25 suspected NPA rebels ‘killed’ in Eastern Samar clash

Posted to the Sun Star-Tacloban (Aug 16, 2021): 25 suspected NPA rebels ‘killed’ in Eastern Samar clash (By RONALD O. REYES)

AT LEAST 25 suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed following a military airstrike in Barangay Osmeña, Dolores, Eastern Samar Monday, August 16, 2021.

In an initial report, authorities said the operating unit from Philippine Army’s 52nd Infantry Battalion, aided by the Philippine Air Force, encountered an undetermined number of communist rebels in Barangay Osmeña, Dolores around 4 a.m. Monday, resulting in a firefight.

“Our troops acted on information received from the community which pointed them to the terrorists’ hideout where they manufacture their explosives,” the Armed Forces of the Philippines said in a statement.

The military has yet to disclose the details on the exact number of dead rebels due to “operational security matters.”

“We will be sure to release an update once our troops complete the operations,” said the Army while lauding the “commitment of our troops for their outstanding resolve in our mission to protect the people from the threats of the communist terrorists.”

Sketchy reports said at least 16 bodies were already retrieved from the area.

No one was hurt from the government side.

Army troopers also recovered from the enemy 20 long firearms, laptop, and a caliber .45 pistol.

As of this posting Monday, August 16, personnel from 52nd IB were doing a clearing operation with the reinforcement from Philippine Army’s 78th IB in the area.

Samar Island, which is still beset with poverty, has remained a hotbed of insurgency with the continued presence of the NPA who has been waging a Maoist-inspired guerrilla war since the late 1960s.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1904249/Tacloban/Local-News/25-suspected-NPA-rebels-killed-in-Eastern-Samar-clash

4 Sayyaf fighters surrender in Sulu

From the Daily Express (Aug 16, 2021) 4 Sayyaf fighters surrender in Sulu

SULU: Four bandit Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members yielded on Friday to military units stationed in Sulu, the military said Sunday.

In a statement sent to media on Sunday, the military said those who surrendered turned up at the 101st Infantry Brigade Headquarters in Bud Bayug, Barangay Samak in the municipality of Talipao.

Brigade commander BGen. Bautista identified the former bandits as: Aharam Dajam under sub-leader Hairula Asbang, Asbi Abraham under the late Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Saibi Sawabi under ASG sub-leader Apo Mike, and Alkaab Baki, grandson of sub-leader Sibih Pisih.

“This [the surrender] was made possible by the efforts of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, 100th Infantry Battalion, and the 11th Military Intelligence Battalion.

These former ASG members will also turn over their firearms today (Sunday), including two Garand rifles, an M16 rifle, and one .357 revolver,” BGen. Bautista added.

11th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. William Gonzales personally received the ex-ASG members’ return to the fold of the law.

MGen. Gonzales also took interest in Baki who, like his grandfather, was forced to join the ASG because of “rido” or clan war. Baki’s grandfather sub-leader Pisih died in an encounter with the military in 2019. The incident forced other bandits related to him to surrender to government forces.

According to 2nd Special Forces Battalion Commander Ltc Jooney Jay Busiños, they will continue to assist Baki and his family.

“We’re working on settling this long-standing conflict so that they could return to their land. If all goes as planned, both parties will be able to live without having to worry for their safety. Katulong namin ang LGU rito” (the local government unit will help us out), said Busiños.

“The ASG is exploiting family conflicts forcing some people to join their group, Busiños added. 

https://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news/176391/4-sayyaf-fighters-surrender-in-sulu-/

CPP/NPA-STROC: Pagpupugay sa aktibong depensa ng LdGC-NPA Mindoro: Apat na patay at dalawang sugatan sa AFP-PNP!

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 16, 2021): Pagpupugay sa aktibong depensa ng LdGC-NPA Mindoro: Apat na patay at dalawang sugatan sa AFP-PNP!

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO

SPOKESPERSON

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (MELITO GLOR COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 16, 2021

Pulang saludo sa mga Pulang mandirigma ng Lucio de Guzman Command (LdGC)-NPA Mindoro na aktibong nagdepensa laban sa atake ng nag-ooperasyong 4th IBPA at RMFB 4-B sa Brgy. Panaytayan, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro noong Agosto 4, bandang alas dos ng hapon. Binigo ng NPA Mindoro ang atake ng kaaway at mahusay na nakapanlaban.

Tangan ang opensibang postura, nakauna ng putok ang yunit ng LdGC sa umaatakeng kaaway. Kaagad na pinaputukan ng bantay at pinasabugan ng command detonated explosives ang umaatakeng sundalo sampung metro ang layo sa pwesto ng mga kasama. Bumulagta ang apat na sundalo habang dalawa ang sugatan. Samantala, wala ni isang napinsala sa hanay ng mga Pulang mandirigma.

Matapos ang labanan, kagyat na nagpakat ng isang batalyong pwersa ang 203rd Brigade sa hangganan ng Mansalay at Roxas para sa pursuit operations. Nagbahay-bahay at nanghalihaw ang mga berdugo sa pinangyarihan ng labanan. Inimbestigahan ang mga residente. Nagpalipad pa ang mga ito ng helicopter para magpakalat ng black propaganda. Ginalugad nila ang Brgy. Panaytayan sa desperasyong hanapin ang naturang yunit ng NPA Mindoro.

Nagdiriwang ang mga Mindoreño at mamamayan ng Southern Tagalog sa aktibong depensa ng NPA Mindoro. Bahagi ito ng buong giting na pakikibaka ng rebolusyonaryong pwersa at mamamayan ng Mindoro upang biguin ang imbing kampanya ng Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) na durugin ang rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa isla mula nang ideklara itong prayoridad ng kontra-rebolusyonaryong gera sa rehiyon noong January 2021. Inspirasyon ito sa lahat ng yunit ng NPA sa ST para patuloy na panghawakan ang inisyatiba sa labanan at bigwasan ang palalong AFP-PNP.

Patuloy na sasalagin ng mga yunit ng MGC-NPA ST ang mga atake ng AFP-PNP upang ipagtanggol ang sarili at mamamayan mula sa ibayong terorismo ng rehimeng US-Duterte. Gagawing libingan ng pasistang AFP-PNP ang mga larangang gerilya ng NPA sa buong bansa. Pagbabayarin ng NPA ang bawat atrosidad at brutaridad ng mga mersenaryong tropa laban sa mamamayan.

Tangan ang mapanlabang diwa ng hukbong bayan, ibayong itataas at paiigtingin ng mga pwersang gerilya ang digmang bayan. Ang matibay na bigkis ng malawak na masa ng sambayanan at Pulang hukbo ang garantiya ng tagumpay ng pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon.#

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagpupugay-sa-aktibong-depensa-ng-ldgc-npa-mindoro-apat-na-patay-at-dalawang-sugatan-sa-afp-pnp/

CPP/NPA-STROC: Pagbayarin ang 203rd Brigade at PNP MIMAROPA sa mga bagong krimen sa Mindoro

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 16, 2021): Pagbayarin ang 203rd Brigade at PNP MIMAROPA sa mga bagong krimen sa Mindoro

ARMANDO CIENFUEGO

SPOKESPERSON

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (MELITO GLOR COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

AUGUST 16, 2021

Nagpupuyos sa galit ang mamamayan at rebolusyonaryong kilusan sa Southern Tagalog sa mga pinakabagong atrosidad ng 203rd Brigade at PNP-MIMAROPA sa Mindoro.

Dapat itong pagbayaran ng 203rd Brigade at panagutin ang hepe nitong si Col. Jose Augusto Villareal. Nitong Agosto 6, dinakip sa Brgy. Lisap, Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro ang isang magsasaka sa ilalim ng pangalang “Ernesto Panganiban” gamit ang gawa-gawang warrant of arrest na inisyu ni Judge Agripino Bravo mula sa RTC Infanta, Quezon. Ipiniit ang biktima sa General Nakar police custodial facility sa Quezon. Ang biktima ay pinalalabas na miyembro ng Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee upang makubra ang P4.5 milyong pabuya sa katauhan ng inimbentong “Ernesto Panganiban”.

Samantala, pinatay ng mga pasista ang isang lider-katutubo at dinakip ang limang sibilyan. Noong Hulyo 29, bandang alas-2:00 ng hapon, sa Sitio Cawit, Brgy. Gapasan, Magsaysay, Occidental Mindoro, pinatay ng mga elemento ng 203rd Brigade si Baduy dela Cruz, dating sityo lider ng Pugo. Nakasakay sa motorsiklo si dela Cruz at isang kaangkas niya nang harangin sila ng mga lalaking lulan ng tatlong motorsiklo. Pinababa ang kanyang kasama at pinatakbo, habang si dela Cruz ay ipinaiwan matapos kumpirmahin ang pagkatao. Tinadtad ng bala ng M16 ang katawan ng biktima.

Si dela Cruz ay malaon nang minamanmanan ng AFP-PNP. Pilit siyang iniuugnay sa rebolusyonaryong kilusan at idinadawit sa naganap na ambus ng NPA Mindoro sa Sitio Banban, Brgy. Nicolas, Magsaysay noong Mayo 28. Ilang beses siyang pinuntahan ng mga sundalo sa kanyang tahanan at pinipilit na sumuko. Naobserbahan din ng kanyang mga kababaryo na sinusundan siya saanman magpunta.

Dinakip naman ang apat na magsasakang sina Miguel Domingo Manguera, Fe Serna Marinas, Sherlito Casidsid at Allen Delafuente sa Brgy. Tuban, Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro noong Hulyo 7. Sinampahan sila ng mga gawa-gawang kasong rebelyon, illegal possession of firearms and explosives at paglabag sa Anti-Terror Law sa Regional Trial Court (RTC) San Jose. Naganap ang pang-aaresto matapos ang labanan sa pagitan ng isang yunit ng Lucio de Guzman Command (LdGC)-NPA Mindoro at 76th IBPA sa Sitio Buscad, Brgy. Tuban noong Hulyo 5.

Dahil bigong kamtin ang layuning malipol ang yunit ng NPA sa naturang labanan, muling ibinunton ng mersenaryong hukbo ang kanilang galit sa mamamayan. Bunga ng desperasyon, walang kahihiyang inatake at inaresto ng 203rd Brigade at PNP-MIMAROPA ang mga biktima.

Lalo lamang pinatutunayan ng AFP-PNP ang pagiging mga halimaw at mersenaryo. Walang konsensya nilang pinagkakakitaan ang pagdurusa ng mamamayang biktima ng terorismo ng estado. Labis silang kinamumuhian kung kaya’t hindi masisisi kung bakit sumasalig ang malawak na masang Pilipino sa NPA. Makatarungang kapayapaan at panlipunang hustisya ang hatid ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan, samantalang pasismo at terorismo ang hatid ng AFP-PNP sa bayan.

Nag-iibayo ang rebolusyonaryong galit at pakikibaka ng bayan laban sa teroristang AFP-PNP. Tiyak na pananagutin ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan ang berdugong AFP-PNP sa kanilang mga krimen. Upang makamit ito, kailangang pahigpitin ang pagkakaisa ng Pulang hukbo sa malawak na mamamayan at ilunsad ang paparaming mga taktikal na opensiba para parusahan ang pasistang AFP-PNP.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/pagbayarin-ang-203rd-brigade-at-pnp-mimaropa-sa-mga-bagong-krimen-sa-mindoro/

CPP/CIO: On the Taliban victory and defeat of US occupation of Afghanistan

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 16, 2021): On the Taliban victory and defeat of US occupation of Afghanistan

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

AUGUST 16, 2021

The Taliban blitzkrieg and retaking of government power in Afghanistan is the expected outcome of the planned withdrawal of US forces marking the end of the failed and much detested US imperialist war. In the span of just one week, the Taliban captured all the provincial capitals and cities, as well as all border crossings, before entering the capital city of Kabul yesterday. It is set to establish a new government.

The Taliban accelerated its offensives and seized power before the US forces could complete their scheduled withdrawal on September 1, underscoring the defeat of the US occupation. The frantic withdrawal of American forces in Afghanistan today is reminiscent of the madcap evacuation of Saigon in 1975.

The speed and ease with which the armed forces of the Taliban mounted their offensives prove the complete failure of the US aggression and occupation of Afghanistan to establish political rule and win the support of the people. The US imperialists sustained its occupation for 20 years only through the use of overwhelming military force.

It fully exposes the lies spread by the US imperialists that they are the “liberators” of Afghanistan. It is a testimony to the complete defeat of the US counterinsurgency and its pretensions of “whole-of-society” approach. It proves again the lesson learned throughout history that foreign aggressors cannot forever maintain their power in the face of a people determined to fight for their freedom.

The offensives of the Taliban were met with little armed opposition from Kabul forces, with many US-organized military units abandoning their posts. Neither was there resistance or widespread protests from the Afghan people who also bitterly detest the corrupt and criminal US puppet government of Ashraf Ghani which has brought them nothing but misery and poverty.

The Taliban succeeded in its offensives largely with the support of warlords who are out to carve the country amongst themselves; as well as with the support of foreign countries and overseas warlords and capitalists with the aim of securing their own national interests.

The return of the Taliban will undoubtedly pave the way for the entry of other big capitalist interests supplanting that of the US imperialists to plunder the land and resources of Afghanistan and exploit and oppress the Afghan people. It remains to be seen whether a Taliban-led government can effectively lead the country or ultimately implode as rival warlords protect their own self-interests.

The workers, peasants and broad masses of Afghanistan continue to aspire for national and social liberation. The conditions in Afghanistan are fertile ground for proletarian revolutionaries to emerge and provide political leadership to the struggle of the Afghan people for revolutionary change.

https://cpp.ph/statements/on-the-taliban-victory-and-defeat-of-us-occupation-of-afghanistan/

Kalinaw News: Government troops clashed with CNTs in the hinterlands of Pantukan, Davao De Oro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 16, 2021): Government troops clashed with CNTs in the hinterlands of Pantukan, Davao De Oro



New Bataan, Davao De Oro – A Clash between 66th Infantry (KABALIKAT) Battalion and Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) transpired at Sitio Mamacao, Brgy Napnapan, Pantukan, Davao De Oro yesterday, August 15, 2021.

The one and a half hours firefight resulted in the recovery of One (1) 40mm Grenade Launcher ammunition, Two (2) Dual Purpose Type IEDs, Two hundred (200) rounds of 5.56mm linked ammunition, One (1) Rifle Grenade, One (1) Blasting Cap, Fifty (50) kilograms of Rice, Five (5) Medical Kits, Ten (10) Ponchos, Five (5) Hammocks and some subversive documents from more or less 20 CNTs believed to be members of Weaken Guerilla Front 18 (WGF18), Sub-Regional Committee 2, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) under a certain alias “Ka Domai”.

There were no reported casualties on both sides and the government troops are still on pursuit operations to locate the withdrawing Communist Terrorists.

Said encounter led also to the discovery of CNT lair that serves as hideout in their illegal activities like extortion that inflicts fear to the populace of the said barangay.

According to Lt. Colonel Julius M Munar, Commanding Officer of 66IB, the soldiers were conducting Intensified Military Operations in the said area in response to the information from concerned civilians that CNTs are conducting illegal activities near their community.

“This armed encounter is a manifestation that the communist terrorists are losing their support from the people. They are already fed up with their deceptive schemes. We will continue to uphold the peace and development in our area of operations to put an end to this armed conflict once and for all.” He added.

[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/government-troops-clashed-with-cnts-in-the-hinterlands-of-pantukan-davao-de-oro/

Kalinaw News: Inter-Municipal TF ELCAC deradicalized agitated youth

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 16, 2021): Inter-Municipal TF ELCAC deradicalized agitated youth

MAKILALA, COTABATO – Municipal Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict of the municipalities of Columbio and Lebak both of Sultan Kudarat; and Tulunan, North Cotabato through their Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officers and 39th Infantry Battalion jointly conducted a 7-day debriefing to 10 Communist Terrorist agitated youth at Kyllex Resort, Tulunan, North Cotabato from August 9-16, 2021.

The participants who are members of the Indigenous Peoples are from Tulunan, North Cotabato, Columbio, and Lebak all of Sultan Kudarat.

They were rescued by an Inter-Agency group during rescue operations in a “Lumad Bakwit Schools” in the University of San Carlos Campus, Retreat House, Talamban, Cebu City on Feb 15, 2021.

Before the conduct of the 7-day program, the youth has undergone psycho-social examination which became the basis of programs and activities which includes psychosocial interventions, spiritual programs, and alternative learning systems that are essential to reorient and reorganized the mindset of the affected youth.

Facilitators from MSWDOs of Columbio and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, and Tulunan, North Cotabato who sought permission and consent of the participants’ parents were round the clock supervised the conduct of the program.

Meanwhile, Department of Social Welfare and Development Regional Field Office Director Restituto Macuto in his statement during the opening program emphasizes the role of the government in attending to the well being of the marginalized sectors of the society

“As duty bearers, this is a call for us to reach these communities that we are present, accessible, and prioritizing the protection and welfare of children under all circumstances. The government has existing and accessible social welfare services and programs that aim to fulfill the needs, enhance collective well-being and promote equality of opportunities. ” Macuto said.

On the other hand, Mayor Reuel Limbungan of Tulunan, North Cotabato expresses appreciation to the scientific and culture-sensitive approach to youth debriefing.

“This is a unique, conflict and culture-sensitive program that would be a great help to facilitate the mainstreaming and empowerment of affected youth as progressive and active nation builders that eventually encourage them to be productive and spiritually mature role models of their communities.” Limbungan expressed.

The youth participant will be closely monitored by the respective MSWDOs and will undergo another psycho-social examination after a required healing period.

[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/inter-municipal-tf-elcac-deradicalized-agitated-youth/

Kalinaw News: Four WIA soldiers receive Wounded Personnel Medal

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 16, 2021): Four WIA soldiers receive Wounded Personnel Medal

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- MGen Laurence E Mina PA, Commander of 5th Infantry Division, Philippine Army pinned the Wounded Personnel Medal to the four soldiers of 95th Infantry Battalion on August 15, 2021 at Camp Melchor F Dela Cruz Station Hospital, Upi, Gamu, Isabela.

The medal is a symbol of their gallantry and heroism in protecting the people against the atrocities of the Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) and professionalism in doing their sworn duty.

The four soldiers got wounded in an armed encounter that transpired on August 13, 2021 when the 95IB Startroopers acted on the information tipped-off by the locals regarding the extortion activities of the CNTs in Barangay Capellan, Ilagan City, Isabela. After the encounter, the troops recovered high-powered firearms, other war materials and CNT belongings.

One of the WIA soldiers shared that he did not tell anyone when he was hit by the enemy’s fire. “Hindi na takot yung sumagi sa isip ko. Habang nararamdaman ko yung sakit, doon ko naman hinuhugot ang tapang ko upang samahan ang mga tropa na nakikipaglaban pa rin sa mga NPA. Yung pagbuwis ng buhay ay naka-angkla na yan mula nang piliin ko na pumasok sa organisasyon.” For now, the four soldiers are still receiving medical attention but all are in stable condition.

Further, MGen Mina commended the wounded soldiers for displaying bravery for the people. “Your bravery and heroism are duly recognized not only by the Philippine Army but also by the locals. This medal symbolizes your gallantry and your love to our country and people. You chose to carry on the fight despite being wounded.”

[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-wia-soldiers-receive-wounded-personnel-medal/

Kalinaw News: Philippine Army, LGU officials lead celebration of First Tilapia Harvest Festival in Aurora town

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 16, 2021): Philippine Army, LGU officials lead celebration of First Tilapia Harvest Festival in Aurora town

BALER, Aurora-The 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division Philippine Army, local government units (LGUs) and village folk of Masaganang Perlas ng Silangan Aurora Province (MAPSAP), the host community of Sitio Camalatan, Barangay Nonong Senior in the town of San Luis, this province showcased their rich fish harvest on Sunday, August 15, 2021.

Town’s Mayor Ariel A. de Jesus together with Vice Mayor Tristan Eric Pimentel; and, Lt. Col. Valentino Azarcon-Battalion Executive Officer, 1st Lieutenant Roberto G. Apelado Jr., Civil Military Operation (CMO) Officer under the leadership of Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio-Battalion Commander of 91st IB spearheaded the celebration of the First Tilapia Harvest Festival.

The said project is part of the “Adopt-a-brgy., Kapwa ko, Sagot ko” program of the 91st IB with the help and support of the San Luis LGUs and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

The troops harvested 2,000 fresh tilapia after they were drying up the fishpond managed by MAPSAP to sell at the public market.

Ltc Rubio said that the move is part of its continuing efforts to increase productivity and eventually improve the living condition of farmer fisher folks not only in San Luis town but in the whole province with the help of BFAR and Department of Agriculture Aurora.

“We want to help our fisherfolk to adapt with the best and latest developments in the field of technology through the collaborative effort of BFAR and the Department of Agriculture Aurora. Let us make their life a lot easier while becoming more productive in the society including to have abundant fish supply in the market and high income for our fisherfolk,” Ltc Rubio said.

On the other hand, Ltc Azarcon said that the success of the project would also benefit consumers since fish would be available at a lower price.

He advised the MAPSAP people’s organization (POs) for the continuity of the project as one of their means of livelihood and additional income for their family and for the future generation.

Ltc Azarcon said the place is ideal for tilapia farming due to its soil quality, water viability and topography.

“Our local government has been supporting the training for farmers and fisherfolk associations,” he noted.

Mayor de Jesus said that he is happy with the outcome of the project, and he is looking forward for the mass production that would benefit MAPSAP, fish farmers and consumers.

He also lauded the efforts of the 91st IB for helping the people of San Luis.

“It reflects our current thrusts on sustainable production and resource conservation which makes San Luis as the leading producer of Tilapia in the near future through the whole of nation approach,” de Jesus said.

Vice Mayor Pimentel personally give his sincerest thanks to 91st IB due to the significant result attained by MAPSAP in the 90-day culture of tilapia.

He added that through the collaborative effort of the LGU San Luis together with the 91st IB, intensive tilapia culture in pond will produce enough food supply in the town of San Luis.

“Let us support 91st IB in the peace and development in this town. I am expecting that through the said livelihood, it will promise a bright future for our farmer fisherfolk,” Pimentel said.

On the other hand, MAPSAP President Juliet Capistrano said that the pond they built so far can accommodate 10,000 tilapia fingerlings.

“We are blessed to have a great key leaders that uplift our lives and we are so thankful for the help from the government. Rest assured that we will do our best to harvest more,” Capistrano said.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/philippine-army-lgu-officials-lead-celebration-of-first-tilapia-harvest-festival-in-aurora-town/

Kalinaw News: Residents Surrender 19 Loose Firearms in Sulu

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 16, 2021): Residents Surrender 19 Loose Firearms in Sulu



Maco, Davao de Oro- 19 Former Rebels who are rescued, had finished the De-radicalization Program, and Healing and Reconciliation process on August 13, 2021 in Molave Hotel, Tagum City.

The Derad process was started on July 26, 2021 at Balai Pag-Asa, Headquarters 1001st Infantry Brigade, Maco, Davao de Oro with 19 FR participants. After the 10 days of de-radicalization, the FRs had an educational tour to a Free Range Chicken farm at Barangay Manat, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.

On August 9, 2021 the said FRs were transferred to Molave Hotel, Tagum City for the Healing and Reconciliation spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office of Davao de Oro and underwent the process for 5 days.

In his testimony during the closing ceremony Alyas Marmar, one of the participants narrated his experiences while undergoing the process. He further expressed his gratitude to the programs extended to them by the government. “Sa pagpaminaw nako sa mga pagtulun-an, mura kog naibtan ug tunok sa tiil. Ang doktrina sa NPA murag tunok sa akong tiil, ug karon naibot na gyud. Sayop gyud diay ang ilang gitudlo,” @Marmar said.

Meanwhile Alyas Virgo also expressed his gratitude to the government for designing an enlightenment program against the doctrine of the NPAs. He further narrated his life experience that enticed him to join the CTGs. “Sa karon, lahi na gyud kaayo, buotan na kaayo ang gobyerno ug mga kasundalohan. Hangyo nako sa gobyerno ug mga kasundalohan nga kaning mga programa ug aktibidadis karon, inyo ning padayunon aron wala nay rason ang katawhan nga makigbatok sa gobyerno. Busa kita nga mga FRs, kung unsa man atong mga nakat-unan diri, ato nang dalhon ug sundon nato ang gobyerno kay walay laing tumong ang gobyerno kun dili ang kaayuhan sa iyang katawhan. Bisan si kinsa man ang mopaduol nato, bahalag hinganlan tag bungol, atong ipadayon ang atong gisaad sa gobyerno.”

De-radicalization and Healing and Reconciliation programs were part of the processes of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP) designed to prepare the FRs for their re-integration to mainstream society.

[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/19-former-rebels-completed-de-radicalization-process/

Kalinaw News: NPA continues to recruit minors in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 16, 2021): NPA continues to recruit minors in Bukidnon



Maramag Bukidnon – Two (2) NPA regular members of Guerilla Front (GF) Malayag, Sub-Regional Committee 2 (SRC2) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Party Committee (NCMRC) surrendered to 88th Infantry “MARINGAL” Battalion on 13 August 2021.

The said surrender came as a result of the unit’s continued campaign against the said terrorist group in the mountainous areas of Quezon, San Fernando and Cabanglasan all of Bukidnon.

The minors who surrendered are @RUFFA and @JOB, both 15 years of age. They revealed that they were recruited by a certain @Jun-Jun who befriended them and convinced them to work in a factory in Quezon, Bukidnon. The promised job however never came and instead they were brought to the mountains where armed groups were waiting to receive them. Though afraid of joining the said group, they were left with no other option.

Over fatigue, hunger and lack of sleep are among the reasons why they decided to surrender. They further disclosed that continuous focused military operation by the Philippine Army in their known guerilla bases had caused them to be always on the run which prevented them from doing organizing works in their target barangays.
The two are now in the care of 88IB in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development undergoing interview and stress debriefing for their enrollment to the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

The continuous recruitment of our youth to be child warriors is a proof of CTG’s disrespect to Human Rights and a clear violation of IHL. It can be recalled that since 2018 on the data gathered of 88IB, fourteen (14) minors had been saved by our troops from the CTG.

LTC CHRISTIAN JAMES P VINGNO, Commanding Officer of 88IB in his statement said: “The comprehensive conduct of Community Support Program (CSP) and intel ldriven Intensified Military Operation (IMO) by the personnel of 88IB in the CTG’s guerilla zones and bases respectively have been instrumental in the rapid disintegration of the NPA formation in our area of operation. Since January of 2021 to date a total of twenty-five (25) NPA regulars and twenty-seven (27) Militia ng Bayan have surrendered. This is a clear indicator that we are near in ending this 52-year insurgency problem.” I strongly deplore the NPA’s act of recruiting minors to be combatants. This is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). I am also calling the attention of all the parents, let us monitor our children and join together in keeping our children from being recruited by the NPA, Vingno added.

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


https://www.kalinawnews.com/npa-continues-to-recruit-minors-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: JTF Bicolandia Strongly Condemns Killing of 3 Innocent Vendors in Masbate

Posted to Kalinaw News (Aug 16, 2021): JTF Bicolandia Strongly Condemns Killing of 3 Innocent Vendors in Masbate



CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-The Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia condemned in the strongest term the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) for perpetrating the wicked killing of three innocent vendors in Barangay Miabas, Palanas, Masbate on August 14, 2021.

The victims were identified as Jose Lalaguna, 51; Joey Lalaguna, 30; and Jestoni Lalaguna, 22.

According to the report, at around 7 o’clock in the morning, the victims were on board their motorcycles with two others to sell mirrors, floormats, and speakers when they were flagged down by at least 20 heavily armed communist NPA terrorists (CNTs).

The CNTs under Rogelio Suson AKA Manong, terrorist leader of Platoon 1, Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 4, forcibly conducted body search before dragging the victims to a secluded area where the three were ruthlessly executed.

Two of them, on the other hand, managed to escape.

Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Battalion Commander of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB), said that they are now in close coordination with the PNP to hunt down the fleeing communist insurgents.

“Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t hindi natin nahuhuli at napaparusahan ang mga walang kaluluwang gumawa ng karumal-dumal na krimeng ito,” Lt. Col. Awichen added.

Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, warned the CTG members responsible for the killing to surrender as they can never hide from the security forces’ on-going pursuit operations.

“There is no way you can run from us. Maliban sa mga otoridad na humahabol sa inyo, tiyak na ituturo kayo ng mga Masbateño upang mabigyang hustisya ang ginawa ninyo sa kanilang mga kababayan,” Col. Almase said.

Meanwhile, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of JTF Bicolandia rebuked the CTG for its terroristic attack against the innocent civilians who, unlike them, were making a living legally for their families.

“Hindi pa nga humuhupa ang galit ng sambayanang Pilipino lalo na ng mga Masbateño sa CTG dahil sa pamamaslang nila sa football player na si Kieth at sa tiyuhin niyang si Nolven Absalon, may tatlong inosenteng sibilyan na naman na walang awang pinatay ng mga teroristang ito. These crimes are purely desperate acts to threaten the people using terrorism. Pero hindi nila basta-basta matatakot ang mga Pilipino, sapagkat gising na tayo sa katotohanan at hindi na natin hahayaan na manaig uli ang mga terroristang ito at magpatuloy ang mahigit limang dekadang pananamantala nila sa atin. To all Masbateños, let us continue the fight. Huwag ninyong hayaang bastusin ang inyong lugar ng mga kriminal na ito. Hahanapin natin sila kahit saan man sila magtago,” MGen. Robinson said.

JTF Bicolandia emphasized that with the recent incident, the CTG again violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and RA 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

[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-strongly-condemns-killing-of-3-innocent-vendors-in-masbate/

16 NPA rebels killed in Eastern Samar clash – military

From Rappler (Aug 16, 2021): 16 NPA rebels killed in Eastern Samar clash – military (By JAIRO BOLLEDO)

The encounter that broke out at 4 am Monday ends at 5 pm, says the military

At least 16 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed by soldiers in a daylong encounter in Dolores, Eastern Samar, on Monday, August 16, the military said.

Colonel Ramon Zagala, military spokesperson, said the rebels were killed by members of the Joint Task Force Storm under the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (ID) based in Catbalogan City.

Zagala said the soldiers seized at least 29 high-powered firearms from the guerrillas. The military did not suffer casualties, according to 8th ID commander Major General Pio Dionisio III.

The encounter broke out around 4 am on Monday in Barangay Osmeña, Dolores, and ended at around 5 pm, according to Major Reynaldo Aragones, spokesperson of the 8th ID.

Aragones added that prior to Monday’s encounter, they already received information that the area was a bomb making hideout of the rebels.

“Pareho-pareho din sinasabi na may bomb making hideout itong NPA dito, na nandito sila. So ‘yun, pinuntahan ng tropa, nagkaroon po ng engkwentro. Intense nga ‘yung bakbakan, ‘yung firefight, kaya nagkaroon ng tayo ng support ng indirect fires at saka air assets din po natin,” the 8th ID spokesperson said in a pool interview with reporters. (We received information consistently, which said that the NPA had a bomb making hideout here, that they were there. So the troops went there, and an encounter broke out. The firefight was intense so we needed support from indirect fires and air assets.)

PH council designates CPP-NPA as terrorists

According to Army, there are at least 29 villages in Eastern Samar where the guerrillas are present. At least 45 villages in the same province have so far been declared “NPA-free,” according to the army.

The military is under pressure to wipe out the insurgents before President Rodrigo Duterte steps down in June 2022. He vowed to end Asia's longest running insurgency by the end of his term.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-says-rebels-killed-clash-eastern-samar-august-2021

Top military official vows to intensify campaign vs Reds

From the Mindanao Times (Aug 14, 2021): Top military official vows to intensify campaign vs Reds (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE newly-installed commander of 39th Infantry Battalion has vowed to intensify the campaign against Communist rebels and strength collaboration of the unit with other stakeholders to sustain peace and development in North Cotabato.

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, new commander of the unit, said his leadership is making sure that peace and development will become synonymous with the province.

“With the milestone we have achieved in achieving peaceful and conflict resilient communities in the battalion’s AOR (area of responsibility), I am encouraging our officers and soldiers to keep the momentum in our operations and in sustaining the gains of peace. Let us continue to maintain our professionalism and credibility to our stakeholders and the communities we are serving,” Balagtey said upon assuming the leadership of the battalion.

He added that he will “continue (to) nurture our partnership and collaboration with the different government agencies, local government units, barangay government units and other stakeholders in order to achieve and employ whole of nation strategy of facilitating the delivery of development and other socio-economic intervention particularly the implementation of the Barangay Development Plan to the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas and isolate them from insurgents influence and agitation.”

Balagtey added that under his command, the troops will always be reminded of how to be sensitive to the culture of the people and must ensure that they protect the communities from the armed groups that threatened them.

Balagtey replaced Lt. Col. Geoffrey Carandang as commander of the unit in a ceremonial turnover presided by Major General Ernesto C. Torres Jr., 10th Infantry Division as presider commander.
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/08/14/top-military-official-vows-to-intensify-campaign-vs-reds/

Ancan reminisces on 11IB assignment with troopers

From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 16, 2021): Ancan reminisces on 11IB assignment with troopers (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Lt. Gen Roberto Ancan, AFP Central Command chief, reunited with his former subordinates and those still in active service at the 11th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Siaton, Negros Oriental recently*

Army Lt. Gen. Roberto Ancan started his military career in 1987 with the 11th Infantry (Lapu-Lapu) Battalion in northern Negros, and will conclude his service at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City, as commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command.

Ancan, of Victorias City, Negros Occidental, is ending his 38 years of military service on Aug. 21, when he reaches the mandatory age retirement of 56.

During a reunion with his former subordinates Aug. 14 at the 11IB headquarters in Siaton, Negros Oriental, Ancan, who recognized individually the presence of his former subordinates, said that he started his military career as a young lieutenant with the 11IB.

“This is the ground where I learned how to accomplish my mission and to ensure the morale and welfare of my men, as I started to raise my family also,” he told 11IB troopers, who is now being led by Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo.

Ancan also cited the exemplary achievement of the 11IB during his stint as commander of the AFP Central Command.

“This is the unit where I really belong and my heart always belongs here,” he told 11IB troopers, whose infantry unit he had served from 1987 to 1991.

‘IMPRESSIVE’

Ancan described his four years assignment with I1IB as the “impressive years of my life.”

“To all Lapu-Lapu troopers, active and retired personnel, thank you very much, and keep that fire burning as defenders in your area of operation,” Ancan added.

Ancan served as a platoon leader of IIB headquarters and Headquarters Service Company October 1987 to October 1988, executive officer of HHSvc Company from October 1988 to January 1989, executive officer and platoon leader of the Delta Company from September 1989 to June 1990, and commanding officer of Charlie Company from June 1990 to June 1991.

Retired AFP chief of staff, Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, also started his military career with the 11IB as a platoon leader, as well as former AFP chief of staff Gen. Victor Ibrado, then AFP Visayas Command chief Maj. Gen. Julius Javier, and Maj. Gen. Alphonsus Crucero, 3rd Infantry Division commander, who had served the unit as battalion commanders.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/ancan-reminisces-on-11ib-assignment-with-troopers/

3rd CRS: 16 NPA Killed, 29 Firearms and Anti-Personnel Mines Recovered in Dolores, Eastern Samar

Posted to the Facebook Page of the 3rd Civil Relations Group, CRS (Aug 16, 2021): 16 NPA Killed, 29 Firearms and Anti-Personnel Mines Recovered in Dolores, Eastern Samar

This is a Developing Story

𝟏𝟔 𝐍𝐏𝐀 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝, 𝟐𝟗 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫

This is after the troops of 8th Infantry Division, Philippine Army responded in an information given by the concerned villagers about the danger posed by the Terrorists’ bomb-making activity in the outskirts of Brgy Osmeña and Brgy Canrubay all of Dolores town of Eastern Samar early today, August 16, 2021.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#PeacemakerInTheVisayas

https://www.facebook.com/3rdCivilRelationsGroup/photos/a.1608501289264579/4200094923438523

https://www.facebook.com/3rdCivilRelationsGroup/posts/4200131370101545

Bulatlat: Police arrest 8 Dumagat farmers in Rizal

From the pro-CPP/NPA/NDF online propaganda publication Bulatlat (Aug 16, 2021): Police arrest 8 Dumagat farmers in Rizal (By Justin Umali)

The recent operations in Rodriguez are the latest in a series of intensified crackdown operations under the Duterte administration. In Rodriguez, Kasiglahan Village has been the target of intensified police and military surveillance following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – State forces intensified their operations in Rizal province last August 15, resulting in the arrest of eight indigenous Dumagat farmers.

In a report by human rights watchdog Karapatan Southern Tagalog, no less than 30 elements of the Philippine National Police Regional Office 4A arrested the farmers in barangay Puray, Rodriguez, Rizal at approximately 11 in the morning. Karapatan has since called the arrests “illegal.”

As of press time, Karapatan-ST has yet to get the names of those arrested. The group is currently conducting a fact-finding mission to determine the location and status of the eight Dumagat farmers, as well as any additional information regarding their case.

On same afternoon, at around 2:45 pm, 30 armed police and military personnel were spotted in 1K2, Kasiglahan Village, also in Rodriguez.

The recent operations in Rodriguez are the latest in a series of intensified crackdown operations under the Duterte administration. In Rodriguez, Kasiglahan Village has been the target of intensified police and military surveillance following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some of the residents of 1K2, Kasiglahan Village are also members of San Isidro Kasiglahan Kapatiran at Damayan para sa Kabuhayan, Katarungan, at Kapayapaan (SIKKAD K3), an organization frequently tagged by state forces as having links to the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Since 2019, community leaders have been frequently visited by officials of the National Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) and asked to “clear their names” with local officials. Police and military personnel also frequented the area, distributing pamphlets which vilified the organization.

On March 7, 2021, four SIKKAD K3 members were killed in simultaneous raids now known as Bloody Sunday: Melvin Dasigao, Mark Lee Bacasno, and cousins Edward and Abner Esto. Two days later, soldiers were spotted in 1K2, Kasiglahan conducting a house-to-house operation in the area.

State forces have also been persistent in conducting operations outside Rodriguez, often at the cost of innocent lives.

Last November 25, 2020, consultants from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, Eugenia Magpantay and Agaton Topacio were killed in a “mafia-style execution” in their residence in Angono by police officers. Magpantay and Topacio were both 69 when they were murdered.

A few weeks later, five farm workers in Baras were massacred by elements of the 80th Infantry Battalion on suspicion that they were members of the New People’s Army. Despite the family’s pleas, the military refused to hand over custody of the remains of Vilma Salabao for over three weeks. Their remains bore clear marks of torture and mutilation.

Bloody Sunday resulted in the deaths of two Dumagat leaders in Tanay: Puroy and Randy Dela Cruz. Both were active members of the Dumagat community and opposed the Kaliwa-Kanan-Laiban Dam.

Last May 6, two more activists were arrested on trumped up charges: Gary Doroteo, a Dumagat leader in Tanay opposing the Kaliwa-Kanan-Laiban Dam; and Benito Lucio, president of the Integrated Association of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries and former Anakpawis president in Rodriguez. Lucio was arrested alongside his wife Rosita.

The manner of the August 15 operations share similarities with other police “arrests” on trumped-up charges or indiscriminate killing. Last May 10, 2020, 6 farmers in Calaca, Batangas province were arrested on charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives by no less than 47 police and military vehicles.

Operations conducted during Bloody Sunday also share a pattern of a disproportionate use of force against their targets, as in the case of Chai and Ariel Evangelista, killed in their home in Nasugbu, Batangas; or Manny
Asuncion, who was killed inside the office of the Workers’ Assistance Center in Dasmariñas, Cavite. Autopsy results from the Bloody Sunday victims suggest that they were deliberately “shot to be killed.”

Disproportionate use of force was also used by combined elements of the police and military in a May 16 raid in Santa Rosa, Laguna which resulted in the deaths of three individuals and the disappearance of KI Cometa, a former student activist.

https://www.bulatlat.com/2021/08/16/police-arrest-8-dumagat-farmers-in-rizal/

Philippines military: All 16 shot dead in raid against insurgent were communist rebels

From The Star (Aug 16, 2021): Philippines military: All 16 shot dead in raid against insurgent were communist rebels

Philippine soldiers killed 16 communist rebels during a raid on a suspected guerilla hideout in the central Philippines where dozens of high-powered firearms were also recovered, the army said on Monday.

Government troops received information from the community about the presence of "terrorists in their bomb-making hideout" in the area, said Major Reynaldo Aragones, an army spokesman in the central Philippines.

"The firefight was really intense, that is why we delivered indirect fire (artillery) support and air asset support," said Aragones.

President Rodrigo Duterte's government has stepped up efforts to crush a Maoist-led rebellion, one of the world’s longest-running insurgencies, which has killed more than 40,000 people.

Duterte's vaunted peace effort has repeatedly been derailed and he has each time promised to destroy the movement.

In March, he ordered police and military to "kill" communist rebels and "ignore human rights", drawing condemnation from activists.

Human rights groups and Duterte's opponents say his administration and the military has gone further by entrenching a practice of "red tagging", or accusing rivals or critics of supporting or joining rebels, as a pretext to silence, arrest or even kill them.

The government denies that.

At its peak, the New People's Army, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, had 25,000 armed fighters, but now has about 3,000, the military has said.

Newly appointed military chief Lieutenant General Jose Faustino has directed military units to deal with the communist insurgency before the end of the year. - Reuters

https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2021/08/16/philippines-military-all-16-shit-dead-in-raid-against-insurgent-were--communist-rebels

NICA chief warns companies aiding 'Reds'

From the Manila Times (Aug 16, 2021): NICA chief warns companies aiding 'Reds' (By Dempsey Reyes)

The head of the country's intelligence agency on Monday warned companies giving financial assistance to communist rebels that they face criminal charges.

Alex Monteagudo, a retired general who is the director-general of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), said the government, particularly the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), will be compelled to stop the companies from operating by "enforcing the law" against them.

Monteagudo disclosed they have a list of companies and individuals aiding or paying extortion money to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front and they are building up cases against them.

"We will be filing cases. NTF-Elcac is pursuing it," he said.

"If the companies refuse to work with the NTF-Elcac, then we will enforce the law so we can compel them to stop. Once they are charged, imagine if it's a big company, a multinational company with billions of assets, all of these can be frozen by the AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) if you are involved in terrorism financing," he said in a forum hosted by the NTF-Elcac.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/17/news/national/nica-chief-warns-companies-aiding-reds/1811230

Human rights group lauds acquittal of pastor suspected as NPA member

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 16, 2021): Human rights group lauds acquittal of pastor suspected as NPA member (By Jeffrey Damicog)

Karapatan

A human rights group on Monday, Aug. 16, lauded a trial court decision that dismissed the charges against a pastor who was suspected to be a member of the outlawed New People’s Army (NPA).

Welcomed by Karapatan was the decision of Legaspi City regional trial court (RTC) Judge Maria Theresa San Juan-Loquillano who granted the motion of United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Pastor Dan Balucio “to quash and to suppress alleged evidence, dismissing the trumped-up charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives against him.”

“The Albay court’s decision follows similar decisions by courts in Mandaluyong City, Batangas, Laguna, Bacolod City and Capiz, essentially questioning the issuances of search warrants of other courts and upholding the basic right to due process of the activists arrested in these communities,” Karapatan Secretary General Christina Palabay said.

“The pattern of the police’s use of search warrants, planting evidence and effecting the arbitrary arrests and detention of individuals like Pastor Dan Balucio is a glaring form of weaponization of the judiciary against activists and dissenters,” she said.

Balucio was released from the Albay Provincial jail last Aug. 13.

He was arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) last May 2 in Sto. Domingo, Albay.

In dismissing the charges against the pastor, Karapatan said the trial court “cited numerous questions, inconsistencies, incredible allegations and the police-applicants’ lack of personal knowledge on the existence, material allegations and proof of Balucio’s supposed crime.”

https://mb.com.ph/2021/08/16/human-rights-group-lauds-acquittal-of-pastor-suspected-as-npa-member/

Ex-NPA rebel surrenders

 From the Manila Times (Aug 16, 2021): Ex-NPA rebel surrenders

A FORMER member of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered before the Philippine Army in the municipality of Libungan, North Cotabato.

The former rebel, who is a member of the Manobo tribe, was identified as alias "Kulot." He was part of the NPA's Milisyang Bayan under the Guerilla Front 57.

The surrenderer also turned over a 12-gauge shotgun and one 5.56 mm rifle with bullets.

Alias Kulot said he turned himself over because he wanted to live peacefully with his family and his tribe. He also added that they were deceived by the NPA when the group promised them a prosperous life but in reality, they experienced hardship and fear under the wing of the communist group.

He said he could no longer bear the violent orders for him to take down fellow members of the Indigenous Peoples who oppose the rebellion.

"Gusto na nako makauban akong pamilya ug magpuyo nga malinawon (I want to be with my family and live peacefully)," he said.

Lt. Col. Edgardo Vilchez Jr., commander of the 34th Infantry Battalion, expressed his gratitude for the Libungan police who helped convince Kulot to return to the folds of the law.


Vilchez also called for other members of the NPA to take advantage of the government's program for rebel returnees under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program to live a peaceful life.

Meanwhile, Libungan Mayor Francis Aris Yu instructed the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office to conduct a psychosocial intervention and provide livelihood assistance for the mainstreaming of alias Kulot.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/17/news/regions/ex-npa-rebel-surrenders/1811191

25 NPA killed in clash with government

From the Manila Standard (Aug 16, 2021): 25 NPA killed in clash with government (By Ronald Reyes and Francisco Tuyay)

At least 25 suspected members of the New People’s Army were reported slain following a military airstrike in the hinterland barangay of Osmeña, Dolores, Eastern Samar Monday, initial military reports said.

Authorities said an operating unit from the Philippine Army’s 52nd Infantry Battalion, eventually aided by the Philippine Air Force, encountered several communist rebels at the barangay around 4 a.m. Monday, resulting in a firefight.

“Our troops acted on information received from the community identifying the terrorists’ hideout where they manufacture their explosives,” the Philippine Army said in a statement.

As of press time, the military has yet to disclose the full details on the exact number of dead rebels due to “operational security matters.”

“We will be sure to release an update once our troops complete the operations,” said the Army while lauding the “commitment of our troops for their outstanding resolve in our mission to protect the people from the threats of the communist terrorists.”

Sketchy reports said at least 16 bodies were already retrieved from the area.

No one was hurt from the government side.

Army troopers also recovered from the enemy 20 long firearms, laptop, and a caliber .45 pistol.

In a radio interview, Major General Pio Dinoso, Commander of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said the running gun fight started at about 4 a.m. Monday.

At sundown, AFP Spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said the NPA suffered initial deaths of at least 16 fighters.

Dinoso said the area where the NPAs were spotted was a hideout used as a bomb-making area. The bombs being produced in the said area were anti-personnel mines.

https://manilastandard.net/news/national/362551/25-npa-killed-in-clash-with-government.html

2ID Aims for Good Governance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 16, 2021): 2ID Aims for Good Governance (By PA 2ID DPAO)

CAMP CAPINPIN, Tanay, Rizal --The 2nd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army again on its commitment for good governance conducted two days of on-site audit to 80th Infantry Battalion in Pinugay, Baras, Rizal from August 11 to 12, 2021 in connection with the said unit's application for the Institutionalized Status in the Army Governance Pathway.

The activity is a part of the Army Transformation Roadmap that aims to institute development and embed good governance for the entire Philippine Army. The Army Governance Pathway has four hallmarks that all Army units are to vie for, and these are Initiated, Compliant, Proficient, and Institutionalized. In the Initiated status the unit must put in place their strategic direction; while for the Compliant status, the mechanisms for strategy execution must be emplaced; for Proficient status, the functionality of strategy execution mechanisms must be observed in the unit; and lastly, in the Institutionalized status, the results of the efforts in the three previous levels must translate to a culture of good governance.

Amongst the four statuses, Institutionalized is the highest level. Thus, all units of the Philippine Army would like to be certified and remain as such. In the case of the 2nd Infantry Division, it has been recertified last March 25, 2020, as Institutionalized. 80IB was awarded the Initiated status on October 31, 2015; Compliant on May 30, 2016; and as Proficient on May 2, 2017. Presently, 80IB is applying for the Institutionalized status having achieved and surpassed the first three levels.



During the on-site audit, the said unit was found qualified, having met all the parameters set in the standard of the Army Governance Pathway. The battalion has numerous best practices up their sleeve, but the most notable were the following: First is the Leaflets dropping called 'Bente sa Bote: Halina, Balik Loob na";

 


Second is the Mandatory Firing for personnel applying for leaves and privileges, which are all best practices designed to produce results on operations and eventually beating the enemy.

During the audit, the team conducted document inspection, random interviews of personnel giving premium on their respective scorecards, as well as interviews of stakeholders who praised the unit. The accolades given by the interviewed stakeholders were further proven by the numerous awards and recognitions received by the unit from other stakeholders like the different LGUs, Peoples Organization, Civil Society Organization, and other Local and National Government Agencies in their area of operation. Most notable of the unit's accomplishments is the dismantling of Komite Larangang Gerilya Cesar of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee, which contributed not only to the Division's mission but to the whole Philippine Army as well.

The on-site audit team was composed of officers from the headquarters of the 2nd Infantry Division, Philippine Army which was headed by COL DIVINO ARIEL S MABAGOS GSC (INF) PA, the Chief of the Division's Governance Strategy Management Office. Also present during the activity are the officers and the unit Sergeant Major of 80IB under the leadership of LTC BERNARD ZILDO S FERNANDEZ INF (GSC) PA.

The activity is aligned with 2ID's strategic objective of Adopting and Institutionalizing best practices in Administration, Operations, and Support Systems which aims to elevate the subordinate units to the next higher AGP status. With the recent achievement of 80IB, it is not far-fetch that the 2nd Infantry Division will be able to contribute to the overall goal of the Philippine Army of becoming a world-class army that is a source of national pride.

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/08/16/2id-aims-for-good-governance

JTF Bicolandia condemns Killing of Vendors in Masbate

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 16, 2021): JTF Bicolandia condemns Killing of Vendors in Masbate (By DPAO, 9ID)

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur --The Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia condemned in the strongest term the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) for perpetrating the wicked killing of three innocent vendors in Brgy. Miabas, Palanas, Masbate.

The victims were identified as Jose Lalaguna- 51, Joey Lalaguna – 30, and Jestoni Lalaguna, 22.

According to the report, on August 14 at around 7 o'clock in the morning, the victims were on board their motorcycles together with two others to sell mirrors, floormats, and speakers when they were flagged down by at least 20 heavily armed communist NPA terrorists (CNTs).

The CNTs under Rogelio Suson AKA Manong, terrorist leader of Platoon 1, Larangan 2, Komiteng Probinsya 4, forcibly conducted body search before dragging the victims to a secluded area where they were ruthlessly executed.

Two of them, on the other hand, managed to escape.

Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen, Battalion Commander of 2nd Infantry Battalion (2IB), said that they are now in close coordination with the PNP to hunt down the fleeing communist insurgents.

One of the slain vendors in Masbate believed to be perpetrated by the CTG. (Photo credits: 9ID)

"Hindi tayo titigil hangga't hindi natin nahuhuli at napaparusahan ang mga walang kaluluwang gumawa ng karumal-dumal na krimeng ito (We will not stop until we put those responsible for the killing behind bars)," Lt. Col. Awichen added.

Col. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, warned the CTG members responsible for the killing to surrender as they can never hide from the security forces' on-going pursuit operations.

"There is no way you can run from us. Maliban sa mga otoridad na humahabol sa inyo, tiyak na ituturo kayo ng mga Masbateño upang mabigyang hustisya ang ginawa ninyo sa kanilang mga kababayan (Except for the authorities who are running after you, we are certain that Masbatenos will show us where you are to give justice to their townmates)," Col. Almase said.

Meanwhile, MGEN HENRY A ROBINSON JR PA, Commander of JTF Bicolandia rebuked the CTG for its terroristic attack against the innocent civilians who, unlike them, were making a living legally for their families.

"Hindi pa nga humuhupa ang galit ng sambayanang Pilipino lalo na ng mga Masbateño sa CTG dahil sa pamamaslang nila sa football player na si Kieth at sa tiyuhin niyang si Nolven Absalon, may tatlong inosenteng sibilyan na naman na walang awang pinatay ng mga teroristang ito. These crimes are purely desperate acts to threaten the people using terrorism. Pero hindi nila basta-basta matatakot ang mga Pilipino, sapagkat gising na tayo sa katotohanan at hindi na natin hahayaan na manaig uli ang mga terroristang ito at magpatuloy ang mahigit limang dekadang pananamantala nila sa atin. To all Masbateños, let us continue the fight. Huwag ninyong hayaang bastusin ang inyong lugar ng mga kriminal na ito. Hahanapin natin sila kahit saan man sila magtago (The anger that the Filipinos felt towards the CTG when they killed Kieth, the football player and his cousin Nolven Absalon has not subsided yet and now, the CTG killed another 3 innocent civilians. These crimes are purely desperate acts to threaten the people using terrorism, but this will not intimidate the Filipino people. We will not allow them to continue their five-decade exploitation and atrocities. To all Masbatenos, let us continue the fight. Let us not allow these criminals to malign this place. We will look for them in all nooks and corners, and will not allow them to hide)," MGen. Robinson said.

JTF Bicolandia emphasized that with the recent incident, the CTG again violated the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and RA 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity. (Source:Division Public Affairs Office/Cpt. JP Belleza)

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/08/16/jtf-bicolandia-condemns-killing-of-vendors-in-masbate

At least 16 NPAs die as AFP, CTGs engage in a series of firefights in Eastern Samar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 16, 2021): At least 16 NPAs die as AFP, CTGs engage in a series of firefights in Eastern Samar (By 8ID, PA)

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City -- A fierce encounter between the Joint Task Force Storm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and members of the Communist Terrorists Group (CTG) took place today, August 16, at the vicinity of Brgy. Osmena, Dolores Eastern Samar.

The encounter started at 4 a.m. and a series of firefights lasted until 5 p.m.

The government troops were responding to information received regarding the presence of communist terrorists in their bomb-making hideouts in the area.

As of press time, there is no recorded casualty on the side of the government forces. On the other hand, at least 16 terrorist NPAs were killed and 29 high-powered firearms were recovered. (8ID, PA)

https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/2021/08/16/at-least-16-npas-die-as-afp-ctgs-engage-in-a-series-of-firefights-in-eastern-samar