Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): Tagalog News: 150 Aeta sa Capas nakinabang sa AFP outreach activity

Pinangunahan ni Armed Forces of the Philippines 1stCivil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao (kaliwa) ang pamamahagi ng libreng gamit pang-eskwela sa mga Aetang mag-aaral ng Sitio Tarukan Elementary School ng Sta. Juliana, bayan ng Capas. (AFP 1st Civil Relations Group)

CAPAS, Tarlac -- May 150 Aeta mula sa Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana sa bayan ng Capas ang nakinabang sa Outreach Activity ng Armed Forces of the Philippines o AFP.

Nagkaroon ng libreng check-up at pamamahagi ng libreng gamot, school supplies at relief goods.

Ayon kay AFP 1st Civil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao, ang aktibidad ay parte ng immersion phase ng Strategic Civil Military Operation ng kanilang Non-Commissioned Officer Course.

Napili aniya ang Sitio Tarukan dahil nais nilang mapaglingkuran ang komunidad katuwang ang iba pang ahensya ng pamahalaan.

Naniniwala ang mga kasundaluhan na sa pamamagitan ng bayanihan ay kayang magtatag ng magandang kinabukasan para sa mga kabataan na magsisilbing pag-asa ng inang bayan.

Binigyang diin pa niya sa mga residente na ang gobyerno ay handang maglingkod at tumulong sa mamamayan na hindi tumitingin sa anyo, kasarian, tribo at katayuan sa buhay dahil lahat ay Pilipino na may isang bandila at lahing kinikilala.

Samantala, inihayag naman ng lider ng naturang komunidad na si Lito Diaz ang kanyang pasasalamat sa community assistance program ng pamahalaan.

Aniya, isang malaking bagay sa kanilang mga aeta na mapili upang tumanggap ng naturang serbisyo.

Dagdag pa niya, kanilang masasabi na bagkus napakalayo ng kanilang lugar ay hindi pa rin sila nakakalimutan ng gobyerno.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022900

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): 150 Aeta residents in Capas benefit from AFP outreach activity

BAYANIHAN SA TARUKAN. About 150 Aeta residents from Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas town benefitted from the outreach activity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Social services provided include free medical check-up as well as distribution of free medicines, school supplies and relief goods. (AFP 1st Civil Relations Group)

CAPAS, Tarlac -- About 150 Aeta residents from Sitio Tarukan, barangay Sta. Juliana in Capas town benefitted from the outreach activity of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Social services provided include free medical check-up as well as distribution of free medicines, school supplies and relief goods.

AFP 1st Civil Relations Group Deputy Commander Major Noel Tagao said the activity is line with the immersion phase of the Strategic Civil Military Operations of the Non-Commissioned Officer Course.

“We chose this community because we want to serve them together with other government agencies. We believe that through bayanihan we can build a better future for the youth that will serve as a hope of our motherland,” he stressed.

“To our beneficiaries, you should always remember that the government is always ready to serve and help you regardless of your race, gender, social status and tribes because we are all Filipinos under one flag,” Tagao emphasized.

In behalf of the beneficiaries, Chieftain Lito Diaz expressed his gratitude towards the community assistance program of the government.

“This is a big help to us, the Aeta community for we are chosen to receive this kind of assistance and services. We can say that even if we are afar, our government did not forget about us,” Diaz shared.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022899

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): NPA couple, 3 others surrender in Agusan Sur

TALACOGON, Agusan del Sur -- A former commander of New People’s Army (NPA), his wife and three others recently surrendered to government forces held in Barangay Poblacion, Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

Javier and his wife Ann, a squad political officer, supply officers Ricky and Yaw, and team leader James (not their real names), surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion (26IB).

All five belonged to Guerilla Front 34 of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC). They reportedly operate in the boundaries of Caraga region and Compostela Valley Province.

They brought along with them assorted weapons and paraphernalia including two caliber .30 Carbine Rifles with three magazines, one caliber .30 sub-machine gun with two magazines, one KG9 sub-machine gun, two shotguns, one caliber .45 with one magazine, one fragmentation grenade, and one Anti-Personnel Mine (APM).

The couple’s decision to surrender came after realizing the deception they have fallen into for many years. Ann said the CPP-NPA never fulfilled their promises when they were recruited years ago. Instead, they were separated from their five children who were left to fend for themselves.

“Gusto nako bisitahon akong mga anak, pero among mga labaw dili musugot, bisan kahibalo sila na kinahanglan nako atimanon ang akong anak nga naay sakit. Ug ang ilang mga saad nga suporta para kanamo, wala matuman, ilabi na gyud pagka-hospital sakong anak, wala silay gihatag bisan piso. Dili gud sila uyon sa pamilya (I wanted to visit my children but our leaders did not allow me, even though they knew I needed to attend to my sick son. Also, the support they promised to us for our children never came especially when my youngest son was hospitalized. They did not even bother to provide a single centavo. They don’t care about family),” she claimed.

The couple finally found an opportunity to abandon the armed group after a friend told them about the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Meanwhile, Ricky who was only 17 when he was recruited last year, also lamented about the hardship he suffered being a member of the NPA. “Kanunay mi managan kung adunay operasyon ang sundalo, ug usahay wala na mi kaon sulod sa duha ka adlaw kay dugay ang suplay sa pagkaon. Mao nang hinungdan nga niambak ko sa kalihukan samtang ako naggwardiya, para musurender (We were always on the run when there were military operations. Sometimes we don’t eat for two days because of delayed food supplies. We decided to escape while we were posted as guards because we cannot take it anymore),” he said.

Lt.Col. Romeo Jimenea, the 26th IB Commander said the five were all victims of the CNT’s vicious lies and propaganda especially Ricky who was a minor when he was recruited.

“The International Humanitarian Law prohibits the recruitment of persons under 18 years old to become combatant, even in local armed conflict,” Jimenea said.

He attributed the influx of surrenders from Loreto to the recent declaration of CNT and its supporters as “persona non- grata” by the Municipal Peace and Order Council (MPOC), and the Manobo Tribal leaders.

Records show that from January to date, 151 NPAs from Agusan del Sur have already surrendered to the government. They also handed-over 50 firearms of various calibers.

Col. Allan Hambala, 401st Brigade Commander lauded the troops for facilitating the peaceful surrender of the five former terrorists. He vowed to help them live normal lives again through the government’s ECLIP. He said the military will be relentless in its offensive operations against the few remaining armed terrorists as the entire nation strives to end the local communist armed conflict. (26IB/PIA-Agusan del Sur)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022890

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): DepEd, Army ink MOU for IP soldiers' ALS program

BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of Education (DepEd) Butuan City Division and the 402nd Infantry Brigade in Caraga on Monday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Alternative Learning System (ALS) A&E Program of Indigenous Peoples (IP) soldiers held at the Kalayaan Hall, 402nd Brigade headquarters, Brgy Bancasi, here.

A total of nine IP soldiers will undergo a 10-month ALS program. Among the key personalities who attended the said signing include Romeo O Aprovechar, the Schools Division Superintendent; and Dr. Bevelyn Corvera, the Curriculum Implementation Division Head from DepEd Butuan City Division; and Col Maurito Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade.

The signing of the MOU is conducted to officially launch the partnership of DepEd and 402nd Brigade and accommodate the IP soldiers for the ALS A&E Program in order to enhance their individual development, qualify them for the continuous regular enlistment and military schoolings/trainings. This initiative is in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap whose goal is to professionalize the Army as an organization.

Aprovechar in his speech inspired the participants by telling his life story. “Learning is a continuous process, don’t get discouraged," he said.

The willingness to learn is already there but most people are constrained due to distance and time available while working. Moreover, poverty is not the reason for not having an education. Strive and dream high. If you want to succeed, pursue your dream and work hard,” he added.

After the launching, DepEd ALS Supervisor Ana Marie Ceniza, the ALS/IPEd Focal Person conducted an orientation to the participants. Classes for the IP soldiers will be every Friday and Saturday of the week, for 10 months.

In his statement, Col. Licudine said the IP soldier program started last July 5, 2017 when the Army was given Special Enlistment Quota. President Rodrigo Duterte directed the AFP to recruit IP soldiers to help in the Internal Security Operations of the government.

“Most of the guerrilla bases are situated in the IP domains and about 80% of the NPA manpower are IP members. Hence, to accommodate the IP to become soldiers, other requirements are waived such as the Age Limit, Educational Qualification and Civil Status, among others. However, such enlistment is only good for six years," he said.

“My heartfelt gratitude to the Butuan City Schools Division for assisting us in our efforts of professionalizing the Army. This partnership was launched to continuously improve the knowledge and skills of our soldiers. For the IP soldiers, this is your chance of a lifetime to improve your educational attainment and your career. The outcome of this ALS Program will determine your future in the Philippine Army,” Col. Licudine added. (Cpt Francisco P Garello Jr. (INF) PA Civil Military Operations Officer, 402IB/PIA Caraga)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022883

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): NPA terrorists attack foreign observers convoy in Bukidnon

MPASUGONG, Bukidnon -- At least 10 were hurt when NPA terrorists detonated an anti-personnel mine on a convoy of vehicles bearing foreign nationals, local volunteers and soldiers escorting the group while passing Sitio Nasandigan, Brgy Kalabugao, Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon, May 30.

Among those hurt were seven army soldiers. In response, the soldiers returned fire and chased the perpetrators, hitting three NPA terrorists as revealed by the troops.

AFP troops discover two more anti-personnel mines that remained unexploded and left behind the fleeing terrorists. (4ID)

Foreigners from the IP communities in Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia came to Sitio Mintapod, Brgy Hagpa to observe the activity of local IP community volunteers belonging to Higaonon Amamag Malandang Olandok Gagaw (Hamog), a non-government organization which promotes cultural preservation in the area. The group is also supposed to have a forest visitation for their “Paunlay Ta Aghimicu" (forest visitation phase II).

Hamog sought the assistance of the Impasugong Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and the Philippine Army for security during their activity.

"We thought a tire exploded, then we heard burst of fire, somebody shouted duck," a foreigner said. We were afraid but we are very thankful to Filipino soldiers for providing us protection," she added.

"Our troops discovered two more anti-personnel mines that remained unexploded and left behind by the fleeing terrorists.

These AP mines could have injured the foreign observers. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now recovering those AP mines to avoid harming civilians passers through.

It is obvious that the incident this morning is a direct attack to civilians who are not involved and should be protected from any form of attack. This incident deserves international condemnation on the CPP-NPA terrorists," Col Edgardo De Leon, 403 brigade commander said.

After the incident, the foreign delegation proceeded to Laguindingan Airport for their flight to their next destination. (4ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022799

Posted to the Philippine Information Agency Website (Jun 6, 2019): Communities’ support to EO 70 strengthens task force ELCAC—PCOO chief

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon --The dynamic involvement of local government unit leaders and civil society groups in the recent assembly at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater in Malaybalay City in support of the Executive Order 70, strengthened the Task Force ELCAC in carrying out its mission.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar conveyed the message via phone emphasizing the government’s resolve to end the local communist rebellion.

“This is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 which institutionalizes a ‘whole-of-nation approach’ versus insurgency,” Andanar said.

The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in region 10, leads around 300 barangay leaders, mayors, civil society groups, including national and local government heads in doing their share during the “Validation of Needs” workshop at Kaamulan Folk Arts Theater, Malaybalay City. As directed in Executive Order No. 70, the assemblage seeks to round up thoughts, ideas, and detailed outlines that describe the roots of communist insurgency so those various governing bodies would know how to deal with real issues. (BSGempisao, MCG/PIA Bukidnon)

Led by the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) in region 10, around 300 barangay leaders, mayors, civil society groups, including national and local government heads did their share during “Validation of Needs” workshop within the day of the assembly.

The assemblage seeks to round up thoughts, ideas, and detailed outlines that describe the roots of communist insurgency so those various governing bodies would know how to deal with it, considering the scope of setbacks in addressing peace and order issues.

In the pre-workshop briefing, Armed Forces of the Philippines 4th Infantry Division commander Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal said a “purely military option in combating terrorism and extremism” is not enough.

“Guns and cannons can’t do the job alone. All agencies aboard should do its share in ending communist insurgency across the country. Neither the armed forces nor any law enforcement squad alone can conquer insurgence. We need the support of all the stakeholders, the local government units,” Gacal said.

The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), in the same session, emphasized the value of information and communication to create healthy and peaceful communities.

“We need to inform and let people know what the government has been doing for them. The people, especially those in geographically isolated and conflict-affected areas, must be updated on various projects and programs that will benefit them. We also need to upgrade our communications system. People should know that everyone cares,” Plormelinda Olet, NICA-10 deputy director said.

Meanwhile, LGUs and community stakeholders’ workshop output showed poverty topped in the list on “why insurgency lives on.” Conversely, the list also showed that “the root cause of poverty is insurgency.”

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Northern Mindanao regional director Mylah Faye Aurora Cariño said “despite continuing triumphs of security forces in battlefields, beating the enemies spin in vain due to the recurrence of stubborn poverty.”

Hence, the government fortifies its counterterror scheme by creating NTF-ELCAC stipulated in Executive Order No. 70 (EO 7O) signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in December 2018, she said.

“The whole of nation approach is not new. We have been working hard for this in the past, but all weave in a slow marching step due to lack of synchronization of some agencies’ plans and programs to combat insurgency. Now we have EO 70 to make it happen,” Cariño said.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022779

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 6, 2019): KAPALONG OFFICIAL: Rescued Haran residents still home with relatives

The Municipality of Kapalong in Davao del Norte dismissed reports that the Lumads it helped rescue last month are now back in the UCCP Haran compound.

In a text message with Jamal Magantor, the information officer of the Kapalong LGU, he said that as per monitoring of the local government unit team and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR), they are still in their respective villages.

On May 18, 31 people reportedly escaped the compound by climbing over the fence. They are now back with their families in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Meanwhile, left-leaning group, Pasaka, claimed that the “escape” was a mere publicity stunt.

There are reports earlier that the group were back at the compound nor the group were allegedly joining the New People’s Army (NPA) group.

But in the text message Magantor denied the said report saying that (the group) “they are still living with their relatives.”

The Davao Police Regional Office also launched an investigation whether the families inside the UCCP Haran are being held against their will.

Maj. Jason Baria, the spokesperson of PRO XI, said the police are looking at violations on human trafficking, IPRA law, serious illegal detention, and violation of RA 7610 (Child Abuse Law).

“The discussion was not limited to the Haran 31 but all other incidents involving UCCP haran,” Baria said.

He said the investigators will interview the 31 Lumads who escaped to give significant information. One of the priorities right now is to identify the leaders inside the UCCP Haran, Baria said.

In its Facebook page, the Pasaka, a group reportedly composed of Lumads, claimed that plainclothes soldiers accompanied Datu Basing Balanban, Dol-om Tumagsa, Jovelyn Tiklunay—who were described as members of the Alamara—to force some families to leave the compound.

“Even if we want to go home, we are alarmed at how the Alamara, the military, and the state are forcing us to do so,” the group said in a statement. “Even if we want to return to our communities, would there be peace if the Alamara and the military will continue to harass us? This is the very reason why we evacuated from our communities.”

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/06/06/kapalong-official-rescued-haran-residents-still-home-with-relatives/

From the often pro-Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) online publication the Davao Today (Jun 5, 2019): Tribal school report of continuing military harassment

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – School authorities of two tribal schools in Davao Oriental and North Cotabato operated by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI) has reported of continued Army harassment, ranging from encampment nearby and asking residents around to refrain from sending their children to the MISFI school.

Teachers of the schools in Sitio Casunugan, Baranggay Mahan-ub and Sitio Limot, Barangay Binondo, Baganga town, in the province of Davao Oriental, said they saw soldiers in civilian houses and in a community church.

Leah Serra, area coordinator of MISFI told Davao Today in a phone interview that soldiers were only a few meters away from the MISFI school in the community. Serra said parents also complained that soldiers forced them to sign documents indicating that they will not enroll their children to a Lumad school.

Families also said they were allegedly threatened that they would no longer avail of 4Ps if they do enroll in MISFI, she added.

In Sitio Bantaan, Barangay Bagumbayan, Magpet, North Cotabato, teachers also reported about soldiers setting up camps in several households.

Davao Today tried to reach Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division for comment on the reported presence of soldiers in Lumad communities, but have not responded as of posting.

A recent report by Save our Schools Network shows that 89 Lumad schools in Mindanao were forcibly shut down affecting around 3,000 students since the start of the Duterte administration.

The SOS Network noted in its report that, 24 teachers, 17 members of Parent Teachers Community Association (PTCA) and nine human rights defenders are currently facing “trumped-up” charges. Twelve of them are still detained.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/tribal-school-report-of-continuing-military-harassment/

From Rappler (Jun 6, 2019): Over 5,700 dead soldiers still got pension in 2018 – COA

The Commission on Audit wants to hold officials liable for the payment of more than P70 million to pensioners who were already dead

The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) was flagged by state auditors for its payment of P70.25 million worth of pension to 5,721 soldiers who turned out to be dead.

The pension for dead soldiers made up 84.5% of the total amount that the PVAO paid in pension for 2018, according to the annual audit report on the agency.

"Comparison of the payroll of pensioners and list of reported deaths for CY 2018 disclosed that 5,721 or 84.5% out of 6,768 total reported deaths continuously received their regular monthly pensions which ranged from 1 to 64 months, thus [resulting] in the overpayment amounting to P70,250,300.00," said the Commission on Audit (COA).

COA recommended that the PVAO identify the officials involved in the lapse and "hold them liable."

This is apparently a lingering problem in the PVAO because from 2015 to 2016, the agency also paid pension to dead veterans. The agency, in fact, improved in 2018.

"The period covered for the continuous payment of regular monthly pension to deceased pensioners decreased to 1 to 65 months as compared to 1 to 132 months continuous remittance...for FYs (fiscal years) 2015 to 2016," said COA.

State auditors said that of the P70.25 million given to dead veterans, the PVAO has already recovered P33.79 million, which leaves them with P36.45 million more to get back.

"However, the recovered amounts were still deposited in PVAO servicing banks and not remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury in violation of Section 10 of General Provisions of [the] General Appropriations Act," auditors said.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/232446-dead-soldiers-still-got-pension-audit-report-2018

From Rappler (Jun 6, 2019): Generals snub red-tagging hearing at Court of Appeals

The generals, including national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon and defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, are required to attend the hearing on July 11

WRIT OF AMPARO. (From left) Human rights lawyers Rachel Pastores, Czarina Musni and Edre Olalia attend a hearing before the Court of Appeals on June 6, 2019, on the writ of amparo accusing the Philippine military of red-tagging and harassment. Photo by Lian Buan/Rappler

The top brass of the Philippine military snubbed a hearing at the Court of Appeals (CA) on Thursday, June 6, frustrating human rights lawyers who sued them of red-tagging and continuous harassment.

“Their red-tagging is so vicious yet they don’t even show up, they don’t have the audacity to stand their ground,’ said National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) president Edre Olalia in a mix of English and Filipino.

The CA's Special 15th Division required the generals to attend the next hearing on July 11.

"The Court required the respondents to appear next hearing, July 11, and they committed to present, or that 7 generals will attend the next hearing," said Rachel Pastores, lawyer for petitioners NUPL.

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), representing the military, initially reasoned that they thought the generals’ presence were not required, but later cited conflict of schedule.

The hearing aims to thresh out the complaint of the NUPL that the military has been sanctioning harassment and red-tagging against their lawyers nationwide. The Supreme Court earlier granted the NUPL a writ of amparo, a legal remedy seeking a protection order.

The Court of Appeals will have to decide whether to give protection orders to the lawyers, which would be akin to a restraning order against the military.

Summoned to appear on July 11 were: national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon; defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana; Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal; AFP deputy commander for intelligence Major General Fernando Trinidad; Intelligence Service of AFP chief Major General Erwin Bernard Neri; Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Macairog Alberto; and AFP deputy chief for civil military operations Major General Antonio Parlade Jr.

Olalia added that during the pre-trial conference, the OSG committed to put Parlade on the witness stand.

Parlade spoke before a convention in Singapore where he accused the NUPL of having links to communist rebels. Parlade is the same military official who accused certain non-governmental organizations of being front groups for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

The European Union (EU), which funds the NGOs, said it would conduct an audit to verify Parlade’s claims.

Condemning the accusation as red-tagging, the NUPL said Parlade’s statements are the peak of harassments against human rights lawyers since the start of President Duterte’s administration.

By its count, there have been 55 lawyers attacked and threatened since July 2016; 36 of them were killed.

Olalia said that the red-tagging and harrassment from the army is worse in the Duterte administration than in the Arroyo administration, whose anti-insurgency campaign was tainted by multiple allegations of human rights violations.

The most infamous case of the Arroyo era is Army Major General Jovito Palparan, who has been convicted of kidnapping activists and is serving lifetime imprisonment at the New Bilibid Prison.

“The Duterte administration is more vicious, more malicious, more unrelenting, in red-tagging. It is without let up, it is unscrupulous, and characterized by impunity,” Olalia said.

Olalia was the first witness of the NUPL to go on the stand. He had a slightly tense exchange with the OSG lawyer doing the cross examination who called the NUPL’s petition “nitpicking.”

Lawyer Czarina Musni from Cagayan de Oro also took the witness stand, testifying on her inclusion in several posters distributed in her province tagging her, other lawyers, priests and teachers as communist rebels.

President Rodrigo Duterte was included as respondent in the NUPL's complaint, but Pastores conceded that he cannot be compelled to come to the court "because he is the president."

https://www.rappler.com/nation/232442-military-generals-snub-red-tagging-hearing-court-appeals-june-6-2019

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 6, 2019): Army battalion arriving Sunday

The returning 11th Infantry Battalion is arriving Sunday on board a Philippine Navy Vessel, at a port in Negros Oriental.

Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that a welcome reception to be led by Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo will be held, for the returning Army soldiers the next day.

The 11IB deployed for two years in Zamboanga City, was replaced by the 74th Infantry Battalion from Sumisip, Basilan.

Madriaga, who described the return of 11IB to Negros Oriental as a welcome development, said it will help fast track their objective of clearing the province of armed insurgents sooner than anticipated and make the whole Region 7 insurgency-free.

An Army battalion is composed of about 500 military personnel.

The 15th Infantry Battalion also returned from Marawi to Negros Occidental early this year.

The return of the 11IB will increase the number of Army battalions deployed in Negros Island to five.

On June 4, Mayor Beng Climaco, who hosted a thanksgiving dinner for the 11IB, cited the effort of the concerned Army unit in securing Zamboanga City that resulted to zero bombing and zero kidnapping incidents in the past years.

The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army in central Negros slammed the return of 11IB, that will have its headquarters in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Ka JB Regalado, spokesperson of the Leonardo Panaligan Command, issued a statement alleging that the return of 11IB to Negros is part of the implementation of what he claims to be a de facto martial law in the island.

Regalado also linked to the 11IB the killing of a couple and three others in Guihulngan City, before they were deployed to Mindanao.

He also said that all LPC units were ordered to launch offensives against government forces and to immediately enforce the decision of the revolutionary court to punish those responsible for the implementation of Oplan Sauron 1 and 2 in Negros Oriental.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/06/topstory5.htm

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 6, 2019): 81 soldiers get medals

The Philippine Army honored its 81 soldiers involved in two successful encounters against the New People’s Army in Negros Occidental, by awarding them with medals in separate ceremonies held Tuesday.

Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, personally conferred Military Commendation Medals on 38 soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and 43 troopers of the 79th Infantry Battalion for demonstrating exemplary performance of duties in combat operations.

The encounter of the 62IB on May 4 in Sitio Dawhan, Brgy. Buenavista, HImamaylan City, Negros Occidental, led to five rebel casualties, the apprehension of a minor recruited by the NPA, recovery of an anti personnel land mine, seven back packs containing personal belongings and subversive documents, to the 303rd Infantry Brigade reported.

On May 15, the 79IB also figured in an encounter with communist rebels in Brgy. Minautok, Calatrava that also claimed the lives of five more rebels, based on reports of the populace, and the recovery of ammunition for Garand rifle, assorted foodstuff and personal belongings.

The pinning of medals was held in the headquarters of the 79IB in Brgy. Bato, Sagay City, andn the 62IB in Brgy. L:ibas, Isabela, Negros Occidental, respectively.

Arevalo said the medals he conferred on his men are in recognition of their commitment to the service, hard-work and bravery in fighting the NPA, noting that well-motivated and appreciated troops will perform better than what is expected from them.

Military records show that 225 medals were already conferred by Arevalo on soldiers under 303rd Brigade, for the 12 successful encounters against the NPA in Negros Occidental, since his assumption as its commander October 29 last year.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/June/06/topstory3.htm

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jun 6, 2019): Eid’l Fitr celebrated at 6th Infantry Division

The Muslim believers of the 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army gathered to commemorate the Eid’l Fitr or Feast of the Breaking of the Fast on June 5, 2019.

The military Muslim personnel were joined by their families and other civilians living near the camp in an early morning prayer in front of the 6th ID Grandstand yesterday.

This year’s celebration was led by Assistant Division Commander for Reservist and Retirees Affairs, Colonel Carlito Bueno, who greeted everyone with Eid Mubarak or blessing on their celebration.

“Ang kahulugan ng pag-aayuno sa Islam ay isang uri ng gawaing pagsamba sa Allah sa pamamagitan ng pagpigil at pag-iwas mula sa pagkain, inumin, pakikipagtalik, at sa iba pang nakakasira sa pag-aayuno, simula sa pagsapit ng madaling araw hanggang sa paglubog ng araw,” said Col. Bueno.

Col. Bueno, in his message, outlined the purpose of fasting, which is considered the holiest among the Islamic celebrations.

The 6ID Commander, Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana, extended his greetings to the Muslim brothers and sisters of the 6th ID and stakeholders and thanked them for choosing the 6th ID camp to celebrate Eid’l Fitr.

“May the blessings of Allah fill your life with happiness and this worthy celebration will touch the love and peace to each and every one of us,” expressed MGen Sobejana.

http://www.westmincom.com/eidl-fitr-celebrated-at-6th-infantry-division/

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Jun 6, 2019): Memorabilia of Zambo siege hero unveiled in Pagadian City

Military and public officials witnessed the unveiling of the memorabilia of Private First Class Ian Paquit, a Medal of Valor awardee, in a ceremony held in Pagadian City yesterday, June 5.

Pfc Paquit distinguished himself for his acts of conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity as an automatic rifleman of the Special Operations Command during an armed encounter with factions of the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City in 2013.

“Nay, ang anak mo ay sundalo ng Republika ng Pilipinas na handang makipaglaban at mamatay mailigtas lamang ang ating bansa (Ma, your son is a warrior, ready to fight and to die just to defend our country,” said the late Pfc Paquit, despite repeated pleadings for him to leave the battleground.

“Pfc Paquit was one of the military men who fought to defend the city. He was hit on the neck and was rushed to the hospital. He was given a 15-day leave, but he did not avail of it. Instead, he went back to the battlefield,” said Arnold Cabantug, Otto Lingue National High School principal.

Despite the enemy’s massive fire power, Pfc Paquit adjusted his position to the most perilous spot to protect the troops and to deliver accurate fires toward the MNLF’s strongholds, causing him his life.

Cabantug said this was the first time for Otto Lingue National High School and even for the entire province of Zamboanga del Sur to have a graduate with a Medal of Valor at such a young age.

Pfc Paquit was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor in December 2013.

“Aking pinasasalamatan ang gumawa nitong recognition dahil ito pa lang ang unang ginawa at sa anak ko pa iginawad ang Medal of Valor. Nagpapasalamat rin ako sa mahal na Pangulo na nag-apruba nito (I want to thank the people who worked for this recognition. This is the first time that the memorabilia was made, and I am happy to learn that the same was made for my son),” said Eduard Paquit, the father of the Medal of Valor awardee,

AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Salvador Melchor Mison, Jr. said the armed forces take pride in the heroism of Pfc Paquit.

“Nay, tay, kami po ang magpapasalamat sa inyo dahil bayani ang inyong anak. Hindi mauubos ang pagpapasalamat ng Armed Forces. Kung may kailangan po kayo, lumapit lamang po kayo sa mga sundalo,” added Lt. Gen. Mison, Jr.

Dr. Julieto Fernandez, Department of Education Pagadian Division Superintendent, said: “This (recognition) will remind us that an ordinary man, who was once enrolled in this school, did an extraordinary job beyond his duty, and that made him great. I know that we can also do great things by doing things beyond our duty.”

The unveiling of Pfc Paquit’s memorabilia was held at Otto Lingue National High School, where the hero finished his secondary education.

Brigadier General Cirilo Thomas Donato, Jr., Western Mindanao Command Deputy Commander for Administration, and other officials graced the unveiling ceremony in Pagadian City yesterday.

“The courage and dedication displayed by our heroes, like Pfc Paquit, in the face of adversity shall continue to drive us to fight hard and to win our battles for our countrymen and for peace and development to thrive on our lands,” said Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, WestMinCom chief.

http://www.westmincom.com/memorabilia-of-zambo-siege-hero-unveiled-in-pagadian-city/

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jun 6, 2019): Workers stop NPA from burning road construction equipment

Workers of Venray Construction Corporation prevented the CPP-NPA terrorists from burning their construction equipment that were parked in their field office in Brgy Cabangahan, Malaybalay early morning today (June 6, 2019).

Employees woke up at 2:30AM with unusual noise and saw their company’s Bonggo truck lit by fire. This prompted them to respond and drive away the perpetrators who immediately escaped. The workers immediately doused the fire with water and fire extinguisher thus prevented it from spreading towards nearby Grader and Backhoe. Fire truck from Brgy Aglayan arrived minutes later to completely stop the fire.

Perpetrators were riding on 8 motorcycles and fled southwards according to witnesses

“Sunod sunod ang ginagawang karahasan ng NPA laban sa mga inosenteng sibilyan hindi lang dito sa Bukidnon, pati sa ibat-ibang panig ng bansa. Dapat pagpaliwanagin ang pamunuan ng CPP at NDF kung bakit hindi nila madisiplina ang hanay ng NPA sa patuloy na pag atake sa mga sibilyan na walang kinalaman sa labanan ng sundalo at NPA”, BGen Edgardo De Leon, 403Bde Commanders said.

Investigators are now focused on gathering information for the filing of appropriate case against CPP-NDF-NPA members and leaders. Line of investigations to check:

1. If the area that was attacked is a military camp or a civilian compound?

2. If the equipment burned owned by military or by civilian?

3. If the equipment burned ever used by military or involved in military operation against NPA?

4. If the people accosted by the NPA ever participated in military operations against the NPA?

5. If the Venray construction company involved in direct military operations against the NPA?

Should the result of initial investigation provides a strong case that the NPA attacked civilians, then appropriate case will be filed at CHR10 which handles investigation of IHL violations. A case will also be docketed at RTC Branch 25 in CDO City, the special court designated to try IHL case.

“We call on KARAPATAN, which claims to be a citizens watch that monitors IHL violations, to do a parallel investigation to determine if the NPA indeed violated IHL in this particular incident or not”, BGen De Leon added.

“We are very thankful to the workers’ courageous act of shooing away the NPA terrorists to prevent their equipment from being destroyed and for the quick response of BFP responders. This is the real essense of the “whole of nation” approach in preventing the communist NPA terrorists from sowing chaos in our place. This incident proves that the local communists terrorists are no match to people who unite and resist, even if the people are unarmed”, said MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID Commander.

Recently, a certain Pia Alonzo, a self-declared spokesperson of the NPA terrorists in Bukidnon claimed responsibility over the straffing of Brgy Tanods in Brgy Sto Niño, Manolo Fortich and for detonating Anti-Personnel Mines in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon that hit a convoy carrying foreigners who came to observe our IP’s best practices in preserving the tribal heritage. Karapatan is yet to issue statement on these incidents.

A similar NPA terrorist attack on construction equipment in Samar last week prompted Catholic Church leaders into condemning the CPP-NDF-NPA as it hampers economic development and deprives the people of the much needed infrastractures. Notably, Region 10 Peace and Order Council made an earlier resolution condemning the NPA’s atrocity committed against civilians. CDO City Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, as a member of RPOC10 recognized and expressed strong support to the Resolution and called upon the CPP-NDF leaders to direct the NPA to stop attacking civilians. The NPA seemed playing deaf on the pleadings.

403rd Infantry "Peacemaker" Brigade 4 Infantry Division Philippine Army
Cpt Marcelito Quijano
CMO Officer, 403Bde, 41D, PA
Malaybalay City, Bukidnon
09564177497

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace by the Philippine Army. It provides information on the activities of Army Units nationwide in the performance of their duty of Serving the People and Securing the Land. This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/people-power-stops-npa-terrorists-from-destroying-construction-equipment/

From Panay News (Jun 7, 2019): 2 young NPA rebels surrender

ILOILO – Two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the police with the help of Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr.

Twenty-year-old Ka Princess, who also went by the nom de guerre Ka Nemia, and 21-year-old boyfriend Ka MJ Coda, was safely picked up by a team from the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) led by director Police Colonel Marlon Tayaba in Barangay Pali, Mandurriao, Iloilo City at around 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
Through emissaries, the rebels asked Defensor to facilitate their surrender. The governor contacted Tayaba and gave instructions.

The rebels, who said their group operated in the central municipalities of the province, would be availing themselves of the national government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“They told us they were going hungry in the mountains and they wanted to have a normal life,” said Police Major Jonathan Pinuela of the IPPO.

Ka MJ said it was her girlfriend who first joined the underground movement one year and three months ago. After three months he decided to join, too, so he could be with her.

A “good news” was how Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion described the surrender of the two rebels.

“We encourage rebels to surrender and avail themselves of livelihood programs of the government,” said Batara.

https://www.panaynews.net/2-young-npa-rebels-surrender/

From Panay News (Jun 6, 2019): NegOcc ‘reformed rebels’ get financial aid

Reformed members of the New People’s Army take oath of allegiance before Negros Occidental governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. RICHARD MALIHAN
BACOLOD City – The provincial government in Negros Occidental extended financial aids to nine reformed members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

The former NPA fighters received P65,000 each from the Department of the Interior and Local Government. They previously surrendered to the Philippine Army 62nd Infantry Battalion and 3rd Civil-Military Operations Battalion.

“This shows the sincerity of the government in fulfilling its promise to allow the rebels to start anew and live normal lives again,” said Philippine Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade commander Brigadier General Benedict Arevalo.

Aside from financial assistance, the reformed insurgents also received food packs from the Negros Occidental Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Negros Occidental Comprehensive Health Program health cards.

The assistance program is part of the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

It was instituted by President Rodrigo Duterte geared towards surrendered enemy combatants. (With a report from 303IB /

https://www.panaynews.net/negocc-reformed-rebels-get-financial-aid/

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 6, 2019): 3 terror suspects nabbed in raids

Three suspected members of the homegrown terror group Abu Sayyaf had been arrested in separate operations on Wednesday, according to police.

Police Brig. Gen. Froilan Quidilla, police regional chief for Zamboanga Peninsula, said Jamik Ibrahim, Majuk Amil and Hashim Aming were separately arrested in counterterrorism operations by police and National Bureau of Investigation agents from Manila.

Aming was the first to fall, leading to the capture of the two other suspects.

Aming, according to police, was involved in the kidnapping of six Jehovahs Witnesses in Patikul, Sulu in 2001. Ibrahim and Amil were involved in the kidnapping of workers of Golden Harvest in June 2001.

Quidilla said the three suspects will be brought to Manila on Friday.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1127567/3-terror-suspects-nabbed-in-raids

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 6, 2019): Australians warned vs traveling to some parts of Mindanao

The Australian government has cautioned its citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” when traveling to parts of Mindanao due to ongoing risk of kidnapping, terrorist attack, as well as crime and violent clashes there.

In its latest travel advisory updated on Wednesday, the Australian government said “reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao due to the very high levels of violent crime and the high threat of terrorist attack and kidnapping.”

“Do not travel to central and western Mindanao due to the very high threat of kidnapping, terrorist attack, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups,” it added.

The Australian government’s updated advisory comes less than a week after a long-held Dutch hostage was killed in Sulu by his Abu Sayyaf captors.

READ: Dutch hostage, 6 Abus killed in clash

Ewold Horn was shot dead while he tried to escape during a fierce firefight between Abu Sayyaf and Army troops, a military official said.

“There is a very high threat of kidnapping in the southern Philippines, especially along the Zamboanga peninsula and in the Sulu Archipelago,” the advisory further said.

“Tourists in southern Palawan, southern Negros or Siquijor could also be targeted,” it added.

The Australian government, meanwhile, advised its citizens to “be alert to possible threats around locations that have a low level of protective security and places that could be terrorist targets” due a “high threat’ of terrorist attack in the Philippines, including Manila.

“Possible targets include commercial and public places frequented by foreigners,” it added. (

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1127457/australians-warned-vs-traveling-to-some-parts-of-mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2019): US embassy in PH not closing down: exec

There will be no change in visa processing with consular services continuing, as usual, the United States embassy in Manila said on Friday as it clarified that only an office attached to it will shut down, not the chancery itself.

This came following the buzz on social media regarding the closure of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Manila Field Office next month.

"The US Embassy in the Philippines will assume responsibility for certain limited services previously provided by the Manila Field Office to individuals residing in the Philippines," Trude Raizen, deputy press attache at the Embassy, said in a text message to the media.

On Thursday night, the US embassy confirmed that the USCIS will close its Manila office on July 5, 2019, "due to insufficient workload."

"There will be no change in visa processing at the U.S. embassy in the Philippines," it said.

The USCIS is the government agency that oversees lawful immigration to the US. Among its functions are adjudicating requests for immigration benefits, processing of applications to sponsor relatives and future spouses including refugee applications around the world.

Aside from Manila, the USCIS field office in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico was also closed on June 30.

According to the embassy, the USCIS has also entered into discussions to phase out all of its international offices.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071782

Tagalog News: 150 Aeta sa Capas nakinabang sa AFP outreach activity

150 Aeta residents in Capas benefit from AFP outreach activity

NPA couple, 3 others surrender in Agusan Sur

DepEd, Army ink MOU for IP soldiers' ALS program

NPA terrorists attack foreign observers convoy in Bukidnon

Communities’ support to EO 70 strengthens task force ELCAC—PCOO chief

KAPALONG OFFICIAL: Rescued Haran residents still home with relatives

Tribal school report of continuing military harassment

Over 5,700 dead soldiers still got pension in 2018 – COA

Generals snub red-tagging hearing at Court of Appeals

Army battalion arriving Sunday

81 soldiers get medals

WESTMINCOM: Eid’l Fitr celebrated at 6th Infantry Division

WESTMINCOM: Memorabilia of Zambo siege hero unveiled in Pagadian City

Kalinaw News: Workers stop NPA from burning road construction equipment

2 young NPA rebels surrender

NegOcc ‘reformed rebels’ get financial aid

3 terror suspects nabbed in raids

Australians warned vs traveling to some parts of Mindanao

US embassy in PH not closing down: exec