Kalinaw News: 2 NPAs killed, 5 firearms were recovered just days before CPP Anniversary

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 15, 2021): 2 NPAs killed, 5 firearms were recovered just days before CPP Anniversary



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – Two communist NPA terrorists were killed, and five high-powered firearms were seized during a clash between the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) and troops under 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion and 16th Infantry Battalion, December 14, 2021.

The encounter occurred at roughly 5:50 a.m. in the hinterlands of So Mangilit, Brgy Bal-ason, Gingoog City, as the troops were conducting military operations in response to reports from civilians who observed the presence of armed personalities and later following traces from a CTG hideout discovered in the area.

The firefight lasted about 30 minutes against 20 armed elements believed to be combined elements of GF Huawei and SRSDG Eagles, Sub-regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), which resulted in the fatal death of two male NPA fighters. Their identities are yet to be identified as of this writing.

Troops then captured one M16 rifle, one AR18 rifle, two AK-47, one M203 grenade launcher, subversive documents, and personal belongings. No casualties have been reported on the government’s side.

Lt. Col. Ricky L Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion said, “The encounter is a result of the ongoing effort and active steps to thwart terroristic activities, especially now that the 53rd Founding Anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines is approaching, we have intensified our focused military operations and have increased our vigilance for possible hostilities by its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA). However, two lives were lost in the war against the Communist NPA Terrorists’ failed ideology” (CNTs). We express our deepest sympathies to the bereaved families.”

“We urge the surviving CTG members to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law, and live a peaceful and normal life, avoiding unnecessary death, especially now that Christmas is approaching.” Your families are anticipating your arrival, hoping that you will change the course of your lives and spend a hopeful and wonderful transformed life with them, away from the chaos and useless ideology.

The Army, on the other hand, will not stop pursuing the remaining elements. The pandemic and the holiday season will not deter us from carrying out our responsibilities. Simultaneously, we will not hesitate to use force against peace breakers and other threat groups that will continue to use terrorism.”

The discovered cadavers are now being transported to a funeral home in Gingoog City, where they will be given decent and proper turn-over to their families.

[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/2-npas-killed-5-firearms-were-recovered-just-days-before-cpp-anniversary/

Kalinaw News: 2 Active CNT in the Barrio Surrender to Authorities in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Dec 15, 2021): 2 Active CNT in the Barrio Surrender to Authorities in Aurora



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The intensive implementation of the Community Support Program (CSP) of the troops of the 91st Infantry (SINAGTALA) Battalion, Philippine Army resulted in the voluntary surrender of two (2) CNT in the Barrio at 1st PMFC- NEPPO, Main Camp, Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City on December 13, 2021.

Lieutenant Colonel Reandrew P. Rubio, Commanding Officer of 91IB identified the personalities as “Ka Boy” and “Ka Kuba” who were members of the dismantled Komiteng Larangang Guerilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the CTG and both residents of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.

Said surrender was facilitated by the joint elements of Alpha Company of 91IB led by 1st Lieutenant Jun Niño O. Espora and 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (1st PMFC-NEPPO Lead Unit) led by Police Senior Master Sergeant Ryan C. Brillantes.

Meanwhile, the Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army Brigadier General Andrew D. Costelo PA attributed the surrender of the CTG personalities with the efforts of the MTF-ELCAC complementing the efforts of the CSP team in the communities.

“We are committed and dedicated to encouraging the remaining members of the terrorist organization to peacefully surrender to the authorities and to think about their future and their respective families. Time and again, we knew that the terrorist organization is now facing an irreversible defeat. A community that is free from CTG’s influence is a peaceful one. No extortion, no exploitation, no deception — is already a win against the CTG,” said BGen Costelo PA.

[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/2-active-cnt-in-the-barrio-surrender-to-authorities-in-aurora/

AFP forms anti-corruption committee

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2021): AFP forms anti-corruption committee (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino (File photo)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has formed an anti-corruption committee to promote transparency and accountability within the organization.

During ceremonies Tuesday, AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, said the committee would complement the AFP Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability (OESPA) on its anti-corruption measures, policies, and programs.

“As public servants primarily mandated to protect the people and secure the state, it is incumbent upon us in the AFP to perform our duties and responsibilities with utmost integrity, accountability, and transparency,” Centino said.

The newly formed committee is an offshoot of the AFP’s signing of the memorandum of agreement under the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission’s (PACC) “Project Kasangga”.

The OESPA, which has primary jurisdiction over corruption and public ethical standards, will oversee the committee's operations. The AFP vice chief of staff, as OESPA head, will serve as its chair.

A technical working group will be created for the formulation of annual action plans, conduct regular policy and program assessments, and coordinate with the PACC and other government agencies regarding the campaign.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162769

US vows to 'push back' vs. China's expansive SCS maritime claims

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2021): US vows to 'push back' vs. China's expansive SCS maritime claims (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

US State Secretary Antony Blinken (Anadolu photo)

The United States government said it would continue to "push back" on Beijing's expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea (SCS) as it outlined its priorities in the Indo-Pacific region.

US State Secretary Antony Blinken, during a speech in Jakarta on December 14, said Washington, DC is determined to ensure the freedom of navigation in the strategic water where more than USD3 million worth of goods pass through every year.

"It’s worth remembering that, tied up in that colossal number, USD3 trillion, are the actual livelihoods and well-being of millions of people across the world. When commerce can’t traverse open seas, that means that farmers are blocked from shipping their produce; factories can’t ship their microchips; hospitals are blocked from getting life-saving medicines," he said.

Blinken also reaffirmed the 2016 arbitral ruling that rejected China's nine-dash line in the region.

"Five years ago, an international tribunal delivered a unanimous and legally binding decision firmly rejecting unlawful, expansive South China Sea maritime claims as being inconsistent with international law. We and other countries, including South China Sea claimants, will continue to push back on such behavior," he said.

The US, he said, would forge "stronger connections" within and beyond the region and deepen its treaty alliances with Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, Thailand, including the Philippines.

China, the Philippines, and several littoral states are locked in a territorial dispute over the South China Sea.

At the recent Asean-G7 ministers meeting, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said "recent incidents and the heightened tension" in the area remain a serious concern.

He noted that Manila has fired diplomatic protests for every incursion and opposed the application of China’s Coast Guard Law beyond the limits of its maritime entitlements under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162811

OPAPP vows to sustain PGS gains

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2021): OPAPP vows to sustain PGS gains (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

COMPLIANCE STAGE. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is conferred with the Compliance Stage during the Institute for Solidarity in Asia’s Performance Governance System (PGS) Public Revalida on Wednesday (Dec. 15, 2021). The OPAPP vowed to sustain gains as it aspires for next PGS stage -- the Proficiency Stage. (Screengrab from virtual event)

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said the Performance Governance System (PGS) has been influential on the progress of its daily operations.

This, as the OPAPP was conferred with the Silver Trailblazer Award for performance governance compliant during the Institute for Solidarity in Asia’s (ISA) virtual PGS Public Revalida on Wednesday.

In his speech, Deputy Peace Adviser Undersecretary Isidro Purisima said the PGS pathway made them realize that "that an organization cannot remain static and must continue to evolve."

"This means that we have to learn to adapt to fast-changing realities on the ground. If not, we would be swept away by the powerful currents of change. And so our evolution as an organization began. At first, things appeared to be daunting, to say the least. We didn’t know exactly where we were heading," he said.

Purisima said the OPAPP began its "amazing, exciting and challenging" PGS journey in 2019.

He said they are aiming to "sustain the gains and continue moving forward in the PGS pathway."

He cited that ISA accompanied with "sheer" determination of OPAPP employees and constant management assessments have helped the office build its "sense of direction."

"We knew that the path towards the compliance stage would be more challenging, as we continued our transformation as an organization and the implementation of our programs," he said.

"We have been able to take the learnings from the initiation stage and apply them as we moved on to the compliance stage. This is not to say that our compliance stage journey has been easier. Modesty aside, we have just learned to be more efficient," he added.

Purisima said OPAPP and its employees committed to continuing the PGS into their system.

"We recognize the favorable impact of the PGS in the overall performance of the organization, thus, we continuously embed it in our day-to-day operations and embody the good governance principles and approaches we have adopted through the PGS," he said.

Purisima said their hard work, commitment, and dedication made them conferred the Compliance Stage.

"We are inspired to take on the challenges that come with the next PGS stage—the Proficiency Stage," he added.

The OPAPP is mandated to oversee, coordinate, and integrate the comprehensive peace process and collaborate with several agencies in pursuit of the administration's Six-Point Peace and Development Agenda within targeted conflict-afflicted areas.

At the height of the pandemic, OPAPP head Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. was appointed as the country's vaccine czar and later named as the head of the National Task Force Against Covid-19.

Galvez earlier said the pursuit of peace process continued despite playing a crucial role in the health crisis management and pandemic response.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162899

AFP chief vows more support for Army Aviation Regiment

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2021): AFP chief vows more support for Army Aviation Regiment (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of AFP

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino, on Wednesday pledged support for the continued development of the Army Aviation Regiment.

Centino made this pledge during his visit to the unit's headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija where he was the guest-of-honor and speaker at the joint opening ceremony for the equipment transition training for the Bolkow BO-105 helicopter, the rotary wing transition course, and the aviator qualification course.

"I am fortunate to see the dawn of aviation in the Philippine Army. Rest assured that as Chief of Staff, you will have my full support in the enhancement of your capability," Centino said.

He also acknowledged the need to strengthen the Army Aviation Regiment as a complement in Army, Air Force, and Navy operations.

Centino also emphasized the role of the unit in transporting Army commanders, who are expected to lead at the front and oversee the status of operations and welfare of personnel in their respective units.

With this, the AFP chief promised to endorse the inclusion of new assets for the Army Aviation Regiment in the AFP Modernization Program. Four students, who are already rated helicopter pilots, will undertake the Bolkow training to make them qualified to fly the BO-105 helicopter that was commissioned by the regiment in July this year.

On the other hand, the rotary-wing training with six students and aviation qualification course with 10 students, is expected to produce rated helicopter pilots and aviators respectively.

"To the students, make good of the time and this opportunity to further improve your knowledge, skills, and attitude so that you may serve the Army and the AFP better," Centino said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162829

Completion of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar repairs seen this December

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2021): Completion of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar repairs seen this December (By Priam Nepomuceno)

BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (File photo)

The repairs of the offshore patrol vessel, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PS-15), are estimated to be completed by the end of December.

"The ship's repair is already 70 percent complete, with an estimated completion date around the last week of December 2021," said Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza, in a message to the Philippine News Agency when sought for updates on the naval vessel Wednesday night.

Dock and sea trials for BRP Gregorio Del Pilar were conducted in the last week of November.

"Another sea trial will be scheduled upon correction of noted deficiencies (if any) found on the previous sea trial," Negranza said.

Despite the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar undergoing maintenance, he assured the public that the PN "vigilantly stands guard at our borders, effectively safeguarding Philippine waters".

One of the ship's two variable pitch propellers was damaged, along with its propeller hub, after its grounding off Hasa-Hasa Shoal in August 2018.

Negranza earlier said the drydocking and other related repairs of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar are expected to be completed by September.

Difficulties in procuring parts and the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic have moved the completion of the repairs of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar to the latter part of 2021.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162929

Hunt on vs. Reds behind attacks on 'Odette' response ops

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 17, 2021): Hunt on vs. Reds behind attacks on 'Odette' response ops (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos (File photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) condemned the latest atrocities by communist terrorists on humanitarian and disaster response missions in the Visayas and Mindanao.

In a statement on Thursday night, PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos echoed the condemnation by the Department of the Interior and Local Government officials of the twin attacks by New People's Army (NPA) members in Samar and Surigao del Sur provinces on government personnel and civilians engaged in preemptive evacuations ahead of the onslaught of Typhoon Odette.

“These are totally deplorable actions by the local communist terrorists that deserve the strongest condemnation of civil society,” he said.

Carlos vowed to mobilize the full might of the PNP to “arrest the authors and actors of these crimes against humanity”.

In Barangay Esperanza, Carmen, Surigao del Sur, communist rebels ambushed a convoy of soldiers, health workers, and evacuees moving to safer grounds on Wednesday as local authorities ordered a preemptive evacuation of residents in low-lying areas.

Surigao del Sur Governor Alexander Pimentel said two civilians were wounded in the incident.

Also on Wednesday, two PNP Special Action Force troops and a civilian were wounded in another NPA attack in Barangay del Rosario, Matuguinao, Samar while police and local government authorities were prepositioning relief supplies to high-risk communities along the projected path of 'Odette'.

Wounded in the attack were Cpl. Abner Balante, Cpl. Manuel Carlos, and civilian Jomar Diaz.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1163026

6 NPA rebels surrender with guns in DavNor, Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2021): 6 NPA rebels surrender with guns in DavNor, Bukidnon (By Che Palicte)

SURRENDER. Six more NPA rebels surrender to Eastern Mindanao Command troops on separate occasions in Davao del Norte and Bukidnon between Dec. 10 and 13, 2021. Eastmincom commander, Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, said Wednesday (Dec. 15, 2021) the rebels turned over various firearms while other ammunition was recovered by the troops. (Photo courtesy of Eastmincom)

Six rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA), bringing with them 14 firearms, surrendered to different military units in Davao del Norte and Bukidnon on December 10, 12, and 13, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said Wednesday.

In a statement, Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, commander of the Eastmincom, said the surrenderers were identified as Todong Balite Manlologpis alias Borjack, commanding officer of Platoon Andoy, and Magno Colot Maas alias Richard, squad leader of Segunda, Platun Andoy, both from the Sub-Regional Guerrilla Unit (SRGU); Kimkim Balite alias Tambutso, squad leader of Platoon Basil and Hazel Samson alias Kat, logistics officer of SRGU, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SRC5, SMRC); and Alambo Coguit Balamban alias Jeric of Abe, Squad 1 and Janjan Ahing Ganansya alias Jekjek of Baking, Squad 2 from the Loader Platoon, both from SRC 2, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

Manlologpis and Maas surrendered to the troops of the 1003rd Brigade’s 56th Infantry Battalion (IB) and 27IB at Sitio Bagang, Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod, Davao del Norte on December 13.

They disclosed the location of an arms cache in the same area, leading the troops to recover eight high-powered firearms – four M16 rifles, a Bushmaster M16 rifle, a Colt M653 rifle, and two M14 rifles.

While Tambutso and Samson surrendered to the 89IB and gave up an M16 rifle in Barangay Bulalang, San Fernando, Bukidnon on December 12.

“The 56th IB and 89th IB also recovered three firearms composed of a Bushmaster M16 rifle, a CZ 858 Tactical-4V rifle, and an M1 Carbine rifle from SRGU, SRC5, SMRC at Sitio Sinegawan, Barangay Sto. Domingo, San Fernando, Bukidnon through information disclosed by a former rebel,” Almerol added.

Balamban and Ganansya, on the other hand, surrendered to 60IB at Camp Morgia, Barangay Doña Andrea, Asuncion, Davao del Norte on December 10 and gave up their firearms composed of an M16 rifle and a caliber .45 pistol to the 1001st Brigade’s 60th IB at Camp Morgia, Barangay Doña Andrea, Asuncion, Davao del Norte on December 10.

‘As good as dismantled’

Almerol said the 1003rd Brigade has reported that due to the success of their operations in the past five months, it has brought down the strength of SRC5, SMRC, and Platoon Bagsik from 80 NPA members to only nine active members as of press time.

He said the figures were divulged by former rebel Arian Jane Ramos alias Marikit, the former secretary of Guerrilla Front 55.

“With this remaining number of their members, the SRGU, SRC5 of SMRC is as good as dismantled. It is impossible for them to continue to operate with only a few men,” Almerol said.

He noted that the surrenderers have made the right decision to yield peacefully instead of continuing to resist government forces, which only brings pain, suffering, and death.

“Do not let this Christmas season pass without making the decision to surrender because surely, in 2022, the military will only become more relentless in its pursuit of peace and development as part of the goal to end the local communist armed conflict next year,” Almerol added.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162857

2 NPA rebels killed in central Negros clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2021): 2 NPA rebels killed in central Negros clash (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

(Editor's note: Correcting the rank of Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte. The previous version of this article referred to him as colonel. Our apologies.)

Some two Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) guerrillas were killed in an encounter with soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Tuesday afternoon.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said in an interview on Wednesday the incident took place while the soldiers were conducting security operations in the village.

The fatalities were identified as Florida “Kelly” Ceballos, secretary of the NPA’s Central Negros 2, Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros, and Wifredo “Dino” Fuentes, the courier of Central Negros 2.

Their remains were brought to the city proper on Wednesday morning.

The 303IBde and the 94IB have yet to release photos of the fatalities.

Pasaporte said at almost 1 p.m., the troops engaged about 10 communist rebels in Sitio Belo at the foot of Mt. Cansermon near the province’s border with Negros Oriental.

“They have been conducting security operations in the area. There was a series of incidents before the encounter,” he added.

After the clash, the troops recovered two .45 caliber and a .38 caliber pistols with ammunition, two hand grenades, several mobile phones, subversive documents, and personal belongings.

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162888

2 NPAs killed in MisOr-AgNor border clashes

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2021): 2 NPAs killed in MisOr-AgNor border clashes (By Nef Luczon and Alexander Lopez)

SEIZED FIREARMS. Photo shows four of the six firearms, along with other provisions, that were recovered from New People’s Army guerrillas during separate encounters on the border of Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Norte provinces on Tuesday (Dec. 14, 2021). Two NPA rebels were also killed in the encounters. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two communist New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas were killed while six firearms were recovered during separate encounters with state troopers in the borders of Misamis Oriental and Agusan del Norte, the military here said Wednesday.

In a statement, Maj. Francisco Garello, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) public affairs office chief, said the encounters took place Tuesday between Sitio Mangilit, Barangay Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and Sitio Malague, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

"In Buenavista, the 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB) recovered one firearm, while the 58IB, together with the 16IB, had five firearms in Gingoog City," he said.

The 4ID said the initial clash transpired at the hinterlands of Sitio Mangilit, where troops from the 53IB under Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy and 16IB under Lt. Col. Joel Salaguinto faced the combined elements of the NPA's GF Huawei and SRSDG Eagles Sub-Regional Committee 1 (SRC1) of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC) around 5:50 a.m.

After the 30-minute firefight, two out of some 20 NPA fighters were killed.

Army troopers also seized an M16 rifle, an AR18 rifle, two AK-47 rifles, and an M203 grenade launcher.

Canatoy said the encounter was the result of the efforts to thwart NPA activities, especially since the 53rd founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is approaching, on December 26.

"We have intensified our focused military operations and two lives were lost in the war against the NPA failed ideology,” he said.

Agusan del Norte

In Agusan del Norte, government troops clashed with NPA insurgents in the hinterlands of Sitio Malague, Barangay Guinabsan, Buenavista, resulting in the recovery of firearms from the guerrilla group and casualties on their side.

Lt. Col. Julius Cesar Paulo, commander of the 23IB, in a statement Wednesday said an M14 rifle with two magazines filled with ammunition was recovered from the insurgents.

“We conducted series of follow-up operations after our troops clashed with the NPA insurgents last Dec. 8 and overran their lair in Barangay Rizal, also in Buenavista town,” Paulo said.

The December 8 encounter also yielded an M4 rifle and around 200 assorted ammunition left by the NPA rebels in their encampment.

He added that the 23IB troops proceeded in the area on Tuesday afternoon after the civilians reported the presence of around five armed NPA guerrillas led by Jelan Pinakilid, alias Baking of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Sagay, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

The encounter lasted for five minutes before the rebels withdrew from their position towards the northeastern portion of Barangay Guinabsan.

“Our troops pursued them as the civilians reported their whereabouts after the encounter,” Paulo said, adding that the rebels also suffered damages as evidenced by the bloodstains seen in their escape route.

He added that the 23IB has been encouraging the remaining members of the NPA in the area to surrender following the heavy losses they suffered from the series of encounters in 2020 and this year.

“As much as possible, we wanted our troops to deal with them peacefully but they chose rash actions by firing against government forces. As soldiers, it is part of our mandated task to contain violent acts for the safety of the rest of the people living in the communities,” Paulo said.

In the same statement Wednesday, Col. Adonis Ariel Orio, the commander of the 402nd Infantry Brigade, lauded the efforts of the 23IB in conducting continuing military operations in the area.

“These successful engagements are sending strong messages to the NPA rebels on the persistent and consistent military operations of our troops against the remaining insurgents in the area,” Orio said.

He also urged the remaining NPA rebels to surrender peacefully and abandon the pointless life in hiding inside the communist movement.

“You no longer have places to go and hide as our troops are already surrounding you. Therefore, surrender now and avail of the benefits under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government,” Orio said.

In a separate statement, Major General Romeo Branwer Jr, Philippine Army chief and concurrent 4ID commander, lauded the Army battalions in the fight against the rebels.

“It is unfortunate that two lives were lost. They could have been alive if they were not deceived and recruited by the CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front),” Brawner said.

Brawner said even before he assumed his new post, he has been warning the NPA to leave the communities from their recruitment and nefarious activities.

“I’ll say it again to the NPAs, leave our farmers alone! Leave our IPs (indigenous peoples) and youths alone! Stop recruiting and pushing them towards their own grave,” he said.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the NDF as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162846

181 militiamen to complement Zambo peace advocacy drive

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 15, 2021): 181 militiamen to complement Zambo peace advocacy drive (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

PEACE ADVOCACY. Some 181 militiamen complete their 45-day training at the La Libertad Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit Training Center in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay province on Tuesday (Dec. 14, 2021). The 1st Infantry Division (ID) is deploying them to complement its peace advocacy campaign in the Zamboanga Peninsula. (Photo courtesy of Western Mindanao Command Public Information Office)

A total of 181 new militiamen are set for deployment in different communities to complement the peace advocacy campaign of the 1st Infantry Division (ID) in the Zamboanga Peninsula, military officials said Wednesday.

The militiamen have just completed a 45-day training Tuesday afternoon facilitated by the 1ID Training School at the Libertad Citizens Armed Force Geographical Unit Training Center in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.

“They underwent training to enhance their knowledge and skills as they play part in the peacekeeping missions of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP),” Col. Wendell Basat, Western Mindanao Command’s (Westmincom) civil-military operations chief, said in a statement Wednesday.

The 181 militiamen were reminded to apply the knowledge and skills they attained during the training in their respective areas of assignments and to maintain good attitudes.

“Since they have finished all the needed requirements, they are now adequately equipped with strategies and tactics to counter our enemies,” Basat said.

Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., the Westmincom commander, said they are happy to welcome the 181 militiamen and have the new breed of force multipliers and peacekeepers.

“With them, we will be able to further our peace campaigns and accomplish our mission that is to sustain the peace in our area of operation,” Rosario said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162869

Cops hunt down suspects in NoCot grenade attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2021): Cops hunt down suspects in NoCot grenade attack (By Edwin Fernandez)

SCENE RESPONDERS. An ambulance and police patrol car respond to a grenade blast incident along the national highway in Matalam, North Cotabato late Wednesday (Dec. 15, 2021) that injured three, including a minor. A manhunt is underway against the perpetrators who fired at the victims before tossing a grenade. (Photo courtesy of Matalam MPS)

Joint police and military forces here are hunting down two suspects responsible for the grenade attack Wednesday night in Matalam, North Cotabato that left three persons, including a minor, hurt.

Major Junrel Amotan, Matalam town police chief, said Thursday the Army’s 602nd Infantry Brigade is helping the police locate the perpetrators.

Amotan said the blast occurred at past 9 p.m. along the national highway in Barangay Kilada.

Amotan identified the victims as Elizabeth, Florencio, and a 10-year-old boy, all surnamed Wahing and residents of Barangay Poblacion in the same town.

“They sustained shrapnel wounds in different parts of their bodies and are now confined in a municipal hospital,” the police official said in an interview by reporters here.

The victims were all in front of a roadside store when two men on a motorbike arrived and fired shots using a pistol.

“The attackers then tossed a hand grenade and sped away,” Amotan said quoting witnesses.

Police found empty shells for a .45-caliber pistol at the scene.

A closed-circuit television camera footage showed the suspects on a motorbike were seen suspiciously roaming near the store before the blast.

Amotan said the identities and motive of the attackers are being determined.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162926

10 NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2021): 10 NPA rebels yield in Sultan Kudarat (By Edwin Fernandez)

RIGHT PATH. Ten New People's Army rebels operating in the tri-boundaries of Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and South Cotabato provinces pledge allegiance to the government after surrendering to the Army in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday (Dec. 15, 2021). The surrenderers also turned in nine assorted firearms during their surrender. (Photo courtesy of 37IB))

Ten demoralized communist New People’s Army guerrillas have surrendered to the military in Palimbang town of Sultan Kudarat province, an Army official here said Thursday.

“The surrenderers wanted to start life anew by living peacefully,” said Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander and concurrent chief of the Joint Task Force Central (JTFC). The NPA batch yielded on Wednesday afternoon to security forces in Palimbang town.

The rebels also turned in nine assorted firearms and ammunition during their surrender to the Army’s 37th Infantry Battalion (37IB) in the area.

Uy lauded the decision of the former NPA rebels to abandon the communist organization and choose a peaceful life with their families and with the community.

“Our efforts to defeat the NPA have been relentless. Along with the local government units, non-government, and civil society organizations, we have sustained the call for the misguided rebels to surrender and return to the folds of the law,” Uy said.

“At the same time the security forces had sustained our focused military operation targeting the communist rebels who refused to work with the government and continues to threaten the communities,” he added.

The military declined to reveal the identifies of the NPA surrenderers for security reasons.

Lt. Col. Allan Van Estrera, the 37IB commander, said the rebels turned in an M203 rifle, an M16 rifle, a Browning automatic rifle, three M1 Garand rifles, two Springfield rifles with scopes, and one M79 grenade launcher.

Col. Ali Luis Macawaris Jr, deputy commander of the 603rd Infantry Brigade whose unit has operational control over the area, said the surrenderers belonged to the weakened Daguma Front, Sub-Regional Committee Daguma, Far South Mindanao Region operating in the tri-boundaries of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Sarangani provinces.

More than 100 NPAs have surrendered to the government this year through the JTFC.

The Communist Part 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.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4004111469161356591/5048782873751872567

Ilocos Region soon to be declared insurgency-free

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2021): Ilocos Region soon to be declared insurgency-free (By Hilda Austria)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (PNA file photo)

Authorities have affirmed that Ilocos Region can now be declared as insurgency-free following a year of zero violent incidents involving the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA).

Brig. Gen. Krishnamurti Mortela, commander of the 702nd Infantry Brigade, in a phone interview on Thursday, said the region is qualified to move to the “last stage” in the classification of an area as insurgency-free based on the joint implementing rules and regulations.

Mortela said the first is insurgency stage wherein there are influence and presence of armed groups while the second is an area declared as conflict manageable and ready for further development, which has been done in the region as early as 10 years ago when the force of the communist-terrorist group was substantially reduced.

He said the third stage is the insurgency-free wherein the government is in full control and there are no longer armed groups.

The territorial defenses are in place and de-radicalization (reorientation and reintegration) was done to the former supporters and the area was cleared of any influence of the communist-terrorist group, Mortela said.

“We have done this (third stage) and there has been relatively a year of peace,” he added.

The dismantling of the Komiteng Larangan Guerilla (KLG) South Ilocos Sur happened in September last year.

Mortela said the last stage involves attaining a stable and internal peace and security, wherein concerned authorities can now sign and declare the region as insurgency-free.

“We will do appropriate documentation to formalize the declaration of the region as insurgency-free,” he added.

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said more developmental projects can be pursued in the region as it is now free of violence and illegal activities of the CPP-NPA.

“We affirm what we have been telling you that Region 1 (Ilocos Region) is insurgency-free. The lone KLG group has been dismantled (last year) and the remaining elements (of the group) have transferred to other guerilla fronts in the Cordillera Region, which are also getting dismantled that they are very weak now,” Esperon said during a virtual press conference on Wednesday afternoon hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos regional office.

He said the declaration is yet to be formalized, however, it was already evaluated at the operation and fiscal levels.

Elections

Esperon said with the absence of armed groups and influence of the CPP-NPA, Ilocos Region can have a “good climate” for next year’s elections.

“Because they were already dismantled, we expect less activity in regards to extortion and the thing called ‘permit to campaign’ and ‘permit to win’, we will not allow that to happen. We will not allow the group to harass and extort from the candidates,” he said.

Esperon said operations continue in areas as well as the development projects in the communities where the group’s influence has been “rooted deeply”.

Checkpoints have been established while police presence has been strengthened and will remain in far-flung areas to ensure safe, peaceful, and honest elections, he added.

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

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and separate part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162937

2 civilians, 4 troopers hurt as NPA hits Surigao Sur evacuation

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16, 2021): 2 civilians, 4 troopers hurt as NPA hits Surigao Sur evacuation (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map of Carmen, Surigao del Sur

Two civilians and four government troopers were hurt when communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels attacked a preemptive evacuation conducted by government troops in Barangay Cancavan, Carmen, Surigao del Sur at around 10:15 a.m. Wednesday.

Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) Director, Col. Joseph Boquiren, told the Philippine News Agency Thursday that the two civilians and the four Army personnel are now in stable condition after medical treatment at the Madrid District Hospital.

“The troopers of 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) were part of the preemptive evacuation team dispatched in the area to secure the residents from the possible impacts of Typhoon Odette,” Boquiren said.

An encounter immediately ensued as the 36IB troopers manage to position themselves to defend the other civilians in the area, he added.

Police personnel from Madrid also provided support to the troopers by setting up checkpoints, he pointed out.

“The undetermined number of attackers belonged to Guerrilla Front 30 of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA and was led by Alias Megan,” Boquiren said.

Despite the incident, Boquiren emphasized that the SDSPPO and the different stations and police units in the area will continue to provide support to the ongoing evacuations due to Typhoon Odette.

“Our priority now is to provide support to evacuations and rescue operations. Our manpower and resources are on standby and ready to respond in emergency calls,” Boquiren said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1162925