New Army commander in NegOr

 From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 13, 2020): New Army commander in NegOr

The Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade stationed in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, will soon have a new commander.

He is Col. Leonardo Peña, who relinquished his position recently as Chief of the Unified Command Staff (CUCS) of the AFP Western Mindanao, in Zamboanga City.

Peña will succeed Brig. Gen. Noel Baluran as commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade in Negros Oriental. However, the date of the turnover of command ceremony has not been set, as of this time, Maj. Cenon Pancito III, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division, said.

Baluran is reportedly set to replace Brig. Gen. Alberto Desoyo as the Assistant Division Commander of 3ID. Desoyo is slated to retire from the military service.

Peña was replaced as AFP WESCOM Chief of Unified Command Staff on Oct. 9 by Col. Elmer Suderio at Camp Navarro in Calarian, Zamboanga City, with Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. presiding over the turn over ceremony.

Vinluan also conferred on Peña the Distinguish Service Star medal for his meritorious and valuable services rendered as the CUCS of AFP Western Mindanao Command for two years and two months.

Peña, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1991, is not a stranger to his new assignment in the Visayas, having been a commander of the 61st Infantry Battalion in Capiz from 2015 to 2017.

As the incoming 302IB commander, Peña will supervise the 11th, 15 and 94th Infantry Battalions tasked by 3ID to dismantle three NPA guerilla fronts in central and southern Negros.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/October/13/topstory6.htm

Rebel, ‘teen warrior’ surrender

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 13, 2020): Rebel, ‘teen warrior’ surrender

A 54-year-old member of the New People’s Army and his teen-warrior son have abandoned the armed struggle and surrendered firearms to the 94th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, its spokesman, Capt. Oliver Usog, said yesterday.

Usog identified the two rebel surrenderees only as Ka Joker, 40, a member of the NPA Yunit Militia, and his 16-year-old son, Ka Jacking, a medical officer of the Sentro De Grabidad Platoon of the Central Negros Front 2.

The two NPA rebels also surrendered a 30 caliber Springfield sniper rifle and a .38 caliber revolver.

Ka Joker said that he and his son surrendered because of the relentless operations of the Philippine Army in the hinterlands of Himamaylan, Kabankalan City and Binalbagan, stressing that he cannot afford to see his son dying young.

Ka Jacking, on the other hand, admitted that he was with the NPA group that figured in an encounter with the 94IB on April 19 this year, in SitioTugas, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, where 2Lt. Ralf Amante Abibico and two other soldiers died.

He admitted that he was recruited to join the NPA when he was 11 years old, Usog said.

Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, 94IB commander, said that Ka Jacking and his father will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

Brig. Gen. Noel Baluyan, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said in a statement issued by 94IB, that Ka Jacking and many other minors should not be in the war zones, and condemned anew the NPA for recruiting children as warriors.

“They do not deserve to live in violence and fear. They belong in the safety of their homes and communities. They belong in schools that would educate them so they have a brighter future,” Baluyan said.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/October/13/topstory4.htm

TF Davao assures ‘community exercise’ to test residents’ reaction to terrorism incidents will be properly handled

Posted to MindaNews (Oct 13, 2020): TF Davao assures ‘community exercise’ to test residents’ reaction to terrorism incidents will be properly handled (By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 13 Oct) – The Task Force Davao (TFD) assured on Tuesday that the first ever city-wide “Culture of Security Community exercise,” which will field actors disguised as “terrorists” to various locations anytime this week, would be properly handled amid growing concerns that the conduct of this activity would cause panic to the people and might hasten the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Task Force Davao personnel checking passengers. MindaNews file photo by MANMAN DEJETO

Col. Consolito Yecla, TF Davao commander, told MindaNews over telephone that local authorities have been briefed already on how to handle the situation in various locations during the community exercise, organized to gauge how the public would “cooperate with authorities and react to reports of terrorist presence.”

He said the Public Safety & Security Command Center (PSSCC) would release, through Davao City Disaster Radio (DCDR 87.5) and other media outlets, an announcement, describing the faces and attires of the 25 actors who will be disguised as terrorists in churches, hotels/inns, restaurants, malls, and government establishments ahead of the scheduled community exercise.

Yecla warned the public to avoid making posts on social media that would alter the information in the PSSCC-released announcement.

“Altering the facts with an intent to create panic will be tantamount to a violation under Anti-Bomb Joke Law (Presidential Decree 1727),” he said.

Yecla added that the security sector conducted a pilot test around City Hall of Davao and Sangguniang Panlungsod last week and the public did not panic during the experiment.

“We announced already to the public, for one week, that there will be a community exercise,” he said.

Col. Kirby Kraft, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director, said in a text message that they are meeting with TF Davao to thresh out the mechanics of the community exercise to ensure health protocols are not violated.

The actors, who are members of TF Davao and police auxiliary, will not bring real or dummy weapons or explosives, according to Yecla.

“The actors will just act naturally like an ordinary individual… The actor will enter the establishment as if he is doing a surveillance,” he said.

Yecla said the public are expected to report the “actors” to the police officers around or to the following hotlines of local authorities: 0999-2271111 and 0917-1314333 of TF Davao, and 0916-6592576 of Davao City Police Office, and/or 911 of Davao City Central 911.

The TF Davao reached out to at least 160 establishments last week where the simulation exercise might possibly take place, he said.

He said the military and police forces would be deployed to secure the venues to prevent the activity from getting disrupted by spectators.

Based on the guidelines published by the City Government of Davao on its social media page, Dabawenyos are encouraged to participate in the exercise by reporting the suspicious individuals to authorities when they spot them in public areas.

It said the actors will be supervised by personnel from TF Davao and DCPO to ensure their own security in case the exercise may trigger negative reaction from the public.

Once the “suspicious individual” is reported, then the “terrorist” will be counted as “neutralized.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/10/tf-davao-assures-community-exercise-to-test-residents-reaction-to-terrorism-incidents-will-be-properly-handled/

Mindanao NPA commander killed in Cebu City hideout

From MindaNews (Oct 12, 2020): Mindanao NPA commander killed in Cebu City hideout (By FROILAN GALLARDO

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 12 October) — A ranking leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed Sunday by Army and police operatives in Cebu City, where he was hiding and coordinating attacks in Mindanao including the 2015 murder of Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Daryl of Loreto, Agusan del Sur, and the 2017 attack of the Lapanday plant in Davao City.

Major Eduardo Precioso, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Central Command, said Denis Paradero Rodinas was killed after a gunfight with 30 Army and police operatives in his newly constructed house in Barangay Pong-ol Sibugay, Cebu City on Sunday night.

Rodinas was the commander of the Merardo Arce Command of the NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), Precioso said.

Precioso said the police team arrested Rodinas’ companion identified as Gerlie Mercado, alias Tamsi and Sol, also an alleged top NPA commander under the SMRC.

News reports said that two other companions of Rodinas, identified as Ryan and Rodelyn Moralde, both 29 years old, were also arrested.

Precioso said the joint Army-police team was serving the five arrest warrants issued by Branch 3 and Branch 56 of the Regional Trial Courts in Compostella, Davao de Oro for murder, terroristic acts and other alleged heinous crimes against Rodinas but he resisted.

The arresting team seized a silver-gray KIA RIO Sedan with plate number ABN 2146, a .45 caliber pistol and several phones and laptops from the suspects.

The killing of Rodinas came a week after suspected NPA rebels killed Jumar Bucales, alleged leader of the paramilitary group Mangahat-Bagani in Surigao del Sur last October 4.

The military earlier released information of Rodinas alleged involvement in various killings, including Mayor Dario Otaza and his son Daryl who was kidnapped and later murdered in Butuan City on October 20, 2015.

Precioso said Rodinas also allegedly led the 2017 simultaneous attacks on the plants of Lapanday Farm and Macondray, which are both owned by the Lorenzo family, in Davao City. The damage that resulted from these attacks amounted to at least P2 billion.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2020/10/mindanao-npa-commander-killed-in-cebu-city-hideout/

ANGAY-ANGAY LANG: Personal Reflections on Kalinaw Mindanaw, Part 1 of 5

Posted to MindaNews (Oct 13, 2020): ANGAY-ANGAY LANG: Personal Reflections on Kalinaw Mindanaw, Part 1 of 5 (By RUDY BUHAY RODIL)

Session with Experts

Part of the GPH-MILF Peace Negotiation

On the occasion of Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC), Chair was Mrs. Mô Bleeker of Swiss Government
Marco Polo, Davao City
24-25 November 2014

ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews / 13 Oct) – I shared my thoughts on Mindanao-Sulu history. We were there to figure out what to do with our collective history.

I have said at this part of the past the needs to be recalled, as a reminder, that we cannot live in the past. We need to move forward, in the process creating new dimensions of our collective life.

The truth, I have been writing about it since 1974.

How they became Muslims, transformed into two sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao, how they were beleaguered for 333 years during the period of the Spanish attempts to subjugate them, were badly battered at the end but were un-subjugated and proud.

But in the next event they became victims, all of us in the Philippines, of the Treaty of Paris between the US and Spain, and lost in what we think is “the Filipino – US war” and “the Moro-US war”. We, our territories, became the one colony called: “The Philippine Islands: Our Insular Possessions”.

Within this situation, among our peoples, as subjects of the colonial policy of amalgamation or integration or fusion, the Moros and the Lumad were transformed into marginalized and minorities in their own domains.

At the end of the colonial regime, they became part of the Republic of the Philippines, during within which we saw the continuation of many things that were initiated by the two colonial events.

These led us to the contemporary situation from which the MIM and the MNLF and the MILF organizations pushed the Moro struggle for self- determination.

This is where we are now, the part of convergence, not yet complete, but ongoing, leading to reconciliation, harmony and peace.

I have noticed that the emotional dimension has never been officially acknowledged as an integral part of the problem, the central feature is the divide among and between the Christians and the Moros and the Lumad.

This is why the struggles are intense efforts to extricate themselves from this situation and asserted them as Bangsamoro and Lumad, respectively.

Opposition to these efforts generally emanate from the Christian migrants under the cloak of protecting the interest of the Republic of the Philippines.

It is from this side where I hear comments like, wipe them out to solve the Moro problem; it is from here that emerge the expressions of spontaneously and automatic opposition to inclusion to Moro their territorial claim, it is from here that I became a subject of “persona non grata” official resolution by no less than the city council where I reside – for my participation in the MOA-AD in 2008.

I am not taking this personally; this is a demonstration of the emotional dimension of the problem which I have seen and felt in my researches, travels and lectures and feedbacks from my audiences in Mindanao since 1973, to the present; the persona non grata happens to be new for me.

This latest has increased my felt need for mutual acceptance, harmony and peace in my package; in my language it is: husay … sandugo … kapatiran among the tri-people.

[Si Prof. Rudy Buhay Rodil ay aktibong historyan ng Mindanao, tagapasulong ng kalinaw (Bisaya sa kapayapaan). Kilala siyang espesyalista sa paghusay ng mga gusot sa Mindanao-Sulu. Naging Komisyoner noon ng Regional Consultative Commision sa siyang nagbuo ng draft organic law ng Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao noong 1988. Dalawang beses siyang naging miyembro ng GRP Peace Negotiating Panel. 1993-1996, pakikipag-usap sa Moro National Liberation (MNLF), at noong 2004-2008 sa pakikipag-negosasyon sa Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Naging visiting propesor sa Hiroshima University, Oktubre-Disyembre 2011. Nagretiro noong Oktubre 2007.]

https://www.mindanews.com/mindaviews/2020/10/angay-angay-lang-personal-reflections-on-kalinaw-mindanaw-part-1-of-5/

4 Abu Sayyaf with ISIS links captured in Zamboanga

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 13, 2020): 4 Abu Sayyaf with ISIS links captured in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Four Abu Sayyaf militants, including a senior member with links to ISIS, were captured in separate operations in the southern Philippine port city of Zamboanga, national police chief Camilo Cascolan announced on Monday.

Police photos show the arrested Abu Sayyaf suspects in Zamboanga City.

Cascolan said one of the suspects, Hassan Anang Mohammad, who was captured in his hideout Sunday, is being implicated in the brutal murder of the 71-year old Doroteo Gonzales in May 2009.

Gonzales, a carpenter in Zamboanga City, was beheaded in Basilan province after his family failed to pay P25 million ransom in exchange for his life.

Mohammad was the second militant arrested in Gonzales’ murder. In August, Brig. Gen. Jesus Cambay Jr, the regional police chief, also announced the capture of Jamiul Nassalon in Caliran village in Zamboanga Sibugay’s Mabuhay town.

Cascolan, who was here over the weekend, said three other militants - Kadija Sadji, 31; Abdulman Sarapuddin Tula, 32; and Jailani Al-Rafee Sakandal, 31, were also captured here on Friday. Security forces recovered an improvised explosive hidden in a can of cookies, including two hand grenades, one .45-caliber pistol, rifle ammunition, batteries, concrete nails, electronic items and an ISIS flag.

He said the operations were carried out by members of the Police Regional Office-9, Regional Intelligence Group, Special Action Force, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

“Background investigation revealed that Sadji and Tula are both members of the Abu Sayyaf group and ISIS financial conduits of Dawlah Islamiya under Mundi Sawadjaan. Tula is identified in police records as in-charge of procuring logistics and provisions for the groups of Sawadjaan and Radullan Sahiron in Sulu.”

“Sadji is the wife of Al Asgar, son of the late Abu Sayyaf founder Abdurajak Janjalani. She belongs to the same financial conduit cell with Amaida Salvin who was arrested in Zamboanga City in April 16, 2019, and Merhama Abdul Sawari, alias Meng, who was among four Abu Sayyaf group sleeper agents who died in a police operation in Parañaque City last June 26,” Cascolan said.

He said Sakandal is an active member of the Philippine Coast Guard and is being interrogated to determine his role in the activities of the Abu Sayyaf.

On Saturday, security forces also captured an Indonesian bomber Rezky Fantasya Rullie and two Filipino Abu Sayyaf militants Nur-Aina Alihasan, the wife abu Sayyaf fighter Ben Yadah; and Fatima Sandra Jimlani, also the wife of another terrorist, in Sulu province.

Rullie is believed to be the daughter of the Indonesian couple who perpetrated the twin suicide bombing at Jolo Cathedral on January 27, 2019. An explosive vest rigged to a pair of pipe bombs was recovered from the trio’s hideout in San Raymundo village in the capital town of Jolo. (Zamboanga Post)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2020/10/4-abu-sayyaf-with-isis-links-captured.html

New CAA battalion can help gov’t in fight vs insurgency, army officer

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 13, 2020): New CAA battalion can help gov’t in fight vs insurgency, army officer (By Ninfa Barcena-Quirante)

BORONGAN CITY, Oct. 13 (PIA) – The new CAFGU Active Auxiliary Battalion whose members are undergoing a 45-day training period will help the government in its fight against insurgency.

This is according to Lt. Col. Joven Bugarin of the 52nd Infantry Battalion based in Oras, E. Samar.

"The CAA members will function as territorial forces while the regular army will help in the clearing operations," Bugarin said during a break in the TF ELCAC meeting on October 13 at the capitol.

Lt. Col. Oliver Alvior of the 78th IB in Borongan said that 120 CAA candidates are undergoing training for 45 days.

These CAA members are being trained by the army, will be given arms after the training, while Borongan City LGU will provide the honorarium of the CAA at P6,500 per month.

The same batch will undergo a medical and neuropsychiatric examination to determine if they qualify to handle arms as they do their duty in protecting Boronganons maintain peace and order.

Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Dayan Agda urged the CAA candidates to be true to their mandate to help the security forces to maintain peace and order in the city.

The army officer added that another CAA battalion will be sponsored by the provincial government. (nbq/PIA E. Samar)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055917

Former rebels get livelihood projects, social protection packages

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 13, 2020): Former rebels get livelihood projects, social protection packages (By Pilar S. Mabaquiao)

SAN JOSE, Antique, Oct. 12 (PIA) - - The former rebels (FRs) who have returned to the folds of the law were given livelihood projects and social protection packages by various government agencies.

The 20 FRs are under the care of the Philippine National Police Regional Intelligence Group 6 while the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) is still on process.

Antique Consultant on Peace and Order and Public Safety Margie L. Gadian emphasized the commitment of the Provincial Government here and other government agencies as well to ensure that those who have decided to return to the folds of the law will be assisted with their needs so they could return to normal and peaceful life.

The first batch of 11 FRs already availed livelihood projects from the Department of Labor and Employment while the remaining nine are still in process.

Most of them opted to venture into livestock (carabao/cattle), swine and poultry raising while others are into sari-sari-store project.

The project for the remaining nine FRs are still in process.

Aside from the livelihood support, they have also received financial assistance from the provincial government and their respective municipalities through their program Aid to Individual in Crisis Situation.

For Social Protection Packages, PhilHealth Antique assured them of their benefits and privileges under the implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.

The Provincial Health Office also assured them of the medical assistance in partnership with the Rural Health Units and District Hospitals where they are located and the Medical Assistance Fund from the Provincial Government and Office of House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda.

During the planning workshop to enlist these FRs to E-CLIP, various government agencies have pledged for additional support to include training programs from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) so they could earn skills to sustain their livelihood or start a new venture.

The FRs’ Focal Person in response, echoed their appreciation for the services and privileges that they have received from the government that could help them and their families start a new life. (JBG/psm/PIA-Antique)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055806

USAID, partners hold Microbiological Risk Assessment for TB webinar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 13, 2020): USAID, partners hold Microbiological Risk Assessment for TB webinar (By Gabriela Liana S. Barela)

TARLAC CITY, Oct.13 (PIA) -- About 335 medical technologists and other stakeholders both from public and private facilities in Central Luzon attended a webinar on Microbiological Risk Assessment for Tuberculosis (TB).

Entitled “Microbiological Risk Assessment: The Backbone of Laboratory Biosafety”, it was organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) TB Platforms Project in partnership with Department of Health (DOH) Region 3, National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory-Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (NTRL-RITM), and Philippine Business for Social Progress Access TB Project.

“The webinar aims to capacitate TB laboratory personnel about the basic guidelines and concepts on laboratory biosafety protocols and build competence of laboratory service staff at service delivery points. These personnel are key staff during the process of microbiological risk assessment, development of quality control plan and implementation of risk management,” USAID’s TB Platforms Project Social and Behavior Change Communication Specialist Diwata Paredes said.

In her message, DOH Region 3 National TB Control Program Coordinator Eloisa Vidar emphasized the importance of the activity.

"This will pave the way for the development of a baseline risk assessment in TB Microscopy Laboratories and Rapid TB Diagnostic Laboratories (RTDL) performing TB testing using the risk management process in the context of COVID-19 and a Quality Improvement project of the RDTLs nationwide," Vidar stressed.

Resource speakers from NTRL-RITM Earl Christian Mantes and Catherine Sacopon shared World Health Organization’s (WHO) issuance and NTRL Department Memorandum on the interim guidelines on handling infectious specimen for TB testing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sacopon explained WHO-prescribed risk assessment template in identifying hazards and evaluating risks and control measures.

Also highlighted were the risk management process and common sources of laboratory errors. Likewise, a review of the systematic approach to evaluate risks and hazards and how to manage and mitigate risks of any laboratory activity has been tackled. (CLJD/GLSB-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055929

House Chair on IP Committee condemns killing of Surigao IPMR, 2 others

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 13, 2020): House Chair on IP Committee condemns killing of Surigao IPMR, 2 others (By Peter A. Balocnit)

CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga, Oct. 13 (PIA) – Kalinga Representative Allen Jesse Mangaoang, Chairman on Committee on Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples of the House of Representatives, condemned in strongest sense the murder of Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Jomar Bucales and two others in Surigao del Sur by alleged New People’s Army.

"As an indigenous person, I am particularly outraged by the atrocities committed by the NPA against our IP leaders, most recently the brutal killings of IPMR Jomar Bucales and his two companions in Surigao del Sur. I strongly condemn such inhuman and cowardly attacks”, he said in a statement.

He demands immediate action to ensure the safety of the IPs, and that all the perpetrators of this barbaric act including those who supported, incited and aided them must be brought to justice.

He also finds it utterly sickening that certain groups like the Communist Party of the Philippines appear to have praised and commended these senseless killings.

“They demonstrate once again their inhumanity, utter disregard of human rights and lives, and brutal convictions that are inciting mass atrocities against defenseless communities. These communists are nothing but terrorists and they do not have a place in this civilized society,” he further stated.

Lastly, I stand in full solidarity with the victims' families and urge my fellow IPs to be united in our call for justice for our slain brothers, Mangaoang said. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055846

Dabawenyos urged to support culture of security exercise

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 13, 2020): Dabawenyos urged to support culture of security exercise (By Joey Dalumpines)

DAVAO City Oct. 9 (PIA) - Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio urged the city residents to support the culture of security exercise next week to be spearheaded by the Task Force Davao, the Davao City Police Office and the Public Safety Command Center.

She said it is an exercise which is an innovation by the Task Force Davao with the city being a target of terrorists.

Duterte-Carpio revealed people will be given tips on how the perpetrators look like and urged to report them to the authorities.

She said the exercise needs the support and cooperation of the people to apprehend the terrorists. “Community support is needed due to the limited number of the member of the security sector. We expect 800,000 reliable eyes to cooperate,” Duterte-Carpio said.

Army Colonel Consolito Yecla, commander of the Task Force Davao bared that the Sangguniang Panglungsod building and the City Hall are ready for the conduct of the pilot testing of the culture security that will be done next week.

He said the result of the simulation exercise will be discussed with the security officers in every area in determining the gaps in the security implementation.

Yecla urged the public to relay only information that is authenticated and must be reliable.

“Only the verified information must be relayed to the public. When you send information, it must be a complete information. Creating panic is tantamount to bomb joke and is subject to criminal liability,” he said.

Yecla stressed people must not change the intent of the security exercise.

He said an information must come from the official source on the security exercise. Yecla said restaurants, hotels, malls, and churches have been informed of the forthcoming activity.

“We have coordinated with 166 establishments already, informing them of the forthcoming exercise,” Yecla said.

He said 25 actors will be activated next week in vital installations to participate in the community security exercise.

Yecla said this is the only means to maximize the support of the community as far as security is concerned.

He said the culture of security exercise determines the commitment of the public in helping the security sector solve peace and order issues. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1055814

Concerted effort key to stopping NPA extortion: Army official

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13, 2020): Concerted effort key to stopping NPA extortion: Army official (By Jason De Asis)

STOPPING EXTORTION. Officials of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry Battalion and the local government unit (LGU) of Dingalan, Aurora meet with project engineers of various construction firms on Monday (Oct. 12, 2020) to discuss measures in stopping the extortion activities of the New People's Army. Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of the 91IB, said the concerted effort of various sectors, particularly the LGUs, is the key to stopping the extortion scheme of the NPA. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91st IB)

BALER, Aurora – The Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB) said a concerted effort is the key to stopping the extortion scheme of the communist terrorist group.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commanding officer of the 91IB, on Monday cited the importance of the involvement of all sectors, particularly the local government units (LGUs) in addressing the extortion activities of the New People’s Army (NPA).

"This NPA extortion work is not just the responsibility of the government security forces but it is everybody's concern,” he said during the conduct of the initial Critical Infrastructure, Investment Protection and Security Operation (CIIPSO) meeting on Monday held at the municipal hall of Dingalan town, this province.

The local government unit of Dingalan headed by Mayor Shierwin H. Taay hosted the CIIPSO meeting which was attended by project engineers from different construction companies, the Philippine National Police, and other local officials.

“This is part of our efforts in addressing the NPA extortion activities and prevent the latter from conducting harassment, threat, and intimidation and against private companies in the area,” Rubio said.

He said the offensive attacks by the NPA rebels can happen to construction companies, especially while the province is under the modified general community quarantine.

“Construction businesses (are) prone to extortion activities or attacks by the rebels. CIIPSO is a mechanism created to bridge and strengthen the relationship between government troops and construction-related companies,” Rubio said.

He said another meeting would be conducted soon to discuss in detail the plan of action by all sectors involved to put an end to the terrorist group's harassment and extortion activities against businesses, particularly construction companies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118317

PNP anti-insurgency drive yields 54 NPA returnees in Caraga

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13, 2020): PNP anti-insurgency drive yields 54 NPA returnees in Caraga (By Alexander Lopez)

BUTUAN CITY – The Philippine National Police's anti-insurgency drive in Caraga Region has resulted in the surrender of 54 communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the area from Sept. 17 to Oct. 10 this year.

Capt. Dorothy Tumulak, Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) spokesperson, said all police stations in the region are engaged in heightened information drives and initiatives to attract more NPA surrenderers and counter the propaganda of the communist rebel movement.

“Local residents are also informed about the programs of the government for former rebels such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or ECLIP,” Tumulak told the Philippine News Agency on Tuesday.

The 54 surrenderers, she said, consisted of members of the Milisya ng Bayan members, Underground Mass Organizations (UGMOs), and Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad.

A total of 28 high-powered firearms were also handed over to the government during the series of surrenders, she said, adding that PRO-13 also recorded five arrests of NPA members with standing warrants during the period.

Tumulak said the massive anti-insurgency drive in the region is among the priorities of newly-installed PRO-13 director, Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat, Jr.

In a separate statement Tuesday, Caramat said the substantial gains of PRO-13 against the NPA in the region can be attributed to the combined police and military operations, intelligence efforts, civil-military operations, reintegration efforts, and the peace and development programs with the local government units.

“The campaign against insurgency in Caraga Region remains in full swing despite the other responsibilities the police forces are performing amidst this pandemic,” Caramat said.

“Together, let us denounce the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) of their atrocities,” Caramat, as he urged Caraga residents to help in the government's fight against terrorism.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118356

PAF chopper accidentally fires rocket at airport open field

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13, 2020): PAF chopper accidentally fires rocket at airport open field (By Noel Punzalan)

DATU ODIN SINSUAT, Maguindanao – Military officials here are investigating an accidental launch by an MG520 attack helicopter of one of its rockets that landed and exploded at the northside open field of the Awang airport on Tuesday here.

The Awang airport, also known as Cotabato airport, is next to Camp Siongco, the headquarters of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Philippine Air Force-Tactical Operations Group-12.

“The rocket went off at the open field as the helicopter was hovering but nobody was hurt,” Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said of the 8 a.m. incident.

The blast, however, was heard around villages in the area and as far as Barangay Tamontaka of the city.

The 6ID, however, was quick to clarify that the blast came from a malfunction of the rocket weaponry system of the military helicopter.

“The blast was really strong that it shook the ground,” Kris Kitem, a resident of Barangay Broce near the airport said.

The 6ID said it will implement stricter measures to prevent a repeat of the incident.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118384

US provides P73-M in food aid to Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 13, 2020): US provides P73-M in food aid to Lanao del Sur (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Photo courtesy of US Embassy in Manila

The United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided an additional PHP73 million (USD1.5 million) in food assistance to support displaced families in Lanao del Sur province, the US embassy in Manila announced Tuesday.

This brings the total US commitment to humanitarian and recovery work in and around Marawi to more than PHP3.1 billion (USD65.1 million).

“The Covid-19 pandemic has stripped many households of vital sources of income and made those displaced by conflict especially vulnerable. As friends, partners, and allies, the United States continues to support the people of Marawi to overcome this health crisis and continue on their path to long-term recovery,” US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law said.

The funding would be used to help more than 8,000 highly vulnerable persons to meet their essential nutritional needs. Families would receive electronic cash transfers that would enable them to purchase food in local markets.

This is complemented by a messaging campaign promoting safe hygiene practices to equip communities with the knowledge and skills they need to slow the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

According to the embassy, the new food aid builds upon ongoing USAID assistance that supports 3,700 displaced families and improves nutrition for 5,000 children and 6,000 pregnant women and lactating mothers.

The assistance also complements USAID’s work with Lanao communities under its Marawi Response Project (MRP).

As of July 2020, MRP has provided micro-grants to more than 1,000 displaced entrepreneurs, as well as communities, to revive their economic livelihoods and create jobs.

“MRP social cohesion micro-grants, which include small-scale infrastructure support, have benefited more than 14,000 displaced persons and host families,” the embassy said.

The project also provided training, protective gear, and disinfectants to more than 3,300 public health workers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1118336