MILF/MNLF applicants take exams for entry in Philippine National Police

From MindaNews (May 29, 2022): MILF/MNLF applicants take exams for entry in Philippine National Police (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

Hundreds of applicants for police from among male and female members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front on Sunday took the National Police Commission’s Special Qualifying Eligibility Examination (NSQEE) for entry into the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Passers of the NSQEE will be conferred by the NAPOLCOM with eligibility for temporary appointment as patrolman or patrolwoman in the PNP. Permanent appointment can be given upon satisfaction of the prescribed educational requirement of baccalaureate degree which they have to obtain within fifteen (15) years upon entry to the PNP, as prescribed under Section 14 of RA 8551, on the general qualification for appointment into the PNP.

 

Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front queue outside the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City, venue of the Napolcom’s Special Qualifying Eligibility Examination for entry into the Philippine National Police. MIndaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

Section 2 of Article XI of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao provides that in order to facilitate entry into the Philippine National Police of the MILF and MNLF members from the BARMM, “the age, height and educational attainment requirements may be waived by the National Police Commission, subject to existing rules and regulations.”

Members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front queue outside the Notre Dame University in Cotabato City, venue of the Napolcom’s Special Qualifying Eligibility Examination for entry into the Philippine National Police. MIndaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

The waiver can be availed of within five years from the ratification of the Organic Law. The law was ratified in January 2019.

It also states that the requirement of educational attainment shall be complied with within 15 years from their entry, provided that their ranks and grades shall be subject to existing laws, rules and regulations governing the PNP.

The NAPOLCOM in its May 19 press release said members of the MILF and MNLF who aspire to join the police service shall submit a certification issued by the MILF or MNLF chair, validated by the Ad Hoc Office on Bangsamoro Policing as prescribed under Executive Order No. 0003 issue on March 7, 2022.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/05/milf-mnlf-applicants-take-exams-for-entry-in-philippine-national-police/

PAF’s unmanned aerial vehicle crashes in Bukidnon

From MindaNews (May 28, 2022): PAF’s unmanned aerial vehicle crashes in Bukidnon (By FROILAN GALLARDO)

An Israel-made unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) of the Philippine Air Force crashed near a popular mountain resort in Baungon town, Bukidnon on Saturday afternoon.

The military reported no casualties at the crash site and no major damage to any private property.

Major Francisco Garello Jr., spokesman of the 4th Infantry Division said a Special Forces team is now guarding the crash site near Ultra Winds Mountain Resort in Baungon town.

The resort is some 1.2 nautical miles east of Lumbia Airport here, the old passenger aviation airport and now the base of the PAF 15th Strike Wing and the Tactical Operations Group 10.

Baungon, Bukidnon. Map courtesy of Google Maps

PAF spokesperson Col. Menard Mariano said the Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was returning to Lumbia airport when its operators lost control of the long distance radio link to the aircraft at around 1 p.m.

He said by 2 p.m., they declared the UAV as missing.

“The operators in Lumbia computed the last radio contact with the aircraft and residents in the area confirmed the crash site,” Mariano said.

He said the operators conducted a functional check flight, allowing the UAV to ascend to 10,000 feet.

PAF acquired nine Hermes 900 UAVs from Israel’s Elbit Systems under the Horizon 2 phase of the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines program.

The Hermes 900 is a Multi-role, medium altitude long distance unmanned reconnaissance aircraft and is the most advanced UAV in the AFP.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/05/pafs-unmanned-aerial-vehicle-crashes-in-bukidnon/

Kampo ng BIFF, binomba

 From the Mindanao Examiner (May 29, 2022): Kampo ng BIFF, binomba (BIFF camp, bombed)

Kinumpirma ng militar na dalawang miyembro ng teroristang grupo na Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) ang napatay sa bayan ng Datu Salibo sa magulang lalawigan n Maguindanao matapos na bombahin ng 6th Infantry Division ang kuta ng pro-ISIS group.

Sinabi ni Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat, ang acting commander ng 6th Infantry Division at Joint Task Force Central, na nasawi sa atake ng militar si Abdul Patir at Sadam Salandang at may tinatayang 17 ang sugatan, kabilang na ang kanilang lider na Abu Turaife.

Bagama’t sugatan ay Nakatakas naman ang gupo ni Turaife. Isinagawa ang pambobomba sa grupo ng BIFF kamakailan, subali’t ngayon lamang ito inilahad ng militar matapos na makumpirma ang bilang ng mga casualties sa panig ng mga terorista.

“Tiniyak naman natin na hindi malalagay sa peligro ang buhay ng mga residente dahil sa pagnanais ng ating kalaban na maglagi sila sa lugar. Siniguro naman ng ating mga kasundalohan na nasusunod parin ang karapatang pantao na pinapairal natin. Hindi lamang sa mga residente pati na sa mga nakasagupa ng ating pwersa,” ani Gubat.

May panawagan naman ang Heneral sa mga natitirang myembro ng BIFF at iba pang mga grupo na sumuko na lamang ng mapapayapa at magbagong-buhay at tutulungan umano sila ng pamahalaan.

“Those weakened BIFF-Karialan Faction members who remain entangled in their twisted violent ideology and terroristic ways must surrender now as the JTFC will always be relentless in its operations and we will hunt them down until the last terrorist element is prevented from waging violence and intimidation to our peace-loving communities in the province of Maguindanao,” wika pa ni Gubat sa mga ayaw sumuko.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/05/kampo-ng-biff-binomba.html

PAF probes crash-landing of Hermes 900 drone

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2022): PAF probes crash-landing of Hermes 900 drone (By Priam Nepomuceno)

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said it is now conducting investigations to determine the exact cause of the crash-landing of its Hermes 900 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) while about to land at the Lumbia Airport, Cagayan De Oro City Saturday.

PAF spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano, in a statement forwarded to reporters Saturday night, said the UAV took off at around 9:30 a.m. to perform a functional check flight (FCF).

"Upon takeoff, the UAV proceeded to 5NM (five nautical miles) east of Lumbia and ascended to 10,000 ft. After finding the FCF procedure to be satisfactory, the pilots declared the termination of test and started to descend 5000 ft 1.5 miles east of Lumbia Airport," he added.

At around 11:46 a.m., communication with the UAV was cut.

"All emergency procedures were performed, and field service representatives were called for troubleshooting," Mariano said.

He added that the Hermes 900 UAV crash-landed in a vegetated area where it was last confirmed to have lost contact.

"No civilian casualties and damage of properties were reported. The Command will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of such incident," Mariano said.

Mariano said the UAV, which is the same size as a small trainer plane, is still recoverable.

“As of the moment, the recovery is ongoing. The aircraft suffered considerable damage but was recoverable," he added

The Hermes 900 is an Israeli medium-size, multi-payload, medium-altitude long-endurance UAV designed for tactical missions.

It is a successor to the Hermes 450 series of drones, one of the most widely used military drones in the world.

It has an endurance of over 30 hours and can fly at a maximum altitude of 30,000 feet with a primary mission of reconnaissance, surveillance, and communications relay.

In 2020, the PAF received three Hermes 900 and one Hermes 450 unmanned aerial systems as part of a contract worth approximately USD175 million.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175364

369 new soldiers told ‘not to fail the people they must serve’

From the Philippine News Agency (May 29, 2022): 369 new soldiers told ‘not to fail the people they must serve’ (By Franck Dick Rosete)

DEFENDERS. The 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army welcomes the 369 new graduates of the basic military training during the closing ceremony at Camp Osito Bahian in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on May 23, 2022. The new batch of soldiers is composed of 51 females and 318 males. (Photo courtesy of 4ID)

Be instruments of change for the betterment of the communities and never fail the people you must serve.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, chief of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), thus advised the 369 new graduates of the Basic Military Training to Candidate Soldier Course Class 690, 691, and 706.

Composed of 51 females and 318 males, 172 are with “special skills”, 64 are with the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit, 48 belong to the Indigenous Peoples groups, and 85 are with the engineering unit.

In a statement over the weekend, Mamawag said the additional forces will secure communities in the Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

“All the knowledge and competencies that they have acquired in the training must be translated into effectively accomplishing all the tasks and responsibilities. They must be prepared to assume different roles to become reliable partners of the people in peace and development,” he stated.

They underwent five months of training and satisfactorily completed the mandatory requirements for basic soldiery.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175368

Mahigit 400 miyembro ng kilusang komunista, na-neutralize ng militar sa Eastern Mindanao ngayong taon

 Posted to Radio Mindanao Network (RMN) (May 27, 2022): Mahigit 400 miyembro ng kilusang komunista, na-neutralize ng militar sa Eastern Mindanao ngayong taon (More than 400 members of the communist movement, have been neutralized by the military in Eastern Mindanao this year)

Naging matagumpay ang kampanya ng Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) laban sa mga teroristang komunista sa unang bahagi ng taon.

Ayon Eastmincom Commander Lt. General Greg T. Almerol, aabot sa 452 na miyembro ng kilusang komunista ang na-neutralize sa kanilang area of responsibility mula Enero hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Sa bilang na ito, 35 ang nasawi sa pakikipaglaban sa mga tropa, 26 ang nahuli o arestado, 194 ang sumuko, at 197 ang nag-bawi ng pagsuporta sa NPA.

Ayon kay Almerol, ang pagkaka-neutralize ng malaking bilang ng mga teroristang komunista ay nagresulta sa pagkakabuwag ng anim na Guerilla Fronts at dalawang Sub-Regional Guerilla Units (SRGUs).

Narekober din ng mga tropa ang 342 na high-powered firearms ng kalaban, kung saan 106 ang boluntaryong isinuko, at 236 ang nasamsam sa combat operations.

Panawagan naman ulit ni Almerol sa mga miyembro ng Kilusang Komunista na magbalik-loob na sa gobyerno para makinabang sa mga benepisyo ng Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) at mamuhay nang tahimik sa piling ng kanilang mga pamilya.

https://rmn.ph/mahigit-400-miyembro-ng-kilusang-komunista-na-neutralize-ng-militar-sa-eastern-mindanao-ngayong-taon/?fbclid=IwAR1anbk5JOtfWgC7pF07hQag2YRvP1MHuwGJCEtO2GU4E0sfiOZ6DvcKp1g

Navy makes strategic move to Subic shipyard facing WPS

Posted to Panay News (May 28, 2022): Navy makes strategic move to Subic shipyard facing WPS

The Philippine Navy’s newest ship BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) docks at the former Hanjin Heavy Industries shipyard in Subic Bay, Zambales. (Photo from the Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy now has a home for its biggest ships after docking its vessels in commercial shipyards for so long.

The Navy on Tuesday formally took over part of a strategic shipyard facing the West Philippine Sea as its newest ship BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) made a symbolic docking at the former facility of South Korea’s Hanjin Heavy Industries in Subic Bay, Zambales. It will occupy 100 hectares of the northern portion of the 300-hectare shipyard, now called Agila Subic, for a lease of around P1 billion a year.

The activation and subsequent operation of a naval operating base Subic is in line with the Navy’s scaled-up maritime operations to support the needed base services of the deep draft vessels such as Jose Rizal class frigates, Del Pilar class patrol ships and Tarlac class landing docks, the Navy said in a statement.

“We have been buying capital ships but we don’t have a place to park them. They’re at South Harbor, squatting there. But recently, the Navy got the northern part of Hanjin. The Navy is happy because they have a place of their own where they can park their capital ships,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said at the Philippine Navy anniversary last Friday. Capital ships are the Navy’s most important warships and are generally larger compared to other members of a fleet.

‘Shorter reaction time’

The Navy will also transform its stake in the shipyard as the future headquarters of the Philippine Fleet, Naval Sea Systems Command, Offshore Combat Force and Sealift Amphibious Force, which are all currently stationed in Sangley Point, Cavite City.

Retired Navy chief Giovanni Carlo Bacordo, who was part of the negotiations for the deal, said the shipyard was in a strategic location due to its proximity to the West Philippine Sea and it has “a shorter reaction time going to the Philippine Rise.”


Subic Bay, a former US military base until it closed in 1992, is located about 260 kilometers from the Chinese-controlled Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. It is also the safest and nearest port facing the disputed waterway.

Aside from its ideal location, Bacordo said the shipyard has a deep harbor facility for their big ships, which their naval bases lacked.

“Since we acquired our big ships, it’s always in Subic, Cebu, Zamboanga City pier, but never in a Navy base. Now, we can accommodate our large vessels and future submarines,” he told the Inquirer.

He added, “It’s a well-protected harbor—from the sea, the weather disturbances, because of the mountains and Grande Island covering the entrance of Subic Bay.”

Aside from the Navy, US defense contractor Vectrus Inc., which provides facility and base operations, logistics and other services to the US military, will occupy the shipyard, according to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The SBMA said some former Hanjin workers would be rehired by Vectrus.

Subic Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. said the city government planned to provide training to its residents as he expected a rise in employment in the ship-repair industry in the area.

Strategic play

The commercial shipyard operated by South Korea’s Hanjin stopped operations in 2019 after defaulting on $1.3 billion in loans, including $400 million due to Philippine banks and $900 million from South Korean lenders.

The shipyard, which at the height of its operations employed about 30,000 workers, went into court insolvency proceedings.

Two Chinese companies reportedly showed interest to invest in the facility, but this raised concerns in the defense department over its strategic implications.

American company Cerberus Capital Management acquired the shipyard in April this year in a $300-million, 50-year lease deal after Hanjin sought out white knights.

The move to sell to an American investor was a strategic play to ward off a potential Chinese takeover, a security official told the Inquirer.

“Working with the United States on this project will help ensure that we are able to protect our interests not only for our country but the whole region,” Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said after the deal signing on April 19 in Washington.

“The completion of the Subic Bay shipyard will redound to benefits for the country, bring jobs to the local communities, increase economic activity, and at the same fortify our strategic security measures,” he added.

‘Perfect opportunity’

In June 2019, retired US Navy Capt. Brian Buzzell wrote in the US Naval Institute’s magazine that Hanjin’s financial problems represented “a perfect opportunity to return to Subic Bay” for the Americans.

“It also would send a strong message to Beijing that, despite its efforts, the alliance between the United States and the Philippines is strong and unbreakable,” he wrote.

He had proposed that the Indo-Pacific Command initiate a study to analyze the impact on operational readiness of more repair capacity in the western Pacific, including the impact on current workloads at Ship Repair Facility Yokosuka, Japan, and the Guam Shipyard Division.

He added that the Philippine government needed to indicate it was willing to enter into a public-private partnership with the United States.

Cerberus will spend P17 billion in what it calls Project Agila to redevelop and operate the shipyard. The scope of work will include upgrading buildings at the site to modern operational and safety standards such as adequate facilities and procedures to manage ship waste and ballast water and response capabilities for potential spills of hazardous materials. It is also planning a wide range of infrastructure improvements at the yard facilities.

The interagency, Cabinet-level Fiscal Incentives Review Board has already approved tax-free perks for the P17-billion project. “The project was granted special corporate income tax, value-added tax (VAT) exemption from importation, VAT zero-rating on local purchases, and duty exemption on importation,” according to the Department of Finance. (Frances Mangosing ©Philippine Daily Inquirer 2022)

https://www.panaynews.net/navy-makes-strategic-move-to-subic-shipyard-facing-wps/

NPA arms cache with six rifles seized in Bukidnon

From the Mindanao Times (May 27, 2022): NPA arms cache with six rifles seized in Bukidnon (BY RHODA GRACE SARON)

THE SOLDIERS under the 10th Infantry Division recovered another arms cache with six high-powered firearms in the vicinity of Sitio Spring, Barangay Sinaysayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on May 25.

Photo courtesy of 10th Infantry Division

The 72nd Infantry Battalion recovered one M653 rifle, one M16A1 rifle, one Garand rifle, three M4 Carbine rifles, and war materiel, including 60 rounds of 30 caliber ammunition, two rounds of 40mm ball, eight magazines from an M16 rifle, five clips from a Garand rifle, two 12-kilogram anti-personnel mines, and one bandolier.

According to Lt. Col. Jose C.Regonay Jr., the commanding officer of 72IB, the recovery of these firearms was made possible through the revelation of Mayunie Man-inday Sayad alias King, who also previously revealed the location of six high-powered firearms in Kitaotao on May 20.

Moreover, LtCol Regonay told that the communist rebels buried the said firearms and then posed as civilians while fleeing the area during the conduct of intensified Focused-Military Operations by the 72IB, 39IB, and 73IB all under the supervision of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade.

MGen. Nolasco A. Mempin, 10ID commander, lauded the Agila troops for the continuous recovery of firearms in the 10ID area of responsibility.

“The cooperation and support of former rebels in revealing their arms cache is a clear manifestation that, indeed, we have gained their trust and confidence,” Mempin added.

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2022/05/27/npa-arms-cache-with-six-rifles-seized-in-bukidnon/

Road projects in insurgency-cleared brgys near completion

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 27, 2022): Road projects in insurgency-cleared brgys near completion (BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, inspects the near completed road concreting project in one of the 14 insurgency cleared barangays in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.* PA photo

The farm to market road in insurgency cleared barangays of Escalante City in Negros Occidental, built under the Barangay Development Program of Task Force ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict), is now 80 percent completed, disclosed yesterday by Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander.

A total of 14 insurgency cleared barangays in Escalante City received P20 million each worth of infrastructure projects under the BDP ELCAC.

The recipients are barangays of Alimango, Binaguiohan, Buenavista, Dian-ay, Japitan, Langub, Libertad, Mabini, Malasibog, Paitan, Pinapugasan, Rizal, Udtongan and Washington, all in Escalante City.

Pasaporte, accompanied by Mayor Melecio Yap, Lt. Col. J Jay Javines, 79th Infantry Battalion commander, and Engr. Joan Cabrera of the Department of Interior and Local Government inspected on March 25 the ongoing TF ELCAC funded projects in Brgys. Pinapugasan, Mabini, Rizal and Alimango, all in Escalante City.

The 14 Escalante City barangays benefitted by the various infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects under the BDP-ELCAC, including concreting of farm-to-market roads, construction of additional school classrooms and health centers, electrification, water system reservoirs enhancements and communal faucets, installation of solar streetlights with complete accessories, farm tractors with complete implements and provision of fertilizers to farmer-beneficiaries.

Twelve other insurgency cleared barangays in Negros Occidental also received P20 million each infrastructure projects.

Pasaporte said that the Philippine Army in Negros will continue to assist the DILG in terms of project implementation, monitoring and provision of necessary security support and assistance within their operational areas.

https://visayandailystar.com/road-projects-in-insurgency-cleared-brgys-near-completion/

Military sees blasts in 2 Mindanao cities as ‘diversionary tactics’ by ISIS-linked group

 From MindaNews (May 27, 2022): Military sees blasts in 2 Mindanao cities as ‘diversionary tactics’ by ISIS-linked group (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

An explosion ripped the back portion of a unit of Yellow Bus Line, Inc. in Koronadal City on Thursday, 26 May 2022. MindaNews photo courtesy of Louie Pacardo

The explosions in Koronadal and Tacurong cities on Thursday were “diversionary tactics and retaliation” staged by the ISIS-linked Dawlah Islamiyah-Mindanao after the military launched an operation that reportedly wounded the group’s top leader and several followers, the Joint Task Force-Central Mindanao (JTF-Central Mindanao) said.

An explosion ripped a passenger bus that was traversing General Santos Drive in Koronadal City at 12:20 p.m. Thursday, wounding at least a person, a police official said.

The explosion tore the back portion of a unit Yellow Bus Line, Inc., which came from Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

Citing initial investigation, Capt. Renjun Bagaman, spokesperson of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office, identified the wounded as Wilfredo Tino, reportedly a tricycle driver.

Five minutes later, another explosion took place in Purok Paraiso, Brgy. New Carmen, Tacurong City.

An unidentified person reportedly threw an unknown explosive from a van and left the area immediately. No one was hurt.

Brigadier General Eduardo Gubat, acting commander of JTF-Central Mindanao, said their units have tightened security around the SPMS box in Ligausan marsh where the operation is being conducted.

“That (the bombings) is their reaction after our successful combat operation,” Gubat said.

SPMS refers to the towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi Ampatuan), Mamasapano and Datu Salibo in Maguindanao.

On the morning of May 23, JTF-Central Mindanao launched a preemptive military operation in Sitio Patawali, Barangay Ganta, Datu Salibo using air strike and ground assault resulting in heavy losses on the ISIS-linked group, according to Gubat.

Two from the group were reported dead and 17, including their leader Abu Turaife, were wounded, he said.

“Medyo nasira ang mga (It seems we disrupted their) activities nila doon sa (in the) box, we are strengthening security measures sa mga kabayanan, sa mga kalsada at saka mga (in communities, roads and) places of gathering. We are strengthening the security arrangement with partner in PNP (Philippine National Police). Let’s just be calm,” he added.

Brigadier General Alexander Tagum of Police Regional Office- 12, the provincial government of South Cotabato, and the 6th Infantry Division condemned the bombings.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/05/military-sees-blasts-in-2-mindanao-cities-as-diversionary-tactics-by-isis-linked-group/

Kalinaw News: 369 new breed of diverse skilled soldiers culminate Basic Military Training in 4th Division Training School

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 28, 2022): 369 new breed of diverse skilled soldiers culminate Basic Military Training in 4th Division Training School



CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City – The 4th Infantry Division welcomed its 369 new breed of soldiers as it culminated the Basic Military Training conducted by the 4th Division Training School (4DTS) to Candidate Soldier Course Class (CSC) 690, 691, and 706 in a Joint Closing Ceremony on Monday, May 23, at Camp Osito D Bahian, Brgy Impalambong, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

The new graduates which is composed of 51 females and 318 males is a diverse breed of soldiers, wherein 172 of them possessed special skills while 64 are CAFGU members, 48 Indigenous People members and 85 are for the Engineering unit. They have successfully undergone almost five (5) months of training since January 2022 and satisfactorily completed the mandatory requirements for basic soldiery.

The ceremony which was highlighted with the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed classroom, inspection of arms, trooping the line, and pass and review was graced by Atty. Jay Warren R Pabillaran, Mayor-elect Malaybalay City as the Guest of Honor and Speaker with Brig. Gen. Ferdinand T Barandon, Commander of 403rd Infantry Brigade; Col Francis Marlon S Wong, Commander of the 52nd Engineer Brigade and Lt. Col. Edgardo V Talaroc Jr, Commandant of 4DTS.

In his welcome remarks, Lt. Col. Talaroc Jr. recognized the role of the parents and family members as an inspiration for the newly graduates while stressing the school’s implementation of scientific training in building a culture of excellence toward a world-class army.

“These breed of new and diverse skilled soldiers are the component of change who believes that winning a war is not just through the battle of arms but by tactics and skills. These are the product of the students’ endeavor along with the effort, dedication, and patience of the mentors of this institution,” he said.

Meanwhile, Atty. Jay Warren R Pabillaran, Mayor-elect of Malaybalay City in his message emphasized the role of the new soldiers in nation-building and peacekeeping as well as in taking pride in the learnings that transformed them as soldiers as he is grateful for the soldiers’ dedication in protecting the freedom of the Filipinos. He encouraged them by saying “Knowing how to fight is important, but the most important is the reason for which one is called to fight. This is the reason they are called selfless service”.

In a statement, 4ID Commander Maj. Gen. Wilbur C Mamawag congratulated the graduates for hurdling the training requirements. He said that the culmination of training is just the start of the soldier’s journey in their military career.

“The new graduates will be an additional force of 4ID in serving the people and securing communities within its AOR in Northern Mindanao and Caraga Region. All the knowledge and competencies that they have acquired in the training must be translated into effectively accomplishing all the tasks and responsibilities. They must be prepared to assume different roles to become reliable partners of the people in peace and development. I urge them as well as all the Diamond troopers to become an instrument of change for the betterment of the communities in the region and never fail the people we ought to serve and who have invested their trust in us,” Maj. Gen Mamawag 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/369-new-breed-of-diverse-skilled-soldiers-culminate-basic-military-training-in-4th-division-training-school/

Kalinaw News: Maglilingkod Battalion launched 2-day Agri-Fish Training to 45 Former Rebels in Bukidnon

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 28, 2022): Maglilingkod Battalion launched 2-day Agri-Fish Training to 45 Former Rebels in Bukidnon



MALITBOG, Bukidnon – In partnership with the Municipal Agricultural Office of Malitbog, the 16th Infantry (Maglilingkod) Battalion under 402nd Infantry (Stingers) Brigade launched the 2-day Agri-Fishery Training to the People’s Organization in the far-flung Sitio of Brgy Siloo, Malitbog, Bukidnon from May 25-26, 2022.

The 45 constituents, including Former Rebels under the care of this unit, benefited from the Tilapia Production, Banana and Taro Chips Making, and Tilapia Food Processing seminars. The activity was part of the continued support of the Philippine Army alongside the Local Government Unit to the communities in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas as an overall effort under the banner of NTF-ELCAC to provide sufficient skills and sustainable livelihood programs with the aim of nurturing socio-economic development and eliminating the influence of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

This cumulative effort was an offshoot of 402nd Brigade’s campaign to empower the citizenry, usher in sustainable development and entice the remaining insurgents to lay down their arms and instead become productive members of the community.

Maglilingkod Troopers Hotline Number: 0910-188-1458

[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/maglilingkod-battalion-launched-2-day-agri-fish-training-to-45-former-rebels-in-bukidnon/

Kalinaw News: Army engineers continue rebuilding efforts for Agaton-hit communities

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 27, 2022): Army engineers continue rebuilding efforts for Agaton-hit communities



FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The 546th Engineer Combat Battalion (546ECB), 53rd Engineer Brigade continue to build temporary homes for families displaced by Tropical Storm “Agaton” in Baybay City, Leyte on the 25th of May 2022.

The shelters, funded by the Office of the Civil Defense Region XIII, are being built by Army engineers in cooperation with the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., conferred the HADR streamer award on the unit during his official visit to the headquarters of the 8th Infantry Division in Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan, Samar earlier this month. The award recognizes the unit’s vital role in the national government-led HADR efforts for calamity victims, most notably in the aftermath of “Odette” in December 2021 and “Agaton” in April 2022.

It can be recalled that 546ECB deployed search and rescue teams and HADR equipment to help clear landslide-hit barangays in Baybay City and Mahaplag, Leyte. The unit also played a key role in the search, rescue and retrieval efforts for victims of massive landslides that hit Leyte during Agaton’s onslaught. #

Photos: 546th Engineer Combat Battalion (546ECB), 53rd Engineer Brigade

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/army-engineers-continue-rebuilding-efforts-for-agaton-hit-communities/

Kalinaw News: CTG suffers major setback in Ifugao; Gov’t troops seize war materiel

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 27, 2022): CTG suffers major setback in Ifugao; Gov’t troops seize war materiel



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army MGEN ANDREW D COSTELO PA lauded the successful Focused Military Operations of the troops of the 54th Infantry Battalion resulting in the recovery of war materials following a series of armed encounters between the Communist Terrorist Group at Sitio Timmapaya, Brgy Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao on 24 May 2022.

According to MGEN COSTELO, the 54IB had a recent armed encounter with more than 20 NPA belonging to the Weakened Guerilla Front-Abra-Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur (WGF-AMPIS), a day before the recovery of war materiel at Sitio Likew Brgy. Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao.

The war materiel seized were two (2) Rifle 5.56mm, M16A1; one (1) Rifle 5.56mm, M653; one (1) Grenade Rifle, HE; two (2) Grenades; six (6) pieces of Anti-Personnel Mine; one magazine Assembly (long) for M16 Rifle loaded with 9 rounds ammunition; two (2) pieces NPA Flag; communications equipment, personal belongings; and medical paraphernalia.

“I instructed the deployment of additional troops to the area to conduct pursuit operations. We will conduct a series of Focused Military Operations in the next few days to locate the CNTs. This is to further prevent them from conducting deceptive recruitment and other atrocities victimizing the innocent civilians. We are encouraging the community to continue their support to the peace and development efforts of the government and report to the authorities the presence of the CNTs in their Brgy.,” said MGEN COSTELO.

[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/ctg-suffers-major-setback-in-ifugao-govt-troops-seize-war-materiel/

Kalinaw News: 10ID Discovers another arms cache as CTGs near its fall

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 27, 2022): 10ID Discovers another arms cache as CTGs near its fall



MAWAB, Davao De Oro – The 10th Infantry “Agila” Division recovered another arms cache at the vicinity of Sitio Spring, Brgy Sinaysayan, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on May 25, 2022.
The 72nd Infantry Battalion recovered six (6) high-powered firearms consists of (1) M653 Rifle, one (1) M16A1 Rifle, one (1) Garand Rifle, three (3) M4 Carbine Rifles, and other war materiel including 60 rounds of 30 calibre ammunition, two (2) rounds of 40mm ball, eight (8) magazines of M16 rifle, five (5) clips of garand rifle, two (2) 12kg anti-personnel mines, and one (1) bandolier.

According to the commanding officer of 72IB Lieutenant Colonel Jose C Regonay Jr, the recovery of these firearms were made possible through the revelation of Mayunie Man-inday Sayad alias “King”, who also previously revealed the location of six (6) high-powered firearms in Kitaotao on May 20.
Moreover, LtCol Regonay told that the communist terrorists buried the said firearms and then posed as civilians while fleeing the area during the conduct of intensified Focused-Military Operations by the 72IB, 39IB, 73IB all under the supervision of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade.

MGen Nolasco A Mempin, 10ID commander, lauded the Agila Troopers for the continuous recovery of firearms in the 10ID area of responsibility. “The cooperation and support of former rebels in revealing their arms cache is a clear manifestation that, indeed, we have gained their trust and confidence”, MGen Mempin added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/10id-discovers-another-arms-cache-as-ctgs-near-its-fall/

Kalinaw News: Seriously Wounded Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Commander Left to Die by his Comrades Rescued by the Government Forces in Asipulo, Ifugao

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 27, 2022): Seriously Wounded Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Commander Left to Die by his Comrades Rescued by the Government Forces in Asipulo, Ifugao



KIANGAN, IFUGAO – Government forces conducted first aid to the rescued wounded Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) Commander in Brgy Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao on May 26, 2022. 

During the pursuit operation of the military near the encounter sites in Brgy Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao, a wounded CTG Commander was rescued by the government forces. 

The NPA terrorist was abandoned to die by his fleeing comrades after a series of armed encounter between the troops of 54th Infantry “Magilas” Battalion, Philippine Army and the members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG). 

The said NPA Commander was identified as Avelino Cruz aka Junel/Alcaras, Vice Commanding Officer, Front Operational Command, Guerilla Front Abra-Mt. Province-Ilocos Sur (GF-AMPIS), Ilocos-Cordillera Regional Committee. 

The soldiers on the ground extended initial medical treatment and brought him to the nearest hospital for further medication.

“We extend our gratitude to the people of Barangay Namal, Asipulo, Ifugao for the information on the presence of a wounded terrorist in the area. I commend the troops for immediately aiding the wounded terrorist to save his life. The military truly values human lives and will always uphold human rights”, said Lt. Colonel Franz Josef S. Diamante, Battalion Commander of 54IB.

[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/seriously-wounded-communist-terrorist-group-ctg-commander-left-to-die-by-his-comrades-rescued-by-the-government-forces-in-asipulo-ifugao/

Kalinaw News: 3 NPAs surrender, yield firearm to Army’s 102Bde in Zamboanga Peninsula

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 27, 2022): 3 NPAs surrender, yield firearm to Army’s 102Bde in Zamboanga Peninsula



IPIL, Zamboanga Sibugay – Three Communist NPA Terrorists (CNT) surrendered to the Army’s 102nd Infantry (IGSOON) Brigade units in Zamboanga Peninsula.

One CNT member, identified as Elmer Taata alias Reden, was the lone remnant of the 7-man team engaged by the government troops last May 12, wherein two were killed, three surrendered on May 14, and another one on May 15.

Reden, a former squad leader of the defunct Guerilla Front BBC, sought help from a civilian in Barangay Tinaplan, Leon B Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte — whose identity is withheld for protection — and subsequently established contact last May 21 with the Alpha Company of the 1st Civil-Military Operations Battalion, an operationally controlled unit of the 102Bde.

“I barely survived and have not eaten for several days when I got separated from our group after the encounter,” said Reden in the local dialect.

According to Reden, he tried to evade the government forces but got tired and weary due to hunger. Reden also yielded one M16 assault rifle with magazines and ammunition.

Meanwhile, two former members of the defunct Guerilla Front Feliciano Alpha surrendered to 53rd Infantry (MATAPAT) Battalion on the same day in Zamboanga del Sur.

Mylene Ulanon alias An-an and Sonny Boy Malig alias Kaloy decided to return to the folds of law after months of hiding.

“We warmly welcome An-an and Kaloy’s decision to abandon the armed struggle, and through the Project Good Life, we wish to give them a fresh start as we help them become productive members of their communities,” said Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102Bde commander, commended the active participation of the local populace in the campaign to end the local communist armed conflict in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

“For the past years, we have observed the commendable change in the local populace’s perception, behavior, and actions in the nation’s fight against communist terrorism,” said Brig. Gen. Nicolas.

“We have indeed successfully transitioned from addressing the insurgency problem from a purely militaristic approach to a whole-of-nation approach, as seen by the active involvement not only by the different government agencies through the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) but also the people,” Brig. Gen. Nicolas added.

The Army will assist the new friends rescued for enrollment in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. They will be receiving PhP65,000.00 immediate cash and livelihood assistance, education, training, psychosocial recovery, and others.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/3-npas-surrender-yield-firearm-to-armys-102bde-in-zamboanga-peninsula/

Kalinaw News: A.M.I.N. members withdraw support from CPP-NPA-NDF in Ilocos Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 26, 2022): A.M.I.N. members withdraw support from CPP-NPA-NDF in Ilocos Norte



LAGANGILANG, Abra – Three active members of Alyansa dagiti Manalon iti Ilocos Norte (AMIN), a CPP-affiliated peasant organization in Ilocos Norte voluntarily executed their oath of allegiance to denounce and condemn the ideologies and unlawful acts of the CPP-NPA-NDF on May 23, 2022 in Currimao, Ilocos Norte.

Each of them has manifested his/her commitment to support the Government and be reintegrated with the mainstream society to live a normal life.
AMIN members RIELITO AGCAOILI, 47 years old, JENALYN R YATE, 30 years old and JOREL YABES y Pacnis, 29 years old, all residents of Brgy Victoria, Currimao Ilocos Norte in their signed oath admitted that they were victims of wrong ideology and unlawful deeds of the CPP-NPD-NDF through deception and intimidation of the terrorist group.

The surrender was realized through the joint efforts of government forces composed of 24IB, 7ID, Philippine Army under the operational control of 5ID, PA, Currimao MPS, PIU INPPO, RIU1, Badoc MPS, Pinili MPS, Paoay MPS, CIDG Ilocos Norte RMFB 101st Company, 104th INMARPSTA, CGIG-NWLZN, 2nd INPMFC and HPG Ilocos Norte.

“This is a welcome development and a commendable accomplishment as a result of the efficient and effective implementation of Executive Order No. 70 or the whole-of-nation approach to end the local communist armed conflict” said Lt. Col. Garcia III, Battalion Commander, 24IB.

[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/a-m-i-n-members-withdraw-support-from-cpp-npa-ndf-in-ilocos-norte/

NPA rebel surrenders in Negros Oriental

From the Sun Star-Cebu (May 26, 2022): NPA rebel surrenders in Negros Oriental

Photo from Canlaon City Police

A MEMBER of a communist group operating in Negros Oriental turned himself in to the Canlaon City police on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.

Ka Rodgen, a member of the Section Guerrilla Unit (SGU) under Central Negros 1, also surrendered his .38 revolver.

Lieutenant Colonel Miguel Andeza, chief of Canlaon Police Station, along with members of 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, personally accepted the rebel.

Andeza said Ka Rodgen surrendered because he saw that the government is serious in its campaign against terrorism.

Andeza added that the former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) also had former comrades who were arrested during a police raid.

The Canlaon Police chief called on other members of the CPP-NPA and National Democratic Front to return to the fold of the law in order to live a peaceful life.

 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1930115/cebu/local-news/npa-rebel-surrenders-in-negros-oriental

NPA vice-commander, supply officer surrender to gov’t troops in Bukidnon

From the Manila Bulletin (May 27, 2022): NPA vice-commander, supply officer surrender to gov’t troops in Bukidnon (By Mike Crismundo)

A vice-commanding officer of the New People’s Army and a supply officer bolted out of their camp in the mountains of Bukidnon province due to alleged exhaustion and hunger caused by declining support from the masses.

Shown in photo are some of the CPP-NPA war materials recovered by government troops in Bukidnon early this week. (Photo courtesy of 8th IB-CMO via Mike U. Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)Shown in photo are some of the CPP-NPA war materials recovered by government troops in Bukidnon early this week. (Photo courtesy of 8th IB-CMO via Mike U. Crismundo/Manila Bulletin)

2Lt. Arnel E. Villa of the Civil Military Operations (CMO) of the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion told the Manila Bulletin on Thursday that the death of their leaders in the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA, the successive voluntary surrender of their members, and the discovery and confiscation of their various war materials added to their dismay and weakened their morale.

These, 2Lt. Villa said, have left many of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members with no option but to surrender to government authorities.

The masses’ shift of their support to the military resulted in a continued Community Support Sustainment Program (CSSP) and Focused Military Operation (FMO), especially in Upper Pulangi area in that agricultural-rich mountain province.

“Pagud na sila sa dinanas nila sa bundok, they are tired already, also without the support from the masses,” the CMO officer stressed.

Field troops have recovered a hidden arms cache in a retrieval operation late last week (May 21) through the aid of these two NPA officers who surrendered to the 8th IB.

The 8th IB soldiers retrieved two AK 47 rifles, live bullets and other war materials in a location in the hinterland village of Barangay Busdi, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, the CMO officer said.

The CMO officer said that one of the NPA leaders who surrendered and revealed the exact location of the arms cache was identified only as certain ‘Butchoy,’ whose name was withheld for security reason.

‘Butchoy’ served as vice-commanding officer of NPA unit with his comrade certain ‘Kaykay,’ who served as supply officer of the same remaining NPA terrorist unit operating in Bukidnon following the dismantling of Guerilla Front 89 (GF 89), added CMO officer.

“The former rebels revealed they decided to help the troops locate the arms cache in exchange for ‘good treatment by the soldiers because they fear the soldiers would hurt them,” Lt. Villa said.

“But soon after their surrender, they realize that there is a stark contrast to the soldier’s kind treatment of them as to the lies and fears instilled by their NPA comrades that they will be killed or tortured if they surrender,” the 8th IB CMO officer said.

The two ex-rebels will now be processed for enrollment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP of the government to help them reintegrate back into the community and soon be with their families and start a new life again.

“The recovery of the hidden armed cache of the terrorist group is proof that the enemies are getting weaker, tired, and afraid,” averred Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus, commanding officer of the ‘Dependable’ 8th IB.

“As part of our commitment to our mandate, we will continue to protect the communities from any threat of the CTG,” he said.

“We urge those remaining NPA to peacefully surrender to the government, unite with their families, and accept a sustainable peace. Trust that we are ready to help you to process your benefits under the E-CLIP program and your reunion with your families,” Col. Bacus added.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/26/npa-vice-commander-supply-officer-surrender-to-govt-troops-in-bukidnon/

2 rebels yield to cops in Eastern Samar

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 27, 2022): 2 rebels yield to cops in Eastern Samar (By: Joey Gabieta)

Two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered Wednesday to policemen in Eastern Samar.

‘Ka’ Ebir, 28; and ‘Ka’ Ogis, 29, turned themselves over to the 1st Eastern Samar Provincial Mobile Force Company (ESPMFC) based in Dolores town.

Ebir surrendered a 9mm caliber pistol, while Ogis handed a grenade.

The two decided to surrender, saying they were tired of fighting the government.

The two are now under temporary protection of the 1st ESPMFC as they were set to receive financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Livelihood Program (E-CLIP).

Brigadier Gen. Bernard Banac, the police regional director, expressed his gratitude to the 1st ESPMC for their relentless efforts in ending insurgency in the country.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1603429/2-rebels-yield-to-cops-in-eastern-samar

3 NPA rebels surrender

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (May 27, 2022): 3 NPA rebels surrender

ZAMBOANGA. Three New People’s Army (NPA) rebels separately surrender last weekend to the troops of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade in Zamboanga Peninsula. A photo handout shows one of the three NPA surrenderers, Elmer Taata alias Ka Reden, hands over an M-16 Armalite rifle to an officer of the 102nd Infantry Brigade during his surrender. (SunStar Zamboanga).

THREE New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have separately surrendered last weekend to the troops of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade in Zamboanga Peninsula, military officials announced.

One of the three NPA surrenderers is identified as Elmer Taata alias Ka Reden, a former squad leader of the defunct NPA’s Guerrilla Front Big Beautiful Country (BBC).

Brigadier General Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said that Ka Reden was the lone remnant of the seven-man NPA team that clashed with government troops on May 12 in Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte.

Two of the seven NPA rebels were killed during the clash while three of them surrendered on May 14 and another one on May 15.

Reden surrendered after he established a communication on May 21 with the Alpha Company of the 1st Civil-Military Operations Battalion (1CMOB) through the help of a resident of Tinaplan village, Leon Potigo.

The 1CMOB is an operationally controlled unit of the 102nd Infantry Brigade.

“I barely survived and have not eaten for several days when I got separated from our group after the encounter,” Reden said.

Reden said he tried to evade the government forces but got tired and weary due to hunger. He turned over one M-16 Armalite rifle with magazines and ammunition.

The other two NPA surrenderers were members of the defunct Guerilla Front Feliciano Alpha.

The two, Mylene Ulanon and Sonny Boy Malig, decided to surrender to the 53rd Infantry Battalion last weekend in Zamboanga del Sur after months of hiding.

“We warmly welcome An-an and Kaloy's decision to abandon the armed struggle, and through the Project Good Life, we wish to give them a fresh start as we help them become productive members of their communities,” Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, said.

Meanwhile, Nicolas has commended the active participation of the local populace in the campaign to end the local communist armed conflict in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

“For the past years, we have observed the commendable change in the local populace's perception, behavior, and actions in the nation's fight against communist terrorism,” Nicolas said.

They will assist the three NPA surrenderers to enroll in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

They will be receiving P65,000 immediate cash and livelihood assistance, education, training, psychosocial recovery, and others.

 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1930280/zamboanga/local-news/3-npa-rebels-surrender

NPA rebel killed in Northern Samar clash

 From the Philippine Star (May 28, 2022): NPA rebel killed in Northern Samar clash (By Miriam Desacada)

A communist rebel was killed in an encounter with soldiers in Sitio Cag-anibong, Barangay Bagacay in Palapag, Northern Samar on Wednesday.

Security officials said Geronimo Javier was a member of the New People’s Army (NPA)’s Front Committee 15, said to be behind intimidation, grave threats and extortion of residents and small businesses in the province.

An M16 rifle, 70 rounds of ammunition, three magazines and a bandolier were reportedly recovered at the scene.

Meanwhile, Avelino Cruz of the NPA’s Southern Ilocos Sur Command was arrested while confined at the Panopdopan District Hospital in Lamut, Ifugao yesterday.

Cruz was wounded in a clash with government forces in Barangay Namal in Asipulo town on Wednesday.

He will be brought to Abra to face the rebellion charges filed against him.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/05/28/2184232/npa-rebel-killed-northern-samar-clash

Clashes between gov’t troops, NPA displace families in Ifugao town

From Rappler (May 28, 2022): Clashes between gov’t troops, NPA displace families in Ifugao town (By SHERWIN DE VERA)

The social welfare office of Asipulo town is providing critical incidence stress debriefing and other activities to the evacuees

Clashes between government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Asipulo, Ifugao, have forced 37 families to evacuate, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) said.

In an online interview on Friday, May 27, MSWDO chief Myla Dulnuan said 33 families from Barangay Namal evacuated to the Namal Elementary School on May 24. Another four stayed with their relatives after firefights erupted between the military and communist rebels on March 23 and 24.

She said the local government has provided food supplies for the evacuees, including at least 40 minors, three persons with disability, 15 senior citizens, and two pregnant individuals. The local office of the Department of Social Welfare and Employment also gave family and hygiene kits and food packs.

“Currently the (municipal LGU) is conducting various activities daily in order to maximize the time of evacuees,” Dulnuan said. “Yesterday, we conducted critical incidence stress debriefing; today was their (basic life support) session; tomorrow is recycling session; and on Monday, organic fertilizer production,” she said.

She added that the LGU also lined up a sports clinic for kids as soon as they complete gathering the equipment. Other activities will depend if the evacuation continues.

In a Facebook post, former Ifugao governor and lawmaker Teddy Baguilat, Jr. appealed for donations for the evacuees.

“I have friends who are donating but it would be good to also have Ifugaos in the province to give donations to MSWDO Myla Dulnuan or to Marlon Martin,” he said.

Aside from nutritious foods and cash, Baguilat also asked for “toys and volleyball for their mental health.”

The military reported that troops from the 54th Infantry Battalion encountered the rebels operating in the Abra-Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur triboundary on May 23 in Sitio Likew, sparking a 20-minute firefight. Another clash happened the following day in Sitio Timmapaya. The soldiers recovered two rifles, other war equipment, and documents from the clash sites.

Namal has been the site of several clashes in the past years. Sixty residents of Sitio Nangkatinge took refuge in nearby Sitio Budo, and another 80 went to the Nangkatinge National High School in April 2013 following an NPA ambush that killed three cops. In February 2017, 98 families also evacuated following a similar incident.

Humanitarian response

The Asipulo municipal government and the military also aided a wounded rebel entrusted by his comrades to the community for medical attention.

HUMANITARIAN DUTY. Residents of Barangay Namal in Asipulo, Ifugao, and members of the local government help bring a wounded New People’s Army rebel to the nearest hospital following clashes between the rebels and the military in the area. Photo courtesy of Asipulo MSWDO

The military identified the wounded guerrilla as a vice commander from from Sta. Lucia, Ilocos Sur, and said that he faced several criminal charges in the Ilocos and Cordillera regions.

According to the military, soldiers rescued the rebel while conducting pursuit operations on May 26 at Sitio Belbel.

The MSWD office said a resident from Sitio Lapting informed them of the presence of the wounded rebel in their community through the barangay captain. The village chief happened to be at the municipal hall attending a meeting when the resident relayed the information.

“The barangay captain and a village council came to me so we contacted [Mayor Armando Domilod] for instructions,” Dulnuan recalled.

The mayor then ordered them “to go do our best to bring him down for further medical assistance.”

Dulnuan said the midwife assigned to the barangay assessed the condition of the wounded, which the latter’s comrades had initially tended to. The rebels also left contact details for his family and instructions for his medicine. Government troops arrived while they were evaluating the patient.

“The army provided security to the community people who carried him during the hike up to where the MLGU ambulance is. In the ambulance, the patient was then immediately provided with dextrose as he is very much dehydrated and was then transported to the Panopdopan District Hospital (Lamut, Ifugao) for further medical attention,” she added.

After the hospital tended to the wounds, Domilod then turned over the patient to military, which transferred him to another hospital.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/military-communist-rebels-clashes-displace-residents-ifugao-town/

Wounded NPA medic surrenders

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (May 28, 2022): Wounded NPA medic surrenders

ZAMBOANGA. A wounded medic of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrenders last week to the troops of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) in Zamboanga del Sur. A photo handout shows the NPA surrenderer being attended by a military physician at the camp of the 53IB. (SunStar Zamboanga)

A WOUNDED medic of the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered last week to the troops of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) in the province of Zamboanga del Sur.

The wounded NPA medic, Jenelyn Lapas alias Ka Ace, was wounded in a clash with troops of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade on May 12 in Midatag village, Leon Postigo, Zamboanga del Norte.

Lieutenant Colonel Jo-ar Herrera, 53IB commander, said Lapas is the wife of Ka Mobin who was killed in the May 12 clash in Midatag village.

Herrera said that Lapas is the former Liaison Staff of the NPA's Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee (WMRPC); Finance Staff of the defunct Guerilla Front-Big Beautiful Country; and a former member of the defunct Main Regional Guerilla Unit (MRGU).

Lapas was treated by a military physician after she surrendered last week to the 53IB troops.

Herrera said that it is just right to treat the wounded even if it is the enemy.

“We recognize that she cannot fight anymore. Though she is the enemy of the people and the State, she still deserves medical treatment,” he said.

 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1930373/zamboanga/local-news/wounded-npa-medic-surrenders

Philippines: Mindanao Displacement Snapshot (As of 24 May 2022)

Posted to Relief Web (May 26, 2022): Philippines: Mindanao Displacement Snapshot (As of 24 May 2022)

Download Infographic(PDF | 924.74 KB)

MARAWI CONFLICT

85,000 displaced population

More than 23,700 people (4,740 families) are still staying in various transitory sites while the rest of the IDPs are in home-based setting. About 740 families are relocated to permanent shelter projects while 95 families have retured to the most affected areas.

**DISPLACEMENT IN MAGUINDANAO **

5,100 displaced population

According to Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSWD) report as of May 2022, more than 3,300 people were displaced in Maguindanao province due to armed conflict. More than 540 people were also displaced due to heavy rains and flooding. More than 1200 people remain displaced since March 2021 due to aremed conflict between AFP and BIFF.

ZAMBOANGA SIEGE

3,600 displaced population

Around 290 people (58 families) are still staying in transitory sites while the rest of the IDPs are in home-based setting since 2013.

DISPLACEMENT IN BASILAN

3,800 displaced population

Around 1,600 people (320 families) were displaced due to the armed encounter between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in April 2022. More than 2,200 (460 families) were displaced from previous conflicts (clan feud and AFP against not state actors) in several municipalities since 2019.

NORTHEASTERN MINDANAO DISPLACEMENT

8,600 displaced population

More than 7,600 people (1500 families) were displaced in April 2022 due to heavy rains and flooding in Agusan del Sur. While more than 400 people (100 families) were displaced due to armed encounter of AFP and alleged New Peoples Army (NPA) in Surigao del Sur. More than 600 people (100 families) are still displaced due to Typhoon Rai (Odette) in December 2021 and previous AFP and NPA armed encounter.

NORTH COTABATO AND DAVAO DEL SUR EARTHQUAKES

10,059 displaced population

About 4,715 people (943 families) in several transitory site in Magpet, Makilala and Kidapawan City in Cotabato province, and about 5,344 people (1,436 families) in 17 sites in Davao Del Sur province are still displaced and await relocation sites after series of earthquakes in 2019.

DISPLACEMENT IN SULU

2,130 displaced population

More than 2,100 people (420 families) remain displaced in Sulu since 2017 due to armed the conflict between the Government security forces and Abu Sayaff Group. Local government units of Sulu have scheduled the return of the IDPs after May 09, 2022.

Disclaimer: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.

https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-mindanao-displacement-snapshot-24-may-2022

Napolcom to hold qualifying exams for MNLF, MILF members who want to be cops

From the Manila Bulletin (May 26, 2022): Napolcom to hold qualifying exams for MNLF, MILF members who want to be cops (By Aaron Recuenco)

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) will be holding a special qualifying eligibility examinations for members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who want to join the police force.

In a statement, Napolcom said the examinations will not only be held in Cotabato City but also in Lamitan Basilan on May 29.

It stated that those who want to take the examinations submit a certification issued by the Chairman of the MILF or MNLF validated by the Ad Hoc Office on Bangsamoro Policing.

It is the Ad Hoc Office on Bangsamoro Policing which provide general administrative support in the application process set by the Napolcom and shall be responsible for the initial screening of applications for the examinations.

It is also tasked to coordinate with the national government Bangsamoro Government (BG) agencies in the processing of paper qualification requirements of applicants; authenticate Certificates of Membership issued by the authorized signatories of the MILF and MNLF; and endorse and submit applications for the examinations to the Napolcom.

The Ad Hoc Office on Bangsamoro Policing was also assigned to validate and verify information of applicants, as may be requested by Napolcom; and shall submit updates, reports and recommendations to the Chief Minister and the BG-Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB).

Napolcom earlier said that it will grant age, height and educational waivers, for a period of five years from the ratification of Republic Act No. 11504, or “Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao”.

“Passers of the examinations will be conferred by the Napolcom with eligibility which can be used solely as appropriate eligibility for the rank of Patrolman/Patrolwoman in a temporary appointment. Permanent appointment may only be given upon satisfaction of the prescribed educational requirement of baccalaureate degree which they have to obtain within 15 years upon entry to the PNP,” the statement read.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/05/26/napolcom-to-hold-qualifying-exams-for-mnlf-milf-members-who-want-to-be-cops/

Bus bomb injures 2 in southern Philippines

From BenarNews (May 26, 2022): Bus bomb injures 2 in southern Philippines (By Jeoffrey Maitem)

Military investigators search for evidence around a passenger bus after a bomb exploded near the southern Philippine town of Aleosan, Jan. 11, 2022. Armed Forces of the Philippines handout

An explosion believed to be caused by an improvised bomb ripped through a passenger bus in the southern Philippines on Thursday, injuring two passengers, police and military officials said.

The vehicle, owned by the Yellow Bus Line Inc., was on a busy highway in Koronadal city when the device went off at noon, they said. A few minutes later, a second bomb exploded in a vacant lot near a bus station in Tacurong city, but did not cause any injuries.

“There was no threat received by the bus firm. Our experts are investigating the incident,” Koronadal Mayor Eliordo Ogena said, adding that the two passengers suffered non-life threatening injuries.

Maj. Andrew Linao, public information officer for the regional military command, said the explosion was caused by an “improvised explosive device.”

“There’s a directive to all units to intensify checkpoint operations and intelligence monitoring,” he said.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the bombings, but members of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a militant group that has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, have carried out similar attacks.

The bombings Thursday happened hours after the Philippine military confirmed that a top BIFF leader, Abu Turaife, and other fighters were injured during an air assault on their encampment in Maguindanao earlier this week. The offensive left two militants dead and hundreds of families displaced.

Turaife is one of the hardcore leaders of the BIFF, a splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which signed a peace deal with Manila in 2014 and controls a Muslim autonomous area in the south.

On Monday, the military launched air and ground assaults against Turaife and his men in Datu Salibo town in Maguindanao, displacing more than 1,000 residents.

Acting regional military commander Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat said Turaife was believed to have been injured during the assaults. Reports gathered by intelligence sources on the ground said he had retreated into a marshland area controlled by the BIFF.

“There were 17 militants including Turaife who were wounded,” Gubat told reporters.

Officials have blamed militants linked to the group for carrying out two roadside bombings in January 2021 that killed three and injured dozens of people.

More recently, at least six people were injured in April when a homemade bomb exploded aboard a passenger bus in the Parang town. Three months earlier, a 5-year-old boy was killed and six others, including his two younger siblings, were injured in a similar attack in Aleosan town.

In both cases, IS-linked militants were blamed.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/bus-bomb-05262022154428.html

PNP: Task group formed to probe into Koronadal bombing

From the Philippine Star (May 27, 2022): PNP: Task group formed to probe into Koronadal bombing

The police’s Aviation Security Command-12 employs a bomb-detection dog in securing the Cotabato City Airport following Thursday’s bus bombing in Koronadal City. via John Unson

The Philippine National Police in Central Mindanao has formed and activated a special investigation task group or SITG to investigate the bus explosion that shocked Koronadal City in South Cotobato.

This comes a day after an improvised bomb exploded in a passenger bus of the Yellow Bus Line in at Gen San Drive, Brgy. Zone 3 in Koronadal on Wednesday, leaving two persons wounded, including one Wilfredo Ilagan Tino who was driving his tricycle behind the bus.

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2 hurt in Koronadal bus bomb attack

"Investigation is still ongoing to identify the perpetrators and its motive. We will keep you posted as to its development," Police Brig. Gen. Roderick Alba, PNP public information chief told reporters in a Viber message.

The PNP in a statement sent to reporters also said that the SITG was activated specifically to investigate the post-blast findings.

It added that while the investigation is ongoing, security measures in all points of convergence and transportation networks have been intensified following the incident.

“Rest assured, your PNP is on full alert. Now is also the time for the public to be extra vigilant and report immediately any suspicious individuals or activities in their area,” Police Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., PNP officer in charge said.
Army tags two local terror groups

Brig. Gen. Eduardo Gubat of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said Friday their units and the police have tightened security in all public terminals in central Mindanao to prevent a repeat of Thursday’s bombing.

Gubat, also commander of the Army-led anti-terror Joint Task Force Central, and Brig. Gen. Alexander Tagum of the Police Regional Office-12 separately told reporters there are clear indications that the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Dawlah Islamiya together plotted the bus bombing.

The allied terror groups, fashioned from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, have a reputation for venting ire on non-military targets over losses in clashes with pursuing government forces.

Two BIFF members, Abdul Patir and Sadam Salandang, died in the 6th ID’s air and artillery maneuvers Monday in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao.

Seven other terrorists, among them Abu Toraife, who is wanted for no fewer than 30 criminal cases pending in different courts, were wounded in the division’s anti-terror offensive.

Abu Toraife, a radical cleric known for fomenting hatred for non-Muslims, is a leader of one of three factions in the BIFF.

Members of different municipal peace and order councils said Thursday barangay officials in areas along central Mindanao’s 220,000-hectare Liguasan Delta have pointed to the BIFF and the Dawlah Islamiya as behind the bus bombing.

The Liguasan Delta, which spans through lowlands in central Mindanao's adjoining Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato provinces, is a known bastion of both ISIS-inspired groups.

The bus bombing on Thursday was an apparent retaliation for the death of Patir and Salandang, according to sources.

Tagum said the PRO-12 has deployed plainclothes intelligence operatives in public terminals.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/05/27/2184154/pnp-task-group-formed-probe-koronadal-bombing