From GMA News (Mar 16, 2019): AFP claims it has ‘truckloads’ of evidence to prove rights groups are CPP fronts
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations Brigadier General Antonio Parlade on Saturday said the military has "truckloads" of evidence that human rights groups such as Karapatan are front organizations of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), as he challenged its Secretary General for a one-on-one discussion on national television.
In a statement, Parlade claimed organizations accused Karapatan and Ibon of using human rights defenders as cover.
Cristina Palabay, Karapatan Secretary General, on Friday slammed the AFP for red-tagging them in several interviews and statements, despite having "no evidence."
Palabay added that the "Red October" destabilization plot failed last year as the AFP's the "false claims" were "built on untruths, fake news, and a sinister agenda to cripple the machinery of all those who remain critical to the Duterte government."
Palabay said "the military is not a credible institution" for insisting on their "laughable and unsubstantiated claims."
"I never said I don't have evidence to show they are communist front organizations. In fact we have a lot and Karapatan is worried about all these truth coming out now," Parlade responded.
The military official questioned Karapatan as a human rights advocate.
"Karapatan as HR defenders? Where were you when the NPAs have been killing the IPs in Mindanao, until now? Where is Karapatan when non-participating civilians were killed by NPAs? Karapatan is a kind of organization that is very selective in dealing with human rights. Selective in a sense that it only use human rights to defend its NPA allies," he said.
Parlade also said it was CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison himself who tagged Karapatan and Ibon as CPP front organizations and part of the International League of Peoples Struggles' (ILPS) network of organizations, with Sison as its chairperson.
"Thats the hardest truth Miss Palabay. I challenge you to prove your case [on national] TV... one-on-one. I will present to you trucks of [evidence] and you better be prepared to refute them all. Any time po," Parlade said.
"By the way aren't you wondering why you are still alive, despite your allegations that red-tagging endangers your lives from security forces? Think about that... teka hindi pala kayo naka program magisip. Magdakdak at mag-rally lang alam nyo," he added.
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/688189/afp-claims-it-has-truckloads-of-evidence-to-prove-rights-groups-are-cpp-fronts/story/
Sunday, March 17, 2019
Malaysia detains 13 suspected militants, including 6 involved in Marawi siege
From the Straits Times (Mar 18, 2019): Malaysia detains 13 suspected militants, including 6 involved in Marawi siege
KUALA LUMPUR - Thirteen suspected militants, including six pro-Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members allegedly involved in the deadly Marawi siege in southern Philippines, have been detained by Malaysian authorities.
Malaysia's national police chief Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said 12 Filipinos and a Malaysian were arrested on March 11 and 12 by police's Counter Terrorism Division, with the help of Special Branch, Sabah police and elite multi-tasking special forces unit 69 Commando.
"They were detained for their suspected involvement in several terror groups... either the ASG, Maute combatants or the Royal Sulu Force (RSF)," he said in a statement on Monday (March 18).
"Some of them were also involved in giving protection to foreign terrorist fighters who are hiding in Sabah."
The first arrests, the Inspector-General of Police said, were five Filipinos and a Malaysian - all men aged between 40 and 60 - on March 11 in Semporna, Sabah.
"Four of them are suspected to have been involved in the Marawi siege in 2017, together with the Maute group," he said.
"They were also involved in giving protection to the Maute and several middle easterners who are hiding in Sabah."
Mr Fuzi added that two others are believed to be the RSF members who were involved in Lahad Datu incursion in 2013.
"They're also involved in recruiting new members for the RSF by selling the group's membership cards among Filipinos who reside in Sabah," he said.
"Both suspect fled to the southern Philippines after the terror group was defeated. In November 2018, the duo managed to infiltrate into Semporna, in an attempt to activate the RSF in Sabah."
On May 23, 2017, about 1,000 gunmen stormed and seized large parts of Marawi in an audacious bid to turn the city into a province of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). What followed was a war that raged for five months.
By the time the Philippine military declared victory five months later, more than 1,000 militants, government troops and civilians were dead, half of Marawi lay in ruins, and about 400,000 people living in and near the city were displaced.
Meanwhile, the bloody incursion in Lahad Datu in 2013 by some 200 Islamic militants from the southern Philippines was inspired by a self-proclaimed Filipino sultanate's claims of historical dominion over the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo island.
The assault, the most serious security crisis faced by Malaysia in years, led to a siege between the militants and Malaysian armed forces sent to root them out. At least 70 people were killed, mostly militants, over the six-week ordeal.
The authorities later on the same day (March 11) moved in to arrest five men and a woman - all Filipinos between 23 and 63 years old - in Tambunan, Sabah.
"One of the suspects who worked as a construction worker is believed to be part of the ASG involved in the Marawi siege. The suspect had sneaked into Sabah in December 2018 together with another group member to avoid the military operations against them in the Philippines.
"Meanwhile, the other five from the second arrests were nabbed for providing protection to several ASG and Maute members who are still at large."
The last arrest was a 39-year-old Filipino in Tambunan, Sabah, who worked as a construction worker. He was detained on March 12 for providing protection to ASG and Maute members.
Malaysia recently deported and blacklisted seven suspected Islamic militants who police said were involved in plans to launch large-scale attacks in several countries.
In its long battle against increasing militancy in the country, Malaysia uncovered a plan by foreign militants to use the country as a "safe haven" transit and logistics centre, following the collapse of terrorist outfit Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Middle East.
Mr Fuzi on March 10 said the militants plan to marry local women to get spousal visas to enable them to live in Malaysia, or to remain in the country by using education facilities, or by being involved in business.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-detains-13-suspected-militants-including-6-involved-in-marawi-siege
KUALA LUMPUR - Thirteen suspected militants, including six pro-Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members allegedly involved in the deadly Marawi siege in southern Philippines, have been detained by Malaysian authorities.
Malaysia's national police chief Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said 12 Filipinos and a Malaysian were arrested on March 11 and 12 by police's Counter Terrorism Division, with the help of Special Branch, Sabah police and elite multi-tasking special forces unit 69 Commando.
"They were detained for their suspected involvement in several terror groups... either the ASG, Maute combatants or the Royal Sulu Force (RSF)," he said in a statement on Monday (March 18).
"Some of them were also involved in giving protection to foreign terrorist fighters who are hiding in Sabah."
The first arrests, the Inspector-General of Police said, were five Filipinos and a Malaysian - all men aged between 40 and 60 - on March 11 in Semporna, Sabah.
"Four of them are suspected to have been involved in the Marawi siege in 2017, together with the Maute group," he said.
"They were also involved in giving protection to the Maute and several middle easterners who are hiding in Sabah."
Mr Fuzi added that two others are believed to be the RSF members who were involved in Lahad Datu incursion in 2013.
"They're also involved in recruiting new members for the RSF by selling the group's membership cards among Filipinos who reside in Sabah," he said.
"Both suspect fled to the southern Philippines after the terror group was defeated. In November 2018, the duo managed to infiltrate into Semporna, in an attempt to activate the RSF in Sabah."
On May 23, 2017, about 1,000 gunmen stormed and seized large parts of Marawi in an audacious bid to turn the city into a province of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS). What followed was a war that raged for five months.
By the time the Philippine military declared victory five months later, more than 1,000 militants, government troops and civilians were dead, half of Marawi lay in ruins, and about 400,000 people living in and near the city were displaced.
Meanwhile, the bloody incursion in Lahad Datu in 2013 by some 200 Islamic militants from the southern Philippines was inspired by a self-proclaimed Filipino sultanate's claims of historical dominion over the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo island.
The assault, the most serious security crisis faced by Malaysia in years, led to a siege between the militants and Malaysian armed forces sent to root them out. At least 70 people were killed, mostly militants, over the six-week ordeal.
The authorities later on the same day (March 11) moved in to arrest five men and a woman - all Filipinos between 23 and 63 years old - in Tambunan, Sabah.
"One of the suspects who worked as a construction worker is believed to be part of the ASG involved in the Marawi siege. The suspect had sneaked into Sabah in December 2018 together with another group member to avoid the military operations against them in the Philippines.
"Meanwhile, the other five from the second arrests were nabbed for providing protection to several ASG and Maute members who are still at large."
The last arrest was a 39-year-old Filipino in Tambunan, Sabah, who worked as a construction worker. He was detained on March 12 for providing protection to ASG and Maute members.
Malaysia recently deported and blacklisted seven suspected Islamic militants who police said were involved in plans to launch large-scale attacks in several countries.
In its long battle against increasing militancy in the country, Malaysia uncovered a plan by foreign militants to use the country as a "safe haven" transit and logistics centre, following the collapse of terrorist outfit Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in the Middle East.
Mr Fuzi on March 10 said the militants plan to marry local women to get spousal visas to enable them to live in Malaysia, or to remain in the country by using education facilities, or by being involved in business.
https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/malaysia-detains-13-suspected-militants-including-6-involved-in-marawi-siege
Terror swoop nets 13 linked to Sulu, Abu Sayyaf and Maute groups
From the Free Malaysia Today (Mar 18, 2019): Terror swoop nets 13 linked to Sulu, Abu Sayyaf and Maute groups
Several of the suspects arrested in anti-terror operations in Sabah last week. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: Police say 12 Filipinos and one local were arrested on suspicion of terrorist activities in anti-terror operations in Semporna and Tambunan last week.
In a statement, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the suspects were believed to be involved with the Abu Sayyaf and Royal Sulu Force (RSF) militant groups.
He said several of them had also harboured foreign terrorist elements in Sabah.
The Malaysian suspect was arrested along with five Filipinos in Semporna on March 11. Four of them were suspected of involvement in conflict with the Maute Muslim militants in southern Philippines in 2017.
They were also believed to have given protection to Maute fighters and several Middle Easterners hiding in Sabah.
The other two were arrested on suspicion of involvement with the RSF in the 2013 attacks on Lahad Datu and Semporna.
“They also recruited new members for the RSF from among the Filipinos in Sabah,” Fuzi said.
“Both suspects fled to southern Philippines after the RSF’s defeat and entered Semporna to reactivate RSF activity in Sabah.”
Five men and a woman, meanwhile, were arrested in Tambunan. One of them, a construction labourer, was suspected of being a member of Abu Sayyaf. The suspect was also believed to have been involved in the conflict in Marawi.
“The suspect entered Sabah in December last year, together with other members of the group, to avoid the Philippine’s military operations,” Fuzi said.
The other five were arrested for giving protection to Abu Sayyaf and Maute militants who are still at large.
Another Filipino man, also a labourer, was arrested in Tambunan the following day for the same offences.
The 13 suspects were arrested under Act 574 of the Penal Code and are being investigated for offences under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
Ten of the Filipino suspects, who were without valid travel documents, were handed over to the Immigration Department.
Several of the suspects arrested in anti-terror operations in Sabah last week. (Facebook pic)
PETALING JAYA: Police say 12 Filipinos and one local were arrested on suspicion of terrorist activities in anti-terror operations in Semporna and Tambunan last week.
In a statement, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the suspects were believed to be involved with the Abu Sayyaf and Royal Sulu Force (RSF) militant groups.
He said several of them had also harboured foreign terrorist elements in Sabah.
The Malaysian suspect was arrested along with five Filipinos in Semporna on March 11. Four of them were suspected of involvement in conflict with the Maute Muslim militants in southern Philippines in 2017.
They were also believed to have given protection to Maute fighters and several Middle Easterners hiding in Sabah.
The other two were arrested on suspicion of involvement with the RSF in the 2013 attacks on Lahad Datu and Semporna.
“They also recruited new members for the RSF from among the Filipinos in Sabah,” Fuzi said.
“Both suspects fled to southern Philippines after the RSF’s defeat and entered Semporna to reactivate RSF activity in Sabah.”
Five men and a woman, meanwhile, were arrested in Tambunan. One of them, a construction labourer, was suspected of being a member of Abu Sayyaf. The suspect was also believed to have been involved in the conflict in Marawi.
“The suspect entered Sabah in December last year, together with other members of the group, to avoid the Philippine’s military operations,” Fuzi said.
The other five were arrested for giving protection to Abu Sayyaf and Maute militants who are still at large.
Another Filipino man, also a labourer, was arrested in Tambunan the following day for the same offences.
The 13 suspects were arrested under Act 574 of the Penal Code and are being investigated for offences under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
Ten of the Filipino suspects, who were without valid travel documents, were handed over to the Immigration Department.
Suspected AKP member nabbed in South Cotabato
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 17, 2019): Suspected AKP member nabbed in South Cotabato
Security forces arrested over the weekend a suspected member of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired local terror group Ansar Al-khilafah Philippines in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
Supt. Samuel Cadungon, Polomolok police chief, identified the suspect as Aladin Mamo, who was nabbed during a raid conducted by police and military operatives in sitio Bio, Barangay Lapu, Polomolok.
However, he said the raiding team failed to arrest the suspect’s bother, Russel Mamo who managed to elude arrest during the raid.
Police said the arrested suspect yielded an improvised explosive device and a fragmentation grenade when frisked.
Police tagged the Mamos as remnants of the AKP local terror group under Jeffrey Nilong who is based in Barangay Lapu, Polomolok.
Nilong’s group was blamed for the spate of bomb attacks in the region including the bomb explosion infront of a birthing clinic in Barangay Apopong here last September 2018 which injured at least eight people.
The group was also tagged for a series of criminal activities inclding, robbery, carnapping and gun-for-hire in Polomolok town and nearby areas.
Nilong assumed the post of the late AKP leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid who was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kiamba, Sarangani in January 2017.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/17/suspected-akp-member-nabbed-in-south-cotabato/
Security forces arrested over the weekend a suspected member of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired local terror group Ansar Al-khilafah Philippines in Polomolok, South Cotabato.
Supt. Samuel Cadungon, Polomolok police chief, identified the suspect as Aladin Mamo, who was nabbed during a raid conducted by police and military operatives in sitio Bio, Barangay Lapu, Polomolok.
However, he said the raiding team failed to arrest the suspect’s bother, Russel Mamo who managed to elude arrest during the raid.
Police said the arrested suspect yielded an improvised explosive device and a fragmentation grenade when frisked.
Police tagged the Mamos as remnants of the AKP local terror group under Jeffrey Nilong who is based in Barangay Lapu, Polomolok.
Nilong’s group was blamed for the spate of bomb attacks in the region including the bomb explosion infront of a birthing clinic in Barangay Apopong here last September 2018 which injured at least eight people.
The group was also tagged for a series of criminal activities inclding, robbery, carnapping and gun-for-hire in Polomolok town and nearby areas.
Nilong assumed the post of the late AKP leader Mohammad Jaafar Maguid who was killed in an encounter with security forces in Kiamba, Sarangani in January 2017.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/17/suspected-akp-member-nabbed-in-south-cotabato/
3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion participates in ground breaking ceremony of medical clinic
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 17, 2019): 3rd Mechanized Infantry Battalion participates in ground breaking ceremony of medical clinic
The 3rd Mechanized Infantry (Makatarungan) Battalion participated in the ground breaking ceremony of a medical clinic at Barangay San Pedro, Moncada, Tarlac, on Thursday.
The construction of the medical clinic is part of the Engineering Capability Program (ENCAP) activities of Balikatan 35-2019.
The medical clinic is an elevated one-storey, three-room concrete building with comfort room and septic tank. The facility will cater to civilians who are in need of primary care.
The Ground Breaking Ceremony was attended by the Department of Health (DoH) headed by Mrs. Maria Noel Borneo-Lim, RN, Provincial Health Officer as Guest of Honor and Speaker, military officers and personnel from the Philippine Army and US Armed Forces, local government officials, barangay health workers and faculty of San Pedro National High School.
Aside from ENCAP, both military forces from the two countries engaged the local chief executives and the people in the community.
Major General Lenard T Agustin, the Commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, thanked those who are responsible in choosing Tarlac as one of the ENCAP sites.
“The people will benefit greatly from the projects of the military exercise,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Antonio E. Bello, Commanding Officer of 3rd Mechanized Battalion, said the Makatarungan Troopers will continue to help the community not only in the security aspect but also to their other needs that will alleviate their condition.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/17/3rd-mechanized-infantry-battalion-participates-in-ground-breaking-ceremony-of-medical-clinic/
The 3rd Mechanized Infantry (Makatarungan) Battalion participated in the ground breaking ceremony of a medical clinic at Barangay San Pedro, Moncada, Tarlac, on Thursday.
The construction of the medical clinic is part of the Engineering Capability Program (ENCAP) activities of Balikatan 35-2019.
The medical clinic is an elevated one-storey, three-room concrete building with comfort room and septic tank. The facility will cater to civilians who are in need of primary care.
The Ground Breaking Ceremony was attended by the Department of Health (DoH) headed by Mrs. Maria Noel Borneo-Lim, RN, Provincial Health Officer as Guest of Honor and Speaker, military officers and personnel from the Philippine Army and US Armed Forces, local government officials, barangay health workers and faculty of San Pedro National High School.
Aside from ENCAP, both military forces from the two countries engaged the local chief executives and the people in the community.
Major General Lenard T Agustin, the Commander of the Army’s 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, thanked those who are responsible in choosing Tarlac as one of the ENCAP sites.
“The people will benefit greatly from the projects of the military exercise,” he said.
Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Antonio E. Bello, Commanding Officer of 3rd Mechanized Battalion, said the Makatarungan Troopers will continue to help the community not only in the security aspect but also to their other needs that will alleviate their condition.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/17/3rd-mechanized-infantry-battalion-participates-in-ground-breaking-ceremony-of-medical-clinic/
Duterte to attend BARMM inauguration
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 17, 2019): Duterte to attend BARMM inauguration
COTABATO CITY – The inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the first session of its parliament have been reset anew from March 21 to March 25, with officials confirming President Duterte’s attendance to grace the rescheduled events.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
(SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
The original scheduled was March 11 as mentioned by members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and interim Chief Minister (ICM) Murad Ebrahim during their first caucus here last February 27.
It was moved to March 21, a date coinciding with the Estrada government’s declaration of “all-out war” against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 19 years ago.
But at the sidelines of the national peace and order council meeting in Davao City last Thursday, Ebrahim reportedly received words from President Duterte that he would only be available for the events here on March 25.
Sources involved in the preparation for the inaugural events said the venue for the ceremonies would be the 145-seater Shariff Kabunsuan Center (SKCC) at the 22-hectared compound here of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where the BARMM parliament will be holding its sessions.
The President on February 22 swore in the BTA members in Malacanang, naming Ebrahim as ICM. Appointment papers of 76 BTA members were released on February 27, during which Ebrahim officially took over from ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.
Of the 76 appointed, one passed away on March 13 – MILF’s 1st Vice Chair, Ghazlai Jaafar, whom Ebrahim earlier named as speaker of the Bangsamoro Parliament, with Lanao del Sur former Congressman Pangalian Balindong as deputy speaker.
Jaafar’s death left only 75 members out of the supposed 80 BTA members prescribed under the BARMM charter.
The four vacant BTA seats are reserved for nominees from the government side. The MILF central committee will decide on who it will endorse to the President to replace Jaafar, a report attributed to Ebrahim said.
The BTA, consisting of 41 MILF-nominated members and 39 government representatives, will government BARMM until the election of regular officials in 2022.
Ebrahim has initially named 10 ministers of the 15-member regional cabinet
The cabinet includes ministries on finance and budget management; social services; trade, investments, and tourism; labor and employment; basic, higher and technical Education; transportation and communications; public works; indigenous peoples’ affairs; health; local government; environment, natural resources, and energy; public order and safety; human settlements development; science and technology; and agriculture, fisheries and agrarian reform.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/17/duterte-to-attend-barmm-inauguration/
COTABATO CITY – The inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the first session of its parliament have been reset anew from March 21 to March 25, with officials confirming President Duterte’s attendance to grace the rescheduled events.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte
(SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
The original scheduled was March 11 as mentioned by members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and interim Chief Minister (ICM) Murad Ebrahim during their first caucus here last February 27.
It was moved to March 21, a date coinciding with the Estrada government’s declaration of “all-out war” against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 19 years ago.
But at the sidelines of the national peace and order council meeting in Davao City last Thursday, Ebrahim reportedly received words from President Duterte that he would only be available for the events here on March 25.
Sources involved in the preparation for the inaugural events said the venue for the ceremonies would be the 145-seater Shariff Kabunsuan Center (SKCC) at the 22-hectared compound here of the defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) where the BARMM parliament will be holding its sessions.
The President on February 22 swore in the BTA members in Malacanang, naming Ebrahim as ICM. Appointment papers of 76 BTA members were released on February 27, during which Ebrahim officially took over from ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.
Of the 76 appointed, one passed away on March 13 – MILF’s 1st Vice Chair, Ghazlai Jaafar, whom Ebrahim earlier named as speaker of the Bangsamoro Parliament, with Lanao del Sur former Congressman Pangalian Balindong as deputy speaker.
Jaafar’s death left only 75 members out of the supposed 80 BTA members prescribed under the BARMM charter.
The four vacant BTA seats are reserved for nominees from the government side. The MILF central committee will decide on who it will endorse to the President to replace Jaafar, a report attributed to Ebrahim said.
The BTA, consisting of 41 MILF-nominated members and 39 government representatives, will government BARMM until the election of regular officials in 2022.
Ebrahim has initially named 10 ministers of the 15-member regional cabinet
The cabinet includes ministries on finance and budget management; social services; trade, investments, and tourism; labor and employment; basic, higher and technical Education; transportation and communications; public works; indigenous peoples’ affairs; health; local government; environment, natural resources, and energy; public order and safety; human settlements development; science and technology; and agriculture, fisheries and agrarian reform.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/17/duterte-to-attend-barmm-inauguration/
Photo: From MILF camp to…
From MindaNews (Mar 17, 2019): Photo: From MILF camp to…
A harvest of squash from the farms in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Camp Darapanan in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao is loaded on a truck bound for Tagum City on 13 March 2019. The squash costs only five pesos and fifty centavos per kilo. MIndaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO
https://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2019/03/from-milf-camp-to/
A harvest of squash from the farms in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Camp Darapanan in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao is loaded on a truck bound for Tagum City on 13 March 2019. The squash costs only five pesos and fifty centavos per kilo. MIndaNews photo by GREGORIO BUENO
https://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2019/03/from-milf-camp-to/
MNLF to celebrate 51st anniversary in Cotabato City
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 18, 2019): MNLF to celebrate 51st anniversary in Cotabato City
MNLF ANNIVERSARY. Thousands of Moro National Liberation Front members converged at the Cotabato City hall grounds Monday (March 18) to celebrate its 51st foundation anniversary with Professor Nur Misuari, MNLF founding chairman, as special guest. (Photo courtesy of Norhamina Esmael – DXMY Cotabato)
COTABATO CITY – Thousands of members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have begun pouring into the city to celebrate its 51st foundation anniversary here Monday.
MNLF founding chairman, Prof. Nur Misuari, will lead the foundation anniversary and the Peace Summit to be held at the Cotabato City Hall grounds on Monday afternoon.
Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi will host the event and ordered the suspension of classes from all levels, both in public and private schools, as heavy traffic is expected.
“Rerouting is already in place beginning at 6 a.m. today (Monday),” she said.
The participants are coming from various areas of Mindanao and will converge here to celebrate the birth of the MNLF and the Moro struggle for self-determination.
The MNLF is also commemorating the so-called Jabidah massacre on Corregidor Island in Bataan in 1968 that gave birth to the MNLF organization.
Misuari was teaching Islamic studies at the University of the Philippines when he learned of the Jabidah massacre, which pushed him to form the MNLF.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064832
MNLF ANNIVERSARY. Thousands of Moro National Liberation Front members converged at the Cotabato City hall grounds Monday (March 18) to celebrate its 51st foundation anniversary with Professor Nur Misuari, MNLF founding chairman, as special guest. (Photo courtesy of Norhamina Esmael – DXMY Cotabato)
COTABATO CITY – Thousands of members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have begun pouring into the city to celebrate its 51st foundation anniversary here Monday.
MNLF founding chairman, Prof. Nur Misuari, will lead the foundation anniversary and the Peace Summit to be held at the Cotabato City Hall grounds on Monday afternoon.
Cotabato City Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi will host the event and ordered the suspension of classes from all levels, both in public and private schools, as heavy traffic is expected.
“Rerouting is already in place beginning at 6 a.m. today (Monday),” she said.
The participants are coming from various areas of Mindanao and will converge here to celebrate the birth of the MNLF and the Moro struggle for self-determination.
The MNLF is also commemorating the so-called Jabidah massacre on Corregidor Island in Bataan in 1968 that gave birth to the MNLF organization.
Misuari was teaching Islamic studies at the University of the Philippines when he learned of the Jabidah massacre, which pushed him to form the MNLF.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064832
7 ka sundalo samdan sa pagbusikad sa landmine
From Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) (Mar 18, 2019): 7 ka sundalo samdan sa pagbusikad sa landmine
Anaa na sa luwas nga kahimtang ang pito ka mga sundalo ang samdan human nabuthan sa anti-personnel mine sa Sitio Tubigon, Barangay Busdi, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Kini ang gikumpirma ni Cpt. Ryan Layug, ang Civil Military Operations officer ug spokesperson sa 403rd infantry brigade human nga nagpagawas ug pamahayag ang New People’s Army kon NPA kalabot sa ilang tulo ka hugna matud pa nga tactical offensive diin duha niini kaniadtong Biyernes ug ang usa ang pagpabuto nila ug detonated CDX sa Barangay Busdi kaniadtong Sabado sa kadlawon.
Gihimakak usab ni Cpt. Layug ang propaganda sa mga NPA nga naghimo kini ug tactical offensive batok sa kasundaluhan Sitio Magawa, Barangay Bolonay, Sitio New Imbatug, Brgy. Kalabugaw nga pulos sakop sa Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.
Depensa niya nga ang nahitabo sa Brgy. Busdi lamang ang tinood.
Matud ni Capt. Layug nga gituis lamang sa mga NPA ang panghitabo ug gipasabot niya nga niresponde ang kasundaluhan sa taho nga adunay gitanom nga anti personnel mine.
Sa karon, giklaro ni Cpt. Layug nga ang nabuthan nga mga sundalo sakop sa 8th Infantry Batallion ang anaa na sa luwas nga kahimtang.
Una nang gipamahayag sa 403rd Infantry Brigade nga gipamatud-an lang sa mga rebeldeng NPA ang ilang pagka-terorista tungod sa ilang paggamit sa anti-personnel mine nga una nang gidili nga gamiton sa giyera.
Samtang giangkon sa rebeldeng NPA nga sila ang nagtanom sa anti-personnel mine.
https://rmn.ph/7-ka-sundalo-samdan-sa-pagbusikad-sa-landmine/
Anaa na sa luwas nga kahimtang ang pito ka mga sundalo ang samdan human nabuthan sa anti-personnel mine sa Sitio Tubigon, Barangay Busdi, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.
Kini ang gikumpirma ni Cpt. Ryan Layug, ang Civil Military Operations officer ug spokesperson sa 403rd infantry brigade human nga nagpagawas ug pamahayag ang New People’s Army kon NPA kalabot sa ilang tulo ka hugna matud pa nga tactical offensive diin duha niini kaniadtong Biyernes ug ang usa ang pagpabuto nila ug detonated CDX sa Barangay Busdi kaniadtong Sabado sa kadlawon.
Gihimakak usab ni Cpt. Layug ang propaganda sa mga NPA nga naghimo kini ug tactical offensive batok sa kasundaluhan Sitio Magawa, Barangay Bolonay, Sitio New Imbatug, Brgy. Kalabugaw nga pulos sakop sa Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.
Depensa niya nga ang nahitabo sa Brgy. Busdi lamang ang tinood.
Matud ni Capt. Layug nga gituis lamang sa mga NPA ang panghitabo ug gipasabot niya nga niresponde ang kasundaluhan sa taho nga adunay gitanom nga anti personnel mine.
Sa karon, giklaro ni Cpt. Layug nga ang nabuthan nga mga sundalo sakop sa 8th Infantry Batallion ang anaa na sa luwas nga kahimtang.
Una nang gipamahayag sa 403rd Infantry Brigade nga gipamatud-an lang sa mga rebeldeng NPA ang ilang pagka-terorista tungod sa ilang paggamit sa anti-personnel mine nga una nang gidili nga gamiton sa giyera.
Samtang giangkon sa rebeldeng NPA nga sila ang nagtanom sa anti-personnel mine.
https://rmn.ph/7-ka-sundalo-samdan-sa-pagbusikad-sa-landmine/
Cop gunned down in Sorsogon
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 18, 2019): Cop gunned down in Sorsogon
The body of SPO3 Juje Razo lies in Barangay Marifosque in Pilar, Sorsogon after he was ambushed by three unidentified gunmen on Monday, March 18, 2019. (Photo from Police Regional Office 5)
A policeman was shot and killed on Monday morning by still unidentified gunmen in Pilar town in Sorsogon province, a police report said.
Victim Senior Police Officer 3 Juje Razo, 52, a member of Pilar town police, was ambushed by at least three gunmen believed to be New People’s Army (NPA) rebels while riding his motorcycle in Barangay (village) Marifoque at around 7:30 a.m., according to Chief Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson.
Calubaquib said the victim died instantly from multiple bullet wounds.
Police are hunting down the suspects who fled to neighboring villages as of Monday morning.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1096899/cop-gunned-down-in-sorsogon-2
The body of SPO3 Juje Razo lies in Barangay Marifosque in Pilar, Sorsogon after he was ambushed by three unidentified gunmen on Monday, March 18, 2019. (Photo from Police Regional Office 5)
A policeman was shot and killed on Monday morning by still unidentified gunmen in Pilar town in Sorsogon province, a police report said.
Victim Senior Police Officer 3 Juje Razo, 52, a member of Pilar town police, was ambushed by at least three gunmen believed to be New People’s Army (NPA) rebels while riding his motorcycle in Barangay (village) Marifoque at around 7:30 a.m., according to Chief Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson.
Calubaquib said the victim died instantly from multiple bullet wounds.
Police are hunting down the suspects who fled to neighboring villages as of Monday morning.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1096899/cop-gunned-down-in-sorsogon-2
Explosives seized, ‘rebel’ nabbed in Iloilo town clash
From The Daily Guardian (Mar 18, 2019): Explosives seized, ‘rebel’ nabbed in Iloilo town clash
SEVERAL improvised explosive devices (EIDs) were seized following an encounter between Philippine Army troops and suspected members of the New People’s Army in Igbaras, Iloilo.
Members of the 61st Infantry Battalion reportedly traded shots with 10 suspected NPA members of Suyak Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) under the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay Southern Front Committee (SDG) around 5:55 a.m. of March 17, 2019 at Barangay Mulangan.
The rebels were allegedly led by Joven Ceralvo alias Lex.
The clash only lasted for five minutes and it led to the arrest of a suspected member of the NPA’s Militia ng Bayan.
Roberto Elamparo owned the house where the encounter happened and the IEDs were also seized from his possession.
No one was hurt in the clash.
Also recovered were 40 pieces of 5.56mm empty shells, nine fired cartridges of 7.62mm ammunition, an undetermined device made of sealed orange pipe, and one black inside holster.
Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61st IB commander, said that the rebels intend to use the seized explosives during the 50th founding anniversary of the NPA on March 29.
“Let the CPP-NPA terrorists celebrate their anniversary while on the run,” Magbalot said.
As in previous years, the NPAs are expected to launch terrorists activities this year, as evidenced by the newly made IEDs intended for vehicles.
“They normally harass or attack government troops and installations to celebrate their anniversaries and red letter dates. That’s why, we are preparing for that,” Magbalot said.
Meanwhile, Major General Dinoh Dolina, 3rd Infantry Division commander, advised government troops to take caution while pursuing the terrorist and deploying additional troops to hunt them.
https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/explosives-seized-rebel-nabbed-in-iloilo-town-clash/
SEVERAL improvised explosive devices (EIDs) were seized following an encounter between Philippine Army troops and suspected members of the New People’s Army in Igbaras, Iloilo.
Members of the 61st Infantry Battalion reportedly traded shots with 10 suspected NPA members of Suyak Sentro De Grabidad (SDG) under the Komiteng Rehiyon-Panay Southern Front Committee (SDG) around 5:55 a.m. of March 17, 2019 at Barangay Mulangan.
The rebels were allegedly led by Joven Ceralvo alias Lex.
The clash only lasted for five minutes and it led to the arrest of a suspected member of the NPA’s Militia ng Bayan.
Roberto Elamparo owned the house where the encounter happened and the IEDs were also seized from his possession.
No one was hurt in the clash.
Also recovered were 40 pieces of 5.56mm empty shells, nine fired cartridges of 7.62mm ammunition, an undetermined device made of sealed orange pipe, and one black inside holster.
Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot Jr., 61st IB commander, said that the rebels intend to use the seized explosives during the 50th founding anniversary of the NPA on March 29.
“Let the CPP-NPA terrorists celebrate their anniversary while on the run,” Magbalot said.
As in previous years, the NPAs are expected to launch terrorists activities this year, as evidenced by the newly made IEDs intended for vehicles.
“They normally harass or attack government troops and installations to celebrate their anniversaries and red letter dates. That’s why, we are preparing for that,” Magbalot said.
Meanwhile, Major General Dinoh Dolina, 3rd Infantry Division commander, advised government troops to take caution while pursuing the terrorist and deploying additional troops to hunt them.
https://thedailyguardian.net/local-news/explosives-seized-rebel-nabbed-in-iloilo-town-clash/
US gov’t helping confirm Abu Dar’s death
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 18, 2019): US gov’t helping confirm Abu Dar’s death
Abu Dar
The US government is helping the Philippine military confirm whether one of two terrorists slain by Philippine soldiers in Lanao del Sur was Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Dar, one of the Islamic State (IS) followers who led the siege on Marawi City that left more than 1,000 people dead.
Col. Romeo Brawner, head of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Brigade, said on Saturday that American experts were helping Philippine forensic teams confirm the identity of one of the bodies.
Brawner said DNA samples had already been taken from one of the terrorists slain on Friday in Tubaran town, Lanao del Sur.
Dar was believed to be a cousin of the Maute brothers who helped plot the IS occupation of Marawi along with Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.
Marawi dead
The Mautes and Hapilon had been killed in Marawi, while Dar escaped.
Philippine military intelligence reports said Dar and his group could be hiding in the jungles in the remote towns of Pagayawan, Pualas and Tubaran.
Brawner said one of the identifiable marks of Dar was a scar on the face and wounds suffered during a clash in January with government soldiers.
But Brawner added that it was difficult to determine Dar’s identity through the face of one of the bodies.
“The face was deformed,” Brawner said.
He said the body of one of the slain terrorists had a scar on the back, which could be from wounds inflicted during the January clash.
Dar’s belongings
Brawner said soldiers also retrieved a backpack containing money, a .45-caliber pistol, mobile phones and cameras, which Dar’s followers said belonged to him.
Since March 11, four government soldiers and four terrorists have been killed since the Philippine military stepped up offensives against Abu Sayyaf in Pagawayan and Tuburan.
In Maguindanao, at least 22 members of a faction of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and a soldier were killed in clashes with one of the slain terror suspects believed to be an Arab.
The Maguindanao military operations were targeting the group of Abu Toraife, head of a pro-IS BIFF faction.
Toraife split from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which was also formed by Moro rebels who split from the Moro National Liberation Front of Nur Misuari.
Toraife’s group rejected MILF’s peace deal with the government because it did not call for a separate Islamic republic in Mindanao
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1096788/us-govt-helping-confirm-abu-dars-death
Abu Dar
The US government is helping the Philippine military confirm whether one of two terrorists slain by Philippine soldiers in Lanao del Sur was Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Dar, one of the Islamic State (IS) followers who led the siege on Marawi City that left more than 1,000 people dead.
Col. Romeo Brawner, head of the Philippine Army’s 103rd Brigade, said on Saturday that American experts were helping Philippine forensic teams confirm the identity of one of the bodies.
Brawner said DNA samples had already been taken from one of the terrorists slain on Friday in Tubaran town, Lanao del Sur.
Dar was believed to be a cousin of the Maute brothers who helped plot the IS occupation of Marawi along with Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon.
Marawi dead
The Mautes and Hapilon had been killed in Marawi, while Dar escaped.
Philippine military intelligence reports said Dar and his group could be hiding in the jungles in the remote towns of Pagayawan, Pualas and Tubaran.
Brawner said one of the identifiable marks of Dar was a scar on the face and wounds suffered during a clash in January with government soldiers.
But Brawner added that it was difficult to determine Dar’s identity through the face of one of the bodies.
“The face was deformed,” Brawner said.
He said the body of one of the slain terrorists had a scar on the back, which could be from wounds inflicted during the January clash.
Dar’s belongings
Brawner said soldiers also retrieved a backpack containing money, a .45-caliber pistol, mobile phones and cameras, which Dar’s followers said belonged to him.
Since March 11, four government soldiers and four terrorists have been killed since the Philippine military stepped up offensives against Abu Sayyaf in Pagawayan and Tuburan.
In Maguindanao, at least 22 members of a faction of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and a soldier were killed in clashes with one of the slain terror suspects believed to be an Arab.
The Maguindanao military operations were targeting the group of Abu Toraife, head of a pro-IS BIFF faction.
Toraife split from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which was also formed by Moro rebels who split from the Moro National Liberation Front of Nur Misuari.
Toraife’s group rejected MILF’s peace deal with the government because it did not call for a separate Islamic republic in Mindanao
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1096788/us-govt-helping-confirm-abu-dars-death
‘BIFF behind grenade throwing at Cafgu post’
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 18, 2019): ‘BIFF behind grenade throwing at Cafgu post’
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) bandits are the prime suspects in a grenade-throwing at a detachment of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in Pikit, North Cotabato, on Friday night.
Senior Insp. Mautin Pangandigan, Pikit town police chief, on Sunday said an unidentified man on board a motorbike passed by the Cafgu detachment in Barangay Inug-og, Pikit, at 6:45 p.m. on Friday and threw the grenade.
“The two paramilitary troops stationed in the conflict village of Pikit were lucky to have survived the attack because the grenade did not explode,” Pangandigan added.
He said the man tossed something hard inside the detachment manned by Cafgus who were on duty at the time.
“They thought that stones were thrown at them but they discovered a live grenade right inside the detachment,” Pangandigan said.
Army bomb experts from the explosive ordnance division defused the grenade.
Although no one has claimed responsibility for the grenade attack, the militiamen suspect that the BIFF had a hand in it.
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The BIFF has been known to have regularly harassed the Cafgu detachment in the last few months.
https://www.manilatimes.net/biff-behind-grenade-throwing-at-cafgu-post/527351/
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) bandits are the prime suspects in a grenade-throwing at a detachment of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in Pikit, North Cotabato, on Friday night.
Senior Insp. Mautin Pangandigan, Pikit town police chief, on Sunday said an unidentified man on board a motorbike passed by the Cafgu detachment in Barangay Inug-og, Pikit, at 6:45 p.m. on Friday and threw the grenade.
“The two paramilitary troops stationed in the conflict village of Pikit were lucky to have survived the attack because the grenade did not explode,” Pangandigan added.
He said the man tossed something hard inside the detachment manned by Cafgus who were on duty at the time.
“They thought that stones were thrown at them but they discovered a live grenade right inside the detachment,” Pangandigan said.
Army bomb experts from the explosive ordnance division defused the grenade.
Although no one has claimed responsibility for the grenade attack, the militiamen suspect that the BIFF had a hand in it.
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The BIFF has been known to have regularly harassed the Cafgu detachment in the last few months.
https://www.manilatimes.net/biff-behind-grenade-throwing-at-cafgu-post/527351/
Peace office to give P500-M aid to ex-rebels
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 18, 2019): Peace office to give P500-M aid to ex-rebels
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will give about P500 million worth of livelihood and social protection assistance to former members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) and their families.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a recent visit to Bacolod City that the assistance is part of the government’s efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace in the region.
The assistance includes social protection programs, capacity development, livelihood and employment assistance, housing assistance and financial aid to former combatants and their families.
“We are committed to help former combatants in their transformation to productive and normal civilian lives. We want them to feel the dividends of peace,” Galvez said.
The assistance is part of the implementation of the Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) to the 2000 Peace Agreement, formulated in consultation with the (RPA-ABB) Tabara-Paduano Group and Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Lipunan and concurred in by various national government agencies.
The CID had five components — disposition of arms and forces (DAF) and security arrangements; social and economic reintegration of the RPMP/RPA/ABB-TPG/Kapatiran; release of the remaining alleged political offenders; transformation of the members into civilian organizations engaging in socio-economic and political activities; and community peace dividends.
While the document is expected to be signed this year, the government has begun undertaking socio-economic interventions to boost development in the communities.
https://www.manilatimes.net/peace-office-to-give-p500-m-aid-to-ex-rebels/527353/
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) will give about P500 million worth of livelihood and social protection assistance to former members of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army–Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) and their families.
Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a recent visit to Bacolod City that the assistance is part of the government’s efforts to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace in the region.
The assistance includes social protection programs, capacity development, livelihood and employment assistance, housing assistance and financial aid to former combatants and their families.
“We are committed to help former combatants in their transformation to productive and normal civilian lives. We want them to feel the dividends of peace,” Galvez said.
The assistance is part of the implementation of the Clarificatory Implementing Document (CID) to the 2000 Peace Agreement, formulated in consultation with the (RPA-ABB) Tabara-Paduano Group and Kapatiran para sa Progresibong Lipunan and concurred in by various national government agencies.
The CID had five components — disposition of arms and forces (DAF) and security arrangements; social and economic reintegration of the RPMP/RPA/ABB-TPG/Kapatiran; release of the remaining alleged political offenders; transformation of the members into civilian organizations engaging in socio-economic and political activities; and community peace dividends.
While the document is expected to be signed this year, the government has begun undertaking socio-economic interventions to boost development in the communities.
https://www.manilatimes.net/peace-office-to-give-p500-m-aid-to-ex-rebels/527353/
PAF to receive Huey spare parts from Japan gov’t
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 18, 2019): PAF to receive Huey spare parts from Japan gov’t
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be receiving on Tuesday, March 19, UH-1 Huey aircraft spare parts and maintenance equipment donated by the Japanese government.
Major Aristedes M. Galang, the Chief of the PAF’s Public Affairs Office, said the acceptance, turn-over and blessing ceremony of the UH-1 spare parts and maintenance equipment from the Japanese Government through the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) will be held at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City, Clark Air Base, Pampanga.
Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana will be the guest of honor.
The program, which will start at about.10:30 a.m., will also be attended by high ranking officials from both JMOD and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Galang said the items to be donated by the Japanese government will be useful to PAF units with UH-1 helicopters such as the 505th Search and Rescue Group, and the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing that conducts humanitarian assistance, disaster response and airlift operations.
The PAF operates about 20 to 30 UH-1 helicopters.
The Japanese government earlier made available thousands of spare parts to help the PAF keep its fleet of Huey helicopters flying.
A source, who earlier requested anonymity, said the Japanese government offered the assorted spare parts as their fleet of Huey helicopters was starting to be depleted.
“Ano ‘yun, iti turn-over na sa atin kasi paubos na ‘yung Huey nila eh [it will be turned-over to us because their Huey is running low],” the source said.
The source added the only request made by the Japanese government was for the PAF to build a facility for the proper handling and storage of the spare parts.
“Ang request lang nila is gumawa tayo ng [Their only request is for us to build a] facility to store it properly. These are assorted spares for huey that can help in ensuring our fleet will be flying,” the source said.
The source said the offer by the Japanese govenment to provide PAF with spare parts for its Huey’s was done in 2017.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/17/paf-to-receive-huey-spare-parts-from-japan-govt/
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be receiving on Tuesday, March 19, UH-1 Huey aircraft spare parts and maintenance equipment donated by the Japanese government.
Major Aristedes M. Galang, the Chief of the PAF’s Public Affairs Office, said the acceptance, turn-over and blessing ceremony of the UH-1 spare parts and maintenance equipment from the Japanese Government through the Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) will be held at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City, Clark Air Base, Pampanga.
Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana will be the guest of honor.
The program, which will start at about.10:30 a.m., will also be attended by high ranking officials from both JMOD and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Galang said the items to be donated by the Japanese government will be useful to PAF units with UH-1 helicopters such as the 505th Search and Rescue Group, and the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing that conducts humanitarian assistance, disaster response and airlift operations.
The PAF operates about 20 to 30 UH-1 helicopters.
The Japanese government earlier made available thousands of spare parts to help the PAF keep its fleet of Huey helicopters flying.
A source, who earlier requested anonymity, said the Japanese government offered the assorted spare parts as their fleet of Huey helicopters was starting to be depleted.
“Ano ‘yun, iti turn-over na sa atin kasi paubos na ‘yung Huey nila eh [it will be turned-over to us because their Huey is running low],” the source said.
The source added the only request made by the Japanese government was for the PAF to build a facility for the proper handling and storage of the spare parts.
“Ang request lang nila is gumawa tayo ng [Their only request is for us to build a] facility to store it properly. These are assorted spares for huey that can help in ensuring our fleet will be flying,” the source said.
The source said the offer by the Japanese govenment to provide PAF with spare parts for its Huey’s was done in 2017.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/17/paf-to-receive-huey-spare-parts-from-japan-govt/
Army honors fallen soldiers in wreath laying ceremony
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 17, 2019): Army honors fallen soldiers in wreath laying ceremony
The Philippine Army honored its fallen soldiers in a wreath laying ceremony and anniversary mass held Friday, March 15, at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng Mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
In a solemn ceremony, the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees offered their prayers in remembrance of the unknown heroes’ noble sacrifices as the Army celebrated its 122nd founding anniversary.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE ARMY / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was erected in honor of the Filipino soldiers and guerillas who fought in battles against the Japanese Imperial Army in World War II. Since then, it was established as a single tomb in dedication to and commemoration of the unidentified Army heroes.
Engraved on it are the words, “Here lies a Filipino soldier whose name is known only to God.”
“The best way we can honor them is to live by the highest standards of service, integrity and professionalism that their lives represent,” said Maj. Gen. Byron H. Calimag, commander of Army Support Command, speaking on behalf of Chief of Staff Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Jesus B. Sarsagat.
“Let their legacy not only be in the monuments that we have put up in their honor but more so in the vigorous and driven service that we give to our citizenry every single day,” he said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/17/army-honors-fallen-soldiers-in-wreath-laying-ceremony/
The Philippine Army honored its fallen soldiers in a wreath laying ceremony and anniversary mass held Friday, March 15, at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng Mga Bayani, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
In a solemn ceremony, the officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees offered their prayers in remembrance of the unknown heroes’ noble sacrifices as the Army celebrated its 122nd founding anniversary.
(PHOTO COURTESY OF PHILIPPINE ARMY / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was erected in honor of the Filipino soldiers and guerillas who fought in battles against the Japanese Imperial Army in World War II. Since then, it was established as a single tomb in dedication to and commemoration of the unidentified Army heroes.
Engraved on it are the words, “Here lies a Filipino soldier whose name is known only to God.”
“The best way we can honor them is to live by the highest standards of service, integrity and professionalism that their lives represent,” said Maj. Gen. Byron H. Calimag, commander of Army Support Command, speaking on behalf of Chief of Staff Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Jesus B. Sarsagat.
“Let their legacy not only be in the monuments that we have put up in their honor but more so in the vigorous and driven service that we give to our citizenry every single day,” he said.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/03/17/army-honors-fallen-soldiers-in-wreath-laying-ceremony/
Slain foreign terrorist identified as ‘Arab’ bomber
From Malaya Business Insight (Mar 18, 2019): Slain foreign terrorist identified as ‘Arab’ bomber
THE military yesterday said it has established the identity of the “Arab-looking” man who was killed last week during the bombardment and ground assault of a camp of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao.
The BIFF camp in Shariff Saydona Mustapha has been seized by government forces. The military is preparing another operation targeting another lair where most of the dislodged BIFF members are now staying.
Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said a “major encounter” is imminent but declined to the name the new military target. He just said it is in the BIFF’s known bailiwick areas in Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha towns, all in Maguindanao.
On the foreign terrorist, Sobejana said the fatality was identified through the data base of the intelligence community as Abdul Rahman, who he said is an Arab bomber.
Sobejana could not immediately say when Rahman went to Maguindanao. “What’s definite is he is associated with the group of Toraype,” he said, referring to BIFF leader Esmael Abdulmalik alias Abu Toraype.
Citing initial information, Sobejana said Rahman had been training BIFF members.
“He (Rahman) brought technologies from where he trained. He is responsible for the training of local terrorists,” said Sobejana.
Rahman’s body was among three recovered at the BIFF camp which government troops have seized
Seventeen other terrorists are believed to have been killed in the operation, including Singaporean bomber Muhamad Ali Abdul Rahiman alias Mauwiyah.
The military assault started on Monday last week, with aerial bombardment and artillery fire. Ground troops were later inserted for ground assault, leading to series of clashes.
The operation was launched by the 6th Infantry Division after receiving reports that about 120 BIFF men, led by Toraype, were consolidating at the camp in Barangay Inaladan and plotting attacks on unspecified targets.
https://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/slain-foreign-terrorist-identified-%E2%80%98arab%E2%80%99-bomber
THE military yesterday said it has established the identity of the “Arab-looking” man who was killed last week during the bombardment and ground assault of a camp of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town in Maguindanao.
The BIFF camp in Shariff Saydona Mustapha has been seized by government forces. The military is preparing another operation targeting another lair where most of the dislodged BIFF members are now staying.
Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, said a “major encounter” is imminent but declined to the name the new military target. He just said it is in the BIFF’s known bailiwick areas in Shariff Aguak, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Mamasapano, and Shariff Saydona Mustapha towns, all in Maguindanao.
On the foreign terrorist, Sobejana said the fatality was identified through the data base of the intelligence community as Abdul Rahman, who he said is an Arab bomber.
Sobejana could not immediately say when Rahman went to Maguindanao. “What’s definite is he is associated with the group of Toraype,” he said, referring to BIFF leader Esmael Abdulmalik alias Abu Toraype.
Citing initial information, Sobejana said Rahman had been training BIFF members.
“He (Rahman) brought technologies from where he trained. He is responsible for the training of local terrorists,” said Sobejana.
Rahman’s body was among three recovered at the BIFF camp which government troops have seized
Seventeen other terrorists are believed to have been killed in the operation, including Singaporean bomber Muhamad Ali Abdul Rahiman alias Mauwiyah.
The military assault started on Monday last week, with aerial bombardment and artillery fire. Ground troops were later inserted for ground assault, leading to series of clashes.
The operation was launched by the 6th Infantry Division after receiving reports that about 120 BIFF men, led by Toraype, were consolidating at the camp in Barangay Inaladan and plotting attacks on unspecified targets.
https://malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/slain-foreign-terrorist-identified-%E2%80%98arab%E2%80%99-bomber
Navy conducts values formation powwow
From The Daily Tribune (Mar 16, 2019): Navy conducts values formation powwow
Commitment Participants in the Philippine Navy values formation seminar aim to attain higher ethical standards in the performance of their duties.
In a bid to instill high standards of ethics and inculcate strong sense of accountability among its personnel, the Philippine Navy (PN) recently held a values formation seminar in Sangley Point, Cavite City.
The conference was initiated by the command’s Office of Ethical Standard and Public Accountability (OESPA), as it seeks to promote an aggressive commitment to ethical, honest and fair practices, be it in professional or personal life of every enlisted personnel.
The event was attended by the officers and enlisted personnel performing various functions in different PN units within Cavite and Manila areas.
It included the commanding and executive officers of navy vessels, senior enlisted personnel and students from surface warfare, commanders’ course of fleet training and doctrine center.
Among the subjects discussed during the conference was the relevant information and updates on ethical standards and public accountability related programs and policy development.
Cmdr. Norsal Dimaporo gave the welcome remarks during which he provided an overview of the role of OESPA in the prevention, monitoring, and disposition of sexual harassment incidents in the Navy.
The senior counselor of Ateneo de Manila, Joji Racelis, discussed the basic family values formation.
Heidi Sison, president of Character Building Formation Inc., shared her experiences and motivated the participants on character building and self-transformation.
OESPA chief Cmdr. Wilfredo A Burgonio Jr. who delivered the closing remarks exhorted all the participants to continuously pursue organizational development process, education and information dissemination of integrity programs.
He added the activity was timely and relevant for the realization of the command’s mandate to enhance professionalism and to promote honesty and integrity in the military service.
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/03/16/navy-conducts-values-formation-powwow/
The conference was initiated by the command’s Office of Ethical Standard and Public Accountability (OESPA), as it seeks to promote an aggressive commitment to ethical, honest and fair practices, be it in professional or personal life of every enlisted personnel.
The event was attended by the officers and enlisted personnel performing various functions in different PN units within Cavite and Manila areas.
It included the commanding and executive officers of navy vessels, senior enlisted personnel and students from surface warfare, commanders’ course of fleet training and doctrine center.
Among the subjects discussed during the conference was the relevant information and updates on ethical standards and public accountability related programs and policy development.
Cmdr. Norsal Dimaporo gave the welcome remarks during which he provided an overview of the role of OESPA in the prevention, monitoring, and disposition of sexual harassment incidents in the Navy.
The senior counselor of Ateneo de Manila, Joji Racelis, discussed the basic family values formation.
Heidi Sison, president of Character Building Formation Inc., shared her experiences and motivated the participants on character building and self-transformation.
OESPA chief Cmdr. Wilfredo A Burgonio Jr. who delivered the closing remarks exhorted all the participants to continuously pursue organizational development process, education and information dissemination of integrity programs.
He added the activity was timely and relevant for the realization of the command’s mandate to enhance professionalism and to promote honesty and integrity in the military service.
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/03/16/navy-conducts-values-formation-powwow/
Tribesmen finger terrorists ‘secret’ lair
From The Daily Tribune (Mar 18, 2019): Tribesmen finger terrorists ‘secret’ lair
The government’s fight against terrorism received a huge boost after local tribesmen in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon pointed to the anarchists’ secret hideout in one of the remotest areas of the province.
Members of the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) said the Ata Manabo tribe complained to them that members of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), have been using their place in Sitio Tapayanon as their hideout.
This prompted the soldiers to act on the complaints and discovered the hideaway following a recent run of military operations in the hinterland tri-boundary of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur and Davao del Norte provinces.
The village, being geographically isolated, has little or no access to mainstream society, thus it became a very convenient target for the terrorists’ exploitation.
The tribal leaders revealed that their village is being used by the different units of the CPP-NPA as hiding place for several years now, but they were too afraid to report their situation for fear of reprisals from the rebels.
The soldiers said the rebels’ hideaway could have accommodated around 30 to 80 persons at any one time.
Some of the items found in the area include improvised tables and beds, rice husks and fresh food wastes.
The tribesmen narrated that they were forced by the terrorists to work for them such as assigning the young men to guard the place while the women were ordered to plant and produce food for their consumption.
The suspects also order the young men to carry their supplies and backpacks whenever they move from one place to another.
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/03/18/tribesmen-finger-terrorists-secret-lair/
The government’s fight against terrorism received a huge boost after local tribesmen in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon pointed to the anarchists’ secret hideout in one of the remotest areas of the province.
Members of the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) said the Ata Manabo tribe complained to them that members of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), have been using their place in Sitio Tapayanon as their hideout.
This prompted the soldiers to act on the complaints and discovered the hideaway following a recent run of military operations in the hinterland tri-boundary of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur and Davao del Norte provinces.
The village, being geographically isolated, has little or no access to mainstream society, thus it became a very convenient target for the terrorists’ exploitation.
The tribal leaders revealed that their village is being used by the different units of the CPP-NPA as hiding place for several years now, but they were too afraid to report their situation for fear of reprisals from the rebels.
The soldiers said the rebels’ hideaway could have accommodated around 30 to 80 persons at any one time.
Some of the items found in the area include improvised tables and beds, rice husks and fresh food wastes.
The tribesmen narrated that they were forced by the terrorists to work for them such as assigning the young men to guard the place while the women were ordered to plant and produce food for their consumption.
The suspects also order the young men to carry their supplies and backpacks whenever they move from one place to another.
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/03/18/tribesmen-finger-terrorists-secret-lair/
Dar among dead in Lanao Sur clash?
From the Daily Tribune (Mar 18, 2019): Dar among dead in Lanao Sur clash?
Leaderless Militants operating in Lanao del Sur could have just lost their leader Abu Dar.
Peace remains elusive in Mindanao as clashes between government forces and terrorist groups continue to erupt in various areas of the strife-torn region.
In Lanao del Sur, reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo said four soldiers and four terrorists belonging to the Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiya (DI) group were killed during recent clashes in the town of Tubaran.
This as Col. Romeo Brawner, Jr., commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said they are trying to determine if one of those recovered remains on Friday could be Owayda Benito Marohomsar, also known as Abu Dar.
Dar is believed to be the new leader of ISIS-Southeast Asia following the death of then self-declared emir Isnilon Hapilon in 2017 during the Marawi siege.
He added the dead man’s face is a little bit deformed from a gunshot wound so they could not directly confirm if he was indeed Dar, although the scar on his face indicates he could be the militant leader.
Recovered from him were caliber .45 pistol, cameras and several cellphones.
The military official said they have already submitted DNA samples of the deceased to the Scene of the Crime Operatives to validate its identity.
It would take at least a month of waiting for them to know the results.
Should the remains prove to be, those of Abu Dar, Brawner said he sees the downfall of ISIS in Lanao provinces.
“It could mean the end of Dawlah Islamiya in Lanao because they are leader-centric,” he said.
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/03/18/dar-among-dead-in-lanao-sur-clash/
Leaderless Militants operating in Lanao del Sur could have just lost their leader Abu Dar.
Peace remains elusive in Mindanao as clashes between government forces and terrorist groups continue to erupt in various areas of the strife-torn region.
In Lanao del Sur, reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo said four soldiers and four terrorists belonging to the Islamic State-linked Dawlah Islamiya (DI) group were killed during recent clashes in the town of Tubaran.
This as Col. Romeo Brawner, Jr., commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said they are trying to determine if one of those recovered remains on Friday could be Owayda Benito Marohomsar, also known as Abu Dar.
Dar is believed to be the new leader of ISIS-Southeast Asia following the death of then self-declared emir Isnilon Hapilon in 2017 during the Marawi siege.
He added the dead man’s face is a little bit deformed from a gunshot wound so they could not directly confirm if he was indeed Dar, although the scar on his face indicates he could be the militant leader.
Recovered from him were caliber .45 pistol, cameras and several cellphones.
The military official said they have already submitted DNA samples of the deceased to the Scene of the Crime Operatives to validate its identity.
It would take at least a month of waiting for them to know the results.
Should the remains prove to be, those of Abu Dar, Brawner said he sees the downfall of ISIS in Lanao provinces.
“It could mean the end of Dawlah Islamiya in Lanao because they are leader-centric,” he said.
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2019/03/18/dar-among-dead-in-lanao-sur-clash/
Iraqi bomber among killed in recent clash, military confirms
From The Business World (Mar 17 2019): Iraqi bomber among killed in recent clash, military confirms
A BOMBER from Iraq, identified as Abdul Rahman, was one of the 20 terrorists killed in a recent clash with government troops in Maguindanao, the military confirmed on Sunday.
Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division commander Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana told reporters that Rahman, whom he initially described as “Arab,” is most likely a bomber and a member of a group that trains local terrorists.
“Most likely he is a bomber. He is part of the group which carries technologies from where they train. So this group is responsible for training our local terrorists,” Mr. Sobejana said in mixed English and Filipino.
The military is still validating how and when the killed Iraqi entered the country.
Mr. Sobejana also said that they are still on the lookout for five other foreign terrorists, including Mohammad Ali alias Muawiyah, a senior Jema’ah Islamiyah member.
https://www.bworldonline.com/iraqi-bomber-among-killed-in-recent-clash-military-confirms/
A BOMBER from Iraq, identified as Abdul Rahman, was one of the 20 terrorists killed in a recent clash with government troops in Maguindanao, the military confirmed on Sunday.
Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division commander Major General Cirilito E. Sobejana told reporters that Rahman, whom he initially described as “Arab,” is most likely a bomber and a member of a group that trains local terrorists.
“Most likely he is a bomber. He is part of the group which carries technologies from where they train. So this group is responsible for training our local terrorists,” Mr. Sobejana said in mixed English and Filipino.
The military is still validating how and when the killed Iraqi entered the country.
Mr. Sobejana also said that they are still on the lookout for five other foreign terrorists, including Mohammad Ali alias Muawiyah, a senior Jema’ah Islamiyah member.
https://www.bworldonline.com/iraqi-bomber-among-killed-in-recent-clash-military-confirms/
Military probe to confirm if JI leader among dead in anti-BIFF operation
From the Business Mirror (Mar 18, 2019): Military probe to confirm if JI leader among dead in anti-BIFF operation
The military is validating whether regional terrorist Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leader Mauiyah was among the casualties in its ongoing offensive against the Islamic State-affiliated faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, which has entered its seventh day on Sunday and has already resulted in the confirmed killing of Abdul Rahman, an Arab terrorist.
Mauiyah, a Singaporean and leader of the Indonesian-based JI who is in the country, were among the five foreign terrorists that included Rahman, two other Arabs and an Indonesian who were the focus of the military operations in the areas of Shariff Aguak-Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo—the so-called SPMS box in Maguindanao—where the local terrorists operates.
Mauiyah and the four other foreign terrorists were in the company of the group of Esmael Abdumalik, alias Abu Toraife, the head of the IS-affiliated faction of the BIFF, when the military initiated its operation against the group on Sunday last week, commencing at Barangay Inaladan in the town of Shariff Saidona Mustapha.
“We could not yet confirm if Mauiyah was among the casualties, but there is no longer proof of life,” Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said on Sunday.
“The residents, those who were displaced, confirmed that he was in the area just minutes before the bombing began,” he added, referring to the bombing run carried out by the Air Force and the artillery strike by the Army during the start of the massive operation at Inaladan before it spread into other areas under the SPMS box.
During the operation, Rahman and Toraife’s two deputies, Salahuddin Hasan and Commander Bastardo, were killed along with several members of the BIFF. Hasan was a known bomb maker, having been trained by Mauiyah and the JI.
Sobejana said the massive operation was continuing in adjoining barangays under the SPMS, although some of the residents affected by the conflict have begun to return to their homes, especially in Inaladan where some of the houses were earlier occupied by the terrorists.
At least 20,000 people were forced to leave their homes out of fear that they would be caught in the middle of the battle between soldiers and at least 120 terrorists who have since splintered into smaller groups as they try to evade the operating troops.
“The operation is continuing and, [up] until Saturday, we continue to recover IEDs [improvised explosive devices],” Sobejana said. “We are also poised to strike another area where the remnants have been consolidating.”
“They are no longer at Inaladan, they have already left the houses of civilians that they have earlier occupied,” he added. “We are already in full control of Inaladan as of today, and we are encouraging the residents to return back to their homes because there are a lot of IDPs [internally displaced persons].”
The military official said they would not however forced the residents to get back to their homes since their needs are also being taken care of in government-run evacuation centers.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/03/18/military-probe-to-confirm-if-ji-leader-among-dead-in-anti-biff-operation/
The military is validating whether regional terrorist Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leader Mauiyah was among the casualties in its ongoing offensive against the Islamic State-affiliated faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao, which has entered its seventh day on Sunday and has already resulted in the confirmed killing of Abdul Rahman, an Arab terrorist.
Mauiyah, a Singaporean and leader of the Indonesian-based JI who is in the country, were among the five foreign terrorists that included Rahman, two other Arabs and an Indonesian who were the focus of the military operations in the areas of Shariff Aguak-Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo—the so-called SPMS box in Maguindanao—where the local terrorists operates.
Mauiyah and the four other foreign terrorists were in the company of the group of Esmael Abdumalik, alias Abu Toraife, the head of the IS-affiliated faction of the BIFF, when the military initiated its operation against the group on Sunday last week, commencing at Barangay Inaladan in the town of Shariff Saidona Mustapha.
“We could not yet confirm if Mauiyah was among the casualties, but there is no longer proof of life,” Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said on Sunday.
“The residents, those who were displaced, confirmed that he was in the area just minutes before the bombing began,” he added, referring to the bombing run carried out by the Air Force and the artillery strike by the Army during the start of the massive operation at Inaladan before it spread into other areas under the SPMS box.
During the operation, Rahman and Toraife’s two deputies, Salahuddin Hasan and Commander Bastardo, were killed along with several members of the BIFF. Hasan was a known bomb maker, having been trained by Mauiyah and the JI.
Sobejana said the massive operation was continuing in adjoining barangays under the SPMS, although some of the residents affected by the conflict have begun to return to their homes, especially in Inaladan where some of the houses were earlier occupied by the terrorists.
At least 20,000 people were forced to leave their homes out of fear that they would be caught in the middle of the battle between soldiers and at least 120 terrorists who have since splintered into smaller groups as they try to evade the operating troops.
“The operation is continuing and, [up] until Saturday, we continue to recover IEDs [improvised explosive devices],” Sobejana said. “We are also poised to strike another area where the remnants have been consolidating.”
“They are no longer at Inaladan, they have already left the houses of civilians that they have earlier occupied,” he added. “We are already in full control of Inaladan as of today, and we are encouraging the residents to return back to their homes because there are a lot of IDPs [internally displaced persons].”
The military official said they would not however forced the residents to get back to their homes since their needs are also being taken care of in government-run evacuation centers.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/03/18/military-probe-to-confirm-if-ji-leader-among-dead-in-anti-biff-operation/
WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom chief lauds troops during visit in Basilan
Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Website (Mar 18, 2019): WestMinCom chief lauds troops during visit in Basilan
The Western Mindanao Command chief commended soldiers of the Joint Task Force Basilan for the operational accomplishments of battalions during his visit to the troops in Basilan on March 16.
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega paid a courtesy visit to the troops of the 64th Infantry Battlion in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip at 10:30am on Saturday.
The WestMincom commander also discussed the security situation of Sumisip and acknowledged the efforts of the local government in maintaining the peace and order in Sumisip area.
“With the support and commitment of local officials and the Basileños, we are paving the way for security and development in Basilan,” said Lieutenant General Dela Vega.
He and other local and military officials surveyed the Basilan Transcentral Road.
“We will strengthen this cooperation and continue our anti-terrorism campaign to maintain internal security in the province,” he added.
Lieutenant General Dela Vega was received by Colonel Fernando Reyeg, the JTF Basilan Commander.
http://www.westmincom.com/the-western-mindanao-command-chief-commended-soldiers-of-the-joint-task-force-basilan-for-the-operational-accomplishments-of-battalions-during-his-visit-to-the-troops-in-basilan-yesterday-morning-ma/
The Western Mindanao Command chief commended soldiers of the Joint Task Force Basilan for the operational accomplishments of battalions during his visit to the troops in Basilan on March 16.
Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega paid a courtesy visit to the troops of the 64th Infantry Battlion in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip at 10:30am on Saturday.
The WestMincom commander also discussed the security situation of Sumisip and acknowledged the efforts of the local government in maintaining the peace and order in Sumisip area.
“With the support and commitment of local officials and the Basileños, we are paving the way for security and development in Basilan,” said Lieutenant General Dela Vega.
He and other local and military officials surveyed the Basilan Transcentral Road.
“We will strengthen this cooperation and continue our anti-terrorism campaign to maintain internal security in the province,” he added.
Lieutenant General Dela Vega was received by Colonel Fernando Reyeg, the JTF Basilan Commander.
http://www.westmincom.com/the-western-mindanao-command-chief-commended-soldiers-of-the-joint-task-force-basilan-for-the-operational-accomplishments-of-battalions-during-his-visit-to-the-troops-in-basilan-yesterday-morning-ma/
3 NPA suspects captured in Igbaras
From Panay News (Mar 18, 2019): 3 NPA suspects captured in Igbaras
Philippine Army troops captured three suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras town yesterday around 6 a.m. They also seized nine improvised explosive devices.
The following suspects were taken to the Igbaras police station: Ramon Elamparo alias Toto, 48; Roberto Elbao alias Nono, 50; and Ruperto Elamparo alias Bebot, 50.
The three, all residents of Barangay Mulangan, were believed to be part of NPA-Panay’s Southern Front Committee, said Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot, commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB).
“We received a report from the community about a group of 10 armed men in the house of the Elamparo family,” said Magbalot.
The rebels fired at the responding 61IB troops so the soldiers fired back.
The firefight lasted for some five minutes. The rebels withdrew to the mountains, said Magbalot.
“None of our soldiers were hurt,” he added.
Soldiers recovered from the house of Ruperto nine improvised explosive devices, 40 spent bullet shells of an M16 rifle and a holster, said Magbalot.
He also identified the rebel group’s leader as Joven ‘Ka Lex’ Ceralvo of the Southern Front Committee.
Magbalot said rebels were likely preparing for offensives to mark the NPA’s 50th anniversary this March 29.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
https://www.panaynews.net/3-npa-suspects-captured-in-igbaras/
Philippine Army troops captured three suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Mulangan, Igbaras town yesterday around 6 a.m. They also seized nine improvised explosive devices.
The following suspects were taken to the Igbaras police station: Ramon Elamparo alias Toto, 48; Roberto Elbao alias Nono, 50; and Ruperto Elamparo alias Bebot, 50.
The three, all residents of Barangay Mulangan, were believed to be part of NPA-Panay’s Southern Front Committee, said Lieutenant Colonel Sisenando Magbalot, commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion (61IB).
“We received a report from the community about a group of 10 armed men in the house of the Elamparo family,” said Magbalot.
The rebels fired at the responding 61IB troops so the soldiers fired back.
The firefight lasted for some five minutes. The rebels withdrew to the mountains, said Magbalot.
“None of our soldiers were hurt,” he added.
Soldiers recovered from the house of Ruperto nine improvised explosive devices, 40 spent bullet shells of an M16 rifle and a holster, said Magbalot.
He also identified the rebel group’s leader as Joven ‘Ka Lex’ Ceralvo of the Southern Front Committee.
Magbalot said rebels were likely preparing for offensives to mark the NPA’s 50th anniversary this March 29.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
https://www.panaynews.net/3-npa-suspects-captured-in-igbaras/
10th ID: Tribal village cries foul over NPA deception, Army operations uncover communist-terrorist haven in Bukidnon
Posted to the 10th Infantry "Agila" Division Facebook page (Mar 15, 2019):
Tribal village cries foul over NPA deception, Army operations uncover communist-terrorist haven in Bukidnon
Asuncion, DDN – Following a recent run of military operations in the hinterland tri-boundary of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, and Davao del Norte provinces, the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion discovered the Ata Manabo tribal village of Sitio Tapayanon which has been used by the CPP-NPA Terrorists as their run-to ‘haven’ in Cabanglasan town, Bukidnon.
NPA’s Harboring Site
Upon conducting civil-military operations in the area, the tribal leaders of Sitio Tapayanon revealed that their village has been used by the different units of the CPP-NPA terrorists as its harboring area for several years.
“At first, we thought they are the government. Whenever they are here, they would order us (leaders) and our sons to man security posts while they order our wives to plant and collect food for their consumption. When they decide to move to the next village (sitio), they bring with them our children to carry their supplies, backpacks, and magazines/ammunition. For a long time, our tribe haven’t had the slightest idea that we were being ran by communist terrorists,” Datu Bansing Balanban, the village’s Tribal Chieftain, said in the vernacular during a community dialogue initiated by 60IB.
The 60IB assessed that the village, being geographically isolated, has little or no access to mainstream society, thus, has become a very easy and convenient target for the CPP-NPA terrorists’ exploitation. Datu Bansing Balanban himself has once joined the Manilakbayan, a series of protest rallies organized by the CNT’s legal fronts supposedly to raise awareness on the indigenous peoples’ plight in Mindanao.
Confirmation
During the initial run of focused military operations in the area, 60IB recovered five (5) firearms and discovered four (4) CPP-NPA terrorist hideouts in the vicinity of the village, confirming the tribal leaders’ claim.
The discovered hideouts may have been abandoned for as recent as a week ago and could have accommodated around 30 to 80 persons at any one time. Other items found in the area include improvised tables and beds, rice husks, and fresh food wastes.
NPA Regulars Surrender
Several days after 60IB’s initial engagement with the tribal villagers, on March 9 (Saturday), four (4) members of the CNT’s Guerilla Front 6 (GF 6) led by a certain Alfredo Banawan alias “Alab/Bogs” surrendered to the troops, further affirming the CPP-NPA’s influence in the village. Three (3) of the surrenderees are of minor age.
Alias Lyn, female, 15 years old, a resident of Sitio Tapayanon, and medic on-training of GF 6, claims that she has been under the ‘care’ of the CPP-NPA since she was a child. A certain alias Toto, her team leader in the NPA, took her in when she was only three years old. Lyn, however, also claims that she has only joined as a regular member and been issued her own firearm in 2018.
Meanwhile, alias Weng, male, 14 years old; alias MJ (Lyn’s older sister), 16 years old; and her husband, alias Bran, 23 years old, were all forced to join the CPP-NPA in February this year after Lyn’s father asked Bran to fetch Lyn from Toto. Bran, who asked MJ and Weng to accompany him, never returned to his father-in-law and were forced to join GF 6 after Toto threatened their life if they insist to leave.
Ready to Cooperate
Two days later, on March 11 (Monday), after another round of dialogue with the tribal leaders, the villagers voluntarily revealed the identities of their Militiang Bayan (MB) and surrendered eleven (11) more NPA-issued firearms to 60IB. Datu Bansing Balanban said this is their way of expressing that they are 100% ready to cooperate with the government especially if this means real peace and development for their village and the end of the CPP-NPA’s exploitation of their tribe.
A Challenge and an Opportunity
60IB Commander, Lt. Col. Gilbert Ombos, says that this ‘discovery’ is both a challenge and an opportunity considering the on-going implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the ‘Whole-of-Nation’ Approach to end the insurgency.
With the help of the various Local Government Units within 60IB’s Area of Operations, 60IB was able to bring an initial P200,000.00 worth of aid to Sitio Tapayanon (i.e. Medicine, Rice, Canned Goods, Noodles, Coffee, Corn Seeds, and Assorted Vegetable Seeds).
Ten (10) tribal chieftains from Kapalong town, Davao del Norte also visited Sitio Tapayanon to initiate dialogues among the tribal leaders and between the tribe and the government forces.
On March 13 (Wednesday), the 10th Infantry Division Medical Team led by Major Raul Sasuca (Medical Corps) conducted a medical civic action program there, benefitting around 300 residents of Tapayanon. Datu Bansing Balanban says this is the first time a real medical (and military) doctor has ever reached their village.
60IB is currently liaising with the concerned LGUs, other government agencies, and non-government organizations to also send aid and initiate other interventions for Sitio Tapayanon.
Meanwhile, under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), 60IB is also facilitating the proper disposition and turn-over of the minor-aged former rebels to the local social welfare and development office.
Human Rights Violators
While CPP-NPA legal fronts continue to accuse government forces of violating Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, more and more incidents of outright violations perpetrated by their communist-terrorist units continue to be exposed by the very communities they say they serve. As revealed in former rebel’s testimonies, the CPP-NPA deliberately recruits and organizes vulnerable sectors that they can use not only in their propaganda but also in their terroristic acts. In 60IB’s Area of Operation alone, 8 out of 10 former rebels are indigenous peoples while 4 out of 10 are youths. Records also show that many of the former rebels were recruited when they were still of minor age.
Ready to Serve Full-time
“What we wish to show the enemy is [that] we don’t have mercy for those who insist to fight. But [that] we are gentle and forgiving to those who yield and choose peace. Our government is here and ready to serve full-time whether they [CPP-NPA] like it or not,” Ombos adds.
Around 40 of the former rebels who surrendered to 60IB in 2018 are from the boundary villages of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Compostela Valley Province. Most of them are indigenous peoples and a considerable number were either minors upon surrendering or were minors when recruited by the NPA.
https://www.facebook.com/agiladivision/posts/2359664850719785?__tn__=K-R
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Tribal village cries foul over NPA deception, Army operations uncover communist-terrorist haven in Bukidnon
Asuncion, DDN – Following a recent run of military operations in the hinterland tri-boundary of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, and Davao del Norte provinces, the Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion discovered the Ata Manabo tribal village of Sitio Tapayanon which has been used by the CPP-NPA Terrorists as their run-to ‘haven’ in Cabanglasan town, Bukidnon.
NPA’s Harboring Site
Upon conducting civil-military operations in the area, the tribal leaders of Sitio Tapayanon revealed that their village has been used by the different units of the CPP-NPA terrorists as its harboring area for several years.
“At first, we thought they are the government. Whenever they are here, they would order us (leaders) and our sons to man security posts while they order our wives to plant and collect food for their consumption. When they decide to move to the next village (sitio), they bring with them our children to carry their supplies, backpacks, and magazines/ammunition. For a long time, our tribe haven’t had the slightest idea that we were being ran by communist terrorists,” Datu Bansing Balanban, the village’s Tribal Chieftain, said in the vernacular during a community dialogue initiated by 60IB.
The 60IB assessed that the village, being geographically isolated, has little or no access to mainstream society, thus, has become a very easy and convenient target for the CPP-NPA terrorists’ exploitation. Datu Bansing Balanban himself has once joined the Manilakbayan, a series of protest rallies organized by the CNT’s legal fronts supposedly to raise awareness on the indigenous peoples’ plight in Mindanao.
Confirmation
During the initial run of focused military operations in the area, 60IB recovered five (5) firearms and discovered four (4) CPP-NPA terrorist hideouts in the vicinity of the village, confirming the tribal leaders’ claim.
The discovered hideouts may have been abandoned for as recent as a week ago and could have accommodated around 30 to 80 persons at any one time. Other items found in the area include improvised tables and beds, rice husks, and fresh food wastes.
NPA Regulars Surrender
Several days after 60IB’s initial engagement with the tribal villagers, on March 9 (Saturday), four (4) members of the CNT’s Guerilla Front 6 (GF 6) led by a certain Alfredo Banawan alias “Alab/Bogs” surrendered to the troops, further affirming the CPP-NPA’s influence in the village. Three (3) of the surrenderees are of minor age.
Alias Lyn, female, 15 years old, a resident of Sitio Tapayanon, and medic on-training of GF 6, claims that she has been under the ‘care’ of the CPP-NPA since she was a child. A certain alias Toto, her team leader in the NPA, took her in when she was only three years old. Lyn, however, also claims that she has only joined as a regular member and been issued her own firearm in 2018.
Meanwhile, alias Weng, male, 14 years old; alias MJ (Lyn’s older sister), 16 years old; and her husband, alias Bran, 23 years old, were all forced to join the CPP-NPA in February this year after Lyn’s father asked Bran to fetch Lyn from Toto. Bran, who asked MJ and Weng to accompany him, never returned to his father-in-law and were forced to join GF 6 after Toto threatened their life if they insist to leave.
Ready to Cooperate
Two days later, on March 11 (Monday), after another round of dialogue with the tribal leaders, the villagers voluntarily revealed the identities of their Militiang Bayan (MB) and surrendered eleven (11) more NPA-issued firearms to 60IB. Datu Bansing Balanban said this is their way of expressing that they are 100% ready to cooperate with the government especially if this means real peace and development for their village and the end of the CPP-NPA’s exploitation of their tribe.
A Challenge and an Opportunity
60IB Commander, Lt. Col. Gilbert Ombos, says that this ‘discovery’ is both a challenge and an opportunity considering the on-going implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the ‘Whole-of-Nation’ Approach to end the insurgency.
With the help of the various Local Government Units within 60IB’s Area of Operations, 60IB was able to bring an initial P200,000.00 worth of aid to Sitio Tapayanon (i.e. Medicine, Rice, Canned Goods, Noodles, Coffee, Corn Seeds, and Assorted Vegetable Seeds).
Ten (10) tribal chieftains from Kapalong town, Davao del Norte also visited Sitio Tapayanon to initiate dialogues among the tribal leaders and between the tribe and the government forces.
On March 13 (Wednesday), the 10th Infantry Division Medical Team led by Major Raul Sasuca (Medical Corps) conducted a medical civic action program there, benefitting around 300 residents of Tapayanon. Datu Bansing Balanban says this is the first time a real medical (and military) doctor has ever reached their village.
60IB is currently liaising with the concerned LGUs, other government agencies, and non-government organizations to also send aid and initiate other interventions for Sitio Tapayanon.
Meanwhile, under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), 60IB is also facilitating the proper disposition and turn-over of the minor-aged former rebels to the local social welfare and development office.
Human Rights Violators
While CPP-NPA legal fronts continue to accuse government forces of violating Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, more and more incidents of outright violations perpetrated by their communist-terrorist units continue to be exposed by the very communities they say they serve. As revealed in former rebel’s testimonies, the CPP-NPA deliberately recruits and organizes vulnerable sectors that they can use not only in their propaganda but also in their terroristic acts. In 60IB’s Area of Operation alone, 8 out of 10 former rebels are indigenous peoples while 4 out of 10 are youths. Records also show that many of the former rebels were recruited when they were still of minor age.
Ready to Serve Full-time
“What we wish to show the enemy is [that] we don’t have mercy for those who insist to fight. But [that] we are gentle and forgiving to those who yield and choose peace. Our government is here and ready to serve full-time whether they [CPP-NPA] like it or not,” Ombos adds.
Around 40 of the former rebels who surrendered to 60IB in 2018 are from the boundary villages of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Compostela Valley Province. Most of them are indigenous peoples and a considerable number were either minors upon surrendering or were minors when recruited by the NPA.
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10th ID: Agila Division initiates tribal leaders' dialogue
Posted to the 10th Infantry "Agila" Division Facebook page (Mar 15, 2019):
Agila Division initiates tribal leaders' dialogue
Sitio Malantao, Brgy Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon – on March 11, 2019, Tribal Leaders’ Dialogue was initiated by the 10th Infantry (AGILA) Division, Philippine, Army spearheaded by COL NASSER P LIDASAN INF (GSC) PA, Operations Officer 10ID, PA and COL NORMAN ALCOVINDAS INF (GSC) PA, 10th CMO Battalion Commander with the participation of 56th Infantry (TATAG) Battalion under the command of LTC EDWIN M PAREDES INF (GSC) PA and San Fernando MPS led by P/Cpl Mary Jean Arcayan, PCR NCO at Sitio Malantao,, Brgy Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon.
The Ata-Manobo Tribal Leaders of Talaingod who are headed by Bae Pilar Libayao, the Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and Datu Guibang Apoga, the legendary founder of Salugpungan and the Tigwahanon Tribal leaders of San Fernando, Bukidnon headed by Datu Donie Payaron, Municipal IPMR are accompanied by LTC EDWIN M PAREDES INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander of the 56IB, PA based in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
Talaingod IPMR, Bae Pilar Libayao, appeals to her fellow tribal leaders to stop supporting the CPP-NPA Terrorist Groups and reminds them to defend their Tribes from the intimidations of the NPAs, to hold an everlasting Peace and Development for their homeland and for the better future of their tribes. She said, “Sa amin sa Talaingod, ramdam mo at makikita mo na nagkaroon ng kapayapaan dahil sa presensya ng sundalo. Batid ko ang sinseridad ng mga sundalo sa Talaingod dahil wala akong nabalitaan na masama laban sa kanila bagkus puro positibo. Ang mga nagbabalik-loob na rebelde ay tinatrato nila ng makatao at naaayon sa batas. At higit sa lahat, ang mga sundalo sa aking nasasakupan ay marunong rumespeto sa kultura nating mga lumad” (Translate in Bisaya).
Bae Pilar Libayao added, “Kaya ngayon ay umaapela ako sa inyo para sa kapayapaan nating mga lumad, na tayo ay magkaisa at huwag na nating hayaang maka-apak pa sa ating mga nasasakupan ang mga CPP-NPA dahil wala naman itong mabuting maidududot kundi kapahamakan at kaguluhan lamang para sa atin. Tayo bilang Tribal leaders ay may responsibilidad para pangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng ating mga tao at nasasakupan’’. (Translate in Bisaya)
Datu Payaron agreed on the appeal and asserted to his colleagues that they must need to have unity to support peace in San Fernando thru the help of the government and the AFP. ‘’Natutuwa kaming mga lumad dito sa San Fernando na may nagmamalasakit sa amin upang maisaayos ang aming nasasakupan na unti-unting nasisira sa kamay ng mga NPA. Sa tulong po ng ating Goberno at kasundaluhan kasama ng kapulisan ay may pag-asa na muling makalaya ang aming nasasakupan sa kamay ng mga mapagsamantalang NPA”. (Translate in Bisaya).
The dialogue was actively participated by all tribal leaders who have common goals that is to attain peace in their respective areas. Also, during the dialogue, COL Alcovindas shared information regarding the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and subsequently expressed the sincerity of the government to have long-lasting peace in Mindanao.
COL LIDASAN also discussed to the tribal leaders the rules of engagement and stressed that the troops are constantly reminded to the adherence to the Rules of Law and respect the Human Rights as well as to respect the culture of the lumads in the society.
LTC PAREDES advised the tribes to encourage the rebels and their allies to return to the folds of the law, however they must denounce their support to the NPAs. He assured the tribal leaders that this unit will never leave the tribespeople in their quest to achieve peace and development in their municipalities. “Wala naman kaming ibang hangad kundi ang mapabuti ang mga mamamayan sa aming nasasakupan. Inaasahan ko na tayo ay magkakapit-bisig upang makamtan natin ang pang-matagalang kapayapaan sa ating komunidad nang sa ganun ay susunod na rin ang pag-unlad nito”, LTC Paredes said.
https://www.facebook.com/agiladivision/posts/2359672064052397?__tn__=K-R
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Agila Division initiates tribal leaders' dialogue
Sitio Malantao, Brgy Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon – on March 11, 2019, Tribal Leaders’ Dialogue was initiated by the 10th Infantry (AGILA) Division, Philippine, Army spearheaded by COL NASSER P LIDASAN INF (GSC) PA, Operations Officer 10ID, PA and COL NORMAN ALCOVINDAS INF (GSC) PA, 10th CMO Battalion Commander with the participation of 56th Infantry (TATAG) Battalion under the command of LTC EDWIN M PAREDES INF (GSC) PA and San Fernando MPS led by P/Cpl Mary Jean Arcayan, PCR NCO at Sitio Malantao,, Brgy Halapitan, San Fernando, Bukidnon.
The Ata-Manobo Tribal Leaders of Talaingod who are headed by Bae Pilar Libayao, the Indigenous People’s Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and Datu Guibang Apoga, the legendary founder of Salugpungan and the Tigwahanon Tribal leaders of San Fernando, Bukidnon headed by Datu Donie Payaron, Municipal IPMR are accompanied by LTC EDWIN M PAREDES INF (GSC) PA, Battalion Commander of the 56IB, PA based in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
Talaingod IPMR, Bae Pilar Libayao, appeals to her fellow tribal leaders to stop supporting the CPP-NPA Terrorist Groups and reminds them to defend their Tribes from the intimidations of the NPAs, to hold an everlasting Peace and Development for their homeland and for the better future of their tribes. She said, “Sa amin sa Talaingod, ramdam mo at makikita mo na nagkaroon ng kapayapaan dahil sa presensya ng sundalo. Batid ko ang sinseridad ng mga sundalo sa Talaingod dahil wala akong nabalitaan na masama laban sa kanila bagkus puro positibo. Ang mga nagbabalik-loob na rebelde ay tinatrato nila ng makatao at naaayon sa batas. At higit sa lahat, ang mga sundalo sa aking nasasakupan ay marunong rumespeto sa kultura nating mga lumad” (Translate in Bisaya).
Bae Pilar Libayao added, “Kaya ngayon ay umaapela ako sa inyo para sa kapayapaan nating mga lumad, na tayo ay magkaisa at huwag na nating hayaang maka-apak pa sa ating mga nasasakupan ang mga CPP-NPA dahil wala naman itong mabuting maidududot kundi kapahamakan at kaguluhan lamang para sa atin. Tayo bilang Tribal leaders ay may responsibilidad para pangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng ating mga tao at nasasakupan’’. (Translate in Bisaya)
Datu Payaron agreed on the appeal and asserted to his colleagues that they must need to have unity to support peace in San Fernando thru the help of the government and the AFP. ‘’Natutuwa kaming mga lumad dito sa San Fernando na may nagmamalasakit sa amin upang maisaayos ang aming nasasakupan na unti-unting nasisira sa kamay ng mga NPA. Sa tulong po ng ating Goberno at kasundaluhan kasama ng kapulisan ay may pag-asa na muling makalaya ang aming nasasakupan sa kamay ng mga mapagsamantalang NPA”. (Translate in Bisaya).
The dialogue was actively participated by all tribal leaders who have common goals that is to attain peace in their respective areas. Also, during the dialogue, COL Alcovindas shared information regarding the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and subsequently expressed the sincerity of the government to have long-lasting peace in Mindanao.
COL LIDASAN also discussed to the tribal leaders the rules of engagement and stressed that the troops are constantly reminded to the adherence to the Rules of Law and respect the Human Rights as well as to respect the culture of the lumads in the society.
LTC PAREDES advised the tribes to encourage the rebels and their allies to return to the folds of the law, however they must denounce their support to the NPAs. He assured the tribal leaders that this unit will never leave the tribespeople in their quest to achieve peace and development in their municipalities. “Wala naman kaming ibang hangad kundi ang mapabuti ang mga mamamayan sa aming nasasakupan. Inaasahan ko na tayo ay magkakapit-bisig upang makamtan natin ang pang-matagalang kapayapaan sa ating komunidad nang sa ganun ay susunod na rin ang pag-unlad nito”, LTC Paredes said.
https://www.facebook.com/agiladivision/posts/2359672064052397?__tn__=K-R
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Army discovers CPP-NPA 'hideout' in Bukidnon
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 17, 2019): Army discovers CPP-NPA 'hideout' in Bukidnon
The Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) discovered the Ata Manabo tribal village of Sitio Tapayanon which has been used by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as their run-to ‘hideout’ in Cabanglasan town, Bukidnon, the army said.
In a statement Friday, the Army said they discovered this following a recent run of military operations in the hinterland tri-boundary of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, and Davao del Norte provinces.
Upon conducting civil-military operations in the area, the tribal leaders of Sitio Tapayanon revealed that their village has been used by the different units of the CPP-NPA as its harboring site for several years.
The terrorist hideouts discovered around the area, the Army said, may have been abandoned for as recent as a week ago.
The Army said it could have accommodated around 30 to 80 persons at any one time. Other items found in the area include improvised tables and beds, rice husks, and fresh food wastes.
“At first, we thought they are the government. Whenever they are here, they would order us (leaders) and our sons to man security posts while they order our wives to plant and collect food for their consumption," the village’s tribal chieftain, Datu Bansing, said in the vernacular during a community dialogue initiated by 60IB.
"When they decide to move to the next village (sitio), they bring with them our children to carry their supplies, backpacks, and magazines/ammunition. For a long time, our tribe hasn’t had the slightest idea that we were being run by communist terrorists,” he added.
The 60IB assessed that the village, being geographically isolated, has little or no access to mainstream society, thus became a very easy and convenient target for the CPP-NPA terrorists’ exploitation.
Exploitation
Datu Bansing himself has once joined the Manilakbayan, a series of protest rallies organized by the CPP-NPA's legal fronts supposedly to raise awareness on the indigenous peoples’ plight in Mindanao.
During the initial run of focused military operations in the area, the 60IB recovered five firearms and discovered four CPP-NPA lairs in the vicinity of the village, confirming the tribal leaders’ claim.
Members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 6 (GF 6) surrendered to the troops, further affirming the CPP-NPA’s influence in the village. Three of the surrenderers are minors.
A certain "Lyn," 15, a resident of Sitio Tapayanon, and medic on-training of GF 6, claimed that she has been under the “care” of the CPP-NPA since she was a child.
A certain alias Toto, her team leader in the NPA, took her in when she was only three years old. Lyn, however, also claims that she has only joined as a regular member and been issued her own firearm in 2018.
Meanwhile, alias Weng, 14 years old; alias MJ (Lyn’s older sister), 16 years old; and her husband, alias Bran, 23 years old, were all forced to join the CPP-NPA in February this year after Lyn’s father asked Bran to fetch Lyn from Toto.
Bran, who asked MJ and Weng to accompany him, never returned to his father-in-law and were forced to join GF 6 after Toto threatened their lives if they insist to leave.
On March 11, after another round of dialogue with the tribal leaders, the villagers voluntarily revealed the identities of their Militia ng Bayan (MB) and surrendered 11 more NPA-issued firearms to 60IB.
Datu Bansing said this is their way of expressing that they are 100 percent ready to cooperate with the government especially if this means real peace and development for their village and the end of the CPP-NPA’s exploitation of their tribe.
Whole-of-nation approach
Lt. Col. Gilbert Ombos, 60IB commander, said that this ‘discovery’ is both a challenge and an opportunity considering the on-going implementation of Executive Order 70 or the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to end the insurgency.
With the help of the various local government units within 60IB’s Area of Operations, 60IB was able to bring an initial PHP200,000 worth of aid to Sitio Tapayanon such as medicine, rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, corn seeds, and assorted vegetable seeds.
On March 13, the 10th Infantry Division Medical Team conducted a medical civic action program in Tapayanon benefitting around 300 residents.
Datu Bansing Balanban says this is the first time a real medical doctor has ever reached their village.
The 60IB is currently liaising with the concerned LGUs, other government agencies, and non-government organizations to also send aid and initiate other interventions for Sitio Tapayanon.
Meanwhile, under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, 60IB is also facilitating the proper disposition and turnover of the surrendered minor rebels.
“What we wish to show the enemy is [that] we don’t have mercy for those who insist to fight. But [that] we are gentle and forgiving to those who yield and choose peace. Our government is here and ready to serve full-time whether they [CPP-NPA] like it or not,” Ombos added.
Around 40 of the former rebels who surrendered to 60IB in 2018 are from the boundary villages of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Compostela Valley Province.
Most of them are indigenous peoples and a considerable number were either minors upon surrendering or were minors when recruited by the NPA.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064800
The Army’s 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) discovered the Ata Manabo tribal village of Sitio Tapayanon which has been used by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) as their run-to ‘hideout’ in Cabanglasan town, Bukidnon, the army said.
In a statement Friday, the Army said they discovered this following a recent run of military operations in the hinterland tri-boundary of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, and Davao del Norte provinces.
Upon conducting civil-military operations in the area, the tribal leaders of Sitio Tapayanon revealed that their village has been used by the different units of the CPP-NPA as its harboring site for several years.
The terrorist hideouts discovered around the area, the Army said, may have been abandoned for as recent as a week ago.
The Army said it could have accommodated around 30 to 80 persons at any one time. Other items found in the area include improvised tables and beds, rice husks, and fresh food wastes.
“At first, we thought they are the government. Whenever they are here, they would order us (leaders) and our sons to man security posts while they order our wives to plant and collect food for their consumption," the village’s tribal chieftain, Datu Bansing, said in the vernacular during a community dialogue initiated by 60IB.
"When they decide to move to the next village (sitio), they bring with them our children to carry their supplies, backpacks, and magazines/ammunition. For a long time, our tribe hasn’t had the slightest idea that we were being run by communist terrorists,” he added.
The 60IB assessed that the village, being geographically isolated, has little or no access to mainstream society, thus became a very easy and convenient target for the CPP-NPA terrorists’ exploitation.
Exploitation
Datu Bansing himself has once joined the Manilakbayan, a series of protest rallies organized by the CPP-NPA's legal fronts supposedly to raise awareness on the indigenous peoples’ plight in Mindanao.
During the initial run of focused military operations in the area, the 60IB recovered five firearms and discovered four CPP-NPA lairs in the vicinity of the village, confirming the tribal leaders’ claim.
Members of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 6 (GF 6) surrendered to the troops, further affirming the CPP-NPA’s influence in the village. Three of the surrenderers are minors.
A certain "Lyn," 15, a resident of Sitio Tapayanon, and medic on-training of GF 6, claimed that she has been under the “care” of the CPP-NPA since she was a child.
A certain alias Toto, her team leader in the NPA, took her in when she was only three years old. Lyn, however, also claims that she has only joined as a regular member and been issued her own firearm in 2018.
Meanwhile, alias Weng, 14 years old; alias MJ (Lyn’s older sister), 16 years old; and her husband, alias Bran, 23 years old, were all forced to join the CPP-NPA in February this year after Lyn’s father asked Bran to fetch Lyn from Toto.
Bran, who asked MJ and Weng to accompany him, never returned to his father-in-law and were forced to join GF 6 after Toto threatened their lives if they insist to leave.
On March 11, after another round of dialogue with the tribal leaders, the villagers voluntarily revealed the identities of their Militia ng Bayan (MB) and surrendered 11 more NPA-issued firearms to 60IB.
Datu Bansing said this is their way of expressing that they are 100 percent ready to cooperate with the government especially if this means real peace and development for their village and the end of the CPP-NPA’s exploitation of their tribe.
Whole-of-nation approach
Lt. Col. Gilbert Ombos, 60IB commander, said that this ‘discovery’ is both a challenge and an opportunity considering the on-going implementation of Executive Order 70 or the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach to end the insurgency.
With the help of the various local government units within 60IB’s Area of Operations, 60IB was able to bring an initial PHP200,000 worth of aid to Sitio Tapayanon such as medicine, rice, canned goods, noodles, coffee, corn seeds, and assorted vegetable seeds.
On March 13, the 10th Infantry Division Medical Team conducted a medical civic action program in Tapayanon benefitting around 300 residents.
Datu Bansing Balanban says this is the first time a real medical doctor has ever reached their village.
The 60IB is currently liaising with the concerned LGUs, other government agencies, and non-government organizations to also send aid and initiate other interventions for Sitio Tapayanon.
Meanwhile, under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, 60IB is also facilitating the proper disposition and turnover of the surrendered minor rebels.
“What we wish to show the enemy is [that] we don’t have mercy for those who insist to fight. But [that] we are gentle and forgiving to those who yield and choose peace. Our government is here and ready to serve full-time whether they [CPP-NPA] like it or not,” Ombos added.
Around 40 of the former rebels who surrendered to 60IB in 2018 are from the boundary villages of Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, Davao del Norte, and Compostela Valley Province.
Most of them are indigenous peoples and a considerable number were either minors upon surrendering or were minors when recruited by the NPA.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1064800