Friday, October 26, 2018

DWDD: CONVERGENCE | AFP-PNP in Eastern Mindanao joins for Peace and Security

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 26): CONVERGENCE  |  AFP-PNP in Eastern Mindanao joins for Peace and Security

NAVAL STATION FELIX APOLINARIO, Panacan, Davao City (DWDD) – The Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Directorate for Integrated Police Operation, Eastern Mindanao (DIPO-EM) of the Philippine National Police conducted Joint Command Conference on October 25, 2018 at Grand Menseng Hotel, Davao City.

   

The convergence of AFP and PNP units’ head and staff at different levels which are headed by Lt. General Benjamin Madrigal Jr., Commander of EMC, AFP and Police Chief Superintendent Daniel Macatlang Jr., Director, DIPO-EM was anchored on the common objective of attaining peace and security in eastern Mindanao.

It was held purposely to review present peace and security situation, update the participants on the Development Plan of Mindanao, develop common understanding on the conflict sensitivity of peace efforts, the dynamics of peace and security, enhance inter-operability and synchronize AFP and PNP efforts in sustaining the gains of peace and security in eastern Mindanao.

The two major security agencies in eastern Mindanao agreed through a Joint Letter Directive to work, back to back, hand in hand in fighting insurgency, maintaining the territorial integrity, securing the different government flagship projects, terrorism, anti-criminality and anti-drug campaign.

The operational directive specified the joint concept and general protocol on Focus Military Operations, Law Enforcement Operations, Intelligence Operations, Countering and Preventing Violent Extremism, Community Support Program, Maritime and Border Security and Civil Relations Program. EASTMINCOM / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/10/26/convergence-afp-pnp-in-eastern-mindanao-joins-for-peace-and-security/

DWDD: TIRED | NPA members surrender in Cuartero, Capiz

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 26): TIRED  |  NPA members surrender in Cuartero, Capiz

CUARTERO,Capiz (DWDD) – Members of the New People’s Army together with their members of the Militia ng Bayan under East Front Committee, Komiteng Rehiyon Panay voluntarily surrendered to the Local Government of Cuartero, Capiz and 61st Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division, Philippine Army at Brgy Poblacion, Cuartero, Capiz on October 22, 2018.

There are a total of seven (7) NPA regular members and 52 Militia ng Bayan (MB) members who voluntary surrendered bringing along with them the following high powered and low powered firearms; one (1) US M1 Garrand rifle, one (1) US calibre .45 pistol, ten (10) locally made shotguns, two (2) calibre .38 pistols, one (1) hand grenade and various live ammunition.

The said surrender is the result of the relentless efforts of the 61st Infantry Battalion and with the assistance of the LGU Cuartero particularly the Barangay Officials of Brgy Putian, Cuartero, Capiz.

The Militia ng Bayan, (MB) is a force multiplier or sometimes act as part time NPA armed members. They support the regular NPA members by providing them additional manpower, information, food and other logistics.

A certain alyas “Bong-Bong”, former Militia ng Bayan (MB) member said that “The reason we surrendered is because we are already tired of fighting the government forces. We experienced starvation due to the continuous combat operations conducted by the Joint AFP-PNP forces in the area and realized the false promises of the CPP-NPA, that is why we decided to return to the folds of the law.”

Colonel Benedict M Arevalo, Brigade Commander, 301st Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army said “We acknowledge the important efforts of the local chief executives in leading the campaign in anti-insurgency in their community by encouraging NPAs to surrender. We encourage the other members of the NPA to surrender and live a peaceful life. And for those who still choose to fight, we will hunt them and use the full force of the law and our military might to neutralize or capture them”.

The Philippine Army and the Local Government Units will ensure that all benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) will be given to the NPA members who surrendered in order to help them have a normal and peaceful life”, Colonel Arevalo added.



Col Arevalo inspects the surrendered firearms together with Mayor of Cuartero, Capiz Hon Tito Mayo, Provincial Director John Ace Azarcon of DILG Capiz, Ms.Joerin C Tan-Representative from DSWD Capiz and PSI Grace D Borio-OIC Cuartero MPS





Rebel Returnees swear allegiance to support the government



Relatedly, for those who want to surrender and for any information on NPA’s movements and extortion activities call or text the 301st Infantry Brigade hotline numbers, 0928-175-7208 and 0916-766-3740. 301IBde / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/10/26/86710/

DWDD: NPA CRUMBLING | 10ID dismantles another Guerilla Front in COMVAL Province

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 26): NPA CRUMBLING  |  10ID dismantles another Guerilla Front in COMVAL Province

NEW BATAAN, Compostela Valley Province (DWDD) – After destroying the large formation of Guerilla Front 27, Sub-regional Committee 2, and breaking its knees until it bogged down into being dismantled, the 66th Infantry Battalion drove another guerilla front into dissolution. Guerilla Front 25, Sub-regional Committee 1, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, was dismantled in accordance with the AFP PNP Joint Letter Directive 3.



After the decisive encounter in the early morning of January 20, 2018, 24 regular members of the beleaguered Guerilla Front 25 surrendered to the 66IB leaving the strength of the communist terrorist group to the least with two (2) dead members, several wounded and forced to lie low, and the capture of 26 high powered and several low powered firearms. Another encounter in mid-June 2018 further enhanced the total dissolution of the group with a remaining strength of nine (9) personnel and for failing to recruit at least one squad. Several other members of the Guerilla Front 25 surrendered bringing the strength of the group to five (5) fighters. The SRC 1 has been trying to revive the front but to no avail.

Guerilla Front 25 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee lost its mass base when the Komiteng Rebolusyonaryo sa Munisipalidad (KRM) with seven (7) Komiteng Rebolusyonaryo sa Baryo surrendered to the 66IB in the first semester of this year. This caused the legal front Compostela Farmer’s Association to finally lose its grounds and cease to exist. The resource generating mechanism of the Guerilla Front was broken and destroyed. Lately, it was seen how the Kilusang Mayo Uno was defeated by the rage of workers in Compostela. The people took justice into their own hands as the KMU strikers defied the orders of the court and the assumption of jurisdiction of the Department of Labor and Employment signed by the DOLE himself; it is one of the biggest sources of support of the Communist Terrorist Group (NPA).

“This is another proof that the NPA continues to lose tactically. The 701st Infantry Brigade is one with the local government units of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley Province in calling out to those who are still trying to fight it out. You are at the losing end, fight the government and you will surely perish. Surrender now while peaceful ends are being offered to you,” BGen Reuben Basiao said.

The 10th Infantry Division congratulates the troops of the 66th IB for its accomplishments in the past eight (8) months. MGen Noel S Clement, Commander of the 10th Agila Division told the Kabalikat Troops led by LtCol Palmer M Parungao that, “It is with distinct pride that 10ID has once again proven that we are really capable of defeating the CTG in this part of the country. While pressing the fight against the terrorist groups, we continue to assure that we do things in accordance with the rules of law. The 66IB have truly protected peace in its area of responsibility. I commend you for dismantling two (2) Guerilla Fronts of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee; you have continued accomplishing your part of the campaign, carry on and continue doing your best in defeating the enemy.” 10DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/10/26/npa-crumbling-10id-dismantles-another-guerilla-front-in-comval-province/

DWDD: SUSTAINED OPERATIONS | 7 CNTs surrender to 10ID, yields firearms, war materiel and voluminous documents

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 26): SUSTAINED OPERATIONS  |  7 CNTs surrender to 10ID, yields firearms, war materiel and voluminous documents

NEW BATAAN, Compostela Valley Province (DWDD) – This week, several members of the Communist Terrorist Group surrendered to the 66th Infantry Battalion bringing along with them war materiel and other items.



Alias Bert was a member of the Yunit Pampropaganda Platun while alias Bryan was with the Sentro de Grabidad (SDG) group both of Guerilla Front 25 of Sub-regional Committee, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee. Both surrendered to Ltc Palmer M Parungao, Commander of the Battalion last Monday. They brought with them war materiel and materials for instructional package used by cadres in teach-ins and recruitment. They surrendered the following items: 1 improvised explosive device (IED), Improvised 22 caliber long rifle, books, publications, notebooks, reference materials, placards and other documents of intelligence value. There are other war materiel they brought along; IED blasting paraphernalia, 12 clips for garand rifle, WACOM V105 radio and one caliber 40 mm magazine.

Alias Dats,a former Komiteng Rebolusyonaryo sa Munisipalidad chairman, facilitated the surrender of a political guide and organizer of the Guerilla Front 25. Alias Yummyboy surrendered to the Commandant of the Battalion 1Lt Joy Maunahan on Wednesday, October 17. He surrendered one carbine rifle, magazines of .30 caliber rounds and ammunition.

Towards the end of the week, Friday, three political leaders of the dismantled Compostela Municipal Revolutionary Committee surrendered to Maj Ricky Dioneda bringing along one dual purpose IED, a blasting cap, one caliber 38 revolver, one uzi 9mm pistol, one caliber 357 revolver, several ammunition and documents used in propaganda and demonstrations. In a continuous fashion, Maj Dioneda led a team to capture a cached carbine rifle after one of the surrenderor revealed it.

Meanwhile, Alias RM, a member of Guerilla Front 15, Sub-regional Committee, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, who was tasked by the communist terrorist group’s higher organ to operate in Luzon from April 2015 as squad leader, with his caliber 45 pistol loaded with a magazine of ammunition surrendered to Ltc Palmer M Parungao, Battalion Commander of the 66th Infantry Battalion.

MGen Clement, Commander of the 10th Agila Division lauded the 66th Infantry “Kabalikat” Battalion for a week of relentless push towards a clear end state of resiliency; “you have been so effective in dealing with the remnants of the fallen guerilla front you have been confronting, the remaining tentacles of the communist terrorist group have kept coming down to the folds of the law, the enemy will soon perish. Keep up the good work, carry on protecting the peace” he said. 10DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/10/26/sustained-operations-7-cnts-surrender-to-10id-yields-firearms-war-materiel-and-voluminous-documents/

DWDD: SUSTAINED OPERATIONS | 36IB discovers 4 NPA High Powered Firearms

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 26): SUSTAINED OPERATIONS  |  36IB discovers 4 NPA High Powered Firearms

MAKILALA, Cotabato (DWDD) – Another four high powered firearms, assorted medical paraphernalia and a communist flag were discovered by troops of 39th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Sarimoro, Barangay Coronon, Sta Cruz, Davao del Sur on October 22, 2018. A combat patrol of the Battalion resulted to the discovery of another arms cache.



Concerned citizens again provided information to the troops that led to the discovery of the cache at the creek line in Sitio Sarimoro.

The successive discoveries of arms caches indicated that the Communist/Terrorist NPA’s firepower and strength is decreasing. These clearly show that the total 12 firearms were cached for they do not have enough terrorist fighters to bear them.

Lieutenant Colonel Rhojun P Rosales, Commander of 39th Infantry Battalion, expressed again his admiration on the patriotism of these concerned citizens. He encourages all citizens to do their part in securing peace and sustainable development particularly in the provinces of Cotabato, Davao Del Sur and Sultan Kudarat.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Roberto T Ancan, 1002nd Infantry Brigade Commander expressed his thanks and appreciation to concerned citizens who continually provided information to the government troops and said, “We are one in our quest for peace and development in Davao del Sur. Rest assured of our unwavering commitment to protect its people, ensure peace and stability in the province to create an enabling environment within which political and economic development could be pursued.”

Likewise, Major General Noel S Clement, Commander 10ID commended the troops and under his command and encouraged the people to work hand-in-hand with 10ID to attain long and lasting peace. “NPAs also have families to care about, so I urged them to surrender and live peacefully with their love ones-specially that Christmas is coming,” MGen Clement said.

The discovery of NPA firearms is an indication of their desperate and lost armed struggle. 10DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/10/26/sustained-operations-36ib-discovers-4-npa-high-powered-firearms/

DWDD: SUSTAINED CAMPAIGN | Another Abu surrenders, lawless elements apprehended in Western Mindanao

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 26): SUSTAINED CAMPAIGN  |  Another Abu surrenders, lawless elements apprehended in Western Mindanao

KUTA HEN TEODULFO BAUTISTA, Jolo, Sulu (DWDD) – A member of the Abu Sayyaf Group under Radullan Sahiron laid down his firearm and surrendered to the troops of Joint Task Force Sulu in Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Barangay Busbus, Jolo, Sulu October 23, 2018.

 

Ulod Jahidda Sajiri a.k.a Ullod, 31 years old, married, and a resident of Poblacion, Maimbung, Sulu, yielded to the troops of the 101st Brigade under Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo, Jr. bringing along with him one (1) M1 Garand rifle.

Subject was brought to KHTB Station Hospital for medical check-up, documentation, and custodial debriefing.

Meanwhile, two lawless elements were apprehended during the conduct of joint AFP and PNP law enforcement operation at Purok Gemilina, Barangay Tenan, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay around 2:40pm Tuesday (October 23).

Janury Morabbil Canda and Asing Basaluddin were apprehended by the joint elements of the 44th Infantry Battalion and the Intelligence Units of the AFP and PNP.

Recovered in their position were one unit caliber 45 and a hand grenade.

The two (2) suspects were then turned-over to Ipil PNP for proper disposition.

“All our efforts will never falter. We will continue to eradicate terrorism and criminalities in the entire Western Mindanao,” WestMinCom Chief Lieutenant General Arnel B. Dela Vega said.

“We hope for nothing but the best for all Mindanaoans, our goal is to provide each and every one a peaceful and progressive life,” he added. WESTMINCOM / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/10/26/sustained-campaign-another-abu-surrenders-lawless-elements-apprehended-in-western-mindanao/

DWDD: EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT | BIFF bomb attack in Cotabato-Isulan Road

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 26): EXPLOSIVE INCIDENT   |  BIFF bomb attack in Cotabato-Isulan Road



AMPATUAN, Maguindanao (DWDD) – Investigators of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines are strongly suspecting a faction of the pro-Daesh Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) as the group responsible for the explosion that occurred some half a kilometer from the detachment of the Army’s 201st Mechanized Company along the Cotabato-Isulan Road in Sitio Malating, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan Municipality, Maguindanao around 9:30am today, 26 Oct 2018.

According to initial reports, no one was reported injured in the powerful blast.

Responding Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team reportedly found another unexploded Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in the opposite side of the highway.

Police reportedly conducted post-blast investigation to determine the type of the IED used and to identify possible suspects.

The blast site is near the massacre site of a group of media men and some civilians in 2009.

There is a raw information that the group behind the blast is intending to bring out two more assembled IEDs for planting in populated areas or along main thoroughfares.
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/10/26/explosive-incident-biff-bomb-attack-in-cotabato-isulan-road/

DWDD: GRADUATE | Ex-NPA, IPs finish TESDA Course

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Oct 26): GRADUATE  |  Ex-NPA, IPs finish TESDA Course

MAGPET, Cotabato (DWDD) – A total of 27 individuals completed the first batch of the Skills Training Program in Carpentry that was initiated by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Institute of Motorbike and Auto Mechanics Incorporated (IMAMI) and 19th Infantry Battalion at Barangay Manobo, Magpet, Cotabato, on October 25, 2018.



According to 1Lt. Prolen Bonacua, Commanding Officer of Alpha Company, 19th Infantry Battalion, twenty (20) among the participants were former CPP-NPA terrorists who yielded during the start of 19IB’s counter-insurgency campaign in Arakan Valley Complex on first semester of this year.

Engr. Franklin Beltran, representative from TESDA – North Cotabato Office said that the participants were able to complete their training, in line with the agency’s National Integration Scholarship Program (NISP), which seeks to empower the former rebels and help them go back to the mainstream society.

Aside from receiving their National Certificate (NC) from TESDA, the participants were also provided with starter tool kits for them to start their own livelihood. They also received Php 2,400 as cash allowance during their 24 days of skills training. Alias James, one of the participants was teary-eyed before the other attendees, as he gave his testimony during the Closing Ceremony of their training. He could not imagine that the government he hated for several years of being in the armed movement is the same government who extends assistance to him and his former comrades.

He also lauded the local officials, partner agencies and soldiers of Alpha Company, 19th Infantry Battalion who are presently conducting Community Support Program (CSP) in Barangay Manobo and nearby villages in the town of Magpet.

“Kung wala ang sundalo sa among barangay, magduhaduha gayud pag nganhi ang mga taga TESDA ug uban pang ahensya sa gobyerno tungod sa mga NPA nga nakasulod dinhi sa among lugar. (It would have been difficult for TESDA and other government agencies to come here without the presence of the military because our village is infested by the NPA) Alias James said.

For his part, Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, Commanding Officer of 19IB believed that it will be easier for former CPP-NPA terrorist to fully return to the mainstream society if they are equipped with skills that will help improve their families’ standard of living.

“Government interventions cited in the Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) such as the skills training provided by TESDA through the Institute of Motorbike and Auto Mechanics Incorporated (IMAMI) is one of their doors towards embracing a new life together with their family. Again, I am calling for the remaining bandits who are still out there in the mountains to grab the opportunities the government has offered: surrender and live a normal life”, Paraso said. 19IB / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/10/26/graduate-ex-npa-ips-finish-tesda-course/

‘Ex-NPA’ shot to death

From Panay News (Oct 27): ‘Ex-NPA’ shot to death

An alleged former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was shot to death in Barangay San Antonio, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Chief Inspector Antonio Benitez Jr., officer-in-charge of the Himamaylan City police station, said they learned about the fatal shooting at around 6:30 a.m. Friday from barangay officials.


Village officials identified the victim only as “Dagohoy,” a resident of the barangay and a cane cutter. They claimed that Dagohoy was a former rebel, Benitez said.

The victim died of multiple gunshot wounds on the body, police said.

Officers responded to the report but the attackers were no longer there when they arrived, Benitez said.

According to witnesses, the gunmen arrived at the field and went up straight to Dagohoy, who was with other cane cutters.

A brief altercation ensued before the shooting. The suspects shouted, “Mabuhay ang NPA,” and left. They did not harm any of the other cane cutters, said Benitez.


Investigation into the incident continues.

https://www.panaynews.net/ex-npa-shot-to-death/

Opinion: Sara tells it like it is: 6 party-list groups are communist fronts

Opinion piece by Roberto Tiglao in the Manila Times (Oct 26): Sara tells it like it is: 6 party-list groups are communist fronts

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is proving to be her father’s daughter. Furious at the protest rally staged by the Red front Kilusang Mayo Uno that created a major traffic jam in her city, and earlier for the black propaganda they conducted against her, Sara declared:

“Do not support the party-list groups under the Makabayan bloc — Bayan Muna, Alliance of Con-cerned Teachers or ACT, Anakpawis, Gabriela, Kabataan, and Migrante.

“These militant groups, who masquerade as pro-people, only want to sow hostility and chaos, espe-cially to those who reject them and the terrorist groups they support — the New People’s Army (NPA), the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), and the Communist Party of the Phil-ippines (CPP),” she said in a press statement.

Exactly.


Sara is mad as hell at the Red party-list groups, and even posted in her Instagram: “Congress should expel the members of the Makabayan bloc. The party-list system is the milking cow of terrorists.”

Sara should have pointed out that the term they use to describe themselves as the “Makabayan bloc” is a colossal misnomer. There is nothing nationalist in their vision or program. They have merely appro-priated the term to conceal their ideology, which they call “Marxism-Leninism-Mao Zedong Thought.” Party founder Jose Ma. Sison’s Philippine Society and Revolution, the bible of Philippine communists, is even an amateurish plagiarism of Indonesian communist leader Dipa Nusantara Aidit’s 1965 Indone-sian Society and Indonesian Revolution. And even that was a plagiarism of Mao Zedong’s 1938 Specific Characteristics of People’s War in China.

China’s support

 The Philippine communist party grew in the 1970s with huge financial support from China, which even tried — unsuccessfully however because of the NPA’s blunders — to smuggle 5,000 M14s into the country. Would you call them nationalists simply because they were anti-US but China’s dummies at the time?

 
DUTERTE’S DAUGHTER: Furious at the Reds.

Sara is the first politician of national stature to have the audacity and the principles to tell it like it is: the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has very cleverly exploited the party-list system provision in the 1987 Constitution that Corazon Aquino rammed down the nation’s throat, to put in Congress in the guise of parties for the marginalized sectors, its noisy mouthpieces and venues, to advance its goal of toppling the Republic and to get its hands on government funds.

In contrast to Sara, most politicians have been too opportunistic or too cowardly that they can’t utter a word against the Red party-lists, or even call them communist fronts. They have even been contrib-uting to these groups’ campaign kitty.

They brush aside the fact that the ultimate goal of the party is to overthrow our democracy and rule the country as a one-party dictatorship. They ignore the fact that its NPA has killed probably 100,000 Filipino civilians and men in uniform in their so-called romantized “armed struggle”.

Why do many politicians do so? Because the Reds can order their supporters, especially in the hinter-lands, to support these politicians’ candidacies. At the minimum, especially for local elected leaders, their acquiescence to the party-lists have allowed their people — for a huge fee of course — to cam-paign in the hinterlands without fear of the NPA.

Even candidates for the highest posts — for example, Grace Poe and Francis Escudero in the 2016 elec-tions — sought and got the support of the Communist Party, disguised as the six Red party-lists’ en-dorsement of their candidacies. By doing this, Poe and Escudero betrayed the country, as they practi-cally gave these Red parties some legitimacy, helping them fool the masses into believing that they are genuine independent parties and not dummies of the Communist Party.


Reds endorsed a former US citizen and a son of a Marcos official in the 2016 elections.

Do you think the very wily Communist Party gave its support to Poe and Escudero free of charge?

Poe and Escudero have never said a word critical of the Red parties, much less of the Communist Party and the NPA. This is certainly worrisome, as Escudero’s province Sorsogon has become a bastion of the NPA. Are we going to be so foolhardy as to vote Poe, who has been openly endorsed by the Red par-ties, to the Senate again?

Bleeding-heart liberals in 1987 argued that through the party-list system the Communist Party would have a venue for undertaking non-violent “legal struggle,” that it would decide to abandon its armed struggle.

The opposite has happened. The Red party-list groups, as the party founder Sison put in in his plagia-rism of Mao Zedong‘s work, have become a venue for the CPP’s “united front” that acts as the “Par-ty’s shield,” with the NPA as its spear and sword.

The Red parties, especially Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Kabataan, and the aboveground federation Ki-lusang Mayo Uno (KMU), have been the recruitment agencies for the party and the NPA, with each focusing on a particular sector: Bayan Muna for bleeding-heart petty bourgeoisie and clerics; Anak-pawis and KMU for workers; and of course, Kabataan for the youth and student sector.


It’s certainly ironic. Dummies in Congress of the Communist Party that seeks to close down Congress as soon as it captures power, if ever, get more than P2 million monthly in salaries and other forms of remuneration from the State it seeks to overthrow.

I was told that the party-list groups have received another huge benefit for the Communist Party. Its activists have been able to move around the country without fear of being apprehended as they have identification cards that say they are members of Bayan Muna or Kabataan, with these congressmen’s office phones clearly on the IDs. What policeman or soldier would dare apprehend someone who tells him: Do you want me to call my congressman?

A kind of joke going around the party and among frustrated military men is the following: If a high-ranking Communist Party official is arrested, he claims to be a “peace-talks consultant” of the National Democratic Front, as Adelbert Silva whom a few media outfits have identified as the head of the par-ty’s national organization department, claimed after he was arrested recently. If a rank-and-file com-munist cadre or NPA guerrilla is arrested, he is a Bayan Muna member.

Does anyone in his right mind really believe that Kabataan and even the oldest in that Red group, Bayan Muna, would each get more than 1 million votes to win a seat in Congress if the Communist Par-ty had not ordered its network built up nearly over 50 years to vote for them or else they will have the New People’s Army to answer to?

Most of the party-list groups had to give corrupt Comelec officials at least P5 million to either protect their votes or worse, cheat massively for them — which explains why party-list groups run by rich ty-coons and politicians have easily won. The Red party-lists of course saved on this huge expense, with Comelec officials smart enough not to cross the NPA.

One big reason why the communist insurgency has persisted is that all of the past administrations since its founding in 1968 actually had not pursued an all-out campaign against them, in contrast to what Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and especially Indonesia did. Contrary to communist propagan-da, the Marcos government actually focused its military campaigns against the Muslim insurgency, the Moro National Liberation Front, which it saw as the bigger threat because of Malaysia’s support.

Succeeding administrations all fell into the communists’ trap of undertaking peace-talks with the communists, which the NPA used to consolidate and even expand its forces.

Even Sara’s father, at least as of this writing, seems to have hesitated in crushing the communist insur-gency. It’s of course too early, but if Sara continues to be mad as hell at the communists, she will have my vote if she tries to fill her father’s post in 2022. For the sake of our children’s and grandchildren’s future, we must have a president committed to ending the communist scourge.

https://www.manilatimes.net/sara-tells-it-like-it-is-6-party-list-groups-are-communist-fronts/457272/

7 Abus, 3 Marines slain in Sulu clash

From the Philippine Star (Oct 27): 7 Abus, 3 Marines slain in Sulu clash



The military said three other soldiers were wounded in the encounter.

Seven Abu Sayyaf bandits and three Marines were killed in an encounter in Patikul, Sulu yesterday.

The military said three other soldiers were wounded in the encounter.


The identities of the slain soldiers were withheld pending notification of their immediate families. The wounded were brought to a hospital at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Barangay Busbus, Jolo.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said soldiers who conducted pursuit operations recovered the body of one of the slain bandits as well as his M14 rifle and several rounds of ammunition.

“A number of severely wounded bandits... could have died due to loss of blood,” Besana said.

He said soldiers of the 61st, 62nd and 64th Marine Companies clashed with the bandits led by Alnijar Ekit and Aldi Alun.

”Twelve persons for identification were apprehended amid the exchange of gunfires. They are being interrogated by the troops,” Besana said.

Armed Forces of the Philiippines chief Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said there is no letup in military offensives to neutralize Abu Sayyaf bandits and rescue the remaining hostages.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding a Dutch man, a Vietnamese and eight Filipinos.
9 BIFF men surrender


In Maguindanao, nine members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered in General SK Pendatun town also yesterday.

The BIFF members led by Parido Balabagan, alias Banog, turned over assorted firearms, grenade and rocket launchers and two .50 caliber Barrett rifles to the 6th Infantry Division (ID), according to Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana.

More than 20 BIFF men have surrendered to the 6th ID in the past few months.

Sobejana said they expect more BIFF bandits to surrender with the intercession of local and military officials.


https://www.philstar.com/nation/2018/10/27/1863458/7-abus-3-marines-slain-sulu-clash

5 arrested ‘NPA recruits’ freed from police custody

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 26): 5 arrested ‘NPA recruits’ freed from police custody

The five members of the New People’s Army, who were intercepted and arrested Monday in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, were freed from police custody Wednesday, after the lapse of the 36-hour reglementary period of detention, Army spokesman Capt. Ruel Llanes disclosed yesterday.

The apprehension of five suspects, who admitted to be newly-recruited members of the New People’s Army, also led to the seizure of six homemade short firearms, five improvised shotguns, 200 rounds of 7.62 caliber ammunition, two hand grenades, 10 live ammunition for shotguns and one IED (improvised explosives device).

Nabbed and later released by the police were Roberto Nemeño, alias Ka Marlon, 26; Jimboy Padilla, alias Ka Redem, 18; Remy Fenis, alias Ka Badong, 25; Henry Nemeño, alias Rodel,30; and Jimmy dela Cruz, 20, alias Gohan Michael, all residents of Purok Holdam, Sitio Bedio in Brgy. Codcod, San Carlos City.


The five self-confessed NPA members were intercepted unarmed by the joint elements of the 79th Infantry Battalion and 6th Special Action Battalion troopers of the PNP, while conducting combat operations in the area.

Llanes said the five NPA members later helped government troopers in locating their comrades, who managed to escape.

But the fleeing NPA members left behind the assorted firearms and explosives, as well as three backpacks containing medical paraphernalia and subversive documents.

Llanes admitted that the delay in bringing the five arrested NPA members to the lowlands led to lapse of the prescribed reglementary period of detention.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/October/26/topstory6.htm

Red leader point to arms cache in Makilala town

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 27): Red leader point to arms cache in Makilala town

A seasoned fighter of the New People’s Army (NPA), along with three others surrendered, to the soldiers of the 39th Infantry Battalion in Makilala, North Cotabato on Tuesday.
 
Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, said the battalion worked with the police stations in Makilala and Sta Cruz for search and recovery operations of 12 high-powered firearms, improvised explosives ordnance, grenades, and Communist flags.
 
Lamosao said the first operation was on Oct. 16, 2018 at 4:30 a.m. in Purok 6, Barangay Batasan, Makilala, which yielded an M653 Elisco rifle, an M16 Elisco rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, a hand grenade, and an IED Claymore mine.
 
Two days after, another cache was discovered along the road of Purok 5 of the same barangay. The cache was composed of two M16 rifles, two M1A1 Garand rifles, an AK-47 rifle, an IED landmine, a rifle grenade, and an NPA terrorist flag.
 
On the afternoon of Oct. 23, a search operation at Sitio Sarimoro, Barangay Coronan, Davao del Sur yielded two M16 rifles (Elico & Colt), an M14 (Colt) rifle, an M1A1 Garand rifle, assorted medical paraphernalia, and a communist terrorist flag.
 
He said the successive discovery of the arms cache was due to the information provided alias Amahan, a deputy secretary of Guerrilla Front (GF) 51, together with three rebel returnees.
 
Alias Amahan succeeded Jacob Rodinas alias Jecko after the latter was killed in an armed encounter in Makilala. Amahan has been asking for proper medical attention for his failing eyes on injuries sustained while serving the NPA.
 
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Noel S. Clement, commander of the 10th ID, commended troops' accomplishment.
 
"Alias Amahan's decision to leave the armed struggle of the Communist-terrorist NPA clearly manifests the real situation within the GF 51 and the whole Communist- terrorist organization,” Clement said.
 

Photo: Eastern Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal and Chief Supt. Daniel Macatlang, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Eastern Mindanao Sign Cooperation Agreement

From the Mindanao Times (Oct 26): Photo: Eastern Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal and Chief Supt. Daniel Macatlang, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Eastern Mindanao Sign Cooperation Agreement
Image may contain: 3 people, people smiling
Eastern Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal and Chief Supt. Daniel Macatlang, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Eastern Mindanao, swap documents after signing the joint letter directive during their Joint Peace Security Coordinating Council Meeting held at Grand Menseng Hotel on Thursday.
https://www.facebook.com/MindanaoTimes/photos/a.154740624547105/2088079014546580/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/pg/MindanaoTimes/posts/?ref=page_internal

Guerrero will make a good Customs chief: Galvez

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 27): Guerrero will make a good Customs chief: Galvez

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., said he is confident that his predecessor, Gen. Leonardo Guerrero, will do good as Bureau of Customs (BOC) commissioner.

"He (Guerrero) is an honest, intelligent and very competent man. He is also (a) very strict, serious but kind-hearted person," Galvez said in a message to reporters Friday.

The former AFP chief, a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1984, was replaced by Galvez, of PMA Class 1985, last April.

Guerrero, who is Maritime Industry Authority administrator, was put in charge of the BOC following the transfer of its former head, Isidro Lapeña, to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) amid the probe on the multi-billion-peso “shabu” shipment that slipped through the BOC.

Lapeña will fill up the post vacated by former TESDA director-general Guiling Mamondiong, who stepped down to run for governor of Lanao del Sur in the 2019 mid-term elections.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052287

Twin blasts rock Maguindanao town

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26): Twin blasts rock Maguindanao town



STRANDED. Vehicles await clearance from the military to pass following the two explosions that rocked the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao on Friday morning (Oct. 26, 2018). The military said no one was hurt in the explosions that were apparently aimed at military convoys passing by the highway in the area. (Photo courtesy of Anwar Emblawa – Shariff Aguak LGU secretary)

Camp SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- Twin explosions rocked the town of Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Friday morning but no one was reported injured, the military here said.

Major Arvin John Encinas, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the bombs were separately placed by the roadside near the Poblacion of Ampatuan town.


“Our troops in the area said the bombs were fashioned from 81-mm. mortar explosives concealed in sacks along the highway,” Encinas told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview.

He said the explosions took place at about 9 a.m. as three military trucks were passing by the area.

“The blast site is actually very proximate to the town center,” Encinas said, adding that it was just fortunate that no one was hurt in the incident.

The highway has also been temporarily shut down, resulting in hundreds of vehicles from both sides stranded for almost two hours.

Encinas said the bombing bore the signature style of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters that mainly operates in the so-called “SPMS box” in the province.

The SPMS box is a military term referring to the adjoining Maguindanao towns of Shariff Aguak-Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano, and Datu Salibo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052202

21 Bukidnon villages declare NPA, leftist groups 'persona non grata'

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26): 21 Bukidnon villages declare NPA, leftist groups 'persona non grata'

The Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) has claimed that at least 21 barangays in the western part of Bukidnon province, declared the New Peoples Army (NPA) as "persona non grata".

In a statement released Thursday, the 4ID said the 21 barangays from the province's two cities and four municipalities were declared NPA-free by the Area Clearing Validation Board on October 23 in Malaybalay City.


The declaration was supported by barangay resolutions and endorsed by the First Special Forces Battalion, which has jurisdiction over the said areas.

The 21 barangays are in Pangantucan town--New Eden, Concepcion, and Bacusanon; Talakag town--Dominorog, Cosina, Lantud, Miarayon, amd Lirongan; Malaybalay City--Imbayao and Mapayag; Sumilao town--Puntian and Kulasi; Lantapan town--Basac, Kulasihan, Kapitan Juan, and Kaatuan; Valencia City--Bagawbawan, Luruga , San Carlos, and Barobo.

The 4ID said that along with the NPA, "left-leaning organizations" were also included in the persona non grata declaration, although the report did not state the names of these organizations.

Provincial Board Member Gino Armstrong Garcia said the 21 barangays will be prioritized in the provincial government's poverty alleviation programs.

Barangays declared "cleared" of NPA affectation, Garcia said, could avail of the PHP300-million economic development fund from the provincial government through its Provincial Livelihood Office.

Brigadier General Cristobal Zaragoza, 4ID Area Clearing Validation Board chairman,  said the communities have "spoken as one against the deceptions" of the rebel groups.

"They (NPA combatants) are now considered "undesirables" in these barangays. I am encouraging other barangays to show courage and cooperation by uniting as one against the NPAs and their front organizations," the official said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052206

Marines, Abu Sayyaf clash in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26): Marines, Abu Sayyaf clash in Sulu

Fresh firefight ensued as government troops continued their focused military operation to rescue the remaining hostages being held by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu, the military reported Friday.

Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said reports from the field showed three soldiers and an ASG bandit were killed, while three other troops were wounded and rushed to the Kuta Heneral Teoduflo Baustita Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.

Besana said several seriously injured ASG bandits died based on “human intelligence” or reports from residents.

Government troops from the 61st, 62nd, and 64th Marine Companies were on patrol when they clashed with a group of ASG bandits in Barangay Timpook, Patikul, Sulu Friday morning.

He said the ASG bandits who figured in the gunbattle with marine forces are followers of ASG sub-leaders Alnijar Ekit and Aldi Alun.

The troops recovered an M-14 rifle and seven magazines of ammunition at the clash site.

The ASG bandits are still holding captive nine people, including two foreigners – a Dutch and a Vietnamese -- in the hinterlands of Sulu.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052207

BIFF leader, 8 others surrender in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26): BIFF leader, 8 others surrender in Maguindanao



BIFF SURRENDERS. Nine members of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters led by BIFF sub-leader Parido Balabagan alias Commander Banog surrendered to authorities Friday (Oct. 26, 2018) in the interiors of Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A leader of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and his eight followers yielded to military authorities in General Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao, on Friday.

Major Arvin John Encinas, the spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said BIFF sub-leader Parido Balabagan alias “Commander Banog” was presented to Col. Harold Cabunoc, commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion based in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, following his surrender.

Cabunoc subsequently brought the surrenderers to Col. Robert Dauz, the commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Brigade based in Tacurong City.


“Banog (Balabagan) said his family was instrumental in his surrender,” Encinas said.

The surrenderers also turned over an assortment of firearms, which included two Barrett sniper rifles, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, two M79 grenade launchers, one M16 rifle, one M14 rifle, and one M653 assault rifle.

Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Army’s 6th ID commander, lauded the surrender of Balabagan’s group, saying that they would immediately be enrolled under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (E-Clip) for ample socio-economic interventions.

“I would like to commend our troops on the ground and also local government officials for tirelessly convincing our lost brethren in the mountains to leave their futile cause and rejoin once more the mainstream society,” he said.

On Oct. 17, a military operation was launched against Balabagan in Barangay Lumabao in Gen. Salipada K, Pendatun town but missed him. Instead, four of his alleged followers - identified as Ronex Langalen, 47; Anwar Abdullah, 26; Allakbar Sekung, 20; and Renante Milan, 37 – were arrested at their safe house in the village.

Seized during the raid were high-powered firearms and explosives comprising an M14 rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, three MK2 hand grenades, and assorted ammunition.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052240

Duterte to PCG: ‘Keep upholding PH maritime security’

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 25): Duterte to PCG: ‘Keep upholding PH maritime security’

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday tasked the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to continue its efforts in upholding the country’s maritime security.

“I urge the entire Philippine Coast Guard to build on its accomplishments and to continue its efforts in upholding our country’s maritime security,” Duterte said in his speech during the 117th Anniversary of PCG at the Port Area in Manila.

“More than ever, we need brave men and women like you in safeguarding our seas and shores, especially at this period when our resources are becoming crucial to the progress of our economy,” he added.

He also encouraged the PCG to remain committed as “defenders of the land and protectors” of the Filipino people.

Duterte assured that his administration will remain committed to strengthen the PCG’s capabilities by raising its standards through streamlined infrastructure and modernized equipment.

He said reforms the PCG has instituted since 2016 have been bearing fruit.

“The PCG’s acquisition of new weapons, equipment and several multi-purpose response vessels and fast patrol boats complete with modern computerized systems has indeed helped enhance our law enforcement capabilities,” Duterte said.

“Evidently, the success of the PCG would not have been possible without the contributions of its officers, its enlisted men. Their personal achievements which have pushed for the developments that are crucial in making the agency more efficient and responsive to the challenges of the times and to the demands of our citizens,” he added.

He commended the country’s coast guards for fulfilling their mandate to enforce maritime law, protect the environment and secure the maritime territories.
“The agency’s more than a century of service to the Filipino people has indeed been fruitful and is worthy of recognition. I congratulate the PCG for its achievements which have led to the institution’s greater participation in our collective task of nation-building,” he said.

Duterte is hoping the accomplishments that the PCG is celebrating would inspire everyone to work harder for the common good.

“Take this day as an opportunity to seek encouragement from your fellow troops as you advance the causes of PCG,” Duterte said.

The PCG is an armed and uniformed service under the Department of Transportation primarily tasked to enforce all laws within the Philippine waters, conduct maritime security operations, safeguard of life and property at sea and protect the marine environment and resources.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052176

PN vessel joins sea sub-phase of ASEAN China maritime exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26): PN vessel joins sea sub-phase of ASEAN China maritime exercise


Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

The sea sub-phase of the first-ever ASEAN China Maritime Exercise (ACMEX) formally began on Thursday as the Philippine Navy’s (PN) representative, BRP Dagupan City (LS-551), along with seven other participating naval vessels, sailed out to the drill area in Zhiangjiang.

Capt. Sherwin E. Respeto, Naval Task Force 88 commander, said this phase aims to execute all plans drafted, deliberated, and finalized to test the cohesiveness, effectiveness, and seamless communication among multi-lateral force partners in the conduct of various scenarios, such as communication drills, and ship group formations.


"Joint search-and-rescue, cross heli(copter) deck landings and replenishment-at-sea approaches (will be held) in accordance with the Code of Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES)," he added.

Each of the scenarios shall be led by different participating countries with BRP Dagupan City to lead the replenishment-at-sea exercise.

"The ACMEX’s sea sub-phase provides an avenue for the PN to evaluate and validate the inter-operability and readiness of its assets and further enhance its capabilities to multi-lateral level," Respeto said.

BRP Dagupan City and the 200-man contingent aboard left Sangley Point, Cavite last Oct. 17, arriving in Zhiangjiang, China on October 20.

ACMEX 2018, which started on Oct. 21 and will end on Oct. 28, is hosted by the People's Republic of China and Republic of Singapore Navy.

BRP Dagupan City has a displacement of 4,265 tons at full load, measures 273 ft. long, has a draft of 12 ft. and a top speed of 12 knots. It was commissioned in PN service during the 1990s.

Philippine defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong earlier said the proposal for a joint ASEAN and Chinese naval exercise was submitted during the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting in Singapore last February.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052203

Indigenous people's group slams CPP-NPA exploitations, terror acts

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 26): Indigenous people's group slams CPP-NPA exploitations, terror acts



NO TO RECRUITMENT OF IP CHILDREN. Hundreds of indigenous People (IP) join the condemnation rally against the CPP-NPA/NDF recruitment of their youngsters for communists' and harmful activities at Sultan Kudarat Shrine in Makati City on Friday (Oct. 26, 2018). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

At least 500 members of the Indigenous People (IP) Alliance Against Terrorism from various towns in Mindanao on Friday staged a rally to condemn the Communist Party of the Philippines–New People's Army’s (CPP-NPA) exploitation of the IPs.

Members of the group gathered at 9 a.m. at the Makati Fire Station and marched toward the Sultan Kudarat Monument Pathway in Makati, where they held a program.

“Gusto namin ipaalam sa mga taga-Maynila at sa mga tao sa buong Pilipinas ang mga krimen at kasinungalingan ng mga NPA sa aming lugar. Una sa lahat, hindi totoo na sila ay mga sundalong makamahirap dahil pumapatay sila ng mga mahihirap (We want those in Manila and the people of the Philippines to know about the lies of NPA in our area. First, they are not pro-poor soldiers because they kill poor people),” Datu Ramon Bataan, a tribal leader in North Cotabato, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in an interview.


Bataan said CPP-NPA members are responsible for the economic decline in the country as they burn and destroy government projects, such roads and railways, in remote areas in Mindanao.

“Ang gusto nila, manira lang at magnakaw sa pondo ng gobyerno. Sabi nila, kukunin ang mga lupa at ibahagi sa mga magsasaka, hindi totoo iyon dahil ang mga NPA ay walang mga lupa. Kami ang may mga ancestral domains (They just want to destroy and acquire government funds. They say they’ll get the lands and distribute them to the farmers. That’s not true because the NPAs don’t have lands. We are the ones who have ancestral domains),” he added.

In a separate interview, IP youth leader Bae Matumpis said NPAs continue to harass young people in Mindanao up to this day.

Matumpis said one of their members is a former rebel who was raped by a commander after being talked into joining the NPA for a supposed "better future."

“Babae po siya, 20 years old. Masakit ito para sa aming mga katribo niya, kasi parang inapak-apakan ang karapatan naming mga katutubong babae (She is 20 years old. This is painful to our tribe because they trampled on the rights of indigent women),” she added.

Meanwhile, Bataan said a certain Commander Bobby raped a 14-year-old girl who managed to escape during an encounter between NPAs and government troops.

“Yung mga lalaki naman na pinaaral nila sa San Juan, iyong mga maestro nila doon na mga NPA ay mga bakla na ginahasa din sila, katorse anyos din (The boys who were sent to study in San Juan were raped by their NPA teachers who are homosexuals. They were 14 years old, too),” he added.

Due to lack of food and education, Bataan said young IPs are lured and forced to join the NPA’s Pambansang Demokrasyang Paaralan where elementary up to high school students are taught to dismantle M-16 rifles, march like soldiers and rally against the government.

“May apat na ganyang eskwelahan na itinayo nila at galing sa malalayong lugar ang mga bata. Hindi na pinapayagan umuwi sa mga magulang kapalit ng libreng pagkain, ang tirahan at pag-aaral (There are four schools like that which they built, and the children are from remote areas. They’re not allowed to go home to their parents in exchange for free food, shelter and education),” he said.

Matumpis said the fate of young IPs has started to change under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration as they have received scholarships and free food through government agencies in the past two years.

“Dahil kay President Duterte, nagkaroon po kami ng lakas ng loob dahil siya po ang presidente na binigyan kami ng halaga. Minahal niya kami. Kumabaga, ni-recognize niya kaming mga IP (Because of President Duterte, we were empowered because he values us. He loves us. He recognizes us as IPs),” she said.

Stressing the importance of martial law in hampering NPA activities in their region, Bataan encouraged other Muslims to support Duterte’s programs and projects.

“Martial law ni Duterte medyo pinadami ang military kaya hindi kami inabutan ng mga pagpatay ng mga NPA. Maganda ang martial law para sa lahat. Kahit puntahan mo ngayon ang Mindanao, maraming maganda at malalaking proyekto ang pamahalaan (Due to Duterte’s martial law, military presence resurfaced, and we were spared from NPA killings. Martial law is good for all. Even if you go to Mindanao now, you will see that there are several big development projects of the government),” he said.

Bataan called on businessmen in Makati City to stop funding NPA activities through the so-called revolutionary taxes.

He said their group will be filing cases against the NPAs for violating the rights of the IPs in Mindanao.
 
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052222