20 rebels surrender in Sorsogon province

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 21, 2021): 20 rebels surrender in Sorsogon province (By Keren Anne V. Bernadas) 

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 20 (PIA) – About 20 rebels from Sorsogon Province voluntarily surrendered themselves before the 9th Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion of the Philippine Army, January 18.

Firearms surrendereed by the CTGs. (Photo: 9CMO Kaagapay Battalion)

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Emerson P. De Vera, reported to the press these surrenderees, who will eventually be enrolled to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local integration Program (E-CLIP) to receive cash, livelihood, housing, medical and educational assistances as well as remuneration for the firearms they turned in.

In their testimonies, the former rebels (FR) narrated the unjust treatment and hardship they lived under the New People’s Army (NPA) under the past years. They also condemned the brutal killing of the three soldiers of Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Team of the 31st Infantry Battallion at Banquerohan, Legazpi City, last Sunday.

Major General Henry A. Robinson acknowledged the courage of the FRs as they willingly resubmitted themselves to the authority of the government and live as committed Filipino citizens.

“We express thanks to these Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) surrenderees for heeding to the call of the government to return to the folds of the law.

Photo: 9CMO Kaagapay Battalion

You made the right decision and you will never regret this. This massive surrender of CTG members and supporters is a manifestation that they too, are long fed up and tired of the ruthless, immorality and terrorism of their former comrades”, Colonel Aldwine I. Almase, Chief of Staff, 9ID at the Headquarters of 9CMO Battallion, said.

As the government strengthens its programs to end insurgency through the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) together with the conduct of RCSP and the effective undertakings of security forces, the Philippine Army expects the increase number of CTG surrenderees in the coming time.

Yet Brigadier General Noe Alberto Q. Peñafiel, Commander, 903rd Infantry Brigade, raised its concern about the alarming recruitment of CPP-NPA-NDF to the youth sector. He reminded the Bicolano students to be more vigilant and wiser with the organizations they want to join. (KAB/PIA5)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1064493   

Tagalog News: 'Kapatiran ng mga Dating Rebelde' inilunsad sa Palawan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 20, 2021): Tagalog News: 'Kapatiran ng mga Dating Rebelde' inilunsad sa Palawan (By Orlan C. Jabagat)

Ang mga dating rebelde na ngayon ay miyembro na ng 'Kapatiran ng mga Dating Rebelde o KADRE' habang nanunumpa sa kani-kanilang mga katungkulan sa paglulunsad ng nasabing organisasyon kamakailan. (Larawan mula sa 6CRG, WESCOM)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Enero 21 (PIA) -- Isang organisasyon na tinaguriang Kapatiran ng mga Dating Rebelde o KADRE ang inilunsad sa Palawan nitong Enero 18.

Isinagawa ito sa isang hotel sa Lungsod ng Puerto Princesa kung saan dinaluhan ito ng 38 indibidwal na kinabibilangan ng mga dating rebelde o Former Rebels (FRs) at dating mga miyembro ng Militia ng Bayan na ngayon ay nasa panig na ng pamahalaan.

Ang organisasyon na may adhikain na 'pagtutulungan sa pamamagitan ng mahigpit na kapatiran' ay nabuo sa tulong ng Palawan Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) upang mapalakas ang kampanya ng pamahalaan tungo sa hangarin na maging Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Free ang lalawigan.

Ang KADRE ay binubuo ng tatlong cluster: ang north, central at south cluster na pinamumunuan nina Kadre Jevy del Valle, Kadre Jenesis del Valle at Kadre Jerick B. Avila. Samantala si Kadre Jerwin Castigador naman ang nahirang bilang over-all President ng nasabing samahan.

Isa sa layunin ng organisasyon na matulungan sa patuloy na pagbabagong-buhay ang mga FRs sa pag-alalay na rin ng PTF-ELCAC. Sa pamamagitan nito ay inaasahan din na mahikayat ang iba pang miyembro ng mga teroristang grupo na magbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan.

Sina Atty. Teodoro Jose S. Matta, Director ng Peace and Order Program ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Palawan at si Retired Colonel Glenn B. Destriza ang tumatayong adviser ng KADRE.

Ang paglulunsad ng KADRE ay sinaksihan naman nina Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-Palawan Provincial Director Virgilio Tagle, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Abigail Ablaña at iba pang miyembro ng PTF-ELCAC. (OCJ/PIA-MIMAROPA, Palawan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1064557

New 95IB commander assumes post

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 20, 2021): New 95IB commander assumes post (By Merlito G. Edale, Jr.)

CITY OF ILAGAN, January 20 (PIA) - The new commanding officer of the 95th Infantry Battalion based in San Mariano town under the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army has assumed the leadership in the said camp.

Lt. Col. Lemuel A. Baduya replaced Lt. Col. Gladiuz C. Calilan who relinquished his post effective January 16, 2021 and now assigned at the 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army based in Gamu town as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations.

“I commit myself by all means. I will ensure to work consistently in harmony with the troops and in collaboration with our stakeholders and other agencies to cultivate the value of peace, security, and development in the province of Isabela,” Baduya said during the turn over ceremony.

He called on the remaining CPP-NPA members to yield in the government and avail of the many benefits offered for them.

Baduya was then the Deputy Chief of Operations Research Center of the Philippine Army and his assignment as battalion commander of the 95IB was his first deployment in Cagayan Valley.

Baduya was deployed in Mindanao Region in his Junior Years for almost nine years and in the Visayas for almost 4 years before his deployment at the Philippine Army headquarters.

Meanwhile, 5ID, PA Commander Major Gen. Laurence Mina lauded the leadership shown by Lt. Col. Galdiuz Calilan especially in the fight against insurgency in the area of operations of 95tIB.

"To Lt. Col. Calilan, thank you to your utmost service as the Battalion Commander of 95IB. The significant and immeasurable development you did in your area contributed to the success of the Star Division in the fight against insurgency in the province of Isabela,” Mina said. (BME/MGE - PIA-2/Isabela) 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1064371

Gapay lauds AFP Mental Health Team

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22, 2021): Gapay lauds AFP Mental Health Team (By Jimmyley E. Guzman)

AFP Chief of Staff General Gilbert Gapay joins the AFP Health Service Command (AFPHSC) during its Mental Health Training of Trainers at the V. Luna Medical Center. (Photo by TSg Randulf Obinque PAF/PAOAFP)

PASIG CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) today lauded the AFP Health Service Command (AFPHSC) for the successful conduct of the AFP Mental Health Training of Trainers on Thursday, January 21 at the V. Luna Medical Center.

“The efforts of the AFPHSC Mental Health Team are manifestations of solidarity with those who are facing an invisible adversary that has long been misunderstood, and that has brought suffering not just to the men and women in the service, but also to their loved ones,” General Gilbert Gapay said.

Military and Civilian Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Chaplains, Psychiatric Nurses, Social Workers, and AFP Allied Health Workers completed the nine-day program. It was facilitated by the AFPHSC headed by Colonel Edgar Cardinoza. A total of 28 participants from the Command and Major Services underwent seminar-workshops on Stress Debriefing, Trauma Counselling and Psychological First Aid.

The training is part of the AFP Mental Health Program which is an organized and integrated approach towards the establishment of mental crisis prevention and intervention strategies. This aims to conserve and safeguard the fighting strength of the military personnel and the organization as a whole.

“Hopefully, the pool of multi-disciplinary members in the form of our current AFP Mental Health Team will help us achieve and implement a holistic approach in attending to the mental health needs, issues, and concerns not only of our military troops and civilian resource, but also of their families,” said the AFP Chief of Staff.

General Gapay also expressed his support to the mental health teams acknowledging how difficult their job is in the holistic approach to attend to the mental health needs, issues, and concerns of all military personnel.

“I and my staff believe, and will definitely continue the same advocacy as I have right now. Our competencies are not limited to what we have only learned in the past, our ability to reach down to the smallest unit of our organization to promote mental health will undoubtedly make a difference,” he said. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1064609

AFP chief turns over new metal prostheses to military amputees

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22, 2021): AFP chief turns over new metal prostheses to military amputees (By Jimmyley E. Guzman) 

Contributed photo

PASIG CITY, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Gilbert Gapay on Thursday led the turnover of new metal prostheses to 25 military amputees currently confined at V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City.

The recipients, who were incapacitated due to combat operations, were given high-tech artificial limbs from Ottobock Philippines.

“The AFP salutes our battle casualties for the heroism they exemplified in the performance of their duties. While the prostheses do not amount to their exemplary act of sacrifice, I hope that it will help them ease back into their everyday lives,” General Gapay said.

He also assured that the AFP will continue to address the needs of the gallant soldiers in order for them to continue performing their sworn duty of protecting the people and securing the state, with the mental resilience that will help them find inner peace.

“Let us embark on this battle united. We must find ways — innovate, integrate, and unite for us to heal from within, for us to be stronger as an organization highly trusted by its people to be the first and last bastion of hope in crises both natural and manmade. Let us give them the best we got,” General Gapay said. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1064623

DND-UP accord violation of Constitution: AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2021): DND-UP accord violation of Constitution: AFP chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay

The Department of National Defense-University of the Philippines (DND-UP) accord was a violation of the equal protection clause under the 1987 Constitution, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay said Wednesday.

In a statement, Gapay said it was only UP that enjoyed privileges under the recently-terminated agreement.

"There is no substantial distinction between UP and other schools, state colleges, and universities. To give to UP such entitlement places it an unfairly advantaged status over the academic institutions and defies that Constitutional guarantee of equality of rights and protection under our laws," Gapay said.

Gapay expressed support to DND's move to terminate the 1989 accord, saying it was "unfair to the Filipino people and runs contrary to the public interest".

"Thus, the termination of the said accord does not violate the Constitution or any substantive laws of the land. On the contrary, the termination rectifies what we believe was in fact infringement of our Constitution," he said.

"It’s high time that we put an end to a deal which has been taken advantage of by the CPP- NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) in perpetuating their deceptive recruitment," he added, saying that the school is one of the rich sources of NPA recruits.

READ: Read DND-UP accord before criticizing: UP alumnus

Several critics of the accord's termination said the move was an infringement of academic freedom, but Gapay clarified that the military would not interfere in the state university's "liberty to choose who may teach, what can be taught, the manner with which it will be taught or who may study in UP".

"That academic freedom is guaranteed by the Constitution, it does not require enabling laws or any other agreements — certainly not from the voided agreement," Gapay said.

The AFP records show that at least 18 UP students who were recruited by the NPA have perished in skirmishes with government security forces.

"And this deadly recruitment has to stop. The CTGs (Communist Terrorist Groups) can no longer lurk in the university as they did before knowing that the AFP cannot enter the campuses without the prior consent of the school administrators," Gapay said.

The military, he said, cannot remain bound by an agreement that dictates they have to seek permission before they can enter UP campuses.

"As a way forward, we will pursue a more collaborative relationship between UP —and other universities for that matter— to usher the rebirth of schools and state universities that are bastions of genuine patriotism and not of misguided activism," Gapay said.

The CPP-NPA 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/1128041

Suspected NPA rebel killed in Masbate clash with cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2021): Suspected NPA rebel killed in Masbate clash with cops (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

A suspected New People's Army (NPA) rebel was killed as the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) continue their pursuit operations against the killers of two barangay officials in Masbate early this week.

Citing field reports, PNP chief, Gen. Debold Sinas, said police from the 9th Special Action Battalion and Masbate Provincial Mobile Force Company clashed with 15 suspected NPA members around 5 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Eastern Capsay in Baleno, Masbate.

The clash resulted in the death of a rebel who has yet to be identified and the seizure of an M-16 rifle, IED components, remittance receipts, documents, PHP15,000 cash, and medical supplies.

On the same day, another brief skirmish ensued between the rebels and police in Sitio Revil, Barangay Bat-ongan, Mandaon also in Masbate. The troops recovered an M-16 rifle from the scene.

Earlier, a still unidentified NPA member was captured in ongoing dragnet operations against a group who took hostage three village officials of Barangay Cabas-an in Aroroy on Tuesday morning.

Two of the hostages have been killed while the other managed to escape.

Police and military security forces have established checkpoints along the national road connecting the towns of Mandaon, Aroroy, and Baleno leading to Masbate City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128042

Lorenzana to oppose measures institutionalizing DND-UP accord

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2021): Lorenzana to oppose measures institutionalizing DND-UP accord (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday said he would oppose measures pushing the institutionalization of the DND-University of the Philippines (UP) Agreement of 1989.

"How can you institutionalize an agreement? Permanent na? (Will this be permanent?) Hindi na 'yan agreement (that will be no longer be an agreement) but a law. I oppose it and I am ready to go up to the SC (Supreme Court) to defend my action," he said in a message to reporters.

Lorenzana made the statement after Senator Joel Villanueva filed Senate Bill 2002 institutionalizing the essence of the agreement between the UP and state forces.

The bill seeks to amend Republic Act 9500 or the UP Charter Act of 2008 to require prior notification on the entry of police and military units in all UP campuses.

"Except in cases of hot pursuit and similar occasions of emergency... no member of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines), the PNP (Philippine National Police), or other law enforcement agencies shall enter the premises of any of the UP campuses or regional units," a portion of the bill read.

Lorenzana said the bill would not prosper. In abrogating the agreement on January 15, the DND chief called the arrangement "obsolete".

He said the agreement was used by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to turn the state university into a breeding ground of "intransigent individuals and groups whose extremist beliefs have inveigled students to join their ranks to fight against the government".

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128076

Agusan Del Sur's most wanted nabbed; NPA killed in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2021): Agusan Del Sur's most wanted nabbed; NPA killed in Leyte (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA file photo

Operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested the most wanted person in Agusan del Sur while a suspected Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) terrorist was killed in Eastern Visayas during operations on Wednesday.

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas on Thursday said Jossierick Plaza Mamerto alias "Bulaw" was arrested by a composite police team in an operation by the PNP Intelligence Group (IG) in Sitio Away, Barangay San Andres, Bunawan, Agusan del Sur around 4 p.m.

“There is no escaping the law because we are determined to pursue and arrest wanted persons who have long evaded arrest,” he said in a statement.

Citing reports from PNP-IG acting director, Col. Warren de Leon, Sinas said Mamerto is the subject of a warrant of arrest issued by Hon. Marigel S. Dagani-Hugo, presiding judge of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 6 of Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Mamerto is accused of two counts of murder in connection with the shooting of Adam Daniel Quilaman and Joseph Daniel Quilaman on Sept. 5, 2018.

Sinas said the suspect is tagged as No.1 Most Wanted Person in Agusan del Sur based on the latest validation of the list of wanted persons in the province.

In Leyte, CPP-NPA murder suspect Preciano Galleon alias "Penoy" was killed as he resisted arrest by police operatives in Barangay Santo Niño, Matalom, Leyte on Wednesday afternoon.

Galleon is the subject of two separate warrants of arrest issued by Hon. Jose H. Mijares, presiding judge of RTC 8th Judicial Region Branch 26 San Juan, Southern Leyte for the crime of murder and frustrated murder.

Galleon is accused of participating in the ambush of the defunct 359th PNP Mobile Force Company personnel stationed at St. Bernard, Southern Leyte on Mar. 7, 1993 in Sitio Kanangka-an, Barangay Catmon that killed PO1 Gilbert Caspe and wounded PO1s Arnel Conge and Thomas Alicer.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128062

Asean top diplomats air concern over recent activities in SCS

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 22, 2021): Asean top diplomats air concern over recent activities in SCS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Some Southeast Asian top diplomats at the Asean Foreign Ministers' (AMM) Retreat on Thursday aired concerns about the recent activities in the South China Sea, described to have "eroded trust and confidence" in the region.

"We discussed the situation in the South China Sea, during which concerns were expressed by some Ministers on the land reclamations, activities, and serious incidents in the area, which have eroded trust and confidence, increased tensions and may undermine peace, security, and stability in the region," the AMM chairman's statement read.

"We reaffirmed the need to enhance mutual trust and confidence, exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation," it added.

It underscored the need for peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The group also called for "non-militarization and self-restraint" in the conduct of all activities by claimants and all other states.

The AMM Retreat is the first scheduled meeting under Brunei's chairmanship in 2021.

During the virtual conference, the top diplomats also affirmed support to freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea.

But amid concerns about recent activities in the region, they noted the "continuously improving cooperation" between Asean and China, citing "progress" in negotiations toward the early conclusion of the COC.

The two parties are currently working to continue the second reading of the Single Draft COC Negotiating Text amid the evolving pandemic situation.

"We emphasized the need to maintain and promote an environment conducive to the COC negotiations, and thus welcomed practical measures that could reduce tensions and the risk of accidents, misunderstandings, and miscalculation," the statement read.

"We stressed the importance of undertaking confidence-building and preventive measures to enhance, among others, trust and confidence amongst parties; and we reaffirmed the importance of upholding international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS," it added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128183

AFP trainers complete mental health care course

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 22, 2021): AFP trainers complete mental health care course (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MENTAL HEALTH TRAINING. AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay joins the participants of the nine-day AFP Mental Health Training in a photo opportunity during the program's closing ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo on Jan. 20, 2021. The 28 participants underwent seminar workshops on stress debriefing, trauma counseling, and psychological first aid during the nine-day activity. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines Health Service Command (AFPHSC) concluded its nine-day training for its mental health trainers at the V. Luna Medical Center in Quezon City earlier this week.

“The efforts of the AFPHSC Mental Health Team are manifestations of solidarity with those who are facing an invisible adversary that has long been misunderstood, and that has brought suffering not just to the men and women in the service, but also to their loved ones,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gilbert Gapay said in a statement Thursday night.

A total of 28 participants coming from the ranks of military and civilian psychiatrists, psychologists, chaplains, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and AFP allied health workers participated and completed the nine-day program which was completed last January 20.

Participants underwent seminar-workshops on stress debriefing, trauma counseling, and psychological first aid during the activity facilitated by AFPHSC head, Col. Edgar Cardinoza.

The training is part of the AFP Mental Health Program which is an organized and integrated approach toward the establishment of mental crisis prevention and intervention strategies.

This aims to conserve and safeguard the fighting strength of the military personnel and the organization as a whole.

“Hopefully, the pool of multi-disciplinary members in the form of our current AFP Mental Health Team will help us achieve and implement a holistic approach in attending to the mental health needs, issues, and concerns not only of our military troops and civilian resource but also of their families,” Gapay said.

He also expressed his support to the mental health teams acknowledging how difficult their job is in the holistic approach to attend to the mental health needs, issues, and concerns of all military personnel.

“I and my staff believe, and will definitely continue the same advocacy as I have right now. Our competencies are not limited to what we have only learned in the past, our ability to reach down to the smallest unit of our organization to promote mental health will undoubtedly make a difference,” he said.

On the same day, the AFP chief led the turnover of new metal prostheses to 25 military amputees currently confined at the V. Luna Hospital. The recipients who were incapacitated due to combat operations were given high-tech artificial limbs from Ottobock Philippines.

“The AFP salutes our battle casualties for the heroism they exemplified in the performance of their duties. While the prostheses do not amount to their exemplary act of sacrifice, I hope that it will help them ease back into their everyday lives,” Gapay said.

He also assured that the AFP will continue to address the needs of the gallant soldiers for them to continue performing their sworn duty of protecting the people and securing the state, with the mental resilience that will help them find inner peace.

“Let us embark on this battle united. We must find ways — innovate, integrate, and unite for us to heal from within, for us to be stronger as an organization highly trusted by its people to be the first and last bastion of hope in crises both natural and manmade. Let us give them the best we got,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128189

DND revocation of accord with UP within ‘ambit of its mandate’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2021): DND revocation of accord with UP within ‘ambit of its mandate’ (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Armed Forces of the Philippines Human Rights Office head Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac (Screenshot)

The Department of National Defense has acted within the "ambit of its mandate" when it abrogated the University of the Philippines (UP)-DND Accord of 1989 as the police power of the state cannot be bargained through any form of contract, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines Human Rights Office (AFPHRO) head, Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, on Thursday.

"The UP-DND Accord of 1989 was abrogated by the DND Secretary for the simple reason that the operations of the AFP and PNP (Philippine National Police) as protector of the people, should not be hampered by a one-sided obsolete contract,” Nacnac said in a statement.

Nacnac said the accord has given special treatment to UP for more than 30 years and in one way or another, prevented State forces from protecting the students from being recruited by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

"As such, human rights principles were upheld due to the abrogation. The AFP has no intention of putting military camps inside any of the UP campuses nor to suppress activist groups. Never that the AFP intervened in the holding of any non-violent protest activities against the government," he added.

He said the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) should not be alarmed by the withdrawal of the DND from the agreement, adding that the AFP is not a suppressor of civil or political rights but a protector of human rights.

He added that freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly are always respected by the AFP since it is provided under Article 19 and 20 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and also embodied under the Philippine Bill of Rights.

As a protector of people’s rights, the AFP has a solemn duty to respect it and the eyes of the AFPHRO are always open to see to it that these rights of the people are respected by the military, Nacnac said.

On academic freedom, he said Article 26 of the UDHR provides for the people’s right to education.

"That is why in all State universities like UP, free tuition fee is provided by the government to the so-called Scholars of the State. These young scholars should be studying in a conducive and communist-free environment," Nacnac said.

The academic freedom, he said, should not have been made as an issue in the abrogation because it has been jurisprudentially settled in the case of Cudia vs. Superintendent of the PMA (Philippine Military Academy) Feb. 24, 2015 and reiterated by the Supreme Court in the case of Raymond Son, et.al vs UST (the University of Sto. Tomas), April 18, 2018, “that academic freedom encompasses the freedom of the school to determine for itself on academic grounds: 1. Who may teach; 2. What may be taught; 3. How it shall be taught; and 4. Who may be admitted to study.”

“With this, the abrogation of the UP-DND Accord does not curtail such freedom as UP will still be able to execute these rights even without such agreement and there is no human rights violation committed against the students and faculty members of UP," he added.

As part of the police power of the State, he said the government has a duty to protect the youth from being deceived, used, and conscripted by the CPP-NPA.

Nacnac added that the AFP does not diminish nor undermine the rights guaranteed to the Filipino people.

"We assure the UP administration and the citizenry that the AFP shall always respect human rights and uphold the rule of law," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128100

US support to 2016 arbitral award to continue under Biden: envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2021): US support to 2016 arbitral award to continue under Biden: envoy (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez (File photo)

The United States, under newly sworn-in President Joe Biden, is likely to maintain its position in the South China Sea by continuing to uphold the 2016 arbitral award, Philippine Ambassador to Washington D.C. Jose Manuel Romualdez said Thursday.

Under the previous administration of former US President Donald Trump, Washington endorsed the landmark decision that ruled against Beijing's vast nine-dash line claim in the disputed region.

Romualdez said State Secretary-designate Antony Blinken himself affirmed that China will remain a priority in the US foreign policy.

"Sinabi niya na 'yong kanilang policy sa China will be more or less the same as what the Trump administration had kaya lang iba 'yong kanilang approach (He said that their policy on China will be more or less the same as what the Trump administration had but the approach will be different), there would be cooperation in many other areas but in terms of, for instance, South China Sea they recognize... The US recognizes the arbitral award so they will continue with that policy," he said in an interview over GMA. "Lahat yan is the overall picture of what the Biden administration will be doing in our part of the world (That would be the overall picture of what the Biden administration will be doing in this part of the world)," he added.

Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, meanwhile, hoped to see Washington continue its freedom of navigation and overflight operations in the South China Sea, saying this serves as the "most robust enforcement of the arbitral award."

"Whenever the US Navy sails in the West Philippine Sea and conduct naval drills, they're saying that we can do this because this is an EEZ of a coastal state, and there's only one coastal state in the West Philippine Sea and that's the Philippines," he said during a Foreign Service Institute-organized Mangrove Forum on Thursday. "I hope that continues and I hope that the US will not disengage because that will leave the South China Sea for the taking by China," he added.

Biden was officially sworn in as the 46th president of the US in a heavily-guarded ceremony at the US Capitol on Wednesday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128147

PRRD prods Moro people to be 'loyal to cause of peace'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2021): PRRD prods Moro people to be 'loyal to cause of peace' (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday enjoined the Bangsamoro people to “remain loyal to the cause of peace.”

Duterte made the call in his keynote speech delivered during the commemoration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) second anniversary.

“I am indeed pleased [and] happy that in the past two years, we have strengthened the collaboration between the national government and the Bangsamoro government, a significant step in achieving meaningful and lasting peace in Mindanao,” he said in a speech delivered at Malacañan Palace. “My good friends, may we remain loyal to the cause of peace.”

The BARMM, established in 2019 after two plebiscites, replaced the now-defunct Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in the hopes of achieving lasting peace and security in the region.

Since the creation of BARMM, peace and stability in the region have prospered, Duterte said.

“As I have promised during the early part of my term, we have laid the groundwork for lasting peace and progress in Mindanao,” he said.

BARMM chief minister Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim, BARMM Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education Minister Mohagber Iqbal, and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III were among those present during the commemorative rites held at Malacañan.

‘Much-needed’ reforms

Duterte was elated that “much-needed” reforms and mechanisms have been executed by Iqbal and Dominguez to foster growth in the Bangsamoro region.

The “noteworthy accomplishments,” he said, include the BARMM’s participation in the national planning process; the transfer of management of existing reserves and protected areas from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to BARMM; and the creation of Bangsamoro electoral office and regional offices of several national government agencies.

“Be assured that this administration will remain determined with its commitment to support self-determination, uphold human rights, and advance social welfare in the Bangsamoro region,” Duterte said.

Duterte also thanked Ebrahim for his “exemplary leadership” and efforts to ensure that BARMM will achieve “meaningful self-governance within the framework of our Constitution and other Bangsamoro organic law.”

Continued support

Duterte also acknowledged that BARMM is facing present challenges amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

He said he had already directed concerned government agencies to provide continued support to the Bangsamoro region.

“Today, like the rest of the nations, the BARMM is faced with many counting challenges, aggravated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This is why I’ve given marching orders to all relevant government agencies to give full support to the BARMM through continued assistance in the region,” he said.

Duterte said he remains “as enthusiastic as ever” for what the future holds for the Bangsamoro people.

“Together, let us continue to find common ground in achieving our shared aspirations for economic and self-sufficiency, genuine development and lasting peace in our home region of Mindanao,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128173

AFP to engage more with students after DND-UP deal abrogation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21, 2021): AFP to engage more with students after DND-UP deal abrogation (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., Southern Luzon Command chief (PNA File photo)

With the abrogation of the Department of National Defense-University of the Philippines (DND-UP) agreement, government security forces will have the chance to engage and explain to various student groups how the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) goes about targeting and recruiting innocent youths to their cause.

This, according to Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., in an interview in TV-5's "The Chiefs" on Wednesday.

"The abrogation of this accord would provide us the opportunity to again engage the studentry, the student councils, explain to them this is how the CPP works, this is how they recruit," Parlade said.

He added that with these engagements, the security sector will be able to guide or give ideas to students fresh out of the provinces on what organizations to avoid.

"Madaming puedeng gawin (there a lot of things that can be done), if only to prevent, especially itong mga (these) freshmen, wala itong kamuwang-muwang iyong mga galing ng probinsiya (who have are naive and fresh from the provinces)," he added.

Parlade, who is also National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) spokesperson, added that while looking at the list of UP graduates and undergraduates who were recruited by CPP-NPA front organizations and later killed in armed clashes with government forces, said this tragedy should not have happened had the military been allowed to engage them through seminars or lectures.

"I am looking at the list of the UP graduates and undergrads who were killed, getting involved with the NPAs and getting killed. One or two of them were close to me. So sabi ko, hindi sana ito nangyari kung at (I told myself, this should not have happened) if we were allowed to visit the schools and conduct seminars or lectures, or engage the students," he said.

These senseless deaths, he said, could have been prevented had someone been tasked to check on the front or underground groups of the CPP-NPA that is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

When asked if the abrogation would mean military presence in UP, Parlade said there will be no AFP troops patrolling UP campuses.

AFP doing its job

Meanwhile, Philippine Army (PA) chief, Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, in a statement Thursday said that while they recognize UP as the home of the "best and brightest students" of the country, the military should not be prevented from doing its job.

"The PA is mandated to serve the people and secure the land. UP compound is a public domain and with the issue at hand, the military should not be prevented in doing their job," he added.

Reports indicate that the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) constantly targets young and brilliant individuals in their deceptive recruitment schemes inside the campus.

"We just want to be clear that your Army is not against UP’s academic freedom as well as its dissent, progressive acts, and peaceful activism. What we are after is to end NPA’s armed struggle wherein they use students for their own advantage.

DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Jan. 15 terminated the DND-UP 1989 agreement that requires prior notice before the AFP, then Philippine Constabulary, or the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit can enter any of the UP campuses.

Exceptions to the said requirement include hot pursuit cases and ordinary transit.

In abrogating the agreement, Lorenzana called the accord "obsolete".

He said the CPP-NPA used the 31-year old agreement to turn UP into a breeding ground of "intransigent individuals and groups whose extremist beliefs have inveigled students into joining their ranks to fight against the government."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128182