Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Recruited as minor, ex-NPA rebel now a proud mom

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2020): Recruited as minor, ex-NPA rebel now a proud mom (By Alexander Lopez)

HAPPY MOM. Karla, a former communist rebel, expresses gratitude to the government for the support she received when she decided to return to the fold of the law in March last year. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy on March 24 this year in a hospital in Butuan City after finding the love of her life while staying at a halfway house in Butuan City. (Photo courtesy of CMO, 23rd IB, Army)

A former guerrilla who was recruited by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) when she was 14 is now a proud mother of a baby boy.
1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), said Karla -- whose identity is being withheld for security reasons -- surrendered in March last year with the help of Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba.

“She was recruited by the NPA when she was 14-years-old in 2015. She was made to believe that they will help her finish her studies when she joined the armed group,” Maglalang told Philippine News Agency on Friday.

Maglalang said Karla became a regular NPA fighter at the age of 17 and was assigned as squad medic of Guerrilla Front 4A of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

“Alias Karla, after four years with the NPA, finally gave up as she could no longer stand the hardships, starvation, and distress. She was also disillusioned for their failure to provide her with education as promised, and realized the waste of time she had with the NPA in four years,” Maglalang said.

Upon her surrender to the government last year, “Karla” stayed at the “Masigasig Happy Home” inside the headquarters of the 23IB, which serves as temporary shelter for former rebels.

It was during her stay at the temporary shelter that she met her husband and the couple decided to exchange vows during a mass wedding held on December 18 last year inside the 23IB headquarters.

In a statement on Thursday (April 2), 23IB commander Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr. said Karla's experience was "a concrete proof that the soldiers of 23IB, in coordination with the different line government agencies, are sincere with their promises of helping the former rebels who choose to abandon the armed struggle."

“We will do our best to address your needs in order for you to live a new life with the help of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government,” he added.

Molina also urged the remaining NPA rebels in Agusan del Norte, especially the women, to "open their eyes and think wisely. Do not succumb to the sexual desires of the NPA cadres. You deserve to be loved and taken care of. Go back to the folds of the law. Your bright future is still waiting for you here."

In the same statement on Thursday, Karla was quoted as saying that she owes a debt of gratitude to the 23IB and Rep. Amante-Matba for the support she received when she decided to change her life for good.

“The treatment of the communists NPA was far different compared to how the soldiers and the government treated me. Aside from the benefits I received under the E-CLIP, they helped me live a normal life together with my new family,” she said.

Karla was brought by the 23IB soldiers to Butuan City Medical Hospital where she gave birth to a healthy baby boy on March 24, 2020.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098845

PH Navy ready to convert presidential yacht into medical ship

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2020): PH Navy ready to convert presidential yacht into medical ship (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Presidential yacht BRP Ang Pangulo (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it had come up with a plan to convert BRP Ang Pangulo (ACS-25), presidential yacht, into a floating facility for coronavirus disease (Covid-19) patients.

This came following President Rodrigo R. Duterte's order for the PN to convert the vessel into a medical ship following the Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

"Prompted by President and Commander-in-Chief Rodrigo Duterte's desire to utilize the ship, BRP Ang Pangulo (ACS-25), as a floating Covid-19 quarantine facility, the PN devised a feasible plan of converting the Presidential Yacht into a floating quarantine facility dedicated for coronavirus patients," Navy public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said in a statement late Saturday.

The ship is currently deployed in Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao to augment the Davao operational base of the Presidential Security Group.

"Initially, plans are made to ensure that the ship is prepared to accommodate persons that are now under monitoring and investigation (PUM/PUI) due to Covid-19," Roxas said.

She added that a total of 28 patients can be accommodated aboard the ship with five medical personnel.

"There are three exclusive compartments that will be prepared for the patients with a temporary division in place. A three-meter distance will be strictly observed between patients. Different entry points will be made for the patients and medical staff," Roxas said.

She added that the ship’s crew will remain aboard even if it is used as a quarantine station as entry points to the crew's billeting area and other compartments from the area of the patients will be sealed off.

"The ACS-25 commanding officer, Commander Marissa Arlene Andres-Martinez is already coordinating with the local AFP (Armed Forces Philippines) units and government hospitals in Davao to support the medical equipment and other essential requirements needed for this floating quarantine facility," Roxas said.

She added the PN is fully committed to support the Bayanihan to Heal as One (Republic Act 11469) initiative by devoting its personnel and resources as it explores all possible means to contain and defeat the spread of the coronavirus disease in the country.

BRP Ang Pangulo was acquired by the Philippine government in 1959. The yacht was first used by President Carlos P. Garcia.

It was built in Japan as part of that country’s war reparations to the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098859

Navy defers hosting of 2 int’l events due to health crisis

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2020): Navy defers hosting of 2 int’l events due to health crisis (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Navy flag-officer-in-command, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo

The Philippine Navy (PN) on Sunday said country’s hosting of the 17th Western Pacific Symposium (WPNS) and the International Fleet Review (IFR) is indefinitely postponed to a later date due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

"We (are) sending notice now to the different navies that we are going to postpone indefinitely the conduct of the 17th Western Pacific (Naval) Symposium and the International Fleet Review to a later date," PN flag-officer-in-command, Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said.

The 17th WPNS was supposed to be held from May 19 to 21 while the IFR is slated to be conducted off Manila Bay waters on the last day of the symposium.

Bacordo said 31 countries have so far announced that they are attending the WPNS with 17 navies expressing their intentions to join the IFR.

He said the scheduled hosting of the WPNS and IFR was supposed to be the Philippines' first and will coincide with the PN's 122nd founding anniversary on May 20.

"This is our measure to ensure the health and safety of the participating navies," Bacordo said.

He earlier said the WPNS is a confidence-building measure that aims to show that navies can work together for a common cause.

The WPNS aims to increase cooperation and the ability to operate together, as well as to build trust and confidence between navies by providing a framework to enable the discussion of maritime issues of mutual interest, the exchange of information, the practice and demonstration of capabilities, and the exchange of personnel.

The entire Luzon and some other areas of the country are under 30-day enhanced community quarantine due to the deadly Covid-19.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098870

AFP chief Santos recovers from coronavirus

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2020): AFP chief Santos recovers from coronavirus (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr.

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. has tested negative for the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) following another test conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) and Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, spokesperson of the AFP, said the DOH and RITM released Santos’ test result on April 5, 2020.

"We are pleased to announce that the AFP chief-of-staff General Felimon Santos Jr. has been tested negative for Covid-19,” Arevalo said in a statement on Sunday. “He is thereby deemed to have recovered although he has not experienced any of the symptoms of virus infection ever since.”

Arevalo said Santos was initially tested positive for Covid-19 on March 27 after coming into contact with a senior officer, who was the AFP’s first official case of the disease early last month.

"We wish to thank everyone for the continuing prayers and support accorded to the AFP chief and to every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine who tirelessly protect fellow Filipinos and the communities against Covid-19 and other threats to national well-being," he added.

Arevalo reiterated the AFP’s appeal for everyone to cooperate with the ongoing efforts to contain the virus by staying at home, using masks whenever possible, observing proper hygiene, and maintaining physical distancing.

"This battle against Covid-19 is everybody’s fight that should start from our respective homes. The life we are saving by doing that could be our own or that of our loved ones," Santos said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098873

Saturday, April 4, 2020

LOOK: Military receives quarantine facility, medical equipment

From Rappler (Apr 4, 2020): LOOK: Military receives quarantine facility, medical equipment (JC Gotinga)

The military are among the front liners battling the pandemic, and the AFP Medical Corps will be deployed to national quarantine centers to tend to PUMs, PUIs, and confirmed patients with mild symptoms

WOOD AND PLASTIC. This emergency quarantine facility, made from wood and plastic with 17 beds, is set up at Naval Station Jose Francisco in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on April 1, 2020. Photo by Inoue Jaena/Rappler

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is among government agencies on the front lines of battling the coronavirus pandemic, and it has been receiving donations of medical equipment, supplies, and even an entire quarantine facility.

On Wednesday, April 1, the company WTA Architecture and Design led by William Ti Jr finished constructing a wood-and-plastic emergency quarantine facility at the Philippine Navy’s Naval Station Jose Francisco in Taguig City.

The structure is built to house up to 17 persons under monitoring (PUM) and persons under investigation (PUI) for COVID-19 – those who are likely to be turned away by hospitals already filled to capacity with confirmed patients.

EMERGENCY QUARANTINE. This nifty quarantine facility can take in persons under monitoring and persons under investigation for the novel coronavirus, who might not find room in hospitals swamped with confirmed patients. Photo by Inoue Jaena/Rappler

To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”

A PUI is someone who has two or all of the following:
History of travel in the past 14 days to countries with local transmissions and risk of importation of the virus
History of exposure to a confirmed case
Symptoms of respiratory illness (cough and/or colds) and/or fever

Meanwhile, a PUM is someone who has a history of travel to a virus-hit country or exposure to a coronavirus patient.

17 BEDS. The facility was designed and donated by the company WTA Architecture and Design. Photo by Inoue Jaena/Rappler

For the young architect Ti, designing and constructing the facility was a “unique experience” because he and his team built it together with the military.

“This is easy to build. Anyone can build it in the islands or province, everywhere. We thank the AFP for making partners with us and to make this happen,” he said.

The nifty cottage now stands in the training center of the Naval Combat Engineering Brigade.

CLINIC. The structure has a secluded portion for health workers. Photo by Inoue Jaena/Rappler

“These temporary facilities will further enhance our capability to care for patients and certainly ease some of the burden of many hospitals dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic,” said AFP chief of staff General Felimon Santos Jr, thanking the builders.

Santos has tested positive for the virus but is asymptomatic, according to the AFP. He is in quarantine in his residence at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Equipment for AFP Medical Center

The AFP Medical Center in Quezon City and the AFP Medical Corps also received donations of equipment and supplies – a portion of a total P200 million package given to the government.

A local Filipino-Chinese community, a private company, and a private individual who preferred to stay anonymous donated two units of 2-piece Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System machines, 4 PCR machines, 30,000 RT-PCR diagnostic kits, 25,010 medical protective suits, 292,300 face masks, 60,000 medical gloves, 5,064 medical goggles, 5,000 face shields, and 1,000 pairs of medical protective shoe covers.

All of these were procured from China-based Sansure Biotech, the AFP said in a press statement, citing the donors.

The donations were delivered to the Philippines on March 21 aboard the Philippine Air Force’s C-130 planes.

DELIVERED. The Armed Forces of the Philippines receives a donation of medical supplies and equipment on March 21, 2020. Photo from the Armed Forces of the Philippines

A 2-piece Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System machine and a PCR machine have been delivered to the AFP Medical Center, also known as the V. Luna General Hospital, for installation pending the completion of a structure by the AFP Corps of Engineers, the AFP said.

Automated Nucleic Acid Extraction System machines are used to extract DNA from samples. PCR or polymerase chain reaction machines detect and amplify DNA. These machines can be used in the process of testing for the novel coronavirus.

EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES. Soldiers unload donated cargo from the Philippine Air Force's C-130 plane at Villamor Airbase on March 21, 2020. Photo from the Armed Forces of the Philippines

The AFP Medical Center caters to members of the military and their immediate families. It recently treated a senior military officer and his wife, who had contracted COVID-19.

The military are among the front liners battling the pandemic, and the AFP Medical Corps will be deployed to national quarantine centers to tend to PUMs, PUIs, and confirmed patients with mild symptoms.

Other recipients of the donations were the Philippine National Police, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Bureau of Immigration, public and private hospitals, and local government units, the AFP said.

Santos thanked the donors, saying: “They prefer no fanfare or recognition. They just wish to let our people know – our soldiers to know – that they are not alone at this time of great need for critically essential equipment and medical supplies.”

https://www.rappler.com/nation/256950-photos-military-receives-quarantine-facility-medical-equipment-coronavirus

Navy to convert presidential yacht into quarantine ship

From Rappler (Apr 4, 2020): Navy to convert presidential yacht into quarantine ship (By JC Gotinga)

With physical distancing, the BRP Ang Pangulo can take in 28 patients and 5 medical staff, while its regular crew will remain onboard

PRESIDENTIAL YACHT. This file photo shows the BRP Ang Pangulo, obtained as war reparations given to the Philippines by Japan in 1959. Photo from Wikicommons

The Philippine Navy on Saturday, April 4, said it would convert the presidential yacht, the BRP Ang Pangulo, into a floating quarantine facility for COVID-19 patients, following orders given by President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday, April 3.

The Navy has drawn up a “feasible plan” to make the the 60-year-old vessel “with interiors like a hotel” according to Duterte, suitable as a quarantine for persons under investigation (PUI) and persons under monitoring (PUM) for the novel coronavirus, the Navy said in a statement.

With strict physical distancing, the ship can accommodate up to 28 patients and 5 medical staff. The ship’s regular crew will remain onboard

Three exclusive compartments will be allotted for patients, with temporary dividers in place. The patients will be situated at least 3 meters apart.

The patients and medical staff will have separate entry points. Passages to the crew's billeting area and the vessel’s other compartments will be sealed off from the quarantine area, the Navy said.

The BRP Ang Pangulo is currently in Eastern Mindanao where it augments the Davao operational base of the Presidential Security Group. Its commanding officer, Commander Marissa Arlene Andres-Martinez, is already coordinating with local units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and government hospitals in Davao to supply the medical equipment and other essentials, the Navy said.

To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”

In a televised speech late Friday night, Duterte ordered the Navy to turn the presidential yacht into a “hospital ship,” and to help run it because doctors and nurses have become scarce because of the pandemic.

Why not other ships?

The Philippine Navy has larger vessels, including two landing dock ships, the BRP Tarlac and the BRP Davao del Sur.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, now also the head of National Task Force COVID-19, was earlier asked whether the Navy could lend either of the landing dock vessels as a hospital ship for coronavirus patients.

Lorenzana said it was “possible but not advisable.” One of them is in Oman where it was sent in January for the possible repatriation of Filipinos in case increased violence breaks out in the Middle East.

It would be unwise to use the other landing dock ship that is in the Philippines as a hospital because then it would not be available for defense and security purposes.

The same goes for the rest of the Navy’s vessels, the defense chief said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/257014-philippine-navy-convert-presidential-yacht-quarantine-ship

‘Ex-Abu Sayyaf bandits frontliners in fight vs COVID’

From the Philippine Star (Apr 5, 2020): ‘Ex-Abu Sayyaf bandits frontliners in fight vs COVID’ (John Unson)

Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan are ”silent frontliners” in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Basilan.

According to reports reaching the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) regional office, some of the former bandits are volunteer watchmen in several barangays and are helping man quarantine checkpoints in far-flung areas.

In Sumisip town, a number of former Abu Sayyaf bandits are helping barangay officials monitor elderly and sick residents even before the COVID pandemic erupted.
“It is touching to hear stories about how they have become part of the mainstream society and are helping the government fight an unseen enemy, the COVID-19,” Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana of the Western Mindanao Command said of the former bandits.

There are 7,584 persons under monitoring and 228 persons under investigation for the flu virus in the BARMM.

Employees of the Sumisip municipal office and Basilan provincial government are extending relief services to residents of remote areas, also with the assistance of former Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Surrenderees are helping in relief operations in Al-Barka, according to the provincial peace and order council.

The former Abu Sayyaf bandits are beneficiaries of the Program Against Violent Extremism, which aims to attain lasting peace in the region.

Former governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao led the launch of the program last year.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/04/05/2005544/ex-abu-sayyaf-bandits-frontliners-fight-vs-covid

Army launches enhanced adopt-a-barangay program

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4, 2020): Army launches enhanced adopt-a-barangay program (By Jason De Asis)

ADOPT-A-BARANGAY. Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, acting commander of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion, leads the distribution of food packs to indigent residents in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on Saturday (April 4, 2020). The initiative is part of their enhanced Adopt-a-Barangay program. (Photo by Jason de Asis)

BALER, Aurora – The Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion launched on Saturday an enhanced Adopt-a-Barangay (Kapwa ko, Sagot ko) program in Barangay Calabuanan here to help indigents amid the threat of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, acting commander of the 91IB, said the program is a call to love and help fellow Filipinos in times of challenges.

“It aims to help those families who need the most help,” he said.

Rubio, in coordination with the village officials and Sangguniang Kabataan distributed 120 food packs to the indigents in Barangay Calabuanan.

“The SK official and barangay officials recommended those residents to be given food packs as they are affected by the enhanced community quarantine,” Rubio said in a phone interview.

He also said that the other company under the 91st IB will also do the same activity at the soonest time to help the communities most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Rubio also lauded his troops for the initiative and untiring services they offered to the people.

“I commended them for their concern and love for the people of Aurora. They give their share from their own pockets to send aid to communities that need it,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098849

4 NPA rebels surrender in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4, 2020): 4 NPA rebels surrender in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)

HUNGRY AND TIRED. Four members of the communist New People’s Army surrender to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the Police Regional Office-Caraga on Friday (April 3) at Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez in Butuan City. The four rebels say hunger and fatigue drove them to go back to the fold of the law. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

Four communist New People’s Army (NPA) fighters decided to lay down their arms Friday to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion headquarters of the Police Regional Office-Caraga (PRO-13) in Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez here.

PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel identified the four NPA surrenderers only as alias “Mon”, 51, a resident of Barangay Bunaguit, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur; alias “Mike”, 21, a resident of Barangay Lamusig, Tungao, Butuan City; alias “Bong”, 30, a resident of Km.12 Hinandayan, Barangay Camagong, Nasipit, Agusan del Norte; and alias “Cris”, 37, a resident of Barangay Camagong, Nasipit.

Esquivel said the former rebels surrendered "due to the hunger that they could no longer withstand and the fatigue their bodies could no longer bear."

They formerly belonged to the Guerrilla Front 4-A of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Esquivel said their surrender has added to the increasing number of NPA members who have turned their backs from the NPA.

“They now realize the deceptions of the NPA and decided to have better, peaceful and productive lives without fear of being killed in the armed struggle,” Esquivel said.

The four former rebels will be enrolled with the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, he said.

Despite the Philippine National Police's involvement in the fight against the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19), the PRO-Caraga chief vowed the police in the region will continue its operations against "all forms of criminalities, with the support the Armed Forces of the Philippines."

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098841

'Disgruntled' NPA rebel surrenders in Zambo Sibugay

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4, 2020): 'Disgruntled' NPA rebel surrenders in Zambo Sibugay (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

DISGRUNTLED. Almadin dela Torre, 20, a New People's Army rebel, hands over a cal. M16A1 assault rifle to Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, the Army's 44th Infantry Battalion commander, when he surrendered Friday in Barangay Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay. Dela Torre was abandoned by his comrades following a failed attack on government troops on Wednesday in the area. (Photo courtesy of 44th Infantry Battalion)

A 20-year-old disgruntled New People’s Army (NPA) rebel has surrendered to the government troops in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, military officials said on Saturday.

Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Army’s 44th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said NPA surrenderer Almadin dela Torre, who has aliases of Ka Ariel and Ka Nike, claimed he was "tired of fighting and hiding".

The last straw for dela Torre, he said, was when his comrades abandoned him during an encounter Wednesday evening when the rebels attacked government troops in Barangay Balagon, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Templonuevo said dela Torre surrendered to the 44IB troops on Friday in the same village.

Dela Torre was 16-years-old when he was recruited in 2016 by the members of the Guerilla Front–Feleciano A of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), the military official said.

Earlier, he said the troops were resting in Barangay Balagon after conducting visitation and information dissemination on the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in far-flung areas when the NPA attacked them, triggering a 20-minute firefight.

The troops repelled the attackers and on the next day recovered the remains of a slain NPA rebels in the area.

“His (dela Torre) surrender and statements are proof that the NPA is continuously violating the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which prohibits the recruitment and use of children in hostilities,” Templonuevo said.

Dela Torre turned over one M16A1 rifle with four magazines and 80 rounds of live ammunition to the military.
Col. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the rebel's surrender was "a manifestation that the convergence efforts of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) prior to the declaration of ceasefire gained promising and positive results."

Nicolas said based on interviews with dela Torre, the strength of the NPA in Zamboanga Sibugay has been continuously dwindling after losing a huge number of followers in the series of clashes with the government forces.

Nicolas said the NPA surrenderer has also expressed discontentment on the manner their leaders were running the organization.

Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, Army’s 1st Infantry Division commander, said they will facilitate the dela Torre's enrolment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and assist him in his return to the mainstream society.

Ponio said dela Torre will receive benefits such as immediate cash assistance, livelihood assistance, a remuneration for the surrendered firearm and other aids coming from the different national government agencies.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098832

Military helps distribute ADB food donation in Malabon

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 4, 2020): Military helps distribute ADB food donation in Malabon (By Priam Nepomuceno)

FOOD AID. Philippine Army (PA) personnel help distribute some 6,000 family food packs (FFPs) donated by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to residents of Barangay Hulong Duhat, Malabon City on Saturday (April 4, 2020). Army spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said the 6,000 families in the barangay were the initial beneficiaries of some PHP250 million worth of donations coming from the ADB. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army (PA) on Saturday helped distribute some 6,000 family food packs (FFPs) donated by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to residents of Barangay Hulong Duhat, Malabon City.

In a statement, Army spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said the 6,000 families in Barangay Hulong Duhat were the initial beneficiaries of some PHP250 million worth of donations coming from the ADB.

The FFP aims to help tide the households over during the 30-day enhanced community quarantine that was implemented to control the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Through the Army Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group, as well as the Army Civil-Military Operations Regiment, a total of 50,000 food packs will be repacked and delivered to target communities in Metro Manila, in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Zagala said the Army Support Command has also committed 17 military trucks for the immediate distribution of relief items.

“The Philippine Army is continuously doing its Covid-19 response by closely coordinating with our stakeholders and having our capabilities available so that the needs of the people are delivered to them as soon as possible,” PA Chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert I. Gapay, said.

Meanwhile, Barangay Hulong Duhat chairman Anthony Velasquez thanked the ADB, the Philippine Army, and the DSWD for their donations and the assistance to his constituents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1098836

AFP-CRS: Lorenzana Rallies Troops in Fight vs. Virus, Violence

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Apr 3, 2020): Lorenzana Rallies Troops in Fight vs. Virus, Violence

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana rallied government troops as they continue to engage in the battle against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the alleged disregard of the communist insurgents of the ceasefire declaration amid the present state of public health emergency.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3163910206961015/?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/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: 29 BIFF Foghters Yiel to Army in Maguindanao

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Apr 3, 2020): 29 BIFF Foghters Yiel to Army in Maguindanao

29 BIFF MILITANTS YIELD. Twenty-nine members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan Faction yielded on March 30, 2020.

The surrenderors submitted themselves and handed over assorted high-powered firearms and war materiel to the troops of the 33rd Infantry Battalion at the unit's headquarters in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3163920036960032/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: 44IB Foils Secon NPA Attack in Sibugay Amidst Ceasefire

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Apr 3, 2020): 44IB Foils Secon NPA Attack in Sibugay Amidst Ceasefire

Major General Generoso M Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division, strongly condemned the CTG’s atrocities against government troops.

“We urge the CTG to stop the attacks and enjoin the government in its efforts of stopping the spread of COVID-19. Our doors will always be open for those who wish to surrender and avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP)."

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/3164413533577349/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: Troops Told to be Cautious in COVI-19 Support Missions

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Apr 3, 2020): Troops Told to be Cautious in COVI-19 Support Missions

CAUTION. Philippine Army commander, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay reminded troops to exercise caution and stay alert against attacks by communist rebels on their humanitarian missions in wake of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) outbreak.

#AFPyoucanTRUST | www.afpcrs.com