Interfaith dialogue key to end insurgency: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 29, 2020): Interfaith dialogue key to end insurgency: Army (By Alexander Lopez)



INTERFAITH DIALOGUE. Seventeen representatives from the Catholic Church, Islam, United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Iglesia Filipino Independiente joined the dialogue conducted by the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion of the Army on Friday (Feb. 28) in Barangay Noli, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur. The Army has underscored the role of the religious sector in addressing the insurgency problem in the country. (Photo courtesy 3SFBn)

BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine Army underscored the role of interfaith dialogue in ending local communist armed conflicts in communities in Agusan del Sur.

On Friday (Feb. 28), the Army’s 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) facilitated an interfaith dialogue among religious leaders held in Barangay Noli, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

1 Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan, civil-military operations (CMO) officer of 3SFBn, told Philippine News Agency on Friday that participants to the activity discussed the role of the religious sector in the implementation of the provisions of Executive Order No. 70, which institutionalizes the "whole-of-nation" approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflicts (ELCAC).
Punsalan said 17 representatives from the Catholic Church, Islam, United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP), the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Iglesia Filipino Independiente (IFI) were present during the dialogue.

The activity was also graced by Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, the commander of 3SFBn, and Lt. Col. Sahisa Adzramen, the Islamic Chaplain of the Army's 4th Infantry Division.
“The participants were given orientation on EO 70 as a peaceful concept to end any armed conflicts in communities by focusing on peace and development interventions in conflict-affected areas,” Punsalan said.

The participants were also encouraged to participate in the process of helping former rebels through the conduct of values formation and the strengthening of spiritual dimensions to denounce violence in resolving conflicts, he added.

“The members of the religious sector were also urged to help in the promotion of family and reconciliation, and the conduct of intensified information drives among the youth to protect the religious and other faith-based organizations from the communist infiltration and recruitment,” Punsalan said.

In a statement issued on Friday, 3SFBn quoted the message of Lt. Col. Adzramen to the participants, that said: “A true religious leader who believes in God leads his followers to the path of peace and the goodness of life.”

Adzramen also asked the religious leaders present to do pro-active involvements in different activities in their communities that are designed to bring peace and development among the residents.

In his message to the religious leaders, Lt. Col. Baybayan pressed the promotion of reconciliation to end the armed conflicts and prevent the loss of lives.

“We hope that you could help us promote peace and reconciliation to induce more peaceful surrenders. The country has already suffered enough and as the President (Rodrigo R. Duterte) said, we cannot afford to pass this communist armed conflict to the next generations,” Baybayan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095211

63 Army officers complete 'Battalion Pre-Command Course'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 29, 2020): 63 Army officers complete 'Battalion Pre-Command Course' (By Priam Nepomuceno)



ENHANCING COMPETENCIES. Some 63 Army officers graduate from the Battalion Commander Pre-Command Course in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday (Feb. 28, 2020). During the 10-day course, the officers tackled topics on leadership, the Army’s operational thrusts, resource management, and operational strategy. (Photo courtesy of the Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – A total of 63 Philippine Army (PA) officers graduated from the Battalion Commander Pre-Command Course in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday.

In a statement, PA spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala, said the course aims to prepare these officers to be professional and competent battalion commanders capable of carrying out the mission of ending insurgency and terrorism.

Class 03-2020 consisted of 59 males and four female officers.

“Always stay focused on your assigned mission, look after the welfare of the men and women under your command, and think on your feet – be grounded. For as long as you have this in mind, you will be able to accomplish what is expected of you,” PA commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, said during the graduation ceremony.

During the 10-day course, graduates discussed such topics as leadership, the Army’s operational thrusts, resource management, and operational strategy.

The course was under the administration of the Army Leadership Development and Education Center and the supervision of the Army Training and Doctrine Command.

“As you take on your new duties and responsibilities, you must be guided by our overall direction of sustaining the momentum in capacitating the Army towards greater mission effectiveness. Each mission, every action should help build a better Army and a more peaceful prosperous country,” Gapay said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095179

Rights body urged to act on communist recruitment of minors

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 29, 2020): Rights body urged to act on communist recruitment of minors (By Lade Jean Kabagani)



CALL TO ACTION. Relissa Lucena, mother of Alicia Jasper, who was reportedly recruited by leftist organization Anakbayan. Lucena and other parents of children who have been reportedly recruited by organizations that have links to the communist movement have called on the Commission on Human Rights to act on the matter. (PNA file photo by Lady Jean Kabagani)

MANILA – Relissa Lucena, mother of Alicia who has allegedly been recruited by leftist groups, on Saturday called on the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to act on the cases of minors being "taken away" by the organizations that have links to the communist movement.

In an interview, Lucena said parents like her only want for the immediate return of their children.

“It is not a matter of paniniwala (belief). We want to see concrete actions from them (CHR), we want to give them a chance to act because they’re part of the government, they are getting funds from the government. We want to see the result proving that they’re not leaning with the leftists,” she said.

CHR spokesperson Jacqueline Ann de Guia issued a statement on Friday after the anti-communists groups—the League of Parents in the Philippines (LPP), Liga Independencia Filipinas(LIF), League of Youth for Peace Advancement (LYPAD), Coalition for Peace (COPA) and Hands Off Our Children, alongside mothers of students who were reportedly recruited by various militant group—staged a protest rally in front of the CHR headquarters in Quezon City on Thursday.
“In response, we wish to stress that CHR does not support the recruitment of child soldiers in armed conflict consistent with the principles of the International Humanitarian Law and other domestic pieces of legislation pertaining to the protection of children. The concerned parents were also assured of this fact,” de Guia said in her statement.

The anti-communist group earlier slammed the CHR for not taking actions as the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army’s (CPP-NPA) allegedly recruiting child combatants for the armed struggle through its linked-militant groups.

After the rally, CHR personnel held a dialogue with the members of LPP.

De Guia added that the CHR supports activism as an exercise of one’s freedom of speech and expression and denies their support for armed rebellion.

“After the protest, representatives of the said group, led by Remedios Rosadio, were welcomed inside CHR’s premises for a dialogue. Relissa Lucena was also given the opportunity to air grievances after her daughter Alicia was said to have been recruited and kept away by organizations, which the Liga ng mga Magulang claims to have links with CPP-NPA,” de Guia said.

She said the CHR tirelessly advocates that everyone is given the opportunity to enjoy and exercise the full extent of their rights.

“But, at the same time, we equally stress that such exercise of rights has limitations, especially if it veers away from the precepts of the rule of law,” she added.

Meanwhile, Lucena said they are considering the promises made by the CHR—as an independent national human rights institution in the country-- that the public can always expect independent and impartial investigations.

“We, the parents, will keep our eyes open because as along the CHR is aware that there’s this kind of recruitment of our minors—as I believe they’re human too and they’re also hurt for the parents—they will take some actions to end the wrong ideologies of the militant groups,” she said.

She added the LLP also hopes the CHR does not support the leftist organizations, instead, they will provide assistance to the Filipino families.

De Guia said the CHR will continue to speak out against abuses and violations even if it is unpopular noting, “with our strong commitment to our independence and to the rule of law, CHR will not be weaponized by any party or group. We shall remain in service of human rights and dignity of all.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1095188

Students warned vs. NPA recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 29, 2020): Students warned vs. NPA recruitment (By Lade Jean Kabagani)



WARNING. Capt. Alexander Cabales of the Philippine Army on Friday (Feb. 28, 2020) orients CUP students on several recruitment activities and the deceptions of the CPP-NPA and its allied militant organizations. CUP administration and Hands Off Our parents linked up to hold an information drive among youth. (PNA photo by Lade Kabagani)

MANILA – Students of the City University of Pasay (CUP) have been warned against the several recruitment activities of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the deceptions of its allied militant organizations to the youth.

In an awareness forum on Friday, the CUP academe tied up with the Hands Off Our Children to hold an information drive to the students how militant organizations led minors to join the NPA to add more members to the longest-running communist movement in the country.

Melvin Crisostomo, dean of the CUP’s Student Affairs Office, said the students’ vulnerability needs to be monitored and must be protected.

“We conducted the awareness forum here in CUP to awaken the minds of our students on what is really happening in our society—that no one is gaining good in joining the rebel groups,” he said.

Crisostomo added the CUP administration is willing to take the risks to protect its more than 5,000 students against the wrong ideologies of militant organizations.

“It is a matter of how eager our education sectors guide them on the right path and letting them realize the consequences of their wrong decision—specifically being an activist and eventually joining the Lefts,” he said.

He added their institution will not tolerate any kind of activities that will entice their students to enter the armed rebellion.

“We can let the students voice out their sentiments and frustrations against the government. They have the freedom to express, but we will not allow them to be lured by the leftist organizations,” he said, noting that there are proper fora to air grievances to the government.

He added the CUP will not allow communist front organizations to recruit their students, saying they will do their best to intervene and they will implement substitute parental authority over their students.

“Enjoy life with your family, have goals in life and continue a profession that will benefit the country,” he told the students.

Youth’s perceptions

For CUP student Justin Jann Reyes, being aware of the deceptions committed by the CPP-NPA allied groups—including recruitment of minors-- plays a vital role in protecting youth’s right to express their sentiments.

“We don’t need these wrong ideologies to express our sentiments,” he said.

Reyes admitted he was touched by the parents who shared their experiences with their children who were taken away from their homes and left their families to become full-time members of leftist organizations.

He urged his fellow students to be exposed to real situations of the country instead of listening to the leftist’s deceptions.

Meanwhile, Relissa Lucena, mother of Alicia Jasper who was reportedly recruited by leftist organization Anakbayan, said the students have to understand the adverse effects of the communist’s ideologies on the youths.

She said the parent’s pains—whose child was taken away from them—is indescribable.

Lucena reiterated how it breaks her heart seeing her daughter poisoned by the wrong ideologies indoctrinated by Anakbayan.

“Wala na ako magagawa para sa anak ko pero kaming mga magulang na nawalan ng anak dahil sa mga komunistang grupong ito ay may magagawa para sa ibang bata at habang ginagawa namin yun, naniniwala kami na kapag nagtulung-tulong tayo mawawakasan din ang pananamantala sa mga kabataan at sa pamilyang Pilipino,” she said, citing that the leftist organizations are taking advantage of the youth's vulnerability.

(There is nothing I can do to my child, but for us, parents who have lost our children because of these communist groups can save other children, and as we do so, we believe by helping hand-in-hand, the exploitation of our youth and the Filipino family will be stopped.)

The League of Parents in the Philippines and Hands Off Our Children—which comprised of parents who fight against the longstanding communist insurgency-- have been staging a series of information drive in the universities and colleges to raise awareness on the recruitment of minors.

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/1095206

Kumander Bilog’s arraignment reset to March 17

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 28, 2020): Kumander Bilog’s arraignment reset to March 17

MANILA, Philippines — The arraignment of former Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) chair Rodolfo Salas was rescheduled for March 17.

This, after a Manila court agreed to postpone the proceedings until the Supreme Court has issued a response to the petition for a writ of habeas corpus submitted by Salas’ son, Jody, through the assistance of Free Legal Assistance Group.

The younger Salas told the Inquirer that the defense asked the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 32 Judge Thelma Bunyi-Medina to reschedule the arraignment because Salas did not undergo preliminary investigation.

Salas, 72, also known as “Kumander Bilog,” was among those charged with 29 counts of murder for the Inopacan, Leyte, massacre allegedly committed by New People’s Army rebels.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1234840/kumander-bilogs-arraignment-reset-to-march-17

GUIHULNGAN FIREFIGHT//Suspected NPA members, troops clash; 2 rebels killed

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 29, 2020): GUIHULNGAN FIREFIGHT//Suspected NPA members, troops clash; 2 rebels killed (By: Florence Baesa)

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental —Two suspected NPA (New People’s Army) members were killed in an encounter between the government troops at 6:10 p.m. of February 28, 2020 in Sitio Agpapatao, Barangay Binobohan, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Lieutenant Colonel Egberto Dacoscos, commanding officer of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, told CDN Digital in an interview that the bodies of the two men, suspected to be NPAs, had remained unidentified.

Dacoscos said that these two bodies would be turned over tomorrow (February 29) to the barangay officials for proper disposition.

Armed men

“May mga concerned citizens na nagreport sa presence ng mga armado sa area. Mukhang may pinaplano na naman sila na mga liquidations, atrocities and our assessment may connection ito sa NPA anniversary this coming March 29,” Dacoscos said. (We received reports from concerned citizens about the presence of armed groups in the area. It seemed that they were planning liquidations, atrocities, and according to our assessment this is connected to the NPA anniversary this coming March 29.)

The armed encounter between the government troops and the NPA happened on the day that combat troops from Panay Island tasked to hunt down NPAs in Negros Island arrived in Camp Major Nelson Gerona in Murcia town in Negros Occidental.

Read more: More combat troops from Panay arrive in Bacolod

The combat troops that arrived were Philippine Army soldiers from the 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) and they were placed under the operational control of the 303rd Infantry Brigade led by Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, the brigade’s commander.

Pasaporte also said earlier that he would assess if more combat troops would be deployed to Negros Oriental, which was under his jurisdiction.
How it happened

Meanwhile in Guihulngan town, Dacoscos said that the Alpha Company of the 94th Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Joshua Lodriguito under his operational control were conducting combat operations in the area when they encountered more or less 10 suspected members of the NPA.

Dacoscos said that the firefight lasted 12 minutes.

Government troops continue to pursue the fleeing armed men.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/291111/suspected-npa-members-troops-clash-2-rebels-killed

Whereabouts of abducted Jolo physician remains unknown

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 26, 2020): Whereabouts of abducted Jolo physician remains unknown (By Nonoy Lacson)

“Where is Dr. Daniel Moreno?”

This was the nagging question that has confronted authorities in Sulu after reports spread that relatives of the Jolo, Sulu internist have already paid the P4.5-million ransom being demanded by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in exchange for his release.

Moreno was kidnapped in Jolo last February 4.

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairperson Yusop Jikiri confirmed Wednesday that his group had received a similar report about the payment of ransom last Sunday, February 23.

But he said the front also received information that P2 million out of the P4.5-million ransom went “missing (that is why) Dr. Moreno is also missing”.

Jikiri added the missing amount was reportedly taken by a negotiator operating under the MNLF-Misuari group.

“I suspect Dr. Moreno is no longer in Sulu. The ASG has already moved him out of the province considering that the people of Sulu has failed to see him after the kidnapping incident,” Jikiri said.

He said that most of the people living in the forested and far flung areas of the province claimed they have not seen Moreno, since the time he was kidnapped by the ASG.

Jikiri said the MNLF anti-kidnaping and terrorism task force which he organized was closely monitoring the whereabouts of Moreno to facilitate any rescue operation that could be launched by the military.

Jakiri also pointed out that there were inconsistencies as to how much the ASG actually demanded in exchange for Moreno’s release.

“We have heard that the negotiators were earlier plan to demand P150 million, some were P50 million, I don’t know which is which is correct, the front is also confused,” he said.

Nevertheless, Jakiri said MNLF was already working hard “to locate Dr. Moreno and identify the group holding him captive, so the military could mount a rescue operation to free the internist physician”.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/26/whereabouts-of-abducted-jolo-physician-remains-unknown/

Abu Sayyaf demanding P30M for 5 Indonesian fishermen

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 28, 2020): Abu Sayyaf demanding P30M for 5 Indonesian fishermen (By: Julie S. Alipala)

The homegrown terror group Abu Sayyaf is demanding P30 million in ransom for five Indonesian fishermen being held captive by the group for more than a month now.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command chief, said government troops in Sulu have intercepted this information about the ransom demand.

Sobejana said the captors called up the fishing company, where five Indonesians worked, to relay the demand.

Sobejana said even the Filipino who serves as the fishing company’s liaison here is also aware of the captors’ demand.

The five Indonesians were snatched in waters off Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia last Jan. 15 by a group reportedly led by a certain Bong.

They were brought to Sulare Island, part of Sulu’s Parang town. The island is located some 16 kilometers from the Sulu mainland.

There, the captives were handed over to another group, reportedly led by a certain Abu Mike.

The five Indonesian captives have been identified as Riswanto Bin Hayono, Edi Bin Lawalopo, La Baa, Arizal Kastamiran and Arshad Bin Dahlan Juragan.

Sobejana said the military would stick to the long standing policy of no ransom.

“The no ransom policy should be upheld,” Sobejana said.

“We will do our best to safely rescue the kidnap victims. That is the assurance we can give to the families and loved ones of the victims,” he added.

A sixth victim in the hands of the group is Dr. Daniel Moreno, a Jolo-based physician who was abducted last Feb. 4.

The Abu Sayyaf is notorious for kidnapping, often inflicting harm on its captors if its ransom demands are not met. The group is able to stay alive despite massive offensives by the military

.https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1233324/abu-sayyaf-demanding-p30m-for-5-indonesian-fishermen

40 alleged MILF members nabbed in Bukidnon for illegal possession of guns, explosives

From GMA News Online (Feb 25, 2020): 40 alleged MILF members nabbed in Bukidnon for illegal possession of guns, explosives

Bukidnon police have arrested 40 suspected members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Talakag town on Monday afternoon for illegal possession firearms and explosives. (Bukidnon PPO)

Forty persons, believed to be members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), were arrested on Monday in Talakag, Bukidnon for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Bukidnon police chief Police Colonel Roel Lami-ing said simultaneous aggressive police operations were conducted in Barangay Tikalaan on Monday afternoon which led to the arrest of the individuals.

Police said the personalities were allegedly involved in a shooting incident in Talakag town on February 21.

Seized from the suspected MILF members were one M-14 US rifle, a fragmentation grenade, one black bandolier of M-14, a black handheld radio, six magazines of M-14, 50 live ammunition and various identification cards.

Lami-ing hailed the security forces who had implemented the operation against the suspected MILF members.

He also vowed to continue various operations to eradicate all forms of crime in the area.

Meanwhile, the suspects will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 10591 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition) and Republic Act No. 9516 (Illegal Possession of Firearms and Explosives).

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/727300/40-alleged-milf-members-nabbed-in-bukidnon-for-illegal-possession-of-guns-explosives/story/

Wanted MILF man nabbed in hospital

From the Philippine Star (Feb 28, 2020): Wanted MILF man nabbed in hospital (By John Unson)



COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A ranking member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) wanted for the death of 44 police commandos in Mamasapano, Maguindanao was arrested in a hospital on Wednesday.

Agents of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region arrested Abu Halil Sabpa at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center, where the suspect was being treated for an illness.

Sabpa and his followers were tagged in the attack on a contingent of the Special Action Force commandos in Barangay Tukanalipao in January 2015.

The encounter, known as the Mamasapano massacre, left 44 commandos, 15 MILF guerrillas and five villagers dead.

The warrant for Sabpa’s arrest was issued by Judge Alandrex Betoya of the Regional Trial Court Branch 15.

Reports said that residents of Mamasapano informed the police of the suspect’s confinement at the hospital.

The commandos were retreating from the nearby Pidsandawan town after killing in an encounter Malaysian terrorist Zulkfili bin Hir, alias Marwan, when gunmen belonging to the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters attacked them from different directions.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/02/28/1996655/wanted-milf-man-nabbed-hospital

AFP gets new chief engineer

From GMA News (Feb 27, 2020): AFP gets new chief engineer (By Martin Sadongdong)

Brig. Gen. William Ilagan formally assumed the position of 43rd Chief Engineer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in a ceremony held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Friday.



AFP / FACEBOOK / MANILA BULLETIN

AFP Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria presided over the assumption ceremony at the AFP Commissioned Officers Country (COC).

“With his credibility and character, along with the proficiencies and skills that he developed through the years in service, especially during his various assignments in different army engineer brigades, I am certain that he is the perfect fit to lead the Office of the Chief Engineer [OTCE],” Gloria said.

Prior to his assumption, Ilagan had held the same position in an acting capacity since Jan. 27. He took over from Col. Arnfin Arce who served as the acting chief engineer after the retirement of Maj. Gen. Felipe Bejar on Dec. 27 last year.

One of the most crucial roles that the OTCE took part in was during the Marawi siege in 2017.

The office was critical in rebuilding the communities affected by the siege, as well as those destroyed by natural disasters and calamities. During the Marawi siege, the office provided combat support to the troops through mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability operations.

With Ilagan at the helm of the office, Gloria expressed his confidence that the AFP will be able to achieve its goal of protecting and serving the country and the people.

AFP records showed Ilagan has extensive experience in infrastructure management.

He had been assigned chief of the Army Housing Office where he supervised numerous housing projects for Philippine Army personnel nationwide.

He had also served as the deputy and acting chief of the AFP Real Estate Office, chief of the Architectural and Engineering Division of the OTCE, and commanding officer of the 546th Engineering Construction Battalion.

Ilagan, in his assumption speech, committed to continue delivering excellent and dedicated service to the nation.

“Let us be ready to make proactive contributions to community development and nation building, keeping in mind the importance of stakeholder cooperation, and engagement in consonance with the principles of whole of nation approach,” he said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/28/afp-gets-new-chief-engineer/

Passing of Anti-Terrorism Act empowers, capacitates military, says AFP spox

From GMA News (Feb 27, 2020): Passing of Anti-Terrorism Act empowers, capacitates military, says AFP spox (By ANNA FELICIA BAJO)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday welcomed the Senate's passing of the Anti-Terrorism Act, noting that it is a way to empower and capacitate the military in protecting and securing the nation.

"The AFP is grateful to the Senate that they heeded our call for a more stringent law that confronts and defines terrorism and what constitutes it, among other new and amendatory provisions it contains," AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said in a press statement.

Authored and sponsored by Senator Panfilo Lacson, Senate Bill 1083 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019 was approved on third and final reading on Wednesday.

Lacson claimed that with the passage of Senate Bill 1083, the Philippines will be at par with other countries in the campaign against terrorism.

Arevalo also said that the military recommits its fidelity to the promotion of human rights as well as international humanitarian law, and added that sufficient safeguards are already enshrined in the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2019 and the Bill of Rights embedded in the 1987 Constitution.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/727605/passing-of-anti-terrorism-act-empowers-capacitates-military-says-afp-spox/story/

AFP-CRS: 2 Sayyafs neutralized in Sulu clash

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Feb 23, 2020): 2 Sayyafs neutralized in Sulu clash

Military troops neutralized two Abu Sayyaf militants following an intense clash in Brgy Bakong, Patikul, Sulu on February 23.

Elements of the 15th Scout Ranger Company engaged in a ferocious gunfight with the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron and sub-leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan at 1pm on Sunday.

Two brave soldiers were also slightly wounded in a fierce of gunfire.

Mortar teams immediately delivered fire support to the engaged troops.

As of this press time, clearing operation is ongoing.

"Pursuit and deliberate offensives continue to pressure and pound down Abu Sayyaf fighters, constricting their movement and preempting terror ploys in the ZamBaSulTa area," said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

"We build up combat and intelligence operations to debilitate the militants in Sulu," he added.

#EndTerrorism
#AFPyoucanTRUST

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan 601 Infantry - Unifier Brigade
602nd "Liberator" Brigade 603 Persuader Brigade
1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Unang Marinong Brigada
Team Tabak Joint Taskforce Basilan Team Igsoon
Magbalantay Cmo 11 Infantry Division "Alakdan Troopers"
Gagandilan Siete 1102 Infantry "ganarul" Brigade 1st BCT Aegis
Kwatromarinobrigada Sulu Jtf Tawi Tawi Indomalphi
Joint Task Force Zamboanga Virtual Center Unbeatable Ranger Battalion
Matatag Battalion Tow Westmin Cmo Tow Westmin Pio
Naval Forces Western Mindanao Cmou Western Mindanao
Katapatan Pangkatihan-Dagatan Onlyourbest MbltFive
Arvin John Gullos Encinas Breathe Heart Ruel Casanes Ar-ar Galvez Afman Rosales Jr. Antriosanjh Espenida Nenea Sancus Princy Necessitas La Independencia Filipinas 33rd Infantry Makabayan Battalion

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1657978231010893/1658885860920130/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.1657978231010893/1658885827586800/?type=3&theater

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

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

MILF: Decommissioned BIAF combatants undergo Trainers Training ILF:

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Feb 29, 2020): Decommissioned BIAF combatants undergo Trainers Training 

Cotabato City-More than 30 combatants of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) have undergone Training of Trainers (ToT) conducted at Eden Nature Park, Toril, Davao City on February 22-24.
The participants came from the 111th, 112th, 107th and 104th Base Commands; National Guard, General Headquarters, and Bangsamoro Women Auxiliary Brigade (BWAB) of the BIAF.

Among the topics discussed during the training were the History of the Bangsamoro and the MILF, the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Moral Governance, Islamic Values and Leadership, Qualities of a Leader, Conflict Resolution, and Managing the Package of the Decommissioning.

The activity was spearheaded by the School of Peace and Democracy – Bangsamoro (SPD-B) with the help of the United Nation Development Program (UNDP).

Ms. Shadia Marhaban, the founder of the SPD in Aceh, Indonesia who played a role in transforming the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) combatants into a productive political group in Aceh, supervised the facilitators.

Toks Ibrahim, the Administrative Officer of the BIAF, and Chetan Kumar, Peace Outcome Lead, UNDP, graced the event.

The facilitators were selected staff from the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and the BWAB-BIAF.

Ms. Marhaban said “Education for the former combatants is very important because they are leaders in their community, because people look up to them. So, if we equip them with some knowledge, if we give them some kind of tools and instrument to enhance their leadership skills and management in the villages, I am sure this will be a big thing.”

The SPD gives them a space to have the knowledge about what is the peace agreement, what are they getting from ARMM to the BARMM Government. MILF is known for their courage during the war, so I am sure now the courage for peace is there, she continued.

For his part, Mr. Kumar said “Our hope is the school will enable the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other major armed groups to make transition to civilian life, to civilian roles and also play leadership roles and ensuring that BARMM can be more than just a new province , or a new autonomous region , the BARMM can actually establish a new model for governance in the Philippines which is accountable , transparent and delivers (services) effectively for the people.”



Mr. Aliudin Haron, a facilitator, said “They (MILF former combatants) will tell us how they joined the BIAF, their history in the BIAF, all of these are part of the program for the former combatants.”

“We are victims of oppression and aggression, painful, (so) we don’t want that our children will experience our experience before”, according to Dennis Ode Francisco, Training and Education Chief, 111th base command, BIAF, MILF.

Mr. Ibrahim extended his gratefulness to the SPD for educating the former MILF combatants which they can use in their next generation.

The activity is one of the requisites of the decommissioning under the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed by the government and the MILF on March 27, 2014. The completers of the training will handle the succeeding trainings of the would-be decommissioned BIAF combatants.

Meanwhile, on February 25, the School of Peace and Democracy - Bangsamoro was launched at Waterfront Hotel, Davao City, which was attended by different international donor entities and representatives from the office of the Interim Chief Minister, BARMM.

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2009/decommissioned-biaf-combatants-undergo-trainers-training

CPP/NDF-Ilocos: NDF-Ilocos: Oppose the Anti-Terror Act 2020!

NDFP-Ilocos propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 28, 2020): NDF-Ilocos: Oppose the Anti-Terror Act 2020!

KA ROSA GUIDON

TAGAPAGSALITA

NDFP ILOCOS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

FEBRUARY 28, 2020

Resist Duterte’s brand of terrorism and advance the revolution!
In a society riddled with economic and political issues, where the people justifiably resort to rising together in protest, the mere right to be able to participate in a legitimate struggle is already a struggle itself. And such right is what the Anti-Terror Bill of 2020 aims to single-handedly repress.

Progressive and revolutionary forces have seen similar efforts before with the Human Security Act of 2007 (HSA). More so, each administration’s counter-insurgency program is an attempt to hinder the people from the revolutionary path using deceit and violence. But so far, nothing comes close to the Duterte regime’s version of political repression.

Rodrigo Duterte and his rubber stamp Senate disavow any pretension of respect for human rights or recognition of the legitimacy of the people’s struggles. Thus, once Senate Bill 1083 is consolidated with a version from the Lower House, the 81st Infantry Battalion (IB) and other police and military forces in the Ilocos region will have an easier job ahead of them.

Activists Are Not Terrorists

Not that the police force or the units of the Philippine Army (PA) in the region has slacked off in their counterrevolutionary efforts. On the contrary, civil and human rights violations against legal democratic organizations remain rampant.

For example, even under the relatively timid HSA, they actively and arbitrarily tagged legitimate organizations as terrorists. Afterwards, they used the malicious label to vilify the organizations and its campaigns while harassing the members and the communities that support them. This includes military encampment among civilian communities where there are organized groups, such as in the second district of Ilocos Sur and in some barangays of Ilocos Norte. Fishing communities in La Union suffer from Red-tagging and intimidation as well.

Their endgame is to terrorize mass leaders and activists into submission, backing them up into a corner until they are forced to sign documents of supposed surrender. In Ilocos Sur, they also expressly included unarmed activists into their Order of Battle. When the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict was established last year, it reinforced the PA’s program of targeting legal activists in the name of counter-terrorism.

Open Season vs Activists

If the HSA was criticized for its overly broad definition of terrorism and terrorist acts, then the 2020 version which is set to replace it, takes the definitions to a whole new level of expansive. It undermines the right to speech and to assembly because even the participation in a protest action, or the mere planning of such, is considered terrorist. Extending support, knowingly or not, to an alleged terrorist earns one a similar label.

The period of surveillance could last for as long as 90 days, without informing the individual. There are vague references to a ‘special facility’ and the use of ‘violent extremism,’ leaving their interpretation and implementation to state agents. It also did away with penalties for law enforcers found violating the rights of a suspected terrorist.

It’s basically open season against leaders and members of legal democratic organizations. Unbridled infringement on an individual’s privacy, long-term detention in undisclosed locations and torture could replace the 81st IB’s program of forcing activists to ‘surrender’ in the name of pacification.

The enactment of this Anti-Terror measure is meant to spread widespread terror among progressive and revolutionary forces. State terrorism, or fascism, is a bullet that all freedom-loving activist and revolutionary have to bite in order to continue their work for the masses, for a socialist future.

But history has taught the Filipino nation a number of invaluable lessons. Firstly, there is strength in numbers and this alone should embolden any individual to continue to resist Duterte’s brand of terrorism. He is but a poor copy of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the Filipino people has already ousted the original from power some thirty years ago. Secondly, it has often been said that revolutionaries could fall but revolutionary ideals will always persist. Such is why the national democratic organization continue to advance despite successive counter-insurgency plans and despotic dictatorships, declared or not.

Lastly, all roads lead to the countryside where a peasant war is being waged. The National Democratic Front – Ilocos calls on all allied organizations to unite and oppose Senate Bill 1083. The parliamentary struggle to junk this bill and the HSA before it will gain momentum as more and more Filipinos suffer under the yoke of Duterte’s economic incompetence and personal greed. It will not take long before such conditions motivate hundreds of Ilocanos, especially amongst the youth and the working class, to take up arms and reclaim their right to struggle. ###

https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-ilocos-oppose-the-anti-terror-act-2020/