MILF: BMN launches ‘Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro Teleradyo Program’

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Sep 14, 2021): BMN launches ‘Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro Teleradyo Program’ (By Muhammad Musa, Luwaran)



COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN) Inc., launched a Teleradyo Program dubbed as “Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro” last September 4, 2021 in its office studio at Jamiat Cotabato Institute of Technology in this city.

The BMN Executive Director, Faydiyah Akmad, MAIS said that the teleradyo program aimed at promoting the best stories, progress and developments in the Bangsamoro and milestones accomplishments of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“Ang Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro ay isang program na kung saan pag-uusapan natin kung ano yung mga improvements, developments, na nangyayari na sa Bangsamoro. Bakit? Dahil napakahalagang malaman ito ng maraming tao,” she said.

(Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro is a program where we tackle improvements and developments that happen in the Bangsamoro. Why? Because it is important for people to know)

To deliver an accurate, reliable and true information to the general public on BARMM accomplishment is one of the goals of this program,” Akmad added.

According to Akmad, the series of talk show will be simulcast in BMN’s Facebook page and DXJC 92.1 Voice Fm Cotabato which can be heard every Tuesday at 10AM-11AM, Thursday night from 8PM-9PM and Saturday afternoon at 2PM-3PM.

The President of Voice Fm Cotabato, Saad Sindatok, joined the launching and expressed his gratitude to the partnership of BMN and his radio station.

This month series of talk show episodes will focus on the participations of Civil Society Organizations (CSO) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the call for Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) extension up until 2025.

“The Civil Society Organizations Movement for Moral Governance (CSO-MMG) has led the advocacy,” said Ammier Dodo, Spokesperson of (CSO-MMG) as he related how the organization was formed in May 2020 in pushing for the Bangsamoro transition period extension.

Dodo enumerated some of the reasons why BTA period needs be to extended. “This is to provide more time for both the BTA and the National Government to implement the provision of R.A. (Republic Act) 11054 or BOL (Bangsamoro Organic Law) and CAB (Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro) and in implementing steps that will pave the way to recovery and normalization of conflict affected communities. These will result to strong and solid transition from conflict to reconciliation and peace in the Bangsamoro,” he emphasized.

Dr Rahib Kudto, President of United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD) Inc., also joined the conversation in the 2nd episode of Kaunlaran sa Bangsamoro. Kudto introduced how and when UNYPAD was formed and their efforts and contributions in sustaining peace and development in the Bangsamoro.

On what to propose if BTA will be extended he said, “…gusto kong magkaroon ng isang ministry, hindi lamang isang commission kundi pagkakaroon ng batas that will create the Ministry for Youth.”
(I wish there will be one ministry, not only commission but we will have a law that will create the Ministry for Youth).”

Kudto has encouraged every Bangsamoro to continue the support for BTA extension period.
“Ipagpatuloy natin ang ating suporta sa pag extend ng BTA, sapagkat ito lamang ang tanging paraan na mabigyan ng espasyo ang pagpapatupad ng mga dapat ipatupad na napaloob sa batas,” he explained.
(Let us support the extension of the BTA period for this is the only way that we can give space to implement what are need to be implemented that is provided by the law.)

The President of League of Bangsamoro Organizations (LBO) Prof. Hashim Manticayan has also joined the conversation via zoom and shared the efforts and roles played by LBO from BOL campaign and the Bangsamoro plebiscite up to the call for transition period extension.

“Community discourse, mass mobilization, rally sa Metro Manila ay umabaot tayo. Several caravans po ang nagawa natin pati narin po yung more than 1 million signature campaign supporting the extension of BTA. Naging aktibo rin po ang ating kasamahan lalong-lalo na po yung mga members natin na napakaraming tauhan sa baba,” Manticayan said.

(Community discourse, mass mobilization, rally in Metro Manila, we even reached that. We did several caravans and reached more than a million supporters in the signature campaign for the BTA extension. Our colleagues were so active especially our members in the grassroots.)

“Kailangan mas lalo pa nating paigihin yung efforts natin upang itong nakamit natin na tagumpay sa pagsulong ng kapayapaan at kaunlaran sa bayan ng Bangsamoro ay ma sustain po, kung kaya’t itong extension ng BTA ay hindi po nahuli ang LBO,” he said.

(We need to strive more in our efforts to achieve peace and development in the Bangsamoro, we need to sustain it. That is why in this call for BTA extension, LBO is not left behind.)

Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, Secretary General of Mindanao People’s Caucus (MPC) also joined the talk via zoom.

She related that the call for extension first came out during the Rapid Midterm Review which was conducted by MPC last year.

According to Arnado, these includes the problems encountered during the transition and also to look at recommendations coming from the civil society to be able to help improve the performance of the BTA.

The MPC conducted the midterm review and tackled the two (2) tracks, one track is on the political side--political track and the other one is on normalization.

“Yung mga recommendations po natin ng MPC is very constructive and still in the spirit of really ensuring that the peace agreement would really be fully implemented and completed also because of that we came out with the recommendation to extend the transition period because we have found out that kulang na talaga tayo sa oras (we lack time). Midterm pa lang (only). When we started in 2019 medyo parang nagkulang na kasi (it seemed there is not enough time) the whole year of 2019 more on turn over lang yun eh,” Arnado said.

“If you look at the period of transition over 3 years and some months total period niya and we have observed na the transition period by itself is really, very short. So, if we are here to address institutional reforms and political reforms within the Bangsamoro medyo yung (that) 3-year period by itself ay kulang talaga (really not enough). So iniisa-isa namin yung (we laid down one by one) priority task ng BTA and given that short period kahit walang pandemic ay kukulangin tayo sa oras (even when there is no pandemic, still the time is not enough),” she emphasized.

She also gave an update about the recent status of Senate Bill 2214 where 15 senators voted in favor and only 3 were against and one has abstained.

“If you look at the approved version of the senate and the substitute bill halos wala ng (there is almost no) conflict they have the same title, they have the same section 1 and section 2 on what to do with the BTA members, the incumbent BTA members merong provision doon na from the expiration of the term of the 80 members, the BTA, the President will appoint new members who will serve the term up to June 30, 2022,” she added.

Arnado said the next session scheduled this coming September 13, 2021, Monday and that there are only 12 session days remaining before congress will go on recess.

Arnado is optimistic that the law providing for the Bangsamoro transition period extension will be passed.

A leader of Indigenous Peoples (IP), Archie Buaya, Chairman of Confederation of Descendants of Rajah Mamalu (CDORM) who guested the program on Saturday, September 11 said they are happy that the plight of IPs is among of the priorities of the “Moral Governance” espoused by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim.

Buaya said that they have now the voice in the Bangsamoro government and they will continue to support the call for transition period extension so that all the Bangsamoro codes and developments especially for IP community will be put in place.

Bangsamoro Multimedia Network (BMN) Inc. News Release #001-2021
Sept 11, 2021

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2386/bmn-launches----kaunlaran-sa-bangsamoro-teleradyo-program---

3 NPA rebels killed, 4 wounded in Negros town clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 14, 2021): 3 NPA rebels killed, 4 wounded in Negros town clash (By Glazyl Masculino)

Three suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed, while four others, including a policeman, and an alleged NPA leader were wounded in an encounter with the Philippine National Police (PNP) – 6th Special Action Force Battalion (6SAB) at Barangay Tabu, Ilog, Negros Occidental on Tuesday morning.

Police Lt. Col. Ryan Manongdo, 6SAB commander, said the firefight lasted for about an hour, but no civilians were affected, as the encounter site is far from the houses.

Manongdo did not elaborate further on how the clash occurred, as it could jeopardized their operation, but stressed it was a “legitimate operation.”

Manongdo said the three wounded suspected NPA rebels, including their alleged leader were given first aid by the police combat medics and were guarded while waiting for them to be transported.

Manongdo said a member of the 6SAB suffered minor injuries in his chest after his vest was hit during the firefight. That cop, however, has rejoined his colleagues in the clearing operation.

Authorities initially recovered four M16 rifles.

Manongdo said nine individuals who were suspected to have links with the NPA after they were caught at the adjacent area near the encounter site were also held for questioning.

“We’ll check if they have arrest warrants,” said Manongdo.

Manongdo said the 2nd Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Army’s 15th Infantry Battalion (IB) augmented the 6SAB as clearing operation is ongoing.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/14/3-npa-rebels-killed-4-wounded-in-negros-town-clash/

NPA admits to burning of backhoe

Posted to the Sun Star-Bacolod (Sep 14, 2021): NPA admits to burning of backhoe (By TERESA D. ELLERA)

NEGROS. The backhoe torched by the suspected rebels in Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan City over the weekend. (Contributed photo)

THE Mount Cansermon Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) South Central Negros (MCC-NPA) admitted Tuesday, September 14, that it was responsible for the burning of a P3.5-million backhoe in Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City on September 11, 2021.

[Subscription is required for full article]

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1907292/Bacolod/Local-News/New-Peoples-Army-admits-to-burning-of-backhoe

3 suspected rebels killed, 14 captured in gun battle

Posted to the Sun Star-Bacolod (Sep 14, 2021): 3 suspected rebels killed, 14 captured in gun battle (By TERESA D. ELLERA)

NEGROS. A gun battle ensued between SAF troopers and suspected members of NPA in Barangay Tabu, Ilog town, Negros Occidental on September 14, 2021. (Contributed photo)

THREE suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were killed, while 14 others were arrested, including a suspected high ranking official, during an encounter with the police elite Special Action Force (SAF) troopers in Barangay Tabu, Ilog town, Negros Occidental Tuesday, September 14.

[Subscription required for full article]

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1907295/Bacolod/Local-News/3-suspected-rebels-killed-14-captured-in-gun-battle

4 rebels killed in Negros Occidental clash; 2 others wounded

From ABS-CBN (Sep 14, 2021): 4 rebels killed in Negros Occidental clash; 2 others wounded

Four suspected members of the New People's Army (NPA) in Western Visayas were killed in an armed encounter with police and military forces Tuesday.

In a statement, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said an undetermined number of armed rebels engaged in an hour-long firefight with government forces in Sitio Balik Balik, Barangay Tabo, Ilog, Negros Occidental Tuesday morning.

Four rebels died while two others were wounded. They were abandoned by their companions, the PNP said.

"No casualties were reported on the government side. The PNP troops also recovered four long firearms," PNP chief Police General Lorenzo Eleazar said.

One of the wounded rebels was later on identified as Nilda Bertulano, who has an existing warrant of arrest for murder.

Eleazar said they received information that the rebels are actively recruiting new members in the area.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/14/21/4-rebels-killed-in-negros-occidental-clash

MILF: House OKs bill postponing BARMM polls on 2nd reading

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (Sep 14, 2021): House OKs bill postponing BARMM polls on 2nd reading (By Noel Punzalan, PNA)



Maguindanao 2nd District Representative Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu (Photo from Rep. Mangudadatu's FB page)

COTABATO CITY – The House of Representatives approved on second reading Monday the bill seeking to reset the first regular elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from 2022 to 2025, a lawmaker from Maguindanao announced here Tuesday.
“The transition must be extended for a longer period,” Maguindanao 2nd District Representative Esmael Mangudadatu, sponsor of the bill, said in a statement.

House Bill (HB) 10121 aims to provide the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the 80-member interim lawmaking body of BARMM, another three years to complete its mandated duties, as cited in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). “The remaining nine months before the May 2022 elections or the (previous) months before the October 2021 filing of candidacy is not enough for both sides to deliver the remaining 65 to 75 percent in the political task alone,” Mangudadatu said.

The House approved on second reading HB 10121 through viva voce voting due to coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) restrictions.

Mangudadatu said the Covid-19 pandemic has delayed the implementation of the programs of the BTA, including the normalization and decommissioning process for thousands of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.

To date, about 12,000 ex-MILF combatants were decommissioned during the second phase of the normalization track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The normalization process includes the decommissioning of MILF combatants and their weapons, and the transformation of several camps into productive and resilient communities.

If passed into law, BARMM election polls will be moved from May 2022 to 2025.

On Sept. 6, the Senate approved on third and final reading of Senate Bill 2214 that also sought for the resetting of the first regular elections in the BARMM to 2025.

Meanwhile, the BTA has so far enacted three of six priority measures for the region -- the civil service, the administrative, and the education codes -- under the BOL.

Still undergoing deliberation at the BTA plenary are the region’s electoral, local government, and revenue codes. (PNA)

[Luwaran is the official online publication of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Committee on Information, MILF Central Committee]

https://www.luwaran.com/news/article/2385/house-oks-bill-postponing-barmm-polls-on-2nd-reading

CPP/CIO: Expose and condemn all of Duterte’s corruption

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 14, 2021): Expose and condemn all of Duterte’s corruption

MARCO VALBUENA

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER

COMMUNIST PARTY OF THE PHILIPPINES

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

The investigation being conducted by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee continues to unravel the details of the ₱42 billion pandemic scam involving the anomalous government purchase contract of overpriced face masks and other medical equipment last year. But even as threads of corruption continue to get untangled, it is already quite apparent to the Filipino people that Rodrigo Duterte himself, through his dummy Michael Yang, is involved in swindling the Filipino people.

What we can deduce so far are the following:

a) Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. is a paper company that serves as a dummy corporation of a Chinese official who is in cahoots with the Duterte government. Duterte, through Michael Yang, made a deal with this Chinese official to supply face masks and face shields at the outset of the pandemic when domestic supplies became tight. The ₱8.7 billion purchase deal was to be accomplished with Pharmally serving as importer.

b) Despite fully capable of accomplishing the necessary purchases, the Department of Health (DOH) was ordered to remit ₱42 billion to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) to be used for various government purchases, including Duterte’s deal with China. Christopher Lao, an underling of Duterte’s trusted aid, Bong Go, was appointed to the PS-DBM by then Sec. Wendel Avisado, who is also a long-time Duterte official since his Davao mayor days.

Despite being a mere cog in this giant corruption machine, Health Sec. Franciso Duque III, who belongs to the Arroyo clique, apparently had wanted a bigger take. However, he was put into his place when the pro-Duterte majority in the senate issued a resolution calling for his resignation last April 2020 while Duterte’s aide Sen. Bong Go threatened to call for an investigation.

c) The face masks and face shields purchased through Pharmally were overpriced by as much as five times than the same items bought by the Red Cross during that time. The prices of the face masks were higher by at least twice the ₱13.50 a piece purchased from the EMS Corporation, which was later reduced to ₱2.35 a piece resulting in losses to the said company.

d) Pharmally Corporation, which claims to have only ₱625,000 capitalization, was financed by Michael Yang by at least ₱2.3 billion, to deliver the purchase contract of personal protective equipment (PPE). The PPE deal earned at least ₱1.52 billion in profits based on Pharmally’s claim that the PPEs were purchased at ₱1,150 each from its supplier and sold to the PS-DBM for ₱1,910 each (or ₱760 mark up on each item). There are claims that Yang pocketed the lion’s share of the profits, and that the Pharmally executives received only a small percentage.

We estimate that the investigations will reveal further lurid details of the corrupt deal, as well as other corruption schemes under the Duterte regime. These will likely show how the Bong Go-Christopher Lao-Michael Yang triumvirate serves as Duterte’s conduit to the Chinese bureaucrat capitalist and criminal syndicates. The Pharmally scandal is most probably just a small piece of the gargantuan criminal and corrupt operations under the Duterte regime.

The corruption and criminal activities of Duterte and his ilk are tightly bound to China. It is being reported that since Duterte assumed power in 2016, the Philippines has become a haven for money laundering of Chinese drug syndicates where money is being poured into casinos, offshore gaming operations and real estate (including the purchase and development of condominiums and entire islands as luxury getaways for Chinese billionaires and megamillionaires).

It is quite obvious that Duterte is harried by the investigations and fear that details revealing him to be holding the smoking gun of large-scale corruption will be exposed. Duterte is stepping up his effort to prevent the explosion of the people’s anger by undermining the Senate and ordering his cabinet officials to ignore summons to testify, the same tactic used by Gloria Arroyo in stoppling then congressional investigations into the NBN-ZTE deal. He is also using the people’s money to buy airtime for his now twice-weekly “talk to the people” where he engages in endless tirades against senators involved in the investigation and distract the public with one false claim after another.

All these anomalies and corruption in public funds show how bureaucrat capitalist operations work in the Philippines, and how officials of the reactionary state continue to accumulate wealth through bribery and cuts in government contracts, as well as protection money for gambling, drugs and other criminal syndicates.

Duterte’s makes pretenses of simple living to put up false appearances to dupe the public that he is incapable of corruption. This is, however, belied by his taste for luxurious private jets which he uses for frequent trips to Davao and secret trips abroad, and by his mistress’ appetite for high-living. Way beyond serving his personal affluence, however, the billions of pesos of public money that Duterte has his hands on are used to buy the loyalty of politicians who are awarded with favored government contracts, fund releases and other forms of privilege.

Like Marcos and many other tyrants, Duterte is sufficiently adept at hiding his accumulated wealth other than in his own bank accounts. Thus, one wonders why he would not want his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) released to the public, when most of his illegal wealth will not be listed in it anyway. Just as Marcos had his Cojuangcos, Floirendos, Disinis and Benedictos to serve as his cronies to hold his wealth, Duterte now has his Michael Yang and others to keep his wealth in dummy corporations and secret bank accounts overseas.

The Filipino people are seething with outrage over the exposure of large-scale corruption, plunder and squandering of their tax money, especially since the pandemic during which they were made to suffer prolonged lockdowns, unemployment, loss of income, shuttered schools, higher prices, poverty and hunger. They are outraged by the fact that billions upon billions of pesos that should have gone to improving the public health system and economic aid, instead went to the pockets of criminals and corrupt officials and to highly questionable infrastructure projects.

It is to the interest of the Filipino people that the Senate investigations must continue to dig deeper into and expose how Duterte himself is the mastermind of corruption. The Filipino people must support these investigations and condemn Duterte for his attempts to prevent the truth from being revealed. They must call on all people of integrity to resign from the corrupt government and reveal all they know about the regime’s corruption. They must hold public meetings in their factories, offices, communities, hospitals and online to forge their united stand against the corruption of the Duterte regime. They must go to the streets and manifest their demand for an immediate end to Duterte’s corrupt and tyrannical regime.

https://cpp.ph/statements/expose-and-condemn-all-of-dutertes-corruption/

CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: Revolutionary government reminds the ruling class not to engage in destructive and harmful economic activities

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 14, 2021): Revolutionary government reminds the ruling class not to engage in destructive and harmful economic activities

DIONESIO MAGBUELAS

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTH CENTRAL NEGROS (MT. CANSERMON COMMAND)

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

The Mount Cansermon Command – New People’s Army South Central Negros (MCC-NPA) burned a backhoe situated at Sitio Bulod, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental around 6:00 in the evening last September 11, 2021 to remind the ruling class not to engage in destructive and harmful economic activities.

What the elite calls “development projects” are detrimental to the poor peasants and the ancestral domain of the Indigenous Peoples particularly in the mountain ranges and forest lands of Cambantog, Trukat, Tahod Ilajas and Cansermon in the boundary areas of Binalbagan and Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental and La Libertad and Tayasan in Negros Oriental.

The road construction of Himamaylan City-Negros Oriental Boundary along Tayasan Road is meant to pave the way for the entry of multinational mining companies and other big businesses targeting the estimated 1,100 hectares of Tribu Itoman-Maghat-Bukidnon lands. Through the years development aggression have threatened ancestral lands of the tribe in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City.

Big capitalists have tried to initiate plantations of cash crops such as palm tree and pineapple, mining explorations in the aforementioned mountain ranges, and an area survey to construct a dam along the Ilog-Hilabangan River Basin but failed due to the collective resistance of Indigenous Peoples and other residents. These economic projects will bring in huge profits for the multinational firms but it will displace the people and their livelihood and harm the environment.

After Duterte lifted the moratorium on mining last April followed by an executive order of the provincial government of Negros Occidental supporting the move, tribe members living and farming-hunting in areas of Himamaylan City designated as forest reserve and watershed zones through the NIPAS Act of 1992 were threatened by the military to vacate their houses within 2 months. Besides using legal manipulation, the 3rd Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched a ceaseless military campaign employing the 62nd and 94th Infantry Battalions that resulted in grave criminal acts and human rights violations documented in the mentioned target areas. The Cambantog mountain range was bombed by the AFP using mortars and howitzer canons last June 9.

The AFP is clearly a mercenary group of the ruling class used as attack hounds to drive the people away from the areas targeted by big mining firms and as security guards of their properties and business operations.

The revolutionary government does not tolerate destructive and harmful economic activities within its territory. It is ever determined to penalize any anti-people projects.

The MCC-NPA together with the revolutionary forces remains vigilant in serving the people and the revolution. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/revolutionary-government-reminds-the-ruling-class-not-to-engage-in-destructive-and-harmful-economic-activities/

CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: NPA burns backhoe, warns elite engaging in destructive and harmful economic activities

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 14, 2021): NPA burns backhoe, warns elite engaging in destructive and harmful economic activities

DIONESIO MAGBUELAS

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-SOUTH CENTRAL NEGROS (MT. CANSERMON COMMAND)

NEGROS ISLAND REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (APOLINARIO GATMAITAN COMMAND)

NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

The New People’s Army South Central Negros Mount Cansermon Command (MCC-NPA) admitted to burning a backhoe situated at Sitio Bulod, Barangay Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental around 6:00 in the evening last September 11, 2021.

In a statement issued today, MCC-NPA spokesperson Ka Dionesio Magbuelas explained that it served as a reminder to the ruling class not to engage in destructive and harmful economic activities.

“What the elite calls ‘development projects’ are detrimental to the poor peasants and the ancestral domain of the Indigenous Peoples particularly in the mountain ranges and forest lands of Cambantog, Trukat, Tahod Ilajas and Cansermon in the boundary areas of Binalbagan and Himamaylan City in Negros Occidental and La Libertad and Tayasan in Negros Oriental,” he said.

Magbuelas noted that the “the road construction of Himamaylan City-Negros Oriental Boundary along Tayasan Road is meant to pave the way for the entry of multinational mining companies and other big businesses targeting the estimated 1,100 hectares of Tribu Itoman-Maghat-Bukidnon lands” in the hinterlands of Himamaylan City which through the years have been threatened by development aggression.

According to him, big capitalists have tried to initiate plantations of cash crops such as palm tree and pineapple, mining explorations in the aforementioned mountain ranges, and an area survey to construct a dam along the Ilog-Hilabangan River Basin but failed due to the collective resistance of Indigenous Peoples and other residents.

“These economic projects will bring in huge profits for the multinational firms but it will displace the people and their livelihood and harm the environment,” he said.

Mining and militarization
The MCC-NPA remarked that grave criminal acts and human rights violations have escalated in the mountainous areas of Himamaylan City after President Duterte lifted the moratorium on mining last April which the provincial government of Negros Occidental supported through an executive order.

Magbuelas mentioned that tribe members living and farming-hunting in areas of Himamaylan City designated by the NIPAS Act of 1992 as forest reserve and watershed zones were threatened by the military to vacate their houses within 2 months; the 3rd Infantry Division of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched a ceaseless military campaign employing the 62nd and 94th Infantry Battalions; and the Cambantog mountain range was bombed by the AFP using mortars and howitzer canons last June 9.

He described the AFP as a mercenary group of the ruling class used as attack hounds to drive the people away from the areas targeted by big mining firms and as security guards of their properties and business operations.

He expressed that the revolutionary government does not tolerate destructive and harmful economic activities within its territory and is ever determined to penalize any anti-people project.

Finally, he affirmed that the MCC-NPA together with the revolutionary forces remains vigilant in serving the people and the revolution.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/npa-burns-backhoe-warns-elite-engaging-in-destructive-and-harmful-economic-activities/

CPP/NPA-Laguna: UP Sierra Madre Land Grant, kinakamkam para sa mga proyektong enerhiya

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Sep 14, 2021): UP Sierra Madre Land Grant, kinakamkam para sa mga proyektong enerhiya

MAGDALENA KALAYAAN

SPOKESPERSON

NPA-LAGUNA (CESAR BATRALO COMMAND)

SOUTHERN TAGALOG REGIONAL OPERATIONAL COMMAND (MELITO GLOR COMMAND) NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Araw-araw nangangamba ang mga magsasaka sa saklaw ng UP Land Grant sa Sierra Madre para sa kanilang hanapbuhay. Malaon nang ipinagkakait ng estado sa mamamayan ang malalawak na lupaing sana’y pinagyayaman para sa kanilang ikabubuhay. Sa halip ay ibinubukas nito ang mga lupain upang dambungin ng mga burgesya kumprador gaya nina Lucio Tan, Atong Ang at kumpanyang Aboitiz.

Ipinangasiwa sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ang mga bahagi ng lupang publiko sa hangganan ng mga lalawigan ng Quezon at Laguna noong 1930 at 1964 sa ilalim ng RA 3608 at RA 3990. Ang 3,435 ektarya sa Paete, Laguna ay tinaguriang Laguna Land Grant (LLG), habang ang 6,765 ektarya sa Siniloan, Laguna at Real, Quezon ay naging bahagi ng Laguna-Quezon Land Grant (LQLG). Layunin diumano nitong magsilbing biodiversity reserve at central experiment station ng mga kolehiyo sa unibersidad.

Sa aktwal, ginagamit ang UP Sierra Madre Land Grant bilang reserbang lupa na inilalako sa mga korporasyon. Isa sa nakinabang ang Sierra Madre Water Corporation na may kaugnayan sa kumpanyang Aboitiz at siyang nasa likod ng pagtatayo ng Sierra Madre Dam noong 2014. Taon ding ito nang simulan ng kumpanya ang pagpapasabog at pagbubutas sa mga bundok ng Pangil at Pakil, Laguna para sa konstruksyon ng daan patungo sa dam. Itatayo rin dito ang 35 MW multi-river hydropower cum bulk water project na nakakontrata sa Repower Energy Development Corporation. Kabaligtaran ito ng mga nakasaad na layunin ng land grant na ipreserba ang mga kagubatan ng Sierra Madre.

Ang mga proyektong ito ang dahilan sa likod ng mahigpit na pagbabantay at pandarahas ng mga security guard ng UP Land Grant, PNP Regional Public Safety Battalion at 1st IBPA. Habang hinahayaan ang malalaking korporasyon na butasin ang mga bundok, kinukumpiskahan ng kagamitan at hinuhuli ng mga guwardiya ang mga sibilyang naghahawan para makapagtanim. Sinisira rin nila ang mga halaman at pananim ng mga magsasaka, at sinusunog ang kanilang mga bahay. Pinoprotektahan ng mga armadong pwersa ng estado ang mga lupaing ito para sa interes ng mga naglalaway na burukrata kapitalista at malalaking burgesya komprador, samantalang pinagkakaitan at pinarurusahan ang mga magsasakang ilang henerasyon nang nanirahan doon, mapayapang naghahanapbuhay at tunay na mga nangangalaga sa malalawak na lupain.

Ang UP Sierra Madre Land Grant ay bahagi ng public domain na dapat na pakinabangan ng mamamayan at hindi ng ilang naghaharing uri. Dapat buuin ang pagkakaisa ng mamamayan at labanan ang pangigipit at kawalan ng tunay na reporma sa lupa at papanagutin ang mga mersenaryo at pasistang pwersang nandarahas sa mamamayan sa lugar. Samantala, laging handa ang Cesar Batralo Command na itaguyod at ipagtanggol ang mga magsasaka at kanilang lehitimong interes sa lupa at hanapbuhay.###

https://cpp.ph/statements/up-sierra-madre-land-grant-kinakamkam-para-sa-mga-proyektong-enerhiya/

Kalinaw News: Four CTGs surrendered war materiel to Provincial Government in Nueva Ecija

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 14, 2021): Four CTGs surrendered war materiel to Provincial Government in Nueva Ecija



BALER, Aurora-In response to the call of the local government unit (LGU) of Bongabon in Nueva Ecija, four ex-members of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) surrendered their war materiel to government authorities in Barangay Tugatog, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Monday, September 13, 2021.

Lt. Col. Reandrew P. Rubio, Commander of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” that the call of Mayor Allan Xystus Gamilla to put an end to the local communist armed conflict are proven effective and directly contribute to the overall impact of the campaign of the security forces in Nueva Ecija (NE).

With the full support of the LGU a combined element of Alpha Company of 91st IB, 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division led by 1st Lieutenant Jun Niño O. Espora and Delta Company led by 1st Lieutenant Carlo T. Omayon together with 1st Provincial Mobil Force Company of Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (1st PMFC-NEPPO) led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Alexander C. Aurelio with the other security forces in Nueva Ecija facilitated the voluntary surrender of three (3) former milisyang bayan (MB) members and one (1) former NPA with firearms and explosive at the said place.

Rubio identified the CTGs as Ariel Tumenez alias Ka Smith (Ex-NPA) who surrendered his improvised cal 45 rifles, one (1) improvised 12 guige shotgun pistolized, and one (1) hand grenade; Meraljane Vigilia Alias ka Vincent (former MB KLG Sierra Madre); Dianne Cruz alias ka Leslie (former MB KLG Sierra Madre) with one improvised long barrel 12 gauge shotgun and Adrian Salcedo Alias Ka Jomar (former MB Sandatahang Yunit Sierra Madre).

Rubio together with other security forces received the surrenderees at the said place wherein their war materials are now in the custody of 1PMFC, NEPPO for Tactical Interrogation and proper disposition.

The surrender of the said individuals is a result of the continuous program of Mayor Gamilla in support to EO 70 NTF ELCAC and the series of retooled community support program (RCSP) activities as well as the dissemination of the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (E-CLIP).

Rubio urged the public to support the implementation of EO 70 and encouraged the continuous coordination with Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) counterparts, other PNP units and partner agencies to once and for all address the problem of insurgency in the province.

“Surely we will process the ECLIP benefits for them and other services offered by the government. Again, we urged the remnants of CNTs to surrender peacefully and be reunited with their families. Their surrender is also a result of good collaboration and partnership between our unit and the PNP in an effort to end local Communist armed conflict,” Rubio 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/four-ctgs-surrendered-war-materiel-to-provincial-government-in-nueva-ecija/

Kalinaw News: Former ASG members surrender to JTF Sulu; to begin reintegration program

Posted to Kalinaw News (Sep 14, 2021): Former ASG members surrender to JTF Sulu; to begin reintegration program



September 14, 2021- Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Today, a father and son who was an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member formally surrendered to unit under 11th Infantry Division led by MGen William N Gonzales at Municipal Hall, Brgy Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.

2nd Special Forces Battalion Commanding Officer Ltc Benito Ramos Jr presented another two (2) surrenderors to MGen Gonzales during a simple ceremony for the ASG Returnee Reintegration Program. The former bandits were identified as @Isniruddin Haliluddin, 65yrs old and @Bennajar Isniruddin, 39 yrs old both a resident of So Bud Sampul, Bgry Kulambo, Talipao Sulu.

1101st Bde Commander Col Eugenio C Boquio said through the collaborative efforts of Talipao Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF-ELAC), Talipao Local Government Unit and Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-Sulu) made possible that the former ASG members returned to the folds of the law. The former bandits were under ASG sub-leader Radullan Sahiron and also turnover M79 grenade launcher and a garand rifle.

In an interview, @Isniruddin Haliluddin and @Bennajar Isniruddin who were father and son revealed how they were recruited in the group. “Napasama po ako sa grupo nang dahil sa Rido, napasama rin po sa mga encounter ngunit di nagtagal nagkaayos ay tumiwalag din po ako sa grupo.” Isniruddin said. “Napasama po ako sa grupo sa kadahilanang ang ilang kasamahan ay humingi po ng tulong sa pamamagitan ng pagdadala ng pagkain. Dahil sa hindi po maganda ang buhay ay pinagpasyahan ko pong sumuko.” Bennajar added.

In his speech, Joint Task Force Sulu and 11th Infantry Division Commander MGen William N Gonzales extended his gratitude to all unit and local government units. “We have this program with local government unit that gives a lot of opportunities for you to start anew. With our sustained efforts, the downfall of the ASG is inevitable. We will continue our concerted efforts to achieve our short and long term goals. I hope that other members would also come forward and free themselves from fear that they may be reported to government forces or they might be tracked down by their former comrades. I commend all units and Municipal Task Force in Ending Local Armed Conflict (MTF – ELAC) for actively reaching out to our brothers who now wants to start a new life,’’ MGen said

Present during the ceremony were 21st Infantry Battalion Commanding Officer Ltc Eddie R Abolencia, Talipao Municipal Mayor, Hon Nivocadnezar I Tulawie, other military officers and Local Government Unit officials.

[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/former-asg-members-surrender-to-jtf-sulu-to-begin-reintegration-program/

U.S. Marine Corps commandant visits the Philippines

From Palawan News (Sep 14, 2021): U.S. Marine Corps commandant visits the Philippines (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. David Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, meets with Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan, commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), after arriving in Manila on September 10. (Photo by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines)

General David Berger, commandant of the United States Marine Corps (USMC), visited the Philippines on September 10 and 11 to meet with top Philippine military officials and U.S. Embassy leadership to discuss the significance of the US-Philippine relationship and future engagement possibilities.

The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines said in an issued statement that during Berger’s visit, he met with Vice Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Lt. Gen. Erickson Gloria, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command (FOIC), Rear Adm. Adeluis Bordado, and commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) Maj. Gen. Ariel Caculitan.

General Berger also visited the U.S. Marines assigned to the Embassy.

This is the first visit to the Philippines by a commandant of the USMC since August 2017. Berger used the occasion to remind his Philippine colleagues of the significance of the US-Philippine alliance in preserving regional peace and stability, as well as enhancing interoperability in response to crises and emergencies, the statement said.

“This is a very important trip for me to visit leaders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in person,” Berger said. “Our defense cooperation has been the cornerstone of 70 years of close and strengthening partnership.”

Berger discussed the importance of realistic training between the U.S. and Philippine Marine Corps during his meeting with Caculitan, highlighting future bilateral exercises such as Kamandag and Balikatan.

https://palawan-news.com/u-s-marine-corps-commandant-visits-the-philippines/

Mayor Sara meets former NPA leader

From the Mindanao Times (Sep 14, 2021): Mayor Sara meets former NPA leader (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

Mayor Sara Duterte  Photo: BING GONZALES

MAYOR Sara Duterte has met the former secretary of Guerilla Front 55 of the New People’s Army as she discussed the peace initiatives to end insurgency and bring peace in Paquibato District and the whole city.

Duterte visited Arian Jane O. Ramos known as alias Marikit at the headquarters of the 1003rd Brigade, on Friday morning of Sept. 10.

Maj. Jerry Lamosao, the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office chief, said the meeting was arranged by the 1003rd Brigade to maximize the potential of Ka Marikit in the Paquibato area as she started giving vital information and suggestions in making lasting peace in the area of responsibility.

Ka Marikit was a scholar of the UP-Mindanao who took up BA Communication Arts. Lamosao said she was indoctrinated with educational discussions about women and later immersed in the IP communities.

In 2012, Ramos joined the legal organization Gabriela Youth as the voice of the youth to facilitate mass rallies condemning the government.

A year after she had been exposed to Guerrilla Front 53 in White Kulaman, Kitaotao, Bukidnon.

She became a full-time member of the Sandatahang Yunit Propaganda (SYP) of GF55, appointed as Giyang Pampulitika (political guide) and at the same time, a member of Platoon Committee in 2014.

Then, she became an active leader of the NPA who had been sowing terror in the hinterlands of Paquibato, together with her late husband, Ka Rommel.

In 2020, for three months, she claimed to have been part of nine skirmishes with the different units of the 1003 Infantry Brigade. She decided to surrender after experiencing hunger and sleepless nights.

Ka Marikit promised to continue her advocacy in serving the IP communities by extending a hand to the government for a better and bigger purpose. She also encouraged her combat-in-arms to step down and avail government programs through E-CLIP and be reunited with their families and loved ones.

“For the students, let us continue to be critical and focus on our studies. I encouraged activism but let us not come to the point that we are at the brink of thinking about life or death,” she said.

“For the businessmen, let us continue to extend our investment towards the development. Do not give to the demands of the extortion of any groups or organizations particularly using my name. Because I have no consent, I am already at the right track under the 1003rd Brigade and City Government of Davao for sustaining peace, security, and development,” she added.

 
https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2021/09/14/mayor-sara-meets-former-npa-leader/

Armed men burn heavy equipment

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 14, 2021): Armed men burn heavy equipment (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Seven unidentified suspects burned a heavy equipment in Sitio Bulod, Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Sept. 11.

PLt. Col. Romeo Vargas, Himamaylan City police chief, however, said that the suspects spared the heavy equipment operator, a barangay tanod, and two other civilians from harm after burning the backhoe.

Initial police investigations showed that the suspects poured gasoline and set on fire the heavy equipment owned by Erwin Javelosa, a contractor of a road concreting project linking Brgy. Carabalan, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, to Tayasan, Negros Oriental.

Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, 94th Infantry Battalion commander, said they are still investigating if the suspects are indeed members of the New People’s Army, in coordination with the Himamaylan City police.

Vargas said the estimated damage has yet to be established, although the price of the backhoe was reported to be P3.5 million.

However, the other heavy equipment in the area was mysteriously spared from destruction.

Vargas said they are also pursuing other angles of the arson incident, aside from insurgency-related issues.

https://news.visayandailystar.com/armed-men-burn-heavy-equipment/

More of captured NPA rebels in Bukidnon found positive of COVID-19

From MindaNews (Sep 14, 2021): More of captured NPA rebels in Bukidnon found positive of COVID-19 (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

RT-PCR swabs and antigen tests conducted on the 11 New People’s Army rebels captured by Army soldiers following a series of encounters in Bukidnon province last week showed that seven of them are sick with the highly infectious coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division, checks firearms seized from NPA rebels after clashes in San Fernando, Bukidnon. MindaNews file photo by FROILAN GALLARDO

Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, commanding general of the 403rd Infantry Brigade, said they also have conducted antigen tests on the soldiers involved in the Sept. 10 clash in Valencia City and have placed them in isolation for the meantime.

Maj. Francisco Garello Jr., spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said the Valencia City health office informed them on Monday that three of the four rebels who were arrested have been found positive of COVID-19 based on the RT-PCR tests they made on the suspects. Two of those found positive, he added, were minors.

“The Valencia City health office conducted RT-PCR swab tests especially after the two minors were turned over to the City Social Welfare Development Office,” Garello said.

The military said the four were captured during a clash in Purok 10, Sitio Nanulang, Barangay Laligan, Valencia City last September 10.

A military report said the soldiers also captured three M16 rifles and three AR15 rifles from the rebels.

Garello, meanwhile, said three of the nine rebels earlier captured in San Fernando town, Bukidnon, have been found positive of antigen tests. The three, he added, are now under the custody of San Fernando municipal health office.

Earlier, the military placed under isolation an entire squad of soldiers involved in the close quarter fighting with the NPA rebels in San Fernando town, Bukidnon last Sept. 10.

The military also placed under observation an entire platoon of soldiers that were also involved in another firefight in the same town.

Barandon said the medical findings on the rebels have raised a new dimension in their counter-insurgency campaign.

“We are buying antigen tests for our soldiers and training our medical teams on how to use them,” Barandon said.

He said antigen tests are easier to use and portable compared to RT-PCR swabs, which can be spoiled in the field, “making [the former] an ideal first line of defense against COVID-19.”

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/09/more-of-captured-npa-rebels-in-bukidnon-found-positive-of-covid-19/

4 NPA rebels surrender in Nueva Ecija

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): 4 NPA rebels surrender in Nueva Ecija (By Jason De Asis) 

NEW BEGINNINGS. Four former members of communist terrorist groups surrender to the military in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Monday (Sept. 13, 2021). The government continues to encourage insurgents to avail of government assistance and go back to their families. (Photo courtesy of Army 91IB)

Some four communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels surrendered along with their firearms to authorities in Barangay Tugatog, Bongabon, Nueva Ecija on Sept. 13.

Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, commander of the Philippine Army’s 91st Infantry Battalion, confirmed the surrender on Tuesday, saying it is the result of the continuous encouragement of the local government unit and security forces for rebels to start anew with government assistance.

The surrenderers were identified as Ariel Tumenez, alias Ka Smith, a former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who yielded his improvised .45-caliber rifle, improvised 12-gauge shotgun, and a hand grenade; Meraljane Vigilia, alias Ka Vincent, a former member of Militia ng Bayan - Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre (MB KLG Sierra Madre); Dianne Cruz, alias ka Leslie, also a Sierra Madre unit member who gave up her 12-gauge shotgun; and Adrian Salcedo, alias Ka Joma, of the MB Sandatahang Yunit Sierra Madre.

Rubio said the former rebels will reap the benefits under the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, retooled community support program activities, and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integrated Program (E-CLIP).

The E-CLIP reintegrates ex-rebels back to the community and takes them to their families with financial benefits that include but are not limited to reintegration assistance (PHP21,000); firearms, explosives, and ammunitions remuneration; immediate assistance (PHP15,000); livelihood assistance (PHP50,000); livelihood materials and implements or employment assistance (PHP100,000); access to government services; medical, psychosocial, and legal assistance; housing; modified conditional cash transfer; loan and market access; alternative learning system; college tuition and stipend; and conditional transitional grant (PHP5,000).

Rubio urged the public to support and coordinate with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and partner agencies to solve the province’s insurgency problem.

“Surely, we will process the ECLIP benefits for them and other services being offered by the government. Again, we urge the remnants of communist terrorists to surrender peacefully and be reunited with their families,” he said in an interview.

The CPP-NPA is also listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines while the National Democratic Front was designated as one by the country's Anti-Terrorism Council in July.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153493

8 halfway houses for ex-rebels completed in Northern Luzon

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): 8 halfway houses for ex-rebels completed in Northern Luzon (By Zorayda Tecson)

TEMPORARY SHELTER. The halfway house for former rebels that has been completed in Cabaruguis, Quirino. Seven others were likewise finished in other areas of Northern Luzon that will serve as temporary shelter for former rebels and their families while their enrollment to the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program is being processed. (Photo courtesy of Nolcom)

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City – The Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) said eight halfway houses for former rebels have been completed in as many provinces and are now ready for operations.

These are located in Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Burgos, Pangasinan; Lallo, Cagayan; Cabaruguis, Quirino; Lagangilang, Abra; Bontoc, Mountain Province; and Tabuk City, Kalinga.

These halfway houses can accommodate a total of 271 individuals. Each has complete amenities and furniture and is just waiting for electricity and water connection to be fully operational.

Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Marcelo B. Burgos Jr., in a social media post on Tuesday, thanked the local government units (LGUs) responsible for fast-tracking the completion of the facilities.

“The timely completion of the halfway houses is a welcome development in the government’s fight against the communist terrorists. I commend the local government units and partner agencies responsible for the speedy completion of the projects, as it manifests their strong desire and unwavering commitment to end local communist armed conflict in their respective locality,” Burgos said.

He added that the completion of the hubs exhibits the government’s sincerity to address the plight of the people who have been deceived by the New People's Army (NPA) to support its false cause.

The construction of halfway houses is part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

It aims to provide temporary shelter to former rebels and their families while their enrollment to E-CLIP is being processed.

The halfway house also serves as a venue for livelihood training and psycho-socio debriefing of the former rebels prior to their reintegration into mainstream society.

“True to its promise of hope and reconciliation, the government continues to deliver programs and projects that address the causes of grievances of our people. It is in this context, that the Defenders of North reiterate our call to the remnants of the communist terrorists, to lay down your arms and abandon the armed violence. Think of your family and your future. You deserve a much better life together with your family in a peaceful and progressive community,” Burgos said.

A total of 11 halfway houses are programmed to be built in Northern Luzon. The construction of the remaining three is still ongoing.

Based on Nolcom’s report, a total of 602 former rebels in Northern and Central Luzon have returned to the fold of law from Jan. 1 to Sept. 5, this year.

Burgos earlier said that with the continuous rise in the number of rebels voluntarily surrendering to the authorities, the end of NPA’s reign of terror in Northern and Central Luzon is in sight.

“It’s only a matter of time that the NPAs will be totally eradicated in this part of the country,” he said.

The 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/1153485

Surrender of 18 rebels foils NPA's bid to retake Leyte villages

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): Surrender of 18 rebels foils NPA's bid to retake Leyte villages (By Sarwell Meniano)

LEAVING NPA. Some of the 18 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on lie-low status in Ormoc City who voluntarily surrendered to the Philippine Army on Sunday (Sept. 12, 2021). Their surrender has stalled efforts to retake control of their formerly influenced communities, according to the military in a statement issued Tuesday (Sept. 14, 2021). (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

The formal surrender of 18 New People's Army (NPA) rebels in the upland village in Ormoc City has blocked attempts of the communist terrorist group to recover their formerly-influenced communities.

The Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade has commended the Ormoc Integrated Peace and Development Association (OIPDWA) for convincing rebels on lie-low status to formally yield to the government on Sept. 12.

“With the efforts of the Ormoc Integrated Peace and Development Association (OIPDWA), being a government-registered and accredited organization of former rebels in the city, the surfacing lie-low NPA members sought the help of Quezon Jr. village chief Federico Manigao Jr., who in turn coordinated with the military,” the Army said in a statement on Tuesday.

Of the 18 surrenderers, three of them are Yunit Militia (YM) members of the communist terrorist group, nine former full-time NPA members, four former YM members, one former full-time organizer, and one former runner-liaison officer, according to the military.

At least 15 of the surfacing NPA lie-low members are residents of Quezon Jr. village in Ormoc City.

Others are residents of Hugpa, San Antonio, and Can-untog villages.

One of the surrenderers is Manigao’s brother, according to the Army’s report.

During separate interviews with soldiers and local authorities, the 18 inactive NPA members said they decided to officially turn themselves in rather than be reconnected with the communist terrorist group.

They admitted that the NPA platoon led by a certain Juanito Sellesa Jr. alias Tibor or Jay, a native of Luneta village in Lapaz, Leyte, attempted to recruit them back to armed rebellion.

“As they promised to help convince their former comrades to totally cut off any remaining link with the NPA, more rebel members and supporters on lie-low status from different villages of Ormoc are expected to surface in the next few weeks in order to live a normal life,” the army added.

Army 802nd Brigade commander Brig. General Zosimo Oliveros thanked the OIPDWA for its effort in facilitating the return to the folds of the law of their former comrades.

“The efforts of the OIPDWA have a great impact in preventing the communist terrorist group from reconnecting with their former comrades and reestablishing a foothold in the village,” Oliveros said.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA is also 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/1153376

PH Fleet holds series of warfighting exercises

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): PH Fleet holds series of warfighting exercises (By Priam Nepomuceno)

ENHANCING CAPABILITIES. Officers of the Philippine Fleet lead the launch of the "Exercise Pagbubuklod" at Sangley Point in Cavite on Monday (Sept. 13, 2021). The exercise aims to further enhance the interoperability and readiness of Philippine Navy units in order to address traditional and non-traditional threats. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Fleet)

The Philippine Fleet, the primary unit of the Philippine Navy (PN), will hold a series of exercises aimed at boosting its warfighting capabilities.

In a statement Monday night, Lt. Commander Ryan Luna, Philippine Fleet spokesperson, said the "Exercise Pagbubuklod" officially opened on Monday and will be held at the Sangley Point and Ternate, Cavite and the approaches of Manila Bay until Sept. 17.

"These forces will conduct joint Amphibious Planning and Field Training exercises (FTX) on land and at sea. 'Exercise Pagbubuklod' focuses on the Command's thrust of validating organizational structure, concepts of operations, and published doctrines to address the current and future scenario in the operational areas," he added.

"Exercise Pagbubuklod" is an annual maritime exercise conducted by the Philippine Fleet aimed at further enhancing the interoperability and readiness of PN units in order to address traditional and non-traditional threats.

Among the major exercises which will be conducted are the maritime interdiction operation with high angle sniping, amphibious air support, maritime air surveillance/intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime search and rescue, and high-risk visit, board, search and seizure.

Also included are amphibious assault/raid, insertion/extraction, amphibious sealift, tactical sealift, force protection capability, support and sustainment, afloat command and control, gunnery exercise, shipboard helicopter operations (HELOPS), and casualty evacuation operation (CASEVAC).

He added that all face-to-face activities during the "Exercise Pagbubuklod" will be carried out with strict adherence to health protocols set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Luna said participants were also tested and certified as free from Covid-19 by authorized medical professionals and units prior to the start of all activities.

He added that all medical interventions and health protocols will be implemented during the conduct of the exercise.

"Medical services will also be provided to all personnel of the different component forces. Those who will manifest Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) symptoms will be immediately pulled out from the exercise to be evacuated to the nearest military treatment facility for evaluation," Luna said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153436

5 officials get new assignments in latest PNP reshuffle

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): 5 officials get new assignments in latest PNP reshuffle (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

Five ranking police officials were included in the latest reorganization in the Philippine National Police (PNP).

In an order dated Sept. 13 and released Tuesday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar reassigned Maj. Gen. Bartolome Bustamante, current head of the Directorate for Human Resource Doctrine and Development (DHRDD), to lead the Directorate for Police Community Relations (DPCR).

Bustamante will replace Maj. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, who will now head the Directorate for Operations (DO).

Meanwhile, Headquarters Support Service (HSS) chief Brig. Gen. Arthur Bisnar will replace Bustamante as the DHRDD chief.

Brig. Gen. Harold Tuzon, acting secretary to the PNP Directorial Staff, will take over the helm of the HSS while Col. Joaquin Alva will take over Tuzon's post.

The revamp will take effect on Sept. 15.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153449

No report of terror threats amid Japan's warning: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): No report of terror threats amid Japan's warning: AFP (By Priam Nepomuceno)

AFP spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it is taking seriously all received or disseminated reports of possible terrorism-related activities.

This came after Japan's Foreign Ministry on Monday issued an alert cautioning its citizens in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar, against possible terror attacks.

"As of now, we have not received any report. We constantly validate all reports on security matters and it is a continuous process. As per last review our threat level is moderate," AFP spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.

Zagala said the AFP is continuing with the fight against all forms of terrorism and violence in the country through intensified internal security operations aimed at preserving peace and order.

"We ensure that all citizens, Filipinos or not, as long as they are within our territory, are protected and kept safe from terrorists' threats. This is also to underscore the importance of the active participation of the populace in defeating terrorism since security is, after all, everyone's concern," he added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has not received any report of possible terror attacks linked to Tokyo's warning.

"However, this does not mean we will lower our guard on this matter. Our intelligence monitoring is stronger than ever, especially after the 9/11 attacks in the United States and the Marawi siege. We continue to work with other countries against terrorism through information sharing and partnership in dealing with terrorists," PNP chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said in a statement.

He added that they are also working with the community and other stakeholders to thwart any possible terror attacks in the country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153497

Relatives not spared from NPA recruitment

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): Relatives not spared from NPA recruitment (By Marita Moaje)

ANTI-REBELS. Residents of Barangay Minapasuk in Calatrava, Negros Occidental burn communist flags and denounce their atrocities in this November 2020 photo. The military revealed that insurgents recruit even minor family members. (Photo courtesy of 79IB Facebook)

Ruthless members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) conduct recruitment within their families, luring even children as their membership continues to decrease.

The health crisis has suspended face-to-face classes since last year, thus depriving the CPP-NPA of the chance to entice students to leave schools and join them.

The insurgents have since turned to relatives and indigenous peoples communities, not sparing even minors, according to Maj. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., commander of the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

“So ang nangyayari is that pati na rin iyong mga kamag-anak nilang mga bata, hinihikayat nila na maging miyembro ng New People’s Army. So that’s one very sad fact na nalaman po namin dito ‘no recently doon sa mga nag-surrender po sa atin (What happens is they persuade their younger relatives, even children, to be NPA members. That’s what we learned recently from those who have surrendered to us),” Brawner bared during the “Tagged” virtual media briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday.

But Brawner said the CPP-NPA has lost the trust and support of the masses.

“Wala na rin silang mga suporta doon sa taumbayan. Even iyong mga mass bases nila, wala na rin po silang masyadong suporta. So ang nagsusuporta na lang po sa kanila ay iyong mga kamag-anak din nila (They also do not have the support of the people anymore, even from their mass bases, so the only ones left supporting them are their relatives),” he said.

Brawner said the military is communicating with and reaching out to relatives of NPA members to enlighten them on why they should not join the armed struggle.

Between Sept. 8 and 10, five NPA members aged 11 to 17 were rescued during a series of clashes between government troops and rebels in Bukidnon.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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/1153509

Embassy confirms receipt of terror attack warning in PH, 5 others

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 14, 2021): Embassy confirms receipt of terror attack warning in PH, 5 others (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

The Japanese Embassy in Manila on Tuesday confirmed that Tokyo has received an intelligence report about a possible terror attack in six countries, including the Philippines.

In a statement sent via email, the Embassy said it cannot disclose details, but the advisory is addressed to its citizens.

"We confirm that the Japanese government has received information about a possible terror attack, but we cannot give you any detailed background at the moment. In relation to this, we issued a warning to alert Japanese people residing in some Southeast Asian countries, but we cannot disclose the source," it said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, on the other hand, said they have not received any official report about the threat.

"The DFA has not been officially informed about this matter. Travel alerts for a country’s citizens are usually not officially notified to other countries, however, this type of information may have been shared among intelligence agencies," DFA Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez told reporters.

AFP spokesperson, Col. Ramon Zagala also assured that the Philippine government takes seriously all received reports of possible terrorism-related activities.

"We constantly validate all reports on security matters and it is a continuous process. As per last review our threat level is moderate," he said.

"We ensure that all citizens, Filipinos or not, as long as they are within our territory, are protected and kept safe from terrorists' threats. This is also to underscore the importance of the active participation of the populace in defeating terrorism since security is, after all, everyone's concern," he added.

Japan's Foreign Ministry, cited by reports on Monday, warned its citizens in Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar to stay away from religious facilities and crowds after obtaining information that "there are increased risks such as suicide bombing."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1153531