Thursday, May 14, 2020

Kalinaw News: Recovered high-powered firearms, war materiel, presented

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 15, 2020): Recovered high-powered firearms, war materiel, presented (By 53rd Infantry "Matapat" Battalion)



Guipos, ZDS – The two (2) AK-47 assault rifles and other war materiel which were recovered by the troops of 53rd IB in a recent clash with NPA terrorists in Sitio Pisyo, Brgy. Balonai, Midsalip, ZDS last Monday, 11 May 2020, were presented by LTC JO-AR HERRERA, Commanding Officer, 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion, to COL LEONEL NICOLAS, Commander, 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade, 1ID, PA in his visit to Headquarters, Bravo (BOULDERS) Company, 53IB last May 12, 2020.

Col Nicolas commended the troops for this accomplishment. “We will continue the relentless operations against these terrorist groups until their cause and presence become insignificant in our society today,” he said.

The said recovered firearms and items belonged to the 2 NPAs who died in the said clash. According to the locals, the NPAs were conducting extortion activities in their community, asking for food and medicinal items.

They were also threatened to be killed if they don’t give anything to the NPAs. For fear for their lives, they informed the troops of the situation who were also conducting community visitation and information dissemination regarding COVID-19 and how to prevent it from spreading. The 2 NPAs who were killed were also given a decent burial by the Matapat Troopers, MIDSALIP-LGU, and volunteers last May 12, 2020.





[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/recovered-high-powered-firearms-war-materiel-presented/

Kalinaw News: AFP distributes relief packages in Taguig City

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 14, 2020): AFP distributes relief packages in Taguig City (By Kalinaw News)



CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Felimon Santos Jr personally supervised and distributed relief packages to almost 500 families in Purok 1 and 2, Barangay New Lower Bicutan, Taguig City on May 14, 2020.

The activity is under the “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” campaign, the same campaign that distributes hot meals to less fortunate individuals and families through the AFP Mobile Kitchen. It is spearheaded by Civil Relations Service led by Major General Ernesto Torres Jr who is also present and accompanied General Santos in distributing the relief packages.

The relief operation was made possible together with the AFP Leadership Development Center and partners from the private sector, Jollibee Food Corporation and Yaman Foundation.

The relief distribution is in support to the overall government effort to assist families and individuals during the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon, following the call that, “No Filipino will be left behind in this battle against COVID-19”. General Santos thanked the Jollibee Food Corporation and Yaman Foundation for their cooperation with the AFP resulting to the success of the relief operation. The cooperation between the private and public sector shows that the Bayanihan spirit lives on even in this trying time in the country.



[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/afp-distributes-relief-packages-in-taguig-city/

Kalinaw News: 91IB assists LGU in providing manpower, security assistance during food packs distribution in Aurora town

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 14, 2020): 91IB assists LGU in providing manpower, security assistance during food packs distribution in Aurora town (By 7th Infantry Division)



Baler, Aurora – Due to the increase and rapid spread of the pandemic disease CoVid-19 virus, Enhanced Community Quarantine and General Community Quarantine were still observed across the nation.

However, the Province of Aurora was placed under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) effective May 02, 2020 and it is not included in the hot spot areas where the spread of the disease is increasing.

As member of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), Charlie Company of 91IB, 7ID PA led by Sgt Jhun Richard Elic (Inf) PA under the supervision of 1LT GENESIS SALILI (CE) PA, Company Commander of Charlie Company, 91IB, 7ID, PA assisted the LGU San Luis, Aurora headed by Hon Mayor Ariel A De Jesus during the distribution of assorted goods in coastal Barangays of Dibut and Dibayabay both of San Luis in this province from 09 May to 11 May 2020.

The said activity benefited some 651 families who are mostly IPs and poorest of the poor.

LTC REANDREW P RUBIO INF (GSC) PA, Acting Commanding Officer of 91IB expressed his appreciation to the local officials of San Luis and the SINAGTALA troopers for their untiring support and effort to help the people of Aurora.

“The continuing support of the LGUs and NGAs to the less-fortunate populace will surely contribute to the overall efforts in fighting this COVID-19 pandemic,” RUBIO said.

Likewise, COL ANDREW D COSTELO INF (GSC) PA, Commander 703Bde, 7ID, PA appreciated and commended the efforts of the SINAGTALA troopers for actively supporting the LGUs and other stakeholders in the delivery of basic services especially in the far-flung areas where government services is really much needed.

[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/91ib-assists-lgu-in-providing-manpower-security-assistance-during-food-packs-distribution-in-aurora-town/

One NPA terrorist killed, M16 rifle and explosives seized in Pinabacdao, Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 14, 2020): One NPA terrorist killed, M16 rifle and explosives seized in Pinabacdao, Samar (By 8ID, PA)

Featured Image

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City, May 14 – The Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP) Team of the 46th Infantry (Peacemakers) Battalion, Philippine Army, encountered at least five CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) in Barangay Layo, Pinabacdao, Samar on Wednesday, May 13 about 10:30 a.m.

The encounter ensued when government security forces responded to an information provided by the locals on the presence of an armed group conducting extortion activities.

After a 10-minute firefight, the rebels retreated leaving behind their dead comrade with one M16 rifle with attached M203 Grenade Launcher; one Improvised Explosive Device (IED) approximately weighing 5 kilograms; one blasting cap; one bandolier with one long magazine for M16 rifle loaded with 10 rounds ammunition; two rounds of ammunition for M203 Grenade Launcher and ammunition for AK47.

There was no casualty on the government side.

Lieutenant Colonel Rhomel R. Langcauon, commanding officer of the 46IB, lauded the RCSP Team for their efforts and the residents for providing the Army with timely and vital information that led to the successful security operation.

Colonel Camilo Z. Ligayo, 801st Brigade commander in his statement said, “This is a display of the intensified support of local communities to the government, denouncing the atrocities and activities of the rebel-terrorists. It is a tragedy that another rebel loses his life as a victim of this senseless armed struggle in an attempt to defend a futile ideology. If they only considered the call to return to mainstream society, unnecessary deaths in encounters like this would have never occurred.” (8ID, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1041830

Local, military execs settle decades-old NoCot clan war

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2020): Local, military execs settle decades-old NoCot clan war (By Edwin Fernandez)



PEACE MEDIATORS. North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco (right), stresses a point during a peace dialogue between warring Moro families – belonging to local factions of the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front - in Carmen, North Cotabato on Wednesday (May 13, 2020), as Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong (left), Army’s 602nd Army brigade commander, listens. Both Catamco and Capulong initiated the dialogue to end the decades-old conflict that claimed lives from both sides and affected hundreds of civilian families. (Photo courtesy of North Cotabato PIO) 

Military and civilian officials on Wednesday resolved an ongoing bloody “rido” (clan war) involving Moro families in Matalam, North Cotabato through diplomacy which led to the signing by both sides of a peace deal.

T
he warring families, who belonged to two Moro fronts in Mindanao, also vowed before the Qur’an to cease from firing their guns against each other.


The decades-old clan war has claimed an undetermined number of lives from both sides and the displacement of hundreds of civilians every time hostilities erupt between the two camps.

North Cotabato Governor Nancy Catamco and Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, invited the warring Moro families to come up with a “win-win” solution and let both sides sign a peace deal during ceremonies held at the Army’s brigade headquarters in Carmen, North Cotabato.

The forging of the peace covenant marked an end to decades of sporadic hostilities involving members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Datu Dima Ambel and followers of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) sub-commander Naig Naga.

"Peace is a choice. If all of us here choose peace and we learn to let go of anger, pain, revenge, then we have chosen peace,” Catamco told representatives of warring families, military and police officials and civil leaders during the meeting.

Capulong pitched in by saying: "I will not allow this day to pass without a peace deal signed by both sides, we must come up with an agreement.”

The warring families, for their part, showed a willingness to end the conflict.

The clan of MNLF’s Dima Ambel, whose son Norodin was killed in an ambush last week, cried for justice but expressed willingness to work with government troops and respect the peace pact.

Ustadz Alimmodin Omar, commander of the MILF’s 108th base command
, told Catamco and Capulong that he already ordered all MILF ground commanders in the area to back off and uphold the ceasefire.

The peace pact was signed by Datu Alex Ambel for the MNLF Misuari Group and Ustadz Omar for the MILF.


"I am willing to spend three days, listening to both sides and all affected families, if this is what it takes to come up with a lasting solution to this conflict," Catamco later told reporters.

The peace deal declares the cessation of hostilities and both sides must abide by it religiously with a team of representatives from both sides, Army, police, local officials, and peace observers formed to monitor their compliance.

Both sides were directed to stay in their respective confined areas, refrain from issuing provocative statements, avoid the display of guns, especially on the other’s area of jurisdiction.

Those involved in the ambush that killed Norodin Ambel, village councilman of Barangay Kilada, Matalam, have been identified, arrested by MILF leadership, and were turned over to the MILF main base in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat for further investigation and possible punishment.

The warring families also agreed to allow some 1,000 family-evacuees to return home.

While a clan war in Matalam has been resolved, both Catamco and Capulong now turned their eyes on yet another clan war in Pikit, also in Cotabato.

Military reports identified the warring factions in the borders of Pikit, Cotabato, and Pagalungan, Maguindanao
as those belonging to MNLF sub-commanders Jainudin Butuan and Kuwat, and the group of MILF 110th base command sub-commanders Abdul Hamid Sansawi, Sambutuan, and Ekot.


The fighting has displaced some 1,500 families who belong to the Maguindanaon tribe and have been observing the fasting month of Ramadan.

At least two from both sides have been killed in the conflict that reignited last Sunday.

Local officials reported 30 houses of civilians have been razed to the ground after these were looted by gunmen.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102808

NPA fighter killed in Pinabacdao, Samar clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2020): NPA fighter killed in Pinabacdao, Samar clash (By Sarwell Meniano)



SLAIN REBEL. An unidentified fighter of the New People's Army (NPA) killed in a clash with government troops on Wednesday (May 13, 2020). His comrades abandoned him after a 10-minute gun battle in upland Layo village, Pinabacdao town, Samar province. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

A combatant of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with government troops on the outskirts of Pinabacdao town, Samar province on Wednesday, the military said.

The unidentified armed rebel was slain in a 10-minute gun battle
between the soldiers and five rebels in upland Layo village before noon, commander of the Philippine Army’s 801st Brigade, Col. Camilo Ligayo, said.

After the clash, the soldiers
recovered a rifle with an attached grenade launcher, an improvised explosive device, a blasting cap, a bandolier with one long magazine loaded with 10 rounds of ammunition, and two rounds of ammunition for a grenade launcher.


No one from the government side was hurt during the firefight.

The troopers were patrolling the area acting on reports from residents about the extortion activities of the communist terrorist group.

“This is a display of the intensified support of local communities to the government, denouncing the atrocities and activities of the rebel-terrorists. It is a tragedy that another rebel loses his life as a victim of this senseless armed struggle in an attempt to defend a futile ideology,” Ligayo said in a statement on Thursday.

It was the second clash between government troops and the communist terrorist group in Pinabacdao this year.

Last March 11, two NPA fighters and a soldier were killed in a clash in remote Canlobo village.

Layo and Canlobo are two of Pinabacdao’s five remote villages that have been identified by government troops as affected by the communist terrorist group.

These villages have been identified for various interventions by government agencies to wipe out the insurgency.

Pinabacdao, a fourth-class town in Samar with a population of more than 18,000, is 47 km. north of Tacloban, the regional capital.

The military is upbeat about ending the insurgency problem soon with the creation of local task forces to end the local communist armed conflict.

The NPA, which has been engaged in a five-decade armed struggle, 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/1102810

6ID chief honors newly promoted military generals

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2020): 6ID chief honors newly promoted military generals (By Edwin Fernandez)



HONORED. Newly-promoted Marine Brig. Gen. Jonas Lumawag, commander of 1st Marine Brigade (right), troops the line during a military parade honoring him and Brig. Gen. Jose Narciso, 601st Infantry Brigade chief, inside Camp Siongco, the headquarters of the 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on Wednesday (May 13, 2020). Both officers, who were elevated to the rank of one-star general, will serve their assigned brigade units in Central Mindanao under the Army’s 6th Infantry Division. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) and Joint Task Force Central chief Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon honored Wednesday two military officers who were recently promoted to the rank of one-star general.

Carreon led the 6ID personnel in welcoming Brigadier Generals Jose Narciso and Jonas Lumawag during simple ceremonies held here.

Both were accorded military honors during their arrival in the camp, better known as the 6ID headquarters in Central Mindanao.

They were received by Col. Galileo Goyena, the 6ID’s governance and strategy management office chief; and Col. Ciriaco Lomas-e Jr., 6ID assistant chief of staff for logistics, respectively. Narciso and Lumawag then paid the courtesy call to Carreon at the commander’s office.

“His (Narciso) area of responsibility covers 16 municipalities of Maguindanao,” Carreon said.

Lumawag, on the other hand, is the brigade commander of 1st Marine Bde based in Barangay Pigcalagan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

“Lumawag’s area covers five municipalities of Maguindanao and five municipalities of Lanao Del Sur,” Carreon added.

Aside from Carreon, brigade generals from the 6ID area of operation in Central Mindanao joined the activity that included 1st Mechanized Brigade (Bde) commander, Brig. Gen. Efren Baluyot; 602nd Bde commander, Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong; and 603rd Bde commander, Brig. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag.

Narciso is the new assistant division chief and concurrent brigade commander of 601st Bde based at the old provincial capitol grounds in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102838

Reds eyed in NegOr town killings

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2020): Reds eyed in NegOr town killings (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



Negros Oriental provincial police director Col. Julian Entoma (PNA file photo)

Negros Oriental provincial police director Col. Julian Entoma on Thursday afternoon said the New People’s Army (NPA) – the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) – is suspected of having perpetrated some of the recent killings in Guihulngan City.

In an interview, he said there appears to be a "common reason" for the shooting-to-death of some of the victims in Guihulngan, a city more than 100 kilometers north of this capital.

An initial report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) said the latest victim was a barangay (village) councilman and resident of Sitio Maambog in Barangay Planas of the said city.

The report said the victim, Elpedio Julwar dela Cerna Mahinay, 65, was shot around 5:30 p.m. Wednesday by unidentified armed men believed to be NPA members.


Investigation disclosed that Mahinay was tending his cow at his farm in Sitio Upper Muog when the suspects suddenly appeared and shot him, resulting in his instant death.

The suspects were overheard as saying that “nagpagamit man gud mo sa Army ug gobyerno (you allowed yourselves to be used by the Army and the government),” police investigators said.

Last May 10, a former member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was also gunned down allegedly by suspected NPA rebels in Guihulngan.

A police report said that at around 8:20 p.m., the victim, Feliciano Blanco Mahinay, Jr., 48, a farmer/caretaker of the farm of barangay councilman Luciano Bustamante, was shot dead in his house in Sitio Punong, Barangay Trinidad.


On the same day, at around 7:15 p.m., another shooting incident transpired, this time in Sitio Bulay, Barangay T-Hill.

The victim, Dante Jimena, 44, jobless and a resident of the said village, was found by responding policemen lying unconscious with gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.


Jimena was cooking inside his house when an unidentified suspect suddenly appeared and fired at him several times, apparently with a .45-caliber pistol based on the lone spent shell recovered from the crime scene.

He was declared dead on arrival at the Guihulngan District Hospital.

Entoma said these are the latest crimes allegedly perpetrated by the NPA, apparently by “graduates” who were sent out on a “test mission”.

There were other shooting incidents in Guihulngan in recent months that are also linked to the NPA, he said.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102877

Army saddened over Surigao priest’s ‘baseless accusations’

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2020): Army saddened over Surigao priest’s ‘baseless accusations’ (By Alexander Lopez)



The Philippine Army in Surigao del Sur on Thursday was saddened by the allegations of a Catholic priest to the unit, describing them as “baseless and unfounded, and are purely based on biases against the military”.

In a statement, the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion said
Fr. Raymond Montero Ambray claimed that the Army unit has tagged him as “harbinger of evil” and of having links with the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in a social media account.

The allegations of Ambray, who is assigned in the town of Lingig, was published on an online news portal in Davao City on May 12. in the report, the priest also warned that the 36IB should be held accountable if he is killed.

Ambray based his allegations on a Facebook post by one Randy Alagaban.


However, 36IB said it did not know Alagaban nor did the military unit accused Ambray of any involvement with the communist rebel movement.

“We do not know the person, and if Fr. Ambray would make checks into our list, the 36th IB has no personnel bearing the name Randy D. Alagaban,”
the Army said.


“The officers and personnel of the 36th Infantry “Valor” Battalion expressed sadness over an unfounded allegation made by a Catholic priest, by faulting the battalion of an act done by an individual or groups that are not associated with 36th IB or individuals known to its workforces,” the statement said.

The 36IB added that it is “unfair and painful on our side to be accused of such wrongdoing we never did, and as good soldiers of this country never will resort to such misconduct and transgression into the lives of the Filipino people”.

It also pointed out that the municipalities of Lingig and Lianga in Surigao del Sur are not part of their area of operation, as it covers only the Tandag City and the towns of Tago and San Miguel and the rest of the municipalities of Carrascal, Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen, and Lanuza--collectively known as CarCanMadCarLan.

“Like Fr. Ambray, the men and women of 36th IB were also occupied during the lockdowns imposed to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and to protect the people of Surigao del Sur, particularly in the areas where we are assigned,” the unit said.

The Army unit also expressed apprehension that Ambray "hastily jumped into conclusion" and openly accused 36IB based on unverified information without the benefit of an investigation.

“The priest should have realized that certain government agencies now have the capacity to trace spurious social media accounts. He could have gone to the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), two agencies that are equipped with advanced instruments and manned by highly-trained personnel to trace persons behind sham social media accounts,” it said.

Following the allegations, 36IB appealed to the public, particularly residents in Surigao del Sur, not to believe Ambray's claims.

“We are also assuring residents in the towns we serve of our continued support to the fight of the government against COVID-19. The 36th IB will also carry on with its mandate of securing communities and the people from the real threats and dangers posed by the terrorist NPA,” the Army unit said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102900

Army gives slain NPA members decent burial in Gingoog

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2020): Army gives slain NPA members decent burial in Gingoog (By Alexander Lopez)



DECENT BURIAL. The Philippine Army gives a decent burial to nine of the 10 communist New People’s Army rebels Wednesday (May 13, 2020) in a public cemetery in Sitio Lingcomonan, Barangay Binakalan, Gingoog City. The 10 rebels were killed during the series of clashes that took place in the border of the Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental provinces on May 10, 2020. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)

Nine of the 10 communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels who died during Sunday's running gun battle with government forces were laid to rest Wednesday afternoon (May 14) in a public cemetery in Gingoog City.

Ten NPA rebels were killed in a series of clashes
that started Sunday along the border of the Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental provinces, particularly in Sitio Likudon, Barangay Kamanikan, Gingoog City.

The 10 cadavers were recovered and brought to Gingoog City early morning Tuesday (May 12).

Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr. commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, told Philippine News Agency on Thursday (May 14) that the decision to bury the dead NPA combatants was finalized after no families showed up to claim the bodies.

Molina said only one casualty, identified as Gary Labial, was claimed by a cousin. Labial was buried by his relatives in Barangay Diongan, Gingoog City.

Of the nine dead NPA combatants, eight were males while two were females.

Molina said the initial process of identifying the identities of the nine NPA casualties has already started, adding they are still counterchecking the information gathered on their identities.

"We are calling the public to help the Army in the process of identification. Anyone who has knowledge or may know the individuals may come to our headquarters," Molina said.

"We also recovered identification cards (IDs) and other personal belongings that might help in the process of determining their true identities," he added.

He said among the IDs recovered are the Philhealth ID of a certain Rio Amor Abquina Yuson and the Barangay ID of a certain Gladys Joy Hiponia.

"We are requesting all concerned to cooperate for the speedy identification of the cadavers," Molina said.

Identified

Three former rebels were also asked by the Army to help in the identification of the dead bodies Tuesday. Initially, military officials said three former rebels identified two of the cadavers as the prominent leaders of Guerrilla Front 4-A (GF 4-A) of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

In an interview Thursday (May 14), the three ex-NPA rebels said among those killed Sunday were Paquito Namatindong, the platoon leader of Sandatahang Pampropaganda sa Platoon (SPP) Sikop of GF4-A, and Peter Mansagunda Pinakilid, the political officer of GF4-A.

"We know the two leaders. We were with them for more than two years while we were still active in the movement. We identified them through their features and on the personal belongings recovered," one of the ex-rebels said.

Civilian support

Molina also lauded the support manifested by the civilians in the area that led to the success of the military operation.

“The information we received from them was vital that guided our troopers in the exact location of the NPA rebels,” he said.

He also expressed gratitude to the local government unit (LGU) of Gingoog City through Mayor Erick Cañosa for shouldering the funeral expenses of the cadavers.BURIAL FOR DEAD REBELS. Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina, Jr., (right) commander of Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion, and 1Lt. Roel Maglalang (left), 23Ib civil-military operations officer, give final instructions minutes before the nine communist New People’s Army rebels are laid to rest Wednesday (May 13, 2020). The interment took place in a public cemetery in Sitio Lingcomonan, Barangay Binakalan, Gingoog City. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)



1Lt. Roel Maglalang, 23Ib civil-military operations officer, noted that Gingoog City and its villages have declared the NPA as persona non grata last year.

“Such a declaration changed the belief of the residents, especially in far-flung areas to the government. Now the people in these areas come to the government not only to seek support for the needs of their communities but also to provide the security forces with information,” Maglalang said.

Lt. Col. Ariel Philip Pontillas chief of police of Gingoog City, also thanked the people in the barangays for the information that led to the military operation against the rebels.

“One week before the incident, we already received information on the massing up of armed men in our area,” Pontillas said.

He added that the NPA rebels were out to conduct harassments, especially on “soft targets” such as police detachments and outposts.

Condolences

In a statement Thursday, Brig. Gen. Maurito L. Licudine, commander of the Army's 402nd Infantry Brigade, expressed condolences to the families of the NPA combatants who died during the series of armed encounters recently.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the CNTs (communist NPA terrorists) who perished in that fateful day,” Licudine said.

He also encouraged the families of the fleeing NPA rebels to reach out to them and encourage them to peacefully surrender to the government.

“To those CNT members who are still out there, we urge you to lay down your arms and submit yourselves to any government officials in your community or to the nearest Army camp,” Licudine said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102866

Mamasapano encounter suspect falls in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2020): Mamasapano encounter suspect falls in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



ARRESTED. Lakiman Dawaling, one of the suspects in the 2015 “Mamasapano encounter” that claimed the lives of 44 elite police force and 18 Moro gunmen, is escorted by police after his arrest in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Thursday (May 14, 2020). The Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao said the hunt continues for other suspects in the incident. (Photo courtesy of (PRO-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – One of the suspects in the 2015 “Mamasapano encounter" has been arrested Thursday, police said.

Lakiman Dawaling, 70, did not resist arrest, said Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu, director of Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM).

Dawaling, a resident of Barangay Tapekan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao, was arrested at 2:40 p.m. in Barangay Poblacion, by police authorities.

Police presented Dawaling a warrant of arrest for charges of direct assault with murder issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Cotabato City.

Dawaling's arrest would help bring justice to the 44 members of the police Special Action Force (SAF) killed by gunmen on January 25, 2015, in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, police said.

Abu said PRO-BARMM would exhaust every means to capture the remaining suspects involved in the killing of the policemen.
"The operation efforts for this case will be intensified until justice will be fully delivered to the gallant SAF 44," he said in a statement.

The SAF members were in Mamasapano to arrest Malaysian bomb expert Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, who was reportedly being protected by the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), in Maguindanao but things went horribly wrong.

Marwan, who has a bounty of USD5 million from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, was killed in the operation.

After Marwan was killed, the SAF unit tasked to provide security to retreating government forces, was trapped and ran out of ammunition during the day-long firefight.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102934

Navy turns over patient care center to Las Piñas hospital

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2020): Navy turns over patient care center to Las Piñas hospital (By Priam Nepomuceno)



PATIENT CARE CENTER. Representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and private sector partners witness the turn-over of an emergency quarantine facility by Navy troops to the Perpetual Help Medical Center in Las Piñas City on May 11, 2020. The facility has a total capacity of 16 beds and could accommodate patients who have mild to no symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). (Photo courtesy of Naval Public Affairs Office)

The Philippine Navy (PN)'s Naval Combat Engineering Brigade “Seabees” has formally turned over an emergency quarantine facility (EQF) to the Perpetual Help Medical Center in Las Piñas City on Monday.

This EQF is intended for the use of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients, Navy public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas said in a statement late Wednesday.

The facility, whose construction was funded by Buensalido Architects, has a total capacity of 16 beds and could accommodate patients who have mild to no symptoms of Covid-19.

Roxas said the facility is equipped with the necessary amenities like air-conditioning, beds, bathroom and toilet facilities, and nurses’ stations.

"This EQF, along with other quarantine facilities, is designed to help decongest hospitals and increase the country’s capacity to treat patients with Covid-19," she added.

The construction of the facility started on May 4 by the "Seabees" headed by Lt. Arianne Joy Armedilla with assistance from the WTA Architecture and Design Studio, other architects, and industry experts.

The team was also responsible for the construction of two other EQF located respectively in the Naval Base Jose Francisco in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, and Naval Base Heracleo Alano, Sangley Point, Cavite last April.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102806

AFP gets P26-M worth of medical equipment from AFPMBAI

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14, 2020): AFP gets P26-M worth of medical equipment from AFPMBAI (By Priam Nepomuceno)



DONATION. AFP officials receive PHP26-million worth of medical equipment from the Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. in Camp Aguinaldo on Thursday (May 14, 2020). The donation consists of medical ventilators, lung ultrasounds, thermal scanners, disinfecting solutions, and personal protective equipment. (Photo courtesy of AFP Public Affairs Office)

The Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (AFPMBAI) on Thursday donated PHP26-million worth of medical equipment for use of the AFP in its efforts in containing the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.

The organization's donation was presented by AFPMBAI president and chief executive officer, retired Maj. Gen. Robert Arevalo to AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr.

"The medical equipment donated is essential in fighting and recovering from Covid-19 such as medical ventilators, lung ultrasounds, thermal scanners, disinfecting solutions, and personal protective equipment," AFP public affairs office chief, Navy Captain Jonathan Zata said in a statement.

Some of the donated medical equipment were procured through the donations of AFPMBAI employees.

Zata said the equipment will be distributed to the Victoriano Luna Medical Center, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo Station Hospital, AFP General Headquarters, AFP Major Services, and other government agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire and Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Another PHP42 million worth of donation for the AFP is also in the pipeline for procurement by the AFPMBAI, he added.

The AFP earlier expressed gratitude for the large number of donations received from various groups, corporations, individuals both from public and private sector, and from Kingdom of Thailand.

The Thai government, through its Ambassador to the Philippines Vasin Ruangprateespsang, donated 5,000 kilograms of dressed chicken to the AFP front-liners during the early days of the quarantine period in the country.

From the private sector, several corporations and their respective foundations have donated to AFP. These include Mercury Drug Corp., GMA Kapuso Foundation, Nutri-Asia Inc., Lucio Tan Group Inc., Linaheim Transport, Suyen Corp., Megaworld Corp., SM Foundation Inc., PLDT Smart Foundation, Inc., Sagip Kapamilya ABS-CBN, Johnson & Johnson Phils., Hytera Communications Corp Ltd., Victory Liner Inc., Yuchengco Group of Company and Century Pacific Foods Inc.

Several restaurants also donated a number of their products to AFP front-liners. These are Sincerity Restaurant, Gourmet Gypsy, Macao Imperial Tea, Snack Stop, Red Ribbon Group of Company, Vikings Group of Companies, Barrio Fiesta Greenhills, Food Tray2GO, Maricar Chocolate Cakes, Goldilocks, Red Bull and Haveli House of Biryani and Keybab.

Lastly, groups and individuals both from public and private sector also donated various items and consumables to the AFP front-liners — Makati Healing Servants Foundation Inc., Sen. Pacquiao Foundation, Rotary Clubs of Metro San Fernando del Monte, Quezon City and Camp Aguinaldo, Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Philippine Relief and Development Services, 8GADS Printing Supplies, Support Our Troops Phils and Government Internal Auditor Association of the Phils.

Other include the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce Inc., Security and Detection System, Major San Juan, Ghonnie Ramos, Ma. Gladys Rosario, Helen Bautista, Atty. Francince Longid, Jacques Dupasquier, Office of Civil Defense, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, AFP Reserve Command, and the Department of National Defense.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102868