'It Is My Duty to Continue': No Investigation a Year After SF Activist Brandon Lee Was Shot in the Philippines

Posted to KQED (Aug 7, 2020): 'It Is My Duty to Continue': No Investigation a Year After SF Activist Brandon Lee Was Shot in the Philippines (Ericka Cruz Guevarra)

San Francisco native Brandon and his daughter Jesse Jane B. Lee. (Courtesy of SFCHRP )

It's been a year since San Francisco native Brandon Lee was shot in the Philippines in a suspected extrajudicial assassination attempt by the Philippine government for his activism in defense of indigenous land. Despite repeated calls by family and supporters in the Bay Area and abroad, pleas for an investigation into the shooting have yet to be answered.

Still, amid international concern over the sweeping authority of a new so-called anti-terrorism law in the Philippines, Lee, an environmental activist from the Sunset District, says he believes it's his duty to continue to advocate against human rights abuses in the Philippines.

"I am believed to be the first American targeted by President [Rodrigo] Duterte's counter-insurgency plan for defending human rights and promoting indigenous people's rights as a community journalist and environmentalist," said Lee at a press conference on Thursday. "However, I can be considered one of the fortunate ones who have survived, because I could've easily been one of the 30,000 fathers, sons, mothers and children who have been killed brutally, mercilessly, with no due process whatsoever."

"That is why despite my permanent injuries, and physical hardship, I believe it is my duty to continue to lend my voice when and where I can," he said.

At the Thursday press conference, Lee called for the end to U.S. military and financial aid to the Philippines through the Philippine Human Rights Act. In April, the U.S. granted $5.3 million in assistance to the Philippines in its fight against COVID-19, but activists fear the Duterte administration has instead used the pandemic as an opportunity to become further militarized.

Last year, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution calling for the suspension of U.S. aid to the Duterte administration until Lee's case was solved "and the perpetrators are brought to justice."

"It's our duty and responsibility to stop our tax dollars to support Duterte," Lee said.

Along with members of the local Filipino American community, Lee also spoke out against the new Anti-Terror Bill in the Philippines, which human rights groups say gives the Duterte administration sweeping new powers to define terrorism, persecute political opponents and suppress free speech.

In the Philippines, Lee worked as an advocate with the Cordillera Peoples Alliance and was a journalist with The Northern Dispatch in the Philippines, where he advocated against large-scale mining projects on indigenous land.

Lee began his activism as a student at San Francisco State University before moving to the Philippines in 2010. He warned repeatedly of intimidation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines to family and friends back home in the Bay Area.

He was shot outside his home in August before being airlifted back to San Francisco in October, where he continues his search for affordable housing that is also Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessible.

Still, Lee says the intimidation by the Philippine government continues.

"The social media attacks against me did not stop after being airlifted to safety," he said.

Lee's supporters say the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the Philippine House and Senate have passed resolutions calling for an independent investigation into Lee's shooting. They also say they've been in communication with the offices of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Kamala Harris.

"There haven’t been any updates from any administration – either our government administration or the Philippine administration as to the investigation around the attempted assassination," said Sadie Stone, a reverend with Bethany United Methodist Church and a supporter of Lee.

California Rep. Rob Bonta, D-Oakland, the first Filipino American elected to the state Legislature, said the Bay Area's show of support for Lee's continued recovery makes him proud of the Filipino American community's commitment to fight against injustice wherever it is.

"We can't be deterred, and Brandon reminds us of that," Bonta said.

https://www.kqed.org/news/11832307/it-is-my-duty-to-continue-no-investigation-a-year-after-sf-activist-brandon-lee-was-shot-in-the-philippine

‘Aggressive’ West PH Sea patrols tell China we’re not backing down – AFP Chief

From CNN Philippinesn (Aug 7, 2020): ‘Aggressive’ West PH Sea patrols tell China we’re not backing down – AFP Chief



The Philippine military may be barred from joining naval drills in the South China Sea, but the new chief of staff said the country has increased presence in its territorial waters.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay said Friday that President Rodrigo Duterte’s “temporary suspension” of the country’s participation in joint military exercises in contested waters “doesn’t mean we are backing down on our claim."

“We are patrolling aggressively and vigorously our territorial waters and really maintaining presence in the area, and this sends a signal not only to China but other claimant countries that we are still asserting and protecting our sovereignty in that part of the country,” Gapay told CNN Philippines.

“Tuloy-tuloy ‘yan (That’s continuous). We do that everyday,” he added.

Gapay is referring to the West Philippine Sea, which includes areas Manila claims and occupies in the disputed South China Sea. China continues to reject the 2016 arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines which invalidated the East Asian giant's sweeping claims. The landmark decision recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights to areas within its exclusive economic zone which China claims.

But Duterte, who has nurtured friendship with China, agreed to shelve th arbitral ruling. He has repeatedly said he could not go to war against China and pushed for “diplomatic endeavors” instead.

The AFP fully supports its commander-in-chief.

“We uphold the diplomatic track and of course the rules-based approach in dealing with the West Philippine Sea issue,” Gapay said.

While the AFP will not resort to arms in line with national policy, it has improved its external defense capability through its modernization program, Gapay said.

The country has procured frigates and now boasts of a “blue-water navy” capable of sustained operations across deep seas, he added.

Critics have called out Duterte's defeatist stance on the maritime dispute, saying he does not have to wage a war to assert the country's sovereign rights.

However, the administration has rejected calls to raise the arbitral ruling in the United Nations General Assembly in September, saying the Philippines and China have "agreed to disagree" to pursue "friendly consultation."

https://cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/8/7/AFP-West-Philippine-Sea-patrols.html

Bill declaring March 18 as Bangsamoro Day filed

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 8, 2020): Bill declaring March 18 as Bangsamoro Day filed (By Charissa Luci-Atienza)

Anak Mindanao (AMIN) partylist Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan has filed a bill declaring March 18 of every year as the Bangsamoro Day in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to commemorate the infamous 1968 Jabidah Massacre.

She filed House Bill No. 7000 seeking the declaration of March 18 as the Bangsamoro Day to commemorate the massacre of young Bangsamoro men on Corregidor Island on March 18, 1968.


“This year marks the 52nd anniversary of the infamous Jabidah Massacre. The declaration of March 18 as Bangsamoro Day will give the Bangsamoro people a chance to revisit the struggles of their forbears as they move towards the dream of being recognised as a unified political unit existing harmoniously with the lumads and even the migrant settlers,” she said in her bill’s explanatory note.

“The commemoration of the Jabidah Massacre will capture and integrate in the history of the Bangsamoro people the turbulent days that unified the Muslim ethnic groups towards the fulfilment of their aspiration as an empowered and self-directed people,” Sangcopan said.

She said the Jabidah Massacre first came to public attention on March 18, 1968 when two fishermen rescued a man named Jibin Arula from the waters just off Caballo Island on Manila Bay.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/08/bill-declaring-march-18-as-bangsamoro-day-filed/

From RAG to ARMM to BARMM: the IP’s struggle for ancestral domains continues

From MindaNews (Aug 7, 2020): SPECIAL REPORT (1): From RAG to ARMM to BARMM: the IP’s struggle for ancestral domains continues (By CAROLYN O. ARGUILLAS)

1st of three parts

DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 07 August) — “Where is the promise to the non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (IP)? Where is the promise that the Bangsamoro Organic Law will be more than the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) +++? Where is the promise that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be better than the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao?”

Froilyn Mendoza, Executive Director of the Teduray Lambangian Women’s Organization Inc. asked these questions via social media on June 22, in a desperate call for help.

Nearly a thousand families from several villages in South Upi had fled their villages again since late May to avoid getting caught in a crossfire between government forces and non-state actors.

Residents of 13 sitios in Barangay Kuya, South Upi, Maguindanao, seek shelter in a covered court to avoid getting caught in a crossfire between warring forces. Photo courtesy of FROILYN MENDOZA

“There is so much violence in the IP lands and everybody is deaf. Nakakabinging katahimikan” (deafening silence), she said as she asked the national government: “where are the peace mechanisms?”

“Impunity is incredible: violent action by armed non-state actors who are free to sow terror and violent action by the rule of the jungle is the law,” she wrote.

She told MindaNews that two days earlier, at around 10 p.m., Sitio Bahar in Barangay Pandan, South Upi, was attacked by armed men, the bullets grazing parts of around 10 houses, a Catholic chapel, carabaos and pigs.

It was not the first time residents fled their villages because of conflict over land. In the past two years, residents have repeatedly evacuated, she said, citing “landgrabbing, harassment of IP farmers” such as being fired at or pointed a gun to.

“The big one was on May 29 at around 8 a.m. when the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) clashed and at around 1 p.m. the gunfire was so intense residents in the 13 sitios fled to the covered court in Barangay Kuya,” she said in Filipino.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez, commander of the Joint Task Force Central and spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division told MindaNews on June 2 that the clash was “between feuding families – MILF-affiliated groups and Betita Clan.”

Mendoza said armed men affiliated with the MILF claimed the area as theirs
“but this is a traditional area of the IP and is part of our ancestral domain claim.”

The MILF is a non-state actor, the largest Moro revolutionary group that forged a peace agreement with the government in March 2014 and is currently in the process of demobilizing the combatants and weapons of its armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.

Since last year, however, the MILF leadership has become a state actor, having been appointed to lead the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the body mandated to govern the BARMM during the three-year transition period until June 30, 2022.

The BTA is composed of 41 members nominated by the MILF and 39 by government. Its Chief Minister is Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, more popularly known by his nom de guerre, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the MILF since July 2003.

“New dawn for the Moro”

The ratification of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM in January last year paved the way for the MILF to take political power over the Moro-dominated region five years after it signed the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro on March 27, 2014.

On February 22, 2019, President Rodrigo Duterte administered the oath for at least 70 members of the BTA in Malacanang.

On February 26, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman, whose three-year term was cut short by four months as the new law abolished the ARMM upon its ratification, handed over governance to the BARMM, now an expanded autonomous region comprising the ARMM’s core territory of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-tawi and the cities of Marawi and Lamitan — plus the city of Cotabato and 63 villages in North Cotabato.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte sounds the agong to signal the inauguration of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City on March 29, 2019. Joining the President is BARMM Interim Chief Minister Al Haj Murad Ebrahim. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

In the BARMM’s inaugural on March 29, 2019, President Duterte told the BTA: “The power to chart the course of your region’s future is now in your hands. I trust that you will wield this power with utmost care, the future of succeeding generations of the Filipinos, especially the Moro of Mindanao, depends on it.”

He described the BARMM as the new autonomous entity “that we had envisioned to address the injustices of the past and plot the new course towards a more promising future for Mindanao and the rest of the country … a new dawn for the Moro.”

“For the next three years, we will all work and truly work for the benefit of the Bangsamoro people,” the country’s first Mindanawon President who claims to have Moro roots, said.

Duterte’s six-year term ends at noon on June 30, 2022, the same day the BTA steps down to give way to the first set of elected officials of the BARMM.

Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs

While the Bangsamoro law was being drafted, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, then headed by Jesus Dureza, created in April 2017 an Indigenous People’s Peace Panel to provide a venue for IPs to discuss and propose policy recommendations during the peace processes with the MILF and National Democratic Front.

Leaders of Indigenous Peoples in the Bangsamoro core territory air their concerns at the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples’ Legislative Assembly (MIPLA) on August 29, 2017 in Davao City. Screen grabbed from OPAPP video
The panel organized the Mindanao Indigenous People’s Legislative Assembly (MIPLA) from August 30 to September 1, 2017, to push for the rights of IPs in the Bangsamoro region, including the rights already provided for under the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) of 1997.

Dureza said the purpose of MIPLA was “not to inspire and even provoke IPs to do something that will probably be blocking the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) but to be heard by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC),” the body tasked to draft the law.

The draft Bangsamoro law submitted by the BTC in 2017, made no mention of IPRA, as the BTC draft did not in 2014 but IPRA was in the Bangsamoro law when it was passed in July 2018.

In the run-up to the January 2019 ratification, a number of IPs expressed fears of land dispossession as word spread in their communities that armed men claiming to be MILF spoke of taking over their lands once the law is ratified. The MILF denied the allegations and pointed to provisions of the law to assure the IPs their rights would be protected.

RA 11054 provides that the Bangsamoro Government “shall recognize and promote the rights of non-Moro indigenous peoples within the framework of the Constitution and national laws,” that freedom of choice shall be respected, that IPs shall have the freedom to “retain their distinct indigenous and ethnic identity in addition to their Bangsamoro political identity” and that there shall be “no discrimination on the basis of identity, religion, and ethnicity.”

The Bangsamoro Government, it adds, recognizes the rights of the IPs and shall adopt measures for the promotion and protection of their “native titles or fusaka inged; indigenous customs and traditions, justice systems and indigenous political structures, equitable share in revenues from the utilization of resources in their ancestral lands; free, prior and informed consent; political participation in the Bangsamoro Government including two reserved seats in the Parliament; basic services; and freedom of choice as to their identity.”

Timuay Melanio Ulama, Bangsamoro Member of Parliament, heads the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs. Photo courtesy of MIPA FB page

On top of these, it provides for a Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs (MIPA) to be part of the Cabinet. Headed by Timuay Melanio Ulama, the MIPA has the “primary responsibility to formulate and implement policies, plans, and programs to promote the well-being of all” IPs in the BARMM “in recognition of their ancestral domain as well as their rights.”

Under the law, the BARMM has exclusive rights over “ancestral domain and natural resources.”

Ancestral domain / domains

Ulama, a Teduray, was a member of the technical committee of the MILF peace panel, and a member of the first and second BTC that drafted the Bangsamoro law.

The first BTC was from 2013 to 2014, during the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. Under his leadership, the breakthrough Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro in October 2012 and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in March 2014 were signed, ending 17 years of peace negotiations.

2014 photo of then Commissioner Froilyn Mendoza, one of two IP representatives in the 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission. at the public hearing of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law on October 22, 2014 at the Upi School Gym in Upi, Maguindanao. MindaNews file photo by TOTO LOZANO

The first BTC was composed of 15 members, two of them representing non-Moro IPs: Ulama who was nominated by the MILF and Mendoza who was nominated by government.


On April 20, 2014, the BTC completed its draft law for submission to Malacanang, with 13 commissioners signing, although two with reservations, and two commissioners absent.

Mendoza was one of the two who signed with reservations as some of the issues she fought for, among them the recognition of IPRA within the BBL and “ancestral domains” instead of just ancestral domain, were not approved.

Mendoza argued that instead of “ancestral domain,” it should be “ancestral domains” to “recognize that there are ancestral domains in the Bangsamoro belonging to the Indigenous Peoples consistent with the context of ancestral domain in the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act.”

Mohagher Iqbal, then chair of the MILF peace panel and the BTC, told a forum on May 23, 2014 that for those who believe that the IPRA answers the long struggle of the IPs to protect their ancestral domain claim, “rest assured that we respect that stand. There is no rancor in our heart. It is part of their right to self-determination.”

Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF peace panel and the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, August 2014. File photo by Carolyn O. Arguilas

But Iqbal appealed to the IPs to “also respect the view and stand of the MILF, clearly contained in all signed documents and in the proposed BBL, that there is only one ancestral domain in the Bangsamoro, which is owned by Moros and IPs. Give us the chance to prove that in the Bangsamoro, the IPs have a bright future. This we will prove once the Bangsamoro is in place.”

Congress failed to pass the law under the Aquino administration which bowed out of office on June 30, 2016.

Another BTC was set up under President Duterte, Aquino’s successor. The drafting body was expanded to 21 with two IP representatives – Ulama, again nominated by the MILF and Romeo Saliga, nominated by the government.

Saliga, a Teduray from Maguindanao, was Mendoza’s executive assistant when she was BTC Commissioner. Saliga was Executive Director of the defunct Lumad Development Center.

Ulama and Saliga were appointed to the BTA and are now Members of Parliament.(Carolyn O. Arguillas / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/special-reports/2020/08/special-report-1-from-rag-to-armm-to-barmm-the-ips-struggle-for-ancestral-domains-continues/

S. Cotabato police tighten security vs local terror groups

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 7, 2020): S. Cotabato police tighten security vs local terror groups (By Joseph Jubelag)

POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato – Police authorities have tightened security measures here amid threats from local terror group Dawlah Islamiyah, which has brought atrocities in communities.

Polomolok Police Chief Lt.Col. Alex Joe Orcajada said security measures were heightened in strategic areas of the municipality after suspected members of Dawlah Islamiyah killed a habal-habal motorcycle driver in Barangay Crossing Palkan last August 2.

Police said the victim, Elisito Planto, 59 was driving a motorcycle when waylaid by two gunmen identified as Prince Ja and Norman Madanguit, who were said to be remnants of the Ansar Al- Khilafah Philippines, a local terror group which pledged to allegiance to ISIS.

Police said the suspects also took the victim’s money amounting to P2,000.

Police authorities have launched manhunt operations against the suspects.

Police have also intensified law enforcement operations against a local terror group led by Jeoffrey Nilong, which was allegedly involved in criminal activities including, illegal drug trade, robbery and gun-for-hire.

At least three suspected members of the local terror group were killed in a series of law enforcement operations launched last week by security forces in the locality.

Among those killed was Tons Usman, brother of the late Basit Usman, a foreign-trained bomb expert of the Jemaah Islamiyah terror group. The slain suspect, who resisted arrest, was facing murder charges in connection with the 2018 bomb attack in General Santos City which wounded eight people.

Police also killed two suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiyah, Dimas Talib and Tubin Cabalu who shot it out with police operatives conducting separate anti-drug operations.

The slain suspects were tagged in the killing of Senior Inspector Herman Gabat, Polomolok deputy police chief, in 2017, and with the ambush-slay of two policemen, Patrolam Bryan Costello and Corporal Witzel Russ Betantos in Barangay Koronadal Proper here last April 29. 

 
https://mb.com.ph/2020/08/07/s-cotabato-police-tighten-security-vs-local-terror-groups/

Kalinaw News: 7𝑰𝑩 TAPAT discovered IED cache amid combat clearing operation

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 9, 2020): 7𝑰𝑩 TAPAT discovered IED cache amid combat clearing operation

August 5, 2020 – The men of Bravo Company, 7IB, led by 1LT JAYONA (INF) PA, under the leadership of LTC Romel S Valencia INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, conducted a combat clearing operation at two (2) separate targets of Brgy Kiadsam, Sen. Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat.

After an incurred information from a concerned citizen, TAPAT Troopers advanced to the target areas. From company base to the said barangay, they cleared the first location, and at the same day, furthered to the second target, where they searched and eventually cleared the area.

Among the recovered accouterments during the clearing operation were four (4) pieces of suspected IED anti pers (believed to be “Kapto”), and one (1) cutter.

The 7th Infantry TAPAT Battalion acknowledges the community’s effort in helping beat insurgencies in its area of operation. This is a major advantage for the government’s approach to fight terrorism through EO 70 or the ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict) through whole of nation approach.

It is proven effective in its steady recovery of terroristic materials used by the NPA. The shown support of the community in battling or fighting the communist terrorist is useful to end the terrorist group in the area.







[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/7%f0%9d%91%b0%f0%9d%91%a9-tapat-discovered-ied-cache-amid-combat-clearing-operation/

Kalinaw News: RONDA PROBINSYA alang sa Kalinaw Program para sa Former Rebels

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 9, 2020): RONDA PROBINSYA alang sa Kalinaw Program para sa Former Rebels

Sarangani Province – Unang beses na idinaos ang Ronda Probinsya alang sa Kalinaw Program ni Congressman Rogelio Pacquiao katulong ang 73rd Infantry Battalion na dinaluhan ng 53 na former rebels (FRs) sa Pacman Beach, Maasim ng nasabing munisipyo nitong, August 7, 2020.

Layunin ng programa na hikayatin ang mga sumukong New People’s Army sa kanilang katapatan sa gobyerno at bigyan ng karagdagang pangkabuhayan para sa kanilang pagbabagong buhay. Nagkaroon din ng simpleng pagtatalakay ang mga iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno gaya ng DTI, DA, DENR, DSWD, TESDA, DILG at DOLE na kung saan kanilang inilahad ang mga programa na makakatulong sa kabuhayan ng mga nagbalik-loob.

Bilang karagdagan, binigyan ang mga FRs ng isang sakong bigas, grocery items, at cash assistance para may magamit sila sa pang-araw-araw na gawain.

Sa panayam ni Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, Commander ng 73IB, “Sa pagkabuwag ng Weakened Guerilla Front TALA, FSMR, ang mga programang tulad nito ang magpapanatili sa katahimikan at kaunlaran lalo na sa malalayong komunidad. Dahil dito, wala nang recruitment na mangyayari sa probinsya ng Sarangani.”

Nagkaroon din ng simpleng seremonya ng pagbibigay ng gamit pangsaka para sa Kalon Kastabang Farmers Association na magagamit nila sa kanilang kabuhayan.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/ronda-probinsya-alang-sa-kalinaw-program-para-sa-former-rebels/

Kalinaw News Isang Regular ng miyembro ng NPA at isang Militiang Bayan nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno sa probinsiya ng Quirino

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 9, 2020): Isang Regular ng miyembro ng NPA at isang Militiang Bayan nagbalik-loob sa gobyerno sa probinsiya ng Quirino

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela- Sa patuloy na pagpapa-igting ng mga kasundaluhan at kapulisan kasama ang lokal na pamahalaan sa pagpapatupad ng EO-70 o National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) ay nagtagumpay muli sa pagtalikod at boluntaryong pagbabalik-loob ng isang regular na miyembro ng Communist-NPA-Terrorist (CNT) at isang miyembro ng Milisyang Bayan (MB) dala ang isang (1) Garrand Springfield na baril na may 29 na bala, sa bayan ng Nagtipunan, Quirino noong ika-8 ng Agosto 2020.

Ang nasabing mga nagbalik loob sa ating gobyerno ay parehong myembro ng Komiteng Larangan Guerilla Quirino-Nueva Vizcaya (KLG Q-NV) ng Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley (KR-CV).

Pinagsanib na pwersa ng 86th Infantry (Highlander) Battallion sa ilalim ng 502nd Infantry (Liberator) Brigade, 5ID, PA kasama ang kapulisan ng Nagtipunan, Quirino ang nagbigay daan upang makapagbalik-loob si alyas “Delfin” regular na miyembro ng NPA at alyas “Kom-it” isa sa mga miyembro ng Milisyang Bayan.

Ipinaabot ni BGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander ng 5th Infantry (STAR) Division ang kanyang pagbati sa mga nagsipagbalik-loob sa kanilang naging tamang desisyon na yakapin ang tunay na kapayapaan. Ipinaabot din niya na ang mga benepisyo mula sa Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program o E-CLIP na programa ng ating pamahalaan ay agad na ipoproseso upang magsilbing paunang tulong sa mga naging biktima ng panlilinlang sa maling ideolohiya at bilang panimula ng panibagong buhay kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya.

“Ang pamunuan ng 5th Infantry (STAR) Division kasama ang lokal na pamahalaan ay patuloy na nananawagan sa mga natitira pang mga rebelde na nasa kabundukan ng Cagayan Valley at Cordillera, kasama ang mga miyembro ng Militiang Bayan at mga sumusuporta sa maling ideolohiya ng CPP-NPA-NDF, na magbalik-loob na sa ating pamahalaan. Hinihikayat namin kayong mamuhay sa diwa ng tunay na kapayapaan kasama ng inyong pamilya at mga mahal sa buhay. Sama sama nating isulong ang kapayapaan at pag unlad ng lahat” pahayag ni BGen Mina.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/isang-regular-ng-miyembro-ng-npa-at-isang-militiang-bayan-nagbalik-loob-sa-gobyerno-sa-probinsiya-ng-quirino/

Kalinaw News: BGen Mina participates in the PRLEC launching of Anurturu Organic Farm at Rizal, Cagayan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 8, 2020): BGen Mina participates in the PRLEC launching of Anurturu Organic Farm at Rizal, Cagayan

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela- The 5th Infantry (STAR) Division, Philippine Army headed by Brigadier General Laurence E Mina PA participated in the launching of Anurturu Organic Farm Training Cum Production in Organic Agriculture Production NC-II held in Brgy Anurturu, Rizal, Cagayan on August 7, 2020. Following the activity was the signing of Pledge of Commitment by the key leaders of the member-agencies under the Poverty Reduction Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the National Task Force-to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

The activity was graced by Secretary Isidro S Lapeña, Ph.D., CSEE the Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Cagayan Governor Manuel N. Mamba said that the provincial government will continuously accomodate the former rebels in their quest for genuine peace and prosperity.

BGen Mina in his message emphasized that this program of the government through the TESDA will significantly help in bringing alternative/additional source of income for the people of Anurturu especially those living in the Conflict Affected Areas (ConAAs) and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS). “This Whole of Nation and Government approach will truly contribute in ending the armed conflict and insurgency in our Region. The Startroopers will always be ready to extend our support even in the farthest part of our Area of Responsibility (AOR) for the people we serve.”





[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/bgen-mina-participates-in-the-prlec-launching-of-anurturu-organic-farm-at-rizal-cagayan/

Kalinaw News: Army Supports NTF-ELCAC’s Strengthen of IP Communities in Caraga

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 8, 2020): Army Supports NTF-ELCAC’s Strengthen of IP Communities in Caraga

BANCASI, Butuan City – The 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade supports the strengthening of IP communities in Caraga during the Inter Agency Visitations to Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs) within its area of responsibility at Brgy Simbalan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte and Brgy Salug, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur on August 3 and 4, 2020, respectively.

The inter-agency visit to IP communities was initiated by the National Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spearheaded by Secretary Allen A Capuyan, the Executive Director and at the same time the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) Chairman facilitated by the Regional Director of NCIP Caraga, Atty Marlon Bosantog and the 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine, in close partnership with the provincial governments of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur supported by the Local Government Units of Buenavista, ADN and Esperanza, ADS together with other national government agencies namely: Technical Education and Services Development Agency (TESDA), Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fish and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), and Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

The visit aimed to gain first-hand knowledge on how the ICCs/IPs are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, food security programs and progress in their ancestral domain management and the violence and human rights violations being perpetrated against the ICCs/IPs by the CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs).

The 2-Day inter agency visit was attended by about three hundred fifty (350) IPs coming mostly from the Higaonon and Manobo tribes of Las Nieves, Buenavista, Nasipit and Carmen (LASBUENASCAR) in Agusan del Norte and the Higaonon and Banwaon tribes of Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur. Said areas are within the area of operations of 23rd Infantry Battalion and 26th Infantry Battalion, respectively, and are all under the area of responsibility (AOR) of the 402nd Infantry Brigade.

Brigadier General Maurito L Licudine backed the endeavors of the NTF ELCAC and the NCIP in uplifting the welfare of the IPs and strengthening their communities since for more than five decades, they were subjected to exploitation and harassment by the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in their ancestral domains.

He said “The strengthening of IP communities will definitely prevent the presence of CNTs in ancestral domains. IPs were deceived and manipulated and is one of the major sources of recruits of the CNTs while their ancestral domains are being utilized as guerrilla bases and became safe haven for the CNTs due to its ideal terrain and presence of rich mineral resources”.

During the discussion of programs and projects of the agencies intended for the IPs and their ancestral domains (AD), Licudine indicated that courage, genuine service and ultimately the soldier’s lives are the contributions of the Philippine Army in safeguarding the rights of IP and securing them form the threat and pestilence of CTG.

Licudine added that in order to pave the way of strengthening the IP communities, his brigade will continue clearing the affected barangays in the ancestral domains that are mostly located in the Geographically Isolated, Disadvantaged and Conflict Affected Areas (GIDCAs). He said that IP leaders play a critical role towards this initiative and can greatly influence members of their tribe to take action against the CTG.

Meanwhile, the Tribal leaders and members present during the 2-Day visit warmly welcomed the presence of Secretary Capuyan in their ancestral domains. They had high hopes that their sentiments concerning mainly on the security, peace and order their application of Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) and the accreditation of the Municipal and Brgy IP Mandatory Representatives (IPMRs) will be addressed as these issues greatly affect the development of their ancestral domains.

Secretary Capuyan and RD Bosantog recognized the pressing issues that were presented by Tribal leaders in the series of visitations. Sec Capuyan emphasized the mandate of NCIP to protect and promote the interest of the ICCs/IPs in line with the principles of the four (4) bundles of rights enshrined in the IPRA law. Secretary Capuyan also presented innovative ways to nurture their ADs that will benefit the IPs stressing that the IPRA must be used to ensure that IP rights are protected and upheld.

IP leaders who led the voice of IPs during the consultations were Datu Nilo Manpatilan, Ex-Officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member and IPMR of Agusan del Sur, and Datu Eddie “Bawang” Ampiyawan, IPMR of Agusan del Norte. During their messages, Datu Manpatilan and Datu Ampiyawan both assured their support to the government on behalf of the tribes they represent. Hon Manpatilan said “We assure that our communities will continuously cooperate with the peace and development efforts of the government. We are determined to support Sec Capuyan and the line agencies in the development of our ADs and tribal members”.

“We must choose a side. We have only one government, the government of the Republic of the Philippines. Insurgency will not end unless we take part in this enormous task of ending the local communist armed conflict. We must be united to resist the CTG allied left-leaning groups, stop their recruitment and cripple their financial and material support. As member agency on the twelve (12) clusters of the NTF ELCAC, you can be assured that your Army will not waver in fighting for your rights and continue to orchestrate infrastructure projects and basic services that will accelerate the development of IP communities”, BGen Licudine 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/army-supports-ntf-elcacs-strengthen-of-ip-communities-in-caraga/

Kalinaw News: 3rd Infantry Battalion ROW Troopers Discovers Arms Cache

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 8, 2020): 3rd Infantry Battalion ROW Troopers Discovers Arms Cache

MALAGOS, BAGUIO DISTRICT, DAVAO CITY– The 3rd Infantry “Regardless of What” Battalion, 7th Infantry(Kaugnay)Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of LTC JUVENAL MARK T TAYAMEN INF (GSC) PA discovered an arms cache on August 5, 2020 at Sitio Ilang, Barangay Tambobong, Baguio District, Davao City which resulted to the recovery of two (2) M16 rifles, two (2) AK47 rifles with 11 magazines and 104 rounds of ammunition.
The recovery of the firearms magazines and ammunition was the result of an information revealed by a former rebel @Ronron who voluntarily surrendered to this unit last March 29, 2020 due to hardship, hunger and corruption he suffered within the terrorist NPA. To avoid operating troops and for them to be able to escape, they buried their firearms in the thick jungle wherein the HPFAs was then exposed by the former rebel.

BGEN NOLASCO A MEMPIN PA, the Brigade Commander of the 1003Bde, 10ID, PA, congratulated the 3IB for the successful recovery of the said HPFAs which led to the significant reduction of the CTGs firepower. “This is the result of our successful Community Support Programs (CSP) and Modified Community Support Program that are currently getting stronger because of the cooperative and active participation of the community who are strongly supporting the program”. BGEN MEMPIN added.

“The successive surrender of NPA members and recovery of their HPFAs manifests further weakening of the Guerilla Fronts operating in the area of operations of 3IB. But let us be more vigilant with the Terrorist NPA who doesn’t respect any human rights law or rules of engagement.” LTC TAYAMEN said. He also extends his gratitude to the community who helped the troops to locate the area where the firearms/ammunition were recovered.

The recovery of the enemy logistics in Brgy Tambobong is a big blow to the Communist Terrorist Group especially with the current situation now where the community do not want their presence in their locality. It also shows that the community is willing to help and strongly support the government’s aim to end the local communist armed conflict.

[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/3rd-infantry-battalion-row-troopers-discovers-arms-cache/

Kalinaw News: 3IB ROW Troopers Discovers Arms Cache

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 8, 2020): 3IB ROW Troopers Discovers Arms Cache

MALAGOS, BAGUIO DISTRICT, DAVAO CITY – The 3rd Infantry “Regardless of What” Battalion, 7th Infantry(Kaugnay)Division, Philippine Army under the leadership of LTC JUVENAL MARK T TAYAMEN INF (GSC) PA discovered an arms cache on August 5, 2020 at Sitio Ilang, Barangay Tambobong, Baguio District, Davao City which resulted to the recovery of two (2) M16 rifles, two (2) AK47 rifles with 11 magazines and 104 rounds of ammunition.

The recovery of the firearms magazines and ammunition was the result of an information revealed by a former rebel @Ronron who voluntarily surrendered to this unit last March 29, 2020 due to hardship, hunger and corruption he suffered within the terrorist NPA. To avoid operating troops and for them to be able to escape, they buried their firearms in the thick jungle wherein the HPFAs was then exposed by the former rebel.

BGEN NOLASCO A MEMPIN PA, the Brigade Commander of the 1003Bde, 10ID, PA, congratulated the 3IB for the successful recovery of the said HPFAs which led to the significant reduction of the CTGs firepower.

“This is the result of our successful Community Support Programs (CSP) and Modified Community Support Program that are currently getting stronger because of the cooperative and active participation of the community who are strongly supporting the program,” BGEN MEMPIN added.

“The successive surrender of NPA members and recovery of their HPFAs manifests further weakening of the Guerilla Fronts operating in the area of operations of 3IB. But let us be more vigilant with the Terrorist NPA who doesn’t respect any human rights law or rules of engagement,” LTC TAYAMEN said. He also extends his gratitude to the community who helped the troops to locate the area where the firearms/ammunition were recovered.

The recovery of the enemy logistics in Brgy Tambobong is a big blow to the Communist Terrorist Group especially with the current situation now where the community do not want their presence in their locality. It also shows that the community is willing to help and strongly support the government’s aim to end the local communist armed conflict.

[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/3ib-row-troopers-discovers-arms-cache/

Kalinaw News: Four Communist NPA Surrender to Army in Zambo Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 8, 2020): Four Communist NPA Surrender to Army in Zambo Norte 

Four Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) fighters surrendered to Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade units in Zamboanga del Norte on August 7, 2020.

The four CNTs who surrendered to 97th Infantry Battalion, 44th Infantry Battalion and 42nd Infantry Battalion were identified as alias MARKY – Squad Leader, alias AIAI – Medic, alias JURY – Medic, and alias JERWIN – Supply, all members of the HQ KALAW, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) unit that clashed with the government troops recently.

In an initial interview, alias JERWIN said in local dialect that they have opted to surrender after hearing that their wounded comrades rescued by the Army was treated well and given immediate medical attention.

“We heard that our wounded comrade, alias JEKJEK, that we abandoned after an encounter last August 5, and our wounded leader, alias PEEWEE and his wife, were all treated humanely by the soldiers and were given immediate medical care,” alias JERWIN said.

“We asked help from our fellow Subanen to assist us get in touch with the Army to signify our intent to surrender, because we were also already exhausted and hungry from running away,” he added.

According to Lt. Col. Manaros M Boransing, Commanding Officer, 97th IB, “They used the situation where they were separated into a smaller groups to escape and asked help from the locals in the area to inform our soldiers on the ground where they were hiding”.

“These personalities, including those who were rescued, were high-value targets, and occupied significant positions in their unit that can help us in our military operations,” Lt. Col. Boransing added.

Lt. Col. Don Templonuevo, Commanding Officer, 44th IB, who also facilitated one of the surrenderors stated that. “Their surrender is vital in our operations because they are leading fighters and we hoped that they can encourage all of them to surrender”.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, Commander, 102nd Infantry Brigade stressed that the influx of surrenders were results of the series of encounters that transpired in Barangay Tinuyop, Leon B Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte last August 5 and 6.

“I commend the quick response of the different units on the ground for assisting these former rebels to return to the folds of law and eventually, their return later to their respective families who have been anxiously waiting for several years,” said Brig. Gen. Nicolas.

“If this trend continues, we can say that the eventual defeat of HQ Kalaw will be possible, if more of its members surrenders to the government,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division, enjoined the different stakeholders through the Local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict to continue the initiatives started despite the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

“We understand that we are focused in defeating the threat on COVID-19 but let us also continue what we have started for the complete defeat of the Communist NPA in Western Mindanao,” Maj. Gen. Ponio said.

“We are now nearing our goal and we need the full cooperation and active participation of all stakeholders including the local populace to attain lasting peace and promote development in the region,” Maj. Gen. Ponio added.

The former rebels will be processed under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program before they will be reintegrated to the mainstream society.

[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/four-communist-npa-surrenders-to-army-in-zambo-norte/

Kalinaw News: Communist NPA Terrorist: "Creator of Sweet-Coated Lies"

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 8, 2020): Communist NPA Terrorist: "Creator of Sweet-Coated Lies" 

CAMP GERONA, MURCIA, Negros Occidental – The “Protracted War” of the Communist NPA Terrorist is taking a toll on the lives of killed innocent civilians in Guihulngan City and some parts of Negros Island amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade Commander said that the killing of innocent civilians by the Communist NPA Terrorist is a clear evidence that they are the top Human Rights violator in Negros Island.

Since June this year, the Communist NPA terrorist brutally killed seven civilians namely Gilbert Garlit in Sitio Pinanlagan, Brgy Carol-an, Kabankalan, Joelito Hilacio in Sitio Lunoy, Brgy Carabalan and Randy Rociano in Sitio Asaran, Brgy Buenavista, both of, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, Deopanis Pacunla and Eldeson Martonillas in Brgy Luz, Guihulngan City, swine dealers Jimmer Fundador and Romeo Dungoan at Sitio Mandi-e, Brgy Magsaysay also in Guihulngan City. It can also be recalled that the Communist NPA Terrorist also killed Cpl Mark Anthony Quiocson at said Brgy. The killing of innocent civilians is barbaric, merciless and inexcusable. This reflects the true face of the NPAs as terrorists.

The killings has also spark outrage and condemnation from the local officials led by Mayor Carlo Jorge Joan Reyes, Vice Mayor Ernesto Reyes of Guihulngan City and Brgy Capt Emelia Same of Brgy Luz who renounced and condemned the wanton violent killings and have called on their constituents to stand up against the Communist Terrorist.

The killings were quickly justified by the Communist NPA terrorist through its sweet-coated propaganda statements to cover up the reality that innocents civilians were unjustly killed and in blatant violation of Human Rights, the Rule of Law and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) to add up, the violation on the Anti-Terrorism Law. They justified the killings with fabricated lies and put the blame on the AFP instead.

The recent arrest of NPA leaders and the serving of warrants of arrest to the members of their “yunit militia” prove that the AFP together with its PNP counterpart is strictly adhering to the principles of Human Rights and IHL. Arrested and apprehended NPAs are quickly turned-over to the custody of the PNP for the proper filing of charges and disposition.

“Your Army in Negros is at all times; adhere to the constitutional rights of each individual. Enough of the sweet-coated propaganda, lies and deceptions of the NPAs and other so called – progressive groups who masquerade as Rights group. It’s time to move on from the communist propaganda to reality. Enough of the killings and exploitations of the people,” Colonel Pasaporte 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/communist-npa-terrorist-creator-of-sweet-coated-lies/

Kalinaw News: Top NPA Commander, Recruiter of IP, Killed in Encounter

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 8, 2020): Top NPA Commander, Recruiter of IP, Killed in Encounter

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal — The secretary of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s SRMA 4C was killed after an encounter against combined AFP-PNP forces in Kalayaan, Laguna before midnight on Friday.

According to reports coming from the field, the government troops encountered the NPA terrorists at around 11:10 p.m. in Sitio Boho of Brgy San Antonio. They recovered one Cal .45 pistol, one 9mm pistol, two hand grenades and voluminous enemy documents.

Lt Col Jesus Diocton, Commanding Officer of the 1st Infantry Battalion, identified the dead terrorist as Mario Caraig alias Jethro while stating that it was the “second encounter in the area in three days following the Aug 4 encounter which resulted to the government security forces’ neutralizing three NPAs including the commander of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit of the NPA of Southern Tagalog whom former rebels positively identified as alias Termo.”

He attributed the successful pursuit operations to “concerned citizens who tipped us about the presence of the armed group who were coercing the people to feed and hide them as they try to avoid the government’s security forces who were closing in on them.”

Brigadier General Alex Rillera, Commander of 202nd Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Laguna, said that “our troops’ ability to close-in with the enemy without being noticed is not only a manifestation of our tactical proficiency but, more importantly, a testament to the fact that these terrorists no longer enjoy any form of support from the community.”

BGen Rillera reported that no casualty was recorded on the part of the security forces.

According to the military, alias Jethro is feared by the Indigenous People because he has been coercing the peace-loving Dumagat Remontados to joining and supporting the underground movement.

“The fall of Jethro is a welcome development to the ranks of the IPs because it meant one less terrorist whose primary role is to torment and exploit their fundamental rights”, ended BGen Rillera.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, congratulated the joint AFP and PNP forces “for the close collaboration and coordination that led to this tactical victory” while urging them to “keep our partnership iron-clad so that peace will finally be won and prosperity will finally be our constituents’ way of life.”

He reiterated the security sector’s “commitment to decimate the few remaining NPA terrorists” in Southern Tagalog while saying that “the series of neutralization of key NPA leaders will be the final nails in the proverbial coffin which will lead to the dismantling the NPA unit which operates in the provinces of Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan.”

Maj Gen Burgos expressed his gratitude to the concerned citizens whom he called ‘patriots’ who “disregarded their personal safety to pass the information to the government forces knowing that our society will be better off without these communist NPA terrorists who have been thwarting our potentials as a nation.”

He ended his statement by saying that “although we do not rejoice in killing our fellow Filipinos, their liberation from Jethro’s terroristic actions and cruelty is the best gift which RTF ELCAC can give to our Indigenous People as they commemorate their ‘internationally-recognized day’ on Aug 9.”

Joint AFP-PNP checkpoints have been established in the area to support the ongoing pursuit operations against the escaping NPA terrorists.

All available military assets have been placed on high alert.

Alias Jethro used to operate in Batangas and Cavite but was forced to hiding in the Sierra Madres after the terrorists’ Guerilla Front Honda was dismantled by the 202nd Brigade after the 2018 military campaign.

[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/top-npa-commander-recruiter-of-ip-killed-in-encounter/

Kalinaw News: 3 Ex-Rebels Receive Financial Aid from Hinoba-an LGU

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 8, 2020): 3 Ex-Rebels Receive Financial Aid from Hinoba-an LGU

CAYAUAN, Negros Occidental – Three Former Rebels who returned to the folds of the law received financial assistance from the Local Government of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental last August 5.

Hinoba-an Municipal Mayor Ernesto Estrao facilitated the grant of Php 10,000.00 and in-kind assistance to each Former Rebel. This is part of the Government’s effort to end the local communist armed conflict.



“The Government, the 15th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police are ready to accept and help you those who want to return to the folds of the law. However, the development of our life should not always depend on the government. We are responsible for the betterment of our life,” said Mayor Estrao.

He also expressed his appreciation on the former rebel’s desire to be with their family and live a life without fear. He assured them the government’s genuine care to all Filipinos who may have been deceived by the senseless propaganda of the insurgents.



“The cash assistance from the LGU is a great help to the former rebels, especially in this time of pandemic. They should utilize it wisely to sustain their needs,” said 2Lt Sandag, 15IB CMO Officer.

Additionally, Capt Ondoy, 15IB Acting Executive Officer, lauded the support extended by Hinoba-an LGU to the former rebels.



“The Kometing Rehiyon Negros is about to collapse due to the series of setbacks across Negros Island. We urged other rebels to abandon the armed struggle and return to the government to gain a peaceful and smooth way of living with their family,” Ondoy added.

The awarding ceremony held at the Hinoba-an Municipal Hall was witnessed by Municipal Department of Interior and Local Government Officer, Celso Nunez; Capt. Jover Ondoy, Battalion Acting Executive Officer; Chief of Police, PMaj Clifford Batadhay; 2Lt. Weann Sandag, Civil Military Operations Officer; and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, Joe Jusay.

[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/3-ex-rebels-receive-financial-aid-from-hinoba-an-lgu/

Kalinaw News: NPA false promises prompt 4 members surrender

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 8, 2020): NPA false promises prompt 4 members surrender

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental — Four members of the New People’s Army surrendered to the military last August 06 at the 58th Infantry Battalion Headquarters.

The Former Rebels (FR) realized the communist armed struggle is a lost cause. The negotiation efforts of the 58IB resulted to the FR’s return to the folds of the law.

The FR’s are identified as JB, 33 years old, a resident of So Pulahon, Brgy Hagpa, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon; Miya, 20 years old, resident of So Mintapod, Brgy Hagpa, Impasug-ong Bukidnon; Ronald, 53 years old, resident of P-2, Brgy Bunal, Salay, Misamis Oriental; and ose, 40 years old, a resident of P3, Brgy Ili-ilihon, Salay, Misamis Oriental.









They brought with them one Garand rifle, one M16 rifle, and some gadgets. They were members of NPA’s Sub-Regional Committee 1, North Central Mindanao Region Command.

“Ang giingon sa akoa, muoban ko matagaan daw ko ug maayong kaugmaon kay naghatag sila ug maayong edukasyon labi na sa mga kabatan-unan. Ug tungod sa gusto nako nga makaiskwela nga libre ang tanan kay wali mi kwarta, nag uban ako sa ila,” said Miya

[They told me that I will be given quality education. They are offering it specially to the youth. I joined them because I was poor and wanted free education]

She added, “Pero sa pag-anha naku sa bukid, gutom ug kakapoy akong nakuha. Busa nakaamgo ko na wala gyud ko mahimo na kalambuan sa akong kinabuhi didto. Sa walay pagduha-duha nag uban gyud ko sa akong uyoan nga mag surrender sa kasundaluhan.”

[However, I only ended up starving and exhausted. I realized my life will not improve if I stayed. That’s why I had no hesitation when I decided to surrender with my uncle to the army]

Meanwhile, Ronald warned people about the NPA’s false promises. He said, Pasabot nila nga mas maayu ang kinabuhi sa kabukiran kay matubag ang problema sa ekonomiya, libre hospital ug hatagan ug yuta pero sa unom katuig nga akoang pakikibaka, akong nakita nga bisan usa walay nasulbad.”

[They promised a better life in the mountains. They said there is no poverty there. I was promised free health care and land. None of those are true]

58th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Ricky Canatoy said, “I’m very glad that the CNTs recognized the real government. I am grateful that they voluntarily surrendered. I hope that this increase in surrender will continue so that we can achieve sustainable peace and development of the country.”

The FRs are currently under the custody of the 58IB while their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program are being processed.

[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-false-promises-prompt-4-members-surrender/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebels in Davao City Received E-CLIP Benefits

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 8, 2020): Former Rebels in Davao City Received E-CLIP Benefits

BUNAWAN, Davao City — The Goverment gives Php1.5 Million worth of cash assistance to 14 Former Rebels in a ceremony yesterday, August 7, at the Davao City Police Station, San Pedro St., Camp Captain Domingo E. Leonor.



“Everyone can change, I thank you for surrendering and you must use your resources well for the development of the family,” read Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s message. She was represented by City Administrator Atty. Zulieka T. Lopez.

1003rd Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Nolasco Mempin advised the beneficiaries to use the money judiciously and wisely. He also urged the rebels who are still in the mountain to return to the folds of the law to avail the benefits and other services the Goverment offers.



Further, he said communism is a dying ideology. It only brought misery and sufferings to the country and to the people.

Each Former Rebel received an amount of Php 50,000.00 for livelihood assistance, and Php 15,000.00 as immediate assistance.

Moreover, additional cash was awarded as firearms remunerations. The amount for this depends on the barrel and serviceability of the firearm that the FR surrendered.

The Government has doubled the monetary equivalents of the awards of some of the FRs, since there are FRs who have tendered numerous high caliber firearms.

This effort is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Other attendees of the ceremony were 3rd Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Juvenal Mark Tayamen, 27th Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Victorino Seño; City Director of DCPO PCOL Kirby John Kraft and Davao City DILG Director Vicky Sarcena.

[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/former-rebels-in-davao-city-received-e-clip-benefits/

Suspected NPA rebel arrested in Negros

From Panay News (Aug 8, 2020): Suspected NPA rebel arrested in Negros (BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA)

A suspected member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested in Barangay Binobohan, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

Porferio “Peryong” Landesa, allegedly a member of the NPA’s Local Guerilla Unit Central Negros 1-Kometing Rehiyon-Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor, was served with arrest warrants on Aug. 6 by soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (94IB) and 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB).

Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Flores, 62IB acting commander, said government troops proceeded to Sitio Agpapatao, Barangay Binobohan after having been informed by residents of the NPA’s presence there, resulting to Landesa’s arrest.


Landesa had three standing arrest warrants for the murder of a Citizen Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) member back in 2018 as well as charges involving illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Authorities recovered a .38-caliber revolver with 13 live ammunition from Landesa, and personal belongings which included a shirt with NPA markings.

Landesa was detained in the Guihulngan City police station lockup cell.

http://www.panaynews.net/suspected-npa-rebel-arrested-in-negros/

Army Troops rescue ranking NPA couple in Zambo Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 8, 2020): Army Troops rescue ranking NPA couple in Zambo Norte (By Rene V. Carbayas)



ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug 8 (PIA) – Communist terrorist NPA ranking couple decided to surrender after rough firefight, hunger, and exhaustion.

Lt. Col. Manaros M Boransing, Commanding Officer, 97th Infantry Battalion said that a ranking Communist NPA couple were rescued after an armed clash at Sitio Kasong of Barangay Tinuyop in Leon B. Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte on Thursday morning, August 6, 2020.

"A concerned civilian reported to our troops that the couple are signifying to voluntarily surrender when they were left behind by their fleeing comrades after the encounter," he said on a statement.

The wounded NPA identified as alias Peewee is the commander of HQ KALAW, with his wife alias Ritchie, who was also the Regional Medical Staff of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC), were abandoned by their comrades after the 15-minute firefight.

"He was badly wounded during the clash that transpired around 8:00 in the morning. Troops provided him medical first aid and brought him to our camp and eventually transferred to 1st Infantry Division Station Hospital for further medical attention," Lt. Col. Boransing added.

Earlier, the Army’s 97IB also rescued on Wednesday a certain alias Jekjek after the clash in Barangay Midatag of the same town.

Peewee admitted that they were with alias Jekjek on the Wednesday's encounter.

"We were disorganized, that is why we left Jekjek behind. We were also tired and hungry evading the troops. The successive encounter and my lingering shoulder injury led me to surrender," alias Peewee said.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Leonel M. Nicolas, the Commander of the Army's 102nd Infantry IGSOON Brigade, who has operational jurisdiction of Zamboanga del Norte emphasized that the troops will continue to pursue all Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) operating in the region.

"The NPAs in Zamboanga Peninsula will now have a leadership crisis after this incident and we will pressure and continuously encourage them to surrender," Brig. Gen. Nicolas said.

"The 102nd Infantry Brigade together with our partner stakeholders through the Executive Order No 70 or the Local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict are commited in our efforts to achieve peace in the region," Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.

Moreover, Maj. Gen. Gene Ponio, Commander, 1st Infantry Division emphasized that the doors of the government is always open for those who still wish to avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

"I urged the remnants of the group, the wounded, the hungry members of the WMRPC to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law," Maj. Gen. Ponio said.

"We assure you (NPA) that the Tabak troopers will abide with the rules of engagement and respect the rights of the adversaries," Maj. Gen. Ponio added.

The rescued CNTs (Communist NPA Terrorists) underwent intensive medical check-up and treatment at Tabak Station Hospital as of this posting. (NBE/RVC/PIA9 with reports from Cpt Sotero Abrito III, 102Bde,PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049820

Top NPA Commander, recruiter of IPs, killed in encounter

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 8, 2020): Top NPA Commander, recruiter of IPs, killed in encounter (By PA 2ID)



CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal, August 7 (PIA) --The secretary of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee’s SRMA 4C was killed after an encounter against combined AFP-PNP forces in Kalayaan, Laguna before midnight on Friday.

According to reports coming from the field, the government troops encountered the NPA terrorists at around 11:10 p.m. in Sitio Boho of Brgy San Antonio and recovered one Cal .45 pistol, one 9mm pistol, two hand grenades and voluminous enemy documents.

Lt Col Jesus Diocton, Commanding Officer of the 1st Infantry Battalion, identified the dead terrorist as Mario Caraig alias Jethro while stating that it was the “second encounter in the area in three days following the Aug 4 encounter which resulted to the government security forces’ neutralizing three NPAs including the commander of the Main Regional Guerilla Unit of the NPA of Southern Tagalog whom former rebels positively identified as alias Termo.”
He attributed the successful pursuit operations to “concerned citizens who tipped us about the presence of the armed group who were coercing the people to feed and hide them as they try to avoid the government’s security forces who were closing in on them."

Brigadier General Alex Rillera, Commander of 202nd Infantry Brigade which has operational jurisdiction over Laguna, said that "our troops’ ability to close-in with the enemy without being noticed is not only a manifestation of our tactical proficiency but, more importantly, a testament to the fact that these terrorists no longer enjoy any form of support from the community.”

BGen Rillera reported that no casualty was recorded on the part of the security forces.

According to the military, alias Jethro is feared by the Indigenous People because he has been coercing the peace-loving Dumagat Remontados to joining and supporting the underground movement.

“The fall of Jethro is a welcome development to the ranks of the IPs because it meant one less terrorist whose primary role is to torment and exploit their fundamental rights”, ended BGen Rillera.

Major General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, congratulated the joint AFP and PNP forces “for the close collaboration and coordination that led to this tactical victory” while urging them to “keep our partnership iron-clad so that peace will finally be won and prosperity will finally be our constituents’ way of life.”

He reiterated the security sector’s “commitment to decimate the few remaining NPA terrorists” in Southern Tagalog while saying that “the series of neutralization of key NPA leaders will be the final nails in the proverbial coffin which will lead to the dismantling the NPA unit which operates in the provinces of Laguna, Rizal and Bulacan.”

Maj Gen Burgos expressed his gratitude to the concerned citizens whom he called 'patriots' who “disregarded their personal safety to pass the information to the government forces knowing that our society will be better off without these communist NPA terrorists who have been thwarting our potentials as a nation.”

He ended his statement by saying that “although we do not rejoice in killing our fellow Filipinos, their liberation from Jethro’s terroristic actions and cruelty is the best gift which RTF ELCAC can give to our Indigenous People as they commemorate their ‘internationally-recognized day’ on Aug 9.”

Joint AFP-PNP checkpoints have been established in the area to support the ongoing pursuit operations against the escaping NPA terrorists. All available military assets have been placed on high alert.

Alias Jethro used to operate in Batangas and Cavite but was forced to hiding in the Sierra Madres after the terrorists’ Guerilla Front Honda was dismantled by the 202nd Brigade after the 2018 military campaign. (PIA-4A/PA 2ID)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1049844

304 ex-supporters in Nueva Ecija condemn CPP-NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2020): 304 ex-supporters in Nueva Ecija condemn CPP-NPA (By Jason De Asis)



TORCHING THE REBEL FLAG. Former supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) set fire to the rebel group’s flag in Barangay Siclong Laur, Nueva Ecija after they reaffirmed their support for the government on Friday (Aug. 7, 2020). Some 304 former NPA supporters pledged to reject any form of intrusion by the communist rebels in their communities. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91st Infantry Battalion)

BALER, Aurora – Some 304 former mass-based supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) on Friday burned the flag of the rebel movement before military, police, and local officials in Barangay Siclong Laur, Nueva Ecija.

The former supporters also broke their loyalty to the terrorist movement and pledged their support to the government, said Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the 91st Infantry (Sinagtala) Battalion (91IB) of the Philippine Army based in Barangay Calabuanan here.

Rubio said the mass surrender was facilitated by combined elements of the Alpha Company of 91IB, 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Nueva Ecija police, and the Laur municipal police.

The event was capped by a peace rally condemning the CPP-NPA-NDF.

The mass surrender is a result of the continuing conduct of the Community Support Program and relentless focused military operations in various communist-threatened areas in Nueva Ecija and Aurora.

Rubio said the voluntary surrender of the exploited residents would reduce the resource generation of the NPA’s Komiteng Larangang Guerilla (KLG) Sierra Madre, amounting to PHP10,000 and 10 sacks of rice monthly.

He said the series of withdrawal of support and membership of exploited residents belonging to the Alyansang Magbubukid na Nagkakaisa (Almana), Panlalawigang Alyansang Magbubukid ng Aurora (Pamana), and other legal front organizations is strong evidence that the implementation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) is effective and working.

“This is a very significant moment. It is a great contributory factor in our bid to finally attain peace in our communities. Through the joint operations with the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the delivery of basic services by the local government units and non-government agencies, the communist terrorist group’s recruitment and recovery works are indeed affected and will eventually lead to the dismantling of KLG Sierra Madre,” Rubio said.

Army 1st Lt. Jun Niño Espora led the pledge of allegiance to the government, which was followed by the burning of the NPA flag, peace rally, and the distribution of food packs and Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program leaflets.

Randy Caraan, one of the surrenderers, said they were deceived with the promise by the communist terrorists that they would be given lands.

“Pinangakuan kami na bibigyan ng lupa subalit wala kaming napala. Ginamit na propaganda ng CPP-NPA-NDF ang isyu sa lupa upang makapaglinlang at makapagrecruit ng masa (We were promised lands but we did not receive anything. The CPP-NPA-NDF used the land issue as propaganda to deceive and recruit the masses),” Caraan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111584

26 ex-NPAs get gov’t aid in Davao de Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2020): 26 ex-NPAs get gov’t aid in Davao de Oro (By Che Palicte)



AID FOR EX-REBELS. A former member of the communist New People"s Army receives financial assistance from the officials of the province of Davao de Oro provincial government and the Philippine Army on Tuesday (August 4, 2020). Each former rebel got PHP10,000 cash while they are waiting for other benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. (Photo courtesy of Davao de Oro PIO)

A total of 26 former members of the communist New People's Army (NPA) in Davao de Oro province received immediate financial aid from the provincial government, the provincial government said Friday.

In a statement, each former rebel got PHP10,000 cash while they are waiting for other benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP), the government's primary initiative that helps ex-guerillas start a new life as they return to mainstream society.

According to the Davao de Oro Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO), several of the 26 surrenderers yielded to the police and five Army units operating in the province.

Col. Glenn Jun Calambuhay, the deputy brigade commander of the Army's 1001st Brigade, advised the former rebels to be "prudent in spending what they received from the government."

"I urged you not to waste cash assistance. Instead, use this money as your capital in starting anew. We in the military are happy to see you in deciding to return to the fold of the law and live a peaceful life in the mainstream society," Calambuhay said.

A former rebel, who asked not to be named for security reasons, said the financial assistance would help them start new income opportunities as they return to their respective families.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111596

8 NPAs yield to lead normal lives

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2020): 8 NPAs yield to lead normal lives (By Annabel Consuelo Petinglay)



CNTs SURRENDER. Eight Communist Party of the Philippines New Peoples Army Terrorists (CNTs) surrenderers receive financial assistance from Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao with the assistance of Philippine Army 61st IB Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara at the Binirayan Gymnasium on Friday (Aug. 7, 2020). They decided to give up their struggle after being convinced by the End Local Communist Armed Conflict program of the government. (Photo courtesy of Antique PIO)

SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – Eight members of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) New People’s Army (NPA) Terrorists or CNTs, who had been hiding in the mountains of the province, have surrendered to government forces.

A CNT, alias "Joy", the only woman in the group of surrenderers presented to Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao on Friday, said she lived a life of a rebel for 19 years.

“I was then convinced to join the CNT thinking that its idealism could be a way for me to help address the problem of poverty,” she said in an interview.

However, through years of being a rebel, she experienced more difficulties hiding in the mountains.

“I finally decided to surrender because I realized that there was no development in our arm struggle and now I want to take care of my family,” she added.

San Jose de Buenavista chief of police Maj. Benjo Clarite said the eight CNTs were convinced to surrender because of the campaign to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) program of the government.

“Through the ELCAC, there is a convergence of the different local and national government agencies services being brought to the communities which they would like to avail,” he said.

He said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) are willing to help them acquire new skills and livelihood.

Clarite said the provincial government also gave financial aid to the former rebels but did not specify the amount.

During the presentation, the surrenderers turned over two short firearms, two homemade shotguns, and an M203 grenade launcher.

The Police Regional Intelligence Unit and the Philippine Army 61st Infantry Battalion under the 3rd Infantry Division were also credited for the peaceful surrender of the CNTs.

Clarite said this batch of surrenderers came after 11 CNTs yielded last June 23.

“We hope that more CNTs would be convinced to give up their arms after the surrender of their comrades,” he said.

He said CNTs’ voluntary surrender could contribute a lot to the maintenance of peace and order in the province.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111561

Ranking NPA couple yields in Zambo Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 8, 2020): Ranking NPA couple yields in Zambo Norte (By Leah Agonoy)



WOUNDED, ABANDONED. A military physician attends to Ka Peewee, a leader of the New People's Army (NPA), who was wounded in a clash Thursday (Aug. 6, 2020) in Barangay Tinuyop, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte. Ka Peewee and his wife, Ka Ritchie, an NPA medic, surrender to the 97th Infantry Battalion after their comrades abandon them following a 15-minute clash. (Photo courtesy of 97th Infantry Battalion)

A New People's Army (NPA) couple surrendered to authorities following a firefight with government forces in the Zamboanga del Norte town of Leon Postigo on Thursday, an Army official said.
Lt. Col. Manaros Boransing, commander of the Army's 97th Infantry Battalion, on Saturday described the couple as "ranking officers" of the NPA who were "abandoned" by their comrades after a 15-minute clash in Barangay Tinuyop, Leon Postigo town.

Boransing identified the couple as Ka Peewee, who was injured during the clash, and his wife, Ka Ritchie, regional medical staff of the NPA's Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.
“He (Ka Peewee) was badly wounded during the clash that transpired around 8 in the morning on Thursday. The troops provided first aid and brought him to our camp and eventually transferred to the 1st Infantry Division Station Hospital for further medical attention,” Boransing added.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the Army's 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the couple's surrender is likely to trigger the other members of the NPA to lay down their arms.

A day before the couple surrendered, government troops also rescued a wounded NPA rebel identified as Ka Jekjek, who was also abandoned by her comrades following a firefight in Barangay Midatag, Leon Postigo.

Ka Peewee admitted that they were together with Ka Jekjek during the clash Wednesday in Barangay Midatag.
“We were disorganized, that is why we left Jekjek behind,” Peewee said. “We were also tired and hungry evading the troops. The successive encounter and my lingering shoulder injury led me to surrender.”

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1111626