Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 06/26/21

Saturday, June 26, 2021

Kalinaw News: JTF Bicolandia Predicts Defeat of Communist Insurgency as Roll-out of Dev’t Projects Continues in Bicol

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jun 26, 2021): JTF Bicolandia Predicts Defeat of Communist Insurgency as Roll-out of Dev’t Projects Continues in Bicol

Construction of local access road projects and launching of support to Barangay Development Program perceived to help defeat Communist Insurgency in Sorsogon.

FULL STORY: https://qoo.ly/3cv6q7
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CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-As proof of the government’s unstoppable campaign to end insurgency, attain lasting peace and sustainable development, groundbreaking ceremonies of two projects and launching of Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) in Casiguran, Sorsogon was held on Thursday, June 24.

The construction of local access road projects in Barangay Sta. Cruz and San Pascual are under the SDBP of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

National Security Adviser and NTF-ELCAC Sec. Hermogenes Esperon who personally attended the event stressed that more than a hundred of developmental projects are expected to be implemented in Bicol, especially that 49 Barangays that were once affected by insurgency will receive Barangay Development Projects (BDP) fund amounting to P20 million each.

A “Harong Paglaom” (House of Hope) in Juban town was also inaugurated as part of the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (RTF ELCAC) commitment to provide temporary comfortable living spaces for the Former Rebels (FRs) who returned to the folds of the law.

Harong Paglaom is a half-way house intended for former rebels who are undergoing the process of reintegration to the society and waiting for their benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB), an active member of RTF-ELCAC, emphasized that these developments speak of the continuous success of the government’s thrust to negate the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) and eventually wipe out communist insurgency.

“Ang mga aktibidad na ito at mga proyektong ating sunod-sunod na inilulunsad ay mga malinaw na patunay ng ating tagumpay. We are winning this fight against insurgency, nothing and no one can debunk this truth. Aside from Sorsogon, Masbate is also showing a great leap in terms of peace initiatives as Masbateños continue to join hands against the CTG. However, this is only the beginning. We, in the Army, together with the whole RTF-ELCAC and the Bicolanos will continue to go an extra mile to secure the future of the next generation and ensure that they will be living in a progressive and armed conflict-free region,” MGen. Robinson said.

On the same day, a 2-day Support to Barangay Development Program Roadshow, service caravan and Barangayan in Casiguran town came to a close.

Hundreds of residents received various services offered by the members of the RTF-ELCAC including JTF Bicolandia.

The Department of Health (DOH) also administered COVID-19 vaccines to A3 priority groups or those people with comorbidities.

Present during the said series of events were Deputy Dir. Gen. Vicente Agdamag of National Security Council (NSC); Gov. Francis Joseph Escudero; MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of JTF Bicolandia; PBGEN JONNEL ESTOMO, Regional Director, PRO-5; COL ALDWINE ALMASE, Brigade Commander, 903rd Infantry Brigade; and COL JAIME ABAWAG JR, Brigade Commander, 902nd Infantry Brigade.

[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/jtf-bicolandia-predicts-defeat-of-communist-insurgency-as-roll-out-of-devt-projects-continues-in-bicol/

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Kalinaw News: Two NPA's apprehended following the serving of warrant of arrests in San Pablo, Laguna

Posted to the Kalinaw News Facebook Page (Jun 26, 2021): Two NPA's apprehended following the serving of warrant of arrests in San Pablo, Laguna

Two NPA's apprehended following the serving of warrant of arrests in San Pablo, Laguna
FULL STORY: https://qoo.ly/3cv6hq

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CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal – Two communist NPA terrorists were apprehended following the serving of warrants of arrest by joint AFP-PNP forces in San Pablo, Laguna on Friday, June 25.

According to Brigadier General Alex S Rillera, Commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, soldiers and police served warrants of arrest for Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention with Criminal Case #19-8500 filed at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 63 in Calauag, Quezon Province and issued by Presiding Judge Manuel G. Salumbides and Rebellion with Criminal Case No. 2943-1 filed at the Regional Trial Court, Branch 65 in Infanta, Quezon and issued by Executive Judge Arnelo C. Mesa to Christian Relao alias Adan and Danna Mae Marcellana alias Isay, both key personalities belonging from Platun Reymark of the Sub-Regional Military Area 4B at Barangay San Diego in San Pablo City.

The people’s soldiers remain committed to working with our counterparts to ensure these communist terrorists answer to the law,” said Rillera. The 2ID leadership is one with the PNP and other members of the security sector in implementing the law and securing the communities from the harms of insurgency.

The Division acknowledges the steadfast efforts of the troops and their unity in the fight to find and finish the few remaining communist terrorists to deliver the country and peace.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/afp-pnp-nabs-2-cnts-in-laguna/

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CARAGA cops ordered to step up pursuit, legal offensive vs Reds in Surigao Sur construction site attack

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 26, 2021): CARAGA cops ordered to step up pursuit, legal offensive vs Reds in Surigao Sur construction site attack (By Aaron Recuenco)

Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered on Saturday, June 26, an intensified pursuit and legal offensive against the communist rebels behind the attack on a construction site in Surigao del Sur which resulted in the death of a civilian caretaker and the wounding of two other employees.

“Again these communist rebels attacked non-combatants and another innocent life was lost, Eldrin Daraman, because of their atrocity. This is a proof that they were lying when they said that their attack in Masbate City which killed a college football player was not intentional,” said Eleazar.

Based on the report, more than 20 communist rebels stormed the construction site in Purok 2, Barangay Zone 2, in Lanuza and torched the equipment. They eventually killed Daraman and the incident also resulted in the wounding of two other civilians present in the area.

It was reportedly the members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee-Guerrilla Front 30 that attacked the area.

The attack was reportedly triggered by the construction firm’s refusal to pay revolutionary taxes.

The rebels also engaged responding elements of the Lanuza Municipal Police Station, the Surigao del Sur 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the 36th Infantry Battalion in a brief firefight before fleeing.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/06/26/caraga-cops-ordered-to-step-up-pursuit-legal-offensive-vs-reds-in-surigao-sur-construction-site-attack/

‘Crazy’ NPA amazon nabbed in Cagayan

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 25, 2021): ‘Crazy’ NPA amazon nabbed in Cagayan (By Liezle Basa Iñigo)

ALLACAPAN, Cagayan – Police arrested a New People’s Army (NPA) amazon who pretended to be mentally ill to be able to pass a checkpoint here Wednesday.

Police Lt. Col. Andree Abella, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO 2), identified the arrested NPA as alias “Gian,” of Barsat West, Baggao, this province.

Gian was identified through the help a former NPA guerilla who said Gian was with the movement operating in the mountains of Flora, Apayao 16 years ago.

The former NPA rebel also said that Gian taught illiterate NPA rebels in March 2005 in Flora.

Gian is already in the custody of the police here and is undergoing thorough interrogation.

PRO 2 chief Police Brig. Gen. Crizaldo Nieves called on the public, especially law enforcement, to be alert for communist rebels like Gian who pretend to be someone to be able to gather information against the government.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/25/crazy-npa-amazon-nabbed-in-cagayan/

5 men nabbed for guns, ‘shabu’ possession in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2021): 5 men nabbed for guns, ‘shabu’ possession in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

SEIZED. The illegal firearms and suspected shabu drug materials (inset) confiscated from five men in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Friday (June 25, 2021). Concerned villagers tipped military and police authorities regarding the presence of the suspected lawless group in the barangay. (Photos courtesy of 33IB)

Army troopers apprehended five men for possession of unlicensed high-powered guns and illegal drugs in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Friday afternoon.

Lt. Col. Benjamin Cadiente Jr., commander of the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion, said in a report Saturday the five were caught in a joint operation carried out by his unit, the Army’s 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and local police.

Cadiente identified the suspects as Benjar Rajahpandalat, Datu Pong Mohammad, Pogi Abdullah, Theng Kiladan, and Sajid Nanding.

The operation was carried out after receiving a tip from concerned citizens about the suspects’ possession of guns and drugs proceeding to Barangay Tukanalipao, the site of the 2015 Mamasapano encounter that killed 44 members of the police’s Special Action Force in the municipality.

“They were on board a black Toyota Hilux with plate number DAJ 9972 and one blue XRM with license plate MC 3669 LK when intercepted by government forces at past 2 p.m.,” he said.

Seized from the suspects were one Bushmaster M16 rifle, two .45-caliber pistols, less than 1 gram of suspected shabu with an estimated street value of PHP5,000, several sets of shabu drug paraphernalia, assorted firearm clips, and ammunition.

“The intensified intelligence operations of our troops in close coordination with the police contributed to the successful apprehension of these personalities,” Cadiente said.

Government forces also recently neutralized three radicals from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for possession of loose firearms and shabu and other illegal drugs in nearby Barangay Linantangan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha town.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145051

Daughter of Jolo suicide bombers rescued by army

Posted to the Daily Express (Jun 26, 2021): Daughter of Jolo suicide bombers rescued by army

The daughter of suicide bombers behind the Jan. 2019 attack on a cathedral in Jolo has been rescued during a Philippine military operation. (Reuters)MANILA: Philippine security forces have rescued the daughter of suicide bombers from the militant Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

The girl’s parents were Indonesian nationals 35-year-old Rullie Rian Zeke and his 32-year-old wife Ulfah Handayani Saleh. They were behind the Jan. 2019 attack on a cathedral in the southern island of Jolo that killed 23 people and wounded more than 100 others.

The girl, identified as Siti Aisyah Rullie, alias Maryam Israni, was recovered in a joint operation by military and police teams in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul, Sulu, shortly before midnight on Wednesday.

“She is estimated to be between 10 and 13 years of age,” Col. Alaric Delos Santos, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, told Arab News. “There is ongoing coordination with the Department and Social Services, and even with Indonesian authorities, to determine what to do with her.”

Aisyah’s parents were members of the Indonesian Daesh-linked group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah and affiliates of the ASG.

The cathedral bombing was the first suicide attack in the Philippines to involve a woman.

Aisyah was reportedly married to ASG member Rudymar Habib Jihiiran, alias Gulam, and had been indoctrinated to become a suicide bomber like her parents.

According to the military, Jihiiran is a close aide of ASG leader Radullan Sahiron.

Army 11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales said law enforcers were trying to arrest him on multiple charges of murder, but that he had managed to flee with two other militants.

Troops found Aisyah at the house serving as the group’s hideout.

Lt. Jerrica Manongdo, JTF-Sulu spokesperson, said she might have been married off to Jihiiran to have a “guardian.”

“It is a practice among the Abu Sayyaf that when a female member of the family is left behind, regardless if she is still a minor, she will be wed to another ASG member for (the) purposes of having a guardian,” he told Arab News, adding that Aisyah’s elder brother, while also a minor, was already an armed member of the Daesh-inspired Daulah Islamiyah.

Her older sister Rezky Fantasya Rullie, alias Cici, has been imprisoned in the southern Philippines. She had reportedly planned to carry out a suicide attack to avenge the death of her husband Andi Baso, an Indonesian militant who was reportedly killed in a gunfight with Philippine forces in Sulu last year.

Another brother is believed to be either in jail or was killed while fighting for Daesh in Syria. He was the only member of the family believed to have crossed into Syria as they went to Turkey in 2016 with hopes of joining the group.

They were arrested by Turkish authorities in Jan. 2017 and sent back to Indonesia.

A year later, however, they made it to the southern Philippines and joined ASG commander Hajan Sawadjaan, who had reportedly taken over as the Daesh Philippine leader in 2017. Sawadjaan is believed to have been lethally wounded in an encounter with Philippine troops last year.

https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/173430/daughter-of-jolo-suicide-bombers-rescued-by-army/

Killing, destruction bare NPA identity as terror group: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2021): Killing, destruction bare NPA identity as terror group: Army (By Alexander Lopez)

INNOCENT VICTIM. Eldrin Daraman, the watchman of MR1 Construction, was killed when New People's Army (NPA) rebels attacked the company’s compound in Purok 2, Barangay Zone 2, Lanuza, Surigao del Sur on Thursday evening (June 24, 2021). The Army, police, and local government of Lanuza condemned the latest NPA atrocities, describing them as barbaric. (Photo grabbed from 36th IB Facebook Page)

The attack launched by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur on Thursday, which killed a civilian, injured two others, and destroyed millions worth of properties, shows their true identity as a terrorist group, ruthless murderers, and extortionists, a ranking military official said.

“What happened in Lanuza town manifested the true colors of the Communist Party of the Philippines -NPA - National Democratic Front. Their action affirmed their inclusion to the list of terrorist groups by the international community,” Brig. Gen. George L. Banzon, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, said in a statement issued on Saturday.

About 15 insurgents belonging to the Guerrilla Front 30 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA, led by a certain Noel Tumarlas Alacre, alias Meagan, attacked the compound of the MR1 Construction in Purok 2, Barangay Zone 2 in Lanuza at about 9 p.m. on Thursday.

The rebels also fired upon responding police personnel, which led to a 30-minute gun battle.

The attack killed a civilian, injured two others, and destroyed two backhoes owned by the company.

“The destruction of civilian-owned heavy equipment that is not used for any military purpose was meant to pressure the companies to give in to the extortion demands of the NPA terrorists,” Banzon said.

In a statement on Saturday, Lanuza Mayor Anilao Dawog condemned the attack, describing the rebels' actions as barbaric.

“The brutal killing and the burning of construction equipment only shows disrespect and outright violations of the International Humanitarian Law and the Rule of Law,” Dawog said.

He added that the NPA rebels are “very eager to conduct extortion and do such atrocities and brutal measures whenever the people refuse to give such demand.”

Surigao del Sur Police Director, Col. James T. Goforth, likewise slammed the NPA rebels for the killing of Eldrin Daraman, the watchman of the company, during the attack.

“We are saddened for the loss of another innocent life. The person was performing his duty at the company when attacked and killed by the insurgents. The rebels also injured two other innocent civilians,” Goforth said.

In a separate statement, Brig. Gen. Romeo M. Caramat Jr., director of the Police Regional Office 13 (Caraga), condemned the “dastardly acts of the NPA who masquerades as protectors of human rights but terrorizes the business sector, as well as the local folks.”

The attack, Caramat added, would hamper the implementation of development programs and projects in the area.

He also appealed to communities to help government troops by providing vital information about the illegal activities of the enemies of the state.

“Investigators are preparing the documents for filing of multiple charges against the perpetrators. We assure the ends of justice will be served for the victims and their families. The NPA terrorists deserve to suffer the full wrath of the law,” Caramat said.

The CPP-NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1145058

2 ex-rebels yield in Aurora province

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2021): 2 ex-rebels yield in Aurora province (By Jason De Asis)

SURRENDERED. Two former members of the dismantled terror group of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in Aurora surrendered to government troops on Friday (June 25, 2021). The former rebels were identified as “Ka Max” and “Ka Dodong,” members of Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the NPA’s Sentro De Gabridad (SDG) Platoon in Aurora. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 91IB)

BALER, Aurora –Some two former Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) guerillas in this province surrendered to government troops on Friday.

The surrenderers were identified as “Ka Max” and “Ka Dodong,” members of Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the NPA’s Sentro De Gabridad (SDG) Platoon.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, commander of Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, said joint elements of 1st Aurora Provincial Mobile Force Company (APMFC), Baler and Maria Aurora Police Stations, and other security forces facilitated the voluntary surrender of the two rebels at its headquarters in Barangay Calabuanan here.

Rubio, in an interview Sarutrday, said the rebels decided to surrender because of their desire to live a peaceful life with their family.

The surrenderers, he said, revealed that they experienced hardships, abuses, and corruption inside the terrorist organization.

“The surrender of the two former CPP-NPA terrorists was a clear manifestation that more rebels are abandoning their armed struggle. It is high time for them to surrender as government agencies are willing to extend their services to those who returned to the folds of the law. We appeal to those active armed rebels to lay down your arms and help the government to end this local armed conflict,” Rubio said.

He also encouraged everyone to continuously work hand-in-hand with the government to successfully end the insurgency and to achieve an inclusive and lasting peace in the whole province.

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/1145081

Petition to delist ‘CPP front’ Kabataan party-list filed

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 26, 2021): Petition to delist ‘CPP front’ Kabataan party-list filed (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

‘COMMUNIST FRONT’. The Legal Cooperation Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict seeks the cancelation of Kabataan Party-list’s registration in a petition filed on Friday (June 25, 2021). The task force told the Commission on Elections that Kabataan recruits youth members to join the CPP-NPA-NDF organizations. (Screengrab)

A petition to cancel the registration of the Kabataan Party-list for allegedly being a legal front-organization of communist terrorist groups that lures the youth into the communist armed conflict was filed before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday.

The move of the Legal Cooperation Cluster (LCC) of the National Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) wants meant put an end to the deceptive recruitment of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) through the Kabataan Party-list.

The filing of the petition to delist Kabataan from the party-list system coincided with the 32nd anniversary of the Rano Massacre in Digos, Davao del Sur.

On June 25, 1989, in Sitio Rano, Barangay Binaton, 39 members of the Bagobo-Tagabawa tribe were killed by NPA rebels while hearing Mass at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

The rebels also went to houses near the chapel and killed everyone caught hiding.

Lawyer Marlon Bosantog, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for Legal Affairs and Indigenous Peoples Concerns, said the move is part of the task force's continuing efforts to expose and give justice to all the victims of the atrocities and violent attacks committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF.

"We confirmed that the Kabataan Party-list is a creation of the CPP-NPA-NDF. This is an organization that aims to overthrow the government and that it's an organization that recruits from its members to turn into armed combatants," Bosantog said while holding the petition's statement during Friday’s NTF-ELCAC online media briefing.

Kabataan, he said, has violated election laws and the Constitution itself.

"Found in rules of Comelec is that if a particular party-list or organization is advocating its goals through unlawful means and violence or that it refuses to adhere to the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, the registration of the organization should be canceled," Bosantog added.

The task force previously filed a similar petition against the Gabriela Women’s Party.

First-person accounts

He said the petition is backed by statements of Kabataan and CPP-NPA members who testified they were personally recruited by Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago.

"Attached to the petition are numerous pieces of evidence and testimonies under oath by our several witnesses," he said.

Alma Gabin, former education secretary of the CPP-NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, disclosed how the Kabataan Party-list, formerly known as Anak ng Bayan, recruited young members into the underground unit of the CPP-NPA.

Gabin said the main goal of the organization is to "really destabilize the government".

"During elections, all internal data are being disseminated in the NPA camps to be used as propaganda weapons of CPP-NPA-linked organizations at various levels," she said in Filipino.

Gabin said Kabataan's push for national democracy is connected to the basic principle of the protracted people's war, which was stipulated in CPP founder Jose Maria "Joma" Sison's book titled Philippine Society and Revolution.

"The basic principle of the CPP-NPA was actually stated in the constitution crafted by the Kabataan Party-list," she said.

Gabin added that even government funds given to Kabataan are spent to support communist movements and underground recruitment strategies of the NPA.

"I participated in these activities when I was there from 2004 to 2016," she said.

Gabin urged the public to join the government push for a long-term solution to finally halt the "senseless" revolution perpetrated by the CPP-NPA-NDF and its allied organizations.

Meanwhile, Jade Cinco, 26, was recruited as a youth organizer of Kabataan in Catbalogan, Samar.

Cinco said Elago personally tasked him to recruit more youths and join the armed movement.

"As a member of Kabataan organization, I was exposed to various NPA camps and participated in several Reds’ activities, including CPP-NPA-NDF anniversaries," he said.

Jayson Rafales, Kabataan local representative for Tacloban, said he was assigned to campaign for the Kabataan and Bayan Muna party-lists during the 2019 midterm elections.

Bosantog said the petition "is not an assault against the youth of this country but a way to protect them from the deceptive practice" of the organization.

The CPP-NPA-NDF 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/1145071