TESDA-8 awards training packages to families of Inopacan Purging victims

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): TESDA-8 awards training packages to families of Inopacan Purging victims (By Olive P. Tiu)

TACLOBAN CITY, Aug 16 (PIA) - As lead Agency for the Task Force - ELCAC Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster, the TESDA Regional Office 8 through TESDA Leyte recently, awarded skills training packages to the beneficiaries who were represented by their association presidents and barangay chairpersons.

The awarding and MOA signing were held on August 10 at the hinterland Barangay of Amguhan in Baybay City.

Six associations from among the families of the Inopacan Atrocity victims received skills training package from TESDA Leyte during the Opening Ceremony and MOA Signing of Skills Training Program. The associations are San Juan - Malinao Farmers Association, Amguhan - Maypatag Survivors Association, Monterico Upland Farmers Association, Caulisihan Farmers Association, Ampihanon Survivors Association, and Kabungaan Livelihood Association.

Awarded to Monterico beneficiaries are skills trainings on Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization; Organic Agriculture Production NCII; Bread and Pastry Production NC II; and Electrical Installation and Maintenance NC II.

The beneficiaries from Kabunga-an may avail any of the trainings they are qualified like Organic Agriculture Production NC II; Small Engine Servicing Leading to Motorcycle/Small Engine Servicing NC II; and Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization.

The Barangay Amguhan beneficiaries were awarded scholarships for BPP NC II; Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization; and Organic Agriculture Production NCII.

For Ampihanon beneficiaries, they were awarded trainings on Small Engine; OAP NC II; and Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization.

For the Caulisihan, Inopacan association members, they may avail of any of the trainings they are qualified like Organic Agriculture Production NC II; Production of High-Quality Inbred Rice, Seed Certification, and Farm Mechanization; or Cookery NC II.

For the San Juan, Mahaplag association members, they were awarded the Organic Agriculture Production NC II training.

TESDA Region 8 Director Dante Navarro said the training cost is more than P3 million and will be facilitated by four partner tech-voc schools. TESDA leads the government agencies included in the PRLEC Cluster which is in charge of poverty reduction and livelihood.

Director Navarro, in his message said, “Kami po ay talagang nakahanda para sa inyo, sa utos ng ating pangulo na bigyan kayo ng tulong at sa tulong na rin ng LGU. Kung ang DPWH ay 'build, build, build' at ang DA ay 'plant, plant, plant,' ang TESDA naman po ay 'train, train, train'."

The beneficiaries through the association presidents, expressed their gratitude for the privilege of receiving such skills training packages. One president said that though they remember the tragic death of their loved ones in the Inopacan Atrocity, they are comforted that with the assistance the government is giving them, their economic status will be uplifted and they ultimately will rise from the bonds of poverty.

The activity was graced by TESDA Leyte PD De Asis, Baybay City Mayor Jose Carl’s Cari, Inopacan Mayor Azucena P. Mirambel, 802nd Infantry Brigade 8ID of the Philippine Army BGen. Zosimo A. Oliveros, 14th Infantry Battalion LTC Roberto B. Obaob, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VIII Assistant Regional Director Larry Sultan, Department of Labor and Employment VIII Regional Director Yahya A. Centi. Present also are Philippine Information Agency VIII Regional Director Erlina Olivia P. Tiu, representatives of the Department of Trade and Industry Leyte and the officials of barangays Amguhan, Monterico, Kabungaan, and Ampihanon for Baybay City; Brgy. Caulisihan, Inopacan, Leyte; and Brgy. San Juan, Mahaplag, Leyte. (PIA-8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050480

4ID holds RPMES workshop

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): 4ID holds RPMES workshop (By Vincent Philip S. Bautista)

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Aug. 16 (PIA) – The 4th Infantry Division conducted a two-day virtual workshop on the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES) to enhance inter-agency coordination efforts of the Regional Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in support of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order 70 (EO 70), which institutionalizes the whole-of-nation approach.

During the workshop, Karma Yasmin Ortiz from the Project Monitoring and Evaluation Division (PMED) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-10 presented the importance of mainstreaming gender and development (GAD) in monitoring and evaluation, highlighting the basic GAD principles such as how gender equality is vital to the advancement of equal participation of women as agents in economic, social, and political change, and the significance of gender equality as a human right.

“Gender-sensitive monitoring and evaluation helps project staff, other stakeholders, and beneficiaries themselves to understand how project activities are really changing the lives of men and women. It also enables continuous feedback on the status of project implementation, identifying specific problems as they arise,” Ortiz said.

In addition, she also presented the Harmonized Gender and Development Guidelines (HGDG) for project development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, an instrument used by NEDA, implementing agencies, and donor organizations in guaranteeing gender responsiveness in the various stages of program and project execution.

Through the empowerment of both genders and creating a culture of equality, the PMED strives to boost the harmonization of inter-agency coordination in attaining amity for all genders and end local communist armed conflict in the Northern Mindanao. (VPSBautista/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050459

Typhoon Pablo hero, returns to Mati as new army brigade commander

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): Typhoon Pablo hero, returns to Mati as new army brigade commander (By Karen Lou Deloso)

The 701st Infantry Kagitingan Brigade of the Philippine Army based in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental now has a new commander known for his assistance in unearthing the east coast towns of Davao Oriental from the debris of Typhoon Pablo.

Col. Krishnamurti Mortela assumed command of the 701st Brigade during the change of command ceremony held yesterday, August 11, via a video teleconference.

Col. Mortela was at the 10th Infantry Division Headquarters in Mawab, Davao de Oro where he formally accepted the brigade’s command while the outgoing Commander, Brigadier General Jose Eriel Niembra, was at the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Manila when he relinquished his command.

Presiding over the ceremony was the Commanding General of the 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division, Philippine Army, Major General Alfredo Rosario.

The newly installed Brigade Commander Col. Mortela who is not a stranger to the province of Davao Oriental said he is glad to be back in the province.

Eleven years ago, Col. Mortela served as the Battalion Commander of the 67th Infantry Agila Battalion based in the municipality Baganga, Davao Oriental which was the epicenter of the monstrous super typhoon Pablo in December 2012. He was well-known for his efforts when Super typhoon Pablo struck the province way back in 2012 which devastated three of its east coast towns.

He was designated as Incident Command Post (ICP) Commander of Baganga and was able to efficiently manage the ICP and effectively collaborated with the various agencies of government and non-government organizations- both local and international. Local government officials in the province called Col. Mortela a “hero” as they heaped praises on him for his “highly efficient leadership” as he was able to institute order in what could have been a highly chaotic situation.

“Coming back here as a former Battalion Commander and G3 of 10th ID, I feel that I am blessed to be in the company of people who served with me way back in 2009 to 2016. So, let me serve as a part of your team again so we can join hands to realize fully our unfinished business for peace. Specifically, I hope to renew our friendship and partnership to end violence, intimidation, and lies perpetrated by the different threat groups, particularly the Communist-Terrorist group. I shall be a team player doing my part to meet head-on any challenge including, of course, this COVID-19,” said Col. Mortela.

Col. Mortela also vowed to the people in his new area of responsibility that he will be “an active partner for all mutual initiatives to the well-being, safety, and security of our people.”

He also vowed to help sustain the government’s efforts in aiding former members of the Communist-Terrorist group in their transformation to their new lives.

“As strong advocates of peace, we shall take the extra mile also to open doors for dialogues and reconciliation for those who are willing to accept the gifts of peace. Along this line, we are ready to welcome our lost brothers with a red carpet. I believe they are just victims of lies and intimation of a misguided sense of nationalism. We, thus, invite them who are fighting the lost cause. Come down because you have a sincere government waiting for you. Come down because you have a family in us,” he said.

Meanwhile, Col. Mortela said he is honored to take the helm of the Brigade from the decorated outgoing Commander, Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra, who provided sterling leadership and excellent performance during his stint as 701st Brigade Commander.

Under Brig. Gen. Niembra’s command which lasted for five months, the Brigade has accomplished scores of milestones. This includes the recovery of 88 high-powered firearms, 13 low-powered firearms, and a total of 101 assorted firearms. Under his watch, 28 members of the New People’s Army have surrendered and abandoned the insurgent life. They are now set to benefit from the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Moreover, Brig. Gen. Niembra has not only effectively led his troops against several encounters but also exerted immense efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Soldiers nowadays are not solely combatants - we are also agents of peace and nation-building. There are still many tasks that we can do to the people and our area. Our work never stops, and so, despite the initial challenges that I faced, we carried on as a unit. With your dedication and commitment, we accomplished our operational tasks ahead of time. But again, just because we were done, it doesn’t mean that there is no more work to do,” said Brig. Gen. Niembra.

Brig. Gen. Niembra extended his thanks to the provincial government for their overwhelming support to the troops and its efforts in pursuing peace.

Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang lauded the leadership of the outgoing commander as he warmly welcomed and vowed to provide the same support and courtesy to the newly installed commander.

Brig. Gen Niembra is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991. He currently assumes the position as the new chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

Col. Mortela, on the other hand, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Tanglaw Diwa” of 1992. He has been serving the Army for 34 years. Before he was appointed Commander of the 701st Brigade, he was assigned as the Army Assistant Chief of Staff for Training and Education G8. (Karen Lou Deloso, PIO Davao Oriental/jmda)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050326

Tagalog News: Proyektong makakatulong upang sugpuin ang local communist armed conflict sa rehiyon ng Caraga, patuloy na ipinapatupad

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): Tagalog News: Proyektong makakatulong upang sugpuin ang local communist armed conflict sa rehiyon ng Caraga, patuloy na ipinapatupad (By Nora C. Lanuza)

LUNGSOD NG BUTUAN, Agosto 17 -- Sa pangunguna ng Department of the Interior and Local Government o DILG, patuloy ang implementasyon ng mga proyektong may kaugnayan sa pagpapatupad ng Executive Order No. 70 upang tuluyang masugpo ang local communist armed conflict sa rehiyon ng Caraga.

Sa ginawang pagtitipon na dinaluhan ng mga local chief executives, local government opeartions officers, partner agencies at iba pang mga stakeholders upang mas mapalakas at mapadali ang pagpapatupad nito gumawa ng pagrereview ng mga aktibidades at mga proyektong ipapatupad at sa iba’t ibang barangay na tukoy ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng retooled community support program (RCSP) ng DILG.

Ayon kay DILG Caraga regional director Lilibeth Famacion, patuloy na bibisita sa mga barangays katuwang ang iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno upang magbigay ng mga kaukulang interventions dito.

Dagdag pa ni director Famacion, walang barangay na maiiwan sa pag-unlad kahit paman may banta ang coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sa kalusugan. Lahat ng mga 80 barangays na tukoy ay makakatanggap ng proyekto, depende sa kanilang pangangailan.

Sinabi din Annabel Yangson ng DILG, marami ng nasimulan at natapos noong taong 2019 pero kinakailangan pang ipagpatuloy ang mga ito upang tuluyan ng makarating ang proyekto sa mga naturan glugar at makamit ang tunay na kapayapaan. Sa taong 2019 na-implementa ang RCSP sa 79 STG-affected barangays ng Caraga region.

Sa ngayon patuloy ang pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto at aktibidades sa mga tukoy na barangays ng rehiyon. (NCLM/PIA-Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050502

Ifugao PLGU,5ID lead FMR project in Asipulo barangay

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 17, 2020): Ifugao PLGU,5ID lead FMR project in Asipulo barangay (By Marcelo B. Lihgawon)

ASIPULO, Ifugao, Aug. 17 (PIA) - - The long –cherished dream of the people of barangay Namal in this town to have farm to market road (FMR) or access roads is nearing realization with the ground breaking ceremony of the Nangkatengey-Numpaling FMR project last August 10.

To speed up the implementation of the P110 million Nangkatengey - Numpaling road opening project, the provincial government unit(PLGU), 5th Infantry Division and the local government unit(LGU) of Asipulo signed a Memorandum of Partnership Agreement (MPS) for the undertake of the project.

Under the agreement, the PLGU will provide the funds for the project, LGU-Asipulo to settle road right of way issues including the maintenance of peace and order of the project site, and for the 5th ID to direct the 513rd Construction Battalion to provide manpower and other equipment including security assistance.

Asipulo Mayor Armando Domilod,5th ID Commanding Officer Brig. Gen. Laurence Mina and Ifugao Governor Jerry Dalipog sign the memorandum of partnership for the undertake of the road opening of the Nangkatenge-Numpaling farm to market road project in Namal, Asipulo on Aug. 10, 2020.

Mayor Armando Domilod said the project will be of great help to propel economic progress in the community. Given the limited fund, he expressed hope that with the involvement of the Army’s engineering brigade, there will be more accomplishments.

The mayor also assured the LGU’s support and he advised the people of Namal to be cooperative and avoid any untoward action that will result the delay or failure of the project.

Namal Pugong Punong Barangay Grace Tayaban ensured the support of the barangay council and her constituents to the project and the safety of the workers.

Punong Barangay of Namal Grace Tayaban, considers the Nangkatengey-Numpaling FMR project as an aswered prayer of the community and she assures their support for the successfu implementation os said project. (MBL, PIA CAR, Ifugao)

The main request of the people here is to have a farm to market road wherein products will be transported to market facilities that will also improve our living conditions. We are glad that our request to the provincial government was granted,” she said.

The Nangkatengey-Numpaling FMR is part of the infrastructure project in support to the developmental programs under Executive Order 70 or the Whole of Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Governor Jerry Dalipog and 5th ID Commanding Officer Brig. Gen. Laurence Mina enjoined the beneficiaries of the Nangkatengey-Numpaling road project to embrace this development for the benefit of everyone.

“We will work hand in hand for the success of this project. Let us show that we are doing our part for the success of this project. Whatever problem that will arise, we will settle it immediately so as not to impede the progress,” Dalipog said.

“I am hopeful that this project will trigger even stronger ties between the people, the government and the security forces (both AFP and PNP). We must seize the opportunity to harness the momentum to end the insurgency and embrace genuine peace, progress and development in the society,” Mina stated.

He added that the new road project will create commerce, improve communication and supply flows, thus opening opportunities for the residents of Namal and neighboring barangays who might otherwise join the insurgents.

“Ito po ay bahagi ng pagsusumikap ng lahat ng mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng Executive Order 70 o National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict na maipaabot ang mga serbisyong bayan sa mamamayan. Ito rin ay bilang pagtugon sa idinadaing ng mga mamayan na pangunahing isyu sa ating Community Support Program operator. Sa tulong nga pamahalaang pamprobinsiya ng Ifugao at ng inyong 5ID ay maisasakatuparan na ang matagal ng pangarap na kalsada,” Mina said. (JDP/MBL- PIA CAR, Ifugao)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1050061

Manhunt ordered vs. NPA fighters in MisOr, Agusan

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17, 2020): Manhunt ordered vs. NPA fighters in MisOr, Agusan



RECOVERED. Firearms, ammunition, and assorted provisions are among the items seized by government troops during several skirmishes with the communist New People's Army on August 13 and 14, 2020 in Sitio Mangilet, Barangay Bal-ason in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental. Brig. General Maurito Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade, has ordered a manhunt operation against the fleeing rebels. (Photo courtesy of 402Bde)

The chief of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde) has ordered ground troops to pursue the remaining fighters of the New People's Army (NPA) in the hinterlands of Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Norte provinces.

Brig. General Maurito Licudine issued the order on Sunday after the 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) engaged the rebels in skirmishes on August 13 and 14 in Sitio Mangilet, Barangay Bal-ason in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental.

“An order was already sent to the engaged troops to scour the vicinity of the encounter site and pursue without letup the escaping CNTs (Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA Terrorists). We will not give any chance for these terrorists to regroup and harass the residents in Barangay Bal-ason and the surrounding areas. We want these NPA terrorists pushed hard until they give up their arms and surrender to the government,” Licudine said in a statement Monday.

Licudine believes that after figuring in successive clashes with government troops, the rebels "are now in distress, hungry and tired".

The 58IB troopers based in the area, he said, have the advantage to "track down, pursue and neutralize the fleeing NPA rebels".

Licudine said the two-day skirmishes in the hinterlands of Gingoog bordering Agusan del Norte ensued after villagers reported the presence of the NPA rebels who were allegedly planning to conduct "harassments and extortion activities".

Government troops, he said, engaged some 20 guerillas believed to be members of the NPA's Guerrilla Front 4B in several skirmishes.

In one of the firefights, Licudine said the fleeing rebels abandoned a dead comrade later identified as Brenda Serenio, 24, a resident of Lagonglong town, Misamis Oriental.

Licudine also called on the rebels to cease harassing communities and allow the government to send needed relief goods and services to poor residents who are affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

“Instead of paving the way for the help and services to reach remote barangays during this pandemic, these NPA terrorists are aggravating the hardships of the people by spreading fear through harassment and intimidation,” he said.

“We encourage the populace to report to us the presence of these terrorists in your communities and surely we will act on them. They are none a pestilence than Covid-19.” he added.

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/1112446

AFP to install Vinluan as new Westmincom chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17, 2020): AFP to install Vinluan as new Westmincom chief (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will install Tuesday, August 18, Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan as the new commander of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, AFP chief-of-staff, will preside the change of command ceremony in Camp Don Basilio Navarro, which will see Vinluan's assumption as the 12th commander of Westmincom, replacing Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who headed Westmincom since June 28, 2019, and became Philippine Army chief in July.

Vinluan is the commander of the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Division based in Jolo, Sulu, and the head of the Joint Task Force Sulu.
Vinluan has led significant combat operations that led to the neutralization of several Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits and foreign terrorists operating in the hinterlands of Sulu.

Among those neutralized were Abu Talha, the finance officer and liaison of the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Sibih Pisih, an ASG sub-leader who led several kidnappings.
It was during Vinluan’s leadership that two Egyptian suicide bombers were killed who were about to execute suicidal bombing in Jolo.

On the other hand, Sobejana, a Medal of Valor awardee, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 1987 while Vinluan belongs to the PMA class of 1988.

Sobejana, earned his Medal of Valor as a newly-minted Captain in 1995 when the Scout Ranger platoon he was leading engaged a group of 20 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan province. Abu Sayyaf reinforced its numbers until Sobejana's unit was facing approximately 150 bandits during the fight.

Sobejana’s right arm was almost severed after he sustained two bullet wounds on his right forearm. He had to bite his right thumb to keep the arm from falling off. A third bullet wrecked his rifle.

He then switched to firing left-handed while giving his men directions. The firefight ended after four hours with Sobejana wounded three more times.

He refused to have his right arm amputated and has undergone surgeries abroad to reconstruct his right arm.

Since then, he became known as the only military officer rendering a left-hand salute and shake hands.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112513

PH 1st warship in ‘drills’ to help identify design flaws

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17, 2020): PH 1st warship in ‘drills’ to help identify design flaws (By Priam Nepomuceno)



The BRP Jose Rizal in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

The deployment of BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the country's first missile-frigate, to the US-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercises would test its system and help identify and correct design flaws, an official of the Philippine Navy said Monday.

"Our ship is new and it is only through constant use (will its) imperfections come out. It is better that while the ship is still on its warranty period will these imperfections come out so we can have the contractor fix it," said Navy chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, in an interview over DZBB.

The two-week naval exercises, which is scheduled on August 17-31 in Honolulu, Hawaii, will give additional training to Navy personnel on the four dimensions of modern naval warfare which include anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine and electronic warfare.

"The capabilities of our Navy personnel on these skills will be honed (with RIMPAC)," Bacordo said.

BRP Jose Rizal, procured by the Philippine government from South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries, arrived in Subic Bay, Zambales last May 23.

The ship departed Subic Bay on July 29 for the RIMPAC maneuvers and arrived in Honolulu on August 15.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112455

BRP Ang Pangulo helps recovering military front-liners

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17, 2020): BRP Ang Pangulo helps recovering military front-liners (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The presidential yacht, BRP Ang Pangulo (ACS-25), has accommodated 93 military front-liners who have fallen ill and recovered from the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) since its conversion into a floating quarantine facility last April.

"According to the CO (commanding officer) of ACS-25 (Commander Marissa Arlene Martinez), they have accommodated a total of 93 personnel. The ship is handling an average of 18 patients but as of yesterday (Sunday). They only have 17 patients," said Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, on Monday.
Since its conversion last April 3, BRP Ang Pangulo is only tasked to handle and care for Covid-19 patients that are already in their recovery.

"This means that after assessment and treatment from V. Luna (Medical Center), they are (sent for) another mandatory quarantine period at ACS-25," Roxas said.

The ship's VIP quarters were transformed into a Covid-19 medical ward that can accommodate a total of 28 patients with five medical personnel. It is currently docked at the Manila South Harbor.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112471

No PMA testimonial parade: Gamboa

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17, 2020): No PMA testimonial parade: Gamboa (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



Philippine National Police chief Archie Gamboa (File photo)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, on Monday said there was no party nor testimonial parade and review held in his honor at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City.

Gamboa is set to retire from the service next month.

“There was no testimonial parade that was rendered and the different circumstances will lay down that there was no party, we went through the triage,” Gamboa said during a virtual press briefing on Monday when sought for a comment.

Claims on social media also raised doubts if Gamboa and his entourage underwent triage, a system being implemented in Baguio City that requires persons entering the city to undergo initial triage to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Asked about the alleged party posted on social media, Gamboa said “I don't know where the information came. But again, I vehemently denied that. There was no party at the Chief PNP cottage in Baguio City.”

In his previous statement, Gamboa denied that he violated health protocols during his trip to Baguio City.

“There is no truth to the allegations spreading on social media. There were only 3 vehicles, which is less than the CPNP Security Protocol. All of us went through the triage as per the City of Baguio’s regulations. There was no party or concert. It was a dinner that ended at 9:30 p.m. Saturday,” Gamboa said.

He said physical distancing was strictly followed and the food was individually catered.

“My contingent and I stayed at the CPNP Cottage at the Navy Base the whole time,” he added.

He assured that Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong was “well aware of my presence and our activities were duly coordinated”.

Gamboa said he and Magalong met on Sunday with Baguio City and Cordillera police officials for a briefing on the peace and order situation.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112469

AFP, PNP to let courts decide if Misuari harbored Susukan

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17, 2020): AFP, PNP to let courts decide if Misuari harbored Susukan (By Priam Nepomuceno and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



Mugshot of Abu Sayyaf leader Abduljihad "Edang" Susukan. (Photo courtesy of Davao City Police Office)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will let the courts decide if Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari is accountable for allegedly harboring Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Abduljihad "Edang" Susukan.

"It will be for the court(s) to appreciate whether that would be tantamount to an offense for coddling Susukan, so we cannot (comment) on that, it's a matter that is legal and for the courts to appreciate," AFP spokesperson Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo told reporters on Monday.

For his part, PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said only the courts can determine whether Susukan voluntarily surrendered or was arrested by the Davao City Police at Misuari’s residence in Barangay Ma-a, Davao City last August 13.

"As to the appreciation of how he was arrested, did he voluntarily surrender, we will lay down the facts to the courts involved. You know, when it comes to like that, it is upon the appreciation of the court. Only the court can determine whether it's voluntary surrender, arrest or capture prevailing the circumstances that prevail during the incident," Gamboa said in a virtual press briefing on Monday.

He said the Department of Justice (DOJ) could also look into it.

"On the part of the PNP, we just cause the arrest. As to the possible accountability of Misuari, it will be upon the courts to appreciate whether there is such a thing or none," Gamboa said.

On Friday night, Susukan, his wife Nafrisa, and security escorts arrived from Davao City at the Clark International Airport, Angeles, Pampanga.

On the issue of amnesty for Susukan, Gamboa said it is a legal matter that should be handled by the proper branches of government.

"On the amnesty, it is not within the PNP powers to grant the same I think purely vested on the executive or I think on legislation through the legislative branch," Gamboa said.

He said the amnesty for the ASG leader is under the discretion of President Rodrigo Duterte with the concurrence of the legislative branch of the government.

"Let's respect their autonomy in granting amnesty if ever granted. Amnesty is not within the PNP's power to do so let those bodies who are authorized to implement and do it," Gamboa said.

Gamboa said the PNP is now preparing a report to Hon. Abdulmoin M. Pakam, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 5 of Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, on the implementation of the warrant of arrest issued by the court against the 34-year-old Susukan with known address at Bandang Talipao, Jolo, Sulu.

“Together with the AFP, we will seek the disposition of the Court to transfer the venue of detention of the accused from PNP to the AFP. With Susukan in custody, we can now serve all other outstanding warrants of arrest issued against him as soon as we obtain copies of the orders of arrest,” he said.

Susukan was transferred on Saturday to the headquarters of the PNP in Camp Crame, Quezon City, and underwent standard documentation procedures and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“The RT-PCR test administered to Susukan upon his confinement at the PNP Custodial Center has no result yet. Nonetheless, PNP medical personnel will continue to monitor his health condition,” Gamboa said.

Susukan has standing arrest warrants for 23 counts of murder, 10 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and six counts of frustrated murder.

He is also wanted in Malaysia for cross-border kidnappings on the east coast of Sabah and other criminal activities in Jolo, Sulu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112508

New PNP chief to be announced soon: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17, 2020): New PNP chief to be announced soon: Palace (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo Duterte will decide on the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) even before outgoing PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa retires from service next month, Malacañang said Monday.

In virtual Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque did not give a specific date as to when the new PNP chief will be announced but said it will be “soon.”

Gamboa is set to retire on Sept. 3 when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56

“Hindi naman po inaantay iyong birthday ng retiring PNP chief bago mag-anunsiyo ng kapalit. Mayroon po iyan mga one-week interval, so malapit na po nating i-announce iyan (There is no need to wait for the birthday of retiring PNP chief before we announce a replacement. There’s a one-week interval, so the announcement will be made soon),” he said.

Meanwhile, the Palace official was mum when asked to comment on Gamboa’s alleged party or testimonial parade and review held in his honor at the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City.

“I cannot comment because hindi ko po alam kung talagang nagkaroon ng ganiyang party sa Baguio (I don’t really know if there was really a party like that in Baguio),” he said.

Gamboa has since denied holding a party in Baguio City and that he violated any health and safety protocols in the country’s summer capital.

“There was no testimonial parade that was rendered and the different circumstances will lay down that there was no party, we went through the triage,” Gamboa said during a virtual press briefing.

He confirmed that there was a small gathering and that food was served for those who attended but stressed that it was not as big as what was claimed in social media.

Roque said he would have to ask Gamboa to clarify the holding of the supposed party.

“We will check with Gen. Gamboa if there was such a party; and kung nagkaroon ng party (if there was really a party), then we will ask for an explanation,” he said.

He, however, reminded the public that Baguio City is currently under the least restrictive quarantine status—modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).

“Baguio City po is under MGCQ ha. Ang Baguio City is under MGCQ, hindi po siya (not) MECQ (modified enhanced community quarantine),” he said.

Under MGCQ, Roque said public gatherings are allowed up to 50 percent capacity.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said he will recommend five names for consideration as PNP chief, including those of the three-star generals.

Año said President Rodrigo Duterte may choose to appoint any police official provided that he has a star rank.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112557

Misuari liability in Susukan’s arrest 'highly unlikely': Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 17, 2020): Misuari liability in Susukan’s arrest 'highly unlikely': Palace (By Azer Parrocha)



Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari (File photo)

Malacañang on Monday said it is “highly unlikely” that Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari will be criminally charged following the reported arrest of Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Abduljihad "Edang" Susukan in his residence in Davao City.

In a virtual Palace briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said Misuari “arranged” the surrender of the high-value terror suspect to Davao City Police Office at Misuari’s residence in Yñigue Subdivision in Barangay Ma-a.
“Ang pagkakaintindi ko po it was Chairman Nur Misuari who arranged the surrender, okay, surrender po iyong nangyari ‘no (From how I understand it was Chairman Nur Misuari who arranged the surrender, so a surrender was what happened),” he said.

He suggested that Susukan’s arrest could have been part of the plan.

“Hindi po nahuli si Susukan dahil tinatago ni Nur Misuari, parang hindi po ganoon, parang (Susukan was not arrested because he was hidden by Nur Misuari, it doesn’t seem like it, it’s like) he really arranged that authorities will apprehend Susukan in his residence on that given day,” he said.

Roque, however, admitted that he had little knowledge about the entire incident.

“I do not know for sure kasi wala po akong access to information talaga (because I do not really have access to information),” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has been meeting with Misuari as part of their resolve to put an end to the decades-old conflict in Mindanao.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will let the courts decide if Misuari is accountable for allegedly harboring Susukan.

"It will be for the court(s) to appreciate whether that would be tantamount to an offense for coddling Susukan, so we cannot (comment) on that, it's a matter that is legal and for the courts to appreciate," AFP spokesperson Marine Major Gen. Edgard Arevalo told reporters on Monday.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said only the courts can determine whether Susukan voluntarily surrendered or was arrested by the Davao City Police.

"As to the appreciation of how he was arrested, did he voluntarily surrender, we will lay down the facts to the courts involved. You know, when it comes to like that, it is upon the appreciation of the court. Only the court can determine whether it's voluntary surrender, arrest or capture prevailing the circumstances that prevail during the incident," he said in a virtual press briefing on Monday.

On Saturday, Susukan was transferred to the headquarters of the PNP in Camp Crame, Quezon City, and underwent standard documentation procedures and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

Susukan has standing arrest warrants for 23 counts of murder, 10 counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention, and six counts of frustrated murder.

He is also wanted in Malaysia for cross-border kidnappings on the east coast of Sabah and other criminal activities in Jolo, Sulu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1112567

CPP/Ang Katipunan | August 2020

Propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 15, 2020): Ang Katipunan | August 2020

AUGUST 15, 2020

Sa ngalan ng milyun-milyong magsasakang nagsusulong ng Rebolusyong Agraryo, pinakamataas na pagpaparangal at malawakang pulang saludo ang pinapaabot ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid kay Randall “Ka Randy” Echanis, martir at bayani ng uring magbubukid at masang maralita.

PDF

Ang Katipunan, is the official publication of the Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid.

https://cpp.ph/2020/08/15/ang-katipunan-august-2020/

CPP/ Larab | August 8, 2020

Regional propaganda publication posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 16, 2020): Larab | August 8, 2020

AUGUST 16, 2020

PDF

Larab is the official revolutionary mass publication of the Eastern Visayas region.

https://cpp.ph/2020/08/16/larab-august-8-2020/