WESTMINCOM: Two communist terrorists killed in an encounter in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 5, 2020): Two communist terrorists killed in an encounter in Sultan Kudarat

Two members of the communist terrorist group were killed in an encounter which transpired in the evening of September 4.

While conducting pursuit operations, troops of the 37th Infantry Battalion chanced upon more or less 20 communist terrorist group members at the boundary of Barangay Sta. Clara and Datu Ito Indong in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

A firefight ensued which lasted for five minutes after which enemy withdrew bringing along their casualties with them.

"Our troops are still in pursuit of the fleeing enemies," said Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, JTF Central Commander.

While clearing the encounter site, troops recovered two enemy cadavers, one M16 rifle, one shotgun, two magazines, IED triggering device, medical kits, and propaganda materials.

"While we intensify our focused operations, we call on the communities to be more vigilant and immediately report any suspicious person or object in your locality," said Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., WestMinCom Commander.

"Let us continue to converge for the attainment of lasting peace and sustainable development in the region," he added.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWestMinCom
#TeamAFP
#teamwmc

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https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/a.532970753511652/1840744856067562/?type=3&theater

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

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: Soldiers forbid only rice harvest for the year to peasants resisting AFP surrender campaign in Samar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 5, 2020): Soldiers forbid only rice harvest for the year to peasants resisting AFP surrender campaign in Samar

FR. SANTIAGO “KA SANNY” SALAS

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 05, 2020

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today assailed the 8th Infantry Division-Philippine Army for barring peasants in San Jose de Buan, Western Samar from harvesting the only rice harvest they have for the year should they refuse to surrender as members of the New People’s Army. “We condemn this surrender campaign by the 8th ID which is essentially an economic blockade and is a blatant violation of humanitarian law,” said Fr. Santiago “Ka Sanny” Salas, spokesperson for the NDF-Eastern Visayas.

Citing reports from the Arnulfo Ortiz Command (NPA-Western Samar or AOC), Fr. Salas said that soldiers barred at least 39 families in Brgy. San Nicolas from harvesting an estimated 2,808 sacks of palay (unmilled rice) unless they declare themselves as Red fighters who surrendered to the military. “If they do not harvest now, they will not have any rice to harvest for the next 12 months. They will have wasted away an entire year’s labor and will need to look for alternative sources of income whose economic prospects are grim in the face of continuing lockdowns, rising COVID-19 cases in the region, and intensifying military operations.” Last July, the 8th ID fired at least 88 rounds of mortar towards farmlands in San Jose de Buan.

“They are forcing innocent civilians an gunpoint to choose between surrendering or dying by hunger in the midst of an economic recession, unprecedented poverty, hunger and lack of livelihood,” Fr. Salas said.

He further said that the AFP’s surrender program is big fluke as surrendering does not guarantee a peaceful life thereafter, proven by the cold-blooded murder of active military agent and San Nicolas resident Freddie Mabanan by 8th ID troops last August 19. “The military maliciously implicated the NPA in this extrajudicial killing even though Mabanan himself identified his killer to his wife while he was dying. Mabanan is proof that even those who are willfully participate in the AFP’s counter-insurgency operations are not spared from their violence.”

More than 60 families have fled the barangay in the last week because of the nonstop surrender campaign that began since the last week of May. In Sitio Salvacion, only five families have yet to evacuate, according to the NPA-AOC.

“Such is the nature of state terrorism by the Duterte regime and as implemented by the 8th ID. In the midst of the pandemic, it targets innocent, hard-working peasants such as the people of San Nicolas in its all-out war. The 8th ID under Maj. Gen. Pio Diñoso III is keen on performing the most heartless crimes against the people for its vain objective of wiping out the revolutionary movement in the region and the broad opposition against the Duterte regime. The oppressed people’s hatred of his tyranny can only swell into greater numbers and the call for his ouster will echo even louder.”#

https://cpp.ph/statements/soldiers-forbid-only-rice-harvest-for-the-year-to-peasants-resisting-afp-surrender-campaign-in-samar/

Kalinaw News: 44 Former rebels receive livelihood kit worth 440K

From Kalinaw News (Sep 5, 2020): 44 Former rebels receive livelihood kit worth 440K

CARMEN, Bohol – The Provincial Government of Bohol together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Army turned over livelihood starter kits to 44 Former Rebels at Ceremonial Hall of the Bohol Provincial Capitol, Tagbilaran City on Friday.

A total of P440, 000 Negosyo Kits was personally granted by DTI Provincial Director Maria Soledad L Balistoy and DTI Assistant Secretary Asteria Caberte together with Governor Arthur Yap, Vice Governor Rene Relampagos, 1st District Congressman Edgar Chatto, Mr Nelson Pon (representative of 2nd District Congressman Aris Aumentado) and Major Mozart Jaque, Battalion Executive Officer, 47th Infantry Battalion.
The 44 Former Rebels received P10,000 each worth of mini groceries, rice retailing, livestock such as goats, pigs, cattle and chickens with feeds grower and vitamins, eggs trading, bahalina production, bread and pastry, aggrivet supply and farming as their starter kits. These businesses were chosen by the recipient after the assessment conducted by the DTI.

The move was in line with the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to capacitate and aid the Former Rebels in going back to mainstream society and becoming fruitful residents.

These New People’s Army and Militia ng Bayan members operating in the Province of Bohol surrendered voluntarily and were now availing the assistance from the ECLIP programs.

The dispersal of livelihood assistance to Former Rebels is part of the DTI’s initiation of livelihood seeding program dubbed as “Pangkabuhayan sap ag BAngon at Ginhawa”. This program aims to uplift and provide livelihood assistance to entrepreneurs, especially micro small and medium enterprises in areas focused by the PTF-ELCAC.

Governor Arthur Yap expressed his appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the concerned agencies and his constituents who contributed a lot for this significant accomplishment. He also emphasized that the government’s programs will continue and assured the public that there will be no Boholanos to suffer scarcity and food shortage. He also mentioned that the aid given is not as huge but with sincerity and dedication in achieving the genuine peace in Bohol.

“The help we have received today is a huge thing for us. Because of this we can start our livelihood with our families. We are grateful for the tremendous assistance provided by the government and we promise that we will do our best to grow our business so that government assistance is not wasted. Likewise, we will be part of intensifying the campaign against insurgency”, Ka Berting said as one of the FRs who benefitted the Negosyo Kit.

Meanwhile, Major Mozart Jaque, Battalion Executive Officer of 47IB applauded the Former Rebels who chose to lay down their arms and benefitted the Negosyo Kits from the DTI and other government programs. He stretched that the 47IB will continue to support the Former Rebels in collaboration with the different government agencies.

“The 47IB remains committed in the mandate of ending the insurgency in the Province of Bohol. The livelihood assistance you had received is one of the sincere outpouring supports from the government for you to start anew and build your good future with your families. The army is very thankful that our partner agencies did their part in implementing the ELCAC. Together we will sustain the peace and order in the province”, Maj Jaque added.





[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/44-former-rebels-receive-livelihood-kit-worth-440k/

Kalinaw News: Army graduates 85 Coast Guard recruits, inks partnership agreement

From Kalinaw News (Sep 5, 2020): Army graduates 85 Coast Guard recruits, inks partnership agreement

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — The first batch of Philippine Coast Guard recruits to undergo the Army’s 45-day jungle warfare training were declared graduates during a ceremony here Friday.


Out of the 85 PCG recruits, 57 were male while the rest were females, all of whom will be deployed to guard Philippine shores.

Lt Col Jose DR Del Rosario III, Commandant of the 2nd Division Training School, said that the Jungle Warfare and Mountain Operations Course is the first training that 2ID soldiers take after their enlistment into the Philippine Army.

“This training developed each individual’s survival instinct, warrior spirit, leadership trait, teamwork and, above all, discipline which are among the hallmarks of being servant soldiers and defenders of the Filipino people”, ended Lt Col Del Rosario.

It can be recalled that the PCG, through Rear Admiral Joseph Coyme who is the Commander of the PCG’s Human Resource Management Command, reached out to the 2nd Infantry Division to have their neophytes cross-train with the Army in order to increase their recruits’ readiness to accomplish their given mandate.

Rear Admiral Coyme explained that “in times of war, PCG will be under the Department of National Defense, thus, there is an underlying need for us to capacitate our forces so that we will be able to live up to the expectations of our people and spirit behind that provision.”

“We believe that we were able to successfully achieve that objective, thus, the Philippine Coast Guard and 2ID have decided to formalize this partnership and institutionalize this worthwhile undertaking with the goal of better serving our people and securing every inch of Philippine territory”, ended Rear Admiral Coyme.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of 2ID, and Rear Admiral Coyme signed a Memorandum of Partnership after the graduation ceremony.

Under the partnership, 2ID has committed to provide JWMOC Training to recruits of the PCG which, in turn, will train the Jungle Fighters on the facets of Human Resource and Personnel Management as well as in search and rescue operations.

In his speech, Maj Gen Burgos reiterated the Army’s “commitment in ensuring the safety of the Coast Guard’s recruits without sacrificing the quality and brand of training that they will get under the guidance, scrutinizing eyes and able hands of the mentors from the Philippine Army’s best training unit thereby making them ready to live up to the expectations of our constituents.”

He described the signing of partnership document as a “manifestation of the enduring trust and iron-clad relationship between and among the government’s security sector which is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for a whole of nation approach in responding to the various issues which our country is facing.”

He ended his statement by assuring the people of CALABARZON Region and MIMARO provinces that “the Jungle Fighter Division, in coordination with our strategic partners and stakeholders from the private and public sectors, will remain steadfast in accomplishing our mandate as advocates of peace, servants of the people and defenders of Southern Tagalog.”









[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/army-graduates-85-coast-guard-recruits-inks-partnership-agreement/

Kalinaw News: Army facilitates needs Analysis and Assessment Forum of the Indigenous People’s Community in Pampanga

From Kalinaw News (Sep 5, 2020): Army facilitates needs Analysis and Assessment Forum of the Indigenous People’s Community in Pampanga

Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – The 48th Infantry Battalion together with other National Government Agencies (NGAs) facilitated a Needs Analysis at Assessment Forum to the farmers who belong to the Indigenous People’s community in Brgy. Nabuklod, Floridablanca on 26 August 2020.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Felix Emeterio M. Valdez, Commanding Officer, 48IB, the program aims to uncover the basic social issues and needs of the farmers and address it by channeling them to the proper NGAs under the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC).
Some of the issues raised during the forum were the absence of farm-to-market roads, rights over their ancestral domain, the creation of a farmer’s cooperative, market for their farm products, and the lack of support of the government for the Indigenous People’s community.

The activity was attended by TESDA-Pampanga Project Supervisor Ms. Jenica Dunglao, 48IB Charlie Company Commander 1LT Oscarito Tobias, Infrastructure and Resource Management Officer of National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) Dra. Roselen Tan, members of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Office of the Provincial Administrator (OPA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine National Police (PNP), Nabuklod Brgy. Officials and CMO Officer from the 5th Fighter Wing at 355th Air Engineering Wing Philippine Air Force headed by Colonel Gerardo Zamudio.

All NGA representatives present during the forum have expressed their support for the future programs and projects for the IP community.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo, 703rd Infantry Brigade Commander supports the activity saying that it was conducted in order for the NGAs to have an idea what government projects and programs are needed to address the social issues of our Indigenous People’s community in Pampanga.

“Your Army supports this kind of initiative as this will determine the real issues in the grassroots and that will be addressed directly by the NGAs present during the forum,” said Brig. Gen. Costelo.











[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/army-facilitates-needs-analysis-and-assessment-forum-of-the-indigenous-peoples-community-in-pampanga/

Kalinaw News: CGPA boosts the morale of the Startroopers in his visit

From Kalinaw News (Sep 5, 2020): CGPA boosts the morale of the Startroopers in his visit

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela –The Commanding General, Philippine Army, Lieutenant General Cirilito E. Sobejana PA, boosted the morale of the Startroopers during his visit at the Headquarters of 5th Infantry (Star) Division, Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela on September 04, 2020.

This is the first trip of the Army Chief in 5ID since he assumed his post as the Commanding General of the Philippine Army. The visit of CGPA raised the morale of the Startroopers as he commended the Command’s operational readiness in maintaining the peace and security situation in the Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Regions.
During the information briefing, Brigadier General Laurence E. Mina PA, the Commander of 5ID, PA presented the different significant accomplishments of the Command through the collective efforts of the different line and Operationally Controlled (OPCON) units of 5ID, highlighting the DSSP Kapayapaan Plaques received by the Command for dismantling three Guerilla Fronts 2 in Region 2 and 1 in CAR) and the neutralization of CPP-NPA-Terrorists leaders. BGen Mina also presented the significant reduction of the Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTG) manpower and firepower and the cutting of their mass base support systems in the AOR.

During the visit, BGen Mina toured Lt Gen Sobejana in the “Happy Farm Ville” that accomodates the 56 Former Rebels (FRs) from Isabela that form part the Salaknib Former Rebels Integrated Farmers’ Association (SFRIFA). This transitional program for the FRs integrates farming activities through the initiative of the 95IB and 502IBDE in cooperation with TESDA, PLGU and the Department of Agriculture (DA) of Isabela. The Happy Farm Ville serves as the temporary halfway house for the FRs and their families while awaiting for their E-CLIP benefits being processed by the Provincial E-CLIP Committee of Isabela.

Meanwhile, during the Talk to Troops, Lt Gen Sobejana expressed his gratitude to the Startroopers for the warm welcome accorded to him. He also hailed the Command for its accomplishments and contributions for the success of the AFP Campaign that immensely contributed in making the AFP rank number one in net satisfaction rating and as the most trusted and performing public servants among government agencies.

“We will do our best to look into the needs and evolving problems and situation in insurgency as we continue to work with sense of passion to achieve peace in order to sustain the best satisfaction rating we gained” Lt Gen Sobejana said in his message.

Moreover, he encouraged the Startroopers to strive more and continue building gains through peace and development and other peace building initiatives to meet the needs especially in protecting the welfare and securing the people in Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Region.









[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/cgpa-boosts-the-morale-of-the-startroopers-in-his-visit/

Kalinaw News: Army participates “Serbisyo and Peace Caravan” in Surigao del Sur town amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

From Kalinaw News (Sep 5, 2020): Army participates “Serbisyo and Peace Caravan” in Surigao del Sur town amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

SAN MIGUEL, Surigao del Sur, Sept. 3 – Amidst the threat of Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), the 75th Infantry “Marauder” Battalion participated and secured the area during the conduct of the “Serbisyo and Peace Caravan 2020 thru Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) initiated by the Local Government Unit (LGU) of San Miguel held in Bolhoon Elementary School, Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on September 03, 2020.

RCSP is a convergence mechanism for local government units (LGUs) particularly in the barangay for the identification of issues and needed government intervention. It is anchored on empowerment framework aimed to develop the capacity of the community to organize themselves and own development by bringing about value-chain interventions to uplift their current condition.
The delivery of various government free services and programs thru the Caravan to the people of Brgy Bolhoon highlighted the event, benefited by around 1, 500 individuals.

Among the free services offered were: medical consultation/check-up; free acquisition of Police Clearance; registration of Birth Certificate; deworming and rabies vaccination; acquisition of Certificate of Land Ownership (CLOA); Consultation regarding Alternative Learning System (ALS); feeding program; Civil Registration for Kasalan ng Bayan set on September 28, 2020; distribution of falcata seeds, fingerlings, relief goods, and haircut. The distribution of vitamins conducted exclusively for the lactating and pregnant women and counselling, as well as circumcision for the young male children, was also offered.

San Miguel Mayor Hazel Elizalde, expressed her gratitude to the 75IB and the government line agencies for the continuous support and cooperation that contributed a lot for the success of the activity.

“As a public servant, it is my role and responsibility to help and serve you. Through Executive Order No. 70, the government and line agencies will unite to deliver basic services and programs to the people and community.” Mayor Elizalde said.

75IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Villarosa ably represented by Executive Officer Major Marlon Bagara, emphasized that the “Marauder troopers” have observed and respect the cultural sensitivity of the Manobos, the indigent people of brgy Bolhoon.

Major Bagara added,“the government and the Philippine Army united through this endeavor to serve well the people together with our stakeholders with a genuine heart to serve the community, particularly in the far-flung areas”.

Department of Education (DepEd) Surigao del Sur Division representative Danilo Alcantara confirmed that TRIFPSS is not accredited by DepEd. He encouraged the parents to enrol their children in DepEd schools for them to obtain legal documents for their children’s education.

Several School of Living Traditions (SLT) – an IP school run by DepEd have already operationalized in the selected IP communities in San Miguel, causes to the closure of most TRIFPSS schools in the town.

Meanwhile, the activity strictly observed and implemented the health protocols on new normal, through wearing of face mask, hand sanitizing and observance of social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus causing COVID-19.







[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/army-participates-serbisyo-and-peace-caravan-in-surigao-del-sur-town-amidst-covid-19-pandemic/

Kalinaw News: Ruthless acts of NPA triggered a member to surrender

From Kalinaw News (Sep 5, 2020): Ruthless acts of NPA triggered a member to surrender

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- An active member of the New People’s Army who is also a commander of certain terrorist group surrendered with one high powered firearm to 58th Infantry ‘Dimalulupig’ Battalion last September 01, 2020.

Robert Bangcong alias Prats, a vice commander of SRSDG MTJ, Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1), Northern Central Mindanao Region Command (NCMRC) and a resident of Carp Village, Brgy Umagos, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental said that he returned to the folds of the law because of an inhumane act of his former comrade towards the cadaver of alias Cyril who happened to be his fiancee. He brought along with him one AK47 with defaced serial number.
It can be recalled that the government troops had an encounter with the NPA last August 14 in Brgy Bal-ason, Gingoog City which resulted to the death of Brenda Serenio alias Cyril.

According to him, he got into a heated argument with alias Jackem and pointed his firearm when the latter ordered that the cadaver be thrown into the ravine.

“Wala ko nasuko sa mga sundalo tungod sa patay sa akong pamanhonon ang ako lang dili madawat ang paghukom nga ilabay sa bakilid imbis nga bayan o itago kini bisan asa. Wala kini pagrespeto ilabina sa akong bahin,” said Alias Prats. (I am not angry with the soldiers for killing my fiancée, what I can’t accept is the decision to throw the cadaver into the ravine instead of leaving or hiding it anywhere. It is very disrespectful, especially on my part.)

He also added that his fiancee who is five months pregnant when she was caught up in an encounter. He also revealed that there are three wounded in their group during the encounter in which one among them is in critical condition.

Meanwhile, the Dimalulupig troopers headed by Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB, welcomed the new surrenderree and encourage the remaining NPA members to abandon the armed struggle. “To alias Prats, we extend our deepest condolences to what had happened to his wife. If only the NPAs permitted her to rest and go back to the mainstream society, we could avoid this kind of unnecessary sacrifices of lives. However, if they insist to go against the government and continue to spoil the peace, we will do the best we can to hit them hard. To the NPAs It is a high time for you to leave the terrorist group and avail the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program. We welcome anyone who desires to lay down his arm and return to the folds of the law. Rest assured that the Philippine Army will assist you as you start your new life in the mainstream society,” said Lt. Col. Canatoy.

Alias Prats is now undergoing custodial and stress debriefing at the Headquarters 58IB, Sitio Migbanday, Poblacion, Claveria, Misamis Oriental prior to his enrollment to E-CLIP.



[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/ruthless-acts-of-npa-triggered-a-member-to-surrender/

Senators raise concern over 'low remittances' from BCDA for military modernization

From Rappler (Sep 5, 2020): Senators raise concern over 'low remittances' from BCDA for military modernization (By JC GOTINGA)

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority owes the military P13.2 billion in expected remittances for 2020, says Senator Panfilo Lacson

Two senators flagged the “low amount” the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has so far remitted to the military, and urged Armed Forces chief General Gilbert Gapay to collect delayed remittances to aid the military’s modernization program.

“It is unacceptable that the BCDA is able to remit what is at best, only one-tenth of the actual funds needed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to upgrade our military capabilities,” Senator Risa Hontiveros said in a statement on Thursday, September 3.

Because of this, Hontiveros said the BCDA must immediately “increase and speed up” its remittance of dividends to benefit the AFP, starting with some P13.2 billion in pending remittances for fiscal year 2020.

Of more than P20 billion the BCDA is expected to remit to the AFP this year, only P6.8 billion has so far been released, Senator Panfilo Lacson said during Gapay’s confirmation hearing with the Commission on Appointments on Wednesday, September 2.

“Singilin 'nyo 'yon (Collect that),” Lacson told Gapay, referring to the BCDA's P13.2-billion balance.

Gapay said the military has P300 billion worth of unfunded projects including current phases of its modernization program.

“We expect several billions more as a result of the use and the sale of military reservations in the past. And right now, those that are under long term lease, we expect some revenues also there, but there’s still a large amount unremitted by the BCDA,” Gapay said at the hearing.

The general estimated that based on the income-generating real estate assets of the AFP, the BCDA would generate P10 billion to P15 billion more for the military over the next 5 years.

“Kaunti lang ito (This isn’t much),” Lacson said, reacting to Gapay’s estimate.

Hontiveros said it was “surprising and discouraging” that the military makes do with such small amounts to build up its capabilities. This shortage in funds “jeopardizes the country’s ability to counter threats and protect its territory,” she added

Hontiveros said remittances from the BCDA were “severely inadequate.”

“Hindi dapat madiskaril ang modernisasyon ng ating sandatahang lakas dahil lang sa kawalan at kabagalan ng pondo (The modernization of our Armed Forces must not be sidetracked because of lacking or delayed funds),” Hontiveros said.

She noted the deadly August 24 twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu, and the China's constant incursions in the West Philippine Sea that “highlight the need to vastly improve on the AFP’s capability” to address security threats.

The military is currently on Horizon 2 of the AFP Modernization Program. This second phase, from 2018 to 2023, involves P300 billion worth of asset acquisitions and trainings to build a credible defense posture.

The BCDA was established in the early 1990s to help fund the AFP by selling and developing former military bases and reservations for commercial use. According to its website, the BCDA has contributed a total of P46.55 billion to the AFP’s modernization program from May 1993 to June 2020.

The agency has also disposed of a total of P107.68 billion worth of assets, and remitted P63.14 billion to the National Treasury, it said on its website. Among its major projects were the economic districts Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City, Newport City in Pasay City, and New Clark City in Tarlac.

The BCDA is one of several funding sources for the military, besides its yearly allocation from the national budget.

Citing the BCDA’s 2018 financial report, Hontiveros said the agency has been allocating 50% to 72.5% of its net proceeds from the disposition of government assets primarily to the AFP and other government agencies.

Rappler reached out to BCDA president and CEO Vince Dizon and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for comment. They have yet to respond to the queries as of this posting. –

https://rappler.com/nation/senators-raise-concern-low-remittances-bcda-military-modernization

Activist indicted for murder over soldiers’ ambush

From Panay News (Sep 5, 2020): Activist indicted for murder over soldiers’ ambush (By Ruby Silubrico)



The secretary-general of cause-oriented group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Panay has been indicted for murder and multiple attempted murder over the April 7 ambush of Philippine Army soldiers in Lambunao, Iloilo.

The Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office found probable cause to charge Elmer Forro and several other unidentified individuals in the killing of Private First Class Mark Nemis of Madalag, Aklan, according to Lambunao police chief Major Jogen Suegay.

“The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) has three witnesses pointing to Forro as the one who led the ambush,” said Suegay.
Forro, for his part, denied any involvement in the ambush, saying he was not in Lambunao when the incident happened around 7 a.m.

According to Forro, he and his companions were packing food in Iloilo City as part of their group’s relief drive to families displaced by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Forro also said that on Aug. 6, he was in the town of Pavia attending a seminar. A priest is ready to testify his presence on that day, he added.

Meanwhile, Major Cenon Pancito III, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson said: “We leave it now to the wisdom of the fiscal’s office on how they would weigh pertinent information.”

The slain soldier, Nemis, belonged to the 301st Infantry Brigade based in Camp Hernandez in Dingle, Iloilo. He was 24 years old.

While conducting security patrol and coronavirus awareness drive, the 301IB troops engaged in a gunfight with suspected communist rebels. Nemis was the lone casualty./PN

http://www.panaynews.net/activist-indicted-for-murder-over-soldiers-ambush/

Whole-of Nation approach right formula to end insurgency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 5, 2020): Whole-of Nation approach right formula to end insurgency (By Joey Sem Dalumpines)

DAVAO CITY Sept. 4 (PIA)- The chair of the National Commission for the Indigenous Peoples and executive director of the National Task Force-to-End the Local Communist Armed Conflict bared that the whole-of-government and the whole-of- nation approach is the right formula to address the problems of the indigenous Filipinos and the insurgency problem in the country

Allen Capuyan, chair of the NCIP and executive director of the NTF-ELCAC said asserting their rights is one of the problems besetting the tribal Filipinos nowadays.

He said there is a need to bridge the gap between the IP communities and line-government agencies for the latter to understand that the Indigenous Peoples have the right to be respected especially now that by law, they are already recognized as the real owners of their ancestral domain.

Capuyan conveyed line agencies of government need to understand and to respect the rights of the IPs.

“The actionable item for now is respecting the rights of the Indigenous Peoples. It is one of the points of convergence with the whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach,” he stressed.

Capuyan said the Indigenous Peoples are gifted with four basic rights based on the Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act and these rights have 36 sub-rights that have to be highlighted, respected and must be protected.

He stressed that two years before the Duterte Administration ends, the transitory requirements of the IP communities have already been complied and a clearer direction of the NCIP leadership will be realized whoever runs it.

“We must not be complacent with knowing only our rights. We have to assert and this is a continuous struggle that these 36 rights of the IPs will truly be recognized,” Capuyan said.

As executive director of the NTF-ELCAC, he expressed satisfaction that the campaign through the Executive Order No. 70 to rid of the communist insurgency has been understood down to the level of the barangays.

Capuyan remains confident that the government down to the barangay has already reversed the momentum of the campaign against the insurgents.

“In a matter of time, we will be deliberate, purposive, and systematic with the basic respect for the rights of every individual,” he said.

Capuyan led the line government agencies in the consultation of IP communities in the first 65 ancestral domains in the country. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1052258

Share knowledge from Rimpac, Gapay tells Navy contingent,

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2020): Share knowledge from Rimpac, Gapay tells Navy contingent, (By Priam Nepomuceno)



VIRTUAL TALK. AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, tells the Naval Task Force 80.5 to share the knowledge they gained from the two-week Rimpac naval exercises to their colleagues once they return home, during a virtual talk on Friday (Sept. 4, 2020). Rimpac 2020 was held off Hawaii’s waters from August 17 to 31. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, has urged Naval Task Force 80.5 to impart the knowledge they gained from the two-week "Rim of the Pacific" (Rimpac) naval exercises to their colleagues once they return home.

"Impart the proficiencies that you have gained from the training exercises with the objective of augmenting the scope of capabilities of the Philippine Navy in fulfilling its mandate as the first line of defense of our maritime territories," Gapay said during his virtual talk to the contingent, which consisted of the missile-frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and the 125 personnel aboard the ship in Hawaii on Thursday (Friday in Manila).

Rimpac 2020 was held off Hawaii’s waters from August 17 to 31.

The biennial naval exercise featured 53 replenishment-at-sea events, 101 pallets of cargo distributed, more than 16,000 rounds of small arms munitions shot, more than 1,000 large-caliber weapons fired, 13 missiles expended, and 1,100 pounds of mail delivered.

About 10 navies, 22 ships, and one submarine participated in the event.

“Given the fast-paced transformation in the maritime domain security in recent years, both locally and globally, the acquisition of the BRP Jose Rizal is a timely upgrade to the Navy’s current assets and definitely amplifies our capabilities in terms of maritime operability and readiness for potential threats to our territories,” Gapay added.

Also present during the virtual activity was PN Chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo; Navy Vice Commander, Rear Admiral Rey de la Cruz; and Philippine Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Loumer Bernabe.

The PN’s participation in the Rim of the Pacific 2020 Exercise echoes the AFP’s commitment to promoting multilateral cooperation leading to the strengthening of relationship and cooperation among regional and extra-regional navies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114475

7 police execs included in latest revamp

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2020): 7 police execs included in latest revamp (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



PNP chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan. (File photo)

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan has ordered the reassignment of seven more senior police officials to various units of the police force's hierarchy.

In an order which took effect on Friday, Cascolan reassigned Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Olay to lead the PNP Health Service (PNPHS), the main unit in charge of the PNP's response to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) health crisis. He was erstwhile Deputy Director for Comptrollership.

Meanwhile, former PNPHS director Brig. Gen. Herminio Tadeo Jr. was named deputy head of the Directorate for Information and Communication Technology Management (DICTM).

Brig. Gen. Roque Eduardo Vega is now the Deputy Director for Comptrollership, while Brig. Gen. Rex dela Rosa is the new head of the PNP Finance Service after his stint in the Police Regional Office (PRO) 3 (Central Luzon).

After his stint at the DICTM, Brig. Gen. Daniel Mayoni is now the deputy chief of the Directorate for Police and Community Relations (DPCR).

Meanwhile, two police colonels were designated to new positions -- Col. Arthur Cabalona as acting executive officer of the Directorate for Comptrollership and Col. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. as acting executive officer of the Directorate for Research and Development.

The latest reorganization is prompted by the retirement of some senior officials.

Meanwhile, Cascolan said he is eyeing to implement his 9-point agenda of action by immediately launching programs and projects through the PNP Sustainable Development Program.

In his first command conference, Cascolan bared plans to fully implement the PNP modernization program 2030 with high impact results and long-term victories through the roadmap PNP P.A.T.R.O.L. Plan.

Cascolan said one of the major programs is the implementation of a comprehensive PNP Master Development Plan for all PNP Camps or the decongestion plan to bring the PNP units close to areas where services are much needed.

“We will first implement this plan in the National Headquarters and then to all PNP camps by decongesting and streamlining units and offices, relocating operational units closer to the public for faster and better delivery of their services,” he said.

Under the Decongestion Plan, the relocation will push through including DIPOs, MG, HPG, PSPG, SAF, LSS, EOD/K9, PNP TS, Health Service including facilities outside Camp Crame to provide more efficient service to clients availing of PNP frontline services. The plan also includes the decentralization of PNP Licensing and accessibility of frontline services such as One-Stop Shop, FAs & Explosives, SOSIA, DI, and National Police Clearance, MV Clearance, others.

Cascolan said the PNP will embark on an intensive Human Resource Development to ensure that every police personnel know his or her job and do them well.

"We will improve individual and unit skills in performing basic police roles, marksmanship, patrolling, intelligence, police operations, investigation and community relations, through intensified training, modernization of equipment, and utilization of information and communications technology," he said.

He announced that a comprehensive organizational audit will be the basis of the reorganization and restructuring of PNP units and offices.

A personnel welfare program is also laid by the PNP Chief by giving "equal opportunity and leveling the playing field in placement and promotion of personnel based strictly on performance, service reputation and merit and fitness".

He also noted that PNP's provision of healthcare and wellness services will improve in partnership with various healthcare providers and national hospitals.

“Our plan on facilities development will provide more work-conducive offices and training facilities, better quartering, healthcare, and wellness facilities," he said.

In his program aimed for the community, the PNP will promote the ‘bayanihan spirit’ and the ‘community service-oriented policing (CSOP)’ for stronger partnership and active engagement with communities in ensuring peace and order and to sustain the gains against crime and violence with maximizing police visibility in areas.

“Let us all unite and stand to do what is right; to do what is best to serve the people and our country; and guided by our ever gracious, merciful and loving Lord God, let us together make this nation - our beloved Philippines become a better place to live, work and do business,” Cascolan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114480

5 NPAs, 2 minors surrender to Army in NoCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2020): 5 NPAs, 2 minors surrender to Army in NoCot (By John Andrew Tabugoc)



SYMBOL OF SURRENDER. One of seven New People’s Army rebels surrenders his firearm to Lt. Col. Geoffrey Carandang (left), the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, during rites held inside the 39IB headquarters in Makilala, North Cotabato on Friday (Aug. 4, 2020). The batch of NPA surrenderers, which included two minors, also surrendered seven high-powered firearms (inset) to the military. (Photo courtesy of 39IB)

MAKILALA, North Cotabato – Seven communist New People’s Army rebels, including two minors, yielded to the military here on Friday.

1st Lt. Walter Jhun Orille, civil-military operations officer of the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion (IB), said the surrender of the NPA rebels was the result of focused security operations and community support program through the integration military personnel to communist- influenced villages.

The 39IB said it has coordinated with police counterparts in the surrender of the militants belonging to the NPA Guerilla Front Alip-Far South Mindanao Region (GFA-FSMR).

For security reasons, Orille identified the five surrenderers only as a certain Commander Arum, alias Argus, the team leader; alias Bruno; alias Loloy, and alias Joy, both mass-based organizers.

The two minors were aged 15 and 16 years old.

The surrenderers also yielded seven firearms that included two M16 rifles, two M14 rifles, and an M79 grenade launcher, among others.

“We just want to return to our families because we have been duped into joining a futile cause,” Arum said in the vernacular.

Aside from hardships in the mountains, the relentless combat operation by the 39IB led to their surrender, Arum added.

Orille said the GFA-FSMR operates in the remote areas in the towns of Matanao and Magsaysay in Davao del Sur, and Makilala in North Cotabato.

“Their miserable condition is aggravated by their group’s financial problems. They confided that their extortion activities waned as government security operations intensified,” Orille said.

Other military and local government officials present during the surrender rites were Army’s 10th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Reuben Basiao; Col. Potenciano Camba, of the 1002nd Brigade; Lt. Col. Geoffrey Carandang of the 39IB, Davao del Sur Vice-Governor Marc Cagas and Matanao Vice Mayor Vincent Fernandez.

Orille said the surrenderers are entitled to benefits under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), which will be implemented in partnership with the local government units, the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority, and the Department of Agriculture.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114514

DepEd IP schools in Surigao Sur gear up for class opening

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 5, 2020): DepEd IP schools in Surigao Sur gear up for class opening (By Alexander Lopez)



NEW TRIBAL SCHOOL. Manobo children are joined by the personnel of the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion, the 544 Engineer Battalion, and other agencies of the government during the first flag-raising ceremony on Sept. 1 at the newly-completed DepEd IP school in Sitio Lucnodon, Mahaba, Marihatag, Surigao del Sur. The Department of Education says the IP schools in the province are ready for the opening of classes this month. (Photo courtesy of 3SFBn)

The Indigenous People (IP) schools operated by the Department of Education (DepEd) in Surigao del Sur are now ready for the opening of classes this month.

DepEd IP school coordinator for Surigao del Sur Danilo Alcantara told Philippine News Agency Saturday that the tentative schedule for the opening of classes for the DepEd IP schools is in the third week of September.

“This is only tentative and we are still waiting for changes if there will be announcements from the regional office of DepEd. But the schools are now ready for the opening of classes,” Alcantara said.

The two DepEd IP schools in Surigao del Sur are in Sitio Simowao, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, and in Sitio Lucnodon, Barangay Mahaba in Marihatag town

As of the last week of August, a total of 54 IP students are already enrolled in Sitio Simowao and 17 in Sitio Lucnodon.

“We expect more IP students to enroll as the opening of classes nears,” Alcantara said.

He said the provincial government of Surigao del Sur has allocated through its Special Education Fund (SEF) budget for three teachers for Sitio Simowao while the municipal government shoulders the salary for the two teachers assigned in Sitio Lucnodon.

“A flag-raising ceremony was already conducted at the DepEd IP school in Sitio Lucnodon last Sept. 1 where the IP children were also provided with bags and other school supplies,” Alcantara said.

He also thanked the Army's 544th Engineer Battalion for building the IP schools and the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) for securing the construction of the buildings.

In a separate statement, the 3SFBn expressed gladness over the completion of the IP schools and the scheduled opening of classes.

“The IP schools are part of the tangible peace development programs of the Regional Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in the Caraga Region,” 3SFBn said.

It said it will continue to secure the schools especially during the start of regular classes.

In July this year, the communist New People’s Army (NPA) threatened to destroy the unfinished IP schools that prompted the government forces to launch security operations that led to a series of armed encounters in the area.

In the same statement, DepEd Surigao del Sur Provincial Superintendent Josita Carmen said the new schools will provide quality education to the children of IPs in Linga and Marihatag.

Carmen also denied reports that the DepEd closed down the other IP schools in the area, particularly the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) and the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV).

“Contrary to the false reports that we are closing IP schools in Surigao, the DepEd Province of Surigao del Sur worked hard in opening DepEd IP schools to provide quality education. We did not really focus on closing the alleged NPA terrorist-linked TRIFPSS or ALCADEV schools. Rather, we put our time and efforts to lay the foundation in building DepEd schools so that our IP community can have an option,” Carmen said.

She pointed out that IPs in Lianga and Marihatag have chosen to enroll their children at the DepEd IP schools as shown in the number of enrollment.

Educational organizations TRIFPSS and ALCADEV and the IP group MAPASU or the Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod are suspected of having links with the NPA.
Hawudon Jumar Bucales, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga and Datu Constancio Duhac, the tribal chieftain in the area, also welcomed the opening of classes at the DepEd IP schools.

Both IP leaders denounced the groups that continue to discredit the government, saying that the completion of the IP schools and its scheduled opening this month are manifestations of the government’s sincerity in helping the IP communities in the province.

“We refute and we can prove, without blurring our faces, that the militant group MAPASU, Save Our Schools are spreading fake news saying that the government and the military are abusing the IP community,” Duhac said.

Bucales pointed out that the government and its instrumentalities in Surigao del Sur are working to build genuine IP schools and stop the exploitation of the NPA on their children.

“If MAPASU and Save Our Schools are really sincere, they should have joined and helped the legitimate IP leaders like us in the efforts to bring hope to our children instead of attacking us and accusing us as paramilitary. We will not allow MAPASU, Save Our Schools, and their cohorts from exploiting our children again,” Bucales said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1114509