Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 04/18/21

Sunday, April 18, 2021

Kalinaw News: NPA member and supporters yield, war materials captured in Cagayan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2021): NPA member and supporters yield, war materials captured in Cagayan

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela – Due to the intensive Focused Military Operations of 501st Infantry Brigade (501IBde), 4 Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) supporters and a regular member yielded to the troops at Sitio Hot Spring, Brgy Asinga-via, Baggao, Cagayan on April 17.

With the help of the residents in the said place, the troops also recovered one 40mm Grenade Launcher ammunition, several subversive documents, and war materials.

Meanwhile, residents in Sitio Catamogan, Brgy Dagupan, Allacapan, Cagayan tipped off the abandoned war materials of the terrorist CPP-NPA.

Thereafter, the troops of the Joint Intelligence Task Group “BATARIS” verified the said information and resulted to the recovery of one cal 5.56mm rifle (Bushmaster M16A1), one cal 5.56mm M653 rifle, 3 short magazines for M16 rifle, 63 cartridges of 5.56mm ball, one 40mm high explosive, one roll detonating chord, one roll electric wire, subversive documents (Batayang Kurso Pampartido Manual/Maps/Notebook), books containing teachings about “atheism” or disbelief in the existence of God and the CPP-NPA deceptive and recruitment narratives.

Also recovered in the area were one cellphone, four sim cards, one sack of assorted clothes, nine backpacks, one shoulder bag, four bandoliers, seven ponchos, seven lunch boxes, and assorted medical paraphernalia.

Maj. Gen. Laurence E Mina, Commander, 5th Infantry Division commends the efforts of the troops in their anti-insurgency operations.

He also praised the cooperation of the residents in clearing their municipalities from the influence of the terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF. “The recovery of war materials from the terrorist group will further weaken their capability to fight. The intensified anti-insurgency campaign is well supported by the people as manifested by their strong cooperation in combating the terrorist group in their locality.”

Maj. Gen. Mina then encouraged the remaining members and supporters of the terrorist group to surrender and return to the folds of the law.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-member-and-supporters-yield-war-materials-captured-in-cagayan/

Kalinaw News: High Profile BIFF Commander and 5 followers yields to JTF Central

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 19, 2021): High Profile BIFF Commander and 5 followers yields to JTF Central

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – April 17, 2021

A Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters division commander and five of his followers surrendered to the military in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Saturday morning, April 17.

“Based on the report from the ground, Abunawas Ibad Damiog, a.k.a. Bayawak, 4th Division Commander/Deputy for Military of BIFF-Bungos Faction and five of his followers identified as Yasser Bago Abunawas, Anwar Alim Sangki, Olon Bago Abunawas, Mohammad Kanakan Ibad, and Dihan Abdul Ali submitted themselves to 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Pedro Balisi, Jr. at the 1MechBde headquarters in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan around eight in the morning today,” said Western Mindanao Command Commander Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr.,

The six handed over two 5.56 M16 rifles with two magazines; one 7.62 M14 rifle with one magazine; one M653 5.56 rifle with one magazine; one caliber 30 Garand rifle; and one locally made 50 caliber barret with three ammunitions to the government.

“This feat is a result of the joint effort of the CIDG Maguindanao-BARMM, Local Government Unit of Datu Piang headed by Mayor Victor Samama, the 6th Infantry Battalion led by Lt. Col. Charlie Banaag, and the intelligence units,” said Col. Balisi.

During the initial debriefing, Damiog said that he wants to live a peaceful life with his family, and he got tired of following the orders of the top leaders without getting anything in return.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of the Joint Task Force Central said, “May the surrender of Damiog be an eye-opener to his followers.”

“Rest assured that we will help them to go back to their normal lives by providing them with livelihood opportunities,” Maj. Gen. Uy added.

As of this date, a total of 42 BIFF personalities surrendered to the Joint Task Force Central.

“Team WestMinCom continues to bolster its operations to end terrorism and win peace in its area of operation hence we encourage the remaining members of the outlawed groups to end their armed struggle peacefully,” said Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr.

Lt. Gen. Vinluan, Jr. ended by saying “Those who desire to return to the folds of the law are very much welcome and we ensure their safety and security during their reintegration into mainstream society”.

Kalinaw News: 26 NPA Militias Surrender in Iloilo

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 18, 2021): 26 NPA Militias Surrender in Iloilo

CAMP HERNANDEZ, Dingle, Iloilo – 26 members of New People’s Army (NPA) Militias from the province of Iloilo formalized their surrender through a simple ceremony in Camp Ceferino in Barangay Libot, Calinog, Iloilo on Saturday, April 17, 2021.

Of the 26 members of NPA Militias, 6 were from the municipality of Calinog; 7 from the municipality of Lambunao, and 13 from the municipality of Janiuay. These NPA militias surrendered to the 12th Infantry Battalion and Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in Calinog, Lambuano, and Janiuay in Iloilo province.

The surrenderees also turned over their 15 short firearms and 15 long firearms, this, after realizing the false ideologies and inhuman activities of the communist terrorist group.

Present during the activity were Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Jason Estrada, Commander 12IB; Bienvenido Margarico, Municipal Mayor of Janiuay; Mr. Chester Larroder, Calinog Municipal Information Officer, and Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Provincial Director of Iloilo Police Provincial Office.

Brigadier General Marion Sison, Commander 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade said in his statement that the mass surrender of the former NPA members is a strong manifestation that these FRs can no longer be deceived by the false ideologies and atrocities of the communist terrorist groups. Likewise, he gave his assurance to the FRs that the Army, LGU and other government agencies will help them start a new and peaceful life.

“Your Army in Panay will be your partner as you return to the folds of the law and start a new chapter of your lives together with your family. We are glad that you finally follow the right path and that is to embrace the culture of peace,” said Brig. Gen. Sison.

Kalinaw News: 48IB Facilitated the POINTY 2nd Quarter Provincial Meeting in Surigao del Sur

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 18, 2021): 48IB Facilitated the POINTY 2nd Quarter Provincial Meeting in Surigao del Sur

Bislig City, Surigao del Sur – The 48th Infantry (Guardians) Battalion facilitated the 2nd Quarter Provincial Meeting of the Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through Our Youth (POINTY), Inc. Surigao and Agusan del Sur Chapter at 48IB Headquarters, Purok 1, Brgy Maharlika, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur on April 17, 2021.

The meeting was set to discuss 1st Quarter Accomplishments, Youth For Peace and Development Movement in the Philippines Affiliation System and Campaign Plan PAKIGLAMBIGIT. POINTY Chairperson Roberto A. Laurente Jr. presided the meeting. Agusan del Sur Charity L. Cuadra grabbed the opportunity for a courtesy call with Lieutenant Colonel Enrique G. Rafael, Acting Commanidng Officer, 48IB.

28 Youth Leaders and members of POINTY both from Agusan and Surigao del Sur attended the activity with eagerness to conduct and ensure sustainable peace-driven activities and projects using the Four Thematic Advocacies as to Youth Development, Community Development, Organizational Development and Peace Communication. COVID-19 safety protocols were also observed in the duration of the activity.

“We thank the 48IB for the warm welcome and for accommodating us in our 2nd Quarter Meeting. Thank you sir for the support to our youth.” said Mr Laurente.

Lieutenant Colonel Rafael added, “Bilang mga kabataan, kayo ang itinuturing na pag -asa ng ating bayan kung kaya’t nararapat lamang na kayo ay suportahan sa inyong mga adhikain para sa kapayapaan at para sa bayan. Ang kabataan din ang isa sa mga vulnerable sectors of our society kung kayat maraming mga kabataan ang nalilihis ng landas at kayo ngayon sa POINTY at Youth For Peace and siyang tutuwid sa liko-likong daan ng ibang kabataaang nalihis ng landas. Magtulong-tulog tayo upang maging lakas ang kabataan para sa bayan at para sa kapayapaan. “

Kalinaw News: Army’s Awareness Campaign for the Students of Misamis Oriental Continues

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 18, 2021): Army’s Awareness Campaign for the Students of Misamis Oriental Continues

CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – In collaboration with the St. Rita’s College of Balingasag, the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig conducted a two-day online information drive to its students through video teleconferencing (VTC), from April 15 to 16, 2021.

Recognizing that communist insurgency has lasted far too long because of resource generation in terms of manpower, the 58IB is concerned that the CPP-NPA-NDF poses a major threat to the province of Misamis Oriental’s youth, thus initiating an awareness campaign in the province’s universities and colleges.

The information drive, dubbed as “Lamang ang May Alam: An Anti CPP-NPA-NDF Youth Recruitment Online Info Drive” is aimed specifically at senior high school and college students as the youth in the universities and colleges were proven to become resource generation in manpower and schools have now become platforms of the CPP-NPA-NDF in exploiting the youth. Many seemingly harmless student organizations have ulterior motive of deceiving the young to support the CPP-NPA-NDF’s cause and ultimately enter the armed struggle, falling victim to the pitfalls of the enemy.

As this awareness campaign continues, 58IB was able to reach out to approximately 400 college students at St. Rita’s College of Balingasag and delivered lectures on the Army and the Government’s interventions in coping with communist insurgency in the country, as well as the CPP-NPA-NDF’s recruitment schemes. The info drive’s primary objective was to educate students about youth recruitment schemes and persuade them not to help or join the CPP-NPA-NDF in any way; the secondary objective was to have the students informed on the government’s efforts in fighting against insurgency and protecting the youth.

Sir Rey Jhon Alfred N. Bongcas, RCrim, a faculty member from the Criminology department said, “We are grateful for the opportunity of being able to join in this undertaking. This will surely make an impact to all of us especially to the students–the youth of today whose role is very vital in nation building. You have shed light and TRUTH behind these social issues that has put the lives of many innocent Filipinos in the dungeons being lured by these opportunistic extremist groups.”

“Let this day forward, be an assurance of our shared commitment of being one with your vision and mission of serving people and securing the land by spreading these truths among our families, relatives, friends and the wider community as a whole.” He added.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58IB expressed appreciation to the students and the school for their support and cooperation. He left a message to the students saying, “I would like to emphasize to all of you that the most important thing you have to look forward to is your future. So that you can help with your respective families and contribute to the communities. That should be your top priority. And with regards to joining organizations or groups in school or outside, you should be discerning and be aware of their true intentions.”

“We are doing this activity to warn you of the CPP-NPA-true NDF’s intentions, which is to kill and harm the future of our youth. There really are people who will forcibly radicalize you and convince you to join them which leads to a road of destruction, like the CPP-NPA-NDF. These front organizations will only do harm on you than good. Do not believe them. There may be social issues and injustices that the CTG uses as propaganda, but rest assured that, amid the pandemic, the government is working hand in hand with the people to ensure the delivery of services to the people.”

“So again, I urge you to be informed. Be watchful. Educate yourself, you have access to information and you are intelligent people. Madali nyong malaman kung ano yung tama, ano yung mali. Spread the truth, especially to your fellow students, friends and loved ones.” Lt. Col. Canatoy ended.

AFP, DND deny 'fake news' on troops withdrawing support from Duterte

From Rappler (Apr 18, 2021): AFP, DND deny 'fake news' on troops withdrawing support from Duterte (By MARA CEPEDA)

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Cirilito Sobejana vows that the military is 'firmly behind the chain of command'

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) slammed as “fake news” online posts claiming that President Rodrigo Duterte is losing the support of military officers over his pacifist approach toward the Chinese militarization of the West Philippine Sea.

In separate statements on Sunday, April 18, AFP chief of staff Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana and DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana denied the existence of a Viber group of 500 active and retired military personnel who allegedly plan to withdraw their support from their Commander-in-Chief.

"We assure our people that your soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines are firmly behind the chain of command," said a statement attributed to Sobejana.

“And if in the future they will actually create such a group, (Sobejana) disavows the presence or association of officers and enlisted personnel to a group of such mindset,” added the statement.

Lorenzana also said DND officials will “never” be part of such a group.

“We denounce the irresponsible propaganda being propagated in online posts alleging that a group of retired and active military officers are withdrawing their support for the President. This is fake news!” said the DND secretary.

In the past week, a Twitter account named Info Ops has been posting about an alleged Viber group composed of military officers who are supposedly demanding Duterte to take a stronger stance against China. If not, they would stop supporting him.

The West Philippine Sea is part of the South China Sea that belongs to the Philippines but China is falsely claiming as its own.

In 2016, the Philippines had won its historic tribunal case against China, with a Hague tribunal junking the regional giant’s expansive claim over the South China Sea.

But no less than Duterte himself has downplayed this victory numerous times, claiming that insisting on the Philippines' legal triumph would only spark war with China.

“The demand of the Viber 500 and the retired generals in Pres Duterte’s Cabinet, except retired CSAFP Galvez, to denounce China’s invasion in the strongest possible terms is now impossible to ignore. A withdrawal of support is very imminent,” Info Ops tweeted on April 15.

The tweets were posted amid the continued presence of at least 240 Chinese military ships in the West Philippine Sea.

Since April 5, the Philippines has lodged daily diplomatic protests against China over the lingering presence of its ships, vowing one would be filed “every day” so long as China’s vessels remained in Philippine waters.

'Destabilizers' told to stop 'malicious' posts

On Sunday, Lorenzana blasted the “destabilizers” behind the posts and ordered them to stop spreading “malicious statements.”

“We call on these destabilizers to cease from propagating malicious statements especially at a time when our people should all be coming together in the face of the challenges that we are all currently facing. You are not helping our country and people at all,” Lorenzana said.

Sobejana likewise denied a supposed text message making rounds on social media claiming that “warplanes” from various countries were allegedly taking off and landing at Clark Airbase.

“We have issued a statement dismissing that SMS as fake news. No such landings or taking off of aircraft from other countries are taking place. The AFP is on normal alert as opposed to the claim of that spurious sender,” said Sobejana.

The AFP chief then said the controversial posts aim to “create panic and confusion” and advised the public to remain calm.

“The AFP is a professional organization committed to safeguard democracy and protect its democratic institutions. We will focus on our mission and continue to perform our constitutional mandates. We will veer away, as we appeal to all quarters to spare your AFP from partisan politics,” said Sobejana. –

https://www.rappler.com/nation/afp-dnd-deny-military-officers-withdrawing-support-duterte-fake-news

2 ‘Reds’ die in Hinoba-an encounter

From Panay News (Apr 19, 2021): 2 ‘Reds’ die in Hinoba-an encounter (By Mae Singuay)

These are some of the items recovered from Saturday’s encounter in Barangay Bulwangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental. Two suspected members of the New People’s Army were killed. 15IB

Two suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) died in an encounter with government forces in Purok Yuring, Sitio Dash 7, Barangay Bulwangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental on Saturday, April 17.

The 40-minute firefight ensued between the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) and NPA cadres allegedly from Platoon 3, Southwest Front of Kilusang Rehiyon Negros Cebu Bohos Siquihor (KR-NCBS).

The military identified the fatalities only by their aliases, Micheal/Nonoy and Ken-ken. Their remains were brought to a local mortuary.

Recovered from the encounter site were two .45-caliber pistols with magazines and ammunition, a hand grenade, extortion letters, subversive documents, cellphones, and personal belongings.

No casualties were recorded on the part of the government forces, the military said.

The 15IB, while conducting a Community Support Program (CSP) sustainment operations in Hinoba-an town, acted on the report of NPA presence in the area.

Lieutenant Colonel Erwin Cariño, commanding officer of the 15IB, expressed gratitude to Bulwangan residents for giving them the heads up.

“The encounter was a clear result of the collaborative effort of the government and the community. It manifested the success and gains of our CSPs and expressed the desire of the community to be free from communist terrorist group terroristic infiltration and influence in their locality,” Cariño said.

“We extend our condolences to the bereaved family of the two NPA terrorists who lost their lives in fighting for a lost cost. With the help of the local government of Hinoba-an, we can assure the assistance and decent burial of the deceased,” he added.

Meanwhile, Colonel Leonardo Peña, 302nd Brigade commander, is encouraging NPA rebels to peacefully surrender now.

“Our government is always open to help and assist the remaining NPA rebels… It is better for them to embrace peace as they are no longer welcome in the community. The people of Negros have been longing for peace and progress for a better and brighter future of their children,” Peña said.

https://www.panaynews.net/2-reds-die-in-hinoba-an-encounter/

‘We will be your partner’: Army glad as more rebels ‘choose to embrace peace’

From Panay News (Apr 19, 2021): ‘We will be your partner’: Army glad as more rebels ‘choose to embrace peace’ (By Ruby Silubrico)

Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade. Philippine Army

ILOILO – There are greater things coming for rebels who choose the path of peace.

The Philippine Army made this assurance following the surrender of 26 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in this province.

At Camp Ceferino Carreon in Barangay Libot, Calinog, Iloilo over the weekend, the rebels yielded to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 30 firearms (15 long, 15 short).

Of the 26 rebels, six were from the municipality of Calinog, seven from Lambunao, and 13 from Janiuay.

These rebels surrendered to the 12th Infantry Battalion (12IB) and Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict in the three towns, according to Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander of the 301st Infantry Brigade.

“Your Army in Panay will be your partner as you return to the fold of the law and make a new chapter of your lives together with your families,” Sison said.

He added: “We are glad that you have finally decided to follow the right path, and that is to embrace the culture of peace.”

With the help of local government units and other government agencies, these rebels can now have a fresh start, he said.

Sison added that this “mass surrender” showed a strong manifestation that these rebels can no longer be “deceived by the false ideologies and atrocities of communist terrorist groups.”

The event was witnessed by Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Jason Estrada, commanding officer of the 12IB; Mayor Bienvenido Margarico of Janiuay; Chester Larroder, Calinog Municipal Information Officer; and Police Colonel Gilbert Gorero, director of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office.

The AFP is hoping that more rebels will surrender and avail themselves of the government’s reintegration programs.

https://www.panaynews.net/we-will-be-your-partner-army-glad-as-more-rebels-choose-to-embrace-peace/

26 NPA Militias in Iloilo surrender

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 18, 2021): 26 NPA Militias in Iloilo surrender (By Jemin B. Guillermo)

ILOILO CITY, April 18 (PIA) – Twenty-six more members of the New People’s Army (NPA) Militias from Iloilo province formalized their surrender to the government, April 17.

According to 301st Brigade Civil Military Operations Officer Capt. Hazel Joy Durotan, the surrender of said NPA Militias took place in a simple ceremony at Camp Ceferino in Barangay Libot, Calinog, Iloilo.

Of the 26 members of NPA Militias, six were from Calinog town, seven from Lambunao town, and 13 from the municipality of Janiuay.

The NPA militias surrendered to the 12th Infantry Battalion and Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in Calinog, Lambuano, and Janiuay, all of Iloilo province, she said.

The NPA Militias also turned over their 15 short firearms and 15 long firearms.

They surrender themselves and their firearms to the government after realizing the false ideologies and inhuman activities of the communist terrorist group, Durotan added.

Present during the activity were 12IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Jason Estrada, Janiuay mayor Bienvenido Margarico, Calinog Municipal Information Officer Chester Larroder, and Iloilo Police Provincial Director Colonel Gilbert Gorero.

In his statement, Brigadier General Marion Sison, the Commander of 301st Infantry (Bayanihan) Brigade, said that the mass surrender of the former NPA members is a strong manifestation that these FRs can no longer be deceived by the false ideologies and atrocities of the communist terrorist groups.

He also assurance the former rebels that Army, local government units and other government agencies will help them start a new and peaceful life.

“Your Army in Panay will be your partner as you return to the folds of the law and start a new chapter of your lives together with your family. We are glad that you finally follow the right path and that is to embrace the culture of peace,” said Sison. (PIA6/CMO-301Bde/Philippine Army)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1072665

BIFF sub-commander, 5 others surrender in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2021): BIFF sub-commander, 5 others surrender in Maguindanao (By Noel Punzalan)

FRESH START. Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters surrenderers led by Bungos faction sub-commander Abunawas Ibad Damiog (center, wearing cap), pledge their allegiance to the government for a chance to live normal lives once more with their families. The group yielded six high-powered firearms (inset) during their surrender to the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade’s headquarters in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Saturday (April 17, 2021). (Photos courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – A sub-commander of the Daesh-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and five of his followers yielded to military authorities in Maguindanao, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) announced here Sunday.

Maj. Juvymax Uy, the 6ID commander and concurrent Joint Task Force Central (JTFC) chief, said Abunawas Ibad Damiog, alias “Bayawak,” commander of the BIFF Bungos faction’s 4th division and deputy chief for military affairs, surrendered Saturday before the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade’s (1MIBde) headquarters in Barangay Kamasi, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

Five of Damiog’s followers, identified as Yasser Bago Abunawas, Anwar Alim Sangki, Olon Bago Abunawas, Mohammad Kanakan Ibad, and Dihan Abdul Ali, also surrendered.

The group turned over two M16 rifles with two magazines; one M14 rifle with one magazine; one M653 rifle with one magazine; one .30 caliber Garand rifle; and one homemade Barrett sniper rifle.

“They grew tired of fighting for a futile cause,” Uy said. “May the surrender of Damiog be an eye-opener to his followers."

In a brief interview with Damiog, he said he just wanted to return to his family. “I miss them very much,” he said in the vernacular.

Col. Pedro Balisi Jr., 1MIBde commander, said the surrender of the BIFF group was through a joint effort of the local government unit of Datu Piang headed by Mayor Victor Samama, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Maguindanao, and the Army’s 6th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. Carlie Banaag.

Since January this year, a total of 42 BIFF combatants have surrendered to the 6ID and JFTC in Central Mindanao.

A military intelligence report indicated that there are some 100 BIFF members still hiding in the mountains of Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137162

Condemn NPA atrocities in Negros, Karapatan dared

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2021): Condemn NPA atrocities in Negros, Karapatan dared (By Perla Lena)

Associate Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, spokesperson of the Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (PNA file photo)

The spokesperson of the Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) on Sunday challenged the militant human rights group Karapatan to condemn violent acts of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) to show its sincerity in calling for justice and defending the people of Negros Island.

Associate Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, who is also chair of the Legal Cooperation Cluster (LCC) of RTF6-ELCAC, in a statement slammed Karapatan for issuing “malicious and baseless claims” against government’s efforts to end local insurgency in the island.

Gonzales was reacting to the April 16 statement of Karapatan claiming that, "The declaration of MO 32, EO 70, has long since turned the Negros Island into a bloody killing field and the Anti-Terrorism Law has intensified the death sentence on Human Rights Defenders and community organizers in the region and in the country."

He said the CPP-NPA legal front made “sweeping allegations” as it lacks evidence to back the “malicious imputations”.

“This is very characteristic of the nature of the propaganda narratives of KARAPATAN-Negros in their futile and desperate attempts to vilify and malign E.O. 70 and the sincere efforts of this government and the Filipino people to end the communist terrorist-led insurgency that has claimed thousands of Filipino lives over the past five decades,” Gonzales said.

Malacañang issued Memorandum Order No. 32 on November 22, 2018 for the deployment of additional troops in some areas including Negros Island to “suppress lawless violence and acts of terror” while Executive Order No. 70 institutionalized the Whole-of-Nation Approach (WONA) to end local insurgency.

Gonzales said instead of criticizing efforts of the government against the local terrorism and fabricating accusations that the government is behind extra-judicial killings (EJKs), Karapatan should first condemn the CPA-NPA-admitted assassinations of soldiers and civilians in the island.

He called on the group to join the government in ending local terrorism, which, for so long has inflicted harm and suffering to Negrenses.

“If KARAPATAN-Negros is sincere in their call for justice and in defending the people of Negros Island, by all means, condemn the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA in Negros Island,” he added.

Gonzales said the communist terrorist group, CPP-NPA, owned the abduction and killing of a civilian in Negros whom they accused as a military informant, murdering two soldiers engaged in the community support program (CSP) and burning PHP15 million worth of construction equipment.

“To this date, we are yet to witness Karapatan-Negros raise its voice to condemn the atrocities committed by the CPP-NPA against the people of Negros Island,” he said.

Deafening silence

Gonzales said Karapatan-Negros is silent in the recruitment of children who are being trained and used as child warriors by the CPP-NPA.

It is also silent when the special partisan unit (SPARU) of the CPP-NPA murdered “civilians by virtue of "datos" issued by the CPP-NPA kangaroo courts”.

“When the CPP-NPA burn private equipment and government owned properties as punitive action for non-payment of extortion money under the guise of "revolutionary taxes," Karapatan-Negros is silent,” Gonzales pointed out.

Meanwhile, he called on the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) to exert all efforts to bring justice on the series of killings in the island in the past days.

The people of Negros are also encouraged to help law enforcement authorities in ensuring that Negros Island is a safer place to live, Gonzales said.

“Be one with us in putting an end to the local communist armed conflict,” he said.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, 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/1137182

2 NPA rebels killed in southern Negros clash with troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2021): 2 NPA rebels killed in southern Negros clash with troops (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

RECOVERED. The firearms, ammunition and explosive as well as other items recovered by troops of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion after an encounter with New People’s Army terrorists in Barangay Bulwangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental on Saturday (April 17, 2021). The 40-minute clash left two communist-terrorists dead. (Photo courtesy of 15IB, Philippine Army)

Two communist-terrorists were killed in a firefight with troops of the Philippine Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (15IB) in Barangay Bulwangan, Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental on Saturday.

A 15IB report released on Sunday identified the fatalities as alias “Michael/ Nonoy” and alias “Ken-ken”, believed to be fighters of Platoon 3, Southwest Front of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS).

Photos showed that the cadavers were brought to Porras Funeral Homes located in the southern Negros town’s Purok IV, Barangay 1.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Erwin Cariño, commanding officer of the 15IB based in Barangay Tiling, Cauayan, said timely and accurate information provided by the locals enabled the government troops to act on the reported presence of the NPA rebels.

“The encounter is a clear result of the collaborative efforts between the government and the community,” Cariño said, adding that it also manifests the success and gains of the Army’s community support programs, and the expressed desire of the community to be free from the communist-terrorist group’s influence.

He also extended his condolences to the families of the two NPA terrorists who “lost their lives fighting for a lost cause”.

“With the help of the local government of Hinoba-an, we can assure assistance and decent burial of the deceased,” the Army official said.

After the 40-minute clash in Purok Yuring, Sitio Dash 7, soldiers recovered two .45 caliber pistols with magazines and ammunition, a hand grenade, extortion letters, subversive documents, cellular phones, and personal belongings. No casualties were recorded on the part of the government forces.

The Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the NPA, are listed as a terror group by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137190

No truth to ‘generals’ withdrawal of support for PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 18, 2021): No truth to ‘generals’ withdrawal of support for PRRD (By Priam Nepomuceno)

National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (File photo)

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday denied online posts claiming that a group of retired and active military officers are withdrawing their support for President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

"We denounce the irresponsible propaganda being propagated in online posts alleging that a group of retired and active military officers are withdrawing their support for the President," he said in a statement.

Lorenzana also called the social media posts as fake news, saying he and other DND officials will never be part of such groups.

"This is fake news! I am not, and will never be, a part of any such group -- neither are the officials at the DND, many of whom are also retired military officers," he said.

He added that such disinformation is an act of reckless agitation emanating from detractors, who have a limited and myopic appreciation of the issues.

"We call on these destabilizers to cease from propagating malicious statements especially at a time when our people should all be coming together in the face of the challenges that we are all currently facing. You are not helping our country and people at all," he added.

Lorenzana was referring to the alleged demand of so-called "Viber 500" and the retired generals in the Cabinet, except vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, for Duterte to denounce China's encroachment in the West Philippine Sea.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Cirilito Sobejana dismissed the alleged existence of a Viber group with claimed membership from among senior and junior officers both active and retired.

Sobejana said he will disavow the presence or association of officers and enlisted personnel if a group with such kind of mindset will be created in the future.

The sinister post comes after another message made rounds in social media about “warplanes” from various countries taking off and landing in Clark Airbase, Pampanga.

"We have issued a statement dismissing that SMS as fake news. No such landings or taking off of aircraft from other countries are taking place. The AFP is on normal alert as opposed to the claim of that spurious sender," Sobejana added.

He said it is obvious that the motive of these malicious posts is to create panic and confusion.

"We advise the public to remain calm and dismiss them as another disinformation. The AFP is a professional organization committed to safeguard democracy and protect its democratic institutions," he added.

Sobejana said the AFP will focus on its mission and continue to perform its constitutional mandates.

"We will veer away, as we appeal to all quarters to spare your AFP from partisan politics," he added.

He also said the country is already saddled with numerous challenges that the AFP must face than be distracted by people, groups, and associations advancing their own agenda.

"We assure our people that your soldiers, airmen, sailors, and marines are firmly behind the chain-of-command," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1137175