Kalinaw News: ASG returnees received cash assistance thru TUPAD program

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 2, 2020): ASG returnees received cash assistance thru TUPAD program



Isabela City, Basilan – The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) released the livelihood cash assistance to thirty-eight (38) Abu Sayaff Group Returnees at the Headquarters of 4th Special Forces Battalion, Barangay Cabunbata, Isabela City on 31 October 2020.

The TUPAD Program is a community-based package assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced worker, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days depending on the nature of work to be performed.

In relation to the Program Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) espoused by the Provincial Government of Basilan, the ASG returnees complemented their work through the application of their vegetable production training provided by the Office of the Provincial Agriculture-Basilan.

Each ASG Returnee were able to receive cash assistance amounting to two-thousand pesos in addition to the rice, cash assistance and other goods previously provided by DOLE last September.

Lt. Col. Alex D. Ampati, the Commanding Officer of 4SFBn, expressed his sincere gratitude to the proponent of the program.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga stakeholders na nagpaabot ng ganitong programa para sa ating mga ASG Returnees. Nakahanda po ang inyong kasundaluhan na makipagtulungan sa iba pang mga programa na magsusulong ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan dito sa Basilan”

At present, the military is in close coordination with other government and non-government agencies and organizations to work on programs that will aid the rehabilitation of ASG Returnees in Basilan. (4SFBN/ODE)

[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/asg-returnees-received-cash-assistance-thru-tupad-program/

Kalinaw News: Salaknib Startroopers recovered arms cache in San Mariano, Isabela

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 2, 2020): Salaknib Startroopers recovered arms cache in San Mariano, Isabela



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Salaknib Startroopers recovered an arms cache containing two high-powered firearms at Sitio Ditapaya, Barangay San Jose, San Mariano, Isabela on October 31, 2020.

Through the help of alyas Kanoy and alyas Dennis, both Former Rebels, the troops of 95th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army together with the PNP San Mariano and Regional Mobile Force Company of PNP Region 02 discovered the arms cache containing one M16 and one M14 rifles in the said place.

According to alyas Kanoy, Communist Terrorist Leader alyas Yuni/Bogs entrusted said high powered firearms to him for tactical offensive use against the government forces.

The recovery of the said firearms of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) is a manifestation of full trust of the Former Rebels to the government troops. The continuous surrender of the NPAs leading to the recovery of their firearms projects their desire to end the insurgency. This is also brought about by the government projects and programs provided for the people particularly in the far flung communities uplifting their status of living.

This is another success story of the effective implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Isabela.

BGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army said that the recovery of the high powered firearms of the CPP-NPA is a manifestation of the trust and confidence of the former rebels to the Philippine Army particularly to 5ID.

He said that, the recent firearms recovery will further weaken the CPP-NPA. “The CPP-NPA has lost the support of the people and their former supporters have voluntarily surrendered the entrusted war materials to them to the government forces. We are truly grateful to the former rebels and we will support them in making their communities free from CPP-NPA influence.”



[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/salaknib-startroopers-recovered-arms-cache-in-san-mariano-isabela/

Kalinaw News: Surigao tribes light candles for victims of NPA terrorists’ IP Killings

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 2, 2020): Surigao tribes light candles for victims of NPA terrorists’ IP Killings



Lianga, Surigao Del Sur – Manobo tribes ended the October Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) month and observed All Souls’ Day in a candle lighting rally against Communist NPA Terrorists’ barbaric killings of innocent IP leaders and members. The rally was held at barangay St. Christine, Lianga on October 31.

In a report, by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), about twelve (12) IP leaders and members were killed since March this year. The latest is Lianga IP Mandatory Representative, Hawudon Jumar S. Bucales (Datu Nahikyad) and 2 others who were ambushed in October 4 on their way home after an IP Council meeting in Lianga.

The tribal council of Lianga recently reported that Communist NPA terrorists in Surigao sent them death threats because they allowed the construction of the DepEd IP Schools of Living Tradition to replace the NPA-linked schools of Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) in the hinterlands of Lianga and Marihatag towns.

“Ang aming mga tribal leaders na walang ibang gusto kundi makapagbigay ng kalidad na edukasyon sa mga IP gaya ni Datu Jumar Bucales ay gusto nilang patayin. Ganunpaman, hindi kami matatakot at ipagpapatuloy namin ang mga isinusulong na programa ni Datu Jumar Bucales para umunlad ang tribo sa Lianga,” Datu Constancio Duhac, Lianga Tribal Chieftain, said.

On October 31, KASALO CARAGA, a group revealed by tribes as an NPA Terrorist supporter, posted a fake news in their Facebook page accusing the military of abuses which was disproved by the tribal leaders outright.

“Ang totoong nagmimilitarisa sa tribo ay hindi ang Army, kundi ang mga sinungaling at teroristang NPA na sapilitang nirerekrut ang kabataang tribo para maging NPA o milisya ng bayan. Sila ay nagsisinungaling sapagkat ang gusto lamang nilang paalisin ang Army na tumutulong sa amin sa pamamagitan ng Community Support Program (CSP),” Datu Rico Maca, San Miguel IPMR, said.

The NPA terrorists proudly owned the killings of Datu Bucales and other members, in the statements of a certain Sandara Sidlakan who claims to be the NPA spokesperson in CARAGA.
“Hindi na umuubra ang propaganda ng mga kaalyado ng NPA gaya ng Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU), Kahugpungan ng Mag-uuma sa Surigao del Sur (KAMASS), KASALO CARAGA, Karapatan CARAGA, Save our Schools Network at iba pa kaya ang gingawa ng mga terorista ay pananakot at pag-atake sa mga walang laban na IPna ayaw na sakanila, “Datu Constancio Duhac, added.

Communist NPA Terrorists and their front organizations are declared persona-non-grata in the whole province of Surigao del Sur to include all its municipalities, city, and barangays.

Surigao Sur Provincial government, NCIP, local chief executives and sectoral groups have earlier declared statements of condemnations against the NPA Terrorists’ brutal killings of the IPs and supported the passage of Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and the National Task Force-Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC)

The provincial government and the military’s doors are still open for those who would like to peacefully surrender and lay down their arms and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). First batch of former rebels were awarded with E-CLIP benefits last September.

Meanwhile The Communist Party of the Philippines, New Peoples’ Army and national Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF) has been declared in the country as a terrorist group through Proclamation 374 s. 2017 while other countries like the US, New Zealand, UK, Australia, the European Union have also declared them as terrorist organizations.

[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/surigao-tribes-light-candles-for-victims-of-npa-terrorists-ip-killings/

Kalinaw News: 1 NPA Cadaver found Floating in the river of Quezon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Nov 2, 2020): 1 NPA Cadaver found Floating in the river of Quezon



MARAMAG, Bukidnon- A cadaver was found floating at Manoto River between Brgy Mahayag and Brgy Minongan of Quezon, Bukidnon last 27 October 2020.

The cadaver is male, between 30-40 years old with four (4) gunshot wounds and believed dead for about 15 days and already in the advance state of decomposition. Per Information gathered, it was found out that the said cadaver is a certain “ROGER”, a Team leader of Squad 2 of Platoon Bagsik of GF Malayag.

It can be recalled that a firefight occurred last October 14, 2020 around 4:30 in the afternoon between the troops of 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion and Guerilla Front Malayag of New People’s Army at the hinterland area of Sitio Trucut, Brgy Cawayan, Quezon, Bukidnon. Reports have reached this unit that an NPA member acquired gunshot wounds during the encounter and died later. The NPA group decided to leave the dead body in the river in fear of the pursuing government troops.

LTC Franklin F Fabic, Commanding Officer of 88IB said, “It is with sadness that another Filipino who was deceived by the deceptive ideals of the communist terrorist died in one of the encounters. This act of NPA illustrates ruthlessness leaving the dead body in the river. That’s why, I encourage the remaining NPA members to surrender now or you will be treated just like your comrade who was intentionally left behind.”

He added “We in the government side are willing to help you in any possible ways as long as you surrender peacefully. We want you to reunite with your families and have a peaceful life as the Christmas season is fast-approaching.”

[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/1-npa-cadaver-found-floating-in-the-river-of-quezon/

IMT-15 chief visits Westmincom

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Nov 2, 2020): IMT-15 chief visits Westmincom

ZAMBOANGA. Major General Dato’ Hj Muhammad Anwar of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces, head of the International Monitoring Team-15, vows to support the peace efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. A photo handout shows Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr. (middle, right), commander of the Western Mindanao Command, conferring with Anwar (middle, left) during his visit Friday, October 30, at the Westmincom headquarters. (SunStar Zamboanga)

MAJOR General Dato’ Hj Muhammad Anwar of the Royal Malaysian Armed Forces vowed to support the peace efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Anwar issued the statement during his visit Friday, October 30, to Camp Basilio Navarro, which houses the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) headquarters in Zamboanga City.

“I wish to thank the officers, men and women of the Western Mindanao Command for the hospitality. Let us continue to work together for the attainment of peace here in Mindanao,” Anwar said.

Anwar is the current head of mission of the International Monitoring Team-15 (IMT-15).

During his visit, Anwar was accorded with full military honors by the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian human resource at the parade ground of the Westmincom.

He was then welcomed by Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of Westmincom, and the command staff at the Bautista Lounge.

“We gladly thank Major General Muhammad Anwar for taking the time to visit the command. Rest assured that we will sustain our strong cooperation to address security challenges in our areas of common concerns,” Vinluan said.

The IMT oversees the peace implementation between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

It is responsible to monitor the security, humanitarian, rehabilitation and development aspects, socio-economic assistance and civilian protection. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1875467/Zamboanga/Local-News/IMT-15-chief-visits-Westmincom

4 NPAs killed, scores wounded in Surigao

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 2, 2020): 4 NPAs killed, scores wounded in Surigao (By Mike Crismundo)

Four suspected members of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs) were killed while an undetermined number of rebels were believed wounded during a gunbattle with government troops in the hinterland areas of Barangay Pangi, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur late on Saturday, the military reported on Monday.

MANILA BULLETIN FILE

Reports indicated that elements of the Philippine Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion (36th IB) under the command of Lt. Col. Jesreel J. Diagmel initially seized war materials from the running CNTs.

Troopers of the 36th IB seized in the encounter site one M-16 rifle, two M-16 rifles with grenade launchers, one AK-47 rifle, two converted .22-caliber rifles, three mobile phones, two universal serial bus (USBs), four pieces of memory cards, 20 pieces of jungle hammocks, 10 improvised beddings, 21 backpacks with personal belongings, assorted ammunitions, various documents and paraphernalia.

Government troops encountered around 40 armed CNTs who were suspected to be out to harass a COVID-19 quarantine checkpoint in the area.

The fierce gunbattle lasted for almost one hour before the CNTs retreated from their position and fled to different directions in the Diawata ranges in Surigao del Sur.

As of Sunday noon, the Army troopers have recovered from the encounter site the bodies of suspected NPA rebels.

Diagmel said more NPA rebels could have been killed during the clash as the troopers were still conducting pursuit operations in the area as bloodstains were seen in the rebels’ escape route.

The four recovered cadavers are not yet identified as of press time.

Hot pursuit operations are still ongoing.

There was no reported casualty on the government side.

The Army’s 401st Infantry (Unity) Brigade ordered the deployment of more combat troops to beef up the pursuing 36th IB troops in Surigao del Sur.

Meanwhile, the regional command of Caraga Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) based in Camp Col. Rafael C. Rodriguez here said the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) is providing support to the ongoing pursuit operation against the CNTs in the area.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/11/02/4-npas-killed-scores-wounded-in-surigao/

Asia Watch: ISIS sneaking back

 Posted to the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (Nov 2, 2020): Asia Watch: ISIS sneaking back (By Michael Shannon)

The suicide bombing of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Jolo, Philippines, in January 2019 showed ISIS's reach into Asia

Amid the all-consuming distraction of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Islamic extremist militants in Southeast Asia have not been idle. Recent signs point to an uptick in recruitment and a renewed threat of violent attacks, despite security services continuing to apprehend high-value targets.

The Philippine military has been ordered to monitor the operations of Islamic schools nationwide amid intelligence reports that they are being used as a breeding ground for new militants. Military chief Gen. Gilbert Gapay told an online forum with the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of the Philippines that the security sector would monitor schools in Sulu and other parts of Mindanao to prevent the possible infiltration of militants linked to the Islamic State (IS). Internet-savvy IS propagandists have been enticing children through social media, he said.

“We have found out that some of those who surrendered and [were] captured – quite a number of them – have been recruited and radicalised through social media,” he said.

The General’s comments came days after the arrest of Rezky Fantasya Rullie, a young Indonesian woman allegedly plotting a suicide attack in Jolo, the main island in the Sulu chain and a hotbed of Abu Sayyaf activity. Arrested alongside her were Inda Nurhaina and Fatima Sandra Jimlani, both wives of ranking Abu Sayyaf members, officials said. A suicide vest, bombs and improvised explosive device-making components were recovered from the trio.

Rullie had reportedly been under surveillance for months due to deep connections with jihadist activity.

Her parents, Rullie Rian Zeke and Ulfah Handayani Saleh, had carried out a twin suicide bombing at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel church on Jolo that killed 23 including themselves in January 2019. Rullie has two siblings – a brother aged 10, and a sister aged 20 – who are reportedly being trained as suicide bombers.

Indonesian officials say Rullie’s family tried to join IS in Syria but Turkish authorities had rejected them in early 2017. Then, in 2018, they illegally entered the southern Philippines via Malaysia with the help of Andi Baso, who Rullie later married.

Baso, an Indonesian suicide bomber-in-training, is believed to have been killed by troops on Aug. 29. He was wanted in Indonesia for his alleged involvement in a bomb attack at the Oikumene Church in Samarinda, East Kalimantan, in 2016, and was part of the IS-affiliated Jamaah Ansharut Daulah militant network in Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Rullie and her husband were believed to have been under the wing of Mundi Sawadjaan, a bomb-maker who masterminded a twin suicide bomb attack, also on Jolo, that killed 15 people on Aug. 24. Mundi is the nephew of Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, the Philippine IS commander and a senior Abu Sayyaf leader.

Meanwhile, authorities announced on Oct. 12 that police and military troops had captured three Abu Sayyaf militants who allegedly acted as “financial conduits” between the IS and Sawadjaan.

One detainee, Abdulman Sarapuddin Tula, is known to be Sawadjaan’s procurement and logistics supply person on Jolo, while another, Kadija Sadji, is believed to be the wife of Al Asgar, son of the late Abu Sayyaf founder, Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani.

Arrests of key operatives disrupt the command and logistics structures of militant cells and almost certainly save lives by preventing planned attacks, yet analysts harbour no illusions about the ongoing threat.

Mizan Aslam, a counter-terrorism expert at Universiti Perlis Malaysia, told BenarNews that Islamic State is trying to regroup after its territorial defeat in Syria. “ISIS never died,” he said. “Only we said they died, but they themselves never declared it… With all countries focusing on health security and food security, it has given ISIS room to sneak in.”

“Recruitment is through social media and not just Malaysia but in the global community affected by [COVID-19] lockdowns,” Aslam added. “People are staying home longer and going through social media non-stop, so the chances of being influenced are there. Islamic State is also seen to have doubled up their effort in dispersing propaganda materials on social media.”

Christopher Miller, director of the US National Counterterrorism Centre, says IS “continues to prioritise the expansion and reinforcement of its global enterprise, which now encompasses some 20 branches and networks.”

Speaking to a hearing of the US House Homeland Security Committee in September, Miller said the US and its partner countries have successfully targeted prominent IS figures, but the group has proved resilient. “Despite these successes, ISIS has repeatedly demonstrated the ability to rebound from severe losses over the past six years by relying on a dedicated cadre of veteran mid-level commanders, extensive clandestine networks, and downturns in CT [counterterrorism] pressure to persevere.” 

https://aijac.org.au/australia-israel-review/asia-watch-isis-sneaking-back/

Court junks activist's amparo plea vs Army

 From Panay News (Nov 2, 2020): Court junks activist's amparo plea vs Army (By Ruby Silubrico)

DEDURO


ILOILO City – For lack of substantial evidence, a regional trial court (RTC) here dismissed the petition for the issuance of a Writ of Amparo filed by former Bayan Muna party-list congressman Siegfred Deduro.

Judge Nestle Go of Iloilo RTC Branch 24, in his order, said issuance of the Writ of Amparo requires that every petition must be supported by justifying allegations of facts.

Deduro’s allegations, according to Go, lacked the substantial evidence required by the said writ, thus the court finds the petition not meritorious.

Deduro filed his petition for a Writ of Amparo on Oct. 22 against the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) over accusations that the former congressman was an official of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Western Visayas.

A Writ of Amparo is a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity.

The writ also covers extralegal killings and enforced disappearances or threats thereof.

Deduro – a founding member and vice president for Visayas of the Bayan Muna party-list and also of the Makabayan Coalition – said he was disappointed by the court’s decision dismissing his petition.

“The Writ of Amparo was not issued by the court, which I sought to secure my life and security. The court did not even require the answer of the respondent, (3ID commander) Major General (Eric) Vinoya. It did not order the hearing of the petition,” Deduro said in a statement.

“The extrajudicial killings of previously red-tagged activists like Jory Porquia, Zara Alvarez, Escalante City councilor Toto Patigas, and Negros Occidental human rights lawyer Ben Ramos, among others, create a chilling effect among those targeted by the military’s vilification campaign,” said Deduro.

He added: “I believe that being accused by the 3ID as the No. 3 leader of the CPP in Panay, carries with it a serious threat to my life and security.”

Deduro also said he will not stop seeking protection from the court.

“I am consulting my lawyer on the possible legal remedy in the dismissal of my petition for a Writ of Amparo,” he added.

For his part, 3ID spokesperson Major Cenon Pancito III, said the court’s decision solidified their earlier theory that Deduro was “hallucinating” and that the so-called threats to his life were “all products of his wild imagination.”

“We pity him. It’s a sign of old age. The court dismissed the petition motu propio. Kung sa baseball pa, out na agad at ‘di man lang naka-first base. This speaks of the kind of complaints that he has – one that cannot stand even at the very first level,” Pancito told Panay News.

On June 19, 2020 during the meeting of the Iloilo Provincial Peace and Order Council at Casa Real (old Iloilo provincial capitol building), the military alleged in their presentation of local terrorists that Deduro was a ranking member of the rebel movement.

The following day Deduro released a statement to the media denouncing the aforementioned accusations made by the 3ID and called for a halt to the military’s vilification of him and fellow activists.

According to Deduro, the accusation of the military was false and malicious, making him a target of government military or para-military units.

But Pancito was quick to refuted Deduro’s claims.

Pancito said Vinoya was not part of the June 19 meeting of the Iloilo Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) at Casa Real (old Iloilo provincial capitol building).

“I would like to inform former congressman Deduro that General Vinoya is not part of the PPOC. He is hallucinating. Hindi nya talaga alam kasi wala si Sir Vinoya sa PPOC; provincial meeting ‘yan, hindi regional,” Pancito said in an earlier statement.

With the court’s decision, Pancito told Deduro to “just move on and just enjoy the remaining days of his life so that his worries and the hallucinations would lessen.”

http://www.panaynews.net/court-junks-activists-amparo-plea-vs-army/

Revilla wants procurement law amended to fast track AFP modernization program

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 2, 2020): Revilla wants procurement law amended to fast track AFP modernization program (By OSRR)

PASAY CITY, Nov. 2 -- To fast track the procurement of war materiel for the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program, Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla has filed a bill seeking to amend Republic Act No. 9184 or the “Government Procurement Act of 2003.”

Revilla, in filing Senate Bill No. 1830, said a specialized procurement process for defense assets is needed to pursue and sustain programs for the modernization of the AFP and to enhance the capability of military, police, and other law enforcement units to address the internal security threats posed by local and transnational terrorists and criminal groups, and new and emerging security threats.

“Prior to this, the AFP leadership had already asked Congress to introduce amendments to the stringent requirements of the Government Procurement Reform Act to address the unique needs and demands of purchasing defense equipment and services, such as the need for confidentiality and reasonable extension on time frames with respect to supplies sourced overseas,” Revilla said.

During the recent Commission on Appointments hearing on the promotions of senior military officials, Revilla questioned AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay on the 2019 Commission on Audit report citing the inefficiencies in the implementation of the AFP modernization program, specifically on projects that should have been completed in 2018 and 2019.

Gapay told the senator the AFP procurement process is also governed by Republic Act No. 9184 and the failure of bidding had caused delay in the implementation of the AFP modernization program. Gapay then proposed that Congress legislate a separate defense procurement act to expedite the bidding process.

Acting on Gapay’s appeal, Revilla filed SBN 1830 “to provide the necessary authority, opportunity and flexibility for the Department of National Defense and the AFP leadership to fast track its implementation of the long-delayed modernization program. While this measure provides an expeditious and specialized procurement for the defense sector, it is still anchored on the basic principles of quality and reliability of purchases, and accountability and integrity.”

Under the Revilla bill, the Secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) may prescribe rules and standards to govern the procurement of defense articles, services, and infrastructures, and to enhance the national defense program of the government.

In his amement to Section 5 of RA 9184, infrastructure projects shall include ship-building projects and the repair, restoration and maintenance of military ships, aircraft and other major military equipment.

When the procurement involves national security interest, the DND Secretary, upon the approval of the President, may prescribe any of the methods of procurement as may be applicable for the procurement or development of defense articles, services, and infrastructures, without resorting to competitive bidding, Revilla said.

Under the measure, the procurement of domestic and foreign goods “may limit the procurement of defense articles from known direct manufacturers of the items” in order to obtain and maintain the desired standardization and interoperability of military articles inventory, to protect the procurement of defense articles against unscrupulous suppliers and to ensure high quality defense items.

The measure also provides that the procurement of major defense equipment not available locally could be exempted from the requirement of public bidding, in view of security and other strategic considerations, including confidentiality, interoperability, and/or the existence of defense partnerships.

“It is hoped that with the help of this bill, significant gains will be accomplished in fully realizing the objectives of the AFP modernization program, particularly the development of a self-reliant and credible strategic armed force, such that it can fully perform its mandate to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic and to secure the national territory from all forms of intrusion and encroachment,” the senator said. (OSRR)

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/releases/1057822

Tatlong indibidwal na sapilitang nirekrut ng NPA, nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 2, 2020): Tatlong indibidwal na sapilitang nirekrut ng NPA, nagbalik-loob sa pamahalaan (By 5th Infantry Division)

Litrato ng 5ID

GAMU, Isabela, Nobyembre 1 (PIA) – Sumuko ang tatlong indibidwal na umaming sapilitang nirekrut ng mga teroristang New People’s Army (NPA) sa kasundaluhan ng 95th, 86th Infantry Battalion at sa kapulisan sa lalawigan ng Isabela noong Oktubre 30 taong kasalukuyan.

Sa paglalahad ng mag-amang sina alyas Digma/Jin, medical officer ng Regional Sentro De Grabidad-Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley (RSDG-KRCV) at alyas Paul, 17 taong gulang, pwersahan silang isinampa sa rebeldeng grupo dahil wala na silang marekrut para umanib sa teroristang kilusan.

Pagbabahagi pa ng mag-ama, dinaig nila ang kalagayan ng isang bilanggo dahil sa sobrang hirap ng kanilang naranasan sa kamay ng mga kumander ng RSDG-KRCV.

Ayon kay alyas Paul, tinuruan pa siya ng mga rebeldeng NPA na magsinungaling patungkol sa kanyang tunay na edad para hindi siya matawag na batang mandirigma.

Sa naging salaysay naman ni alyas Chris, dating supply officer ng rebeldeng RSDG-KRCV, sapilitan din siyang isinama ng rebeldeng grupo upang gabayan sila mula Diwagao Complex patungong San Guillermo. Subalit, pagkarating sa naturang lugar, binigyan na siya ng baril at pinagbuhat ng bomba hanggang sa isinasama na siya sa mga operasyon ng teroristang NPA.

Nagpahayag naman ng pasasalamat si BGen Laurence E Mina PA, commander ng 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army sa ginagawang pagsisikap ng iba’t-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan at sa mga grupong patuloy na sumusuporta sa adbokasiya ng gobyerno upang maiparating sa mga apektadong lugar ng insurhensiya ang ibat-ibang serbisyo.

“Maliban sa kasundaluhan at mga ahensya ng gobyerno, handa ring maghatid ng tulong ang mga Non-Government Organizations upang masigurong walang napag-iiwanan kahit ang mga nasa malalayong lugar. Inuulit ko na ang laban sa insurhensiya ay hindi lamang laban ng kasundaluhan bagkus, ito ay laban ng lahat," aniya.

Sa kasalukuyan ay ipinoproseso na ang mga kailangang dokumento upang makatanggap sila ng tulong mula naman sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) ng pamahalaan na na nakalaan sa mga nagbabalik-loob na rebelde sa gobyerno. (MDCT/PIA-2)

Nagpahayag naman ng pasasalamat si BGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander ng 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army sa ginagawang pagsisikap ng iba’t-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan at sa mga grupong patuloy na sumusuporta sa adbokasiya ng gobyerno upang maiparating sa mga apektadong lugar ng insurhensiya ang ibat-ibang serbisyo. “Maliban sa kasundaluhan at mga ahensya ng gobyerno, handa ring maghatid ng tulong ang mga Non-Government Organizations upang masigurong walang napag-iiwanan kahit ang mga nasa malalayong lugar. Inuulit ko na ang laban sa insurhensiya ay hindi lamang laban ng kasundaluhan bagkus, ito ay laban ng lahat.”

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057816

48 MSMEs, 10 former rebels receive assistance from DTI

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 2, 2020): 48 MSMEs, 10 former rebels receive assistance from DTI (By Mark Djeron C. Tumabao) 

DTI Quirino photo

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Nov. 2 (PIA) - - - Ten former rebels and 48 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have already started their livelihood after receiving Php300,000.00 worth of livelihood starter kits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Quirino Provincial Office.

The livelihood assistance came after the completion of the department's series of Entrepreneurial Development Training and awarding of Livelihood Kits under the Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program.

The first run was conducted on August 14 this year in Aglipay town wherein 10 rebel returnees and eight MSMEs were the recipient.

The second run was held at Capitol Hills in Cabarroguis town on September 10 in celebration of the 49th Panagdadapun Festival - Araw ng Quirino wherein the beneficiaries are eight MSMEs from Cabarroguis, nine from Nagtipunan, and seven from Diffun.

Meanwhile, the third and fourth run were conducted in the municipalities of Maddela and Saguday on October 16 and 27, 2020 respectively. Eight MSMEs from each municipality were benefitted.

The awarded kits were composed of items that are in line with the recipient’s businesses such as furniture making, food processing and sari-sari store.

The Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) launched on July is a program aimed to support communities especially micro enterprises to resume their business after devastating fire incidents, and other calamities, including armed conflicts. (MDCT with reports from DTI Quirino/PIA-2)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057819

PNP Chief sa NPA: Huwag guluhin ang 'Rolly' relief operations sa mga apektadong lugar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 2, 2020): PNP Chief sa NPA: Huwag guluhin ang 'Rolly' relief operations sa mga apektadong lugar (By Nonette N. Castillo) 

LUNGSOD PASIG, Nov. 2 (PIA) -- Nanawagan si Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan sa mga miyembro ng rebeldeng New Peoples Army (NPA) sa mga lugar na tinamaan ng Bagyong Rolly na huwag guluhin ang mga rescue at relief operations ng pulis at militar.

Sa ulat ng Radyo Pilipinas 738 kHz ngayong araw, hinimok ni Cascolan ang mga rebelde na makipagtulungan na lang sa mga awtoridad para sa kapakanan ng mga komunidad na lubhang naapektohan ng bagyo.

Ayon sa PNP chief, double time ngayon ang pulis at militar para maibalik sa normal ang buhay ng mga mamamayan sa lalong madaling panahon alinsunod na rin sa kautusan ng Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.

Nakipag-coordinate na rin aniya ang PNP sa Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) para sa equipment na kailangan sa clearing operations.

Mayroon na rin aniyang mga grupo sa pribadong sektor na nangako ng construction materials para sa rebuilding ng mga nasirang istraktura.

Sa ngayon aniya ay nagsasagawa ng shifting ang kanilang mga tropa sa mga nasalanatang lugar, upang hindi masyadong mapwersa ang kanilang mga tauhan, lalu pa’t may inaasahan pang paparating na panibagong bagyo. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1057792

4 suspected NPA rebels killed in Surigao Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 1, 2020): 4 suspected NPA rebels killed in Surigao Sur clash (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of Tandag City, Surigao del Sur

Four suspected members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) were killed in an encounter that took place in Barangay Pangi, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on Saturday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Jezreel J. Diagmel, commander of the Philippine Army's 36th Infantry Battalion, told a local radio station in Tandag City on Sunday that their operating troops encountered around 40 armed men who were suspected to be out to harass a quarantine checkpoint in the area.

The heavy encounter lasted 40 minutes before the NPA rebels retreated from their position and fled to different directions.

As of Sunday noon, the Army troopers have recovered from the encounter site four bodies of suspected NPA rebels.

Diagmel believed that more NPA rebels were killed during the clash as the troopers were still conducting pursuit operations in the area.

The four recovered cadavers are not yet identified as of this posting.

The troopers also recovered from the encounter site one M-16 rifle, two M-16 rifles with grenade launchers, one AK-47 rifle, two converted .22-caliber rifles, three mobile phones, two universal serial bus (USBs), six pieces of subscriber identity module cards, four pieces of memory cards, 20 pieces of jungle hammocks, 10 improvised beddings, and 21 backpacks with personal belongings, various documents and paraphernalia.

In an interview on Sunday, Col. James T. Goforth, director of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO), told the Philippine News Agency that they are providing support to the ongoing pursuit operation against the remaining NPA rebels in the area.

“We also alerted all our units in the province,” Goforth said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120399

Hundreds displaced by fighting in NoCot return home

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 2, 2020): Hundreds displaced by fighting in NoCot return home (By John Andrew Tabugoc)

RELIEF AID. Vice Mayor Cheryl Valdevieso-Catamco of Matalam, North Cotabato (center), hands over a pack of relief goods to one of 200 evacuees before they returned home Monday (Nov. 2, 2020) in Arakan village. The villagers (inset) fled their homes since Oct. 24 following sporadic clashes between government troopers and the communist New People’s Army rebels. (Photo courtesy of 603rd IBde)

MATALAM, North Cotabato – Some 200 villagers from the far-flung Barangay Arakan here returned home Monday after fleeing their homes following the sporadic encounters between government forces and the communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

Barangay Arakan chairman Harold Mantawil said the affected families are all residents of Sitio Valdevieso who temporarily took shelter at a covered court in Sitio Kulog since the start of the running gun battle last week.

Local government officials ordered the evacuees' return after the military assured the safety of the civilians, Mantawil said.

“The villagers' livelihood was also affected because they were forced to leave their livestock and farms for safety, " he added.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) conducted relief operations on Monday, distributing food packs and other essentials for the displaced families.

“Trickles of evacuees slowly came to the Sitio Kulog evacuation site since last week,” Matalam Vice Mayor Cheryl Valdevieso-Catamco said.

Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the Army's 602nd Infantry Brigade, said the series of clashes erupted after NPA rebels fired on soldiers belonging to the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion while conducting foot patrol in Barangay Arakan on Oct. 24.

During the pursuit operation, Capulong said government troopers managed to "neutralize" Zaldy Gulmatico Pulido, the secretary-general of the NPA's Guerrilla Front 53.

Capulong said pursuit operations are continuing against the rebels who had splintered into smaller groups in the peripheries of the two provinces.

The NPA, together with the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120480

AFP to assist OCD in assessing needs, damage from 'Rolly'

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 2, 2020): AFP to assist OCD in assessing needs, damage from 'Rolly' (By Priam Nepomuceno and Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay. (Screengrab from NDRRMC briefing)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to assist the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in assessing the damage and needs of areas battered by Super Typhoon Rolly.

"We will continue to assist OCD in their rapid damage assessment and need assessment activities," AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a briefing Monday at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

This is aside from ongoing efforts of the AFP to restore communications in the affected areas in coordination with the OCD and local government units (LGUs).

"Early (on) we have dispatched one deployable signal team to Catanduanes to help restore communication(s) in the province," Gapay added.

He said the AFP is also ready to transport relief goods to affected areas in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Gapay added that additional engineering equipment is on the way to assist the Department of Public Works and Highways in the clearing of roads and bridges affected by "Rolly".

In its 11 a.m. Monday update, the NDRRMC reported that families affected by "Rolly" have reached 372,716. This is equivalent to 1,468,296 persons residing in Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Bicol.

Of this number, 114,383 families or 416,195 individuals are being served "inside and outside evacuation centers", according to the update released by NDRRMC executive director Ricardo Jalad.

Also, 177 coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients and 417 medical support staff in 10 mega and local quarantine testing facilities were evacuated.

Undergoing validation are 11 fatalities and two injured persons in Calabarzon and Bicol.

The NDRRMC also reported that a total of 126,300 families or 457,903 individuals were preemptively evacuated in Regions 2, 3, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, 5, 8, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the National Capital Region.

In the same briefing, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año said LGUs have performed well during the onslaught of "Rolly" including the forced evacuations ahead of the typhoon's onslaught.

"Maganda ang performance ng ating LGUs, as early as October 30, nagsisimula na tayo ng forced evacuation, in fact kahit sa lugar na kung saan lumihis 'yung bagyo katulad ng NCR (National Capital Region) ay patuloy ang kanilang (Our LGUs' performance are good. We have started forced evacuation as early as October 30. In fact, regardless of the typhoon's path, other areas such as the NCR also started continuous) evacuation," he added.

He noted that the LGUs also have enough food for the evacuees.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief-for-operations, Lt. Gen. Hawthorne Binag, said 6,107 personnel were deployed for search, rescue, and retrieval operations in the affected areas while over 17,000 more police officers are on standby.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1120463