Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 23, 2022): 2 rebels injured in renewed armed clashes (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Two suspected New People’s Army rebels were reported by the 62nd Infantry Battalion to have been injured in renewed armed clashes on April 21 in Sitio Halog, Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion and 33rd Division Reconnaissance Company in pursuit of the remnants of the Sentro De Grabidad platoon of Central Negros Front 1, engaged its 15 members in an encounter.

Lt. Col. William Pesase, 62IB commander, disclosed that traces of bloodstains were discovered along the rebel withdrawal route, bolstering reports of civilians in the area that fleeing rebels carried their injured comrades.

Recovered from the encounter site were a Vektor R4 assault rifle with a short magazine containing seven ammunition, a KG-9 sub machine gun with a magazine with five ammunition, communication equipment, assorted foodstuff with cooking paraphernalia back pack containing personal belongings, a sack of charcoal, a solar panel, two hammocks, a CPP-NPA flag, two pairs of rain boots and subversive documents.

No Army soldiers were injured, according to Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander.

https://visayandailystar.com/2-rebels-injured-in-renewed-armed-clashes/

From Palawan News (Apr 23, 2022): Former rebel surrenders to Puerto Princesa City police director (By Arphil Ballarta)

Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) director P/Col. Roberto Bucad (left) with rebel surrenderee Ka Javier (right) on April 21, 2022. (Photo courtesy of PPCPO Police Community Relations)

A former member of the Bienvenido Vallever Command (BVC) operations in northern Palawan surrendered to Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) director P/Col. Roberto Bucad on Thursday following his command’s continuous campaign to end the local communist armed conflict.

In a statement released Saturday by the PPCPO through P/Lt. Col. Salvador Tabi, Bucad said the 22-year-old rebel’s surrender was facilitated on April 21 by the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC) under the leadership of P/Lt. Col. Victor Lacwasan in Barangay Luzviminda in Puerto Princesa.

He is a former member of the BVC’s Operation Northern Palawan, which he joined while still working as a gold miner in Roxas town in 2019.

“He was recruited when he was still in gold mining by means of deception and manipulation,” Bucad said in the statement.

Bucad added that his surrender is in active partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other line agencies implementing the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC).

Ka Javier is now under the custody of the CMFC for debriefing before he is enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration (ECLIP).

He said his surrender proves the PNP’s continuous efforts in implementing the Whole of Nation Approach stated under the NTF ELCAC.

Bucad also encourages other members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) to surrender and rejoin the mainstream society through the ECLIP.

https://palawan-news.com/former-rebel-surrenders-to-puerto-princesa-city-police-director/

From Palawan News (Apr 23, 2022): PH, US launch inaugural maritime dialogue

Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Angela Ponce (center right) and U.S. Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary Jung Pak (center left) lead discussions in the inaugural Philippines-U.S. Maritime Dialogue.

The Philippines and the United States launched their inaugural Maritime Dialogue in Manila on April 20.

The Dialogue, led by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Maria Angela Ponce and U.S. Department of State (USDS) Deputy Assistant Secretary Jung Pak, highlighted the successes of ongoing cooperative efforts and discussed ways for the two sides to cooperatively address current challenges and shared maritime concerns, especially in the South China Sea.

The Dialogue was established by the 9th Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held on November 15 and 16, 2021 in Washington D.C., as reflected in the Joint Vision Statement.

“It is no coincidence that this Maritime Dialogue was agreed upon during the 75th anniversary of our bilateral relations. These are not new roots we are planting, just new shoots to the trunk of this old tree that is the abiding alliance between the Philippines and the United States, that will grow to define and articulate the deepening maritime relations,” said Assistant Secretary Ponce.
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Deputy Assistant Secretary Pak said the Dialogue allowed for a wide-ranging exchange, offering officials a greater understanding of shared priorities.

“Demonstrating our enduring commitment to the Indo-Pacific and our collaboration with our allies and partners will help us to achieve a free and open, interconnected, prosperous, resilient, and secure region for all,” said U.S. Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava.

The delegations underscored their shared interest in a strengthened rules-based order in the South China Sea, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Award on the South China Sea arbitration.

The Dialogue also discussed challenges to Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction; the growing sophistication of transnational crime; and countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing (IUUF). In particular, it was noted that IUUF destroys marine habitats and depletes fish stocks, threatens food security, and threatens maritime security.

Other topics discussed were environmental conservation including on marine plastic pollution, climate action, and marine scientific research.

Participants included representatives from the defense, security, fisheries, environment, and law enforcement agencies of both sides.

The Philippines and the United States look forward to holding the Maritime Dialogue annually.
https://palawan-news.com/ph-us-launch-inaugural-maritime-dialogue/

From Rappler (Apr 23, 2022): Nur Misuari’s office clarifies he did not endorse Pacquiao (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

It was a mere courtesy call, says Misuari's camp about his photo-op with presidential bet Senator Manny Pacquiao

Five days after they posed together for a photo, the office of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chair Nur Misuari clarified that the former rebel leader did not endorse presidential candidate Senator Manny Pacquiao.

The MNLF Central Committee said in a statement on Saturday, April 23, that the boxer-turned-senator merely had a courtesy call on Misuari on April 18.

“The picture circulating online of Chairman Nur Misuari with Presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquaio is not an official endorsement for his candidacy. It was a courtesy call by the good Senator to the Chairman at Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati before the Chairman’s upcoming trip abroad,” the office said.

Misuari’s office added that the MNLF chair remains “neutral” and has yet to endorse a candidate for the May 9 polls.

Its erstwhile rival organization, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which now runs the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, endorsed on Saturday the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.

Misuari’s office said he “maintains an open-door policy to all presidential candidates who wish to share their visions and platforms with him, especially those which relate to the Bangsamoro people and for peace and development of the entire nation.”

After Pacquiao avoided journalists following the the Easter Sunday briefing of some male presidential candidates that he was supposed to join, the senator met with Misuari on April 18. A photo sent to reporters showed that Misuari raised Pacquiao’s hand – a gesture associated with supporting or endorsing a bet.

But Misuari’s office shared photos of the MNLF chair raising the hands of other people who had courtesy calls on him.

Pacquiao said that the support from the MNLF chair is important to him. The former rebel movement still holds influence in Muslim-dominated provinces such as Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The governors of both provinces, however, have already endorsed presidential bet Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

When Pacquiao ran for congressman in 2010, he scored the support of the MNLF and the MILF, according to a Philippine Star report.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/office-nur-misuari-clarifies-he-did-not-endorse-manny-pacquiao/

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 23, 2022): Soldiers seize 3 rifles, nab courier in Cotabato town (By: Edwin O. Fernandez)

The seized guns (Photo from Philippine Army)

MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — Soldiers manning a checkpoint here have prevented the transport of high-powered firearms and arrested a courier, the Army said Saturday.

Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, soldiers from the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion flagged down a tricycle in Barangay Kapinpilan on Friday afternoon.

Three high-powered firearms believed to be from the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), were seized from the tricycle driven by 28-year-old Avier Amal, a resident of Barangay Damatulan, Midsayap.

Soldiers found two M-14 rifles and one M653 carbine rifle from the tricycle.

Amal, who refused to talk to the media, is facing charges for violation of the election gun ban and for illegal possession of firearms.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1586968/soldiers-seize-3-rifles-nab-courier-in-cotabato-town

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 23, 2022): Manglimbasog sa pagpaasdang sa gubat sa katawhan! Isalikway ang tanang bagahe! (Strive to advance the people's war! Discard all baggage!

Norsen Manggubat

Spokesperson

North Central Mindanao Regional Committee

Communist Party of the Philippines

April 23, 2022

Atol sa ika-49 nga anibersaryo sa National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), labaw kitang manglimbasog sa pagpaasdang sa gubat sa katawhan ug atong wagtangon ang tanang bagahe sa paglihok. Niini nga okasyon, atong ihatag ang pinakataas nga pagsaludo sa NDFP sa padayong pagbarog niini isip tinuod nga representante sa katawhan sa ilang pakigbisog alang sa nasudnon ug katilingbanong kalingkawasan.

Atong hatagan og taas nga pagsaludo ang 18 ka alyadong organisasyong masa sa NDF. Maisugon silang mibarog isip rebolusyonaryo, patriyotiko ug demokratikong organisasyon taliwala sa bangis nga pagpamig-ot sa estado kanila. Ang pagdeklara sa Anti-Terrorism Council sa 16 ka alyadong organisasyon sa NDF isip “terorista” labaw lamang nagbutyag sa maskara sa Anti-Terrorism Law nga nagsilbi lamang kini alang sa pulitikanhong pagpanumpo ug terorismo sa estado.

Patapusay na ang termino sa pasistang rehimen ni Rodrigo Duterte ug ang bugtong nakab-ot niini mao ang: kapakyasan sa ilang hinungog nga damgo ug labaw pang kasilag gikan sa katawhan. Pinaagi sa absolutong pagpangulo sa PKP sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan, malampusong napakyas sa BHB sa atong rehiyon ang unom ka tuig nga estratehikong opensiba ug plano sa kaaway nga puuhon ang armadong pakigbisog. Sa samang higayon, sa laraw nga iterorisa ug pugngan ang pagsukol sa masa, labaw pa hinuong mitaas ang kasilag sa katawhan aron tapuson ang himalatyong semipyudal ug semikolonyal nga katilingban.

Sa kasamtangan, padayong init ang pagsuporta sa lapad nga masa sa armadong rebolusyon. Pabiling dakong ihap sa mga pwersa sa armadong pagsukol ang mga mag-uuma, lumad ug Moro tungod kay kini lamang ang ilang bugtong masandigan aron madepensahan ang ilang kaugalingon.

Niini nga bahin, kinahanglang labaw pang manglimbasog ug mangahas ang BHB sa atong rehiyon aron ipalapad ug ipalalom ang iyang baseng masa. Kinahanglang isalikway niya ang tanang bagahe ug sagupon ang mga bag-o ug mamugnaong paagi aron mahimong epektibo sa gimbuhatong masa. Kinahanglang magpakamaayo ang atong mga Pulang kumander ug hukbo sa pagtubag sa kaayuhan, ug interes sa katawhan aron mas molalom pa ang iyang gamot sa masa.

Angayan usab manglimbasog ang mga rebolusyonaryong organisasyong masa aron padayon silang makabarog sa kaugalingon atubangan sa mga bangis nga atake sa kaaway. Dili kayang tabunan sa pasismo sa estado ang batakang mulo sa masa sa matag adlaw – ang kagutom. Busa, samtang ibutyag nato ang tanang porma sa kalapasan sa AFP, PNP, CAFGU ug paramilitar, angayang, labaw sa tanan, ipasubsob sa mga organisasyon ang lain-laing tipo sa pakigbisog alang sa ilang ekonomikanhong interes. Ilunsad ang mga aksyon ug kalihukang masa nga magdemanda alang sa pagpataas sa suhulan, pagpaubos sa presyo sa mga palaliton ug gasolina, pagsingil sa subsidiyo ug ayuda gikan sa gobyerno ug uban pa. Angayang ihingusog sa mga mag-uuma sa rehiyon ang katungod sa pag-adto sa ilang uma ug makapuyo sa hilit tungod kay taas na nga panahon nga gipig-otan sila sa berdugong sundalo.

Manglimbasog kita aron subling modilaab ang kusog nga kalihukang masa sa kasyudaran. Angayang mosukol ang mga mamumuo sa kaylap nga disempleyo, kawalay trabahong masudlan ug ubos kaayo nga suhulan. Angayang mosukol ang mga drayber batok sa nagsutoy nga presyo sa gasolina. Angayang molihok ang mga kabatan-onang estudyante batok sa palpak nga programa sa gobyerno sa edukasyon atubangan sa pandemya. Angayang moalsa ang tanang kabus sa kasyudaran aron mahatagan sila og disenteng kinabuhi ug panginabuhian.

Angayang sakmiton sa katawhan ang kahigayunan sa umalabot nga eleksyon. Niini nga panahon, paborable kaayo aron idemanda sa katawhan diha sa mga nagdagan nga politiko ang tinuod nga adyenda sa katawhan. Angayang magpakamaayo ang katawhan nga dili na subling makalingkod ang karaang mga kawatan, ituy-itoy sa langyaw, kriminal, warlord ug uban pang hiyas nga dili angayan molingkod sa gahum.

Kalambigit niini, manglimbasog usab kita batok sa pagbalik sa mga Marcos sa Malakanyang. Atong hiusahon ang tibuok masa sa rehiyon aron pakyason ang paglingkod sa uhaw-sa-gahum nga Marcos-Duterte tandem. Atong kanunay hinumdumon ang mga pait nga panid sa atong kasaysayan sa dihang naglingkod ang diktador nga mga amahan niini nga pundok – ang maduguon nga Martial law ni Ferdinand Marcos, ang pagbungkag sa Marawi City ug pagpamatay sa mga inosente ni Rodrigo Duterte ug uban pang managsusama nilang hiyas sa pagka-kriminal, kurakot ug tiraniko.

Manglimbasog kita alang sa pagpakaylap ug subling pagpahibalik sa atong makinasudnon ug masukulong diwa. Atong ibutyag ang tanang sayop nga impormasyong ginasabwag sa kaaway. Atong alkontrahon ang tanang burgis ug dekadente nga kultura nga gipakaylap sa imperyalismo nga mao usab ang nagapasigpit sa nasyunalismo sa katawhan, ilabina sa mga kabatan-onan.

Sa katapusan, manglimbasog kita aron labaw pang molapad og mokusog ang armadong pagsukol sa katawhan. Atong aghaton ang tanang lagsik, aktibo ug mga mamugnaong kabatan-onan nga mogakos ug moduyog sa armadong rebolusyon. Ang pinakakongkretong ekspresyon sa makinasudnong diwa sa mga kabatan-onan karon mao ang walay duha-duha nga mosampa sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

https://cpp.ph/statements/manglimbasog-sa-pagpaasdang-sa-gubat-sa-katawhan-isalikway-ang-tanang-bagahe/

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 23, 2022): Pekeng balita kaugnay ng “paggabay” ni Ka Joma sa kampanya ni Robredo, pinasinungalingan (Fake news regarding Ka Joma's "guidance" in Robredo's campaign, denied)

April 23, 2022

Pinabulaanan ni Prof. Jose Maria Sison, Chief Political Consultant ng National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) ang lumabas na pekeng balita kaugnay ng umano’y “paggabay” niya sa kampanya ni Vice President Leni Robredo, kandidato pagkapangulo.

Ani Ka Joma, walang katotohanan ang inilabas na artikulo ng journalnews.com.ph at sinabing hindi siya nilapitan o ininterbyu ng sumulat ng artikulo. Gayundin, sinabi na ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP), na walang inilalabas ang publikasyon nitong Ang Bayan na artikulo na siyang “basehan” ng manunulat ng journalnews.com.ph.

Ayon pa kay Ka Joma, hindi siya nagpapayo kay Robredo pero binigyang-diin niya na naniniwala siyang si Robredo ay “higit na mas may kakayahang kanidato sa pagkapangulo kumpara kay Ferindand Jr. na walang kwalipikasyon kundi ang mangampanya gamit ang labis-labis na pera mula sa burukratikong nakaw ng yumaong pasistang diktador, si Ferdinand Sr.”

Pinasinungalingan din ni Ka Joma na nakikipagkonsultahan siya sa tagapagsalita ni Robredo na si Barry Gutierrez. Kaugnay ng naturang pekeng balita, naglabas na rin ng pahayag ang kampo ni Vice President Robredo.

Sa panig ni Marco Valbuena, Chief Information Officer ng PKP, sinabi niyang ang pekeng balitang ito ay siguradong inilabas ng kampo ni Marcos para bigyang-kredibilidad at itambol ang umano’y “koalisyon” sa pagitan ni Robredo at ng PKP.

Nauna nang itinanggi ng PKP na nakikipag-usap ito sa kahit sinumang kandidato para sa isang “koalisyong gubyerno.”

Idinadgdag din ni Valbuena na ang pakanang ito ay sa imbing layunin ni Marcos na “konsolidahin ang suporta ng anti-komunistang upisyal militar at pulis ni Duterte.”

“Ang taktika ng panrered-tag kay Robredo at kanyang mga tagasuporta ay naglalatag ng mga batayan para sa papatinding panunupil laban sa demokratikong mga pwersa,” ayon kay Valbuena.

Aniya, kaugnay din ito ng paulit-ulit na pahayag ni Duterte na nagbabanta sa “panggugulo ng mga komunista” sa panahon ng eleksyon, na maaaring gamitin para paigtingin pa ang mga pag-atake laban sa mga taga-suporta ni Robredo habang papalapit ang Mayo 9.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/pekeng-balita-kaugnay-ng-paggabay-ni-ka-joma-sa-kampanya-ni-robredo-pinasinungalingan/

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 22, 2022): Two ASG Members Surrender to Authorities in Sulu

4th Civil Relations Group

Two ASG Members Surrender to Authorities in Sulu

PRO BAR, under the supervision of PBGEN ARTHUR R CABALONA, Regional Director, is committed to eliminate all forms of criminality through the intensified implementation of police intelligence and anti- terrorism strategy.

Joint intensified intelligence driven operation of Indanan Municipal Police Station together with law enforcers of Zamboanga City Intelligence Team (ZCIT), RIU 9, PNP-IG (lead Unit), Sulu PIT RIU 9, CTG PNP IG, RID PRO BAR, PIU SULU PPO, and PNP SAF FIID-SIU SIT 9 resulted to the successful surrender of two (2) members of Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) last April 10, 2022 at Brgy. Kandang Tukay, Indanan, Sulu.

The surrenderees turned over one (1) unit of 9mm caliber with defaced serial number and magazine loaded with five (5) rounds of ammunition which was now under the custody of Sulu Provincial Forensic Unit (SPFU) for ballistic examinations and proper safe keeping.

Accordingly, the two (2) subject personalities were involved in several armed encounters which instigated the death of some government troops in an encounter with the Philippine Marines in Patikul, Sulu last 2016 and in Brgy. Budwis, Panamao, Sulu in 2018. Further, their encounters with the law enforcers also led to the death of some of their members and kidnapped victims.

PBGEN CABALONA commended the determination of the law enforcement units for their continuous campaign against criminality and terrorism thru peaceful means by encouraging former members, supporters, and sympathizers of Local Terrorist Groups (LTG) to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law. Surrenderees were now under the protection of Zamboanga City Intelligence Team for proper debriefing.

Police Regional Office Bangsamoro Autonomous Region
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Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 22, 2022): Zambo Norte is now insurgency-free

4th Civil Relations Group

Zambo Norte is now insurgency-free

DIPOLOG CITY, Apr. 20 (PIA) - 53 years, and finally, the province of Zamboanga del Norte can truly be freed from the clutches of the notorious NPA terrorists that has been plaguing vulnerable sectors in far-flung communities, spreading lies and deception.

Former rebels, who witnessed and personally experienced the barbaric acts and cruelty of the communist group, are now making a stand against it and even called on their brothers and sisters who are still being deceived and operate in the hinterlands to lay down their arms and live the life they should have.

In a testimony, Ka PeeWee, former commanding officer of Kalaw, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC) testified on the exploitation and lies of the CTG.

He said that he was easily recruited to join the organization since there was no government presence in their barangay and only NPA members conducted orientations and provided services. He served about 20 years with the communist group.

Meanwhile, Ka Ason, who served for 34 years in the NPA, shared she served as a rebel for a long time because she was indoctrinated and made to believed that the government (military) will kill her once she surrendered or captured.

The FRs initiated a rally admonishing the atrocious acts of the CPP-NPA-NDF during a consultation meeting with the armed conflict-affected areas in Zamboanga del Norte province held recently at Dipolog City.

As a show of strong support to the ELCAC initiatives of the government, they burned down an NPA-NDF flag and strongly advocated in hand-written banners and placards “freedom from terrorism and insurgency!”.

Provincial Governor Roberto Uy declared the province insurgency-free upon the recommendation of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) after rigorous implementation of programs and projects in the 25 priority barangays of different municipalities.

The 102nd “Igsoon” Brigade, Philippine Army including all of its battalions operating in the different parts of the province take pride in announcing the dismantling of guerilla fronts in the area during the PTF-ELCAC meeting held today, April 20, at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center.

“Based on our parameters, the bulk of the NPA’s forces are with us. Nandito na sa atin. Binibigyan natin ng tulong at hanapbuhay,” said BGen. Leonel M. Nicolas, brigade commander of 102nd Brigade.

The last guerilla front “Big Beautiful Country” (BBC) operating in the province has been dismatled around second quarter of 2022.

“We have no more guerilla fronts or any entity in the province that is affecting our peace and security,” stressed Nicolas.

Zamboanga del Norte is now insurgency-free and ready for development as per declaration of the PTF-ELCAC. (EDT/PIA Zamboanga del Norte)

#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
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Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 22, 2022): Former rebels participated in a peace rally held in front of the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center, Dipolog City

1st Infantry "Tabak" Division, Philippine Army

IN PHOTOS | Former rebels participated in a peace rally held in front of the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center, Dipolog City, yesterday, April 20, supporting the 44th and 97th Infantry Battalions under the 102nd Infantry Brigade.

During the rally, FRs burned the CTG flags; some of them shared their testimonies and condemned the cruel acts of the communist terrorist group, and further pledged allegiance to the flag and the country.
They are also calling out their former comrades to lay down their arms, start anew, and live a normal and peaceful life.

Follow us on Instagram & subscribe to our YouTube channel:
IG: @team.tabak
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TABAKDPAO
Photo by: Pvt Edu Kenny Saludar

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Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 22, 2022): LOOK//Troops Inter-Faith Leaders, Youth Groups Provide Free Iftar to Mosque Previously Dominated by Abu Sayyaf Bandits

4th Civil Relations Group

LOOK|| TROOPS, INTER-FAITH LEADERS, YOUTH GROUPS PROVIDES FREE IFTAR TO MOSQUE PREVIOUSLY DOMINATED BY ABU SAYAFF BANDITS

Youth and inter-faith leaders, along with Special Forces Operators, provided free Iftar (meals to break the fast) to 120 mosque-goers of Masjid Maas in Upper Sinumaan Talipao, Sulu last Friday, April 15, 2022.

Interfaith leaders from the Adventist-Muslim Relations (AMR) Group based in Jolo, Sulu, in collaboration with The Youth Leaders of Sulu Towards Peace and Development (YLS-TPD), Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) Talipao and Operators from the 6TH Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion, conducted the activity to promote and strengthen inter-faith ties between different religious groups. The Moro Youth Catalyst Association (MYCA) also facilitated the event.
Among those benefitting are dependents of ASG Returnees.

Until November last year, Masjid Maas has been under the influence of ASG bandits. During several occasions, the area has been reported as their staging ground and refuge during military operations.
Last January 2022, Special Forces Operators were able to liberate Sito Banglot in Upper Sinumaan and exert control over the area where the the Mosque stands. This marks the end of ASG influence in one of the notable religious landmarks in the Municipality of Talipao.

Masjid Maas, the lone Mosque in Upper Sinumaan, is regarded as one of the oldest Mosque in Sulu. The Mosque, according to elders, dates back before the Second World War.

As part of the activity, AMR donated PHP 10,000.00 to support the rehabilitation of the Mosque.
A simple religious exchange was conducted over a bonfire to cap the Iftar.

Through intensified Mass Base Operations and Community Support Program of the 6th Special Forces Company, 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the 1101st Infantry Brigade, several initiatives where made to strengthen and insulate religious institutions from intrusion by extremist groups.

As part of the 6SFC,2SFBn's PCVE efforts, in partnership with several private stakeholders, the said Mosque will be rehabilitated to provide a conducive venue to preach peace according to the teachings of Islam.

More than just fighting the enemy, we are here to build communities..
..We are here to serve the Bangsa Sug - the Bangsa Moro.

This is your Armed Forces.
Reaching the Unreached.
Protecting the Vulnerable.
Liberating the Oppressed.
Because we can. Because we will

This is your Special Forces.

Photos:
2LT Willy Sa-ao Jr, 6SFC, 2SFBn
Cpl Jonathan Jamorawon, 1CMOCoy, 12CMOBn
PFC Donard Desoza, 6SFC, 2SFBn
PFC Al-Jim Calisang, 1CMOCoy, 12CMOBn

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From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2022): 2 NPAs killed, 4 firearms seized in Occidental Mindoro (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said two New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed while four high-powered firearms were seized after a series of encounters with government troops in Occidental Mindoro on Monday.

“With the AFP’s persistent focused military operations alongside the cooperation and support of other agencies and local government units, we will continue to pressure the communist terrorists to lay down their arms and go back to the mainstream society,” AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino said in a statement.

The first encounter occurred in the morning as combined elements of the Army’s 68th Infantry Battalion, and Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) clashed with about 10 NPA members in Barangay Malpalon, Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro.

The five-minute firefight resulted in the death of a female fighter, seizure of one M-16 rifle, and wounding of one soldier.

The succeeding operation was led by joint elements of the 4th Infantry Battalion, 76th Infantry Battalion, and 68th Infantry Battalion against more or less five NPAs who were withdrawing from the previous encounter.

The 20-minute firefight resulted in the death of a male communist terrorist and the seizure of an M-16 Bushmaster rifle, magazines for M-16 rifle, improvised hand grenade, and various ammunition.

Another encounter also took place between 76th Infantry Battalion soldiers and four fleeing NPA rebels at Sitio Salad in Barangay Malpalon.

The firefight lasted for about 10 minutes which resulted in the capture of an M-16 rifle, M-14 rifle, anti-personnel mine, hand grenade, rifle grenade, bandolier, and subversive documents.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172954

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2022): Most private armed groups in Mindanao ‘dismantled’: PNP (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNA file photo

Around 20 private armed groups (PAGs), mostly in Mindanao, were dismantled by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of its security preparations for the national and local elections on May 9, a police official said on Tuesday.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the majority of these PAGs were based in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), some of them were members of the local armed groups.

“More or less nasa 20 na yung ating na-dismantle, na-disband, at na-delist po doon sa listahan natin ng mga private armed groups (Around 20 PAGs have been dismantled, disbanded, and delisted from the list of PAGs),” Fajardo said a radio interview on Tuesday.

Fajardo said that based on their investigations, the politicians themselves are hiring the PAG members in connection with the elections.

She said they are continuously conducting investigations on the involvement of local politicians.
"If we have enough evidence against those employing these partisan armed groups, then we will file cases," said Fajardo

The PNP spokesperson said that the National Task Force for the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (NTF-DPAGs) will be coming out with an official resolution that will delist the three remaining active pre-identified PAGs.

The creation of the NTF-DPAGs is among the peacekeeping initiatives being implemented through the security component of the normalization track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

It is also in charge of policy, planning, and implementation of the program for the disbandment of the PAGs, including coordination with the relevant bodies pursuant to the CAB and other entities as may be necessary, in accordance with the schedule provided in the Annex on Normalization

Fajardo said the PNP, in cooperation with the military, started its operations last year.

Since May last year, then PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar has ordered all police commanders to start running after private armed groups and loose firearms to ensure the peaceful and credible conduct of the election on May 9 this year.

Eleazar was concerned about the private armed groups would be tapped to assassinate political rivals or do the dirty works, especially in raising campaign funds through illegal activities.

“As early as May last year when I assumed the Chief PNP post, inilatag na namin ang (we have laid down the) election security preparations for the PNP to have enough time to ensure the peaceful and honest conduct of elections,” said Eleazar, who is now running for senator under Partido Reporma.

“That was the time that we updated the list of private armed groups and in fact, this resulted in the arrest and neutralization of some of them,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172949

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2022): DND, KESCO sign MOU for solar power projects (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and Mr. Jihyun Park, President and CEO of Korea Electrical Safety Corporation (KESCO), during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for Solar Power Projects on Tuesday (April 26, 2022) at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City. (Photo courtesy of DND)

In line with the government efforts to shift alternative energy sources, the Department of National Defense (DND) and Korea Electrical Safety Corporation (KESCO) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for solar power projects at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The MOU is for the development and implementation of solar panel projects in selected DND facilities throughout the country, including Camp General Macario Peralta Jr., Jamindan, Capiz in Central Visayas and Camp Kibaritan, Kalilangan, Bukidnon in Mindanao, as well as other defense facilities, with an initial rated capacity of 50 and 100 megawatts, respectively. These are all donations.

DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in his speech, thanked KESCO for its generosity and valuable contribution to the country’s renewable energy projects.

“Today’s activity goes hand-in-hand with the global initiative to shift toward green energy and economy to drastically decrease harm against the planet,” he said.

The new agreement is in accordance with the existing MOU of the Philippines with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Government of the Republic of Korea (MOTIE-ROK) on the Expansion of the Renewable Energy Deployment, which was signed during the state visit of President Rodrigo Duterte on June 4, 2018.

“To strengthen the energy competitiveness of the Philippines, we hope that both governments will join together to continue to support the success of this partnership,” KESCO president Jihyun Park.

KESCO is a government corporation under the MOTIE-ROK in Seoul, South Korea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172964

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2022): SC decision on Anti-Terrorism Act ‘triumph’ for PH: Palace (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (File photo)

Malacañang on Tuesday welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to junk the appeals to reconsider its December 7, 2021 ruling upholding the constitutionality of Republic Act 11479 or the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

“We welcome the latest decision of the Supreme Court on Republic Act No. 11479, otherwise known as the ‘Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020,’” acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a press statement.

Andanar issued the statement after the SC junked the motions for reconsideration filed by a group of petitioners questioning the legality of RA 11479.

The high tribunal denied “with finality” the appeals to reverse its decision on petitions challenging the anti-terror law because of “lack of substantial issues and arguments raised by the petitioners.”

Andanar said the SC’s latest move could be considered a “triumph” for the entire Filipinos, as he emphasized that RA 11479’s goal is to ramp up the country’s fight against terrorism.

“We consider this latest High Court ruling a triumph for all peace-loving and law-abiding Filipinos as it serves as a stern warning against malevolent elements that the Philippines is not a safe haven for terrorists,” he said.

RA 11579, inked by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on July 3, 2020, aims to protect life, liberty, and property from terrorism deemed as “inimical and dangerous to the national security of the country and to the welfare of the people.”

In December last year, the SC upheld the validity of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, except for two provisions of the law.

Under RA 11479, people who are part of the planning and training for the commission of terrorism will face life imprisonment sans the benefit of parole and the benefits provided under RA 10592 or the Good Conduct Time Allowance Law.

The anti-terror law also warns that any person who threatens to commit terror acts will suffer the penalty of 12-year imprisonment.

It also states that people who propose to commit or join terror acts will be jailed for 12 years.

Advocacy, protest, dissent, stoppage of work, industrial or mass action, and other similar exercises of civil and political rights not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person or to create a serious risk to public safety are not considered terror acts, according to RA 11479.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 also ensures that the use of torture and other “cruel, inhumane, and degrading” treatment or punishment against detained suspected terrorists is “absolutely prohibited.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172983

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2022): SC denies with finality all challenges vs. Anti-Terrorism Act (By Benjamin Pulta)

Supreme Court Baguio City (Facebook photo)

The Supreme Court (SC) en banc on Tuesday slammed all doors on petitions challenging Republic Act 11479 or The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 as it denied with finality the motions for reconsideration of its Dec. 7, 2021 decision.

In a statement during its summer sessions here, the SC said it “resolved to deny the motions for reconsideration due to lack of substantial issues and arguments" raised by petitioners of more than three dozen suits.

The members of the SC maintained their votes in December, written by now retired Philippine Judicial Academy Chancellor Rosmari Carandang.

The final copy of the decision has yet to be released as of posting time

In December, the SC upheld the validity of the law except for two provisions.

Aside from portions of Sections 4 and 25, all the other challenged provisions of RA 11479 were deemed constitutional.

Section 4 deals with excluding mass actions and similar exercise of civil and political rights from the definition of terrorism while Section 25 is about requests by foreign agencies or bodies to designate persons as terrorists and terrorist organizations.

The SC voted 12-3 to declare unconstitutional the qualifier portion of Section 4 that states “which are not intended to cause death or serious physical harm to a person, to endanger a person's life, or to create a serious risk to public safety".

This qualifier to the proviso in Section 4 "is declared as unconstitutional for being overbroad and violative of freedom of expression," the court said.

Likewise stricken down by a vote of 9-6 was a portion of Section 25, paragraph 2 which allows "request for designations by other jurisdictions or supranational jurisdictions may be adopted by the ATC (Anti-Terrorism Council) after determination that the proposed designee meets the criteria for designation of UNSCR No. 1373".

Among other provisions, the United Nations Security Council resolution urges members to “find ways of intensifying and accelerating the exchange of operational information, especially regarding actions or movements of terrorist persons or networks; forged or falsified travel documents; traffic in arms, explosives or sensitive materials; use of communications technologies by terrorist groups; and the threat posed by the possession of weapons of mass destruction by terrorist groups”.

This year's SC summer sessions are the first since the coronavirus pandemic broke out in March 2020 and the first under Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo, who was appointed on April 5, 2021.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172952

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2022): Hardship, mass surrender taking toll on NPA: Centino (By Priam Nepomuceno)

PNA file photo

The hardship being experienced by members of the New People's Army (NPA) inside the organization is one of the reasons why more are surrendering to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

"The hardships inside the NPA organization are now taking their toll on its members, leading them to return to the folds of the law. The AFP welcomes them and is willing to offer them assistance in line with our government local integration programs,” AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino said in a statement Monday night.

He made this comment after meeting his long-time enemy, Maximo Catarata alias Datu Makatindog, the former highest-ranking leader of the weakened Guerrilla Front 3 of the NPA during his visit to the 10th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp General Manuel T. Yan Sr. Tuboran, Mawab, Davao de Oro last April 23.

Catarata surrendered along with his M16 rifle to government forces at the 60th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Asuncion, Davao del Norte on March 31.

The former NPA leader decided to return to the folds of the government due to the hardship he experienced inside the armed group and recent serious debacles that resulted in the mass surrender of most of his subordinates.

He was previously hunted for multiple cases of attempted murder, child labor and rebellion.

Prior to his surrender, three other members of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front 3 surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion on March 29.

They were Emy Ansag Camilo, logistics officer; and GF3 elements Nilo Oyda Moluhinday and Reyan Bagubay Moluhinday. His voluntary surrender was made possible through the relentless intelligence efforts of the 10th Infantry Division and 60th Infantry Battalion.

“Catarata is a living proof of the government’s sincerity in giving former rebels a chance to live a normal and peaceful life not only by ensuring the safety of their families but also by empowering them to become productive citizens of our country,” Centino said.

Before being appointed AFP chief, Centino commanded the Army’s 26th Infantry Battalion in 2008. The unit operated in the southern part of Agusan del Sur where Catarata’s group was once very active.

Centino continued to hunt down the elusive NPA leader when he commanded the 401st Brigade in Agusan del Sur Province and Southern Agusan del Sur in 2017.

On February 26, Catarata’s son, Renard Galos Catarata, who is also the commanding officer of GF3, together with 12 others surrendered to the 60th Infantry Battalion bringing along with them high-powered firearms.

The surrenders consequently lead to the dismantling of GF3 and two other NPA units operating in the tri-boundaries of Agusan Sur, Davao De Oro and Davao Del Norte.

The AFP earlier said that around 266 NPA rebels, majority from its units in Eastern Mindanao, have returned to the fold of the law for the first three months this year.

These can be broken down into 114 from Eastern Mindanao, 58 from Western Mindanao, 37 from Southern Luzon, 36 in the Visayas, 20 in Northern Luzon, and one from Palawan.

Authorities also recorded 37 NPA members killed and 29 apprehended in operations nationwide for the same period. Among the most wanted rebels who died in a firefight was Menardo Villanueva in Barangay Libudon, Mabini, Davao de Oro on January 12.

Villanueva is the commander of the NPA's national operations command and a long-time secretary of the National Democratic Front (NDF) Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

He also served as head of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Mindanao Commission and as Political Bureau Chief of the CPP's central committee.

Government troops also reduced the NPA's firepower with the seizure and surrender of 492 high-powered and low-powered firearms and 148 anti-personnel mines that the International Humanitarian Law strictly prohibits.

The military's operations, getting information from concerned citizens and former NPA rebels, resulted in the discovery of 66 communist terrorist encampments, mostly in Eastern Mindanao and the Visayas.

The military has attributed the gains against the communist terrorists to the support of communities and local government units through the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

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.

The NDF has been formally designated as a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172940

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 26, 2022): AFP gets donated building materials for repair of camps, bases (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of the AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) received from GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) building materials that will be used in the repairs of military camps and patrol bases severely damaged by Typhoon Odette last December.

“We are very thankful to GMA Kapuso Foundation, one of our esteemed stakeholders, for supporting the AFP and for helping us rebuild our camps. We appreciate very much that we have partners who we can cooperate and collaborate with towards providing better services to our people,” AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino said in a statement Monday night.

The handover took place on April 25 at the AFP General Headquarters Canopy in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. The event was presided by Centino, GMAKF executive vice president and chief operating officer Rikki Escudero-Catibog, AFP acting deputy chief-of-staff for logistics Brig. Gen. Rene Raoul Rommel Honasan, and AFP chief engineer Maj. Gen. Gerardo P. Catindoy.

The Philippine Army (PA)'s 4th Infantry Battalion received 520 lightbulbs, 800 corrugated roof sheets, 100 pieces of ridge rolls, and eight boxes of roofing nails.

The GMAKF also donated 5,500 hard hats to the engineer units of the PA, Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy.

These will be turned over to the 51st Engineer Brigade; 52nd Engineer Brigade; 53rd Engineer Brigade; 54th Engineer Brigade; 55th Engineer Brigade; 355th Aviation Engineer Wing; and Naval Combat Engineer Brigade.

“We want to assure you that we are very thankful for all your help; the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. Through us, you helped the grassroots, the Filipino people. It’s such an honor to work side by side with our soldiers out on the field,” Escudero-Catibog said.

The GMAKF is also a long-time partner of the AFP in providing relief assistance to residents affected by disasters in the country.

The AFP through its engineering units has assisted the GMAKF in the rehabilitation and construction of hanging bridges in Dingalan, Aurora; Naawan-Manticao, Misamis Oriental; Paquibato, Davao; Pansur, Lanao del Norte; and Iraya and San Ramon, Buhi, Bicol.

It also helped the foundation in the construction of school buildings in Cagayan Valley; Aurora; Catanduanes; Lanao del Norte; Zamboanga; and Marawi.

“Be assured of the all-out support of the Armed Forces to the GMA Kapuso Foundation during calamities, everywhere in the country. We shall continue to be your partner in helping our countrymen in times of need,” Centino said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172924

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25, 2022): Facebook continues to flag, delete, ‘spam’ PNA posts (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

REMOVED. The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict condemned the multiple flagging of social media giant Facebook of its official posts and shared stories of government media agencies on Sunday (April 24, 2022). On Monday, the original post of the article was removed on Facebook for purportedly violating its community standards on cybersecurity. (PNA)

Despite default apologies because they “got it wrong”, social media giant Facebook (Meta) continued to bar netizens from posting and sharing select stories from the Philippine News Agency (PNA) website for alleged violations against “community standards”.

Near midnight Saturday, Facebook started flagging multiple posts and removed some previously shared contents of both state-run PNA and Radyo Pilipinas.

On Sunday afternoon, individual account-sharers of PNA articles, including PNA reporters and editors, were notified that their flagged posts have been restored while links from the website were allowed for sharing anew.

However, the same issues recurred on Monday and until posting time, have not been solved.

Facebook told the PNA that it is a technical issue.

One particular post that Facebook flagged was the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) reaction on the issue.

On April 24, 2022, at 9:32 p.m., PNA's original post of the story titled "Abusive fact-checkers behind flagged Facebook posts: NTF-ELCAC," which garnered over 3,500 “likes” and thousands of shares and comments that mostly slammed Facebook was removed for "purportedly violating its community standards on cybersecurity".

The story of the NTF-ELAC reaction (https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172815) on the website was not available for sharing on Facebook because it was tagged as “spam” based on community guidelines.

Here are some screenshots of netizens’ comments on Facebook's flagging:

Facebook's policies

According to its policy on spam, Facebook “does not allow content that is designed to deceive, or that attempts to mislead users, to increase viewership”.

“This content creates a negative user experience, detracts from people's ability to engage authentically in online communities, and can threaten the security, stability, and usability of our services. We also aim to prevent people from abusing our platform, products, or features to artificially increase viewership or distribute content en masse for commercial gain,” it stated.

Meanwhile, Facebook’s Policy Rationale on Cybersecurity said the attempts to gather or access “sensitive and unauthorized” information will count as violations.

“We recognize that the safety of our users includes the security of their personal information, accounts, profiles, and other Facebook entities they may manage, as well as our products and services more broadly. Attempts to gather sensitive personal information or engage in unauthorized access by deceptive or invasive methods are harmful to the authentic, open, and safe atmosphere that we want to foster. Therefore, we do not allow attempts to gather sensitive user information or engage in unauthorized access through the abuse of our platform, products, or services,” it said.

Facebook’s Transparency Center also lists the following online activities that would be considered in violation of its cybersecurity policies.

• Gaining access to accounts, profiles Facebook, Inc. entities, or user data other than your own through deceptive means or without explicit permission from the account, profile, or entity owner.
• Encouraging or deceiving users to download or run files or programs that will compromise a user’s online or data security, including through malicious software or websites. Such files and programs will be deemed malicious software or “malware” if they harm or gain unauthorized access to a computer, device, or network.
• Attempting to obtain, acquire or request another user’s login credentials or other sensitive information, whether explicitly or through deceptive means such as phishing (e.g. fake surveys designed to capture log-in info or links to fake login pages or impostor websites) or the use of malicious software or websites.
• Publicly sharing your own or others’ login information, either on a platform or through a third-party service.

Facebook’s parent company, Meta, has yet to provide an explanation on how the flagged posts violated community standards, specifically on cybersecurity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172887

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 25, 2022): Duterte congratulates 3 PSG members who passed Bar exams (By Azer Parrocha)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (File photo)

President Rodrigo R. Duterte personally relayed his congratulations to three members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who passed the 2020-2021 Bar examinations on April 12.

PSG spokesperson Maj. Zeerah Blanche Lucrecia said the three PSG troopers were invited for a photo opportunity with Duterte at Malago Clubhouse, Malacaňang Park, Manila.

“The gesture was gladly received by the new board passers led by Captain Joan Don A. Napay (Mac) who is currently assigned at PSG Station Hospital; Lt. April Z. Bayabao PN from the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, G4 and PSSg Byron Angelo D Bacud PNP from the Presidential Police Security Force Unit (PPSFU),” Lucrecia told reporters in a Viber message.

Napay said Duterte shared with them his personal experiences as a lawyer and as a prosecutor when he was still in practice.

She said the President also recommended reading more books on trial techniques and encouraged them to engage in practice whether in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or in private.

Despite passing the Bar, Napay said she plans to serve the AFP “in the meantime.”

Bacu said while he may be leaving the PSG soon, he will continue working for the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“I am already preparing the documents required by the PNP for my application through lateral entry for legal officers. This means I will be commissioned with the rank of Police Captain and will be reassigned to Legal Service, a technical unit in the PNP which provides legal service to the PNP and its members,” he said.

Bayabao said she will also continue working for the AFP, noting that she still has “a lot to learn.” However, she is also open to working in private practice.

“Hopefully while in the AFP, I can practice the profession. As to private practice, maybe in the future. I am open to any kind of practice of law. Anyway, there is only one goal, to promote justice and protect the rights of people,” she said.

A total of 8,241 examinees out of 11,402 takers passed the 2020-2021 Bar Examinations for a 72.28 percent passing rate, according to the Supreme Court.

Only 14 successful Bar takers earned recognition for “excellent” performance, obtaining grades higher than 90 percent.

Around 751 Bar passers were also recognized for their “exemplary” performance for earning a grade of 85 percent to 90 percent.

This year's exam was the first in two years since the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the first to be held in various sites, and the first that used digital means, with examinees in 29 local testing centers nationwide bringing their own laptops.

There were two cancellations prior to the February 4 and 6 schedule because of a considerable number of SC personnel and examinees who contracted Covid-19 and the damage sustained by local government units from December’s Typhoon Odette.

The oath-taking of the latest batch of lawyers is scheduled for May 2 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1172840

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WESTMINCOM: LOOK|| TROOPS, INTER-FAITH LEADERS, YOUTH GROUPS PROVIDES FREE IFTAR TO MOSQUE PREVIOUSLY DOMINATED BY ABU SAYAFF BANDITS

2 NPAs killed, 4 firearms seized in Occidental Mindoro

Most private armed groups in Mindanao ‘dismantled’: PNP

DND, KESCO sign MOU for solar power projects

SC decision on Anti-Terrorism Act ‘triumph’ for PH: Palac

SC denies with finality all challenges vs. Anti-Terrorism

Hardship, mass surrender taking toll on NPA: Centino

AFP gets donated building materials for repair of camps, bases

Facebook continues to flag, delete, ‘spam’ PNA posts

Duterte congratulates 3 PSG members who passed Bar exams