Red Cross transport of wounded rebels part of mandate: official

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 1, 2020): Red Cross transport of wounded rebels part of mandate: official (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

The International Committee of the Red Cross insisted that using its ambulances to transport two alleged communist rebels in Surigao del Sur was strictly humanitarian in nature and coordinated with the authorities.

On May 29, three Red Cross ambulances with eleven individuals on board, including two persons who have gunshot wounds, were intercepted at the provincial quarantine control point in Purok 3, Barangay Payasan, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Maj. Renel Serrano, the spokesperson of the Police Regional Office XIII, identified the two patients as Jea Angeles Perez, 22, a resident of P-4, Barangay Puyat, Carmen, Surigao del Sur (with a gunshot wound on her right leg), and Noel Dadang, 32, married, who sustained a gunshot wound on his left rib and parietal area.

But Boris Michel, head of the ICRC delegation in the Philippines, said in a statement that the medical transport was needed to provide the wounded individuals with appropriate treatment.

This action by the ICRC, with (the) assistance of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), was in fulfillment of our mission to prevent and alleviate suffering during armed conflict, he said, adding that it is an adherence to the international humanitarian law (IHL) or the law of armed conflict.

Intelligence info

The personnel manning the quarantine checkpoint were from Lianga Municipal Police Station of Surigao del Sur Provincial Police Office (PPO) and 1st Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, together with the 9th Special Force Company of 3rd Special Forces Battalion.

They were alerted after receiving intelligence information regarding the transport of wounded guerrillas using a Red Cross ambulance.

Around 10:55 a.m., they flagged down the following vehicles:

1) White Toyota Hi-Ace Van ambulance with Red Cross Logo with four onboard including Noel Dadang;

2) White Toyota Land Cruiser, with ICRC logo with four onboard including Jea Angeles Perez;

3) White Toyota Land Cruiser with ICRC logo with three onboard.

The wounded persons were referred to Davao Regional Medical Center for medical treatment.

According to Michel, the ICRC does not have emergency medical services and only transports wounded or sick persons upon request.

However, he quickly clarified that the ICRC team was not arrested but was only intercepted. They were later allowed to pass, along with some security escorts.

The medical transfer to a hospital was successfully completed, he said. As a neutral organization, we will not interfere with subsequent actions by the authorities that may include investigations or arrests.

However, it is also part of their fundamental mandate to monitor the situation of the detainee.

He said the ICRC has been working in the Philippines since World War II, establishing a permanent presence in 1982. We work mainly in Mindanao, where internal armed conflicts continue to affect thousands of people, to assess and address the humanitarian situation. As part of our mandate, we regularly remind all parties of their obligations under IHL, the statement read.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/06/01/red-cross-transport-of-wounded-rebels-part-of-mandate-official/

Soldier wounded in NPA encounter in Paquibato

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 1, 2020): Soldier wounded in NPA encounter in Paquibato (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

One soldier was wounded when troops from the 89th Infantry battalion clashed with communist rebels in Sitio Gulansing, Barangay Salapawan, Paquibato District on Saturday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Silas Trasmontero, the 89th IB commander, did not identify the wounded private first class to TIMES pending notification of his family.

The soldier sustained a gunshot wound on his left leg. He was among the members of the Scout platoon that was conducting clearing operations at the said area when they encountered more or less 10 New Peoples Army rebels belonging to Guerrilla Front 55 under Ka Baylan.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes.

He added that the said troops are part of the advanced security elements of community support program teams in sitios Sudlon and Old Colosas, both in Barangay Colosas.

After spending 20 minutes clearing the encounter site, another clash transpired at about 2:45 p.m., which lasted for 10 minutes.

Trasmontero said the wounded soldier was airlifted to the Panacan Station Hospital for treatment, but he is now out of danger. The remaining soldiers are still pursuing the rebels.

“People are now reporting the presence of the terrorist group in their respective areas, hence, the military was able to track and engage the armed group,” Trasmontero said.

“We continue to appeal to the people of Paquibato to continuously support the security forces to finalĺy stop their terroristic actions/extortion activities and eventually annihilate them. This way, we will be able to establish peaceful and conflict-resilient communities,” he further said.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/06/01/soldier-wounded-in-npa-encounter-in-paquibato/

Gov’t delivers aid to 120 families displaced in Army-NPA encounter in Iligan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jun 1, 2020): Gov’t delivers aid to 120 families displaced in Army-NPA encounter in Iligan  (By 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion)



The local government of Iligan City together with the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Bravo Company of 1st CMO Battalion and Iligan Police Mobile Force deliver relief aid to some 120 families in Iligan City displaced by the recent encounter between the Army and NPA. (4th Mech)

BALO-I, Lanao del Norte, June 1 (PIA) -- The local government of Iligan City together with the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion, Bravo Company of 1st CMO Battalion and Iligan Police Mobile Force delivered relief aid to some 120 displaced families from four sitios in Brgy. Mainit, Iligan City following an encounter between the Philippine Army’s troops and members of the New People’s Army on May 27, 2020.

These families, along with 26 other front liners of the barangay, received 12 kilos of rice, assorted canned goods, and noodles. The children also received psychosocial intervention and toys from the army.

They are temporarily staying in two schools, a social hall and a relative’s house while government forces are conducting pursuit and clearing operation.

Lt Col Domingo G Dulay Jr, commander of 4th Mech Bn said that he appreciated the prompt response of Mayor Celso Regencia and Congressman Frederick Siao in addressing the needs of the evacuees especially in this time were COVID-19 pandemic is also affecting the country.

He said, “We did not desire for the clash to occur, however, we have to perform our duty to protect the people after receiving complaints that members of the communist-terrorist group are terrorizing residents to get foodstuff and money.”

During the clash with NPA at Sitio Pudog in Brgy. Mainit, a soldier was wounded after he was hit on his arm which went through his anterior chest wall after the 30-minute firefight. The said soldier is now recovering and in a stable condition in a military hospital in Cagayan de Oro City.

The troops are confident that some NPA members were also wounded in the clash based on bloodstains in the encounter site.

Amidst the COVID 19 pandemic, unscrupulous groups and criminals such as the communist NPA terrorists continue to commit dastardly acts of violence against hapless civilian populace. 

Displaced children receive psychosocial intervention and toys from the Philippine Army. (4th Mech)

On May 28, elements of NPA were also reported burning houses and a church in the neighboring municipality of Opol after being denied of foodstuff. The poor were robbed of their food and belongings and were used as human shields to avoid government humanitarian operations.

BGen Facundo Palafox IV, commander of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, calls on all local chief executives to support the national government’s fight against these criminals and create an environment inhospitable to them so they can no longer cause harm and grief to the people.

We have suffered a lot, as a people and a nation, because of the threat of these communist NPA terrorists to our freedom and right to live peacefully under a democratic form of government.

“Amidst the COVID 19 pandemic, we all need to help each other. Your army will not waiver nor will we falter in our quest for peace. Despite these cowardly acts, we remain to extend a hand of peace and reconciliation to whoever wants to lay down their arms and come back to the folds of the law,” he said.

He also called on NPA terrorists to surrender and start anew with their families. “To those communist NPA terrorists, your family awaits your return. All you have to do is give up the fight of a futile and lost cause. Armed struggle worldwide is a passé and a thing of the past. The way to reconciliation is communication,” he added.

The government, through the Enhanced Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), has several socio-politico-economic packages for the former rebels who wish to surrender and join the mainstream of society. (4thMech/PIA ICIC)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1043477

Successful ops bring AFP closer to 'vision' of wiping out Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): Successful ops bring AFP closer to 'vision' of wiping out Reds (By Priam Nepomuceno)



AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday said their series of successful operations bring the organization closer to its vision of defeating the communist insurgency.

"As we come close to the second half of this year, we are proud to report that our internal security operations continue to bring us closer to realizing our vision of a complete victory against the communist scourge in the country,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. said in a statement.

This came as six members of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed and eight others were captured in joint military and police operations from May 24 to 30.

“Our troops on the ground continue to prove their operational excellence in neutralizing the threats posed by the communist terrorist group in the countryside. Our strong partnership with local chief executives also helped NPA members to safely return to the fold of the law,” he added.

On May 24, a rebel was killed in combat operations by troops of the 26th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Mahagsay, San Luis, Agusan Del Sur. Found in the encounter site were three AK-47 automatic rifles.

Meanwhile, a notorious NPA unit leader identified as Allan Aguilando was killed in an encounter with troops of the 43rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay New Rizal, Catarman, Northern Samar on May 26. A .45-caliber pistol was recovered from him.

Meanwhile, a joint law enforcement operation on May 27 conducted by the 2nd Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police (PNP) resulted in an encounter with around 15 NPA rebels in Barangay Mabiton, Claveria, Masbate.

Two cadavers were found abandoned in the encounter site along with seven assorted firearms.

Joint AFP-PNP elements also figured in an encounter with NPA rebels reportedly extorting at a banana plantation in Barangay Langgal, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat on May 29. Two NPA members were killed in the clash while troops recovered a .38-caliber pistol, a hand grenade, and PHP150,000 extortion money.

Similar operations also resulted in the capture of several NPA personalities — one in Agusan Del Norte on May 25; three in North Cotabato with two assorted firearms on May 26; two in San Mariano, Isabela with three assorted firearms and another two in Surigao del Sur on May 28.

Meanwhile, two NPA rebels were apprehended in Surigao del Sur after being intercepted on board an ambulance at a checkpoint on May 30.

They were identified as Joel Montero Delahiba and Jessica Quillano Agustin and were found to have sustained their wounds from the massive military operations at the boundary of Agusan Del Sur and Surigao del Sur early in May.

Meanwhile, 18 rebels have voluntarily surrendered to authorities from May 8 to 27.

These include two NPA members in Davao del Norte on May 8, 13 in Sarangani on May 25, and two NPAs and one "underground movement" member in South Cotabato on May 27. The rebels surrendered a total of nine firearms.

"The 18 (rebels) who surrendered was a result of the comprehensive collaboration between AFP troops in the ground and stakeholders through NTF-ELCAC (National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict). Our focused military operation not only provided the sustained security envelope for the local community but also the impetus to implement and sustain various social and economic programs under the NTF-ELCAC," AFP public affairs office chief Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata said.

So far, government troops have neutralized a total of 2,069 NPA members this year and seized 615 assorted firearms from the communist terrorist group.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104503

Lorenzana rebukes ‘nitpicking’ Reds over new anti-terror bill

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): Lorenzana rebukes ‘nitpicking’ Reds over new anti-terror bill (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana scored communist rebels and their allies for painting a negative impression on a new measure that will boost the country's anti-terrorism law.

"What these detractors, mostly Reds and their allies, have done is to pick some provisions and add their own interpretations to scare people. People need not fear. The proposed law has safeguards of civil liberties and sanctions to law enforcement agencies," he said in a message to reporters late Sunday.

Lorenzana also assured the public that this law will not be used against the political opposition and progressive groups, adding that it was intensively tackled and debated during deliberations.

"This bill was deliberated lengthily by both Houses and all sectors were invited as resource persons during these deliberations. All sides were heard," he added.

Earlier, Lorenzana lauded the two committees of the House of Representatives for approving a measure that will beef up the law against terrorism and effectively repeal Republic Act 9372 or the Human Security Act of 2007.

He added that a new and stronger law against terrorism is needed as the Human Security Act of 2007 is no longer capable of curbing evolving terror threats.

On Friday, the House Committee on Public Order and Safety and Committee on National Defense and Security, chaired by Masbate Rep. Narciso Bravo Jr. and Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas, respectively, approved the still-unnumbered substitute bill, which seeks to prevent, prohibit and penalize terrorism.

The proposed Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 would provide a strong legal backbone to support the country's response to terrorism, provide the law enforcers the much-needed tools to protect the people from the threat of terrorism and at the same time safeguard the rights of those accused of the crime.

The Senate version introduced provisions imposing life imprisonment without parole on those who will propose, incite, conspire and participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act; as well as those who will provide material support to terrorists, and recruit anyone to be a member of a terrorist organization.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104500

AFP chief Santos visits oil fields off Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 1, 2020): AFP chief Santos visits oil fields off Palawan (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Matinloc platform in Palawan. (Photo courtesy of Joint Task Force Malampaya)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., visited the Nido and Matinloc platforms off Palawan last May 28, which will be used by the military to augment the country’s maritime domain awareness capability.

These oil fields in the province's northwestern part ceased production in November last year after over four decades of operations.

In a statement on Monday, AFP public affairs office chief Navy Capt. Jonathan Zata said the two fields produced a total of 31 million barrels of oil before shutting down operations.

"It's currently being manned by AFP personnel and tasked to monitor the maritime environment in its periphery. They can communicate with other passing vessels in the area and report the same to higher headquarters," he added.

Santos, meanwhile, said these facilities could serve as a shelter for fisherfolk, as well as researchers from the national government agencies.

“This is a very good development for the Armed Forces as it will increase our maritime domain awareness and our operational reach,” he added.

Santos also visited the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Malampaya and met with its commander, Navy Capt. Donn Anthony Miraflor.

The Joint Task Force Malampaya under the AFP’s Western Command is tasked to secure the Malampaya Natural Gas Project from security threats, including terror attacks.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104506

CPP: Overworked and exploited under Duterte’s lockdown, Filipino women must fight back

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 31, 2020): Overworked and exploited under Duterte’s lockdown, Filipino women must fight back

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
MAY 31, 2020

Close to three months of Duterte’s martial law lockdown and sheer incompetence in handling the Covid-19 pandemic has been devastating to the Filipino people. It has been doubly so for women and girls. Women, especially working women, have borne the brunt of the lockdown.

Women are at the forefront of the battle against Covid-19.

Up to 80% of Filipino nurses are women, many of them infected and in quarantine due to lack of proper protective gear. Scores have died due to the infection. They suffer through 12-hour rotations amid personnel shortages. Many forego going home for fear of infecting their children and families as they are not regularly tested. Over the past months, they were subjected to military and police checkpoints and transport restrictions. On top of all of this, they receive 22% less in salaries compared to their male counterparts.

Majority of working women have been left with no income and have been forced out of their jobs due to the lockdown. Teaching, sales, clerical work, food and accomodation, all predominantly female occupations, have suffered as schools, malls, offices, hotels and restaurants were shutdown for more than two months.
Some will reopen but with fewer workers, and others, like schools, will likely remain closed until Duterte deem it “safe” to open. Sectors which Duterte rushed to open, such as construction and mining, are overwhelmingly male.

More than half of informal workers are women. They work in enterprises that are most affected by the lockdown such as sari-sari stores, parlors, food stalls and small eateries. Last year, there were more women than men who applied for small enterprise licenses, most of which are probably bankrupt by now.

In poor communities, it has been the womenfolk who were forced to wait in line for hours on end to avail of Duterte’s stingy amelioration. In 2015, 4 million women, as opposed to 400,000 men, were considered “poorest of the poor” and were enrolled in the DSWD’s 4Ps program. They bear the burden of stretching meager aid and finding other sources of food for their families.

In rural areas, women suffered as agricultural production consistently and progressively lag behind family needs. More women are landless than men. Over the years, six in ten women have worked as unpaid family workers in agricultural businesses and farms. With no income, no savings, and no prospect of earning a living, the lockdown exponentially worsened their condition.

Travel restrictions and unemployment have contributed to the uncertainties of overseas women workers. Many of them work as domestic helpers, sales ladies and in other services, and have been dismissed in droves by their employers. They come home only to be subjected to prolonged detention in quarantine facilities. Among them are pregnant women who have been criminally neglected as Duterte’s government failed to provide fast and accurate testing and processing of their results.

Initial studies suggest that pregnant women have the same risk of getting Covid-19 as adults who are not pregnant. But pregnant women are immunocompromised and are generally considered vulnerable to similar respiratory illnesses. Under the lockdown, prenatal care have been overlooked as hospitals and community clinics were diverted towards emergency response.

As BHERTs (Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams) become preoccupied with community-wide quarantines, basic medical care provided to pregnant women dwindled to almost nothing. Breastfeeding mothers and their newborns are largely being neglected amid the overstretching of the weak public health system. With limited funds and resources, most new mothers have been forced to forego immunizations and well-baby consultations. The military lockdown has further worsened the sorry state of basic infant vaccinations against measles, diphteria and polio.

Under Duterte’s lockdown, a woman’s burden of cooking, cleaning, washing dishes, doing the laundry and market runs have doubled as gender inequalities in housework are believed to increase, not decrease, when men are unemployed. Between two working parents, it has been the mothers who gave up more professional duties to care for the children and elderly family members. When Duterte and his cabal of incompetent officials shift education to “homeschooling,” it will mostly be the women who will shoulder this added responsibility, regardless of their occupation.

Inside locked homes, women are left with no protection against domestic abuse and sexual violence. The United Nations already warned that strict lockdowns lasting six months could lead to 31 million additional cases of domestic abuse. Restrictions on mobility, coupled with the ban on public transportation, hamper battered women’s ability to seek help or escape their abusers.

Under Duterte’s misogynist rule, violence against women have been on the rise even before the lockdown. Police have recorded high rates for rape, up 31% from 2018 to 2019, and physical violence, up 15% in the same period. The DSWD meanwhile registered 55% increase in the number of sexually exploited women in the same period. Under the lockdown, reports have been trickling in about policemen soliciting sexual favors in exchange for travel passes and minors engaging in prostitution.

The list is endless on how the lockdown burdened women. They are bound to suffer the ramifications of state neglect and disruption, lost livelihoods and crumbling incomes in years to come.

The Party calls on the Filipino women to hold the Duterte regime accountable not only for its failure to manage the pandemic but also for the disproportionate impact of its lockdown on women’s livelihoods, health and welfare. More than ever, they have the right to call for his ouster.

https://cpp.ph/statement/overworked-and-exploited-under-dutertes-lockdown-filipino-women-must-fight-back/

CPP/CIO: Ka Maria and Ka Joaquin are fine

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 31, 2020): Ka Maria and Ka Joaquin are fine

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

MAY 31, 2020

This is to assure the public and all revolutionary forces that Ka Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the NDFP in Northeast Mindanao, and Ka Joaquin Jacinto, NDFP-Mindanao spokesperson, are fine. This is contrary to military reports and social media propaganda claiming that they were killed in a firefight in Surigao del Sur.

This piece of information was relayed to us just today. We expect more detailed reports soon.

https://cpp.ph/statement/ka-maria-and-ka-joaquin-are-fine/

CPP/IB: CPP welcomes Pope Francis’ call to divert weapons funding

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 31, 2020): CPP welcomes Pope Francis’ call to divert weapons funding

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

INFORMATION BUREAU

MAY 31, 2020

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today welcomed the statement of Pope Francis calling on governments to divert funds spent on weapons to research to prevent another pandemic. The leader of the Roman Catholic issued the plea as he led an outdoor prayer service in the Vatican yesterday.

“The Party considers Pope Francis’ call to divert funds spent on the purchase and development of weapons as an urgent appeal in the face of rising militarism and fascism while people are suffering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Marco L. Valbuena, Chief Information Officer of the CPP.

Pope Francis urged government leaders to “take a far-sighted attitude, helping the most needy now and putting in place long-term economic and social solutions.” He prayed that the leaders’ consciences would “be touched so that enormous sums spent to possess more armaments and to perfect them be instead destined to the promotion of sufficient research to prevent such catastrophes in the future.”

“The Filipino people must amplify Pope Francis’ appeal especially in the face of the Duterte regime’s obsession with purchasing attack helicopters, bombs, cannons and other war matériel to wage war and suppress the democratic rights of the Filipino people,” added Valbuena.

Duterte recently purchased billions worth of weapons amid the intense economic crisis brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic. Last May 12, he issued a notice to proceed with the procurement of the artillery systems worth P2.4 billion from Israeli company Elbit Systems.

The procurement program was made under the AFP modernization program which aims to boost Duterte’s arsenal in a vain attempt to fulfill his ambition to decimate the armed revolutionary movement before the end of his term.

Relatedly, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) of the US Department of State approved last April 30 the Duterte regime’s request to buy six AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters, missiles, and other war matériel and services worth P75 billion.

Valbuena said that the use of oversized cannons and helicopter gunships has resulted in the indiscriminate destruction of communities and the environment, endangerment of people’s lives and livelihood, and widespread terror and psychological trauma especially on children.

The Party calls on the Filipino people to demand the cancellation of these arms deals as this gravely undermines the majority of the Filipino people hit hard by the health crisis and the regime’s failed response to the pandemic. In line with the call of Pope Francis, the people must demand the realignment of war funds to research and emergency public health and economic measures to alleviate the sufferings of the people.

https://cpp.ph/statement/cpp-welcomes-pope-francis-call-to-divert-weapons-funding/

CPP/NPA-Misamis Oriental: No NPA involved in Opol arson — NPA-Misamis Oriental

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 31, 2020): No NPA involved in Opol arson — NPA-Misamis Oriental

NPA-MISAMIS ORIENTAL

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

MAY 31, 2020

The New People’s Army-Misamis Oriental would like to clearly state that it is not responsible for the reported torching of four houses and a small chapel in Barangay Limonda, Opol last May 28.

Contrary to reports in local newspapers and website, the NPA has nothing to do with the said torching.

Military reports claim that shouts of “Mabuhay ang NPA” were heard after the torching were. If this are true, then it raises the suspicion that the arson was the handywork of AFP soldiers in the area.

We would like to assure the people of Opol and Misamis Oriental that the NPA does not, and will not, destroy civilian infrastructure, especially places of worship. To the local news sites and newspapers, we would appreciate if this clarification be appended to the original story.

https://cpp.ph/statement/no-npa-involved-in-opol-arson-npa-misamis-oriental/

Kalinaw News: Former rebels received another round of broiler raising livelihood project from SINAGTALA troopers

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 31, 2020): Former rebels received another round of broiler raising livelihood project from SINAGTALA troopers (By 7th Infantry Division)



BALER, Aurora – The livelihood programs that have been given to Former Rebels (FRs) and even other marginalized sectors should be sustained especially in this time of COVID-19 pandemic.

With this, the 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, 7ID, PA under the leadership of LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA gave sixty (60) broiler chicks and its supplies as second round of livelihood project intended for eight (8) FRs at 91st Infantry Battalion Headquarters Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on May 26, 2020.

The program is also in line with the continuing Enhanced Adopt-A-Brgy Program of the unit by extending help and assistance to the less-fortunate individuals or groups.

The FRs really appreciated and expressed their gratitude to the SINAGTALA troopers for the latter’s generosity and unwavering support to them without hesitation.

LTC RUBIO is optimistic that his unit will continue to support the FRs in one way or another in order to alleviate the living condition of the FRs.

“Rest assured that we will continuously capacitate our FRs through livelihood opportunities for them to effectively mainstream in the society,” RUBIO said.

Meanwhile, COL ANDREW D COSTELO INF (GSC) PA, Commander, 703rd Infantry Brigade, 71D, PA commended the troops for being very active and supportive in such endeavor.

“Our intervention to FRs is very important not just by availing the ECLIP benefits but also giving them opportunities which will benefit their future,” COSTELO said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebels-received-another-round-of-broiler-raising-livelihood-project-from-sinagtala-troopers/

Kalinaw News: Tausug families return home after exiled by ASG atrocities

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 31, 2020): Tausug families return home after exiled by ASG atrocities (By 11th Infantry Division)



Jolo, Sulu – Ninety-four (94) families safely returned home after three years of being displaced in its own municipality during the Balik Barangay Program held at Brgy. Tugas, Patikul, Sulu on May 28, 2020.

Among the 197 families who were pre-emptively evacuated last 2017, the said 94 households were initially brought back to Brgy. Tugas with the help of the Provincial Task Force on Ending Local Armed Conflict (PTF-ELAC), Municipal Task Force on Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC) and 1101st “Gagandilan” Brigade of the 11th Infantry Division.

6,005 persons were forcedly evacuated due to the rampant harassment and atrocities inflicted by the terrorist Abu Sayaff Group such as burning the community’s schools, ransacking its local produce, and making its structures lair for kidnap victims and other lawless activities. The untimely evacuation badly affected the lives of its residents forcing them to leave their homes and relocate to nearby barangays.

In a testimony, Kathlene Mae Sabtula said that her family had no choice but to leave for safety. With the Balik Barangay Program, she was thankful that they can live a normal life again.

Brigadier General Antonio Nafarrete, Commander of 1101st Brigade said it facilitated the rehabilitation and organization of the barangay’s school, cooperatives and livelihood programs in coordination with the local government of Patikul and stakeholders. The 45th Infantry Battalion of the 1st Brigade Combat Team also facilitated series of clean-up drive in the area.

Meanwhile, the MTF-ELAC granted food assistance to the internally displaced persons along with other non-food items such as blankets, pillows, seedlings, and Php 3,000 cash for each families.

Major General Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., Commander of 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) together with Sulu Governor Abdusakur M. Tan, Patikul Mayor Kabir E. Hayudini and other LGU officials and military officers pledged their commitment “to support the peace efforts of the community; to contribute intellect, time, and resources; and to support the community’s persistent call to denounce violence, lawlessness and criminality.”

“Real war happens inside our community so I encourage you to help our armed forces and local government by reporting all terroristic activities in Patikul. Entering the military profession is also one of the best ways to help your community and family start a new life,” said Governor Tan.

Major General Vinluan also lauded the government of Patikul for encouraging Tausugs to enter the military and appreciated the collaborative efforts rendered by JTFS. “With the presence of Tausug soldiers, we can easily apprehend ASG bandits in Sulu. The government has more plans for the future of your children so let us not waste each one’s efforts for making the Balik Barangay Program possible. Help one another in bringing genuine peace in this province,” he said.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/tausug-families-return-home-after-exiled-by-asg-atrocities/

Kalinaw News: New 4id Chief to steer the wheel for peace and development in Caraga and NorMin

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 31, 2020): New 4id Chief to steer the wheel for peace and development in Caraga and NorMin (By 4th Infantry Division)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – In a simple Change of Command Ceremony, Major General Andres Castor Centino AFP officially assumed command as the new Commander of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army promising to sustain the government’s campaign to end the local communist armed conflict. The ceremony was held at the 4ID’s Alcoseba Hall in Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on Friday, May 29, 2020.

MGen Centino addressed his subordinate commanders to be up to the standard of excellence that 4ID is known for, and to work as a team with dedication and professionalism. The 4ID has gained headway in the campaign against the communists armed group but cited that there is a need to do more to finish the task of serving the people and protecting our territory.

LtGen Gilbert I Gapay, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army, presided the turnover of leadership from the outgoing 4ID Commander, MGen Franco Nemesio M Gacal AFP, to the incoming 4ID Chief. The ceremony was also attended by LtGen Jose Faustino Jr AFP, Commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, brigade and battalion commanders under the 4ID.

According to MGen Centino, ending insurgency takes more than just confronting the armed component of the Communists Terrorist Group (CTG). It needs the collaboration among partner agencies. “I enjoin our partners in the civilian bureaucracy to continue our collaborative efforts in harnessing our skills and capabilities to address the scourge of insurgency,” Centino bared.

The new commander assures the people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions that under his leadership, as the newly installed 4ID chief, he will continue to be their reliable partner in the implementation of Executive Order Number 70.

“To our stakeholders in Northern Mindanao and Caraga region, inter-agency partners, local government executives, officials, and constituents, be assured that 4ID will continue to be your committed partner to serve our people and secure our community against the local communist threats, including the threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will be your reliable partner in nation building in times of peace and in times of calamities and we will exert more effort to empower people and our communities especially in areas affected by conflict,” Centino added.

Centino assures the outgoing 4ID Commander, “we will put premium in the improvement of training systems, leader’s development program, Non-Commissioned Officers empowerment, Reserve Force development, and Civilian Human Resource Component strengthening.” “I will sustain your gains and ensure that what you have set out to do shall come into fruition,” addressed Centino to Gacal.

During the ceremony, accomplishment of the outgoing 4ID chief were presented. Under MGen Gacal’s leadership for more than a year, the 4ID were able to clear 151 CNT affected barangays; recovery of 351 high-powered and 386 low-powered firearms; seizure of 205 enemy camps; neutralization of 93 NPA personalities thru encounters; surrender of 1,807 CNTs; withdrawal of support from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) of 4,754 Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members; and the activation of 10 CAA companies that eventually led to the clearing of Guerilla Front 14.

“As the new division commander, we will engage the enemy hard and this will be my top operational priority. We will brace for the challenge ahead. Considering the limited time, we will be relentless in our pursuit against the insurgents. To the Diamond troopers, follow me, and I will lead you in winning the peace in the regions of Caraga and Northern Mindanao,” MGen Centino concluded.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/ew-4id-chief-to-steer-the-wheel-for-peace-and-development-in-caraga-and-normin/

NPA denies hand in burning of 4 houses, chapel in Misamis Oriental town

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 31, 2020): NPA denies hand in burning of 4 houses, chapel in Misamis Oriental town (By: Froilan Gallardo)

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) denied involvement in the burning of four houses and a small chapel in Opol town, Misamis Oriental on Thursday.

NPA spokesperson Maybelle Guerrero in a statement on Sunday also said it was not true that villagers heard the shout, “Mabuhay ang NPA” as suspects left the village of Zone 2, Barangay Limonda in Opol.

“The NPA has nothing to do with the said torching,” Guerrero said in a statement sent to media organizations. “If this were true, then it raises the suspicion that the arson was the handiwork of AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) soldiers in the area.”
“(T)he NPA does not, and will not, destroy civilian infrastructure, especially places of worship,” Guerrero assured the people of Opol and Misamis Oriental.

The military and the police blamed the communist rebels for burning the houses and chapel after residents reportedly refused to give in to the rebels’ demands for food.

Army 403rd Infantry Brigade spokesperson Capt. Rene Belmonte Jr. said the perpetrators were NPA rebels led by a certain “Decoy” of the Guerilla Front 12 that operated near the border of Misamis Oriental and Iligan City.
Guerrero also belied military claims that Ka Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the NDFP in Northeast Mindanao, and Ka Joaquin Jacinto, NDFP-Mindanao spokesperson, were among those killed in the series of military and rebel encounters in Surigao del Sur.
She showed undated photos of Malaya and Jacinto on the rebel website, Philippine Revolution Web Central, as proof that the two communist leaders were still alive.

“This is contrary to military reports and social media propaganda claiming that they were killed in a firefight in Surigao del Sur,” Guerrero said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1283984/npa-denies-hand-in-burning-of-4-houses-chapel-in-misamis-oriental-town

Gloria new AFP-WesCom chief

From the Manila Bulletin (May 31, 2020): Gloria new AFP-WesCom chief (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan – Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria assumed the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command (WesCom) on Thursday.



Photo courtesy of Western Command / MANILA BULLETIN

Garcia replaced Vice Admiral Rene Medina, who led the unified command for almost 14 months in securing and sustaining peace in the Joint Area of Operation (JAO), including the other mission areas – Territorial Defense Operations (TDO), Humanitarian and Disaster Response (HADR) and Support to National Development, covering the Province of Palawan and the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Gloria is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maringal” Class of 1988. Before taking his post in WesCom, he was AFP deputy chief of staff.

He was also a tactical and rescue pilot, and holds a command pilot rating in the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

During his stint as WesCom chief, Medina was able to degrade the Communist Terrorist Group, and adversely affected their terroristic activities in the province. Likewise, his dynamic leadership brought about the effective, and active collaboration of local government units and other law enforcement agencies.

“All of us here share a moral involvement in sustaining peace and protection of Palawan. As I held the commandership of this unique unified command, it was my hope that WesCom will remain steadfast. Alam ko na ang ating mga nasimulan ay magpapatuloy. Of course our accomplishments, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat,” Medina said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/31/gloria-new-afp-wescom-chief/