Friday, May 22, 2020

Suspect behind murder of soldier slain in Maguindanao encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23, 2020): Suspect behind murder of soldier slain in Maguindanao encounter (By Edwin Fernandez)



MURDER SITE. The quarantine control point in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao, where Army Pfc. Jerome Tahad of the 33rd Infantry Battalion was attacked and killed by terrorist gunmen on Wednesday (May 20, 2020). The quarantine checkpoint will stay as soldiers continue to ensure the safety of the residents from Covid-19. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Army troopers on Friday killed in an encounter a man suspected to be behind the recent murder of a soldier serving as a front-liner in a community quarantine checkpoint in Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division,
identified the slain suspect as Saidon S. Nilong, an alleged member of the Ansar Kalifa Philippines (AKP) under the Maguid group.

The AKP is a faction of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating mainly in the marshlands bordering Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces in Central Mindanao.

Carreon said Nilong was killed during an encounter with the AKP in Sitio Kampana, Barangay Tabungao in Rajah Buayan town at 4:30 a.m. Friday.


“A firefight lasted for 20 minutes with the terrorists fleeing the clash site and left behind one of their companions who was later identified as Nilong,” he said.

Locals have identified Nilong as one of the leaders of the AKP group frequenting the area of Tabungao.

Soldiers also found improvised bombs and bomb-making components with subversive documents near the remains of Nilong.


Carreon said the suspect was also wanted for his alleged involvement in a 2018 bombing incident in General Santos City.

Nilong and cohorts were allegedly involved in the attack against Pfc. Jerome Tahad of the 33rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Zapakan, also in Rajah Buayan, on Wednesday night.

The assailants, using 9 mm pistols, posed as regular commuters to deceive the Army personnel while the latter was performing duties as a front-liner at the quarantine control point in Barangay Zapakan.

Tahad was immediately brought by responding colleagues to a hospital in Tacurong City but later died.

“The full might of justice will eventually catch up with those lawless and cold-blooded terrorists who attack our anti-Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) front-liners,” Carreon said.

He said Tahad’s heroism story of sacrifice will never be forgotten and that justice shall prevail.

Carreon vowed to pursue the remaining members of the AKP group.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103730

Kalinaw News: 1 NPA patay sa engkwentro sa Iriga City, Camarines Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 22, 2020): 1 NPA patay sa engkwentro sa Iriga City, Camarines Sur (By 83rd Infantry (Matikas) Battalion)



Tigaon, Camarines Sur—Patay ang isang kasapi ng teroristang NPA matapos ang engkuwentro sa pagitan ng mga terorista grupo at tropa ng 83rd Infantry (Matikas) Battalion sa Brgy. Sta Cruz Norte, Iriga City, Camarines Sur, bandang alas 5:15 ng madaling araw, ika-22 ng Mayo taong kasalukuyan.

Tinatayang nasa benteng (20) teroristang NPA ang nakasagupa ng tropa ng gobyerno na umabot ng kinse (15) minutong putukan na nagresulta ng pagkamatay ng isang (1) myembro ng NPA at pagkakarekober ng isang (1) M653 rifle, isang (1) Rifle Grenade, isang (1) bandolyer, apat (4) magazines with 5.56mm ammunitions, isang (1) generator, training kits, subersibong dokumento at personal na gamit. Wala namang naiulat na nasugatan sa tropa ng 83IB, sa katunayan ay kumpyansa ang tropa na may ilan pang nasugatan sa panig ng teroristang NPA.

Naganap ang operasyon na ito dahil sa sumbong na nagsasagawa ng recruitment ang teroristang NPA sa mga residente ng Barangay Sta Cruz Norte, Iriga City, Camarines Sur at mga karatig na barangay. Bilang pagtugon sa sumbong ng mga residente, ikinasa ang operasyon ng 83IB upang maitaboy ang mga NPA at mapigilan ang pagrerekluta sa mga inosenteng residente.

Upang mapanatili ang siguridad sa lugar at hindi na magdulot pa ng takot sa mga residente, agarang nagresponde ang quick reaction team ng 83IB. Nagsagawa sila ng pulong-pulong tungkol sa nangyaring engkuwentro at hinikayat ang mga residente na makiisa at makipagtulungan sa gobyerno. Namigay din sila ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (E-CLIP) leaflets upang mapalaganap ang programa ng gobyerno para sa mga rebeldeng nais nang magsimula ng panibagong buhay.

Nagpapasalamat ang Commanding Officer ng 83IB na si Lieutenant Colonel Clark R. Dalumbar, sa pakikiisa at patuloy na pakikipagtulungan ng mga tao upang magapi ang gawaing terorista na sanhi ng di pag-unlad ng bansa. Gayundin ang lubos niyang paghikayat sa mga kapatid natin sa CPP-NPA-NDF na magbalik loob na lamang sa gobyerno sa tulong ng E-CLIP o Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program na naglalayon na matulungan ang mga nagnanais na magkaroon ng mapayapang pamumuhay. Higit sa lahat, lubos niyang pinapaabot ang pakikiramay sa naulilang pamilya ng nasawing NPA.




[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/1-npa-patay-sa-engkwentro-sa-iriga-city-camarines-sur/

Kalinaw News: NPA pressured, releases farmer’s son

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 22, 2020): NPA pressured, releases farmer’s son (By 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion, Philippine Army)



MPASUGONG, BUKIDNON. May 22 – After eight (8) distressful days, the 23 year old man who was fooled into joining the New People’s Army (NPA) was finally reunited with his parents after the NPA was pressured to release him on 20 May 2020 in Brgy Paradise, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

The son revealed that he was deceived by the NPA that is why he walked along with them. But in fact, the NPA used him as their servant, as he packed up and brought all the heavy stuffs of the NPA terrorists as they ran away from the government troops in the mountainous area in Bukidnon.

He lamented “Kakapoy ug kagutom ang nasinatian nako sa tanan adlaw kauban ang NPA. (I only experienced tiredness and extreme hunger in all the days when I was with the NPA.). He begged and cried because he can no longer bear the loneliness and sadness. He was then notified that his parents could not sleep and kept looking for him knowing that he joined the terrorist armed group.

Alias Mag, his mother, said “Mapasalamaton ako nga nakauli na ang akong anak sa amoang panimalay. Wala siya’y kaugmaon kauban ang mga terroristang NPA. Ug usab ako mapasalamaton sa mga kasundalohan kinsa nag tabang sa amoa para ipakaylap ang mga balita aron sa pagbalik sa among anak.”(I am glad that my son finally returned home. He has no future with the NPA. I am also thankful to the Army who helped us in spreading the news to bring back our son.)

“Ako nalipay na ang anak na lalaki sa mag uuma naka hunahuna na wala siyay kaugmaon uban ang NPA. Ako mapasalamaton sa atong mga kauban ug katawhan sa pagpakaylap sa impormasyon para maibalik ug mabuo ang ilang pamilya” said Lt Col Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, Commanding Officer of 8th Infantry Battalion. (I am glad that the farmer’s son realized that he does not have any future with the NPA. I thank all the partners who disseminated the information to reunite their family.)

Last May 17, 2020, his parents asked help from the Philippine Army and the Local Government to look for their son.



[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/npa-pressured-releases-farmers-son/

68 former BIFFs receive livelihood aid

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (May 22, 2020): 68 former BIFFs receive livelihood aid



ZAMBOANGA. The Provincial Government of Maguindanao has provided livelihood assistance to 68 former members of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFFs). Photo handout shows the farm machinery and inputs the former BIFFs received in a ceremony Wednesday, May 20, at the provincial Capitol of Maguindanao. (SunStar Zamboanga)

SIXTY-EIGHT former members of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) have received livelihood assistance from the Provincial Government of Maguindanao, officials said.

The returnees received 68 units of farm machinery and input, such as kuliglig, tractors, fertilizers and vegetable seedlings, which were handed to them by Maguindanao Governor Bai Marian Sangki-Mangudadatu in a ceremony Wednesday, May 20, at the Provincial Capitol.

Colonel Joel Mamon, Army's 601st Infantry Brigade officer-in-charge, facilitated the turnover of livelihood assistance through collaboration with the Provincial Government that rallies its advocacy slogan, "Gobyernong may malasakit sa Maguindanao," for peace, security, and progress in the province.

"The brigade endeavors to provide a livelihood to the rebel returnees amid the economic setback experienced by the province due to the occurrence of the Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic," Mamon said.

Mamon said the former BIFFs surrendered to the 7th and 33rd Infantry Battalions from January to April this year.

The distribution of livelihood aid on Wednesday, May 20, was the third time the Provincial Government of Maguindanao has extended livelihood assistance to former members of the BIFFs.

"We are fulfilling our commitment to help rebel returnees be reintegrated into the mainstream society and live a peaceful life with their families," Mangudadatu said.

"It is very fulfilling to live in peace and harmony and be a productive citizen and instrument of development. We call on the other rest of our brothers who are still contemplating to come out and take advantage of the livelihood programs implemented by the government," said Brigadier General Efren Baluyot, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade.

Meanwhile, Major General Diosdado Carreon, Joint Task Force Central commander, ensured the active intervention of the military in the capitulation and reintegration of former rebels in the area.

Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said, "The mutual cooperation only shows that the military and all other sectors are sincere in ensuring the accomplishment of the government's program for former rebels."

"Those who wish to cross the line will receive the sincere assistance of our troops on the ground," Sobejana added. (SunStar Zamboanga)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1857346

ISIS thrives in Covid-19 shadows in Philippines

Posted to the Asia Times (May 22, 2020): ISIS thrives in Covid-19 shadows in Philippines (By BONG SARMIENTO)

Three years after militants laid waste to Marawi City ISIS operatives are using the virus crisis to recruit new fighters


A Filipino soldier uses binoculars during the siege of Marawi City by Islamic State-aligned militants, July 1, 2017. Photo: Twitter

MINDANAO – Three years after Islamic State-aligned militants seized the southern Philippine city of Marawi, triggering a bloody five-month urban siege, violent extremism continues to flourish in the shadows of the Covid-19 pandemic.

As President Rodrigo Duterte struggles to rebuild and rehabilitate Marawi, the only Muslim majority city in the island nation, ISIS organizers are exploiting the misery and woe to recruit a new generation of militants that security officials fear are poised to strike again.

They are also leveraging the Covid-19 crisis and the government’s military-enforced quarantine measures to rally disenfranchised and desperate youth to their terror-driven cause, analysts and authorities say.

On May 23, 2017, heavily armed men waiving black ISIS flags occupied the nation’s only Muslim majority city in a bid to establish a wilayah, or a self-governed province, in Southeast Asia.

The foreign fighter-backed jihadist invasion placed the southern Philippines on the global terrorism map, killing 1,100 and displacing over 350,000 civilians, 127,865 of whom are still displaced according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The military campaign, punctuated by military aerial bombardments of militant positions in the city, left Marawi in ruins, with reconstruction and rehabilitation expected to cost a staggering 72.2 billion pesos (US$1.39 billion). The city’s “ground zero” still lies in rubble and is a no-go zone for residents.

Three years after the end of the Marawi siege, Philippine security forces are still struggling to stamp out violent Islamic extremism.


A soldier rides a bicycle past bombed-out buildings in what was the main battle area in Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao, October 25, 2017. Photo: AFP/Ted Aljibe

Rommel Banlaoi, chairman of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism, a think tank, claims that ISIS’ activities have continued unabated amid the Covid-19 pandemic and a strict lockdown in the Philippines.

“Islamic militants are taking advantage of the quarantine measures against the pandemic as rallying issues to recruit members and to propagate the idea of violent extremism, especially in depressed rural areas heavily affected by lockdowns,” the security analyst said.

Since February 2020, Philippine military forces stationed in Mindanao have been fighting on multiple fronts: Muslim armed groups aligned with ISIS, communist rebels, and the invisible Covid-19 threat. Soldiers have been deployed to provide security to border checkpoints and to distribute assistance in rebel-influenced areas.

Last month, with the country under a Covid-19 hard lockdown, the military suffered a debilitating defeat after 11 soldiers were killed and 14 injured in an hour-long fierce encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul town in the island-province of Sulu, a known bailiwick of the ISIS-aligned group.

This month, the ISIS-affiliated Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), which operates in Maguindanao province, killed two soldiers and wounded another one helping to implement a Covid-19 community quarantine during a clash launched under cover of darkness in the town of Datu Hoffer.

Lieutenant Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command, admitted that security forces already have their hands full with the pandemic and enforcing quarantine measures.



“We are presently battling against two different enemies,” the general said, referring to the groups inspired by the Islamic State such as the Abu Sayyaf and the BIFF on one hand, and Covid-19 on the other.

The official stressed that military operations against the Islamic State-inspired groups will continue, based on Duterte’s standing order to flush out the Abu Sayyaf Group, an extremist armed outfit founded in 1991 and classified by the US as a foreign terrorist organization.

Under Duterte, the country’s first president from Mindanao who previously served as mayor of Davao City, the Abu Sayyaf Group has remained a security headache. So, too, has been the emergence of a new brand of extremism that uses suicide bombings to target both military and non-military establishments.

The tactic, referred to as “suicide terrorism” by analysts, was rarely used before ISIS made inroads into the Philippines.

Authorities point to four attacks in particular, including a July 31, 2018 attack on a military checkpoint in Lamitan, Basilan that killed 10 with the main suspect a German national of Moroccan origin, and January 27, 2019 twin blasts perpetrated by an Indonesian couple that killed at least 20 people and wounded over 100 others at a Catholic church in Jolo province, as lethal signposts of the trend.


Debris inside a Catholic church where two bombs exploded in Jolo, Sulu province on the southern island of Mindanao on January 27, 2019. Photo: Westmincom via AFP

These suicide bombings, Banlaoi says, indicate that ISIS foreign fighters continue to operate in Mindanao.

As of the end 2019, data gathered by his think tank from intelligence sources showed that at least 59 foreign fighters illegally entered the country and were being coddled by Islamic State-inspired groups in Mindanao.

He claims they see the Philippines as their “new land of jihad” after ISIS was largely routed in the Middle East, including in Iraq and Syria.

Most foreign fighters arriving in the Philippines hail from nearby Indonesia and Malaysia, while others came from the Arab World, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia, according to Banlaoi.

He said they often come to facilitate the transfer of funds and weapons to local supporters, to conduct violent extremist propaganda activities, and to transfer skills in jihad. While the Covid-19 lockdown has slowed the entry of foreign fighters, they continue to support their local counterparts, Banlaoi said.

“Sadly, local terrorist fighters are currently exploiting the Covid-19 situation to further justify their violent extremist activities,” he said. “They use quarantine measures against the pandemic as rallying issues to recruit members and to propagate the idea of violent extremism, especially in depressed rural areas heavily affected by lockdowns.”

Philippine Defense Chief: Repairs on South China Sea Island Not Yet Finished

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22, 2020): Philippine Defense Chief: Repairs on South China Sea Island Not Yet Finished (Dennis Jay Santos and Richel V. Umel)



An aerial photo shows part of Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, April 20, 2017. AFP

The Philippines has made significant progress in upgrading facilities in an island it controls in contested waters of the South China Sea, but it will “take another year at least” to finish all the construction work, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

Manila for three years has been building upgrades to infrastructure on Pag-asa (Thitu), an island that lies in the Spratly chain of islands, where China, the Philippines and other countries have overlapping territorial claims, and Beijing has constructed military outposts on atolls.

“It is not quite finished,” Lorenzana told BenarNews. “Only the beaching ramp is 95 percent finished. We will have to lengthen and pave the runway.”

He said it would “take another year at least” to complete all the construction work on Pag-asa. Lorenzana declined to elaborate further.

The defense chief’s announcement came more than a week after a Philippine Navy heavy landing craft, the BRP Ivanatan, completed a re-provisioning mission to Pag-asa, the first time that a navy vessel of its size had docked there.

Lorenzana said the navy’s docking of the ship at the island could be considered historic, and came at a time when troops there needed fresh supplies and goods. The island where Philippine civilians and military personnel live is a municipality within the Kalayaan chain of islands, which are part of the Spratly Islands.

The 1.6 billion peso (U.S. $31.4 million) infrastructure project, which began in 2017, includes the refurbishment of runway facilities, docking areas, power and desalination plants, and a radio station. But deadly storms and continued tensions in the South China Sea have slowed down the rehabilitation project, officials said.

Last year, Pag-asa was the site of maritime tensions when Chinese fishing boats swarmed the waters around it.

Manila has had a presence on the island since the 1970s. The Spratly chain that surrounds it is believed to sit atop vast natural oil and gas deposits. The Spratlys are claimed in whole or in part by China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

The government of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been careful to not antagonize China since he took office in 2016. He has visited Beijing multiple times and said repeatedly that he did not want to risk angering China over territorial wranglings in the sea region.

Last month, however, the Philippines strongly objected to Beijing’s creation of two districts in the South China Sea, as well as its designation of Kagitingan Reef as an administrative center for its “Nansha district.” The reef lies within the Kalayaan group.

Manila also recently sided with Hanoi when a Chinese ship allegedly sank a fishing vessel in disputed waters around the Paracel Islands – nearly similar to what had happened in June 2019 to a Philippine vessel, which was rammed by a Chinese boat, leaving 22 Filipino fishermen at sea off Reed Bank (Recto Bank) near the Spratlys.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/Thitu-Island-05222020075029.html

2 pregnant NPA members yield to Army in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22, 2020): 2 pregnant NPA members yield to Army in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)



Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr., commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion. (Photo courtesy of 23IB)

Hardship, hunger, and pregnancy pushed two medics of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to surrender to the Army’s 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB) in the Agusan del Norte town of Buenavista.

Lt. Col. Francisco L. Molina Jr., 23IB commander, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday that concerned citizens in Sitio Cabalalahan, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista sent text messages to the Army regarding
the situation of two pregnant NPA members settling temporarily in a mass supporter’s house.


“When we verified that the information was positive, we immediately proceeded (to) the area and found the two pregnant NPA members,” Molina said.

The two were brought to the 23IB headquarters on May 16 and were immediately processed, considering their condition and security, he added.

“Both were abandoned by their comrades in Barangay Sangay, Buenavista where they were provided with a barangay pass so that they could proceed to the town proper, particularly at the Municipal Health Office, for an endorsement to have their medical check-up in an OB-Gyne in Butuan City,” Molina said.

He identified them as “Apay”, 38, in Lagonglong town in Misamis Oriental, and “Wena”, 18, a resident of Buenavista.

In an interview on Friday, Apay said she served as the medic of Guerrilla Front (GF) 4B of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).
“I was recruited by the NPA in our barangay in 2006. I am a medic at GF-4B for more than 13 years. I was trained by the NPA since I joined them as a medic,” Apay said, adding that she is married to “Budo”, a regular member of GF-4B.

“We have three children, all male. The eldest is now 12. They are staying now with my mother and sisters. The child I carry in my womb is our fourth,” she said, adding all she wants now is to see her children.

“I have not seen them in the past nine years. I do not know if they can still recognize me now.”

Wena, meanwhile, said she worked as a medic for GF 4A, where her father and older brother are regular members.

“I was still 15 and studying at Buenavista National High School when the NPA started recruiting me. I left my schooling and joined them, considering that my older brother and father are also NPA members,” she said, adding that she was also trained as a medic and served GF-4A for almost three years.

Wena recounted that she had a relationship with a certain “Lahi”, the father of the child she carries but that they were not married.

“I was told that Lahi was among those killed in the encounter last May 10 in the boundary of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental,” she said.

Molina confirmed that Lahi was killed during the running gun battle that started on May 10 and that his body was among those buried in the encounter site by government troopers.

“His cadaver was found during the clearing operation," he said, adding that five more dead bodies were uncovered by the troopers after days of skirmishes.

High-ranking NPA staff

Apay said that among those killed in the May 10 encounter was a high-ranking regional staff of NCMRC whom she identified as “Nady”.

“I knew her because I directly made reports to her on medical and health matters in GF-4B. She was my direct officer as a medic at the regional level,” she said.

Apay identified Gladys Joy Hiponia as “Nady” through the identification cards shown to her by the Army.

Hiponia was among the female NPA members killed at the start of the running gun battle in the border of Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental on May 10.

Her body was among those retrieved by the Army and brought to a funeral parlor in Gingoog City on May 12.

Hiponia and eight other NPA casualties were buried in a public cemetery in Sitio Lingcomonan, Barangay Binakalan, Gingoog City on May 13.

New life
Both Apay and Wena said they want to change the direction of their lives after yielding to the Army.

Apay said all she wants now is to give her children a better future, especially the one she carries in her womb.

“I do not know the location of my husband now. The last time I saw him was in February this year. I know he will be angry with my decision,” she said, adding that she has realized that the stories propagated by the NPA about the military "are all lies."

“I have proven to myself that what the NPA had told me about the Army is not true. I and Wena are treated well here. They brought us to a doctor to check-up our condition and (that) of our babies,” Apay said.

Molina reiterated his call to the remaining NPA combatants in GF-4A and GF-4B to return to their families and live normal lives.

He added that families of NPA members need them, especially at this time that the country is facing threats of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

“No one can surpass the happiness you feel when you are with your family,” Molina said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103693

Suspected rebel killed in clash with cops in Iriga

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22, 2020): Suspected rebel killed in clash with cops in Iriga (By Mar Serrano)



A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed on Friday morning in a clash with police operatives in a remote village in Iriga City, Camarines Sur province, police said.

Maj. Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Police Regional Office-5 (Bicol) police spokesperson, said the body of a still unidentified rebel was recovered after the firefight in Barangay Sta. Cruz.

“The slain rebel was a member of the guerilla front Larangan 1 operating in Camarines Sur province,”
she said in an interview.

Police recovered at the site an M16 and grenade rifle, and a bandoleer containing ammunition.


A police report said authorities were on patrol when they chanced upon a group of NPA rebels, leading to a running gun battle at around 5 a.m.

As of posting, the lawmen were still scouring the area, tracking down the suspected communist rebels who fled toward neighboring villages.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103659

Parlade denies tagging UP CMC as Red-front organization

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22, 2020): Parlade denies tagging UP CMC as Red-front organization (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., Southern Luzon Command chief (PNA File photo)

A ranking military official and member of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) on Wednesday denied identifying the University of the Philippines-College of Mass Communication (UP CMC) as a communist-front organization.

The clarification was issued by Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade, Jr., in a rejoinder to Ellen Tordesilla's article posted on ABS CBN news website’s opinion section on May 18, 2020.


"Once again, for the record, I never said UP CMC (University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication) is a front organization. CEGP (College Editors Guild of the Philippines), NUJP (National Union of Journalists of the Philippines), and NUJP (Union of Journalists of the Philippines) are. Media is not the enemy. But if you are a member of 'ARMAS' or 'KM' then you are an enemy and we will hold you responsible if anything happens to these neophytes in CMC," he said referring to Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan and Kabataang Makabayan.

Parlade, who is Southern Luzon Command chief, challenged Tordesillas to show proof that it was his press statement which alleged that the UP CMC is a front for the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“So, Ellen are you now part of those willing to be exploited by the CPP to vilify the NTF ELCAC? Obviously you did not research well, again. Or were you just too eager to react to the falsehoods fed to you by your colleagues who are members of ARMAS, the underground organization hiding under the CPP created, and led NUJP and CEGP? Many of them, I am sure, have been former KM members during their student days,” he added in a statement.

Red-baiting, he said, is an old tactic of the CPP in leading detractors to the trap of "lumping all activists as Reds.

“We know it’s not true but you want us to commit that mistake. You only wish I will commit that mistake, so even if I didn’t, you assumed. So check again,” he added.

He also refuted claims that the media is the government’s enemy adding that such moves are done by the communist rebels and their allies as part of their classic agitation propaganda.

"They are agitating all media, including those who have nothing to do with the CPP to rally with them in accusing the government of suppressing freedom of speech. Classic agit-prop which we already warned you about," he said.

Rather than brand media as their enemy, Parlade said they have been advising media practitioners to be careful of being exploited by these CPP cadres hiding behind legal front organizations.

"Are we fighting with UP CMC? No, but that's what the CPP agitators want you to believe. And then they will complain of red-tagging," he said.

He added that the NTF ELCAC is not stupid to red-tag an entire college that is a tactic of CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison.

"That's what he wanted UP to be known for – a breeding ground for commies. That’s not our doing," he said.

He said it is their job to warn media practitioners to stay away from those violent communist terrorists whom he claims have been instigating media practitioners to pick up a fight with the government.

"We sternly warn you that the CPP will exploit your threats and pronouncements. We will remind you once more, what the NPAs are capable of doing," he added.

Parlade cited the case of NPA Special Partisan Unit member James Durimon alias "Juros" who confessed that on orders of the CPP, he executed several activists, peasants, and protesters in Panay in order to put the blame on the government shortly after his surrender on September 2019.

"You can go check the interview of Father Conrado Balweg https://youtu.be/vYNJyKA9gao about how the NPAs killed Father Joel, Protestant pastors, and many children/activists so the government will be blamed for it," he said.

In the said interview, he said Balweg, former NPA member, described how they attacked innocent civilians near NPA ambush areas while clad in military uniform.

This was done to entice peasants to exact vengeance on the military by joining the NPA in Abra.

"You continue to ignore that part of our history when the CPP-NPA (New People’s Army) bombed Plaza Miranda in order to blame the government?" Parlade added.

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

"The CPP is ruthless so we are warning you. You are dangerously playing with fire with those communist agitators. But there is still time. If you feel something is not right, call your nearest parish priest and seek protection from them. Better yet call us, the NTF ELCAC, so we can secure you. Do it now," he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1103687

11 NPA rebels killed in Surigao Sur – military

From MindaNews (May 22, 2020): 11 NPA rebels killed in Surigao Sur – military (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

Eleven communist rebels were killed in a series of encounters in Andap Valley, a rebel stronghold in Surigao del Sur, the military said on Thursday.

Capt. Al Arnold Pueblas, spokesperson of the 4th Infantry Division said the soldiers seized firearms and laptops believed to be owned by top New People’s Army leaders in Mindanao during the clashes.

Pueblas said the government soldiers numbering around 800 suffered no casualties in the clashes that started last May 14 and ended on Wednesday.


Manobo residents recently fled their homes in sitios Simowao and Emerald in Diatagon, Lianga town in Surigao del Sur for fear of getting caught in the crossfire between government forces and the New People’s Army . CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

“This is a major victory for us. Since I was a young lieutenant, Andap Valley is known as a major stronghold for the NPA,” he said.

He said top NPA leaders like Myrna Sularte alias “Malaya,” party secretary of the NPA North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee, and Alvin Loque alias “Joaquin Jacinto,” spokesperson of the NPA Komisyun sa Mindanao, were believed in the camp when it was attacked by the soldiers.

He said an informant guided the soldiers through a safe path that led to the back of the camp which could house 100 NPA fighters.

“The rebels did not expect the soldiers to attack from their back. They fought back but they were caught completely by surprise,” Pueblas said.

He said the bodies of the 11 rebels were found along the northerly route taken by the rebels to escape the dragnet.

He added the soldiers captured five firearms, two laptops, one overhead projector, flash drives, external hard drives, two anti-personnel mines, hand grenades, bandoleers, assorted ammunition and magazines, handheld radios, personal belongings, assorted food and medical supplies.

Major General Nemesio Gacal, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division said he was happy over what he called the second setback inflicted against the NPA rebels in Caraga region.

Last May 13, another military operation launched in nearby Agusan del Norte province killed four NPA leaders and 11 other rebels.

Andap Valley, also called Andap Valley Complex, is an area that straddles the towns of San Miguel, San Agustin, Marihatag, Cagwait, Tago and Lianga.

Since the martial law years, the area has been the site of several clashes between government forces and the NPA that have caused evacuations and human rights abuses blamed on security forces.

In a statement issued on 21 July 2018, the anti-mining group Caraga Watch linked military presence in Andap Valley to mining interests.

The group identified the five companies with interests in the area as Benguet Corp. of the Romualdez family, Abacus Coal Exploration and Development Corp., Chinese-owned Great Wall Mining and Power Corp., ASK Mining and Exploration Corp. and CoalBlack Mining Corp.

“These mining companies have been raring to operate since 2015 but were constantly prevented because of the refusal of the Lumad communities to sign the Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC) agreement,” the statement said.

“The purpose of the militarization of Andap Valley Complex is clear: to remove any opposition against the entry of coal mining companies into the ancestral lands of the Lumad,” it added.

According to the Department of Energy website, the operating permits granted to these mining firms cover areas within Andap Valley Complex, the towns of Cantilan, Madrid, Carmen and Lanuza and Tandag City, as well as Sibagat, Bunawan and Trento towns in neighboring Agusan del Sur.

The DOE launched on July 27, 2015 the 5th Philippine Energy Contracting Round for the exploration of potential coal and petroleum areas in the country, which includes Surigao del Sur. (Froilan Gallardo/MindaNews)

Suspected NPA rebel killed in Iriga City clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 22, 2020): Suspected NPA rebel killed in Iriga City clash (By: Mar S. Arguelles)

A suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebel was killed Friday morning in an encounter with police operatives in a remote village in Iriga City.

Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol regional police spokesperson, said the body of the still unidentified rebel was recovered
at the clash site in Barangay Sta. Cruz.

The police team was on routine patrol when they chanced upon a group of suspected NPA rebels that resulted in a running gun battle at around 5 a.m.

Police recovered from the site an M-16, a grenade rifle, and a a bandolier and ammunition.

Pursuit operations against the other members of the group are ongoing.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1279226/suspected-npa-rebel-killed-in-iriga-city-clash

2 BIFF gunmen killed in Maguindanao clash

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga ( May 21, 2020): 2 BIFF gunmen killed in Maguindanao clash




ZAMBOANGA. Two members of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed as the government forces launch as offensive against them in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao. A photo handout shows the personal belongings of the slain BIFF the troops have recovered after the clash. (SunStar Zamboanga)

TWO members of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were killed in a clash against government forces in Maguindanao, the military said Thursday, May 21.

Major General Diosdado Carreon, 6th Infantry Division commander, said
the clash broke out around 7:50 p.m. Monday, May 18, in Lower Salbu village in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Carreon said the clash ensued as the troops of the First Mechanized Infantry Battalion launched a combat operation and chanced upon a group of BIFF gunmen led by Saga Indong, Mahdi Adam and a certain Zan Kutin of the BIFF’s Karialan faction.

Carreon said the clash, which lasted for about five hours, resulted to the death of two BIFF members namely, Salamat Kutin, the brother of Zan, and Nasruden Akmad.

He said that two other BIFF members identified only as alias Amad and Saudi were wounded based on the report they received from the residents in the area.

Another firefight against BIFF gunmen led by Samuel Panigas ensued around 9:10 p.m. Monday in the same area (Lower Salbu village, Datu Saudi Ampatuan).

There were no reported casualties on both sides of the government and enemy forces.

Carreon said the troops of the 57th Infantry Battalion discovered enemy tracks and empty shells of ammunition following clearing operations around 6 a.m. in Pagatin 1 and Sambulawan villages, Datu Salbo.

The troops have cleared the clash site Tuesday in Lower Salbu village, Datu Saudi Ampatuan town.

Carreon added that the Joint Task Force Central forces have built up their pursuit and combat operations against Daesh-inspired fighters.

“Offensives are mounted to derail enemy movement and hostile plans which may hamper the security and enforcement of community quarantine in the area,” said Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

“The military continues its relentless efforts to quell terrorism and lawlessness with its sustained campaign for peace and progress,” Sobejana added.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1857237

WESTMINCOM: 68 former terrorists receive aid in Maguindanao

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page ( May 21, 2020): 68 former terrorists receive aid in Maguindanao

Sixty-eight former terrorists received livelihood assistance from the provincial government of Maguindanao yesterday, March 20.

Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu distributed to said returnees 68 units of farm machinery and input, such as kuliglig, tractors, fertilizers, and vegetable seedlings.

Col. Joel Mamon, officer-in-charge of the 601st Infantry Brigade, facilitated said turnover through collaboration with the provincial government that rallies its advocacy slogan, "Gobyernong may malasakit sa Maguindanao," for peace, security, and progress in the province.

“The brigade endeavors to provide a livelihood to the rebel returnees amidst the economic setback experienced by the province due to the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Col. Mamon.

Said local terrorists surrendered to the 7th and 33rd Infantry Battalions from January to April 2020.

This is the third time that the provincial government extended livelihood assistance to former rebels.

"We are fulfilling our commitment to help rebel returnees be reintegrated into the mainstream society and live a peaceful life with their families," said Gov. Sangki-Mangudadatu.

The turnover was graced by Brig. Gen. Efren Baluyot, commander of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, Brig. Gen. Roberto Capulong, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, Colonel Joel Mamon, officer-in-charge of the 601st Infantry Brigade, Pol. Brig. Gen. Manuel Abu, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, and Pol. Col. Arnold Santiago, director of the Provincial Police Office-Maguindanao.

"It is very fulfilling to live in peace and harmony and be a productive citizen and instrument of development. We call on the other rest of our brothers who are still contemplating to come out and take advantage of the livelihood programs implemented by the government,” said Brig. Gen. Baluyot.

Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, commander of the Joint Task Force Central, ensured the active intervention of the military in the capitulation and reintegration of former rebels in the area.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said, “The mutual cooperation only shows that the military and all other sectors are sincere in ensuring the accomplishment of the government’s program for former rebels.”

“Those who wish to cross the line will receive the sincere assistance of our troops on the ground,” he added.

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Kalinaw News: ‘NPA supply courier’ nabbed in Surigao Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 22, 2020): ‘NPA supply courier’ nabbed in Surigao Sur (By 3rd Special Forces "Arrowhead" Battalion, Philippine Army)



BUTUAN CITY – Authorities arrested an alleged militiaman of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in a law enforcement operation in the Surigao del Sur town of Lianga.

Brig. Gen. Joselito T. Esquivel Jr., Police Regional Office (PRO) 13 (Caraga) chief, said Thursday Eric G. Enriquez, 33, who also reportedly served as a supply courier, was arrested on Tuesday through a warrant of arrest issued by a regional court in Lianga for murder and attempted murder.

Enriquez is a member of the Militia ng Bayan (MB), a trusted contact and supply courier of the Weakened Guerrilla Front 19 (WGF-19) of Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NMRC) of the NPA, Esquivel said.

He was arrested in Diatagon in Lianga by elements of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn), Regional Mobile Forces Battalion 13 (RMFB-13), Surigao del Sur Provincial Mobile Force Company, and Lianga municipal police station.

“Based on the intelligence report, Enriquez is also an active member of Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (Mapasu), an alleged CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines) affected organization in Surigao del Sur,” Esquivel said.

In a separate statement on Thursday, 1Lt. Krisjuper Andreo J. Punsalan, the civil-military operations officer of 3SFBn, said the area where Enriquez was arrested is a known rebel enclave.

Punsalan was specifically referring to the boundary between Sitio Han-ayan (Km. 16) in Diatagon, Lianga and Sitio Kabulohan, Barangay Buhisan, San Agustin, where Enriquez was arrested.

“An Indigenous People (IP) witness, who requested anonymity, said that wanted and terrorist personalities – to include communist-linked and militant group Mapasu leaders with standing warrants of arrests – are allegedly seeking refuge in Sitio Han-Ayan (Km. 16) and Sitio Kabulohan and are using civilians as human shields to evade government forces through ‘taktikang bakwit’ (evacuation tactic),” Punsalan said.

He noted that last March 19, Mapasu leader Gloria Campos Tumalon, who has standing warrants of arrest for arson, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention, was also arrested in the same area by a team of Army and PNP personnel.

Punsalan said Tumalon is the sister of Pablito Sinzo Campos and Imelda Campos Belandres, the NPA leaders who were arrested by authorities in Sibagat, Agusan del Sur back in 2018.

Brig. Gen. Allan D. Hambala, commander of the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade, said several NPA personalities linked to Mapasu have been arrested following tipoffs received from residents in the area.

Tribal leader Hawudon Jomar S. Bucales, the Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga, also lauded the arrest of Enrique.

“We, in the IP tribal council fully support the government’s operations against Communist NPA Terrorists and their front groups within our ancestral lands to stop their abuse, exploitation, and killings of innocent IPs who refuse to give in to their violent armed struggle and ideology,” Bucales said.

Meanwhile, Punsalan said the military and other law enforcement agencies involved in the arrest of Enriquez and other NPA leaders in the area are expecting Bayan Muna Rep. Eufemia Campos Cullamat and her leftist allies to appeal to various media platforms to gain public sympathy.

“Expect that they will come out and accuse government forces with lies, such as an attack on the IPs and their communities. This tactic is one of their old playbooks to cover up their members when in fact that the arrest was conducted based on a legal and constitutional basis,” he said.

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

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

Kalinaw News: Fight for food security gains traction in Southern Tagalog, First quarantine farm camp established

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 22, 2020): Fight for food security gains traction in Southern Tagalog, First quarantine farm camp established (By 2nd Infantry Jungle Fighter Division)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — The ceremonial signing of partnership documents between and among the Tanay LGU, the Army and private farm owners here on Friday officially signalled the launching of efforts to ensure food security in Southern Tagalog.

The initiative is also in support to the national government’s Balik Probinsya Program which intends to decongest Metro Manila and promote rural living and farming among the people.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division which is one of the partnership’s proponents, said that the initiative is designed to keep the people afloat during, and even beyond, the Community Quarantine period being implemented by the government to prevent the spread of the deadly corona virus.

He added that even before the formal signing ang launching of the project, the soldiers have already “identified and converted almost two hectares of Camp Capinpin into farmlands as we promote farming to prevent a looming food crisis as the nation battles the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“As of the moment, we are already on the road to self sufficiency because our soldiers are already benefiting from the fruits of our labor, something which we want to replicate in the communities within our operational jurisdiction”, said Maj Gen Burgos.

He ended his statement by articulating the soldiers’ “hope that this project will be the beginning of another enduring partnership which will help us not just in our quest to have ample food supply but, more importantly, to achieve peace, prosperity and development which every Filipino truly deserves.”

Under the partnership, the farms will be providing technical assistance in livestock raising, crop production and food processing to the soldiers while volunteers from the community and paramilitary forces will be tapped to augment the manpower of the private farms that will be converted into “Quarantine Farm Camps” which is projected to produce huge volumes farm-fresh food for the community.

​Mr Dexter Villamin, the President and CEO of DV Boer Farms which is also known as “The People’s Farm”, said that food security should be ensured so that greater problems such as hunger and civil disobedience can be prevented as those are the problems that might arise as a result of the measures which were set in place to contain the current global crisis.

He added that the partnership will help the Filipino people in surviving this very challenging phase of our lives and overcome hunger because “we have a natural skill for farming, on top of our innate resiliency, which can help address possible food shortage.”

“As agri-business, we feel that it is our civic responsibility to help the government avert such problems not only by providing food but also by empowering and giving our people the ability to grow their own food during, and even beyond, the current health crisis”, ended Mr Villamin.

Mayor Rex Manuel Tanjuatco expressed his appreciation to the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division and the DV Boer Farms International for being a consistent and reliable partner of the people of Tanay.

He reiterated his optimism that “this out of the box program will turn out to be the extraordinary action that will help ensure my constituents’ survival during these extraordinary times.”

The local chief executive believes that the noble undertaking will help his people, particularly the indigenous people, in cushioning the long term effect of the pandemic to the local economy and to the lives of his constituents.

The military said that they are planning to replicate the initiative across Southern Tagalog.

Talks with other LGUs and private farm owners are now on initial stages and are envisioned to culminate in similar signing of MOPs for the establishment of more Quarantine Farm Camps in the region.



[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/fight-for-food-security-gains-traction-in-southern-tagalog-first-quarantine-farm-camp-established/

Kalinaw News: Former Communist Terrorist stronghold now productive after the launch of “Gulayan sa Kalinaw Project”

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 22, 2020): Former Communist Terrorist stronghold now productive after the launch of “Gulayan sa Kalinaw Project” (By 73rd Infantry Battalion)



Malapatan, Sarangani Province – Members of Alying Farmers Livelihood Organization harvested 15 kilos of petchay in a former NPA stronghold in Sitio Alying, Sapu Masla, Malapatan, Sarangani Province.

Most of the members of the farmer’s organization were deceived by the communist terrorist organization. They were exploited to support the armed group of the failed communist ideology.

The Gulayan sa Kalinaw Project was launched by the LGU of Malapatan in coordination with the 73IB last April 1, 2020. Seeds and fertilizers were initially provided by Agricultural Training Institute headed by Mr. Abdul Daya-an. A 3-day training was also conducted inside the Alpha Company Headquarters of 73IB, which provided the members technical knowledge in crop production.

The harvested petchay were sold at Malapatan Public Market. “Malaking tulong na sa amin ang mga petchay na naibenta pangtustos sa mga gastusin ng aking mga kauban kung kaya’t nagpapasalamat ako sa mga kasundaluhan ng 73IB dahil sa pagtulong nila sa Gulayan Project.” Robertson Diamoda said. He is the president of the organization.

“The spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ was exemplified by the people of the So Alying as they helped each other to be productive residents. I hope this is just a start of something big for the residents of So Alying” Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, Commander of 73IB, said.








[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]