Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

Posted to Kalinaw News (Jan 29, 2020): 6ID and JTFC holds Press Conference on 12 BIFF members who returned to the fold of the law (By Kalinaw News)

The 6th Infantry Kampilan Division and the JTF Central presented the 12 members of the BIFF who recently surrendered and returned to the fold of the government in a press conference presided by BGen Juvymax R Uy AFP, Assistant Division Commander on January 25, 2020 at the Kampilan Officers Clubhouse at 6ID headquarters.

The press conference was also attended by Minister Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo of the MILG, BARMM; the Local Chief Executives Mayor Al-fizzar Allandatu M Angas Jr of Sultan sa Barongis and Mayor Rafsanjani P Ali of Gen Salipada K Pendatun; BGen Efren P Baluyot, Commander 1MechBde; Col Jose Narciso, Commander 601st Bde; Commanding Officers of 40IB and 33IB; Staff Officers of 6ID and 62 former members of the BIFF who previously laid down their arms and returned to the government.

Discussed during the press conference are the support of the LGUs of the municipalities of Sultan sa Barongis and Gen SK Pendatun and the Provincial Government of Magui

ndanao as well as the upcoming support of BARMM Government to the former rebels and the proposed crafting of peace initiative programs which will benefit members of BIFF if they opt to lay down their arms, stop their struggle and return to the government.

The BARMM government thru Minister Sinarimbo gave cash assistance to the former rebels and provided sacks of rice as goodwill gesture for the initiatives of the former rebels. Certificates of Completion were also awarded to selected former BIFF members who underwent WASAR Training as initial steps into capacity building with the end view of reforming them to become responsible and productive members of their respective communities.

The JTFC leadership expressed its gratitude to the Local Chief Executives and the BARMM Government for the overwhelming support, mutual cooperation and collaborative efforts towards the journey of bringing sustainable peace and development in Central Mindanao.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Commander, JTFC congratulated the unit commanders for a job well done. He also encouraged them to sustain the strong partnership with the Local Government Units for prompt delivery of basic services and livelihood assistance so that more members of the BIFF will be motivated to return to the folds of the law and become productive citizens in the community.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/6id-and-jtfc-holds-press-conference-on-12-biff-members-who-returned-to-the-fold-of-the-law/

From the Philippine Star (Jan 28, 2020): Maute men surrender in Lanao Sur (By Roel Pareño, Michael Punongbayan)

Two members of the Maute group surrendered to the military in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur over the weekend.

Farhan Salik, 20, and Alimoden Maunada, 38, turned over their caliber .30 M1 Garand rifles, Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, 82nd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander, said.

Altre said Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander Salic Dimasangkay and Usman Amboloto, chairman of Barangay Dado in Balindong, intervened for the surrender of the militants.

On Friday, a Maute militant was killed in an enccounter with soldiers of the 82nd IB at the border of Piagapo.

Four improvised explosive devices, two kilos of chemicals used to make bombs and an M16 rifle were among those recovered at the scene.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/01/28/1988282/maute-men-surrender-lanao-sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Stronger communities counter violent extremism (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

COUNTERING RADICALIZATION. Dr. Kenneth Christie, the program head of Human Security and Peacebuilding at the Royal Roads University in Canada discusses Radicalization in Southeast Asia at the University of the Philippines in Taguig, a forum organized by the Asean Society of the Philippines. Christie's work is focused on issues of de-radicalization, terrorism, and human rights as well as democratization. (PNA photo by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Building strong communities is one way to curb violent extremism, focusing on preventing people from adopting radical stands that lead to violence, a political scientist said.

"I think what you have to do is build strong communities, de-radicalization and trying to counter-terrorism begins with building a strong community and that means building institutions where people feel safe," visiting political scientist Dr. Kenneth Christie said in an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) Tuesday.

During his lecture at the University of the Philippines on Radicalization in Southeast Asia, a forum organized by the Asean Society of the Philippines, Christie underscored the need to address the root causes of radicalization leading to violence and the involvement of communities during an intervention.

Some of the contributing factors to radicalization are media distortion, socio-economics, foreign policy, mental health and when the civilian in target has been "otherized" or being stigmatized as someone different, he said.

"We need to know how to devise policies, how to keep people within communities and devise a strategy to work with them and prevent this radicalization, it's important all over the world as well as in Southeast Asia," he said.

While the said factors are common drivers, Christie said that their presence does not necessarily determine radicalization would occur.

"Radicalization is highly-complex and multi-faceted. I would also argue the people being radicalized don't think of themselves as being radicalized, it just seems like a process for them that they have no alternative and that they have a new identity now," he said.

For Christie, countering radicalization starts with the society giving the people a "sense of belonging" and "watching out of those who are feeling isolated and detached to communities".

"Whether it's a negative identity or a positive identity, that's not the point. They perceive it as part of their identity and we have to deal with that if we are going to resolve this issue," he added.

Christie recommended for increased funding on the youth initiatives sector, especially within the schools.

"We have to engage people in the society. And education is also an important tool for social transformation," he said.

In the Philippines, the government adopted in 2019 the National Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism aimed at addressing violent extremism and cutting support for local terrorist groups.

The strategy maps out coordination measures between the Philippines and other nations such as Indonesia and Malaysia.

Christie is the program head of Human Security and Peacebuilding at the Royal Roads University in Canada and is focused on issues of de-radicalization, terrorism, and human rights.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092374

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30, 2020): 1K NPA rebels, supporters yield to the army in NL, CL (By Freddie G. Lazaro)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Jan. 29 (PIA) - - At least 1,003 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and supporters have voluntarily surrendered to the different field units of the army’s 7th Infantry Division operating in the provinces of Central and Northern Luzon for calendar year 2019.

Major Lenard T. General Agustin, the commander of the army’s 7th Infantry Division based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, cited the implementation of the ‘Whole of Nation Approach’ to end the local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) as the main reason for the voluntary surrender of these insurgents in their area of responsibilities.

“The collaborations between and among the national government agencies (NGAs) and the local government units (LGUs) as mandated by Executive Order 70 have played an active role for the end of insurgency in Central and Northern Luzon,” he said.

He said that LGUs and NGAs have worked with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for bringing an inclusive peace and sustainable development projects to the communities.

“The surrender of the 1,003 NPA rebels and supporters to our operating units in our areas of jurisdiction is a clear manifestation of the positive impact of the EO 70 in Northern and Central Luzon,” he said.

The army’s field units that worked on the voluntary surrender of these rebels and supporters were the 69th Infantry Battalion in Guimba, Nueva Ecija; the 48th Infantry Battalion in Bulacan; the 84th Infantry Battalion in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija; and the 81st Infantry Battalion in Ilocos Sur.

Upon their surrender, the rebels and their supporters were immediately assessed whether they were qualified or not to receive the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Major Amado C. Gutierrez, the Officer-in-Charge of the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) of the army’s 7th ID, said the ECLIP is a program of the Philippine government that provides financial assistance and livelihood training for the qualified former NPA rebels and supporters.

Under the ECLIP, Gutierrez said the firearms remuneration starts at Php12,500.00 for Caliber .22 and as high as Php214,000.00 for Light M60 Machine Gun.

Meanwhile, Agustin assured the safety and security of those NPA rebels and supporters who choose to surrender to the army.

“Right now we are busy doing everything to protect our people in Central and Northern Luzon while we are encouraging the surrender of more NPA rebels and supporters,” he said.

“We are also taking extra effort in our information drives for the youth as they are easily trapped into the web of lies that the enemy weave to trigger their idealistic passions, which the rebels use it to their advantage and they even use them as child warriors,” Agustin added.

Having successfully dismantled the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Caraballo, a known NPA Guerilla Front operating in the tri-boundaries of Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, and Aurora, Major General Agustin eyed the eventual downfall of the KLG Sierra Madre in Region III, and the KLG South Ilocos Sur (SIS) in Region I. (JCR/FGL/PIA 1)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033612

From Rappler (Jan 29, 2020): Senate panel to review VFA, other Philippine defense pacts (By Aika Rey)

'Number 1, ano ang benefits na nakuha ng Pilipinas dito? What is the national interest at stake in these agreements?' says Senator Aquilino Pimentel III on some questions to be taken up at the planned hearing

PH-US WAR GAMES. This file photo shows US soldiers and their Filipino counterparts joining forces in an Amphibious Landing operation as part of the 2015 Balikatan Exercises. File photo by Ben Nabong/Rappler

The Senate foreign affairs committee will review the Philippines' Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States and other defense pacts in a hearing next week, its chairman said on Wednesday January 29.

Panel chairman Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and 5 other members of the Senate committee met on Wednesday to discuss how the chamber would address President Rodrigo Duterte's threat to terminate the VFA.

In an interview with reporters, Pimentel said that at least two senators have filed a resolution calling for a hearing on the matter.

"Ang sentimyentong lumabas ay kailangang magformal hearing na po ang committee on the Visiting Forces Agreement or matters related to it, especially in relation to the latest pronouncement of the President that he is possibly terminating it after 30 days," Pimentel said.

(There were sentiments during the meeting regarding the need for the committee to have a formal hearing on the Visiting Forces Agreement or matters related it, especially in relation to the latest pronouncement of the President that he is possibly terminating it after 30 days.)

Pimentel said that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) would be taken up as well, particularly on how the Philippines benefits from them.

"Number 1, what benefits did the Philippines get from them? What is the national interest at stake in this agreements? Is the national interest still present up to today?" Pimentel said in a mix of Filipino and English.

The VFA, ratified by the Philippine Senate in 1999, outlined guidelines for the conduct of American troops visiting the Philippines and is the foundation for military exercises between the Philippines and the US.

It was an affirmation of Philippine and US obligations under the 1951 MDT, which is the two countries' commitment to defend each other in case of an external attack. The Benigno Aquino III-time EDCA, which provided for increased military presence of the US in the Philippines, operationalized the VFA.

Pimentel also said that the hearing would also tackle the Philippines-Australia Status of Visiting Forces Agreement that the Senate ratified in 2012.

Senate's role

Pimentel said that the other senators who attended the meeting all pushed for a hearing on the matter. The senators included Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Ronald dela Rosa, Richard Gordon, and Grace Poe.

Pimentel said that it was high time to review the VFA, given that the Senate has legislative oversight on the agreement.

In a statement on Wednesday, Drilon said that the Senate should assert its role in the termination of treaties.

"The principle of checks and balances, historical precedent and practice accepted as law in most jurisdictions, and the Constitution’s dictate for a shared treaty-making power require that a termination, withdrawal, abrogation or renunciation of a treaty or international agreement can only be done with the same authority that gave it effect – executive ratification with Senate concurrence," Drilon said.

Drilon had filed Senate Resolution 305, calling the Senate to "express its sense" that treaty withdrawals shall only be valid upon the concurrence of the upper chamber.

During the 17th Congress, at least 14 senators filed a resolution declaring that the Senate has a say in the termination of any treaty or international agreements.

The resolution was filed in 2016, after Duterte declared his intention to scrap the VFA and withdraw from the International Criminal Court. The same justification – that there's no need for Senate concurrence – led to the actual withdrawal of the Philippines from the ICC.

After Dela Rosa's US visa was canceled, Duterte again threatened on January 23 to scrap the VFA and asked Washington to "fix" the senator's visa within a month.

The following day, January 24, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr said that he would "start the process" of terminating the VFA. But Duterte took a step back, as the Department of Justice announced that Malacañang ordered a"preliminary impact assessment" on the planned abrogation.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/250497-senate-panel-review-visiting-forces-agreement-defense-pacts-united-states

From US Naval Institute News (USNI) Website (Jan 28, 2020): USS Montgomery Conducts First 2020 FONOP in South China Sea (By Ben Werner)

The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) operates in the South China Sea. Navy photo

Over the weekend, Littoral Combat Ship USS Montgomery (LCS-8) conducted a freedom of navigation operation through waters near the Spratly Islands claimed by China, Taiwan and Vietnam, the Navy said.

Montgomery, an Independence-variant LCS, steamed past the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on Saturday, according to a statement released by U.S. 7th Fleet. Montgomery’s FONOP is believed to be the first of 2020 in the South China Sea.

China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines claim sovereignty over some or all of the islands in the chain.

Also, China, Taiwan and Vietnam all state they require foreign military vessels to either ask permission or provide advance notice before sailing by the islands, a requirement Navy officials and most maritime experts say is contrary to international law.

“The unilateral imposition of any authorization or notification requirement for innocent passage is not permitted by international law, so the United States challenged these requirements,” the 7th Fleet statement said. “By engaging in innocent passage without giving notification or asking for permission, the United States challenged the unlawful restrictions imposed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The United States demonstrated that innocent passage may not be subject to such restrictions.”

Under the U.N. Law of the Sea Convention, a foreign warship can pass within 12 nautical miles of a territorial claim as long as it takes a direct route and doesn’t conduct military operations.

Chinese officials were quick to issue a response complaining about the U.S. operation in a region they consider part of China’s territorial waters. The Chinese military monitored Montgomery’s passage and warned the ship to leave the region, Senior Col. Li Huamin, a spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command, said in a statement on Tuesday. China deployed naval and air forces to track Montgomery.

“The Chinese military is determined to safeguard national sovereignty and security as well as maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea, no matter what tricks are played by U.S. ships,” Li said.

In November, USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS-10) conducted a FONOP past the Spratly Islands, as part of the ongoing U.S. effort to uphold freedom of navigation through the region.

“The United States upholds freedom of navigation as a principle,” the 7th Fleet statement said. “The Freedom of Navigation Program’s missions are conducted peacefully and without bias for or against any particular country. These missions are based in the rule of law and demonstrate our commitment to upholding the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations.”

The following is the full statement from U.S. 7th Fleet about the freedom of navigation operation conducted by USS Montgomery (LCS-8):

On Jan. 25, a U.S. warship asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the Spratly Islands, consistent with international law. This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms and lawful uses of the sea. Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS-8) challenged the restrictions on innocent passage imposed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines each claim sovereignty over some or all of the Spratly Islands. China, Vietnam, and Taiwan purport to require either permission or advance notification before a foreign military vessel engages in “innocent passage” through territorial seas. Under international law as reflected in the Law of the Sea Convention, the ships of all States – including warships – enjoy the right of innocent passage through territorial seas. The unilateral imposition of any authorization or notification requirement for innocent passage is not permitted by international law, so the United States challenged these requirements. By engaging in innocent passage without giving notification or asking for permission, the United States challenged the unlawful restrictions imposed by China, Vietnam, and Taiwan. The United States demonstrated that innocent passage may not be subject to such restrictions.

U.S. forces routinely conduct freedom of navigation assertions throughout the world. All of our operations are designed to be conducted in accordance with international law and demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows – regardless of the location of excessive maritime claims and regardless of current events.

The United States upholds freedom of navigation as a principle. The Freedom of Navigation Program’s missions are conducted peacefully and without bias for or against any particular country. These missions are based in the rule of law and demonstrate our commitment to upholding the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea and airspace guaranteed to all nations.

Freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea are a part of daily operations of U.S. military forces throughout the region.

https://news.usni.org/2020/01/28/uss-montgomery-conducts-first-2020-fonop-in-south-china-sea

From the Free Malaysia Today (Jan 29, 2020): 2 suspected kidnappers shot dead in Philippine waters (By Durie Rainer Fong)

The suspects travelled in this boat when they bumped into Philippine security forces in waters off Jolo Island, southern Philippines.

KOTA KINABALU: Two of the six men believed to have kidnapped five Indonesian fishermen in Malaysian waters earlier this month have been shot dead after a shootout with Philippine security forces.

“The suspects were shot dead two days ago by our Philippine counterparts,” said Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Hazani Ghazali, who confirmed the incident.

On Jan 15, five Indonesians – Arsyad Dahlan, 41, La Baa, 32, Riswanto Hayano, 27, Edi Lawalopo, 53, and Syarizal Kastamiran, 29 – were abducted by armed gunmen in Tambisan waters off Sabah’s east coast Lahad Datu district.

It was reported that eight men had boarded the Sandakan-registered fishing vessel and overpowered the five fishermen.

Esscom had received information on the abduction the following day from three other fishermen who jumped into the sea and escaped.

Authorities have linked the kidnappers to the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Meanwhile, it was learned the two suspects were killed after trading shots with Philippine forces in waters off Jolo Island, in the southern Philippines.

According to a source, the suspects had just dropped off the five abductees at an unspecified island in the southern Philippines and were heading to another island when they ran into the authorities.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2020/01/29/2-suspected-kidnappers-shot-dead-in-philippine-waters/

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Eastern Visayas RDC tags anti-NPA projects as urgent (By Sarwell Meniano)

HANGING BRIDGE. The hanging bridge in a formerly rebel-infested community of Kagbana in Burauen, Leyte built by the provincial government. The Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council on Thursday (Jan. 30, 2020) vowed to prioritize the endorsement and monitoring of projects meant to end the decades-long insurgency in the region. (PNA photo by Sarwell Q. Meniano)

The Eastern Visayas Regional Development Council (RDC) has vowed to prioritize the endorsement and monitoring of projects meant to end the decades-long insurgency in the region.

Meylene Rosales, RDC acting chair and National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) regional director said on Thursday they will make sure that projects intended to end the local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) will be the priority programs and projects for 2021.

“Within the first quarter of the year, government agencies are scheduled to draft, review, revise, and finalize the 2021 budget. We will ask agencies to include ELCAC projects in their proposed programs and activities in the next year,” Rosales said.

“Many lives have been lost. We have to do something together to end this armed conflict,” she added.

Earlier, the Philippine Army came up with a list of needs through their community support program, an initiative of the military to facilitate the government’s development programs by hearing issues and concerns of villagers in conflict-stricken communities and bring them to the attention of concerned government offices.

Among the issues listed were land titling, poor infrastructure, absence of water and electricity, poor health services, poor irrigation system, classroom shortage, lack of livelihood opportunities, poor access of farmers to market, high farming production costs, lack of toilet facilities, absence of post-harvest facilities, political discrimination, and unstable copra trading price.

The initial list of projects was also adopted as a priority by the task force ELCAC at the provincial and municipal level to make the New People’s Army (NPA) irrelevant in far-flung communities.

Rosales was upbeat that through convergence efforts by the task force, the region would be able to resolve the decades-long insurgency.

“Peace and order should have tailor-made solutions with all government resources available. We were told to realign budget this year and propose a new budget for next year to attain our goals,” Rosales said.

The formation of the regional task force operationalizes Executive Order 70 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte on Dec. 4, 2018. The directive also institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining an “inclusive and sustainable peace.”

Patterned after the national task force, the regional body is composed of heads of local offices of the departments of the interior and local government, justice, agriculture, defense, public works, budget, finance, agrarian reform, social welfare, and education, as well as the military, police and local communication offices.

Also listed as members are the regional or provincial heads of the NEDA, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, as well as two representatives of the private sector.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

As of October 2019, the NPA in Eastern Visayas has 506 active members and 447 firearms, infiltrating the region's 144 remote villages, the Philippine Army reported.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092439

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Village chief shot dead in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of Cabadbaran City, Agusan del Norte.

A village chief from Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte was killed in a shooting incident Wednesday afternoon, police said.

Nelson Gulay Mata, 49, barangay chairman of Bayabas, went out to buy cigarettes when a gunman onboard a motorcycle appeared and shot him, police said.

Police said Mata bore gunshot wounds on his chest, causing his instantaneous death.

Members of forensics team dispatched in the area recovered seven fired cartridge cases and a fired bullet from a 9mm. caliber pistol, police said.

Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) information chief, Maj. Renel Serrano, told Philippine News Agency on Thursday that the Cabadbaran City police immediately conducted pursuit and checkpoint operations to track down the suspect.

Initial information gathered by the police indicated that the gunman used a red Honda XRM motorcycle, Serrano said.

Serrano added that PRO-13 director Brig. Gen. Joselito Esquivel Jr. has also ordered the Cabadbaran City police to a thorough investigation to determine the motive of the killing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092404

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2020): IP soldiers in Surigao Sur undergo ALS classes (By Alexander Lopez)

NEVER TOO LATE TO LEARN. Soldiers belonging to Manobo and Mamanwa tribes assigned under the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion in Surigao del Sur are undergoing Alternative Learning System (ALS) education. 36IB officials say the classes aim to prepare the students for higher educational endeavors and to cope with the standards of the Army. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

At least 14 soldiers belonging to Manobo and Mamanwa tribes are now undergoing their regular Alternative Learning System (ALS) at the headquarters of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion in the Surigao del Sur town of Tago.

Captain Jonald D. Romorosa, 36IB civil-military operations officer, said that after completing the ALS, the soldiers belonging to the indigenous peoples (IPs) will have the opportunity to enroll in higher levels of education.

“They will undergo daily classes in the headquarters from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.,” Romorosa told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Wednesday (January 29).

The IP soldiers were integrated into the Army through the special enlistment while the others were former rebels who returned to the fold of the law, he said.

Romorosa said 36IB aims to develop and enhance the individual capabilities of every IP soldiers in line with the Army's Transformation Roadmap (ATR) that seeks to professionalize its ranks.

In a statement to the media on Wednesday, 36IB commander, Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, said ALS will help IP soldiers enhance their individual development to prepare them for future endeavors and to cope with the standards of the Army.

“This ALS program to the IP soldiers will bolster their confidence and enhance their individual capability. This will serve as their stepping stone and tool as they go along with their career in the army,” Diagmel said.

An IP soldier quoted in the statement expressed gratitude to the Army for giving them "importance, priority, and the opportunity" to develop themselves.

“Education is the best foundation and a tool against deception,” said the IP soldier, a former member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA).

The soldier said the NPA has misled hundreds of IPs, especially the youth, and "took away the opportunities" of the young to gain proper education.

The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, 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/1092271

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Maguindanao town dad slain in roadside shooting (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao -- A municipal councilor was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen along the national highway here on Thursday afternoon, police said.

“Manhunt had been launched,” said Maj. Julhamin Asdani, Sultan Kudarat municipal police office chief, after the murder of Jordan Abdulrahman Ibrahim, chairperson of Barangay Pilar, South Upi, Maguindanao and concurrent president of the Association of Barangay Chairpersons (ABC) of South Upi.

Ibrahim, 37, who sits as an ex-officio member of Sangguniang Bayan of South Upi, died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds.

Police said the victim and his wife had a stopover at a roadside fruit stand in Barangay Dalumangcob, Sultan Kudarat at past 3 p.m. when attacked.

“They were sitting beside the fruit stand when the suspects on a motorbike arrived and opened fire on Ibrahim using a .45-caliber pistol,” Asdani told reporters, adding that the victim’s wife was unharmed.

Ibrahim, also known in the upland town of South Upi as “Jordan Campong,” survived an ambush last year in his hometown.

Asdani said the motive and identities of the gunmen of Ibrahim are still being determined as of this posting.

The murder of the town official came four days after motorcycle gunmen ambushed and critically injured a village chairperson of nearby Cotabato City.

Barangay Bagua-Mother chairperson Bai Ella Biruar and her two companions are now recuperating in a hospital after they were waylaid along Manday Road, Barangay Bagua Mother, Cotabato City at 11 a.m. on Jan. 27.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092515

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31, 2020): Disintegration, downfall of NPAs in Bukidnon continues (By 88th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

Another NPA combatant and a Militia ng Bayan operating under Company Thunder Guerilla Front 6 (GF6), Sub-Regional Committee 2 - Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command (SRC2-NCMRC), surrender to the 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion (88IB) in Maramag, Bukidnon. (88IB,PA)

MARAMAG, Bukidnon, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- The disintegration and downfall of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon continues as another NPA combatant and a Militia ng Bayan (MB) surrendered to the 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion (88IB) in Maramag, Bukidnon. Operating under Company Thunder Guerilla Front 6 (GF6), Sub-Regional Committee 2 - Northern Central Mindanao Regional Command (SRC2-NCMRC), both surrendered on Sunday, January 26 around 8:00 in the morning.

They were identified as Saldy Manlus-ag alias “Jack,” 27 years old, Team Leader of Squad 3, Sentro de Grabidad, Company Thunder GF6 and Lito Umbak alias “Longhair,” 40 years old, Militia ng Bayan of the same group who reside in Barangay Dao, San Fernando town. They surrendered without firearms.

Alias Jack in dialect said “Sa pagkadungog ko sa balita nga ang among kanhing Kumander sa GF6 boluntaryong mitugyan sa iyang kaugalingon sa gobyerno, nakaamgo dayon ko nga ang pag-apil sa grupo usa ka dako nga sayop. Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa gobyerno sa pag-abiabi kanamo bisan kung kaniadto kami mga kaaway.” (When I heard the news that our commanders [alias Jigger or War] of GF6 voluntarily surrendered to the government, I realized that joining the group was a great mistake. I am very grateful to the government for welcoming us though we were once enemies.)

This January, 12 high-ranking NPA rebels surrendered to the 88IB. It started when GF6’s Front Secretary and Political Leader alias Jamby, and her party husband alias Jigger/War, the Commander or ‘Military Leader’ of the same group, submitted themselves to the local government officials of Valencia City through localized peace engagement.

The couple expressed willingness to help the government especially in addressing insurgency in their former areas that cover the towns of San Fernando, Quezon, Kitaotao, Maramag, Don Carlos, Dangcagan, and the city of Valencia all in Bukidnon province.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col Franklin F. Fabic, 88IB Commanding Officer, appreciated those rebels who are getting in on the act of FRs (former rebels) who surrendered in order to live a peaceful life.

“You are now in good hands, you made the right decision. You can now avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government. We are calling all the remaining members of GF6 to surrender now. The 88th Infantry "Maringal" Battalion is ready to help you start a new life with your families and attain just and lasting peace,” Ltc Fabic said. (88IB, PA/PIA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033642

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31, 2020): 2 Reds killed in encounter with gov’t troops in Sarangani (By 73IB PA)

MALAPATAN, Sarangani Province, Jan. 30 (PIA) - Two members of the New People’s Army were killed in an encounter between the troops of 73rd Infantry Battalion and more or less 10 members of weakened Guerilla Front Tala of Far South Mindanao Region in Barangay Kinam, Malapatan, Sarangani Province Wednesday.

Government troops also recovered one M16 rifle, one M653, assorted belongings, and subversive documents from the area.

"I commend the engaged troops and the people of Malapatan, Sarangani for their continued efforts to flush out the communist terrorists from the community. The success of military operations can be attributed to the efforts of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the province and municipality," said Lt. Col. Ronaldo Valdez, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion.

1st Lt. Orestes Fausto, Alpha Company commander, said that they received information from concerned citizens in the area regarding the presence of armed communist terrorists extorting foodstuffs.

After the incident, the 73rd Infantry Battalion led by 1st Lt. Jessie Hinampas, battalion civil-military-Operations Officer, organized a Quick Reaction Team in collaboration with the Office of the Municipal Mayor Salway Sumbo and provided assistance for a decent burial for the killed terrorists.

“The Army will continue its offensive against the terrorist NPAs. I also encourage the people to continously support the government by reporting NPA movement and activities in their communities,” said Lt. Col. Valdez. (1Lt. Jessie Hinampas, CMO, 73IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033714

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30, 2020): 500 Rizal town residents benefit from Serbisyo Caravan (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, Jan.30 (PIA) -- Approximately 500 residents of Rizal town benefitted from the Serbisyo Caravan held at barangay Estrella gymnasium.

The activity was co-organized by the 703rd Infantry Brigade, 84th Infantry Battalion, municipal government of Rizal and Rotary Club of San Jose City Golden Harvest.

“Our Fort Magsaysay Army Station Hospital provided free medical and dental services and optical check-ups while the local government brought the services of its Assessors’, Engineering, Agriculture and Human Relations Offices,” 703rd Brigade Commander Colonel Andrew D. Costelo said.

Approximately 500 residents of Rizal town benefitted from the Serbisyo Caravan held at barangay Estrella gymnasium. (7th Infantry Division)

Other services given include free haircut and provision of free meals.

On the same day, the Army launched a Community Support Program which aims to resolve existing issues and concerns of the locals by connecting them to the respective government agencies concerned.

In a statement, 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard T. Agustin said that an integral part of Philippine Army’s public service is helping deliver and provide basic humanitarian services to the marginalized communities to effectively bring the government closer to the people. (CLJD-PIA 3)

Approximately 500 residents of Rizal town benefitted from the Serbisyo Caravan held at barangay Estrella gymnasium. (7th Infantry Division)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033704

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 31, 2020): Former Kadamay members undergo solar lamp installation training (By Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, Jan.30 (PIA) -- About 30 former Kadamay members benefitted from solar lamp installation training provided by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, 48th Infantry Battalion (48th IB) and municipal government of Pandi in Bulacan.

The five-day training held at the Pandi Technological Institute seeks to deepen understanding of the process and system used in turning solar energy into consumable energy.

“With the whole-of-nation approach through Executive Order No. 70, plenty of opportunities have been proposed and acted upon by various government agencies to attain peace and development, and this solar installation training is one of those. With the Philippines being a tropical country, solar electricity should be given priority as one of our sustainable energy resource,” 7th Infantry Division Commander Major General Lenard T. Agustin said.

About 30 former Kadamay members benefitted from solar lamp installation training provided by Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, 48th Infantry Battalion and municipal government of Pandi in Bulacan. (7th Infantry Division)

For his part, 48IB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Felix Emeterio M. Valdez reiterated that they will continue to intensify their campaign of giving the underprivileged the necessary assistance and uplift their living conditions.

“We only require cooperation from you (the people) and be open to whatever opportunity our government, along with our stakeholders, can offer,” he added. (CLJD-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033703

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Army chief lauds accomplishments of Armor Division (By Trixie Joy B. Manalili)

CAMP O’DONNELL, Tarlac, Jan.30 (PIA) -- Army Chief Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay lauded Monday the accomplishments of Armor Division (AD).

“Despite the limitations in terms of manpower, equipment and resources, your commitment and dedication have been instrumental to the strong presence of mechanized infantry units and the accomplishment of missions of the unified command,” Gapay said during his visit at the AD Headquarters in Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac.

He cited the key factors that will direct AD to success namely good leadership, individual commitment and dedication, and teamwork and camaraderie.

“The quality of leadership we provide to our forces and units compensates all our limitations. Hence, I congratulate AD Commander Major General Robert Dauz for exemplifying an orderly and good leadership to this unit,” he said.

Armor Division Commander Major General Robert Dauz (right) welcomes Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay (left) during his visit at the division’s headquarters in Camp, O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac. (Gabriela Liana S. Barela/PIA 3)

For the second factor, Gapay underscored that the role of each personnel is significant to the overall efficiency of the unit.

“Lastly, we always work as one team. Without our teamwork, we would never achieve the accomplishments that we have attained,” he stressed.

“Continue embodying excellence, integrity and professionalism in performing your duties to achieve the overall mission of the Army (in particular) and the Armed Forces (in general),” the official added.

Gapay assumed as the 61st Commanding General last December 6, 2019. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033701

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Canadian expert stresses importance of youth's role in preventing violent extemism (By Jerome Carlo R. Paunan)

Dr. Kenneth Christie (PIA photo)
TAGUIG CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- A Canadian academic and subject matter expert on preventing violent extremism (PVE) on Tuesday said engaging young people is key to preventing violent extremism in the Philippines and in Southeast Asia.

During the Radicalization in the Southeast Asia Forum held at the University of the Philippines in Bonifacio Global City, Dr. Kenneth Christie of the Royal University in Victoria, British Columbia urged government officials and policymakers to ensure that the youth is involved as partners in developing and implementing policies, which effectively counter the growth of extremism.

“I think we must start at the bottom-up, we must start talking to young people, and make sure that they are socialized, and make sure that they feel part of the community,” Christie said.

“Knowing what young people need, let us give them what they yearn for – dignity and positive role models. This way we can halt and reverse the trend of violent extremist group,” he added.

Christie also called on government to “increase funding in youth in initiatives sector, especially within schools” as part of an effective PVE strategy and in order to engage and encourage more young people.

“Canada has got a fairly and far more approach to youth de-radicalization and may have a positive effect on youth. Last year, or since 2016, Canada has spent about 35-million dollars on de-radicalization and countering violent extremism. That’s quite a lot of money because they’ve estimated that in Canada, there’s probably a volume of really about 130 kind of dedicated radicals in that sense, and that’s still 130 too many as far as government is concerned, but that’s quite a lot of money,” he said.

As he called for more investment and systematic participation of the youth in decision-making and governance, Christie said other sectors also have more proactive roles in communities and their society at large.

“The role of religious leaders is very important of course. People do give a lot of respect for religious leaders,” he said.

“But I don’t think there’s just one thing that will eradicate radicalization. It has to be more than religious leaders, it has to be more than talking between religious leaders but that is an important step. We need to have the whole community involved, we need to have leaders, which could educate people, we need to have the government involved, we need to have the Catholic Church involved, we need to have Islamic leaders involved,” he added.

“Radicalization is highly complex, multi-faceted, I would also argue that the people being radicalized of course certainly don’t think of themselves as being radicalized. It just seems like a process for them, in which they have no other alternative,” Christie said.

“We have to build trust. We have to develop security and we have to look at it at the perspective of community security,” he added.

Presented by the ASEAN Society of the Philippines (ASP), in cooperation with the Embassy of Canada, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy and the University of the Philippines, the forum is part of ASP’s lecture series program to raise awareness on ASEAN and issues affecting the region, according to its chairperson and Ambassador Delia Albert. (PIA NCR)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033638

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Tagalog PR: PTF-MTF-ELCAC nagbigay serbisyo sa 2 barangay ng San Jose (By 4th Infantry Battalion, 2 ID)

Kabilang ang dental mission sa mga serbisyong hatid ng PTF-MTF-ELCAC. (4th Infantry Battalion, 2ID, PA)

SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro, Enero 30 (PIA) -- Naghatid ng serbisyo caravan, libreng medical, dental, optical mission at counseling ang Provincial at Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-MTF-ELCAC) at Team Jesus Mission sa Barangay Naibuan at Monteclaro ng bayang ito kamakailan.

Kabilang sa serbisyong ibinigay sa mga mamamayan ay ang Birth Certificate, Voters at Philhealth registration, libreng gupit mula sa kasundaluhan at iba pang mga government services. Aabot sa 1,850 ng mamamayan na karamihan ay katutubo mula sa dalawang barangay ang nabiyayaan ng nasabing aktibidad.

Nagkaroon din ng pagsusuri sa Barangay Development Plan ng nabanggit na barangay, na may layon na maisaayos ang kanilang mga proyektong pang-imprastraktura.

Dahil sa aksyong ito ng PTF-MTF-ELCAC at Team Jesus Mission, lubos ang naging pasasalamat nina Kap. May-at Luzon ng barangay Naibuan at Kap. Von Joseph Ortilano ng Monteclaro. Ayon sa dalawang opisyal, malaking bagay na nakakarating sa kanilang lugar ang mga programa ng pamahalaan dahil sa pamamagitan nito’y nararamdaman ng mga mamamayan ang malasakit sa kanila ng gobyerno.

Samantala, hinikayat naman ni LTC Alexander M. Arbolado, pinuno ng 4th Infantry Battalion (IB), ang dalawang punong-barangay na magtulungan upang mabilis na maabot ang kaunlaran ng kanilang mga lugar.

Tiniyak naman ni Brigadier General Antonio R. Lastimado, pinuno ng 203rd Infantry Brigade, na magpapatuloy ang kahalintulad na programa mula sa ibat-ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan kasama ang mga pribadong sektor upang matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng mga mamamayan, lalo na ang mga katutubo, at gawing maunlad at payapa ang kanilang kumunidad.

Ang programang dinala sa Naibuan at Monteclaro ay bunga ng pagtutulungan ng pamahalaang bayan ng San Jose sa pangunguna ni Mayor Romulo Festin, pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamumuno ni Governor Eduardo Gadiano, Team Jesus Mission sa pangunguna ni Dr. Shiela Aranas at ng 4th IB ng Phil Army. (4th IB, 2 ID, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033657

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Kinaray-a News: Kalinong kag progreso ginatib-ong kang ELCAC (By Liez'l Marie Lamasan)

SAN JOSE, Antique, Enero 30 (PIA6) -- May kaangtanan sa kalinong kag progreso kang probinsya ang mga hirikuton nga ginapatigayon angot sa National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), ini ang pahayag kang Antique Police Provincial Office (PPO).

Suno kay Information Officer kag Staff Sergeant John Mark Gonzaga, lakip sa mga binuhatan nga gina-implementar kaupod ang mga ahensya kang gobyerno amo ang information and education campaign, gift-giving ka mga barangay, kag pagtukod kang task forces ka mga pulis.

“Wara run ti iban pa kami nga bisyon kundi ang maghili-usa para sa kalinong kag progreso”, kuon ni Gonzaga.

Sa bahin kang mga lokal nga gobyerno, nagpalapnag run kang executive orders ang mga alkalde nga nagpahayag kang persona non grata sa mga rebelde.

Anda man nga ginpadayon kang mga kapulisan ang pagtugro kang suporta sa pagpatigayon kang Enhancement of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) bilang paghikayat sa mga rebelde nga magbalik sa bahin kang gobyerno.

Sa pagpatuman kang E-CLIP, makabaton kang bulig halin sa gobyerno ang mga anay myembro kag pamilya kang Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army (NPA) kag National Democratic Front (NDF) nga luyag bayaan ang pag-ginamo sa baylo nga sila mangin mabinungahon nga mga pumuluyo.

“Ginatugruan sanda kang cash incentives nga makabulig kananda kapin pa sa pagpatindog kang negosyo,” ginpaathag ni Gonzaga.

Samtang, sa ana nga pagbisita ni Police Regional Office (PRO-6) director PBGen. Rene Pamuspusan sa Antique PPO, luyag niya nga ma-sustener ang estado kang Antique bilang hilway sa mga gamo.

“Now you realized how fast the progress and the development of the province is when that problem is gone, and I hope we could showcase this that Antique province has already progressed a lot (Makita ninyo karon kon ano ka dasig ang progreso kag pagsanyog kang probinsya kon waay ron ra nga problema, kag ginalauman ko nga mapakita ta dya nga ang Antique hanggud ron gid man ang pag-uswag)”, pahayag ni PBGen. Pamuspusan.

Ginpasad ang NTF-ELCAC paagi sa Executive Order 70 nga gin-mando ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte nga may tinutuyo sa pagpasanyog kang participatory governance agud maagom ang padayon nga kalinong kang pungsod. (JSC/LML-PIA6 Antique)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033636

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 30, 2020): Tagalog News: CPP-NPA-NDF, idineklarang persona non-grata sa Puerto Princesa (By Orlan C. Jabagat)

Sa pamamagitan ng Resolution No. 01 series of 2020 na ipinasa ng City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) ay idineklara nang persona non-grata ang CPP-NPA-NDF sa Puerto Princesa. (Larawan ni Orlan C. Jabagat/PIA-Palawan)

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan, Enero 30 (PIA) --- Idineklara nang persona non-grata (PNG) sa Puerto Princesa ang Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

Ang deklarasyong ito ay sa pamamagitan ng resolusyong ipinasa ng Puerto Princesa City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) sa isinagawang pagpupulong ng konseho noong Enero 23 sa Gusaling Panglungsod.

Sa Resolution No. 01 series of 2020, sinasabi rito na kinokondena ng mga miyembro ng CPOC ang mga kalupitan at kawalang-awa na gawain ng CPP-NPA-NDF, mga basehan para ideklara ang mga ito bilang persona non-grata sa buong lungsod.

Ang hakbang na ito ng CPOC ay bilang pagsuporta sa Executive Order No. 70 ng Pangulong Rodrigo R. Duterte o itong ‘Whole of Nation Approach’ upang mawakasan na ang armadong pakikibaka sa buong bansa.

Ang resolusyon ay agad na nilagdaan ni Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron bilang Chairman ng CPOC ay ipapadala ang kopya nito sa Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP0, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at sa iba pang ahensiya ng gobyerno.

Sa ulat ng Western Command (WESCOM) kamakailan, nasa 29 na lamang ang mga armadong miyembro ng NPA sa Palawan. Bumaba na ito ng 38 porsiyento kung ikukumpara noong 2018 na mayroon pa itong 47 miyembro.

Sa nakalipas na taon, nakapagtala na ang Wescom ng 46 sumukong mga miyembro at taga-suporta ng NPA, maging ng mga Militia ng Bayan.

Sampu naman ang nahuling miyembro ng NPA noong 2019. (OCJ/PIA-MIMAROPA, Palawan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033618