Miners warned against supporting NPA rebels

From the Manila Times (Aug 21, 2021): Miners warned against supporting NPA rebels (By Ruth Palo)

LOCAL authorities have warned small-scale miners in Pantukan, Davao de Oro against supporting the New People's Army (NPA) during a dialogue held in the town on Thursday.

The dialogue was initiated by the Regional Task Force in Ending the Local Communists Armed Conflict in partnership with the Philippine Army's 1001st Infantry Brigade.

National Intelligence Coordinating Agency 11 Director Evarly Tajanlangit pointed out to the miners the consequences of supporting the communist rebels while giving emphasis to Republic Act (RA) 10168 or the "Terrorism Finacing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012" and Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.

Section 4 of RA 10168 states that any person who provides funds or provides services to a terrorist organization shall be guilty of the crime of financing of terrorism and shall suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua and a fine of not less than P500,000 nor more than P1 million.

Eduardo Genelsa alias Lando, a rebel returnee operating in gold rich areas in Davao de Oro, also urged the miners to never give in to the extortion demands of the NPA. Instead, he encouraged them to give their support and cooperation to the government by reporting NPA activities in the area.

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Genelsa, who was once tasked to carry on the extortion scheme of the NPA's Guerilla Front 2 in Davao de Oro, is now willing to help suppress the communist movement following his surrender early this month.

Genelsa was captured by the 46th Infantry Battalion in Davao de Oro area on June 28, 2016 but was immediately released during the peace talks. He became a member of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines negotiating panel and went to the Netherlands with other NDFP consultants.

In 2017, he went back to the Philippines and immersed in the NPA unit operating in the Lanao-Bukidnon area. In 2018, he returned to the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee and was projected to replace its Regional Operational Command leader in 2019.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/22/news/regions/miners-warned-against-supporting-npa-rebels/1811875