Army ensures decent burial for CTG leader killed in Catbalogan City

By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 17, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Troops of the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army, facilitated the burial of the killed Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) leader in Catbalogan City, Samar on December 16, 2024.

The killed CTG, identified as Artemio Solayao alias Budil, leader of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, Sub-Regional Committee Browser, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee. He was abandoned by his comrades at the encounter site on December 13, 2024.

Through the collaborative efforts of the government troops and the Samar Provincial Task Force – Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict or PTF-ELCAC, alias Budil was given a decent burial in Catbalogan City.

Alonso Solayao, the brother of alias Budil, expressed gratitude to the PTF-ELCAC and the government troops for the humane treatment, despite being the enemy of the state.

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa Philippine Army dahil kahit na siya’y kalaban, binigyan niyo pa rin siya ng desenteng libing. Mula sa Cawayan dinala pa nila dito, kanilang pinagsilbihan, ginastosan, pinamisahan para maging maayos ang kanyang kalagayan, kahit sa kabila ng pagiging kalaban siya ng gobyerno, trinato pa rin siya ng tama ng kasundalohan,” Solayao said.

Solayao also encouraged the remaining comrades of his brother to end their armed struggle.

“Hinihikayat ko kayo na magsurrender kasi wala talagang kayong magandang kinabukasan. Tingnan niyo ang nangyari sa kapatid ko, sa halos apatnapung taon niya [sa bundok] wala siyang nagawa. Hindi niya nakamit ang tinatawag na tagumpay. Kung nand’yan pa kayo sa taas, sana sumurrender na kayo para maging maayos na rin ang inyong pamumuhay, maging ng inyong mga pamilya,” Solayao stated.

Mayor Dexter Uy, the Chairman of the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict of Catbalogan City, strongly condemned the continued atrocities perpetrated by the CTGs in Samar province.

“I know, we have a common goal, and that is to have a progressive community. Yes, we have societal problems that need to be solved, and we can only solve it through peaceful resolution. So, let us be united. Let us not add to the burden of our people by sowing terror in our community. Abandon the armed struggle and let us all together achieve peace and progress,” Mayor Uy expressed.

Lieutenant Colonel Rommel De Mesa, the Commanding Officer of the 46th Infantry Battalion, reiterated the government troops’ commitment to uphold basic human rights, even to the state’s adversaries.

“Though we considered them as enemies, we, in the AFP, we adhere to respecting the basic human rights and the rules of armed engagement. The government helps killed CTG member by giving decent burial, how much more to those who will choose to surrender and be back to the folds of the law,” Lt.Col. De Mesa stated.

Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, renewed his call to the remaining CTGs to surrender and take advantage of the National Amnesty Program of the government.

“Take the opportunity of living a peaceful life – no more hiding and a life far from worries of being killed in an armed encounter. It is not yet too late, be with your family and become one of the government’s peace partners towards peace and development,” Maj.Gen. Orio emphasized.

He encouraged the remaining active CTGs to coordinate with their relatives or local chief executives to arrange their safe surrender and formalize their application for amnesty.

NPA leader killed in Samar clash

By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 13, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The government troops from the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 8th Infantry Division neutralized a leader of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in an encounter in Barangay Cawayan, Catbalogan City, Samar, on December 13, 2024.

The clash ensued during a military operation that lasted for 15 minutes before the CTG forces retreated northwest, leaving behind their fallen comrade.

The government troops also recovered a .45 caliber pistol and subversive documents.

The killed CTG leader was identified as Artemio Solayao alias Budil, the leader of Squad 2, Yakal Platoon, SRC Browser of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC).

Alias Budil has existing multiple warrants of arrest for the atrocities he committed against the government forces including the ambush of the 14th Infantry Battalion back in 2014 in Maypadandan, Catbalogan City.

Brigadier General Lenart R. Lelina, the Brigade Commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, call on the remaining members of the NPA to abandon the violent path.

“This Christmas season, we are hoping that you will choose to lay down your arms and return to the folds of the law. It is not yet too late, be with your family, the government will help you,” Brig.Gen. Lelina expressed.

Meanwhile, Major General Adonis Ariel G. Orio, Commander of the 8ID, lauded the successful operation as a significant step in the relentless fight against insurgency in Eastern Visayas.

“This incident could have been avoided if the CTG had surrendered and heeded the government’s call for peace,” Maj. Gen. Orio stated.

“This only shows our determination to put an end to terrorism and insurgency in the Samar provinces. The Philippine Army will remain steadfast in its mission to protect the people and eliminate threats to peace,” Maj. Gen. Orio added.

Maj.Gen. Orio also encourage active CTG members to avail and take advantage of the National Amnesty Program offered by the government. They may coordinate with their relatives or local chief executives to arrange for their safe passage and formalize their application for amnesty.

AMOSUP turns over BV Class approved 20-men free fall lifeboat with davit to NMP

Press Release
December 13, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – During the Turn-Over Ceremony on 10 December 2024 at the NMP Tacloban Wharf Area, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) officially received the Deed of Donation for the BV Class Approved 20-Men Free Fall Lifeboat with Davit from the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP).

In his acceptance speech, Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario expressed his sincere appreciation for the donated equipment, highlighting that it is a testament of the trust placed by AMOSUP to the agency to uphold the highest standards of training and the continued dedication to the well-being and safety of the Filipino seafarers.

The BV Class Approved 20-Men Free Fall Lifeboat with Davit Simulator, valued at P8,400,000.00, is designed to provide training and simulation for emergency evacuation procedures in maritime environments, specifically for free-fall lifeboats. Its primary purpose is to help crew members and personnel become familiar with the operation, deployment, and safety procedures related to the lifeboat system in a controlled and safe environment.

Further, part of the turn-over program highlighted the blessing of the Training Pool funded by the Tingog Party List and implemented by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Generator House, and the LandBank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) booth.

“The facilities from the generous offices serves as a crucial resource for hands-on learning with the commitment to ensuring that our seafarers are equipped with practical expertise to meet international standards and additionally enhancing fiscal accessibility for our clients fostering convenience and efficiency in our daily operations.”, Director Del Rosario quoted.

The ceremony was graced by AMOSUP President Dr. Conrado Oca, DPWH, LBP, and Social Security System (SSS) officials, Palompon Institute of Technology (PIT) and NMP key officials and staff.

The donation is an attestation to the strong support for elevating NMP's training capabilities. By providing Filipino seafarers with vital safety and survival skills will empower them to excel in the global maritime industry. Additionally, it will enable NMP to expand its training course offerings, benefiting trainees through reduced course fees.

13 soldiers who neutralized top communist leaders in Eastern Visayas receive awards

By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 10, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry Division Commander, Major General Adonis Ariel Orio commended the operating troops of the 19th Infantry Battalion for their accomplishments in operations that led to the neutralization of top Communist-Terrorist leaders in Northern Samar.

In an awarding ceremony held at 19IB Headquarters at Barangay Opong, Las Navas, Northern Samar on December 9, 2024, Maj. Gen. Orio congratulated and awarded three Silver Cross Medal and one Military Merit Medal with Bronze Spearhead Device in recognition of the troops role in neutralizing seven members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), including alias Polly, the Secretary of Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium. The operation also led to the capture of high-powered and low-powered firearms, and other war materials on December 2, 2024.

Meanwhile, seven personnel received Military Merit Medal Interim to Gold Cross Medal after the successful neutralization of alias Jino, a member of Squad 2 of the Sub-Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), SRC Emporium; alias Jacob, a former member of Squad 2, Platoon 1, SRC Arctic; and alias Durok, the leader of SRGU, SRC Emporium and the Sub-Regional Operational Command of SRC Emporium and the seizure of other war materiel.

In a message, Maj. Gen. Orio highlighted the significance of these accomplishments, describing them as a major blow to the Communist Terrorist Group and a victory in the government's ongoing efforts to combat insurgency.

He urged the troops to continue their work and sustain the momentum against insurgents, reinforcing the trust and confidence of the community in their ability to end the decades-long insurgency problem and foster socio-economic development.

“The community relies on us, so let us continue with our efforts and sustain our gains against the insurgents. Let us stay committed and achieve total victory for peace and progress in the community,” Maj. Gen. Orio stated.

ARBs from Samar are first recipients of COCROM in E. Visayas

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
December 10, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY, Samar – Agrarian reform beneficiary (ARB) Gary Rubante from this city was so happy to receive from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) his Certificate of Condonation with Release of Mortgage (COCROM) on Sunday, December 8 this year, which relieved him from financial burden over the farmland awarded to him under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

“Maraming-maraming salamat po kay Secretary Conrado Estrella III ng DAR at kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos dahil ipinagkaloob nya po ito. Sa wakas ay wala na po kaming babayarang ganito kalaking halaga, P111,842,” Rubante exclaimed.

Rubante is one of the 1,504 ARBs from the provinces of Western Samar and Northern Samar who are the first recipients of COCROM distributed in Eastern Visayas, held at the Calbayog Sports Center.

Presidential sister, Senator Imee Marcos, was supposed to hand the 2,140 COCROMs that will erase P41,333,397.65 of unpaid amortizations and debts incurred from the 2,813-hectare lands awarded to them under agrarian reform programs. But due to the inclement weather, she was not permitted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to depart from the Tacloban City airport.

The distribution rites proceeded with DAR Assistant Secretary Rene Colocar alongside DAR Eastern Visayas Regional Director Robert Anthony Yu, Samar First District Representative Stephen James Tan, Vice Governor Arnold Tan, and City Mayor Raymund Uy, leading the distribution.

On July 7 last year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 11953, or the New Agrarian Emancipation Act that will condone P57.557 billion principal debts of 610,054 ARBs nationwide.

Aside from the COCROMs, 592 electronically generated individual titles under the Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project and 10 Certificates of Land Ownership Award (CLOAs) covering an aggregate area of 1,127.1534 hectares were likewise given to 532 ARBs from the above mentioned provinces on the same occasion.

ABM students from Samar National School engage in immersive orientation at DPWH Samar 2nd DEO

By MARK ERROLD G. PABUA
December 9, 2024

CATBALOGAN CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Samar 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) recently hosted an immersive orientation for students from the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand of Samar National School. The activity was designed to provide hands-on learning experiences and enhance the students' understanding of government infrastructure operations.

District Engineer Herminio V. Gulmatico warmly welcomed the students and underscored the importance of exposing young learners to the real-world applications of management and governance. “This partnership with schools is an investment in the future of our communities, as it equips students with practical knowledge and inspires them to pursue meaningful careers,” he said.

The orientation included detailed discussions on DPWH functions, project implementation, and administrative processes. Students were given the opportunity to interact with department heads and gain insights into the various roles within the agency. A guided tour of ongoing projects allowed the students to observe firsthand the execution of infrastructure projects, from planning to completion.

This initiative aligns with the ABM strand's focus on preparing students for careers in business, management, and public service. The program not only broadened their horizons but also provided valuable exposure to public sector operations.

Samar National School expressed its gratitude to DPWH Samar 2nd DEO for its support and commitment to nurturing future professionals. The collaboration serves as a model for integrating education and community engagement in empowering the youth.

Outcomes of first Philippine-hosted Loss and Damage Fund Board meeting not enough – civil society groups

By Aksyon Klima Pilipinas
December 9, 2024

QUEZON CITY – Philippine civil society representatives expressed dissatisfaction on the outcomes of the 4th Meeting of the Board (B.4) of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) held on 2-5 December 2024 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City.

“The FRLD can only be as effective as the actual money it has. So far, most of the nearly USD750-million pledges remain mere promises instead of disbursable funding that can concretely support developing countries and the most vulnerable communities,” said John Leo Algo, National Coordinator of Aksyon Klima Pilipinas (AKP) and one of the civil society representatives during the meeting.

B.4 takes place less than two weeks after the conclusion of the 2024 UN climate negotiations (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan. In this event, Parties set the new collective quantified goal on climate finance at “at least” USD300 billion of public finance from developed countries per year by 2035, without including any target for funding actions against loss and damage (L&D).

This was also the first Board meeting that took place in the Philippines since it was selected as its host last June. It occurred shortly after the country was battered by six storms in just four weeks, highlighting the importance of setting up the urgent operationalization of the FRLD to support nations frequently hit by extreme weather and slow onset events.

“Coming out of B.4, we now have a more concrete idea of what the Board will prioritize for its ‘Phase One’,” Algo added, referring to the period between January to June 2025. “The prioritization of developing inclusive, country-led processes is essential for assessing their needs to effectively respond to L&D, provided that we will receive technical and financial support. This is especially crucial for our country and reduce our growing vulnerabilities to worsening impacts of the climate crisis.”

Among the other priorities during this phase involve ensuring the operational readiness of the FRLD. These include developing its operational frameworks, the transition to an independent secretariat, and the development of a long-term resource mobilization and plan, including converting pledges into disbursable funding.

Civil society and community representatives at B.4, or Active Observers, succeeded in deferring decisions on proposed policies for participation of non-State actors to the next Board meeting on April 2025 in Barbados. They argued for the need for sufficient time to consult with global and national constituencies, given that key documents were only communicated a few days before the sessions.

Rodne Galicha, AKP National Convenor, welcomed the openness of the Board for a meaningful engagement process with civil society, indigenous peoples, and local communities, stating that “the decision on the creation of an expert advisory panel on loss and damage response and finance must include sectors which shall genuinely help the board to make informed decisions in the context of latest science and experiences of communities affected and may be affected”.

However, the Active Observers criticized some of the proposals made by Board members from developed countries during the meeting.

“The developed country board members' proposals look equitable but stand to potentially hold out the very developing nations the fund is meant to support,” said Jefferson Estela, East and Southeast Asia Steering Committee member of the Loss and Damage Youth Coalition (LDYC) and a youth representative during the meeting.

He cited specific suggestions by the United States representative on using World Bank branch offices to enable virtual participation and fully focusing on specific countries under the Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States to receive a large portion of available funding as examples that can perpetuate inequities and jeopardize global solidarity.

Estela also emphasized that “for the FRLD to succeed in its mandate, its governance must fully represent diverse vulnerabilities. In that way, the fund will properly support all the needed countries and help realize the end goal of making people and nations resilient and recovering from the worsening climate crisis.”

Despite these issues, Algo acknowledged the progress made by FRLD Executive Director Ibrahima Cheikh Diong and the current secretariat in just one month since he was designated. However, he highlighted that “the FRLD needs to find the right balance between urgency and diligence, especially in its early months of operationalization. It has to ensure sustainability is reflected not just in substance, but also in its procedures.”

He added that “from the perspective of developing countries and the most vulnerable communities, it is not enough for the FRLD to promise to make the most of what it has. We need more, especially funding from developed countries.”

Several members of AKP were among the Active Observers that attended the four-day meeting. Aside from Algo, who is also the Deputy Executive Director of Living Laudato Si’ Philippines (LLS) and Estela, the Oceans and Climate Campaigner of the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), representatives from the Tebtebba Foundation, Oxfam Pilipinas, and the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) were present.

Sinemaya 2024: Showcasing the power of film in social development

By EDRIAN B. BANANIA
December 5, 2024

SAN PABLO CITY – Sinemaya, the first Philippine microfinance industry community film festival initiated by CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) through its multimedia production company, BENTE Productions, has launched its 2024 edition with nationwide simultaneous screenings on November 23, 2024. The event aims to engage communities in celebrating creativity while voting for the People’s Choice Award.

This year’s theme, “A Glimpse of Chín Muồi: Harvesting Dreams and Success Together with Social Development Organizations,” showcases stories inspired by real-life experiences, emphasizing the positive impact of microfinance and social development initiatives on families and communities.

Communities served by social development organizations gathered to watch 16 short films that portrayed inspiring journeys of resilience, hope, and empowerment. These films, created by microfinance and social development organizations across Southeast Asia, highlight how families and communities achieved their dreams with the support of these organizations.

The third edition of Sinemaya showcased its entries at SM Cinemas in Manila City, Cebu City, and General Santos City.

The competing entries include A Light in the Shadows of CARD SME Bank, Inc. from Zamboanga; Antipara at Libreta of CARD Mutual Benefits Association, Inc. from Sto. Tomas, Batangas; Balud of CARD, Inc. (A Microfinance NGO) from Mandaue City; Escaping Poverty: A story of a Muong Woman Supported by TYM of Tinh Thuong One-member Limited Liability Microfinance Institution from Hanoi, Vietnam; Hope in the Tides by Project Dungganon of NWTF from Sagay City, Negros Occidental; Kabute of Simbag sa Pag-Asenso, Inc. from Albay; Litrato of CARD-MRI Development Institute (CMDI), Inc. from Tagum City, Davao del Norte; Mingalarbar! of CARD Myanmar Company Limited from Myanmar; May Ngiti ang Pangarap of CARD MRI Rizal Bank, Inc. from Taytay, Rizal; Puno ng Buhay of CARD Bank, Inc. from General Luna, Quezon; Sa Piling ni Nanay of ASA Philippines from Camarines Sur; Seeds of Change of Ekphatana Microfinance Institution from Laos; Sweet Dawn of Dungganon Bank, Inc. from Bacolod City; Teoryang Ako of Kabuhayan sa Ganap na Kasarinlan Credit & Savings Cooperative from Quezon City; Tinapay of People’s Alternative Livelihood Microfinance Foundation of Sorsogon, Inc. from Bicol Region; Vitoria of Malvar Senior High School from Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

“This program not only highlights clients' inspiring life stories but also encourages creativity and artistry among the communities we serve through filmmaking,” said Ms. Marilyn M. Manila, President of Bente Productions.

Over 1,500 attendees watched the screenings in Manila City, General Santos City, and Cebu City. CARD MRI is set to hold another screening in Laguna. Audience votes during the screenings will help determine the People’s Choice Award.

The Sinemaya 2024’s awarding ceremony will be on December 15, 2024. The ceremony will also feature the premiere of CARD MRI’s first indie film, “I Remember You.” The film narrates the story of a CARD MRI staff in Boracay Island, showcasing the organization’s efforts to help clients overcome life’s challenges.

“For us at CARD MRI, the film fest is more than a platform to showcase the talents of the communities we serve. It’s about unlocking their endless potential. Their films reflect the realities of their lives and their journey toward empowerment,” said CARD MRI Founder and Chair Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip.

This initiative is led by Bente Productions Inc., a multimedia company under the CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions, established in July 2024 to strengthen its advocacy for social development. It is dedicated to creating compelling stories and relevant information through films and series that raise awareness and drive meaningful conversations about poverty eradication.

Top communist terrorist leaders among those killed in Northern Samar clash

By DPAO, 8ID PA
December 3, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Several top leaders of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Emporium, under the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC), were among the six terrorists killed in an encounter on December 2, 2024, in the hinterlands of Barangay Paco, Las Navas, Northern Samar.

The casualties included Ariel Baselga, known by aliases Aries or Polly; Renar Diaz alias Beloy or Monmon; Rey Tafalla alias Bunso; James Arandia alias Taying; Maricar Asinas, alias Ikar; and alias Kagid, all identified by their former comrades.

Following the encounter, soldiers requested for the Philippine National Police Scene of Crime Operatives (SOCO) for a post mortem examination.

Ariel Baselga alias Aries, was the top terrorist and served as the Secretary of SRC Emporium. He directed the operations of SRC Emporium, enforced the orders of the EVRPC, and authorized tactical offensives in Northern Samar.

Renar Diaz alias Beloy or Monmon, served as the Vice-Commander of the Sub-Regional Operations Command for SRC Emporium. He was responsible for planning and supervising the tactical operations of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) units under SRC Emporium.

The encountered CTG is notorious for numerous atrocities in Northern Samar, including extortion, killing of innocent civilians, and terrorizing communities. For instance, on February 28, a Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) Jeffrey Aceron was shot to death in Barangay Igot, Pambujan. The following day, Hon. Joel Surio, a Barangay Kagawad from Barangay Cagbigajo, Pambujan, was also murdered by members of SRC Emporium.

Other reported incidents of violence include harassment against troops from the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) who were delivering basic services in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). On May 16, Corporal Isagani Balmes, a member of the 19th Infantry Battalion, was fatally shot in the chest while providing community support in Barangay Lourdes, Las Navas. On October 5, in Barangay Capotoan, Las Navas, unarmed Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit member Alejandro Claudio was attacked while heading to serve his community. Both incidents occurred in Northern Samar.

Additionally, multiple warrants for murder and attempted murder have been issued against members of this group.

The Joint Task Force Storm and the 8th Infantry Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio extended his deepest condolences to the families of those killed in the encounter while reiterating the Army’s commitment to upholding dignity and respect, even for adversaries.

“It is saddening to see fellow Filipinos deceived by the false ideologies of communist terrorists meet such a tragic end. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to their bereaved families,” Maj. Gen. Orio stated.

“While they were our enemies, we honor their humanity by providing them with a proper and dignified burial. However, this outcome could have been avoided if they had chosen to lay down their arms and surrender,” he added.