WESTMINCOM: Indon kidnap victim killed by abductors in Sulu

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Sep 30, 2020): Indon kidnap victim killed by abductors in Sulu (Graphic Photo)

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – September 30, 2020

A cadaver of an Indonesian kidnap victim was recovered by military troops in Sulu Tuesday afternoon, September 29.

“Our troops were in pursuit of the fleeing local terrorist group members following an encounter, when they recovered the cadaver of the slain kidnap victim,” said Lt. Col. Ruben Guinolbay, Commanding Officer of the 45th Infantry Battalion.

The troops of the 45IB were scouring the enemy withdrawal route, about 300m from the encounter site along Barangay Maligay, Patikul Sulu.

“Based on facial recognition, our intelligence officer identified the kidnap victim as one of the five Indonesian kidnap victims; however, name is being withheld for further confirmation,” said Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, JTF Sulu Commander.

"His remains will be transported to Zamboanga City for further confirmation", Brig. Gen. Gonzales added.

Meanwhile, “based on reports from the ground, during the encounter the KV had an opportunity to escape. While running away, he was fired upon by his abductors. His body was found 300 meters from the encounter site,” Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. stated.

“We are yet to reconfirm before we reveal the full identity of the victim,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan added.

Troops are still in pursuit of the fleeing enemies.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#TeamWestMinCom
#WholeofNationApproach
#PeaceandProgress
#EndingTerrorismInMindanao

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/

Historian Joseph Scalice responds to Stalinist Sison’s foul imagery

From the World Socialist Web Site (Sep 30, 2020): Historian Joseph Scalice responds to Stalinist Sison’s foul imagery (By Joseph Scalice)

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison and his supporters are continuing their foul attacks on historian Joseph Scalice following his lecture “First as Tragedy, Second as Farce: Marcos, Duterte and the Communist Parties of the Philippines.” The lecture established on the basis of overwhelming evidence that Sison and the CPP had actively assisted the fascistic President Rodrigo Duterte to come to power in 2016 and gave support to his murderous “war on drugs.” 

Dr. Joseph Scalice

The latest in Sison’s vicious campaign, drawing on the long history of Stalinist lies and threats, is a photoshopped image depicting Scalice and Leon Trotsky as rats about to be killed by an angry peasant. The WSWS is posting below Dr. Scalice’s response to Sison’s crude methods posted on his Facebook page. We encourage our readers to send us letters defending Dr. Scalice.

Jose Maria Sison, founder and ideological leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines, has posted yet another attack on “Trotskyites,” accompanied by a caricatured image of Trotsky and me as vermin. An angry peasant, wearing a traditional salakot hat, holds two rats, Leon Trotsky and Joseph Scalice, in his hands and knocks their heads together. It is a disgusting image.

Sison is dredging up some of the worst filth of the twentieth century. The bestial depiction of Leon Trotsky has its origins in the anti-semitism of the far right. The White Russian emigres first responsible for these depictions served as the ideological inspirations of Nazism. Stalin embraced this vicious heritage and ensured that images of Trotsky, the demon Jew, found wide circulation.

Stalinism has a long history of using barbaric and racist imagery against its Marxist opponents in the Trotskyist movement. The flagrant lies told by the Stalinist leaders to cover up their betrayals of the working class and secure their hold on power were given visual form in the grotesque imagery which they employed in their art.

Cartoon attacking Trotsky and Scalice

Anyone who has made a careful study of the imagery employed by the CPP will recognize its dishonest and frankly barbaric character.

Looking to cover up their complicity in his rise to power, the CPP has produced effigies of Duterte that are beyond grotesque. The man they hailed as progressive is now depicted as a demonic beast, complete with slavering fangs and horns and blood-red rolls of gratuitous fat. There is no class depicted, nothing at all that references capitalism, just the pure embodiment of evil. It is a measure of their political desperation that the CPP is drawing on the propaganda of the far right and the medieval bestiary.

An effigy of Duterte at a recent demonstration

In the same fashion, as the CPP and the organizations that follow its political line have aligned with sections of the bourgeoisie closely tied to Washington, they have begun denouncing Duterte as a puppet of “Chinese imperialism,” and have produced images that draw on the region’s long history of anti-Chinese racism.

The statement that accompanied the image of Trotsky and me as vermin was written for Sison by the so-called MLM Study Group. It is as fundamentally dishonest as the artwork.

Sison refuses to deal with any of the basic historical facts raised by my scholarship. Instead he regurgitates the historical lies of Stalinism. The statement claims that Trotsky supported the Nazis, that Trotsky opposed the peasants, and on and on.

Any politically literate student of the twentieth century should know the origin of these lies. There were countless little compendia of such poisonous falsehoods published around the time of the Moscow show trials. They served as a kind of Stalinist breviary, shoring up the political line of the party with lies and justifying the mass murder of their opponents.

I am a historian. I wrote a thousand-page dissertation that examined for the first time every extant scrap of what the party wrote in the late 1960s and early 1970s—books, pamphlets, leaflets, and fliers—and collated these into a coherent account of events leading up to the imposition of martial law.

Sison has responded to none of this. He cannot account for his support for Macapagal, whom he hailed as a revolutionary; for his endorsement of Marcos in 1965; for his alliance with the elite opposition from 1970-72 as they sought to secure the reins of martial law for themselves; or for his support for Duterte in 2016.

Instead, he resorts to slanders and threats and lies and bestial caricatures in a desperate attempt to cover up his own political culpability.

https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2020/09/30/jose-s30.html

CPP/News: 79th IB officers pocket P4 million from fake surrenders in Negros

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 1, 2020): 79th IB officers pocket P4 million from fake surrenders in Negros

NEWS STORIES
OCTOBER 01, 2020

In a statement last September 28, Juanito Magbanua of the New People’s Army-Negros Island revealed that the 79th IB pocketed around P4 million from the “surrender“ of 63 supposed former mass supporters of the revolutionary movement in Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia. The military unit is headed by Lt. Col. Gerard Alvaran.

The said military unit even held a parade in the village covered court, where the farmers were made to hold placards in an “anti-NPA rally.” Cash aid of up to P65,000 per farmer were supposed to be handed out. Instead, farmers were given 5 kilos of rice and anti-NPA leaflets.

Before this, members of three farmers’ groups in Barangay Pilar, Hinigaran, of the same province were also paraded as “surrenderees.”

In Mindoro, hundreds of Buhid-Mangyan minorities, including minors, were forced by the 203rd Brigade to surrender in the towns of Bongabong, San Jose, Mansalay, Magsaysay and Rizal. Residents were reportedly tricked into claiming relief goods inside military camps, where they are interrogated and forced to surrender as NPA members or supporters.

Funds for the “surrender program” run into billions, making it one of the most lucrative sources of corruption for military officers.

https://cpp.ph/2020/10/01/79th-ib-officers-pocket-p4-million-from-fake-surrenders-in-negros/

CPP/News: AFP beheads farmer in Kabankalan City

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 1, 2020): AFP beheads farmer in Kabankalan City

NEWS STORIES
OCTOBER 01, 2020

On September 26, Bernardo Guillen, a 50-year old farmer was found dead near his farm in Brgy. Tan-awan, Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental. He was beheaded and his body mutilated.

In September 17, Guillen was working when a firefight broke out between the New People’s Army-Negros and a composite team of 94th IB near his farm. Out of fear, he and his wife immediately went home. They found soldiers in their house who ordered then to leave. After leaving, Guillen told his wife and children to proceed without him while he went back to the house to get something. That was the last time his family saw him. His family and neighbors, along with barangay officials, found his dead body in a ravine near the encounter site nine days later.

Guillen is the 275th peasant killed under the Duterte regime. According to Bayani Obrero, NDF-Negros spokesperson, he is also the third victim of mutilation by the AFP this year alone.

Obrero recalled the killing of Ka Rido, a Red fighter who was captured and killed by 94th IB in Sitio Agpapataw, Brgy. Binobohan, Guihulngan City last February. His fingers were cut off and his body bore bruises.

Reken Remasog, a farmer, also had his legs broken by soldiers before he was shot dead in Sitio Maluy-a, Brgy. Sandayao, Guihulngan City last August 14. Soldiers then publicly displayed his dead body and claimed that he was an NPA member.

https://cpp.ph/2020/10/01/afp-beheads-farmer-in-kabankalan-city/

CPP/News: NPA-Western Samar strikes at 19th IB anew

Propaganda news story posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 1, 2020): NPA-Western Samar strikes at 19th IB anew

NEWS STORIES
OCTOBER 01, 2020

Five fascist soldiers were killed and 12 were wounded after elements of the 19th Infantry Battalion were ambushed by the New People’s Army-Western Samar (Arnulfo Ortiz Command) in Barangay Santa Cruz, Matuguinao last September 26 at around five in the morning.

The NPA-AOC employed a command-detonated explosive (CDX) against a unit of the 19th IB. The battle lasted 30 minutes. The NPA-AOC fighters safely withdrew without casualty.

In reaction, the military fired 105mm howitzer rounds toward a waiting shed in nearby Barangay San Isidro around 7 a.m. Judging by the proximity to the ambush site, the artillery shelling aims to instill fear and endanger the masses.

Meanwhile, the NPA-Northern Samar (Rodante Urtal Command) harassed elements of the CAFGU under the 43rd IB in Barangay Pagsang-an, San Roque during the first week of September. The CAFGU elements, including their 43rd IB controller, scampered away. No NPA fighter was hurt.

Correspondence report from Larab

https://cpp.ph/2020/10/01/npa-western-samar-strikes-at-19th-ib-anew/

CPP/NPA-Bicol ROC: Lalabanan ng masang Bikolano at ng BHB ang patuloy na pananalasa ng delubyo ng 9th IDPA

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Oct 1, 2020): Lalabanan ng masang Bikolano at ng BHB ang patuloy na pananalasa ng delubyo ng 9th IDPA

RAYMUNDO BUENFUERZA

SPOKESPERSON

BICOL REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND

ROMULO JALLORES COMMAND

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

OCTOBER 01, 2020

Delubyo, bakong orgullo, an dara-dara kang 16 taong pagtiner kan 9th IDPA sa Bikol. Pinangatawanan nito ang pagiging berdugo at ipinatupad ang sunud-sunod na oplan ng mga papet na rehimeng sinasamba nito. Hanggang ngayo’y nag-uumapaw ang mga krimen nito sa mamamayan – mula sa pambubugbog, panggagahasa, panununog hanggang sa tahasang pamamaslang at pagmasaker. Kaisa ng masang Bikolano ang Romulo Jallores Command (RJC-BHB Bikol) sa buu-buong pagtatakwil, paglaban at pagpapanagot sa 9th IDPA at mga pasistang amo nito. Hindi magmamaliw ang Pulang hukbong paglagablabin ang armadong pakikibaka hanggang sa maipagtagumpay ang makatwirang digma ng mamamayan.

Ilang beses mang kumembot sa kalsada ang 9th IDPA, hindi kailanman makakaligtaan ng masang Bikolano ang dinanas nilang pang-aabuso sa panahon ng SOT, RSOT, PDT at ngayon, RCSP. Bawat makasalamuha ng Pulang hukbo sa mga baryo ay nakaranas ng pagmamalupit sa kamay ng militar at pulis sa iba’t ibang antas. Bitbit nila ang walang kasingbulok na kultura ng AFP sa bawat baryong sinasalakay nila. Biktima ng pambubugbog, panghaharas, panggagahasa at pamamaslang ang mga sanggol, kabataan, dalaga, binata, may asawa, mga lolo at lola sa mga baryong kinakampuhan at pinaglulunsaran ng mga operasyong militar. Nananatiling mailap ang hustisya para sa pamilyang Mancera ng Camarines Norte, pamilyang Naris ng Camarines Sur at pamilyang Pepito ng Masbate na walang pakundangang minasaker at libu-libo pang pamilyang biktima ng karahasan ng militar.

Basang-basa na ang papel ng 9th IDPA. Tadtad ng kapalpakan at mga eskandalo ang kanilang 16 taong pamamalagi sa rehiyon. Kabubuo pa lamang noong 2004, nahuli na agad ang upisyal nitong si Lt. Ronaldo Butch Fidelino at isa pang elementong si Pfc. Ronel Nemeno. Mismong mga elemento ng CAFGU ang pumapanig, humahanap ng proteksyon at nagbibigay sa NPA ng matataas na kalibre ng baril dahil sa pagmamalupit ng kanilang mga upisyal. Sariwa pa rin sa alaala ng masang Bikolano ang sukdulang kapalpakan ng pagkaka-Photoshop na litrato ng mga di umano’y sumuko sa Masbate. Hindi rin maloloko ng 9th IDPA ang masang anakpawis na mismong nakakakita sa mga pinupuslit nilang bangkay ng kanilang mga elemento tuwing nagkakaroon ng misencounter sa pagitan nila at ng pulis o kapwa nilang yunit ng AFP. Ilang pamilya na ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU ang pinagkaitan nila ng matinong burol sa takot na sumingaw ang sunud-sunod nilang kabiguan.

Hindi kailanman magagapi ng marahas na gera ng pasistang estado ang superyoridad ng makatwiran at makatarungang digma ng mamamayan. Ibinubuhos ng Pulang hukbo, ng masang sumusuporta sa kanila at ng buong rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang kanilang panahon at lahat ng pagsisikap dahil sa prinsipyo’t paninindigan ng Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo. Nais nilang bumalikwas at magtaguyod ng isang lipunang malaya sa pang-aapi at pagsasamantala. Ito ang armas na higit na matibay at malakas kumpara sa pinagkumbinang pwersa ng mersenaryong hukbong sinusuhulan lamang ng estado at mabilis sumuko dahil sa walang prinsipyong gera sa kanilang kapwa Pilipino.

Nananawagan ang RJC-BHB Bikol sa masang Bikolanong ibayong suportahan ang makatarungang digma ng mamamayan – ang digmang bayan. Magkaisa’t palakasin ang armadong pakikibaka bilang sandata ng mamamayan laban sa 9th IDPA, mga reaksyunaryo, pasista at imperyalista. Hinihikayat din ng RJC-BHB Bikol ang mga patriyotikong elemento at upisyal ng AFP-PNP-CAFGU na muling suriin kung sino ang tunay nilang kaaway at kapanalig. Tiyak, hindi dapat nakatutok ang kanilang armas sa mamamayang tumitindig para sa katarungan at kalayaang sinumpaan nilang ipagtanggol.

Mayong orgullo sa pagpapasakit sa namamanwaan!
Wakasan ang delubyo ng 9th IDPA!
Palayasin ang militar sa kanayunan at kalunsuran!
Pabagsakin ang rehimeng US-Duterte!
Ibayong palakasin ang digmang bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statements/lalabanan-ng-masang-bikolano-at-ng-bhb-ang-patuloy-na-pananalasa-ng-delubyo-ng-9th-idpa/

Kalinaw News: DSWD Program inilunsad, ground breaking isinabay

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 1, 2020): DSWD Program inilunsad, ground breaking isinabay

Malita, Davao Occidental – Kasama ang 73rd Infantry Battalion, inilunsad ng Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) ang kanilang programa na Seed Capital Fund (SCF) sa Brgy Tibuloy Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) Association kasabay ng seremonya ng ground breaking ng Banana Production Project sa Purok 6, Brgy Tibuloy, Toril, Davao City kahapon, Setyembre 30, 2020.

Ang Brgy Tibuloy SLP Association ay nabenipisyohan ng PhP 300,000.00 na ibinigay ng DSWD bilang parte ng kanilang programang Seed Capital Fund na magsisilbing puhunan ng asosasyon.

Kasabay ng aktibidades ay nagkaroon din ng simpleng seremonya ng ground breaking ng Banana Production Project kung saan nagbigay ng punlang saging ang Department of Agriculture sa nasabing asosasyon.

Ibinahagi naman ni Hon. Remperas, Punong Barangay, ang kanyang pasasalamat sa mga ahensya sa paghatid ng serbisyo ng gobyerno.

Bilang tugon, “Sisigaruduhin namin na ang kasundaluhan ay tutulong sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno upang maihatid ang mga serbisyong katulad nito,” pahayag ni Lt. Col. Ronaldo G Valdez, Kumander ng 73IB.

Puspusan ang operasyon sa Toril District upang wakasan ang kasamaan at paglinlang na sinasagawa ng mga teroristang NPA.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/dswd-program-inilunsad-ground-breaking-isinabay/

Kalinaw News: 2 NPA leaders surrender to Army in Agusan del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 1, 2020): 2 NPA leaders surrender to Army in Agusan del Norte

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte – Two dismayed members of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist group who previously held the positions of team leaders of the movement voluntarily surrendered to the troopers of 23rd Infantry (Masigasig) Battalion in separate occasions on September 28 and 29, 2020 at the battalion’s headquarters in Jamboree Site, Purok 6, Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

The two disgruntled CNT leaders were identified as alias FREDIE/ERWEN and JAY-R/BADOY/BEBS. Alias FREDIE/ERWEN, thirty-nine a team leader of Squad Dos, Sentro de Grabidad CAOCAO, Guerrilla Front 4A of the North Central Mindanao Committee and a resident of Purok Lumbia, Barangay Poblacion, Carmen, Agusan del Norte while alias JAY-R/BADOY/BEBS, twenty-four, is also a the team leader of Squad Dos, SDG CAOCAO, GF-4A, NCMRC who is a resident of Purok 8, Barangay Lower Olave, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Alias FREDIE/ERWEN turned over to the 23rd IB one MK-2 fragmentation hand grenade.

In his testimony, alias FREDIE/ERWEN narrated the difficult experiences he had while inside the movement that pushed him to abandon the terrorist group.

“Sa una malipayon man ang among pagpuyo bisan tood taliwala sa among ka pobrehon. Nagtoo sab ko nga insakto ang ilang mga saad sa ako nga tabangan ko nila nga mahaw-as sa kalisod kay lagi kuno hapit na maangkon sa walhong grupo ang kadaugan. Giantos nako ang kakapoy ug kagutom inubanan sa dakong pagtoo nga magmalampuson kami sa among mga plano. Apan nakita nako ang dakong kapildihan ug gani, daghan na sa among mga kakaubanan ang nakabsan sa kinabuhi human sa mga nahitabong engkwentro tali sa kasundaluhan ug daghan na usab ang mibalik na sa sabakan sa balaod. Wala na usab bili kung magpabilin pa ko sa armadong kalihukan kay wala man gyod koy nakita nga nagpakabana sa amo ang among mga lideres,” alias FREDIE/ERWEN said.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, the Acting Commander of 23IB said the battalion is always open to welcome and help every member of the CNT group who wishes to live normally and peacefully.

“More CNT members are now coming back to the folds of the government because they never understood the kind of life they had inside the said movement,” Paulo said.

He also expressed gladness to the decision made by the two CNT team leaders, saying that the armed movement will never help them but instead, pull them down to miserable lives.

“With a strong belief, they joined the armed group believing that they will be given better lives but in contrast, they were only being enslaved by their leaders and they are forced to follow orders without having any repay to their prostration,” Paulo said.

He added that inside the fifty-one years of CNT existence, the Filipino people have not seen a single member of the group who testified that they now live a luxurious and comfortable life after joining the communist movement.

“Their lives were ruined. They lost the peace of mind and become violent because their leaders do not know how to look for the efforts, hardships and social welfare of their members,” Paulo said.

In the last fifty-one years, Paulo said that it is only the CNT leaders who benefited from the movement as can be seen in the status of their families, the properties they own, the education of their children, and the abundance their families who all reside in urban centers.

[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/2-npa-leaders-surrender-to-army-in-agusan-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: Army participates in the National Peace Conciousness Month celebration

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 1, 2020): Army participates in the National Peace Conciousness Month celebration

CAMP GERONA, MURCIA, Negros Occidental – The 303rd Infantry Brigade and its Line Battalions under the leadership of Colonel Inocencio Pasaporte, Brigade Commander fully supported and participated the National Peace Consciousness Month activity this September through a Culmination Program and Distribution of food packs, hygiene kit, medicine and PPEs to Negros Kapatiran CDU beneficiaries held at Provincial Capitol Building, Bacolod City yesterday September 30, 2020.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Proces (OPAPP) facilitated the distribution of rice, food packs, hygiene and first aide kits, medicines and PPEs to Negros Kapatiran CDU beneficiaries in partnership with the provincial government of Negros Occidental and 303rd Infantry Brigade with its Line Battalions 62IB and 79IB. The said distribution activity was the highlights of culmination activities in connection with the National Peace Consciousness Month this September 2020.

The KAPATIRAN Community Defense Unit (CDU) members were among the former combatants of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPA-ABB) surrendered to the government and now are recognized members who will protect their respective communities from attacks of the New People’s Army.

It was attended by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson of Negros Occidental; Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Proces (OPAPP) representative Mr Jason Encinares, Lt Colonel Harold E Garcia, 303rd Infantry Brigade Executive Officer representing in behalf of Brigade Commander; Lt Colonel Gerard Alvaran, Commanding Officer of 79th Infantry Masaligan Battalion; Major Michael Victoria, 62nd Infantry Unifier Battalion Executive Officer and Ms Grace Tomaro, OIC/ Regional Director of Parole and Probation Administration Region VI.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson in his message said, that “As advocates of peace, trust is the key for our effective relationships. Let this activity reinforce our neutral trust and confidence, for it is only through our sincere, solemn and earnest partnerships that sustainable peace can be achieve. For peace to be real, we must address, preserve and respect the core of humanity and human dignity. This year’s celebration is distinct from the once we have in the past, COVID-19 is our common enemy, today the entire humanity is at war with virus that threatens our health, our security, our economy and most of all our life. Solidarity among all sectors and generations is needed more than ever to win this war. Indeed, peace is a process and the war of peace might be a long one, but peace is always an option and today we honor the choice we made for Negros Occidental. Abanse Negrense! “ he added.

Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Garcia, 303rd Brigade Executive Officer gave also his message in behalf of 303rd Brigade Commander saying that, “Sustaining peace’ is not a task limited in time or limited to one set of actors, it is a “shared task and responsibility” of all of us and at all the time as we fight our battles with insurgency and of course, our unseen enemy, COVID 19 crisis.

Your Army in Negros is in full support to the government and even private sectors by extending our assistance in all peace related projects and programs here in the province of Negros and we assure you of that! Regardless of culture, religion, ideology, and affinity let us all unite and heal as one in this trying times! Padayun lang kita sa pag abante sa kalinong kag sa kahilwayan sa sini nga pandemya kaupod nyo kami ang inyo Army nga indi magpabaya sa inyo tanan!, “Lt.Colonel Garcia added.

The theme for this year’s peace month is “Building a Culture of Peace in Negros: Moving Forward Amidst COVID-19 Challenges,” which calls for a participative, collective, and inclusive approach towards our shared aspiration for a just, comprehensive, and enduring peace inspite of the present health crisis that we experience and generally affects all of us, the COVID-19.

[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-participates-in-the-national-peace-conciousness-month-celebration/

Kalinaw News: LGU Arakan, Army initiated Peace and Development Summit

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 1, 2020): LGU Arakan, Army initiated Peace and Development Summit

ARAKAN, NORTH COTABATO – The local government of Arakan, North Cotabato in collaboration with the 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion held a two-day Peace and Development Summit for Punong Barangay and SK Chairperson on 29-30 September 2020 at Brgy Poblacion, Arakan, North Cotabato.

The summit was attended by the fifty-six (56) Punong Barangays and SK Chairpersons from the twenty-eight (28) barangays of Arakan. Futhermore, Hon. Rene V. Rubino, Municipal Mayor graced the activity as the Guest of Honor during the Opening Ceremony. Series of lectures were conducted during the two-day summit with regard to the Functions of Barangay Development and Peace and Order Councils; Republic Act No. 11479 or Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020; roles and equal participation in Executive Order No. 70 series of 2020 or Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC); Anti-Criminality Campaign; and projects and programs of various government agencies.

In his message, Mayor Rene V. Rubino said, “I sincerely thank our men in uniform for working together to carry out this activity. This is one of the initiatives of our local government to help our President to promote Executive Order No.70 or the Whole of the Nation Approach in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict which aims to finally end the insurgency of the country with the full participation of the government agencies and the community for peace and order”.

This summit aims to broaden the knowledge of each Punong Barangay and SK Chairperson in their duties and responsibilities in maintaining peace and order in their community. This will also increase their awareness on the different plans and programs of the government in attaining peace and development, and likewise, the deception and atrocities of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG).

The closing ceremony of the said activity was graced by the Commander of the 1002nd Brigade, Col Potenciano C Camba and 2nd District of North Cotabato Representative, Cong Rudy Caoagdan.

In his message, Colonel Camba thanked the Punong Barangays and SK Chairpersons for their active participation and solidarity to make the activity a success. He also thanked the Municipal Government of Arakan led by Mayor Rubino for his perseverance in supporting the government’s aim for peace and development. “Rest assured that the Philippine Army will do its best in attaining a peaceful and prosperous community,” Colonel Camba said.

Congressman Caoagdan expressed his gratitude and called the activity a collaboration because of the cooperation of various government agencies to provide right and sufficient knowledge to the Punong Barangays and SK Chairpersons in the government programs that they can share to their community.

This activity is just one of the various undertakings that show the government’s sincerity in addressing the insurgency problem in the country. This initiative will help open the minds of the people to the government’s goal of achieving a peaceful, productive and conflict-resilient community.

[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/lgu-arakan-army-initiated-peace-and-development-summit

Kalinaw News: Caraga RTF-ELCAC creates a body to stop CPP-NPA

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 1, 2020): Caraga RTF-ELCAC creates a body to stop CPP-NPA Extortion

The Caraga Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) approves the creation of a Special Task Group to Counter the Communist Terrorist Group Resource Generation (STG-CCRG) during its Full Council Meeting yesterday, September 30, 2020.

The function of the STG-CCRG is to assist the RTF-ELCAC in the formulation of Programs, Projects, Services and Activities (PPSAs) geared to stop the NPA’s extortion activities

The proposal came from Major General Andres C Centino, Commander of 4th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Diamond, who has responsibility over Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region.

General Centino said that while the government’s counter-insurgency campaign is gaining a headway by having weakened the enemy’s capabilities through manpower and firearms reduction along with the resolution of the root causes of insurgency, somehow the CPP-NPA’s resource generation activities has been overlooked.

“The CPP-NPA’s funds are primarily coming from its extortion activities targeting the mining industry, agri-businesses, construction firms, transport sector and other business establishments among others. According to former rebels, captured CPP-NPA finance officers and documents recovered, through extortion they have amassed more than 118 million pesos in 2019 alone”, Centino said.

Centino added that, despite the series of surrender and neutralization of CPP-NPA members, they remain resilient because of the extorted funds that have sustained their operations.

“We need to address the CPP-NPA extortion schemes if we want to end the insurgency problem in the region”, he said.

The Caraga RTF ELCAC Full Council Meeting was presided by Cabinet Secretary Karlo Norgales via video teleconference with the attendance of the members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC).

Nograles is also the Cabinet Official for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) for Caraga, tasked to integrate the peace, security and development initiatives of the government.



[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/caraga-rtf-elcac-creates-a-body-to-stop-cpp-npa-extortion/

Kalinaw News: 176 NPAs pledge support to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Agusan del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 1, 2020): 176 NPAs pledge support to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in Agusan del Norte

AGUSAN DEL NORTE- On September 24 and 27, 2020 at Brgy. Mahayahay, Brgy. Sangay, Kitcharao and Brgy. Curva, Santiago, Agusan del Norte, another one hundred seventy-six (176) Underground Mass Organizations Members (UGMOs) took an oath to withdraw their support from the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and its affiliated organizations.

The event is pursuant to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 to attain inclusive and sustainable peace and to institutionalize the Whole-of-the-nation approach towards Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC). This government program gives NPAs the chance to surrender to the folds of the government so that they can experience peace in mainstream life.

This program is the reason why UGMOs pledged their cooperation and support to the government. They were assisted by troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion, the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the local government council of Agusan del Norte. The said event culminated in the burning of the NPA’s flag, which symbolized the withdrawal of the people’s support from and denunciation of the said terrorist group.

According to Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, Commanding Officer of 29IB, “Let us not hesitate to work with our government to make our lives better. To all NPAs, surrender and return to the folds of the government, live comfortably and let us end this war together. The 29th Infantry Battalion is steadfast in helping our government to attain the peace that we all desire. Even during this pandemic, we will continue to fulfill our core mission in protecting you- our fellow Filipino citizen and securing our land.”

[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/176-npas-pledge-support-to-end-local-communist-armed-conflict-in-agusan-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: Army finds 6 abandoned nipa huts of LTG in Maguindanao

Posted to Kalinaw News (Oct 1, 2020): Army finds 6 abandoned nipa huts of LTG in Maguindanao

CAMP Siongco, Maguindanao – The Army troopers of Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) discovered six abandoned nipa huts of the local terrorist group (LTG) who had been on the run due to massive and sustained military operations in Maguindanao on September 28, 2020.

Initially three (3) huts were found by the members of 7th Infantry (Tapat) Battalion in Barangay Tuntungan, Datu Hoffer, Maguindanao around 9:07 in the morning. Upon searching, the Troops found one empty magazine and one holster for Cal.45 pistol.

At 11:25 in the morning of the same day, troops discovered another three houses which resulted to the recovery of one baofing commercial radio and six cell phones in the same area.

“This is not a victory announcement, but it is a significant progress in our fight against the local terrorist in the area. Our efforts to end this cycle of violence that is hampering our nation’s progress will not stop until the said terrorist group is eradicated”, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of Joint Task Force Central said.



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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-finds-6-abandoned-nipa-huts-of-ltg-in-maguindanao/

Former rebels, PPA get assistance

From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 1, 2020): Former rebels, PPA get assistance

Former communist rebels, under the group now known as Kapatiran, and the Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) yesterday received rice and financial assistance, among others, from the provincial government of Negros Occidental, in line with the Peace Month celebration.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson turned over rice assistance, medicines, face masks, hygiene and medical kits, as well as food packs to the Kapatiran group, formerly the Revolutionary Proletarian Army- Alex Boncayao Brigade, and represented by Wilfredo Rafinian.

Lacson also turned over P1 million in financial assistance to the PPA for its projects against the coronavirus disease 2019, that was received by Grace Tomaro, officer-in-charge of PPA in Western Visayas.

Tomaro said the assistance will be mostly used to provide subsidies, personal protective equipment and related supplies to volunteer probation assistants and clients, social services assistance to probationers, parolees and conditional pardonees in Negros Occidental, as well as in the conduct of clustered meetings, evaluation and planning.

“Today, the entire humanity is at war with a virus that threatens our health, our security, our economy, and most of all, our life. Solidarity among all sectors and generations is needed more than ever to win this war, to overcome the multi-faceted crisis of our lifetime,” Lacson said.

“May this pandemic remind us of our truth, that we are one people; Covid-19 knows no gender, no age, no sector, no politics,” he added.

Lacson had earlier signed Executive Order No. 20-12 series of 2020, that ordered the creation of a site coordinating team to assist the Joint Enforcement Monitoring Committee in providing appropriate interventions to Kapatiran under the three-year Normalization Plan from 2019–2021.

Under the Kapatiran community defense units are the peace and development communities in Sitio Ilan, Brgy. Locotan, Kabankalan City, Sitio Huebesan, Brgy.Villacin in Cadiz City, and Sitio Nangka, Brgy. Bagonbon, San Carlos City, and the congregated sites in Sitio Binacay, Brgy.Talacdan, Cauayan, and Brgy. Mailum in Bago City.

Among the participating agencies in the activity were the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Provincial Health Office, Provincial Administrator’s Office, Philippine Army, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

Also present were Lt. Col. Harold Garcia, representing the 303rd Infantry Brigade, and Jason Encinares of the OPAPP.

The Negros Month of Peace is themed, “Building a Culture of Peace in Negros: Moving Forward Amidst Covid-19 Challenges”.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/October/01/topstory10.htm

Army debunks beheading allegations

 From the Visayan Daily Star (Oct 1, 2020): Army debunks beheading allegations

The Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division strongly debunked what it calls hearsay-based allegations of the National Democratic Front-Negros and Karapatan that the Army was behind the death and alleged beheading of a farmer, whose body was found in a ravine near the encounter site in Sitio Amian, Brgy. Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental recently.

Maj. Cenon Pancito, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, yesterday said it was even the soldiers of the 11th Infantry Battalion who assisted the PNP Scene of the Crime operatives in retrieving from the site the decomposing cadaver of Bernardo Guillen Sr. on Sept. 26.

He said the retrieval was witnessed by Tan-awan barangay officials, in response to a report of a civilian, who discovered the body in a ravine.

He clarified that Guillen was not beheaded, contrary to the accusations of the NPA and its allied organizations, and stressed that he was not forcibly taken by Army soldiers.

It just happened that his body was in an advanced state of decomposition when it was recovered by authorities, Pancito said.

He added that their investigations also showed that Guillen was the father of one of the six NPA rebels arrested in previous months by Army soldiers in Brgy. Luyang, Mabinay town in Negros Oriental.

Pancito also said that the wife of Guillen revealed to them that her husband insisted to get closer to the encounter site on Sept. 17, for still unknown reasons.

He recalled that the Sept. 17 encounter yielded an M16 assault rifle and other war materials, while no casualty was reported on the government side.

NDF Negros spokesman Bayani Obrero, however, claimed in a statement that Guillen was cultivating their farm when an encounter ensued between members of the Mt. Cansermon Command – New People’s Army and a composite team of the 94th and 15th Infantry Battalions.

Obrero said Guillen, despite opposition from his wife, went back to their house while they were on their way to an evacuation site. He never came back to them, the NDF-Negros spokesman said.

Karapatan and Defend-Negros also joined NDF-Negros in lambasting the military for the alleged beheading of Guillen.

Ariel “Ka Ayik” Casilao, spokesperson of Defend Negros, said in another statement that the act of mutilation is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions.

Casilao said they are supporting calls for the Commission on Human Rights to conduct an independent probe on the barbaric act.

Pancito, on the other hand, said the PNP is now doing everything to identify the real perpetrators and find out the truth behind the death of Guillen.

The accusation of Karapatan-Negros and its allied groups is a clear propagation of fake news to intentionally tamper the truth, Pancito said, adding the fake news was being propagated out of desperation.

https://www.visayandailystar.com/2020/October/01/topstory9.htm

Surigaonons continue to cry for justice, denounce NPA violence

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Surigaonons continue to cry for justice, denounce NPA violence (By 29th Infantry Battalion)

SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte, Oct. 1 -- Some 80 residents of Brgy. Ima, Sison, Surigao del Norte staged an indignation rally on September 21, 2020 to denounce all forms of violence and terrorism perpetrated by the Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs).

The indignation rally was a manifestation of the residents' sincere desire to support the government in its campaign to put an end to the local communist armed conflict and to demand justice for the death of PSSg. Restie Dandan who was ruthlessly murdered by the CNTs of Guerilla Front 16 under Rolando Leyson Jr. alias Edroy on August 18, 2020.

It can be recalled that Mayor Karissa R. Fetalvero-Paronia of the municipality of Sison gave her strongest statement of condemnation against the CNTs who have shown great disrespect for human life.

“It is truly heart-wrenching to lose a fellow who fought with us to achieve peace. I know that people are anxious to know what happened to our brother in faith, PSsgt. Dandan,” said Lt. Col. Isagani O. Criste, commanding officer of the 29th Infantry “Matatag” Battalion (29IB),

He added he was surprised that people gained so much courage to conduct an indignation rally and denounce the evil works of the CNTs. “We feel reassured and certain of winning the war against violence and terrorism because we could now feel the unwavering support of the people. Rest assured that we are here to continue to protect each of you and secure our beloved land against these heartless terrorists," Lt. Col. Criste said. (1Lt. Edmar C. Colagong, CMO Officer, 29IB/PIA-Surigao del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054632

Army, TESDA aid AgNor villages toward productivity, resiliency

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Army, TESDA aid AgNor villages toward productivity, resiliency (By 23rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BUENAVISTA, Agusan del Norte, Oct. 1 -- The 23rd Infantry "Masigasig" Battalion (23rd IB) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority in Agusan del Norte(TESDA-ADN) conducted a "Grand Pulong- pulong sa Barangay" in support of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on September 25, 2020 and was joined by residents of Barangays Poblacion and Rojales in Carmen, Agusan del Norte.

The NTF-ELCAC was established through Executive Order No. 70 s. 2018 or the Whole-of-Nation Approach assembling the different national government agencies (NGAs) and the private sector to aid communities that are in need of assistance and social development and to solve the 52-year-old insurgency problem in the country. The PRLEC is one of the 12 clusters of NTF-ELCAC led by TESDA with the task of designing new and different strategies to ensure better services for communities and as part of the state’s efforts to further promote sustainable and inclusive peace.

Director Rey Cueva of TESDA-ADN presented the overview of PRLEC to the 100 members and supporters of the Communist New People’s Army Terrorist (CNT) from Poblacion and Rojales during the activity. He emphasized to the participants the objectives of the creation of PRLEC, to include the development of self- reliant, resilient and sustainable communities through harmonized and culturally responsive development programs. He also stressed that the harmonious implementation of government programs in local communities is a big factor to influence the communities to realize their own capabilities. He further said that the PRLEC must conduct a community needs assessment, not only on the level of skills needs assessment but also on other factors wherein the other government instrumentalities can intervene to gain much bigger and wider impact, output and outcome.

“PRLEC programs are specific and not just a series of activities so that impact will be felt. There are different kinds of poverty - not only food but also basic services from the government like health and sanitation. We should be able to categorize what best suits Livelihood we need, capacitate as many special clients as possible, as part of our mandate as an agency, as well as in support to the national endeavor to promote sustainable and inclusive peace,” Cueva said.

Carmen Municipal Administrator Wilfredo Taglucop, who represented Mayor Jovette C. Calo, expressed gratitude to the PRLEC members for their efforts of bringing the plans and programs of TESDA and other line agencies to the constituents of Carmen.

He said that the LGU of Carmen is always ready to support the PRLEC team to address the root causes of the insurgency in the area.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, Commander of the 23rd IB, urged the people of Barangays Poblacion and Rojales to unite and support the government.

“The peace and development efforts of the government to communities particularly to the identified conflict-affected barangays aim to strengthen the barangay-based institutions and sectoral organizations to engage in participatory issue resolutions and the different peace and order interventions,” Paulo said.

He pointed out that the PRLEC is one of the national government’s mechanisms in implementing the Whole-of-Nation Approach to peacefully end the local communist armed conflict as institutionalized by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte through EO 70.

He added that the PRLEC plays a vital role in the implementation of the programs and services of EO 70 through entrepreneurship and marketing, employment, training, financing, institutional development, and food production to enhance the livelihood and employment of the communities. (1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, CMO Officer, 23IB, 4ID, PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054474

Another 3 ex-rebels get DTI livelihood kits

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Another 3 ex-rebels get DTI livelihood kits (By Camille M. Bumatay, CMO 8IB)

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, Oct. 1 -- Another three former rebels (FRs) who surrendered to the 8th Infantry "Dependable" Battalion (8IB) recently received P8,000 worth of starter kits from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) livelihood and entrepreneurship program dubbed as “Pangkabuhayan sa PagBangon at Ginhawa.”

Led by Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist Jose D. Maureal, DTI handed-over the starter kits worth P8,000 to each of the three ex-rebels as working capital in the form of carpentry tools, groceries, and other support services to enable them to start a small ‘Sari-sari’ store and become an entrepreneur.

Alias Rey, one of the recipients, expressed his deep appreciation to the government.

“Nagpasalamat ko ug dako sa lokal nga gobyerno, sa ahensya sa DTI, ug sa mga kasundalohan tungod sa tanang plano nga ilang gihimo para sa amo ug sa programang gipanghatag para sa among mga panginahanglan ug tabang panginabuhian. Kining tanan naghatag kanamo og kadasig para manimuyo sa among bag-ong kinabuhi nga malinawon sa maayo ug insakto nga gobyerno.” (I thanked the local government, DTI, and the soldiers for their plans, programs, and livelihood assistance. All of these motivated us to support the government and live peacefully in the folds of the law),” alias Rey said.

In his message, DTI-STIDS Maureal reminded the starter kit beneficiaries to do well and be successful with whatever help shared to them by the government.

"Atong pasalamatan ang atong gobyerno nga naghatag sa inyong mga panginahanglanon. Sa atong mga former rebels, kini nga programa libre ug para gayod ni sa inyoha. Gamita kini para sa pagsugod og gamay nga panginabuhian para makatabang sa inyong pagpadayon sa pagbag-o sa inyong panimuyo. (Let us give thanks to our government for providing some of your needs. To our former rebels, this starter kits are free and intended just for you. Use this to start a small business that will help you lead a new life),” Maureal said.

Likewise, Lt. Col. Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, commanding officer of 8IB said, “this showed that the government is sincere in helping our former rebels to be reintegrated in the mainstream and be productive citizens of the country.” (CMO, 8IB, 403rd Bde, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054738

Three more NPAs surrender in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Three more NPAs surrender in Bukidnon (By Camille M. Bumatay, CMO, 8IB)

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, Oct. 1 -- Three Communist New People's Army Terrorists (CNTs) regional unit members surrender to the 8th Infantry "Dependable" Battalion (8IB) on September 15 and 23, 2020.

They were identified as alias Bahoy, Political Guide of Squad 1; alias Neil, Team Leader of Team Baking, Squad 2, both of Platoon 3; and alias Angelo, Company Medic, all under Headquarters Force (HQF) Neo, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

In the custodial debriefing, the three former rebels revealed that they could no longer endure the extreme hunger and their unceasing operations.

“Angelo” grumbled about hunger due to lack of food supply in the mountains.

"Wala’y suplay sa pagkaon ug mas kapoy nga operasyon ang hinungdan nga nagluya ko busa nag-desisyon ko nga mo-surender. (No food supplies, tiresome, and weary combat operations made me sick and pushed me to surrender),” he recounted.

Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, commanding officer of 8IB, said the present setup of the armed groups showed that they are waning.

“With its regional unit members now gradually surrendering, this is a clear indication that the CNTs are facing serious armed struggle,” LtCol. Talaroc said.

The three surrenderees are now in custody of the 8IB while processing their Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits. (CMO, 8IB, 403rd Bde, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054740

Amazon sisters reunite inside 8IB army camp in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Amazon sisters reunite inside 8IB army camp in Bukidnon (By Camille M. Bumatay, CMO, 8IB)

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, Oct. 1 -- After two years of being apart, two amazon sisters rejoiced as they reunite inside the camp of 8th Infantry "Dependable" Battalion (8IB) in Poblacion, Impasugong, Bukidnon on Sept. 17, 2020.

They were identified as alias Gaya and alias Peme. ‘Gaya’ was the platoon medic of Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Peddler, while ‘Peme’ was the platoon medic of Pulang Bagani Yunit of Guerilla Front 89, both under Sub-Regional Command 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee of the communist terrorists New People’s Army (NPA).

It can be recalled that ‘Peme’, 28 years old, surrendered to the government with an M16 rifle on Nov. 16, 2018 after having realized the futile struggle with the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs).

Early this week, 25-year old ‘Gaya’ yielded to the government after not being able to cope with hunger and fatigue within the terrorist group.

‘Gaya’ screamed in surprise upon seeing her long lost sister in an undreamed-of reunion facilitated by 8IB personnel at the headquarters. With teary eyes, ‘Gaya’ thanked the Philippine Army for finding her sister while despising the NPA for making their lives miserable.

“Dili nako mapugngan ang akong luha nga nakita ang akong igsoon human sa kadugayon sa panahon. Giguba sa NPA ang among malipayong pamilya. Dili ko gusto nga malayo pa usab sa ila. Mapasalamaton kaayo ko sa among gobyerno sa pagtabang sa ako nga makauban ang akong pamilya pag-usab. (I can't hold back my tears seeing my sister after a long time. The NPA destroyed our once happy family. I don't want to be away from them again. I am grateful to our government for helping me to be reunited with my family again),” she said.

Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo V. Talaroc Jr, commanding officer of 8IB, meanwhile, welcomed ‘Gaya’ who turned her back from the CPP-NPA.

"Nakabuhat og husto nga desisyon silang ‘Gaya’ ug ‘Peme’ nga mobiya sa walay pulos nga armadong grupo. Sa nahabilin nga mga NPA, surender na karon aron magkahiusa na kamo sa inyong mga hinigugma ug mamuyo nga malinawon. (@Gaya and @Peme made the right decision to abandon the worthless armed group. To the remaining NPA rebels, I encourage you to surrender now, be reunited with your loved ones, and live peacefully again),” the 8IB commander said.

‘Peme’ received her Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits completely while her younger sister Gaya’s ECLIP entitlement will still be processed. (CMO, 8IB, 403rd Bde, 4ID, PA/PIA Bukidnon)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054741

Air Force TOG-10 supports EO-70 to attain lasting peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Air Force TOG-10 supports EO-70 to attain lasting peace (By Vincent Philip S. Bautista)

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Oct. 1 (PIA) -- In consonance with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Executive Order (EO) – 70, which aims to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) in the contry, the Philippine Air Force – Tactical Operations Group (PAF-TOG) – 10 has expressed its commitment to provide pneumatic coordination and air support in Northern Mindanao’s aerial highways to help attain peace in the region and defend the country’s democracy.

Aside from conducting tactical civil-military air operations, the PAF-TOG – 10 offers mobility services to transport other agencies to far-flung areas to deliver their services.

“Naay mga Indigenous People (IP) communities sa far-flung areas ug isolated. Ang program namo sa TOG-10 kay gina-focus namo sa community sa IP. Mao nga nag create mi ug programs, through our engagement sa mga IP leader ug nakita namo nga naay diay silay wish-list nga wala na hatagan ug priority,” SSG Al-Zhale S. Ahmad, non-commissioned officer-in-charge of TOG-10 CMO said.

(There are some Indigenous People (IP) communities that are far flung and isolated. Our program in TOG-10 is focused on IP communities. That’s why we came up with programs through our engagement with IP leaders. And we learned that they had a wish-list that was not given priority.)

He also noted that that with the strong relations with TOG-10, they were able to determine the needs of the community.

Amidst the smog of propaganda being spread by the Communist Terrorist Group-New People’s Army (CTG-NPA) about the administration in the hinterlands, the TOG-10 aimed to counter the lies, engage the IP community in nation building, and act as a conduit to mainstream society.

Through their efforts, they were able to build a 35 x 25 square feet “Tulogan” or Tribal Hall for the Higaonon tribe, an infrastructure deemed essential by the community where the tribesmen conduct meetings, social practices and other rituals.

“Nakita namo ang importansya, mao nga nahimo namo ang tribal hall with the help of the stakeholders, public and private. Ato na ni siya na turned-over last December ni Datu Demetrio Mahusay-Orasan. Siya ang tribal chieftain sa Higaonon tribe diha sa Pigsag-an,” Ahmad disclosed.

(We saw the importance of a tribal hall. With the help of the stakeholders from both public and private groups, we had turned over said project last December to Datu Demetrio Mahusay-Orasan, a Higaonon chieftain.)

The Tribal Hall benefited 600 tribal members, as it serves as the venue when they have activities like gift giving, feeding, and peace/drug symposium dialogues.

TOG-10 also coordinated with the Department of Agriculture (DA) – 10 for the provision of vegetable seeds, tilapia fingerlings for the IP communities.

By empowering isolated communities in the hinterlands, the PAF-TOG-10 hopes to attain pacifistic zephyrs that breeze through peaceful skies free from unjust violence.

“Ang role sa TOG-10, kami ang ga-suporta sa mga mando gikan sa taas ug kauban namo ang 4ID,” Civil-military of Phil Air force – Tactical Operations Group (TOG) 1LT Amos M. Espinosa concluded.

(The role of TOG-10 is to support the orders from higher ups alongside the 4ID.) (VPSBautista/PIA10)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054732

ASG bandits kill 1 of 5 kidnapped Indonesian fishermen

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2020): ASG bandits kill 1 of 5 kidnapped Indonesian fishermen (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits have killed one of the five Indonesian fishermen they are holding hostage in Sulu, military officials said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Ruben Guinolbay, commander of the 45th Infantry Battalion, said they have recovered the cadaver of one of the five Indonesian hostages following a clash with ASG bandits on Tuesday afternoon.

“Our troops were in pursuit of the fleeing local terrorist group members (ASG bandits) following an encounter when they recovered the cadaver of the slain kidnap victim,” Guinolbay said in a statement.

He said the troops were scouring the enemy withdrawal route, about 300 meters from the encounter site along Barangay Maligay in Patikul, Sulu, when they recovered the cadaver of the slain hostage.

“Based on facial recognition, our intelligence officer identified the kidnap victim as one of the five Indonesian kidnap victims; however, the name is being withheld for further confirmation,” said Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.

Gonzales added that the victim's remains will be transported to Zamboanga City for further confirmation.

Citing reports from the ground, Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said the victim tried to escape during the encounter.

He added that they have yet to "reconfirm" the victim's identity before revealing it.

The five Indonesian hostages were seized by the ASG bandits while they were fishing on January 16 this year, in the waters between Tambisan and Kuala Meruap, Lahad Datu, Sabah, close to the Philippine sea border.

In earlier reports, they were identified as Arsyad Dahlan, 41, the fishing boat skipper; Arizal Kastamiran, 29; La Baa, 32; Riswanto Hayano, 27; and, Edi Lawalopo, 53.

The troops are now tracking down the ASG bandits.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117153

2 BIFF members yield to military in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2020): 2 BIFF members yield to military in Maguindanao (By Noel Punzalan) 

SURRENDER. Two Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Front combatants surrender to the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion in Northern Kabuntalan, Maguindanao on Wednesday (Sept. 30, 2020). Northern Kabuntalan Mayor Ramil Dilangalen (2nd from right) and military officials joined the two BIFF surrenderers. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

Two combatants of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) yielded to the military in Maguindanao on Wednesday afternoon.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the 6th Infantry Division (ID) of the Philippine Army, said the surrenderers, whom he did not name for security reasons, belong to the BIFF Karialan faction under Rasul Dubpaleg operating in the marshlands of Northern Kabuntalan town.

The two surrendered to the 34th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Balong, the 6ID official added.

“The duo’s surrender will help entice more BIFF to return to the mainstream society while we continue our operation against the BIFF in the province,” Uy said.

The surrenderers brought with them a .50-caliber Barret sniper rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, and an anti-personnel mine explosive rigged from a 105 Howitzer cannon projectile with a mobile phone as a trigger mechanism.

“We just want to live normal lives as we miss our families very much. We are tired,” one of the surrenderers told reporters.

Uy said the surrenderers would be subjected to debriefing before they would be handed over to their local government unit for assistance and eventual return to their families.

Meanwhile, in Kalamansig town of Sultan Kudarat, a communist New People’s Army (NPA) guerilla also surrendered to the Army’s 37 IB in the area on the same day.

Ka Anong, a member of the Platoon Myphone, NPA Guerilla Front 73-Far Southern Mindanao Regional Committee, brought with him one homemade shotgun during his surrender.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117172

Army hits NPA attempt to raze equipment for farmers’ project

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Army hits NPA attempt to raze equipment for farmers’ project (By Alexander Lopez)

BURNING MATERIALS. Government troops recover a plastic container filled with gasoline and other materials following a brief clash with armed men believed to be communist guerillas Tuesday night (Sept. 29, 2020 in Jabonga town, Agusan del Norte. Army officials denounced the rebels' attempt to destroy the equipment, noting that the construction firm is engaged on an irrigation project that will benefit farmers in the area. (Photo courtesy of 29th IB)

Top officials of the Philippine Army in Caraga Region scored the communist New People’s Army (NPA) for its attempt to burn the equipment of a construction company engaged in an irrigation project for the farmers of Agusan del Norte.

Government forces under the Army's 29th Infantry Battalion foiled Tuesday's attempt of NPA rebels to raze the construction equipment in Barangay Baleguian, Jabonga town, after several residents reported the rebels' presence to authorities, said Lt. Col. Isagani Criste, 29IB commander.

“Our soldiers conducted an intelligence-driven security operation in response to reliable and timely information provided by the local residents in Baleguian,” Criste said in statement Thursday.

Criste said extortion was the main motive of the NPA, adding the five rebels were members of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16A (SYP 16A) of the Guerrilla Front 16.

Two of the perpetrators were also identified based on the information from the several civilians in the area, Criste said, naming them as Marvin Bugas of Santiago town, Agusan del Norte; and Eliamar Elecito Monter of Jabonga town.

After the three-minute clash, Criste said they recovered a container filled with gasoline a few meters away from the site where workers and equipment of Reyrose Construction are located.

The 29IB said Reyrose Construction is working on an irrigation project that will benefit the members of the Beleguian Farmers and Irrigators Association (BOFIA) in the area.

Criste said BOFIA members were once influenced by the NPA but decided to cut their ties with the rebel movement "and denounced the continuing terroristic activities of the rebels."

“The provision of reliable information manifests the commitment of the farmers in Baleguian and the neighboring barangays to secure the ongoing development project that will help them achieve increase agricultural production and brighter future for their families,” the Army official added.

Col. George Banzon, commander of the Army's 901st Infantry Brigade, underscored the important role of residents in protecting the development programs and projects of the government.

“We will have an effective course of action in preventing this threat group from doing atrocity if the community will cooperate and will not hide information. What transpired in the recent incident is a classic manifestation that we can make difference if we will actively participate in the peace efforts in our respective communities” Banzon said.

The 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/1117169

Army to deploy more medical teams to Bacolod City

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Army to deploy more medical teams to Bacolod City (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

ARMY MEDICAL TEAM. Members of the Armed Forces medical team assigned to the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital in Bacolod City were given recognition for their service by the hospital management halfway through their tour of duty last month. The team will soon conclude its assignment and will be succeeded by another batch of medical workers from the Philippine Army. (Photo from Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital's Facebook page)

The Philippine Army will deploy three more medical teams here to augment health care workers catering to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) patients in various hospitals.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said Thursday the impending arrival of the additional manpower was confirmed by Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command, based in Cebu City.

“The teams will augment our local hospitals' health care manpower complement,” Leonardia added.

Each team will have one doctor, four nurses, and a still-unspecified number of aide personnel.

He said the three teams would replace the two teams deployed to the city in the last week of August once the latter's tour of duty ends.

The initial two teams, with six members each, were assigned to two private hospitals in the city.

Each team was composed of one doctor, two nurses, and three aide men.

One was dispatched to the Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital (Riverside Medical Center) while the other was deployed to the Bacolod Queen of Mercy Hospital.

The deployment of augmentation health care personnel to Bacolod came as part of the response to Leonardia's appeal for assistance from President Rodrigo Duterte in August.

Last month, the Department of Health (DOH) 7 (Central Visayas) deployed 15 nurses to Bacolod through the assistance of the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas headed by Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino, which is part of the Cebu team assisting Bacolod in its battle against Covid-19.

Leonardia had also asked the National Task Force (NTF) Against Covid-19 to deploy more nurses to hospitals in Bacolod as the city government continues to strengthen efforts to reduce local cases of Covid-19.

As of Wednesday night, Bacolod has recorded 4,025 confirmed Covid-19 cases, including 1,169 active cases, 2,775 recoveries, and 81 deaths.

The recovered cases comprise 68.94 percent of the total positive cases.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117199

Army lauds surrender of two NPA team leaders in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Army lauds surrender of two NPA team leaders in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, commander of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion. (PNA file photo by Alexander Lopez)

The Philippine Army has welcomed the surrender of two team leaders of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Agusan del Norte.

1Lt. Roel T. Maglalang, civil-military operations officer of the Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion (23IB), said the rebels surrendered at the battalion’s headquarters in Barangay Alubihid, Buenavista on two separate occasions last month.

Maglalang said the surrenderers – "Fredie”, 39, a resident of Carmen, and “Jay-R”, 24, a resident of Buenavista, both in Agusan del Norte – held important roles as team leaders in the Guerrilla Front (GF) 4A of the NPA's North Central Mindanao Committee.

“They all complained of being tired with the movement and both have shown disgust over their leaders whom they accused of disregarding the welfare of their comrades and their families,” he told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday.

Upon his surrender, “Fredie” handed over to the Army one MK-2 fragmentation hand grenade, Maglalang said.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar C. Paulo, 23IB commander, welcomed the surrender of the two NPA combatants, saying "disillusionment finally broke their loyalty to the movement they thought would bring their families to better lives."

“They were made to believe in lies. Alias Fredie told us that he was recruited because the Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) is winning the revolution and that the movement will eventually give better lives to their families. While inside the movement, they themselves found out that the promises made by the leaders were lies,” Paulo said on Thursday.

He said he believes that more NPA members would come down and return to their families "because of the real hardships they now experience with the movement."

Paulo noted that in the 51 years of the NPA revolution, "only their leaders have gained from the hardships and enslavement of their ordinary members, fighters and supporters."

He said the 23IB is helping the surrenderers obtain government benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

“The ECLIP has already changed the lives of former rebels in Agusan del Norte. The renewed lives of our former rebels constantly remind those who are still in the movement to change their minds and go back to the fold of the law. They still have the chance and the government is always open to accept them,” Paulo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117254

Road projects limit NPA movement in Zambo Sur: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Road projects limit NPA movement in Zambo Sur: Army (By Leah Agonoy)

ROAD PROJECT. Col. Emerito Pineda, commander of the Army's 547th Engineer Battalion, discusses the benefits of the road project to the community to former Datu Tutukan barangay chairperson Roque Galcon Jr. (left) and Labangon Barangay chairperson Fermin Anggi (right) in the Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur. Army officials say the construction of more roads in the area would further pressure communist rebels. (PNA photo by Leah D. Agonoy)

The continuous opening and rehabilitation of roads undertaken by Army engineers in remote areas, coupled with military offensives, suppressed the movements of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) terrorists in the province.

Col. Emerito Pineda, commander of the Army's 547th Engineer Battalion, underscored Thursday the importance of infrastructure projects in helping eradicate insurgency in far-flung villages by accelerating the delivery of basic services and the government's anti-poverty programs.

Pineda said a battalion from the Army's 55th Engineer Brigade based in Baloi, Lanao del Norte, was sent to reinforce the 547th Engineer Battalion on Wednesday to undertake a road opening and rehabilitation project in barangays Datu Tutukan and Labangon in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

Once completed, he said the project would put more pressure on the NPA rebels in Dumingag, the site of recent clashes between the government troops and the rebels.

“Once development reached their communities, NPA recruitment and support will stop and basic services could reach these isolated communities as they have now their roads,” he said.

Pineda also called on the remaining NPA rebels to surrender, lest they "face the might of the military. They could either get wounded or worse, killed in encounters."

Labangon Barangay chairperson Fermin Anggi said the road project responds to their needs, especially in transporting farm produce to the market.

Anggi said the farmers in the village could hardly support the daily needs of their family since the high cost of transportation in bringing the farm produce to the market eats up almost all their earnings.

“This would also limit the visits of armed groups that in the past would ask for support from the residents. However, in recent months, with the presence of the military, they only pass by our area,” Anggi said.

Labangon is seven kilometers from Barangay Datu Tutukan, the nearest trading center. The farm products are transported via motorcycles, horses, or water buffalo, the village leader said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, commander of the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion, said of the 32 original members of the Main Regional Guerrilla Unit (MRGU), only seven remain in hiding in the hinterlands.

Herrera said the rest of the members of the MRGU were either killed or arrested.

“We are still after the seven members of the MRGU operating in parts of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte. We either talk to their family to convince them to surrender or continue hunting them in the hinterlands,” Herrera said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117200

Westmincom fetes troop for rescue of Fil-Am

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2020): Westmincom fetes troop for rescue of Fil-Am (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

HONORS BESTOWED. Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief (right), pins the Gold Cross Medal to 1Lt. Jessie Jun Ebalan of the Army's 42nd Infantry Battalion's Bravo Company, for the rescue of Fil-American Rex Triplitt, 64, in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, in a ceremony Thursday (October 1, 2020) at the 42nd IB headquarters in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte. Vinluan also awarded the Military Merit Medal to each of the 11 soldiers under Ebalan for meritorious accomplishment. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom Public Information Office)

The military’s Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has accorded honors to the troops behind the successful rescue of a Filipino-American taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits in Zamboanga del Norte.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., commander of Westmincom, led the awarding ceremony Thursday at the headquarters of the 42nd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Doña Cecilia, Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte.

Vinluan conferred a Gold Cross Medal to First Lieutenant Jessie Jun Ebalan of the 42IB’s Bravo Company “for his conspicuous courage and gallantry in action as the commanding officer of the operating troops” who rescued Rex Triplitt, 64.

Vinluan also conferred the Military Merit Medal to each of the 11 enlisted personnel under the command of Ebalan.

The troops led by Ebalan rescued Triplitt following a clash around 10:20 a.m. Wednesday in Barangay Pisa Itom, Sirawai, when soldiers chanced upon some five ASG bandits holding Triplitt captive.

On September 16, Triplitt on his motorcycle with his 24-year-old wife, Celsa Maani, were on their way home to Barangay Piacan when he was snatched by the bandits clad in fatigue uniforms.

In the commotion, Triplitt’s wife managed to escape and asked for help from barangay officials while the ASG bandits fled with Triplitt.

Lt. Col. Leon Onggao Jr., 42IB commander, said pursuit operations were immediately launched after Triplitt was seized to prevent the abductors from leaving the Zamboanga Peninsula.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117226

New office to boost PH Navy modernization

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 1, 2020): New office to boost PH Navy modernization (By Priam Nepomuceno)

MODERNIZATION OFFICE. Philippine Navy (PN) chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo (left), and newly appointed PN Modernization Office (PNMO) chief, Capt. Emerson David (right), lead the inauguration of the office at the Navy headquarters in Manila on Wednesday (Sept. 30, 2020). The PNMO is expected to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of programs under the PN Synchronization Matrix. (Photo courtesy of the Naval Public Affairs Office)

The activation of the Philippine Navy Modernization Office (PNMO) will help boost its implementation of plans and programs aimed at fulfilling its mandate to protect the country's maritime borders.

In a statement Thursday, PN public affairs office chief, Lt. Commander Maria Christina Roxas, said the PNMO was inaugurated at the Navy headquarters in Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard in Manila on Wednesday.

Navy Chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, was present during the ceremony.

"The activation of this new modernization office was in parallel with the creation of the AFP’s System Engineering Office in the General Headquarters that manages modernization programs at the GHQ level," Roxas said.

Meanwhile, Bacordo said the PNMO is expected to "cater to the self-reliant defense posture of the Navy and ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the PN Synchronization Matrix that covers capability, materiel and technology development, doctrines development, force restructuring and organizational development, human resource development and finally, base support and sustainment development”.

The PNMO's newly designated director, Navy Capt. Emerson David, is a naval aviator and logistician.

Before being designated as PNMO chief, David served as assistant chief of the Unified Command Staff for Logistics of the Western Command.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117193