Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2019): Esperon, maton ng pasistang mga pangulo

Mariing tinuligsa ng Karapatan ang pagsasampa ni National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. ng kasong perjury (pagsisinungaling sa korte) laban sa Karapatan, Gabriela at Rural Missionaries of the Philippines matapos ibasura ng Court of Appeals noong Hunyo 28 ang kanilang petisyon para sa writ of amparo at habeas data. Ayon sa Karapatan, ang pagkaso ni Esperon ay patunay na pursigido ang rehimeng Duterte na patahimikin ang mga kritiko nito.

Hindi na bago ang mga atake ni Esperon sa mga progresibong organisasyon. Mula noong rehimeng Arroyo hanggang sa kasalukuyan, gumagampan siya bilang panatikong maton ng mga pasistang nakaupo sa kapangyarihan.

Kampon ni Gloria

Kilalang masugid na kampon ni dating presidente Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo si Esperon. Pinamunuan niya ang Presidential Security Group noong 2002-2003 bago naitalaga sa Special Operations Command. Noong eleksyong 2004, malaki ang kanyang naging papel sa pandaraya ni Arroyo upang manalo, partikular sa Mindanao. Ginamit ni Esperon ang mataas na katungkulan sa AFP upang manuhol sa mga kumander ng militar, o kaya’y alisin sa pwesto yaon namang mga kontrolado ng kalabang kandidato.

Bilang gantimpala, pinaburan siya ni Arroyo upang maging punong kumander ng Philippine Army. Kasunod nito’y ginawaran siya ng pinalawig na pusisyon bilang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff kung saan nasangkot siya sa mga kaso ng korapsyon, kabilang ang pagpatong ng P800 milyon sa gastos para sa pagkumpuni ng tatlong bangkang pampatrulya ng Philippine Navy.

Humawak si Esperon ng mga susing pusisyon sa AFP sa panahon ng brutal na kampanyang Oplan Bantay Laya 1 at 2. Sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Arroyo mula 2001-2010, mahigit 1,300 ang naitalang kaso ng ekstrahudisyal na pagpatay at sapilitang pagkawala. Malaking bahagi nito ay pananagutan ni Esperon—bilang Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (2003), hepe ng Philippine Army (2004) at AFP Chief of Staff (2006-2008). Sa mga panahong ito namayagpag ang mga pusakal na pasistang sina Jovito Palparan at Eduardo Año.

Maliban dito, 32 kaso ng tortyur ang isinampa laban kay Esperon noong 2001 bilang kumander ng 103rd Infantry Brigade sa Basilan.

Ahente ng US

Mula nang maupo si Esperon bilang AFP Chief of Staff hanggang maging Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process sa ilalim ng rehimeng Arroyo, madalas siyang nakikipagpulong nang pribado kay dating US ambassador Kristie Kenney. Sa mga pulong na ito iniuulat ni Esperon ang kalagayang pampulitika sa bansa—mula sa mga tangkang kudeta, ekstrahudisyal na pagpatay sa mga aktibista, gera laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at Bangsamoro, at iba pa.

Sa mga pulong din na ito naitutulak ng US ang direksyong tatahakin ng AFP, partikular sa “kontrainsurhensya.” Bago pa man inilabas ng US State Department ang Counterinsurgency (COIN) Guide noong 2009, makailang ulit nang idiniin ni Kenney at mga upisyal ng US Embassy ang pagsustine sa “gera kontra-terorismo,” “pagtaguyod sa demokrasya,” pagtugon sa “palagay ng publiko kaugnay ng korapsyon sa gubyerno”, at iba pang sangkap ng “kontrainsurhensya.”

Dadalhin ni Esperon ang mga kabuktutan at panlilinlang ng US COIN Guide sa kanyang paghawak ng pusisyon bilang pangkalahatang direktor ng National Security Council ng gubyernong Duterte.

Batay sa COIN Guide, itinulak niya ang pagbubuo ng National Task Force (NTF) “para tapusin ang lokal na komunistang armadong sigalot” at tumayong kanang-kamay ni Duterte sa pagpapatupad nito. Bahagi ng NTF ang “whole-of-nation approach” o pagpapailalim ng mga sibilyang ahensya ng gubyerno sa kumand ng AFP, pagpapatindi ng saywar at kaakibat nitong pagtindi rin ng armadong pagsupil sa paglaban ng mamamayan.

Korap at oportunista

Nang bumalik sa gubyerno, nasangkot si Esperon sa burukrata-kapitalistang korapsyon. Nalantad ang papel niya sa pagkopo ng negosyanteng si Dennis Uy sa kontrata sa pagtatayo ng ikatlong kumpanya sa telekomunikasyon sa bansa. Bahagi si Esperon ng komiteng namamahala sa pagpili ng kumpanya ni Uy. Hindi kagulat-gulat sapagkat matagal na siyang “konsultant” ng Phoenix Petroleum, isang kumpanya ni Uy. Sinampahan siya noong 2010 ng kasong ismagling ng langis na ipinabasura ni Duterte. Nabunyag na tumatanggap siya ng mga pabuya kay Uy kabilang ang paggamit ng pribadong eroplano.

Sa kasagsagan naman ng operasyon ni Janet Lim Napoles, ang binansagang “pork barrel queen,” kasosyo niya si Esperon sa isang kumpanya na pinaniniwalaang pinaglalagakan ng nakulimbat na pera mula sa pork barrel.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippinesand is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/07/07/esperon-maton-ng-pasistang-mga-pangulo/

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2019): Ika-6 na asembliya ng ILPS, ginanap

Ginanap ang ika-6 na asembilya ng International League of Peoples’ Struggle sa Hongkong noong Hunyo 23-26.

Ang ILPS ang pinakamalawak, pinakamahalaga at pinakamilitanteng pormasyon ng mga anti-imperyalistang organisasyon. Dala ng asembliya ang temang “Ipagtagumpay ang maningning na sosyalistang hinaharap para sa sangkatauhan! Pagkaisahin ang mamamayan para labanan at wakasan ang imperyalistang digma, rasismo at pasismo.”

Dumalo ang 400 delegado mula sa 44 na bansa at teritoryo sa ginanap na asembliya. Nalampasan nito ang rekord ng mga nagdaang pagtitipon. Ginanap ang asembliya sa gitna ng tumitinding kahirapan, kawalan ng trabaho, muling pagsikad ng pasistang mga rehimen at lider sa daigdig at tumitinding ligalig ng mamamayan.

Isinalaysay ng mga upisyal ang malaking pagsulong ng liga sa ekspansyon partikular sa Africa at Asia. Ilang organisasyon ang naa- bot sa mga rehiyong ito at nakapagtayo ng mga lokal na tsapter. Pinangunahan din ng liga ang pagbuo sa pandaigdigang network na People Over Profit at kilusang kampanya na Resist US War.

Sa nagdaang mga taon, ikinumpas ng ILPS sa kasapian at lokal na mga tsapter nito ang mga kampanya tulad ng paglaban sa Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), pagkundena sa mga pagpupulong ng ASEAN at APEC at maging ng NATO. Nakiisa ito sa panawagan ng mamamayan sa pagbabawal kay Donald Trump sa kani-kanilang mga bansa.

Noong 2015, inilunsad ang pandaigdigang araw para sa lupa, pagkain at hustisya bilang pakikiisa sa mga magsasaka sa Pilipinas. Lumahok ang mga organisasyon at pormasyong kasapi ng ILPS sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo. Nakiisa ang ILPS sa laban sa IMF-World Bank.

Lubos ang naging pagsuporta ng ILPS sa mamamayan ng Venezuela at Palestine sa harap ng patuloy na pang-aatake ng US at mga Zionist sa Israel na sinusulsulan ng US. Sinuportahan din ng liga ang mamamayan ng France sa kanilang “Yellow Vest Movement” laban sa mga pahirap na buwis ng gubyerno ni Macron.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippinesand is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/07/07/ika-6-na-asembliya-ng-ilps-ginanap/

Propaganda article from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2019): Kasong kidnapping laban sa abugado ng Sagay 9, ibinasura

IBINASURA NG Department of Justice ang kasong kidnapping laban kay Atty. Katherine Panguban, pinuno ng Women and Children’s Committee ng National Union of People’s Lawyers, noong Hunyo 28. Ang pagbasura ay ibinatay ng korte sa testimonya ng ina at anak nitong menor de edad na nagsasabing kusang loob silang sumama at boluntaryong nagpailalim sa kustodiya ni Panguban.

Nag-iisang saksi ang menor de edad na lalaki sa nangyaring Sagay 9 masaker noong Oktubre 20, 2018 sa Hacienda Nene, Sagay City, Negros Occidental. Idinetine ng pulisya ang batang saksi at isinailalim sa kustodiya ng Social Welfare and Development ng syudad nang walang pahintulot mula sa kanyang ina.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippinesand is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/07/07/kasong-kidnapping-laban-sa-abugado-ng-sagay-9-ibinasura/

Propaganda editorial from the Tagalog language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 7, 2019): Editorial - Ipamalas ang galit at lakas ng bayan

Walang duda, si Duterte ang pambansang maton ng Pilipinas. Balot ng bakal, asta niya’y wala siyang kinatatakutan.

Hawak niya ang armadong mga tauhan na walang utos na di sinunod. Ilampung libo na ang pinatay, milyun-milyon ang sinisindak. Hawak niya ang kabang-yaman ng bayan. Nasa bulsa niya ang kongreso at hawak sa leeg ang mga korte. Ang sinumang humarang ay sinasagasaan at bara-barang idinadawit sa droga. Ang sinumang manindigan ay kaibigan ng mga komunista.

Ang buong bansa ay nakapailalim sa kanyang tiraniya. Buong bayan ang nagdurusa. Walang trabahong makuha, walang lupang masaka. Walang umento at walang awat ang pagtaas ng presyo. Pamilyang Duterte ang yumayaman, sampu ng mga sindikato at oligarkong pinapaburan at mga kasosyong kapitalistang dayuhan. Kaliwa’t kanan ang pangungutang para sa mga proyektong pinagkakakitaan. Hindi naman ang mamamayan ang makikinabang subalit ang pagbayad ay sa kanila pinapapapasan.

Subalit sa likod ng kanyang asta, nangangatog ang tuhod ni Duterte. Habang lango sa kapangyarihan, desperado ang kapit niya sa poder. Takot na takot siyang tumumba sa kanyang trono. Labis ang pangamba niyang papanagutin siya sa di mabilang na mga krimen at kasalanan sa bayan. Bangungot niya ang makulong at mamatay sa kulungan.

Pinakakinatatakutan ni Duterte ang magkaisa at magbangon ang milyun-milyong inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan, ang mga naghihirap at nagugutom, ang mga pumapasan ng bigat ng krisis, ang mga naghihikahos, ang mga naghihinagpis na ina, ang mga anak na di makapag-eskwela, sa madaling salita, ang masang magsasaka at manggagawang Pilipino. Kinatatakutan niyang siya’y ibagsak katulad nang ibinagsak ng sambayanan si Marcos at Estrada.

Sa takot ni Duterte na ito’y magkatotoo, walang patid ang panggigipit, paniniil, paninindak at pandarahas niya laban sa patriyotiko at demokratikong mga pwersa. Target niya ang mga aktibista, mga unyonista at organisador sa hanay ng iba’t ibang sektor, maging ang mga tagapagtaguyod sa karapatang-tao, taong-midya at mga abugado.

Gamit ang pinaglumaan nang doktrinang antikomunista at antiterorista, pinararatangan sila ni Duterte na sangkot sa armadong kilusan, minamanman ang bawat kilos, sinasampahan ng gawa-gawang kaso, ibinibilanggo at pinapaslang. Layunin ni Duterte na patahimkin ang pambansa-demokratikong kilusang masa na nasa unahan at gulugod ng paglaban ng buong sambayanang Pilipino.

Ang paggamit ni Duterte ng buong lakas ng estado para supilin ang bayan, sa saligan, ay tanda ng mahina at marupok na naghaharing sistema at malalim nitong krisis sa pulitika at ekonomya. Ipinakikita nito na hindi kaya ni Duterte na idaan sa pagkumbinse ang bayan sa pamamagitan ng pagharap sa kanilang mga hinaing at pagtugon sa kanilang pangangailangan.

Sa mata ng bayan, naubusan na ng karapatang moral si Duterte na mamuno, matapos ang tatlong taon ng maramihang pagpatay, lalong paglaganap ng droga, bigong mga pangakong tapusin ang kontraktwalisasyon, pagpigil sa pagtaas ng sahod, huwad na reporma sa lupa, gutom at paghihirap sa kanayunan, panunupil at mga abusong militar, kataksilan sa bayan, pagbenta sa karapatan at patrimonya ng bansa, pagyuko sa dayuhang kapangyarihan, habang siya’y nagpapakasasa at nagpapayaman sa krimen at paglustay sa bilyun-bilyong pondo ng bayan.

Ang kawalan ni Duterte ng karapatan at katayuang moral na mamuno ay binabawi lamang niya sa kapangyarihan hango sa purong pasistang dahas ng estado. Hangga’t hindi nakahaharap si Duterte ng mas malaking pwersa, patuloy niyang iwawasiwas ang kanyang kapangyarihan sa paniniwalang habampanahon siyang makapaghahari gamit ang takot at terorismo.

Sariling kasaysayan ng sambayanang Pilipino ang nagtuturo na pantasya lamang ang ambisyon ng mga diktador na habambuhay na maghari. Hangal si Duterte kung inaakala niyang walang kapangyarihang hihigit sa kanya. Tulad ng ipinakita ng sambayanang Pilipino noong 1986 at 2001, walang laban ang mga tirano’t diktador sa nagkakaisang bayan!

Napapanahon nang wakasan ang paghahari ni Duterte. Labis na pagdurusa pa ang daranasin ng bayan kung magtatagal pa siya nang tatlong taon sa poder. Dapat nang muling ipamalas ng sambayanan ang kanilang kapangyarihan. Ito ay kapangyarihan na nagmumula sa pagkakaisa sa diwang patriyotiko at demokratiko. Mula sa mga pabrika at paaralan, at mga komunidad sa kalunsuran at kanayunan, dapat sama-samang dagsain ng milyun-milyon ang lansangan sa mga syudad at sentrong bayan. Basagin ang takot at sabay-sabay na sumisigaw ng katarungan at kalayaan laban sa tiraniya at terorismo.

Dapat ubos-kayang magpunyagi ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan na kunin ang inisyatiba upang maglunsad ng mga taktikal na opensiba laban sa mga pwersang militar, pulis at mga armadong tauhan ni Duterte na naghahasik ng teroristang karahasan laban sa mamamayan.

Padagundungin sa buong kapuluan ang mga yabag ng masang anakpawis at lahat ng nagmamahal sa kalayaan at demokrasya. Yanigin ang rehimeng US-Duterte. Yanigin ang buong Pilipinas.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippinesand is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

https://www.philippinerevolution.info/2019/07/07/ipamalas-ang-galit-at-lakas-ng-bayan/

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Sison’s US-backed coup claim just 'wishful thinking'

Malacañang on Monday dismissed the claim of self-exiled Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison that the United States could influence the Philippine military to stage a coup attempt against the Duterte administration.

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said this is nothing but “wishful thinking” from a “tired, old, failed revolutionary”.

“It is pitiful that this man has to rely on a foreign country to effect a change of leadership in this country. It is an admission, in fact, that their revolution has failed,” Panelo said.

He added that the US will not listen to Sison, because the communist leader himself detests America.

Panelo also expressed confidence that a coup attempt against the administration will not prosper, saying that “Filipinos trust this President; the military and the police trust this President”.

On Saturday, Sison issued a statement claiming that the US could influence a coup, after Duterte dared the US to fire the “first shot” against China over the maritime territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

The CPP along with its armed wing, New People’s Army (NPA) is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074400

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): 80% of Filipinos happy with PRRD’s performance: SWS

Halfway through his term, President Rodrigo Duterte’s net satisfaction rating soared to new record high with four of five Filipinos saying they are contented with his work, a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey released on Monday said.

An SWS survey conducted on June 22-26 found that 80 percent of adult Filipinos are satisfied, 9 percent undecided, and 12 percent dissatisfied with the performance of the country’s first leader from Mindanao.

Compared to March 2019, gross satisfaction with Duterte rose by one point from 79 percent, gross undecided rose by one point from 8 percent, and gross dissatisfaction fell by one point from 13 percent.

This gave the President a net satisfaction rating of +68 (percent satisfied minus percent dissatisfied) which SWS classified as “very good.”

“This is a new personal record-high that surpassed the previous record of very good +66 in March 2019 and June 2017,” the pollster said.

The SWS cited that the two-point rise in Duterte's net satisfaction rating from March 2019 to June 2019 was due to an increase in Balance Luzon (up by 9 points), offset by declines in Mindanao (down by 7 points), the Visayas (down by 3 points), and Metro Manila (down by 2 points).

The June 2019 Social Weather Survey used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults nationwide.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074376

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Palace backs PCG-Marina report on Recto Bank incident

Malacañang on Monday said it saw “no contradiction” between President Rodrigo Duterte’s remark describing the June 9 Recto Bank (Reed Bank) incident as a “little maritime accident” and the report of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) categorizing it as a “very serious marine casualty.”

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this reaction as the PCG and Marina provided media outlets with a copy of the 13-page report, “Joint PCG-Marina Marine Safety Investigation on the Incident Involving FBCA Gem-ver.”

In its report, PCG-Marina concluded that the Chinese vessel “failed to take appropriate actions to avoid the risk of collision” with a Filipino fishing boat anchored in the area and failed to “render assistance” to 22 Filipino fishermen who were abandoned at sea.

“There is no contradiction. In so far as the incident is concerned, given the fact that Filipinos were placed in a dangerous situation where they could have been dead, then that’s a serious marine casualty. That’s serious enough,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

However, Panelo maintained that the President thinks the incident is not enough to be blown up into an international crisis.

“But when the President says it’s not that serious enough to blow it into international crisis that is what he meant. So both of them are correct,” Panelo said.

"Chinese crew may be held liable"

Panelo agreed that the Chinese crew could be held accountable, but still found it unnecessary to make a big deal out of the issue.

“It’s serious in the sense that when you leave our countrymen there after that accident then that’s a serious matter. We will not allow that. You have to be accountable to that but you cannot blow that and make it into an international crisis,” Panelo said.

Panelo emphasized that the only way the Chinese crew could justify the abandonment of Filipino fishermen at sea is if their lives had been endangered.

Chinese Embassy has denied the abandonment and instead claimed that their vessel was “besieged” by several Filipino fishing boats.

Panelo, meanwhile, pointed out that Filipinos must remember that the Chinese vessel, which allegedly rammed and abandoned a Filipino fishing boat, is a private vessel.

On June 17, Duterte dismissed the sinking of a Filipino fishing boat as a “little maritime accident”, insisting that he would not go to war with China over the incident.

“Stay from -- stay out of trouble. Just build on our own. Huwag muna tayong makialam (Let’s not interfere first). Do not allow a little maritime accident or intentional -- go to war there,” Duterte said in his speech.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has already filed a diplomatic protest against China over the maritime incident.

After finalizing their report, the Philippine government will share and reconcile its findings with the Chinese government in a joint probe.

Opposition senators, however, have warned against a joint probe on the Recto Bank incident as it may weaken the Philippine position on territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074341

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Joma crazy for claim US can influence military to arrest PRRD

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday dismissed and called Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison "coward and insane" for claiming that the US can influence the military and police to arrest President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

"This coward has gone insane. He is already muttering words of an old man whose memory has abandoned him. Come back to the Philippines and face reality," AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato said.

He said the Philippines has its own democratic institutions and is a sovereign nation.

"We're a sovereign country. We have our own democratic institutions. Yung sinasabi ni Joma (What Joma is saying) is an indication of his state of mind," he added.

They are not arresting the Chief Executive because Duterte is the duly-elected President and their Commander-in-Chief.

Sison earlier claimed that the US, without firing a shot, can easily instruct the military and police forces under Duterte to take him into custody and install Vice President Leni Robredo as the constitutional successor.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074332

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Gov’t panel fosters coordination, inclusivity among law enforcers

Coordination and inclusivity will be the key in the successful implementation of the security aspect of the normalization phase under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

This was emphasized by Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary for Peace and Security Dickson P. Hermoso to members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) based in Region 12.

“Always remember that ‘partner tayo (we are partners),’ we can do this together. That is precisely the very reason why we are here, ine-explain namin sa inyo (kung) ano ‘yung mekanismo, and the mechanism is not a stumbling block sa performance ng duty ninyo, kundi solution sila (we are explaining the mechanisms to you, which are not hindrances but rather solutions to the performance of your duty),” Hermoso said.

Hermoso, a member of the Government of Philippines Implementing Panel, said close coordination among members of the security sector will ensure the primacy of the Bangsamoro peace process, particularly during the conduct of police and military operations within Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps.

“We don’t want a repeat of (the) Mamasapano (incident),” Hermoso told 200 members from the PNP and the AFP who attended the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) session at the Mt. Sabrina Panoramic View and Resort held here.

The IEC campaign was organized by OPAPP in partnership with the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Social Development Office, United Nations Development Program and the PNP.

The activity is the last leg of a four-part campaign under Project Ugnayan: Sagot sa Pagkakaisa or Project USAP.

In his remarks, PNP PRO 12 regional director, Brig. Gen. Eliseo T. Rasco highlighted the need for greater sensitivity and awareness in carrying out law enforcement duties among men and women in uniform.

“Our peace process remains a delicate issue… we have to be cautious in our enforcement actions; we have to be fully informed of our operational guidelines, especially the security task that we are sent to do pursuant to the transitional justice and reconciliation aspect of the normalization track,” Rasco said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Merrill Sumalinog, chief of the Bangsamoro Peace Division, AFP Peace and Development Office, provided an overview of the role of the Joint Peace and Security Committee (JPSC) and the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPSTs) under the normalization track, as well as the protocol of cooperation on anti-illegal drug operations and other-related security activities in MILF communities.

The Government of the Philippines’ Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG), represented by its chair, Brig. Gen. Madid M. Paitao, and staff member Reshiel V. Sombrio explained that the body’s role is to coordinate law enforcement operations within the jurisdiction of MILF camps.

For his part, Lt. Col. Joel Mamon, head of the GPH Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH)/ AHJAG/ International Monitoring Team (IMT) combined secretariat, emphasized to attendees the mandate of the CCCH.

Mamon said the CCCH’s mandate to proactively monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement; immediately respond with actual ground intervention in case of sudden hostilities; and investigate cases of violation of the ceasefire agreement, with the main goal of resolving situations of conflict through peacemaking and peace-building activities.

The GPH and the MILF signed the Agreement on the General Cessation of Hostilities (AGCH) on July 18, 1997. It was the first major agreement forged by both parties as a response to the outbreak of violence during ongoing peace talks.

As an offshoot of AGCH, the GPH-MILF CCCH was created in the same year to supervise and monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.

The institutionalization of these ceasefire mechanisms led to the significant reduction of armed skirmishes between the GPH and MILF, with no incidents of violence recorded from 2012 to 2014.

During the event’s open forum, attendees raised key issues and concerns, ranging from areas of jurisdiction, dismantling of private armed groups, and the decommissioning process, wherein 30 percent, or 12,000 MILF combatants are set to be decommissioned by September.

On the issue of decommissioning, Hermoso sought the help of the PNP in carrying out the security protocols, which will be crucial to the normalization track.

In closing, he called on the troops to embody the principles of partnership, people empowerment and ownership.

“Huwag nating solohin ang trabaho (Let us not hog all the work); always be guided by the core principle of partnership. Empower the people. Lastly, ownership. Wag ikaw (na) battalion commander o chief of police, anlaki ng tarpaulin mo, nakangiti ka doon. (If you are a battalion commander or a chief of police, avoid those big tarpaulins with your smiling faces plastered all over). Give it to the people. Let them own it (achievements),” he said. (OPAPP-PR)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074342

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Help stop funds flow to CPP-NPA, Pinoys in US urged

ANTI-INSURGENCY DRIVE. Tribal leaders pose with members of the Filipino community, in a forum hosted by the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sunday (July 7, 2019). They appealed to Filipinos to help expose the atrocities of the CPP-NPA-NDF. (Photo by Mac Villarino/PCOO)

Indigenous people’s (IP) leaders on Sunday appealed to the Filipino community here to be vigilant in giving support to organizations asking for financial assistance, saying these might be channeled to groups affiliated with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“They have campaigns of adoption of schools, adoption of students, adoption of alleged teachers, but the CPP-NPA-NDF imposes a policy on these organizations, where 60 percent of funds goes to them,” Datu Jacob Lanes said in an interview.

Lanes, of the Mandaya tribe from Davao City, said the CPP-NPA-NDF has built its networks across the world while fostering a strategy that includes armed struggle and the use of progressive fronts.

“The Filipino community, especially in the United States and Europe, should be vigilant so that they will not fall to the deception of the CPP using their different organizations,” Lanes added.

Stopping the channeling of funds to the Reds’ front groups, Lanes said, would constrain the capacity of the their armed wing to operate and frustrate their ability to launch attacks.

Hypocrisy

Datu Ramon Bayaan, on the other hand, said communist insurgents have been deceiving IP communities, bringing them to rallies that go as far as Manila.

“Itong problema namin, malaki ang koneksyon sa US. Mag rally ang mga komunistang terorista sa Manila, sa Davao, unsa ilang gi-singgit? Ibagsak ang US, ibagsak ang imperyalismo (Our problem has a huge connection here in the US. The communist terrorists would rally in Manila, in Davao, what do they shout? Bring down US, bring down imperialism),” he said.

Bayaan, however, said he wondered why amid their call to oppose the US and bring down capitalism and imperialism, they would still ask financial aid from organizations in the US.

“Sa madaling salita, nagilad gyud sila. Kay dili sila gusto sa gobyerno sa US, pero nangayo sila ug suporta gikan sa mga organisasyon sa US(In other words, they deceive us. Because they don’t want the US government, but they ask support from organizations in the US),” added Bayaan, tribal leader of the Obu-Manuvu tribe.

APPEAL TO PINOYS. Tribal leaders speak up against the atrocities of communist terrorist groups in the Philippines, in a forum hosted by the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation, Inc. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Sunday (July 7, 2019). They called on Filipinos to be more discerning of providing financial assistance to groups, citing that communist front groups get funding from countries abroad in the guise of pro-poor programs. (Photo by Mac Villarino/PCOO)

Lanes and Bayaan were among the eight tribal leaders who paid a visit to the Filipino community here to help disseminate their stories in America — how communist terrorists try to control and manage their ancestral domains, killing tribal chieftains who would go against them in the process.

Emotional persuasion

Jocelyn Agoncillo Ramos, executive director of the Philippine Cultural and Civic Center Foundation, Inc., said the communist terrorists have been “utilizing emotions” to rally the Filipino community to believe in their narrative.

“It’s always the sad story that they’ll use, they will use issues on women, labor, and when you empathize with them, then you help them,” she said.

The groups, she said, sow anguish among overseas Filipinos through painting a climate of fear in the Philippines, so they would be convinced to donate money that would supposedly go to disadvantaged sectors back home.

‘Educate yourselves’

Meanwhile, clinic administrator Erlinda Ramos said she has been receiving e-mails from international groups asking donations to help vulnerable sectors in the Philippines.

“These groups appeal to you, like ‘join us,’ or ‘we need your support.’ Well, you need to find out where they are based, where your money is going, what it’s for,” she said.

“The bottomline is, if you’re going to give help to somebody, make sure you know, you research where your money is going to go. You have to know,” she added.

In March, the European Union vowed to investigate allegations that its assistance funds were being funneled to the CPP-NPA.

The Philippine government has requested the EU to "immediately cease" its funding being channeled to groups acting as legal fronts of the CPP-NPA.

Based on a report presented by the Philippine government before officials of the EU, European Parliament, and the European Commission, communist front organizations receive funds from the Belgian government and some European countries in the guise of marginalized and pro-poor programs.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074334

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Basilan ulama council condemns Sulu blast

A Basilan-based Muslim organization expressed its strong condemnation to the recent twin bombings in Kajatian, Indanan town, Sulu, which claimed the lives of at least eight people and wounded 22 others last June 28.

"As a Muslim influential body in Basilan, where most of its officers and members graduated from various Islamic Universities in the Middle East including African countries, strongly and frequently condemns such kinds of un-Islamic and evil acts, such as killing people by any means i.e. bombing, suicide attacks as well as violent acts including robbery, illegal drugs, corruption, and kidnapping as it counts as major sins in Islamic precepts the Darul Ifta Council declared," the group Basilan Ulama Supreme Council Foundation Inc. (BUSCFI) said in a statement on Sunday.

The BUSCFI, chaired by Dr. Aboulkhair S. Tarason, said the fatal attacks are acts of terrorism and violence and no justification or excuse can be provided for such actions that advance the ideas of radical groups.

The attack, the group said, violates the teachings and principles of Islam.

BUSCFI also said that all its officers and members are appealing for calm and sobriety in wake of the June 28 blast.

Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the suspected suicide bombing attack at the tactical command post of the 1st Brigade Combat Team in Indanan town has raised the level of extremism in the Philippines.

He made this comment after noting that suicide bombings happen only in Middle East countries like Syria.

The June 28 incident is the third of its kind in Mindanao. The first occurred in a military checkpoint in Lamitan, Basilan on July 31, 2018, killing 10 while the second incident happened on January 27 in a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu that killed 20 persons, including the alleged suicide bombers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074325

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Robin Padilla to join Army as reservist

ASPIRING ARMY RESERVIST. Actor Robin Padilla poses for a photo with participants of the Sulu Youth Empowerment for Preventing-Countering Violent Extremism. Padilla expressed his intent to join the Philippine Army as a reservist. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

Actor Robin Padilla has announced his plans to join the military as reservist, an official of the Philippine Army said on Sunday.

Army Spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala welcomed Padilla's intent to join the Army Reserve Component, as the official "highly" encouraged everyone to join the force.

"We welcome his desire to join the Army Reserve Component and contribute more to the Army's thrusts of nation-building. All citizens, whether celebrity or ordinary, are highly encouraged to join us in serving the people and securing the land," Zagala said.

Padilla follows the footsteps of fellow actor, PA reservist probationary 2nd Lt. Matteo Guidicelli, who recently graduated from the Scout Ranger Orientation Course.

Zagala said Padilla made known his desire to volunteer as it is an honor to serve the country.

Padilla was a speaker at the Sulu Youth Empowerment for Preventing-Countering Violent Extremism over the weekend. The actor, a Muslim, said before forum participants that Islam is a religion of peace.

“Ang Islam na nakilala ko ay mapayapang religion (The Islam I know is a religion of peace),” Padilla said, recalling the values he learned after converting to Islam and the change it brought him from his old, rebellious life.

“Ito po ang religion na nagturo sa akin na maging makatao, makadiyos at kung bakit mahal ko ang Pilipinas (This is the religion that taught me to humane, to be godly, and to love my country, the Philippines)," he added.

Padilla also expressed his condolences to the kin of the victims of the deadly bomb attack last June 28 which caused the death of three soldiers, two civilians and two bombers, and the wounding of 12 other soldiers in Sulu.

In the same event, PA Imam Chaplain Capt. Abdulhaq Mohammad said extremism is beyond the vocabulary of Islam.

“Ang itinuturo sa Islam ay (Islam's teachings is) mercy (is) not just for the Muslims but for all mankind and that includes non-Muslims,” Mohammad said.

Among the more than 800 youth participants is 15-year-old Mariam Ahmad who shared that the message brought to them was an inspiration to the Muslim community.

"We thank Mr. Robin Padilla for his time and effort to advocate peace and unity to the people especially those who are affected by the threat of violent extremists," Zagala said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074319

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): DND condoles with kin of late Senate sergeant-at-arms Balajadia

Former Senate sergeant-at-arms, retired Air Force Major General Jose Balajadia (Photo courtesy of the Senate of the Philippines)
The Department of National Defense (DND) extended its condolences to the family of former Senate sergeant-at-arms, retired Air Force Major General Jose Balajadia, who passed away due to heart failure on Sunday.

"MGEN (Major General) Balajadia dedicated his life in service to our country and people through his 38 years of active duty as an officer and pilot of the Philippine Air Force, and as the Senate’s sergeant-at-arms since 2002, after retiring from the AFP in 1999. He served his country well. May he rest in peace," DND Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a message to reporters.

Balajadia's son, Jet, confirmed the news to reporters.

"Just to provide the correct information, my father passed away at 12:50 a.m. early this morning at the Baguio General Hospital," he said.

The wake will be held at the St. Peter Chapel, Marcos Highway in Baguio City until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10.

Balajadia's remains will be airlifted to Villamor Air Base on Thursday morning, July 11 where a military wake will also be held up until his burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. The date of the burial has yet to be finalized, his son said.

Balajadia was the Senate's sergeant-at-arms from 2002 until his resignation on June 30.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074317

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Police, military manhunt on vs. 7 Basilan jail escapees

MANHUNT. Police and military teams are on a manhunt against eight inmates who escaped Sunday from the Lamitan City Jail in Basilan province. Policemen recapture one of the eight in the municipality of Akbar, Basilan. (Photo courtesy by Richard Falcatan)

Police and military teams are on a manhunt to recapture the seven escapees who bolted from the Lamitan City Jail in Basilan province, an official said Monday.

Lt. Col. Christopher Panapan, Lamitan City police chief, said the seven were among the eight inmates who escaped from the city detention facility early Sunday.

Panapan named the objects of the manhunt operation as Jemar Usman, Norman Bisal, Roderick Agang, Taha Morales, Alpa Julasbi, Muamar Gandali, and Arman Acalul.

Panapan said all escapees, except Acalul, are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 - otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Acalul is charged with murder.

Another escapee, Moumar Ima, was recaptured by policemen Sunday afternoon in the municipality of Akbar, Basilan province.

Police said the inmates escaped around 8:30 a.m. Sunday from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-administered Lamitan City Jail in Sitio Lagasan, Barangay Kulaybato.

Investigation showed that Bisal and Gandali requested permission from Morales, a jail trustee, to open their detention cell so that they can dispose of their garbage.

The two rushed to another cell and took possession of an M-16 Armalite and M-14 rifles and at gunpoint made good their escape leaving behind the lone guard shocked and helpless.

Panapan said they recovered the M-14 rifle around 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Sitio Little Cebu, Barangay Maganda, Lamitan City.

He said they have already coordinated with all the law enforcement agencies in the province as the manhunt to recapture the remaining escapees continues.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074358

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Sultan Kudarat warring clans agree to end ‘rido’

DIALOGUE. South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. (right, sitting down) talks to the residents of Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu who were displaced since last month by a “rido” or clan war in a nearby village in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. The governor mediated the nearly four-month conflict between warring families in his visit in Barangay Ned last Friday (July 5, 2019). (Photo from the Facebook page of the Provincial Government of South Cotabato)

Warring Moro families in the boundary of Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato provinces decided to peacefully end nearly four-month conflict following intervention by local officials.

The negotiation started when South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. led a dialogue between the warring families on Friday in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu town, according to a statement released by the governor's office over the weekend.

Tamayo was compelled to mediate as the "rido" or clan war has triggered a series of clashes that displaced several families in Lake Sebu and Palimbang town, Sultan Kudarat, where the two families live.

Over 260 families from Sitios Molmol, Kisayan, and Kumilat in Lake Sebu -- one of South Cotabato's remotest areas -- evacuated last month for the second time since April because of the clashes in the neighboring Barangay Molon, Palimbang town, officials earlier said.

The clashes involved the families and supporters of Mike Binago and allies Tat Tuan and Salik Adam.

Arvin Librado, focal person for infrastructure of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said both clans already agreed to settle their conflict in front of the governor, paving way for evacuees to return.

“Through the mediation spearheaded by the governor, the involved parties eventually agreed to settle," Librado told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview on Monday.

The statement said the governor sought for the establishment of Army, police and Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit detachments in the affected areas to protect the residents and prevent another escalation of the conflict.

During his visit, Tamayo brought relief assistance to the evacuees taking temporary shelter at the gymnasium in Barangay Ned. Two weeks ago, the PDRRMO distributed food and non-food commodities, including health kits and basic necessities for infants and children, to the affected residents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074330

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 8, 2019): 94IB troops lauded for role in successful insurgency campaign

VISIT. Officers of the 94th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Randy Pagunuran welcome Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo (left), commander of the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, during the visit of the latter to the unit’s headquarters in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental on Sunday (July 7, 2019). The 94IB was placed under the jurisdiction of the 303IBde on July 1, following the realignment of the military forces in Negros Island.(Photo courtesy of 303rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)

The head of an Army brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental on Sunday lauded the troops of the 94th Infantry Battalion for their significant contribution to the accomplishment of the 303rd Infantry Brigade’s mission in the anti-insurgency campaign even before their unit was placed under his watch earlier this month.

The 303rd Infantry Brigade formally received the 94IB to its jurisdiction during the visit of Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo to the unit’s headquarters in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

“I want to thank the 94IB for its contribution to the success of the overall campaign of the Army in Negros,” Arevalo said.

“It is very important that 94IB accomplishes its tasks in Negros Oriental so that the other battalions can make Negros Occidental peaceful as well,” he added.

The 303IBde commander is no stranger to Guihulngan City as he was assigned in the area when he was still a captain.

During his arrival at the station in Barangay McKinley, he was met by the battalion officers led by Lt. Col. Randy Pagunuran.

“I am happy to finally meet and receive 94IB as the newest battalion of 303IBde in the fight against the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF),” Arevalo said.

The 94IB was activated on May 4, 2018 under the 3rd Infantry Division (ID) upon the orders of then Army commanding general, Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista.

On July 1, the Army realigned its forces in Negros and adjusted the areas of operations of the 302IBde and 303IBde in the island, based on the directive of Maj. Gen. Dinoh Dolina, commander of the 3ID.

The area of coverage of the 303IBde now includes the northern and central parts of the island, including the first to fifth districts of Negros Occidental and the first district of Negros Oriental.

The 94IB, which was previously under the 302IBde, joined the 79IB based in Sagay City and the 62IB stationed in Isabela town under the 303IBde.

The 303IBde ceased control of the 15IB in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, which is now part of the 302IBde along with the 11IB, which has recently returned from Zamboanga City, and the 47IB based in Bohol.

The 302IBde led by Brig. Gen. Ignacio Madriaga, stationed in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, has assumed responsibility over the southern part of the island, including the sixth district of Negros Occidental as well as the second and third districts of Negros Oriental.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074322

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Army thwarts terrorists' plan to cast violence in President Roxas town

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz -- The Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion thwarted the plan of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) terrorists to stage atrocities in President Roxas, Capiz.

This, after the troops from 61IB clashed with approximately 15 members of Sangay sa Partido sa Platoon (SPP)-East, Komiteng Rehiyon – Panay of CPP-NPA terrorists led by a certain Guning at about 8:20 a.m. of July 5.

The recoveries include one portable generator, one multi-media projector, two hand grenades, one anti-personnel mine, eight rifle grenades, four back packs, two cellular phones, one container of gasoline, two sacks of rice, and other personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value. (3ID DPAO-Phil. Army photo)

According to Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, 61IB commanding officer, they received information from the civilian populace on the presence of the fully-armed CPP-NPA terrorists conducting recruitment activities among minors and planning to conduct atrocities in the area, hence, he immediately deployed his troops to conduct combat operations in the said barangay.

“Our troops were approaching in the target area when they were fired upon by the communist terrorists which prompted them to fire back,” Batara said.

The firefight lasted for about 20 minutes before the communist terrorists withdrew towards Barangay Badiangon of same municipality.

No one was hurt on the government side while it remains undetermined on the enemy’s side.

Upon scouring the area, the troops recovered one portable generator, one multi-media projector, two hand grenades, one anti-personnel mine, eight rifle grenades, four back packs, two cellular phones, one container of gasoline, two sacks of rice, and other personal belongings and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

The troops are still conducting pursuit operations.

Batara stressed that the recoveries prove that the CPP-NPA terrorists are planning to launch attacks not only against the government security forces but also with the defenseless civilians. "That’s why I am commending the vigilance of the civilian populace for giving us accurate information on the movements and whereabouts of the communist terrorists. This is a clear indication that the people are now fed up with the cruelty of the CPP-NPA," he added.

“Supporting and cooperating with the Army through giving information is their way of expressing their fervent desire for a CPP-NPA terrorist-free community,” Batara said.

For his part, Army’s 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division Major General Dinoh Dolina slammed the CPP-NPA terrorist for their continued stockpiling and producing anti-personnel mines which is a clear violation of the Ottawa Treaty, a convention on the prohibition of the use, storing, production and transfer of its kind.

He called on local government units (LGUs) and the Capiceños to declare CPP-NPA terrorist as persona non grata to prevent them from entering and casting terror and violence in the communities.

Dolina also called on the remaining members of the CPP-NPA terrorists to come down and return to the mainstream society.

“Your government, together with the AFP and PNP, is willing to ensure your safety if you choose to lay down your arms, embrace the culture of peace, and start a new and peaceful life through the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” he said. (JBG/Cpt. Cenon Pancito III/3ID-DPAO)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024233

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Army Office on GAD gets new chief

FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig -- The Office of the Army Gender and Development (AOGAD) gets a new Chief today, Jul. 8, 2019.

In a Change of Chief of Office Ceremony headed by the Philippine Army Vice Commander Maj. Gen. Reynaldo M. Aquino, Lt. Col. Raquel A. Vilchez turned over the leadership of OAGAD to Maj. Margie G. Mingoy before the staff of the Commanding General Philippine Army and OAGAD personnel.

The outgoing office chief, Vilchez is set to take up the Command and General Staff Course at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Command and General Staff College. In her relinquishment speech, she asked the members of the Army to continue to support the OAGAD programs as it does not only address the gender issues on women but as well as those of the uniformed men.

“Let us make gender and development a way of life. Because respect for human rights and respect for women’s rights are fundamental. It is not something new or different but it is something that everybody should be aware of,” Vilchez stressed.

On the other hand, Mingoy will assume as the Acting Chief of OAGAD after serving the office since 2017 as Chief of its Administrative Branch, Chief of Monitoring and Evaluation Branch, and then as the Deputy. She is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Banyuhay” Class of 2002.

Back when she was still a young lieutenant, Mingoy served as the platoon commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHCO) of the Army’s 51st Engineer Brigade (51Bde) in Luzon. She also served as an intelligence officer and later on as a Commanding Officer of the HHCO’s Engineer Maintenance and Support Battalion in 2005. In 2008, she was deployed in Mindanao and was tasked to serve as the Commanding Officer of Battalion Training Unit of the 52nd Engineer Brigade.

“The team OAGAD will work to continue strengthening the institutionalization of gender mainstreaming in the Philippine Army towards a goal of a gender sensitive and gender responsive organization,” said Mingoy.

Aquino recognized the leadership skills and experience of Mingoy in OAGAD and supported her new assignment. “To the OAGAD family, I enjoin each of you to extend the same support and professionalism to your new acting chief. You must all work together as a team to sustain the GAD initiatives that had been established in order for us to be recognized as one of the gender-responsive organizations in our country,” he added.

The Philippine Army established the OAGAD in 2014 but its gender and development advocacy started as early as 2017. The OAGAD aims to promote women empowerment and bring about gender equality in the Philippine Army. (PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024335

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 8, 2019): Cebuano News: Gikamingawan nga 302IBde Init nga giabi-abi sa NegOr

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, July 2, (PIA)—Sa pagtalikod sa gikamingawan nga 302nd Infantry Brigade (302IBde) sa Bohol, ang ilang pag-abut sa Negros Oriental gikahinaman usab sa mga Negrense, ilabi na ni Gobernador Roel Degamo.

Karon nga tua na nagbase sa Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, ang pag-balik sa 302IBde sa Negros Oriental nakaani og pagdayeg ni Gob. Degamo, kinsa mitukbil niini sa iyang inauguration speech niadtong Hunyo 30.

Gawas nga gidayeg sa gobernador, ang pagbalik sa 302IBde, gikahinaman usab tungod sa kadaku sa gikatampo sa brigade sa kinatibuk-an nga damgo sa pagpatunhay sa kalinaw, kahapsay ug kahusay sa lalawigan nga padayon pang gisamok sa mga rebeldeng teroristang komunista.

MAPASALAMATON. Init nga gidawat ni Gob Roel Degamo sa Negros Oriental ang pagbalik sa 302nd IBde sa iyang lalawigan kay kini nga bahan maoy nakapahimo sa Negros nga Ready for Development tungod kay nadumala na niini ang conflict. Karon, ang Negros na lang ang nagpabiling lalawigan sa Central Visayas nga gihulga sa mga rebelde. (302ndIDBe photo)

Kahinumduman nga kaniadtong 2012-2014, ang 302IBde nga nakadestino pa sa Negros Oriental sa ilang paglihok didto sa pagpukan sa insurhensya, kini misangput sa pagdeklara sa lalawigan niadtong 2014 nga Conflict Manageable ug Development Ready Province na.

Apan, gikuha ang 302IBde sa Negros aron idestino sa Bohol, nga niadtong panahona, nadeklara na unta nga Insugency-Free, apan gisamok pa gihapon sa mga rebelde nga mipabalhin sa natad sa pagpakigbangi ngadto na sa mga white areas.

Sa pagbalik sa 302IBde sa Negros Oriental, tumong sa bahan nga gipangulohan ni Brigadier General Ignacio Madriaga nga mamahimo sila nga pwersa nga manguna pagpa-asdang sa kalinaw ug kaugmaran, inabangan sa pagtambayayong ug pag-alayon sa mga local chief executives.

Una nila nga tumong kadtong pagpalingkawas sa katawhan sa gisagubang nga mga suliran ilabi na sa mga gipas-an sa katawhan.

Gawas pa, buot usab sa bahan ni General Madriaga nga mamahimo silang lig-on nga pwersa nga magpakalma ug magpapas sa suliran sa mga rebelde didto sa Negros Oriental, gamit ang ilang napatambok nga kasinati-an sa pagsagubang sa mga rebelde sa Bohol ug sa whole of nation approach nga gimandu sa kagamhanan.

Uban usab sa Philippine National Police, buot ni Gen Madriaga nga ang bahan sa 302IBde kahadlokan sa mga criminal ug terorista ug kon may panginahanglan, sila ang mga ka-agbay sa mga LGUs ug katawhan ilabi na sa panahon sa mga katalagman ug kalisud.

Niini, matud ni Brig Gen Madriaga: “Nagpasalamat kita sa Gobernador sa iyang walay putol ug walay paglubad nga suporta sa 302IBde ug sa init nga pagdawat sa bahan balik sa Negros.”

Gipasalig usab sa heneral nga ang army ug ang kagamhanan nga probinsyal sa NegOr magtambayayong sa pagpuhag sa insurhensya, pinaagi sa kasibut sa kagamhanan sa pagduso sa mas paspas ug napanahon nga pagtumod sa serbisyo ngadto sa katawhan.

Ang 302IBde padayon nga magsuporta dili lamang sa kagamhanang probinsyal kon dili apil na ang tanang Negrense nga nangandoy nga mapadangat na ang kalinaw nga molungtad sa lalawigan samtang ikasalibay na ang pagpanghugpa ug pagpanghuraw sa mga terorista nga NPA nga maoy nakaabut sa kalinaw ug kaugmaran sa lalawigan, matud ni General Madriaga subay sa taho Captain Khadaffy Tawantawan. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024195

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 8, 2019): New Nolcom commander assumes post

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) installed on July 5, Major General Ramiro Manuel Rey as the 29th commander of Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) .

The change of command between outgoing Nolcom Commander Lieutenant General Emmanuel Salamat and Rey was presided by AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr.

“Today, we have witnessed a longstanding tradition that exemplifies the turn-over of a commander’s baton to his successor. A ceremony that testifies to the transition of leadership and a sustenance of growth and development for Northern Luzon,” Madrigal said.

“As we conclude Lieutenant General Salamat’s successful and exceptional tenure, we also bring forth a new beginning. We welcome a continuation of a legacy in a new light and with a new man at the helm, Major General Rey,” he furthered.

Meanwhile in his acceptance speech, Rey stressed that he is honored to be called the “Commander of the North” where high-risk missions and challenges are common.

(L-R) Outgoing Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Commander Lieutenant General Emmanuel Salamat, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr, incoming Nolcom Commander Major General Ramiro Manuel Rey and Nolcom Deputy Commander Brigadier General Arwel Oropesa pose before the turn-over of command ceremony. (Trixie Joy Manalili/PIA 3)

“My work here in Nolcom will not be easy. I know the responsibilities will be tremendous. Crucial efforts are needed in our fight against terrorism and our effort to end the local communist armed conflict. So, I call on all units of Northern Luzon command to fight as one,” the newly-installed commander stated.

Rey furthered that while the units were programmed based on each major service, Nolcom will be united in serving and protecting Filipinos and the state.

“Our differences will be the strong foundation of our unity and harmony,” he added.

Rey is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Hinirang” Class of 1987. Prior to this, he served as commander of the Special Operations Command and commander of Joint Task Force Ranao which was focused on one of the country’s biggest security challenge - the Marawi Siege. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)

Newly-installed Nolcom Commander Major General Ramiro Manuel Rey urges all units to fight as one against terrorism and local communist armed conflict. (Trixie Joy Manalili/PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024252

CPP/Ang Bayan: Esperon, maton ng pasistang mga pangulo

CPP/Ang bayan: Ika-6 na asembliya ng ILPS, ginanap

CPP/Ang Bayan: Kasong kidnapping laban sa abugado ng Sagay 9, ibinasura

CPP/Ang Bayan: Editorial - Ipamalas ang galit at lakas ng bayan

Sison’s US-backed coup claim just 'wishful thinking'

80% of Filipinos happy with PRRD’s performance: SWS

Palace backs PCG-Marina report on Recto Bank incident

Joma crazy for claim US can influence military to arrest PRRD

Gov’t panel fosters coordination, inclusivity among law enforcers

Help stop funds flow to CPP-NPA, Pinoys in US urged

Basilan ulama council condemns Sulu blast

Robin Padilla to join Army as reservist

DND condoles with kin of late Senate sergeant-at-arms Balajadia

Police, military manhunt on vs. 7 Basilan jail escapees

Sultan Kudarat warring clans agree to end ‘rido’

94IB troops lauded for role in successful insurgency campaign

Army thwarts terrorists' plan to cast violence in President Roxas town

Army Office on GAD gets new chief

Cebuano News: Gikamingawan nga 302IBde Init nga giabi-abi sa NegOr

New Nolcom commander assumes post