NPA amazon wanted for illegal possession of guns falls in Cagayan

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 13, 2022): NPA amazon wanted for illegal possession of guns falls in Cagayan (By Liezle Basa Iñigo)

CAMALANIUGAN, Cagayan – A New People’s Army (NPA) amazon wanted for illegal possession of firearms was arrested Monday, July 11, in Barangay Bulala here.

Rosielyn Domingo Simeon, alias “Jinky,” “Eya/Lara,” and “Di/Diya,” 34, was arrested by the 4th Maneuver Platoon of the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company, Camalaniugan Municipal Police Station, Regional Mobile Force Battalion, 2nd Philippine National Police-Special Action Force, and 77th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army at 9:30 a.m.

Simeon was arrested for illegal possession, manufacture, and acquisition of firearms, ammunition, and explosives under Presidential Decree 1866 as amended by Republic Acts 8294 and 9516.

No bail was recommended for Simeon in the warrant issued by Presiding Judge Edmar Pascual Castillo Sr. of the Regional Trial Court Branch 11, Tuao, Cagayan dated December 14, 2021.

Simeon is a member of the executive committee of an NPA group operating in Cagayan. She is also their armorer and medic.

Recovered from Simeon were three keypad cell phones, four SIM cards, power bank, four memory cards, charger, small pocket-size notebook, box medical kit, a P1,000 bill, and flash drive.

The accused and pieces of evidence were brought to the Camalaniugan Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/13/npa-amazon-wanted-for-illegal-possession-of-guns-falls-in-cagayan/

Military: ‘NPA fighters’ aged 21, 26 among those killed in NegOcc encounter

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 13, 2022): Military: ‘NPA fighters’ aged 21, 26 among those killed in NegOcc encounter (By Martin Sadongdong)

Four suspected New People’s Army (NPA) fighters – including a 21-year-old young man and a 26-year-old woman, were killed in a recent armed encounter in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, the military’s Visayas Command (VISCOM) confirmed Wednesday, July 13.

Courtesy of Visayas Command

In a statement, the VISCOM said that elements of the 94th Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division clashed with around 14 NPA fighters belonging to the Central Negros Front 2 of the Komiteng Rehiyon – Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR NCBS) in Sitio Amilis, Barangay Bi-ao last July 6 which resulted in the death of four rebels.

According to VISCOM, slain during the encounter were Alden Rodriguez alias Rocky, 21; Nikka Dela Cruz alias Chai, 26; Ruel Gemina Udtuhan, 42; and Rowel Ladera, 32.

Both Udtuhan and Ladera were residents of Himamaylayan City while Rodriguez was from Manjuyod town all in Negros Occidental. Meanwhile, Dela Cruz hailed from Medellin, Cebu.

Lt. Gen. Robert Dauz, VISCOM commander, condoled with the families of the slain rebels, “most especially the families of Rodriguez and Dela Cruz who are both too young to suffer such fate.”

“We regret that this unfortunate event led to the demise of these individuals, particularly our youth as they were swayed by the deception and false promises of the communist terrorist group, the CPP – NPA – NDF [Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front]),” Dauz said.

“We grieve deeply with the families of these individuals, as we always would for many Filipino families who lost a father, a mother, son, daughter, brother, and sister in these more than five decades of fighting,” he added.

According to VISCOM, some of the colleagues of the slain rebels have surrendered to the 94IB and revealed the location of their group, prompting the troops to conduct a security operation.

The tip yielded positive results as the troops found the unit and had a brief exchange of fire with the rebels which lasted for three minutes. Four of the 14 armed individuals were killed while the others have escaped, the military said.

A week later, the families of the slain rebels have surfaced and presented documents to identify their relatives, the military said.

The VISCOM said that the slain rebels were part of an NPA unit that was behind the ambush of members of the Binalbagan police in February where two cops were injured.

“We despise the idea of bloodshed in ending this insurgency problem. These senseless killings between and among our fellow Filipinos, especially our youth, caused by the deception and manipulation of the CPP – NPA – NDF must come to an end,” Dauz said.

“As such, we reach out to those who continue to fight and advocate this meaningless fighting, assist your government in bringing in a peaceful and meaningful change, help heal the wounds that widely divided our people, lay down your arms, abandon your armed struggle, and return to the folds of the law,” he added.

Communist insurgency has been a problem of the government for 53 years already, with the CPP leading the rebellion since 1969.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/13/military-npa-fighters-aged-21-26-among-killed-in-negocc-encounter/

Guns owned by 2 cops recovered from NPA in Negros Occidental encounter site

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 13, 2022): Guns owned by 2 cops recovered from NPA in Negros Occidental encounter site (By Glazyl Masculino)

A rifle and a handgun owned by two policemen were recovered from the site of an encounter between the military and New People’s Army (NPA) last week in Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

THE firearms owned by two policemen recovered from two NPA rebels slain in a clash with the military and police in Barangay Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental July 6. (Photo courtesy of 94th IB/303rd Infantry Brigade)

The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (Nocppo) said Tuesday, July 12, that the two firearms – a Springfield M14 rifle and a .45 caliber pistol – were issued to Police Corporal Jose Ray Bringuez and Police Staff Sgt. Ranulfo Estrada.

Bringuez was assigned to Sipalay City Police Station in Negros Occidental while Estrada at the Guihulngan City Police Station in Negros Oriental when the weapons were carted away.

According to the Negros Occidental police, these firearms were stolen from the two policemen when the NPA stormed a Compac in Barangay San Jose, Sipalay City April 30, 2010 and ransacked the La Libertad Municipal Police Station November 3, 2009.

Their status was confirmed through the Logistics Data Information Management System (LDIMS) and Philippine National Police-Firearms and Explosives Unit.

The Negros Occidental police maintained that the encounter was a legitimate operation, contrary to the claim of the rebel group.

Last July 6, four NPA rebels were killed in a clash with the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB), Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company (33rd DRC) in Barangay Santol, following reports about the presence of unidentified armed men in the area.

The gunmen were believed to part of the NPA rebels who ambushed personnel of Binalbagan Municipal Police Station in Barangay Bi-ao in February, leaving two policemen wounded, according to the Army.

In fact, one of the slain rebels was a former local journalist from a well-off family in Cebu, according to the 3rd Infantry Division (ID).

She was reportedly recruited during her college years, until she joined protests and later joined the NPA in Central Negros.

The 3rd ID is calling for the government, through its educational institutions, to be more vigilant in resolving the NPA recruitment inside State Universities and Colleges, particularly in major cities like Cebu City.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/07/13/guns-owned-by-2-cops-recovered-from-npa-in-negros-occidental-encounter-site/

NPA leader arrested in Davao del Norte

 From the Manila Times (Jul 14, 2022): NPA leader arrested in Davao del Norte (By Ruth Palo)

A ranking leader of the communist New People's Army (NPA) facing criminal charges was arrested by operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) at La Filipina in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Wednesday morning, July 13.

LtCol. Milgrace Driz, CIDG provincial unit head, said the suspected NPA leader identified only as alias "Dodong" used to be the commanding officer of the NPA Front Committee 27, operating within Davao de Oro.

He was arrested on the strength of a warrant of arrest for murder issued in Davao de Oro in August 2019.

The suspect is now under the custody of the Tagum City Police Office for temporary detention.

"We will take cognizance of the criminal justice system and the rule of law where joint forces of law enforcers of the Philippine National Police will rein in criminal activities and curb lawlessness," Driz said.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/07/14/news/regions/npa-leader-arrested-in-davao-del-norte/1850832

Greater risk of ISIS-inspired attacks in region due to ‘cyber jihad’: Singapore ISD

 Posted to Yahoo News (Jul 13, 2022): Greater risk of ISIS-inspired attacks in region due to ‘cyber jihad’: Singapore ISD (Vernon Lee·Senior Editor)

An unloaded Twitter website in front of a displayed ISIS flag. (PHOTO: Reuters)

SINGAPORE — The region is facing a greater risk of attacks by home-grown extremists who are inspired by “cyber jihad” linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), said Singapore’s Internal Security Department (ISD) on Wednesday (13 July).

In its “Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment 2022” report, ISD flagged the continuous ability of Islamist terrorist groups like ISIS to radicalise and inspire attacks among their followers.

Through a “thriving” pro-ISIS network on social media, ISIS supporters have been circulating ISIS materials alongside self-produced propaganda. “This facilitates the radicalisation and recruitment of a virtual ‘caliphate of believers’ who remain loyal to ISIS, notwithstanding the group’s leadership losses and operational setbacks,” ISD said.

The online network also facilitates communication between regional supporters and ISIS core in Syria and Iraq including the coordination of terror activities across borders and exchange of operational knowledge like weapons-making. Regional authorities have taken action to combat this threat such as the arrest of five members of a pro-ISIS media group in Indonesia.

“As travel restrictions ease, online collaboration between extremists could manifest as real-world attacks,” ISD said.

ISIS affiliates pose the “most immediate threat” through their ability to mount ISIS-inspired attacks, with militant factions in southern Philippines persistently engaging security forces in armed clashes and Jemaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD) elements in Indonesia remaining active in plotting attacks, according to ISD.

More than 1,000 Southeast Asians have travelled to the conflict zone in Syria and Iraq since the mid-2010s, with at least 600 Southeast Asians reportedly still in Syria. Despite the distance, these individuals pose a security concern and could direct attacks from abroad, ISD said.

While the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) is in temporary retreat, it is still a resilient threat, with ISD noting that almost 180 JI-linked suspects were arrested in Indonesia last year. JI may also revive ties with Al-Qaeda and its affiliates, ISD added.

Meanwhile, the threat from far-right extremism (FRE) has overshadowed that of Islamist terrorism in some Western countries, according to ISD. In recent years, two individuals had killed a total of 33 people in separate attacks in the US. The attackers were inspired by white supremacist Brenton Tarrant, who killed 51 worshippers at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 2019.

Globally, the Russian-Ukraine conflict may unite FRE elements. “Russia’s full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 amplified interest within online FRE communities, where the chatter appears dominated by the pro-Ukraine narrative… FRE-aligned foreign fighters and the proliferation of surplus weapons would be likely by-products of a prolonged conflict in Ukraine,” ISD said.

Domestic front threats

ISD also noted that the self-radicalisation threat continues to be the main driver of the domestic terrorism threat in Singapore.

A total of 45 self-radicalised individuals, comprising 33 Singaporeans and 12 foreigners, have been issued with orders under the Internal Security Act since 2015. The latest case is Radjev Lal Madan Lal, a 29-year-old Singaporean who was detained under the ISA in April.

Singapore has also taken firm actions against terrorism financing-related activities.

In the past 12 months, a Singaporean and a Bangladeshi were found guilty of terrorism financing offences, bringing the total to 13 individuals who were convicted under the Terrorism (Suppression of Financing) Act since its introduction in 2002.

While there is currently no specific intelligence of an imminent terrorist attack against Singapore, the need to stay alert to threats is critical, ISD said.

“The transnational nature of terrorism means that developments further afield, such as those in the Middle East and Afghanistan, can reverberate much closer to home. Extremists are adept at opportunistically exploiting such overseas conflicts to promote their radical narratives and recruit supporters by tapping on a diverse range of grievances.”

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/region-faces-risk-isis-attacks-cyber-jihad-isd-092038477.html

Thousands of ex-separatist rebels poised to become Philippine police officers

From BenarNews (Jul 13, 2022): Thousands of ex-separatist rebels poised to become Philippine police officers (By Jeoffrey Maitem)

Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas line up in formation in the jungles of Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao province, southern Philippines, July 29, 2009. Five years later, the rebel group would sign a peace deal with Manila, ending their separatist struggle that began in 1978.  Jeoffrey Maitem/BenarNews

More than 7,000 former Muslim separatist rebels are a step closer to being recruited to the national police force that once hunted them in a volatile region of the southern Philippines, after they passed an entrance exam – the basic qualification for recruitment.

For Ryan Saavedra, a former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) foot soldier who took the test, making the cut brings him closer to his dream of securing a future for his young daughter, who belongs to a new generation that he hopes will no longer live in fear of war.

“Allahu Akbar, our prayer was heard by Allah. I never expected that I would pass the test,” said Saavedra, a wiry 36-year-old.

Born and reared in Sultan Kudarat, a town in southern Maguindanao province, Saavedra is a father to a 1-year-old daughter. He wants her to grow up to see him as a police officer instead of an enemy of the state.

“I want my daughter to be proud of her father and finish her studies so she could get a job in the future,” Saavedra told BenarNews.

He and other ex-guerrillas who passed the exam must now overcome two more hurdles – passing a screening and undergoing physical training – before they can be inducted as police officers serving the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as part of a peace deal struck between Manila and MILF, the main rebel group here, in 2014.

The agreement stated that former members of MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) be given the opportunity for employment as law enforcers, said Mohd Asnin Pendatun, cabinet secretary for the autonomous region’s government.

“We are very grateful that we have a high passing rate for the qualifying exam and we are very happy because the sacrifice of our applicants has paid off,” he said in a statement. “We understand that the validation process of the application is meticulous because we have to ensure that applicants are legitimate MILF and MNLF members.”

As many as 7,145 ex-members of MILF and MNLF, out of the more than 11,000 people associated with those groups who sat for the National Police Commission’s “special qualifying eligibility examinations” in May, have passed, the Professional Regulation Commission said.

The results were vetted and released only this week, nearly two months after the first batch of former guerrillas sat for the exam.

Rashid Karon, another former MILF guerrilla in his 30s, said he enjoyed a special dinner with his family on Tuesday night after learning that he had passed.

“I am one step away from becoming a policeman,” he told BenarNews.

Like Saavedra and Karon, Abdul Hakim Gandarosa, 26, a resident of a village in Marawi City, thanked his family after he posted the highest score in the special examination with a grade of about 92.

In 2017, when he was 21 years old, Islamic State-linked militants ransacked Marawi in a failed attempt to turn the lakeshore city into its caliphate in Southeast Asia.

As with other young Muslims, Gandarosa said he was being recruited to be part of the IS faction, but refused.

The fighting in and around Marawi lasted five months before government forces broke the militant siege, leaving more than 1,000 IS fighters, police, soldiers and civilians dead.

Gandarosa said he wants to help prevent similar attacks in the future, if he eventually becomes a police officer.

“It would be hard, but I have to enforce the law,” he said. “And I will not hesitate to pull the trigger if my life is at risk.”

Former Moro Islamic Liberation Front guerrillas take an entrance test for the Philippine National Police in Cotabato city, southern Philippines, May 29, 2022. [Handout photo/Moro Islamic Liberation Front]

Pendatun, the BARMM cabinet secretary, said the government of the autonomous region would continue to help applicants in their efforts to be inducted into the national police force.

“This is just a testament that symbolized the partnership between the national and Bangsamoro governments for the peace process,” he said.

The MILF signed a peace agreement with the central government in 2014, ending its long-running separatist insurgency in the Mindanao region. The group split from the MNLF in 1978, while the latter signed a separate peace deal with Manila in 1996.

One of the conditions of the MILF-government peace deal was the integration of select fighters into the country’s police and military forces, subject to a rigorous selection process.

Apart from recruiting former militants into the Philippine National Police (PNP), the autonomous government is overseeing the disarming and decommissioning of weapons in the possession of 40,000 ex-fighters.

Under the process, each former combatant who turns in weapons is expected to receive a cash payment, including money for education.

But bringing former enemies into the fold isn’t sitting well with all members of the national police force.

Seven years ago, 44 police commandos were killed in a fierce firefight with the MILF in the southern town of Mamasapano. The dead officers were on a secret mission to capture or kill Zulkifli bin Hir (also known as Marwan), one of Southeast Asia’s most wanted militants at the time.

The commandos hunted down and killed Marwan, but they became trapped in a firefight with the MILF guerrillas who believed they were being attacked by enemy forces. The debacle was described as the biggest single-day combat loss for the government in recent memory.

The fighting set back the peace process, and it was only after Rodrigo Duterte succeeded Benigno Aquino III as president that Congress passed a law giving autonomy to the areas in the south controlled by MILF.

[Mark Navales in Cotabato, Philippines, contributed to this report.]

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/test-results-07132022143645.html

Kalinaw News: Successful Peace Efforts prompted former rebels to surrender in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte

From Kalinaw News (Jul 13, 2022): Successful Peace Efforts prompted former rebels to surrender in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte

MAWAB, Davao De Oro – Successful localized peace engagement resulted in a peaceful surrender of the remaining four (4) inactive members of the Dismantled Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU) of the Sub-Regional Committee 5 (SRC5) in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte on July 12, 2022, to the 56th Infantry Battalion under the 1003rd Infantry Brigade.

The 56IB identified the surrenderors as Jimboy Mambay-an, former squad leader of SRGU; Tata Mambay-an, former medic; Onti Landahay alias “Doseka”; and Inggo Ebudan. Likewise, they also brought along with them one (1) AK47 Rifle, and one (1) M1 Springfield Garand Rifle.

Jimboy and Tata were among the six (6) remaining SRGU deleted personalities after SRC5’s downfall on January 15, 2022, due to their inactive status from the Communist Terrorist Group.

Meanwhile, 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin commended the troops of 56IB and 1003rd Infantry Brigade for facilitating the peaceful surrender of the said former rebels. “Rest assured that 10ID will continue to support our friends rescued who saw greater good with the government, and we will help them in their transition back to the mainstream society with the hope of a peaceful and sustainable life.” MGen Mempin added

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/successful-peace-efforts-prompted-former-rebels-to-surrender-in-talaingod-davao-del-norte/

Bulatlat losing half its readers to ‘terror’ block, but judge says that’s not urgent

From Rappler (Jul 13, 2022): Bulatlat losing half its readers to ‘terror’ block, but judge says that’s not urgent (By LIAN BUAN)

Esperon's lawyer Ferdinand Topacio wants to implead the anti-terror council for an act that the former national security adviser may have done on his own

Barely a month since access to its website was blocked by the Duterte government’s last-minute crackdown moves, news site Bulatlat.com has lost half of its readership, but this development still failed to get an immediate relief from the court as a judge in Quezon City said the problem was “not urgent.”

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Dolly Jose Bolante-Prado denied Bulatlat’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) Wednesday, July 13, which was supposed to be the quick remedy for the websites which former national security adviser (NSA) Hermogenes Esperon Jr. asked the National Telecommunications (NTC) to block for alleged links to groups the government had designated as terrorists under the anti-terror law.

The anti-terror law’s designation clause does not mention anything about blocking websites to the designated groups, more so to allegedly “affiliated” groups like what Esperon claimed Bulatlat to be. The Integrated Bar of the Philippines had called this blocking “bereft of legal basis” and an “embarrassment” to the government.

But because some browsers have the ability to bypass the blocks put in place by internet service providers (ISPs), some users can still access Bulatlat’s website. The judge on Wednesday was still able to access the website and cited this in her order.

In her written order, Judge Prado said: “The Court itself was able to gain access to the plaintiff’s website. The Court noted that the plaintiff was able to publish the latest news and its commentaries on recent issues of public interest. Its website is still accessible to the public, hence there is clearly no suppression of the constitutionally guaranteed right to free speech.”

Bulatlat managing editor Len Olea said that according to data from Google analytics, “we have noted nearly 50% drop in the unique visitors.”

A quick and informal survey by Rappler on Twitter showed that out of 56 users, 36 could not access the website spanning all major ISPs.

“One less [person who can access] is significant in a sea of disinformation and misinformation,” said Olea. Bulatlat.com is a long-established news group covering human rights and issues of marginalized groups.

The main case, however, will continue as only the TRO was junked. A hearing has been set for August 2, and Bulatlat’s lawyer Minnie Lopez was hoping they could still vie for a preliminary injunction.

Bulatlat’s main petition is for the court to nullify Esperon’s letter to the NTC, and the latter’s memorandum to ISPs. They argue that it is a form of unconstitutional prior restraint, or regulating the content even before it is put out.

Bulatlat is demanding a symbolic P1 worth of damages from the case.

Was the anti-terror council involved or not?

Ferdinand Topacio, Esperon’s lawyer, said after the hearing that Bulatlat should have impleaded the anti-terror council (ATC) “sapagkat sa ATC po nagmula ‘yung order sa NTC na i-block po ang site (because it was the ATC which ordered the NTC to block the site).”

But whether the ATC – an inter-agency body – was involved or whether Esperon did it on his own was an issue before. Esperon’s letter to the NTC was prefaced on his being NSA, and not a member of the anti-terror council.

Former justice undersecretary Adrian Sugay, the representative of former secretary Menardo Guevarra in the council, said before the transition to the Marcos government that “the request in question emanated not from the Anti-Terrorism Council, but from the National Security Council.”

Topacio claims that because Esperon used the ATC resolutions designating the “affiliate” groups, the ATC should be impleaded.

“Wala namang problema sa amin kung ku-kuwestiyunin ninyo ang ATC bilang parte rin para may due process, ready naman kaming ipagtanggol ang actions ng pamahalaan,” said Topacio. (We have no problem if they question the ATC as a part of this also, for due process, we are ready to defend the government’s actions.)

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said “that was not yet our time but I have asked Usec Deo Marco to help me look into this.” Marco was among the undersecretaries of the Guevarra-led DOJ, and seems to have been retained by Remulla.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/bulatlat-losing-readers-terror-due-terror-block-judge-says-not-urgent/

Malaysia obtains stay order against $15B award to heirs of late Sultan of Sulu

From Rappler (Jul 14, 2022): Malaysia obtains stay order against $15B award to heirs of late Sultan of Sulu (By REUTERS)

The heirs claim to be successors-in-interest to the last Sultan of Sulu, who entered a deal in 1848 with a British trading company over the use of his territory

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysia said on Wednesday, July 13, it had obtained a stay order against the enforcement of a French arbitration court ruling ordering the government to pay $14.9
billion to the descendants of a late sultan over a colonial-era land deal.

A British law firm representing the heirs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Paris Court of Appeal on Tuesday allowed an application by the Malaysian government for the stay after finding that enforcement of the award could infringe the country’s sovereignty, Malaysia’s law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said in a statement.

Malaysia is also preparing to have the ruling set aside, he said.

The stay order comes a day after lawyers representing the heirs of the late sultan moved to seize two Luxembourg-based units of Malaysian state oil firm Petronas. Petronas has described the seizure as “baseless” and said it would vigorously defend its legal position.

The heirs claim to be successors-in-interest to the last Sultan of Sulu, who entered a deal in 1848 with a British trading company over the use of his territory, now known as the Malaysian state of Sabah.

Malaysia took over the arrangement after independence from Britain, paying a token sum to the heirs annually. But the payments were stopped in 2013, with Malaysia arguing that no one else had a right over Sabah, which was part of its territory.

A French court issued the $14.9 billion award in favor of the heirs in February, with Malaysia refusing to participate in the arbitration.

Wan Junaidi said Malaysia did not recognize the heirs’ claim and would take all steps to uphold the country’s sovereignty.

https://www.rappler.com/world/asia-pacific/malaysia-obtains-stay-order-against-15b-award-to-heirs-of-late-sultan-of-sulu/

Ex-rebels locate hidden firearms

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 13, 2022): Ex-rebels locate hidden firearms (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE military reported that former leaders of the New People’s Army (NPA) led 10th Infantry Division soldiers to the recovery of five high-powered firearms in Purok 6, Barangay New Leyte, Maco, Davao de Oro last July 9.

Captain Mark Anthony Tito, Public Affairs Office chief of the division, two former leaders of the revolutionary movement who surrendered a month ago led the team to the location where the firearms were hidden.

Found were four M16 and an M14.

Major General Nolasco A Mempin, commander of the division, was elated by the discovery of the firearms.

“The cooperation of the former rebels in leading us to recover their buried firearms is a clear manifestation of the trust and confidence that our friends rescued have in our soldiers,”. Mempin said, adding that the rebels could not use the rifles again to sow violence.

Last month, the military declared the province insurgency-free after it reported that rebel units in the area were dismantled.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/07/13/ex-rebels-locate-hidden-firearms/

Army: NPA recruitment led to wasted life

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 14, 2022): Army: NPA recruitment led to wasted life (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Nikka Ledesma dela Cruz* 3ID photo

A good daughter and a brilliant student.

This was how the parents of Nikka Ledesma Dela Cruz, one of the four New People’s Army rebels who died in an encounter with Army soldiers and policemen on July 6, in Brgy. Santol, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, according to Capt. Kim Apitong, Public Affairs Office chief of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

According to her mother, who is a doctor, Apitong said Nikka, a Communication graduate of the University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu, wanted to be a journalist. But during her college days, she was already participating in protest rallies, staged by urban poor group Kadamay, Gabriela Women’s Group and other left leaning organizations in Carbon, Cebu City, which led to her being recruited by Anakbayan youth group, upon seeing her potential as an effective “cadre.”

After graduating from college, Nikka worked briefly worked with a television network in Cebu, where she focused on Kadamay’s anti-government protests, which further agitated her to hate the government, Apitong further claimed.

He accused militant groups of facilitating her entry to New People’s Army in Negros Island.

Apitong claimed that Nikka joined the Central Negros (Front 2 of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor) on March this year.

Authorities recovered video footage of her and companions performing a cultural dance in front of NPA leaders, with a backdrop of CPP-NPA-NDF flags and firearms, that confirmed her entry to CN2 unit, he added.

Nikka and three of her comrades died on July 6, barely five months she went underground, Apitong said.

The wasted life of Nikka, other students, and youth who were brainwashed, deceived, and killed in several encounters is enough and must be stopped at once, he stressed.

Apitong also said that the recruiter and the organizations who brainwashed Nikka must take full responsibility for her death, and be punished legally under existing law, to give justice to her death.

Nikka, 26, was reported by the Philippine Army as a “cadre” of CN2 under KR NCBS.

The Army’s 3ID called on private and government educational institutions to be more vigilant in resolving the CPP-NPA-NDF recruitment activities, especially in state universities and colleges, and the strengthening of the National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), to continue exposing the lies and deception of the CPP NPA sectoral front organizations in recruiting innocent students to become NPA members.

https://visayandailystar.com/army-npa-recruitment-led-to-wasted-life/

Bangsamoro gov’t kicks off 2nd leg of excellence award in honor of MILF founder Salamat Hashim

From MindaNews (Jul 13, 2022): Bangsamoro gov’t kicks off 2nd leg of excellence award in honor of MILF founder Salamat Hashim (By BONG S. SARMIENTO)

CAMP RAJAHMUDA, Pikit, Cotabato (MindaNews / 13 July) – In commemoration of the 19th anniversary of the martyrdom of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) founder Sheik Salamat Hashim on Wednesday, the MILF and the Bangsamoro government paid tribute to his life works by kicking off the second leg of the Salamat Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) for local government units (LGUs) in the region.

Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, BARMM Interim Chief Minister, speaks at Camp Rajahmuda during commemoration of the 19th death anniversary of MILF founder Salamat Hashim. MindaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO

Hashim, vice chair of the Moro National Liberation Front who broke away in the late 1970s to form the MILF in 1984, passed away on July 13, 2003 in Camp Bushra in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

The reclusive Hashim succumbed to a lingering illness and was buried in his birth place in Pagalungan, Maguindanao.

He was succeeded by Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, who was then the MILF vice chair for military affairs.

Speaking in Maguindanaoan, Ebrahim, now Interim Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), hailed Hashim as a “respected, inspiring and great Bangsamoro leader,” and urged other Bangsamoro leaders to follow his teachings and examples.

“We are proud to present the SEAL Award in honor of the man who planted the seeds of struggle that we are now reaping,” Ebrahim said, apparently referring to the creation of the BARMM.

“As the Government of the Day, we are guided by moral governance and we make decisions for the BARMM collectively based on consultations,” he added.

After 17 years of negotiations, the MILF signed with the Aquino government the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014, whose key component is the creation of a Bangsamoro region.

Some 300 “Widows of War,” or wives left by the martyred MILF members, were recognized and given P25,000 cash and food assistance. MindaNews photo by BONG S. SARMIENTO

During the Duterte administration, Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM was signed, and after a plebiscite that ratified it, the BARMM was officially created in January 2019.

Interior and Local Government Minister Naguib Sinarimbo noted his ministry launched the SEAL Award in December 2020, with six local chief executives (LCEs) receiving the pilot recognition last January.

Each awardee received a gold plated medallion worth P250,000 and P2.5 million worth of project.

SEAL is in honor of the great Bangsamoro revolutionary leader Salamat Hashim who had exemplified the true spirit of integrity and commitment to improve the lives of the Bangsamoro people, according to a briefer from the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government.

With hundreds in attendance at Camp Rajahmuda, one of the MILF camps recognized by the government in the peace agreement, Sinarimbo, also the Bangsamoro government spokesperson, said LGUs in the BARMM should take inspiration from Hashim in their bid to improve the lives of their constituents.

“We stand privileged today to remember a man who in his own language once said, ‘I have planted the seeds of struggle and I am confident that it will blossom even if I am gone’,” he said.

“Today’s event is a tribute [again] to a man whose life works and struggle were all dedicated to the Bangsamoro people… Beyond resistance, or perhaps alongside the struggle, he demonstrated a brand of leadership that we must all emulate,” Sinarimbo added.

The SEAL Award is considered by the Bangsamoro government as “the most prestigious award that the region undertook to recognize LCEs who show excellent performance,” he said.

Abhoud Syed Lingga, executive director of the Institute of Bangsamoro Studies, described Hashim as a unique person that the Bangsamoro people should not forget.

“As a student of history, the life of Salamat is very beautiful… His teachings are universal,” said Lingga, a former member of the MILF peace panel.

Also in honor of the martyrdom of Hashim and the other MILF fighters in pursuit of the Bangsamoro struggle, at least 300 Widows of War, or wives left by the martyred MILF members, were recognized and given P25,000 cash and food assistance.

Camp Rajahmuda is part of the Bangsamoro Geographic Area within Pikit, Cotabato.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/07/bangsamoro-govt-kicks-off-2nd-leg-of-excellence-award-in-honor-of-milf-founder-salamat-hashim/

PH Army units help in Banaue relief ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13, 2022): PH Army units help in Banaue relief ops (By Priam Nepomuceno)

CLEARING OPS. Army troops and reservists, along with other volunteers, clear a major road affected by a mudslide in Banaue, Ifugao on Tuesday (July 12, 2022). Heavy monsoon rains triggered flash floods and landslides in the town, affecting 10 villages and about 1,054 families, based on data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

Philippine Army (PA) regular and reserve units continue to assist in relief and road-clearing efforts in communities heavily affected by floods in Banaue, Ifugao.

"Army troops and reservists continue to clear landslide-hit roads as they help local government workers in distributing aid to families affected by heavy rains in Banaue, Ifugao on July 12, 2022," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement Tuesday night.

Trinidad said personnel of the 1404th Community Defense Center and members of the 1404th Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion have launched clearing efforts on key roads blocked by landslides since July 9.

Meanwhile, 54th Infantry Battalion personnel worked hand in hand with reservists to distribute food packs to families affected by the landslides and heavy rains in Barangay Tam-an.

"Army troops also assisted local government workers in distributing aid to calamity-stricken families in Barangay Poblacion," Trinidad said.

Heavy monsoon rains triggered flash floods and mudslides that have affected roads, houses, and farms in Banaue since last week.

PA Chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., earlier committed to beefing up the Army’s reserve component that plays a crucial role in saving lives in times of natural calamities.

The PA has about 790,000 reserves who perform a crucial role in the successful implementation of development support and security operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, especially humanitarian assistance and disaster response efforts. (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1178809

PNP orders regular inspection of ammo storage hubs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13, 2022): PNP orders regular inspection of ammo storage hubs (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

File photo

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday ordered all police commanders to regularly inspect their ammunition storage facilities.

This comes following the fire and blasts that razed the ammunition complex of the Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City past midnight on Tuesday.

PNP director for operations, Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, has directed all regional directors to exercise due diligence in storing firearms ammunition that can cause serious accidents when mishandled.

“Our commanders should always make sure to check the weather condition and the temperature inside the storage areas. Moisture may develop inside and this can ignite the ammunition inside. We have to be careful and responsible in handling this because we don’t want any similar incident that happened in Cagayan de Oro City to happen in the police camps or any police offices. So the best way to ensure that this would not happen is to take regular preventive measures,” de Leon said in a statement.

He said the same due diligence must also be observed in evidence storage areas where confiscated firearms and ammunition from criminal elements are stored.

“The PNP, headed by our OIC (officer-in-charge) Lt. Gen. (Vicente) Danao is waiting for the result of the investigation on the incident in Cagayan de Oro City in order to know the lessons that we could learn to prevent any similar incident to happen,” said de Leon.

He warned that those who would be found remiss in their responsibility of properly taking care of ammunition storage areas would be facing administrative cases.

“They would surely be facing administrative liability if they would not exercise due diligence because we have already reminded them through a memorandum issued from the National Headquarters,” said de Leon.

No troops were injured in the fire that was declared out at 3:10 a.m. on Tuesday but three civilians were taken to the Camp Evangelista Station Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

Around 245 residents living near the ammunition complex have also been evacuated and are now temporarily sheltered at the 4th Infantry Division gymnasium and the Barangay Patag covered court.

The facility houses 155mm howitzer rounds and various small arms ammunition.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1178844

Sabotage ruled out in ammo dump blaze: Army official

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13, 2022): Sabotage ruled out in ammo dump blaze: Army official (By Nef Luczon)

DEEPER PROBE. The aftermath of the explosion at the ammo dump complex inside the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) headquarters, compared to its original structure (inset, upper left). Based on initial assessment, the 4ID ruled out sabotage since the facility's locks were still intact, and there was no sign of forced entry. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) has ruled out sabotage behind the explosion that destroyed the ammunition dump depot inside its headquarters, Camp Edilberto Evangelista, on Tuesday midnight.

Lt. Col. Vladimir Sta. Maria, the 4ID’s 10th Forward Service Support Unit commander, said the locks securing the depot’s metal doors were still intact, suggesting there was no forced entry.

Sta. Maria noted that the facility has an updated safety inspection certificate as of March 22, 2022, from the Bureau of Fire Protection.

The 4ID's own board of inquiry, he said, will begin this week an investigation on the facility's soaking and cooling mechanism, which acts to prevent remaining unexploded ordnance to explode.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, 4ID commander, said the BOI will be composed of Army officials and other civilian stakeholders.

“We will also invite officials from Barangay Patag and representatives from the local government of Cagayan de Oro City,” Mamawag said, adding that the 4ID is expected to finish its report by July 17.

Other than the BOI, personnel of the police's Scene of the Crime Operation and the Bureau of Fire Protection are also conducting their own probes.

From July 14 to 17, the Explosives and Ordnance Division team will conduct clearing operations and handle possible ordnance still present in the place of the incident.

Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner, the Philippine Army’s commanding general, said the 4ID incident should be a good reference for upgrading the various facilities inside Army headquarters nationwide.

“We will transfer the ammo dumps into a safer place. There is already a stringent protocol and strict policies in place (for the management of ammo dump facilities), but whatever the result of the investigation, we may make adjustments,” Brawner said in a press conference Tuesday evening.

Brawner said the incident is not isolated, as other military facilities in other countries also experienced the burning of ammunition storage facilities without external threats.

The 4ID estimated damages worth PHP27.7 million, with 61 families or 327 individuals residing near the facility evacuated.

Three injured civilians—identified as Reynald Quirweca, 45; Acolbay Escalante, 22; and Curt Angelo Cuizon, 15—were all declared safe following the incident.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Northern Mindanao has also sent 100 family food packs to the displaced families.

Meanwhile, City Mayor Rolando Uy has appealed for sobriety following the fire incident coupled with a series of explosions.

“I would enjoin all residents to stay calm and refrain from speculating on the accident at the headquarters of the 4ID that shook the city,” he said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1178814