Quantcast
Channel: Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events
Viewing all 71198 articles
Browse latest View live

Military operations against BIFF displace tribal folk in Maguindanao

$
0
0

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 30, 2021): Military operations against BIFF displace tribal folk in Maguindanao



Indigenous peoples (IP) leaders in the Bangsamoro expressed alarm over the series of bombings in Maguindanao, which had killed civilians belonging to the Teduray tribe and displaced hundreds of families from the remote villages of Guindulungan and Datu Hofer towns.

Timuay Labi Leticio Datuwata said 250 families from Barangay Ahan in Guindulungan and 150 families from Barangay Tuayan in Datu Hofer had left their homes on June 19 when soldiers launched a series of bombings on Mt. Firis and surrounding areas intended to flush out gunmen from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).On June 22, an improvised bomb exploded in Datu Hofer’s Sitio Fanibingen, Barangay Limpungo, beside the house of Lengleng Daya Kininde, a Teduray woman living with her two children.

‘All-out’ offensive

Kininde, who was pregnant, died instantly while her children were wounded and taken to a local hospital, Datuwata said.

Loyukan, a formation of IP groups and political structures that included the Timuay Justice and Governance (TJG) headed by Datuwata, said in a statement that the intensified military operations in the area came after President Duterte warned Bangsamoro officials that he would go on an “all-out offensive” against the BIFF should local officials failed to curb the terror group’s activities.

Mr. Duterte issued the statement in a brief visit to Maguindanao in May after BIFF gunmen seized the Datu Paglas town public market for hours and launched a series of attacks in the area.

Duterte ignores probe on extra-judicial killings

But the military’s all-out offensive had put the lives of non-Moro IP communities in Maguindanao at risk and brought about the newest wave of displacement among the tribe, Datuwata said.
Seeking help

“Mostly farmers, the indigenous peoples were supposed to harvest their upland rice but had to flee and leave their farms. Now, they are in need of food, water and secure areas to stay while the fighting is ongoing,” said Loyukan in a statement.

TJG, which is the indigenous political structure of the Teduray and Lambangian IPs, earlier sought the help of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to intervene in the increasing violence experienced by the indigenous tribe from the Moro armed group allegedly interested in their ancestral land.

“Since 2018, there have been more than 20 indigenous peoples killed. However, no action nor acknowledgement of these acts of violence have been done or issued by the BTA and the national government,” the statement said.

“Now, as the military drops more bombs within the ancestral domains of the Teduray and Lambangian people to flush out Moro rebels, the non-Moro IP communities are subjected to more sufferings—deaths, destruction of their homes and farms, and forced evacuation. All these in the time of pandemic,” it said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1453150/military-ops-against-biff-displace-tribal-folk-in-maguindanao

6 BIFF militants surrender

$
0
0

From the Manila Times (Jun 30, 2021): 6 BIFF militants surrender



PLEDGE TO FLAG Six former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters raise their right hands as a sign of alliance to the flag and government of the Philippines. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Six members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered in Maguindanao, the military said on Monday.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) spokesman Col. Alaric Avelino delos Santos told The Manila Times
the six former extremists were members of the Bungos Faction of the BIFF.


Delos Santos said the six surrendered their firearms to the 6th Infantry Battalion headquarters at Sitio Landing Fish, Buayan, Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said the surrender was facilitated by the military and the local government unit led by Datu Salibo Mayor Solaiman Sandigan.

"The surrender of the six exemplifies the dwindling of the group. Hence, we will continue our focused military operations and civil-military cooperation to sustain the momentum," said Balisi.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/06/30/news/regions/6-biff-militants-surrender/1805123

6 alleged BIFF members yield to military

$
0
0

From GMA News Online (Jun 30, 2021): 6 alleged BIFF members yield to military



WESMINCOM chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., said the BIFF members surrendered themselves and their firearms at the 6th Infantry Battalion headquarters at Sitio Landing Fish, Barangay Buayan in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

Six alleged members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to military forces in Maguindanao on Monday, Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Mindanao Command said Wednesday.

In a statement, WESMINCOM chief Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan, Jr., said the BIFF members surrendered themselves and their firearms at the 6th Infantry Battalion headquarters at Sitio Landing Fish, Barangay Buayan in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

He added that the six members were also members of the Bungos Faction.

The coordination of the local government led by Datu Salibo Mayor Solaiman Sandigan and military led to the surrender of the suspected BIFF members, said Colonel Pedro Balisi, 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade chief.

“The surrender of the six exemplifies the dwindling of the group hence we will continue our focused military operations and civil-military cooperation to sustain the momentum,” Balisi said in the same statement.

Other Stories
Military: 3 BIFF members dead, enemy lair found in separate ops
Army, BIFF clash in Datu Paglas town, Maguindanao
CHR probes shaving of women's heads in Maguindanao as punishment for being lesbians

The surrenderees yielded two M16A1, one M14, and three cal. 30 Garand. Various M16 and M13 magazines and ammunition were also handed over to the military.

Major General Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) Central, also urged remaining members of the BIFF to surrender and "enjoy a peaceful life with their loved ones."

As of January 2021, 100 BIFF members were killed while 45 surrendered to the JTF Central. -- Consuelo Marquez/BAP, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/793434/sotto-asks-iatf-to-probe-lgu-covid-19-vaccination-controversy/story/

Kalinaw News: Mga sumukong miyembro ng NPA at Milisyang bayan, nakatanggap ng tulong pinansyal mula Sa Gobyerno ng Surigao del Norte

$
0
0

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jun 30, 2021): Mga sumukong miyembro ng NPA at Milisyang bayan, nakatanggap ng tulong pinansyal mula Sa Gobyerno ng Surigao del Norte



Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte – Sa pagbabalik-loob ng pitong (7) miyembro ng New People’s Army o NPA at dalawang (2) Milisyang Bayan (MB), sila ay mainit na sinalubong ng mga kawani ng Probinsya ng Surigao del Norte. Sila ay nakatanggap ng tulong pinansyal mula sa gobyerno nitong ika-29 ng Hunyo, 2021 na ginanap sa tanggapan ng Provincial Governor sa Kapitolyo ng Surigao del Norte.
Ang siyam na Former Rebels o mas kinilala na ngayon bilang Friends Rescued (FR) ay kinilala sina Alyas Inzo, Alyas Ivan, Alyas Jerson na isang Vice Squad Leader, Alyas Daylan, Political Guide, Alyas Gelai, Alyas JimJim, Alyas Robert, at dalawang MB na sina Alyas Remon at Alyas Bernie ng Guerilla Front16 C1 ng North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee o GF16 C1, NEMRC.

Ang mga nasabing FR ay binigyan nang kabuang anim na put-anim na libo o 66,000 na halaga. Ang nasabing pagbibigay tulong pinansyal ay isa sa mga ginawang batas ni Gobernador Francisco ‘Lalo’ Matugas kung saan pinapatupad ang agarang pagbibigay tulong sa mga nagbalik-loob na mga miyembro ng NPA mapa regular o isa man siyang milisiya ng bayan (MB). Ito din ay bukod pa sa matatanggap nila mula sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program o ECLIP ng gobyerno dahil ito ay kanilang magagamit habang prinoproseso ang kanilang mga benepisyo sa ECLIP.

“Daku ang aku pasalamat sa gobyerno hilabi na sa kasundaluhan sa 30IB sa pagtabang nila namu diha sa among pagsugod sa bagong yugto sa among kinabuhi kauban ang among tagsa-tagsa namu ka mga pamilya. Akung napamatudan nga usa ra ka kadakung bakak ug pag-panghadlok lamang’ ang Istorya sa akung mga kanhing Kummander nga kung Mussurrender kami turturon, pahimuslan ug pagkahuman patyon. Aku’ kauban ang akung Walo (8) ka mga kaubanan, kami nga mga buhing saksi sa kamaayo ug ka sinsiro sa gobyerno sa pagtabang sa mga kanhing rebelde nga pariha namu kung boluntaryo nga mo surrender. Busa, kami nanawagan sa among mga kanhing kaubanan nga musurrender na ug magpuyo nga malinawon susama namu kauban ang ilang pamilya”. Saad ni @ Alyas Inzo.

Mula naman kay Gobernador Matugas, kanya din inihayag ang kanyang labis na pasasalamat sa desisyon ng mga Friends Rescued na magbalik-loob na at gawin ang nararapat, “Ang pagbibigay ng tulong na ito sa ating mga nagbalik-loob na kasamahan ay isa lamang sa mga programa ng iyong Gobyerno. Dahil ngayon, ang iyong pamahalaan ay seryoso at gusto ng tapusin ang insurhensiya dito sa Probinsya ng Surigao del Norte. Ganun din u0ang magkaroon na tayo ng kapayapaan at pagbabago sa ating probinsiya. Kung kaya patuloy natin gagawin ang ating tungkulin upang matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga nagbabalik-loob na kapatid”.

Ayon din kay Brigadier General George L Banzon ang pinuno ng 901st Infantry Brigade, “Ang iyong gobyerno at ang inyong kawal sa Philippine Army ay patuloy na gagawin ang lahat upang matapos na ang insurhensiya dito sa ating minamahal na probinsiya. Patuloy din namin gagawin ang ating pangako sa mga magbabalik-loob na atin silang tutulungan upang magkaroon sila muli ng panibagong buhay kung kaya patuloy kaming nananawagan sa mga miyembro pa ng NPA na sumuko na at tanggapin ang tulong na nakaprograma para sa kanila”.

[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/mga-sumukong-miyembro-ng-npa-at-milisyang-bayan-nakatanggap-ng-tulong-pinansyal-mula-sa-gobyerno-ng-surigao-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: TRADOC Chief MGen Valencia visits CMOR Headquarters in Metro Manila

$
0
0

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jun 30, 2021): TRADOC Chief MGen Valencia visits CMOR Headquarters in Metro Manila

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), Philippine Army, Commander Maj. Gen. Cornelio H Valencia visited the Civil-Military Operations Regiment (CMOR) Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio on June 29, 2021.

To exchange ideas and best practices, CMOR personnel welcomed Maj. Gen. Valencia in their offices to present their respective functions and contributions to the accomplishments of the unit in the field of CMO.

As a remembrance of his visit, CMOR Regiment Commander, Colonel Lagamon presented to the TRADOC Commander a miniature version of one of the unit’s capability equipment, the MLX7. This equipment has undergone series of enhancement and is now being used by the Army’s COVID-19 Responders.

In a briefing, the unit highlighted its achievements, its support to the Philippine Army Major Units, and the role of CMO Regiment in the overall mission accomplishment of the Philippine Army in line with its mandate of serving the people and securing the land.

Major General Valencia then expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received as he toured the entire headquarters, remarking that he treats the Regiment as one of his homes.

Being one of the early supporters and advocates of Civil-Military Operations, MGen Valencia recalled stories in which he employed CMO doctrines in various military undertakings which yielded boundless results.

The officer then further stressed the importance of Civil-Military Operations in the overall accomplishment of the Philippine Army’s mission, citing CMOR’s contribution in uplifting the image of the organization.

In closing, MGen Valencia congratulated the CMO Regiment for its efforts that contributed to the progress of the Philippine Army’s campaign against insurgency.

Meanwhile, CMO Regiment continues to rest on its battle cry of “winning hearts, winning minds” to win the war without fighting in support to the Philippine Arm




[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/tradoc-chief-mgen-valencia-visits-cmor-headquarters-in-metro-manila/

Kalinaw News: Philippine Army, LGU Dingalan hold service caravans in remote villages in Aurora

$
0
0

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jun 30, 2021): Philippine Army, LGU Dingalan hold service caravans in remote villages in Aurora



BALER, Aurora- In order to bring closer to the people, the local government unit (LGU) of Dingalan and the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division Philippine Army conducted a “Serbisyo Caravan” in a remote village of Barangay Tanawan covered court, Dingalan, Aurora on Monday, June 28, 2021.

Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of 91st IB said in an interview that as part of the government efforts to end the local communist armed conflict, the personnel of Alpha Company of 91st IB led by Lt. Col. Valentino P. Zarcon-Battalion Executive Officer provided security and man-power assistance together with the personnel of Signal Battalion led by Sergeant Jarwin T. Monzon during the conduct of Serbisyo Caravan headed by Mayor Shierwin H Taay, different head Offices of LGU and other agencie.

During the activity the 91st IB offered services to the populace of Barangay Tanawan such as Free Hair Cut to 30 individuals, appliances repair to 11 individuals, Blood Pressure consultation to 22 individuals after which distribution of 50 pieces of Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) leaflets and 50 pieces leaflets of army recruitments were conducted in the said activity.

Ltc Rubio assured residents that the government will continue to support the program benefitting the people of Aurora. “Our government is committed and serious to bring the hope to our people
in the development process conducted by our troops. We are in full support to the whole-of-nation approach embodied in Executive Order 70, which formed the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and led to the adoption of a National Peace Framework,” he said.

The battalion commander also said that serbisyo caravan will always be conducted in the different municipalities in the province.

[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/philippine-army-lgu-dingalan-hold-service-caravans-in-remote-villages-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: 505 members and supporters of NPA yield to the government of Masbate province

$
0
0

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jun 30, 2021): 505 members and supporters of NPA yield to the government of Masbate province

505 members and supporters of NPA yield to the government of Masbate province expressing their strong withdrawal of the membership heinous crimes committed by communist insurgents.

Full Story:https://qoo.ly/3cx83k
#PhilArmy#ARMY124#ParaSaBayan



505 NPA Members and Supporters Withdraw Membership and Support from CPP-NPA-NDF Weeks after Absalons’ Death

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-In just two weeks, a total of five hundred five members and supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) yielded to the government in Masbate province expressing their strong distaste of the recent heinous crimes committed by communist insurgents.

The mass surrenderers are comprised of one regular New People’s Army (NPA) member; 221 Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) members; 95 Militiang Bayan (MB) members; 36 Barangay Revolutionary Committee (BRC) members; 84 Ganap na Samahang Masa (GSM) members; 12 Grupong Pang-organisa sa Barrio (GPB) members; 44 Grupong Balangay (GB); and 12 supporters. They are from the municipalities of Palanas, Dimasalang, Masbate City and Mobo, all of Masbate province. They surrendered from June 18-28, two weeks after the tragic death of FEU football player, Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven caused by CTG’s bombing in Barangay Anas, Masbate City.

Lieutenant Colonel Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Battalion Commander of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) attributed the continuous withdrawal of support of CTG members and supporters from CPP-NPA-NDF to the effective joint operations of Army and PNP as well as the conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) in the identified guerrilla bases in the 3rd District of the province.

Through CSP operations, residents can openly raise their concerns as well as the underlying issues and problems of their communities to the CSP team which the latter refers to the concerned government agencies for immediate solution. The CSP is now reinforced by the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) under the Whole-of-Nation Approach (WONA) which rolls out different programs and projects including the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) which funds several developmental projects like the on-going constructions of the local access roads in Sorsogon.

Meanwhile, Colonel Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade believed that if the NPA refuse to stop their terrorism, they will lose all their members who can longer bear the guilt of causing so much devastation to the lives of their victims.

“Napipilitan lang naman ang mga miyembro nila na pumatay at magsagawa ng mga iligal na aktibidad dahil tinatakot sila ng kanilang mga lider. Kaya naman pinupuri natin ang mga surrenderers na ito na naglakas-loob na abandonahin ang CTG at talikuran ang mga karumal-dumal na krimen ng teroristang grupo laban sa mga sibilyan, sa gobyerno at sa bayan,” Colonel Almase said.
On the other hand, Major General Henry A Robinson Jr, Commander of the Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) is confident that positive developments will continue in Masbate after Masbateños witnessed how gruesome NPA can be.

“This is a good indication that if Masbate, a breeding ground of communist insurgency years ago, can take a stand against NPA and achieve this kind of success, the remaining five provinces of Bicol can do so. Furthermore, to the remaining CTG members especially those who are part of the NPA, SPL and MB, follow the footsteps of these surrenderers. ‘Wag ninyong hayaang matulad kayo kay Roberto Emaas na nasugatan sa engkwentro kamakailan lamang tapos iniwan ng kaniyang mga kasamahan hanggang sa tuluyang namatay. Wake up and together, let us unite to make Bicol a peaceful and progressive home,” Major General Robinson said.

He also encouraged the Bicolanos to support the full-blown implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach (WONA) which aims to efficiently deliver basic goods and services to the Filipinos, promote peace and good governance. Aside from the snowballing of surrenderers in Masbate, conduct of peace rallies and declaration of NPA as persona non-grata in various Barangays and towns continues—a manifestation of Masbateños undying support to the government’s all-out war against communist insurgency.

[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/505-npa-members-and-supporters-withdraw-membership-and-support-from-cpp-npa-ndf-weeks-after-absalons-death/

https://www.facebook.com/kalinawnews/

Kalinaw News: 505 CTG Members and Supporters Withdraw Membership and Support from CPP-NPA-NDF Weeks after Absalons’ Death

$
0
0

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jun 30, 2021): 505 CTG Members and Supporters Withdraw Membership and Support from CPP-NPA-NDF Weeks after Absalons’ Death



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-In just two weeks, a total of five hundred five members and supporters of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) yielded to the government in Masbate province expressing their strong distaste of the recent heinous crimes committed by communist insurgents.

The mass surrenderers are comprised of one regular New People’s Army (NPA) member; 221 Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL) members; 95 Militiang Bayan (MB) members; 36 Barangay Revolutionary Committee (BRC) members; 84 Ganap na Samahang Masa (GSM) members; 12 Grupong Pang-organisa sa Barrio (GPB) members; 44 Grupong Balangay (GB); and 12 supporters. They are from the municipalities of Palanas, Dimasalang, Masbate City and Mobo, all of Masbate province.

They surrendered from June 18-28, two weeks after the tragic death of FEU football player, Kieth Absalon and his cousin Nolven caused by CTG’s bombing in Barangay Anas, Masbate City.

Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Battalion Commander of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) attributed the continuous withdrawal of support of CTG members and supporters from CPP-NPA-NDF to the effective joint operations of Army and PNP as well as the conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) in the identified guerrilla bases in the 3rd District of the province.

Through CSP operations, residents can openly raise their concerns as well as the underlying issues and problems of their communities to the CSP team which the latter refers to the concerned government agencies for immediate solution.

The CSP is now reinforced by the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) under the Whole-of-Nation Approach (WONA) which rolls out different programs and projects including the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) which funds several developmental projects like the on-going constructions of the local access roads in Sorsogon.

Meanwhile, Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of the 903rd Infantry Brigade believed that if the CTG refuse to stop their terrorism, they will lose all their members who can longer bear the guilt of causing so much devastation to the lives of their victims.

“Napipilitan lang naman ang mga miyembro nila na pumatay at magsagawa ng mga iligal na aktibidad dahil tinatakot sila ng kanilang mga lider. Kaya naman pinupuri natin ang mga surrenderers na ito na naglakas-loob na abandonahin ang CTG at talikuran ang mga karumal-dumal na krimen ng teroristang grupo laban sa mga sibilyan, sa gobyerno at sa bayan,” Col. Almase said.

On the other hand, MGEN GENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of the Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) is confident that positive developments will continue in Masbate after Masbateños witnessed how gruesome CTG can be.

“This is a good indication that if Masbate, a breeding ground of communist insurgency years ago, can take a stand against CTG and achieve this kind of success, the remaining five provinces of Bicol can do so. Furthermore, to the remaining CTG members especially those who are part of the NPA, SPL and MB, follow the footsteps of these surrenderers. ‘Wag ninyong hayaang matulad kayo kay Roberto Emaas na nasugatan sa engkwentro kamakailan lamang tapos iniwan ng kaniyang mga kasamahan hanggang sa tuluyang namatay. Wake up and together, let us unite to make Bicol a peaceful and progressive home,” MGen. Robinson said.

He also encouraged the Bicolanos to support the full-blown implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach (WONA) which aims to efficiently deliver basic goods and services to the Filipinos, promote peace and good governance.

Aside from the snowballing of surrenderers in Masbate, conduct of peace rallies and declaration of CTG as persona non-grata in various Barangays and towns continues—a manifestation of Masbateños undying support to the government’s all-out war against communist insurgency.

[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/505-ctg-members-and-supporters-withdraw-membership-and-support-from-cpp-npa-ndf-weeks-after-absalons-death/


Kalinaw News: High-powered firearms seized in Misamis Orientalf clash

$
0
0

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jun 30, 2021): High-powered firearms seized in Misamis Orientalf clash

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental- Two firearms were seized during a clash between the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and troops under 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion at Sitio Langguyod, Brgy Libertad, Gingoog City, June 29, 2021.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes and troops seized one carbine and one M16 rifle, as well as subversive documents.

The said encounter occurred at around 04:45 in the afternoon in the hinterlands of Gingoog’s Barangay Libertad, as troops responded to the reports of concerned civilians about the presence of armed rebels in their community attempting to extort food and threaten people.

“The encounter is a result of the continuous and active efforts to impede enemy activities,” stated Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion. We urge the remaining CTG members to lay down their arms and live a peaceful and normal life, avoiding unnecessary death. The Army, on the other hand, will not hesitate to use force against peacebreakers and other threat groups who will continue to utilize terrorism.”

Lt. Col. Canatoy also expressed his appreciation to the locals for their cooperation with the government. “The local population’s active engagement is critical in the government’s campaign to stop the local communist armed conflict. From providing timely and accurate information about the NPA’s presence in the community to providing direct services to the community, everything is done with the community in mind.”

https://www.kalinawnews.com/high-powered-firearms-seized-in-misamis-orientalf-clash/

Kalinaw News: WestMinCom holds brigade commanders’ forum on small arms and light weapons

$
0
0

Posted to the Kalinaw News Website (Jul 1, 2021): WestMinCom holds brigade commanders’ forum on small arms and light weapons



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – July 1, 2021The Western Mindanao Command hosted the Brigade Commanders’ Forum on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) on July 1, 2021.

Said activity was initiated by the Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) under the Government of the Philippines (GPH) which is responsible for developing a program to reduce and manage the SALW of individuals and groups in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Lt. Gen. Jose Faustino, Jr., Commander of Joint Task Force Mindanao; Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command; Gov. Jim Hataman-Salliman of the Province of Basilan; and Mr. Ariel Hernandez, Chairman, Joint Normalization Committee, Government of the Philippines were among the dignitaries present.

Mr. Hernandez, the Chairman of the JNC presented an overview of the SALW program and the updates on its implementation.

According to Mr. Hernandez, the SALW program aims to restrict the movement and manage the number of loose firearms in the communities, which is one of the main causes of violence in far-flung areas.

“The OPAPP forged a partnership with the provincial local government units of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi for the implementation of the program on SALW,” said Mr. Hernandez.

In Basilan, nine of its 11 municipalities already pledged support for the implementation of the program on SALW through the signing of Memorandum of Understanding.

Gov. Hataman-Salliman said the success of the implementation of the program on SALW in Basilan is attributable to the collective efforts and the good relationship established between the security sectors (AFP, PNP) and the local government units.

The Brigade Commanders’ Forum was also attended physically by Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci, Jr., Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao; Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Commander, Joint Task Force Basilan; Brig. Gen. Francisco Ariel Felicidario III, Chief, AFP Peace and Development Office; Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, WestMinCom Deputy Commander for Admin; and other military officers. Other participants attended through Zoom Video Teleconferencing.

In his message, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said the armed forces are committed to reduce and manage the small and light weapons of individuals and groups in the Bangsamoro region.

“Peace is not served in a silver platter. Peace is a gift, but we have to work hard to achieve it and we have to involve everybody mirroring the template of the “whole-of-nation approach”,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

The activity was held at the Eisenhower Hall in Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City.

In his remarks, Lt. Gen. Faustino said capacitating and empowering the LGUs are great moves because they are the key solution to the existing problem.

“We have to go beyond our core competency which is warfighting and reach out to the communities,” Lt. Gen. Faustino further said.

[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/westmincom-holds-brigade-commanders-forum-on-small-arms-and-light-weapons/

CPP/CIO: Bringing back Alsa Masa will result in more rights abuses

$
0
0
Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 1, 2021):  Bringing back Alsa Masa will result in more rights abuses

MARCO VALBUENA
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 01, 2021


In pushing for the arming of groups to supposedly fight the New People’s Army, what Philippine Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and Interior Sec. Eduardo Año wants is to bring back the Alsa Masa vigilante group of the late 1980s which was notorious for extrajudicial killings, abuse of power and terrorizing civilians in Agdao, Davao City.

In the 1980s, the AFP pushed for the formation of fanatical vigilante groups in line with the US-doctrine of “low intensity conflict” purportedly to pit the civilian community against the NPA. This systematized and intensified efforts to form different types of armed vigilantes supported by the AFP which was used under Marcos’ martial law.

These anti-communist fanatical groups were responsible for brutal massacres and killings of people on the pretext of fighting the NPA. Many of the victims were social activists, community organizers as well as priests and religious people.

Bringing back Alsa Masa-like armed vigilante groups will surely result in more abuses of human rights and attacks against civilians. This will only serve to further boost the murderous spree of the state security forces under Duterte’s order. It will surely be used by Duterte and his minions as a weapon in the upcoming 2022 elections.

As history has shown, organizing these armed vigilante groups, mostly composed of anti-social and criminal elements linked to the military and police, will fail to stop the growth of the New People’s Army (NPA) and the people’s resistance. If any, it will only further rouse the people to take up arms to defend themselves against the armed oppression of Duterte’s terrorist state.

With the recent acquisition of firearms, the AFP has now a surplus of rifles and other weapons, which Duterte now wants to use to provision to his fanatical armed vigilantes. If Duterte succeeds in his plan, the NPA will have an additional target for its tactical offensives in order to take these weapons away from the hands of the fascists and put them to good use to defend the people.

https://cpp.ph/statements/bringing-back-alsa-masa-will-result-in-more-rights-abuses/

CPP/NDF-MAKIBAKA: Limang taon ng kabiguan, ‘wag na dagdagan!—MAKIBAKA

$
0
0

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 1, 2021): Limang taon ng kabiguan, ‘wag na dagdagan!—MAKIBAKA

MAKABAYANG KILUSAN NG BAGONG KABABAIHAN (MAKIBAKA)
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

JULY 01, 2021



Limang taong pagkakaupo sa kapangyarihan ng pasistang rehimeng US-Duterte ay katumbas nang walang patumanggang pananabotahe sa ekonomiya, pagpapanikluhod sa dalawang nag-uumpugang imperyalistang kapangyarihan, higit na pagdurusa at pambubusabos sa sambayanang Pilipino. Mula sa kanyang kontra-mahirap na polisiyang Kontra-Droga, Anti-terror law hanggang sa puno ng korapsyon at bulok na ‘Covid-19 pandemic response’, ang ganid at pahirap na si Duterte ay walang ibang nais at hangad sa kanyang mamamayan kundi patayin sa hirap at dahas.

Nilulubos ni Duterte ang lahat ng paraan para makapanatili at makapagkonsolida ang kanyang diktadura. Nabubuyangyang ang pagkakabitak-bitak ng naghaharing-uri, mula sa kanilang hanay na nagsasalba ng sarili at naghahabol ng malaking porsyento sa hatian ng yaman ng bansa.

Ang kanilang paghahabol na makapanatili sa pwesto ay malinaw na takot sa galit ng mamamayang maniningil sa kanila! Tulad ng mga hinalinhan nito, si Duterte ay magbabayad sa kanyang mga sala at mapapatalsik sa kanyang kinauupuang trono. Ang mga darating na buwan ay lalong kritikal ngunit nasa paborableng panig ang pagtatagumpay ng rebolusyon. Kaya tumpak na isanib ng kababaihan ang lakas nito sa papaigting na armadong rebolusyon!

Mabuhay ang nakikibakang mamamayan!
Mabuhay ang pambansa-demokratikong rebolusyon!
Makibaka! ‘Wag matakot!

https://cpp.ph/statements/limang-taon-ng-kabiguan-wag-na-dagdagan-makibaka/

CPP: On the centennial of the once great Communist Party of China

$
0
0

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jul 1, 2021): On the centennial of the once great Communist Party of China

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
JULY 01, 2021



The Filipino working class joins the Chinese proletariat and people in commemorating the 100th anniversary of the once great and correct Communist Party of China (CPC) by reaffirming our adherence to Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and the necessity of waging socialist revolution to end all forms of exploitation and oppression, and rejecting modern revisionism and the restoration of capitalism in China.

On the occasion of the CPC’s centennial, we recall the victories of the CPC in new democratic and socialist revolutions up to 1976 under the leadership of Mao Zedong and expose the grave conditions of the workers and peasants since the leadership of the CPC was seized by the modern revisionists who transformed the CPC to a party of the big bourgeoisie and state monopoly capitalists.

The 100-year history of the CPC can be principally divided into two: from its foundation in 1921 to 1976; and from 1976 onwards.

In its first 55 years, the CPC chartered the correct path of new democratic revolution, led the working class, built the worker-peasant alliance and unified the Chinese people, waged protracted people’s war and successfully led the Chinese people to victory in 1949 in which it China attained liberation from imperialist domination and overthrew the semicolonial and semifeudal state of big landlords and big bourgeois compradors.

The correct CPC established the people’s democratic government under proletarian leadership, completed land reform in around five years. It proceeded to step by step socialist transformation of agriculture through collectivization of production and the establishment of communes under which land was placed under collective ownership and surplus wealth was collectively administered to invest in comprehensive economic development and ensuring the people’s social needs.

Starting the late 1950s, the CPC proceeded from the basic socialization of the economy and led the Chinese people in strengthening the country’s industrial foundation and eliminate unemployment. In the Great Leap Forward, the central state led in building the heavy industries while light industrial production was established through decentralized efforts of regional state organs and communes. The peasant masses acted in their millions as a giant machine carving and changing the face of the Chinese countryside, and raising production through collective work combined with science and technological innovation. The people’s standards of living rose as the state expanded health, education, social and economic services, overcoming disease, malnutrition and illiteracy. Up to the 1970s, China achieved unprecedented advances in industry and manufacturing, producing machinery and other capital goods, as well as consumer goods for the people.

All throughout the period of socialist construction, the CPC undertook socialist education and cultural revolution to further raise the class consciousness of workers and expand democracy in order to transform relations of production, raise production and revolutionize the superstructure, especially during the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Workers were mobilized to collectively lead and improve the work in factories through revolutionary committees combining the Party cadres, the mass organizations and the technical experts.

The Party led campaigns to eliminate bureaucratic corruption and waste by raising the socialist resolve and vigilance of workers and getting them involved in the affairs of the state. By integrating with industry and agriculture, science and education achieved important breakthroughs in research and innovation to raise production. A new revolutionary culture extolling the heroism of the people was developed and promoted. Led by Chairman Mao, the CPC and the Chinese people strengthened and consolidated the dictatorship of the proletariat and fought hard against modern revisionism and attempts to reverse the victories of the proletariat and people. It promoted proletarian internationalism and extended support for anti-imperialist struggles around the world.

For ten years from 1966, the Chinese proletariat and people waged the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in a vigorous struggle to defeat the attempts of the modern revisionists to seize the leadership of the CPC and upturn the victories of the socialist revolution. It proved the correctness of Mao’s theory of continuing revolution under proletarian dictatorship by waging cultural revolutions to fight modern revisionism, consolidate and advance socialism and prevent the restoration of capitalism.

The modern revisionists led by Deng Xiaoping took advantage of the weaknesses and shortcomings of the GPCR by splitting the Left and colluding with the Centrists to mount a counterrevolutionary coup after the death of Mao in 1976. They carried out the arrest and imprisonment or assassination of the stalwarts of Maoism and the GPCR. Key leaders of the modern revisionist including Liu Shaoqi were rehabilitated and placed in key positions. From 1976 onwards, the CPC would degenerate and would be completely transformed and dominated by the state capitalists and their private capitalist collaborators.

In the guise of building “socialism with Chinese characteristics,” the modern revisionists dismantled the communes and the agricultural collectives, forced the majority of peasants to fend for themselves in their small individual farm lots leading to loss of land, mass hunger and poverty.

In the name of efficiency, workers were disempowered and forced back to wage slavery and return to being mere cogs in the capitalist machinery. Decision-making concerning the running of state-owned factory became the exclusive prerogative of “cadres” and managers who exercised the right to fire workers, impose quotas or give bonuses. Chinese workers are made to toil under severe conditions of factory discipline where they are not allowed to organize genuine unions and prohibited from conducting strikes.

The dictatorship of the proletariat was dismantled and replaced with the dictatorship of the state monopoly bourgeoisie. The state capitalists, both government bureaucrats and high CPC functionaries, took over the social wealth created during the period of socialist construction and used this as capital for private capital accumulation. They collaborated with the US imperialists and other foreign monopoly capitalists to subject Chinese workers to extremely low wages and gross forms of exploitation in assembly-line factories in export processing zones, feed the giant capitalist state-owned corporations, expand the capitalist economy, develop technology and the means of production, and cause the worsening of the global crisis of capitalist overproduction.

Since the Dengist counterrevolutionary coup of 1976, all CPC cadres and members who supported the GPCR and the proletarian-socialist line of Comrade Mao have been removed from the CPC. The supporters of the biggest revisionist and capitalist-roaders Liu and Deng usurped leadership at every level. The state and private capitalists have been allowed to become CPC cadres and members since 1978. Thus, it is only a matter of time that the monopoly bourgeoisie in China will throw away the communist flag and abandon their socialist and communist pretensions, especially when the genuine communists reassert correct leadership and gain the support of the proletariat and people.

The monopoly capitalists at the helm of state-owned corporations and favored private corporations continue to accumulate bigger and bigger wealth in collusion with foreign big capitalists. From 388 last year, there are now 626 Chinese billionaires with $2.5 trillion between them, inching up to the United States’ 724. Of the 2000 biggest corporations in the world, 291 are Chinese, second only to the US with 591, and more than Japan. The biggest Chinese banks (the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the China Construction Bank, the Agricultural Bank of China and the Bank of China) are the biggest corporations in the world in terms of assets.

The state monopoly bourgeoisie expanded the Chinese economy to the detriment of the workers and peasants. There is massive unemployment of workers and economic displacement of peasants in the countryside. The urban slums have expanded tremendously. Education, health and social services are increasingly being privatized.

The CPC has abandoned the international proletarian cause. Instead, it is now engaged in export of capital, international usury and debt traps for underdeveloped countries and expansion of international spheres of investment and influence, overseas deployment of military forces and armed aggression beyond its territory. It uses finance capital to influence and direct the economic policy and control resources of smaller countries. It has trampled on Philippine sovereignty by constructing artificial islands in the territorial waters and exclusive economic zone of the country to erect military facilities and claim marine and mineral resources.

Mao’s criticism of the Soviet Union in the late 1950s as a social imperialist–socialist in words, imperialist in deeds–can now be applied to China and the CPC itself. Despite the rhetoric of “socialism,” China has become a brazen imperialist power aiming to impose its ultranational aims on smaller and weaker countries, exploit cheap labor and plunder their raw materials to feed its giant industrial machine, and accumulate superprofits. It is engaged in rivalry with the US in the quest to divide the world to its favor.

Around the world, workers and people are waging various forms of struggle amid the insoluble crisis of the global capitalist system. Proletarian revolutionary forces are ever determined to build the communist parties as the advanced detachment of the proletariat in order to provide leadership in the upcoming new era of global resurgence of socialist and new democratic revolutions.

Just as in the rest of the world, the conditions in China are ever favorable to rouse the Chinese workers and peasants to wage revolutionary struggles. Chinese proletarian revolutionaries are bound to reestablish or build a new communist party based on Marxism-Leninism-Maoism and lead the Chinese working class and toiling people back to the path of socialist revolution and proletarian internationalism.

Commemorate the centennial of the once great Communist Party of China!

Recall the revolutionary deeds of the CPC and renounce its turn to modern revisionism and restoration of capitalism!

Strengthen the communist parties and bring about the resurgence of the socialist and new democratic revolutions!

Long live the proletariat and oppressed peoples!

Long live Marxism-Leninism-Maoism!

Death to imperialism!

Long live proletarian internationalism!

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-the-centennial-of-the-once-great-communist-party-of-china/

US official hopeful for ‘satisfactory’ VFA pact

$
0
0

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1. 2021): US official hopeful for ‘satisfactory’ VFA pact (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



‘SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENT’. US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law speaks with the media during the US Independence Day celebrations at the embassy in Manila on Thursday (July 1, 2021). Law said the US is hoping for a 'satisfactory arrangement' with the Philippines for the continuation of the Visiting Forces Agreement. (PNA photo by Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The United States is hoping for a "satisfactory arrangement" with the Philippines for the continuation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires John Law, in an interview on the sidelines of the American Independence Day celebrations at the embassy on Thursday, said “the VFA is very important.”

“We support it and we're hopeful that we can arrive at a satisfactory arrangement to continue that," Law told reporters.

He stressed that the US-Philippines alliance is more than one agreement and he remains optimistic about the nations’ relations, which also marked its 75th anniversary this year.


"The US-Philippines alliance is more than a defense agreement as well and so we have always had enormous faith in the future of US-Philippines relations and alliance," Law said. "While we'll continue to work very hard to restore the VFA, we'll continue to do everything that we can to continuously strengthen and reinforce the Mutual Defense Treaty. But the US-Philippine alliance, I believe, is in the hearts of our people so I think it's going to continue."

On June 14, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced that President Rodrigo Duterte suspended the abrogation of the VFA for another six months “while he studies and both sides further address his concerns regarding particular aspects of the agreement."

Not part of negotiations

Law also confirmed that the US has approved the potential sale of F-16 fighter jets and missiles to the Philippines.

"We understand that the Philippine Defense Department is studying and considering what it would like to do in terms of its overall modernization plan and on all aspects of that, and the F-16s will be included in that. The US stands ready to cooperate with the Philippines as US equipment is deemed the most appropriate for Philippine Armed Forces," he told reporters.

Law said the US government would welcome the opportunity to further strengthen the "interoperability and cooperation" between the US and Philippine militaries but clarified it was never part and "absolutely unrelated" to the negotiations to renew the VFA.

The VFA, a 1998 security pact, lays out the terms and conditions on the entry and visit of US military troops for military exercises and other approved activities to the Philippines.

Last month's suspension was the third time that Duterte extended the termination's postponement.

The first was in June 2020, and the second was in November 2020.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145687

V. Luna hospital chief named AFP's 1st female Surgeon General

$
0
0

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1. 2021): V. Luna hospital chief named AFP's 1st female Surgeon General (By Priam Nepomuceno)


AFP Surgeon General, Col. Fatima Claire Navarro (Photo courtesy of AFP)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday announced the appointment of Col. Fatima Claire Navarro as its first female Surgeon General.

“The AFP congratulates Col. Navarro as she assumes one of the most critical positions that will lead the military organization in the comprehensive delivery of health services to our soldiers and our people,” AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, said in a statement.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte approved Navarro's appointment on June 28 following the recommendation of the AFP Chief of Staff and the Board of Generals.

Navarro took over as the 56th Surgeon General in a ceremony held on Wednesday in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.


Her assumption of office coincided with the retirement ceremony of her predecessor, Col. Nelson Pecache, who retired after 30 years in the military service.

"I dream of an AFP health service that the soldiers can rely on and that the Filipino people can continue to count on. An AFP health service that will save lives, heal wounds and continuously give hope,” Navarro said.

The new Surgeon General is the former head of the Victoriano Luna Medical Center (VLMC) and has served as chair of the Hospital Infection Control Committee from 2009 to 2020.

She was designated as the Deputy Commander of the AFP Regional Task Force National Capital Region Comprehensive and Responsive Elements (RJTF NCR CARE) upon the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Navarro led the task force in providing operational support to the National Task Force against Covid-19.

As a resident of the VLMC, she has earned numerous awards within and outside the AFP circle.

Most notable of these awards were the 1997 UST Medical Alumni Association “Young Researcher’s Award”, 1997 Philippine Medical Association 1st prize in Inter-hospital Research Contest, 1998 Philippine Association of Military Surgeons (PAMS) Most Outstanding Resident for Research.

In 2016, she was awarded the PAMS Award for Excellence. Navarro will now take on the task as the Special Medical Adviser of the Secretary of National Defense and the AFP chief on all medical and health matters affecting the military organization.

The Office of The Surgeon General is currently leading the AFP’s vaccination efforts and operations to mitigate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. It exercises technical supervision over all medical treatment facilities and other units of medical service in the AFP.

“With her outstanding track record in medical research and studies, I am confident that Col. Navarro will continue to elevate the AFP’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of our members and our citizens against the threats of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Sobejana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145632

Lacson lauds Parlade’s commitment to end insurgency

$
0
0

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1. 2021): Lacson lauds Parlade’s commitment to end insurgency (By Benjamin Pulta)



Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.’s commitment to end the decades-long problem of insurgency in the country is unquestionable, Senator Panfilo Lacson said Thursday.

Lacson said Parlade had informed him of his resignation as one of the spokespersons of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) more than a month ago when the latter paid him a courtesy visit.

"I thanked and commended him even as that resignation was still subject to the approval of higher authorities," he said in a statement. "There is no question about his passion to do his role in ending the longest-running insurgency in Asia, and I still believe that the NTF-ELCAC is a long overdue solution to the water lily tactical maneuvers being employed by the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army) to maintain their influence over previously cleared barangays."


Lacson also agreed that “without infrastructure, livelihood, and social development interventions by the national government after all successful counter-insurgency operations by our security forces in clearing those barangays of the NPA presence, it can only result in a Sisyphus-like situation with no clear solution in sight."

The Albay-born Parlade, who is set to retire next month, said he submitted his letter of resignation to President Rodrigo Duterte a month ago as he wanted to ease the pressure on the NTF-ELCAC principals who are being questioned by legislators for designating him as spokesperson despite his still being in active service as chief of the Southern Luzon Command.

“I am happy that there are now six more civilian NTF spokespersons who shall carry on the fight passionately and with conviction. Retirement does not mean the end of my advocacy. In fact, this is a new beginning, sans the prohibitions imposed on public servants. You will be hearing more of citizen Antonio Parlade Jr.," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145614

4 police execs reshuffled

$
0
0

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1. 2021): 4 police execs reshuffled (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



Four police officials were included in the latest reorganization in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In an order, PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar reassigned Integrity Monitoring Enforcement Group (IMEG) chief, Brig. Gen. Thomas Frias, as executive officer of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Eastern Mindanao (DIPO-EM).

Replacing Frias as IMEG director is Brig. Gen. Flynn Dongbo, formerly deputy director of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM).

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Omega Fidel, deputy director of the Directorate for Research and Development (DRD) replaced Dongbo as DIDM deputy director.

Brig. Gen. Honorio Agnila from the DIPO-EM replaced Fidel as deputy director of the DRD.


The revamp took effect on Thursday.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145613

Duterte accepts Parlade’s resignation as NTF-ELCAC spox

$
0
0

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1. 2021): Duterte accepts Parlade’s resignation as NTF-ELCAC spox (By Azer Parrocha)



President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has accepted the resignation of Army Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. as spokesperson of the government’s anti-insurgency task force, Malacañang said on Thursday.

Parlade submitted his resignation as spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) “a month ago” to ease pressure on the task force’s leaders who are being questioned by lawmakers.

“Tinanggap po ang resignation ni Gen. Parlade as spokesperson of NTF-ELCAC (Gen. Parlade’s resignation as spokesperson of NTF-ELCAC has been accepted). So that’s what I was able to confirm from [Defense] Secretary [Delfin] Lorenzana,”
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing in Iloilo City.

Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command chief, is set to retire on July 26 when he reaches the mandatory age of 56.

In a statement, Parlade said he is happy with the development that the NTF-ELCAC now has civilian NTF spokespersons who shall carry on the fight passionately and with conviction.


However, despite his resignation as NTF ELCAC spokesperson and pending retirement from the military service on July 26, Parlade said he will continue to defend the country against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and its allied organizations.

Several lawmakers earlier called for the defunding the NTF-ELCAC’s PHP19 billion budget and reallocate its funds to Covid-19 response after the alleged profiling and red-tagging of organizers of community pantries by police personnel.

Last May, NTF-ELCAC vice-chair and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon announced that six more officials to join PCOO Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy and Parlade as co-spokespersons of the task force.

The six new spokespersons are:

*Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya - Local Government Affairs, Barangay Development Program, International Engagement;

*Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) Undersecretary Severo Catura - International Affairs, Peace Process, Human Rights Concerns;

*Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco - Mass Media Engagements, Fact-Checker;

*Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago - NTF-ELCAC Public Affairs and Information, Youth Concerns;

*National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga regional director lawyer Marlon Bosantog - Legal Affairs, Indigenous Peoples Concerns; and

*NCIP’s Gaye Florendo - Assistant Spokesperson on NTF-ELCAC Public Affairs and on Indigenous Peoples Concerns.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145593

Parlade quits as NTF ELCAC spox but will continue fight vs. Reds

$
0
0

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1. 2021): Parlade quits as NTF ELCAC spox but will continue fight vs. Reds (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr. (File photo)

Less than a month to retirement, Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) chief, Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., on Thursday confirmed that he has already tendered his resignation as one of the spokespersons of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) but said he will continue defending the country against the threats posed by communist terrorist groups.

"I have submitted my letter of resignation addressed to the President almost a month ago. I want to ease the pressure on the NTF ELCAC principals who are being questioned by legislators for designating me as spokesman despite my being in the active service. There are so many legal bases justifying my role in NTF ELCAC as constitutional but I will not belabor myself with those,"
he said in a statement.

Parlade said he is happy with the development that the NTF ELCAC now has civilian NTF spokespersons who shall carry on the fight passionately and with conviction.

However, despite his resignation as NTF ELCAC spokesperson and pending retirement from the military service on July 26, Parlade said he will continue to defend the country against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and its allied organizations.


"Even then, I want to assure our critics and naysayers that I am not running away from this fight. As a citizen of this country it behooves me to continue with my patriotic duty to defend our country and end the 52 years onslaught of the CPP-NPA terrorists, whatever legal way I can," he added.

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

"Retirement does not mean the end of my advocacy. In fact, this is a new beginning, sans the prohibitions imposed on public servants. You will be hearing more of citizen Antonio Parlade Jr,” he said. “Ngayon pa na patapos na sila? (Not now when their end is so near).”

Parlade is known for his being vocal or his tough stance against the CPP-NPA and its allies.

The outgoing Solcom chief, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1987, is scheduled to retire on July 26 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

He will be replaced by 2nd Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, a Medal of Valor awardee, and a member of PMA Class of 1988.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145578

Bacarro named new Solcom chief

$
0
0

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1. 2021): Bacarro named new Solcom chief (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Maj. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro (Photo from SCOUT Ranger Facebook page)

Medal of Valor awardee, Maj. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, will take over as the new commander of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) later this month.

Bacarro will replace Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. who will mandatorily retire from the service on July 26.

This was confirmed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana when asked by reporters to confirm whether Bacarro was selected for the post by President Rodrigo R. Duterte.


"Yes," he said in a message late on Wednesday.

Bacarro was awarded the Medal of Valor "for acts of conspicuous courage, gallantry, and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty" during an encounter with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Isabela in 1991.

Asked on whether Parlade will continue on his role as one of the spokespersons of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), Lorenzana said he has no idea yet as the military officer already resigned from the body.

"He has resigned from the NTF ELCAC many weeks ago. Whether he will be hired by the NTF ELCAC after his retirement or will he consider it, I have no idea," he said.

Parlade is known for his tough stance against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army and its allies.

"For those asking on the resignation of Gen. Parlade as spokesman of NTF-ELCAC, please get confirmation from Secretary (Hermogenes) Esperon, the Executive Director of NTF ELCAC," Lorenzana said in a separate message.

Bacarro, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1988, assumed as 2nd Infantry Division commander last April.

Prior to the appointment, he was the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Internal Auditor. Bacarro also served as the commandant of the Cadet Corps of the PMA in Baguio City.


In 2019, he and then PMA superintendent Lt. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista resigned from their positions over command responsibility due to the hazing death of Cadet Darwin Dormitorio. Bacarro and Evangelista were charged but later cleared by government prosecutors for lack of probable cause.

Four PMA cadets and three PMA Station Hospital officers are currently facing charges before a Baguio City court over the incident.

Tight selection process

Meanwhile, Lorenzana said Bacarro went through a rigorous selection process by the AFP Board of Generals and was found fit to assume a higher position in the AFP.

This came after Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriquez's appeal to recall the appointment of the military official as Solcom commander.

"On the unfortunate death of Cadet Darwin Dormitorio, Maj. Gen. Bacarro was cleared by the Baguio City Prosecutor’s Office of any responsibility for lack of probable cause," Lorenzana said in a statement Thursday.

He added those responsible for the death of Dormitorio are now facing criminal charges.

"It would be an injustice to Maj. Gen. Bacarro if he is prevented from moving up in the ladder of command for something that he did not commit," Lorenzana said.

He also expressed confidence that Bacarro will perform outstandingly as the Solcom commander.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145566
Viewing all 71198 articles
Browse latest View live


<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>