Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): PAL gives 20% discount to AFP personnel

In line with ongoing efforts to recognize the Filipino troops' efforts in bringing peace and development, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Agreement which gives a 20-percent discount on all domestic flights to officers and enlisted personnel.

Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs office chief, said the MOA signing took place at the PAL head office in CCP Complex, Pasay City on Wednesday.

Signing on behalf of the military was AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr, and AFP deputy chief-of-staff for personnel Brig. Gen. Erickson Gloria while representing the country's flag carrier are PAL executive vice president/treasurer/chief administrative officer Stewart Lim and senior vice president for airline operations Ismael Augusto Gozon.

Under the MOA, PAL shall grant soldiers a 20-percent discount on base fare for each ticket to any destination in the country, free baggage allowance according to fare brand, and free transport of firearms.

Travelling servicemen will also be acknowledged on board, Detoyato added.

"Firearm/s should be part of the (soldier) passenger’s checked baggage at no additional cost provided it is within the baggage allowance limit. It must be covered by proper authorization, permits, and licenses and may only be accepted for carriage subject to PAL’s existing guidelines and procedures. Under no circumstance shall grenades or other explosives be allowed on board the aircraft," he stressed.

Also, tickets issued under the agreement shall be valid only for one year from the date of issuance.

Military personnel must present valid AFP ID and authorized travel order for R&R (Rest and Recreation) to avail of the discounts and privileges.

They will also be given priority during check-in and boarding.

"The agreement is part of PAL’s efforts to recognize the contribution of soldiers in bringing peace and development to the country. Also aware of the high cost of travel during their R&R, PAL believes that it has a social obligation to ease the burden of the ordinary soldier especially those away from their families. The privileges also serve as a way of providing assistance to soldiers especially during the intensive security campaign in Mindanao," Detoyato added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049272

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): Plot vs. Duterte bound to fail, Davao, Caraga Army units

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) and the Army’s 10th Infantry Division said the "Red October" plot to oust President Rodrigo Duterte "is bound to fail.”

Eastmincom spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, said Wednesday the Armed Forces in Davao and Caraga areas "are solid and undivided".

Balagtey said dissenting views cannot be avoided but the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) remains "loyal to the Constitution."

He added that it is farfetched for government forces to collaborate with the communist insurgents, "given their differences in ideology".

Nevertheless, Balagtey said the military has continued its intelligence monitoring against destabilizers as part of the AFP's mandate to protect communities from any threat group.

"So far, we do not see any movement,” he added.

On the sidelines of the AFP - Philippine National Police (PNP) Press Corps briefing, Balagtey said the “Red October” plot is apparently patterned after the October Uprising during the Bolshevik Revolution led by Vladimir Lenin on October 25, 1917.

In that revolution, the Bolshevik Red Guards under the Military Revolutionary Committee began the occupation of government buildings and subsequently ousted the Russian monarchy.

'Bound to fail'
Balagtey said a similar takeover "is bound to fail in the Philippines because the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) lacks the support of the people."

He noted that the CPP follows the Maoist, Leninist, and Marxist ideology.

The planned mass mobilization uncovered by the AFP, he said, was designed to create unrest among the public and create a pretext for a revolutionary action.

He said the Sept. 21 mass action against Martial Law was a test but it failed to command mass mobilization.

“The people still believe in the government,” Balagtey said.

Army's 10th ID spokesperson, Capt. Jerry Lamosao, echoed Balagtey's statement, saying, “We pledge our loyalty to the Constitution.”
Lamosao said the ground forces are also stepping up their intelligence monitoring against groups that are trying to sow chaos in the military and its leadership.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Eastmincom commander, said the objective of the communist insurgents from the start has been to "overthrow the democratic government and replace it with an authoritarian socialist form."

“And ever since, this threat has pulled down our country’s growth and development,” Madrigal said in a press statement released on Wednesday. “It aims to foment continuing unrest by way of agitation among the urban poor and rural peasant communities.”

Losing leaders
Madrigal said the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Mindanao has been "losing leaders, elements, supporters, and firearms because of the relentless Focused Military Operations and Community Support Programs."

The Eastmincom reported that since January this year, 659 NPA regulars, 910 members of the Milisya ng Bayan, and 285 members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad have surrendered to the government, while 7,294 members of the NPA's underground mass organizations have withdrawn their support from the rebel movement.

From January 2017 to Sept 23 this year, Eastmincom recorded 256 NPA tribal members who have surrendered and enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

Madrigal said several former CPP/NPA leaders have returned to the folds of the law, while in the past two weeks, three ranking NPA members were neutralized in Eastern Mindanao.

He cited the commander of the Pulang Bagani Command 3 identified only as alias Ivy, who was killed in an encounter in Cabarisan, Sibulan, Toril, Davao City, on September 16.

On Sept. 24, the front secretary of Guerilla Front 73 was arrested in Surallah, South Cotabato.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049250

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): GenSan sustains heightened security alert status

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Authorities maintained the heightened alert status here in the wake of the continuing security threats following the Sept. 16 bomb blast that left eight people wounded.

Chief Insp. Jovenson Bayona, operations chief of the city police office, said Wednesday the entire area remains under “Alert Level 4” as earlier set by the city’s crisis management committee.

Bayona said the committee and the city’s peace and order council, headed by Mayor Ronnel Rivera, decided to continue with the alert status and the enhanced security measures following an assessment on Tuesday.

“We’re currently working with our barangays to improve the implementation of the security measures,” he said in an interview over local television show “Magandang Umaga South Central Mindanao”.

Bayona cited the city-wide curfew, which was first implemented Wednesday last week.
The curfew, which covers all residents and visitors, was set from 12 midnight to 4 a.m. in the city's central business district and 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. in other areas.

The police official said they are set to meet anew with the city’s 26 barangay chairs to set other necessary arrangements in line with its ongoing implementation.

Bayona cited concerns of business establishments, including tuna canning plants, operating on a 24-hour basis and employees who are assigned in work shifts within the curfew hours.

“We will discuss and set measures to ensure that the operations of these establishments and the movements of their workers will not be hampered,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bayona said they will also continue with the strict implementation of the "No ID (identification card), No entry" policy in the four main entry points of the city.

He said motorists and commuters are required to present government-issued IDs at the checkpoints of the city police and the Army-led Joint Task Force GenSan.

Those who would not be able to present any valid ID will be subjected to questioning and sign the checkpoint’s logbook, he said.

“This is to properly monitor all individuals who are entering the city,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049156

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): 16 more suspects in GenSan blast charged

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Police have filed multiple frustrated murder charges against 16 more personalities in connection with the Sept. 16 bomb blast here that left eight people wounded.

Senior Insp. Robert Fores, deputy chief of the city police station-02, said Wednesday the complaint was filed on Tuesday by the Special Investigation Task Force (SITG) “Bonita” before the City Prosecutor’s Office.

Fores said the additional complaint has so far brought the number of suspects “identified as involved” in the attack to 19.

The SITG initially filed multiple frustrated murder charges last Friday against the arrested primary suspect, Jeffrey Panag Alonzo, and his two other alleged cohorts.
Fores, who is a member of the SITG, declined to name the 18 other suspects due to the ongoing pursuit operations.

He said the additional suspects were identified through the task group’s collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, intelligence units, and community informants.

“These suspects had participation (in the bomb attack) based on the SITG’s investigation,” he told reporters.

Fores said the task group established that Alonzo and the 18 other suspects were all remnants of the local terror group Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines (AKP).

He described the AKP as an Islamic State-inspired group operating in South Cotabato, Sarangani, and General Santos and part of the local network of the Maute Group.

Previously based in Sarangani, the group reportedly moved to other nearby areas following the neutralization of its alleged founder Tokboy Maguid in a police operation in Kiamba town in January last year.

Joint operatives had recovered flags and other materials associated with the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria or ISIS in a number of raids on the group’s enclaves in Sarangani.

Alonzo, the primary suspect in the blast, was nabbed on Sept. 19 in a buy-bust operation in Barangay Lapu, Polomolok town.

He was positively identified by witnesses as the same person who planted the bomb that went off before noon on Sept. 16 in front the Bonita Lying-in Clinic in Makar junction, Purok Malipayon in Barangay Apopong, according to the SITG.

Fores said the suspects were linked to the armed group led by the fugitive Joefry Tuanadatu Nilong alias Imoy, who was wanted for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The group’s in Sitio Malyango of Barangay Lapu was tracked down by police operatives in an operation last Sunday.

The operating team recovered at the site at least two improvised explosives and related materials as well as tee-shirts with ISIS markings.

Fores said Chief Supt. Eliseo Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office-12, has ordered full-scale pursuit operations against the 18 other suspects in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“We’re doing everything to bring swift justice to the victims,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049155

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Malacañang unfazed by Abu Sayyaf’s 'regrouping’ reports

The government will not be threatened by the kidnap-for-ransom Abu Sayyaf terrorists who are reportedly regrouping and planning to conduct cross-border kidnappings in Mindanao, Malacañang said Thursday.

“Well, ang masasabi ko lang po diyan, handa po tayong harapin ang banta galing sa Abu Sayyaf (What I can say is that we are ready to face any threat coming from Abu Sayyaf),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said during a Palace press briefing.

According to an exclusive report of a Malaysian news outfit, the Abu Sayyaf sub-commanders are regrouping after nearly two years on the run due to the all-out war launched by President Rodrigo Duterte’s government against the bandits in 2016.

The report identified the “resurrected” sub-commander as Indang Susukan, who was widely reported to have died when his wife and children were killed at the height of the military’s attack in Jolo, Sulu in 2016.

“Kinakailangan po silang mag-regroup dahil napulbos na natin sila. At asahan ninyo po na kahit ano pang gawin niyang recruitment, ang Abu Sayyaf po kayang-kayang pulbusin ng ating gobyerno (They need to regroup because we have already destroyed them. You can expect that no matter what kind of recruitment they will do, the government will crush the Abu Sayyaf),” Roque said.

Meanwhile, Roque welcomed a “favorable review” of the US State Department on the Philippines’ ongoing campaign against terrorism and violent extremism.

He said the State Department’s 2017 report on terrorism has mentioned the concrete steps the country has undertaken to combat terrorism and prevent violent extremism, such as continued interagency information sharing between Philippine law enforcement agencies, increased aviation security capacity, and active participation in training courses on crisis response, border security and investigations, including cybercrimes.

“The report also noted that the Philippine government has consistently acknowledged the dangers from ISIS-affiliated terrorist groups, and welcomed the assistance on counter-terrorism and reconstruction from Australia, Japan and the United States,” Roque said.

In 2017, Philippine military troops killed members of the ISIS-inspired Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf, including leaders Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon, during the five-month Marawi siege.

The war, however, left 168 government troops dead and reduced Marawi City into ruins.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049344

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Palace confident of military's 'overwhelming' support for PRRD

Malacañang remains confident that President Rodrigo Duterte still enjoys overwhelming support from the military despite the latter’s claim that some soldiers are conniving with the opposition to oust him.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this reaction when asked during Thursday’s Palace briefing if loyalty check is needed to verify the President’s claim.

“Sa akin po, lahat dapat tingnan. Pero sa tingin ko overwhelming po pa rin ang suporta ng Presidente galing po sa hukbong sandatahan (For me, everything should be checked, but I think the President still has overwhelming support from the armed forces),” Roque said.

He said Duterte is the only President who has been making the rounds of almost every military and police camp across the country to personally know their needs and situation.

Roque said the President is confident that the military and police will continue to do their duties as protector of the Filipino people.

Recently, Duterte expressed his “ill feeling” towards some people in the military who are communicating with the opposition Liberal Party to remove him from Malacañang.

“So dapat siguro i-verify itong mga impormasyon na ito. Pero kampante naman po ang Presidente na tumutupad sa kanilang tungkulin ang ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan (Perhaps this information should be verified but the President is confident that the military and police are doing their duties),” Roque said.

Duterte earlier said the opposition is conspiring with the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to dethrone him.
Roque welcomed the investigation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the so-called “Red October” plotters.

“Katungkulan naman po talaga ng NBI iyan at ng mga law enforcement agents na kapag may posibleng krimen na nangyayari ay dapat imbestigahan (It is really the duty of the NBI and the law enforcement agents to investigate possible crimes),” he said.

He urged the military to share to the NBI any intelligence information about the “Red October” plot.

“As I have said time and again ‘no, ang trabaho po ng Presidente (the work of the President) as Chief Executive is to implement the laws. So kung mayroon talagang lumalabag sa mga batas natin (if someone violates our laws) on rebellion, coup d'état and sedition, (let) the process begin against them,” Roque added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049334

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): No monitored recruitment activities on ouster plot: AFP

The three major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have said they have not monitored any recruitment activity within their ranks by groups aiming to overthrow the government, the spokesperson of the Philippine Army (PA) said Thursday.

"As far as the ranks of the PA is concerned, wala kaming namo-monitor na mga ganyang (we have not monitored such) issue, no recruitment, no intel reports that some or few of our army soldiers are planning to oust the President," Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva told reporters.

Villanueva added that as far as loyalty is concerned, the 96,000-strong Army solidly supports the Duterte administration.

"We work for the Constitution, we work for the sovereignty of the State. Nandun lagi tayo, nandun yung ating mandato (We are always there. That is our mandate.)," he added.

Villanueva noted that the Army’s morale is very high and it is focused on its primary mission, which is to protect the people and the state.

Meanwhile, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson, Major Aristides Galang, echoed Villanueva’s sentiments.

"Wala naman kami sa (We do not have such in the) Air Force. So far sa Air Force, as of now, wala kaming nare-receive na ganun na may mga recruitment. At saka yung morale ng tao kasi ng Air Force very much na napakataas talaga because of the support na nakukuha natin sa government, with the taong bayan (We have not received any information about such recruitments and also, the morale of the Air Force personnel is very high because of the support we are getting from the government and the people)," he added.

Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, Commander Jonathan Zata, likewise said that they have yet to detect any recruitment activity for any ouster plot.

"As far as the Navy is concerned, personally, I haven't met or heard or read any recruitment of that sort. Ang nababasa kong reports kasi yung mga ongoing activities, kagaya ng pagpapadala natin sa Vladivostok (Russia) kasi sabay-sabay yung exercises natin ngayon (What I have read is about the ongoing activities of the Navy, like the port call in Vladivostok, Russia. The exercises of the Navy personnel are being done simultaneously)," Zata said.

The Navy, he said, is busy with preparations for activities, such as the joint maritime training with the Brunei Navy and Australian Navy in Cebu and Zamboanga, respectively, and the ongoing relief operations in areas hit by Typhoon Ompong.

He added that the PN is also holding a maritime training activity with Royal Malaysian Navy forces in Fort San Felipe in Cavite.

On Thursday, Navy personnel also welcomed the JS Akebono (DD-108), a Murasame-class destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, at the Manila South Harbor.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049325

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Chinese woman, 5 others face raps over seized arms in Rizal

A Chinese woman, who has been in the Philippines since 1985, and five others face criminal charges of illegal possession of high-powered firearms and explosives.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Dante Gierran presented the suspect Ke Be I, alias Lily Ong, to reporters on Thursday.

Answering media questions in broken Filipino, Ong said she was the general manager of a poultry farm where the undocumented guns were recovered by agents of the NBI Special Action Unit (SAU).

Gierran said the unit was served a search warrant issued by Manila Executive Judge Thelma Bunye Medina.

NBI spokesman, lawyer Ferdinand Lavin, said forensic investigation will be undertaken on the six VHF-UHF two-way radio transmitters, one M203 grenade launcher, four M653 baby armalite rifles, two grenades, five 12-gauge shotguns, three pistols (one caliber .45, one caliber .38, and one 9-mm.), and eight cellular phones.

Lavin added that they will investigate other possible cases involving the suspects.

Aside from Ong, also arrested were Brandy Solinap, Victor dela Cruz, Bi-Lian Ke, Diosdado Bohol, and Ke Quiao alias Sam Jany.

They were arrested on a sprawling farm in Bo. Road, Pantay Buhangin, Barangay Dalig, Teresa, Rizal for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Act.

Bohol, a Samar native, was in possession of another shotgun and was found in a small hut on top of a hill behind the main house.

Ke Quiao Li, alias Sam Jany, and Ong were found inside the main house.

Links to “Red October”

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, said they have yet to determine whether the incident is connected to the “Red October” plot against President Rodrigo Duterte.

“As of this time, wala po tayong nakukuhang information na ganyan na merong involved kahit na isang [police officer] (We have not received any information on whether a police officer is involved)," Albayalde said in a radio interview.

He has also ordered a probe into allegations that some police officers have received protection money from Ong.

Ong reportedly said she gives PHP8,000 to each police officer every month for protection from kidnappers.

“Kausap ko yung RD (Regional Director of PNP Calabarzon, Chief Supt. Edward Carranza) pinapaimbestigahan ko na po yan na yung nga yung sinasabing protection money, kung talagang meron man at yung mga involved na pulis dahil meron po yatang listahan na binigay yung Lily Ong (I spoke with the RD and I already ordered an investigation on the matter about protection money, if it really exists and if there are policemen involved because Lily Ong reportedly gave a list of those policemen),” Albayalde said in radio interview.

He said some policemen may have agreed to protect Ong as a "sideline" to augment their income, which is illegal.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049297

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Military won't participate in any political action: spox

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will never participate in political actions aimed against duly-constituted authorities, its spokesman said Thursday.

"We will never allow ourselves in the ranks of the active service to take direct or indirect participation in any political actions against the present duly-constituted authorities," Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.

Arevalo assured the public that the AFP is a professional organization that subscribes to the Constitution that it has sworn to uphold and defend.

"We respect the rule of law and court decisions and processes. This includes the case of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. The matter is already in the purview of the courts. And to the civil courts we defer. We will not issue further statements related to the case," he said.

The AFP, he said, respects the courts and observes due process.

"Every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine in the active service is loyal to the Constitution, adherent to the rule of law, and solidly behind of the Chain of Command," he added.

Arevalo reminded troops of AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez’s order that military personnel found guilty of such acts will be immediately relieved of their posts, investigated, and meted stiff penalties.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049282

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Japanese ship arrives in Manila for 3-day goodwill visit

JS Akebono (DD-108), a Murasame-class destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), arrived at Pier 15 of Manila South Harbor Thursday for a three-day port visit.

Around 200 officers and enlisted personnel are aboard JS Akebono which also carries two SH-60K patrol helicopters.

PN spokesperson, Commander Jonathan Zata, said the Japanese contingent led by JMSDF Escort Division 5 head Capt. Josuke Nakamura was welcomed by Offshore Combat Force deputy commander Capt. Francisco Laput.

Nakamura is also set to pay a courtesy call on PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.

Also, confidence building engagements between PN and JMSDF personnel such as shipboard tour and goodwill games of basketball, volleyball and soccer are scheduled.

Prior to its arrival, JS Akebono had just completed its five-month tour as part of the Combined Maritime Task Force 151's anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

The task force is mandated to deter and disrupt piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment, particularly in the Somali Basin and Southern Red Sea.

Zata noted that JS Akebono is the same ship that responded to a distress call from a Singaporean-flagged tanker where one Filipino crewman fell and injured his head while transiting the Gulf of Aden.

The destroyer's medical team provided first-aid and airlifted the injured Filipino seafarer to Djibouti for further medical treatment. JS Akebono's arrival marks the sixth visit of the JMSDF to the Philippines.

The most recent was the arrival of the three-ship Escort Flotilla Four early this September at Alava Wharf, SBMA, Olongapo City, Zambales.

"This visit translates to another gesture of fostering goodwill that contributes to the furtherance of friendship between the PN and the JSMDF established through the years. It further promotes and sustains peace and stability in the region," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049279

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): 2 ASG members surrender in Sulu

Col. Armel Tolato, Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu commander (right) and a marine officer (left), pose for posterity photo with the two Abu Sayyaf members, who surrendered on Wednesday in Talipao, Sulu. (Photo courtesy: Naval Forces Western Mindanao Public Information Office)
Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits surrendered to the troops of the Philippine Marines as government offensives against the kidnap-for-ransom group continue in Sulu, a top military official said Thursday.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander, identified the ASG surrenderees as Julkaidar Iddon and Alanu Iddon, both former followers of ASG sub-leader Abraham Hamid.

Medina said the Iddons surrendered on Wednesday in Barangay Mahala, Talipao and have turned over two caliber .30 M1 Garand rifles.

Juljaidar served as a courier while Alanu is a boat skipper of the ASG that operated in the island town of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, the military official said. The two were brought to Camp Bautista Station Hospital in Barangay Bus Bus, Jolo, for medical check-up.

Medina attributed the successful mission of the Fleet-Marine through the "continuous, relentless and combined efforts" of the Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu under the command of Col. Armel Tolato.

The military official also called on the remaining ASG members to surrender to the government where they will be given a chance to have a new life.

The surrender of the Iddons have brought to 183 the total members of the ASG who surrendered to the government since January, this year. Of the number, 75 surrendered in Basilan, 99 in Sulu, six in Tawi-Tawi, and three in Zamboanga City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049307

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): 16 Reds surrender in Zamboanga del Sur

Five New People's Army rebel, including a female combatant who surrendered last month received PHP65,000 each as cash assistance from the government. The cash aid was turned over to the former rebels on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo byHirohito D. Cadion)
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A total of 16 New People’s Army (NPA) members, including four women combatants and two child warriors, surrendered to government authorities in the municipality of Guipos, a military official said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Marlowe Patria, Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the 16 NPA members surrendered on Wednesday afternoon in their headquarters in Camp Major David Sabido in Guipos town.

Patria said the rebels revealed that hardships in life in the mountains and the loss of confidence in their cause prompted them to surrender.

Patria added that the surrenderers also wished to live normal and peaceful lives together with their respective families.

One of the female combatants, identified only as Ka Cel, said she stopped studying when she was recruited while in her first year in college.

“I regretted much that I became a member of the NPA. To be honest, I found no sense staying with the group in the jungle. I saw no meaning, no direction, and no hope. I should have pursued my studies in college,” she said.

Patria said the 16 NPA surrenderers will be enrolled in the government's livelihood program for rebel returnees.

He said they will also be included in the livelihood and skills training being managed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other government agencies.

Meanwhile, five other rebels, including a female combatant who surrendered last month, received on Wednesday PHP65,000 cash assistance each from the government, Patria said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049341

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Army to help educate servicemen, Moros on BOL

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) will help educate the public, including its men and women in the military service, about the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th ID commander, however, made it clear that the information and education drive does not aim to campaign for or against the BOL, which is scheduled for a plebiscite on Jan. 21, 2019.

Sobejana issued the statement during Wednesday's Maguindanao Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, presided by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu in Buluan town of the province.

“We will never interfere but we will help educate the voters in our simple way that will start within the organization,” Sobejana said.
During the meeting, Mangudadatu reiterated his “yes” stance on the BOL.

“I have been campaigning for its approval because I am convinced it will help improve the lives of our people,” Mangudadatu said, adding that majority of the incumbent political leaders in the province also support the BOL.

The BOL plebiscite will take place in the five provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), as well as the six towns of Lanao del Norte and 39 villages in North Cotabato. Residents in these areas will be asked during the plebiscite to vote in favor or against the BOL, an enabling law that will determine the composition of new Bangsamoro political entity.

The law is the final step of the government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It will replace the current ARMM setup.

Sobejana added that the officers and enlisted personnel of the 6th ID, composed of three Army brigades, a Marine brigade, and other Army units, are all supportive of the Mindanao peace process and educating its personnel is one of its contributions to the government's desire to establish peace in the island.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049295

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 28): 240 Cafgus complete basic military training

A total of 240 Cafgus graduated from a 45-day basic military training conducted in Surigao del Sur.

Capt. Francisco Garello Jr., the civil-military operations officer (CMO) and acting executive officer of 36th Infantry Battalion, said the unit, along with the 16th Special Forces Company and 3rd Special Forces Battalion (SFBn), helped shape up the civilian volunteers.

The closing ceremony was conducted on Wednesday, with Mayor Salvacion Azarcon of Lanuza, Surigao del Sur as guest of honor, at the unit’s headquarters in St. Christine, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Garello said the 240 newly appointed CAAs (cafgu active auxiliaries) mostly coming from Carmen, Lanuza, Tandag, and Cantilan of Surigao del Sur will be deployed to the newly established patrol bases in the 36th IB’s areas of operation as part of the strengthening of the integrated territorial defense system (ITDS) in the communities.

He said they will also augment the regular troops in the conduct of the AFP’s community support program in the conflict areas to help drive out the communist rebels from the communities.

The ceremony was also graced by Lt. Col. Parralag, commanding officer of 3rd Special Forces Battalion; Maj. Marcos Quico, the battalion commander Surigao del Sur Ready Reserve Battalion; and Garello as an acting battalion executive officer.

http://mindanaotimes.net/240-cafgus-complete-basic-military-training/

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 27): OPAPP, MPC collaborate forpeace consciousness month

The office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) partnered with the Mindanao Peace Council (MPC) for the annual celebration of the National Peace Consciousness Month.

The celebration is broken down into three major activities: the “Dagan para sa Kalinaw” a fun-run for a cause led by the MPC in partnership with 4Life last Sept. 2, 2018 at the Rizal Park, San Pedro Street, Davao City with approximately 1,000 participants, next is the three-day multi-cultural Peace Fair Bazaar held on Sep. 13 at the Abreeza Mall, Davao City with a total of 40 exhibitors from inside and outside of the city where 15 were from the indigenous peoples, and now this coming Sept. 28, 2018, OPPAP in partnership with MPC is set to lead the national culmination.

The National Peace Consciousness Month is mandated under Proclamation No. 675 issued in July 2004, which aims to “instill greater consciousness and understanding among the Filipino people on the comprehensive peace process to strengthen and sustain institutional and popular support for and participation in this effort, as well as in the global movement spearheaded by the United Nations to promote a culture of peace based on non-violence, respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, tolerance, understanding and solidarity.”

“Working for peace is not just for the government agencies and we do believe the significance of working with the CSOs (civil society organizations) because certainly it is the CSO that will sustain these gains… that’s why we partnered with Mindanao Peace Council,” said Oliver Binansilan, OPAPP-Davao region area manager on Wednesday.

The national culmination opens with a motorcade parade that will start at 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., followed by a culmination program from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., after that “Huni sa Kalinaw,” a peace concert will follow from 6 p.m. onward.

“The very purpose of this is to instill greater appreciation and better understanding of the public in the implementation of the peace process,” said Binansilan.

The OPAPP invited national agencies in Region 11, LGU and the key municipalities and cities in Davao Region. The OPAPP sent an invitation to President Rodrigo Duterte. The five peace tables such Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army, and the National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA), and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP/RPA-ABB) are also expected to attend the said event.

The IP students and OPAPP scholars from Talaingod, Davao del Norte and Kapalong, Davao del Norte are also expected to attend the event and will be performing in the culmination. They will serve as a representative on behalf of the people in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

http://mindanaotimes.net/opapp-mpc-collaborate-forpeace-consciousness-month/

From Rappler (Sep 29): DILG backs AFP's proposed anti-communist task force

A former Armed Forces chief himself, DILG Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año says the country's long-running communist insurgency 'is not primarily a military or police problem but a governance problem'

EX-AFP CHIEF. In this file photo, DILG OIC Eduardo Año speaks during a press conference at the PDEA Headquarters in Quezon City. File photo by Darren Langit/Rappler

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Saturday, September 29, threw its support behind the proposed anti-communist task force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement on Saturday, September 29, DILG Officer-in-Charge Eduardo Año said that the long-running communist insurgency "is not primarily a military or police problem but a governance problem."

Effectively ending it "requires not only police and military response but necessitates a triad of development, governance, and security efforts," Año added.

He agreed with AFP Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr, who said that to quash communist recruitment, civilian agencies and other stakeholders must be aware of and integrated in a "whole-of-government strategy."

"Insurgency is rooted in poverty, inequality, and grievances that could be addressed by respective mandates of various government institutions," said Año, himself a former AFP Chief of Staff.

"We have all the mechanisms to face these issues but all government agencies have to perform our roles in a concerted manner."

While Año noted that the military is "winning the battle in the mountains" and that there have been many communist surrenderers, "it's in the propaganda war and parliamentary battle that we are losing."

"Communists are using as propaganda the inefficacies of government to advance their aspiration of toppling democracy. Thus, all instrumentalities of the government have to recognize their role in addressing this urgent and long standing problem," he said.

Año added that the proposed national task force "will ensure that other government agencies help the [Department of National Defense] and DILG in this effort." (READ: Anti-communist task force for talking not shooting – PNP)

Año also said there is "no need for a loyalty check" among the ranks of the Philippine National Police (PNP), which is under the DILG. He said the PNP's allegiance "is to the Constitution and the people."

The AFP earlier said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has supposedly hatched a "Red October" plot alongside members of the opposition to remove President Rodrigo Duterte from office. (READ: Duterte slams communists amid supposed ouster plot)

On Saturday, Senator Franklin Drilon denied "in the strongest possible terms" that the Liberal Party (LP) is part of any supposed move to oust the President. (READ: Linking opposition to Red October plot ‘politicizes the AFP’ – Robredo)

In a DWIZ radio interview, Drilon said LP's link to the supposed ouster plot is "propaganda without basis."

"We will stand together with the people to defend our Constitution. We will never agree to any destabilization move, much less to be part of it."

Asked about the AFP supposedly having proof against LP, Drilon said, "If they have any evidence that the Liberal Party is part of it, ilabas na nila para malaman ang katotohanan (release it now so we will know the truth)."

https://www.rappler.com/nation/213130-dilg-supports-afp-proposed-anti-communist-task-force

From Update Philippines (Sep 29): Photo: Singapore Army Visit at TABAK

COL ANDREW LIM, Commander HQ 9 Division/ Chief Infantry Officer, Singapore Army and party, visited 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army on 26 September 2018.

https://www.update.ph/2018/09/singapore-army-visit-tabak/25569

From Update Philippines (Sep 27): Philippine coast guard orders single H145

The Philippines coast guard has ordered a single Airbus Helicopters H145, which will function in the search and rescue (SAR) and law enforcement missions.

This will be the first H145 in the Philippines used for parapublic missions, says Airbus Helicopters.

The 4t rotorcraft will be equipped with high frequency radios, emergency flotation gear, fast roping capability, a cargo sling, a search light, and other systems consistent with the SAR, medical evacuation, maritime patrol, and law enforcement missions.

“We are honoured by the Philippine Coast Guard’s decision to introduce the country’s first parapublic H145 into its fleet, as the perfect complement to the current workhorse BO105 which has served the agency well for the past 40 years,” says Philippe Monteux, regional head for Airbus Helicopters.

https://www.update.ph/2018/09/%e2%80%8bphilippine-coast-guard-orders-single-h145/25561

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 29): Army condemns militiaman’s killing

The Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade yesterday condemned the latest atrocity perpetrated by New People’s Army rebels, who claimed responsibility for the killing of an off-duty government militiaman in Guihulngan, City, Negros Occidnetal.

The NPA Leonardo Panaligan Command had claimed responsibility for the killing of CAFGU member Rodolfo Yucaran on Sept. 23 in Brgy. Tacpao, Guihulngan City.

Col. Alberto Desoyo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday “ these terrorist murderers are now in desperate times, killing an unarmed CAFGU member, which clearly violates the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect to Human Rights and the International Humanitarian Law."

Desoyo said that Yucaran died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Police investigations showed that the victim was on his way to Sitio Bantayan in Barangay Tacpao, Guihulngan City, on his motorcycle, when he was waylaid, and shot simultaneously by four gunmen.

“I urge the people to condemn this inhumane act by the communist terrorist group. There is no room for terrorism if the intention, really, is to help the poor, to help the people.” Desoyo said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/September/29/topstory9.htm

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 29): NPA, drug links eyed in ex-kagawad’s slay

The Philippine National Police is considering several possible angles, such as illegal drug activities and alleged involvement of the New People’s Army in the death of a former councilman Elmer Cabayaof Barangay Panciao, Manjuyod, who was shot Monday in adjacent Bindoy town, Negros Oriental.

A police progress report from the Bindoy police station forwarded yesterday by Supt. Kat Ramos of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, disclosed that the police have received various information that could possibly be linked to the death Cabaya.

While the Bindoy police station is verifying different reports on Cabaya’s activities before his death, the police report said “there is a strong indication that it (the shooting) was perpetrated by the members of the NPA, after (the) said victim received several death threats from the group through text messages”.

Cabaya was shot dead in Sitio Bayog, Barangay Cabcaban – a mountainous barangay about 33 kilometers from the town proper of Bindoy, the report said.

The victim was a livestock buyer/seller and a former kagawad, or councilor, of Barangay Panciao, Manjuyod.

Cabaya was driving his motorcycle with backriders Peter Cabaya Gordon and Anecito Acebes, from SitioAbaka, Barangay Nalundan in Bindoy, where they sold livestock in the regular “tabo” or market day, when the suspects opened fire at them.

Gordon and Acebes told investigators that after they fell off the motorcycle, they stood up and tried to help the bloodied Cabaya.

Police ruled out robbery after finding out that the PHP3,000 cash of Cabaya, that he received from the sale of a cattle, was intact.

Police investigators are also looking into other reports that the victim was an alleged former NPA supporter who later became a military informant, and his reported involvement in the shooting to death of Panciao barangay chairman Mario Gonzales over a family grudge.

Gonzales was shot dead several weeks ago by suspected NPA members who allegedly warned him against seeking re-election, as the rebel group wanted to field its own candidate, the Manjuyod police said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/September/29/topstory7.htm