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CPP/NDF-Bicol: Joselito Naag, Militar Hindi NPA! P100,000 Nakurakot ng Pulis at Militar sa Pagpaparada ng Kanilang Kabaro Bilang Sumukong NPA

September 17, 2019, 7:50 pm
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NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 17, 2019): Joselito Naag, Militar Hindi NPA! P100,000 Nakurakot ng Pulis at Militar sa Pagpaparada ng Kanilang Kabaro Bilang Sumukong NPA

MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
SEPTEMBER 17, 2019



Wala nang kasing-desperado ang pinakabagong pakulo ng PNP at AFP na pasukuin at iparadang NPA ang kanilang kabaro upang palabasing mayroong inaabot ang kanilang kampanya laban sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan habang malayang kinukurakot ang pondo para sa hungkag na ECLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program).

Nitong Setyembre 11, nakarating sa tanggapan ng NDF-Bikol ang balita ng National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) na nahuli ang isang Joselito Novelo Naag na isa umanong mataas na upisyal ng NPA sa rehiyon. Kumpleto ang kwento. Kasapi raw ang naturang indibidwal ng KLG 78 sa Albay at mayroong patong sa ulong P100,000. Sa katunayan, kasama pa nga umano siya sa Most Wanted list ng rehiyon. Nagpatawag pa ng midya ang mga pulis at magarbong ipinagyabang ang kanilang nasukol. Pinatambol nila ang usapin hanggang sa pambansang antas. Ngunit may isang napakakritikal na butas sa kanilang palabas. Nakalimutan nilang i-atas kay Naag na burahin ang kanyang Facebook account at ang kanyang mga litratong nakasuot pa ng uniporme ng militar. Ni hindi na kailangang maglinaw ng NDF-Bikol at magbuhos ng panahon upang patunayang hindi NPA si Naag. Sila na mismo ang humukay ng sarili nilang libingan.

Tiyak na hindi na naman magkakandaugaga ang militar, pulis at ang kanilang mga dalubhasa sa saywar, sa pag-apula ng napakalaking eskandalong ito. Ibinubunyag ng mga kaso ng militar-na-kunwaring-NPA at sapilitang-pekeng-pagpapasurender na modus operandi ang sukdulang kabulukan at kainutilan ng mersenaryong hukbo. Sa ilalim ng rehimeng US-Duterte, standard operating procedure (SOP) ng militar at pulis na gumawa ng samu’t saring kwento at pekeng balita nang kahit papaano ay may masabi sa harap ng kanilang mga hambog na deklarasyong ‘kayang ubusin ang NPA’. Kasabay nito, nagsisilbi ang ECLIP bilang balon ng korupsyon at promosyon para sa militar at pulis. Sa kaso ni Naag, tumataginting na P100,000 ang walang kahirap-hirap na naibulsa ng NCRPO. Sa rehiyon, umaabot sa 50,000 kada indibidwal ang napagpipyestahan ng 9th IDPA at PRO5 sa magagarbong palabas na tulad ng kay Naag. Kamakailan lang, 65 na naman umano ang sumuko sa Castilla, Sorsogon. Nangangahulugan ito ng panibagong P3,250,000 paghahati-hatian ng mga upisyales ng militar at pulis. Sa kabuuhang 304 sapilitang pinasuko ng 9th IDPA at PRO5 sa rehiyon, humigit-kumulang nang P15,200,000 ang kabuuhang halagang kanilang nakulimbat sa negosyo ng pekeng pagpapasurender. Liban pa ito sa pabuya at promosyong tinatanggap ng kanilang mga upisyales.

Habang patuloy na pinapatay sa kagutuman at kahirapan ang masang anakpawis sa napakataas na presyo ng bilihin at napakababang presyo ng palay, kopra at iba pang agrikultural na produkto, tigas-mukha namang inuubos ng militar at pulis ang kanilang panahon upang suyurin ang kanayunan para sa mga sibilyang sapilitang pasusukuin kapalit ng perang kanilang kukurakutin. Ngayong nauubusan na sila ng paulit-ulit na mukhang ipapalabas, maging ang kanilang kabaro ay pinagkunwari nilang NPA. Kung wala mang hati si Naag sa makukubra ng pulis at militar sa eskandalosong moro-morong ito, tiyak na mayroon siyang sikretong alam hinggil sa kanilang hanay kung kaya kinailangan na siyang ilaglag.

Kung hahabi na rin lamang ng kasinungalingan ang militar at pulis, sana’y tiniyak nilang naitago na nila ang lahat ng kanilang bakas. Sa laki ng pondo para sa maruming propaganda, sana’y tinitiyak nilang kapani-paniwala ang kanilang mga kwento at hindi sisingaw ang kanilang kainutilang pahinain man lamang ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan.

Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa lahat ng masang Bikolano na maging mapanuri at mahigpit na tutulan ang pandarahas at saywar ng militar at pulis sa ilalim ng Oplan Kapanatagan ni Duterte. Marapat lamang na ilantad ang ECLIP bilang hungkag na programang tumutustos lamang sa korupsyon ng mersenaryong hukbo. Sa halip na ibuhos sa militarisasyon at pasismo ang kabang-bayan, marapat lamang itong ilaan sa mga serbisyong panlipunang tunay na tutugon sa suliranin ng mamamayan. Sa patuloy na pagkabunyag ng kaliwa’t kanang eskandalo’t krimen laban sa mamamayan ng rehimeng US-Duterte, lalo lamang nagiging matingkad ang kawastuhan ng pagpapabagsak sa kanyang rehimen. Ibayo lamang nagiging malinaw sa masang inaapi at pinagsasamantalahan na tanging sa landas ng rebolusyon makakamit ang tunay na pagbabago. Marapat tandaan ng buong pangkating Duterte na hanggat mayroong inaapi’t pinagsasamantalahan, anumang tindi ng saywar at pasismo, mananatiling matatag at masigla ang CPP-NPA-NDFP.

https://cpp.ph/statement/joselito-naag-militar-hindi-npa-p100000-nakurakot-ng-pulis-at-militar-sa-pagpaparada-ng-kanilang-kabaro-bilang-sumukong-npa/
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AFP-CRS: AFP formally opens joint land-sea-air exercise

September 17, 2019, 7:57 pm
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Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): AFP formally opens joint land-sea-air exercise

Image may contain: one or more people and text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705082629510444/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
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AFP-CRS: Army denies abduction, activist turned NPA surrendered voluntarily

September 17, 2019, 8:01 pm
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Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): Army denies abduction, activist turned NPA surrendered voluntarily

Image may contain: one or more people and text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705081192843921/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
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AFP-CRS: Calabarzon Provinces forge unity vs. NPA

September 17, 2019, 8:02 pm
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Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): Calabarzon Provinces forge unity vs. NPA

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705080309510676/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
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AFP-CRS: Minor recruited by NPA, surrendered

September 17, 2019, 8:07 pm
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Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): Minor recruited by NPA, surrendered

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705032692848771/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
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AFP-CRS: Another youth saved from the clutches of the of the CPP-NPA

September 17, 2019, 8:08 pm
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Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): Another youth saved from the clutches of the of the CPP-NPA

Image may contain: one or more people and text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705030466182327/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
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AFP-CRS: Army denies abduction, activist turned NPA surrendered voluntarily

September 17, 2019, 8:10 pm
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Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): Army denies abduction, activist turned NPA surrendered voluntarily

Image may contain: 1 person, text

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/photos/a.182240175128048/2705027706182603/?type=3&theater

[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo
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AFP-CRS: 2 rifles recovered by Army and PNP; 7 NPA auxiliaries surrender with 4 rifles in separate occasion

September 17, 2019, 8:15 pm
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Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Sep 17, 2019): 2 rifles recovered by Army and PNP; 7 NPA auxiliaries surrender with 4 rifles in separate occasion



Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – An enemy camp was discovered by joint elements of the 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion and the 1st Provincial Maneuver Force Company of PNP Nueva Ecija which yielded two (2) Bushmaster 5.56mm M16 rifles. The discovery was made at Barangay Labi, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on September 11, 2019.

The Alpha Coy, 91IB, led by 1st Lieutenant Jonemar I. Suarez, was making their way back to base when they chanced upon the empty enemy encampment. Their search resulted to the recovery of the rifles and three (3) long magazines.

According to Lieutenant Colonel Jose Mari F. Torrenueva, the 91IB Commander, the recovered firearms will soon be turned over to proper authorities for appropriate disposition.

In a separate event on the same day, seven members of Milisyang Bayan (MB), an NPA auxiliary, voluntarily surrendered to the joint elements of the 70th Infantry (Cadre) Battalion, the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police of a certain province.

The seven MB members brought with them 2 Caliber 5.56mm and 2 Caliber 5.56mm M6653 rifles with four magazines and 70 live ammunitions which they turned over to the government troops.

The surrenderees are currently at the Headquarters 70IB for routine interviews. They will also be assessed for the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) which provides financial aid and livelihood training programs, along with the surrendered firearm remuneration.

Major General Lenard T. Agustin AFP, Commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division, commended the Army and PNP troops for their accomplishments, as well as the MB rebels who surrendered for their wise decision to surrender.

“President Duterte has ordered a ‘full scale’ operation against the communist rebels. We are mandated to perform as ordered. However, these recent accomplishments of the 7ID and PNP line units show that there is still time for misguided rebels to surrender and be with their families. We will help you as long as you take the peaceful road - but your time is running out – so do not attempt to threaten the peace, for we will hunt you down, and we will be relentless,” the 7ID Commander said.

https://www.afpcrs.com/single-post/2019/09/17/2-rifles-recovered-by-Army-and-PNP-7-NPA-auxiliaries-surrender-with-4-rifles-in-separate-occasion?fbclid=IwAR1rtgEaByRm5Jxxa0JgPPH1nnGpWmFClkOiI2w-0_VZ_Os9xZOYr3nSrpM
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Military tests new equipment in joint drills

September 17, 2019, 8:36 pm
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From the Manila Times (Sep 17, 2019): Military tests new equipment in joint drills

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) got to test its new equipment during military exercises launched on Monday, which was participated by the Navy, Air Force and Army.

The “Dagit-PA” (Dagat-Langit-Lupa or Sea-Sky-Earth) exercises focus on territorial and cyber defense.

Around 1,500 soldiers from the three commands will join the 11-day drills that will be held in San Antonio, Zambales (amphibious landing), Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija (airfield seizure and military operations in urban terrain), Tarlac (combined arms live fire exercise) and Palawan (air-maritime interdiction operation).

Cdre. Adelius Bordado, commander of the Armed Forces’ Education, Training and Doctrine Command and the drills’ exercise director, said the exercises would be a chance to test some of the military’s newly acquired equipment, including amphibious assault vehicles, a naval landing dock, several Air Force aircraft and the BRP Conrado Yap (PS-39).

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/17/news/top-stories/military-tests-new-equipment-in-joint-drills-2/617223/
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AFP opens sea, land, air interoperability exercise

September 17, 2019, 8:39 pm
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From the Business Mirror (Sep 17, 2019): AFP opens sea, land, air interoperability exercise

The Armed Forces of the Philippines officially opened on Monday its joint exercise “DAGIT-PA” at the AFP Education, Training and Doctrine Command at Camp Aguinaldo.

DAGIT-PA, which stands for “Dagat-Langit-Lupa,” is an AFP-wide exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability among the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Army. It is geared to level up existing exercises by integrating the AFP’s Special Operations Forces, Cyber Group and reservists.

“This year’s reiteration of the AFP Joint Exercise will help us strengthen our territorial defense capabilities and our conduct of internal security operations,” said Brig. Gen. Francisco Mendoza, AFP assistant deputy chief of staff for education and training.

“The AFP chief of staff wants to ensure that we have the capability to apply the unilateral defense plan and AFP joint operating concept among many others to ensure the effectiveness of our troops when operating in a joint operations environment,” he added.

More than 1,500 soldiers, including reservists and selected AFP wide support and separate units are participating in the exercises, which include air and maritime interdiction operations in Palawan; amphibious landing in Zambales; airfield seizure and military operations in urban terrain in Nueva Ecija; and combined arms live fire exercise in Tarlac.

The events will focus on capabilities development in maritime security, military operations in urban terrain and amphibious operations.

The exercise traces its roots from the Navy Air Force interoperability exercise dubbed as “DAGIT” which features air-sea battle concept training which started in the early 2000s.

Meanwhile, all five provinces of Region 4A have activated their respective Provincial Task Forces to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), which signal the region-wide implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s EO Number 70 in CALABARZON.

Brig. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr., commander of the 2nd Infantry Division which covers Southern Tagalog, said that Cavite was the first to activate the Provincial Task Force on April 4 through an Executive Order signed by then Governor Boying Remulla which was followed by Laguna on April 9, Quezon on April 11, Rizal on August 13 and Batangas on September 10.

“Through the unified stand of our local chief executives, we will finally be able to put an end to the 50-year communist insurgency that has been hampering our potentials and growth as a nation,” Burgos said.

Early this year, security forces reported the dismantling of Guerilla Front Honda, the NPA unit that used to operate in Batangas and Cavite, dealing a blow to the NPA in Southern Tagalog, which also saw the surrender of 122 rebels who are now enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Three provinces, three cities, eight municipalities and 184 barangays in Southern Tagalog have so far issued resolutions banning the presence of NPA in their communities.

“These resolutions denied them ( rebels) their much needed space and mass base support,” Burgos said.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/09/17/afp-opens-sea-land-air-interoperability-exercise/
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Philippine telecom deal rings China alarm bells

September 17, 2019, 8:44 pm
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Posted to the Asia Time (Sep 16, 2019): Philippine telecom deal rings China alarm bells (By Richard Javad Heydarian)

Agreement to allow China Telecom consortium to build communication networks in military bases sparks spying scare
Philippine telecom deal rings China alarm bells

A China Telecom sign on a street in Manila. Photo: Twitter

The newest telecom operator in the Philippines, a local joint venture with state-run China Telecom, is already courting national security-related controversy in a newly brokered deal with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Mislatel consortium, comprised of the local Udenna and Chelsea Logistics Holdings, Mindanao Islamic Telephone and China Telecom, signed on September 11 an anticipated memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the AFP.

China Telecom holds a 40% stake in the venture and is expected to provide most of the deal’s equipment. The state-run telecom company cooperates closely with Huawei in 5G, with the two sides jointly releasing a so-called “5G super uplink innovation solution” on June 27.

The MOA will pave the way for the China-affiliated consortium to install communications networks and facilities in Philippine military camps and installations, and is seen as a first major step in the new entrant’s expansion into local markets.

But it is also raising concerns that China’s technological presence in Philippine military facilities could undermine strategic relations with the United States, a mutual defense treaty ally which actively cooperates with the AFP in counterterrorism, training and maritime security.

The US has openly expressed its concerns about the introduction of Chinese-made telecommunication technologies and equipment, especially 5G networks that give Beijing greater control over communication flows, into the country broadly and in Philippine military facilities in particular.


Mobile telecommunication towers in the Philippines. Photo: Twitter

Under the agreement, Mislatel will be required to “furnish all equipment, labor, and materials necessary to effect the co-location of its facilities and will shoulder all expenses in connection with or incidental to the co-location.”

The consortium will also pay to train AFP staff in the use of equipment as well as its maintenance, upgrade and services.

The Philippine military will specify the exact location and use of Mislatel’s equipment to ensure its operations are not compromised, AFP Chief of Staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr said.

Duterte vowed to open the Philippines’ telecom market to more competition soon after his mid-2016 election win, part of his drive to challenge the country’s traditional business elites, or “oligarchs”, as he has referred to them.

Before Mislatel’s entry, Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) and Globe Telecom dominated the US$5.2 billion market. Mislatel is led by Dennis Uy, a rising Sino-Filipino tycoon from Davao with sprawling business interests including in energy and a long-time hometown friend and ally of Duterte.

The Philippine military’s Chief of Staff, General Benjamin Madrigal, was quick to defend the controversial deal, noting that similar AFP deals have been struck with the other two major telecom operators, namely Globe Telecom and Smart Communications.

“Our MOA with other telcos significantly improved the ICT [information communications technology] and infrastructure of the AFP, and we are optimistic that this opportunity will also bring great benefits to the armed forces.”

Speaking to concerns of possible Chinese spying or espionage, Philippine military officials are adamant that there are built-in guarantees that the devices, equipment and structures installed at the sites provided by the AFP cannot be used to gather or eavesdrop on classified information.


Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana gestures at the military headquarters of Camp Aquinaldo in Quezon city, metro Manila, February 9, 2017. Photo: AFP

Madrigal reportedly endorsed the approval of the deal to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, an independent-minded military leader who has often raised concerns over Chinese threats to Philippine national security, including through encroachment on Manila’s claimed territory in the South China Sea.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo, however, said on September 16 that “[Lorenzana] texted me about it and he said he doesn’t know anything about it and he is going to investigate and ask the concerned people involved in the deal so we’ll wait for his findings.”

Panelo said that if there are any national security red flags, “this government can do something about it.”

Barring security-related delays, Mislatel, soon to be renamed Dito Telecommunity, is expected to quickly implement the agreement as the firm embarks on an ambitious five-year expansion plan that aims to break the market’s long-time duopoly.

“This partnership gives Mislatel a fair chance to compete with the other networks, given that the AFP also has similar partnerships with Globe and Smart,” Madrigal said

Uy, who has emerged as a major corporate player under Duterte’s presidency, was unsurprisingly upbeat about the deal, saying it was a much-needed stamp of approval from the Philippine defense establishment amid lingering public skepticism.

“We…are truly grateful to the AFP for this partnership. The rollout of Dito’s towers is indeed one herculean feat. With this partnership with the AFP, we are nearer our goal of building a wide and robust network,” Uy said.

Leading opposition figures, however, quickly labeled the deal as a clear and present danger to Philippine national security.


Dennis Uy at the Philippine Stock Exchange on July 11, 2017. Photo: AFP/Ted Aljibe 

Opposition critics have pointed to Chapter 1, Article 7 of China’s new National Intelligence Law, which states, “Any organization or citizen shall support, assist, and cooperate with the state intelligence work in accordance with the law…”

They argue that China Telecom could easily use its financial and technological influence within Mislatel to spy and surveil within Philippine military facilities, particularly in gathering sensitive information about the two sides’ disputes in the South China Sea.

“Why build these telco towers inside camps in the first place?” complained Senator Francis Pangilinan, a stalwart of the opposition Liberal Party. “The Philippine government has not only allowed the Chinese telco on our soil, it has laid the red carpet for Dito Telecoms inside our military camps,” he said in a statement released a day after the MOA’s signing.

The opposition senator warned that the deal “raises fears of electronic espionage and interference given the record of some Chinese firms for engaging in this illegal activity.” Under Duterte’s Beijing-leaning presidency, he opined, “Our security and foreign policies have become so absurd.”

Jose Antonio Custodio, a former National Security Council consultant, warned that China may “perceive what happened as a gauge of their success in co-opting elements from within the Philippine military,” and this will make the Philippines seem as “an unreliable ally” to the US.

During a visit to the Philippines earlier this year, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo openly warned, “America may not be able to operate in certain environments” if host countries adopt advanced Chinese technology, especially Huawei 5G networks.

Whether Philippine-US defense cooperation will actually suffer after Mislatel installs Chinese communications technology in Philippine military bases is yet to be seen. But by treating such sensitive China deals as business as usual, Duterte’s administration has blatantly ignored the publicly expressed concerns of its long-time treaty ally.
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Duterte honors 8 soldiers killed in clashes with Abu Sayyaf

September 17, 2019, 8:47 pm
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From ABS-CBN (Sep 18, 2019): Duterte honors 8 soldiers killed in clashes with Abu Sayyaf



President Rodrigo Duterte condoles with the kin of one of the killed soldiers as he posthumously awards the Order of Lapu-Lapu Rank of Kalasag during a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace on Sept. 17, 2019. Alfred Frias, Presidential Photo

President Rodrigo Duterte posthumously conferred Monday the Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag on 8 soldiers who died in clashes with local terror group Abu Sayyaf.

Families of the slain soldiers received the award during a ceremony at the Malacañang Palace.

Soldiers honored included TSgt. Alberto P. Garde, SSgt. Jayson C. Sawit, SSgt. Aldam S. Baginda, SSgt. Kasir J. Riban, Cpl. Nelson Vidal, and Pfc. Jake A. Ameglio. They were killed during a firefight with the Abu Sayyaf in Sumisip, Basilan on Nov. 8, 2017.

Pfc. Emie Pumicpic and Pfc. Benhar Ahajul, who died during a clash with the local terror group on Aug. 7, 2016, were also conferred the award.

The Order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag is awarded to Filipinos who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in an activity pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.

Malacañang said President Duterte assured the families of the slain soldiers of support for their housing needs as well for the education of their children.

Read More: Rodrigo Duterte AFP Order of Lapu-Lapu

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/18/19/duterte-honors-8-soldiers-killed-in-clashes-with-abu-sayyaf
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Basilan governor wants Army in ex-ASG camp

September 17, 2019, 8:51 pm
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From the Manila Times (Sep 18, 2019): Basilan governor wants Army in ex-ASG camp

The provincial government officials of Basilan want soldiers deployed in the vicinity of the former Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) camps in Sampinit Complex of Basilan to help protect tropical rainforests along the stretches of a new highway.

Basilan Gov. Jim Salliman on Monday said he also wanted the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) to put up an Army brigade headquarters in the Sampinit Complex.

Salliman said they were planning to make the timberlands and watersheds in the area converted to protected wildlife sanctuaries.

There is now a concrete road at the Basilan Transcentral Road, which cuts through the Sampinit Complex, a common project of the provincial government and the executive department of the now defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The road network interconnects Barangay Tumahubong in Sumisip, Mahayahay in Maluso and Sta. Clara in Lamitan City, passing through mountain ranges where the Abu Sayyaf once ran a Taliban-style government, and held no fewer than 200 captives — many of them beheaded for non-payment of ransom.

“There are still some very short stretches of that road network that remains to be concreted but generally we can say we’ve done it, a challenging role that we hurdled. Thanks to the local communities, the police and the military for helping us achieve that goal,” Salliman said.

Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) vowed to help accomplish the project, whose completion was temporarily stop by the transition from the ARMM to BARMM.

“We can even name this road ‘BARMM Highway’ as manifestation of our support to the Mindanao peace process and our recognition of BARMM as a durable solution to the Moro secessionist issue hounding Mindanao since the 1970s,” Salliman stressed.

He also agreed that WestMinCom should consider setting up the military camp to protect the forestlands from poachers, adding the presence of more Army units along strategic stretches of the highway would also ensure the safety of motorists and commuters.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/18/news/regions/basilan-governor-wants-army-in-ex-asg-camp/617798/
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Military recovers 700 kilos of bomb components, mortar in Sulu

September 17, 2019, 8:53 pm
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From the Manila Times (Sep 17, 2019): Military recovers 700 kilos of bomb components, mortar in Sulu

ABOUT 700 kilograms of bomb components and a mortar at an abandoned house in Patikul, Sulu were recovered, the military said on Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Gerard Monfort, spokesman of Joint Task Force Sulu, said the bomb component was ammonium nitrate, which was seized along with an 81-millimeter mortar fuse at about 10 a.m. in Barangay Latih.

Monfort said a local resident reported to the Philippine Army’s 63rd Mechanized Company of the 1st Brigade Combat Team (BCT) about the presence of a suspected explosive device in an abandoned house in the village.

This prompted military forces to cordon off the area “to ensure the safety of the populace living near the pinpointed abandoned house.”

Quoting Police Col. Pablo Labra, director of the Sulu provincial police office, Monfort said that the ammonium nitrate “is an explosive used by the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) because of its cratering charge effect when mixed with fuel substances.”

Brig. Gen. Leopoldo Imbang Jr., commander of the 1st BCT, said the troops didn’t expect huge explosive components during the search.

Monfort said the military was trying to determine those who left the explosives.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/17/news/latest-news/military-recovers-700-kilos-of-bomb-components-mortar-in-sulu/617737/
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ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (17 September 2019)

September 17, 2019, 8:56 pm
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Posted to the Relief Web (Sep 17, 2019): ACLED Regional Overview – Asia (17 September 2019)

REPORT from Armed Conflict Location and Events Dataset
Published on 17 Sep 2019 —View Original


Download PDF (529.86 KB)

The key trends in South and Southeast Asia last week include: significant Taliban incursions in northern Afghanistan; the ongoing security crackdown in Kashmir; border tensions between India and China; and continued clashes in Shan and Rakhine states in Myanmar.

In Afghanistan, following two of the deadliest weeks in the conflict this year, reported fatalities dropped significantly compared to the previous week. While there were fewer events of politically motivated violence overall, there was also a larger proportion of events with zero reported fatalities. This is common with failed attacks or when a source is unable to provide information on casualties from an attack, which is common among the Taliban’s claims.

Meanwhile, the Taliban reported significant territorial gains across five of the country’s northern provinces: Baghlan, Balkh, Kunduz, Takhar, and Samangan. In Samangan, the Taliban reportedly captured a large area near the provincial capital and further claimed to have gained control of a military base in a large district to the southwest of the provincial capital in Balkh. In Takhar, the group claimed to have fully seized three districts in the northwestern portion of the province along the Tajik-Afghan border. These areas are inhabited largely by non-Pashtuns, including Tajik and Hazara populations, and have previously served as sites of resistance against the militant group. However, some analysts point to gains like these as evidence that a long-term shift in the Taliban’s strategy of recruiting non-Pashtuns as fighters and commanders is paying off (Stars and Stripes, 10 September 2019).

In Pakistan, barring two attacks on security personnel in Pakistan’s western border close to Afghanistan, violence perpetrated by domestic armed groups decreased last week.

In India, even though communication services have partially and gradually been restored, the ongoing security lockdown in Kashmir continues to result in relatively low numbers of reported riot and protest events. The latest Kashmir crisis has also contributed to a further decline in India-Pakistan relations and renewed talks about the risk of armed conflict between the two nuclear countries. Over the past weeks, frequent clashes between Indian and Pakistani forces have been reported across the Line of Control (LoC). Meanwhile, nationwide Kashmir solidarity rallies continued in Pakistan. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan addressed one of those rallies in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-Administered Jammu and Kashmir, warning that the Indian government’s latest move would push people into extremism (Al Jazeera, 13 September 2019).

In other news, border disputes also led to a flare-up of tensions between India and China last week. A scuffle broke out between Indian and Chinese troops after Chinese soldiers allegedly objected to Indian soldiers patrolling the banks of the Pangong Tso river in eastern Ladakh. Border disputes between India and China have long been a point of contention between the two countries. In April this year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met for an informal summit to improve bilateral relations and resolve border issues. Xi is scheduled to visit India next month for a second informal summit (Daily Excelsior, 12 September 2019).

In Myanmar, there was a decline in the number of battles last week between the Myanmar military and the Brotherhood Alliance, though clashes were reported in Kyaukme and Namhsan townships in Shan state between the military and an individual member of the alliance, the Palaung State Liberation Front/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA). Another member of the alliance, the Arakan Army (AA), continues to clash with the military in townships across northern Rakhine state. As battles between the military and ethnic armed organizations continue, several hundred youths in Kachin state staged a protest calling for an end to the many wars in the country. The protests come as two Kachin activists were recently sentenced for a performance in June marking the eighth anniversary of the start of renewed conflict in Kachin state (Irrawaddy, 6 September 2019).

In the Philippines, a suspected Abu Sayyaf Group member detonated a suicide bomb in front of a military camp, reflecting the increasing use of suicide attacks by the group (Asia Times, 13 September 2019). For the second week in a row, no events were reported concerning separatists in Thailand.

Several demonstrations were reported in Indonesia concerning proposed changes to the Corruption Eradication Commission Law. While some protests were in support of the proposed changes, others were opposed to the revisions. Those opposed believe that the new changes would weaken the independence of the commission in its efforts against corruption in the country (Transparency International, 10 September 2019).

https://reliefweb.int/report/afghanistan/acled-regional-overview-asia-17-september-2019
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8 sundalong nasawi sa engkwentro sa Basilan at Sulu, ginawaran

September 17, 2019, 9:01 pm
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From the Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) (Sep 18, 2019): 8 sundalong nasawi sa engkwentro sa Basilan at Sulu, ginawaran



Ginawaran ng order of Lapu-Lapu, Rank of Kalasag ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang walong sundalong nasawi sa pakikipagbakbakan sa teroristang Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sa Basilan at Sulu.

Tinanggap ng pamilya nina Technical Sgt. Alberto Garde, Staff Sgt. Jayson Sawit, Staff Sgt. Aldam Baginda, Staff Sgt. Kasir Riban, Cpl. Nelson Vidal at private first class Jake Ameglio ang parangal.

Ang mga nabanggit na sundalo ay nasawi noong Nobyembre 8, 2017 sa Sumisip, Basilan.

Samantala, pinarangalan din sina sina Pfc. Emie Pumicpic and Pfc. Benhar Ahajul na nasawi sa pakikipaglaban sa bandidong Abu Sayyaf sa Sulu noong Agosto a-siyete 2016.
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ISIS flag, explosives seized from suspected terrorist in GenSan

September 17, 2019, 9:09 pm
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From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 17, 2019): ISIS flag, explosives seized from suspected terrorist in GenSan

Authorities confiscated a suspected flag of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), an explosive device, and a rifle grenade from a suspected terrorist whom they arrested in General Santos City on Tuesday.

An initial report from the Soccsksargen police identified the suspect as Jomar Antang, alias Potpot, an alleged member of the Ansar Al Khilafah Philippines, who was arrested in Barangay Bawing at about 6 a.m.

Antang was arrested by virtue of two search warrants for violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (Republic Act No. 10591) or and the law on the illegal manufacture, sales, and possession of firearms and explosives (Republic Act No. 9516).

Aside from the explosives and the ISIS flag, authorities also seized from the suspect a .38-caliber revolver loaded with four bullets.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1165685/isis-flag-explosives-seized-from-suspected-terrorist-in-gensan
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ISIS-inspired terror group member arrested in GenSan

September 17, 2019, 9:12 pm
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From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 17, 2019): ISIS-inspired terror group member arrested in GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Military and police operatives arrested Tuesday a suspected member of ISIS-inspired local terror group Ansar-Khilafah Philippines (AKP) during a raid Tuesday in Barangay Bawing, this city.



Photo via Joseph Jubelag/ Manila Bulletin

City police director Col Alden Lagradante identified the suspect as Jomar Maan, 23, who yielded an improvised explosive device, rifle grenade. a .38 caliber revolver and ISIS flag after security forces stormed his house in an outskirt village of Upper London, Barangay Bawing.

Authorities tagged the suspect as a trustee of slain AKP leader Mohamad Jaafar Maguid who took the former as his personal cook at the AKP camp in Barangay Daliao, Maasim, Sarangani in 2014 until 2017.

Maguid, who was tagged responsible in a string of bomb attacks in the city and nearby Sarangani, was killed in an encounter with security forces in January 2017 in Kiamba, Sarangani.

Police have filed charges for illegal possession of explosive and firearm against Maan who is presently detained at the detention facility of the local police station here.

Authorities are determining Maan’s involvement in the recent terror attacks perpetrated by the AKP in the city and nearby areas.

The AKP was tagged in the September 2018 bomb attack on a lying-in center in Barangay Apopong, this city which injured at least eight people.

Prior to Maguid’s death, AKP sought affiliation with the ISIS to establish an Islamic State in Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat provinces.
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Ranking communist leader nabbed in Laguna

September 17, 2019, 9:15 pm
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From ABS-CBN (Sep 18, 2019): Ranking communist leader nabbed in Laguna

A suspected ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was arrested by authorities in San Pedro City, Laguna early Wednesday.

Antonia Setias Dizon, allegedly the secretary or head of CPP-NPA-NDF's national organizing department, was caught inside her house in Olympia Village, Barangay Rosario.

Her arrest stemmed from a warrant for a case of murder that was issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

Search warrants over Dizon's alleged illegal possession of explosives were also served during the raid.

Seized from Dizon were a .38 revolver, blasting caps and wires, ammunition and several documents.

Laguna police director Eleazar Matta said Dizon's arrest would affect the leftist group.

He said Dizon reportedly replaced NDF consultants Rafael Baylosis and Adelberto Silva who were both arrested last year.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/18/19/ranking-communist-leader-nabbed-in-laguna
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Gov’t to release P580M for reintegration of RPA fighters

September 17, 2019, 9:19 pm
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From Panay News (Sep 18, 2019): Gov’t to release P580M for reintegration of RPA fighters

ILOILO City – The national government is releasing P580-million worth of social package to 310 members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army – Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) who are set to undergo decommissioning this week.

Captain Cenon Pancito, chief of the Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division’s Public Affairs Office, said the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process has given the go-signal to release the amount.

The package consists of social protection programs, capacity development, livelihood and employment assistance, housing assistance, financial aid, and projects to boost economic activity in RPA-ABB areas.
“We’re looking after their welfare,” Pancito said.

The demands of the group were jointly talked and approved with the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The former combatants are from the cities of Cadiz, Kabankalan and San Carlos, and Cauayan town, all in Negros Occidental; Ibajay, Aklan; Maasin, Iloilo; and Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

Further, the group will be trained on the military way of peace and security operations for two months.

After the training, these former combatants will have their own detachments at the eight Peace Development Community sites manned by them.

They will be trained because their concern is that “they will be prone to abuse of their former comrades from the New People’s Army,” said Pancito.

The RPA-ABB is a splinter group of the New People’s Army. It claims to have influence in 100 barangays in the country, 91 of which are in Western Visayas.

“We call on the NPA operating in Western and Central Visayas to take a cue from this group,” Pancito said.

The RPA-ABB is currently known as Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Panlipunan. It signed a peace agreement with the government in 2000.

https://www.panaynews.net/govt-to-release-p580m-for-reintegration-of-rpa-fighters/
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