House panel approves MUP pension reforms

A House panel, created to guarantee a salary increase, indexation of pensions, and funding for the pension system of military and uniformed personnel, has approved a substitute bill that will redesign the current MUP pension system.
    In a deliberation on Tuesday by the House ad hoc committee on the MUP pension system, chaired by Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, the panel agreed on the substitute bill, in consolidation with other measures, which intends to introduce reform in the MUP pensions system.
    The panel-approved measure considered the proposals of the members of the military and uniformed services in the formulation of the proposed MUP pension reform.
    Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Corrections, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Philippine Coast Guard, and their mother agencies Department of National Defense and Department of Interior and Local Government, accepted the proposal which was formalized and amended with inputs during the hearing.

“We are pleased to report to the President and to the public that, today, we have formalized a solution to the MUP pension problem. The members of the Ad Hoc Committee on the MUP Pension System have agreed in principle on an MUP Pension Reform that is amenable to both the military and uniformed services and to the economic managers,” Salceda said.

The economist-lawmaker further noted that economic managers also see the “substantial improvement this formula makes over the current system.”

House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who previously ordered the creation of the panel to thresh out disagreements over various proposals on the pension system reforms, commended Salceda and members of the committee for coming up with a revised version of the reform bill that is now acceptable to all stakeholders including the AFP and the PNP.

The provisions of the bill include:

    Retention of promotion to one rank higher upon retirement;

    Uniform 90 percent of longevity pay plus base pay for lump sum benefit upon separation below 20 years in service, which will create a new benefit for the PNP that currently does not have it;

    Uniform multiple of 1.0 x Years of Service for lump sum benefit;

    Guaranteed 3 percent annual increase in salaries for 10 years;

    Indexation of pensions to 50 percent of adjustment in pay;

    Creation of a window for indigent pensioners under the trust funds;

    Regular IFRS-compliant reports every three years for the pension system

Salceda underscored that it is a “win-win solution” since they are removing the risks of sudden spikes in pension liabilities while also ensuring that salaries and pensions increase at manageable levels.

“For the past 25 years, the salaries have only increased for nine years, so this is also a win for the active personnel, who will get a salary increase every year for the next ten years,” the solon said.

“We are also ensuring that all the MUP services will get a separation benefit if they leave the service below 20 years in service. That is a new benefit to the PNP.”

Romualdez, meanwhile, said the landmark legislation is a testament to their commitment to national security and fiscal responsibility.

“This landmark legislation demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the men and women in uniform, who risk their lives daily to maintain peace and order. It provides a robust, sustainable, and fair pension system that recognizes their invaluable service to our nation,” the House speaker said.

The MUP pension system, which the Department of Finance has earlier warned as fiscally unsustainable, was among President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s priority legislation.

Marcos wants Congress to reform the pension system, which he listed as one of his priority legislation in his second State of the Nation Address. -- By Edjen Oliquino

 

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Despite military’s attempt to stop us, our relief delivery effort succeeds

 RELIEF MISSION

Lulu A. Gimenez

BALBALAN, Kalinga -- On July 9 and 10, we were able to bring food aid to the communities of Poswoy and Gawaan in this militarized town of Balbalan, Kalinga.  Originally intended as a one-day operation, our relief delivery took two days because we had to hurdle a major obstacle.  
    A battalion commander of the Fifth Infantry Division (5th ID) of the Philippine Army had pressured local government officials to deny us entry into the area.  But after engaging the local officials in a night and a day of argument and persuasion, we and the local farmers’ associations were able to proceed with relief distribution.
    We came as the Serve the People Brigade (STPB), assembled from various organizations affiliated with the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) and its national counterpart, Bayan, plus the representatives of Church and human rights institutions.      We were responding to the need of the indigenous peasant communities of Poswoy and Gawaan for augmentation of their food supplies.  We brought them rice, cooking oil, canned meat, dried and cured fish, salt, sugar, and multivitamins.  We distributed these on June 9 to 55 households in the sitios of Angod and Mamaga in Poswoy, and on June 10 to 192 households in Gawaan.  
    The communities were anticipating a shortage of food because they had suffered significant crop losses resulting from restrictions that had been imposed by the soldiers of the 5th ID on their farming activities during its counter-insurgency operations.  The battalion commander’s attempt to block our delivery of relief was an added transgression of the communities’ socio-economic rights.
    Balbalan became the focus of counter-insurgency operations early this year.  The operations intensified in March, with indiscriminate aerial bombing and artillery firing followed by the 5th ID’s deployment of three battalions of ground troops to Gawaan and neighboring villages.  
    The troops constrained Gawaan villagers from undertaking their normal farming tasks. The farmers were unable to see to the irrigation of their rice terraces for about two weeks, and could not visit their upland farms and coffee groves for about two months.  They were forced to let their coffee berries drop from the trees and rot, thus losing their annual harvest of a commodity that could have earned them valuable cash.
    In Poswoy, the 5th ID’s counter-insurgency operations intensified in early May, a critical time for irrigating paddies and preparing upland farms for planting.  Prevented from tending their fields for two weeks, the farmers lost at least a quarter of their wet-rice crops and will probably lose at least half of their dry-rice harvests.  Many of them also lost their primary cash crop, bananas.
    In mid-June, the Gawaan Farmers’ Association (GFA) and the Poswoy Farmers’ Association for Development (PFAD) wrote an appeal for aid to their provincial peasant federation, Timpuyog dagiti Mannalon ti Kalinga (TMK), which is affiliated with the CPA through its peasant sectoral formation, Aliansa dagiti Pesante iti Kordiliera (APIT TAKO).
    Upon receiving the appeals, TMK staff conducted meetings with GFA and PFAD leaders to determine how many households would be needing relief and what type of goods they should receive.  The TMK staff then sent the Governor of Kalinga and the Mayor of Balbalan formal letters of intent concerning plans for relief delivery.  The rest of us in the CPA contacted national and international partners to generate support for the relief.  
    Things proceeded with hardly a hitch until July 8, the eve of our planned relief delivery.  
    The Mayor of Balbalan suddenly told us that we would have to put our plans on hold because of objections from the military.
    On July 9, we went ahead to Poswoy, anyway, because both the PFAD and the barangay officials there said they were willing to face any reprimand.  But TMK staff and the GFA had yet to persuade Gawaan’s barangay officials to take a stance like that assumed by their counterparts in Poswoy.  
    Before the day ended, though, the officials gave in.  And the next day, even the Mayor of Balbalan gave us his nod.  Thus, on July 10, we were able to bring relief to Gawaan.
    We were able to complete our relief mission only because the communities and farmers’ associations in Gawaan and Poswoy exercised their collective will and secured the cooperation of their local officials.  
    It is troubling to think that the officials of Barangay Gawaan and the Municipality of Balbalan could even consider blocking the flow of food to their people just because of a battalion commander’s objections.  
    Is Balbalan under martial rule?  Whatever happened to democracy – to the supremacy of civilian authority?
     We in the STPB express our profound gratitude to the relief donors: Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), Congregatio Sanctissimi Redemptoris (CSsR)-Laoag, Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI), Lingap Gabriela, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), Promotion of Church People’s Response (PCPR), and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP)-Northern Luzon Jurisdiction.

(Lulu A. Gimenez is staff, Aliansa dagiti Pesante iti Kordiliera (APIT TAKO) and STPB coordinator for relief to peasant communities)

 

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NL AFP camps set as disaster warehouses

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) will use military camps in Northern Luzon to stock relief goods to enable it to immediately respond to disasters and emergencies in the region.
    These are the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) military facility, Marine Battalion Landing Team 10 base in Sta. Ana town in Cagayan, 4th Marine Brigade at Camp Cape Bojeador in Burgos, Ilocos Norte and Camp Andres Malong in Pangasinan.
The military said the facilities would serve as vital hubs for storing and distributing crucial relief supplies and ensuring prompt assistance to communities affected by calamities.
    Nolcom public information office chief Maj. Al Anthony Pueblas said OCD assistant secretary and deputy administrator for operations Raffy Alejandro IV visited Nolcom on June 13 to identify strategic military bases for warehouses dedicated to humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
    Pueblas said Northern Luzon needs “robust preparedness measures” to ensure swift and effective response to natural disasters.
    ”This convergence with the OCD to address said concerns is very vital and timely,” he said.
    Pueblas said Northern Luzon is constantly ravaged by typhoons due to its geographical location in the Northwestern Pacific Basin, the most active tropical cyclone basin in the world.

 

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NLcadets in top 10 PMA class grads

BAGUIO CITY – Cadets of the graduating Philippine Military Academy Class this year from Ilocos and Cordillera regions belong to the top 10.
    This, as 22-year old son of a retired soldier and a housewife from Lipa City, Batangas is the top graduating cadet of the 311-strong Mandirigmang may Dangal Simbolo ng Galing at     Pagbangon (Madasigon) PMA Class of 2023.
    Cadet first-class Warren D. Leonor, who will be joining the Philippine Air Force, will be receiving the Presidential Saber from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the PMA graduation rites on May 21.
    Aside from the Presidential Saber, Leonor will also receive Performance Award, Academic Group Award, Social Science Plaque, Air Force Professional courses Plaque, Gen. Antonio Luna Award, Spanish Armed Forces Award, National Security Studies Plaque, Management Plaque, Tactics Group Award, SPOU Plaque and the Jusmag Saber.

PMA Superintendent Rowen Tolentino said that out of the 311 graduating cadets, 158 will be joining the Philippine Army, 65 will be joining the Philippine Air Force and 77 will be joining the Philippine Navy.

Furthermore, he said that 239 of the graduating cadets are males and 72 are females.

Cadet first class Edmundo D. Logronio, 23, son of a farmer and a housewife from Manito, Albay, who will be joining the Philippine Army, placed second in class and will be receiving the Vice-Presidential Saber from Vice President Sara Duterte during the graduation rites.

Logronio will also be receiving the Australia Defense Best Overall Performance Award, Aguinaldo Saber, Philippine Army Saber, Department of Tactical Officers Plaque and Army Professional Courses Plaque.

Ranked third is cadet first class Nicole B. Sarmiento, 22, daughter of a seaman and a housewife from Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, who will be joining the Philippine Army.

\She will be receiving the Secretary of National Defense Saber.

Cadet first class Zhen Zhen S. Cayton, 23, daughter of a carpenter and a housewife from Dupax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya, who will be joining the Philippine Air Force, ranked fourth.

Cadet first class Rez Mark Cantor, 22, son of a farmer from Bugallon, Pangasinan, who will be joining the Philippine Navy, ranked fifth and will be receiving the Philippine Navy Saber and Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award.\

Rounding up the top 10 in the Madasigon graduating class are sixth placer Rojan J. Macario of Zamboanga City who will be joining the Philippine Army; seventh placer Samuel S. Banac of Quezon City who will be joining the Philippine Army; eighth placer Kimberly Cater Lawingan of Mountain Province who will be joining the Philippine Navy; ninth placer Rico Jay B. Fernandez of Zamboanga del Sur who will be joining the Philippine Navy; and Krish K. Bahingawan of Ifugao who will be joining the Philippine Air Force.

Fernandez will also be receiving the Association of Generals and Flag Officers Inc. Award and the Department of Leadership Plaque while Bahingawan will be receiving the Department of Humanities Plaque and the Chief Justice Saber.

 

 

 

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Azurin nostalgic in PMA homecoming

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan 

BAGUIO CITY – A sense of nostalgia swept through Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as he saw the Philippine Military Academy (PMA)'s Borromeo Field here in Fort Del Pilar and his contemporaries gathered there again for the annual homecoming.
    Adding to Azurin's nostalgia was the fact that he will soon be hanging out his uniform for the last time as PNP chief as he is expected to reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on April 24.
    "Of course, napaka nostalgic di ba at this is my last year na mag-uniform so talagang very memorable kaya majority ng mga class namin still in the active, we wear our uniform today (Of course, this is very nostalgic for me as this is the last year that I will be wearing my uniform while in active service. So this homecoming event is very memorable for me. All of my classmates (PMA Class 1989) still in active service made it a point to attend the homecoming to show ourselves in our uniform and (showcase our pride in it)," Azurin told reporters on the sidelines of PMA Alumni homecoming on Saturday where President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was the guest of honor.
    Azurin said that during his time at the PMA, he never imagined that he would someday be heading the PNP.
    However, this does not mean that he did not strive to improve himself and that working hard is sure to pay good dividends in the future.
    "You just work your best everyday and you continue to improve your skills and competency at sabi nga ni Presidente kanina napakaimportante nung character (and as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said earlier, having an upright character is important)," Azurin said.
    The PMA Alumni Association, Inc. (PMAAAI) honored Azurin for his outstanding and exceptional contributions to leadership and service to the country.
    He was given the "Outstanding Achievement Award" in honor of his dedication to maintaining peace and order, as well as his efforts to combat illegal drugs and other criminal activities.
    "This award is not just a recognition of my personal achievements, but a testament to the hard work and sacrifices of the men and women of the Philippine National Police who tirelessly work to maintain peace and order in our communities," Azurin said.
    The event had the theme of "PMA Cavaliers: Sama-Sama sa Pag-unlad sa kabila ng Pandemya at Kalamidad," emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation amid the challenges posed by the pandemic and calamities.
    Other distinguished alumni were also recognized for their exceptional contributions to their respective fields during the event.
    PMAAAI Chairman and CEO Vidal Querol, conferred the prestigious recognition to the awardees, emphasizing the importance of recognizing outstanding alumni for their contributions to society-- PNA

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Igorota, 2nd top Cordi PNP chief, other cops promoted brig generals

CAMP DANGWA, La Trinidad, Benguet -- An Igorota from Sabangan, Mountain Province was among Cordilleran cops promoted to police brigadier general at national police headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Dec. 12. 
    Brig. Gen. Jezebel Dominguez Medina is the first Igorot woman to be promoted police brigadier general. 
    Medina is acting director of the Philippine National Police Health Service.
    She was a former dentist before joining PNP Class of 1993 through lateral entry.
    Medina was accompanied by her husband Brig. Gen. Gen. Remus Medina and their children during donning of ranks ceremony.
    The second in command of Police Regional Office Cordillera was also promoted to brigadier general during the same occasion at Camp Crame last week.
    The oath-taking and donning of ranks ceremony was graced by Philippine National Police chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. 
    During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Patrick Joseph G. Allan was promoted, one of 20 newly promoted police brigadier generals who took their oath of office. 
    All is member of the Philippine National Police Academy’s “Tagapaglunsad” Class of 1993 and is currently serving as deputy regional director for Administration in Police Regional Office Cordillera.
     Major generals or with two-stars who were promoted were Edgar Allan Okubo who is the director of the PNP Special Action Force and Ritchie Posadas who is the deputy director of the APC Southern Luzon. 
    The new Cordilleran generals also include Brigadier generals Mark Pespes, Ramil Saculles, and Roderick Minong.
    In celebration of the promotion, Cordillera police director Brig. Gen. Mafelino A. Bazar hosted a ceremony here Camp Dangwa at the Masigasig grandstand Dec. 14.
    During the ceremony, Allan was received by police regional director for operations Col. Ronald V. Gayo and accorded with traditional dance and arrival honors by regional police.
    In his message, Allan thanked those who made his promotion possible and assured his stronger commitment and dedication as a police officer.
    "No other words to say but thank you for all your support in achieving this great promotion. I am giving my words that I will not fail your expectation of me as I do my best to the best of my interest and the rest of the organization," Allan said.

"Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion. Your hard work finally paid off. May this promotion be an inspiration for you to continue achieving greater heights in your uniformed career," Bazar said.

 

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20 guns seized in Cagayan gunbattle

By Vince Jacob Visaya

TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Army soldiers seized 20 guns and assorted war materiel in a gunfight between the 17th Infantry Battalion Army soldiers and New People's Army rebels in Calassitan, Santo Niño, Cagayan on Tuesday, August 9, the military said.
    Maj. Gen. Lawrence Mina, 5th Infantry Division commander, said the guns were seized after the 15-minute gunfight between Army soldiers and the 15-member communist guerrillas led by a certain Edgar Bautista alias Ka Simoy, secretary of the NPA's West Front Committee-Komiteng Probinsya-Cagayan-Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley.
    Seized were two M-60 light machine guns, an M-14 Armalite rifle, a Carbine rifle, an AK-47 Armalite rifle, an M-16 Armalite rifle and 12-gauge shotgun.
    Also seized were an AK-47 rifle with incomplete parts, three M16A1 rifles with incomplete parts, two M-14 rifles with incomplete parts and a Garand rifle.
    Also found were an M60 barrel, three Cal. 30 Carbine barrels, a Garand barrel, and assorted bullets for M-14, Carbine aNormalnd AK-47 guns.
    Soldiers also found two improvised explosive device components, 30-meter detonating cords, five bandoliers with magazines, a rebel flag, medical items and food.

 

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PMA welcomes 350 fresh cadets of Class 2026

Cadets are welcomed into the Philippine Military Academy. PHOTO COURTESY OF PMA

BAGUIO CITY — The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on July 9 formally welcomed 350 freshmen cadets, 124 of them females, who will compose Class of 2026.
    The new cadets entered a more relaxed military school, which had been under self-imposed lockdown since February 2020 at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
    The cadets, also called plebes, underwent an hour of physical exercises at the Borromeo Field as part of their traditional reception ceremony after entering Fort del Pilar for the first time.
    The squat thrusts, push-ups, sit-ups, ground rolls and sprints across the stretch of the field helped launch their transition from civilian life to a regimented military behavior, said  Lt. Col. Reynan Afan, a member of the Corps of Professors and the academy’s acting public affairs officer.
    The exercises took place under sunny skies, after days of strong afternoon rains.
    The PMA said 48.29 percent or 169 of the plebes were senior high school students when they took the entrance examination, while the other 181 cadets were enrolled in college when they passed the entrance examination.
    The academy said 120 of the plebes were aged 19 years, 66 aged 18 years and 17 aged 17.
    The remaining cadets were either 20 or 21 years old.
    “The training may be challenging but rest assured it will hone you to become professional military officers imbued with the values of courage, integrity and loyalty,” said acting PMA superintendent Brig. Gen. Julius Tomines when he addressed the cadets.
    He told them: “It takes the whole PMA community to train cadets.” 
    He urged them not to quit.
    “Conquer your challenges one at a time,” the army general said.
    Fort del Pilar reopened its gates to tourists on March 25, but retained a requirement for guests to first clear rapid antigen tests.
    Some of the new cadets’ parents and relatives attended the ceremony, including retired military officials.

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DENR-Vizcaya taps Army in reforestation project

By Leander C. Domingo

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office here tapped the military for development of eight municipalities that have been deforested resulting in illegal activities in recent years.
    The PENR has collaborated with the Philippine Army's 203rd Community Defense Center through a memorandum of a partnership agreement for the development of the Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Ecological Park and Training Center in Aritao town.
    PENR officer Giovannie Magat and CDC director Bernard Ragus signed the MoPA to enrich the existing plantations and regreen denuded lands and other areas within the eight municipalities covered by the PENR sub-office.
    Magat expressed support for the greening program of the PA and appealed to the public to support the uniformed personnel in forest development and protection.
    "The DENR is always ready to extend technical assistance in this endeavor and provide quality planting materials to ensure high survival of the plantations," he said.
    Col. Bernard Ragus, 203rd CDC personnel head, assured their commitment to the environment programs through bayanihan (community spirit).
    Army reservist Flodemonte Gerdan, a former Nueva Vizcaya board member, expressed hope illegal activities in forests will stop through the PENR and PA partnership.

 

 

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CHR, Army help ex-NPA child warrior

By Leander C. Domingo

CAMP MELCHOR DE LA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela -- The Commission on Human Rights has extended financial assistance to a former New People's Army child warrior Wednesday at the Philippine Army's 77th Infantry Battalion  Headquarters in Cagayan province.
    Lawyer Jimmy Baliga, CHR Region 2 director, personally awarded the cheque amounting to P10,000 to alias Arcy through the assistance of 77IB in Barangay Piggatan, Alcala town in Cagayan.
    "The CHR office continues to stand up for our countrymen who have experienced violations of their human rights.     The financial assistance provided by our office is just one of the assistance we are ready to provide, especially to the young victims of the terrorist NPA," Baliga said.
    Capt. Rigor Pamittan, 5th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said Arcy was 16 years old when he was used as an armed courier of the communist group until he joined the NPA in 2017.
    Arcy said he was forced to join the group because his life was threatened.
    I was thinking then, just to save our family from any harm, I was forced to go with them," Arcy said.
    On March 17, 2021, Arcy grabbed the opportunity to return to the folds of the law.
    "I saw an opportunity to surrender. When I saw the soldiers (of 77IB), I did not hesitate to ask them for help. So I am very grateful that they helped me," he said.
    "I am also grateful today to the Commission on Human Rights for their assistance," Arcy added.
    Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Magtangol Panopio, 77IB commander, urged armed communist members to surrender and get the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.
    "It is not yet too late. Lay down your arms and we will help you be reintegrated," Panopio said.

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122 families flee Army, NPA clashes in Ifugao

By Kimberlie Quitasol

ASIPULO, Ifugao -- Military operations against New People’s Army rebels here displaced at least 122 families caught in the crossfire, authorities since June 1.
    Myla Dulnuan, Asipulo Municipal Social Welfare and Development officer, said most families evacuated to the Namal Elementary School in Barangay Namal while some stayed at the Pula barangay hall compound.
    “We cannot assure the safety of the villagers should they go back. We asked them to refrain from returning to the forest just yet,” Dulnuan told this writer in a text message.
    She said some villagers wanted to return home, as some have gardens near the forest.
    “But we told them to prioritize their safety,” Dulnuan said.
    The villagers began to leave their homes on May 23 when government troops from the 54th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the communist guerrillas engaged in a 20-minute firefight in Namal.
    Capt. Karol Jay Mendoza Jr., 54th IB civil-military officer, said the rebels from the Guerrilla Front-Abra-Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur chanced upon the Army soldiers resulting in the gun battle.
    The rebels later withdrew, reportedly dragging along their wounded comrades.
    According to the Army, government soldiers later secured the place and overran the rebel camp.
    Another firefight erupted between government forces and the NPA in Namal on May 24, which wounded a rebel.
    Army soldiers seized three high-powered guns and various war materiel after the clash.
    On May 29, a rebel was killed in another gun battle between the two camps in Namal.
    Lt. Col. Franz Josef Diamante, 54th IB commander, said Army soldiers encountered 15 rebels in Sitio Binangyuyaw.
    “The soldiers retaliated and killed one of the rebels,” Diamante said.
    According to the military’s Northern Luzon Command, pursuit operations were underway.
    Dulnuan said the Asipulo local government had been providing food to displaced villagers.
    She said the local office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development also distributed hygiene kits and food packs to the evacuees.

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Army troops rescue NPA chief hurt in Ifugao clash

WOUNDED REBEL -- Avelino Cruz, reportedly vice commander of New People’s Army Front Operational Command-Guerrilla Front Abra-Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur, is rescued after being left behind by his comrades after a gun battle with government troops in Asipulo town, Ifugao province. -- 54th Infantry Battalion photo

By Villamor Visaya Jr. 

ASIPULO, Ifugao -- Military troops rescued a wounded commander of the communist guerrillas after being left behind by his comrades following their firefight on Tuesday, May 24, with the rebels here authorities said.
    Capt. Karol Jay Mendoza Jr., civil-military operations officer of the 54th Infantry Battalion, identified the wounded rebel as Avelino Cruz alias Junel/Alcaras of the Front Operational Command-Guerrilla Front Abra-Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur (GF-AMPIS) under the Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee.
    Cruz, who is reportedly the vice commander of GF-AMPIS, was in stable condition while recuperating at a hospital in Nueva Vizcaya province.
    “If he had not been seen and saved by Army soldiers on May 26, he could have died due to loss of blood and a broken leg,” Mendoza said.
    Cruz has pending charges for multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, and attempted murder at various courts in the Cordillera and Ilocos regions.
    As this developed, Army soldiers also donated food and helped families displaced by the clashes between Army troops and the rebels this week.
    This, as Army troops recovered three high-powered guns and other war materiel after another gun battle Tuesday with NPA rebels here, the military said.
    The firefight came after another encounter between the government troops and the NPA rebels in Barangay Namal said Capt. Mendoza Jr.
    Mendoza said the communist rebels belong to the Guerrilla Front-Abra-Mt. Province- Ilocos Sur.
    Recovered from the site of the firefight were two M-16 Armalite rifles, an M-653 baby Armalite rifle, a rifle grenade, two hand grenades, six anti-personnel landmines, and other war materials.
Soldiers said there were bloodstains on the withdrawal path of the rebels.
    “The use of anti-personnel landmines by the rebels is a clear violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CAHR-IHL), which prohibits any land mines in warfare,” Lt. Col. Franz Josef Diamante, 54th IB commander, said.
    On Monday, the soldiers found four anti-personnel mines with 40-meter wire, 20-piece blasting caps, medical kits, anti-government documents, and personal belongings after a 20-minute running gun battle against the rebels at Sitio Likew in Asipulo.
 

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PMA valedictorian inspired by father’s military career

By Liza Agoot 

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City – Krystlenn Ivany Quemado, valedictorian of this year’s Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class "Bagsik-Diwa" (Bagong Sibol Kinabukasan Didigma Hanggang sa Wakas), did not have it easy even if she is a military officer’s daughter.
    As the daughter of Col. Nicolas Quemado Jr. of PMA Maalab Class of 1993, she always had to prove herself.
“Many people think that I grew up in a sheltered, privileged life. People do not see the other side of the coin, where I carry the burden of proving myself. That I can create my own identity through my own effort and determination,” she said in her valedictory address here on May 15.
    She recalled being exposed to the realities of life at a young age whenever she visited the Mindanao camps where her father was assigned.
    “It was there that I saw the adversities of life. The modest life of the nearby communities and the plight of the lowly soldiers who give up the comforts of life,” said the 22-year-old from Koronadal City, South Cotabato.
    She used those realizations to fulfill her dreams that one day, “I, too, could bring honor to my father as the first child of a cavalier to graduate number one, not standing behind his shadow but following his life to a path of noble service”.
    She called on her “mistahs” (classmates) to never tire of working, even in small ways, for the betterment of the country.
    Quemado also reminded the youth that they “have bigger roles to play”.
    “May you find the core foundation of your purpose in life. If you have a calling, hold on to it, dream high, fight for it, and be determined and strong to overcome the challenges. Your dreams and aspiration for our country are as important as ours,” she said.
    She is the seventh female cadet to top the PMA since it began accepting females in 1993. She will join the Philippine Navy.
    She’s a recipient of the Presidential Saber, Philippine Navy Saber, Jusmag Saber, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, Spanish Armed Forces Award, Agfo Award, Academic Group Award, Humanities Plaque, Management Plaque, Social Sciences Plaque, and Navy Professional Courses Plaque.
    President Rodrigo Duterte graced the ceremony of 214 graduating cadets -- 165 males and 49 females.
    Col. Quemado, who hails from Antique and is currently with the Northern Luzon command, said her daughter was a valedictorian since her grade school days.
    The family knew she was capable academically but she had to prepare for the physical training.
    He said her daughter, the third among four siblings, accomplished the PMA requirements while preparing for other entrance examinations for college.
    “Makisama sa friends (Treat your friends well), classmates, and always follow the cadet regulation and honor system which is the foundation of an AFP officer and molds us as good citizens and model officers,” Col. Quemado advised her.
    Dr. Loveleih Quemado, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of the Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal, said that since her husband was always away on assignments, she was both mother and father to their four children.
    She inculcated in them religious and social values, and the importance of education.
    “They were taught to be responsible for their actions,” the PMA valedictorian’s mother said in an interview.
    Those values made her confident that her daughter would hurdle the PMA.
    “I did not worry because she has values. Bata pa siya, proper na siya (Even as a child, she was well behaved),” she said. -- PNA

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3 NPA leaders killed in Cagayan gunfight

By Paula Antolin

STO. NINO, Cagayan -- Government forces killed three high-ranking communist rebel officials in an encounter here on Thursday.
Killed by the troops of the 17th Infantry Battalion in a five-minute firefight were leaders of the New Peoples’ Army Komiteng Probinsya (KOMPROB) Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV).
    They were identified as Saturnino Agunoy alias Peping, head of the Regional Operations Department of KR-CV, Mark Canta alias Uno, Giyang Politikal, West Front Committee, and alias Val, medical officer of the West Front Committee.
    Agunoy had 12 cases of qualified assault with murder, and another two cases of qualified assault without murder, arson, and rebellion.
    LtC Oliver C Logan, 17IB battalion commander, said troops were conducting a security patrol in the area when residents informed them about the presence of the rebels.
    “Upon verifying the information, members of the rebels fired at our operating troops which they retaliated. The firefight lasted for five minutes which resulted in the death of their three leaders. Before this, we have learned that the group in the area was led by the notorious alias Simoy,” he said.
    “Some of the rebels scampered in a different direction. So, we alerted our nearest patrol bases and the PNP to conduct blocking position and checkpoint for their possible apprehension,” the battalion commander added.
    Troops recovered in the encounter site two cal. 45 pistol, one hand grenade, one backpack, one Lenovo laptop with charger, one Cherry Mobile smart phone, one USB and personal items, one backpack with medical supplies (12 syringes, three IV fluids, bandages, 30 gauze pad, etc) and subversive documents with high intelligence value.
    Brig. Gen Steve Crespillo, brigade commander of the 501st Infantry Brigade extended his condolences to the families of the killed individuals and warned the remaining members of the communist group to lay down their warms or face the consequences.

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Baguio folks hit PMA’s ‘no decal no entry’ rule

City council wants changes 

By Jordan G. Habbiling

BAGUIO CITY – Residents here assailed the ‘no decal, no entry’ policy imposed by the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) within its military reservations in the city such as barangays Camp Allen, Upper Market Subdivision, and St. Joseph Village.
    Following this, the city council will push guidelines for a more lenient and flexible implementation of the areas as these are also inhabited by civilians. 
    The city council’s committee on laws, human rights, and justice chaired by Councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda was tasked to craft the said guidelines which will address all concerns brought up during the council’s dialogue with the barangay officials of Camp Allen and representatives of PMA last Monday.
    The draft of the guidelines will be subject to the approval of all concerned parties.
    The ‘no decal, no entry’ policy is one of the security measures put into place to protect the military camps all over the country.
    The decals are issued only to active or retired members of the military and their authorized dependents, Armed Forces of the Philippines Civilian Human Resource Staff, Department of National Defense employees, and business tenants.
Concerned residents have been complaining to the city officials about the enforcement of the ‘no decal, no entry’ policy by PMA which impedes the smooth flow of vehicular traffic in their places.
    Tabanda questioned the imposition of the policy on residents in nearby areas who traverse the military reservation.
    She said there are titled properties that are not part of the military reservation, so residents therein must not be compelled to abide by the policy.
    “That road is the only passageway. Why are you restricting the movement and entry of private property owners who will only pass through the road?,” Tabanda told Lt./Col.  Maria Elena Esteban who represented PMA.
     Esteban informed the council members that the policy will not apply to the senior citizens, pregnant women, persons with disabilities, and vehicles of public utilities, and will not be applied in cases of emergencies as agreed upon during a dialogue between the City Mayor’s Office and the concerned parties. 
    Recounting her personal experience when she entered Camp Allen to attend a barangay activity, Tabanda said the exemptions are not being followed.
    Despite being informed that she was a senior citizen, personnel at the gate instructed her to get off her vehicle and walk all the way to the barangay hall.
    “If this could happen to me who is a city official, let alone to an ordinary resident,” she said,
    Agusto Abad, a kagawad at Camp Allen, narrated instances where the enforcement of the policy was “oppressive and unjust.”
    He showed a record book where all complaints of residents regarding this matter are recorded. 
    Abad also complained about the hostile conduct of uniformed personnel at the gate when dealing with residents.
    He accused them of being “disrespectful” and treating civilians as if they were in “combat.”
    Esteban said complaints of residents reaching offices of PMA are being acted upon.
    She told the council they will brief again personnel manning gates of all the military camps in the city.
    Councilor Levy Lloyd Orcales told Esteban Camp Allen is not only a military reservation but also a barangay with residents who are ordinary citizens.
    “While I understand the intent of such policies, bear in mind that you are dealing with civilians. Why do they receive such treatments?” Orcales said.
    Previously, the council passed a resolution calling for the creation of a grievance committee for the purpose of resolving disputes that may arise between the barangay constituents and PMA concerning the former’s property rights and interests.     Until now, the grievance committee has yet to be created.
    Tabanda said the council may take the initiative in conducting dialogues for the resolution of various issues between PMA and affected residents along with the crafting of the proposed guidelines. 

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Kennon Road to open for PMA alumni homecoming

By Liza Agoot

BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council  and the Joint inter Agency Task Force Kennon Road on Thursday announced that the road will be opened for the participants of this year's Philippine Military Academy (PMA) alumni homecoming set from Feb. 15 to 20.
    In an advisory, CRDRRMC chairperson and Office of Civil Defense-Cordillera director Albert Mogol said the temporary opening of the road is allowed under Memorandum 8-2022 for some 800 attendees who will come to Baguio City for the event.
    “For the duration, Kennon Road shall be opened to PMA Alumni, homecoming guests, and other attendees with vehicle weight limited to five tons and with strict regard to road safety rules and regulations,” the advisory said.
    Kennon Road had been closed to vehicular traffic except for vehicles owned by residents and to public utility vehicles that transport the residents within the 33 kilometers stretch.
    It is open for the general public every Friday until 6 a.m. on Mondays, for easier and shorter travel time.
    Several projects are being completed on the road and on the mountain to stabilize the historic road that was greatly damaged in 1990 but is expected to be rehabilitated soon with the passage of a bill allowing the full rehabilitation of Kennon road.    
    Meanwhile, Col. Glenn Lonogan, Baguio City Police Office director, said they are ready for the arrival of guests and alumni of the country’s premier military institution.
    Aside from alumni, they also expect candidates for the May polls to grace the occasion.
    Strict observance of health protocols will also be enforced during the annual event, which has been toned down for the past years due to the coronavirus pandemic. -- PNA

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2 NPA rebels yield to army in Kalinga

By Leander C. Domingo

PINUKPOK, Kalinga -- Two members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered with their firearms to the Philippine Army's 50th Infantry Battalion (50th IB) here last week.
    A report released Wednesday by the 5th Infantry Division’s (5th ID) Maj. Jekyll Julian Dulawan, 5th ID public affairs office chief, said the 50th IB identified the surrenderees as Alias Berto, 30 and Alias Ben, 29, both members of the Squad 1 of the Komiteng Larangang Guerilla-Ampis of Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee.
    Dulawan said Berto and Ben also surrendered an M14 rifle with two magazines and 15 ammunition, and a Cal. 30mm carbine with a magazine and seven ammunition.
    The 50th IB also reported it discovered four anti-personnel mines, three rifle grenade, and medical supplies including three anesthesia, six pieces syringe, three bandages, four intravenous fluids, dextrose and a set of surgical kit, as well as subversive documents in Balbalan town in the same province.
    Dulawan said the war materiel were brought to Barangay Salegseg in Bakbalan town in Kalinga for proper disposition.
Lt. Col. Melanio Somera, 50th IB commander, said the former rebels gave the information where these war materiel and medical supplies were kept, and commended the two communist rebels for surrendering to the Army.
    Brig. Gen. Santiago Enginco, 503rd Infantry Brigade commander, said the surrender of Berto and Ben which led to the discovery of the war materiel and medical supplies only proves the inhumane work of the NPA, adding that the use of anti-personnel mines is against international humanitarian law.
    "This time, we thwarted the terrorist group's plan to sow fear with the help of former rebels. The Army will not neglect the Cordillera region to protect the people against violence and harassment by members of the terrorist group," Enginco said.
    Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, 5th ID commander, urged the remaining members of the terrorist group to surrender to the government.

 

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120 Apayao folks join army training

NEW RECRUITS.  Some 120 young volunteers from Apayao province undergo basic military training. The training, which started Friday (Oct. 29, 2021), will last for 45 days. (Photo courtesy of the Provincial Government of Apayao) 

By Leilanie Adriano  

STA. MARCELA, Apayao – Some 120 volunteers, aged 18-35 from Apayao’s seven towns, joined a 45-day basic military training here in support of the government’s peace-keeping measures and as reservists in case of national emergencies and during relief and rescue operations.
    Organized by the 1405th Kalinga-Apayao Community Defense Center of the 14th Regional Community Reserve Group Philippine Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM), the training aims to develop participants to become mature, highly disciplined and fully capable service members of the community.
    Drill instructors will teach them how to care for one another and function as a member of a team in order to achieve success together.
    The participants will likewise undergo training about first aid, water survival skills, marksmanship, tactics, and other related topics.
    During the opening ceremony recently here at Bacut Lake Tourism Complex, Provincial board member Mailah Haylee Ballesteros lauded the steady support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in sharing with the Apayao government’s sustained efforts to promote peace and development among its citizenry.
    “We capitalize on peace and order as our greatest strength, to transcend our diversities and sustain the development gains inked by our forefathers and previous leaders in the history of our province,” said Philippine Councilor’s League (PCL) Apayao Chapter President and ex-officio board member Kyle Maria Chelsea S. Bulut, who represented Gov. Eleanor Bulut-Begtang during the event. -- PNA 

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2 NPAs slain in Mt Prov; troops seize bomb-making materials from rebel camp

REBEL LAIR -- Soldiers and policemen find materials used for explosive devices from a rebel camp in Mountain Province Oct. 31. – Bauko, Mountain Province police photo 

By Vince Jacob Visaya

BESAO, Mountain Province –A New People's Army leader and his companion were killed here in Barangay Gueday Oct. 30 in an encounter when Army soldiers from Bravo Company of the 69th Infantry Battalion were having combat operations and chanced upon the rebels.
    A firefight allegedly ensued between the Army soldiers and the Kilusang Larangang Guerilla Abra-Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur of the NPA, led by Marcos Kina-ud Yocogan alias Corel or Timmy.
    After the encounter, the bodies of Yocogan, a native of Bangaan, Sagada, Mountain Province, and his comrade, identified only as Simon, were found.
    Seized were two M16 rifles, two bandoliers with nine magazines, two two-way radios, an IED, a flashlight, medical supplies, personal belongings and subversive documents.
    Soldiers of the 69th IB said the 10-minute gunfight occurred when they chanced upon the group of rebels in Sitio Masameyeo in Barangay Gueday.
    Two R4 rifles were recovered from the fatalities.
    A few hours later on Oct. 31, Army soldiers and policemen overran a suspected abandoned rebel encampment.
    The military and police said the camp was located at the boundaries of Bantey in Tadian town, Banguitan in Besao and Balintaugan in Bauko, all in Mountain Province.
    Soldiers from the 69th Infantry Battalion and police teams from Mountain Province and Bauko discovered the site during joint security operations in the area.
    Found in the encampment were an antipersonnel improvised explosive device (IED), 31 sticks of commercial dynamite, marked Nitro EM 1500 emulsion explosives, a mine container with detonating cord and seven meters of wire, a blue plastic drum, two "Batayang Kurso ng Partido" books, assorted belongings, food and 20 foxholes.
    The military said two rebels were also killed in a clash with state troopers in Barangay Mainit in Bontoc recently.
Various firearms were seized from fatalities.

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Army troops kill 5 NPAs in Cagayan gunfight

By Villamor Visaya, Jr.

TUGUEGARAO CITY – Army soldiers on Wednesday found five bodies of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, who were believed killed in a gunfight on Tuesday here in Barangay Dungeg, Sta. Teresita, Cagayan.
    Army Maj. Jekyll Dulawan, 5th Infantry Division (5ID) spokesperson, said aside from the bodies, the soldiers also found and recovered three high-powered firearms, three anti-personnel mines, five handheld radios, four mobile phones, assorted medical supplies and equipment, anti-government documents and personal belongings.
    He said soldiers uncovered a rebel hideout where anti-personnel mines were manufactured by the NPA-Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley after Tuesday's firefight.
    The Army did not suffer any casualties in the firefight against some 40 communist rebels.
“    The accurate information provided by the locals and the timely, precise and well-coordinated actions of the ground troops and the Philippine Air Force led to this decisive engagement against the NPAs without any casualties on the government forces and the civilians,” Dulawan told the Philippine News Agency in a phone interview.
    Maj. Gen. Laurence Mina, 5ID commander, said the division remains steadfast in working with the people and the local government units in ensuring peace and development in its area of responsibility.
    On Tuesday morning, troops under the 501st Brigade conducted an operation in the hinterlands of Dungeg, following reports that rebels had established a lair there and were using it as a facility for making improvised bombs.
    Intermittent firefight with about 40 rebels ensued for about two hours, then air and artillery fire were delivered.
    The rebels are believed to be members of the East Front of Komiteng Probinsiya Cagayan under the Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley.

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