WESTMINCOM: Communist terrorist group political instructor, 4 others surrender in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2021): Communist terrorist group political instructor, 4 others surrender in Sultan Kudarat

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City - April 6, 2021

 
Five followers of the communist terrorist group in Sultan Kudarat surrendered to the government troops in the town of Isulan early morning Monday, April 5, 2021.

According to Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command, the five surrendered to Lt. Col. Romel Valencia, Commanding Officer of the 7th Infantry Battalion at the unit headquarters in Barangay Kalawag II, Isulan.

“One of the surrendered personalities identified as Teting Dakias Lonon, a.k.a. Tingting/Tekboy/Boyet, 49 years old, married, and a resident of Sitio Tepayen, Barangay Kesek, Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat was a political instructor of the Local Guerilla Unit 1 of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region under a.k.a. Bobo/Ampog/Aldok,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

Lonon revealed that he was recruited sometime in 2014 by Gatosan Kindat. He participated in the bombardments by the group in the Sultan Kudarat area.

 
He decided to surrender to clear his name and to return to the fold of the law.

The four others who also yielded together with Lonon include Fredy Senial Gangu, a.k.a. Bravo, 37 years old, married; Jano Lonon, a.k.a. Jano, 16 years old, single, son of Teting; Robert Belis Lonon, a.k.a. Bert, 21 years old, married; and Gatosan Ingil, a.k.a. Saydo, 42 years old, married. All are residents of Sitio Tepayen and members of SRC Daguma.

 
During the initial debriefing, the former militants stated that they were made to believe that once they join the group they will be provided with free scholarship grants for the entire clan, free medicine and medical services, and livelihood programs. But none of those were realized, instead, their participation with the CTG had brought more suffering to them and their community.

The surrendered personalities handed over two cal. 30 M1 Garand (Winchester) rifle, one M14 Springfield, one M79 Grenade Launcher, and one cal. 30 M1 Garand (Springfield).

 
“We urge the surrendered personalities to take part in addressing the problems that haunt their tribal communities and actively participate in the peace campaign of the military to resist the deceitful propaganda of the insurgents,” said Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade.

 
The surrendered personalities are currently undergoing custodial debriefing at 7IB headquarters.

“We continuously conduct peace dialogues and other counter-propaganda campaigns to protect the vulnerable communities in central Mindanao,” said Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen Vinluan, Jr. ensured that the grievances of the different tribes will be addressed by the local government units to prevent them from being deceived.

#TeamAFP
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#WholeofNationApproach
#TeamWestMinCom

https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.2027975764011136/2027975694011143/

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

WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom Commander visits Salman community in Zamboanga Sibugay

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2021): WestMinCom Commander visits Salman community in Zamboanga Sibugay

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- April 6, 2021

 
Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr. visited the former training camp of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Barangay Tumanggong, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay on April 6, 2021.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. met with Commander Suaib Edris, the Base Commander of 113th Company, Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); Barahama Ali, Base Officer of the same unit; and Esmael Mamiscal, representative of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities-MILF (CCCH-MILF).

 
The WestMinCom Commander was accompanied by Commission on Elections Regional Election Director Atty. Wilfred Jay Balisado; Atty. Teopisto Elnas, Jr., Deputy Executive Director for Operations; and Director James Jimenez, Director IV of Education and Information Department.

 
In his message, Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said this is the first time that the COMELEC joined him in such activities.

“This is very important because they will be able to assist you in preparing for next year’s election especially in exercising your right to vote,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. said.

 
He further stated that the Western Mindanao Command and the local government of Tungawan are always ready to provide assistance on the security and development aspects of the community.

Meanwhile, Commander Edris ensured that the unit is in full support of the peace process.

He also expressed his gratitude to Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr., Mayor Climaco, and all the visitors for taking the time to visit and check on the situation of the community.

Also present during the historic event were Tungawan Municipal Mayor Carlnan Climaco; WestMinCom Deputy Commander for Admin Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete; Joint Task Force ZamPeLan Commander Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio; 102nd Infantry Brigade Commander Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas; 102nd Infantry Brigade Deputy Commander Col. Antonio John Divinagracia; WestMinCom Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Operations Col. Jessie Montoya; WestMinCom Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Intelligence Col. Yasser Bara; the local government and barangay officials; and other guests.

The visit of Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. at Salman community aimed to establish a better relationship between the military and the MILF for sustainable peace and development in Barangay Datu Tumanggong.

.
#TeamAFP
#AFPyoucanTRUST
#WholeofNationApproach
#TeamWestMinCom.

.








https://www.facebook.com/afpwestmincom/photos/pcb.2028299720645407/2028299373978775/

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

WESTMINCOM: High Ranking NPA Leader and 4 members surrendered: waning communist terrorist movement in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 6, 2021): High Ranking NPA Leader and 4 members surrendered: waning communist terrorist movement in Sultan Kudarat

6th Infantry Division - Kampilan

High Ranking NPA Leader and 4 members surrendered: waning communist terrorist movement in Sultan Kudarat

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The stronghold of the communist terrorist group is continuously weakening in Sultan Kudarat as manifested in the series of surrender including their political instructor and four (4) members on April 5, 2021. This was the assessment of Lieutenant Colonel Romel Valencia, Commanding Officer of 7th Infantry ‘Tapat’ Battalion after the surrender of five (5) New People’s Army at 7IB Headquarters in Barangay Kalawag II, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

 
These former combatants were members of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region and they turned over one (1) Rifle Cal. 30 M1 Garand, (2) Cal. 30 M1 Garand, one (1) Rifle M14 converted to Springfield, and one (1) M79 Grenade Launcher. Among those who surrendered is a Political Instructor of Local Guerilla Unit 1 of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, FSMR.

 
Brigadier General Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Brigade was elated with the series of surrenders and commended the combined efforts of community support programs of the troops that led to the successful surrender of CTGs especially their political instructor in the province of Sultan Kudarat.

 
Meanwhile, Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division and Joint Task Force Central stressed that the series of surrenders manifested the waning and eventually the defeat of the communist terrorist group in Sultan Kudarat and the entire area of operations of JTF Central.

 
The Division Commander also disclosed that as of January 2021, a total of 37 NPA members already surrendered to 6ID, PA. “For those CTGs who desire to live a peaceful life, your government is always willing to receive you back to the folds of the law. And for those who remained entangled in their twisted violent ideology and against the peace negotiations offered by the government, the JTF Central will be relentless in its focused military operation to hunt you down”, Maj. Gen. Uy said.

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/kampilantroopers/photos/pcb.1602285323311272/1602285226644615/

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

CPP/Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee: Naindaklan a Biag: Dagiti Banuar ti Ilocos-Cordillera

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 6, 2021): Naindaklan a Biag: Dagiti Banuar ti Ilocos-Cordillera

ILOCOS-CORDILLERA REGIONAL COMMITTEE 

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL 06, 2021

Download here
Iloco: PDF

“Ti mangibuyat ti dara para iti pagilian
Ket kinabanuar a saan a malipatan
Ti biag a naidaton para iti ipatpateg a pagilian
Napnuan adal ken kinabanuar!”

Paset ti naranggas a naindasigan a kontradiksyon iti malakolonyal ken malapyudal a gimong a Pilipino, nga iti agdama a tukad ket resresolbaen babaen iti gubat ti umili, ket ti nadadagsen a sakripisyo a pakaibilangan ti panangidatun ti biag. Segun kenni Kadua a Mao Zedong, “Sadino man nga addaan ti pannakidangadang ket adda panagsakripisyo ken ti patay ket maysa a kadawyan a pasamak. Ngem naimpusoan nga ikonkonsidera tayo ti pagimbagan ti umili ken ti panagrigrigat ti kaaduan, ken no matay tayo para iti umili, daytoy ket nadayaw a pannakatay.”

Kangatoan a saludo ti ited ti Pangrehiyon a Komite ti Partido Komunista ti Pilipinas iti Rehiyon nga Ilocos-Cordillera (PKP-ICR) ken ti Chadli Molintas Command, ti Pangrehiyon a Kumand ti Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB-ICR) kadagiti naindaklan a martir ken bannuar ti nailian-demokratiko a rebolusyon iti rehiyon. Iti maika-52 nga anibersaryo ti pannakaibangon ti Bagong Hukbong Bayan idi Marso 29, 1969, isagsagut ti PKP-ICR ken BHB-ICR daytoy a libro kadagiti rebolusyonaryo a bannuar a nangidatun ti biag da iti panangiyabante ti gubat ti umili. Kangrunaan a ramen iti pannakagun-od ti agdama a tukad ti panagdur-as ti armado a rebolusyon iti rehiyon ket ti intero a panawen a panangidatun da iti kabaelan, laing ken ti kangatoan a panangisakripisyo iti mismo a biag da para iti awanan panagimbubukod a panagserbi iti umili. Isuda dagiti narimat a bituen nga agtultuloy nga agserserbi kas tarabay ken inspirasyon dagiti rebolusyonaryo a puersa ken umili ti rehiyon tapno ad-adda nga agpatibker, agpakalaing ken agpursige iti panangiyabante ti gubat ti umili inggana magun-od ti balligi na daytoy ken maibangon ti sosyalismo iti masakbayan.

Iti panangidaulo ti PKP a tartarabayan ti Marxismo-Leninismo-Maoismo, iti las-ud ti 52 tawen a panangiyabante ti gubat ti umili, nagun-od ti adu ken dadakkel a panag-abante ti nailian demokratiko a rebolusyon. Naibangon ti rebolusyonaryo a panagkaykaysa dagiti dasig a maad-adipen ken magungundawayan. Limmawa, timmibker ken rimmamut ti Partido iti intar ti masa a mannalon ken intero nga umili. Pimmigsa ti BHB ken naitakder dagiti sona ken larangan a gerilya iti intero a pagilian. Tuloy-tuloy a naisayangkat dagiti taktikal nga opensiba para iti panangpakapsot iti armado a pwersa ti kabusor kabayatan nga agur-urnong met ti pigsa ti Bagong Hukbong Bayan. Naibangon, napalawa ken napapigsa dagiti naregta a rebolusyonaryo nga organisasyon ti masa iti nadumaduma a tukad ken saklaw.

Ti panangiyabante kadagiti anti-pyudal a laban iti panangipatungpal ti minimum a programa ti rebolusyonaryo a reporma iti daga ken dadduma pay a pannakidangadang ket nakagun-od kadagiti napapateg a balligi para iti tukad-tukad a panangpasayaat iti pang-ekonomya ken pampulitika a kasasaad dagiti mannalon. Karaman ditoy dagiti naimballigian a panangdepensa iti ansestral a daga dagiti nailian a minorya kontra iti panangagaw ti estado ken dagiti imperyalista ken lokal a korporasyon ti minas, logging, enerhiya ken agrikultura. Kasta met dagiti naimballigian a kampanya iti panangpadur-as iti produksyon ti mannalon tapno masungbatan dagiti pangkonsumo a kasapulan ti tunggal pamilya a mamnalon. Iti proseso ti panangiyabante kadagitoy a rebolusyonaryo a laban, pimmigsa ti Partido, Hukbo ken dagiti rebolusyonaryo nga organisasyon ti masa ken naibangon dagiti organo ti bileg pampulitika iti nadumaduma a tukad a mangisigsigurado iti agtultuloy a panangiyabante iti gubat ti umili.

Amin dagitoy a balligi ken sinibogan ti ling-et ken dara dagiti rebolusyonaryo a martir. Saan a nagun-od dagitoy a panagabante no awan ti panagsakripisyo dagiti bannuar ti armado a rebolusyon. iti kastoy a mailadawan no kasano a kadagsen dagiti panagsakripisyo ken biag nga indatun dagiti martir tayo. Segun pay kenni Kadua a Mao Zedong, “Amin a tao ket sigurado a matay, ngem ti pannakatay ket mabalin nga agduma ti kaipapanan. Ti matay para iti umili ket adayo a nadagdagsen no iti Bantay a Tay, ngem ti agserbi kadagiti pasista ken ti matay para kadagiti mananggundaway ken manangidadanes ket adayo a nalaglag-an no iti dutdot.” Segun pay kenni Macli-ing Dulag, “Gapu ta lumaban tayo, mabiag dagiti annak tayo ken matawid da ti daga. Ad-adda a napateg ti daga no masibugan ken pabaknangen ti ling-et ken dara tayo.”

Iti agdama a tukad ti gubat ti umili, ken partikular pay iti panaglaban iti tiraniko a rehimen a US-Duterte, sangsangoen tayo iti nair-irteng, narangranggas ken mas sopistikado a panag-atake ti kabusor iti tengnga ti krisis iti salun-at gapuiti COVID-19 ken ti agtultuloy a kumarkaro a krisis iti ekonomya. Kagiddan na daytoy ti ad-adda a dadakkel pay a karit iti napinget a panangiyabante ti gubat ti umili iti nangatngato a tukad. Iti sango ti kastoy a sitwasyon, ipanpanawagan ti Partido ti dakdakkel a panagsakripisyo tapno itultuloy a labanan ti kontrarebolusyonaryo a gubat ti pasista a rehimen iti nabatbati a panawen na daytoy iti turay, ipreserba ken papigsaen pay ti intar tayo para iti amin a kabaelan ken managparnuay a panangipatungpal kadagiti rebbengen.

Iti kasta, ti kangatoan a pammadayaw a maidaton tayo iti kinabanuar nga inpakita dagiti martir ket ti ad-adda a panagpursige iti panangiyabante ti armado a rebolusyon inggana iti pananggun-od ti balligi.

https://cpp.ph/statements/naindaklan-a-biag-dagiti-banuar-ti-ilocos-cordillera/

CPP/NDF-LAB: Pagpupugay ng Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan (LAB) sa mga Magigiting na Pulang Hukbo

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Apr 6, 2021): Pagpupugay ng Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan (LAB) sa mga Magigiting na Pulang Hukbo

LIGA NG AGHAM PARA SA BAYAN (LAB)

NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT OF THE PHILIPPINES

APRIL 06, 2021

Sa kabila ng kaliwa’t kanang mga pag-atake ng mga pasistang berdugo, at ng mga pakulo ng mga ganid pulitikong nakikinabang sa gulo, ay mas lalong tumataginting ang tapang at sigasig ng rebolusyunaryong pwersa at ng mga mamayan. Mapulang pagbati sa ika-52 taong anibersaryo ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan, ang tunay na sundalo ng mamayang Pilipino.

Rebolusyunaryo at pinakamataas na pagpupugay ang pinapaabot ng Liga ng Agham Para sa Bayan (LAB).

Kasama ng BHB, ang LAB ay napapanday nitong mga peligrosong panahon. Ang ating tugon sa pasistang atake ng gobyernong Duterte ay ang pag-iigting ng ating seguridad, pagbantay at pag-alaga sa sarili’t mga kasama, at higit sa lahat ang walang-humpay na pagtugon sa mga gawain para isulong ang rebolusyon at paglingkuran ang sambayanan.

Sa araw-araw na pagkilos ng mga kasapi ng LAB, inspirasyon nila at pinagkukuhanan ng lakas ang magigiting at hindi-matalo-talong Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Ang pagharap sa pasismo ng estado, ang patuloy na pagtugon sa rebong gawain tulad ng serbisyong teknikal, ang pagsusulong ng kampanya at pag-oorganisa sa hanay ng aming sektor ay pakikiisa at ambag namin sa laban ng ating mga minamahal na Hukbo.

Ang ating mga kasamang kumikilos sa kanayunan ay matagal ng balon ng respeto at inspirasyon sa pakikibaka. Ang kanilang lakas ay hindi lang lakas pang-digma, ngunit lakas ring nakalaan para sa pagtatagumpay ng rebolusyon. Ang kanilang talino at pagsisikap ay hindi lang para sa pagpapanalo ng mga taktikal na opensiba, ngunit talino at sikap din sa pagtatayo ng ating pulang gobyerno, at pagpapatupad ng rebolusyunaryong agraryo sa kanayunan. Sila’y mga sundalo bukod pa sa pagiging mga community workers, magsasaka, duktor, inhinyero, teknisyan, guro, artista, at ang marami pang mga tungkulin na kailangan para buhayin ang pulang komunidad. Ika nga ng isang Soviet na slogan, “ready for labor, ready for defense.” Handang lumaban at dumepensa, habang gumagampan ng mga tungkulin para sa sambayanan at para sa bayan.

Saludo sa mga tagumpay at sakripisyo ng ating mga pulang mandirigmang laging handa para sa gawain, at handa para lumaban!

Ang Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan ay patuloy na nagkakampanya sa aming hanay para sa pagsapi sa BHB at buong panahong pagkilos sa kanayunan. Pinagsisikapan namin ito bilang ambag sa pag-abot ng ating target na abutin sa abanteng sub-yugto ng estratehikong depensiba ng ating digmang bayan.

Mula sa hanay ng mga makabayan, siyentipiko, at maka-masang mga manggagawa sa larangan ng agham at teknolohiya, maalab na pagbati sa ika-limampu’t dalawang anibersaryo ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan! Iniaangat ng inyong pagkilos ang aming tapang at dedikasyon.

Mabuhay ang rebolusyon! Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagpupugay-ng-liga-ng-agham-para-sa-bayan-lab-sa-mga-magigiting-na-pulang-hukbo/

Kalinaw News: 48IB Partners with Youth for Peace for the Community Outreach and Feeding Program in Surigao del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 6, 2021): 48IB Partners with Youth for Peace for the Community Outreach and Feeding Program in Surigao del Sur



Bislig City, Surigao del Sur – The 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion in partnership with the Youth for Peace-Bislig City Chapter conducted a community outreach and feeding program in Purok 9, Villa Paraiso, Brgy San Roque, Bislig City on April 4, 2021.

The activity is a continuation of the series of outreach programs relative to the Battalion’s 40th Founding Anniversary which also aims to deliver the basic needs in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS).

More or less 130 children including young adults were fed while 100 households were given the reilef items during the distribution led by Lieutenant Colonel Enrique G. Rafael, Acting Commanding Officer ng 48IB together with Youth For Peace- Bislig City President Ramil Hamodiong. Likewise, an orientation and leaflet distribution about the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Porgram (E-CLIP) were also conducted.

“Sa atung bisita kaning sa 48IB, sa atung mga kasilinganan nga purok salamat kaayung tanan.Pasalamat ako sa mga 48IB nga nia karun dri arun pagtan-aw sa atung kahimtang karun dire sa kabukiran. Pasalamat pud ku sa ilang mga daghang mga gasa para sa atung tanan. Salamat kaayu sa inyong tanan” said Purok 9 President Nelon Lumunsad.

Lieutenant Colonel Rafael added, “Ang inyo pong Guardians Battalion ay handang gumabay sa inyo ngayong aming napag-alaman ang mga pangunahing isyu at hinaing niyo dito sa inyong komunidad. Lubos din po ang aming pagpapasalamat sa pagtangkilik ninyo sa aming mga kasundaluhan. Sama-sama at tulong-tulong po tayo upang wakasan na ang matagal nang suliranin ng ating bayan -ang insureksiyon. Ito ay para makamtan natin ang matagal na nating inaasam na kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa ating bayan.”

[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/48ib-partners-with-youth-for-peace-for-the-community-outreach-and-feeding-program-in-surigao-del-sur/

Kalinaw News: High Ranking NPA Leader and 4 members surrendered: waning communist terrorist movement in Sultan Kudarat

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 6, 2021): High Ranking NPA Leader and 4 members surrendered: waning communist terrorist movement in Sultan Kudarat



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The stronghold of the communist terrorist group is continuously weakening in Sultan Kudarat as manifested in the series of surrender including their political instructor and four (4) members on April 5, 2021. This was the assessment of Lieutenant Colonel Romel Valencia, Commanding Officer of 7th Infantry ‘Tapat’ Battalion after the surrender of five (5) New People’s Army at 7IB Headquarters in Barangay Kalawag II, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

These former combatants were members of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region and they turned over one (1) Rifle Cal. 30 M1 Garand, (2) Cal. 30 M1 Garand, one (1) Rifle M14 converted to Springfield, and one (1) M79 Grenade Launcher. Among those who surrendered is a Political Instructor of Local Guerilla Unit 1 of Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, FSMR.

Brigadier General Roy Galido, Commander of the 601st Brigade was elated with the series of surrenders and commended the combined efforts of community support programs of the troops that led to the successful surrender of CTGs especially their political instructor in the province of Sultan Kudarat.

Meanwhile, Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Commander of 6th Infantry ‘Kampilan’ Division and Joint Task Force Central stressed that the series of surrenders manifested the waning and eventually the defeat of the communist terrorist group in Sultan Kudarat and the entire area of operations of JTF Central.

The Division Commander also disclosed that as of January 2021, a total of 37 NPA members already surrendered to 6ID, PA. “For those CTGs who desire to live a peaceful life, your government is always willing to receive you back to the folds of the law. And for those who remained entangled in their twisted violent ideology and against the peace negotiations offered by the government, the JTF Central will be relentless in its focused military operation to hunt you down”, Maj. Gen. Uy 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/high-ranking-npa-leader-and-4-members-surrendered-waning-communist-terrorist-movement-in-sultan-kudarat/

Kalinaw News: AGILA-HAVEN Program provided livelihood assistance to 177 Former Extremists

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 6, 2021): AGILA-HAVEN Program provided livelihood assistance to 177 Former Extremists



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A total of 177 former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) extremists received livelihood and farm assistance through the Province of Maguindanao’s peace initiative dubbed as Anak na may GInintuang LAyunin, upang Hintuan Ang Violent Extremism Ngayon (AGILA-HAVEN) Program. According to the initial accomplishment report presented by Task Force AGILA of the Provincial Government of Maguindanao, 40 motorbikes (payong-payong), 12 farm tractors, 13 motorized bangka, 131 farm merchandises, and livelihood assistance were already distributed to 177 former extremists as of April 05, 2021.

The most recent of the said grant is the turn-over of various livelihood assistance and farm machineries under the AGILA-HAVEN Program to 42 former BIFF and DI members on April 05, 2021. Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu led the simple turn-over ceremony at the Satellite Office of the Provincial Government in Buluan, Maguindanao which was also attended by Brigadier General Jose H. Narciso, the Assistant Division Commander of 6th Infantry Division, representing Major General Juvymax R. Uy, the Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6ID, PA.

The additional grant was composed of 17 Hand Tractors (Kuliglig), two (2) Rotavators, and various farm and livelihood assistance which were intended to help the 42 former rebels start a peaceful and progressive life with their family and community. As of this reporting, another batch of former extremists is still on process to receive the next set of livelihood assistance from the provincial government.

Alongside the event, the Governor also distributed six (6) utility vehicles and 10 rescue vehicles to various DepEd District Supervisors and Barangays Officials of the province to enable them to serve their communities and constituents better.

Gov. Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu expressed her appreciation to the former rebels for their decision to cooperate with the government. “Ngayon nandyan na ang tulong kaya wala nang dahilan para tayo ay magkawatak-watak…hikayatin ninyo ang iba nyo pang kasamahan na magbalik-loob sa gobyerno (The assistance is now here and we have no more reason to rebel and be divided…convince the others (rebels) to go back to the folds of the government)”, Gov. Mangudadatu said.

The Governor also declared the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the Dawlah Islamiya (DI) as persona-non-grata in the Province of Maguindanao. “Walang Muslim ang pumapatay ng kapwa Muslim, wala sila (BIFF and DI) karapatang sirain ang ating bayan…”, Gov. Mangudadatu added.

Brig. Gen. Narciso expressed 6ID’s gratitude for the commitment of the Local Government of Maguindanao in all the peace initiatives in the province. “The AGILA-HAVEN program has gone a long way since its formal launching at the Provincial Capitol in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao in 2020. Now the province’s desire for lasting peace is being realized,” Brig. Gen. Narciso added.

It can be recalled that the Inter-Agency Task Force AGILA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Satellite Office of the Provincial Government in Buluan, Maguindanao on March 31, 2021, to strengthen the implementation of the AGILA-HAVEN Program. Various agencies from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Maguindanao Provincial Government, Provincial Police Office-Maguindanao, and 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army pledged support to the full implementation of the AGILA-HAVEN Program.

Major General Juvymax R. Uy, Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division Commander shared his message of support to the program of TF AGILA during the MOU signing. “Sa pamamagitan nitong Memorandum of Understanding, malaki ang maiaambag nitong tulong lalong-lalo na sa ating mga government enforcers at Local Chief Executives sa probinsya para ma-sustain natin ang Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE) Program sa pamamagitan ng AGILA HAVEN”, the commander 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/agila-haven-program-provided-livelihood-assistance-to-177-former-extremists/

Kalinaw News: Community Support Program Teams of 603rd Brigade scores 9 NPA surrenders anew

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 6, 2021): Community Support Program Teams of 603rd Brigade scores 9 NPA surrenders anew



CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Nine members of the New People’s Army in the municipality of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, surrendered on March 30, 2021, to the combined Community Support Program (CSP) teams of 37th Infantry ‘Conqueror’ Battalion and 57th Infantry ‘Masikap’ Battalion of 603rd Infantry Brigade. The surrender happened in Sitio Tinapakan, Brgy Datu Ito Andong, and Sitio Nursery, Brgy Sta Clara, all of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

Colonel Eduardo B. Gubat, the Commander of 603rd Infantry Brigade said that the former rebels were under West Daguma Front, Far South Mindanao Region (FSMR). “These personalities revealed that they are members of Milisyang Bayan and were brainwashed by a certain Edgar Kandi in joining the Communist Terrorist Group. They surrendered to clear their names from any involvement in the unlawful activities of the CTG and to start living again a normal and peaceful life with their families”, said Col. Gubat.

The former rebels turned over ten shotguns and one homemade Cal. 38 revolver. Their surrender was realized through the help and commitment of the Local Government Unit of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat.

“Our Philippine Army is relentless in its efforts to clear more barangays in Sultan Kudarat and eventually the entire South and South-Central Mindanao from Communist Terrorist threat through the implementation of Community Support Program and with the strong support from the local government units and the local residents of the said municipality”, Major General Juvymax R. Uy, the Commander of Joint Task Force Central and 6th Infantry Division 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/community-support-program-teams-of-603rd-brigade-scores-9-npa-surrenders-anew/

NPA justifies ambush-slay of 2 soldiers

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 6, 2021): NPA justifies ambush-slay of 2 soldiers (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The New People’s Army Apolinario Gatmaitan Command justified yesterday the ambush-slay of two Army intelligence operatives on April 3 in Brgy. Yaoyao, Cauayan, Negros Occidental, and insisted that they were “legitimate military targets”.

Ka Juanito Magbanua, spokesperson of the Apolinario Gatmaitan Command, said in radio interviews that the ambush was successfully carried out by the Armando Sumayang Command Jr.

Killed in the ambush were Sgt. Jhoem Meguillo of Zamboanga City, and Cpl. Alaster Balboa of Midsayap, Cotabato, both members of the 15th Infantry Battalion.

The two slain soldiers were also divested of their firearms by the rebel ambushers, estimated at about 30 armed men, according to initial investigations of the Cauayan police.

Magbanua accused the two soldiers to be behind what he claimed as the fake surrender of their comrades and the red-tagging of farmers.

Meanwhile, Cauayan Mayor John Rey Tabujara has joined the Philippine Army in strongly condemning the atrocities perpetrated by the NPA rebels, especially the Black Saturday ambush in his town.

“I am asking the support of all municipalities and barangay officials to stop these terroristic activities of the NPA,” Tabujara said.

Col. Leonardo Peña, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, who supervises the 15th Infantry Battalion stationed in southern Negros, said he condemned the barbaric acts perpetrated by the NPA in their desperation to hamper the peace and progress brought by the presence of Army soldiers in communities. “Their ultimate sacrifice in the name of service to God, to our country, and to our people will not be put in vain, for we will legally seek justice and file appropriate criminal case against the culprits,” Peña said.*

https://news.visayandailystar.com/npa-justifies-ambush-slay-of-2-soldiers/

Army partners with TESDA for skills training in Agusan del Norte

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Army partners with TESDA for skills training in Agusan del Norte (By 402nd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army)Published on April 6, 2021

BUTUAN CITY, Apr. 6 -- The Army's 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade, Philippine Army has partnered with the Technical Education and Skills Development Agency (TESDA) Agusan del Norte through the Northern Mindanao School of Fisheries (NMSF) for the conduct of a four-day Skills Training to Stingers troopers and its dependents. Said training was held at the headquarters, Brgy. Bancasi, this city for the first two days and at the NMSF, Brgy Matabao, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte for the remaining days.

A total of 20 personnel of 402nd Brigade and four military dependents completed the said skills training. The participants underwent four days of training on Table Setting, Table Napkin Folding, Table Skirting, Coffee Making, Mixing of Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Concoction, and Cookery that will be used in the daily activities of the unit, during special occasion and even in their own homes. The training was facilitated by the NMSF headed by Nancy De Guzman, OIC School Administrator of NSMF, and Training Section of 402nd Brigade.

The said training is in line with the Brigade's intent of equipping its personnel with various skills as part of professionalizing the troops under the Army Transformation Road (ATR) map. The endeavor also aims to strengthen the commitment and partnership between TESDA and the Army's 402nd Brigade under the Provincial Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF- ELCAC).

Brigadier General Maurito Licudine, the 402nd Brigade Commander, said the training, as a convergence program and partnership with TESDA, significantly promotes the skills competency of the troops. "As such, we must always endeavor to provide quality services that will satisfy the expectations of our stakeholders visiting the camp including our own personnel. Hence, there is a need to conduct this training to provide excellent services as a reflection of our standards and professionalism," he said.

Meanwhile, Director Rey Cueva, the TESDA Provincial Director, Agusan del Norte, extends his sincerest gratitude to the soldiers being the protector of the people and preserving the peace and at the same time recognizing their vital role in nation-building.

He highlighted the partnership with the Brigade underscoring the role of the Philippine Army thru the Community Support Program (CSP) in the implementation of livelihood interventions to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) which are the targets of CPP-NPA Terrorist (CNT) exploitation.

Dir. Cueva further shared the role of the soldiers as a partner of TESDA during calamities such as the construction and repair of houses, providing transportation for the toolkits and TESDA scholars, free services during the civic actions, and the security assistance being provided when TESDA personnel are visiting Peace and Development Zones (PDZs) during pay-outs and other related activities.

BGen. Licudine conveyed his utmost gratitude to TESDA and NMSF for being an instrument in enhancing the troop’s skills. “This training is only one of the many partnerships between the TESDA and this Brigade. We have ongoing projects and programs intended for the IPs and our Former Rebels (FRs) and other lined up activities under the convergence of Poverty Reduction, Livelihood, and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) in line with the implementation of EO Nr 70," he said.

“Rest assured that your Army is committed to sustain the partnership thru our Community Support Program in the conflict-affected areas and GIDAs in order to bring the government closer to the people and attain peaceful and conflict-resilient communities,” BGen Licudine added. (Maj. Francisco P. Garello, Jr., CMO Officer, 402nd Brigade PA/PIA Agusan del Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071520

Sustained services to conflict-affected areas, a quest for the gov't

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Sustained services to conflict-affected areas, a quest for the gov't (By Jeanevive Abangan) 

Remote Sitio Tapayanon in Kapalong, a previously unserved area.

DAVAO DEL NORTE, April 4 (PIA) - Providing sustained government services to conflict-affected and previously unserved areas stands as a crucial challenge for the government.

Office of the Presidential Assistant on Peace Process (OPAPP) Area Management Head Oliver “Ollie” Binancilan pointed this out saying current efforts towards peace and progress can hardly be realized if community folks would still support the cause of communist-terrorist group (CTG) which capitalizes on failures of the government.

“Dili nato hikalimtan nga kasagaran sa mga unserved areas, naay mga hinanakit nga kung dili siya ma-address ug masakyan sa mga communist terrorist group posibli na, madani sila ug makuha, ug ma-recruit ug mosalmot sa ilang kalihukan. (We have to remember that most of the unserved areas have grievances when left unaddressed, would be taken advantaged by the communist terrorist group. It would be possible they [community folks] would be recruited and then mobilized to take part in their [CTG] movement),” he said in one of the recent episodes of One Davao Presser.

Binancilan had taken note that peace and development usually remained elusive without addressing the root-causes of community grievances.

“…nanghinaut ko, ug dako kaayo ni nga hagit sa atong mga local officials ug sa panggobyerno, nga unta dili nato undangon ning atong program, plano nga paghatag ug serbisyo labi na sa mga areas nga conflict-affected areas. (I am hoping and this is a great challenge to local officials and the government, that we continue our program, plan to provide services especially in conflict-affected areas),” he said.

Binancilan cited this challenge as the discussed the operational framework of Local Peace Engagement (LPE) under E.O. 70 , that bridges the gap between local and national governments, and the CTG identified as the main target to finally put an end to local communist armed conflict.

Among the 12 clusters created under E.O. 70, LPE was cited by Binancilan as “unique” as it uses various ways for government officials and CTG members to meet and discuss agreements resulting in desired peace and understanding.

“We are following the principles of human rights: inclusive participation , accountability and transparency,” Binancilan while citing focus group discussion (FGD) among the strategies to engage key community stakeholders.

FGD is productively used in LPE to determine crucial needs and primary issues why community members are joining or supporting the communist insurgency movement, Binancilan said.

LPE implementation is anchored on the objective to “strengthen capacities of local and national governments to collective address socio-economic divides resulting in local folks’ capacities of to resist violence,” Binancilan explained.

Another objective of LPE is to trigger community participation in peace-building and development efforts to achieve resiliency and cultural harmony, Binancilan added.

LPE is also geared towards institutionalizing platform to change public mindsets towards attaining good governance resulting in improving the lives of disadvantaged folks. (PIA XI/ Jeanevive Duron-Abangan)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071476

Army's community sharing highlights Easter celebration in Selinog Island

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Army's community sharing highlights Easter celebration in Selinog Island (By Emmanuel D. Taghoy with reports from 97th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

DAPITAN CITY, Zamboanga del Norte, April 6 (PIA) – Easter Sunday is best celebrated when shared with others.

True to this, the 97th Infantry "Kalasaglahi" Battalion (97IB) and the 1st Civil Military Operations Battalion (1CMOBn) of the Philippine Army in partnership with the Kiwanis International, React Philippines and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Dapitan City made the event extra special with its community sharing to the residents of the Island Barangay of Selinog in Dapitan City.

The activity started with teams from Kiwanis International represented by Ms. Merlyn Maños, REACT Philippines represented by Dra. Rashmilla M. Cosain and the Army’s 97IB and 1CMOBn conducting psycho-social activities and feeding.

A total of 180 children received school supplies, hygiene kits, sanitization kits, pairs of slippers, face shields, face masks and toys.

LGU-Dapitan, represented by City Councilor Angelica J. Carreon, and the Army distributed packs of rice for 172 households of the Island.

Barangay Captain Felix B. Tuballa of Selinog, expressed his gratitude to the volunteers who came from the different parts of Mindanao for the initiative to reach-out and share during the Holy Week.

"Nakita man sad ninyo ang dakong kalipay nga gibati sa akong katawhan diri sa amoang barangay nga inyong nahatag, hilabi na sa amoang mga kabataan. Nakasiguro ko nga dili ug dili jud ni nila makalimtan nga bisag lisod ang kinabuhi namo diri sa isla, naa ra gihapo'y mga tawo nga andam mo-sakripisyo para mohatag og dakong tabang dinhi kanamo,” he said. (Your efforts have brought happiness to the residents of Selinog especially to the children. This will always be a beautiful reminder that despite the hard life here in the island, there will always be people who are willing to help.)



Lieutenant Colonel Manaros Boransing II, commanding officer of 97th IB, thanked the volunteers and donors from Kiwanis International, REACT Philippines, friends of 97IB, LGU- Dapitan City and Selinog Island for the successful conduct of the community sharing activity.

He emphasized the Christian’s Holy Week is a time for reflection and hope amidst the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

He noted help can come from different faiths and background just like the volunteers who are Christians, Muslims and other religions; Subanens, Bisaya, Tagalog, Ilocanos and others; teachers, media, government workers, private and business sector – all have collaborated and gathered to share with the community of Selinog Island. (NBE/EDT/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte/with reports from the 97th IB, Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071500

20 former rebels in Cam Norte take oath of allegiance to the government

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6, 2021): 20 former rebels in Cam Norte take oath of allegiance to the government (By Rosalita B. Manlangit)

DAET, Camarines Norte, April 6 (PIA) - Twenty (20) Former Rebels (FRs) or Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members took their oath of allegiance to the government during a ceremony coinciding with the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF at Camp Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, Daet here, March 29.

The activity was highlighted with the presentation of FRs and firearms, signing of manifesto, burning of effigy and NPA flags, releasing of doves and waving of Philippine flaglets along with the distribution of cash assistance from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Former Rebels (FRs) surrendering their firearms to the government officials in Camarines Norte coinciding with the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF, Camp Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, Daet, Camarines Norte, March 29. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)

The oath of allegiance was led by Governor Edgardo Tallado, Chairperson, Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

Gov. Tallado assured the former rebels of the help from the national government like the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) and the provincial government, among others.

He said that FRs will not regret their decision to return to the government after years of senseless fighting.

PNP Region 5 Regional Director PBGen. Bartolome R. Bustamante said that the activity on March 29 was significant because all of the Task Forces-ELCAC nationwide joined the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“This is also significant because of the 20 FRs who took their oath of allegiance following the recent attack of their comrades that resulted to the death of five policemen”, he said.

But he clarified during the press conference that the 20 FRs have earlier signified to surrender before the attack of other CTGs.

Regional Director PBGen. Bartolome R. Bustamante of PNP Region 5 discusses the atrocities brought by CTGs coinciding with the National Day of Solidarity, Condemnation and Outrage Against the CPP-NPA-NDF held at Camp Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, Daet, Camarines Norte, March 29. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)

"The CTGs in Camarines Norte are fewer in numbers now, that is why on the recent attack, they called for augmentation force from Quezon and Camarines Sur," said Bustamante, adding that "the authorities have already identified names and will soon file complaints".

Bustamante also lauded the message of one former rebel “Ka Mimoy”, who did not cover his face while rendering his speech. Ka Mimoy cited all the bad influence and violence brought by his former comrades.

It has been more than five decades or 52 years that the CPP-NPA sowed violence and deceived people especially the youth. This violence resulted to destroy families and cause deaths according to Brigade Commander Col. Jaime A. Abawag Jr., 902nd Brigade, 9ID Philippine Army (PA).

Abawag appealed to the CPP-NPA-NDF to stop violence, contemplate to lay down their arms and realize that their fight for more than 5 decades did not win.

The government is open to help. There are many programs like the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), a convergence of national and local government units assistance, to those who surrendered and who will surrender.

The said activity was spearheaded by the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office (CNPPO) through Provincial Director PCol. Julius D. Guadamor and also attended by the members of the PTF-ELCAC in Camarines Norte, Chief of Police (COPs), policemen and members of the quad media.

It was followed by the Indignation Rally and Candle Lighting at the Elevated Plaza, Daet and was attended by the municipal and barangay officials and civic groups in the province. (PIA5/Camarines Norte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1071526

9 rebel returnees in Sultan Kudarat vow never to join NPA again

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): 9 rebel returnees in Sultan Kudarat vow never to join NPA again (By Edwin Fernandez)

SURRENDERED FIREARMS. A soldier arranges the rifles surrendered by nine communist rebels on Monday (April 5, 2021) in Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat. The surrenderers will be enrolled under the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program as part of their reintegration into mainstream society. (Photo courtesy of 603rd IBde)

Some nine combatants of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat province have surrendered to the military and vowed never to be duped again by the communist terrorist group.

Col. Eduardo Gubat, commander of the Philippine Army’s 603rd Infantry Brigade, said Tuesday the rebels were convinced to return to the fold of the law following weeks of negotiations.

Combined Community Support Program (CSP) teams of 37th Infantry Battalion and 57th Infantry Battalion have successfully convinced the rebels of the benefits of yielding to the government.

The rebels surrendered on Monday afternoon in Sitio Tinapakan, Barangay Datu Ito Andong, and Sitio Nursery, Barangay Sta. Clara, both of Kalamansig town.

Gubat said the former rebels were under the NPA West Daguma Front, Far South Mindanao Region operating in the mountains of Sultan Kudarat, and parts of Maguindanao and Sarangani provinces.

“These personalities revealed that they are members of ‘Militia ng Bayan’ and were brainwashed by a certain Edgar Kandi in joining the communist terrorist group,” Gubat said. “They surrendered to clear their names from any involvement in the unlawful activities of the CTG and to start living again a peaceful life with their families.”

The surrenderers turned over 10 shotguns and one homemade .38 caliber revolver.

“We have learned our lesson and we will never join the NPA again,” Ka Omeng, one of the surrenderers, told reporters in the vernacular during a phone interview.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said the surrenderers would be enrolled under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Under this program, former rebels who reintegrate themselves into mainstream society are given support and livelihood packages.

The Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing 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/1135840

Ugale assumes as new BARMM top cop

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Ugale assumes as new BARMM top cop (By Edwin Fernandez)

Newly-appointed PRO-BARMM Director, Brig. Gen. Eden T. Ugale (Photo courtesy of PRO-BARMM)

Brig. Gen. Eden Ugale assumed on Tuesday as the new director of Police Regional Office in the Bangsamoro Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM).

Ugale replaced Brig. Gen. Samuel Rodriguez who will bow out of the service upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 on April 28.

Rodriguez thanked the men and women of PRO-BARMM whom he worked with during his stint as the region's top cop since last year.

The BARMM is composed of the cities of Cotabato, Lamitan, and Marawi; the provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi; and the 63 villages in six towns of North Cotabato.

“I thank all of you for supporting my thrust programs, kindly extend the same vigor to Brig. Gen. Ugale,” Rodriguez said during the turnover ceremony held Tuesday at the PRO-BARMM headquarters in Parang, Maguindanao.

Ugale is not new to the region having served as PRO-BARMM deputy regional director in 2018.

From BARMM, Ugale was transferred to Camp Crame to head the Philippine National Police Peace Process and Development Center.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135894

NPA squad leader yields in Agusan Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): NPA squad leader yields in Agusan Norte (By Alexander Lopez)

NEW LIFE AHEAD. The squad leader of the weakened Guerrilla Front 19, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the New People’s Army in Agusan del Norte, surrenders to the local police station in Kitcharao town, Agusan del Norte, Monday afternoon (April 5, 2021). Identified only as 'Saski' by the police, the surrenderer says he wants to renew his life and avail of the government's reintegration program for former rebels. (Photo courtesy of PRO-13 Information Office)

A squad leader of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) has surrendered to the Philippine National Police (PNP) Monday afternoon in the Agusan del Norte town of Santiago.

In a statement Tuesday, the Police Regional Office in Caraga (PRO-13) identified the rebel only as “Saski,” 30, a resident of Santiago.

Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., PRO-13 director, said the rebel surrendered to the neighboring municipal police station in Kitcharao town and handed over a caliber .45 pistol and ammunition.

“He served as the squad leader of weakened Guerrilla Front (GF) 19, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA,” Caramat said.

“Saski” had been in the NPA movement for more than three years, he added.

“He is also listed in the Periodic Status Report of the Joint AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)-PNP Intelligence Committee Area for the 1st Quarter of 2021,” Caramat said.

He said the surrenderer "wished to renew his life" through the programs and services under the Enhanced Comprehensive Localized Integration Program (ECLIP).

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135860

Cop hurt in Maguindanao ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Cop hurt in Maguindanao ambush (By Noel Punzalan)

Google map of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Police checkpoints have been doubled in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, following the ambush that wounded a police officer on Monday evening.

Col. Donald Madamba, Maguindanao police director, identified the victim as Patrolman An-Nur Diocolano Haron, 30, currently assigned at the Police Regional Office – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-BARMM) and a resident of this city.

"No one gets in and out of the municipality without being fully inspected,” Madamba told reporters Tuesday.

Madamba said Haron was riding a motorbike on his way home to this city past 6 p.m. when tailed and fired upon by motorcycle-riding suspects along the national highway in Barangay Rebuken, Sultan Kudarat town.

Witnesses said the gunmen left the policeman slumped by the roadside after the shooting.

Responding cops, with the help of concerned villagers, brought the wounded victim to the hospital.

Madamba believes the attackers were still inside the municipality, adding that cops manning the entry and exit checkpoints on Monday night were immediately informed of the incident and implemented strict inspection.

Madamba said closed-circuit television footage from a nearby establishment is also currently being reviewed by police investigators to determine the plate number or other markings on the motorbike used by the attackers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135854

DFA denounces Chinese embassy statement vs. Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 5, 2021): DFA denounces Chinese embassy statement vs. Lorenzana (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday “strongly” denounced the Chinese embassy in Manila for calling “unprofessional” the statement of Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on the presence of Chinese ships off the Juan Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

“The DFA strongly denounces the Embassy’s attempt to impugn the Secretary of National Defense -- a Cabinet Official of the Republic of the Philippines -- by calling his statement ‘unprofessional,’” the DFA said in a statement.

The DFA reminded Chinese embassy officials that as guests of the country, they must “observe protocol and accord respect” to Philippine government officials.

It reiterated Lorenzana’s demand for China to “immediately withdraw” its remaining ships in the vicinity of the Julian Felipe Reef and other adjacent features In the Kalayaan Island Group in the WPS.

“For every day of delay, the Republic of the Philippines will lodge a diplomatic protest,” the DFA said.

The Chinese embassy’s statement, the DFA said, contained “blatant falsehoods” when it claimed that the Chinese vessels stay in the area due to poor weather and that there are no “maritime militia vessels” in Philippine waters.

“The statement also attempted to promote the clearly false narrative of China’s expansive and illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea,” the DFA said.

It noted that the Juan Felipe Reef is part of the Kalayaan Island Group and lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

“It is located 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza town in Palawan and 638.229 nautical miles from Hainan Island,” the DFA said.

The DFA rejected the embassy’s assertion that the area is part of China’s “traditional fishing grounds,” noting that “tradition yields to law.”

“The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) -- to which both the Republic of the Philippines and China are parties -- and the final and binding 12 July 2016 Award in the South China Sea Arbitration are clearly the only norms applicable to this situation,” the DFA said.

The arbitration ruling, it added, conclusively settled that claims to historic or other sovereign rights or jurisdiction that go past those stated in the UNCLOS are “without lawful effect.”

It said the continued presence of Chinese vessels in the WPS “blatantly” infringe on the Philippines’ “sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”

“These are contrary to China’s commitments under international law and the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, and demonstrate lack of good faith in the ongoing negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea between Asean and China,” the DFA said.

On Saturday, the China Embassy called Lorenzana’s statement on the presence of Chinese ships “unprofessional,” adding that it may “further fan irrational emotions” and that it has “taken note of the perplexing statement.”

Lorenzana earlier repeated the demand for Chinese ships to leave the Julian Felipe Reef, noting that they have no more reason to take shelter amid good weather.

He said the latest maritime and aerial surveillance showed that “there are still 44 Chinese vessels that are in Julian Felipe Reef.” (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135787

DND sets another maritime patrol in WPS this week

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): DND sets another maritime patrol in WPS this week (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

A maritime patrol will be carried out again this week to determine whether there are still Chinese militia vessels remaining off Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday night.

"We’ll see when our maritime patrol goes again this week," Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Earlier, Lorenzana said there are still 44 Chinese vessels off Julian Felipe Reef even if there is no good reason for them to stay there as the weather in the area has improved.

The defense chief also declined to comment on reports that there are Chinese missile boats spotted off Panganiban Reef which is also in the WPS.

"I can’t comment as we have no confirmation (yet)," he said.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea earlier expressed concern over a Philippine Coast Guard report about 200 Chinese fishing vessels, believed to be manned by Chinese maritime militia personnel, sighted in line formation at the Julian Felipe Reef on March 7.

The reef is located approximately 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan.

"We have already lodged our diplomatic protest stating unequivocally our stand on the issue. We, again, reiterate our demand for the Chinese to leave our sovereign territories and abide by international law," Lorenzana said.

On Monday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) denounced the remarks of the Chinese embassy in Manila calling “unprofessional” the statement of Lorenzana regarding the issue.

It also reiterated Lorenzana’s demand for Beijing to “immediately withdraw” its remaining ships in the vicinity of the Julian Felipe Reef and other adjacent features in the Kalayaan Island Group in the WPS.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135842

Navy to deploy missile boats in Mindanao next year

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Navy to deploy missile boats in Mindanao next year (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Navy chief, Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo (File photo)

The Philippine Navy (PN) will deploy next year its fast attack interdiction craft-missile (FAIC-Ms) off the waters of Mindanao to help in operations against communist terrorist groups.

"The FAIC-M will be deployed initially in the Mindanao AORs (area-of-responsibility) where there is continuous operations against LTGs (local terrorist groups) and CTGs (communist terrorist groups) These platforms are best suited operating in these environments to act as effective deterrent not only against the terrorist groups but also against other lawless elements operating in the littoral areas," PN chief Vice Admiral Giovanni Carlo Bacordo said in response to the Philippine News Agency's on Monday night when asked where these naval craft will be deployed once delivered next year.

The FAIC-M project (also known as the Shaldag Mark 5) was already issued a Notice of Award (NOA) by the Department of National Defense (DND) last January 4.

"These individuals involved in piracy, smuggling, and human trafficking, among others, use fast boats and go from island to island in order to evade our maritime law enforcers. With the FAIC-Ms, the Navy can ensure that these criminal elements will be effectively neutralized and in the process provide a safe and secure maritime environment to our countrymen," Bacordo added.

The NOA was signed by DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana as head of the procuring entity. The project, which consists of two lots, is worth around PHP10 billion.

Lot 1 consists of the acquisition of the naval platforms and the upgrade of the Cavite Naval Shipyard while Lot 2 is focused on the acquisition of the weapons system of these FAIC-Ms which include remotely-controlled gun and missile systems.

"Another milestone was achieved just recently which includes the successful negotiations for the Lot 1 (Platforms) & Lot 2 (Combat Systems and Missiles) of the Fast Attack Interdiction Craft-Missile (FAIC-M) Acquisition Project. This resulted in the provisions for an additional one unit with one set of remote combat weapon systems (on top of the programmed eight units FAIC-M) for the PN and an upgrade of the Naval Ship Yard - without additional cost to the government. Hence, the PN expects to obtain a total of nine missile-equipped FAIC(-Ms) in the coming years," Bacordo earlier said.

The FAIC-Ms is the replacement of the force of patrol killer medium (PKM) or medium-sized patrol craft, with deliveries expected to start in 2022.

Four of the FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other four will be armed with machine guns and light automatic cannons.

With the FAIC-Ms, the PN shall have the capability to defend the key sea lines of communications (SLOCs), such as Mindoro, Balabac, Sibutu, and Basilan Straits against conventional threats.

While operating in restricted waters, the FAIC-Ms can interdict surface threats and launch NLOS missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135843

Lorenzana tests positive for Covid-19, now in isolation

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6, 2021): Lorenzana tests positive for Covid-19, now in isolation (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said he will undergo isolation after being tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) Tuesday.

"The result of my RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) test today, 06 April 2021, came up positive. I will be undergoing isolation, following the quarantine guidelines to avoid infecting others. Those who have been exposed to me have been informed. They have been advised to isolate and get tested for Covid-19 as well," he said in a statement.

Lorenzana said the DND will continue to operate with a skeleton workforce to ensure continuity of service, with the prescribed health protocols strictly enforced.

"I would like to remind everyone that the threat of the virus is as real as ever, more so now due to the new variants. Let us all cooperate and abide by the prescribed health protocols to help in curbing the spread of Covid-19," Lorenzana said.

Last year, the DND chief tested negative for Covid-19 in March and April after coming into close contact with people infected with the virus.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1135966