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Scores killed in Gaza strikes as new aid convoy arrives
Scores of Palestinians were killed in central Gaza on Sunday after Israel stepped up its strikes on the war-torn enclave and another convoy of 17 aid trucks arrived as the Hamas-run territory faces "catastrophic" shortages. With the violence raging unchecked, Iran said the region could spiral "out of control". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Lebanon's Hezbollah, saying getting involved would be "the mistake of its life". Washington warned any actors looking to inflame the conflict that it would not hesitate to act in the event of any "escalation". Hamas militants in Gaza stormed across the border into Israel on 7 October, launching a raid that killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated, or burnt to death on the first day, according to Israeli officials. They also seized more than 200 hostages in the worst-ever attack in Israel's history. Israel has hit back with a relentless bombing campaign that has so far killed more than 4,600 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry. Officials said the central town of Deir al-Balah had been particularly badly hit overnight from Saturday to Sunday. The ministry said at least 80 people had been killed in the overnight raids on central Gaza, which destroyed more than 30 homes. At the hospital morgue, an AFP journalist saw the bodies of many children on the bloodied floor, where distraught families wept as they identified the victims. Among them was a man clutching his dead toddler and a young boy who pulled back a blanket over his little sister's body. "My cousin was sleeping in his house with his daughter in his arms. He was a man with no record, nothing to do with the resistance," said Wael Wafi, gazing at the body of his cousin, his arm still wrapped around his three-year-old daughter Misk. Also Sunday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that 29 of its staff had been killed since the start of the war in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying half of them were teachers. On Saturday it had given a toll of 17. The scale of the bombing has left basic systems unable to function. The UN said dozens of unidentified bodies had been buried in a mass grave in Gaza City because cold storage had run out. Meanwhile, an Israeli soldier was killed near the Gaza border by an anti-tank missile fired by militants inside the enclave, the army said. 'Accident' as Israel hits Egypt post Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned the war with Hamas could take months. "It will take one month, two months, three months, and at the end, there will be no more Hamas," Gallant said. A second convoy of 17 trucks of aid entered Gaza from Egypt on Sunday following an initial delivery of 20 trucks on Saturday after intensive negotiations and US pressure. Separately, an AFP journalist saw six trucks leaving Rafah after filling up from dwindling fuel stocks held at the crossing as the enclave faces catastrophic shortages after Israel cut off supplies of food, water, fuel, and electricity. It later resumed water supplies to the south on 15 October. Although Egyptian media said another 40 trucks would enter Gaza on Monday, the UN says the enclave needs 100 trucks per day to meet the needs of Gaza's 2.4 million residents. And so far, there have been no deliveries of fuel, with UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warning Sunday that supplies would run out "in three days". "Without fuel, there will be no water, no functioning hospitals, and... aid will not reach many civilians in desperate need," he said. The Hamas government said 165,000 housing units -- half of those in the entire Gaza Strip -- had been destroyed in the raids. With fears growing that the conflict could spread, Israel on Sunday admitted accidentally hitting an Egyptian border post, apologizing for the incident which Cairo said had left an unspecified number of border guards with "minor injuries". Risk of regional escalation There were fresh exchanges of fire over Israel's northern border with Lebanon as fears grew that Hezbollah, a close ally of Hamas and Iran, could enter the conflict, prompting Israel's Netanyahu to warn it would be "the mistake of its life". "We will strike it with a force it cannot even imagine, and the significance for it and the state of Lebanon will be devastating," he said. Iran also warned about the conflict spreading on Sunday, with top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian cautioning that if Washington and Israel did not "immediately stop the crime against humanity and genocide in Gaza.. the region will go out of control". But Washington said it wouldn't hesitate to act in the event of any "escalation", just hours after the Pentagon moved to step up military readiness in the region. "If any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict and take advantage of this very unfortunate situation that we see, our advice is: don't," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on ABC News. On Sunday, Pope Francis used his weekly Angelus prayer in Rome to plead for an end to the bloodshed. "War is always a defeat, it is a destruction of human fraternity. Brothers, stop!" he said. He later held a 20-minute conversation with US President Joe Biden about "conflict situations in the world and the need to identify paths to peace", the Vatican said. Biden later discussed with war with the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy, the White House said. The US president also held talks with Netanyahu, said the White House, adding: "The leaders affirmed that there will now be continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza." In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron's office announced he would be traveling to Israel on Tuesday for talks with Netanyahu. Protesters marched in several European capitals on Sunday. At least 10,000 people rallied in support of Israel in Berlin as Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to stamp out a resurgence of anti-Semitic incidents linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Thousands gathered in Paris to demand an end to Israel's operation in Gaza, the first pro-Palestinian rally in the French capital that wasn't banned on security grounds. The post Scores killed in Gaza strikes as new aid convoy arrives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Armed group attack displaces Maguindanao Norte families
General Santos City — At least 160 families and counting forcibly flee their homes at dawn Sunday as 200 armed group attacked a sitio in Barangay Labungan, Datu Odin Sinsuat Maguindanao del Norte. Barangay Labungan chairperson Murad Campong in an interview Monday disclosed that the armed group stormed Sitio Tubaran and indiscriminately shooting the houses of the affected civilians. He added that the attack resulted to the wounding of a civilian and carting away of numerous livestock from the residents. The suspects immediately fled after the incident. The village chairperson also disclosed that the terrified civilians trooped the barangay hall and sought the assistance of the local officials. The wounded civilian was immediately rushed to the hospital and aid from the local government unit of Datu Odin were distributed to the affected families. Campong, however, did not reveal who might be the perpetrators while local police authorities and members of the Philippine Army were already dispatched. Over at General Santos City, state troops from the 40th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army has scored a victory against Dawlah Islamiyah terrorist group in a chance encounter in Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur. The post Armed group attack displaces Maguindanao Norte families appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM gives away confiscated smuggled rice to poor families
Fulfilling his vow to go after rice smugglers and hoarders President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led on Tuesday the distribution of confiscated smuggled rice to less fortunate families in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay as he led the turnover of other assistance to the residents and the local government units in the province. In his speech, President Marcos assured the Filipino people that the government and his administration are working tirelessly to put an end to the smuggling activities of some erring individuals, which is hurting the agricultural sector in the Philippines. “Kailangan sapat ang pagkain para sa ating mga kababayan. Kasama diyan ay pinapatibay natin ang sistema ng agrikultura. Ngunit hindi lamang, yun ang nagiging problema sa agrikultura dito sa Pilipinas, ang isang napakalaking problema ay ang pag-smuggle ng bigas papasok ng Pilipinas,” Marcos said. “Hindi lamang pag-ayos ng agricultural sector ang ating kailagang gawin. Kailangan din nating pagtibayin ang ating pag-impose ng mga batas tungkol nga sa pagbigay ng suplay ng bigas sa atin, sa buong Pilipinas. Hindi tama na nagpapasok sila, iniipit nila ang suplay, pinapataas nila ang presyo, naghihirap ang tao para lang kumita sila ng malaki,” he added. The President said that he has already instructed the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to run after smugglers and ensure that their illegal operations will be busted as he commended the bureau for their successful seizure of 42,180 bags of imported rice worth P42 million at a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City on 15 September 2023. The President stood firm that the government is following laws when confiscating smuggled items, giving them a 15-day notice to hear their side of the story. “Nabigyan na sila ng 15 days, wala silang naisagot kaya’t kinuha na ng gobyerno at ginawa naming donation sa DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] … ang sabi ko, ang pinakanangangailangan diyan ang mga beneficiaries ng 4Ps,” Marcos said. “Iyon po ay patuloy nating pag-aasikaso para tignan natin na maging maganda ang patakbo ng mercado sa bigas dahil alam naman natin kung gaano kahalaga ang suplay ng bigas sa magandang presyo para sa lahat ng Pilipino,” the chief executive added. President Marcos assured the Filipino people that the government is ready to assist the affected less fortunate individuals. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian was present during the distribution of rice along with NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco, BOC Deputy Commissioner Vener Baquiran, Philippine Airforce Brigadier Gen. Dennis Estrella, Philippine Army Major General Antonio Nafarrete, and other officials. President Marcos also led the turnover of P6.72 million worth of DA - Philippine Rural Development Project Investment for Rural Enterprises and Agricultural and Fisheries Productivity (DA-PRDP); P11.84 million worth of DA-PRDP I-REAP; and P1.5 million worth of DA Kadiwa Financial Grant (hauling vehicle). The President also distributed P1 million worth of DA Kadiwa Financial Grant (trading capital); P1.5 million worth of DA Kadiwa Financial Grant (vehicle and working capital); P59,043 worth of Assistance Certificate from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR): P76,620 worth of Mackerel Drift Gillnet; and P4,000 worth of eight rolls-PE Rope No. 10mm. The chief executive also led the distribution of P120 million worth of assistance under the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantages / Displaced Workers” of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and P530,000 worth of DOLE livelihood assistance. The post PBBM gives away confiscated smuggled rice to poor families appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
7 ex-NPA rebels surrender to Phl Army in Talaingod, Davao Norte
Seven former members of the New People’s Army operating at the borders of Bukidnon and Talaingod, Davao del Norte surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Central Baugan, Brgy. Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte over the weekend. In a statement on Monday, 10ID Public Affairs Division chief Maj. Mark Anthony Tito said the surrenderees were all members of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad PEDDLER, Sub-Regional Committee 2 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. The former rebels were identified as alias Fernando Poe, alias Rustom, alias Sarmontano, alias Adolfo, alias Agata, alias Rica and alias Andrew E. “The joint effort of the 56IB and the 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade made the surrender possible,” said Tito. In a statement released by the Philippine Army, the group’s team leader, alias Fernando Poe, narrated the “hardships” they went through during their stay with the NPA revolution. _"Kapoy kaayo ang pagtago sa gobyerno, ang gilay-on nga among gibaktas ug walay igong pagkaon. Wala man ko kabalo unsaon pagtapos sa among kalisod, mao nga nakahukom mi nga mo-surrender na lang kay walay silbi ang among gubat_ (Hiding from the government was exhausting, we walked long distances without enough food. I didn't know how to overcome the hardships, so we decided to just give up because there was no meaning in what we were fighting for),” he said. BGen. Allan Hambala, acting commander of 10ID, welcomed the surrenderees and thanked them for accepting the government’s offer to give them a fresh start as normal citizens. "Our soldiers will continue to exert efforts to entice the remaining CNTs to surrender and prevent the reentry of armed groups in the Davao Region. We call on the remaining members of the CTG in the 10ID area of responsibility to embrace the peaceful path to peace,” Hambala said. The rebel returnees are now in the custody of 56IB for custodial debriefing and medical intervention, according to Tito. He added that former NPA combatants will be endorsed to avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, a government assistance program for former rebels. The post 7 ex-NPA rebels surrender to Phl Army in Talaingod, Davao Norte appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t assembling Morocco responders
The government is reviewing proposals to send a humanitarian team to Morocco to help in the aftermath of the strong earthquake that hit the country last week. The Office of Civil Defense said Saturday it is making arrangements for the possible deployment of a Philippine inter-agency humanitarian contingent to Morocco. “We are deeply saddened in the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Morocco. We want to assure Morocco that the Philippines is more than willing to extend assistance in support of the ongoing response operations,” OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement. OCD team on standby Nepomuceno said the OCD, as the executive arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, is prepared to deploy a contingent to help in the ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Morocco that was battered by a magnitude-6.8 earthquake that destroyed communities and has killed nearly 3,000 people. Authorities said the number may still rise as search, rescue, and retrieval operations continue. “We want to assure Morocco that the Philippines is more than willing to extend assistance in support of the ongoing response operations. We are organizing a humanitarian contingent for possible deployment,” he added. Nepomuceno, who is also NDRRMC executive director, said the contingent will consist of personnel from the OCD, the 525th Engineering Combat Battalion of the Philippine Army, the 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection-Special Rescue Unit, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Davao Rescue 911 and the Department of Health. Last February, the Philippines sent an 82-man humanitarian contingent to Turkiye to assist in response operations following the quake that hit the country. The magnitude-7.8 earthquake that hit Turkiye and nearby Syria left 50,288 dead and 125,857 injured. The Philippine contingent helped in medical, search, rescue, and retrieval operations. Meanwhile, Nepomuceno said the recent earthquakes should serve as a reminder to all to continuously be prepared for earthquakes, especially the big one. He called on the public and other stakeholders to actively take part in the government’s earthquake preparation drills. “It is terrifying that in just seconds, an earthquake could claim many lives and leave massive destruction. Through the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, we should strengthen our prevention, mitigation, and preparedness measures against earthquakes,” he said. The post Gov’t assembling Morocco responders appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl humanitarian contingent may be deployed to quake-hit Morocco
The Office of Civil Defense said Saturday it is making arrangements for possible deployment of Philippine Inter-Agency Humanitarian Contingent to quake-hit Morocco. "We are deeply saddened by the aftermath of the earthquake that hit Morocco. We want to assure Morocco that the Philippines is more than willing to extend assistance to support the ongoing response operations. We are organizing a humanitarian contingent for possible deployment,” OCD administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, said in a statement. Nepomuceno said the OCD, as the executive arm of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, is prepared to deploy a contingent to help in the ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Morocco battered by a Magnitude 6.8 earthquake that destroyed communities and killed nearly 3,000 people. Authorities said the number may still rise as search, rescue, and retrieval operations continue in affected areas. "We want to assure Morocco that the Philippines is more than willing to extend assistance to support the ongoing response operations. We are organizing a humanitarian contingent for possible deployment,” he added. Nepomuceno, who is also NDRRMC executive director, said the contingent will consist of personnel from the OCD, 525th Engineering Combat Battalion of the Philippine Army, 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection - Special Rescue Unit, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Davao Rescue 911, and Department of Health. Last February, the Philippines sent an 82-man PIAHC to Turkey to assist in the response operations of the quake-ravaged country. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria left 50,288 dead and 125,857 injured. The contingent assisted in medical and search, rescue, and retrieval operations. Meanwhile, Nepomuceno said the earthquake in Morocco will serve as a reminder for all to continuously prepare against the threat of earthquakes, especially the big ones. He called on the general public and other stakeholders to actively take part in the government’s earthquake resilience endeavors. “It is terrifying that in just seconds, an earthquake could claim many lives and leave massive destruction. Through the whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach, we should strengthen our prevention, mitigation, and preparedness measures against earthquakes,” he said. The post Phl humanitarian contingent may be deployed to quake-hit Morocco appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
North Korean leader in Russia for Putin talks as US warns on arms deal
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Russia on Tuesday ahead of a meeting with President Vladimir Putin that the United States has warned could see an arms deal to support Moscow's assault on Ukraine. Making a rare foreign trip and his first since the pandemic, Kim was seen stepping onto a red-carpeted train platform before meeting Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov. Kim and Putin are expected to meet at an unspecified location in Russia's Far East later this week, the Kremlin has said. Putin is currently attending the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, the Pacific port city closest to the North Korean border, though there has been no indication that the internationally isolated pair would hold their talks there. Reporters granted access to the Russian leader at the forum refrained from asking Putin details of the visit but he told journalists he would soon travel to the Vostochny Cosmodrome, a Russian spaceport some 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) from Vladivostok. "I've got my programme there, and when I get there you'll know," he was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying. Kim received a VIP welcome from a military honor guard, with the national anthems of both countries playing, as he arrived in the Russian border town of Khasan Tuesday morning, the state-run KCNA news agency said. Kim told his Russian hosts that his visit was a "clear manifestation" of North Korea "prioritizing the strategic importance" of its ties with Russia, KCNA said. The agency did not specify when or where Kim would meet with Putin, saying only that after the arrival ceremony the North Korean leader "left for his destination." Experts say Moscow will likely seek artillery shells and antitank missiles from North Korea, which wants advanced satellite and nuclear-powered submarine technology in return. Siemon Wezeman, a senior researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, said it was "entirely possible" North Korea had large stocks of ammunition that could be used by Russia. "Whether any deal is struck remains to be seen," he said. "We will not know for sure until there is hard evidence that Russia has used North Korean arms and ammunition on the battlefield in Ukraine," he added. The White House warned last week that North Korea would "pay a price" if it supplied Russia with weaponry for the conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin and Kim would "cooperate on sensitive areas that should not be the subject of public disclosure and announcements". Steadfast allies Kim is travelling to Russia with his top military officials including Korean People's Army Marshal Pak Jong Chon and Munitions Industry Department Director Jo Chun Ryong, analysts said. This indicates a Putin-Kim summit "is likely to heavily focus on Russia and North Korea's possible military cooperation," Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told AFP. Moscow sent Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu to Pyongyang in July. He has recently mooted bilateral joint naval drills. Kim has been steadfast in his support for Moscow's assault on Ukraine, including, Washington says, supplying rockets and missiles. But both Moscow and Pyongyang have denied North Korea has or will supply arms to Russia, which has eaten into its vast stockpiles of munitions since it launched its Ukraine offensive early last year. Kim has not travelled outside North Korea since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. His last proper overseas trip was in 2019, also to Russia to meet Putin. 'Begging' for help "North Korea has the crude ammunition that Putin needs for his illegal war in Ukraine, while Moscow has submarine, ballistic, and satellite technologies that could help Pyongyang leapfrog engineering challenges it suffers under economic sanctions," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. On Monday, the United States described Putin as desperate in seeking a meeting with Kim. "Having to travel across the length of his own country to meet with an international pariah to ask for assistance in a war that he expected to win in the opening month, I would characterize it as him begging for assistance," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said. "I will remind both countries that any transfer of arms from North Korea to Russia would be in violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions," he added. Washington has said Russia could use weapons from North Korea to attack Ukrainian food supplies and heating infrastructure heading into winter to "try to conquer territory that belongs to another sovereign nation". Andrei Lankov, a North Korea expert at Kookmin University in Seoul, told AFP that the upcoming meeting was part of Moscow's "gentle diplomatic blackmail" of Seoul because Russia did not want South Korea to supply weapons to Kyiv. Seoul is a major arms exporter and has sold tanks to Kyiv's ally Poland, but longstanding domestic policy bars it from selling weapons into active conflicts. "The major worry of the Russian government now is a possible shipment of the South Korean ammunition to Ukraine, not just one shipment but a lot of shipments," Lankov said. The post North Korean leader in Russia for Putin talks as US warns on arms deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
150 dead as ‘catastrophic’ storm floods hit east Libya
At least 150 people were killed when freak floods hit eastern Libya, officials said Monday, after storm "Daniel" swept the Mediterranean, its torrential rains earlier lashing Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece. Images filmed by residents of the Libyan disaster area showed massive mudslides, collapsed buildings and entire neighborhoods submerged under muddy water. "At least 150 people were killed as a result of flooding and torrential rains left by storm Daniel in Derna, Jabal al-Akhdar region and the suburbs of Al-Marj," said Mohamed Massoud, a spokesman for the Benghazi-based administration in Libya. "This is besides the massive material damage that struck public and private properties," he told AFP. Hundreds of residents were still believed to be trapped in difficult-to-reach areas as rescuers, backed by the army, were trying to come to their aid. East Libyan authorities had "lost contact with nine soldiers during rescue operations", Massoud said. He said the prime minister of the east-based government, Oussama Hamad, and the head of a rescue committee as well as other ministers had travelled to Derna to evaluate the extent of the damage. Hamad's government -- which in war-battered Libya rivals an UN-brokered, internationally recognized transitional administration in Tripoli -- on Monday declared Derna a "disaster area". Libya's western government under Abdelhamid Dbeibah, during an extraordinary ministerial meeting broadcast live on television, announced three days of national mourning and emphasized "the unity of all Libyans" in the face of the disaster. The National Petroleum Company, whose main oilfields and terminals are in eastern Libya, declared "a state of maximum alert" and suspended flights between production sites where activity was drastically reduced. Experts have described storm Daniel -- which killed at least 27 people when it struck parts of Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria in recent days -- as "extreme in terms of the amount of water falling in a space of 24 hours". 'Severe weather' A Derna city council official described the situation in the city as "catastrophic" and in need of "national and international intervention", speaking to the local TV channel Libya al-Ahrar. He reported the collapse of four main bridges and two buildings in Derna, a city of 100,000 people that lies in a river wadi 900 kilometers (560 miles) east of the capital Tripoli. The storm struck eastern Libya on Sunday afternoon, hitting especially the coastal town of Jabal al-Akhdar but also Benghazi, where a curfew was declared and schools closed for several days. The United Nations mission in Libya on Monday said on X, formerly Twitter, that it was "closely following the emergency caused by severe weather conditions in the eastern region of the country". It expressed its condolences over the deaths and said it was "ready to support efforts by local authorities and municipalities to respond to this emergency and provide urgent humanitarian assistance". Libya, sitting on Africa's largest known oil reserves, was plunged into chaos following the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed former dictator Moamer Kadhafi. Two rival governments based in the west and east have been vying for power, with deadly conflict occasionally erupting. The French ambassador to Libya, Mostafa Mihraje, also offered his condolences and expressed his "solidarity with the Libyan people in this ordeal", also in a message on X. In neighboring Egypt, authorities called for caution on the northern coast which borders eastern Libya, and announced they were beginning preparations to minimize the impact of Storm Daniel. The weather forecast predicted more heavy rain in coming days there. As the world warms, the atmosphere contains more water vapor which increases the risk of heavy precipitation in some parts of the world. Combined with other factors such as urbanization and land-use planning, these more intense rainfall events contribute to flooding. The post 150 dead as ‘catastrophic’ storm floods hit east Libya appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Año: Marcos admin will see end of communist insurgency
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict said it has made significant progress in its campaign to end the more than five- decade-old local communist insurgency. In a news briefing on Thursday, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said that the NTF-ELCAC has established Project Management Offices in various government agencies to ensure a systematic and unified approach to ending the armed conflict. Año also cited the success of programs such as the Support to Barangay Development Program and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, which he said have played a pivotal role in putting an end to armed conflict. "The SBDP and E-CLIP have helped to improve the lives of people in conflict-affected areas," Año said. "These programs have also helped to convince many members of the New People's Army to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law." Año also highlighted the importance of the Amnesty Proclamation that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued in July. The Amnesty Proclamation offers a chance for NPA members to surrender and avail of government assistance. "I urge the continued support from agencies and our esteemed Congress to ensure the sustained implementation of these programs, further contributing to the journey towards peace and prosperity," Año said. "In line with our pursuit of sustainable peace and development, the Amnesty Proclamation holds considerable significance," he added. When asked about what the government can achieve in terms of insurgency after the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Año said they are now taking a whole-of-nation approach to address the root causes of the rebellion in the country, such as poverty and lack of development in rural areas. "We came from the military service, we were lieutenants. We have been fighting against the insurgents, but it seems like it's just repetitive, you know, because there are missing components," Año said, adding that the government has been fighting the communist insurgency for already five decades. "These missing components, we finally found out, [are] the convergence of all government agencies, stakeholders, local government units, really to bring development and to solve the roots of insurgency in these far-flung areas," he added. Año said the government's support for the barangay development program and the enhanced comprehensive local integration program has led to an increase in the number of surrenders from armed groups. "So, during the term of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., we can finally put an end to this local armed communist conflict," Año said. "And from that point, we will prioritize various developments and ensure the delivery of services. Not only that, we can now shift the focus of the Armed Forces towards external defense," he added. The post Año: Marcos admin will see end of communist insurgency appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Australia conduct assault exercises
Nearly 2,000 troops from the Philippines and Australia — assisted by United States soldiers — participated in a combined amphibious assault exercise in San Antonio, Zambales on Friday as part of this year’s Exercise Alon 2023. Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs chief LtCol. Enrico Gil Ileto said the exercise, held at the Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, marked the second and final phase of amphibious action after the air assault exercise in Palawan earlier this week. “This is the first time that the Philippines and Australia have conducted Exercise Alon which forms part of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 program,” Ileto said. The participants include 1,200 personnel from the Australian Defense Force, 560 from the AFP and 120 from the US Marine Corps. “A result of months of planning and preparation by the AFP and the ADF with assistance from the United States Marine Corps, the training exercise at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui included Pre-Landing Operations where the Philippine Marine Corps and ADF Force Reconnaissance Group were inserted via small boats to observe the beach landing sites,” Ileto said. Among the assets used in the drills were HMA ships Canberra and Anzac, with the Tarlac-class BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602); close air support from Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft; Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank and two Philippine Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles, with airlift support by Darwin-based USMC MV-22B. Ileto stressed that the exercise seeks to enhance the conduct of combined operations and improve tactics, techniques, and procedures to ensure the effective use of all combat arms integrated via force-level command and control. The post Phl, Australia conduct assault exercises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Australia conduct assault exercises
Nearly 2,000 troops from the Philippines and Australia — assisted by United States soldiers — participated in a combined amphibious assault exercise in San Antonio, Zambales on Friday as part of this year’s Exercise Alon 2023. Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs chief LtCol. Enrico Gil Ileto said the exercise, held at the Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, marked the second and final phase of amphibious action after the air assault exercise in Palawan earlier this week. “This is the first time that the Philippines and Australia have conducted Exercise Alon which forms part of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 program,” Ileto said. The participants include 1,200 personnel from the Australian Defense Force, 560 from the AFP and 120 from the US Marine Corps. “A result of months of planning and preparation by the AFP and the ADF with assistance from the United States Marine Corps, the training exercise at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui included Pre-Landing Operations where the Philippine Marine Corps and ADF Force Reconnaissance Group were inserted via small boats to observe the beach landing sites,” Ileto said. Among the assets used in the drills were HMA ships Canberra and Anzac, with the Tarlac-class BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602); close air support from Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft; Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank and two Philippine Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles, with airlift support by Darwin-based USMC MV-22B. Ileto stressed that the exercise seeks to enhance the conduct of combined operations and improve tactics, techniques, and procedures to ensure the effective use of all combat arms integrated via force-level command and control. The post Phl, Australia conduct assault exercises appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, Australia forces conduct amphibious assault exercise in Zambales
Nearly 2,000 troops from the Philippines and Australia, assisted by United States soldiers, participated in a combined amphibious assault exercise in San Antonio, Zambales on Friday as part of this year’s Exercises ALON. AFP Public Affairs chief LtCol. Enrico Gil Ileto said the exercise, held at the Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, marked the second and final phase of amphibious action after the air assault exercise in Palawan earlier this week. “This is the first time that the Philippines and Australia have conducted Exercise Alon which forms part of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2023 program,” Ileto told reporters. The participants include 1,200 personnel from the Australian Defence Force, 560 from the AFP and 120 from the US Marine Corps. “A result of months of planning and preparation by the AFP and the ADF with assistance from the United States Marine Corps, the training exercise at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui included Pre-Landing Operations where the Philippine Marine Corps and ADF Force Reconnaissance Group were inserted via small boats to observe the beach landing sites,” Ileto added. Among the assets used in the drills were HMA ships Canberra and Anzac, with the Tarlac-class BRP Davao Del Sur (LD 602); close air support from Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft; Australian Army M1A1 Abrams tank and two Philippine Marine Corps Amphibious Assault Vehicles, with airlift support by Darwin-based USMC MV-22B. Ileto underscored that the exercise seeks to enhance the conduct of combined operations and improve tactics, techniques and procedures to ensure the effective use of all combat arms integrated via force-level command and control. Exercise Alon enables the AFP and ADF to work closely together to increase interoperability and deepen people-to-people links to enhance defense cooperation. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Philippine Defense Chief Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles witnessed the combined amphibious assault exercise. The post Phl, Australia forces conduct amphibious assault exercise in Zambales appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beware of fake bills, says SPD
The Southern Police District warned the public on Sunday against counterfeit money following the arrest of a former Army soldier who used counterfeit money in a store. According to SPD director Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano, small store owners should always keep their vigilance against fake bills, now that the “ber” months are approaching and shopping season peaks. “We urge the public to immediately report any person to the authorities using such bills in any transaction for appropriate action as the “ber months’ or the peak shopping season draws near,” Mariano said. The SPD’s statements come after authorities arrested a certain Kevin Jhon Soncio, a dismissed Army soldier after using counterfeit money in a sari-sari store in Barangay Fort Bonifacio Taguig City on Friday evening. The police report said the suspect paid a P1,000 bill for one pack of cigarettes. The witness, a minor who was tending the store during the incident, examined the bill and discovered it was fake. He immediately sought the assistance of village officials, who eventually arrested the suspect. Authorities seized from Soncio nine P1,000 counterfeit bills and different identification cards. During the arrest, the suspect introduced himself as a member of the Philippine Army. Upon validation, police found that he was already dismissed from the service and that he carried falsified documents. The suspect is now facing charges of violation of Article 168 of the Revised Penal Code or Illegal possession and use of false Treasury or Bank Notes and Other Instruments of Credit, usurpation of authority, and falsification of public documents. Meanwhile, the Taguig City Police is now preparing a counterfeit money verification request to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The post Beware of fake bills, says SPD appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD starts training student-tutors for ‘Tara, Basa!’ program
A Department of Social Welfare and Development official on Sunday said they have started the orientation and training of college students who will compose the army of tutors and will be called Youth Development Workers (YDWs) for the "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program. According to DSWD spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez, YDWs will receive cash assistance worth P500 per day for 20 days from the DSWD through a cash-for-work scheme, in exchange for their rendered service. The "Tara, Basa!" Tutoring Program, which was launched on 2 August this year, is a reformatted educational assistance program of the DSWD that seeks to build an ecosystem of learning by training college students from low-income families who are in difficult situations to become YDWs. Its pilot implementation targets to capacitate 6,386 student-tutors and 584 YDWs enrolled in 20 selected state or local colleges/universities in Metro Manila. The student-tutors will be trained and given capability-building sessions on how to effectively teach reading to be conducted by the Ateneo Center for Educational Development (ACED). Among the areas which started the training and orientation of student-tutors were Pasig City, Quezon City, Makati City, and Parañaque City. The other pilot areas in the National Capital Region will conduct the training sessions in the coming days. The training for the YDWs is scheduled for 10 to 12 August, while the official learning sessions with parents and Grade 1 students will begin on 14 August. To monitor the performance and progress of the learners, the Department of Education (DepEd), the DSWD’s partner agency in this project, will conduct the Comprehensive Rapid Literacy Assessment (CRLA). As tutors, the participating college students will teach struggling or non-reader grade school learners who are vulnerable, at risk, or affected by the effects brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. YDWs, meanwhile, will help conduct parenting sessions to capacitate parents and guardians to become "Nanay-Tatay teachers". “Young Filipinos are the pillars of our country’s future. Through 'Tara, Basa!, Tutoring Program, we are encouraging their involvement in nation-building by helping them to become more involved in their communities and build the skills and confidence that they need to become future leaders,” the DSWD spokesperson said. A total of 63,877 Grade 1 learners currently enrolled in 490 public elementary schools are expected to participate in the program with their parents or guardians. The parents and guardians of struggling or non-reader grade school learners will also receive cash assistance worth P235 per day for 20 days for helping in the preparation of the needs of their children for their learning and reading sessions and other related activities. “The program will strengthen family and community support for elementary school children by capacitating parents and guardians on care and protection of their children,” Lopez said. While the program would begin rolling out in Metro Manila, Lopez said the DSWD was planning to expand the program nationwide depending on its success in the NCR. "The inputs we would be getting from our pilot implementation will be included in our plans should we expand the program nationwide," he added. He noted that reading ability data for students in the NCR was more accessible than in the provinces, prompting DSWD to first launch the program in the capital. According to the DepEd, in the NCR, more than 49,000 students in the region from Grades 1 to 3 have difficulty reading. The post DSWD starts training student-tutors for ‘Tara, Basa!’ program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Slain rebel’s family receive assistance
PALO, Leyte — The Philippine National Police revealed that the family of the slain New People’s Army guerilla Luisito Enero was given assistance by the PNP for a proper burial. This, as P/Brig.Gen. Vincent Calanoga recently visited the wake of Enero, who is also known as “Jerry Lutao” and “Ka Nadi” in the communist movement, in his hometown in San Roque, Northern Samar last 28 July to personally extend his sympathy and condolences to the family. “It is with grief and regret that a life has been lost in this nonsensical fight. Resorting to raising arms against the government as a way to address grievances does no good, and it will never do,” Calanoga said. To recall, Enero and Brando Obiado, alias Idol, were killed in an encounter between the communist rebels and troops from the 19th Infantry Battalion last 22 July in Barangay Cagbigajo, Pambujan, Northern Samar. Enero was the leader of Squad 2, Front Committee 1 of the NPA which operated in the Pacific towns of Northern Samar. The post Slain rebel’s family receive assistance appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Top Mindanao insurgent falls
DAVAO CITY — The Eastern Mindanao Command on Monday reported that an individual believed to be a notorious leader of the New People’s Army in North Central Mindanao Regional Committee died following an encounter with the Joint Task Force Diamond troops at Barangay Libertad, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental last 26 July. EastMinCom commander Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol disclosed that the NPA leader — identified as Dionesio Micabalo, alias Muling — is the Regional Secretary of the NCMRC and a Communist Party of the Philippines Central Committee Member. Reports said that troops from the 58th Infantry Battalion engaged in a skirmish against the members of Sub-Regional Sentro De Gravidad MTJ Eagles, Sub-Regional Committee 1, of NCMRC following a report from concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed men conducting illegal activities in the area. Recovered from the encounter site were an AK47 Rifle with two loaded magazines, a caliber .22 rifle, six backpacks with personal belongings, terrorist documents, electronic devices and other supplies. Almerol said Micabalo’s group was responsible for numerous atrocities and criminal activities in most parts of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, and parts of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur. He added that he had various criminal records, including double murder with frustrated murder, multiple frustrated murders and arson, murder and violation of RA 9851. “Muling has been on the run since the dismantling of all seven guerrilla fronts under NCMRC in 2020. With his demise, the incoming dismantling of the NCMRC is already in sight,” Almerol said. “This is part of our goal to defeat the NPA in Eastern Mindanao this year. Without him leading the way for the survival of his subordinates, their only solution is to surrender or face the same fate,” he added. Last 28 July, the 58IB handed over the corpse of Micabalo to his immediate family and was given by the military forces a proper and decent funeral. Lt. Col. Christian Uy, commander of the 58IB met with the family to express their condolences and provide the necessary support. “The Philippine Army is guided by its dedication to humanitarian principles and respect for the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their affiliations,” Uy said. Meanwhile, the family of Micabalo expressed gratitude to military forces and the local government of Gingoog City for the proper burial assistance provided for them. The post Top Mindanao insurgent falls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov. Manotoc leads disaster relief operations in Ilocos Norte
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, led by Governor Matthew Marcos-Manotoc, together with the PNP Air Unit, Philippine Air Force, 4th Marine Brigade, Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office, and Philippine Army ensured the continuous delivery of disaster relief to heavily-affected municipalities in the province on Sunday, 30 July. The PNP Air Unit, led by Police Colonel Serafin Petalio II, had even allocated four of their choppers to assist in the humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Police Colonel Julius C. Suriben said that their cops are ready 24/7 and advised anyone to just approach any of their police stations or any INPPO personnel if they needed police assistance. Meanwhile, Banna Mayor Mary Chrislyn Abadilla, a medical doctor by profession, personally joined the relief operations to further check on her constituents and to make sure that they are well and healthy. The post Gov. Manotoc leads disaster relief operations in Ilocos Norte appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AFP studying China’s offer to conduct joint military drills with Phl
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will be studying China’s offer to conduct a joint military exercise with the country, military chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said. “They offered us that prospect, but we have to study it further,” Brawner said at the sidelines of the 96th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in Mandaluyong on Wednesday night. The AFP did not provide further details as to how and where the joint military exercise will be possibly conducted between China and the Philippines. “Informal lang (The talks are still informal). The ambassador said they submitted white papers, but we have to study,” he added. Meanwhile, Brawner said his presence during the China’s Army event is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s marching order to “become friends to all, enemy to none.” “We (AFP) we’re naturally told alike, that’s what we are going to do. We try to establish relations with the armies—with armed forces around the world and this is one way for us to actually prevent war,” he stressed. According to Brawner, the AFP’s relations with its counterpart in China remain limited to training. “We send our officers in training schools in China, particularly in National Defense University and as I mentioned awhile ago that during the Marawi Siege, they send us some weapons and ammunition,” he said. For his part, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said mentioned the military-to-military ties between China and the Philippines. “There have been a high-level exchanges in the defense sector, deepening cooperation in education and training, and smooth implementation of military assistance by our side to the AFP,” Xilian said. Further, Brawner told the reporters that the Philippine government is keen to improve its “international and bilateral relations” with other countries. “We are opening up to any country that would like to help us—because right now one of the efforts that we are trying to do—is trying to develop our own defense industry,” he said. The Philippines is adamant to boost its self-reliance defense posture, he added. “So as much as possible, we get help from other countries because they're more modern and they have funds for research and development while we are fighting an insurgency war for the longest time,” the AFP chief said. Brawner also lamented that most of the defense fund goes to its efforts against local insurgency as well as maintaining peace and security in the country. Brawner said the Philippines has to extend its diplomatic ties with China. “So let’s do first what we can do in terms of diplomacy and our last resort will be military. That’s why we try to look into several avenues where we could really cooperate, for instance, preservation of our biodiversity and that’s one area that we could cooperate,” he said. The post AFP studying China’s offer to conduct joint military drills with Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go’s office assists conflict-affected residents in Libmanan, Camarines Sur
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s office extended assistance to conflict-affected and Geographically-Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in Libmanan, Camarines Sur on Friday, 14 July. The initiative reflects Go’s continuing commitment to assist the most vulnerable communities in the country, particularly barangays where the distribution of government assistance is hampered due to their geographical locations and the existence of local conflicts. “Our goal is not just to address immediate needs, but also to create long-lasting impacts. We are extending our hand to the communities often neglected and forgotten due to their geographical location or internal conflicts. Everyone deserves equal access to government aid and support, regardless of where they live,” said Go. Go also reminded the residents about the importance of unity and cooperation in overcoming challenges. “In these times of crisis, it is paramount that we come together as one nation. Our strength lies in our unity and collective action,” he stated. During the activity held at Brgy. Villasocorro covered court, Go’s team distributed masks, vitamins, snacks and shirts to 108 beneficiaries. The team also provided several individuals with balls for basketball and volleyball. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also extended financial assistance to the beneficiaries in coordination with the 81st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, Go reached out to individuals with medical issues. Through a video message, he urged them to visit the Malasakit Centers located at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City and the Bicol Region General Hospital and Geriatric Medical Center in Cabusao. The Malasakit Centers program was initiated by Go in 2018 and was later institutionalized through the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which he principally authored and sponsored. The program aims to facilitate easy access to various medical assistance programs provided by DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are currently 158 Malasakit Centers operating nationwide, successfully aiding over seven million Filipinos, according to the DOH. Go also stressed the significance of the Super Health Centers, which he initiated, in bridging the healthcare gap especially in communities. Through the concerted efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funding has been allocated for the construction of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and additional 322 centers in 2023. The DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies strategic areas where these centers will be built. In Camarines Sur alone, 18 Super Health Centers have been funded for construction in 2022 and 2023. Super Health Centers are designed to provide basic health services, including database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation units, diagnostic services (such as laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacies, and ambulatory surgical units. In addition, specialized services like eye, ear, nose, and throat care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine capabilities for remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will also be available. Go, in his capacity as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported a range of projects aimed at improving infrastructure in the province, including the construction of the Mabolo-Almeda Bypass Road in Naga City. Go was also instrumental in the enhancement of the San Fernando Sports Complex in San Fernando town, improvement of the Bula and Nabua Section channel, and construction of the Lalud-Garchitorena Road, among others. On July 13, Go also provided assistance to poor transport sector workers in the town of Calabanga in the province. His office also provided assistance to poor families in Ragay and Libmanan, on 4 and 5 July, respectively. ### The post Bong Go’s office assists conflict-affected residents in Libmanan, Camarines Sur appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM eyes Northern Samar to become insurgency-free by yearend
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed confidence that Northern Samar would be declared insurgency-free by the end of 2023 as he cited the accomplishments of the military personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed in the province. Marcos declared his optimism during his visit to Camp Sumoroy in Catarman, Northern Samar last 14 July—where he lauded the Philippine Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade (IBde) for their efforts in maintaining peace and order in the province, leading to “successful” counterinsurgency operations. He likewise expressed hope that the troops would be relentless in dismantling the remaining communist rebel groups before the yearend. “I just received the briefing on the success rate of dismantling the fronts and that they are weakened. And I was also given a very encouraging deadline that we could say—that we will have dismantled all of the CTG (communist terrorist group) fronts by the end of the year and that is the result of your good work,” he said. "From the progress being made in Northern Samar, we are looking forward to declaring that province clear of CTGs by the end of the year." Marcos said he could not wait to visit Northern Samar again to declare that it is already free from all forms of insurgencies. “I am very, very impatient already to come back here and to be with you when we declare your area of operation clear of any CTG formations, any CTG groups. And that will be a big, big blow to the enemy forces because they have always felt that Northern Samar is a place that they feel safe in,” he added. The 803rd IBde has been instrumental in weakening the insurgents in the region, with the surrender of more than 6,200 of its sympathizers and personalities, and the dismantling of two guerilla fronts in Northern Samar. Despite the brigade’s accomplishments, Marcos reminded the soldiers to stay alert and vigilant over possible security threats. “You are still now in Northern Samar, on the front line. So, do not let your guard down. Continue to do what you have been doing because, as I said, it has been successful, it has been effective and we can see that from the weakening of the enemy forces,” he said. The President also urged the brigade to step up their counterinsurgency efforts and convince the rebels to instead return to the fold of the law. Marcos reassured that rebels who wish to reintegrate into society would get the government’s full support and assistance upon their surrendering. “So, that is the plan. This is how we are going to move forward but this is all founded. It is all based on the continuing good work that you put in every day,” Marcos said. The President also urged the troops to continue their close coordination with communities to ensure the further success of the government’s anti-insurgency campaign. “We have seen…. the increase in the firearms that have been neutralized and also the personalities that have been neutralized. Let us continue that trend,” Marcos said. Marcos also renewed his vow to provide the government troops with all the tools, equipment, and training that they need as part of the administration’s efforts to modernize the AFP not only for internal security operations but also for countering possible external threats. The post PBBM eyes Northern Samar to become insurgency-free by yearend appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»