Lt.Gen. Gapay, the new AFP Chief

LT. GEN. GILBERT I. GAPAY

By Jun Enriquez

ILIGAN City - LIEUTENANT GENERAL (LT. GEN.) GILBERT ITALIA GAPAY, is the next Chief of Staff of the Armed forces of the Philippines (AFP) and to be the incoming Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, appointed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on July 28, 2020, through the endorsement of the Department of Defense SECRETARY DELFIN N. LORENZANA in accordance with the recommendation of the outgoing Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, LT. GEN. FELIMON T. SANTOS, JR., AFP.

Lt. Gen. Gapay is the current 61^st Army chief appointed by President Duterte on December 6, 2019, will officially assume office as the AFP Chief on August 3, 2020 to replace Lt. Gen. Santos, per memorandum issued by President Duterte in Malacanang, Manila.

The incoming AFP Chief Gapay, at age of 55 years, was born on 4 February 1965, entered in the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) in 1982, who graduated Valedictorian in 1986 under the “Sinagtala” class and serve the AFP until present. He will serve as the AFP Chief until 4 February 2021. He was an achiever and received awards on Military Merit Medal, Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation and more. He was exposed in battles and wars against communist rebellion and Moro conflict in Mindanao.

The then Col. Gapay was married to wife Gie Gapay, was the former Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized infantry “Magbalantay” Brigade, Philippine Army, 2014-2016, based in Maria Cristina, Iligan City. He was able to organized the Magbalantay Press Corps (MPC) headed by Jun Enriquez as the pioneer president with members of the media from Iligan City and Lanao del Norte, to effectively countering fake news and disinformation against the enemies of the state.

As Brigade Commander of the “Magbalantay” Brigade, then Col. Gapay also actively implemented the Internal Peace and Security Program (IPSP) – Bayanihan of the AFP, the Whole of Nation Approach with the Civil Society groups as partners, building peace with the local government units (LGUs) and the civilian communities to help protect the peace process between the Moro Islamic liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine Government. He also effectively implemented the implementation of the Ceasefire committee on the cessation of hostilities (CCCH) and activated the mobilization of the Ad hoc joint action group (AHJAG) with elements from the military and MILF combatants to police against criminalities in the MILF controlled areas in Lanao del Norte and Iligan City. He was able to dismantle the MILF camp in the mountain of Rogongon, Iligan City through the decision of the CCCH because it was not included in the identified MILF camps in the Ceasefire agreement. Thousands of illegal weapons and ammunitions were being voluntarily surrendered and turned-over to avoid the escalation of armed conflict between the feuding clans or “rido” and also prevent criminalities in the Lanao area.

Likewise, Gapay maintained an open line communication with the former MILF rebel commander “Bravo,”  Abdullah Macapaar, who is now a Member of the Parliament (MP) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), to preserve peace not only in the Lanao areas but also in the whole of Mindanao as well. There was no any armed encounter against the rebels in Lanao during his stay as Brigade Commander of the “Magbalantay” Brigade by simply saying which then Col. Gapay said, “By winning the peace is just like winning the war!”  

(References: Documentary reports by Jun Enriquez; Gilbert Gapay Profile and President Duterte Memorandum dated 28 July 2020 from internet)

ISIS leader Surrenders to Military

Col. Cuepro (center) received surruendered weapon from @Afghan (left)

MARAWI City - Abdullah Lumzed Arumpac @ Afghan who was a sub-leader of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group led by late Abdullah Maute, voluntarily surrendered to Col Jose Maria R Cuerpo II, Commander, 103Bde, 1ID, PA on the morning of July 14, 2020 at Hqs 103Bde, Kampo Ranao, Marawi City, bringing along with him one (1) Colt Automatic Rifle 15 Caliber 5.56mm M16A1 rifle    with one (1) magazine and 20 rounds live ammunitions.

Afghan was involved in numerous terroristic activities in Lanao del Sur province that include encounters against military troops at Barangay Sandab, Butig sometime on 2015 and in Barangay Ragayan, Poona Bayabao, Lanao del Sur, sometimes on 2017 where he suffered gunshot wound in his lower right abdomen while three (3) of his members died during the said encounter. Afghan was also involved in the planning of the Marawi Siege which claimed thousands of lives and millions worth of properties. 

 Afghan in a statement said “I realized that the best option for me is to return to the folds of the law and sought the help of the Local Government Unit of Lumbatan led by Mayor Allan Lao”.

 Colonel Cuerpo said "I am grateful that he chose to return to the folds of the law to help in the peace and development in the area. I am hoping that this surrender would encourage other terrorist member to follow. The government is always ready to help former rebels to return to their normal lives".

 An interview with Col. Cuerpo during the press briefing of the Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) on July 15, 2020, he said that two weeks ago, they conducted military operations in the hinterland areas in the boundaries of Munai, Lanao del Norte, and Madalum and Balindong, Lanao del Sur. He said a heavy firefight with armed Local terrorist group (LTG). Cuerpo said they were able to confiscate the camp of the LTG in the mountainous area and left their war paraphernalia such as subversive documents, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ammunitions and radios. The encounter lasted for 3-4 hours and they found out that it was the main LTG armed group they have encountered in the area. Cuerpo said the military operation still continued as of the moment pursuing the running LTGs.

 Cuerpo said that on the following week, the people of Madalum, Balindong, Marantao and Piagapo in this province together with the Mayors and Barangay chairmen, conducted an indignation rally at barangay Tower part of Balindong in the boundaries of Piagapo and Maratao, to stop violent activities in the province by the local terrorist group (LTG) and showing the burning of the black flag of the LTG.

 Cuerpo finally said, the military and the Local government units (LGUs) of Lanao del Sur will continue to work hand in hand to facilitate the surrender of LTGs in order to achieve genuine peace in the province. (with reports by CMO 103^rd Bde)

 

               

Philippine Army encounters NPA rebels in the place of IPs in Kalilangan

By Jun Enriquez
(Updated July 11, 2020)

Iligan City – Based on the press release by the 2nd mechanized infantry "Magbalantay" brigade, Philipine Army, Ma. Cristina, Iligan City posted in facebook, that on Saturday last week, June 27, 2020, Troops of the 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion and the 14th Reconnaisance Company, Philippine Army, engaged elements of the new people’s Army (NPA) Communist Terrorist Group in an intense firefight in the hinterland Barangay Kalilangan, Iligan City, the place of the indigenous peoples (IPs) lived time immemorial.

A day after the firefight, troops recovered a cadaver, believed to be an NPA member who was left behind by his retreating comrades. Also recovered was an AK47 assault rifle with seven magazines and ammunitions and several molotovs or poor man’s grenade and left booby traps to inflict casualties not only military personnel but also civilians and animals that will pass the area. The NPA fatality was part of the group that attacked a Civilian Armed Auxillary (CAA) Patrol Base in Barangay Kalilangan on June 26, 2020 where two CAA members were seriously wounded.

Ltc Domingo Dulay Jr, commander of 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion said that the information was provided by the local residents. The troops were able to successfully conduct the pursuit operation following the harassment of the CAA Patrol Base.

Dulay said the two-hour firefight last Saturday also resulted to the death of Pfc Ceeday Ang-ang of 4th Mechanized Battalion and wounding of another army personnel.

BGen Facundo Palafox IV, Commander of the 2^nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade based in Iligan City, said that the AFP will continue to go after these communist-terrorists using its full might and execute its mandate to protect the people.

“I give my salute to the late PFC Ang-ang for his ultimate sacrifice. He shall forever be remembered. I also send my deepest condolences to the bereaved family. I commend the courageous residents of Kalilangan for their timely information and encourage them to remain vigilant and report presence of armed rebels in the area.” said Palafox.

The remains of the NPA member killed during the encounter was turned over to the local government of Iligan City for identification and proper disposition.

Palafox said additional troops were deployed to pursue the fleeing rebels in order to ensure the safety of the indigenous community in the said barangay.

Palafox once again calling all members of the NPA to surrender and stop these senseless violent activities. “You all have been deceived but the government is willing to help rebuild your lives through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).  Let us all give peace a chance and live peacefully," added Palafox.

In another development, a Tribal leader of the Higaonon tribe of the Indigenous People in Kalilangan said that some of tribal families were evacuated to the nearby Barangay Dulag. The presence of the Military in Kalilangan still there to protect the community and prevent another round of attack by the NPAs. The evacuees IPs community is now gradually coming back to Kalilangan to harvest their agricultural products such as corn, abaca, root crops, among others for their living. However, due to the recent firefighting the IPs community in Kalilangan is now struggling for survival that needs the help of the government and private sector because they cannot till their lands for another crops production due to the conflict.

There were 39 families from the mountainous areas going down and transferred their residences to Barangay Poblacion for safety purposes. they temporarily settled in a school building while constructing their new houses with the help of the community and concerned individuals donated construction materials. They will also welcome more donations from other individuals or groups. The Barangay Council and Tribal Council are united to promote peace by holding peace dialogues with the community in Kalilangan.  (With reports from 2nd Mech Bde Press Statement)

BARMM Chief Murad boosts key strategies in fighting Covid-19

Chief Minister Ebrahim and CRMC Chief of Hospital Dr. Helen Yambao (Holding facsimile check) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on April 13, at the Bangsamoro Government Center, Cotabato City.

COTABATO CITY  -  Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Ahod 'Al Haj Murad Ebrahim reported in his Address on Wednesday June 24 the cohesive approach of the Bangsamoro Government through its Inter-Agency Task Force in combating the coronavirus Disease (Covid-19)

“Today’s Chief Minister’s Hour will focus on what we have done so far and what we intend to do as we continue our war against Covid-19,” Ebrahim said. He said the BARMM’s key strategies in fighting Covid-19 are divided into six (6) components, namely:

Support to front liners through augmentation of medical supplies and equipment, the Bangsamoro Government is one of the first government entities in Mindanao to have procured and provided important medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), disinfectant, face masks, medicines, and misting tent, among others to its health and other front line workers. To date, the Bangsamoro Government has provided at least PhP 44,461,000.00 worth of medical supplies that were distributed strategically to the different provinces of the region.

Enhancement of the region’s testing capacity for Covid-19. On April 13, the Bangsamoro Government inked a memorandum of agreement with the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) to formalize a Php14-million worth of assistance that will be used for CRMC’s laboratory upgrade. The following month on May 19, CRMC was given the license to operate. It has been conducting PCR test not only for the BARMM but also for Region XII. “We are currently processing similar assistance worth 15 million to the Amai PakPak Medical Center in Marawi City in the hopes that it too will be able to conduct PCR test for Covid-19 […] in addition, the Bangsamoro IATF is also looking at improving the laboratory capacity of strategic hospitals in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, In Shaa Allah,” Ebrahim said.

Bangsamoro IATF’s ongoing massive and strategic relief operations. Ebrahim said, “As of today, the Bangsamoro Government was able to provide at least 433,161 food packs and relief goods to our target beneficiaries that were allocated, accordingly, to the different areas of the BARMM and to the Bangsamoro communities in areas such as Davao, Zamboanga, South Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat province.” The Bangsamoro Government also allotted 16,000 sacks of rice to the 80 members of the parliament. “Through our collective effort in providing basic goods to our people, especially at the peak of the crisis, we were able to make them feel that the Bangsamoro Government is indeed here for them,” Ebrahim said.

PhP 155-million augmentation fund as support to BARMM LGUs. The Bangsamoro Government allocated Php155-million worth of emergency augmentation fund to its local government units as they are at the forefront in implementing policies and programs of the region. Php1-million each was allocated to the region’s 116 municipalities, Php2-million for each city, and Php5-million per province. The fund was used by LGUs to procure medical supplies, augment their relief distribution, provide incentives to the frontline workers, and support LGUs emergency operation center.

Establishment of isolation center for Covid-19. In just 40 days, the Bangsamoro Government built a permanent 100-bed isolation center in Cotabato Sanitarium Hospital. Ebrahim said this is on top of the isolation centers prepared, built, or converted by BARMM’s LGUs. “When many, perhaps including some of us here in this hall, cast their doubt as they are used to seeing infrastructure projects in the region often delayed or incomplete, the Bangsamoro Government rose to the occasion. We did not only prove them wrong, we also set a standard for what a ‘Bangsamoro Project’ should be. Kapag sinabing gawa ng Bangsamoro, dapat dekalidad, mabilis, at walang bahid ng kurapsyon,” the chief minister said.

Implementation of Social Amelioration Program and other key interventions. The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) has distributed the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) assistance to 474, 174 households or 93.5 percent of its target. The total target beneficiaries lodged under the MSSD is at 506,954 households. Php5,000.00 cash was given to the non-4ps beneficiaries, which include affected informal economy workers, senior citizens, indigent indigenous people, homeless and underprivileged, among others. On the other hand, 4ps beneficiaries Php3,650.00 cash on top of the usual rice subsidy worth Php600.00 and health subsidy worth Php750.00, bringing their total subsidy to an equivalent of 5,000 pesos.

As of April 30, 2020, the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management (MFBM) released a total of PhP 1.9-billion that can be used for Covid-19 responses. The said amount includes the quick response fund, regular budget of pertinent ministries such as the Ministry of Health, MSSD, and Ministry of Interior and Local Government, as well as funds from the Office of the Chief Minister’s special programs particularly the AMBAG (Ayudang Medikal mula sa Bangsamoro Government) and Project Tabang (Tulong Alay sa Bangsamorong Nangangailangan). “With our cooperation and teamwork, we were able to manage the spread Covid-19 in our area. We can safely say that compared to other regions in the country, we were better with our response and programs. On the first place, our autonomy puts us in a better position to respond to the crisis and protect our people,” Ebrahim emphasized.“As we move towards the new normal, we will continue to implement programs and policies to ease the pain and suffering brought by Covid-19,” he added.

As of June 24, 2020, the BARMM has reported a total of 104 Covid-confirmed cases in the region. Ebrahim said the sudden surge of the confirmed cases are mainly because of the arrival of locally stranded individuals and returning OFWs “whom we are duty and morally bound to accept.” (With reports from the BPI-BARMM and Asa Madale; Edited and Published by Jun Enriquez)