Saturday, April 11, 2020

3 NPA rebels surrender

From Tempo (Apr 11, 2020): 3 NPA rebels surrender

CAMP COL. RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – A team leader and two members of the New People’s Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to government security forces on Maundy Thursday in an undisclosed place in Agusan del Norte province.

Maj. Renel E. Serrano, chief of Regional Public Information Office (RPIO) of Caraga Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13), said on Saturday that their surrender was a result of relentless call for the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) to return to the folds of the law.

PRO 13 regional director Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr. identified the surrenderees as alias Brando, 44, team leader of Squad 1 of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) Kingdom, Guerilla Front 4-A (GF 4-A) of the CPP-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC); alias Jelan, 35, member of Militia ng Bayan (MB), SYP Kingdom GF 4-A, also of NCMRC; and alias Wendel, 40, political instructor of SYP SIKOP, GF 4-A, NCMRC.

Their real names were withheld for their safety.

They voluntarily gave up to the intelligence operatives of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13 and Philippine Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion.

They yielded three .45-caliber pistols, anti-personnel mine, a .38-caliber revolver, and live ammunition.
“This notable accomplishment is attributed to the strengthened partnership among the PNP, AFP, and the community in the region through information sharing,” Esquivel said. (Mike U. Crismundo)

Septuagenarian NPA arrested in S. Leyte

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 11, 2020): Septuagenarian NPA arrested in S. Leyte (By Marie Tonette Marticio)

An alleged high-profile member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte last Thursday, April 9, through a joint manhunt operation conducted by the Regional Intelligence Unit, Southern Leyte Mobile Force Company, and St. Bernard Municipal Police Station.

Authorities
identified the accused as Prescillano Batas Beringuel, 76, a farmer, and a resident of Barangay Sta. Cruz.


He was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Thelma Medina, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 32 in Manila. No bail was recommended.

He was charged for 15 counts of murder and was tagged as a most wanted person for allegedly participating in the massacre of his fellow NPAs sometime in May 1985.

A mass grave was recovered at Sitio Sapang Daku, Brgy. Kaulisan, Inopacan, Leyte lately in August 2006.

Beringuel is now under the custody of St. Bernard Police Station for proper disposition.

Remains of NPA medic recovered in Davao de Oro

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 11, 2020): Remains of NPA medic recovered in Davao de Oro (By Mike Crismundo)

The abandoned body of a regional medical staff of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-New People’s Army (NPA) Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) was recovered by government security forces at a the cliff in Sitio Ibuan, Barangay Tagdangua, Pantukan, Davao de Oro, on Thursday, the Army reported late Friday afternoon.

“The cadaver was found after a concerned villager reported to the joint forces of the 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion (71 st IB) and PNP 1101st Regional Mobile Force Battalion,” said 71 st IB Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer Second Lt. Kim S. Carlos in a statement sent to The Manila Bulletin on Friday.


Carlos also said, together with the Purok Chairman of that same barangay, the government security forces proceeded to the area to retrieve the cadaver, and later brought this to Delta Company Headquarters at Sitio Upper Lahi, Barangay Magnaga, Pantukan for verification.

A certain “Aka Dodong”, a former rebel, positively identified the dead NPA member as “Nevy” or “Ricky”, a member of the Regional Medical Staff of the CPP- NPA SMRC. He was reportedly wounded in an encounter with government troops on Tuesday, April 7, according to Carlos.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/04/11/remains-of-npa-medic-recovered-in-davao-de-oro/

Soldiers nabbed 2 NPA guerrillas in Masbate clash on Good Friday —military

From GMA News Online (Apr 11, 2020): Soldiers nabbed 2 NPA guerrillas in Masbate clash on Good Friday —military

Two suspected communist insurgents were captured on Good Friday afternoon, April 10, after a short exchange of fire with government soldiers in Masbate province's Aroroy town.

A military report indicated that
about 15 New People's Army fighters fired at soldiers assisting in relief operations to residents of Barangay Cabas-an in Aroroy, forcing government troops to retaliate.

The ensuing firefight lasted for about five minutes before the attackers withdrew to escape.


Ground report from the joint elements of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) and Philippine National Police indicated that the skirmish happened at about 5:30 p.m., and shortly after, the soldiers caught up with two escaping insurgents, purportedly belonging to the NPA's Militiang Bayan.

Soldiers recovered from the clash site a cal. 45 hand gun, two homemade shotguns, one carbine rifle, anti-personnel mines, and assorted ammunition.

Joint Task Force Bicolandia under Major General Fernando Trinidad condemned the attack that occurred while the whole Christian world was in solemn observance of Good Friday activities in remembrance of Christ's passion and death.

But Gen. Trinidad assured the public that while the military is focused in efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic, their troops will not put their guard down in protecting the people.

Both the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA have declared unilateral ceasefire as the country is being hounded by the COVID-19 health crisis.

But violations by the insurgents of their self-imposed ceasefire have been reported.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/733566/soldiers-nabbed-2-npa-guerrillas-in-masbate-clash-on-good-friday-military/story/

US donates Balikatan beds to Philippines' COVID-19 patients, health workers

From the Philippine Star (Apr 10, 2020): US donates Balikatan beds to Philippines' COVID-19 patients, health workers (Patricia Lourdes Viray)


Armed Forces of the Philippines and US Department of Defense personnel load new cots for delivery to the Philippines Office of Civil Defense.  US Embassy/Released

The United States government donated “nearly 1,300” new folding beds initially intended for its joint military exercise with the Philippines, to form part of the country’s coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) response.

Broken down, the US Embassy said “more than 1,100” cots were donated through the Office of Civil Defense, which was tasked by President Duterte to consolidate donations for COVID-19 contingency programs.

The balance of 150 went to the state-run Philippine General Hospital to be used by healthcare workers. PGH was designated by the health department as a hospital for caring of COVID-19 patients.

“I'm pleased to be able to hand over these new cots, on behalf of the US government, to our Philippine partners. We stand together with the Philippines, as both of our nations work to save lives and protect our people in the fight against COVID-19,” ambassador Sung Kim said in a statement on Friday.

The embassy said Kim turned over the folding beds to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and civil defense administrator Ricardo Jalad.

The latest assistance came on top of $4 million, or nearly P204 million, in health assistance given earlier by the US to address the COVID-19 outbreak in the country, which has so far infected 4,076 people, 203 of whom died as of Thursday afternoon.

The threat of COVID-19 spread halted what could be the Philippines’ last joint military training— known as Balikatan— with the US after President Duterte unilaterally abrogated the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between Manila and Washington last February.

Unless otherwise replaced with another pact or renegotiated, VFA will cease to operate by August when the 180-day period of notification would have expired.

Among its Southeast Asian neighbors, the Philippines received the largest amount of financial assistance from the US in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, data showed.

The US also provided financial assistance to Cambodia worth $2 million, Indonesia ($2.3 million), Laos (nearly $2 million), Myanmar ($3.8 million), Thailand ($1.2 million) and Vietnam (nearly $3 million) to support their fight against the deadly virus.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/04/10/2006583/us-donates-balikatan-beds-philippines-covid-19-patients-health-workers

Soldier brings home urn containing ashes of his twin brother-soldier

From MindaNews (Apr 11, 2020): Soldier brings home urn containing ashes of his twin brother-soldier (By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV)

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 11) — The urn containing the cremated remains of 2nd Lt. Vince Magbanua, was brought home by his twin brother, 2nd Lt. Vico Magbanua on board a C-295 aircraft on Friday, for turnover to their parents.

Magbanua succumbed to acute bronchitis on Wednesday in Bulacan. He was suspected to have been infected with the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after showing symptoms such as difficulty in breathing and dry cough.

But in a statement on Thursday, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said they have yet to receive a report that will conclude if his was a case of COVID-19 or not.


2nd Lt. Vince Magbanua is home. His twin brother, 2nd Lt. Vico Magbanua (center) brought home the urn containing his remains (on the table) from Bulacan where he passed away on Wednesday to Davao City on Good Friday, for turnover to their parents (L). Photo courtesy of Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao Command

A resident of Davao City, Magbanua was a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 2018, and was a Platoon Leader/Executive Officer of the Weapons Company, Headquarters Service Battalion, 48th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division based in Doña Remedios Trinidad, Bulacan.

Arevalo said contact tracing and quarantine protocols are already being implemented in the 48th Infantry Battalion as a matter of precaution.”

Arevalo announced the death of Magbanua at 3:40 p.m. on Wednesday after he was rushed to Norzagaray Municipal Hospital in Bulacan complaining of severe difficulty in breathing.

A press release issued by the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao on Saturday said the remains of the 24-year old soldier were flown in from Manila on-board a C-295 aircraft of the Philippine Air Force, accompanied by his twin brother.


2nd Lt. Vince Magbanua of Davao City. Philippine Military Academy Class of 2018. Photo courtesy of Philippine Army.

It added that Lt. Peter A. Esarza, district chaplain of the Philippine Coast Guard in Southern Mindanao, officiated a simple blessing.

A final salute was also rendered by members of the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao led by its Wing Commander Col. Dennis G. Estrella, to honor the fallen soldier “for his dedication to the service and his courage to bring government relief to those affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine despite the inherent risks of this task.” (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)

Former rebel shot to death in Calbiga, Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 11, 2020): Former rebel shot to death in Calbiga, Samar (By PIA-8)

TACLOBAN CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- A 30-year-old surrenderee who used to be a member of the Sqd 2, SYP Pltn, FC-SS1, SRC Sesame, EVRPC, and a resident of Brgy, Daligan, Calbiga, Samar, was shot to death on April 9 about 12:23 p.m., by two unidentified perpetrators wearing bonnet mask, at his farm lot about 1.5 kilometers away from the barangay proper.

An incident report coming from the 8th Infantry Division and Police Regional Office 8, stated that the victim, a certain @MARWAN (TN: Ildefonso T Nablo Jr (PSRL) who surrendered to the 46th Infantry Battalion of the 8ID on October 11, 2019 , suffered gunshot wounds on the right portion of his ear, one on his back and right portion of his thigh using suspected cal .45 pistol that resulted to his instantaneous death.

Suspects fled away towards east direction bringing along one cal .45 pistol and a bag with cash inside owned by the victim.


The PRO-8 said the remains of the victim was brought to the Calbiga Rural Health Unit for post mortem examinations.

RCSP Team from 46th IB, 8ID deployed in Brgy. Daligan immediately responded to the place of the incident.

The Calbiga Municipal Police together with Intel operatives of 46th IB, 8ID are now conducting investigation to identify the perpetrators and the possible motives for the crime. (PIA8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1038690

7 more ‘disgruntled’ NPA rebels yield in Sarangani

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2020): 7 more ‘disgruntled’ NPA rebels yield in Sarangani (By Richelyn Gubalani)



SURRENDER. Seven “disgruntled” New People’s Army combatants who surrendered voluntarily in Maasim town, Sarangani province on Maundy Thursday (April 9, 2020) also gave up these four firearms, three of them high-powered. The rebel returnees have received initial financial assistance and will be processed for inclusion in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy of the Sarangani Police Provincial Office)

Seven more “disgruntled” New People’s Army (NPA) combatants, including a unit leader, have surrendered to police personnel in Sarangani province following a series of negotiations.

Col. Lex Ephraim Gurat, Sarangani police director, said
the rebels voluntarily yielded, along with at least four firearms, in Maasim town on Maundy Thursday with the help of local leaders.

He said the surrenderers, who were presented to local officials and the media on Friday, were led by Ruben Guimba alias “Ben”, team leader of Squad 1, Brigol command of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 73 (Musa) - Far South Mindanao Region.

The six others were identified as Talino Mad alias “Tan-tan”, Joel Alejo alias “Longhair”, Artoy Alejo alias “Arpie”, Marilou Edelgado, Jerbem Sakay, and Carlos Rosiana alias “Esmael”.
Gurat said the rebel returnees surrendered an M16 Armalite rifle with two magazines loaded with 20 ammunition, an M1 Garand rifle with a defaced serial number, a caliber .45 pistol loaded with seven bullets, and a home-made shotgun.


“They initially sent surrender feelers to our personnel and we followed it up until they decided to formally give up and return to the fold of the law,” he said in an interview on Friday afternoon.

Citing the initial debriefing conducted on the returnees, Gurat said they mainly decided to surrender due to the difficulty of their situation in the mountains and uncertainty of their cause.

He said they were enlightened after seeing for themselves and proving the “false promises” given by their leaders when they were recruited.

Maasim Mayor Zyrex Pacquiao, who received the returnees, said in a statement that the local government would process their inclusion into the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The program provides rebel returnees with livelihood and other assistance through the convergence of various government agencies.

On Friday, the mayor released an undisclosed initial financial assistance to the seven surrenderers.

Pacquiao urged the remaining active rebels in his area to surrender and avail of the government’s reintegration program, as well as join the efforts to promote peace and “end the local communist armed conflict.”

“Rest assured that the government is here to assist you should you decide to lay down your arms and lead normal lives with your families,” he said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines - NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099485

7 BIFF men yield to Army in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2020): 7 BIFF men yield to Army in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



BIFF SURRENDERER. A member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) receives financial assistance from former mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang (center), husband of Mayor Estephanie of Datu Anggal Midtimbang town in Maguindanao, after he and six others surrendered to the Army’s 7th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in the municipality on Friday (April 10, 2020). Lt. Col. Rommel Valencia (right), 7IB commander, witnessed the event. (Photo by 7IB)

Seven armed extremists believed to be involved in attacks against government forces and civilians in bombing sorties have surrendered to military authorities in Maguindanao province on Friday.

Col. Jose Narciso, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade based in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, said
the surrenderers belonged to the group of Imam Bongos, leader of one of the three factions of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The group, from Sultan sa Barongis town of the province, yielded with their high-powered guns.


One of them said they have difficulty running from the relentless military operations in the Maguindanao marshland.

“Mahirap sir, may atake sa itaas, may sa baba (It’s difficult with attacks coming from above and from the ground),” Ali, one of the surrenderers, said.

Their leader, Imam Bongos, is the most radical among the three leaders of the BIFF who had been advocating hatred against soldiers and non-Muslims in mainland Mindanao.

Narciso said the seven BIFF radicals surrendered to the 7th Infantry Battalion based in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao with the help of former town mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang.

He said the former militants agreed to renounce their BIFF membership, live normal lives, and become productive inhabitants of neighboring Sultan sa Barongis municipality.

About 100 BIFF members have already surrendered in batches in the past two years to the military in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.

Since the surrender took place at the 7IB headquarters in her town, Datu Anggal Midtimbang Mayor Estephanie Midtimbang extended cash assistance to each of the seven surrenderers as they pledged allegiance to the Philippine government.

All of the rebels who yielded to the government are now maintaining income-generating projects provided to them by the government in exchange for their surrender and the firearms they turned in.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099487

Medical soldiers take refresher for Covid-19 response

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2020): Medical soldiers take refresher for Covid-19 response (By Nef Luczon)



HANDLING COVID CASE. Representatives of Department of Health Region 10 instruct Army officers, who graduated in medical fields, on the basic guidelines and protocols in handling situations that arise from the current coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic in this undated photo. The 4th Infantry Division said this also served as a "refresher" course to the officers in case they would be needed in the front lines in different communities. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

Army officers with medical degrees and enlisted under the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) were given a refresher course in handling the Covid-19 situation, should they will be needed in the front lines in different communities.

Around 168 troopers were retrained for a six-module Covid-19 Patient Management, under the special training program facilitated by Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH) through video teleconference (VTC) on Wednesday.

Maj. Gen. Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander, said on Saturday there is the need to emphasize the organization of provisional teams and enhance the unit capabilities in addressing the current challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He stressed the relevance of safe response during deployment of troops in support of other government agencies to contain the spread of the virus and mitigating its impacts on communities.

"We are one with the people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions in this fight against Covid-19. Rest assured of our troops' unwavering commitment and support to the local government units and agencies through the Northern Mindanao Task Force for Covid-19. We are all in this together and we will heal as one," he said.

He added the most patriotic thing the citizens can do right now is to stay home and observe social distancing and other health protocols prescribed by the Department of Health.

The participants, with medical-related background and health workers assigned in the different units of the division, were called upon to be part of the unit's Marshalls and Trainers on Covid-19 (MTC-19).

MTC-19 whose core functions include acting as marshals to inspect and ensure that military personnel are observing Department of Health (DOH)-issued protocols and measures, and will act as trainers to personnel on Covid-19 related efforts; and act as advisers to their respective commanders on health matters particularly on the management of issues and concerns on the disease.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099493

16 ‘fake’ AFP reservists nabbed in GenSan

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2020): 16 ‘fake’ AFP reservists nabbed in GenSan (By Richelyn Gubalani)



‘FAKE’ RESERVISTS. General Santos City police personnel arrest 16 individuals on Friday (April 10, 2020) for falsely claiming to be reservists of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The suspects, who were unarmed but clad in Army fatigues, showed up and claimed that they were detailed to help secure city government personnel and the relief goods stored at the facility. (Photo courtesy of the Army-led Joint Task Force GenSan)

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – A team of police and Army personnel on Friday afternoon arrested at least 16 alleged “fake” Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reservists who claimed they were deployed to help secure the relief supplies at the city gymnasium in Barangay Lagao here.

Col. Aden Lagradante, city police director, said on Saturday the suspects, who were unarmed but clad in Army camouflage uniforms, showed up and manned the security posts at the gym without proper coordination.


Lagradante said the men claimed that they were detailed to help provide security to city government personnel and the relief goods stored at the facility.

He said they initially received information from concerned residents about the “suspicious” presence of the group at the city gym compound and immediately coordinated the matter with the Army-led Joint Task Force GenSan.

They responded at the scene at past 4 p.m., Lagradante added.

Upon verification, he said, the suspects introduced themselves as Army reservists under the AFP Special Operations Command (Socom) but failed to present a “letter order” proving their deployment from the AFP.

“They instead showed a detail order from the TRE Universal Management Company based on its letterhead. Their names were there and with corresponding ranks,” Lagradante told reporters.

The suspects were identified as Ermo Zonio, 32, of Roca subdivision, Barangay Apopong; Arnel Marquizo, 38, of Purok 19, Barangay Lagao; William Cinco, 63, of Barangay Fatima; Bernabe Marquizo, 48, of Purok 19, Barangay Lagao; Lemuel Calago, 55, of Purok Tusaville, Barangay San Isidro; Francis Alvin Cinco, 30, of Barangay Fatima;

Jerwin Balabat, 32, of Purok Kulasi, Barangay Labangal; Bennie Priscellas, 36; Danilo Fregoner, 58; Ricky Espinosa, 33, of Barangay Calumpang; Rolly Mending, 48, of Barangay Apopong; Joseph Solas, 40, of Polomolok, South Cotabato; Rodolfo Paderes, 63; Albert Cinco, of Barangay Fatima; George Lorenzo, 56, of Barangay Mabuhay; and Conrado Castrudes Jr., 37, of Purok Crisostomo, Barangay Calumpang.

Lagradante said the identification cards presented by the suspects indicating they were Army reservists appeared “fabricated”.

Col. Eduardo Gubat, Joint Task Force GenSan commander, confirmed that the suspects were not part of any reserved unit of the Philippine Army or AFP.

Gubat said the AFP Socom, which is based in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, has no unit for reservists.

Lagradante said the suspects were detained and would be charged with usurpation of authority and official functions under Articles 177 and 179 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 3815.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099500

2 Sulu-based soldiers get medal for gallantry

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2020): 2 Sulu-based soldiers get medal for gallantry (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



GALLANTRY IN ACTION. Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Army's 1101st Infantry Brigade commander (in a white mask), leads Thursday (April 9, 2020) the awarding of wounded personnel medal to 1st Lt. Joemar Bongcac and Cpl. Randy Quizote (not in photo) for gallantry in action. The soldiers were wounded during a firefight on April 4 that led to the capture of an Abu Sayyaf Group lair in Barangay Kaunayan, Patikul, Sulu. (Photos lifted from the 1101st Infantry Brigade Facebook Page)

The Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade has awarded medals to two soldiers for gallantry in action in a recent clash that led the capture of an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) lair in Sulu.

Troops continue to pursue the ASG bandits while providing assistance to medical front-liners to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) in the province.

Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, the Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade commander, led the awarding of wounded personnel medal Thursday to 1st Lt. Joemar Bongcac and Cpl. Randy Quizote, who were confined at the Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Jolo, Sulu.

Nafarrete said on Saturday the two were wounded during a clash with some 30 ASG bandits led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan on April 4 in Sitio Gabang, Barangay Kaunayan, Patikul town.

The clash resulted in the capture of Sawadjaan’s lair and personal belongings of the ASG bandits.

Nafarrete said the ASG bandits had established temporary and alternative strategic position to recover their losses due to the community’s declining support.

“Given the location and encampment defense design, ASG is desperately trying to recover areas that are essential to their terroristic acts,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, assured to continue the peace and order efforts despite the Covid-19 situation to provide continuous and unhampered services of local government units to the communities of Sulu Province.

“Rest assured, your soldiers will do their task to provide security as well as to secure peace and order in line with the mandates of the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and as part Sulu Task Force Covid-19,” Vinluan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099497

Surigao Sur town gives aid to 10 former rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2020): Surigao Sur town gives aid to 10 former rebels (By Alexander Lopez)



AID TO FORMER REBELS. San Miguel Mayor Hazel Elizalde (sitting, center) and Capt. Julius James Gabaran, (sitting, front) commander of the 7th Special Forces Company of the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion, lead the distribution of cash aid to 10 former rebels on Thursday (April 9) at the town hall of San Miguel. The officials call on the remaining to embrace peace and leave the communist rebel movement. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion)

Ten former communist insurgents who surrendered to the Army's 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) were given financial assistance by the local government unit (LGU) of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.

In a statement on Friday, 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo Punsalan, 3SFBn civil-military operations officer, said each of the 10 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebel received PHP10,000 during a turnover ceremony on Thursday in San Miguel.


The distribution was led by San Miguel Mayor Hazel Elizalde together with Capt. Julius James Gabaran, the commanding officer of the Army's 7th Special Forces Company of 3SFBn.

“The FRs belonged to the weakened Guerilla Front 19 (GF-19) of the NPA. They surrendered to the special forces of the Army on different occasions since last year until March of this year,” Punsalan said.

Hunger, corruption of leaders, violence and the ruthless killings by the NPA of civilians had driven the surrenderers to flee from the communist rebel movement, the Army official said.

In the statement, Elizalde hopes the financial aid would help the former rebels return to the mainstream society and live peacefully with the respective families.

She said the assistance would also help the recipients cope with the impacts of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Surigao del Sur to contain the spread of 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

“Do not put to waste the government support you received, use the financial aid to sustain the needs of your families, especially your children. This cash aid from the LGU will greatly help your family in this time of crisis where employment and economic activity is severely affected due to regional lockdowns and enhanced quarantine control measures to prevent the spread of the virus,” Elizalde said.

Lt. Col. Joey Baybayan, 3SFBn commander, lauded the support extended by the San Miguel LGU to the former rebels.

Baybayan said the assistance would encourage more NPA rebels to follow suit and "choose the path of peace."

He also noted that the province of Surigao del Sur and the municipality of San Miguel have already declared the NPA as persona non grata as early as last year.

“The declaration of persona non-grata greatly affected the CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) as many informants pointed the whereabouts of CNT personalities who fell behind bars through the law enforcement operations of the Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP),” the Army official said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099474

2 NPA rebels surrender in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2020): 2 NPA rebels surrender in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)



NEW LIFE. Former New People’s Army rebel alias 'EJ' is welcomed by Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, commander of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion during his surrender on Friday (April 10) at the 36IB headquarters in the town of Tago, Surigao del Sur. EJ, together with alias “Rex”, abandoned the NPA movement upon learning that a number of their comrades have already returned to the fold of the law, Diagmel says. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

The Army's 36th Infantry Battalion welcomed two communist New People’s Army (NPA) combatants who surrendered on Friday at its headquarters in the Surigao del Sur town of Tago.

Capt. Jonald Romorosa, 36IB civil-military operations officer,
identified the NPA surrenderers only as alias “EJ”, 25, of Barangay Libas Gua, San Miguel town; and alias “Rex”, 23, of Barangay Umalag in the same town.
In a statement on Saturday, Romorosa said EJ brought along with him an M1 carbine rifle with a magazine and five rounds of ammunition while Rex turned over an M653 rifle with a short steel magazine with live ammunition and an attached M203 grenade launcher with explosive ammunition.

EJ is the former team leader of the weakened Guerrilla Front 30 (WGF-30) under the NPA's North-Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC), Romorosa said, adding that Rex is a former political guide at a sub-regional committee under the NEMRC.


“Rex joined the armed movement because he was brainwashed by the propaganda coupled with sweet words and false promises of the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) while EJ was recruited because of adventurism and curiosity of the armed movement,” Romorosa said.

He said the two surrendered because of "hardships in the movement and the unfairness of their leaders in the provision of food and other support that they forcibly collect from civilians and other sources in the area."

“They learned that some of their comrades, especially those from their communities, already returned to the fold of the law and received aid from the government. They also realized that the government is sincere in its efforts in bringing the basic needs of the people, particularly in conflict-affected areas amid the global pandemic crisis brought about by 2019 coronavirus diseases (Covid-19),” he added.

Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36IB commander, commended the move of the two former rebels as he handed over cash aid as immediate assistance from the Army unit.

“The two former rebels realized that they are fighting a lost cause and failed ideology. They learned that the government is sincere in its efforts towards achieving peace and development which is very contradicting to the sweet talks of the Communist NPA Terrorists,” Diagmel said.

He also credited their surrender to the "persistent information operation efforts of the Army in partnership with local leaders and stakeholders" in Surigao del Sur.

“To the remaining CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists), surrender and lay down your arms. Help the government to achieve a long and lasting peace that every peace-loving Surigaonons long for,” Diagmel said.

He said that the two former rebels will be enrolled in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099520

Navy mobilizes reservists in Zambo for Covid-19 response

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2020): Navy mobilizes reservists in Zambo for Covid-19 response (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) has mobilized its reservists to assist local government units in security requirements, packing and distribution of relief goods amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

Rear Adm. Erick Kagaoan, NFWM commander, said Saturday they have mobilized the 613th and 611th Naval Squadrons Reserve (NSR) and the 91st Marine Battalion Reserve (MBN).

The 613th and 611th NSR, which is under the 61st Naval Group Reserve, are led by Ens. Geoseph Rey Magsayo and Ens. Joven Palitoc, respectively, while the MBN is led by Maj. Guivannie Dacuba.

Kagaoan said the 613th NSR has established a command post at the gymnasium of Katipunan town in Zamboanga del Norte whose personnel are assisting in repacking and distribution of relief goods for the remote barangays of Katipunan town.

The 611th NSR and 91st MBN, meanwhile, are currently providing assistance to the humanitarian activities at the center for displaced persons of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Barangay Talon-Talon here, he said.

He said the Naval Reserve of the NFWM will continuously be mobilized to support the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” initiative of the national government in this time of the health crisis.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099512

No red-tagging vs. UE student journalist: police

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 11, 2020): No red-tagging vs. UE student journalist: police (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)



The Philippine National Police in Cabiao dismissed the alleged red-tagging against Joshua Molo, the editor-in-chief of the University of East (UE) Dawn, who was allegedly forced to apologize by a teacher he had "offended" over an anti-government post.

In a series of tweets on Friday, Molo said no less than Maj. George Calauad Jr. of Cabiao PNP denied the allegation.


"I've had the opportunity to talk to the chief of Cabiao PNP, and he dismissed the allegations that he red tagged me (my ex-teacher said he did). Apparently, he even said to my former teacher that her accusations of cyber libel against me have no basis," Molo wrote on his Twitter account.

"According to him, the statement 'hayaan na lang yan mag-post nag mag-post para damputin namin' (let that kid post online so he can be arrested) was just made up by my former teacher to coerce me to do the public apology," he added.



Photo by Undersecretary Joel Egco

Molo noted that Calauad assured him there is no intention of arresting him "as there are no valid reasons to do so".

"He also said that they are planning to file an administrative case against my former teacher," the UE student said.

In a public post on April 9, Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) chief Joel Egco released the videos of Molo and Calauad's meeting.

"Sa mga video pong ito malinaw at nilinaw ni Joshua na walang red-tagging ang mga opisyal sa kaniya at ang kaniyang ginawa ay paninindigan ko din pong naaayon sa kanyang freedom of expression. Ipinagtanggol pa nga siya ni hepe sa guro na gusto siyang kasuhan. Nilinaw din ni Joshua na ang kaniyang public apology ay hindi dahil sa kanyang critical opinion sa gobyerno kundi sa gurong kaniyang nakasagutan," he said. (It is clear in these videos that no red-tagging was done against Joshua and that what he said is out of his own freedom of expression. He was even defended by the chief against the teacher who wants to sue him. Joshua also clarified that his public apology was not because of his critical opinion against the government but because of the teacher he called out.)

READ: DILG supports UE editor’s right to free speech

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) had earlier assured that the government has no intention of filing cases against the student, adding it respects the rights of Molo to express his opinion for or against the government.

According to reports, Molo was compelled to issue a public apology following a complaint filed by his former teachers concerning a series of online exchanges about the government's response to coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

One of the teachers reportedly threatened to file a cyber libel case against the UE college editor.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1099510

AFP-CRS: Army hits NPA over extortion in Northern Samar amid crisis

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Apr 10, 2020): Army hits NPA over extortion in Northern Samar amid crisis

#AFPyoucanTRUST #Covid19PH, #WeHealAsOne, #BeatCovid19

Image may contain: 1 person, text


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: Tired and Weary NPA member surrenders to the government.

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Apr 10, 2020): Tired and Weary NPA member surrenders to the government.

A certain Abelardo Roxas Francisco alyas “Bobong”, 56 years of age and a resident of Brgy Tagdangua, Pantukan, Davao de Oro voluntarily surrendered to the troops of 28th Infantry (KAMAGONG) Battalion

#AFPyoucanTRUST #Covid19PH, #WeHealAsOne, #BeatCovid19

Image may contain: one or more people and text


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

AFP-CRS: NPA robs relief goods in Eastern Samar

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Apr 12, 2020): NPA robs relief goods in Eastern Samar

THIS IS PLAIN EVIL. HOW COULD YOU DO THIS DESPITE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC? TAO PA BA KAYO?

Ito ang kademonyohang ginagawa ng Teroristang CPP-NPA sa GITNA NG KRISIS na dinaranas ng Pilipinas.

Walay puangod. Walay pamatasan ug pagtagad sa kalisud na giatubang sa katawhan. Tubag!

Apay?

- - -

Walang akmang salita na magpapaliwanag bakit at paano nyo nagawa ito sa taumbayan.

You clearly do not care about the welfare of the people who you say you are fighting for. Mga sinungaling! Mga magnanakaw! Mga hayop!

Sobra pa mo sa demonyo sa tinuod lang.

TAMA NA. SAWANG-SAWA NA ANG BAWAT PILIPINO SA KATARANTADUHAN NINYO!

#NoToCPPNPATerrorists
#UnityNotAtrocity
#BeatCovid19
#AFPYouCanTrust
#WeHealAsOne

703rd Agila Brigade, 7ID, Philippine Army
7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army

Image may contain: 1 person


[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

NTFELCAC: SOLCOM chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. denies alleged unilateral ceasefire violations of the AFP in Quezon

Posted to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTFELCAC) Facebook Page (Apr 12, 2020): SOLCOM chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. denies alleged unilateral ceasefire violations of the AFP in Quezon

Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. denies alleged unilateral ceasefire violations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in Quezon, as claimed by NPA-Quezon’s so-called Apolonio Mendoza Command Spokesperson Cleo Del Mundo.

The military cleared that their forces always abide by the ceasefire, but will continue to secure communities against terrorist attacks made by the New People’s Army.

#NTFELCAC
#EO70

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CPP/NDF Bicol: Parangal kay Kasamang Julius Giron, bayani ng rebolusyong Pilipino–NDF-Bikol

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 9, 2020): Parangal kay Kasamang Julius Giron, bayani ng rebolusyong Pilipino–NDF-Bikol

MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
APRIL 09, 2020



Higit lamang pinag-aalab ng madugong pagkakapaslang kay Julius “Ka Alban” Giron at sa kanyang dalawa pang kasamahan ang dati nang umaalimpuyong pagpupunyagi ng mamamayan laban sa rehimeng US-Duterte.

Mula sa pagiging lider-aktibista noong Sigwa ng Unang Kwarto hanggang sa pagiging Pulang mandirigma at bilang namumunong kadre ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas (PKP), ipinamalas niya ang masigla at walang pag-iimbot na pagsisilbi sa mamamayan. Pinagpupugayan at nagsisilbing inspirasyon ang mahigpit na kapasyahan ni Ka Alban na isulong ang rebolusyong Pilipino para sa mga susunod na henerasyong magpapatuloy nito.

Para kay Ka Alban at sa milyun-milyon pang masang anakpawis, ipinapangako ng NDF-Bikol na hindi nito bibitiwan ang kapasyahang ibagsak ang pasista at rehimeng US-Duterte, durugin ang mapagsamantalang sistema at makapagtaguyod ng isang lipunang malaya sa pang-aapi at pagsasamantala.

Mabuhay ang diwa ni Ka Julius!
Mabuhay ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas!
Mabuhay ang Demokratikong Rebolusyong Bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statement/parangal-kay-kasamang-julius-giron-bayani-ng-rebolusyong-pilipino-ndf-bikol/

CPP/NDF-Bicol: Rehimeng US-Duterte, naglalatag ng makinarya ng batas militar sa pinalawig na lockdown–NDF-Bikol

NDF-Bicol propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 10, 2020): Rehimeng US-Duterte, naglalatag ng makinarya ng batas militar sa pinalawig na lockdown–NDF-Bikol

MARIA ROJA BANUA
SPOKESPERSON
NDF-BICOL
NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES
APRIL 10, 2020




Dry run ang lockdown ni Duterte para sa pagpapatupad ng batas militar. Unti-unti nang nailulusot ng pasistang rehimen ang makinarya upang ipatupad ito. Pinamumunuan ng militar at pulis ang National Contingency Plan upang di umano’y lutasin ang krisis dulot ng pandemya. Kung mayroong mang ipinakitang kadalubhasaan ang mersenaryong hukbo ni Duterte nitong mga nagdaang taon, ito ay sa pagpapaiksi ng buhay ng mamamayan, hindi sa pagsasalba ng buhay.

Sinusunod ng itinayong Inter Agency Task Force ang Whole of Nation Approach (WoNA) ng EO 70, isang militaristang estratehiya. Higit pang titindi ang mga paglabag sa mga pinakabatayang karapatang tao sa karagdagang 15 araw ng lockdown. Sa tindi ng gutom at kahirapang nararanasan ngayon, higit na naitutulak ang mamamayang kumilos para sa kanilang sariling kagalingan.

Matingkad ang pangangailangang magkaisa ang mamamayan para ilantad ang makinarya ng rehimeng US-Duterte sa pagpapatupad ng batas militar. Hindi na lamang isyung pangkalusugan, kung hindi isyung pampulitika, ang hinaharap ng taumbayan. Hamon sa rebolusyonaryong kilusang ang sustenido’t masikhay na pamumuno sa pagpupukaw, pag-oorganisa at pagmomobilisa sa mamamayan. Ito ang magbubunsod ng daluyong ng kilusang masang bibigo at dudurog sa anumang hakbang ng pasistang rehimen sa pagliligalisa ng isang pasistang diktadura.

Nananawagan ang NDF-Bikol sa masang Bikolanong magpunyaging ipagtanggol ang mga tagumpay ng sama-samang pagkilos ng mamamayan– mula sa pagpanalo ng mga sektoral na pakikibaka hanggang sa pagpapabagsak ng diktadura. Patunay itong walang hihigit pang kagitingan sa pag-oorganisa at pakikibaka, at higit sa lahat, pagpapatuloy ng rebolusyong Pilipino para sa kagalingan at kapakanan ng nakararami.

Marigmat na hampangon ang pasistang diktadura!
Ibagsak ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Serbisyong medikal, hindi militar!

https://cpp.ph/statement/rehimeng-us-duterte-naglalatag-ng-makinarya-ng-batas-militar-sa-pinalawig-na-lockdown-ndf-bikol/

CPP: On AFP propaganda against NPA Covid-19 drive

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 11, 2020): On AFP propaganda against NPA Covid-19 drive

MARCO VALBUENA
CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER
COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL 11, 2020



In the past days, the AFP has stepped up in its propaganda drive against the Party and New People’s Army (NPA) in a desperate attempt to discredit the on-going public health and economic campaign of the people’s army and the mass organizations to help the people’s efforts to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The AFP’s anti-NPA propaganda drive smacks of pure lies and accusations based solely on AFP-manufactured information.

What we know is that the broad masses who are gripped by fear of the Covid-19 welcome the NPA’s public health campaign. They feel empowered because their awareness and understanding is raised by the information drive. They are enabled to plan and implement the necessary public health measures in their communties to prevent the spread of the disease.

In the face of the increasing threat of food shortage and hunger, they are also encouraged by the Party’s call to carry out emergency food production through cooperation to help them tide over the lockdown.

All NPA units will continue to observe the Party’s unilateral ceasefire which remains in effect until April 15 in order to concentrate its energy to attend to the urgent public health and economic needs of the people.

The stepped up psywar drive of the AFP shows that it has refused to be diverted from its costly counterinsurgency campaign, even if the country is being confronted with the Covid-19 pandemic which demands the cooperation of all.

The AFP aims to prevent the NPA from carrying out its duty of providing the people in the revolutionary territories with all forms of assistance in order to surmount the Covid-19 crisis.

CPP/News: NDF-Bicol tags Duterte’s extended lockdown a dress rehearsal for martial rule

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 11, 2020): NDF-Bicol tags Duterte’s extended lockdown a dress rehearsal for martial rule

NEWS STORIES
APRIL 11, 2020



The National Democratic Front (NDF)-Bicol today lambasted the Duterte regime’s extension of its militarist lockdown until April 30. The regime issued its declaration of extension last April 7.

“With additional 15 days of lockdown, abuses of the most basic human rights will worsen,” Maria Roja Banua, spokesperson of NDF-Bicol said.

With Ret. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. as chief implementor of the National Action Plan (NAP) for Covid-19, the regime’s task force to ‘lead’ the fight against the pandemic is primarily composed of military and police officials.


Banua however, belittled the NAP’s capacity to solve the public health crisis faced by the people. “If Duterte’s mercenary army has at all shown any expertise for the past years, it’s in ending people’s lives and not saving them,” she added.

The Philippine National Police reported a record high of 2,996 ‘violators’ of the lockdown on Thursday, bringing the total to 99,326 from March 17 until April 9.

“Due to severe hunger and poverty faced by the people today, they are pushed to take action for their welfare,” Banua continued. She warned the regime, “[The militarist lockdown] will pave way for the surge of a mass movement that will frustrate and end any attempt of legalizing a fascist dictatorship.”

She called on the people of Bicol to defend their democratic rights and the collective victories they have accumulated in the past years.

https://cpp.ph/statement/ndf-bicol-tags-dutertes-extended-lockdown-a-dress-rehearsal-for-martial-rule/

CPP/News: Gov’t inaction amid Covid-19 an early ‘Tiempo Muerto’ for Negrenses, PKM-Negros claims

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 11, 2020): Gov’t inaction amid Covid-19 an early ‘Tiempo Muerto’ for Negrenses, PKM-Negros claims

NEWS STORIES
APRIL 11, 2020



Farmers and farmworkers of Negros Island are yet to receive aid coming from the Duterte administration as Covid-19 wreaks havoc in the island. Reports confirmed atleast 14 cases of Covid-19 with 2 deaths. Local lockdowns were declared in the island’s two provinces last March 15 and 17.

Felicidad Mercado, spokesperson of Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM)-Negros, said the Covid-19 crisis is an early ‘Tiempo Muerto’ for sugarcane farmworkers. ‘Tiempo Muerto’ is a dead season for sugarcane farmworkers usually occurring from early July to August resulting to hunger.

She blasted the incoherent and slow implementation of the Social Amelioration Package (SAP) of the government to support the people. “Not all are guaranteed to receive it, apart from a long process and several paperworks,” her statement read.

Mercado contrasted the slow distribution of aid to the people with the speedy approval of the law granting Duterte emergency powers. She emphasized that farmers and farmworkers of Negros are most affected by hunger and poverty amid the Covid-19 pandemic crisis. Negros Island is home to more than 300,000 sugarcane farmworkers.

Mercado called on farmers and farmworkers to collectively face the crisis. “We should launch several types of anti-feudal struggles including increasing our food production as an answer to severe hunger due to the Covid-19 crisis,” she ended.

Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid is an underground organization of farmers and farmworkers under the National Democratic Front of the Philippines.

https://cpp.ph/statement/govt-inaction-amid-covid-19-an-early-tiempo-muerto-for-negrenses-pkm-negros-claims/

CPP: People are disgusted by Duterte’s self-praise and publicity stunts amid lockdown and deficient government measures

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 8, 2020): People are disgusted by Duterte’s self-praise and publicity stunts amid lockdown and deficient government measures

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES
APRIL 08, 2020



Over the past week, Duterte and his officials have carried out a PR offensive, mounting one publicity stunt after another to praise themselves and paint an image of a government doing everything right to confront the Covid-19 crisis situation.

The television and radio broadcast earlier where cabinet officials flattered each other and fawned over the tyrant, was a disgusting display of self-promotion. It is, so far, the most nauseating public stunt mounted by Duterte and his sycophants.

Government officials are prematurely declaring that the lockdown has successfully controlled the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, as they have yet to carry out testing on a mass scale to determine the actual extent of the spread.

Duterte’s officials have made the patently false claim that the Philippines has one of the lowest incidence of infection in Asia and in the world. They cannot deny, however, that thousands remain infected with the Covid-19 pandemic which is now stretching the country’s health system to its limits.

They vainly hope to placate and pacify the Filipino people in the face of rising social discontent brought about by Duterte’s ill-planned lockdown and his government’s failure to act expeditiously to extend social assistance to the people.

The people are not appeased. For almost a month now, they have been without work and income. The daily cost of food and other necessities have eaten up their meager savings. They are desperately trying to make ends meet, with limited assistance doled out by local government units, church groups and private individuals, and helping each other through common kitchens and other collective undertaking.

Deficient amelioration, corruption and counterinsurgency
The Filipino people are set to suffer more as the lockdown has been extended to the end of April without any accompanying extraordinary effort to alleviate the people’s socioeconomic suffering.

After three weeks of rising clamor, the national government finally carried out a so-called amelioration program which, however, is too little and too late. It promised to provide cash assistance to 18 million families, but has so far released funds enough to cover only around one-third.

Duterte is being tightfisted in providing relief assistance to the people. The scanty amount of P5,000 per family cannot cover the rising cost of living for the next three weeks or so of extended lockdown. His officials have enumerated so many exclusions, including employed workers, senior citizen pensioners and 4Ps recipients, who the government depicts as having enough.

The “amelioration cards” distributed by the government are not enough. Local officials are complaining of being forced to choose “who will live and who will die.” There are cases where families are made to share in the meager cash allotment or receive none at all.

There is rising clamor for the government to release P10,000 cash relief for every low and middle-income family who have lost at least a month’s income because of the lockdown.

There is practically zero assistance reaching the countryside for the peasant masses. They suffer from the economic lockdown which has prevented them from selling their agricultural produce resulting in large financial losses. This comes on top of oppressive land rent, high loan interests, very low farm wages, dislocations brought about by land-use conversion and other problems.

There is mounting criticism over the meager amount allotted by Duterte for cash assistance. After declaring “I have the money,” Duterte is now singing a different tune, claiming he is having “sleepless nights” worrying where to get the money.

Yet, he has refused to undertake major realignments in the national budget, specifically, infrastructure projects for tourism and mining, that are partly funded by loans from China and other foreign lenders.

Nor has he made moves to slash the bloated budget for the DND, AFP and PNP, which is primarily used for counterinsurgency operations, to fund the corruption-riddled purchase of more firearms, bombs and other war materiél and the so-called “livelihood projects” that serve as milking cow of military officers.

Despite declaring a March 19-April 15 ceasefire, and acceding to the United Nations’ call for a “global ceasefire,” Duterte’s military and police counterinsurgency operations continue unabated. In some provinces, more soldiers have been deployed to intensify the AFP’s “surrender drive” against the peasant masses. There are reports of soldiers going around homes at night in the guise of Covid-19 information drives, but wear no protective gear, thus raising the probability of spreading infections.

Since Duterte’s ceasefire declaration, military and police operations have been conducted in at least 80 towns covering at least 150 villages.

Poorly compensated medical workers, dilapidated public health system

The Duterte government has been patronizing in its treatment of the frontline doctors, nurses and other health workers, praising them hypocritically and calling them heroes but playing dumb to their safety and demands. It is obscuring the fact that the government has long neglected the country’s public health workers and denied their clamor for salary increases. In fact, this year’s budget for the Department of Health was cut by P16.6 billion, without provision for raising salaries.

In the face of the Covid-19 crisis, and with lack of protective equipment, hospitals have become dangerous places to work for hundreds of health workers, scores of whom have been infected and died in the course of their service. The public health crisis has underscored the urgency for raising the salaries of health workers. Thus, Duterte’s recent order giving them a “risk allowance” of less than 25% of their monthly salary is a grave insult.

Duterte’s officials are praising themselves, claiming that because of the lockdown, they have been able to prepare the health facilities for the Covid-19. These are, however, mostly temporary facilities to quarantine patients, without the necessary medical equipment to handle patients requiring intensive care. In recent days, large private hospitals have started to refuse to accept more Covid-19 patients.

The Covid-19 crisis has exposed how the public health care system has long been neglected by the government under its policy of corporatization and privatization. The present health crisis is raking in large profits for private hospitals which charge hundreds of thousands to more than a million pesos to Covid-19 requiring intensive care.

Meanwhile, from the earlier policy of covering the bills of Covid-19 patients, the PhilHealth system has announced it will start to limit its coverage of Covid-19 treatment starting April 15, curiously, the day after the DOH plans to start conducting mass testing.

People are not appeased

In the face of worsening hardship and hunger, the Filipino people are not appeased by the false claims being peddled by the Duterte government.

Despite threats by Duterte to have them arrested or shot dead, the Filipino people continue to raise their voices in indignation, to speak and expose the real situation, belie the claims of the regime and demand what is due the people.

The Party enjoins the Filipino people to get organized and raise their voices as one. From their homes and communities, they can find ways to act together to denounce the Duterte regime’s oppressive lockdown and its failure to urgently, comprehensively and sufficiently address the people’s dire socio-economic conditions.

The longer Duterte’s lockdown is imposed, the longer the people’s anger builds up. The people’s fury cannot forever be suppressed.

https://cpp.ph/statement/people-are-disgusted-by-dutertes-self-praise-and-publicity-stunts-amid-lockdown-and-deficient-government-measures/

Kalinaw News: BIFF terrorists surrender anew

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 11, 2020): BIFF terrorists surrender anew (By 6th Infantry Division)



CAMP SIONGCO – members of the Bangasamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), including a Commander, have yielded to the government on Monday (April 6) at Barangay Midtimbang, Dati Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao.

The surrender was the result of the continuing community engagement combined with intelligence-driven operation of 7th Infantry Battalion.

They came from Sultan Sa Barongis, Maguindano and identified themselves as Commander Naot Palaguyan, a.k.a. Abu Hamdan; Akbal Abpi; Jimmy Angkanan; Nguda Sangkinga; Tato Tio Darampua; Aries Abdul; and Danga Pindaliday. One (1) homemade caliber 50 rifle, one (1) homemade Garand rifle, one (1) homemade Thompson, one (1) homemade Uzi, and two (2) homemade shotguns were also handed over by the group as a gesture of sincerity.


Lt. Col. Romel S. Valencia, Commanding Officer of 7th IB, presented the former rebels to former mayor Nathaniel Midtimbang at 7th IB Headquarters. The local government unit of Datu Anggal Midtimbang has provided cash assistance to help them rebuild their lives.

Joint Task Force Central Commander Maj. Gen. Diosdado C. Carreon congratulated the leadership of 7IB and thanked the stakeholders for their support. He said that “to those who would like to follow the lead of their former comrades will be welcomed by the JTFC with open arms and a commitment to help rebuild their families”. “To those who are still blinded by their violent ideology which is contrary to peace, the full force of JTFC will continue to haunt them for the purpose of advancing peace and progress in Central Mindanao”, Maj. Gen. Carreon added.

In the previous month, six (6) rebels have surrendered to 7th IB, five (5) to 90th IB, and 29 to 33rd IB. The additional seven (7) surrenders bring the total number of 47 former rebels who laid down their arms to JTFC in a span of one month.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/biff-terrorists-surrender-anew/

Kalinaw News: Army manufactures, distributes PPE in NorMin

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 11, 2020): Army manufactures, distributes PPE in NorMin (By 4th Infantry Division)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 10th Forward Service Support Unit (10FSSU) of the Army Support Command (ASCOM) providing general support to 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division has ramped up its production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) since March 23, 2020 in its bid to help Northern Mindanao’s fight against COVID-19.

Face shields, masks

Lt. Col. Lawrence Aninag, the Commanding Officer said 10FSSU was able to manufacture 3,070 face shields as of April 9, 2020 which were distributed to different communities and organizations in Cagayan de Oro City and its neighboring municipalities.

Among the recipients of the face shields were Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERT), Oro Banker Association in CDO, various PNP units and offices, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Philippine Coast Guard- Northern Mindanao District, Camp Evangelista Station Hospital, and various units of 4ID.

Aninag said aside from this, they also plan to distribute around 1,300 additional face shields to front liners in different areas particularly health workers and security forces. Soldiers are also working double time to fast track another batch of 1,500 shields to cater the needs of Army units and civilian health facilities in the 4th Infantry Division’s area of responsibility.

The 10FSSU which is headquartered in Camp Evangelista in Brgy. Patag, Cagayan de Oro City has also also fabricated 200 face masks which were distributed to troops manning quarantine checkpoints.

Soldiers’ ingenuity, dedication

Major General Franco Nemesio Gacal, the Commander of the 4th Infantry Division lauded 10th FSSU for its initiative. “What 10FSSU is doing is another proof of the Filipino soldiers ingenuity, dedication, and intense desire to help our kababayans especially in times of crisis. I hope this will inspire other groups and sectors of our society to contribute whatever they can to our fight against a common enemy, the COVID-19,” Gacal said.

Elsewhere in the region, 4ID units are actively assisting Local Government Units and national and local government agencies in the distribution of food packs, implementation of quarantine measures, and information dissemination among others.

Social Amelioration Program
Meanwhile, 4ID is also being tapped to provide manpower and security assistance to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)- Region 10 on the distribution of cash assistance under the Social Amelioration Program of the national government. The said program is covered by Republic Act 11469 known as the “Bayanihan to Heal as One Act” which was recently passed by congress to boost the country’s fight against COVID-19. The said program is projected to benefit around 18 million poor families nationwide.

Gacal who serves as Co- Chair of NorMin Regional Task Force on COVID-19 and at the same time head of the Search, Rescue and Retrieval Task Group extolled the soldiers and all members of security forces who are actively assisting Local Government Units in implementing various measures to curb the virus. He also commended health workers, volunteers, and other “front liners” for their selfless services as the nation scrambles to stop the spread of COVID-19.




[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-manufactures-distributes-ppe-in-normin/

Kalinaw News: CTG launches a Holy Week terror attack

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 11, 2020): CTG launches a Holy Week terror attack (By 9th Infantry Division)



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-An armed clash between the government troops and communist terrorists erupted in the middle of a relief distribution in Masbate province around 5:30 in the afternoon of Good Friday, April 10.

According to the report, joint elements of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB) and Philippine National Police were assisting in the distribution of relief goods to the residents of Barangay Cabas-an in Aroroy town,
when they were fired upon by at least 15 members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) forcing the government troops to retaliate.

The firefight lasted for five minutes before the enemies scampered towards Barangay Nabonsoran.

Two fleeing members of Militiang Bayan were captured while one cal. 45, two homemade shotguns, one carbine rifle, anti-personnel mines and assorted ammunitions were recovered from the encounter site.


Joint Task Force Bicolandia under MGEN FERNANDO T TRINIDAD AFP strongly condemned the cruel attack carried out by the CTG while the whole Christian world is remembering the death of Jesus Christ.

Aside from being inconsiderate with the observance of the Holy Week, this incident is also a disrespect of the still existing unilateral ceasefire of the government and a clear violation of the declared ceasefire by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) due to the on-going fight against COVID-19.

This kind of terror is a clear proof that the CTG can no longer be trusted because of their treacherous and duplicitous character as evident in the history. They attack Bicolano’s communities and they are also doing this now in other part of the country amid the people’s struggle and fear of COVID.

Nevertheless, Gen. Trinidad assured the public that though the military is focused on campaigns against the said pandemic, Spear Troopers are on the look-out and will not let their guard down to ensure the safety of the Bicolanos.

Moreover, JTFB encouraged the CTG members to make this Lenten season a time to reflect and to realize that their cause is senseless and futile.

Instead of lurking, JTFB reiterated its call for the CTG members to surrender, avail the various programs from the government and live peacefully with their families.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

Kalinaw News: ASG member surrenders as Combat and Humanitarian Operations intensify in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 11, 2020): ASG member surrenders as Combat and Humanitarian Operations intensify in Sulu (By 11th Infantry Division)



Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) in Sulu suffered another capability loss when a member voluntarily surrendered to 41st Infantry Battalion, under 1102nd Brigade of the 11th Infantry Division on April 6, 2020.

ASG member Hadji Mali Sulayman, resident of Brgy Tabo-Bato, Maimbung, Sulu under the leadership of Majar Sahidjuan
submitted himself to Lieutenant Colonel Alaric Avelino P Delos Santos, Commanding Officer of 41st Infantry Battalion and was thereafter presented to Colonel Ignatius N. Patrimonio, Commander of 1102nd Infantry Brigade at Headquarters Camp Bud Datu, Brgy Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu. He brought with him his M1 Garand US Rifle.

Sulayman was a member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in 1972.
He later became a member of the ASG in 1994 when the group had conflicts and established several factions.

Sulayman decided to surrender due to the hardship brought by military’s relentless operations. He also stated the government’s humanitarian efforts weakened their support from the civilians that restrained their movements as well as constricted their ability of gathering foodstuffs, information and other logistical supplies.


Meanwhile, Colonel Patrimonio welcomed Hadji Mali Sulayman back to the mainstream society and calls for other members of the ASG to submit themselves under the care of the government. “I encouraged other members of the ASG to abandon your terroristic acts and return to the folds of law for you to enjoy and live a peaceful life with your families,” he said.

Major General Corleto S. Vinluan Jr., AFP, Commander of 11th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Sulu appreciated the efforts of 41st Infantry Battalion and 1101st Infantry Brigade. “I commend your efforts to make Sulu more peaceful for the community. Let us continue to do our mandates and work together with the local government units and other stakeholders for the betterment of the community,” he said.

Credit also goes to the collaborative efforts of the committee under Maimbung Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC).

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

Kalinaw News: Chowking, Army serve meals to frontliners in Butuan City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 11, 2020): Chowking, Army serve meals to frontliners in Butuan City (By 4th Infantry Division)



Bancasi, Butuan City – As the COVID 19 pandemic continues, another Fastfood Chain giant, Chowking restaurant, in partnership with 402nd Infantry Brigade extended Bayanihan efforts and facilitated the distribution of meals to the frontliners at the Exit and Entry Quarantine Control Points (QCPs) in Butuan City on April 9, 2020.

Recognizing the heroism and sacrifice of the frontliners, fastfood giant Chowking, owned by Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) reached out to the frontliners and facilitated the distribution of one-hundred twenty (120) lunch time meals at the QCPs in Brgy’s Pigdaulan, Bit-os and Bancasi all of Butuan City.

Said effort is part of the restaurant’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) especially in this time of crisis wherein frontliners sacrificed and devoted their efforts to ensure that the COVID 19 pandemic will be contained. Ms. Jenn Hyacint Claro, Chowking’s Area Manager in Butuan City said, “JFC through Jollibee Group of Foundation’s Food AID Program has been closely coordinating with public and private organizations for an efficient distribution system of the food products to frontliners. Our frontliners are our real modern-day heroes during this time of a pandemic. It is unfortunate that many of them have little time to rest”.

“The Jollibee Group is one with them in this fight and we hope that through our food support, we can fuel their heroic efforts. We are more than grateful for what they are doing for our countrymen. We thank our COVID Frontliners from the bottom of our hearts”, She ended.

It can be recalled that fast food chain Jollibee which is also owned by JFC extended its hands to the frontliners and had been distributing its signature Chicken Joy meal to the frontliners composed of personnel from DOH, PNP, BFP, Army troopers coming from 23IB and 29IB under the operational control of 402nd Brigade and reservist volunteers from 15th Regional Community Defense Group (RCDG) of the Army Reserve Command stationed at the exit and entry QCPs in Brgys Sumilihon, Antongalon and Bancasi of Butuan City.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade in his statement said, “We are in awe of the support that our frontliners are receiving right now. Marami ng nagpaabot ng tulong at nagpapasalamat kami sa kanilang tiwala. Sa panahon ng ganitong sakuna, kailangan talaga natin ang suporta ng bawat isa. Indeed, in unity there is strength. The act of kindness and unconditional support from benevolent individuals and groups made our frontliner’s job lighter and boosted their morale to continue to perform their tasks to help stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.”








[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/chowking-army-serve-meals-to-frontliners-in-butuan-city/

Kalinaw News: Army capacitates troops against COVID-19 pandemic

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 10, 2020): Army capacitates troops against COVID-19 pandemic (By 4th Infantry Division)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro city – Troopers of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division, Philippine Army with medical related background prior entry to the military service were identified to undergo refresher on their previous fields of interest and train for COVID-19 Patient Management as part of the six modules under the special training program facilitated by Camp Evangelista Station Hospital (CESH) thru video teleconference (VTC) on Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

A total of 186 diamond troopers with medical related background and health workers assigned in the different units of this Command were called upon to be part of the unit’s Marshalls and Trainers on COVID-19 (MTC-19) whose core functions are as follows: 1) act as Marshalls to inspect and ensure that military personnel are observing DOH-issued protocols and measures; 2) act as trainer to personnel pertaining to COVID-19 related efforts; and 3) act as adviser to their respective Commanders on health matters particularly on the management of COVID-19 issues and concerns.

The two-day special training started last April 4, 2020 to the same participants who underwent Basic Personnel Safety on COVID-19 and Patient (PUMs/PUIs) Handling focused on the module on COVID-19 Management for Field Unit Personnel. The special training program is a result of the collaborative efforts by the training team from DOH-X headed by Dr. Wellaflor K. Brito, Medical Officer III and the medical officers and staffs of CESH headed by LtCol Jonna D Dalaguit MC (GSC) PA.

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal emphasized the need to organize provisional teams and enhance unit capabilities in addressing the current challenges brought about by this COVID-19 pandemic. MGen Gacal further stressed to have a relevant and safe response during deployment of troops in support to other agencies to contain the spread of the virus and mitigating its impacts to our community.

“We are one with the people of Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions in this fight against COVID-19. Rest assured of our troops’ unwavering commitment and support to the local government units and agencies through the Northern Mindanao Task Force for COVID-19. We are all in this together and we will heal as one,” Gacal added. “The most patriotic thing that our citizen can do right now is to stay in their homes and observe social distancing and other health protocols prescribed by the Department of Health,” Gacal ended.

[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]