Police announce surrender of ‘Ka Jordan’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 13, 2021): Police announce surrender of ‘Ka Jordan’ (By: Joanna Rose Aglibot)

A man described by police as a communist rebel surrendered to authorities in the province on Wednesday (May 12).

The man, identified only as Ka Jordan, was a member of the communist group Bagong Hukbong Bayan, according to a report of the regional police office in Central Luzon.

In a statement, Brig. Gen. Valeriano de Leon, Central Luzon PNP chief, said Ka Jordan surrendered to authorities because of hardship and poverty in the rebel movement.

“The government has prepared a program for rebel returnees such as the Comprehensive Local Initiative Program wherein our brothers and sisters who are former members of the NPA will receive cash and livelihood assistance, housing, employment assistance, among others,” De Leon said.

Last May 7, another supposed communist rebel operating in Zambales surrendered to the government.

Edward Alipio, 25, alias Diego, a member of an Aeta community in San Marcelino town, surrendered to the military and police months after he and his fellow rebels clashed with government forces in San Marcelino town.

Alipio, according to police, was a guerrilla belonging to New People’s Army.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1431549/police-announce-surrender-of-ka-jordan

Court affirms perjury raps vs. militant group

Posted to the Manila Standard (May 12, 2021): Court affirms perjury raps vs. militant group

A Quezon City court has upheld a perjury case filed by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon last year against a militant group with alleged links to communist terror groups.

The court action came by way of its dismissal of a petition the militant group sought to Quash the perjury charges filed by Esperon.

In an order dated 19 March 2021, QC Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Eleuterio Bathan dismissed the Petition for Certiorari filed by accused Cristina Palabay, Elisa Tita Lubi, Roneo Clamor, Edita Burgos, Wilfredo Ruazol, Gabriela Krista Dalena, Jose Marie Callueng, Gertrudes Ranjo-Libang, and Joan May Salvador, officials of Gabriela, Karapatan, and the Rural Missionaries of the Philippines (RMP), along with their Motion for Reconsideration which sought the reversal of the earlier order of the judge denying their application for a writ of the preliminary injunction.

“The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) lauds the efforts of its Legal Cooperation Cluster in bringing forth accountability and justice against the CTGs and their allies. The continuing defeat of these organizations in the sphere of due process affirms our principle that we are a nation of laws, and shall remain to be,” said lawyer Marlon P. Bosantog, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for Legal Affairs and Indigenous Peoples’ Concerns.

“This defeat then will hasten the resolution of the perjury case against these individuals who tried to lie and cheat their way in our judicial system,” Bosantog added.

Bosantog pointed out that “as their MO (modus operandi), it is expected that CTG spokepersons will vilify and condemn the ruling of the Honorable Court, but our Courts have been steadfast and resolute in affirming their mandate and independence so that even their allies now hardly believe their own repeated lies.”

In May last year, the accused filed a petition for the issuance of Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data with the Court of Appeals (CA) against President Rodrigo Duterte and several military and government officials, including Esperon, as well as members of the NTF-ELCAC, for alleged red-tagging and human rights violations. The petition was subsequently dismissed by the CA.

Esperon thereafter filed criminal cases for perjury against the militant group, alleging that they knowingly made untruthful statements under oath when they claimed in the CA petition that RMP was a “duly registered non-stock, non-profit organization” when in fact its certificate of registration has long been revoked by the Securities and Exchange Commission since September 29, 2003.

The perjury case was raffled to Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Judge Aimee Marie Alcera. Represented by the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers (NUPL) Ephraim Cortez and Josalee Deinla, the militant group immediately sought the dismissal of the perjury case by filing a motion to quash the information.

Judge Alcera denied the motion to quash and continued hearing the case, prompting the accused to file a petition for certiorari with the QC RTC questioning the denial of their motion on the ground of alleged grave abuse of discretion. The case landed in the sala of Judge Bathan. The group also prayed for the court to issue an injunctive writ in order to suspend the proceedings in the perjury case, but was also denied by Judge Bathan for failing to substantiate the same.

In a separate press statement, the NTF-ELCAC’s Legal Cooperation Cluster (LCC), said that Judge Bathan’s decision “puts a final stamp against the NUPL’s redundant attempts to delay justice” and “reinforces the strength of the People’s case against” the group “who all lied under oath.”

“Now the cogwheels of justice shall once again run their course against the accused. And, sure as the sun will rise, justice shall prevail,” the LCC added.

Meanwhile, the assets and bank deposits of the RMP, the organization where some of the accused belong, were the subject of a Freeze Order under the predicate crime of Terrorism Financing. RMP acted as the financial conduit of the network of ‘Salugpungan’ Schools in Mindanao and were later found to be indoctrination and training grounds of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), a declared terrorist organization.

RMP’s assets were similarly put under an Asset Prevention Order from the RTC of Manila for possible violation of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012.

https://manilastandard.net/index.php/news/national/354291/court-affirms-perjury-raps-vs-militant-group.html

My husband is not a terrorist, says Vic Ladlad wife

From GMA News Online (May 13, 2021): My husband is not a terrorist, says Vic Ladlad wife (By MA. ANGELICA GARCIA)

Kapatid spokesperson Fides Lim, wife of peace consultant Vicente Ladlad, on Thursday said her husband is not a terrorist nor a criminal, citing his long record of activism.

"My husband Vicente Ladlad is not a terrorist or a criminal. His long record of activism, which includes political imprisonment for standing up for country and people, is an open book," Lim said in a statement.

"I shall use all legal remedies available to defend his innocence, even if they may seem illusory and ineffective under the current dispensation," she added.

She said Ladlad's designation as terrorist by the Anti-Terrorism Council is a "star chamber decision."

"Google refers to the term 'star chamber' pejoratively as any secret or closed meeting held by a judicial or executive body, or to a court proceeding that seems grossly unfair or that is used to persecute an individual," Lim said.

"That is the very essence of the resolution that maliciously jumps the gun on the ongoing Supreme Court deliberations in order to sideswipe the final determination of the patent unconstitutionality of the Anti-Terrorism Act," she added.

Further, Lim appealed to the Commission of Human Rights and the International Committee of the Red Cross to regularly check on the condition of Ladlad, Rey Claro Casambre, and Adelberto Silva, all of whom are political prisoners, to ensure their safety and security inside jail.

"I have reason to fear for their lives because seven consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines have already been murdered within the last two years," Lim said.

She also called on the government to not endanger the safety of her family and their lawyers or impede them from providing support as Ladlad is already "old and very sick."

Earlier, the ATC designated 19 alleged ranking members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and 10 members of "local terrorist groups," as terrorists.

Aside from Ladlad, Casambre, and Silva, also included in the list are self-exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison and his wife Julieta, Jorge Madlos, Rafael Baylosis, and Wilma and Benito Tiamzon.

Ten members of "local terrorist groups" such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the Abu Sayyaf Group and the Daulah Islamiyah were also designated by the ATC as terrorists.—LDF, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/787378/my-husband-is-not-a-terrorist-says-vic-ladlad-wife/story/

5 Pro-IS Militants Killed in Fresh Fighting in Southern Philippines, Army Says

From BenarNews (May 12, 2021): 5 Pro-IS Militants Killed in Fresh Fighting in Southern Philippines, Army Says (Jeoffrey Maitem and Mark Navales)

Evacuees break their fast during dusk at a temporary shelter in Datu Paglas, a town in Maguindanao province, southern Philippines, May 12, 2021. Dozens of families have sought shelter here after BIFF militants attacked the town at the weekend. Mark Navales/BenarNews

Philippine government forces killed five suspected members of a Filipino militant group with links to Islamic State extremists in new clashes in the south, officials said Wednesday, as people in the largely Muslim region prepared to end their holy month of fasting.

Government troops were conducting a dawn patrol on Wednesday near Datu Paglas, a remote town in Maguindanao province, when they encountered an undetermined number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), said Lt. Col. John Paul Baldomar, a local spokesman for the Philippine Army.

“There was a running gunbattle that followed. We have no casualties,” Baldomar told BenarNews. “The troops recovered four dead bodies belonging to the extremist group, one high-powered firearm and other war materials.”

The clash occurred a day after President Rodrigo Duterte met with troops in the south as well as officials of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), as he urged them to do more to crush the BIFF and other allied militant groups.

While Duterte was delivering his exhortations to the military on Tuesday, however, troops during a separate patrol clashed with another group of militants, killing one suspect identified as Kopang Sahak, the military said.

Sahak was a sub-leader of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maguid Group operating in the remote area of Dapiawan, a sparsely populated village also in Maguindanao, officials said.

Daulah Islamiyah is the local name for Islamic State (IS). The military had dismissed the Maguid group as being composed mostly of fringe militants who were engaged in banditry and other crimes, such as extortion.

The BIFF is divided into several factions, one of which has also pledged allegiance to IS while the others are focused on their separatist ideology, officials say.

BIFF is an offshoot of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, which ended a decades-long separatist insurgency when it signed a peace deal with Manila in 2014. The MILF now controls the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“We continue to mount our offensives to neutralize the remaining members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maguid Group in the area,” Army Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Joint Task Force Central.

Since January this year, 11 Daulah Islamiyah militants have been killed during a series of military operations in the region, he said.

The latest skirmishes took place as Filipino Muslims were getting ready to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the end of the Islamic month of Ramadan. This year, the holiday falls on Thursday in the Philippines.

In his comments on Tuesday, Duterte called on the BARMM to help rein-in the BIFF or, he warned, the military would launch an all-out war against the militants.

“I am begging you to help me because otherwise, if I give the order for an all-out offensive, it will be bloody and it will be sad. I don’t want that,” Duterte said during a surprise visit to the region.

On May 8, dozens of BIFF gunmen occupied a town market in Datu Paglas for six hours before government troops were able to retake the town after a gunbattle. No one was reported injured on either side, however. But, as of Wednesday, dozens of local families were still sheltering at temporary evacuation site.

In 2019, BIFF was blamed for a series of bomb attacks, including on a town market and at a restaurant in the town of Isulan that injured eight and 18 respectively.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/southern-philippines-militants-killed-05122021123500.html

Tagging individuals as ‘terrorists’ without evidence is rights violation — Bayan

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 13, 2021): Tagging individuals as ‘terrorists’ without evidence is rights violation — Bayan (By: Frances Mangosing)

Renato Reyes Jr. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

The Anti-Terrorism Council’s designation of individuals as “terrorists” without evidence and due process was a rights violation, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) Secretary-General Renato Reyes Jr. said Thursday.

“The designation is arbitrary, has no clear standards, with no evidence presented and no specific terrorist acts cited,” he said in a statement.

In two separate resolutions, the Anti-Terrorism Council identified 19 alleged leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army, as well as 10 alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group as “terrorists.”

Reyes said the designation was “just a sweeping accusation, no different from red-tagging,” violating the rights of those designated.

Those identified will also have their assets frozen, which Reyes called “a direct injury.”

“Even the SC Chief Justice in yesterday’s oral arguments pointed out that due process is necessary even in administrative proceedings,” he said.

Reyes said it was “absurd” that some of those included in the list are publicly known as consultants in the peace process, which he said runs counter to the claim that they are “terrorists.”

“Doesn’t that make the designation absurd, a retaliatory act in the aftermath of the scuttled negotiations?” he said.

Some of the peace process consultants in the list were Rafael Baylosis, Vicente Ladlad, Adelberto Silva, Benito, and Wilma Tiamzon.

“Won’t this affect future peace talks as the government is now using terrorist designation against those engaged in the peace process?” Reyes said.

“The people must reject this sham of a process that is controlled by the same people running the NTF-ELCAC,” he said, referring to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1431263/tagging-individuals-as-terrorists-without-evidence-is-rights-violation-bayan

Egco gets ‘redemption’ in new role in NTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): Egco gets ‘redemption’ in new role in NTF-ELCAC (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director, Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco (File photo)

Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) Executive Director, Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco on Wednesday said he got his “redemption” after being appointed as one of the eight spokespersons of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

Egco, who admitted being a former communist rebel, said he had accepted the offer to become one of the NTF-ELCAC spokespersons to help the government address insurgency problems.

“This is also a personal advocacy for me. Advocacy ko ito and redemption also on my part. Hindi ko na lang sabihin kung anu-ano ang mga katarantaduhan ang mga ginawa ko noon (This is my advocacy and redemption also on my part. I would not go into details about my stupidity in the past [as former communist rebel]),” he said in an interview with Teleradyo's “Kuwentuhang Lokal".

Egco was recently designated as spokesperson for “Mass Media Engagements” and “Fact-Checker” of the NTF-ELCAC.

Some sectors have raised worry over Egco’s new role in NTF-ELCAC amid the task force’s supposed red-tagging of journalists and other media workers.

Egco assured that there would be no conflict of interest in his new job.

He guaranteed that as concurrent executive director of the PTFoMS, he would continue to protect members of the media from various threats.

“There’s no conflict of interest here. It’s the same interest. I’m in charge as executive director of the PToFMS. I’m in charge of the agency that is mandated to protect the life, liberty and security of media workers. And for the last five years, iyan po ang ginagawa natin (that’s what we are doing),” Egco said.

Egco said being designated as NTF-ELCAC spokesperson is “gratis et amore” (free of charge) for him.

He explained that he had decided to join the NTF-ELCAC because he was enlightened and regretted his previous ties with the communist movement.

“We seek reform. Our aspirations are the same – to live in peace and harmony and to have sustainable development for everybody,” he said. “We are not here to tell you lies but we are here to debunk those lies and tell you the truth.”

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday said he does not see a conflict of interest in Egco’s new role because the latter’s concurrent assignments require him to ensure the safety of all media workers.

NTF-ELCAC Vice Chair and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. announced Monday the designation of six new NTF-ELCAC spokespersons, including Egco, who will join Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. and PCOO Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy as co-spokespersons of the task force.

The five other new spokespersons of NTF-ELCAC are Undersecretaries Jonathan Malaya and Severo Catura, Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago, lawyer Marlon Bosantog and Gaye Florendo.

Esperon said the eight NTF-ELCAC spokesperson have “thematic” assignments and will not get a single centavo from the additional responsibilities they have in the task force.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140063

NTF ELCAC human rights mechanism, protects people: Palace exec

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): NTF ELCAC human rights mechanism, protects people: Palace exec (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat Undersecretary Severo Catura (Screengrab from RTVM)

Contrary to critics’ claims that it is a wanton and cruel executioner, a ranking official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) said the body embodies the will of the government to protect its people.

"It is also important for everyone to understand that the NTF ELCAC is actually a human rights mechanism because it embodies the determination of the government to protect its people and to provide all the services that will uplift their dignity," Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat (PHRCS) Undersecretary Severo Catura said in an online briefing on May 10.

He also stressed that the NTF ELCAC is an instrument in the government's quest for lasting peace.

"We do recognize the historical perspectives from which the threats of peace are coming, and it has always been the government's obligation to address this even under the different administrations. But it is only in this administration that we have tried to be very, very focused (on this)," said Catura, who is also NTF ELCAC spokesperson for International Affairs, Peace Process, Human Rights Concerns.

He added that the NTF ELCAC is a means for all sectors of society to express its concern on how the government is managing a particular concern.

"Mayroon man kayong mga concerns tungkol sa pamamaraan natin, pamamalakad ng gobyerno, mas magagawa natin ito kung tayo ay magkakasama-sama in an environment of peace. Alisin natin iyong ating ano, iyon mga tawag natin na i-overthrow ang gobyerno. Noon pa man gusto nang i-overthrow ang gobyerno, wala namang nangyayari (If we have concerns on how our government, we can all express our concerns in an environment of peace. Let us remove calls for the overthrow of the government. A lot of us have been calling for the overthrow of the government in the past and nothing has happened)," Catura said.

Through the NTF ELCAC, he is hopeful that the proper reforms can be enacted peacefully.

"We can make the proper reforms, we can work towards this through ways of peace," he said.

Huge mission

The NTF ELCAC, he added, needs additional spokespersons among its ranks, the PHRCS official attributed this to the vast mandate of the organization.

"I think it’s important for us to understand the width and breadth of the mandate of the NTF-ELCAC, and this cannot be handled by just one or two spokespersons," Catura said, adding that the mission of the NTF ELCAC is very huge and encompasses the political, socio-economic and cultural grain of society’s fiber.

"So dapat ito ang ma-appreciate natin (We should appreciate this). This is a work not simply of government, and it is also the work of the entire nation as well. So just imagine po ang napakalawak na dapat nating i-cover(we have a large path to cover). And we hope that the media over time will understand," he said.

Another reason is that the body needs a perspective that would engage with international stakeholders as NTF ELCAC needs to convey its message before international bodies, he added.

"Because most of the time, ang lumalabas pong narrative na ang ginagawa natin dito ay kaberduguhan (the narrative coming out is that the NTF ELCAC is just an executioner). The government is being pilloried for something which it is not doing. It is in fact protecting its people. We are not oppressing people. And it is important that all international engagements, we are able to convey this proper information because, at the end of the day, this will be for the betterment of every one of us – hindi lang po gobyerno (not just the government)," Catura said.

From the perspective of human rights, he said the marginalized sector has been long waiting for the government to come to them but is unable to do due to threats.

"We have so many good programs but they cannot be undertaken primarily because there are threats being properly implemented and undertaken. So we wish to remove all these, to come up with an environment wherein we can gather together; there is freedom of expression, anyone can actually express their dissent only on one condition – that they should not be calling for the violent overthrow of the government. Hindi naman po tama iyon. (that is not right)," he said.

Aside from the PHRCS, other agencies who have spokespersons in the NTF ELCAC include the following:

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).

Below are the five other new spokespersons and their respective primary coverages:

*DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya - Local Government Affairs, Barangay Development Program, International Engagement;

*PTFoMS Undersecretary Jose Joel Sy Egco - Mass Media Engagements, Fact-Checker;

*DOTr Assistant Secretary Celine Pialago - NTF-ELCAC Public Affairs and Information, Youth Concerns;

*NCIP Caraga regional director lawyer Marlon Bosantog - Legal Affairs, Indigenous Peoples Concerns; and

*Gaye Florendo - Assistant Spokesperson on NTF-ELCAC Public Affairs and on Indigenous Peoples Concerns.

Earlier, AFP Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen Antonio Parlade Jr. and PCOO Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy have been designated as co-spokespersons of the task force.

Under the new list, Parlade will serve as spokesperson for Security Sector Operations while Badoy will handle Social Media Affairs, Sectoral Concerns.

NTF ELCAC vice-chair and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon emphasized the need to designate eight spokespersons due to the “multi-faceted, multi-layered” nature of the task force.

“Remember, the national task force is composed of all agencies of government and so we are just drawing the support and pool of talents from all the government agencies,” Esperon said in a press conference.

“[It is] so that not all the work goes to only two. They are with us not on a full-time basis. They come from different agencies. They could not be with us for 7/24,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140119

DFA files another protest vs. 287 Chinese militia vessels in WPS

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): DFA files another protest vs. 287 Chinese militia vessels in WPS (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) fired off another diplomatic protest on Thursday, this time, against the presence of some 287 Chinese militia vessels in the waters of Kalayaan, Palawan.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. ordered the DFA to lodge the note verbale over Twitter, the latest in Manila's relentless protests against Beijing's incursion in Philippine waters.

The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF WPS) reported that at least 287 Chinese maritime militia vessels were spotted over various features of Kalayaan when the Area Task Force-West conducted a maritime patrol last May 9.

Bigger groupings of the militia vessels were sighted near China's artificial islands while some were observed near islands occupied by the country.

The NTF WPS assured that the Philippine government will sustain its sovereignty patrols in the West Philippine Sea not only to enforce the law within the country's jurisdiction but also to deter illegal, unreported, unregulated fishing.

Further, it encouraged Filipino fisherfolk to continue sailing and fishing in the West Philippine Sea as it vows to protect their welfare and safety in the area.

"The National Task Force remains guided by the national policy and interest in asserting our territorial and sovereignty rights as upheld by the 2016 arbitral ruling," the NTF WPS said in a statement Wednesday.

"We reiterate that the Philippines shall continue to defend its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over the West Philippines Sea, and shall not yield an inch of our territory," it added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140117

75% of barangay dev’t funds released to LGUs: Malaya

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): 75% of barangay dev’t funds released to LGUs: Malaya

Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya (File photo)

A total of PHP12.3 billion, or 75 percent of the total budget for the 822 recipients of the Barangay Development Program (BDP), have been released to recipient local government units (LGUs) as of May 12, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya.

Malaya, who is also National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson on BDP and local government concerns, said the amount accounts for more than 1,750 projects in 617 barangays whose allocations were approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“This only goes to show how efficiently these funds are being handled directly by the local government units. Only last week, we reported a 65 percent budget approval but with updates we got from Regions 4A and 11, we now stand at 75 percent,” Malaya said in a news release on Thursday.

He clarified that not a single centavo passes through the NTF-ELCAC and that the funds are released directly by DBM to recipient LGUs upon completion of required documentation.

Of the 822 barangays, 782 barangays were endorsed for fund release by their respective Joint Regional Task Force-ELCAC. The other 40 barangays are still up for review and endorsement by the JRTFs.

Malaya assured the public of transparency in the implementation of the barangay development projects.

“For the public to continuously monitor updates on the hows, whys and wherefores about the BDP, I invite them to make it a habit to visit the NTF-ELCAC webpage https://www.ntfelcac.org/bdp-dashboard,” he said. “There, everyone will be able to keep track of where their taxes are going. And we assure you that these funds are going to where they are supposed to go and are spent the way they are supposed to be spent.”

The BDP is a flagship program that was conceptualized to finally address insurgency by bringing sustainable solutions and basic services to communities in need.

The PHP16.44 billion budget for these 822 barangays is directly released to the Provincial or City Governments and is not to be coursed to the NTF-ELCAC. The DBM had provided the guidelines in the release of funds for hundreds of barangays in nine regions under Local Budget Circular 135 and 135-A.

Each barangay will receive PHP20 million worth of projects, broken down as follows: PHP12 million for concrete farm-to-market roads; PHP3 million for school buildings; PHP2 million for water and sanitation; PHP1.5 million for health stations; and PHP1.5 million for livelihood assistance.

After submission by barangays indicating their proposed projects, the funds are released by the DBM. The budget department earlier directed the submission of barangay resolutions and the reports started coming in by March 15, 2021. Thus, release of funds started in April.

From 2016-2019, government security forces have cleared 822 former rebel communities by dismantling the communist guerilla fronts that have previously exerted control over them. These communities are now in the process of transforming their formerly conflict-vulnerable barangays into areas of peace and empowerment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140154

Palace wants new law strengthening PH claim over KIG

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): Palace wants new law strengthening PH claim over KIG (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

NEW LAW. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque holds a virtual Palace press briefing on Thursday (May 13, 2021). Roque urged Congress to craft a measure that would strengthen the Philippines’ claim over the Kalayaan Island Group. (Screengrab from RTVM)

Malacañang on Thursday urged Congress to craft a measure that would strengthen the Philippines’ claim over the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the call, following the reported presence of nearly 300 Chinese maritime militia (CMM) vessels in different areas in Palawan’s Kalayaan municipality which is both within and outside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“Sa ating mambabatas, kinakailangan po tayong bumuo ng bagong batas para po magkaroon ng mas malakas na angkla ang ating titulo diyan po sa Kalayaan Island Group (To our lawmakers, we need to craft a new law to strengthen our claim over Kalayaan Island Group),” Roque said.

The Philippines, through Presidential Decree (PD) 1596 issued in 1987 by the late president Ferdinand Marcos, anchors its claim over KIG by attaching it to Palawan province.

Roque, however, stressed the need to pass a law amending PD 1956 to enable the Philippines to have an “effective occupation” of KIG.

“Kinakailangan po talagang repasuhin iyan ng Kongreso. Iwan na po natin iyan sa Kongreso dahil hindi naman po iyan katungkulan ng isang Presidente (Congress really needs to introduce amendments [to PD 1956] because that cannot be done by a president),” he said.

On Wednesday, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said the country’s maritime patrol on May 9 spotted around 287 Chinese maritime militia vessels in various features of the municipality of Kalayaan.

Maritime patrols conducted on May 9 showed “bigger groupings” of Chinese vessels were spotted in Chinese-built artificial islands, while some were observed near islands occupied by the Philippines, the NTF-WPS said.

Two CMM and two Houbei-class missile warships were also found inside Panganiban (Mischief) Reef), one CMM at Lawak (Nanshan Island), 11 CMMs at approximately 29 nautical miles southwest of Recto (Reed) Bank, and one CMM at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.

The NTF-WPS said one Chinese Coast Guard vessel was also seen at the shoal during an earlier patrol on May 7.

Not entire WPS claimed by PH

Roque said the NTF-WPS should put into proper context the exact locations of Chinese vessels in the disputed sea.

“‘Yung report na iyan, dapat ilagay sa konteksto kasi hindi natin alam exactly kung nasaan sila. Maraming portions po diyan, claimed ng ibang mga claimant, bagama’t ang common claimant ay Tsina (The report should be put into context because we do not know exactly where they are. There are portions of the sea being claimed by other claimants, although the common claimant is China),” he said.

Roque issued the statement, as he stressed that the Philippines is not claiming the entire WPS.

He said the Philippines should only be concerned over its claimed areas in WPS that are being occupied by China.

“So huwag nating problemahin ‘yung buong West Philippine Sea kasi hindi naman buong West Philippine Sea, ‘yung buong South China Sea na tinatawag ng Tsina, ay kini-claim din natin (So let’s not stress ourselves over issues concerning the entire West Philippine Sea because we do not claim the entire West Philippine or South China Sea),” Roque said.

The Philippines on July 12, 2016 won its petition filed before the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) after the international court ruled against China’s supposedly historic rights over almost the entire disputed WPS.

China has repeatedly ignored the PCA ruling, while the Philippines has sought to resolve the maritime dispute through a diplomatic approach.

Other countries with competing claims in the highly-contested WPS are Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

China’s acquired territories ‘won’t ripen into title’

Roque assured the public that China’s building of artificial islands in areas within the Philippines’ EEZ should not be a cause for concern.

Citing the international law, Roque said the use of violence to acquire territories in the disputed territories sea would “never ripen into title.”

“Ano ang epekto ng artificial islands sa lugar lalung-lalo na sa sinabi ng arbitral tribunal na kabahagi natin ng EEZ? Wala po (What is the effect of China’s building of artificial islands in areas that are part of our EEZ, as said by the arbitral tribunal? None),” Roque said.

Roque also guaranteed that President Rodrigo Duterte’s existing agreement with Chinese President Xi Jinping to maintain a “status quo” in WPS is “working”.

“The policy of the President is consistent and has not changed and as I said, has worked,” he said.

‘Virtual’ debate

Meantime, Roque said he was able to convince former Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio to a virtual” debate on issues concerning WPS.

He, however, did not elaborate on the exact date and time the public can watch the online debate between him and Carpio.

“Kanina po, nagkaroon kami ng virtual debate ni justice Carpio. At panuorin po natin iyan mamaya sa isang channel (Early this morning, we had a virtual debate with former justice Carpio. Let us watch that later on a television channel),” he said, without naming the specific television channel.

Last week, Duterte challenged Carpio to a formal debate on issues concerning territorial issues on WPS. The President eventually backed out and decided to assign Roque to debate Carpio on his behalf upon his Cabinet members’ advice.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140158

Ancestral domain inclusion in BDP to empower IP communities

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): Ancestral domain inclusion in BDP to empower IP communities (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Secretary Allen Capuyan (right), chairperson of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and lawyer Marlon Bosantog, NCIP Caraga Regional Director (PNA File photo)

The inclusion of the ancestral domain into the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC)'s Barangay Development Program (BDP) would mean the empowerment of indigenous peoples (IP) communities.

"So we believe that the inclusion of the ancestral domain in the BDP is a welcome development because when you talk about the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army), you talk about poverty alleviation as one of the components of providing solutions to these areas," said National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Regional Director for Caraga, lawyer Marlon Bosantog, in an online press conference on May 10.

Bosantog, who is also NTF ELCAC Legal Cooperation Cluster spokesperson, added that the IPs have been the most vulnerable and high-exploited sector of Philippine society to communist terrorist abuses.

"We understand that the most vulnerable and highly exploited sector of our society has been the IPs for quite a long time. So if you run body count to the number of datus and the stewards that were killed this year, last year and previous years, you will see that the numbers run as high as 100, 200, or 300. We have been counting, making count, aabot na iyan mga (it would reach around) 2,000 plus IPs that were killed," he said.

This is also why grass-roots empowerment and development are important for IP communities

"You talk about empowerment, grass-roots empowerment. So when I was talking to them the other day, ang sabi nila they are quite happy kasi magkakaroon sila ng (they will have a) tribal hall, magkakaroon sila ng (they will have a) birthing clinic, magkakaroon sila ng (they will have) health centers. That’s why when the news that BDP is going to be defunded, they were raising their voice against it. Kasi bakit nila tatanggalin iyong prinamis (promised) sa kanila eh iyon iyong mga (why would they remove it, it was promised to) areas for they can actually develop. You bring in resources, you bring in empowerment," Bosantog said.

And this is the reason why the BDP is critical in solving insurgency problems inside the ancestral domain, he added.

Aside from these development efforts among IP communities, he said they have been also pursuing accountability and justice to the people who have been victimized by the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) and their front organizations.

This is especially to those who have been exploited, enslaved, and killed by the communist terrorists and their allies.

"We have (a) concept in criminal law that states that if you are one in the criminal enterprise if your criminal intent is singular, you become accountable for the crimes that the other participants actually committed. Kaya kahit iyong pumapatay is iyong (if the one who killed is) NPA na utos ng (upon orders) CPP, but if you are complicit, you are a conspirator, you adopt this particular action. it doesn’t end there, the accountability. Iyong mga nasa (those in) open organization, nasa (those in) underground organization are equally accountable to the crimes committed by these people," he said.

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

12 lines of efforts

Meanwhile, NCIP Chairperson Allen Capuyan said the NTF ELCAC is using 12 lines of effort to contain and prevent the expansion of the communist terrorist groups (CTGs) in the countryside.

These lines of efforts respond to the 10 major programs which the CTGs are using in their expansion efforts, he added.

"We have the local government empowerment to confront the mass base building. We have the basic services cluster to look into the needs of the different sectors of our society. We have the infrastructure and resource management to look into the resources and the management of it that would benefit the wide sector of our society," said Capuyan, who is also NTF ELCAC Executive Director.

Aside from this, the NTF ELCAC also has poverty reduction, employment, and livelihood to make sure that there are sustained undertakings in the communities starting with the production and marketing, he added.

"Then we have legal cooperation to make sure that laws are enforced under our legal offensive. We have our international engagement that looks into the activities of the communist terrorist internationally. We have the strategic communications that are present in front of you right now that not only spread the programs of the different government agencies but also present the true picture of the CTG(s)," he said.

The NTF ELCAC, he said also has the defense cluster which includes the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine Coast Guard to deal with security threats.

"Then we have the E-CLIP ( Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) program that provides the support to all the rebels that go back to the folds of the law. There are benefits that are being provided from several agencies of government in this program," he added.

Capuyan said the NTF ECLAC supports the so-called local peace engagement because they strongly believe that the real owners of peace are not CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison and his allies but also the local government and the different communities.

Aside from these lines of efforts, he said the NTF ELCAC wants to capacitate and mobilize the different sectors of society in expressing their rights aside from being human rights sensitive.

This means the body makes sure that it does not violate the rights of anyone but strongly advocates for its protection.

"So all these work together with the Joint Regional Task Force, we have 17 Regional Joint Regional Task Forces bringing together the Peace, Regional Peace and Order Council and the Regional Development Council as directed by the President. And we have provincial task forces, municipal down to (the) barangay. We also have the lines of efforts at the regional level. This is only the government working together in a whole-of-government and on the whole-of-nation approach," Capuyan said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140192

Anti-terror council tags 19 Reds, 10 ASG leaders as ‘terrorists’

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): Anti-terror council tags 19 Reds, 10 ASG leaders as ‘terrorists’ (By Benjamin Pulta)

The Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) has formally designated Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison and 18 others, as well as 10 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and other extremist groups as “terrorists”.

Signed by the council’s chairperson, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and vice chairperson, Hermogenes Esperon, on April 20, the ATC designated the “central committee members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army also known as Bagong Hukbong Bayan (CPP/NPA), which was designated under Anti-Terrorism Council Resolution No. 12 (2020), as terrorists.”

“The Central Committee(,) as the highest decision- and policy-making body of the CPP, also leads and commands the NPA – its main weapon in attaining the Party’s goal of overthrowing the duly elected government by seizing and consolidating political power through violent means,” Resolution 17, released on Thursday, read.

Based on verified and validated information, the ATC said it found probable cause, as defined in the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), warranting the designation of the following Central Committee members of the CPP for violating Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of the Act for planning, preparing, facilitating, conspiring, and inciting the commission of terrorism and recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization or a group organized to engage in terrorism:

*Jose Maria Canlas Sison a.k.a. Joma/Armando Liwanag/Amado Guerrero/Lodi/Pete/Al;

*Vicente P. Ladlad a.k.a. Vic/Terry/Edgar/Ed/Gilbert/Fidel/Isagani/Emilio/Vlady/ Dong/Nonong/ Dino/Ramon/Billy/Bern;

*Rafael D. Baylosis a.k.a. Raul/Rap/Raffy/Lando;

*Jorge Madlos a.k.a. Ka Oris/Mal Fuerza/JS/Jose/Olay/Caloy/Ando/Tatay/Commander Karyo/Raul Castro/Kasky:

*Sison’s wife Julieta de Lima Sison a.k.a. Juliet/Julia/Julie/Socorro/Rojo/Mayette/Leah/Maria C. de Guzman/Commander Lita/Jules/Manet/Marie/Sendang/Yelena/Ylana;

*Rey Claro Cera Casambre a.k.a. Bong;

*Abdias Guadiana a.k.a. Abadias Guadiana/July;

*Alan Valera Jazmines a.k.a Alfonso Jasminez Jr.;

*Benito Enriquez Tiamzon a.k.a Celo;

*Wilma Austria-Tiamzon a.k.a. Ka Wing;

*Adelberto Albayalde SIlva a.k.a. Oca;

*Ma. Concepcion Araneta-Bocala a.k.a. Kata;

*Dionesio Micabalo a.k.a. Muling;

*Myrna Sularte a.ka. Myrna Salarte/Iyay;

*Tirso Lagora Alantara a.k.a. Bart Sot;

*Pedro Heyrona Codaste a.k.a. Gonyong/Kokoy/Inggo/Senyong/Beryong;

*Tomas Dominado a.k.a. Pendong/Asyong/Greg/Tom/Noynoy:

*Ma. Loida Magpatoc a.k.a. Eva/Ka Norsen/Bebyang/Elay /Madam/Gwen;

*Meandro VIllanueva a.k.a. Nelson/Boss/Dennis/Titing/Bok/Ka Luis/WIlly/Jude.

Under Resolution 16, the ATC also named as terrorists 10 members of the ASG, which has been previously designated as a terrorist organization by the UN Security Council. They are:

*Esmael Abdulmalik a.k.a. Commander Turaifie/Abu Turaifie/Abu Toraype and affiliated with Daulah/Dawlah Islamiyah (DI);

*Raden Abu of ASG and affiliated with DI;

*Esmael Abubakar a.k.a. Cmdr. Bungos/Bungos of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)-Bungos Faction;

*Muhiddin Animbang a.k.a. Kagiu Karialan/Karialan affiliated with BIFF;

*Salahuddin Hassan a.k.a. Orak/Salah/Tulea/Abu Salman affiliated with DI;

*Radzmil Jannatul a.k.a. Khubayb/Baeb of ASG and affiliated with DI;

*Majan Sahidjuan a.k.a. Apo Mike/Apoh MIke of ASG and affiliated with DI;

*Faharudin Benito Hadji Satar a.k.a. Jer Mimbantas/Abu Zacaria of the Maute Group and affiliated with DI;

*Mudsrimar Sawadjaan a.k.a. Mundi Sawadjaan of ASG and affiliated with DI; and

*Almujer Yadah a.k.a. Mujir of the ASG and affiliated with DI.

Justice Undersecretary Adrian Sugay, member of the Department of Justice Technical Working Group, said if individuals could be determined to have violated relevant provisions of the ATA, the Revised Penal Code, and other laws, “and after appropriate proceedings, criminal complaints may be filed against them.”

“This is apart from criminal cases already pending against many of these designated individuals,” Sugay said.

He noted that “most, if not all, of the designated individuals are out of the country or are at large.”

On the identification of assets, Sugay said all relevant information is with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) and is subject to relevant provisions of the anti-money laundering law and the Terrorist Financing and Suppression Act.

The designation of the individuals comes at the heels of the ATC’s December 2020 resolution designating the Islamic State East Asia, Maute Group, Daulah/Dawlah Islamiyah, and other associated groups as terrorist organizations.

The CPP-NPA is also 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/1140185

Public need not worry over ‘designated terrorists’ list

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): Public need not worry over ‘designated terrorists’ list (By Azer Parrocha)

Malacañang on Thursday assured the public that they have nothing to fear after the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) identified 19 alleged leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People’s Army (NPA), as well as 10 alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) as “terrorists".

Citing the Bill of Rights, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque allayed fears that anyone critical of the government can just be identified as terrorists without evidence and due process.

“Kasama po sa ginagarantiyang karapatan, freedom of speech and freedom of liberty, yung ating tinatawag na due process clause. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law’ (The fundamental rights, freedom of speech and freedom of liberty include what we call the due process clause, ‘No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law’),” Roque said in a press briefing.

Roque previously said if arrests of persons critical of the government would infringe the minimum standards set by the Bill of Rights, it will be declared unconstitutional by the courts.

In a public address on July 7, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte said law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear about the controversial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 or Republic Act (RA) 11479 because the law only targets terrorists, especially those who carry out bomb attacks in public.

“For the law-abiding citizen(s) of this country, I am addressing you with all sincerity: Huwag ho kayong matakot kung hindi ka terorista. Kung hindi ka naman sisirain mo ang gobyerno, pasabugin mo ang simbahan, pasabugin mo iyong public utilities. Well, just to derail para matumba na tuloy ang bayan (Don’t be afraid if you’re not a terrorist, if you don’t destroy the government, blow up churches or public utilities just to see the nation fall),” he said.

Based on UNSC resolutions

Roque reiterated that the ATC’s role in identifying terrorists is done in accordance with resolutions issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

“Hindi lang po Pilipinas ang nagbibigay ng depenisyon sa terorismo (It’s not only the Philippines making definitions for terrorism). Those who instill fear and terror in the minds of the public through violent means is a terrorist,” he said.

He said it is no secret who local terrorists are, since they are identified by their intent to cause death and destruction.

“At pagdating naman po sa mga lokal na terorista, alam po natin kung sino sila dahil bagama’t mayroon tayong demokrasya, bagama’t mayroon tayong party-list system, patuloy pa rin ang paggamit ng armas para makamit ang kanilang mga layunin (When it comes to local terrorists, we know who they are because even if we are in a democracy, even if we have a party-list system, they still continue to use weapons to achieve their goals),” he said.

Roque welcomed the list of designated terrorists as it would authorize the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the property or funds that are in any way related to the financing of terrorism.

“Importante po ‘yan dahil kung sila po ay walang pondo e hindi na po nila mapapatuloy yung kanilang mga terroristic acts among others (That is important because if they don’t have funds, they can no longer continue their terroristic acts among others),” he said.

Meanwhile, Roque said he has yet to get Duterte’s comment on the ATC’s list of designated terrorists but vowed to ask him during their next meeting.

“Mamayang hapon po tatanungin ko kung anong reaksyon niya (I will ask him this afternoon),” he said.

RA 11479 defines terrorists as persons who engage in acts intended to cause death or serious bodily injury to any person or endangers a person's life; cause extensive damage or destruction to a government or public facility, public pace or private property; and cause extensive interference with, damage or destruction to critical infrastructure.

It also defines terrorists are those who develop, manufacture, possess, acquire, transport, supply, or use weapons, explosives or biological, nuclear, radiological, or chemical weapons and release dangerous substances causing fire, floods, or explosions.

Signed by Executive Secretary ATC Chairperson Salvador Medialdea and ATC Vice Chairperson Hermogenes Esperon on April 20, ATC Resolution No. 17 identifies “central committee members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army also known as Bagong Hukbong Bayan (CPP/NPA), which was designated under Anti-Terrorism Council Resolution No. 12 (2020), as terrorists.”

CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison topped the list of terrorists that also include his wife Julieta; National Democratic Front (NDF) consultants Benito Tiamzon, Wilma Tiamzon, Rafael Baylosis and Vicente Ladlad; and 13 other alleged members of CPP's central committee.

Under Resolution No. 16 also issued April 20, the ATC also designated as "terrorists" 10 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group and other militant organizations linked to the Islamic State group. Among them are Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan, alleged mastermind in the deadly August 2020 twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu, and Esmael Abdulmalik, also known as Commander Toraifie.

Support

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed its support to ATC’s Resolution Numbers 16 and 17 which designated 29 individuals as terrorists.

"The military organization further conveys its full confidence to the ATC’s decision which was carried out based on verified and validated information," AFP chief, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said in a statement.

With this development, he noted that the AFP will be able to further protect Filipino citizens from terrorist acts by closely working together with government law enforcement agencies and focusing our resources to bring the mentioned personalities to justice.

"We are optimistic that the ATC’s resolution will continue to empower government, under the rule of law, to eradicate terrorism in our country, and maintain a peaceful and progressive nation for every Filipinos," Sobejana added.

ATC tagging not basis for arrest

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said these individuals will not be arrested on the sole basis of the ATC listing.

“Hindi po namin concern, it doesn't matter to us kung sila po ay kasama sa anumang listahan. Ang sa amin lamang pagbabasehan lang natin is yung umiiral na batas at kung meron mga violation dito, doon lang tayo papasok para magsagawa ng imbestigasyon and appropriate police (action) (It is not our concern. It doesn’t matter whether they belong to whatever list. As for us, our basis are the existing laws and if there are violations, we will conduct an investigation and give appropriate police action),” PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar told reporters during the Barangayanihan Food Bank launch in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City on Thursday. (with reports from Priam Nepomuceno/Llyod Caliwan/PNA)

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140166

NPA ‘brutal reprisal killings’ claim 20 IP lives in 2020

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): NPA ‘brutal reprisal killings’ claim 20 IP lives in 2020

A spate of “reprisal killings” by the New People’s Army (NPA) has claimed the lives of at least 20 indigenous peoples (IP) and tribal leaders in 2020, a graphic display of barbarity and brutality by the local communist terrorist group.

This was disclosed by National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) spokesperson on IP concerns, Gaye Florendo, during an interview aired over DZAR’s Usaping Bayan program on Wednesday.

"They were killed brutally in front of their families and community," she said, explaining that the victims were targeted for assassination over their refusal to join or support the communist movement.

Florendo, also an official of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), added that the slain IP members were either riddled with bullets or died of stab wounds.

“They are victims of reprisal killings, brutally murdered, and at least four had their eyes gouged,” she said. "These are the realities on the ground. We know because we have been there, along with the local government and national agency officials from August to October (2020). Unfortunately, it is the first time that government presence is felt in these areas.”

One of the slain IP leaders was Datu Jumar Bucales, a staunch supporter of the NTF-ELCAC who even joined other IP members as speakers in a forum in August last year, with the United Nations Special Rapporteur and the UN Resident Coordinator, to bring forth their sufferings from the hands of communist terrorists who once controlled their communities.

Florendo said the ancestral domains of IP communities become guerilla bases for the NPA, with children as young as five years being recruited into the group.

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Severo Catura, who guested in the same program, said the NTF-ELCAC is primarily a government “peace initiative” with the end goal of achieving lasting peace and sustainable development for all Filipinos, regardless of their affiliations or ethnic origins.

Catura, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson on international engagements and human rights concerns, is currently the executive director of the Presidential Human Rights Committee Secretariat.

He was also deeply involved in the peace process.

“(The) NTF-ELCAC is an effective mechanism to push various social programs that are aimed at improving a lot of Filipinos in far-flung communities that were favorite targets of (NPA). These social programs are divided into the construction of concrete roads, farm-to-market roads, school buildings, health centers, and sanitation facilities, among others,” Catura added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140197

More Samar mayors nix calls to defund NTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2021): More Samar mayors nix calls to defund NTF-ELCAC (By Sarwell Meniano)

ENDING INSURGENCY. The map showing the town of Calbiga, Samar where the NPA launched its first terrorist attack in the country in 1974. The mayor of Calbiga and other local chief executives in Samar province have renewed their support on Wednesday (May 12, 2021) to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and called for the retention of its funds meant for the Barangay Development Program. (Google image)

More mayors from poverty-stricken Samar province have renewed their support to the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) for the retention of funds meant for the Barangay Development Program (BDP).

In Calbiga, Samar, where the communist terrorist group New People’s Army (NPA) gained popularity in the 1970s, Mayor Melcor Nacario said the BDP is the key to wipe out insurgents in remote villages of their town.

“Our development efforts have been hampered by terrorist activities of NPA. Now is the time to end this armed conflict through the implementation of BDP,” Nacario said in a statement posted on social media by the Philippine Army on Wednesday.

It was in Calbiga town where the NPA launched its first tactical operation in the country in 1974, when its members ambushed an Army scout patrol and seized several weapons.

Since then, some of the villages in Calbiga have been known as sites of clashes between government troops and armed rebels.

One of the bloodiest gunbattles was on April 23, 2019, where six soldiers died and six others were hurt.

“We convey our earnest support to the NTF-ELCAC’s BDP and urge for the retention of its funds,” Nacario said.

The official made the statement after some lawmakers proposed for the diversion of the PHP19-billion budget of the NTF-ELCAC, including the PHP16.5 billion allotted for the development of 822 villages cleared of insurgency.

Also backing the retention of NTF-ELCAC funds is San Sebastian town Mayor Eleuterio Mabao.

In a statement, the local chief executive asked lawmakers to disregard the persuasion of NPA front organizations to realign BDP funds.

“Our plea to Congress is to support efforts to end the decades of extortion, killing, and other terrorist activities of the NPA that has been disrupting our economic development,” Mabao said.

Sta. Rita, Samar Mayor Joven Tiu asked lawmakers pushing for defunding of NTF-ELCAC to think twice since the BDP provides a clear vision on how to attain lasting peace in areas previously burdened by armed struggle.

“The program provided our identified villages with an opportunity for a more concrete realization of its vision for the development of their communities,” Tiu stated.

Other mayors in Samar province, who formally expressed their support to BDP and likewise posted on the Army's social media page, are Philip Marvin Astorga of Daram town, Marilou Latorre of Villareal, Rosabel Costelo of Talalora, Elena Dieza of Hinabangan, Teodoro Mabag of Pinabacdao, and Aran Boller of Matuguinao.

BDP is a hallmark program of NTF-ELCAC with the end goal of bringing development to former conflict-prone communities.

Each of the 822 covered villages will get an outlay of PHP20 million with PHP12 million intended for the one-kilometer farm-to-market road, PHP3 million for classrooms, PHP2 million for water and sanitation systems, PHP1.5 million for health station, and PHP1.5 million for livelihood projects.

On December 4, 2018, the President issued Executive Order No. 70 creating the NTF-ELCAC and institutionalized a whole-of-nation approach towards obtaining sustainable peace in the hopes of putting an end to more than 50 years of local communist insurgency.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1139988

BIFF subleader killed in Maguindanao military operation

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2021): BIFF subleader killed in Maguindanao military operation (By Edwin Fernandez)

KILLED. The remains of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters–Maguid faction subleader Kopang Sahak slain during a special military operation in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao on Tuesday (May 11, 2021). The slain extremist was also listed in the Department of National Defense arrest order. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Government forces in pursuit of local terrorist groups killed a subleader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) during a military operation in Maguindanao, an Army official said Wednesday.

Col. Pedro Balisi, commander of 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said his men on Tuesday conducted an intelligence-driven operation in Barangay Dapiawan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao that led to the death of Kopang Sahak, a subleader of the BIFF-Maguid Group.

“Sahak was also listed in the Department of National Defense Arrest Order No. 216 and with a standing warrant of arrest for frustrated murder,” Balisi said.

He said Sakah's group traded bullets with government forces but eventually scampered in different directions.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, said government forces are continuously mounting offensives to neutralize the remaining BIFF terrorists in Maguindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1139975

BARMM promotes 'culture of peace' among workers

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2021): BARMM promotes 'culture of peace' among workers (By Edwin Fernandez)

Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education Deputy Minister Haron Meling. (File photo courtesy of BIO-BARMM)

The Bangsamoro education ministry has organized a day-long Ramadan peace education campaign to promote synergy and nurture a culture of peace among the regional education employees.

Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE) Deputy Minister Haron Meling said Wednesday the activity--anchored on the theme “Ramadan Promotes Peaceful Co-existence and Strong Fraternal Ties"--seeks to enlighten the employees on their significant roles and accountabilities in serving the Bangsamoro community.

“By submitting oneself to the theory of moral governance, we are succumbing ourselves in the path of Allah (God),” Meling said.

Meling stressed that the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace agreement was recorded in the annals of modern world history and one of the most prized achievements of modern-day negotiation.

“The first and most important thing that the Moros have won through the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is its jurisdiction and authority in education,” he added.

According to Meling, the launching of peace education will help improve the system of Madaris Education – an integration of secular and Islamic religious learning.

In support of the initiative, Madaris Director General Tahir G. Nalg said MBHTE and the Directorate General of Madaris Education are set to institutionalize peace education in the Bangsamoro learning system as mandated under the BOL.

“Our ministry is planning and will implement peace education this year,” Nalg said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1139984

76 ex-rebels in Nueva Ecija get financial aid from gov't

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2021): 76 ex-rebels in Nueva Ecija get financial aid from gov't (By Jason De Asis) 

CASH ASSISTANCE. Nueva Ecija Vice Governor Anthony Umali leads the distribution of financial assistance to 76 former rebels in a simple ceremony held at the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija on Tuesday (May 11, 2021). Of the total figures, 50 were former regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and 26 were former members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB). (Photo courtesy of the Army's 7th Infantry Division)

A total of 76 former rebels in the province of Nueva Ecija, who recently surrendered to the authorities, have received financial assistance under the national government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Of the total number, 50 were former regular members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and 26 were former members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB).

In a text message to the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday, Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, said each former MB member received a PHP15,000 immediate assistance while the former NPA rebels received PHP65,000 each as livelihood and immediate assistance.

He said the distribution of financial assistance was held at the Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) on Tuesday.

Rubio lauded the former rebels for deciding to return to the fold of the law as he gave assurance of continuous assistance from the national government, especially with the strengthened implementation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70.

He likewise asked the former rebels and their supporters to cooperate in the government’s peace and development efforts that would put an end to local communist conflict in the provinces of Aurora and Nueva Ecija.

Meanwhile, Nueva Ecija Vice Governor Anthony M. Umali, who led the distribution of financial assistance to the former rebels, cited the joint anti-insurgency efforts of different government agencies.

He said that through such efforts, “there is hope in bringing back our lost ‘kababayans’ (town mates) to the fold of the law and finally end the insurgency through peaceful resolution.”

“The provincial government of Nueva Ecija will always extend its hand to help every Novo Ecijano who has been misled by leftist groups to ably reintegrate them into society through the help of E-CLIP,” Umali said in an official social media post.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140017

5 BIFF members slain in Maguindanao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2021): 5 BIFF members slain in Maguindanao clash (By Edwin Fernandez)

BIFF CASUALTIES. Police and hospital workers unload the remains of five slain BIFF members at Buluan District Hospital in Buluan, Maguindanao following an encounter in Barangay Digal of the municipality Tuesday evening (May 11, 2021). The slain gunmen were part of the larger BIFF Karialan faction that clashed with military troopers in Datu Paglas town after entering its market center on May 8, 2021, authorities say. (Photo courtesy of Max FM-Tacurong)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Ongoing pursuit operations in the province against Islamic State-linked gunmen led to the neutralization of five members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Buluan town, police and military authorities said Wednesday.

Lt. Cemafranco Cemacio, Buluan police chief, said the five BIFF combatants were slain in a clash with the military on Tuesday night in Sitio Linek, Barangay Digal of Buluan.

Initial investigation showed that about 40 BIFF members were seen passing by Sitio Linek at about 11 p.m. A brief encounter ensued, leaving five BIFF dead, Cemacio said.

“They were seen planting improvised bombs so a firefight erupted after they were sighted by elements of the 90th Infantry Battalion (90IB),” Cemacio said in a phone interview Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, said the slain BIFF were part of a group of gunmen who occupied the town public market of Buluan, Maguindanao on May 8.

“The BIFF faction in Datu Paglas had splintered to small groups but 90IB troopers chanced upon them in Digal village,” Galido said in a separate interview here.

Soldiers under the Army's 601st Infantry Brigade were deployed in the village of Digal, Buluan, Maguindanao, as a blocking force following the May 8 atrocities in Datu Paglas.

Galido said the bodies of the slain extremists were turned over to the police in Buluan.

The clash occurred barely a day after President Rodrigo Duterte urged local officials to help him find a solution to put an end to the terrorism being pursued by the BIFF.

Duterte, in a visit at the Army’s 6th Infantry Division headquarters on Tuesday, said he would give local officials enough time to help him solve the problem of violence in Maguindanao and the entire Bangsamoro Region through peaceful means.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140028

19 CPP-NPA members surrender in southern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2021): 19 CPP-NPA members surrender in southern Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

SURRENDERERS. Six of the 19 former CPP-NPA members who voluntarily surrendered to authorities in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday (May 11, 2021). Col. Romy Palgue, police provincial director, said on Wednesday (May 12, 2021) that their decision to yield is a result of the continuous negotiation of police and military units through the support of the Barangay Intelligence Networks. (Photos courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

Some 19 members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) turned themselves in to the authorities in southern Negros on Tuesday afternoon.

A report of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) released on Wednesday said the rebels voluntarily surrendered and was facilitated by joint police and military units in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City.

Col. Romy Palgue, police provincial director, said the surrenderers will be assisted by the government to help them pursue a peaceful life as he encouraged "those who are part of the CPP-NPA to surrender themselves to the authorities. ”

Palgue said the decision of the 19 Negrenses to yield is a result of the continuous negotiation of the concerned units through the support of the Barangay Intelligence Networks.

Lt. Abegael Donasco, deputy public information officer, said these CPP-NPA members decided to surrender after realizing that they have no future in the communist insurgency movement.

Photos of the initial six surrenderers released by the Kabankalan City Police Station showed two of them are females and four are males, who are in their 50’s and early 60’s.

They are residents of Kabankalan City and the neighboring Ilog town.

Other units that helped initiate and facilitate the surrender were the NOCPPO Provincial Intelligence Unit, Regional Intelligence Unit-Western Visayas’ Negros Occidental Provincial Intelligence Team, and Bacolod City Intelligence Team, 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Public Safety Company, Maritime Group Special Operation Unit, and Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion.

The CPP-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/1140077

NegOcc eyes panel for local peace talks with CPP-NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12, 2021): NegOcc eyes panel for local peace talks with CPP-NPA (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

PEACE AND ORDER MEETING. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (right) presides the Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council-Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council Meeting at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on Wednesday (May 12, 2021). The local peace engagement with the communist-terrorist group in Negros Island was among the initiatives discussed during the activity. (Photo courtesy of PIO Negros Occidental)

The Negros Occidental provincial government will create a panel that will initiate local peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Wednesday that he will soon issue an executive order for the creation of the provincial peace panel.

“Of course, we will be guided by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) on how to proceed with the negotiation. This is one of the targets of the present administration to end local communist armed conflict,” he added.

The local peace engagement (LPE) was discussed during the Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council-Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council Meeting presided by Lacson at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol here.

The LPE aims to achieve community resiliency and cultural harmony, contribute towards good governance, and address insurgency issues.

One of the paths to be taken by the LPE is peace dialogues between the local peace panel and the communist-terrorist group.

This would involve open or discreet peace dialogues, with or without intermediaries, seen to lead to a local peace agreement and the availment of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

The proposed peace panel composition includes the governor as the chairperson and the Philippine Army’s brigade commander as the co-chairperson.

Members include the concerned city and municipal mayors, provincial prosecutor, provincial social welfare and development officer, provincial directors of the Philippine National Police, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

Also part of the panel are representatives from the OPPAP regional field office, two accredited civil society organizations, church, academe, and IP community.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, said he supports the conduct of the local peace process.

“I am supportive of this endeavor. This is an opportunity to engage the CTG in Negros and for the people to attain peace in the island,” he added.

The CPP-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/1140081

Central Negros town unveils shrine for local war hero

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): Central Negros town unveils shrine for local war hero (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

HERO’S SHRINE. Armed Forces chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana (3rd from left), Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson (2nd from right), and Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan (3rd from right) lead the unveiling of the marker and bust pedestal of Negrense war hero, 1Lt. Lolinato To-ong Sr., at the Cabacungan Elementary School grounds in La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Thursday (May 13, 2021). An officer of the Philippine Marine Corps who died in a battle against the MILF rebels in Maguindanao 21 years ago, To-ong was a posthumous recipient of the highest military award for courage, the Medal of Valor. (Photo courtesy of 3rd ID Public Affairs Office, Philippine Army)

A Negrense war hero, who sacrificed his life in a clash between government troops and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) secessionists in Maguindanao 21 years ago, was honored with a shrine unveiled in his hometown of La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Thursday.

Lolinato To-ong Sr., a first lieutenant in the Philippine Marine Corps, was a posthumous recipient of the Philippines’ highest military award for courage, the Medal of Valor.

The unveiling of To-ong’s marker and bust pedestal was graced by Armed Forces chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who was the guest of honor and speaker, in rites held on the grounds of Cabacungan Elementary School, alma mater of To-ong.

“Today, we convene and honor a true modern-day hero whose gallantry and sacrifice amidst the intense firefight against the MILF rebels prevented the enemies’ advance which saved the lives of his comrades. With his remarkable courage, it is with great honor that I join the people of La Castellana in the unveiling of this shrine that memorialized the heroic deeds of the late 1Lt. Lolinato To-ong Sr.,” the country’s top military official said.

Sobejana, a Negrense from Zamboanguita town, and also a recipient of the Medal of Valor, added that “it is through the selflessness and dedication of men like 1Lt. To-ong that the Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to attain notable accomplishments in fulfilling its mandate of bringing and securing the peace for the people in our communities”.

“Notably, this shrine, most appropriately constructed within the grounds of this humble institution that nurtures the future generation, be a constant reminder of the heroism of 1Lt. To-ong as exhibited in the line of duty,” he added.

To-ong, then 39, was recognized for “acts of conspicuous courage and gallantry beyond the call of duty as a member of 39th Marine Company, Marine Battalion Landing Team 9, Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Navy, during the assault on heavily fortified enemy bunkers at the vicinity of Poblacion Matanog, Maguindanao on April 30, 2000”.

During the attack, To-ong and fellow enlisted Marine Sgt. Domingo Delua were “fatally wounded by an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade) blast while providing suppressive fire to cover the medical evacuation of wounded fellow Marine personnel.”

“His ultimate sacrifice saved several soldiers in one of the most ferocious battles between the military and the MILF,” the marker for To-ong, who joined the Philippine Navy in 1979, read.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the sacrifice made by To-ong, along with the sacrifices of past and present heroes, is another proof that freedom is not free.
“A lot was paid for us to be in this free and democratic society. To the To-ong family, please know that 1Lt. To-ong’s fellow Negrenses will take inspiration and will always remember his valiant deed,” he said.

“This is our way of immortalizing his valor and heroism both for the present and future generations. As a people, we need to have a constant reminder of things that are noble and honorable for us to look up to, to value, and to emulate,” Lacson added.

Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan expressed pride in honoring a war hero from her municipality.

“(This) is a special day to reflect on the true meaning of courage, service and selflessness. There are many stories of combat, but the Medal of Valor is special. It is awarded only to the bravest. On behalf of the people of La Castellana, I am very proud that a La Castelleño is acknowledged on the wall of heroes,” she added.

Rev. Fr. Ludovico To-ong, the younger brother of 1Lt. To-ong, said their family not only takes honor and pride in the late soldier’s heroism, but also considers it as a challenge and a responsibility as well.

“We need honorable and heroic people for the good of our land. To my dear nephews and nieces, this honor brings dignity to our family, but at the same, we have that great responsibility to preserve the legacy,” he added.

Fr. To-ong said they are consoled by the honor and support given by the government, through the AFP and the local governments, to his brother and their family.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140140

NPA officer killed in Surigao Norte skirmish

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): NPA officer killed in Surigao Norte skirmish (By Alexander Lopez)

NPA CASUALTY. Christopher John Trugelio, a political instructor of the New People's Army under Guerrilla Front 16, is killed in an encounter in Barangay Barangay Motorpool in Tubod, Surigao del Norte on Wednesday afternoon (May 12, 2021). The firefight occurred after government troops responded to civilian report of the rebels' presence in the area. (Photo courtesy of 30IB)

A ranking member of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a firefight Wednesday afternoon in Barangay Motorpool, Tubod, Surigao del Norte.

Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon, the commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade (901Bde), said soldiers from the Army's 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) were responding to a civilian report on the presence of NPA rebels in the area when the encounter occurred.

“The firefight lasted for 25 minutes between the 30IB troopers and the members of Santahang Yunit Pampropaganda (SYP) C2 of Guerrilla Front (GF) 16 under Alberto Castaneda, alias JD,” Banzon said in a statement Thursday.

He identified the casualty as Christopher John Trugelio, a political instructor of SYPC2, and a resident of Barangay Quezon, Surigao City.

Government troops recovered from the encounter site a 9mm pistol, an improvised explosive dervice, communication gadgets, assorted ammunition and magazines, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

“No casualty was reported on the government side while pursuit operation is still ongoing in the area,” Banzon said.

Lt. Col. Charles Ryan G. Callanta, 30IB commander, underscored the importance of tipoffs from residents for immediate security response from the government, preventing the rebels from conducting atrocities.

"We want to ensure the safety and security of communities within the vicinity. The initial information revealed that the said group may possibly conduct atrocities in the area,” Callanta said.

Meanwhile, Banzon extended his condolences to the family of the slain NPA officer, adding that "another life is again wasted due to the senseless struggle being waged by the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)."

“The use of violence will never resolve our problems and it will just make things complicated. The recent encounter that led to the untimely demise of another NPA may serve as a wake-up call for those CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) members who are still blinded by the wrong ideology,” Banzon said.

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/1140115

14 NPA rebels, militiamen yield in ZamPen, MisOcc

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): 14 NPA rebels, militiamen yield in ZamPen, MisOcc (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

REJECTING REBELLION. Fourteen disgruntled communist New People's Army regulars and militiamen surrender Wednesday (May 12, 2021) to military authorities in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental areas. Photo shows one of the surrenderers handing over a rifle to Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Battalion. (Photo courtesy of the 102 IB Public Affairs Office)

Fourteen disgruntled communist New People's Army (NPA) regulars and militiamen have surrendered to government authorities and brought in 10 assorted firearms in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Misamis Occidental province, military officials said Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the nine NPA fighters and five militiamen belong to a guerrilla unit operating in Misamis Occidental and parts of Zamboanga del Norte.

They surrendered following negotiations conducted by the Army's 10th Infantry Battalion (IB), Nicolas said, adding their identities were not divulged for security reasons.

According to Nicolas, rebel militiamen under the NPA's "Yunit Milisya" are utilized as immediate reinforcement in the rebels' tactical offensives.

Equipped with low-power firearms, Yunit Milisya members are also tasked to monitor the movements and activities of the government forces, the Army official said.

Nicolas said the surrenderers are between 20 to 46-years-old.

One of them, only identified by the military as "Loloy," had been in the communist rebel movement for almost 26 years.

Nicolas said Loloy helped the military locate an arms cache containing high-power firearms, Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and ammunition.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson, 10IB commander, said one of the surrenderers, identified only as 'Brando', bared that the NPA recruited him when he was only 17.

“This is a clear manifestation of the continued violations of the CTG on the protection of children's rights in armed conflict,” Tiongson said.

Lt. Col. Filven Noche, 44IB commander, said the GF Flex-A members who surrendered to his command were identified as the following: Jonas, 31; Tiling, 28; and, Reden, 31.

“We are still exerting all effort through the active involvement of the Local Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (LTF-ELCAC) in the possible surrender of the remnants of the defunct GF Flex-A,” Noche said.

The GF Kara member who surrendered to the 53IB is identified as Bea, 23, from the town of Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, said the series of NPA surrenders was the result of the "continuous conduct of peace-building efforts through our mass base operations".

Herrera said the NPA surrenderers are being enrolled under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) and will be entitled to receive immediate cash and livelihood assistance amounting to PHP65,000, as well as firearm remuneration for those who are eligible.

For Nicolas, the decision of NPA rebels under the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee to return to normal life meant that the regional party apparatus of the NPA is on "the verge of its total destruction".

Nicolas said most of the NPA surrenderers also revealed that they were constantly on the run without food for days because their former mass supporters are already refusing to participate or contribute to the "terroristic acts of the" NPA.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, the Army's 1st Infantry Division commander, urged the remnants of the WMRPC to give the government's peace efforts a chance.

“You have all heard or witnessed the improvement of the lives of your former comrades who are now enjoying quality time with their families, as well as, the benefits from the government in order to assist them to get back to their own feet as productive members of the society,” Ponio said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140149

NPA members' surrender to weaken terrorist forces

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13, 2021): NPA members' surrender to weaken terrorist forces (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

The increasing number of Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) members returning to the fold of the law in Western Visayas is seen to further weaken the terrorist forces in the region, a top police official said on Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Rolando Miranda, director of Police Regional Office-Western Visayas (PRO-6), said in a statement the communist-terrorist group’s five decades of spreading havoc should be put to an end.

“There is no room for terrorists in Western Visayas. Their members should surrender for a better future and we will all live in peace,” he added.

On Tuesday, some 19 CPP-NPA members in Negros Occidental surrendered to the authorities in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City.

Miranda said the personalities who turned themselves in occupied various positions in the communist-terrorist group and decided to surrender to lead peaceful lives.

They are residents of southern Negros, including Kabankalan City and Ilog town.

Those who surrendered were “Ka Sisa”, member of the South-Western Front (SWF), Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor (KR-NCBS) and medical officer of section platoon operating in Ilog; “Ka Jona”, member of Yunit Militia (YM) district platoon of the SWF; “Ka Toto”, member of both the SWF and the political organizing team (POT) of district platoon in Ilog; “Ka Tito”, member of Partisan Unit district platoon of the SWF in Ilog; “Ka Lito”, member of Armadong Yunit Propaganda (AYP) and Partisan Unit of the SWF; and “Ka Cora”, member of the POT of KR-NCBS.

Others included “Ka Robert”, member of propaganda AYP of the SWF district platoon; “Ka Francisco”, “Ka Arvin”, “Ka Jelly”, “Ka Camly”, and “Ka Roy”, all YM members under the SWF; and “Ka Butch”, also a YM member and a collector/messenger at the same time.

The rest of the surrenderers were “Ka Tanly”, member of Isuzu Section Platoon of the SWF; “Ka Dodoy” and “Ka Michael”, both assistant squad leaders of Squad 1, Southern Negros Front, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros (SNF, KR-N); “Ka Zordo”, messenger/courier of SNF, KR-N; “Ka Jeseph” and “Ka Ceasar”, both members of AYP of the SNF, KR-N.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1140164