Marines kill 5 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 7): Marines kill 5 Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu clash



Soldiers clear a trench inside an Abu Sayyaf camp which government forces overran in August 2016 file. CPIO-WESTERN MINDANAO COMMAND

Five suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed in a clash with Marines on Capual Island off Omar town in Sulu on Tuesday, the military reported.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said the bodies of the five suspected bandits had been recovered.

The clash happened five days after soldiers battled with the Abu Sayyaf in Luuk town, where two suspected bandits were captured.

The military has been pursuing Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu since last month.

On Jan. 31, five bandits were also killed in Panamao.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/868945/marines-kill-5-abu-sayyaf-bandits-in-sulu-clash

NPA rebels injured in clash with military in Surigao City

From ABS-CBN (Feb 5): NPA rebels injured in clash with military in Surigao City

A firefight ensued between soldiers deployed here and New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Mat-i, Surigao City before Sunday noon.

Rebels were reportedly injured after the 15-minute firefight that forced the NPA members under Ka Lucas to withdraw, according to First Lieutenant Ryan Layug.

"We are going to protect Surigaonons and the communities from the atrocities being planned by these rebels," Lieutenant Colonel Rico Amaro, 30th Infrantry Battalion commander said.


Last January 29, Private First Class Erwin Salan, a member of Amaro's Python Battalion, was abducted in Barangay Budlingin, Alegria, Surigao del Norte after leading a cleanliness drive.

On the same day at midnight, soldiers taking part in a peace and development outreach program in Barangay Mat-i were attacked by the rebels. Four soldiers were wounded.

"We thank the members of the community for giving us timely information. A report was sent to us that the NPA will again attack the community, so we responded. President Duterte gave so much time for the peace process to move forward, we regret why can't this group contribute for a peaceful Surigao." Amaro added.

Following President Rodrigo Duterte's withdrawal of the government's ceasefire with the NPA, the military has resumed offensives against the rebel group, vowing to “hit them hard."

http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/05/17/npa-rebels-injured-in-clash-with-military-in-surigao-city

Security forces deployed to protect West Philippine Sea

From Update.Ph (Feb 6): Security forces deployed to protect West Philippine Sea

Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command (WESCOM) has conducted a send-off ceremony for security personnel assigned to Kalayaan Group of Islands in West Philippine Sea.

The deployed troops will replace previously deployed personnel to secure the country’s maritime territory in West Philippine Sea.

 

Every deployment lasts for three to four months. They are stationed at Philippine-occupied features in West Philippine Sea.

“Protectors of our Land, Servants called to battle when our country takes a stand. We pray for strength and courage and a heart that will forgive, For peace and understanding in a world for all to live. Our prayers are with them, no matter where they roam,” WESCOM said in its social networking page, a version of the sailor’s prayer.

“May the Lord bless them and guide them all throughout their duty,” it added.

 

Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines added 4 new photos.

· 22 hrs ·

"Send-off Ceremony for Deployed KIG Security Personnel"
...
Protectors of our Land,
Servants called to battle when our country takes a stand.
We pray for strength and courage and a heart that will forgive,
For peace and understanding in a world for all to live.
Our prayers are with them, no matter where they roam.#SaludoSaKawalPilipino! May the Lord bless them and guide them all throughout their duty.#TeamWESCOM #OnePalawanParaSaKapayapaan #TransformWhileWePerform









https://www.facebook.com/wescom/photos/pcb.809436762521820/809433472522149/?type=3

http://www.update.ph/2017/02/security-forces-deployed-to-protect-west-philippine-sea/14052

BRP Andres Bonifacio back to Manila

From Update.Ph (Feb 6): BRP Andres Bonifacio back to Manila

The Philippine Navy’s third Gregorio del Pilar-class frigate is now in Manila. The said warship, Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas (BRP) Andres Bonifacio (FF17), arrived at Pier 13, South Harbor, Manila on February 3, the Philippine Navy said.

This is after the completion of its maiden mission to southern Philippines covering the areas of Cebu, Iloilo, Zamboanga, General Santos City, Davao and Iligan City, the Navy added.

 

The mission, Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 2017 sea phase training and shakedown mission for its personnel, started mid-January.

During port calls, Open House activities gave civilians chance to tour inside BRP Andres Bonifacio.

http://www.update.ph/2017/02/brp-andres-bonifacio-back-to-manila/14093

Suspected NPA rebel killed in Occidental Mindoro clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 6): Suspected NPA rebel killed in Occidental Mindoro clash



A suspected communist rebel was killed in a clash with government soldiers in Sta. Cruz town in Occidental Mindoro province on Sunday, a military official in Southern Luzon said on Monday.

Major Gil Perez of the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) said soldiers from the Army’s 76th Infantry Battalion clashed with more than 20 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Pinagturilan, Sta. Cruz at 2 p.m.

He said a still unidentified NPA rebel was killed in the 30-minute firefight. Soldiers also recovered a .45-cal. pistol, bullets, two improvised explosive devices, antigovernment documents and personal belongings from the clash site.

 The body of the slain rebel was turned over to the Sta. Cruz police station for identification.
Perez said residents in the village informed the military of the presence of NPA rebels in their community.

Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Quidilla, Solcom commander, said units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions had resumed offensives against communist rebels following the government’s termination of its unilateral ceasefire against the NPA.

“We assure you that our troops will conduct our tactical operations within the bounds of the AFP rules of engagement and respect for human rights and rule of law at all times,” Quidilla said in a statement.

 President Duterte scrapped peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines after ending the government’s unilateral ceasefire last week. The President cited the deaths of soldiers in NPA attacks as a reason for lifting the ceasefire and ending the peace negotiations.

 Perez said the provinces of Quezon, Sorsogon and Masbate remain the military’s “priority areas” in its anti-insurgency campaign.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/868537/suspected-npa-rebel-killed-in-occidental-mindoro-clash
 

AFP tells Duterte: We won’t fail you in war vs drugs

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 6): AFP tells Duterte: We won’t fail you in war vs drugs

Military declares it will do its duty, back PDEA in anti-drug drive,



In this Aug. 6, 2016 file photo, President Rodrigo Duterte tells soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu, he’s working on increasing soldiers’ pay and benefits. The President wants to tap the help of the AFP in the war on drugs. (CDN FILE PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is ready to comply with President Duterte’s decision to authorize the military to help the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the government’s campaign against illegal drugs.

Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP public affairs chief, said the military has only been waiting for the guidelines from Malacañang sought by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana regarding the exact role of the military in the anti-drug drive.

“We are thankful to the President for his trust. We will not fail him. We will do the duty that he entrusted to us,” Arevalo said in a radio interview.

Law enforcement is not the soldiers’ main competency so those deployed in the war on drugs would have to be retrained, according to Arevalo.

The military has only been limited to a “supporting role,” with other agencies such as the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation and PDEA leading the anti-drug operations, Arevalo said.

“But whatever the guidelines will be, if we’re asked to undergo training, we will do it,” he said.

Last week, Duterte stopped the PNP and the NBI from conducting further anti-drug operations following the involvement of some of its officers in a bogus anti-drug operation in which South Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo was kidnapped and murdered for his money.

Jee was said to have been killed right inside the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame and later cremated in a Caloocan City funeral parlor. Several policemen and NBI assets were later charged before the Department of Justice and the court.

Duterte ordered the PNP to conduct “internal cleansing” to weed out rogue officers from the police ranks.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/868565/afp-tells-duterte-we-wont-fail-you-in-war-vs-drugs

REDS IN A TIZZY | The NDF: From foe to Digong's friend, now back to foe

From InterAksyon (Feb 6): REDS IN A TIZZY | The NDF: From foe to Digong's friend, now back to foe



What a contrast: celebratory hand-shaking in Rome Jan. 21, and then (inset), an angry President. INTERAKSYON/KODAO IMAGES

Over the weekend, an angry President Rodrigo Duterte rescinded the government's unilateral cease-fire with the communist rebels represented by the National Democratic Front (NDF), citing as the last straw last week's killing in Bukidnon of unarmed soldiers by the rebels.

In one fell swoop, Duterte turned the rebels' status full circle: from foe prior to his presidency, to friends earnestly restarting the moribund peace negotiations, and, now, back again to foe. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday he called them "terrorists" and on Monday, plain "spoiled brats."

Duterte's rapprochement was crisply delivered in his 2016 State of the Nation Address: "If we cannot, as yet, love one another, then in God's name, let us not hate each other too much, so it was said. [applause] I say the same to you today."

In return, Jose Maria Sison, the NDF Chief Political Consultant who used to be Duterte's former professor at the Lyceum of the Philippines, said then: "President Duterte and I remain good friends." He added that the two of them have plenty of mutual friends who help "maintain" their friendship.

The government's peace panel chief Jesus Dureza echoed the sentiment, describing the June 2016 exploratory talks as a reunion of "old friends".

However, in the course of the latest round of peace negotiations, - in Rome - the communists cited what they called Duterte's unfulfilled promise to release close to 400 political prisoners, as well as alleged cease-fire violations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

On February 1, the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army, announced they were lifting their own unilateral cease-fire by February 10. They, however, expressed a wish to continue the peace talks.

Duterte responded in kind, especially when communist rebels killed three soldiers in Bukidnon and "paralyzed" private heavy equipment the same day the NPA disclosed it was terminating its cease-fire.

He announced Friday (Feb. 3) the lifting of the government's own cease-fire declaration effective immediately. The next day he said he was scuttling the peace talks, even as another round of negotiations is due in the third week of February. And on Sunday night, shortly after meeting the families of the slain soldiers, he ordered the rearrest of the NDF consultants who had been released earlier so they can join the talks.

Duterte said he now considers the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-NDF (CPP-NPA-NDF) as a terrorist group.

See also:

• DUTERTE SCRAPS PEACE TALKS WITH NDF; ASKS GOVT DELEGATION TO RETURN HOME

• DUTERTE ORDERS ARREST OF ALL NDF CONSULTANTS

But the NDF peace panel chairman Fidel Agcaoili countered that the 17 consultants "are all protected form rearrest in accordance with the JASIG, or the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees, which grants negotiators, their consultants, staff and security personnel protection from arrest and prosecution for the duration of the talks.

See: CONSULTANTS IN PH PROTECTED FROM REARREST - NDFP

Duterte, however, offered an olive branch to the communist rebels in the mountains who want to surrender: "I asked them [NPA] to come down from the hills and surrender. I will provide them protection and find money and provide them land under the government's agrarian reform program," Duterte said.

But what's ahead down the rocky road to peace with the Reds?

"Guerra na lang! Peace may not be possible within our generation," Duterte said in Malacañang.

http://interaksyon.com/article/136877/reds-in-a-tizzy--the-ndf-from-foe-to-digongs-friend-now-back-to-foe

Consultants in PH, protected from rearrest - NDFP

From InterAksyon (Feb 6): Consultants in PH, protected from rearrest - NDFP



NDFP peace panel chairman Fidel Agcaoili (file photo by Kodao Productions)

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines said all 17 of its consultants who were released from prison in August are back in the country and “not in hiding.”

At the same time, NDFP peace negotiating panel chairman Fidel Agcaoili said the 17 “are ll protected form rearrest in accorance with the JASIG,” or the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees, which grants negotiators, their consultants, staff and security personnel protection from arrest and prosecution for the duration of the talks.

Agcaoili said they are waiting for the formal notice from the government’s negotiating panel on the termination of the peace negotiations, which President Rodrigo Duterte announced Saturday, a day after he lifted government’s unilateral ceasefire.

On February 1, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army lifted their own unilateral ceasefire, citing what they called Duterte’s unfulfilled promise to release close to 400 political prisoners through a general amnesty and the military’s continued violations of the government ceasefire.

Fighting has since resumed between government forces and the communist rebels.

On Sunday, Duterte ordered the 17 NDFP consultants rearrested once they return from abroad. Duterte, who used to describe himself as a “leftist” and “socialist,” took to calling the communist rebels “terrorists.”

But Agcaoili said the consultants had returned to the Philippines on January 31 after attending the third round of formal talks in Rome from January 19 to 25.

“These consultants have been put under the effective jurisdiction of (government) courts because they were released only on bail and only for a six-month period,” he noted. “They have been required to secure court permission every time they went abroad to participate in the last three rounds of talks.”

“Their bail renewal is due this month and, as reflected in the Rome Joint Statement of 25 January 2017, both their lawyers and the (government) have agreed to cooperate in this regard,” he added.

http://interaksyon.com/article/136869/consultants-in-ph-protected-from-rearrest---ndfp

ARMY: 42 NPA atrocities since August 2016

From the Mindanao Times (Feb 6): ARMY: 42 NPA atrocities since August 2016

THE 10TH Infantry Division has recorded 42 atrocities attributed to the New People’s Army since August last year.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, the division spokesperson, said the incidents included nine attacks, one ambush and abductions of five civilians and one soldier.

Also, he blamed the rebels for the series of torching incidents involving buses, heavy equipment and passenger vans. They were able also to record one coercion incident, two disarming incidents and murder of two civilians.

On Jan. 30, 2Lt. Victor Alejo of 67th Infantry Battalion was killed when they were fired upon by NPAs in Manay, Davao Oriental.

On the same day, three soldiers were reportedly abducted and killed by the rebels in Malaybalay, Bukidnon around 5 p.m.

On Feb. 2, two soldiers under 39th Infantry Battalion were blocked and abducted by the NPAs while they were on board their motorcycle at Columbio town in Sultan Kudarat around 7:30 a.m.

PFC Erwin Salan of 30th Infantry Battalion was also abducted by the rebels in Surigao del Norte on Jan. 29 around 3:40 p.m.

Due to the recent NPA attacks, President Rodrigo Duterte withdrew on Friday the unilateral ceasefire against the rebels. Also he ordered the suspension of the peace talks.

In a separate interview, AFP chief of staff, Gen. Eduardo M. Año, stated that the AFP will abide to President Duterte’s order of ending the unilateral ceasefire.

“It is unfortunate that the gains of the last 6 months would come to a halt because the cpp npa again resorted to the use of violence and chose arms to advance their interests,” Año said.

“While Fidel Agcaoili (NDF negotiator) was assuring the public through media that NDF-CPP-NPA will continue the unilateral ceasefire, the NPA was attacking our soldiers who were doing community support and development work that resulted to the death of 2Lt Miguel Victor Alejo and five soldiers and the abduction of Pfc. Salan and two other soldiers,” he added.

http://mindanaotimes.net/army-42-npa-atrocities-since-august-2016/

NDF peace consultant arrested at military checkpoint

From MindaNews (Feb 6): NDF peace consultant arrested at military checkpoint

A consultant of the National Democratic Front (NDF) peace panel was arrested by authorities along with his liaison officer at the Task Force Davao checkpoint in Barangay Sirawan, Toril district at 9:21 a.m. Monday.

The arrest came barely 15 hours after President Rodrigo Duterte announced in Cagayan de Oro City Sunday night that he was ordering the arrest of 21 NDF consultants who were temporarily released in August to participate in the peace negotiations.

Lt.Col. Nestor Mondia, the detachment commander of Task Force Sirawan identified the consultant as Ariel Arbitrario alias Marlon, Secretary of Guerilla Front GF2, Southern Mindanao Regional Command ( SMRC) and Roderick Manuyac alias Caloy, liaison officer, of the SMRC.



NDF peace panel consultants Ariel Arbitrario (L) and Eduardo Genelsa meet the press at Cafe Demitasse in Davao City on August 18, 2016, a day after they were freed on bail to participate in the peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway. Arbitrario was arrested at a military checkpoint in Davao City on Monday, February 6, 2017, barely 15 hours after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the arrest of the NDF consultants. Photo courtesy of ZEA IO MING C. CAPISTRANO / davaotoday.com

Mondia said Arbitrario whose temporary release is supposed to lapse by February 17, and Manuyac were flagged down while on board a white Chevrolet pick up bearing plate number ADP-5617.

“May natanggap akong instruction from higher headquarters sa 10th ID na ‘may dadaan na sasakyan ganito ang sakay tapos i-flag down at i-hold niyo’ kaya nang dumating sila gi-hold namin” (I received instructions from higher headquarters that ‘a vehicle of this type will pass by, flag it down and hold them so when the vehicle passed, we held them), Mondia said.

“Hindi ko rin alam kung sila ang sakay at yun pagka hold sa kanila sinabihan ako na darating yung CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) at i-turn over sa kanila” (I didn’t also know who were the passengers of the vehicle but we were just told to hold them. I was told to wait for the CIDG to turn them over), he added.

Out on bail

In its press release, the Joint Task Force Haribon of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) said Arbitrario was arrested “after his bail bond had lapsed.”

The Regional Trial Court Branch 3 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley ordered the release on bail of Arbirario and Eduardo Genelsa after posting bail.

The order signed by Judge Cresenciana DC. Cruz, said their release is only for the purpose of his attendance and participation in the formal peace negotiations in Oslo, Norway which will start on August 20.

The order also said the temporary release “shall not exceed six months, but may be shortened by the earlier conclusion or termination of the formal peace negotiations.”

The six-month period granted to Arbitrario and Genelsa would have ended on February 17 although the government and NDF peace panels during the third round of formal peace talks last month had agreed to work on the renewal of bail of all those who were temporarily released.

Chief Insp. Joahna Lagundi, chief of operations of the regional Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). said the suspects were turned over to them by the Task Force personnel.

She said the suspects have standing warrants of arrest for murder, hence their detention.

Manuyac has a pending warrant of arrest for Criminal Case 20502 for Murder issued by Judge Virginia Tehano-Ang of RTC-11 Branch 1 while Arbitrario has a warrant for Criminal Case 7925 for murder with double attempted murder, Criminal Case 10188 for Murder and was apprehended for Case10190 for robbery in band.

“Arrest them”

“Yung lahat nang nasa labas, kayong na-release, umuwi na kayo dito because you are wanted. And upon your arrival, I will arrest you and place you back in prison,” Duterte said, adding those who refuse to return home are to be considered fugitives. “I will cancel your passports and I will inform the international police for an international warrant,” Duterte addressed the NDF Sunday night during a press briefing in Cagayan de Oro, after visiting the wake of three soldiers slain in an ambush by suspected communist rebels on February 1.

Duterte lifted the unilateral ceasefire on February 3, suspended the peace negotiations on February 4 and on February 5 ordered the arrest of the NDF consultants.

Duterte said the locations and movements of the 21 NDF consultants are known by the intelligence agencies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The military has been keeping tab on their activities. But I have issued an alert … sa Immigration na kung magbalik sila, they will be subjected to an arrest,” he said.

NDF peace panel chair Fidel Agcaoili in a statement issued Sunday said 17 of the NDF consultants temporarily released from detention in August 2016 are back in the Philippines “and are not in hiding.” He said they arrived on January 31 after attending the third round of formal peace talks in Rome.

JASIG-protected

Agcaoili also said those who participated in the third round of formal talks in Rome on January 19 to 25 returned to the country on January 31 and “are all protected from re-arrest in accordance with the JASIG (Joint Agreement on Ssfety and Immunity Guarantees).

The consultants, he added, were released on bail for a six-month period. “They have been required to secure court permission every time they went abroad to participate in the last three rounds of talks. Their bail renewal is due this month and, as reflected in the Rome Joint Statement of 25 January 2017, both their lawyers and the GRP have agreed to cooperate in this regard.”

As of 5 p.m. Monday, the NDF, CPP and NPA had yet to issue a statement on Arbitrario’s arrest.

But the CPP in a statement issued Monday, assailed Duterte’s order to cancel the passports and re-arrest NDF negotiators and consultants without bail. “If carried out, these shall be considered as gross acts of treachery and grave violations of the JASIG (which) was reaffirmed by the Duterte regime and the NDFP just a few months ago. It guarantees non-reprisal against each other’s peace personnel.”

Arrested last year

On February 17 last year, Ariel and his brother Crispolo were arrested at a joint AFP-PNP checkpoint in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City following a warrant of arrest for murder filed at RTC Branch 3 in Nabunturan, Compostela Valley.

Crispolo, according to authorities, is a member of the Special Operations Group of the Sub-Regional Committe 2.

Seized from the brothers were a .45 pistol and .a 38 caliber revolver; one fragmentation grenade; an improvised grenade and a handheld radio.

According to the military, the brothers were involved in atrocities in the areas of Maco, Mabini and Pantukan. They were brought to the Davao Del Norte CIDG office as they faced another case for violation of the Election Gun Ban and RA 10591 or “Illegal possession firearms and explosives.”

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2017/02/ndf-peace-consultant-arrested-at-military-checkpoint/

(Update) NPA rebel dies in an encounter with army troopers in Occ. Mindoro

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): (Update) NPA rebel dies in an encounter with army troopers in Occ. Mindoro

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in an encounter with troopers from the 76th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) on Sunday while the troopers were conducting security patrol at Kalibunlibunan sub-village in Pinagturilan in Santa Cruz, Occidental Mindoro.

PA 2ID chief of the division public affairs office 1st Lieutenant Xy-zon Meneses said a member of the Mangyan tribe who has surrendered to the 76th IB following NPA announcement on the cessation of the unilateral ceasefire tipped the authorities of the rebel movements.

Meneses added that an exchange of gun fire with 20 NPA rebels lasted for 30 minutes during the encounter.

Army troopers killed one of the insurgents during the gun battle and confiscated two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a caliber 45 pistol with magazine, two long magazines for an M16 Armalite rifle, binocular, four backpacks, personal belongings and subversive documents.

Authorities believed the brigand was part of the group that ransacked and burned a private security detachment in Pico de Loro, Nasugbu, Batangas last Jan. 31.

In a subsequent report, Major Virgilio J Perez, Jr. (Inf) PA , chief of the information office of the Southern Luzon Command (SolCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stationed in Lucena City, Quezon relayed the message of SolCom commander Lieutenant General Ferdinand F. Quidilla for the pursuit operation against the rebels.

“We will continue to pursue the fleeing NPA rebels and ensure that they will not pose threats against our troops and the community,” Quidilla said.

Both AFP and PNP forces continue their pursuit operation and offensive against the rebels as of press time.

The recovered body of the NPA rebel was turned over to the Santa Cruz municipal police station in Occidental Mindoro for identification and proper disposition.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=961359

(1st Lead) NDFP consultant, 2 others now in custody of CIDG-11

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): (1st Lead) NDFP consultant, 2 others now in custody of CIDG-11

A consultant of the National Democratic Front of Philippines (NDFP) and two of his companions are now in the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after they were held Monday morning by Task Force Davao at the Sirawan checkpoint in Davao City.

Ariel Arbitrario, who sits as NDFP consultant for the Political and Constitutional Reforms, driver Rosario Sinday and companion Roderick Mamuyac were on board a white Chevrolet heading to Davao del Sur when they were flagged down by TF security force.

They were immediately turned over by TF Davao to CIDG XI.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=961417

N. Cotabato town relief operation serves 1,844 flood-stricken MILF families

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): N. Cotabato town relief operation serves 1,844 flood-stricken MILF families

Local relief personnel had served a total of 1,844 families in three Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities recently inundated by flash floods due to torrential rains, the municipal disaster management reported Monday.

Tahira Kalantungan, chief of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office(MDRRMO), identified the MILF villages served as those of Nabundasan, Talitay and Inug-og.

This town and Kabacan were severely hit by heavy rains and flooding recently, due to a low pressure area (LPA), which inflicted huge damage to local farmlands and infrastructure facilities.

On Sunday, relief operations hit a snag after members of MILF - Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) held for some two hours the relief convoy entering the MILF villages.

Kalantungan downplayed the matter as plain “miscommunication” between the MDRRMO and MILF men as they have failed to inform the MILF leadership on the inclusion of military personnel in the convoy during the conduct of the relief mission.

“They (MILF) did not know that we would be accompanied by military men. But later, we were permitted to proceed and serve the flood-affected families,” she said.

Kalantungan said the Cotabato Electric Cooperative (Cotelco) and Aboitiz Power Company also brought and donated food packs to the affected families.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=961431

(Update) CIDG takes custody of NDFP consultant, 2 others arrested by TF Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): (Update) CIDG takes custody of NDFP consultant, 2 others arrested by TF Davao

A consultant of the National Democratic Front of Philippines (NDFP) and two of his companions are now under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) after they were held by the Task Force Davao at the Sirawan checkpoint in Toril, Davao City on Monday morning.

Ariel Arbitrario, who sits as NDFP consultant for Ceasefire and the Political and Constitutional Reforms of the NDFP panel, driver Rosario Sinday and another companion Roderick Mamuyac were on board a white Chevrolet heading to Davao del Sur when they were flagged down by TF security force.

Arbitrario holds an identification as JASIG (Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees)-protected NDFP consultant after he was granted bail last year and attended the previous round-of-talks in Oslo in August and October.

Anakpawis Party-list Representative Ariel Casilao, a member of the House Committee on Peace and Reconciliation said Arbitrario’s participation in the talks was crucial.

TF Davao chief Col. Bernard Neri in an interview said security forces flagged down the car in response to a text message that criminals with warrant of arrest are on board a white Chevrolet with plate number ADP5617.

He admitted they have no knowledge about the person until Arbitrario presented himself as NDFP consultant.

"Initially, hindi namin alam. Humingi ako ng tulong sa CIDG, NICA (Initially, we did not know so I sought the help of CIDG, NICA)," Neri said .

Except for Sinday and Mamuyac, Neri said someone confirmed to him that Arbitrario has a warrant of arrest.

When representatives from Karapatan came, Neri said that was the time they believed that Arbitrario was NDFP.

But Neri clarified this quick response on any information as he said it was required of them considering that they are on heightened alert for any threat because of the ongoing meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

When asked if they have already received formal orders about the NDFP consultants, Neri said there is none so far, but takes the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte. “We toe-the-line,” he said.

TF Davao immediately turned over Arbitrario to the CIDG to deal on his status.

Arbitrario is the first consultant arrested by government authorities following the pronouncement of President Duterte on Saturday and Sunday, abandoning talks with the communists.

It may be recalled that President Duterte ordered members of the NDFP panel and consultants, who were granted bail, to be allowed to participate in the negotiations, to return home and return to jail at their own volition or they will face arrest.

This after the President called off the peace negotiations with the NDFP and responded to the lifting of the unilateral ceasefire.

Duterte said he was not ready to continue with the talks until the Communist Party of the Philippines-NDFP and its armed forces the New People's Army (NPA) would come into their senses.

The President was dismayed over the announcement of the NPA terminating its unilateral ceasefire and the killing of soldiers.

As this developed, Casilao, who arrived at the CIDG office, said Arbitrario’s arrest has alarmed members of the NDFP panel and consultants. Arbitrario is now being restricted movements and suspects there is some irregularity in his arrest.

Arbitrario claimed his bail still holds and would lapse in March.

Casilao admitted that Mamuyac and Sinday were his former security and driver, respectively, when he campaigned for Anakpawis representative.

Casilao said there is a compelling reason to continue talking. “I hope we can patch up things,” Casilao said.

Earlier, NDFP panel chair Fidel Agcaoili said they are awaiting formal notice from the GRP panel on the termination of the peace negotiations as mandated in JASIG which defines the mode of termination.

Agcaoili clarified that all 17 NDFP consultants released from detention last August 2016 are in the Philippines and are not in hiding.

“Those who took part in the third round of formal talks in Rome, Italy from 19 to 25 January 2017 have returned to the country as of 31 January. They are all protected from re-arrest in accordance with the JASIG,” he said in a statement.

Under JASIG, the protection and immunity are only revoked 30 days after the receipt of notice of termination.

Agcaoili said the consultants have been put under the effective jurisdiction of GRP courts because they were released only on bail and only for a six-month period. They have been required to secure court permission every time they went abroad to participate in the last three rounds of talks.

Their bail renewal is due this month and, as reflected in the Rome Joint Statement of 25 January 2017, both their lawyers and the GRP have agreed to cooperate in this regard, he confirmed.

Given the situation, Agcaoili said the NDFP still stands firm in its commitment to struggle for a just and lasting peace in the country in accordance with the national and democratic aspirations of the Filipino people.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=961484

US firefighters train BFP personnel in Negros Island Region

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): US firefighters train BFP personnel in Negros Island Region

A group of firefighters from California, USA arrived in Negros Occidental to hold a training outreach for personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Negros Island Region (NIR).

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. met with members of Firefighters for Christ led by John White during their courtesy visit at the Capitol Monday.

The visiting firefighters are conducting trainings on safe firefighting and water rescue and on combating forest fires.

Superintendent Fred Trajeras Jr., Acting Director of BFP-NIR, had earlier said about 40 personnel from various BFP-NIR unit are attending the trainings.

Trajeras added that the American fighters will also donate equipment to the region.

He thanked the governor for assisting the BFP-NIR in the accommodation of the visiting firefighters.

For his part, Marañon had told the fire marshals of the cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental to work together and unite to make the province more progressive and safe.

In a recent New Year’s Call of the BFP-NIR officials to the governor, they were joined by Undersecretary Jesus Hinlo Jr. of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Hinlo said the DILG plans to set up a computerized system for the BFP for more efficient transactions, particularly in securing fire safety clearances and permits.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=961523

DILG allots P691M for PAMANA projects in insurgency-affected Bicol towns

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): DILG allots P691M for PAMANA projects in insurgency-affected Bicol towns

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) allocated P691.63 million for projects in pre-identified conflict-affected areas (CAA) across the Bicol region whose construction works were completed in 2015 and 2016 under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program.

Engineer Renato Bolon, head of the special projects being implemented by DILG-Project Development and Management Unit in Bicol, said the infrastructures, which were built in places affected by the insurgency in the countryside, ranged from road networks to water system facilities.

PAMANA is the national government's flagship program aimed at strengthening peace-building, reconstruction and development in CAAs in the country's selected "priority regions."

Of the 54 PAMANA projects, 23 are in Camarines Norte, 14 in Masbate, seven each in Sorsogon and Camarines Sur, and three in Albay.

The towns in Camarines Sur, which have PAMANA-funded construction work projects, are Baao, Bato, Bula, Del Gallego and Garchitorena.

“These are either road networks, bridges or water supply systems,” he said.

Bolon said the PAMAMA-funded projects in Camarines Norte, which are in the towns of Basud, Capalonga, Labo and Sta. Elena, are either road sections, bridges or water supply facilities.

He said in Masbate, road sections or water system projects were built in the remote villages of Cawayan, Milagros, Mobo, Monreal, Palanas, San Pascual and Uson.

In Sorsogon, road sections, bridges or water supply facilities were constructed in CAAs of Barcelona, Casiguran, Gubat, Juban, Magallanes and Prieto Diaz.

“Guinobatan is the only Albay town with Pamana-funded road sections,” said Bolon.

He said Catanduanes has no pre-identified insurgency-affected village.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=961510

2 soldiers wounded in Sorsogon clash; first in Bicol since gov't terminated peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): 2 soldiers wounded in Sorsogon clash; first in Bicol since gov't terminated peace talks 

Two soldiers were wounded in a clash between New People’s Army rebels and government troopers in Casiguran, Sorsogon at dawn on Monday, the first encounter between the two groups since President Rodrigo Duterte’s termination of the peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), said a top official of the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Gil Perez, SOLCOM spokesman, said the wounded soldiers, identified as Cpl. Jerome T. Tu and Pfc. Mart Maximo M. Odsinada of the 31st Infantry Battalion, were on patrol in Sitio Kabungahan, Barangay Trece Martirez, Casiguran when they encountered around 15 local NPA guerrillas at 6:30 a.m.

He said it was the first firefight in the Bicol region after the CPP terminated its unilateral ceasefire with the government a few days ago.

Perez said the firefight lasted for more than 10 minutes before the NPA rebels fled towards the remote villages in Casiguran town. The wounded soldiers were brought to Sorsogon Doctors Hospital for medical treatment.

President Duterte terminated the government’s ceasefire with the CPP-NPA on February 3 after the NPA announced its own lifting of its unilateral ceasefire with the government on Feb. 1.

According to the CPP-NPA the President failed to release all political prisoners and pull out government troops in communities in the countryside.

Lt. Gen. Ferdinand F Quidilla, SOLCOM commander, in a statement, said Sorsogon and Masbate in Bicol region and Quezon province in the Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) region are the priority areas of the military.

During the first Regional Peace and Order Council meeting, which was presided by Mayor Noel Rosal of Legazpi City early in January, Maj. Gen. Manolito Orense, commanding general of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said that insurgency has remained a potent threat to national and local security.

He alleged that “many government officials are sleeping or supporting the NPA” and stressed that local government units have a big responsibility to address insurgency.

Orense said there are 217 NPA combatants in Bicol where some 312 barangays are affected by insurgency.

“The provinces of Sorsogon, Camarines Sur and Masbate have the highest number of atrocities committed by the rebels in 2016,” he alleged, citing a military report.

Quidilla said AFP troops will continue to conduct tactical operations within the bounds of its rules of engagement and will respect human rights and the rule of law at all times.

He assured the people in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions that the military will continue to heed the clamor for peaceful means to resolve the over 40 years of conflict with the CPP-NPA.

Quidilla said the AFP will continue to implement the government’s development programs as well as the campaign to support the law enforcement operations of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and PNP.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=961553

Driver hurt as gunmen attack Samar vice mayor’s car

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): Driver hurt as gunmen attack Samar vice mayor’s car

A group of gunmen attacked the car of San Jorge, Samar Vice Mayor Nancy Grey on Monday morning, wounding the driver, the regional police office reported.

Grey and two of her bodyguards just got into the car when gunmen hiding in bushes nearby opened fire at them. The shooting incident took place past 10 a.m. in front of the official’s house in Mancol village, San Jorge town.

A bullet hit Catalino Ubaob’s left foot. The vice mayor and her bodyguards were not hurt during the incident, according to the police report.

The official was heading to the town hall to preside a town council session.

The local police in San Jorge and Gandara towns have been conducting follow-up investigation relative to the incident. They earlier recovered empty shells of M-14 and M-16 armalite rifles from the crime scene.

Grey served as a mayor of San Jorge town for nine years. When her three terms expired last year, her husband, Joseph took over the town’s leadership.

On Jan. 31, three grenade blasts hit two houses and a warehouse owned by the mayor in Mancol village. A police officer and a security aide were hurt by the attack of unknown suspects.

Three days prior to the grenade attack, Lester Bisnar, the mayor’s opponent in the 2016 elections and his aide were wounded in an ambuscade in Lapaz village. The victim tagged the mayor’s three sons as suspects.

Grey’s family has been ruling the sleepy town for more than a decade. San Jorge is about 140 kilometers from Tacloban City, Eastern Visayas' cpital. It is a fourth-class town subdivided into 42 villages with a population of more than 17,000.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=961497

NPA rebels harass banana firm in ComVal; AFP-NPA clash reported in Davao Occidental

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): NPA rebels harass banana firm in ComVal; AFP-NPA clash reported in Davao Occidental

The Army reported on Monday that undetermined numbers of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked a banana plantation on Sunday evening in the province of Compostela Valley.

Captain Rhyan Batchar, chief information officer of 10th Infantry (Agila Division) said NPA rebels on board five motorcycles assaulted a banana plantation owned by DOLE Stanfilco in Sitio Sto. Niño, Barangay Araibo, Pantukan town.
The rebels then burned the packing plant inside the plantation, Batchar added.

No one was reported hurt during the attack but the burning caused the banana plantation around P1 million in damages, he added.

In the same report, the 10th ID also said an armed confrontation occurred between elements of 73rd Infantry Battalion and undetermined number of NPA rebels in Sitio Kisoy, Barangay Little Baguio, Malita, Davao Occidental.

Batchar said the incident took place 10:20 a.m. on Monday, February 6.

No casualties were reported on the government side while pursuit operation is still on-going in the area, he added.

"We are guided by President Duterte's pronouncements in dealing with the NPA rebels, who continue to attack civilian targets,” Major General Rafael C. Valencia, commander of 10th ID said in a statement.

He added that operations are underway to target armed terror groups including the NPA, saying further that "We will not allow the NPA, which was never a people’s army to continue sowing fear and terror on the people.”

Meanwhile, Batchar also reported the surrender of an improvised explosive device (IED) made by a supporter of the NPA in the province of Davao Oriental.

He said that a team leader of NPA supporters in Barangay Lambog, Manay town handed over to 67th IB troopers an IED on Sunday afternoon, February 5.

The said IED was turned in to the EOD team for proper disposition, Batchar added.

NPA rebel killed, war materials seized in Occidental Mindoro clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): NPA rebel killed, war materials seized in Occidental Mindoro clash

A suspected New People's Army rebel was killed in an encounter with the military in Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro Sunday afternoon.

The clash, which lasted 30 minutes, was the first to have taken place after Pres. Rodrigo Duterte terminated the peace talks with the National Democratic Front Saturday in wake of unprovoked NPA attacks against government troops.

Since last week, six troopers have been killed.

The clash took place around 2 p.m. at Barangay Pinagturilan, said 2nd Infantry Division 2nd Lt. Xy-zon Meneses in a message to the PNA.

He added the government troops were patrolling the area after receiving reports that a group of 20 NPA rebels were gathered in the area.

The NPA band was believed to be among the insurgents who attacked and looted a security detachment in Nasugbu, Batangas last Jan. 31.

Seized were improvised explosive device, a .45 caliber pistol and its clip, an M-16 rifle magazine, one binoculars, four backpacks, and personnel belongings.

No losses were sustained by government forces in the encounter, Meneses said.

The body of the slain rebel was also recovered, he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961299

Gov't to carry out law enforcement operations against communist insurgents -- Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): Gov't to carry out law enforcement operations against communist insurgents -- Duterte

The government will not consider declaring an all out war against communist rebels after the peace talks were suspended, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Sunday.

"No (all out war). Law enforcement (operations) only," President Duterte told reporters in a chance interview after he visited the wake of soldiers killed in action in Cagayan de Oro City.

The President said he will no longer consider the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as communist groups but as terrorist groups.

Duterte expressed dismay over the rebels' public announcement that they were lifting the ceasefire order February 10 yet they continued to kill government soldiers and policemen.

He was likewise appalled by the manner the soldiers were killed noting that one of them sustained 73 gunshot wounds.

"Why do you do that? Ano ang sundalo aso? Eh ‘di wala ka man lang respeto na kalaban mo in the field of battle, there is always honor," he said.

He urged communist leaders who participated in the peace talks to return home and go back to prison.

"And upon your arrival, I will arrest you and place you back in prison," he said.

"Ngayon, kung ayaw ninyong bumalik, you are fugitives, I will cancel your passports and I will inform the international police for an international warrant," he added.

Meanwhile, he said he is willing to accept other communist rebels who will surrender to the government.

"To all of you soldiers in the mountains, I am offering you peace. If you go down, I will find money to place you in settlements and I will proceed with the land reform,“ he said.

Duterte said he would not change his mind about suspending the peace talks until the end of his term unless there is a compelling reason for him to decide otherwise.

He reiterated that he already went out of his way to the point of swallowing his pride and enduring insulting remarks only to put an end to a 50-year-old war.

"But apparently, it seems to me that these terrorists want another 50 years of killing Filipinos,” he said.

The President said he tried to put an end to decades long communist insurgency in the country but the unreasonable demands of the rebels made him think twice in pursuing the talks.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961397

AFP to conduct ops in areas rife with reports of NPA illegal activities

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): AFP to conduct ops in areas rife with reports of NPA illegal activities

With President Rodrigo Duterte's termination of the ceasefire last Friday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units can now conduct combat operations on areas where there are reports of extortion, harassment and laying of improvised explosive devices by the New People's Army (NPA).

This was disclosed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo Monday.

He added operations will be implemented immediately once these reports are immediately verified by military authorities.

Arevalo also dismissed NPA claims stating that the AFP was the first to violate the ceasefire, adding that military did not conduct combat operations against the rebels, but merely support operations on police personnel conducting law enforcement operations lawless bands.

And regarding the three soldiers, abducted in Surigao Del Norte and Sultan Kudarat last week, the military official assured the families that they will soon conduct rescue operations to free them from the clutches of the NPAs.

Efforts are still underway to determine their whereabouts, Arevalo added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961406

61st Infantry Battalion engages NPA force in Iloilo, number of casualties sustained by rebels still unknown

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): 61st Infantry Battalion engages NPA force in Iloilo, number of casualties sustained by rebels still unknown

Showing their resolve to end the insurgent threat once and for all, 61st Infantry Battalion troopers engaged an New People's Army (NPA) band in Lambunao, Iloilo Saturday, causing an undetermined number of casualties to the rebel force.

The clash took place 12:05 p.m., 3rd Infantry Division public affairs office Lt. Col. Ericson Rosana said.

He added that 61st Infantry Battalion troops were checking on reports on NPA improvised explosive device laying activities in Barangay Cabatangan when they spotted an estimated 14 rebels, triggering a 20-minute firefight.

Rosana said the NPAs retreated to the direction of Sitio Dasuk with an undetermined number of casualties.

No losses were reported by government forces even as pursuit operations are now being conducted by the additional elements of the 61st Infantry Battalion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961411

PNP-CITF starts operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): PNP-CITF starts operations

The Philippine National Police Counter-Intelligence Task Force (PNP-CITF) formally started its operations on Monday.

”Today, we are officially launching the operations of the CITF and we are announcing to you the official hotline of the CITF so that the public can send their complaints, information and everything relative to erring policemen, especially scalawags yung mga pangototong, abuso at kawalan ng disiplina, yan tutukan natin ngayon,” PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

”So kung meron kayong info (information) or complaints pertaining to members of the PNP, please use this number: 0998-970-2286,” Dela Rosa added.

The PNP chief said the task force headed by Senior Supt. Chiquito Malayo, with 100 CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group), Intelligence Group (IG) and SAF (Special Action Force) troopers, is now complete and functional.

The CITF is the lead unit in the PNP's “internal cleansing campaign” and is tasked to identify and go after policemen allegedly involved in illegal activities.

Dela Rosa made assurances that all complaints will be validated, and if the reported policemen are determined to be indeed involved in illegal activities, even their commanders will be held accountable.

He pointed out that by making commanders responsible for their subordinates' actuations, they will no longer tolerate any misdeeds committed by their men.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961373

PNP to arrest NDF consultants -- Dela Rosa

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): PNP to arrest NDF consultants -- Dela Rosa

As ordered by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Monday night said the PNP will arrest the consultants of the National Democratic Front (NDF) who are out of the country.

"The President has given the orders to arrest upon entry to the Philippine soil of the NDF consultants," Dela Rosa said in an ambush interview on Monday evening.

President Duterte has ordered the arrest of NDF consultants spouses Wilma and Benito Tiamzon, Vic Ladlad, Afelberto Silva, Alfonso Jazmines, Alfredo Mapano, Loida Magpatoc, Pedro Cudaste, Ruben Salota, Ernesto Lorenzo, Porferio Tuna, Renante Gamara and Tirso Alcantara.

Dela Rosa noted that the NDF consultants are abroad.

"Yung mga NDF consultants na andun sa abroad," he said.

However, Dela Rosa said, those who have arrived in the country will be arrested here.

"Yung mga nakauwi, hanapin na lang natin dito at dito na arestuhin sa Pilipinas," he said.

"We are armed with warrant of arrest, arestuhin namin," Dela Rosa said.

The PNP chief noted that the NDF consultants have live arrest warrant such that they were only given safe conduct pass.

"Meron silang warrant. Di ba pinalabas sa kulungan binigyan ng safe conduct pass. Ngayon live pa rin yung kanilang warrant of arrest," Dela Rosa said.

Dela Rosa said that they would be arrested not because of the failed peace talks, but because of the cases filed against them since their arrest warrant was not quashed, hence, they could be arrested.

Likewise, the PNP chief said he had ordered the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to lead in the arrest of NDF consultants upon their arrival in the country.

"I have instructed the CIDG to lead in this operation and CIDG will coordinate with the Bureau of Immigration para pagdating nila maaresto sila," Dela Rosa said.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961557

Former NPA leader surrenders IED to 10th ID troops, 2 rebels captured in joint police military ops in Davao City

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): Former NPA leader surrenders IED to 10th ID troops, 2 rebels captured in joint police military ops in Davao City

Wishing to live in peace, a former New People's Army (NPA) team leader voluntarily turned over an improvised explosive device (IED) to the Compostela Valley 10th Infantry Division Sunday afternoon.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the ex-rebel, whom he did not identify for security reasons, surrendered an IED to troopers of their 67th Infantry Battalion at Barangay Lambog, Manay town, Davao Oriental.

It was immediately handed to an explosive ordnance disposal team for safekeeping, he added.

As this develops, 10th Infantry Division units are now hot on the trail of suspected NPA terrorists who burned down a packing plant owned by the DOLE Stanfilco in Sitio Sto. Niño, Barangay Araibo, Pantukan, Compostela Valley around 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

The terrorists, onboard five motorcycles barged-in and burned the facility.

Batchar placed the damage at PHP1 million.

Meanwhile, around 9 a.m. Monday, joint police and military team arrested a top NPA leader and his companion in a Task Force Davao checkpoint in Barangay Sirawan, Toril, Davao City.

They were identified as Ariel Arbitrario alias "Marlon" and companion Roderick Manuyac "alias" Coco. Manuyac has standing warrant of arrest on charges of murder with Criminal Case Number 20502 issued by Judge Virginia Tehano–Ang, Regional Trial Court 11, Branch 1.

It can be recalled that Ariel was arrested by authorities on charges of murder and attempted murder last Feb. 17, 2016.

Arbitrario was with his brother Crispolo Arbitrario alias "Calvin" when arrested by authorities during checkpoint operations for possession of firearms and explosives in Tagum City.

In another report, soldiers from the 73rd Infantry Battalion engaged in seven-minute gunbattle with an undetermined number of NPA terrorists in Sitio Kisoy, Barangay Little Baguio, Malita, Davao Occidental at around 10:20 a.m. Monday.

No casualties were reported in the said incident while troops are now in pursuit of the fleeing NPA bandits.

"We are guided by President Duterte's pronouncements in dealing with the NPAs, who continue to attack civilian targets. We will not allow the NPAs, which was never a people’s army to continue sowing fear and terror on the people," said 10th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Rafael Valencia.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961443

AFP waiting for specific details on NDF consultant arrest order

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): AFP waiting for specific details on NDF consultant arrest order

While aware of President Rodrigo Duterte's order to arrest National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants in wake of the termination of the ceasefire and peace talks, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is waiting for specific details on what role it can play in the process.

"We have heard about that order, and so far, we still have no specific details on as to how the AFP will be tapped to implement that particular declaration," said AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo.

"But we are going to support the President (but we still have to) wait for certain formalities to be observed," he added.

About 22 known ranking leaders of the NDF were released from prison to join the peace negotiation with the government panel and the NDF in Oslo, Norway mid-August last year.

President Duterte ordered the arrest of these NDF leaders so that they can face their criminal charges in various courts in the country.

The President added he would order the Bureau of Immigration to cancel the passports of the released NDF consultants, if they would not come home.

"Well, if they want an asylum, they could apply an asylum to where they are now because we would definitely arrest and put them behind bars to answer charges against them once they arrived in the country," he said.

The Chief Executive ordered the termination of the unilateral ceasefire and peace talks after the New People's Army (NPA) conducted a series of unprovoked attacks against unarmed troops, killing six and abducting three.

This followed after the NPA announced that it will be terminating its ceasefire effective 11:59 p.m. of Feb. 10.

As this develops, combined operatives from the 4th Infantry Division and the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested one Lito Elmidolan alias "Gary", ordnance technical staff of the NPA's Komisyon ng Mindanao and his wife Thelma, a member of KOMMID's finance staff during operations in Ozamis Port, Misamis Occidental last Feb. 4.

The two were arrested based on the warrant of arrest for multiple attempted murder issued by Regional Trial Court 10th Judicial Region Branch 6, Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur.

The two were immediately brought to PNP Ozamis headquarters for booking and documentation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961416

NDF consultants coming home from peace talks should return to jail -- Aguirre

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): NDF consultants coming home from peace talks should return to jail -- Aguirre

The consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF) who participated in the peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) should go back to the country and return to detention.

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II made the statement on Monday when sought for comment on President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of the suspension of peace talks between the government and communist rebels where he ordered government negotiators to come home.

”Yun kasing bail, conditional halimbawa wala ng peace talks so dapat lang na sila ay bumalik sa kanilang detention cell yun ang nakalagay don. Ngayon as to the period siguro kung andun pa sila hindi sila maaaresto but when they come back here dapat as a sign of good faith dapat bumalik sila sa kanilang detention cell tulad ng good faith na ipinakita ng ating pangulo sa kanila,” Aguirre told reporters on Monday afternoon.

The NDF said they are also covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).

Aguirre said it is up to the NDF if they would file a motion asking the courts to extend their temporary liberty though he insisted it would be better if they would report to the courts since the bail granted to them is not indefinite.

“Nasa kanila yan, bahala silang kumilos dyan but ang magdedesisyon dyan ay ang korte. Pero whether ang peace talk would continue, dapat magreport muna sila dahil hindi naman indefinite ang bail. Kung tapos na ang six months, dapat mag-renew sila so kung walang renewal, parang wanted na sila,’ he added.

Asked if the peace talks is really over, Aguirre said he believed only the ceasefire has been terminated.

“Hindi naman pinutol pa, ang pinutol lang ng ating Pangulo ay yung ceasefire but judging from the previous pronouncements from the Palace although the ceasefire agreement has collapsed, the peace talks would continue pero it could continue in a foreign country so kung andito ka paano ka magpaparticipate. Kaya dapat siguro, kung andito ka na, they have to return to their cells and then halimbawa magresume yung peace talks, and then that would be the that they would be set free temporarily,” he explained.

NDF consultants who participated in the latest round of peace talks in Rome, Italy include Benito and Wilma Tiamzon who were arrested by the military in Cebu last 2015.

Authorities said Benito was the chairman while his wife Wilma the secretary general of the CPP at the time of their arrest.

In an interview in Davao City on Saturday, President Duterte said he is not ready to resume peace talks with the communist groups.

"As I have said, I would like to tell the Filipino people: peace with the communists might not come in this generation," he said.

The President said he has done everything and has walked the extra mile in extending an olive branch with the rebels but their "unreasonable" demand of releasing more than 400 political prisoners prompted him to discontinue the talks.

He was likewise angered by the deaths of several soldiers despite ongoing peace negotiations with the leftist groups.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961471

AFP ready to fight two-pronged campaign vs rebel, terror threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): AFP ready to fight two-pronged campaign vs rebel, terror threats

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said it is ready to fight a two-pronged campaign against the New People's Army (NPA) and various terror groups.

This was stressed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo, adding that ongoing operations now being conducted against the Abu Sayyaf and other lawless elements will not be affected by President Rodrigo Duterte's decision to terminate the ceasefire against the communist rebels.

"As of the moment, (operations against NPAs) will have no effect on the conduct of our operations in Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi against the terrorist group of the Abu Sayyaf and other terror group in Central Mindanao because we have sufficient personnel, equipment and units in these areas where the NPAs operate," he noted.

"And second, it has been part of our plans to have contingencies, I mean to plan for contingencies in the event (that) the peace process will not succeed, " Arevalo added.

The AFP public affairs office chief said the ceasefire, which took effect in August 2016 and suspended this February, gave the military an opportunity to have some breathing space.

He also said there is no need, at least for the moment, to pull back the additional forces deployed in Basilan and Sulu.

At present, Arevalo said, NPA combatants nationwide are estimated to be around 3,700 with half of them concentrated in the Northeastern Mindanao area.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961505

Pres. Duterte calls communist rebels 'spoiled brats'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 6): Pres. Duterte calls communist rebels 'spoiled brats'

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called communist rebels "spoiled brats" for demanding the immediate release of all political prisoners in the country.

"They are spoiled brat. They ask demands as if they are in the government," President Duterte said in his speech during the launching of the ‘Hardin ng Lunas’ (Garden of Healing) at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound in Malacanang.

President Duterte explained that he allowed the release of at least 18 officials of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) to be able participate in the ongoing peace talks abroad.

"They also want 400 (political prisoners). That is only given after a successful talks, then you grant amnesty," the President said.

Last Friday, President Duterte lifted the ceasefire with the New People’s Army (NPA) after the rebels brutally killed three soldiers in Bukidnon.

A day later, the President announced the cancellation of peace talks with the communist rebels and ordered the members of the Philippine government peace panel to return him from Oslo, Norway.

President Duterte said he has alerted everybody, particularly the Bureau of Immigration, to arrest the communist peace negotiators when they come back.

"And they should go back to prison," Duterte said.

"They killed my soldiers and even police. Peace is not possible during our generation. I’m sorry. I am not about to talk to them again," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=961546

Communist consultant arrested following Duterte’s order

From Update.Ph (Feb 6): Communist consultant arrested following Duterte’s order

Leftis Bayan Muna Party-list Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate confirmed today the arrest of Ariel Arbitrario, one of the consultants of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDF), PTV reports.

The arrest was made in Davao City this morning.

 

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the arrest of all communist consultants who were released from prison to join the peace talks. However, the peace talks was cancelled by the President following series of attacks by armed communists killing soldiers.

He said that he has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest all consultants once they return home to the country from Oslo, Norway.

However, NDFP peace panel chair Fidel Agcaoili said communist consultants are protected by Joint Agreement on Ssfety and Immunity Guarantees. He added that their consultants have returned to Philippines following the third round of talks conducted in Rome.

“These consultants have been put under the effective jurisdiction of GRP courts because they were released only on bail and only for a six-month period. They have been required to secure court permission every time they went abroad to participate in the last three rounds of talks. Their bail renewal is due this month and, as reflected in the Rome Joint Statement of 25 January 2017, both their lawyers and the GRP have agreed to cooperate in this regard,” Agcaoili said.

http://www.update.ph/2017/02/communist-consultant-arrested-following-dutertes-order/14046

Military calls for vigilance anew over Abu Sayyaf bombings

From the Philippine Star (Feb 5): Military calls for vigilance anew over Abu Sayyaf bombings

The military urged local officials to intensify their vigilance against bombing strikes staged by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan.

 

Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, reiterated his call following the latest bombing that hit the vehicle of Tuburan Mayor Dorie Kallahal Saturday.

 

Kallahal survived the bombing explosion but his driver and a scout ranger trooper were injured from the blast that hit around 2:45 p.m. at Sitio Sawiti in Barangay Calut.

 

The blast happened minutes after the first explosion occurred at the nearby village which prompted the local official and the soldiers to respond and verify the attack.

 

Galvez said the bombing attacks was aimed at disrupting the medical services provided by the local government and the soldiers.

 

“The local community must stay cautious and intensify its vigilance against suspicious activity because the lawless elements are just waiting for time to stage atrocities that will affect the peace initiatives of the government,” Galvez said.

 

At least six bombings believed to be perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan occurred last week. 

 

The military and police authorities were not discounting the possible diversionary attack by the Abu Sayyaf Group after one of its senior leaders, Isnilon Hapilon, got injured in an airstrike launched by government forces in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

 

The military launched the attack after Hapilon, a designated Islamic State-inspired militant group leader, was monitored in the area with the Maute group.

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/02/05/1669314/military-calls-vigilance-anew-over-abu-sayyaf-bombings