Sunday, June 20, 2021

Kalinaw News: Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion captures war materiel in a clash against terrorist CPP-NPA

From Kalinaw News (Jun 20, 2021): Army’s 54th Infantry Battalion captures war materiel in a clash against terrorist CPP-NPA




CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- A firefight ensued between the troops of 54th Infantry Battalion (54IB) and the terrorist Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Barangay Abatan, Hungduan, Ifugao on June 19, 2021.

The troops responded to the information reported by the local populace about the presence of the terrorist CPP-NPA in the area and upon verification, the terrorist CPP-NPA fired upon the operating troops who immediately returned fire. The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes before the CTG scud leaving one M16 rifle, two improvised explosive devices, numerous subversive documents with high intelligence value, medical supplies and some personal belongings.

Major General Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army commended the troops of 54IB for their immediate action. He likewise extended his gratitude to the residents for giving timely information regarding the presence of the terrorist group in their community. “Your commitment in helping the government to end the local communist armed conflict is a reflection of your desire to achieve lasting peace and progress in your community – for you and for the next generation to come.”

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that the Provincial Local Government of Ifugao pledged their commitment to end the local communist armed conflict by declaring the terrorist CPP-NPA as persona non-grata.

The troops responded to the information reported by the local populace about the presence of the terrorist CPP-NPA in the area and upon verification, the terrorist CPP-NPA fired upon the operating troops who immediately returned fire. The firefight lasted for about 30 minutes before the CTG scud leaving one M16 rifle, two improvised explosive devices, numerous subversive documents with high intelligence value, medical supplies and some personal belongings.

Major General Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army commended the troops of 54IB for their immediate action. He likewise extended his gratitude to the residents for giving timely information regarding the presence of the terrorist group in their community. “Your commitment in helping the government to end the local communist armed conflict is a reflection of your desire to achieve lasting peace and progress in your community – for you and for the next generation to come.”

Meanwhile, it can be recalled that the Provincial Local Government of Ifugao pledged their commitment to end the local communist armed conflict by declaring the terrorist CPP-NPA as persona non-grata.

[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/armys-54th-infantry-battalion-captures-war-materiel-in-a-clash-against-terrorist-cpp-npa/

Kalinaw News: Four NPAs captured, firearms seized as surrendered rebels divulge information

From Kalinaw News (Jun 20, 2021): Four NPAs captured, firearms seized as surrendered rebels divulge information


CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – The joint troops of the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) and PNP units yet again captured four New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and recovered firearms and ammunition in pursuit operations covering separate areas in Misamis Oriental, June 18, 2021.

Last June 17, following their surrender and subsequent disclosure of the locations of five high-powered rifles to authorities, alias Juno and Yesa gave up the locations of weapons and ammo storage of their own comrades who were responsible for the series of encounters with 58IB last June 07.

Authorities from the troops of 58IB and PNP’s Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB10) acted quickly upon the information which resulted to the apprehension of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). Troops captured a Marlon M Acosta alias Jonathan, Marnie L Berito alias Edward, Nelson R Berito alias Lorence and Jeffrey B Macabecha alias Jelo. The same units also recovered their buried issued firearms: one AK 47 rifle, two cal .30 Carbines and 15 rounds of .40mm grenade launcher ammunition.

The apprehended rebels are full-time members of Platoon Cherry Mobile, Huawei, Sub-Regional Committee 1, North Central Mindanao Regional Command. They deviously blend in with the communities, endangering and threatening the innocent while actively supporting the armed group to recover from the recent encounters by providing food and arms, storage and distribution of ammo whenever needed against the government forces.

Meanwhile, 58IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy stated, “The NPA has been fighting for decades, spreading lies and deceptions, and destroying lives here and there.” They want to destroy the government and establish a communist state, and in order to do so, they continue to use and radicalize the most vulnerable people in far-flung barangays in order to advance their own personal goal. Only the true government run by and for the people will genuinely care about your well-being.”

“Our message to the remnants of the armed struggle remains the same: Stop believing these lies instilled in you and start standing up for yourself. Do not be alarmed by your commanders’ statements, they are merely propaganda and lies. Be fearful of what awaits you if you continue to choose the armed struggle. Return to the folds of the law and have a chance to be with your families, or face the full force of the law,” Lieutenant Colonel Canatoy ended.

The said captured NPA members were then brought to 58IB Advance Command Post, Brgy Umagos Lagonglong Misamis Oriental for proper disposition and will be turned over to Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office for filing of cases.

[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/four-npas-captured-firearms-seized-as-surrendered-rebels-divulge-information/

Kalinaw News: Milisyang Bayan member surrender with firearms in Abra

From Kalinaw News (Jun 18, 2021): Milisyang Bayan member surrender with firearms in Abra


Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – Following the intensive intelligence operations and the conduct of the Community Support Program (CSP) of the 71st Infantry Battalion and 69th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, along with the Tubo Municipal Police Station, a 58-year old member of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) under the KLG-AMPIS surrendered to government authorities at Casamata Hill, Zone 5, Bangued, Abra on June 08, 2021.

The Commander of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army, Major General Alfredo V. Rosario Jr., identified the rebel returnee as Carlos Wilang Gawed alias “Los” of Brgy. Alangtin, Tubo Abra. Alias “Los” surrendered with one (1) M16 A1 rifle; one (1) M653 rifle; one (1) long magazine; and eight ( 8 rounds of ammunition.

Said surrender was also credited to the efforts of the joint Community Support Teams deployed in Brgy. Alangtin, Tubo, Abra who have been working to support the peace and development programs of the local government unit.
“With alias ‘Los’ surrender, we hope that he realized that attaining a good and peaceful life, does not come from waging war against the government and joining the communist movement,” said Maj. Gen. Rosario Jr.

“Sa dami ng mga sumuko at nagpahayag ng kanilang naranasan sa loob ng teroristang grupo, sana’y wala nang malinlang pa at sumapi sa kanila. Kaya pinagbubuti namin ang CSP sa mga conflict-affected barangays para mahikayat ang mga natitirang nagtatago sa kabundukan na sumuko at magbagong buhay na, habang pinapalawak namin ang pagkalat ng impormasyon sa mga tao para hindi sila muling malinlang ng mga bandidong NPA,” added MGEN Rosario Jr.

[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/milisyang-bayan-member-surrender-with-firearms-in-abra/

Kalinaw News: Surigao Clashes Shed Light on NPA’s Illegal Recruitment of Child Soldiers

From Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2021): Surigao Clashes Shed Light on NPA’s Illegal Recruitment of Child Soldiers

NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – The series of skirmishes between government forces and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Lianga, Surigao del Sur this week only exposed the NPA’s long practice of arming minors to join the armed struggle.

In an encounter on June 15, the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) fired at the troops and detonated anti-personnel mine to evade the forces of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion (3SFBn) who were tracking them at vicinity of Sitio New Decoy, Diatagon, Lianga after the initial encounter with the same group the previous day.

The exchange of bullets lasted for about 10 minutes which led to the death of three NPA members identified as Lenie Perez Rivas, 38; Willy Salinas Rodriguez, 20, and a 12-year-old girl (name withheld).
Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Harvey Gernale, Commanding Officer of 3SFBn said that the first encounter with the NPA transpired on June 14 around 2p.m. while a Special Forces Team was conducting security operations to verify the presence of armed group foraging for food in Sitio Tibog, Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

The troops were able to rescue a minor from the incident and brought her safely to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur in coordination with the Philippine National Police.

This is not the first time that a minor was armed by the NPA as the data from Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) revealed that 12.3% of the 1,691 former rebels that were profiled by the Command from 2016 to 2020 were minors. It was further found in the former rebels’ profiles that the average age of minors recruited by the NPA is 17, the youngest of whom was only 12 years old.

Brigadier General Oliver T Vesliño, Acting Commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and Joint Task Force Diamond, said that the AFP units under JTF Diamond will continue its relentless security operations against the CTG in Caraga Region to destroy the armed group and stop its resource generation and recruitment of minors.

EastMinCom Commander Lieutenant General Greg T Almerol also said that this is an old trick of the NPA to tag their member as an ordinary civilian especially if the casualty happens to be a minor. “I am appealing to the hearts of the CPP-NPA-NDF to get real and stop recruiting children into the armed struggle. If they really have hearts, then they should know better that those children are meant to live their dreams. They have no place in the battleground,” Lieutenant General Almerol said.

EastMinCom is now preparing pertinent documents to file charges against the leadership of the CPP-NPA-NDF for violating the provision of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) which prohibits the use of children in armed conflict.

Meanwhile, five NPA members were killed, two were captured, and seven capitulated in various focused military operations launched by EastMinCom units since June 1 until press time. Fifteen firearms were also seized by the troops in these encounters.

Lieutenant General Almerol said that these focused military operations are part of the Command’s mission to clear barangays from the atrocities of the NPA and to ensure that the implementation of projects under the Barangay Development Program will go unhampered.

[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/surigao-clashes-shed-light-on-npas-illegal-recruitment-of-child-soldiers/

Kalinaw News: Recent encounter forced two NPA rebels to surrender; 5 high-powered firearms seized

From Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2021): Recent encounter forced two NPA rebels to surrender; 5 high-powered firearms seized


CLAVERIA, MISAMIS ORIENTAL – Two rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered and revealed arms cache to the joint forces of the 58th Infantry “Dimalulupig” Battalion (58IB) and the 1001st MC, RMFB at Brgy Dampil, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental, June 14, 2021.

It can be recalled that last June 07 an encounter between the 58th Infantry Battalion troops and NPA transpired in the hinterlands of Barangay Mimbuli, Salay which resulted to the death of alias ‘Dariel’ a member of Platoon Cherry Mobile, Sub-Regional Committee 1(SRC1), North Central Mindanao Regional Command (NCMRC).

Following the encounter, an information was disclosed from concerned civilians that the members of the NPAs dispersed to small groups and would attempt to consolidate and regroup. Acting upon the information, a Joint AFP-PNP pursuit operation was conducted in the same municipality that led to the surrender of the two.

The surrenderees were identified as alias ‘Jukol’, Vice Commander and alias ‘Esay’, Medic of Platoon Cherry Mobile, SRC1, NCMRC. According to them, they were present during the recent encounter at Barangay Mimbuli, Salay, where they realized how their lives were in jeopardy and that they were fighting for a losing cause, forcing them to surrender.

Jukol and Esay, being in good faith, divulged the locations of firearms cache at two different locations in the hinterlands of Barangay Saray of the same municipality. They buried their issued firearms after the encounter for fear of being tracked down by pursuing elements of the Army’s 58th Infantry Battalion. The troops’ seized items include five high-powered firearms composed of two M16 rifles, one AK47, and two .30 cal carbine rifles.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of 58th Infantry Battalion said, “The number of communist terrorist groups is shrinking and they are under pressure from the government to surrender due to the loss of their forces and mass bases. Furthermore, their surrender demonstrates that they are fed up with the NPAs’ erroneous ideology. This also implies that their trust and support are now shifted from the NPA to the government. Rest assured that the Army will not stop until the last member of armed group member surrenders and receives benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive and Local Integration Program (ECLIP).”

Lieutenant Colonel Canatoy concluded, “I hope that the different stakeholders will continue their commitment to implement the ECLIP to motivate the remaining members of the NPA to lay down their arms 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/recent-encounter-forced-two-npa-rebels-to-surrender-5-high-powered-firearms-seized-2/

Kalinaw News: 61st Infantry Battalion Gets New Commander

From Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2021): 61st Infantry Battalion Gets New Commander

CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz –The Army’s 61st Infantry “Hunter” Battalion (61IB) welcomes its new Commanding Officer on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at Camp Monteclaro in Barangay Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo.
Lieutenant Colonel Harold Garcia assumed the command of 61IB replacing Colonel Joel Benedict Batara through a traditional change of command ceremony presided by Major General Eric C Vinoya, Commander of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division.

Prior to his present designation, Lieutenant Colonel Garcia held a position as Executive Officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental. In his message, Major General Vinoya recognized the various accomplishments of Colonel Batara and his unending efforts to lead and supervise the men and women of 61st Infantry Batalion during his stint as its Commanding Officer.

“This unit notably inflicted serious losses to the enemy especially the Southern Front of Komiteng Rehiyon in Panay through series of encounters which resulted to several body counts, numerous captured CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) personalities, firearms, ammunition, and improvised explosive devices in the area of operation,” said Major General Vinoya.

With his meritorious service as Battalion Commander, Colonel Batara was awarded with Military Merit Medal. Likewise, Major General Vinoya challenged the newly-installed Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Garcia to go an extra mile as he led the battalion in continuing its productive efforts and to pursue fresh initiatives to widen the path towards achieving its mission in support to the campaign of 3rd Infantry Division.

“It will not be easy track, but with your utmost dedication, it will bring the best out of you as the Commanding Officer and I expect that you will whole-heartedly accept the accountability, not only in the pursuit of the mission through operations but as well as the manager of the resources this unit has, especially our soldiers,” said Major General Vinoya.

[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/61st-infantry-battalion-gets-new-commander/

Kalinaw News: 3 CPP-NPA terrorists killed, 1 minor rescued in a series of clash in CARAGA

From Kalinaw News (Jun 17, 2021): 3 CPP-NPA terrorists killed, 1 minor rescued in a series of clash in CARAGA

CAMP EVANGELISTA, PATAG, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Three CPP-NPA Terrorists (CNTs) were killed, while a minor was rescued during a series of encounters between the government troops and the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in the boundary of Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur and Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Harvey Gernale, Commanding Officer of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, Philippine Army, said that the first encounter happened on June 14 at around 2:00 P.M. while a Special Forces Team was conducting security operations to verify the presence of armed group foraging for food in Sitio Tibog, Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur. About 20 CNTs fired upon the soldiers prompting them to fight back resulting in more than five minutes of armed encounter.

“Our operating troops pursued the withdrawing enemy and captured an NPA combatant at the encounter site,” said Lieutenant Colonel Gernale.

The soldiers, later on, found out that the captured NPA is a minor prompting them to bring her to the local police who later turned her over to the municipal social welfare and development office in Prosperidad for psychosocial intervention and appropriate assistance. (The identity of the rescued NPA combatant was withheld for her security).

The troops seized black powder, blasting caps, and assorted nails, at the encounter site which are integral components of an anti-personnel mine.

Lieutenant Colonel Gernale added that the second encounter happened on June 15, around 2:00 P.M. when another Special Forces team tracked the fleeing CNTs at the vicinity of Sitio New Decoy, Diatagon, Lianga. The CNTs fired at the soldiers and detonated an anti-personnel mine. An intense firefight ensued for more than 10 minutes after which the terrorists scampered and tried to evade the operating troops.

“Despite the rugged terrain and the danger from the enemy’s sniper fire, our soldiers pursued the withdrawing enemy,” said Lieutenant Colonel Gernale.

Three CNTs, a male and two females died in the second encounter with no casualties on the government side. The fatalities were identified as Lenie Perez Rivas, 38 years old; Willy Salinas Rodriguez, 20 years old, and a 12-year-old minor (name withheld).

The CNTs were members of the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

Aside from the dead bodies, several war materials were seized, which include one (1) AK47 rifle, two (2) caliber 45 pistols, (2) two anti-personnel mines, one (1) claymore mine, magazines and ammunition, and two (2) blasting caps, 25 meter-long detonating cord, and 30 meter-long electrical wire attached to a firing switch.

Brigadier General Allan Hambala, Commander of 401st Brigade, lambasted the CTG for recruiting minors to join their ranks.

“This incident once again proved that the CTG has no regard for human rights and they are blatantly violating the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by recruiting minors to join their senseless armed struggle,” stressed Brigadier General Hambala.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Oliver T. Vesliño, Acting Commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID) and Joint Task Force Diamond, said that concerned AFP units under JTF Diamond are pursuing the fleeing CNTs so that justice will be served to the victims of their lies and deception.

“AFP units under JTF Diamond will continue its relentless security operations against the CTG in CARAGA region to destroy the armed group, and stop its resource generation and recruitment of minors. We will also file cases of IHL violations against the leadership of NEMRC,” said Brigadier General Vesliño.

Brigadier General Vesliño also extended his condolences to the bereaved families of the dead NPA rebels. He then urged the remaining CTG members to return to the folds of the law and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.

The three (3) cadavers were properly turned over by the 3rd Special Forces Battalion to their families in Sitio Manluy-a, Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

[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/3-cpp-npa-terrorists-killed-1-minor-rescued-in-a-series-of-clash-in-caraga/

12-year old lumad, 2 others shot dead in Surigao Sur

Posted to the sometimes pro-CPP online publication Davao Today (Jun 18, 2021): 12-year old lumad, 2 others shot dead in Surigao Sur

Three lumad died in a brutal shooting when army soldiers based in Lianga town in Surigao del Sur allegedly fired their weapons indiscriminately in Sitio Panukmoan, Barangay Diatagon on June 15.

Human rights group, KARAPATAN in Caraga region, identified the victims as Willy Rodriguez and siblings Lenie and Angel Rivas.

Angel, 12, was a Grade 6 student of the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) while Willy and Lenie were members of the lumad organization Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU).

Initial report from KARAPATAN-Caraga showed that farmers sought permission from the military to harvest their abaca hemp when the alleged indiscriminate firing happened.

The 3rd Special Forces Battalion reportedly brought the victims to a military brigade headquarters in St. Christine, Lianga and presented them as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

According to KARAPATAN, the 48th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army (IBPA) and 3rd Special Forces Battalion under a certain Capt. Aranas built a detachment at KM 18 and has allegedly encamped the community in Manluy-a for several months now.

Save Our Schools (SOS) Network recalled the ‘’2015 Barangay Diatagon, Lianga Massacre’’ that killed Emerito Samarca, executive director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), and community leaders Dionel Campos, chairperson of MAPASU, and an elder, Datu Bello Sinzo.

Samarca was found dead inside the school’s faculty room with his neck slashed while the two lumad leaders were shot in front of the community.

KARAPATAN denounced the ‘’nanlaban’’ or fought back narrative of the soldiers as they told the community that the three lumad died because they fought back.

“This only shows how monstrous and desperate this government is in silencing the Lumad resistance. In this administration, children were not spared in brutal attacks like the killings of Talaingod Manobo students Alibando Tingkas and Obello Bay-ao by a paramilitary group few years ago,” SOS Network spokesperson Rius Valle said.

On Wednesday evening, June 16, Valle, on his FB post, said the bodies of the three slain lumad were already retrieved.

He said the faces of the 12-year old girl and her older sister were disfigured while their genitals were ‘’crushed’’ suspecting rape prior to the alleged execution.

Various groups will be holding an indignation protest for lumad killings in front of the Commission on Human Rights office in Quezon City on June 17.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/12-year-old-lumad-2-others-shot-dead-in-surigao-sur/

Bodies of slain lumad almost beyond recognition

Posted to the sometimes pro-CPP online publication Davao Today (Jun 18, 2021): Bodies of slain lumad almost beyond recognition



GRUESOME. Families of the three slain Manobo in Lianga share the photos to Save Our Schools Network which they took upon receiving the bodies which the military turned over to them. The families said the victims were harvesting abaca hemp when the incident happened on June 14 in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. One of the victims is Angel Rivas, 12, who currently attended class at the Alternative Learning Class of the Department of Education before her gruesome death. The military accused Angel of being “a NPA child warrior.” (Photo from the families of the victims shared to SOS Network Facebook Account)

Families of the three slain lumad in Lianga town in Surigao del Sur were devastated to see the bodies of the victims almost beyond recognition.

Angel Rivas’ body, the 12-year old girl, was wrapped in plastic and tape. Her face down to her neck were filled with stitches to hold together her disfigured face. Lenie’s body also bore stitches all over while Willy’s legs were plastered with packaging tape to cover the frightful sight of fractures.

The aunt of the Rivas sisters said the death of her nieces are unbearable and unacceptable.

“Gibastos gyud ang iyang lawas. Gi-rape, gihilabtan, guba kaayo ang atubangan (Her [Angel] body was defiled. She was raped, her genital severed),’’ Angel and Lenie’s aunt said in a post of Save our Schools (SOS) Network on FB.

Fearing for her life, the aunt requested she’d not be named. She also said the soldiers refrained the families from taking photos of the bodies.

SOS said Lenie and Willy’s bodies were found together in a different location from Angel’s.

Rebels

However, the military maintained that those slain in Lianga were alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“As proof that they were NPA… they were holding firearms and were the first to fire on the soldiers,” said Maj. Rodulfo Cordero Jr., spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID).

Cordero said the soldiers encountered a group of NPA fighters in Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur and Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, for two consecutive days this week.

Lt. Col. Benedict Harvey Gernale, the battalion’s commanding officer, said troops from the 3rd Special Forces Battalion engaged with a unit of the NPA who were foraging for food in Sitio Tibog, Mabuhay, Prosperidad on June 14 and later withdrew after the skirmish.

Gernale said the rebels fired at the soldiers and detonated an anti-personnel mine.

During the Prosperidad operation, the soldiers caught a female minor, and found at the area black powder, blasting caps, and assorted nails, which Gernale described as integral components of an anti-personnel mine.

“Our operating troops pursued the withdrawing enemy and captured a minor NPA combatant at the encounter site. The firefight ensued for more than 10 minutes,” said Gernale.

The minor was turned over to the municipal social welfare and development office in Prosperidad town for “psychosocial intervention and appropriate assistance.”

He added that despite the rugged terrain and the danger from the enemy’s sniper fire, “our soldiers pursued the withdrawing enemy.”

In sitio New Decoy, Diatagon encounter, Gernale confirmed the army killed the Rivas sisters and Rodriguez.

Gernale said the alleged NPA rebels belonged to the Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC).

At the encounter area, soldiers recovered an AK47 rifle, two .45 caliber pistols, two anti-personnel mines, a claymore mine, magazines and ammunition, two blasting caps, a 25-meter detonating cord, and a 3-meter electrical wire attached to a firing switch.

Cordero opined it was possible that the minor killed could have used the hand gun as it was found near her, although he said an NPA child recruit can carry and fire a larger and heavier firearm such as an M16 or AK47.

Brig. Gen. Allan Hambala, commander of the Army’s 401st Brigade, said the incident “once again proved that the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) has no regard for human rights and they are blatantly violating the International Humanitarian law (IHL) by recruiting minors to join their senseless armed struggle.”

For his part, Brig. Gen. Oliver Vesliño, acting commander of 4ID and Joint Task Force Diamond (JTF), said that concerned Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units under the JTF are pursuing the fleeing rebels so that “justice will be served to the victims of their lies and deception.”

“AFP units under JTF Diamond will continue its relentless security operations against the CTG in Caraga region to destroy the armed group, and stop its resource generation and recruitment of minors. We will also file cases of IHL violations against the leadership of NEMRC,” he said.

Vesliño also extended his condolences to the bereaved families of those slain alleged rebels.

He then urged the remaining NPA members to return to the fold of the law and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) of the government.

In a statement posted on the Liberation, the official publication of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in March 2019, it criticized the military program such as ECLIP as its ‘’massive source of corruption’’ citing the increased of budget for the board and lodging of rebel returnees from P7,000 to P21,000 to the police or local government units (LGUs) while the P65,000 per rebel remains the same excluding the rewards for every firearm turned in.

Farmers not NPA

Progressive groups condemned the killings of the Rivas sisters and their cousin Rodriguez who they asserted as farmers and belonged to the Manobo tribe, as opposed to the claim of the military that the fatalities were NPA fighters.

According to these groups, the three were “shot by soldiers encamped in their community while they were harvesting abaca at about 1pm on June 14 in Sitio Panukmoan, Diatagon.

For Sandugo – Movement of Moro and Indigenous Peoples for Self-Determination, it said a group of farmers even asked permission from the military before going to the abaca farm.

The Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, Inc. (ALCADEV Inc.) said on its FB page that Angel was currently enrolled at the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (DepEd ALS). She completed her Grade 6 at the Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS) which is one of the 22 Indigenous People’s schools that were forced to close.

Katribu said Angel was not an NPA “child warrior” that the military claimed her to be.

Katribu said the Army’s 48th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 3rd SFB have been camping in the area for several months now.

“The continued brutal killings of indigenous peoples is the policy of the Duterte regime to silence, threaten and instill fear to those who are against its oppressive and opportunistic programs, policies and rule,” Rei Paulin, Katribu national coordinator, said in a statement.

He said the “lumad” or tribal peoples only want to live in peace and till their ancestral lands.

“Their desire is to be afforded a fair opportunity in life through delivery of basic social services such as education and health. Their deprivation is the reason why they are involved in a struggle to defend their communities and build their own schools,” Paulin said.

“Amid the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, these lumad-Manobo are trying to live, but why, even a minor, were killed by soldiers,” Kakay Tolentino, Bai Indigenous Women’s Network national coordinator also said in the same statement.

Katribu said Rodriguez and Rivas were members of the tribal organization Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU).

Katribu is calling on for “immediate justice for the three killed and all the victims of extrajudicial killings (EJKs) in the country. Stop militarization in the countryside. Oust the Commander-in-Chief Duterte.” (WITH A REPORT FROM JIGGER J. JERUSALEM)

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/bodies-of-slain-lumad-almost-beyond-recognition/

ICPO warns bizmen vs ‘NPA extortionists’

From Panay News (Jun 19, 2021): ICPO warns bizmen vs ‘NPA extortionists’ (By Ruby Silubrico)

The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) is warning businessmen against extortionists claiming to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Information reached the ICPO that some businessmen were contacted by a group demanding money supposedly for the communist revolutionary movement.

In a virtual press conference yesterday, June 18, ICPO Intelligence chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel Rene Obregon, said nine businessmen in the city received extortion text messages – four from last year and another five this year.

In fact, he said, one of them sent P5,000 to the extortionist who was reportedly Tagalog- speaking.

Their modus operandi is to introduce themselves as NPA and ask for money to help in their organization. Those who will refuse to give are being threatened.

One of the extortionists introduced himself as alias Tigre, but this group is not organized, according to Obregon.

They are targeting businessmen and engineers working in construction firms. They are also using different phone numbers.

The ICPO listed at least 15 cellular numbers used by the extortionists.

“We had already checked and these extortionists are not members of NPA. They pretend to be rebels to threaten businessmen. Indi gid sila masyado organized, pero naki-ride on sila kay active subong ang government forces in fighting against the NPA,” Obregon said.

The ICPO official admitted that they found it hard to arrest the suspects because they are using different SIM cards.

“We are asking the cooperation of the businessmen and do not give any amount. What they have to do is to immediately report to the nearest police station so that we can respond,” Oregon added.

Obregon added that they are willing to provide security to their establishments, especially during closing time at night.

Here are the telephone numbers of the six police stations:

* Iloilo City police station (City Proper) – 323-5717 or 09985986242/09989675768

* La Paz police station – 329-0904 or 09985986244

* Jaro police station – 3236002 or 09985986246

* Molo police station – 5012674 or 09985986248

* Mandurriao police station – 3332734 or 09985986250/09989673772

* Arevalo police station – 3274162 or 09989673775.

“If a crime occurs, don’t hesitate to tell the police all the facts about it. It may help solve the crime and aid the police in proper deployment of personnel especially in places where crime usually occurs or most likely to occur. If you don’t report a crime, criminals will operate continuously,” Obregon added.

https://www.panaynews.net/icpo-warns-bizmen-vs-npa-extortionists/

Military, another group argue over killing of girl, 2 others

From the Mindanao Times (Jun 18, 2021): Military, another group argue over killing of girl, 2 others (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)


THE military reported that its unit killed three members of the New People’s Army, including a 12-year old girl, while a group claimed the victims were farmers who were massacred during an incident in the boundaries of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur.

Lieutenant Colonel Benedict Harvey Gernale, commanding officer of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion, said the first encounter resulted in the rescue of a minor on June 14 in Sitio Tibog, Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur.

“Our operating troops pursued the withdrawing enemy and captured an NPA combatant (the minor) at the encounter site,” Gernale said, adding that the soldiers eventually turned over the girl to the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office in Prosperidad.

Another encounter, he added, took place the next day in Sitio New Decoy, Diatagon, Lianga which resulted in the death of the rebels, Gernale added.

Those killed were identified as Lenie Perez Rivas, 38; Willy Salinas Rodriguez, 20; and a 12-year old girl.

But the Save Our Schools Network claimed that the girl who was killed during the incident was a student of a school for members of indigenous communities.

In its Facebook post, the group said the incident was reminiscent of the 2015 massacre in Lianga which killed a school director and two leaders of the community.

“According to initial reports from the community, they were six of them who went to the farm to gather abaca when the soldiers opened fire. Three of them manage to escape” said Rius Valle, spokesperson of the group, as posted on the social media platform.

The group also quoted witnesses that soldiers even strafed the victims to show that they tried to fight back. It added that the three even sought the permission of the military so they could go to their farm.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/06/18/military-another-group-argue-over-killing-of-boy-2-others/

Legal battle up vs. CPP-NPA

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 17, 2021): Legal battle up vs. CPP-NPA (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

The Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is stepping up its legal battle against communist rebels in Western Visayas, Army regional spokesman, Maj. Cenon Pancito II, said.

In a conference held at Camp Martin Delgado in Iloilo City, Pancito said that the Joint Focused Legal Action Team of the RTF-ELCAC 6
emphasized that legal battle, with the end state of prescribing the CPP-NPA and their allied groups as terrorists, will degrade their capabilities to conduct terroristic activities in the region.

JFLAT is a legal action team formed by the Legal Cooperation and Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support cluster of the RTF-ELCAC 6 to add teeth to the government’s campaign against the communist-terrorist group, Pancito said.


JFLAT believes that strengthening their legal move will give life to the Anti-Terror Law and help the government win the war on terrorism with minimal loss of lives, he said.

Maj. Gen Eric Vinoya, 3rd Infantry Division commander, encouraged the JFLAT members to always remain a step ahead of the enemies through legal actions.

“Let us continue to surprise the CPP-NPA and its allied organizations with our legal efforts. Let us keep them guessing and when we hit them hard with the long arm of the law, let us ensure that they would not even know what struck them,” Vinoya said in a statement.*

https://news.visayandailystar.com/legal-battle-up-vs-cpp-npa/

Negros Army executive officer gets new post

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 18, 2021): Negros Army executive officer gets new post (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)


Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya (right), 3ID commander, installed Lt. Col. Harold Garcia, former executive officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Murcia, Negros Occidental, as the new commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion in Panay Island*

Lt. Col. Harold Garcia, former executive officer of the 303rd Infantry Brigade in Murcia, Negros Occidental, is now the new commanding officer of the 61st Infantry Battalion in Panay Island.

Garcia replaced Col. Harold Batara, who was designated Civil Military Operations officer of the AFP Central Command in Cebu City, Maj. Cenon Pancito, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, said.

Maj. Gen. Eric Vinoya, 3ID commander, installed Garcia on June 15 as the 61IB commander, in a ceremony held at Camp Monteclaro in Barangay Igtuba, Miagao, Iloilo.

The 61IB used to be assigned in Negros Island.

Vinoya lauded the leadership of Batara, whose unit notably inflicted serious losses to the Southern Front of the Komiteng Rehiyon in Panay.

In recognition of his meritorious service, Batara was awarded a Military Merit Medal, Pancito said.

Vinoya also challenged Garcia to go an extra mile in continuing the productive efforts of his predecessor, and to pursue fresh initiatives to widen the path towards achieving its mission in support to the campaign of the 3ID.*

https://news.visayandailystar.com/negros-army-executive-officer-gets-new-post/

Soldier gets medal for bravery

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 19, 2021): Soldier gets medal for bravery (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)


Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, confers on PFC Kiel Charles Pama a Wounded Personnel Medal at the Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod City Thursday*

An enlisted personnel of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, who was injured during a recent encounter with New People’s Army rebels in Sitio Cunalom, Brgy. Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, was awarded a medal for gallantry on June 17.

Col. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, conferred on PFC Kiel Charles Pama a Wounded Personnel Medal at the Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod City, where he is recuperating.

The encounter claimed the lives of an Army soldier and a suspected NPA member, and led to the recovery of a .45 caliber pistol and seven backpacks. Pursuit operations led to the capture of two other suspected NPA members, and yielded two .45 caliber pistols, Maj. Cenon Pancito II, spokesperson of the 3rd Infantry Division, said.*

https://news.visayandailystar.com/soldier-gets-medal-for-bravery/

Massacre or Encounter? Surigao Bishop to join probe team on killing of 3 Lumads, including 12-year old girl

From MindaNews (Jun 17, 2021): Massacre or Encounter? Surigao Bishop to join probe team on killing of 3 Lumads, including 12-year old girl (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

CAGAYAN DE ORO (MindaNews / 17 June) – Bishop Raul Dael of the Diocese of Tandag in Surigao del Sur will join a provincial investigation team on Friday to look into the June 15 killing of three Lumad farmers, including a 12-year old girl in what the military claimed was an encounter with the New People’s Army (NPA) but what human rights groups decried as a massacre.

Fr. Raymond Montero Ambray, consultant of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Tandag told MindaNews that Bishop Dael and he will join a provincial probe team on Friday, June 18, to investigate the killing in Sitio New Decoy, Barangay Diatagon in Lianga. Ambray said the probe team was initiated by the provincial government.


Bishop Raul Bautista Dael (center) with Archbishops Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro (right) and Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle (left). MindaNews photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

In a statement, the Sabokahan IP women, a grassroots women organization based in Davao, said the three fatalities were Lumad farmers who were out harvesting abaca when they were allegedly “brutally killed and raped” by the soldiers, an allegation that Brig. Gen. Allan Hambala, commander of the Army’s 401st Infantry Brigade, denied.

Hambala claimed that thick jungle foliage in Sitio New Decoy, Barangay Diatagon in Lianga prevented Army soldiers from seeing a 12-year old girl among the NPA during the encounter.

He told MindaNews in a telephone interview that the soldiers saw an armed man firing a gun at them, prompting the 12-man Special Forces team to retaliate.

“Once the firing started, it was all go. The terrain was covered with thick jungle foliage,” he said, adding the encounter at a jungle trail beside an old logging road lasted for ten minutes.

It was while searching the area after the shootout when the soldiers found the dead minor, he said.

Hambala said the bodies were brought down to Diatagon, Lianga town where they were autopsied by a PNP SOCO team.

The military identified the victims as Lenie Perez Rivas, 38 years old; and Willy Salinas Rodriguez, 20 years old, both members of the Manobo tribe.

Hambala withheld the name of the slain minor. But Sabokahan IP women and Karapatan named the 12-year-old as a student of the Lumad school Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS).

Harvesting abaca

They said the elder Rivas and Rodriguez were members of the grassroots organization Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU).

The Sabokahan IP women alleged that the three Lumads were farmers who were harvesting abaca.

In a statement, the Save Our Schools (SOS) said the three victims were cousins. It said Lenie Rivas was 21 and Rodriguez was their cousin. The elder Rivas and the 12-year old were sisters.

The SOS said the victims’ aunt was informed by witnesses that the victims, “with three other young farmers, took a break from harvesting or stripping abaca, went down to the poblacion intending to buy rice when they came across the military who without warning opened fire on them, killing the three while the other three ran for their safety.”

It said the families of the victims learned about the incident at around 10 p.m. “after soldiers presented to them the lifeless body of Angel, wrapped in plastic and tape. Soldiers said they were pursuing a New People’s Army fighter and a gunfight ensued.” The bodies of the elder Rivas and Rodriguez were allegedly found in a separate location, the SOS said.

Hambala welcomed the probe team, particularly the presence of the Bishop of Tandag. “We welcome the fact finding mission so we can clear our name against these allegations,” he said.

He insisted that the June 15 encounter was “legitimate” and that the soldiers fought with members of the NPA, the two older fatalities allegedly belonging to the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Hambala said the soldiers found an AK-47 rifle, two caliber .45 pistols, backpacks, ammunition and two anti-personnel mines with detonating cord and electrical wire attached to a switch around the three dead bodies.

Prior to the June 15 encounter, Hambala said the Special Forces team figured in another encounter with 20 NPA rebels in Sitio Tibog, Mabuhay, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur on June 14.

Hambala said the soldiers captured a 15-year-old Manobo minor who told them of the presence of another rebel group in nearby Sitio New Decoy. (Froilan Gallardo / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/06/massacre-or-encounter-surigao-bishop-to-join-probe-team-on-killing-of-3-lumads-including-12-year-old-girl/

NPA used ‘child warriors’, APMs in Surigao clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 16, 2021): NPA used ‘child warriors’, APMs in Surigao clash



BANNED MINES. Several firearms and anti-personnel mines were recovered after a firefight between the government forces and communist terrorist group New People’s Army in Sito New Decoy, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao Del Sur on June 15, 2021. Three NPA fighters, including a minor, were killed. (Contributed photo)

The New People’s Army (NPA) continues to use “child warriors” and anti-personnel mines (APM) -- two items that are strictly prohibited under International Humanitarian Law (IHL) -- in its deadly pursuit of establishing a communist government in the Philippines.

This was recently discovered after two separate clashes in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, where one minor was captured and three NPA combatants were killed. Also, a cache of firearms and explosives as well as other items used for bomb-making were recovered from the encounter sites.

The first encounter happened in Barangay Mabuhay, Prosperidad town on June 14 when elements of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion of the 401st Infantry Brigade, while conducting combat operations, chanced upon a group of around 10 communist terrorists.

The firefight resulted in the capture of a young female minor who goes by the alias “Cindy”, 10 backpacks, three cellular phones and APM components.


The rescued minor is in the process of being turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Official reports indicated that “Cindy” revealed to government troops the location of their guerilla base, prompting the second firefight that occurred the following day, June 15, in Sito New Decoy, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.



Teams of Army Special Forces were sent out to information given by “Cindy” and while en route to the guerilla base, they were fired upon by a still undetermined number of CTGs who even detonated at least one APM. A ten-minute firefight ensued.

The Lianga clash resulted in the killing of three NPA fighters, including two females, one of them a minor. Likewise, several firearms, APMs, and bomb components were recovered. The seized items include an AK 47 assault rifle; two .45 caliber pistols; two bandoliers for AK 47s; one claymore mine; two blasting caps; three anti-personnel mines; four magazines for AK-47; four magazines for M16 rifles with ammunitions; 25 meters electrical wire; 25 meters detonating cord; one firing device; and two backpacks.


The operating troops then brought the cadavers of the slain communist terrorists to Sitio Manluy-a, also in Lianga.

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/1143972

Int’l, local laws ban APMs: AFP official

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2021): Int’l, local laws ban APMs: AFP official (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, Director of Armed Forces of the AFP Center for Law of Armed Conflict (Screengrab)

Due to its indiscriminate nature, the use, production, and transport of anti-personnel mines (APMs) and other similar weapons, have been banned by international and local laws.

This, according to Armed Forces of the Philippines Center for Law of Armed Conflict (AFPCLOAC) director, Brig. Gen. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, during the "Tagged: Debunking Lies by Telling the Truth" episode on June 14.

"So we have several international laws and we have also our local law that relates to the use, production, transport, or management of the APMs. So basically under the 1980 UN Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, it was discussed that there should be a limit to the use of these weapons in warfare that’s why they have laws of warfare. And in 1996 under Amended Protocol II, there’s a limit to the use of indiscriminate—or the use of landmines because of its indiscriminate damage caused to the persons being subjected to this type of warfare," he said.

Amended Protocol II strengthened existing rules on the use of mines, booby traps and other devices, he added.

Nacnac said there is also the Ottawa Convention of 1997 or the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty that prohibits the use, stockpiling, production and transfer of APMs and their destruction.

"Pag sinabi po kasing APM, ang target po nito iyong tao, hindi po iyong armored vehicle or ibang vehicles po ‘no or ibang items (When you say APMs, the intended target are people, not armored vehicle, or any other type of vehicles or other items). It's directed towards a person. And according to this treaty which the Philippines is a signatory and the whole international community, (this is) of course (prohibited)," he added.

Republic Act 9851

In the Philippines, Nacnac said legislators passed Republic Act 9851 (An Act Defining and penalizing Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity, Organizing Jurisdiction, Designating Special Courts and for Related Purposes) in 2009.

One of the provisions of Section 4 of Republic Act 9851 is that combatants are prohibited from using APMs as it can cause "superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering or which are inherently indiscriminate", he added.

"Unahin ko pong i-explain iyong ‘superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering'. Iyon po kasing landmine, hindi po nasisiguro kung ano pong parte ng katawan ang tatamaan ng landmine; puwede pong mawalan ng ulo, mawalan ng kalahati ng katawan ang isang target ng landmine. At bakit naman po ito ‘inherently indiscriminate’? Katulad nga po iyong nangyari diyan sa Masbate na kahit civilian puwede hong tamaan. Hindi ho ito puwedeng—iyong APM po kasi ay puwedeng makatama ng military, civilian or sino pa man nandoon sa direksiyon ng kaniyang tina-target (Let me explain first what is 'superfluous injury or unnecessary suffering'. When landmines (APMs) are used, we are not sure what part of the human body the shrapnel will hit, the victim can lose his head, could lose half his body. And why 'inherently indiscriminate'? Like what happened in Masbate, even civilians can be hit - APMs can hit military or civilians or anyone in the direction it is targeting)," Nacnac said.

He was referring to the June 6 APM attack of the New People's Army (NPA) on a group of civilians, resulting in the instant deaths of Far Eastern University football players Kieth Absalon, 21, and his 40-year-old cousin Nolven in Barangay Anas, Masbate City.

Nolven’s 16-year-old son sustained injuries.

Under Section 10 of Republic Act 9851, Nacnac said, “a superior shall be criminally responsible as a principal for such crimes committed by subordinates under his/her effective command and control, or effective authority and control as the case may be".

This does not refer only to APMs use but other violations included in Republic Act 9851.

This is especially if the superior knew his subordinates will use such a destructive and indiscriminate weapon and failed to take all necessary and responsible measures.

The AFP earlier said the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA is behind a total of 141 incidents of use, stockpiling, transport, and production of anti-personnel mines or landmines from 2010 to 2020 which have so far caused 224 casualties.

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/1143975

Parlade wants youth to inherit peaceful PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2021): Parlade wants youth to inherit peaceful PH (By Lade Jean Kabagani)



Lt. General Antonio Parlade, Jr., Southern Luzon Command chief (Screengrab)

A ranking military official, who is nearing retirement, expressed hope to see a peaceful Philippines for the youth, many of them lost their lives and future to communist terrorism.

"Gusto kong manahin ng ating mga kabataan ang isang tahimik at mapayapang Pilipinas (I want our youth to inherit a harmonious and peaceful Philippines)," said Lt. General Antonio G. Parlade, Jr., Southern Luzon Command chief.

Parlade, in a recent video message, lamented that many young people have been victims of communist terrorist groups' (CTGs) atrocities.

"Ang dami na nating mga kabataan na nag suffer dito sa insurgency na ito (We have a lot of youth have suffered from this insurgency)," said Parlade, who also spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Among them, he said, is 21-year old Far Eastern University football varsity player Keith Absalon, who along with his cousin Nolven, 40, died after New People’s Army (NPA) rebels detonated an anti-personnel mine (APM) and shot in Masbate on June 6.

"Kieth actually begged for his life, pero hindi siya pinatawad ng NPA kaya siya's pinutukan sa ulo (but the NPA did not listen to him and shot him in the head)," Parlade said, adding that Nolven, raising his arms to plead for his life, was also shot to death.

In an earlier press conference, he said Absalons’ companions confirmed that the fatalities were killed, not only because of the APM blast but by the assault.

Parlade, in his visit during the wake of Kieth and Nolven last week, assured the Absalon family that the government will give justice for the senseless killings.

“Magtiwala po kayo sa amin at ito ay tatapusin namin,” he told Kieth’s mother, Vilma.

The recent use of APMs in Masbate is the seventh mine blast incident since January this year.

The use of APMs is a violation of the International Humanitarian Law and the 1997 Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention adopted by the international community, prohibiting the acquisition, production, stockpiling, and use of weapons.

"It took a Kieth, a popular football star, to remind us that these incidents happen. Sana ito ay maging awakening ng ating mga kababayan (I hope this will serve as an awakening for our fellow countrymen)," he said.

In the wake of a series of violent attacks, Parlade said the government is open for localized peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines – NPA – National Democratic Front.

"Bukas ang aming pinto para sa usaping pangkapayapaan para makamtan natin ang katahimikan (Our door is open for peace talks so we can achieve tranquility)," Parlade said.

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/1143977

Gov't won’t give in to Reds' blackmail for peace tactics

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2021): Gov't won’t give in to Reds' blackmail for peace tactics (By Priam Nepomuceno)



National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. (PNA File photo)

The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) uses anti-personnel mines (APMs) to force and blackmail the government to restart peace negotiations with them, a top government security official said.

"They want to get it, blackmail us and probably plant more, ang dami-dami nilang ginagawang landmines. Ibig nilang sabihin, dapat tayong matakot diyan, makipag-peace talks na lang tayo. Eh talagang pissed off tayo, napi-pissed off tayo sa peace talks nila (They are making a lot of landmines (APM), so for them, it means we must get scared so that we will be forced to talk peace with them. But we are really pissed off, we got pissed off with their idea of peace talks),"
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said during the June 14 episode of "Tagged: Debunking Lies by Telling the Truth".


With President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s permanent termination of the peace negotiations with the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) in March 2019, Esperon said communist terrorist groups are resorting to blackmail the government via their indiscriminate use of APMs.

"And kung ang balak nila ay i-blackmail tayo, na akala nila ay hindi natin kayang ipagtanggol ang ating mga kababayan, nagkakamali sila. Dahil ang Armed Forces at saka PNP, hindi lang sila magtatanggol sa ating mga kababayan kung hindi kasama natin ang ating mga kababayan upang bigyan ang sarili nila ng proteksyon laban sa mga karumal-dumal na ginagawang komunistang teroristang ito (And if their planning to blackmail us, and if they think that we cannot defend our countrymen, then they are wrong because the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police are not only defending our fellow Filipinos, but are joined by our countrymen in the effort to protect themselves against the atrocities committed by the communist terrorists)," said Esperon, who is also vice-chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

He added that the CPP-NPA stage terrorist acts to bluff and compel the government to engage into their kind of peace talks.

"Parang napakasama ng intent tapos hindi naman talaga peace talks ang gusto nilang mangyari (their intentions are not good, they do not really want peace talks). They really wanted a coalition government)," he said.

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.

Being on the receiving end of APM attacks during his long military career, Esperon said he is supportive of all calls to remove this kind of weapon from use, once and for all.

"And I join the community, the relatives of Kieth and Nolven, and all of us Filipinos to join hands and condemn this. Condemn the act, condemn the actors, the perpetrators," he added.

Esperon was referring to the June 6 APM attack of NPA rebels on a group of civilians, resulting in the instant deaths of Far Eastern University football players Kieth Absalon, 21, and his 40-year-old cousin Nolven in Barangay Anas, Masbate City. Nolven’s 16-year-old son sustained injuries.

He scored members of militant groups for condemning the APM attack against the Absalon but not the perpetrators.

"They are condemning the act, but they would not condemn the actors or the perpetrators. Is there any imaginable detachment between the act and the actor, the perpetrator? Para bang panloloko yata iyan ah. Paano naman magagawa iyong act na walang gumawa? (it seems that they are fooling us. How can the act be achieved or done without someone doing it)," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1143978

PNP probes links of arrested big-time ‘gunrunner’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2021): PNP probes links of arrested big-time ‘gunrunner’ (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



ARMS HAUL. High-powered firearms seized from big-time gunrunner John Christian Bautista are presented at the Northern Police District on Wednesday (June 16, 2021). PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has ordered a probe to determine whether Bautista is part of a gunrunning syndicate. (Photo courtesy of PNP)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered a deeper probe on the suspect who yielded several high-powered firearms and ammunition in an operation in Pasay City earlier this week.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Thursday said this is to determine whether suspect John Christian Bautista, who was arrested by Northern Police District (NPD) operatives in an entrapment operation in Pasay City on Tuesday, is part of a gunrunning syndicate.

“If he is part of a group, we have to track down the other members. Northern Police District (NPD) investigators are also looking into the possible recipients of the high-powered firearms seized from the suspect. Kailangan malaman ng ating mga imbestigador ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga customers nitong suspek (Our investigators need to know the identities of this suspect’s customers),” Eleazar said in a statement.

Reports said Bautista, a resident of Imus, Cavite has long been involved in gunrunning activities in Metro Manila, Region 4-A, and other adjacent provinces.

“Hindi biro ang taas ng kalibre ng mga baril na ibinebenta ng suspek. Baka sa mga sindikato o mga kriminal niya ito inilalako (The high-powered guns sold by the suspect cannot be treated as a joke. He might be selling these to syndicates or criminals),” Eleazar said.

He added that investigators are also looking into how the suspect acquired the high-powered guns and was able to sell them online without raising alarms.

“Our investigators are also piecing together the system Bautista has been using to evade detection of his gunrunning activities. He has been in business for over three years,” he said.

He added that investigation further showed that these firearms were delivered through courier service.

"Aalamin natin kung paano ito nakalusot nang hindi nalalaman ng courier service na kontrabando ang idine-deliver nito. (We will find out how it got through without the courier service knowing that the contraband was being delivered),” Eleazar said.

He reminded courier service providers to be wary of items they are delivering and make sure that the packages do not contain illegal items.

The operation that led to Bautista's arrest stemmed from information received by the NPD's Special Operations Unit (SOU) from a concerned citizen regarding a Facebook chat group where there is an ongoing transaction or sale of firearms from among its members who are gun enthusiasts.

After pretending as an interested buyer, a member of the SOU was able to connect with the suspect.

Upon validation of the suspect's activities, the transaction for the sale of firearms was finalized and they agreed to meet up at a gas station along Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Recovered from the suspect were a Thompson submachine gun .45 caliber M1 with serial number 175291 with one magazine; MGV 176 .22 caliber LR with serial number 3037; STI 9mm with serial number KF 11205; a Cobra Special .38 caliber with no serial number; a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson with serial number NEH 8367 and a .45 caliber Colt with serial number 38720.

The DSOU operatives were able to establish contact with the wife of the suspect and were informed about the arrest of her husband.

She said she is willing to surrender the remaining firearms kept by her husband at their residence.

The SOU operatives proceeded to the suspect's residence to facilitate the surrender of the firearms which was witnessed by a village official.

The surrendered firearms include a Shotgun Mossberg T with serial number 851464; an MA Carbine 5.56 caliber with serial number 123561; a US Carbine with defaced serial number; a .22 TCM rifle with serial number TR008777; a sniper rifle with defaced serial number; a performance SRT-SW with defaced serial number; a Taurus with serial number NDX 91540, and an assorted box of ammunition and magazines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144010

NPA rebels view IPs as ‘worthless’: Badoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17, 2021): NPA rebels view IPs as ‘worthless’: Badoy



Communist rebels view indigenous peoples (IPs) as “expendable” and “worthless”, a National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson said Thursday.

This, as Undersecretary Lorraine Marie T. Badoy
condemned the recruitment of helpless and hapless IPs into the New People's Army (NPA)

Reports showed that a clash between the NPA and government troops in Surigao del Sur province last June 15 left three NPA rebels dead, including a minor, all belonging to the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA, an armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

Karapatan group, however, claimed the three killed were IPs from the Manobo tribe who were merely tagged as NPA members.

“When the smoke cleared, three NPAs lay lifeless – one male, two females, one of them a 12- year-old girl. All of them indigenous! One of them, a student of one of the Save Our Schools terrorist training camps – Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS). This is how these communist terrorist bastards view our indigenous peoples: expendable, worthless,” Badoy said in a press statement.

Badoy blamed NPA rebels for making a “living hell” out of resourceless people who live in geographically isolated and disadvantaged area (GIDAs).


She also mocked efforts made by front organizations of the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) for extolling the three victims as “martyrs”.

“And now the CPP-NPA-NDF front, Save Our Schools Network, and the high ranking CPP-NPA-NDF operative in Congress, Sarah Elago, have gone to town peddling their stale old lies of indigenous peoples being killed - and even raped- by the AFP. They have extolled the three as martyrs. Classic CPP-NPA-NDF kawalanghiyaan: walang tapon (Classic CPP-NPA-NDF indecency),” she said.

‘Terrorist training camps’

According to Badoy, the child-focused non-government organization (NGO) Save Our Schools Network is as actually “terrorist training camps that camouflage as schools”.

“Under the Save Our Schools Network are these terrorist training camps from hell: Salugpungan, ALCADEV (Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, Inc.), MISFI (Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc), TRIFPSS (Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur), CTCSM (Community Technical College of Southeastern Mindanao) that have brought so much grief and suffering on our indigenous peoples because they were deceived into thinking their children were getting a free education,” she said.

Students, she added, were taught lessons in going on “full-out war against government” and “how to be a violent extremist fully capable of killing fellow Filipinos.”

“All over the Philippines- more so in Mindanao- this passion play of pain has played out for decades,” she said. “To this day, countless indigenous children remain missing. And this has turned the simple paradise of our indigenous brothers and sisters a living hell.”

Badoy called for support in the government’s anti-insurgency efforts, stressing that it was the only way to prevent more IPs from suffering heinous crimes under the NPA.

“Bago natin mababago ang isang bagay, kailangan natin malaman ang katotohanan. Tuldukan na natin itong kawalanghiyaan ng mga komunistang teroristang ito (Before we change something, we need to know the truth. Let us put an end to these indecencies committed by communist terrorists),” she said.

She, meanwhile, expressed hope that Filipinos would cooperate in the government's whole-of-nation approach to end communist armed conflict.

“Walang kalaban laban ang mga kapatid nating katutubo bago umupo ang Pangulong Duterte. Ngayon may laban na sila (Our indigenous brothers and sisters used to be no match before President Duterte sat as President. Now, they have a fighting chance),” she added.

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/1144097

SOS, Reds spreading baseless info vs. gov’t: IP leaders

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2021): SOS, Reds spreading baseless info vs. gov’t: IP leaders (By Alexander Lopez)



Manobo tribe members in Lianga town, Surigao del Sur pay tribute to Datu Hawudon Jumar Bucales, IP Mandatory Representative of LiangaI in this October 31, 2020 photo. Bucales was killed by New People's Army guerrillas on Oct. 4 last year. (EastMinCom photo)

Indigenous peoples (IP) leaders in Surigao del Sur, particularly in Lianga town urged the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and militant organizations to stop their lies and respect the IP justice system which part of the self-governance mechanisms existing in their communities.

The IP leaders made the call after the Save Our School (SOS) Network and communist-linked groups accused the military of killing three IP members, one of whom was a minor, in a clash between government forces and NPA rebels Sitio New Decoy, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga town on June 15.

“They are so fast in spreading information that is baseless. The SOS has been spreading this kind of information to sow hatred against the government,” said Datu Constancio Duhac, the Municipal Tribal Chieftain of Lianga, in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Friday.

Lianga told the SOS and other militant groups to stop manipulating the issue and allow the justice system of the Manobo tribe to resolve the issues.

“It is easy for the SOS to throw accusations. This is what they have been doing ever since, to deceive the people through their posts on Facebook,” Duhac said.


He said the families of the NPA rebels who perished during the encounter have already agreed to process and investigate the issues surrounding the incident through the customary laws and justice system of the tribe.

Duhac added that meetings with the families, which were facilitated by the tribal council of Lianga, were held on June 16 and 17.

During the meetings, all the parties agreed that the investigation must be based on the customary laws and the justice system of the Manobo tribe.

He said the government and the military already provided the families with the support they need especially during the wake and burial of the victims.

“The families themselves requested support from the government especially during the time of their mourning,” he said.

Militant groups’ own interests, agenda

The agreement during the meetings was also confirmed by Datu Alexander Bucales, the Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR) of Lianga.

“The IPMR in Lianga and Surigao del Sur joined the meetings, including the representatives from the National Commission on Indigenous People in the province,” Bucales said in a separate interview Friday.

He criticized the SOS and other groups for using the issue to advance their own interests and agenda.

“The SOS and other leftist groups must stop using the issue. Their only aim is to advance their own agenda and interests. Allow the justice system of the Manobo tribe to take its course to resolve all the issues and concerns,” Bucales said.

He added that the SOS and other left-leaning groups have been, for years, discrediting the existing tribal councils and the recognized IPMRs in Surigao del Sur, particularly in Lianga.

“Six barangays in Lianga already have recognized IPMRs in their councils. The SOS and other communists groups are making efforts for years to destroy these existing systems in our barangays,” he said.

He added that the military and other concerned groups have adhered to the agreement and assured respect to the customary laws and justice system of the tribe.

Bucales said the SOS and the other leftist groups must also respect and follow what the families and the IP leaders have agreed.

Both Duhac and Bucales expressed optimism the justice system of the tribe will resolve all the issues and concerns related to the recent encounter between the military and the NPA in the area.

NPA recruitment killing IP youths

Both IP leaders lamented the persisting recruitment of the NPA among the tribal members in Surigao del Sur, particularly the youth.

Duhac said the continuing NPA recruitment serves as “insurance of death for our youth and communities.”

“These young generation of IPs are the future of our communities. As the NPA recruit them to fight and overthrow the government, their deaths are certain, so as the future of our communities,” he added.

He believes the minor killed during the June 15 encounter was a recruit of the NPA rebels.


“The NPA recruitment continues, especially in remote IP villages. The rebels exploit the lack of education among our youths and their economic life conditions,” Duhac said.

He recalled that in 2017, his grandson, a minor, was recruited by the rebels and was killed in an encounter.

“It’s painful to see our children fall to the deceptions of the NPA and eventually die in the battlefields, abandoned by their leaders,” Duhac said.

Disregard for IP rights

Bucales condemned the NPA for disregarding the rights of the IPs in Lianga.

“The NPA recruitment continues especially in the hinterlands of Lianga and the neighboring towns in Surigao del Sur. We are fighting to stop it,”
he said.

Bucales is the younger brother of Datu Jumar, the late IPMR of Lianga who was waylaid and killed by the NPA guerrillas in October last year.


His late brother, he said, offered his life to protect the IP communities in Lianga against the exploitation, recruitment, and deceptions of the NPA.

“We are working with the different line agencies, the local government, and the Army to stop this recruitment to save our children. But despite these efforts, the NPA rebels manage to intrude into our communities and poison the minds of our children,” Bucales said.

NPA, top lawbreaker

Duhac said the NPA is a noted violator of the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and local law that govern the IP communities, particularly the Indigenous People Rights Act (IPRA).

“Recruitment of minors and using them in war are violations of the IHL. Entry into our ancestral domains without going through processes violates the provisions of the IPRA law. The NPA rebels have been violating these laws for many years,”
Duhac said.


He added that NPA rebels have been frequenting IP communities inside the ancestral lands conducting recruitment, harassment, and killing of IPs.

Helpless IPs

“There’s nothing our people can do once the NPA rebels encroach in our ancestral lands, disregarding our laws. They are fully armed. Our leaders and ordinary members who question their disrespect are executed,” Duhac said.

Bucales said the IPMR in Lianga and members of the tribal council continue to condemn the NPA for the countless violations and atrocities they committed against the Manobo tribe in the area.

“We are also asking the government to continue to support the IPMRs and the council members. Support is also needed in our communities, especially in the remote areas to protect our people from the NPA rebels,” he said.

Continued threats

Duhac and Bucales admitted that their lives are continuously threatened by NPA rebels.

“The NPA rebels said that I am more hard-headed compared to my late brother Datu Jumar,” he said.

Standing firm amidst the threats is the only option left, Bucales said, as he needs to continue the advocacies of his late brother in protecting the IP communities of Lianga from the NPA.

“The threats from the rebels never stopped. These threats are directed to me and the other members of the tribal council of Lianga,” Duhac said.

Despite the threats, the tribal council must continue their tasks because being defeated by fear would mean further destruction of more IP communities from the hands of the rebels, he added.

The Communist Party of the Philippines - 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/1144220

IP leader says Reds real human rights violatiors

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19, 2021): IP leader says Reds real human rights violatiors (By Che Palicte)



The Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council of Elders and Leaders (MIPCEL) warned its fellow IP members on Saturday not to fall victim to the recruitment of the so-called bakwit (evacuee) schools and their affiliates run by communist terrorist groups (CTGs), particularly the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

In a statement, Datu Lipatuan Joel Unad, chairperson of MIPCEL, condemned the CPP-NPA-NDF as the real human rights and international humanitarian law violators.

“For had they not organized these Malahutayong Pakigbisog Alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) and schools like Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur (TRIFPSS), there would be no IP youths recruited by the NPA,” he said.

He cited an encounter on June 16, 2021 that resulted in the death of three Manobo tribe members, one of them a 12-year-old girl in Surigao del Sur, a student of TRIFPSS.

Unad said the continuous recruitment of the Manobo youth in Liangga, Surigao del Sur resulted in the demise of IP communities.


It was also the same area where Jevilyn (alias Ka Reb), the daughter of Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Eufemia Cullamat and a former pupil of TRIFPSS, died in an encounter with the military in November last year.

“This is not an extraordinary case that a 12-year-old recruited in the NPA from among the ranks of a student from TRIFPSS. We had always warned that the radicalization of IP children who were pupils of the TRIFPSS will ultimately result in recruitment to the NPA,” he added.

“We are therefore echoing our call and warning for the IPs of Mindanao to expose and oppose these organizations under KALUMARAN (Kusog sa Katawhang Lumad sa Mindanao), MAPASU, and training camps like TRIFPSS. They support and advance the armed revolution that had caused so much suffering to the IPs in Mindanao,” he said.

MAPASU is an organization under KASALO (Kahugpungan sa Lomadnong Organisasyon sa Caraga), organized and led by the CTGs under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee and its underground mass organization is the Rebolusyonaryong Organisadong Lumad, a member organization of NDF, Unad said.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144263

NPA destroys Surigao Norte prawn farm after failed extortion

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 20, 2021): NPA destroys Surigao Norte prawn farm after failed extortion (By Alexander Lopez)



Malimono, Surigao del Norte (File photo)

The refusal to give in to the extortion demand of the New People’s Army (NPA) was the reason behind the destruction of a prawn farm in Malimono, Surigao del Norte.

In a statement issued Sunday, Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office chief Col. Noel Espinosa said some PHP8.5-million worth of cultured prawns were destroyed when NPA rebels opened the water gates of a prawn farm on Saturday in Purok 1, Barangay Pili.

Espinosa said the culprits were the members of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda 16B of Guerrilla Front 16 of the NPA’s North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

“The NPA rebels who destroyed the prawn farm were led by Gela Ybañez or alias Zanjo or Weng,” Espinosa revealed. “Refusal to give in to the CTGs’ (communist terrorist groups) extortion demand is the possible motive of this attack.”


The still undetermined number of NPA insurgents took a worker to the prawn pond and ordered the opening of water gates of at least five ponds.

They headed towards a mountainous portion of Barangay Pili after seeing the destruction.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., the Police Regional Office-Caraga director, said in a separate statement they are already pursuing the rebels.

He said the destruction of the farm was another desperate move following the series of surrender of their former members and supporters.

He also reminded business operators in the Caraga Region not to give in to extortion demands.

“Giving any amount of money or providing any kind of support will further escalate the terroristic activities of the NPA insurgents, including the killings of innocent civilians and the destruction of properties,” he stated.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1144297