipalities under the influence of insurgents in the province are Alimodian, Calinog, Janiuay, Lambunao, Maasin and Tubungan.

Members of the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster of the Iloilo Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) sign the Implementation Plan that harmonizes efforts of member agencies in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a whole-of-nation approach to end local insurgency. PLEDS Cluster is led by 301st Brigade of the Philippine Army with Iloilo Police Provincial Office, DILG, NBI, PCG, PIA and NCIP as support agencies. (laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

The PA report further indicated that 13 barangays, in six towns are insurgency affected. Five of the barangays were categorized as influenced and the eight barangays were considered less influenced.

Influenced barangays are Lico of Alimodian town; Caratagan of Calinog; Atimonan of Janiuay; Trangka of Maasin; and Boloc of Tubungan.

On the other hand, the less influenced are Barangays Aglonok, Supanga, Marandig, Guinbunyogan of Calinog; Canauilla of Janiuay; and Cabatangan, Jayubo and Bagongbong of Lambunao.

Sumagaysay said the Iloilo Provincial Task Force-ELCAC was already formed through a Joint Resolution of the Provincial Peace and Order Council and Provincial Development Council.

She said Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr., Chairperson of the PTF-ELCAC, wanted the PTF to roll out activities starting this year that will ensure the delivery of government services to these villages.

Sumagaysay attended the signing of the Implementation Plan of the Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support (PLEDS) Cluster on October 25 at the Iloilo Police Provincial Office in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

PLEDS is one of the 12 clusters of the PTF-ELCAC. It is led by the 301st Brigade, 3ID Philippine Army with support agencies such as Iloilo Police Provincial Office, DILG, NBI, PCG, PIA and NCIP. (JBG/laf/PIA6-Iloilo)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1029360

P3-B needed for projects in Bicol's conflict-affected villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 28, 2019): P3-B needed for projects in Bicol's conflict-affected villages



SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROJECTS. Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal, the newly installed Regional Development Council chairman in Bicol, says some PHP3 billion will be spent to jumpstart the implementation of various socio-economic projects in 272 insurgency-affected villages in the region. In an interview here on Monday (Oct. 28, 2019), he said the funds would finance projects that have been identified by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in line with Executive Order 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte. (File photo)

A total of PHP3 billion would be spent to jumpstart the implementation of various socio-economic projects in hundreds of insurgency-affected villages in Bicol.

City Mayor Noel Rosal, in an interview on Monday, said the funds they have requested from the national government would finance projects that have been identified by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in line with the Executive Order (EO) 70 of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Rosal, the newly installed Regional Development Council (RDC) chairman in Bicol, said the peace and development initiatives would involve infrastructure projects such as farm-to-market roads, irrigation facilities, land reforms, health, and education facilities in identified remote villages considered by the RTF as conflict-vulnerable areas.

Under the program, the initial PHP3 billion worth of projects would be spent on top of the regular funds the regional national agencies have set and expected to be implemented this year, he said.

Another intervention that would significantly help the farmers would be the adoption of safeguard measures to protect them against the manipulation of farm produce prices by unscrupulous traders, Rosal said.

EO 70 issued last year by President Duterte aims to address the country’s security threats through a whole-of-nation approach.

Rosal believes that poverty, injustice, poor delivery of government services are among the root cause of insurgency, specifically in remote and depressed villages in Bicol.

In Bicol, there are 272 villages considered as insurgency-affected and influenced areas. Of this figure, 44 percent or 119 villages are in Masbate and the rest are in the five provinces.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084373

ROTC seen to equip future professionals with necessary skills

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 28, 2019): ROTC seen to equip future professionals with necessary skills



ROTC SKILLS. Army Reserve Command chief Maj. Gen. Bernie S. Langub underscores the basic skills that future professionals can get in the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) in his speech during the change of command for the 7th Regional Community Defense Group on Saturday (Oct. 26, 2019) at the 53rd Engineer Brigade activity center inside the Camp Lapu-Lapu, Cebu City. He expressed confidence that the government's efforts to make ROTC a premier training service to college students would surpass obstacles. (PNA photo by John Rey Saavedra)

Mandatory Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) will equip future professionals in the country with the basic skills necessary to perform their responsibilities in the community that they will serve.

Maj. Gen. Bernie S. Langub, commander of the Army Reserve Command (Arescom), said over the weekend that making ROTC a mandatory subject in senior high school would not necessarily make the students soldiers, but would help them acquire skills that are not found in other subjects.

“We will not make them soldiers. There are so many applicants who want to become soldiers. There is no reason to take promising ROTC cadets. Let them finish with their courses along with the ROTC and they will become good doctors, good lawyers because they can serve to the fullest of what they have,” Langub said in Cebuano during a change of command ceremony at the 53rd Engineer Brigade activity center.

The skills that future professionals could learn through ROTC will help them perform their jobs with ease, he said.

He took as case in point an upland village doctor who could easily select a good route in transferring a patient from one point to another and easily surpass obstacles through the skills he learned during his ROTC training in the school.

“Kun naay bukid, kabalo na mo mogunit sa pisi. Ug mao pud nay i-explain sa atong mga cadets. Dili mo himuong sundalo (If there is a mountain, you know how to use a rope. And that’s what we explain to our cadets. You will not be transformed into a soldier),” he pointed out.

The Arescom, he said, has made it a point to make today's ROTC no longer the same as the military training in the colleges and universities before, stressing the command’s efforts to address the issues on how the subject was handled by the past commands.

Langub also noted the need to transform the current service training in tertiary schools through the National Service Training Program (NSTP) under Republic Act 9163 that makes the three components -- ROTC, Civic Welfare Training Service, and Literacy Training Service -- equally lateral with one another.

He pointed out that teaching marches and drills in ROTC, making students pick up brooms in CWTS, and to allow LTS to be used by the New People’s Army in their teach-in to the farmers is a defective training for students in college.

The chief of the Arescom expressed confidence that the government's efforts in making ROTC a premier training service to college students would surpass obstacles.

Meanwhile, Langub said the Arescom command has also been exerting effort to level up training for the existing Army Reservists in the country.

Langub converted the Arescom headquarters in Tanza, Cavite as a ground for War-fighting Competency Training for both the regular soldiers and reservists. He equipped the Arescom Training School with war-fighting facilities like a water search and rescue pond and rappelling tower, among others.

Arescom supervises the Regional Community Defense Groups (RCDG) in all the regions in the country. The RCDG is supervising Community Defense Centers in the provinces. The country has 81 provinces that have existing Ready Reserve Battalion.

Langub visited Cebu to preside the change of command at the 7th Regional Community Defense Group of Arescom. Col. Jerry Borja was replaced by Col. Ricky Bunayog as its group commander while the former is now the chief of the Task Group Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1084398

57 NPA lairs fall in Caraga Region: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 28, 2019): 57 NPA lairs fall in Caraga Region: Army



CAPTURED HIDEOUTS. The military attributes to massive military operations the capture of 57 lairs of the communist New People’s Army in Caraga Region since January this year. The latest seizure of a rebel area occurred on October 26, 2019 in Sitio Suba, Barangay Mabuhay in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 402nd IB)

Intensified military operations conducted by the Philippine Army in various parts of the Caraga Region since January this year have resulted in the seizure of 57 hideouts of communist rebels, an official said.

Col. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, said the "massive military operations" against New People’s Army (NPA) were conducted in outskirt villages and hinterlands in response to the “persistent appeal of the people to ensure safety and security".

In a statement on Monday, Licudine said the military operations were necessary "so that peace and development efforts in their communities continue".

The 402nd Brigade covers the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, and the Province of Dinagat Islands in Caraga Region.

Licudine said most of the captured NPA hideouts occurred during armed encounters and routine security patrols.

Data provided by the 402IB showed that 14 of the NPA hideouts were seized by government forces during the latter part of the year.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., 402IB civil-military operations officer, said the latest NPA hideout to fall is located in Sitio Suba, Barangay Mabuhay, Tandag City in Surigao del Sur.

Garello said the area can accommodate around 50 NPA members and yielded two anti-personnel mines, food items, and personal belongings of the rebels.

Licudine said the capture of the hideouts indicated that "the NPAs are now on the run to make their movements mobile to evade the pursuing government troops".

“The long arms of the law will surely catch them, either they’ll be killed or captured unless they surrender and lay down their arms now,” he added.

He said rebels who decide to surrender will have the chance to go back to normal lives with the support of the government through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, 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/1084386