Army discovers NPA lair, food supply in Davao de Oro

From the Manila Bulletin (May 19, 2020): Army discovers NPA lair, food supply in Davao de Oro (By Mike Crismundo)

BUTUAN CITY – Troops of belonging to the 71st Infantry Battalion (71st IB) discovered a lair of the New People’s Army (NPA) that also led to the capture of the rebels’ food supply in Davao de Oro, military report said.



71st IB-CMO / MANILA BULLETIN

In a phone interview with The Manila Bulletin late Monday afternoon, Lt. Kim S. Carlos, Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 71st IB said the discovery of the NPA lair also led to the capture of an alleged courier of the rebel movement in the area.

“All these accomplishments came about during pursuit operation after an armed encounter in Kabahian area, Barangay Tibagon, Pantukan, Davao de Oro on Monday,” the 71st IB CMO officer said.

The gunbattle also resulted in the recovery of enemy’s high-powered firearms, bomb-making materials including improvised explosive device and other valuable war materials,” he said.

The discovered enemy lair in Kabahian area could accommodate close to 20 Communist NPA terrorists, he said.

The abandoned enemy lair belonged to the Guerilla Front 2 (WGF2) of the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA Southern Mindanao Command, which withdrew in the southwest direction after the armed encounter, the 71st CMO officer said.

Operating troops also discovered six containers of rice hidden near the lair.

While the ground forces were scouring the hideout, they also captured an NPA courier. His identity was temporarily withheld pending tactical investigation.

Troops found in his possession 10 kilograms of rice, two kilos of sugar, two packs of cigarettes, 10 packs of noodles, and three packs of coffee.

Initially, he (the capture NPA courier) revealed that a certain ”Ka Roy/Mantos”, leader of the terrorists in the area, instructed him to buy such items, Carlos said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/19/army-discovers-npa-lair-food-supply-in-davao-de-oro/

NPA rebel killed in Surigao del Sur clash with military

From the Manila Bulletin (May 19, 2020): NPA rebel killed in Surigao del Sur clash with military (By Mike Crismundo)

CAMP BANCASI, Butuan City – The Army’s 36th Infantry Battalion (36th IB), under the operational control of 402nd Infantry Brigade (402nd IB), scored anew against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NP) after a rebel was killed while an undetermined number of other rebels were believed wounded during a gunbattle Monday in Kiskis area, Barangay Siagao, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur.



Shown in photo are the war materials and medical supplies seized from the CNTs after a gunbattle with government troops in Kiskis area, Barangay Siagao, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on Monday, May 18, 2020. (402ndBrigade-CMO, 36th IB via Mike U. Crismundo / Manila Bulletin)

Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr., Civil Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 402ndBrigade based here, told The Manila Bulletin on Tuesday that elements of the 36th IB were responding to the report of the villagers in Kiskis area about the presence of the rebels when they figured in that armed confrontation.

“At 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 18, elements of the 36th IB clashed with some 30 heavily armed terrorists for 45 minutes before the rebels withdrew in disarray in the Diwata ranges in Kiskis area,” the 402nd CMO officer said.

The rebels were believed members of the Sub Regional Command (SRC) 2130 of the CPP-NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) under a certain Kumander Salem, Garello said.
The 36th IB also clashed with the same group in that province just over a week ago.

The insurgents scampered towards different directions after sensing that they were out positioned, leaving behind their dead comrade, the 402nd Brigade CMO officer said.

The military seized at the encounter site two AK47 rifles, bomb-making materials, including two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), various war materials and medical supplies.

“The troops also overran an NPA hideout which can accommodate around 40 individuals in Kiskis area,” Garello said.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/05/19/npa-rebel-killed-in-surigao-del-sur-clash-with-military/

Curfew in ESSZone extended to June 4

From the Malay Mail (May 19, 2020): Curfew in ESSZone extended to June 4

Zaini said based on intelligence, those carrying out kidnappings-for-ransom and the Abu Sayyaf group are still trying to intrude into the ESSZone to commit abductions and other cross-border crimes. — Bernama pic

KOTA KINABALU, May 19 — The curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which ends tomorrow, has been extended until June 4.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Zaini Jas said the curfew covered the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

“Therefore, outsiders will not be allowed to enter or be in the affected areas between 6 pm and 6 am, he said in a statement today.

He said based on intelligence, those carrying out kidnappings-for-ransom and the Abu Sayyaf group are still trying to intrude into the ESSZone to commit abductions and other cross-border crimes.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/05/19/curfew-in-esszone-extended-to-june-4/1867528

Three Abu Sayyaf Militants Killed, 5 Soldiers Wounded in Latest Clashes

From Benar News (May 18, 2020): Philippines: Three Abu Sayyaf Militants Killed, 5 Soldiers Wounded in Latest Clashes (BenarNews staff)

Philippine marines aboard an armored vehicle and a truck guard a highway in Sulu province, Feb. 27, 2017. AFP

Philippine security forces killed three suspected Islamic State-linked militants in a pair of clashes that also left five soldiers wounded in southern Sulu province during the weekend, the military said Monday.

The firefights took place on Jolo, the main island in the Sulu archipelago, where deadly clashes have flared up in recent weeks between the Philippine military and pro-IS members of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

The first of the two latest clashes erupted on Saturday when troops with the Joint Task Force Sulu launched an assault on Abu Sayyaf positions in Danag, a village in Patikul town, the local military chief told reporters.

“The fighting lasted for an hour, leaving three terrorists killed,” Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan said. An undetermined number of militants were also wounded, he said.

The Abu Sayyaf men dragged their dead fighters during their retreat, but subsequently abandoned one of them and left behind an assault rifle, Vinluan said.

Troops who were sent in as a blocking force encountered the same band of militants at a nearby village, sparking another gun battle in which five soldiers were wounded, Vinluan said.

“Bloodstains were seen on the enemy position, indicating heavy casualties inflicted by our troops,” he said.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, vowed to intensify military pressure against Abu Sayyaf.

“As the troops close-in on the enemies, they will employ a reasonable amount of combat power to pressure and debilitate the terror group in Sulu,” Sobejana, a veteran ground commander who has been fighting the Abu Sayyaf since the 1990s, told reporters.

The military has blamed the Abu Sayyaf for some of the country’s deadliest attacks, including bombings, kidnappings and beheadings. A faction of the group is led by Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, chief of pro-Islamic State militants in the Philippines.

The military said Sawadjaan had planned twin suicide bombings that killed 23 people at a church in Jolo in January 2019.

Last month, 11 soldiers were killed while 14 others were wounded – the military’s biggest loss in recent years – in a clash with the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo. Nearly a week later, six Abu Sayyaf militants were killed and eight soldiers were wounded in fighting on the island.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/philippines-militants-05182020094242.html

NDF/Sison: What to expect from Duterte in the next two years

Posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Facebook Page (May 19, 2020): What to expect from Duterte in the next two years



By Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant

Duterte is overly confident that in the last two years of his legal term of office he will not be a political lameduck under the pressure of his accumulated crimes and failures, the spread of mass discontent, the rise of the broad legal opposition and the rivalries among his own political followers.

The source of overconfidence is the loyalty of the highest military and police officers whom he has pampered with tax money and opportunities for self-enrichment in so many corrupt and criminal ways and his absolute control of the Comelec which he can use to fake the results of any voting exercise as he did in the 2019 mid-term elections.

Based on the foregoing facts, Duterte has a number of options which in his subjective he can use to forestall the prospect of stepping down and ensure that he will not be held accountable in the Philippines for the gross crimes of treason, butchery and plunder that he has committed as well as for the crimes against humanity which the International Criminal Court is expected to summon him for prosecution and trial.

So long as he can still walk and order his armed and bureaucratic minions, despite his serious physical and mental infirmities, Duterte keeps as his main option charter change under the pretext of shifting to “federalism” under a highly centralized fascist dictatorship. Thus, he expects to stay in power even beyond 2022 and he can make even more certain that a dynastic heir succeeds him in case of death or total disability.

He hopes to clinch charter charge through his loyalists in Congress and in the Supreme Court and satisfy both his US and Chinese patrons by assuring them and their corporations of 100 per cent ownership of land, natural resources, public utilities and all other types of enterprises, despite the growing contradictions between the US and China.

Ensuring his replacement by a dynastic successor, like his daughter Sarah or someone else loyal to him, is one more major option for Duterte like Marcos in the past threatening the people with his wife Imelda as likely successor in case of his death or total disability. This option is closely related to the third option, which is to make way for a military junta to take over.

The current political value for Duterte in having a military junta in prospect is to flatter the military and whet its loyalty to him and at the same time threaten the opposition and the people with the prospect of military junta ruling the country in case of his death or total disability at any time or the failure of his dynastic successor to take over his position.

To threaten the opposition and the people, Duterte has systematically appointed recently retired military officers to take over departments and functions of government normally run by civilian officials. He has practically militarized and fascisticized his Cabinet and entire government upon his false claim that the military are more efficient than civilian officials, despite abundant proof of bigger corruption and inefficiency under a militarist and commandist rule.

In view of all the foregoing observations, the Duterte regime will continue without let up to vilify and escalate all-out war against the Communist Party of the Philippines, the New People’s Army and the rest of the revolutionary forces of the people in order to command and manipulate the military and police forces to serve his options of staying in power beyond 2022, ensuring a dynastic heir as successor and threatening the people with the prospect of coming under a military junta.

The revolutionary movement of the people and all the honest and well-meaning peace advocates must cast away all illusions that it is possible to negotiate peace with the Duterte regime. They may still call for the resumption of peace negotiations if only to expose the Duterte regime as the enemy of just peace. But they must realize by now that it is against the selfish interest of the tyrant Duterte to resume peace negotiations.

More than ever Duterte is hell-bent on heating up the armed conflict with the revolutionary movement in order to keep the military and police as his private army and vassals in order to realize his selfish political objectives. The revolutionary government and the broad masses of the people have no choice but to intensify all forms of struggle against the increasingly oppressive and exploitative Duterte regime.

Duterte and his armed minions are carried away by their bloodlust and their delusion that they can eliminate the revolutionary movement through sheer anticommunist psywar and military suppression. They are oblivious of the fact that the economic and political crises of both the semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system and the world capitalist system are rapidly worsening at an unprecedented rate.

They obscure to themselves the fact that the armed revolutionary movement of the people has grown in strength cumulatively from its modest beginnings since 1969 because it has resolutely and vigorously struggled against the Marcos fascist regime, all the post-Marcos pseudo-democratic regimes and now the current Duterte tyranny.

Because of the ever worsening social, economic and political crisis of the ruling system, the people’s democratic revolution has thrived and become strong through protracted people’s war. The revolutionary party of the proletariat, the people’s army, the revolutionary mass organizations, the united front and the local organs of political power which constitute the people’s democratic government have grown in strength and advanced nationwide.

On this basis, the broad masses of the people are expecting the intensification and expansion of tactical offensives against the armed minions of the Duterte regime as well as special punitive operations against the most notorious human rights violators and plunderers. All patriotic and progressive forces and people express hope and confidence that the new democratic revolution through protracted people’s war will further grow in strength and advance at a rate faster than ever before.

Duterte is obviously trying to ride on the crisis of the ruling system in order to push forward his scheme of fascist dictatorship against the people. But he has offended powerful sections and groups of the comprador big bourgeoisie and landlord class by favoring at their expense his own oligarchic greed and his own upstart business cronies who depend on his bureaucratic power and loot, Chinese loans and dirty money from the smuggling of illegal drugs and other commodities.

He is repeating the same mistake that Marcos committed in favoring his own family and his cronies as the new oligarchs against the long-established oligarchs. There is now an increasingly bitter struggle within the narrow ranks of the exploiting classes, as Duterte and his cronies try to muscle in on well-established profitable enterprises, launder the bureaucratic loot of Duterte and acquire the key enterprises in real estate, construction, public utilities, telecommunications, mass media, transport, mining, plantations and so on.

Also, Duterte cannot be too sure that he owns and controls the entire military and police forces . There are enlightened military and police officers who respect the national and democratic rights and aspirations of the people and who disagree with the traitorous, genocidal, corrupt and extremely exploitative and oppressive policies and actions of the Duterte regime and are discreetly recruiting adherents and preparing for the right time to support the mass movement to oust the regime.

There are patriotic as well as pro-US officers who strongly oppose China’s control of the national power grid, the installation of Chinese-controlled cell towers in Philippine military camps and Duterte’s active support for China’s building and militarization of islands in the West Philippine Sea, despite the legal victory of the Philippines in 2016 against the baseless claim of China. The open emergence of anti-Duterte officers from the ranks of retired and active military and police forces can be fatal to the Duterte tyranny like it was to the Marcos fascist regime regime in 1986.

And of course the ability of the Catholic church to call its flock to oust a tyrannical regime cannot be underestimated if we recall how such an institution cooperated with other forces in society in bringing down the Marcos fascist dictatorship in 1986. There is no love lost between Duterte and the Catholic Church, In fact, he has offended the Church directly far more than Marcos ever did. He has publicly cursed the God and doctrines of the entire Church, vilified the bishops, priests and nuns and called on his following to attack them physically.

While the armed revolutionary movement of the people are focused on launching tactical offensives and mobilizing the masses against the Duterte regime, it must also pay attention to the possibilities of ousting the regime before 2020, ensuring that it does not rule beyond 2022 and making short shrift of the regime if it goes beyond 2022 through charter change, vote rigging, martial law or any other trick.

When the circumstances arise for the ouster of the Duterte regime, the revolutionary mass movement can participate in a broad united front, prepare for peace negotiations with a new regime and make a further advances in the people’s movement for full national independence, democracy, social justice, all-round development and international solidarity for just peace and development. ###

https://ndfp.org/what-to-expect-from-duterte-in-the-next-two-years/

CPP: Mobilize relief work for survivors of typhoon Ambo

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (May 16, 2020): Mobilize relief work for survivors of typhoon Ambo



In behalf of the hundreds of thousands of people who are suffering from the devastation wrought by recent typhoon Ambo in Eastern Visayas, and across the Luzon regions, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) calls on all humanitarian and democratic organizations and agencies to extend urgent relief and socio-economic assistance to help the masses recover from the disaster.

The damages are especially extensive over the eastern and northern provinces of Samar, where entire towns were inundated and left without access to clean water and supplies. The toiling masses are suffering the most as the typhoon damaged their farmlands, boats and other means of production. This, on top of the ban of public transportation brought about by the Covid-19 lockdown measures, has made the people’s lives intensely difficult.

The Party calls on the mobilization of available resources to bring clean water, food supplies, clothes, as well as medical supplies, construction materials, and agricultural inputs and implements to help the masses recover from the devastation.

The Party urges all revolutionary forces within and outside the areas of devastation to organize relief work and ensure the quick delivery of supplies for urgent relief and rehabilitation work. The revolutionary forces can work with private and state agencies under the GRP to make sure that supplies and services are quickly delivered to those who require urgent assistance.

As in the time of typhoon Yolanda and other calamities, all units of the NPA are once again called to help facilitate the entry of relief workers and supplies and do their utmost to assist their work. Red fighters must be mobilized to help the people reconstruct their homes and assist in rebuilding their farms and resuming production.

https://cpp.ph/statement/mobilize-relief-work-for-survivors-of-typhoon-ambo/

Kalinaw News: Army scores anew in another Surigao del Sur clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 19, 2020): Army scores anew in another Surigao del Sur clash (By 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade)



BANCASI, Butuan City – The 36th Infantry (Valor) Battalion under the operational control of 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade scored anew in a clash against CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) yesterday morning, around 11:30 AM, May 18, 2020 at Sitio Kiskis , Brgy Siagao, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur

Elements of the 36IB clashed against thirty (30) CNTs believed to be members of the Sub Regional Command (SRC) 2130, of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) under alias SALEM in another encounter in Surigao del Sur province in just over a week.

The said encounter lasted for forty-five (45) minutes and the CNTs scampered towards different directions leaving one (1) dead terrorist and two (2) AK47 rifles, two (2) Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), various war materiel and medical supplies that were recovered by the troops. After which, said troops overran a CNT hideout which can accommodate around forty (40) individuals.

It can be recalled that on the morning of May 11, 2020, 36IB troopers also killed an NPA terrorist and seized one (1) AK47 rifle after a five (5) minute encounter against more or less ten (10) CNTs believed to be members of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) 16C1, Guerilla Front (GF16), NEMRC under alias JACOB at Area Katarugan, Cabangahan, Cantilan, SDS.

Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, Commander of the 402nd Brigade said, “We will not rest until these terrorists will be destroyed. They either surrender peacefully or they will be annihilated. People are on alert and are informing us of their whereabouts. They have nowhere to hide.”

Licudine also stressed that after the encounter in Cantilan and San Miguel, both of Surigao del Sur, troops have been relentless in tracking these fleeing CNTs with the cooperation of local folks who desperately wanted to end the terror acts of the CNTs in their area.

“Local folks are volunteering vital information to track down the escaping CNTs. That’s why we were able to intercept the CNTs in their possible consolidation areas”, he added.

Last May 10, 2020, troops under 402nd Brigade pounced on the CNTs in the boundary of Agusan Norte and Misamis Oriental in a running gun battle. A total of fifteen (15) CNTs were killed to include four (4) top communist NPA terrorist leaders and seizure of five (5) high-powered firearms that brought GF4A on the brink of its collapse.

The dead CNT in the latest skirmish in San Miguel, SDS is still to be identified and will be turned over to the nearest municipal police station. Troops are still conducting pursuit operations as of this writing.

[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-scores-anew-in-another-surigao-del-sur-clash/

Kalinaw News: Families ditch NPAs in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 18, 2020): Families ditch NPAs in Bukidnon (By 4th Infantry Division



IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon. May 18 –A total of 163 families left their homes to avoid New Peoples Army (NPA) propaganda in Bukidnon last May 16, 2020.

Due to the NPA’s presence in the area, 163 families are forced to temporarily leave their homes from Purok 7 (Sitio Sta Rita) and Purok 8 (Sitio San Roque) towards Sitio Malapgap all of Brgy Sinanglanan, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Upon report of the concerned citizens, the Local Government of Malaybalay City immediately gave relief goods as the PNP and Army ensures safety of the community members.

The Sitio Leader revealed that the NPAs forced them to listen to propaganda as they discussed topics about socio-economic issues against the government and demanded to collect PhP 5.00 and half cavan of rice in every household in the area.

He also added that, “ Gusto sa mga NPA nga kami mahimong masa pero dili mi mosugot mao nga ninghawa kami sa amoang lugar.” (The NPAs would like us to become one of their supporters but we all refuse that’s why we vacate our community)

“Dako akong pagdayeg ug respeto sa mga katawhan sa Sitio San Roque ug Sitio Sta Rita sa ilang pagpangisog nga di muapil ug magpa ilad sa NPA. Atong kondenahon ang paglapas sa ilang katawhong katungod tungod kay dili dapat apil ang mga sibilyan matod pa sa International Humanitarian Law”, said Lt Col Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, Commanding Officer of 8th Infantry Battalion. (My admiration and respect goes to the people of Sitio San Roque and Sitio Sta Rita for their brave act not to join and avoid manipulation. Let us condemn this Human Rights violations especially that civilians are supposed to be protected as stated in International Humanitarian Law).

It can be noticed that similar trends are happening in other areas of Bukidnon wherein the people are fed up of NPAs’ presence due to extortion and violations of international humanitarian law against civilians and their properties. Because of these, more and more civilians are reporting NPA presence in their localities to the Army.

[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/families-ditch-npas-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: Army, rebels clash anew, hardcore NPA militia apprehended --

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 18, 2020): Army, rebels clash anew, hardcore NPA militia apprehended (By 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



May 17, 2020, Lupon, Davao Oriental – Kamagong troopers under the leadership of LTC ALEXANDER D BANATAO clash once again with members of the New People’s Army (NPA) at Sitio Piagdugan, Brgy Maragatas, Lupon, Davao Oriental yesterday morning.

A firefight has erupted when NPA rebels fired upon the troops of 28th Infantry Battalion conducting security operations to act upon a call from a local official fearing the presence of armed rebels in their community. During the said gun battle, the NPA rebels detonated two (2) Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) causing slight injury to three (3) soldiers which slowed down the movement of the troops from pursuing them. However, with stunning determination, troops were able to maneuver the enemy defense and overran their position. The injured soldiers were immediately airlifted to Camp Panacan Hospital for treatment and are now in stable condition.
Their continuous use of IEDs only shows the blatant disregard of the NPAs on the International Humanitarian Law which strongly prohibits the use of landmines or IEDs.

Shortly thereafter, another tip from a local resident has led to the conduct of a law enforcement operation that resulted to the apprehension of a certain Jimmy Mandabon, a known hardcore NPA militia, conducting reconnaisance at Purok Lunod of same barangay. Upon showing simple gesture of kindness, subject voluntarily divulged an information about an arms cache at Sitio Sigang, still of the same barangay, that was entrusted to him by the NPA bandits.

Immediately, Ltc Banatao ordered the execution of a joint retrieval operation which was conducted by troops from the 701st Brigade, 28IB and the Davao Oriental Provincial Mobile Force Company (DOPMFC). Troops were able to recover two (2) Garrand rifles, one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) AR15 rifle, and one (1) utlimax MK3 Machine Gun within the vicinity of Jimmy’s residence at Sitio Sigang.

Said NPA militia was then brought to the Lupon Municipal Police Station for proper filing.

In an interview, Hon Beverly Rebalde, the Barangay Chairperson of Brgy Maragatas, expressed dismay at the atrocities caused by the NPA rebels inspite of the overwhelming Covid19 crisis. With this, she calls on her constituents to unite and stand against the NPA rebels causing disorder in their place as she declares them ‘Persona Non-grata’ in their barangay.

Meanwhile, Ltc Banatao lauded the efforts and sacrifices of the troops in securing the communities from threat and harm caused by the NPA bandits. He also expressed gratitude to the local community for helping the authorities in the fight against insurgency. “Timely and accurate information from the community greatly helps us in our pursuit to end insurgency and attain a genuine and lasting peace in the 2nd District of Davao Oriental”, Ltc Banatao said.

He also urges the remaining members of the New People’s Army to surrender and return to the folds of law and avail government programs such as the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) for them to start a peaceful beginning with their families especially in this time of crisis.

[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-rebels-clash-anew-hardcore-npa-militia-apprehended/

Kalinaw News: 91IB concludes Checkpoint Operations Training

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 18, 2020): 91IB concludes Checkpoint Operations Training (By 7th Infantry Division)



BALER, Aurora – To enhance the Army’s skills in the conduct of Law Enforcement Support Operations, the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB) conducted a 3-day Checkpoint Operations Training at the Headquarters of 91IB in Barangay Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora on May 12-14, 2020.

The training was in preparation for the expected implementation of a General Community Quarantine (GCQ). It was attended by 24 Army personnel of the 91IB, 10 reservists, 17 CAFGU Active Auxiliaries (CAA), and four (4) personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The Guest Speaker during the closing ceremony of said training, Police Colonel Raul C. Siriban, Director of the Aurora Police Provincial Police, declared the participants as graduates.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, the 91IB Acting Commanding Officer, expressed his profound gratitude to the Aurora Police Provincial Office and the PNP Highway Patrol Group for providing knowledgeable resource speakers who are also subject matter experts in the conduct of checkpoint operations. “The conduct of simulation exercises as part of the training module will certainly improve the future conduct of checkpoint operations targeting terrorist groups and other lawless elements.”

Relatedly, Colonel Andrew D. Costelo, Commander of the 703rd Infantry (Agila) Brigade, commended the initiative of the unit and thanked the the reservists, CAAs, and DENR personnel for participating in the training. He likewise extended his appreciation to the PNP for their skillful lectures.

[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-concludes-checkpoint-operations-training/

Kalinaw News: Starved NPA recruit involved in Miagao clash surrenders

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 18, 2020): Starved NPA recruit involved in Miagao clash surrenders (By 3rd Infantry Division)



CAMP MONTECLARO, Miagao Iloilo- Unbearable hunger in the mountains forced another NPA recruit involved in Cabalaunan clash in Miagao, Iloilo to surrender to the Army’s 61st Infantry (Hunter) Battalion on Sunday, May 17, 2020.

Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara, Commanding Officer of the 61IB, identified the surrenderee as alias Dodot, 18 years old of Sibalom, Antique and a member of Suyak (SDG) Platoon, Southern Front, KR-Panay.
Alias Dodot is the second surrenderee of the 61IB who has an involvement in the said clash. The first one is alias Ken, a 20 year-old new recruit of the CNTs’ Suyak Platoon who yielded to 61IB after surviving the encounter at Sitio Anoy, Barangay Cabalaunan, Miagao, Iloilo last April 18, 2020.

Dodot claimed that he and his friends were invited by certain ALAS to wander in the forest. They immediately accepted the invitation thinking that they will go for an adventure in the mountains of Antique.

They found out later that they are with the group of the NPAs when they were indoctrinated about the armed revolution.

Dodot also admitted that he was in the area when the clash transpired between the troops of the 61IB and members of the communist-terrorist group at Sitio Anoy. After the said encounter, Dodot decided to run away and return to home.

Upon seeing her son’s situation, Dodot’s mother then asked for help from their Barangay Officials to assist them in coming to the headquarters of 61IB.

“The consecutive surrender of these NPAs clearly shows the futility of armed struggle. Those who waged this senseless fight are now fully aware that there is no such thing as “life” inside the movement; only hell and agony,” LTC Batara said.

Futher, Batara encouraged the remaining members of the communist-terrorist group to surrender just like what their comrade did. “Dodot’s resolve to surrender is the right thing to do especially during this tough time where home is still the best refuge to stay away from the COVID-19. You can do the same to regain your future and be with your family again,” he added.

[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/starved-npa-recruit-involved-in-miagao-clash-surrenders/

Kalinaw News: Two Top NPA officials in NegOcc surrender to Army’s 15IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 18, 2020): Two Top NPA officials in NegOcc surrender to Army’s 15IB  (By 3rd Infantry Division)

CAUAYAN, Negros Occidental – Two high-ranking officers of the Communist Terrorist Group or CTG in Western Visayas voluntarily turned themselves to Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion based at Barangay Tiling in Cauayan town, Negros Occidental on Thursday, May 14, 2020.

The good news was announced over the weekend by Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, Commander of the Army’s 15th Infantry (Molave Warrior) Battalion.

LTC Cariño identified the returnees as Hermosilla Villamor alias Aya, a 45 year-old female who was said to be a Front Committee member of the South West Front in Negros and Teody Manorte alias Koko, 27 year-old, male, and a Squad Leader of SYP Platoon of the South West Front.

Alias Aya was the former finance and medical officer of the NPA’s South East Front and Medical Staff of Front 1B, Bohol Party Committee. She is now the political guide of the SYP Platoon of South West Front.

The two returnees yielded through the effort of the Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 15IB operating in Barangay Sangke in the municipality of Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

LTC Cariño warmly welcomed the returnees who apparently realized that their lives in the communist movement have led nowhere. “Their surrender is a concrete proof of increasing dissatisfaction among the NPA ranks brought by their false ideological hopes and dwindling leadership. Like many other former NPA members, they’ve given up after hiding and worse, being away from their loved ones, as well as dissatisfaction of the organization’s policy and ideology,” Cariño said.

“Rest assured that the 15IB will assist them particularly in the processing of all necessary documentary requirements for their enrollment in the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). This program, will allow them to be completely integrated into the society,” he added.

Moreover, he encouraged the remaining members of the communist terrorist group to heed the government’s call for peace while they still have time. “Our anti-insurgency effort will be relentless. We will continue our counter-terrorist operations and keep the pressure on the enemies of the state to ensure the safety of the people in our area of operation while helping those who are willing to give up their anti-government activities,” he further said.

Meanwhile, Col Noel Baluyan, Commander of Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade cited the 15IB for facilitating the surrender of the two NPA officials.

“Negrenses are already fed up of the NPA’s extortion activities and deceitful tactics of exploiting and agitating vulnerable sectors of the society including the youth,” Col. Baluyan said.Baluyan called on the locals to remain vigilant and resist the communist-terrorist group’s efforts to mobilize and organize the youth and other community members to join their ranks. “Communism, an atheistic ideology that does not believe in the existence of God and religious beliefs, is unacceptable to God-fearing Filipinos,” he stressed.

[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/two-top-npa-officials-in-negocc-surrender-to-armys-15ib/

Kalinaw News: “Army captures machine gun in Bukidnon clash”

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 17, 2020): “Army captures machine gun in Bukidnon clash” (By 4th Infantry Division)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The Philippine Army’s 1st Special Forces “Anytime, Anywhere” Battalion (1SFBn) placed operational control to 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade under the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) captured a machine gun during a series of clashes with the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) held on May 12, 2020 in Bukidnon province.

The operating troops of 1SFBn showed its dedication to duty and bravery when they retorted to a local folks’ tip of armed group’s presence in Sitio Kimutya, San Rafael, Talakag, Bukidnon.

Its blistering action concluded to a series of gun-battle in the morning and another at noon time against more or less 30 CTGs who are believed to be a consolidation of Sub-Regional Committees 4 and 5 of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Unmindful of the peril that is nearly to happen, the engaged troops were able to dictate the tempo despite their inferiority in number, which even caused the rebels to retreat in different directions leaving one (1) caliber 5.56mm Ultimax Light Machinegun with several ammunitions. Likewise, the retreating terrorists suffered great loss as heavy bloodstains were seen in the aftermath of the clashes.

Being tasked to secure the people in the borders of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinces, the 1SFBn continues its determined actions of protecting the communities and its locals against the anti-peace and development groups disturbing their peaceful way of living.

Major General Franco Nemesio M Gacal AFP, the Commander of 4ID, commended the 1SFBn for their bravery and dedication to duty of securing the people of Bukidnon. “I commend the troops of the 1SFBn for their commitment in securing the people of Bukidnon and bravery portrayed despite being outnumbered by the enemy. Live on with competence and excellence,” Gacal said.

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that on May 10-13, 2020, the government forces of 4ID securing the borders of Agusan del Norte (AgNor) and Misamis Oriental (MisOr) neutralized more than 10 CTGs and severely wounding others who were planning to terrorize the communities in the provinces. This setback would cause the collapse of Guerilla Front Committee 4A of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

“The continued decisive engagements of our forces both in the provinces of AgNor, MisOr, and Bukidnon signals the near defeat of the NCMRC. The cooperation of our fellow countrymen contributed much to the success of our campaign in ending the local communist armed conflict. I further call on our people from the other provinces to work with us and together we will move forward of defeating the Communist Terrorist threats,” Gacal concluded.

[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-captures-machine-gun-in-bukidnon-clash/

Kalinaw News: Turnover of “Balay Paglaum” in Makilala,Cotabato

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 17, 2020): Turnover of “Balay Paglaum” in Makilala,Cotabato (By 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



MAKILALA, Cotabato — The long wait is over as the last batch of 120 units temporary shelter named “Balay Paglaum,” funded by the Philippine Army and built by the military under 10th Infantry Division was successfully turned over yesterday to the local government and to its beneficiaries.

Cotabato Governor Nancy A. Catamco graced the activity held at the Internally Displaced Person (IDP) Center in Luna Norte, Makilala along with 10th ID Commander MGen Reuben Basiao, 901st brigade commander BGen Gabriel Viray, BGen Rommel Hinlo, Cotabato Rep. Rudy Caoagdan and Makilala Mayor Armando Quibod.

The P9.7-M fund to build the shelter was raised by the Army under the 10th ID by sacrificing their meal allowance.

The objective centered on providing temporary shelters for residents of Barangay Bato whose houses and abode were totally destroyed by the series of earthquakes last 2019.

“I discourage you from supporting the leftist group and their terroristic activities. Kung kami kami lang hindi kami magtagumpay sa pagkamit ng kapayapaan, kailangan namin ang inyong kooperasyon (We cannot win this war alone, we need your cooperation), return the favor by working with us in achieving peace that the government had been longing for” MGen Basiao said.

“This is the first time that I witness a major project that my officers and men and women are proud of” he added.

Bato Barangay Chairman Solociano, Manggue, on his part, expressed their outmost gratitude for the united effort in re-building the lives of Barangay Bato residents.

The activity was highlighted by a simple community prayer, shelter blessing and ribbon cutting led by Division chaplain LTC Torayno and officials.

[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/turnover-of-balay-paglaum-in-makilalacotabato/

Kalinaw News: IPs Bagani’s keen on defending their ancestral lands

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 17, 2020): IPs Bagani’s keen on defending their ancestral lands (By 10TH INFANTRY DIVISION)



MAGPET, COTABATO – Army’s 72nd Infantry Battalion, in collaboration with Magpet Local Government Unit and Magpet Municipal Police Station, conducted a 2-day Bagani Orientation Seminar to 46 Indigenous People (IPs) of the Ovu-Monuvo tribe as part of strengthening the Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) in the former Communist TerrorIst Group (CTG)-affected barangays of the municipality on Tuesday, May 12, 2020.

The beneficiaries of the orientation seminar are the Bagani’s residing in Barangays Bagumbayan and Temporan of the aforementioned municiplaity. These 46 IPs are the first batch of Bagani’s who were given this seminar within the unit’s area of operation. Sitio Bantaan and Sitio Tungao of Barangays Bagumbayan and Temporan, respectively, will be the home of the Bagani volunteers.
The Bagani’s are very eager to defend their home against the deceptive and abusive New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists. “Nagapasalamat mi sa 72nd IB, PNP, ug Magpet LGU sa gihatag nila nga higayon para kami nga mga Bagani maghiusa sa pagdepensa sa among yutang kabilin batok sa mga pagpangilad og pagpanghimulos sa CPP-NPA sa amoang mga ka Tribu. (We thank the 72nd IB, PNP and Magpet LGU for giving us the chance to unite and defend our ancestral land against the fraud and deceit of CPP-NPA among the tribes),” Datu Noa, a Bagani member, said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Rey T Alvarado, 72IB Commanding Officer, also extended his gratitude to the IPs for their cooperation and willingness to support the 72nd IB to promote peace and development in their locality. “The stronger our Integrated Territorial Defenses are, the higher the chance that insurgency in the 72IB AO will come to extinction. Thus, peace and development is maintained and people will surely live peacefully,” he said. Moreover, he also thanked Magpet-LGU headed by its Mayor, Honorable Florenito T Gonzaga for his unwavering support and steadfast leadership towards peace and development of his municipality.

In addition, 18 Barangay Peace Action Teams (BPATs) members also joined the seminar. Both the Baganis and BPAT Members were thought on Safety Gun Handling, Basic First Aid and Information Collection. They were also given homemade shotguns courtesy of the municipal LGU which will serve as their defensive tools against bad elements intruding in their ancestral homes. In return, the 72nd IB and Magpet PNP collaborated and assured the LGU of regular monitoring and conduct of refresher seminar of the Bagani especially accounting the said armaments to avoid any untoward incidents in the future.

[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/ips-baganis-keen-on-defending-their-ancestral-lands/

Two NPA leaders surrender

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 18, 2020): Two NPA leaders surrender

Two self-confessed leaders of the New People's Army have abandoned the armed struggle and gave themselves up to the 15th Infantry Battalion in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, its commander Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, said yesterday.

Cariño identified the two NPA leaders as Hermosilla Villamor, secretary of SECOM (Sectoral Command) Orchids of the NPA South West Front in Negros, and Teody Manorte, a squad leader of the SYP (Sangay ng Yunit Pampropaganda) Platoon of the South West Front.

He added that Villamor, alias Aya, also served as a political guide of SYP Platoon of South West Front, aside from being a former finance officer and medical officer of the NPA South East Front and a political guide of the Bohol Party Committee Front 1.

Cariño credited the surrender of two NPA leaders to the effort of the 15IB Community Support Program Team operating in Brgy. Sangke, Hinobaan, Negros Occidental.

“Their surrender is a concrete proof of increasing dissatisfaction among the NPA ranks brought by their false ideological hopes and dwindling leadership,” Cariño said.

Like many other former NPA members, Carino said they have given up after hiding, and worse, being away from their loved ones, as well as dissatisfaction with the organization’s policy and ideology.

Last month, a dissatisfied NPA member also surrendered several guns to the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental.

Cariño said they will assist the two former rebels to avail of the government’s Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which will allow them to be completely integrated into society.

While he encouraged other remaining NPA members to heed the government’s call for peace while they still have time, Cariño also said that their anti-insurgency efforts will be relentless to ensure the safety of the people in southern Negros, and helping those who are willing to give up their anti-government activities.Col Noel Baluyan, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, congratulated the 15IB for facilitating the surrender of the two NPA officials, as he noted that Negrenses are already fed up with the NPA extortion activities, and deceitful tactics of exploiting and agitating vulnerable sectors of the society, especially youth sector.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/May/18/topstory5.htm

ARMY: 2 minors as rebel returnees proof NPA still recruits kids

From the Mindanao Times (May 18, 2020): ARMY: 2 minors as rebel returnees proof NPA still recruits kids (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Six former rebels, including two minors, from the Ata-Manobo tribe in Talaingod, Davao del Norte, surrendered to soldiers of the 89th infantry battalion on May 13.

Lt. Col. Silas Trasmontero, the 89th Infantry Battalion commander, said the surrenderees included a 16-year-old female and a 17-year-old female. The two girls were also the live-in partners of two guerrillas who belonged to Guerrilla Front 56, Sub-Regional Command 5.

The team was under the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee led by Ka Rigor.

Trasmontero said five of the rebel returnees were residents of Talaingod, Davao Del Norte and the other one was from San Fernando, Bukidnon.

He credited the efforts of the battalion, local officials, tribal leaders, business sector, and family members of the rebels.

Accordingly, they surrendered due to exhaustion, shortage of food supplies, and infighting in the organization.

“I was recruited and joined at age 12 out of curiosity and also because all of my family members were full-time NPA members,” alias Lynlyn said.

The 17-year-old girl recalled that she first served as a supply officer and later on deployed as a medic. She did not finish her education because she was working full-time as a guerrilla.

Trasmontero said that the tribal communities remained vulnerable to the sweet promises of the NPA. The rescue of the two minors also proved that the NPA continues to defy international laws against child combatants. He said that it is considered as a war crime by the International Criminal Court.

“Unfortunately, the terrorist organization CPP-NPA deprived them of all these rights and used them as puppets of the wicked terrorist objective that leads them to chaos, destruction, and horrible death,” he said.

The battalion commander said they filed appropriate charges against the leaders of the CPP-NPA for exposing children to harm.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/05/18/army-2-minors-as-rebel-returnees-proof-npa-still-recruits-kids/

Communist Terrorist Group falls in MisOr – AgNor boundary clash

From the  Philippine Information Agency (May 18, 2020): Communist Terrorist Group falls in MisOr – AgNor boundary clash (By CPT AL ANTHONY B PUEBLAS (INF) PA)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 18 - The 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division, Philippine Army’s relentless efforts in anti-insurgency campaign has resulted in the collapse of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) operating in the borders of Agusan del Norte (AgNor) and Misamis Oriental (MisOr) during the series of encounters launched by the government forces leaving traces of defeat of the CTGs on the dawn of May 10, at the uninhabited and hinterland areas of Barangay Kamanikan, Gingoog City.

In the four-day armed encounters that ensued, the 4ID forces displayed its total superiority in a running gun battle over Guerilla Front Committee 4A (GFC4A) of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) that claimed lives of NPAs of which 10 cadavers were so far retrieved by the soldiers, recovery of five high-powered rifles; two M16; one AK47; One M14 and; One Carbine, explosives, communication gadgets, and devices, and voluminous documents with a high tactical value which includes a primer on Agrarian Revolution (AgRev) and Handbook on "How to Exploit the Lumads."

Top ranking CTG leaders were killed during the clash and were positively identified as attested by former rebels turned peace advocates. One of them was identified as Ian Dela Rama a.k.a. “GIAN”, the Front Secretary of GFC4A, NCMRC. Others were also identified as Rio Amor Yuson a.k.a. “LEMA” the Finance Officer of NCMRC; Paquito Namatidong a.k.a. “SANGKA” the CO of SPP Sikop, GF4A, NCMRC; and Peter Mansaginda Pinakilid a.k.a. “ALOY” the Political Officer, GF4A. The death of high-ranking leaders of GFC4A and NCMRC and their members attest that the CTG is at the brink of extinction.

The heavy bloodstains found along the CTG's direction of withdrawal also manifested that numerous rebels were believed to have been severely wounded and even died after security forces hit them successively. Further, there were information received from reliable sources stating that another five (5) CTGs died during the series of encounters and their lifeless bodies laid on the forested area.

The 4ID’s aggressive push ramped up late last week after a courageous civilian reported the presence of armed group threatening and extorting them money and food. In response, 4ID has immediately dispersed its highly trained infantrymen under 402nd Infantry “Stingers” Brigade specifically the “Masigasig” troopers of 23rd Infantry Battalion into the rebel-abused Barangay Kamanikan and immediately began the security operations against GFC4A.

MGen Franco Nemesio Gacal, Commander of 4ID said, “We have always been open and true to our commitment to helping them live a life they all deserve, yet despite our humble peace offering, they neglected our efforts towards building and attaining sustainable peace."

“The bravery portrayed by the civilians has resulted in the successful major encounter against GFC4A in Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental provinces. Conflict-affected communities in the far-flung areas are now free from threats of the CTGs through cooperation with our government forces. We encourage our fellow countrymen to support our government forces in putting an end to the long-time armed struggle of our misled brothers which brought countless killing among Filipinos. My sincerest gratitude also to the local folks who reported the information,” MGen Gacal added.

The 4ID chief further elaborated that people in the countryside no longer provide a safe haven to the NPA terrorists, forcing them to be constantly on the run. "People now tip-off CNT's presence in their localities resulting in Army’s operational advantage," he added.

The Army Commander also lauded the 402nd Infantry Brigade especially the 23IB for their exemplary effort of securing the communities being threatened by the CTGs.

Likewise, Gacal calls for the remnants of the fleeing CTGs to submit themselves to the nearest community and lay down their arms. “To the remaining members of the New People’s Army, we know that you are tired and exhausted running away from the operating troops. Lay down your arms and you will be safe. A new beginning awaits you together with your families and loved ones in a life where there’s no room for chaos and hardship," Gacal ended.

The ten CTG cadavers recovered were turned over to the city government of Gingoog for their identification and decent burial. Army troops are still conducting search and retrieval operations to the remaining dead NPA bodies abandoned by their retreating comrades. (4ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1042124

Army seizes machine gun in Bukidnon clash

From the  Philippine Information Agency (May 18, 2020): Army seizes machine gun in Bukidnon clash (By CPT AL ANTHONY B PUEBLAS (INF) PA)



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, May 18 – The Philippine Army’s 1st Special Forces “Anytime, Anywhere” Battalion (1SFBn) under the operational control to 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade of the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) has seized a machine gun during a series of clashes with the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) held last May 12 in Bukidnon province.

The operating troops of 1SFBn showed its dedication to duty and bravery when they retorted to a local folks’ tip of armed group’s presence in Sitio Kimutya, San Rafael, Talakag, Bukidnon.

Its blistering action concluded to a series of gun-battle in the morning and another at noon time against more or less 30 CTGs who are believed to be a consolidation of Sub-Regional Committees 4 and 5 of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Unmindful of the peril that was nearly to happen, the engaged troops were able to dictate the tempo despite their inferiority in number, which even caused the rebels to retreat to the different directions leaving one (1) caliber 5.56mm Ultimax Light Machinegun with several ammunitions. Likewise, the retreating terrorists suffered great loss as heavy bloodstains were seen in the aftermath of the clashes.

Being tasked to secure the people in the borders of Bukidnon and Lanao del Sur provinces, the 1SFBn continues its determined actions of protecting the communities and its locals against the anti-peace and development groups disturbing their peaceful way of living.

Major General Franco Nemesio M Gacal AFP, the Commander of 4ID, commended the 1SFBn for their bravery and dedication to duty of securing the people of Bukidnon. “I commend the troops of the 1SFBn for their commitment in securing the people of Bukidnon and bravery portrayed despite being outnumbered by the enemy. Live on with competence and excellence,” Gacal said.

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that on May 10-13, 2020, the government forces of 4ID securing the borders of Agusan del Norte (AgNor) and Misamis Oriental (MisOr) neutralized more than 10 CTGs and severely wounding others who were planning to terrorize the communities in the provinces. This setback would cause the collapse of Guerilla Front Committee 4A of North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

“The continued decisive engagements of our forces both in the provinces of AgNor, MisOr, and Bukidnon signals the near defeat of the NCMRC. The cooperation of our fellow countrymen contributed much to the success of our campaign in ending the local communist armed conflict. I further call on our people from the other provinces to work with us and together we will move forward of defeating the Communist Terrorist threats,” Gacal concluded. (4ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1042125

NPA leader killed, minor rescued in Agusan Sur clash

From the  Philippine News Agency (May 18, 2020): NPA leader killed, minor rescued in Agusan Sur clash (By Alexander Lopez)



DEAD NPA LEADER. Government forces killed during a five-minute firefight communist rebel leader Ronnie Rocero on Saturday evening (May 16, 2020) in Barangay Don Alejandro, San Luis, Agusan del Sur. Authorities also arrested two rebels, one of whom was a minor. (Photo courtesy of 26IB)

A sub-commander of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed and two others were captured following a firefight with the joint forces of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Agusan del Sur, an official said Monday.

Lt. Col. Romeo Jimenea, commander of the Army's 26th Infantry Battalion, said they received a request from the San Luis Municipal Police Station for the arrest of Ronnie Rocero, a vice-commander of the NPA's Milisya ng Bayan (MB) in the area and allegedly the acting vice squad leader for the rebels' Guerrilla Front 88 (GF-88).

"After confirmation by the police and our intelligence, we immediately planned out the arrest of Rocero,” said Jimenea, adding that the law enforcement operation was conducted on the evening of May 16 (Saturday) in Barangay Don Alejandro, San Luis town.

As the Army and PNP operatives were approaching the vicinity, Jimenea said an undetermined number of NPA combatants opened fire, resulting in a five-minute encounter with government forces.

Jimenea said the encounter resulted in the killing of Rocero, the capture of an NPA combatant identified as Eric P. Acita, and the rescue of a wounded NPA combatant who is a minor.

Government forces also recovered a KG9 sub-machine gun pistol, one .45-caliber pistol and two hand grenades at the encounter site.

The wounded minor was immediately rushed to Agusan del Sur Provincial Hospital for treatment while the captured NPA was turned over to San Luis PNP for documentation and filing of charges.

The cadaver of Rocero was brought to Rosario, Agusan del Sur for proper disposition, Jimenea said.

He said Rocero was allegedly involved in the series of atrocities and the killing of indigenous people (IP) leaders who refused to support the communist rebel movement.

Jimenea said Rocero was also involved in the killing of Robincio C. Salamorin, the chairperson of Barangay San Pedro in San Luis, Agusan del Sur on February last year.

In a separate statement, Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) director, Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel, Jr. said Rocero had six standing warrants of arrest for murder, multiple attempted murder, and frustrated murder.

Esquivel said PRO-13 is also preparing the charges against the leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), the National Democratic Front (NDF), and the NPA for violating the provisions of Republic Act 7610 or Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, Republic Act 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, and trafficking in persons.

The captured NPA rebel, he said, will be facing charges for attempted murder and in violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act in addition to violations of R.A. 7610, R.A. 10364 and R.A. 9851.

“The rescued 14-year-old boy who was exploited by the CNN (CPP-NDF-NPA) is now properly taken care of and will be turned over to local Social Welfare and Development (LSWD) for proper intervention,” Esquivel said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103139

NPA defeat imminent in Caraga, NorMin: 4ID chief

From the  Philippine News Agency (May 18, 2020): NPA defeat imminent in Caraga, NorMin: 4ID chief (May 18, 2020)



RECOVERED FIREARM. The Philippine Army’s 1st Special Forces Battalion under the 4th Infantry Division recovers a machine gun during the series of clashes with the communist New People’s Army fighters on May 12, 2020 in Sitio Kimutya, San Rafael, Talakag, Bukidnon. The latest setbacks, the Army division chief says, is an indication of the imminent collapse of the communist rebel forces in Northern Mindanao. (Photo courtesy 4ID)

The sustained military operations in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions against the communist New People’s Army (NPA) is the beginning of the rebel group's defeat, the chief of the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said Monday.

Maj. General Franco Nemesio Gacal, 4ID commander, said the recent clashes in Bukidnon and the border areas of Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Norte provinces that led to multiple rebel casualties were indicators of the Army's success in warding off the threats of the communists within its jurisdiction.

“The continued decisive engagements of our forces both in the provinces of AgNor (Agusan del Norte), MisOr (Misamis Oriental), and Bukidnon signal the near defeat of the NCMRC (NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee). The cooperation of our fellow countrymen contributed much to the success of our campaign in ending the local communist armed conflict,” Gacal said.

Gacal also commended the Army's 1st Special Forces Battalion (1SFBn) under the 403rd Infantry Brigade for the recent accomplishment in removing the NPA presence in Sitio Kimutya, Barangay San Rafael in Talakag town, Bukidnon, on May 12.

“I commend the troops of the 1SFBn for their commitment to secure the people of Bukidnon and bravery portrayed despite being outnumbered by the enemy. Live on with competence and excellence,” Gacal said.

Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, chief of the 4ID Public Affairs Office, reported that during the Bukidnon encounter with 1SFBn troops, 30 rebels belonging to the two NPA units retreated despite their numerical superiority.

Government troops recovered a caliber 5.56mm Ultimax Light Machinegun with ammunition as the rebels fled, Pueblas said, adding they believe the guerillas "suffered great loss as heavy bloodstains were seen in the aftermath of the clashes".

Also on May 10 to 13, 4ID troopers securing the borders of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental killed more than 10 NPA fighters and severely wounded others as the guerillas tried to reportedly infiltrate the communities in both provinces.

The Army division chief said the series of setbacks is an indication of the imminent collapse of the NPA's forces in Northern Mindanao.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103146

Army recovers NPA food supplies, war materiel in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (May 18, 2020): Army recovers NPA food supplies, war materiel in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)




NPA FOOD STASH. With the help of a captured communist New People’s Army combatant, government troops belonging to the 36th Infantry Battalion uncover a rebel hideout that concealed food supplies and other items during a two-day operation on May 16-17, 2020 in the hinterlands of Barangay Bayogo, Madrid, Surigao del Sur. The military says the food items belonged to the residents in the area who were extorted by the rebels. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

The discovery of two communist New People’s Army (NPA) hideouts in Surigao del Sur over the weekend resulted in the seizure of food items, war materiel, and subversive documents, a military official said Monday.

Capt. Jonald Romorosa, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion, said the hideouts were discovered during massive military operations in the remote areas of Barangay Bayogo in Madrid town and in Barangay Cabangahan in Cantilan on May 16 and 17.

“The food caches were discovered in Barangay Bayogo, Madrid through the help of alias 'Bray-Bray' an NPA member apprehended by pursuing 36th IB troopers after the armed encounter that took place on March 14 in the area,” Romorosa said.

The seized NPA food supplies include rice placed in six plastic containers, each with a capacity of six liters, and half-sack of assorted canned goods.

“Bray-Bray told us that they (the rebels) left the food supplies for safekeeping and future purposes and to move away to avoid the operating troops,” Romorosa said.

He said the captured NPA also revealed that the food supplies were forcibly taken from the communities and residents through the rebels' "extortion activities".

He said the food supplies belonged to the NPA combatants of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP 2), of the "weakened guerilla front" under the NPA's North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Romorosa said the second hideout discovered in Barangay Cabangahan, Cantilan town resulted in the discovery of war materiel, subversive documents, and personal belongings of NPA combatants.



NPA WAR MATERIEL. Government troops belonging to the Army's 36th Infantry Battalion recover food supplies, war materiel, subversive documents, and other personal belongings of communist New People’s Army rebels in the remote area of Barangay Cabangahan, Cantilan, Surigao del Sur, during a two-day military operation on May 16-17, 2020. The military says an NPA surrenderer provided information that led them to the rebel hideout. (Photo courtesy of 36IB)

He said the hideout, which can accommodate around 40 rebels, belonged to a rebel unit under the NPA's Guerrilla Front 16.

Recovered from the said hideout include one .45-caliber pistol, a hand grenade, live ammunition, a rifle scope, paraphernalia from an improvised explosive device (IED) such as wire, blasting caps, and switch.

The Army troopers also recovered mobile cellphones, backpacks, a transistor radio, sweatshirts, flashlights, medical paraphernalia, assorted food items, and documents with high intelligence value.

In a statement Monday, Lt. Col. Jezreel Diagmel, 36IB commander, said the discovery of the NPA food cache and war materials with the help of their former members was "a big blow on their side as they continue their futile armed struggle against the government".

“With the relentless combat operation in the area, they have no choice but to surrender to the government rather than be killed in an encounter or starve to death,” Diagmel said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103144

21 NPA rebels yield in South Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (May 18, 2020): 21 NPA rebels yield in South Cotabato (By Richelyn Gubalani)



NPA SURRENDERERS. Former communist New People’s Army rebels pose with their surrendered firearms and explosives after yielding to the police and the military on May 15, 2020 in Banga town, South Cotabato province. The 21 returnees, who were presented to local officials and the media on Monday (May 18, 2020) will be enlisted into the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy of Police Regional Office-12)

Twenty-one more New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, including four sub-commanders, have surrendered to police and Army personnel in South Cotabato province.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office (PRO)-12, said the rebels, who were formally presented to local officials and the media on Monday, voluntarily yielded along with at least seven firearms following a series of negotiations.

Capellan said the surrenderers were received last Friday by personnel from the South Cotabato Police Mobile Force Company (SCMFC), Army’s 27th Infantry Battalion (IB), and the Banga municipal police station during community support activities dubbed “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” held in Barangay Kalkam, Tupi town, and Barangay Lambingi in Banga.

The peace initiatives are part of the program launched by the South Cotabato Police Provincial Office and the 27IB in line with their continuing joint internal security operations, he added.

Capellan said the returnees were formerly under the Roxas Range Company and West Musa or Brigol Company of the NPA’s Guerilla Fronts 72 and 73, respectively.

He said the NPA units are led by Benancio Ulaman Julan, the commanding officer of Platoon West; and Yunit Militia commanders Ervin Saling Ferrer, Jemmy Biolanda Magbanua, and Hasan Pagayao Saling.

The other surrenderers were identified as Nelson Tang Olin, Shiela Mae Ticao Olin, Santos Salam Abad, Jay-R Atam Abad, Ariel Jodis Pascua, Ker-Ker Saling Bangon, Johnny Sabal Pungol, Ryan Caspillo Sabal, Joey Saling Paulite Jr., Abdul Pagayao Saling, Bazer Lintang Mampurok, Michael Digo Balao, Jomel Negil Panoy, Jim Endig Ofong, Nazer Lintang Mampurok, Danny Gambin Dati, and Arsenio Kanahay Maling.

Capellan said the group surrendered four homemade 12-gauge shotguns, a loaded M2 Carbine rifle, an improvised M14 bolt action rifle, a homemade single-shot pistolized shotgun, 40mm “high-explosive, dual purpose” cartridge, M26 fragmentation hand grenade, MK2 fragmentation grenade, PRB high-explosive fragmentation grenade and assorted ammunition.
“They also brought along 10 subversive textbooks and documents,” he said.

The surrenderers are currently under the custody of the SCPMFC and will undergo processing for inclusion into the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

Brig. Gen. Alfred Corpus, PRO-12 director, assured on Monday the police will assist the reintegration of the former rebels into their communities.

“This will be the start of their fruitful and productive journey. Rest assured that we are more than willing and prepared to help them as they restart their lives with their families,” Corpus said.

He also called on the remaining active NPA rebels in the area to also surrender and avail of the government’s reintegration program.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103182