Bombs, bomb-making components seized in alleged rebel camp in Samar

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 14, 2020): Bombs, bomb-making components seized in alleged rebel camp in Samar (By: Joey Gabieta)

Improvised bombs and bomb-making components were recovered on Saturday in an alleged rebel camp located in Barangay Mabini, Basey town in Samar.

In a report, the 8th Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines said some residents in the area provided them information regarding the illegal activities of alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Seized by the 63rd Infantry Battalion and the 12th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police were five bombs, 18 bombshells, wires, steel cutters, and other bomb-making components.

No one was arrested.

Brigadier General Camilo Ligayo, commander of 801st Infantry Brigade, where the Basey-based 63rd IB belongs, thanked the residents of the village for providing them the information.

He also thanked the police for their active participation in the operation.

“I salute the brave people of Mabini for their bravery and concern for the wellbeing of everyone who might fall victim to the barbaric plan of the NPA. The outstanding work of the Army and PNP in thwarting another terroristic act of the NPA is a testament of the trust, confidence, and excellent teamwork of our soldiers and policemen here in Samar that is worth emulating,” Ligayo said in a statement.

Lieutenant Colonel Edgar Alan Orbito, commanding officer of the 63rd IB, said many lives could have been lost had they not seized the items from the supposed rebel camp.

“The plan of the NPA to plant roadside bombs in Samar is not different from the bombs exploded recently in Sulu. They all meant to harm even civilians. These kinds of evil men are the reason why our people in Samar and the whole country are suffering. They will do every possible way to pursue their evil intent even if it harms the innocent,” he said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1335091/bombs-bomb-making-components-seized-in-alleged-rebel-camp-in-samar

PNP chief unveils new operational tack against terrorists and NPA rebels

From the Business Mirror (Sep 14, 2020): PNP chief unveils new operational tack against terrorists and NPA rebels (By Rene Acosta)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is beefing up its anti-insurgency and counterterrorism capabilities by redeploying its maneuver forces close to areas where the New People’s Army and other threat groups have been known to operate.

The new operational tack against communist rebels was disclosed on Monday by PNP chief Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, saying it was being taken in support of Executive Order 70, which embodies to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

“On internal security and anti-criminality in support to Executive Order 70 to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is expected to be bolstered further by the realignment of regional and provincial maneuver units to be placed under the operational control of the Directorates for Integrated Police Operations [DIPO] that will be under the command of a Police Lieutenant General,” Cascolan said.

The maneuver forces are the crack anti-terrorism and anti-insurgency units of the PNP like the Special Action Force and the regional and provincial mobile force battalions and companies.

“These maneuver, or mobile units, which are the cutting edge of PNP internal security operations will be deployed in the heartland and areas of operation of domestic threat groups where these units will be within striking distance to the enemy,” Cascolan said.

The PNP chief said he has already instructed the Directorate for Operations to prepare the implementing rules and regulations to operationalize the changes.

“We will expand the DIPO. They will have a bigger function in Internal Security Operations. After all, that is essentially the wisdom and intent behind the creation of these PNP area commands,” he said.

The DIPOs are similar to the area commands in the military which are headed by three-star generals and directly reports to the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

At the same time, Cascolan said, he would also order the decongestion of Camp Crame by transferring some national support units to other locations.

He said all police personnel must also be skilled marksmen and trained investigators, while policemen arrested in internal cleansing operations should be put in lock-up cells and not just restrained.

“There are more items in my guidance to the D-Staff that we will circulate later in the form of memo directive,” Cascolan said.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/09/14/pnp-chief-unveils-new-operational-tack-against-terrorists-and-npa-rebels/

AFP elite troopers wear new beret

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 14, 2020): AFP elite troopers wear new beret (By Martin Sadongdong

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) retired the old beret of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and launched a new design in a simple ceremony held at Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija on Monday.

Major General Divino Rey Pabayo, commander of SOCOM, spearheaded the retirement of the dark green beret which was first adopted with the activation of the Philippine Army’s Special Operation Command in 1996 “as a symbol of excellence and uniqueness.”

The old design was replaced with a brown beret.

Further, Pabayo said a key element in the new beret is the “Maharlika” badge which features a gold or silver badge that combines five features namely the Canopy, the Dagger, the Trident, the Arrow and the Symmetrical Wings.

The said features represent the “best qualities” of the Special Operations Forces of the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), and Philippine Navy (PN).

Pabayo explained that the gold badge signifies the “extraordinary attributes” expected from a member of the SOCOM officer corps while a silver badge stands for the “sterling character” of its non-commissioned officer corps.

Meanwhile, Pabayo noted that the absence of a “flash” in the new design emphasizes the SOCOM operator as a “nameless, faceless warrior known only for his skill and abilities as symbolized by the Maharlika badge.”

The SOCOM is a relatively young military unit. It was activated in April 2018 following a series of setbacks suffered by the military including the Zamboanga siege in 2013 and Marawi siege in 2017.

The activation of the SOCOM effectively places the control of all elite units of PA, PAF, and PN under one command of the AFP.

Its predecessor was the now-defunct SOCOM of the Army.

“Now that the former SOCOM (PA) has transitioned to the Special Operations Command (AFP), a new look and identity is called for to match the new character and ideals of the new unit that is distinct to that of its predecessor,” Pabayo said.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/14/afp-elite-troopers-wear-new-beret/

Opinion: Glimmer of hope for the Armed Forces

Opinion piece in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 14, 2020): Glimmer of hope for the Armed Forces (By: Ramon J. Farolan)

For the last 20 years, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has been plagued by a “revolving door” practice that has seen the installation of more than 20 AFP chiefs of staff including, at one point, the appointment of three military chiefs in just one year. The practice resulted in a similar situation affecting other key positions in the organization. In 2012, a bill ratified by Congress providing for a fixed term of office for the AFP chief reached the desk of President Benigno Aquino III. 

Unfortunately, he vetoed the bill citing as basis the Constitution specifically Article XVI, Section 5 (5) that said “laws on retirement of military officers shall not allow extension of their service.” It should be noted that during the term of President Fidel V. Ramos, Gen. Arturo Enrile, the then AFP chief was allowed to stay in office beyond age 56 but not exceeding a three-year term. The Ramos decision was based on position papers submitted by chief presidential legal counsel Renato Cayetano and Justice Secretary Tito Guingona. Both papers pointed out that the records of the Constitutional Commission deliberations on Art. XVI indicated that the intention of the framers of the Constitution was actually to allow the AFP chief to serve beyond age 56 but not exceeding three years in the position. Enrile went on to head the Department of Transportation and Communications.

The Aquino presidential veto put an end to the last serious attempt to reform the system and provide a decent term for the AFP chief. What the law gave to every barangay head nationwide, was denied to the head of the Armed Forces, the primary organization tasked with looking after the defense of the state.

We must ask ourselves one question. Was the “revolving door” practice good for the institution and in a broader sense, for the nation?

One of the worst cases of abuse in the history of the Armed Forces took place during a period characterized by the frequent turnover of military chiefs. The actions of the US Customs Service brought to light the anomalous activities of individuals in the AFP comptroller office. An investigation resulted in the court martial and conviction of a general officer. The recent Jolo bombings took place soon after the change of leadership at the Western Mindanao Command. Enemy planning must have taken this event into account, aware of the accompanying revamp of personnel.

Today, the Philippines holds the dubious distinction of having one of the longest running insurgencies in the world. This is not to say that the frequent change of military leadership is mainly responsible for the current situation. But there can be no doubt that it is a major contributory factor in the continuing problem of insurgency, secessionist movements and outright banditry.

For some time now, there was this sinking feeling that the “revolving door” practice had become a permanent fixture in the life of the Armed Forces. But last month, a glimmer of hope for change appeared when Sen. Richard Gordon filed Senate Bill No. 1785. It aims to strengthen professionalism and continuity of policies by prescribing fixed terms for the AFP chief and other key officers including the superintendent of the Philippine Military Academy. It also raises the mandatory age of retirement for commissioned officers from 56 to 62 and provides for a more effective attrition system.

Briefly, the bill gives the AFP chief of staff, major service commanders including the commandant of the Marine Corps and other key officers a fixed term of office of three years. It singles out the PMA superintendent for a term of four years in recognition of the importance of this post in the education training and development of our young men and women destined for future leadership in the Armed Forces. This puts him at par with the president of state universities and colleges who have a term of four years with possible reappointment.

We thank Gordon for his initiative in addressing one of the most serious problems confronting the AFP. Sen. Franklin Drilon, from the minority side, provided much needed assistance in ironing out some of the more contentious issues in the bill while Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana added the weight of his office in support of the necessary changes. The bill has a long way to go. There are powerful forces who seek to maintain the status quo. But, we must take the first steps for the difficult journey ahead if we are to have a truly professional military organization.

rjfarolan56@gmail.com

https://opinion.inquirer.net/133553/glimmer-of-hope-for-the-armed-forces

Bagani killed in NPA clash, another Lumad wounded

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 13, 2020): Bagani killed in NPA clash, another Lumad wounded (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

A LOCAL tribal defender or Bagani was killed, while another was wounded, after they were attacked by alleged members of the New People’s Army in Barangay Sto. Niño in Laak, Davao de Oro on Friday.

1Lt Amadeuz Vj Celestial, the Civil-Military Operations Officer of 60th Infantry battalion, said Bensar Alcano led a group of tribal defenders to verify the information from a resident that armed men were camping nearby.

Armed only with homemade shotguns, which they use for traditional boar and fowl hunting, the group were fired upon by the rebels who were not only better armed but also had the added advantage of a higher position. Because of these factors, the NPAs overwhelmed the smaller group.

According to witnesses, Alcano held his ground to cover for his fellow baganis as they made their retreat.

After about 15 minutes of firefight, the NPAs left the area and he died at the scene from several gunshot wounds.

Another man was grazed with a bullet and was immediately brought to the hospital for treatment.

Lt. Col. Ronaldo Sarmiento, the 60IB commander, said that the barangay officials immediately notified the nearest military detachment. But the NPAs were already gone before reinforcement arrived.

The group who attacked the bagani was believed to be from Guerilla Front 33, Sub-Regional Command 4, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee.

In a later interview with authorities, the same resident who reported the group’s presence said he was approached by the rebels who asked him for rice, canned goods, and other foodstuffs. He was also reportedly threatened by the NPA if he reported their presence.

Celestial said the resident was among the 1,000 former members and supporters of the NPA in Laak who publicly withdrew all their support and allegiance to the communist group.
Earlier in February, over 1,000 baganis of the Dibabawon tribe in Laak have also formally established their tribal defense association to defend their ancestral domain from the NPA.

“We’ve come to some solid realizations with this incident,” Sarmiento added.

“First, we have proven, time and again, that the CPP-NPA is nothing but a terrorist group who says that they are fighting for an ideology—for the ‘oppressed masses’ even—when the truth is that the only thing they care about now is the money that comes with the persistence of the armed conflict they so deliberately, if not desperately, nourish,” he said.

“Second, and I think most importantly, we see that the people, indigenous peoples and ordinary citizens alike, are genuinely tired of the CPP-NPA’s terrorism to the point that many of them are already taking it up to themselves to rid their communities of the festering trails of these terrorists,” Sarmiento added.

Meanwhile, Col. Luis Rex Bergante, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, expressed his condolences to the family as he commended the heroic act of Alcano and his fellow baganis.

“Let us remember Bensar Alcano: the brave tribal defender who, despite being an ordinary citizen and armed only with his love for his family and community, stood up against the CPP-NPA’s terroristic bullying. Let us be inspired by his heroic deed and follow the example he has made,” Bergante said.

In a separate statement, Laak Mayor Antonio Libuangan promised to extend assistance to Alcano’s family. He also assured them that his ultimate sacrifice would not be in vain.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2020/09/13/bagani-killed-in-npa-clash-another-lumad-wounded/

Army, police raid NPA bomb facility in Basey, Samar

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 14, 2020): Army, police raid NPA bomb facility in Basey, Samar (By Marie Tonette Marticio)

A bomb manufacturing facility reportedly maintained by the New People’s Army (NPA) in Basey, Samar was discovered by Army and police operatives, who may have foiled numerous bomb attacks being planned by the terrorist group in the province.

An inter-agency task group composed of elements from the 63rd Infantry Battalion and the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) 12th Special Action Battalion seized five bombs, 18 bomb shells, wires, steel cutters, bomb making components, and subversive documents in the boundary of Sitio Burabud and Sitio Biga, Brgy. Mabini of Basey.

Lt. Col. Edgar Alan Orbito, commanding officer of the 63rd IB, said the NPA could have been preparing bombs for future attacks on authorities and civilians.

“The plan of the NPAs to plant roadside bombs in Samar is not different from the bombs exploded recently in Sulu. They were all meant to harm even civilians,” said Orbito.

“This kind of evil men are the reason why our people in Samar and the whole country are suffering. They will do every possible way to pursue their evil intent even if it harms the innocent,” he added.

The discovery of the hideout and recovery of the bombs and other paraphernalia was attributed to the information given by local residents, who were wary of the danger of roadside bombings done by the NPA in the past. The latest was the Borongan bombing incident perpetrated by the Communist terrorists last December 2019 that killed several civilians.

Brig. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of 801st Infantry Brigade, commended the concerned residents who provide the information to authorities. He also thanked the police for their active participation in the operation.

“I salute the brave people of Mabini, Basey, Samar for their bravery and concern for the well-being of everyone who might fall victim of the barbaric plan of the NPAs. The outstanding work of the Army and PNP in thwarting another terroristic act of the NPA is a testament of the trust, confidence, and excellent teamwork of our soldiers and policemen here in Samar that is worth emulating,” Ligayo noted.

The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the European Union, the United States and other countries.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/14/army-police-raid-npa-bomb-facility-in-basey-samar/

Opinion: Sison, with his huge ego, red-tagged his communist fronts long ago

Opinion piece posted to The Manila Times (Sep 14, 2020): Sison, with his huge ego, red-tagged his communist fronts long ago (By Rigoberto D. Tiglao)

IT is ridiculous for the Communist Party of the Philippines’ (CPP) parliamentary cadres like Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate to claim that Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy and other military officials are “red-tagging” their ilk when they publicly point out that they are members of or supporters of that fake revolutionary vanguard.

Zarate and these Reds think Filipinos are so stupid as to believe that old, old line their leader Jose Maria Sison used in the University of the Philippines in the 1960s. Sison had used ad nauseam that “red-tagging” crap to deny that the Kabataan Makabayan (KM) and other organizations he set up were Communist Party fronts, designed to gradually lure young minds into their Maoist conspiracy. Well, KM has been for decades indeed officially one of the so-called members of the National Democratic Front (NDF), a misnomer really as it is not an alliance at all; its member organizations are arms of the CPP for particular sectors.



Why should Zarate and his ilk complain about being “red-tagged” when the military and the national security apparatus for years actually had an “official” list of organizations organized by the CPP, thanks to Sison’s ego.

In 2001, Sison organized the so-called International League of People’s Struggles (see www.ilps.org). Because of his bloated ego, he wanted to be viewed not just as the supreme leader of the Philippine communist movement, but as the leader — or at least ideologue — of current communist-led struggles in the world.

This was to be done through an international version of his National Democratic Front, the International League of People’s Struggles (ILPS), a lesser version of the much-sought-after “Fifth Internationale” that has been the dream for a united global communist movement.

It was also one of Sison’s many way to fool armchair revolutionaries all around the world to give him money for his upkeep in the Netherlands. Member-organizations were charged a membership of $50 for organizations in developing countries and $150 for those in developed ones.

To launch the ILPS, and justify his leading it, Sison, ordered all of the organizations the CPP had control of to become members of the “league,” excluding the formal members of the NDF. That made the Philippine members the biggest group in the ILPS. That allowed Sison to be its chairman 2001 to 2019, feeding this ego that he was not just the leader of the Philippine Maoist insurgency, but even inspired those in other countries. Perhaps realizing that being chair of the ILPS didn’t bring him the international fame he thought it would, Sison stepped down from that post last year but was designated as chairman emeritus, the same title he holds in the CPP now.

ILPS

The latest list of ILPS member-organizations are in its official website, which had the accompanying “Important note: The following are the participating organizations in the latest international assembly. It does not list all member organizations of the ILPS.”



The ILPS website where Sison’s list of his communist fronts appears.

ILPS member-organizations in the country which participated in the assembly, its sixth held in Hong Kong in 2019, total 76. This is shown in the accompanying image. (I urge organizations to email me if they had not agreed to be members of the ILPS so I can announce their denial in this column. They should also complain to this international Red front why their names are being used.)

Sison actually listed over 139 organizations, as he included even the chapters of the main organizations. Thus, listed for example are “Bagong Alyansang Makabayan,” “Bayan Panay,” “Bayan Bikol,” “Bayan Gitnang Luson,” “Gabriela Alliance of Filipino Women,” Gabriela Metro Manila” and “Gabriela ST.” Many of the ILPS member-organizations elsewhere in the world are actually chapters of these longtime communist fronts such as “Gabriela Australia,” “Bayan Hong Kong,“ “Anakbayan Santa Cruz” and “Migrante Seattle.”

ILPS officials, that is, members “International Coordinating Committee” and “International Coordinating Group,” elected in the 2019 assembly, include the well-known Party cadres in the legal struggle: Anakpawis Rafael Marian, Bayan’s Renato Reyes and Gabriela’s Liza Masa, and IBON International’s head Antonio Tujan.

I don’t think there is any doubt that it is a list of organizations that the CPP controls. The ILPS website unfailingly repeats the main articles in the CPP”s official newspaper Ang Bayan. For instance, the main articles in its current issue are “Condemn the Brutal Murder of Filipino Peasant Leader Randall Echanis!” and “Tribute to Comrade Fidel Agcaoili.”

The list shows how vast is the Communist Party’s propaganda network, that its insurgency is more of a propaganda war operation rather than an armed struggle. With these organizations being really small, their power can be seen only in terms of their propaganda reach.

For instance I had been puzzled that a nongovernment organization, “Children’s Rehabilitation Center,” very regularly emails me statements against government, even one claiming that “Signing of Anti-Terror Act reaffirms Duterte’s as # 1 violator of child rights-CRC.” The answer: “Children’s’ Rehabilitation Center” is an ILPS member.

For every issue thrown against government, there is a particular ILPS (read: communist) organization that would lead the Reds’ propaganda effort. The CPP thinking apparently is that if the state is cut a thousand times with controversies, it would lose credibility and would be easier to topple.

For instance, one NGO Pamalakaya quickly took on the white-sand Manila Bay issue, with such slogans as “Pagkain, hindi buhangin.” Take a look at the list of ILPS members, Pamalayaka is there,

I had goosebumps when I heard Zarate saying — in the halls of Congress, a pillar of democracy — that the “labeling of someone as a communist or terrorist could lead to physical harm and even death of the person being tagged.”

That has actually been the thinly veiled threat of the Communist Party since it was founded. What Zarate and his ilk are really saying is, “If you Red-tag our members and organizations, you risk their lives as targets of the military, which means you are equivalent to a military agent. Which means you are a target for liquidation by the NPA.”

It is actually that threat that has struck fear into the hearts of journalists and even government officials in shirking away from telling the truth that Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Kabataan, Migrante have been fronts — for several decades now in fact — of the Communist Party for what it calls its “parliamentary struggle” that serves its armed struggle.

Romanticized

That’s a romanticized term for the tasks of these party-list organizations. This includes taking advantage of their parliamentary posts — delivered by the mass base and muscle of the NPAs — to siphon money from their government funds into their insurgency, recruit the gullible youth n the cities for eventual conscription as NPA solders, and to use their power in Congress to bully such government offices as the Presidential Communications Operations Office, whose officials, like Badoy, are patriots who boldly expose what these organizations really are.

Only the most gullible journalists — like that nut in Rappler who has a nut for a mother-in-law — still believe that the so-called Makabayan bloc of congressmen aren’t cadres of the CPP.

Don’t call them Makabayan (nationalist or patriotic). Nothing in CPP’s constitution (check it out at cpp.ph) indicates their embrace of the nation-state we call the Philippines. Its principles, their constitution says, are “from Marx, Engels, Lenin, Stalin Mao, Ho” and other great communist thinkers and leaders. There is no mention at all in that document of Rizal, Bonifacio, Mabini nor any of our heroes that helped define the nation. The CPP flag doesn’t even hint that the Philippines exist: “red with the hammer and sickle in gold in the middle.” Its anthem is not the Philippine Anthem but the communist “Internationale.”

Don’t call them “progressive,” a term which Sison used ad nauseam in the 1960s as of course he didn’t want to use Marxist or communist, as in his first publication The Progressive Review.

Communism is now as regressive as fascism and racism.

Email: tiglao.manilatimes@gmail.com
Facebook: Rigoberto Tiglao
Twitter: @bobitiglao
Book orders: www.rigobertotiglao.com/debunked

https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/09/14/opinion/columnists/topanalysis/sison-with-his-huge-ego-red-tagged-his-communist-fronts-long-ago/767791/

OPAPP, DTI, NIA to provide livelihood opportunities to ex-MILF combatants

From GMA News Online (Sep 13, 2020): OPAPP, DTI, NIA to provide livelihood opportunities to ex-MILF combatants

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) on Sunday announced partnerships with two government agencies to provide livelihood opportunities to former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said the OPAPP has teamed up with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to help former combatants “make the successful transition to mainstream society."

The OPAPP and DTI will launch the P70-million Peaceful Return and Aggressive Inclusion Social Entrepreneurship (PRAISE) Program that will provide livelihood and entrepreneurial projects to former combatants.

The project implementation will be supervised by representatives from local and national government agencies.

It will run from October 2020 to June 2021.

Meanwhile, the OPAPP and NIA will rehabilitate major irrigation facilities and build other infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity.

The P77-million project will cover certain areas in Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur.

“Adapting conflict sensitive and peace promoting approaches in this irrigation program for the decommissioned combatants shall facilitate the transformation of six acknowledged MILF camps into peaceful and productive communities," NIA Administrator Ricardo Ramoran Visaya said. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/755417/opapp-dti-nia-to-provide-livelihood-opportunities-to-ex-milf-combatants/story/

CPP/NDF-Eastern Visayas: Seek justice for Sag-od massacre by fighting Duterte’s state terrorism

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 14, 2020): Seek justice for Sag-od massacre by fighting Duterte’s state terrorism

FR. SANTIAGO “KA SANNY” SALAS

SPOKESPERSON

NDF-EASTERN VISAYAS 

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 14, 2020

The National Democratic Front-Eastern Visayas today commemorates with the people of Sag-od the anniversary of the brutal massacre perpetrated by armed goons during the Marcos regime. Almost four decades later, the struggle for genuine peace and justice for the victims remains relevant as the Duterte regime continues to wield state terrorism as a weapon of suppression against the people of Sag-od and the rest of Samar island.

In 1981, armed goons serving as security guards for then-martial law administrator Juan Ponce Enrile’s logging operations brutally murdered 45 peasants whom they falsely tagged as NPA members. They almost wiped out the entire village after raping dozens of women and indiscriminately strafing the residents, young and old.

The Duterte regime uses the same brand of state terrorism against the people of Sag-od. In 2019, hundreds of families from Sag-od and nearby village of Caputoan were forced to evacuate after the 8th Infantry Division-Philippine Army dropped eight 500-pound bombs on the peasants’ farmlands as part of a month-long combat operation in Las Navas town. This costly Joint Task Force Storm, which targeted the New People’s Army as well as civilians whom they accuse as NPA supporters, failed to wipe out a single NPA unit. Moreover, it failed to crush the militancy of the people of Sag-od and their long tradition of opposition to state fascism.

As declared by Duterte’s Memorandum Order 32, the entire island of Samar is under a de facto martial law. In the time of the pandemic, the 8th ID has maximized the lockdowns and the economic crisis to implement population control and suppress democracy. have intensified their “counter-insurgency” campaign, Red tagging civilians left and right and forcing entire peasant communities to surrender. They have shelled farmlands and forced peasants at gunpoint to surrender or be prohibited from tending to their rice fields. They secure environmentally destructive projects, such as in San Jose de Buan town where clearing operations persist for the large-scale mining of bauxite which is expected to destroy the livelihood of thousands of residents.

Duterte and Marcos are the same monsters, the former only far worse. Duterte plagues the people of Sag-od and all the people of Samar with the same terrorist regime that is a mere regurgitation of persisting semicolonial and semifeudal conditions. The grave abuses wrought upon the people can be righted when together with the broad masses, they destroy the ruling system and usher in national and social liberation.

In the immediate, they can inspire the people to remain brave and militant in the midst of the Duterte regime’s fascist onslaught. They can lead the broad united front calling to remove Duterte from power and to end his tyranny.#

https://cpp.ph/statements/seek-justice-for-sag-od-massacre-by-fighting-dutertes-state-terrorism/

NOLCOM: AFP-PNP Rescued 5 Former Rebels Back into the Folds of Law in Isabela

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 13, 2020): AFP-PNP Rescued 5 Former Rebels Back into the Folds of Law in Isabela



https://www.facebook.com/crgnolcom/photos/a.1813617812020579/3455607197821624/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: One NOLCOM, One AFP

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 13, 2020): One NOLCOM, One AFP



https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/photos/a.486517628054618/3492781410761543/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: 5 NPAs Surrendered to Joint Force of AFP-PNP in Isabela

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 13, 2020): 5 NPAs Surrendered to Joint Force of AFP-PNP in Isabela

Five (5) former members of SGU, CFC, KR-CV surrendered to the army and police in the province of Isabela.

Three of the five surrendered NPA members of the Agta Tribe of San Mariano, Isabela. The said former NPA are very grateful because they were included in the livelihood provided by the Province of Isabela for former rebels.

According to Col Danilo D Benavides Inf (MNSA) PA, Commander, 502nd Infantry Brigade, 5 ID, ′′ The steps our siblings take are timely for themselves, for family and for the nation ."

Col Benavidez added that the soldiers and policemen will ensure that they are enrolled in the government's ECLIP so that they can enjoy the fruit of their life.

#TfBalikloob
#NTFELCAC

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=351620312648198&set=a.120860902390808&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: High Ranking Personality of ICRC and CPP-NPA Surrenders in Bontoc, Mountain Province

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 13, 2020): High Ranking Personality of ICRC and CPP-NPA Surrenders in Bontoc, Mountain Province



https://www.facebook.com/crgnolcom/photos/a.1813617812020579/3458484990867178/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/NOLCOM/

NOLCOM: "It is Never Too Late to Start a New Life and Change for the Better"

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 14, 2020): "It is Never Too Late to Start a New Life and Change for the Better"

“It is never too late to start a new life and change for the better. I will never get tired of convincing the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law. They should decide now, before it is too late.”
-BGEN LAURENCE E MINA PA
Commander, 5th Infantry (STAR) Division

502nd Infantry - Liberator Brigade95th Infantry Salaknib BattalionEightysix HighlanderJake MontelebanoSeventeendoordiebattalion17th Infantry - Do or Die - BattalionMarine Battalion Landing Team-10-KAPAYAPAANJP Siera Seven1st Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry RegimentSierra Seven50th Infantry Battalion, 5ID, PA50IBDefenderBn50IB Defender Battalion45IB-Gallant Troopers54th Infantry Magilas Battalion, Philippine Army54th Infantry BattalionCharlie WildcatsAdamant MagilasBravo Bravehearts CoyAlfa KabalikatKabalikat Star TroopersOffice of the Assistant Chief of Staff for CMO, G7, PAPhilippine ArmyArmed Forces of the PhilippinesNational Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict1st Civil Relations Group, CRS AFPKalinaw NewsKatropa DWDD-Crs Virtual RTVWahab D. TayabanGerald Respicio Bidania

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NOLCOM: Badoy Tells Reps: Publicly Condemn CPP-NPA-NDF and I'll Step Down

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 14, 2020): Badoy Tells Reps: Publicly Condemn CPP-NPA-NDF and I'll Step Down



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NOLCOM: Charges Await NPA Front Organizations

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 14, 2020): Charges Await NPA Front Organizations



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NOLCOM: Balbalan, Kalinga Residents Under ELCAC Program Receive Livelihood Package

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 14, 2020): Balbalan, Kalinga Residents Under ELCAC Program Receive Livelihood Package



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SOLCOM: CPP-NPA Terrorists with Reward Authority: DND-DILG Joint Order on Reward

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 14, 2020): CPP-NPA Terrorists with Reward Authority: DND-DILG Joint Order on Reward



https://www.facebook.com/508253552519229/photos/pcb.3533965856614635/3533965373281350/?type=3&theater



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CENTCOM: 60 FRs from AgNor receive livelihood assistance

Posted to the Central Command (CENTCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 14, 2020): 60 FRs from AgNor receive livelihood assistance

Buenavista, Agusan del Norte – A total of sixty (60) former rebels (FRs) from the different municipalities in Agusan del Norte received government support through the Livelihood Settlement Grant (SLG) program in a ceremony held on September 11, 2020, at the Provincial Covered Court, Capitol Compound, Butuan City.

Of the total number of FRs granted with aid, thirty-six (36) are currently housed at the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion while the other twenty-four (24) are temporarily staying in the 29th Infantry Battalion. Each eligible FR received financial assistance in the amount of PHP20,000 to support the establishment or continuity of their livelihood upon their reintegration to their respective communities.

The distribution of livelihood assistance was graced by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera, Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba, Mayor Norbert B. Pagaspas of Buenavista town, SP Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, DSWD CARAGA Director Ramel F. Jamen, PSWD Agusan del Norte Director Silver Joy B. Tejano, TESDA Agusan del Norte Director Rey M. Cueva, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, commander of 23rd IB and Maj. Roger Gersava of 29th IB,

The SLG is a capability-building program that provides access to opportunities to help improve the socio-economic conditions of former combatants of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) through accessing and acquiring necessary assets to engage and maintain thriving livelihoods. LSG is a process intended for the provision of livelihood to the FR beneficiaries under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which aligns with the mandate of Executive Order 70 that institutionalized the Whole-of-Nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict.

Rep. Matba, in her statement, expressed gratitude to the former CNT combatants who bravely made the decision to abandon the communist movement and return to the folds of the law.

“The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is always ready to help and develop you in order for you to be confident with yourselves when you return to your respective communities. Always remember that this financial assistance you receive today cannot sustain your needs for a lifetime that is why I encourage you to use it wisely,” Amante-Matba said.

Gov. Corvera thanked the DSWD for the agency’s untiring efforts to find ways to support the former CNT combatants.

“Ang inyong nadawat nga financial assistance karon nga gihatag sa gobyerno inyo ning tarungong pag gamit kay kini nga kwarta sama lang ni sya sa isa ka liso nga gitisok sa gobyerno aron inyong patuboon para sa inyong kaugmaon. Anaa ninyo ang tanan, kung inyo bang patyon ang liso o inyo ba ning buhion. Kining tanan gibuhat sa gobyerno aron kamo nga mga FRs makabaton og kinasing kasing nga panghunahuna, nga atong gobyerno wala mag pasagad kaninyo kay walay kauswagan kung walay kalinaw ug wala poy kalinaw kung walay kauswagan,” Corvera said.

Among the FRs from the 23rd IB who received the livelihood assistance was Alias Amats who expressed gratitude to the government for the support and opportunities he received.

“Dako among pasalamat sa gobyerno labi na sa DSWD ug sa kasundaluhan kay naningkamot sila aron matabangan kami sa pag bag-o sa among kinabuhi. Sugod sa pagbiya nako sa kalihukan, daghan na kaayo ang mga ayuda, tabang ug oportunidad nga gihatag sa amo sa gobyerno. Diri ra gayod nako nakita ang tinuod nga kabag-uhan ug nakita namo kung giunsa gyod mi sa pag suporta sa gobyerno aron nga mabag-o ug mulambo ang among kinabuhi. Karon namo nakita ang kaayo sa gobyerno kay sa una nga naa pami sa kalihukan, kanunay man gisulsol sa among mga lideres nga way ayo ang gobyerno. Puro na lang negatibo ang ilang gitudlo sa amo pero ang tinuod nga kaayo ug pagtabang diri lang namo nabati ug nakita sa gobyerno,” Amats said.

Lt. Col. Paulo, in his message, made an assurance that the government and the Army will continuously look forward to help the former CNT combatants to live progressively and peacefully with their families.

“Our government offers many opportunities to help you become independent individuals especially when you will soon be reintegrated into your communities. We hope that all the assistance provided by the government will be your instrument in renewing and starting positive lives,” Paulo said.

He added that it was the lack of basic services, an issue usually exploited by the CNTs, forced the FRs to once join the terrorist movement in the area of Agusan del Norte.

“The government is providing you now with different assistance and services for you to truly feel that this government is always working for the benefit of its people. We know that it is not easy on your part to live normally after a couple of years in believing the ideologies of the armed group. Now that you are on the right path with the government, you are assured of the protection and help that you and your families need,” Paulo said.

He also urged the former rebels to make plans on how to manage properly the finances they received and make use of all the assistance wisely in order to have a sustainable livelihood in the near future.

“May this program help you transform your lives from miserable into a productive one,” Paulo said.

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#23IBAtongArmy
#EndLocalCommunistArmedConflict
#SupportEO70
#NoToCPP_NPA_NDF
#AvailECLIPNow

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CENTCOM: Parlade Dares MAKABAYAN Bloc to Debate Over Red Tags, NTF-RLCAC Budget

Posted to the Central Command (CENTCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 14, 2020): Parlade Dares MAKABAYAN Bloc to Debate Over Red Tags, NTF-RLCAC Budget



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CENTCOM: USEC Badoy to Resign if MAKABAYAN Solons Condemn CPP-NPA-NDF

Posted to the Central Command (CENTCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 14, 2020): USEC Badoy to Resign if MAKABAYAN Solons Condemn CPP-NPA-NDF



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CENTCOM: Task Force ELCAC and 78IB Troopers Deliver Essential Services in the Conflict-Affected Areas in Borongan City

Posted to the Central Command (CENTCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 14, 2020): Task Force ELCAC and 78IB Troopers Deliver Essential Services in the Conflict-Affected Areas in Borongan City

LOOK//CTF-ELCAC of Borongan City with Mayor Agda as the Chairman and the different departments and the 78th Infantry (Warrior) Battalion conducted Grand Pulong-pulong, and Serbisyo Caravan dubbed “Cum Dul-ong Serbisyo” last September 4, 2020 held at Brgy Pinanag-an, Borongan City.

During the Grand Pulong-pulong, the identified primary and secondary issues exploited by the NPA to agitate and mobilize innocent civilians and eventually recruit them into the rebel group were provided with answers from the concerned local departments and agencies. While the Serbisyo Caravan benefited two hundred sixty-two (262) residents in the different services as follows; free medical and dental check-up, circumcision, haircut, and mass wedding. Furthermore, 500 families were also given food packs during the Serbisyo Caravan. The Warrior Band, Warrior Dancers, and Magician of 78IB also provided entertainment to the populace.

#TFELCAC
#AFPyoucanTRUST

— with Leon Kilat, Unifier Battalion, Mandirigma Cmo and 26 others.

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EASTMINCOM: 60 FRs from AgNor receive livelihood assistance

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Sep 13, 2020): 60 FRs from AgNor receive livelihood assistance



BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – A total of sixty (60) former rebels (FRs) from the different municipalities in Agusan del Norte received government support through the Livelihood Settlement Grant program in a ceremony held on September 11, 2020, at the Provincial Covered Court, Capitol Compound, Butuan City.

Of the total number of FRs granted with aid, thirty-six (36) are currently housed at the 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion while the other twenty-four (24) are temporarily staying in the 29th Infantry Battalion.

Each eligible FR received financial assistance in the amount of PHP20,000 to support the establishment or continuity of their livelihood upon their reintegration to their respective communities.



The distribution of livelihood assistance was graced by Agusan del Norte Governor Dale B. Corvera, Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba, Mayor Norbert B. Pagaspas of Buenavista town, SP Member Elizabeth Marie R. Calo, DSWD CARAGA Director Ramel F. Jamen, PSWD Agusan del Norte Director Silver Joy B. Tejano, TESDA Agusan del Norte Director Rey M. Cueva, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, commander of 23rd IB and Maj. Roger Gersava of 29th IB.

The SLG is a capability-building program that provides access to opportunities to help improve the socio-economic conditions of former combatants of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) through accessing and acquiring necessary assets to engage and maintain thriving livelihoods.

LSG is a process intended for the provision of livelihood to the FR beneficiaries under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which aligns with the mandate of Executive Order 70 that institutionalized the Whole-of-Nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict.



Rep. Matba, in her statement, expressed gratitude to the former CNT combatants who bravely made the decision to abandon the communist movement and return to the folds of the law.

“The provincial government of Agusan del Norte is always ready to help and develop you in order for you to be confident with yourselves when you return to your respective communities. Always remember that this financial assistance you receive today cannot sustain your needs for a lifetime that is why I encourage you to use it wisely,” Cong. Amante-Matba said.

Gov. Corvera thanked the DSWD for the agency’s untiring efforts to find ways to support the former CNT combatants.

“Ang inyong nadawat nga financial assistance karon nga gihatag sa gobyerno inyo ning tarungong pag gamit kay kini nga kwarta sama lang ni sya sa isa ka liso nga gitisok sa gobyerno aron inyong patuboon para sa inyong kaugmaon. Anaa ninyo ang tanan, kung inyo bang patyon ang liso o inyo ba ning buhion. Kining tanan gibuhat sa gobyerno aron kamo nga mga FRs makabaton og kinasing kasing nga panghunahuna, nga atong gobyerno wala mag pasagad kaninyo kay walay kauswagan kung walay kalinaw ug wala poy kalinaw kung walay kauswagan,” Gov. Corvera said.

Among the FRs from the 23rd IB who received the livelihood assistance was Alias Amats who expressed gratitude to the government for the support and opportunities he received.

“Dako among pasalamat sa gobyerno labi na sa DSWD ug sa kasundaluhan kay naningkamot sila aron matabangan kami sa pag bag-o sa among kinabuhi. Sugod sa pagbiya nako sa kalihukan, daghan na kaayo ang mga ayuda, tabang ug oportunidad nga gihatag sa amo sa gobyerno. Diri ra gayod nako nakita ang tinuod nga kabag-uhan ug nakita namo kung giunsa gyod mi sa pag suporta sa gobyerno aron nga mabag-o ug mulambo ang among kinabuhi. Karon namo nakita ang kaayo sa gobyerno kay sa una nga naa pami sa kalihukan, kanunay man gisulsol sa among mga lideres nga way ayo ang gobyerno. Puro na lang negatibo ang ilang gitudlo sa amo pero ang tinuod nga kaayo ug pagtabang diri lang namo nabati ug nakita sa gobyerno,” Amats said.



Lt. Col. Paulo, in his message, made an assurance that the government and the Army will continuously look forward to help the former CNT combatants to live progressively and peacefully with their families.

“Our government offers many opportunities to help you become independent individuals especially when you will soon be reintegrated into your communities. We hope that all the assistance provided by the government will be your instrument in renewing and starting positive lives,” Lt. Col. Paulo said.

He added that it was the lack of basic services, an issue usually exploited by the CNTs, forced the FRs to once join the terrorist movement in the area of Agusan del Norte.

“The government is providing you now with different assistance and services for you to truly feel that this government is always working for the benefit of its people. We know that it is not easy on your part to live normally after a couple of years in believing the ideologies of the armed group. Now that you are on the right path with the government, you are assured of the protection and help that you and your families need,” Lt. Col. Paulo said.



He also urged the former rebels to make plans on how to manage properly the finances they received and make use of all the assistance wisely in order to have a sustainable livelihood in the near future.

“May this program help you transform your lives from miserable into a productive one,” Lt. Col. Paulo said.

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 23rd Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Diamond, PA

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2020/09/60-frs-from-agnor-receive-livelihood.html

EASTMINCOM: DTI Distributed another Livelihood Starter Kits to 29 Former Rebels in Bukidnon

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Sep 14, 2020): DTI Distributed another Livelihood Starter Kits to 29 Former Rebels in Bukidnon



MARAMAG, Bukidnon - Another 29 Livelihood starter kits were distributed to Former Rebels (FRs) by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in collaboration with the 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion, Phillippine Army held at Headquarters 88IB, Purok 10, South Poblacion, Maramag, Bukidnon on September 11, 2020.

The activity of DTI was through its “Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa,” a livelihood and entrepreneurship program of the department.

It is one of the programs of the PTF-ELCAC under Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment cluster in attaining durable peace and sustainable development.



The FRs received Livelihood Starter Kits for Rice Trading, Parlor and Barbershop, Carenderia, Carpentry, and E-Loading Business. Each received Starter Kits worth P8,000.

The DTI distributed a total of 29 Starter Kits to the FRs which is equivalent to P232,000.

It can be recalled that last September 4, 2020, a batch of 40 FRs also received Livelihood Starter Kits from the DTI. All in all, DTI distributed a total of 69 starter kits to the FRs which is equivalent to P532,000.

Director Eriberto A. Taban-ud Jr, DTI Provincial Director of Bukidnon, said, “We in DTI encourage you to do business because in business, there is always a good chance to succeed as long as we manage it properly. The government, through its Whole of Nation Approach, is always ready to help you not just the DTI but all government agencies.”



Alias Ragasi, one of the former rebels, uttered in his local dialect, “Subra ang among pagpasalamat nga kami nahatagan ug higayun nga maka dawat ug ayuda gikan sa gobyerno daku na kaayu ni nga tabang sa amoang paginabuhian, kami nga saad nga amoa pa kining palambuun ug pabungahon." (We are very grateful that we have been allowed to receive assistance from the government which will be a great help and contribution to our livelihood, we assure that we will continue to improve and prosper it.)

LTC Franklin F Fabic, Commanding Officer of 88IB, expressed his thanks to the DTI Provincial Director. “Again, thank you for being our partner in winning the peace and bringing the government closer to the people especially to our FRs who became victims of the wrong ideology of the communist terrorists. This will be a great help to entice more rebels to surrender in the folds of the law and enjoy government programs.

Source: Civil-Military Operations Office, 88th Infantry Battalion, Joint Task Force Diamond,

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2020/09/dti-distributed-another-livelihood.html

EASTMINCOM: Eastmincom’s Crackdown on CTG Yields More Surrenders in August

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Sep 14, 2020): Eastmincom’s Crackdown on CTG Yields More Surrenders in August



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City - Series of surrenders were recorded by the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) over the month of August as the crackdown on Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in Eastern Mindanao continues to break down its remaining strongholds.

Members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and Militia ng Bayan (MB), which totaled 297 individuals, were cut anew from the dwindling CTG as they deserted the terror group following the intensified Focused Military Operations (FMOs) conducted by Eastmincom's units in their respective areas of responsibility.

Eleven (11) Communist NPA Terrorists and four (4) Militia ng Bayan members led by a certain alias Joe who belong to a Communist Terrorist Group operating in Cabanglasan, Bukidnon surrendered to the 88th Infantry Battalion on August 14, 2020, under the Joint Task Force Diamond in Maramag town.

The surrenderees revealed that they were involved in the recent skirmishes against government forces in Cabanglasan for the past weeks that resulted in a series of losses and debacles to their group.

Alias Joe also told the 88th Infantry Battalion during an interview that hunger and fear for their lives were just among the few reasons that pushed them to surrender after seeing many of their colleagues died during the series of encounters.

The surrenderees also yielded fifteen (15) various firearms composed of one (1) M16A1, two (2) Garand Rifles, four (4) Carbine M1 Rifles, six (6) Homemade Shotguns, one (1) Homemade Revolver, and one (1) Caliber 45 pistol.

The Community Support Program (CSP) efforts of the 36th Infantry Battalion and Former Rebels (FRs) in Brgy. Buntalid and Brgy. Tigabong in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur also led to the surrender of seventeen (17) Communist NPA Terrorist members and mass supporters on August 19, 2020 in Brgy. San Juan, Madrid.

The Communist NPA Terrorist deserters composed of four (4) regulars and thirteen (13) Underground Mass Organization (UGMO) members divulged that they decided to surrender because of the difficulties that they have experienced in the hands of the Communist Terrorist Group.

The CTG’s failed promises and ideologies further drove the FRs to abandon the armed struggle after seeing the sincere gesture of the government in addressing the issues and delivering public services to the communities, especially the marginalized sector, through the Community Support Program (CSP).



An exodus of surrender was likewise recorded in August in the area of the 402nd Infantry Brigade after 174 Communist NPA Terrorists, Militia ng Bayan members, and mass supporters yielded to government troops in two separate events on August 20, 2020, as a result of the collaboration between 402nd Brigade’s CSP Team and the PNP’s Community Action Team (ComACT).

In Agusan del Sur, seven (7) Communist NPA Terrorists and 17 Militia ng Bayan members pledged new allegiance to the government through the 26th Infantry Battalion during a ceremony in Brgy. Zamora, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur. The surrenderees also brought along with them 23 assorted firearms.

Twenty-four (24) MB members and 126 mass supporters also simultaneously yielded to the 23rd Infantry Battalion through a ceremonial mass surrender at Sitio Macopa, Brgy. Poblacion, Agusan del Norte. The surrenderees voluntarily endorsed to authorities their 15 assorted firearms and several explosive materials and ammunitions.



A CNT couple identified as alias Milan and alias Cris, together with alias JR, another NPA member, also returned to the folds of the law over the previous month out of fear for the future of their family while being with the Communist Terrorist Group.

During their surrender to the 29th Infantry Battalion on August 14, 2020, in Kitcharao, Agusan del Norte, the former rebels yielded one (1) Caliber 5.56mm Bushmaster rifle with one plastic and four short loaded magazines, one (1) AK47 rifle with four loaded magazines, and one (1) Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

A high-ranking CNT identified as Alias Ading, who had served the CTG for five (5) years, also surrendered to the 25th Infantry Battalion on Saturday, August 22, 2020, in Monkayo, Davao de Oro.



Alias Ading revealed that he was deceived to join the CTG since he was only 16 years old which is a clear violation of the provision of the International Humanitarian Law which prohibits any armed group from recruiting a minor.

The 21-year old surrenderee also brought along with him one (1) M16 rifle, one (1) M653 rifle, and six (6) magazines with fifty-eight (58) ammunitions which he yielded to the troops.

Four (4) CNTs operating in Davao Oriental have also responded to the call of the government to abandon the armed struggle and its useless cause when they surrendered to the 701st Infantry Brigade on August 18, 2020. They also handed-over to the unit one (1) Cal .60 LMG with one hundred fifty (150) rounds of 7.62mm (linked) ammunitions during their surrender.



On August 15, 2020, three (3) Militia ng Bayan members of a CTG operating in the area of Kibawe, Bukidnon likewise surrendered through the effort of CSP operators of the 16th Infantry Battalion. The surrenderees brought along with them one (1) Springfield US 1917 Model and two (2) homemade shotguns with magazine and live ammunitions.

The series of surrenders in Eastern Mindanao generally resulted in the recovery of 29 high-powered and 51 low-powered firearms, and three (3) IEDs.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Jose C. Faustino Jr, Commander of Eastern Mindanao Command, pointed out that the series of surrender is a result of the former rebels’ loss of trust on the Communist Terrorist Group.

“This phenomenon proves that the CNT members are finally losing their trust on the Communist Terrorist Group in Eastern Mindanao as its pseudo-government proved to be a failure, particularly in delivering its promises both to its members and influenced communities while using them as a sacrificial lamb for their atrocities,” he said.

The Commander also called on the remaining CTG in Eastern Mindanao to surrender and avail the assistance being offered by the government through the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to help them build a new and normal life with their families.

“To those who have already seen the hard reality in the terrorist group, this is the time for you to surrender. Heed the call of the government and abandon the armed struggle. You can assure that the government will support you in building a new life with your families,” Lt. Gen. Faustino added.

Source: Public Information Office, Eastern Mindanao Command, AFP

https://www.eastmincomafp.com.ph/2020/09/eastmincoms-crackdown-on-ctg-yields.html