CPP/NDF-Negros Island: NDF Consultant Ericson Acosta murdered in joint operation of 94th and 47th IB

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): NDF Consultant Ericson Acosta murdered in joint operation of 94th and 47th IB

 

Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

Twisting truths cannot cover the fact that butchers 94th Infantry Battalion and 47th Infantry Battalion captured NDF Consultant Ericson Acosta and his companion, a peasant organizer, alive around 2:00 this morning, November 30, at Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kanbankalan City, Negros Occidental, and, few hours after, tagged them as casualties of a fake encounter.

Ka Ericson was here in Negros, particularly in Kabankalan City, to consult on the situation of farm workers in the southern part of Negros Occidental and share developments regarding the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). He was one of the NDF consultants working on the CASER.

NDF Negros, in the strongest terms, condemns the 94th IB, 47th IB and top dogs of the 3rd ID for the summary execution of Ka Ericson and his companion. The two were victims of the AFP’s despicable policy of “taking no prisoners” in their counter-insurgency campaign.

The entire revolutionary forces and the broad masses in Negros offer the highest tribute to Ka Ericson Acosta. Likewise, NDF Negros extends sympathies to Ka Ericson’s family, especially his son, and all those he has inspired.

Today, the Filipino people has lost a revolutionary, propagandist, poet, song writer, journalist, and thespian. His bloody murder is added fuel to the already seething social volcano in Negros and will bring forth an outpour of new blood to the national democratic revolution.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/ndf-consultant-ericson-acosta-murdered-in-joint-operation-of-94th-and-47th-ib/

CPP/CIO: Condemn the AFP for the murder of Ericson Acosta, poet and modern-day Andres Bonifacio

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Condemn the AFP for the murder of Ericson Acosta, poet and modern-day Andres Bonifacio

 

This article is available in Pilipino

Marco Valbuena

Chief Information Officer

Communist Party of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemns in the strongest terms the Armed Forces of the Philippines, particularly the 94th IB and 47th IB, for the abduction and willful killing while in custody of renowned revolutionary poet Ericson Acosta, who also served as peace consultant of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in Negros, and his companion early this morning.

The murder of Acosta and his companion is in grave violation of international humanitarian law and constitutes a war crime.

According to local reports, Acosta and his companion were accosted by armed soldiers while resting in a peasant home in Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental at 2 a.m. They were subsequently summarily executed in cold-blood. Both were unarmed. There was no unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the area contrary to AFP’s claim of an armed encounter.

We have also received reports that soldiers took an entire family from the same community. Ronald Francisco was able to call his mother at around 2 a.m. today to report that soldiers strafed their house. When his mother could no longer contact him, she went to the police to report the incident. The Kabankalan police, however, refused to investigate the case, saying the family was taken by soldiers to a military camp. The whereabouts of Ronald, his wife Ronalyn, and their three children, are unknown.

Acosta and his yet unnamed companion are the latest victims of the AFP in its campaign of murder against revolutionaries in violation of international humanitarian law and the rules of war. According to a Special Report released by Ang Bayan, more than one hundred unarmed revolutionaries, hors de combat and civilians have been killed in the campaign of murder by state forces. The report covers the period 2017-2022. This list includes his wife Kerima Tariman, who was also killed by AFP soldiers under custody after being captured in Silay City, Negros Occidental on August 20, 2021.

The entire Party extends its sympathies to the Acosta family. The CPP joins the cultural community, progressive and democratic organizations, and the different sectors in their clamor for justice for Ericson. The truth about the death of Acosta and his companion must be vigorously exposed through independent fact-finding and forensics. Police investigation into the case will only serve to cover up the crimes of the AFP.

The CPP pays the highest tribute to Acosta and declares him a hero of the Filipino people for having dedicated his life and art for the cause of national and social liberation. The aspirations of the downtrodden and oppressed masses resonated in his poems, plays and songs. Like Kerima, Ericson found his muse among the workers and peasants to whom he dedicated his life and selflessly served.

Without a doubt, Ericson Acosta is an Andres Bonifacio of our times. His life of sacrifice and service inspired many artists and ordinary people to take up the cause of national democracy. The manner of his death incites greater hatred for the fascist military and its campaign of terror. Ericson’s martyrdom will surely serve to strengthen the resolve of more and more people to take the path of revolutionary resistance.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/condemn-the-afp-for-the-murder-of-ericson-acosta-modern-day-andres-bonifacio/

CP/NDF-Negros Island: Negrosanons will collectively resist the AFP’s campaign of suppression

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Negrosanons will collectively resist the AFP’s campaign of suppression

 

Bayani Obrero

Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

Not only did the joint operation of the 94th and 47th Infantry Battalion ruthlessly kill NDF consultant Ericson Acosta and peasant organizer Joseph Jimenez, these fascist soldiers first strafed the house of the Francisco family where Acosta and Jimenez were resting before they were taken forcefully and then “salvaged” early today, November 30, at Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

The mother and sibling of Ronald Francisco, 41 years old, has raised the alarm because he, his wife Ronalyn, and their three children were also taken to the headquarters of the 47th IB this morning, and, up to this time, cannot be contacted. Ronald’s mother tried to report the incident to the Kabankalan police station but the police officer (with tagname “EMAR”) dismissed her and refused to file a blotter report.

The fake encounter script of truth spinners in the 3rd Infantry Division led by MGen. Benedict Arevalo is now fully exposed as a scheme to whitewash their war crimes. According to Jimenez’ family, the bodies of Ka Ericson and Jimenez have indications that they were stabbed and hacked.

This incident raises the number of fake encounters in Negros under the Marcos Jr regime to 14. Meanwhile, Jimenez is the 7th farmer killed in the island by state forces since July 2022. All peasant killings were notably declared by state forces as “encounters”.

NDF-Negros demands that MGen. Arevalo and the entire 3rd Infantry Division be made accountable for the murder of Acosta and Jimenez, and all the crimes they have perpetrated during their focused military operations. Furthermore, the 47th IB must surface the Francisco family whole and unharmed from their headquarters.

NDF-Negros calls on human rights groups and advocates to conduct an independent fact-finding and forensic investigation to further expose the truth behind these atrocities.

Finally, the NDF-Negros urges the Negrosanons, especially the peasants and workers, to continue fighting for their democratic and economic rights while collectively resisting the AFP’s campaign of suppression. ###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/negrosanons-will-collectively-resist-the-afps-campaign-of-suppression/

CPP/NDF-KM-DATAKO: Pahayag ng Kabataang Makabayan — DATAKO para sa ika-58 na anibersaryo ng KM

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Pahayag ng Kabataang Makabayan — DATAKO para sa ika-58 na anibersaryo ng KM- Naturturred, Nasirsirib, #TayoAngKMD (Statement of the Patriotic Youth — DATAKO for the 58th anniversary of KM-Persisting, Establishing-We are KMD)

 

Kabataang Makabayan – Demokratiko a Tignayan kadagiti Agtutubo iti Kordilyera (KM-DATAKO)

Cordillera People's Democratic Front

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 30, 2022

Nagkakamali ang estado sa pagsasabi nitong magagapi nito ang rebolusyunaryong kilusan.

Nagkamali na ang rehimeng US-Duterte sa ambisyon nitong wakasan ang digma sa bansa noong 2017…2018…2019…Hangal at ampaw ang deklasyong wawasakin ng NTF-ELCAC ang CPP-NPA-NDF sa pagtatapos ng 2022.

Higit na walang kapararakan ang pagbula ng bibig ng mga pasista’t berdugo sa pagsasabing “nililinlang”, “brainwashed”, “nagkakamali” ang mga kabataan sa pagtahak sa landas ng rebolusyon. Mulat at buong pusong niyayakap ng mga kabataan ang demokratikong rebolusyong bayan sa pakikibagkapit-bisig sa saligang alyansa ng mga manggagawa’t magsasaka kasama ng iba’t iba pang mga aping sektor. Ang kainutilan at kapabayaan ng estado ang mismong naghahawan sa malawak na kaparangan upang bagtasin ng mga kabataan ang armadong paglaban.

Taglay namin ang maningning na kasaysayan ng pakikibaka ng mga kabataan mula pa Batas Militar. Nananalaytay sa amin ang dugo palaban ng lahing mandirigmang Kaigorotan. Kami ang mga nagyayabong na kagubatang naipunla nina Macliing Dulag, Chadli Molintas, Jennifer Carino at iba pang martir at bayani. Kami ang bagong salinlahi ng mga rebolusyunaryong naaarmasan ng mga dakilang aral ng mayamang kasaysayan ng paglaban ng mamamayan.

Nagkakamali ang mga berdugo sa pag-aakalang ito’y aming talilikdan. Buong pagmamalaki naming itatanghal: Kami ang Kabataang Makabatan-DATAKO. Tayo ang Kabataang Makabayan-DATAKO. Nananatili, tumatatag.

Sa nagdaang taon, humarap tayo sa malaking hamon. Mula sa malubhang krisis dulot ng pandemya na sinamantala pa ng estado upang ginipit ang pagkilos ng mamamayan. Pisikal tayong pinaghiwalay ng mga rekstriksyon at ng obhetibong kalagayan.

Gayunpaman, hindi tayo nagpalimita. Sama-sama nating mapanlikhang tinuklas ang mga bagong arena ng mga laban, mga porma ng pagkilos at pag-oorganisa, maniobra at recovery, expansyon at konsolidasyon — mula kanayunan hanggang mga lungsod. Habang nagkukumahog ang estado sa pagsupil sa mamamayan, nagpupursigi ang mga kabataan sa paghahatid ng tulong sa mga komunidad na lubhang apektado ng sosyo-ekonomikong krisis at mga sakuna, nagtatambol at kumakamit ng mga signipikanteng tagumpay sa kampanyang masa, nagpapalawak at nagrerekluta sa mga rebolusyunaryong organisasyong masa at tuloy na nagpapaabot ng suportang materyal sa BHB at aktibong naglulunsad ng kampanyang pagpapasama. Sa nagdaang 2 taon, matagumpay na nakapagpalawak at nakapatayo ng mga bagong balangay at grupong pang-organisa ang KM-DATAKO sa buong Metro Baguio, nakapagpasampa sa BHB at patuloy na nakapaglulunsad ng mga pag-aaral hinggil sa rebolusyong Pilipino, pagsusuri sa mga maiinit na isyung kinahaharap ng mamamayan at mga saligang aralin hinggil sa Marxismo, Leninismo at Maoismo.

Namalas ng bansa ang di matatawarang katatagan at sigasig ng mga kabataan, sampu ng buong hanay ng mamamayang lumalaban, sa harap ng matinding pandarahas ng demonyong NTF-ELCAC.

Sa pagbabalik ng mga Marcos sa Malacanang, walang ibang inaasahan ang mamamayang Pilipino kundi ang pagpapalala sa kalagayang pagpapakutata ng bansa sa imperyalista mga dikta, pambabalaho sa pambansang pag-unlad at malawakang korupsyon at pagnanakaw. Ang pinakamasahol at sagad-saring tambalang Marcos-Duterte ang mukha ng mga halimaw at mabangis na uring naghahari’t tunay na kaaway ng sambayanang Pilipino. Gayunpaman, di rin mapigilan ang pagindhi ng tunggalian sa hanay ng mga naghahari; papalalang bitak sa pagitan mismo ng pangkating Marcos at Duterte. At habang nagkakagulo at nagtatalo-talo ang tumitinding paksyon sa pagitan mismo ng mga kaaway — nina Badoy, Quiboloy at Carlos, Salamat sa pagkabalaho ng reorganisasyon ng NTF-ELCAC, wala namang panahong dapat sayangin ang hanay ng mga rebolusyunaryo. Ito’y mapagpasyang panahon upang samantalahin ang di mapigil na pagkakabitak-bitak ng mga naghahari.

Hamon lalo sa ating mga kabataang ang lalo pangh magpakatatag. Abutin ang pinakamalwak na hanay ng mga kabataan sa mga paaralan, pagawaan at mga komunidad. Ikasa ang walang humpay na kilusang propaganda at gawaing pangkultura. Buong-panahong ialay ang lakas, talino at talento para sa rebolusyon at buong-pusong yakapin ang armadong paglaban at sumapi sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan.

Totoo’t natitiyak nating magwawakas ang digma; ngunit ito’y hindi dahil sa NTF-ELCAC o kay Marcos. Magtatapos ang digma dahil ito’y ipagwawagi ng mamamayang Pilipino.

Mabuhay ang militanteng tradisyon ng paglaban ng mga kabataan!
Mabuhay ang Kabataang Makabayan-DATAKO!
Mabuhay ang rebolusyong Pilipino!

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/naturturred-nasirsirib-tayoangkmd/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Peace consultant at makatang si Ericson Acosta, pinaslang ng militar

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 30, 2022): Peace consultant at makatang si Ericson Acosta, pinaslang ng militar (Peace consultant and poet Ericson Acosta, murdered by the military)

 

November 30, 2022

Walang kalaban-labang pinaslang ng pinagsanib na pwersa ng 94th IB at 47th IB ang konsultant ng National Democratic Front (NDF) sa usapang pangkapayapaan at makata na si Ericson Acosta, at ang kasama niyang magsasaka kaninang madaling araw sa Sityo Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kanbankalan City, Negros Occidental. Dinakip sila ng mga sundalo bandang alas-dos ng umaga, pero pinalabas na napaslang sa isang engkwentro.

Ayon sa ulat ng NDF-Negros, nasa Kabankalan City si Acosta para magkonsulta kaugnay sa sitwasyon ng mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid sa lugar, at magbahagi ng impormasyon kaugnay ng Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms (CASER). Si Acosta ay isa sa mga konsultant ng NDF na nagtatrabaho kaugnay ng CASER.

Sa kasalukuyan ay hindi pa napapangalanan ang kanyang kasama.

Kinundena ng NDF-Negros ang “summary execution” ng militar sa dalawa. “Ang dalawa ay biktima ng walang katuturang patakaran ng AFP na “take no prisoners” sa kanilang kampanyang kontra-insurhensya,” pagdidiin ni Ka Bayani Obrero, tagapagsalita ng NDF-Negros.

“Iniaalay ng buong rebolusyonaryong pwersa at masa ng Negros ang pinakamataas na pagkilala kay Ka Ericson Acosta,” ayon kay Ka Bayani. Nagpaabot rin siya ng pakikidalamhati sa naulilang pamilya ni Ka Ericson higit lalo sa kanilang anak. Si Acosta ay asawa ni Kerima Tariman, isang Pulang mandirigma na nadakip at pinaslang ng mga tauhang ng 79th IB noong Agosto 20, 2021 sa Silay City.

Ayon sa NDF-Negros, “nawalan ngayong araw ang mamamayang Pilipino ng isang rebolusyonaryo, propagandista, makata, kompositor, mamamahayag, at isang mandudula.”

Dagdag sina Ka Ericson at kanyang kasama sa mahigit isandaang rebolusyonaryo at kanilang kasamang sibilyan na pinaslang ng armadong pwersa ng estado na labag sa internasyunal na makataong batas.

Pagtatapos ng NDF-Negros sa kanilang pahayag, “ang madugong pagpaslang sa kanya ay dagdag na ningas sa dati nang nagngangalit na panlipunang bulkan sa Negros at maghahatid ng daluyong ng bagong dugo sa pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon.”

Bumuhos na sa social media ang panawagan ng mga kaibigan ni Ka Ericson, kanyang mga kakilala at mga nabigyang inspirasyon, para sa hustisya para sa kanya at kanyang kasama, gayundin ang pagkilala sa kanila bilang martir at bayani ng sambayanan.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/angbayan/peace-consultant-at-makatang-si-ericson-acosta-pinaslang-ng-militar/

Kalinaw News: 2 NPA operating in Quezon province surrendered to Army’s 91st IB in Aurora

From Kalinaw News (Nov 30, 2022): 2 NPA operating in Quezon province surrendered to Army’s 91st IB in Aurora

Baler, Aurora – Two fighters from the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Quezon province have surrendered to the Alpha Company of the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army.

The two former NPA chosen the battalion as they believe that the said unit was the best for them to give themselves based on their monitoring and assessment.

Ka Yoga and Ka Lando (both native of Dingalan) who requested their anonymity also revealed one M16 rifle that they hide in Sitio Uyungan, Barangay Umiray, General Nakar, Quezon.

“We asked our relatives to have a dialogue with the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion, Philippine Army to help us to live a new, for peace and to be with our love ones since Christmas is fast approaching. We wanted to be happy this Christmas. We do not want to waste our lives in the hands of the terrorist,” they said.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto, Jr., commander of 91st IB said in an interview on Tuesday that Ka Yoga and Ka Lando surrendered to 1st lieutenant Jevie J. Sagragao, Alpha company commander based in Gabaldon town.

Recto also said that the Alpha Company Sinagtala troopers reached the hiding place and the M16 rifle was retrieved in coordination to 1st Infantry Battalion (1IB) under 2nd Infantry Division after a joint operation was conducted since the hiding place was not under the area of operations (AO) of 91st IB.

“It always brings joy to our hearts to welcome these former NPA rebels who go back to the folds of our laws. They were both tribes and victims of the lies, propaganda and deception of the terrorist organization. We assured that they will be happy together with their families this Christmas,” Recto said.

He urged the remaining terrorist members of the dismantled Komiteng Laragang Guerilla of the NPA to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

“Let us embrace peace and celebrate Christmas with your family. Our government is here to assist you in your reintegration into the mainstream society. We will help you,” Recto 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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-npa-operating-in-quezon-province-surrendered-to-armys-91st-ib-in-aurora/

Kalinaw News: NPA Terrorist suffers successive debaccles in Negros, another 2 members killed in clash

From Kalinaw News (Nov 30, 2022): NPA Terrorist suffers successive debaccles in Negros, another 2 members killed in clash

Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz— The CPP-NPA terrorists in Negros suffered successive setbacks following the deaths of its two members in an encounter with the joint elements of the 94th and 47th Infantry Battalions in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, on November 30, 2022.

The first encounter occurred around 2:10 in the morning while the troops of two battalions were conducting a joint combat operation in the area after residents reported the presence and location of the NPA terrorists.

After a five-minute firefight, the NPAs withdrew southward. The troops immediately conducted pursuit operations, resulting in another encounter at around 02:15 A.M., one hundred meters from the first encounter site.

The ten-minute exchange of fire yielded two unidentified dead NPAs.

Seized from the possession of the killed NPAs were one (1) KG9 with magazine and ammunition, two (2) Cal.45 Pistol with magazines and ammunition, two (2) hand grenades, one (1) Bagong Hukbong Bayan Flag, one (1) CPP Flag, two (2) Mao caps, and subversive documents and lecture materials.
On November 28, 2022, two NPA terrorists were also killed in an encounter with the troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla.

Army in Negros said that the successful anti-insurgency operation is a result of the locals’ tip-off to soldiers, indicating that they are now fed-up with the daily extortion and other terroristic activities of the NPA terrorists.

3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division Commander Major General Benedict Arevalo commended the collaborative effort of the 94IB, 47IB, and the local populace that resulted in the demise of two NPAs.

“The successive debacle of the NPA Terrorist in Negros is a clear manifestation that they are losing grip and influence over their claimed mass base. They are now on the run, and their movement is now limited, for Negrenses are very vigilant in reporting their presence and activities,” said MGen Arevalo.

MGen Arevalo also re-echoed his persistent reminder to remaining NPAs to give up a bloody armed struggle while they still have time.

“If you refuse to surrender, you still can’t escape from the long arm of the law – you will be caught or killed,” the 3ID Commander stressed.

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/%f0%9d%97%a1%f0%9d%97%a3%f0%9d%97%94-%f0%9d%97%a7%f0%9d%97%b2%f0%9d%97%bf%f0%9d%97%bf%f0%9d%97%bc%f0%9d%97%bf%f0%9d%97%b6%f0%9d%98%80%f0%9d%98%81-%f0%9d%98%80%f0%9d%98%82%f0%9d%97%b3%f0%9d%97%b3/

Kalinaw News: 28 FRs receive psychosocial support, food packs in Ilocos Sur

From Kalinaw News (Nov 30, 2022): 28 FRs receive psychosocial support, food packs in Ilocos Sur

Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija November 21, 2022: Twenty-eight former rebels (FRs) in the province of Ilocos Sur benefitted from counseling and food assistance provided by the Provincial Task Force in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last Monday.

The activity dubbed “Kamustahan with EO 70 Clients” provided psychosocial support through a one-on-one interview with the former rebels held at the Halfway House, Barangay Taleb, Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

It was led by representatives from DSWD headed by Ms. Fe Sarmiento, SWO IV/Head, Community-Based Services, DSWD-R1 and the Provincial Social Welfare Office of Ilocos Sur headed by Ms. Irene Tabarangao, SWO II.

Said activity was made possible through the collaboration of the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur, 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB), and 69th Infantry Battalion (69IB) of 7th Infantry Division (7ID), Philippine Army.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Michael Bautista, 71IB Commanding Officer, expressed his gratitude to DSWD Field Office 1 for its continuous support to the Former Rebels and former conflict-affected communities in Ilocos Sur.

Previously, DSWD FO-1 handed over livelihood assistance amounting to Php 3 million to 10 associations in former Communist Terrorist Group-affected barangays in Ilocos Sur as starting capital for their chosen community livelihood project. Some of their livelihood include swine fattening, rice retailing and general merchandise among others.

Apart from that, the said agency also distributed a total of Php 140,000 to the returnees to help augment the everyday needs of their family.
Moreover, the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur distributed food packs for each returnee.

Maj. Gen. Andrew Costelo, Commander, 7ID, emphasized the importance of psychosocial support for the FRs as it doesn’t only provide an important coping mechanism during their difficult times but also helps maintain their physical and mental health.

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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/28-frs-receive-psychosocial-support-food-packs-in-ilocos-sur/

CPP claims NDF consultant killed not in firefight

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 1, 2022): CPP claims NDF consultant killed not in firefight (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Recovered war materials from an encounter in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.*PA photo

Two more combatants of the New People’s Army were reported yesterday by the Philippine Army to have died in another encounter with Army soldiers in Sitio Makilo, Brgy. Camansi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

The Communist Party of the Philippines immediately issued a statement that Ericson Acosta, a consultant of the National Democratic Front, was captured and killed in Kabankalan City, but not in encounter, as claimed by the Philippine Army.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, however, disclosed that they are still in the process of identifying the two slain rebels, despite the identification of Acosta as one of the casualties.

Based on information they got, Pasaporte said Acosta was the husband of Kerima Lorema Tariman, secretary of the dismantled Northern Negros Front, who was also killed in an encounter with the 79th Infantry Battalion in August last year in Silay City.

He, however, did not confirm that Acosta was among the two rebel fatalities in Kabankalan encounter.

Pasaporte said that husband and wife tandem, Acosta and Tariman, were dispatched by the CPP central committee in Negros Island to help recover territories lost by the communist terrorist organization and consolidate remaining forces.

In a statement issued by the 303rd Infantry Brigade, it said that a joint combat operation of the 94th and 47th Infantry Battalion led to two encounters which started at about 2:10 a.m. yesterday, as government troopers responded to reports of the presence of armed rebels in the area.

The first encounter lasted about five minutes, and the rebels scampered in various directions.

Pursuit operations led to another encounter about 100 meters away from the initial encounter site, resulting in the killing of two suspected NPA rebels, Pasaporte said.

Aside from the cadavers of two slain rebels that were left behind by their fleeing comrades, Army soldiers also recovered a KG-9 automatic pistol with a magazine containing ammunition, two caliber .45 pistols, two fragmentation grenades, a CPP NPA flag and subversive documents.

Two days earlier, two NPA rebels also died in an encounter with 62nd Infantry Battalion troopers in Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

In a statement issued by the CPP, it said that Ka Ericson was here in Negros, particularly in Kabankalan City, to consult on the situation of farm workers in southern Negros and share developments regarding the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reform.

It added that Ka Erickson was among the NDF consultants working on CASER.

https://visayandailystar.com/cpp-claims-ndf-consultant-killed-not-in-firefight/

883 Army officers benefit from combat leadership program

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): 883 Army officers benefit from combat leadership program (By Priam Nepomuceno)

LEADERSHIP ENHANCEMENT. Philippine Army (PA) company commanders join the Company Commanders Symposium, as part of the service's Combat Leadership Enhancement Program (CLEP) in this undated photo. The Philippine Army on Tuesday (Nov. 29, 2022) said the CLEP was conducted at the headquarters of various Army divisions from August 23 to November 25. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – The Philippine Army (PA) announced that 883 company commanders and platoon leaders have completed its four-month-long "combat leadership enhancement program" (CLEP), which seeks to enhance their command potential.

In a statement Tuesday night, PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the CLEP was conducted in a hybrid manner, via in-person training and video conferencing, at the headquarters of Army divisions from August 23 to November 25.

It was conducted by the PA assistant chief of staff for education and training, G-8, and the Army Leadership Development Center of the Training and Doctrine Command.

"With the CLEP’s theme, 'Enhancing Army Leadership Acumen to Achieve Victory Against Threat to National Security', the program includes the Company Commanders Symposium and Platoon Leaders Combat Proficiency Symposium, which enhance the tactical competence and combat effectiveness of the soldiers through sharing of best practices around a multifaceted operational environment in their respective area of operations," Trinidad said.

He said the CLEP develops and strengthens the troops' command and leadership potential to empower them on becoming responsive and effective leaders of the organization’s desired administration and operational results amid a volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous operational environment.

PH Army Armor Division gets new acting commander

Meanwhile, Trinidad said Brig. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV has been appointed as the acting commander of the Capas, Tarlac-based Armor Division of the PA.

The assumption of command took place at Camp O'Donnell, Sta. Lucia, Capas, Tarlac and was presided by PA commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

Palafox replaced Maj. Gen. Efren Baluyot, who was promoted to head the Southern Luzon Command.

Before his appointment, Palafox served as the assistant division commander of the unit.

He also led various units, such as the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade, the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, and the Office of the Chief of Staff for Civil-Military Operations.

Palafox is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1990 and graduated from the Development Academy of the Philippines with a master’s degree in public management, major in development and security.

Meanwhile, Baluyot is a member of PMA Class of 1989. Under his leadership, the Armor Division contributed to the defeat of New People's Army insurgents and other local terrorist groups in the country.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189767

PH, US armies start planning for larger 2023 'Salaknib' drills

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): PH, US armies start planning for larger 2023 'Salaknib' drills (By Priam Nepomuceno)

'SALAKNIB' 2023 PLANNING. Philippine Army and US Army Pacific planners participate in the week-long final planning conference for next year’s "Salaknib" exercises, at the Hotel Conrad, Pasay City on Nov. 28, 2022. "Salaknib", which means shield in Ilocano, is an annual combined exercise geared at strengthening the interoperability of Filipino and American armies in a spectrum of military operations. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

MANILA – Philippine Army (PA) and US Army Pacific (USARPAC) planners have begun their week-long planning session for larger "Salaknib" military exercises in 2023.

In a statement Tuesday night, Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the planning conference, held at the Hotel Conrad in Pasay City, began on November 28.

"PA and USARPAC Salaknib planners are finalizing plans for the combined exercise that will include around 3,000 troops from the USARPAC's 25th Infantry Division and various PA major units," he added.

"Salaknib", which means shield in Ilocano, is an annual combined exercise geared at strengthening the interoperability of Filipino and American armies in a spectrum of military operations.

About 2,200 Filipino and US Army troops participated in this year's edition of "Salaknib", which took place in March.

These troops focused on the capability development of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, the PA's primary combined arms, and rapid deployment unit.

“When you plan, you plan to succeed. And so, as we all work towards yet another successful execution of Exercise 'Salaknib' next year. May every planner from both sides be all the more committed and dedicated as we finalize the concept of operations, settle the schedule of events and activities, confirm force commitments and asset requirements, and complete all essential requirements for the execution proper,” PA deputy assistant chief of staff for education and training, Col. Emmanuel L. Cabasan, said during the opening of the conference.

PA commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier said the annual combined exercise is a testament to the “long-standing bilateral relations” between the Philippines and the US that would contribute to the pursuit of a common goal of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

Reservist caravan in Congress

Meanwhile, Trinidad said the PA held a reservist caravan and information drive aimed at encouraging lawmakers and their legislative staff to join the Army’s reserve force at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Tuesday.

PA vice commander Maj. Gen. Adonis Bajao and key officers from the PA headquarters graced the reservist caravan that featured orientations on how to join the Army’s reserve component.

The caravan featured celebrity reservist 1st Lt. Ronnie Liang who discussed the PA’s reserve force development thrust to the House’s legislative staff.

PH Army top brass visits solons

Also on Tuesday, the PA Legislative Advisory Board (PALAB) led by Bajao paid a courtesy call on House Deputy Speaker and Army reserve Col. Isidro T. Ungab at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

Bajao and key officers from the Army made a courtesy call to Ungab who represents Davao City's third legislative district and Davao del Sur Rep. John Tracy F. Cagas as part of the PA’s legislative stakeholders engagement thrust.

"The discussion between the PA delegation and lawmakers centered on the proposed revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program at the college level and the Army’s reserve force development thrust," Trinidad said.

They also tackled the revitalization of the Self-Reliant Defense Program and other pressing issues in the defense sector.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189768

House bicam panel to push for NTF-ELCAC 2023 budget restoration

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): House bicam panel to push for NTF-ELCAC 2023 budget restoration

House appropriations committee chair Elizaldy Co (Photo courtesy of House Press and Public Affairs Bureau)

MANILA – House appropriations committee chair and Ako Party-list Representative Zaldy Co on Wednesday committed to help restore the 2023 budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) which was earlier slashed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

In a statement, Co assured that the House bicameral panel would work objectively with its Senate counterpart to restore the agency’s reduced budget as instructed by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Deputy Senior Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos.

“Congress recognizes the important role the NTF-ELCAC plays to help end the country’s decades-long insurgency. Thus, we will convince our Senate counterparts in the bicameral conference committee to restore the agency’s proposed budget. After all, this is one of the key priorities of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. which was clearly outlined in the National Expenditure Program the administration sent to Congress,” he said.

As this developed, Co urged the NTF-ELCAC leadership to hasten implementation of its projects and to explore the possibility of collaborating with agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways which are better equipped to handle project procurement and implementation.

The lawmaker expressed concern that for 2021, the NTF-ELCAC has only completed less than half or 48 percent of its projects under its Support for Barangay Development Program (SBDP), the other half is still ongoing while the remaining 2 percent is still in the procurement stage.

“The situation is even worse in 2022. Based on reports received by my office, only 2 percent of NTF-ELCAC’s 2022 projects have been completed or ongoing. A whopping 98 percent of the projects are still under the pre-procurement or procurement stage, and it’s already December,” he said.

Co said the NTF-ELCAC should exert more effort to fully utilize the budgets allocated by Congress or these will just go back to the national treasury instead of being used for the Filipinos who need more and better social services.

He added the funds are “very essential” since they will be distributed to various agencies for administrative and operational expenses in implementing the task force's Barangay Development Program, which is composed of various support projects for barangays deemed cleared of communist rebels.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189811

NPA rebel wanted for kidnapping arrested in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): NPA rebel wanted for kidnapping arrested in Surigao Sur (By Alexander Lopez)

Google map Barobo, Surigao del Sur

BUTUAN CITY – A New People’s Army (NPA) rebel wanted for criminal offenses was apprehended during the service of an arrest warrant in Surigao del Sur town.

In a statement Wednesday, the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO) identified the arrested NPA rebel as Jeffrey Rivas Prado, 27, a resident of Purok 6, Sitio Simowao, Barangay Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Prado, a member of Guerrilla Front 19 Southland, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA, was arrested in Barobo, Surigao del Sur on Tuesday afternoon.

“The arrested NPA rebel has a standing arrest warrant for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 7 in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur,” the SDSPPO said.

The arrest warrant was issued by the local court in Bayugan City on Jan. 30, 2020, with no recommended bail, it added.

Prado is now under the custody of the Barobo Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement Wednesday, the Army’s 30th Infantry Battalion (30IB) reported the surrender of an NPA couple who are holding vital positions in the NPA movement in the Surigao del Norte area.

The NPA couple was identified as John Philip Patindol Calang, alias Poloy, 28, the squad leader of the Regional Sentro De Gravidad (RSDG), NEMRC; and Marivic Cellona Gallaga, alias Nam, 24, a medical officer of RSDG, NEMRC.

Both NPA rebels voluntarily surrendered to the 30IB on Friday last week in Barangay Mahanub, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte.

“Fatigue, hunger, and uncertainties have forced the NPA couple to surrender as they wished to live peacefully as a family in their community,” the 30IB said.

The 30IB is now processing the NPA couple for their enrolment in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program of the government.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189775

104 NPA surrenderers join DOLE employment program in N. Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): 104 NPA surrenderers join DOLE employment program in N. Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)

WORK OPPORTUNITIES. Beneficiaries of an emergency employment program in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar with nearly half of them are former rebels during the awarding of cash assistance on Tuesday (Nov. 29, 20220). The military lauded the Department of Labor and Employment and the local government for enlisting former rebels in the program. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 104 former rebels in Lope de Vega, Northern Samar have received cash assistance from the government for participating in an emergency employment program.

A ceremony held Tuesday in Lope De Vega town awarded PHP924,000 cash to 264 beneficiaries, including the 104 New People's Army (NPA) surrenderers to the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police units in the province.

Philippine Army 43rd Infantry Battalion spokesperson 1st Lt. Benigno Lopez, Jr. lauded the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the local government for enlisting former members of the NPA in the program.

“This is a way to make them productive as they start a new life after engaging in a senseless armed struggle. We want to forge partnership with more government agencies to help our former rebels,” Lopez said in a phone interview on Wednesday.

These former rebels residing in the town’s five villages with insurgency problems in the past are members of people’s organization formed by the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion in 2021.

Each beneficiary received cash worth PHP3,500 as compensation for their work in the community.

The assistance is part of the DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD, a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189783

2 more NPA rebels killed in NegOcc firefight

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): 2 more NPA rebels killed in NegOcc firefight (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

BODIES FOUND. Troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th and 47th Infantry Battalions found two bodies of New People's Army (NPA) rebels after an encounter in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental early morning of Wednesday (Nov. 30, 2022). The fatalities were brought to Sola Gracia Funeral Services in the same city. (Photo courtesy of the 94th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Two more fighters of the New People's Army (NPA) were killed in a clash with government troops in Negros Occidental on Wednesday, two days after two of their comrades died in a skirmish as soldiers responded to the rebels’ continued harassment and extortion activities in the remote areas of central and southern Negros.

Troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th and 47th Infantry Battalions (IB) found two bodies after engaging about 10 communist terrorists in Sitio Makilo, Barangay Camansi in Kabankalan City at past 2 a.m.

Capt. Eduardo Rarugal Jr., 94IB civil-military operations officer, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the bodies have been brought to Sola Gracia Funeral Services in the southern Negros city.

The military has yet to identify the fatalities but a statement from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)-NPA’s political wing, National Democratic Front-Negros, confirmed that one of them is their consultant Ericson Acosta, who was in Kabankalan "to consult" with farmers in southern Negros, together with a peasant-organizer, who was the other fatality, but whom they did not name.

In a report, the 94IB said two clashes took place – at 2:10 a.m. and 2:15 a.m. – after the joint troops responded to reports on the presence of NPA rebels asking for food supplies.

These rebels are believed to be among those involved in the series of armed encounters in Barangay Cabalan of the neighboring Himamaylan City last month, the report added.

After the clash, the troops also recovered a KG9 assault rifle and two caliber .45 pistols with magazines and ammunition, and two hand grenades, as well as CPP-NPA flags, Mao caps, subversive documents, and lecture materials.

“We laud the bravery of the residents in reporting the presence of the NPA that caused the encounter. The NPA is becoming irrelevant in the communities of Kabankalan City and Negros as a whole. The last option for them is to surrender or suffer the same fate like their fallen comrades,” Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of 94IB, said in a statement.

In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, commended the joint efforts of the 94IB and 47IB troops together with the locals, which resulted in a successful operation against the NPA.

“The successive debacle of the NPA in Negros is a clear manifestation that they are losing grip and influence over their claimed mass base. Their movement is now limited as Negrenses are very vigilant in reporting their presence and activities,” he added.

On Monday, two communist rebels also died in a clash with troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Quintin Remo in Moises Padilla town, Negros Occidental.

The fatalities were identified as both part of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon Lenovo of the NPA's Central Negros Front 1.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189778

Arrest warrant with P5-M bail served vs. detained ASG leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 30, 2022): Arrest warrant with P5-M bail served vs. detained ASG leader (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

ARREST WARRANT. Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-9 (CIDG-9) operatives serve an arrest warrant for 25 counts of frustrated murder charges with a total of PHP5 million bail on Tuesday (Nov. 29, 2022) at the Tawi-Tawi provincial jail. The accused was involved in the kidnapping on January 15, 2020 of five Indonesian fishermen in Tambisan, Sandakan City, Sabah. (Photo courtesy of CIDG-9)

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Government operatives have served a warrant of arrest for 25 counts of frustrated murder with a PHP5 million recommended bail against an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) leader detained for kidnapping charges in Tawi-Tawi, an official said Wednesday.

Maj. Allan Alog, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group -Tawi-Tawi office chief, said the warrant was served against ASG sub-leader Injimar Mangkabong, alias Bensar Jakari, around 3:12 p.m. Tuesday at the provincial jail in Bongao, the capital town of the province.

Alog said the warrant dated Feb. 7, 2012 was issued against Mangkabong by the court of Jolo town in Sulu province.

The court has set bail at PHP200,000 for each count of frustrated murder charges against Mangkabong totaling PHP5 million.

Mangkabong was arrested by policemen on March 22, 2021 in this city for kidnapping charges.

Alog said the accused was involved in the kidnapping of five Indonesian fishermen on Jan. 15, 2020 in the vicinity of Tambisan, Sandakan City, Sabah, as well as Filipinos in the island provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

He said Mangkabong is a sub-leader under the group of ASG leader Idang Susukan operating in the two provinces.

Policemen arrested Susukan on Aug. 13, 2020 in Davao City.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189789

IPPO cops warned over NPA attacks

From Panay News (Nov 30, 2022): IPPO cops warned over NPA attacks (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

ILOILO City – Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) director, Police Colonel Noel Aliño, warned police chiefs to be wary of possible attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA).

He issued the warning after a recent encounter between the NPA and the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion on Saturday, Nov. 26, in Barangay Tigbanaba, Igbaras, Iloilo.

Domingo Tagapolan Costas, 47, of Barangay Dalije, Miag-ao, Iloilo, died in the clash. He was a member of NPA Team 1, Squad 1 of Suyak Platoon, Southern Front Kometing Rehiyon Panay, led by Jun Capio, authorities said.

Aliño said his men should not be complacent, especially in towns that are considered “high risk”.

“Be alert all the time. Know the persons going in and out of the police station and always carry short and long firearms. Dapat naka-duty sa station ang lahat na available men kasi ang ating kalaban ay anjan lang naghihintay ng opportunity,” Aliño said.

Among the towns considered “high risk” are Alimodian, Balasan, Bingawan, Calinog, Guimbal, Janiuay, Igbaras, Lambunao, Lemery, Leon, Maasin, Miag-ao, San Joaquin, San Rafael, and Tubungan.

On June 18, 2017 rebels attacked the Maasin police station and disarmed and handcuffed nine police officers on duty.

The rebels carted away firearms, radio equipment, laptop computers, cash, and a patrol vehicle.

https://www.panaynews.net/ippo-cops-warned-over-npa-attacks/

Rebels killed in Moises Padilla clash identified

From Panay News (Nov 30, 2022): Rebels killed in Moises Padilla clash identified (By DOMINIQUE GABRIEL G. BAÑAGA)

BACOLOD City – The two New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed during Monday’s gun battle with soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion (62IB) in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental have been identified.

Based on information released by the 62IB, the fatalities were Johnhill “Mark” Sarsa and Dalmacio “Delmar” Dela Torre, both residents of Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

According to a statement released by the 62IB, Sarsa was a political officer or “commissar” of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon Lenovo of the NPA’s Central Negros Front 1.

Dalmacio, meanwhile, was also a member of the Central Negros Front 1 of the NPA.

The 62IB responded to the area after receiving information that several armed men were spotted threatening and extorting supplies from the residents.

A gun battle erupted between the 62IB and the 15-man force of the NPA. It lasted for 40 minutes.

Aside from the initial recovered weapons such as the M16, M14, AK-47, and M203 grenade launcher, the Army also recovered a .357 revolver, three AK-47 magazines, seven M16 magazines, two rifle grenades, and 40mm grenade ammunition.

Soldiers also recovered three backpacks, medical equipment, two bandoliers, personal belongings, and subversive documents.

The two rebel casualties were subsequently turned over to the Moises Padilla Police Station.

https://www.panaynews.net/rebels-killed-in-moises-padilla-clash-identified/

Rebel nabbed in Isabela faces murder charges

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 29. 2022): Rebel nabbed in Isabela faces murder charges (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

An alleged member of the Regional Strike Force of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Negros/Cebu/Bohol/Siquijor, was captured by police and military personnel during a joint manhunt operation in Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela, Negros Occidental, on November 27.

Nabbed was Robert Ancino, 21, of Sitio Mahopaho, Brgy. San Agustin, Isabela.

The arrest warrant issued against Ancino was issued by Himamaylan Regional Trial Court Judge Walter Sorilla, for the crime of murder.

Ancino was also linked to the ambush and injuries of two policemen in Binalbagan on February 13 this year, according to the police.

On the other hand, a 58-year-old widow identified by the police as Rizaldy Sarraga was also apprehended in Brgy. Tinampaan, Cadiz City, for illegal possession of firearms, also on Nov. 27.

The implementation of a search warrant issued by Cadiz RTC Judge Joanne Francis Nifras led to the arrest of Sarraga and the recovery of a caliber .38 revolver with three live ammunition, police said.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebel-nabbed-in-isabela-faces-murder-charges/

2 rebels killed in Moises Padilla gun battle

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 29, 2022): 2 rebels killed in Moises Padilla gun battle (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

Army soldiers retrieve the cadaver of two slain rebels at the encounter site in Brgy. Quinton Remo, Moises Padilla.*PA photo

Two more suspected New People’s Army rebels yesterday died in renewed armed clashes with Army soldiers in Sitio Binataan, Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, disclosed that soldiers of the 62nd Infantry Battalion were responding to complaints of civilians who were intimidated and harassed by a group of armed rebels, who had earlier claimed responsibility for the killing of an alleged military informant in neighboring Brgy. Montilla, also in Moises Padilla. Pasaporte said the gun battle lasted several minutes, after which the undetermined number of rebels scampered in various directions, leaving behind their two slain comrades at the encounter site.

He identified the two slain rebels as John Gil Sarsa, alias Ka Mark, of Brgy Planas, Guihulngan City and Dalmacio dela Torre, alias Ka Delmar.

Sarsa was tagged by the military as a political officer of the Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda of the Central Negros 1 Lenovo platoon, while de la Torre served as a member of CN1.

The 62IB, in a statement, said it believes that more rebels were either killed or injured in more than 40 minutes of gun battle. On the other hand, no one was hurt among the 62IB soldiers.

Also recovered at the encounter site were an M-16 assault rifle with M-203 grenade launcher, another M-16 assault rifle, AK-47 assault rifle, an M-14 assault rifle, and a .357 Magnum revolver, 10 magazines containing AK-47 and M-16 ammunition, two rifle grenades, 40mm high explosive ammunition, medical equipment and supplies, two CPP NPA flags, three back packs, subversive documents.

On November 21, a suspected NPA leader identified as Victoriano Baldonado, commanding officer of the Central Negros I Section Guerilla Unit, was also killed in an encounter in Sitio Banderahan, Brgy. Trinidad, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.

https://visayandailystar.com/2-rebels-killed-in-moises-padilla-gun-battle/

3 Cafgu members killed, 2 others wounded in Maguindanao attack

 From MindaNews (Nov 28, 2022): 3 Cafgu members killed, 2 others wounded in Maguindanao attack (By FERDINANDH B. CABRERA)

The Cafgu members killed during the attack in Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte on Monday, 28 November 2022. MindaNews contributed photo

Three members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) were killed while two others were wounded after their detachment in Barangay Edcor, Buldon, Maguindanao del Norte was attacked by still unidentified armed men past 1 a.m. Monday, a military official said.

Lt. Colonel Dennis Almorato, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said the militiamen were manning a detachment established to secure a damaged steel bridge in the area.

He said they are still establishing the group behind and what could be their motive for the attack.

“This is what we wanted to know since there are no terror groups like the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) or other organized lawless groups in the area,” Almorato told MindaNews.

He said the gunmen arrived onboard motorcycles and immediately peppered with bullets the Cafgu members.

It was not yet clear how many were the attackers and if there was a firefight.

The killed Cafgu members were identified as Christian Silvestre, Ignacio Lozad and Dondon Ahito while the injured were Arnel Cayanan and Calbertson Baggay.

A report from the Philippine Marine Landing Team-5 (MBLT-5), which has jurisdiction over the area, said the attackers took away the firearms of the victims.

“They were there to guard the bridge, not allowing heavy trucks to pass by since the steel bridge incurred huge damage due to Typhoon Paeng,” 2nd Lieutenant Ar-Gemar Hassan, officer-in-charge of the 5th Marine Company under the MBLT-5, said.

The Marines, together with the Buldon municipal police personnel, launched a manhunt operation against the suspects. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2022/11/3-cafgu-members-killed-2-others-wounded-in-maguindanao-attack/

Pro-ISIS gunmen raid Army post, kill 3 in the Philippines

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 28, 2022): Pro-ISIS gunmen raid Army post, kill 3 in the Philippines

MAGUINDANAO - Two members of the pro-ISIS groups Dawlah Islamiyah and Maute Group attacked a military outpost at dawn Monday in Buldon town in Maguindanao province, leaving three government militias dead, officials said.

Lt. Col. Dennis Almorato, regional military spokesman, said two other militias were injured when the terrorists stormed an outpost of the Army securing the bridge construction in the village of Edcor shortly after 1:00 a.m.

“The suspects were on board a motorbike. When they arrived at site, they opened fire towards the troops manning the post and then left the scene,” he said.

In May 2017, Maute gang members joined local ISIS and Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon when his group captured Marawi City in Lanao del Sur province, destroying a local church, killing Christians and holding dozens of hostages, including women and children. The siege lasted five months.

Hapilon and the top leaders of the Maute gang were eventually killed along with 1,200 people, most of them militants. (Jeoffrey Maitem)

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/11/pro-isis-gunmen-raid-army-post-kill-3.html

CPP/NDF-Negros Island: Rejoinder to NSA Carlita Carlos’ “infuriating and saddening” comment

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 29, 2022): Rejoinder to NSA Carlita Carlos’ “infuriating and saddening” comment

 

Bayani Obrero | Spokesperson

NDF-Negros Island

National Democratic Front of the Philippines

November 29, 2022

What can be described as “infuriating and saddening” occurrences in Negros Island are certainly a matter of class perspective.

To National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos, the ambush of two sergeants of the 47th Infantry Battalion last November 24, around noon time, at Sitio Camboguiot, Barangay Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental by a unit of the Armando Sumayang Jr Command – New People’s Army Southwest Negros Front (ASJC-NPA) was “infuriating and saddening.”

How then would she describe the relentless military operations of the 47th IB in Cauayan and Sipalay since May 2022 that has perpetrated human rights violations especially among farmer communities? How would she call the harassment of the Calago couple of Sitio Pasto, Barangay Inayawan, Cauayan; the physical assault experienced by Raymund Grande of Sitio Omas, Camindangan, Sipalay City; and the trauma of Alfredo Dantes after an M203 grenade launcher was fired to threaten him—all of these perpetrated recently by fascist soldiers of the 47th IB?

“Infuriating and saddening” could never encapsulate the call for justice by all the victims of state-sponsored violence and abuses in Negros Island.

The masses of Negros are seething at another summary execution of farmer, Victor Baldonado, 34 years old, tagged as an NPA casualty in a fake encounter fabricated by notorious farmer-killer 62nd IB. Baldonado, killed in front of his wife and children, is the 6th farmer murdered by state forces in Negros Oriental, particularly Guihulngan City and Canlaon City, since July 2022. Notably, all these farmer killings were covered up by fake encounter scripts.

This is the 13th fake encounter in Negros touted by fascist Philippine Army mouthpieces since the reign of the US-Marcos II regime. In two separate incidents, five hors de combat NPA members were killed in cold-blood including AGC-NPA spokesperson Ka Juanito Magbanua (Romeo Nanta). Four cases with a total of six victims, as I mentioned earlier, were intended to whitewash peasant killings. Another five fake encounters were actually cases of indiscriminate firing in Calatrava, Himamaylan City and Moises Padilla. Also, there was a strafing incident involving 15 households of Tribu Ituman-Maghat-Bukidnon members in Himamaylan City. And a matter of fake news in Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental, to cover up the 62nd IB’s failure in foiling a sniping operation of the LPC-NPA.

All the more enraging, children in Negros are victimized by state attacks on peasant communities. Under Marcos Jr, there are already seven cases of minors targeted by the counter-insurgency campaign like Everly Kee Jacolbe who was massacred with her mother in July. Countless more are traumatized by bombings and massive militarization.

These atrocities are results of the intensification of the state’s military campaign of suppression against revolutionary forces and the people. It is malicious and unjust for NSA Carlos to claim that insurgency must be solved or else “these tragedies will repeat over and over,” when the people’s resistance is valid consequence to injustice, oppression and exploitation. It is the roots of the on-going armed conflict that must be addressed with basic social, economic and political reforms to establish the basis for a just and lasting peace.

The rotten semicolonial and semifeudal ruling system is very evident in the social conditions of Negros where there is massive monopoly of land by a few rich families imposing their rule on the people through the mercenary AFP in contrast to thousands of landless tillers shackled to a monocrop sugar industry. Negros masses suffer through poverty, hunger, landlessness, joblessness, slave-like conditions in the haciendas, and various forms of semifeudal and feudal exploitation. However, they have the NPA, their genuine people’s army, to champion their democratic aspirations and defend them from state terrorism.

I invite NSA Carlos to advocate for the GRP-NDFP peace negotiations to her pleasure-seeking boss. Otherwise, she should know that the revolutionary forces in Negros, with the NPA, will carry forward the national democratic revolution in step with nationwide efforts led by the Communist Party of the Philippines. Negrosanons shall not rest in demanding and exacting justice for all human rights violations and will continue to resist the bloody counter-insurgency campaign of the US-Marcos II regime. The ruling class of big compradors and landlords will earn the price of fury and sorrow they have inflicted upon the oppressed and exploited in Negros Island. ###

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/rejoinder-to-nsa-carlita-carlos-infuriating-and-saddening-comment/

CPP/Southwest Negros: 2 ka combat intel sang 47th IB ginsilutan sa BHB

Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Philippine Revolution Web Central (PRWC) Website (Nov 29, 2022): 2 ka combat intel sang 47th IB ginsilutan sa BHB (2 combat intel of the 47th IB were punished in the NPA)

 

Andrea Guerrero

Spokesperson

NPA-Southwest Negros (Armando Sumayang Jr. Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

November 29, 2022

Madinalagon nga ginsilutan sang isa ka team sang ASJC-NPA ang 2 ka combat intel sang 47th IB sang AFP.

Samtang naglabay ang motor nga ginsalakyan nila Staff Sargeant Ken Camelan kag Sargeant Regie Glendro sa Sitio Cambugiot, Brgy. Camindangan, Sipalay City, gin ambush sang isa ka team sang NPA ang ila ginsalakyan sang ligad Nobyembre 24. Dead on the spot ang duha kag nakumpiska ang 2 ka 45-calibre nga armas kag bala, 3 ka magasin, 2 ka android cellphone, kag 1 ka granada.



Ang among intel unit sang 47th IV nagapamahug sang pumuluyo kag nagakadto sa mga panimalay na ila ginpasibangdan nga nagasuporta sa NPA tunga man sa gabi. Ginpamahug man nila ang pamilya sang mga kaupod kag gina psywar agud mamahimong instrumento sang ila kontra insurhensiya nga kampanya.

Sadtong Marso 2019, sila mismo ang responsable sa pagambush kag pagpatay ni Ka Bred sa Sitio Cambaldez, Brgy. Maricalum, Sipalay City.

Bangud sa subsub nga militarisasyon sa kaumhan, walay iban nga dangpanan ang pumuluyo kundi ang iya armado. Singgit ini sang hustisya para sa pumuluyo nga amo ang numero uno nga biktima sa terorismo sang reaksyonaryong estado.

Magsilbi ini nga paandam sa mga espiya sang AFP-PNP kag sa ila mga lokal intel asset. Gikinahanglan nga magbayad ang ila nga mga maduguon nga kamot bangud sa ila pagpanghalit sa kabuhi, panginabuhian, pagpang-into kag pugos na pagpakooperar kag pagpasurender sa pumuluyo, kag ang nagadamo na kaso sang EJK.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/2-ka-combat-intel-sang-47th-ib-ginsilutan-sa-bhb/

Kalinaw News: 2 NPAs Killed, high powered firearms seized as locals report NPA extortion activities in Moises Padilla

From Kalinaw News (Nov 29, 2022):  2 NPAs Killed, high powered firearms seized as locals report NPA extortion activities in Moises Padilla (By 3ID)

CAMP GERONA, MURCIA, Negros Occidental—Two (2) unidentified members of NPA terrorist group were killed and various high-powered firearms were seized after a clash between the Communist NPA terrorist group and troops of 62nd Infantry Battalion, 3ID, Philippine Army in Sitio Upper Binataan, Brgy. Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental arrived at around 7:00 in the morning today, November 28, 2022 (Monday).

Responding to reports from residents on alleged harassment and extortion activities committed by the NPA Communist Terrorists Group (CNT) in Sitio Upper Binataan, the Battalion immediately conducted a pursuit Combat Operations, which resulted in an armed encounter against fifteen (15) members of NPA Terrorists belonging to Central Negros 1 (CN1) Komiteng Rehiyon- Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (NCBS).

The exchange of fires lasted for about 40 minutes, after which the NPA Terrorists scampered toward Northwest and Northern directions, leaving two of their dead comrades.

Also seized were the following: Two (2) M16, one (1) M203, one (1) AK47, one (1) M14, one (1) Magnum .357 Revolver with three serviceable ammunitions, three (3) Magazines for AK47, seven (7) magazines for M16, two (2) Rifle Grenade, one (1) Serviceable Ammo of 40mm HE, medical equipment and supply, three (3) backpacks, two (2) Bandoliers, NPA terrorist subversive documents, and other personal belongings.

62IB turned over the dead bodies of the NPAs to Moises Padilla-PNP and MDRRMO for proper disposition and further investigation to confirm their identity.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Brigade Commander, expressed his appreciation to the troops of the 62nd Infantry Battalion headed by Lt.Colonel William Pesase Jr., Battalion Commander.

“The dedication to duty you have exhibited during the encounter with the members of the NPA terrorist group is incomparable. I am proud of the efforts and selfless dedication to service that you have rendered. I know that you are always prepared and ready to conduct law enforcement operations through the legitimate use of force against threat groups that endanger the well-being of the people, especially in Moises Padilla. Continue to be the best,” BGen Pasaporte said.

BGen Pasaporte also attributed the successful armed engagement against the NPAs to the vigilance and support of the local populace.

“I am commending the residents of Brgy. Quintin Remo, for the quick information given to the troops. It shows that the NPA terrorists are unwanted in the area. It reflects the locals’ desire for Moises Padilla, who are fed up with the lies and deceptions of the NPA Terrorists. Let us unite and encourage the remaining rebels to return to the folds of the law and avail the government’s E-CLIP program,” BGen Pasaporte 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.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/2-npas-killed-high-powered-firearms-seized-as-locals-report-npa-extortion-activities-in-moises-padilla/

2 new Navy missile boats from Israel now ready for active service

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 28, 202): 2 new Navy missile boats from Israel now ready for active service (By Priam Nepomuceno)

SERVICE-READY. Israeli-made fast attack interdiction craft BRP Nestor Acero, one of the Philippine Navy's two new missile boats, is docked at the Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Monday (Nov. 28, 2022). The BRP Nestor Acero and another missile boat BRP Lolinato To-Ong are the first two out of the nine FAICS-Ms acquired by the Philippines from Israel Shipyards Limited for PHP10 billion. (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) formally commissioned into service the first two of its fast attack interdiction craft missiles (FAIC-Ms), the BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-802).

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin led the commissioning rites for the two missile boats at the Naval Station Jose Andrada, Roxas Boulevard, Manila on Monday.

The two FAIC-Ms were sent off and deployed to their areas of operation shortly after the commissioning rites.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Lt. Gen. Bartolome Vicente Bacarro and newly appointed Navy chief Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. also witnessed the event.

The two ships were formally christened in rites at the PN headquarters last Sept. 6.

"Their addition to the fleet inventory is a significant step forward in the Navy's ongoing capability upgrade towards achieving a minimum defense posture and asserting greater efficiency in the execution of its mandated task, especially with their deployment to vital choke points, key sea lines of communication, and littoral areas of the country where terrorist groups and other lawless elements are operating," Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said.

These are the first two out of the nine FAICS-Ms acquired by the Philippines from Israel Shipyards Limited for PHP10 billion.

These vessels are named after two Philippine Marine Corps heroes and Medal of Valor recipients -- the late Private First Class Nestor Acero and the late 1st Lt. Lolinato To-Ong.

These ships have a displacement of 95 tons, a maximum speed of 40 knots, and a range of 1,000 nautical miles.

"This acquisition aims to strengthen the country's naval capability in terms of enhancing littoral defense and maritime interdiction operations as it will complement the previously acquired 12 MPAC (multi-purpose attack craft) of the PN," Negranza said.

These two FAIC-Ms were sponsored by Soledad B. Bacarro, the wife of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff.

The two vessels were loaded aboard a cargo ship and departed Haifa, Israel in late August. These vessels were formally launched last June 26.

Three more vessels are scheduled to be delivered starting this year.

These 32-meter high-speed vessels are equipped with quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable of delivering precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land and sea.

Four of these FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other five will be armed with Typhoon-mounted 30mm main cannons and .50 caliber heavy machine guns.

The acquisition of these FAIC-Ms are among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the AFP Modernization Program.

"This acquisition also represents a major leap in the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program of the country as the deal involves the transfer of technology that allows the local manufacturing of three platforms at the PN shipyard in Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Cavite," Negranza said.

The notice of award for the FAIC-M project, worth around PHP10 billion, was issued on Jan. 5 last year.

These are expected to replace the force of patrol killer medium (PKM) or medium-sized patrol craft.

Once deliveries of the FAIC-Ms are completed, these vessels can interdict surface threats and launch non-line-of-sight missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.

Addressing unique maritime threats

Meanwhile, Adaci said the FAIC-Ms will help the PN address maritime security threats that are unique to the Philippines.

"As you know the Philippines' geographic configuration is unique. It is characterized by complex and contested waters, porous borders and proximity to major regional sealines. This archipelagic nature of our country, therefore, presents both opportunities and challenges to the Philippines' maritime security. The two new fast attack interdiction crafts that we are commissioning today are specially designed to equip the Navy's capability in addressing threats within this complex and unique archipelagic condition in a precise and swift manner," Adaci said in his speech.

Adaci also said the FAIC-Ms approximately conform to the operations in the context of a unique geographic configuration like the Philippines.

"PG-901 and PG-902 have accurate, high performance, and quick intercept capabilities that are adequate for addressing current and emerging security threats," the PN chief said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189569

PH Navy eyes 15 more Israeli-made missile boats

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 28, 202): PH Navy eyes 15 more Israeli-made missile boats (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Philippine Navy chief Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. (PNA photo by Priam Nepomuceno)

MANILA – The Philippine Navy (PN) is planning to acquire at least 15 more Israel-made Shaldag Mark V missile boats, which are the basis of its Acero-class patrol gunboats.

"We are planning to get 15 additional 'Acero'-class gunboats (to augment the) nine (now on the pipeline)," Navy chief Rear Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. told reporters on the sidelines of the commissioning and send-off ceremony for the fast attack interdiction craft missiles (FAIC-Ms) BRP Nestor Acero (PG-901) and BRP Lolinato To-Ong (PG-902) Monday.

Adaci said the additional "Acero"-class gunboats would help them to meet their requirements in "patrolling the seas of the country".

He also said the FAIC-Ms will be assigned to the Littoral Combat Force.

He said four more FAIC-Ms, the other name of the "Acero" class in the PN service, will be delivered sometime in 2023.

"I don't know the exact delivery dates next year but this shall be throughout (next year)," the PN chief added.

The last batch of three, which will be built at the PN shipyard in the Naval Station Pascual Ledesma in Cavite, is scheduled for 2024.

Adaci said Israel Shipyard Limited will help the PN rehabilitate the old shipyard and make it more modern and allow it to build these types of ships.

"In that way, our people can learn how to do it, maintain these ‘Acero’ class boats and that will be the start of the transfer of technology," he said.

These 32-meter high-speed vessels are equipped with quick intercept ability, remote stabilized weapons, and short-range missiles that are capable of delivering precision strikes against larger hostiles and high-value targets on land and sea.

Four of the FAIC-Ms will be armed with non-line-of-sight (NLOS) missiles with pinpoint accuracy and a range of 25 kilometers while the other five will be armed with Typhoon-mounted 30mm main cannons and .50 caliber heavy machine guns.

The acquisition of these FAIC-Ms is among the 2019 projects approved by former President Rodrigo Duterte under the Horizon 2 List of the AFP Modernization Program.

The notice of award for the FAIC-M project, worth around PHP10 billion, was issued on January 5 last year. These are expected to replace the force of patrol killer medium or medium-sized patrol craft.

Once deliveries of the FAIC-Ms are completed, these vessels can interdict surface threats and launch non-line-of-sight missiles safely using the surrounding littoral areas as maneuver space and cover.



https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189586

DND chief lauds Army Scout Rangers' contributions to PH security

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 28, 202): DND chief lauds Army Scout Rangers' contributions to PH security (By Priam Nepomuceno)

FSRR ANNIVERSARY. DND officer in charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. (right), Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (3rd from left) and First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) commander Brig. Gen. Freddie dela Cruz (3rd from right) lead the celebration of the FSRR's 72nd founding anniversary celebration at Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan on Nov. 25, 2022. Faustino lauded the FSSR’s crucial role at the forefront of the military’s internal security operations. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. lauded the First Scout Ranger Regiment (FSRR) for its outstanding role in preserving the country's internal security.

Faustino made this remark as he joined the 72nd founding anniversary of the FSSR at its headquarters in Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan on Nov. 25.

In a statement Monday, Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said Faustino was accompanied by Army commander Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. in the event.

"The CGPA (Commanding General Philippine Army) joined Usec. Faustino and FSRR commander Brig. Gen. Freddie dela Cruz in recognizing outstanding officers and men of the regiment who have shown exemplary skill, stamina, and spirit in the performance of their duties," he added.

Faustino, in his speech, lauded the FSSR’s crucial role at the forefront of the military’s internal security operations.

"For the past year alone, you, as a unit, conducted 302 combat operations, including 66 crucial armed engagements that led to the neutralization of several high-value targets and other peace spoilers,” the DND chief added.

Meanwhile, Dela Cruz highlighted the regiment’s collective drive for lasting peace.

“FSRR has shouldered its share of the task towards the accomplishment of the PA's mission, and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines)' mission in general. Our line units have significantly contributed to the different area commands and Joint Task Forces from where they are deployed,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189611

Army non-commissioned officers join academic travel in Malaysia

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29, 202): Army non-commissioned officers join academic travel in Malaysia

Philippine Army non-commissioned officer students listen during the information briefing with the Malaysian Army Academy Training and Doctrine Command officers in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

MANILA – At least 45 non-commissioned officer (NCO) students from the Philippine Army (PA) have joined a four-day foreign academic travel in Malaysia.

The NCO students are members of Sergeant Major Class 09-2022, said Army spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, in a statement.

"The delegation was headed by Training and Doctrine Command deputy commander Brig. Gen. Alvin Flores together with nine directing staff," he added.

The four-day visit, from Nov. 21 to 24, included an information briefing on the Malaysian Army Academy’s history, structure, roles and functions.

"The SMC students also learned about NCO leadership courses, challenges on morale and welfare, managing personnel who use the latest technology, preparation for occupying junior leadership roles, and gender and equality matters in the military," Trinidad said.

Foreign academic travel is part of the course curriculum which aims to widen the student's understanding and awareness of the socio-economic, political, military, and cultural environment of Malaysia as a fellow ASEAN and regional security partner country.

"The academic travel also discusses existing bilateral agreements, best practices, and innovations that foster goodwill and friendship, and strengthens the ties between the Philippines and Malaysia," Trinidad said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189704

PBBM discusses 10-point defense agenda with DND execs

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29, 202): PBBM discusses 10-point defense agenda with DND execs (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)

DEFENSE AGENDA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with the officials of the Department of National Defense (DND) at the State Dining Room of Malacañang Palace on Tuesday (Nov. 29, 2022). During the meeting, DND officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. presented the department's 10-point defense agenda which aims to align its policies with Marcos' promise of a stronger and better Philippines. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the President)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday met with the officials of the Department of National Defense (DND) to discuss the 10-point defense agenda.

The meeting between Marcos and Defense officials led by DND officer-in-charge Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. was held at the State Dining Room of Malacañan Palace in Manila, according to a Facebook post by state-run Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM).

Faustino, during the meeting, presented to Marcos the DND's 10-point defense agenda which will help the agency boost its capability to deal with national security issues, the Office of the President (OP) said in another statement posted on its official Facebook page.

"The DND, on the other hand, discussed with the Commander-in-Chief the 10-point defense agenda aimed at improving the agency's capability to respond to various aspects of national security," the OP said.

The RTVM said Faustino also assured Marcos of the DND's commitment to align its policies with the national government's agenda for a "stronger" Philippines and strengthen its efforts in protecting Philippine territory.

"OIC Senior Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. highlights the DND’s 10-point defense agenda covering the following areas: sovereignty and territorial integrity; internal security and stability; disaster resilience and climate change adaptation; cyber defense; modernization, capability and capacity development; security cooperation and engagements; Reserve Force development; welfare of soldiers, veterans and civilian human resource; legal and legislative agenda; and protection of cognitive domain," it said.

The DND also gave an update on its "significant accomplishments," the RTVM said.

The RTVM, however, did not elaborate on the DND's presentation of its accomplishments.

In July, Faustino said the 10-point defense agenda will serve as guidelines to align the DND's policies with Marcos' promise of a stronger and better Philippines through national unity, nation-building and economic recovery.

Faustino said the agenda is envisioned to build a "united DND that is not only formidable but can readily thrive under the direst of circumstances."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189728

Senators favor mandatory ROTC in college, instead of SHS

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 29, 202): Senators favor mandatory ROTC in college, instead of SHS (By Wilnard Bacelonia)

File photo

MANILA – Senators on Tuesday agreed to pursue reinstitutionalizing the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) in college, instead of proposals to include it in the senior high school (SHS) curriculum.

During the joint hearing of the Committees on Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education; National Defense and Security, Peace, Unification, and Reconciliation; and Finance, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said the Department of Education (DepEd) must focus instead on addressing the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the decline in the proficiency of SHS students in English, Math, and Science.

Gatchalian, chair of the Committee on Basic Education, said he is alarmed over the DepEd data that 51 percent or about 1.4 million students who enrolled in 2020 dropped out before completing SHS in 2022.

"This is actually a much pressing problem to solve by DepEd and also by our country," Gatchalian said.

He said the ROTC must be reinstated at the college level because students are already being trained through the National Service Training Program (NSTP).

“Those who want to be trained in ROTC are already being trained. So, we just need to expand it. By expanding it, obviously we also need a budget to do that and those are the things that we can discuss here at the committee level," he said.

According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines, implementing an ROTC program in SHS would cost PHP9.2 billion.

Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, who presided over the hearing, agreed with a suggestion to amend the Reservist Act, making it mandatory to those unable to go to college.

"It's obvious that malaki pa ang kakailanganin ng project kapag doon natin i-implement sa Grades 11 and 12 dahil (the project will need a large amount if we implement it in Grades 11 and 12 because we will) start from scratch, from zero, walang ROTC program ang DepEd whereas ang CHED may ongoing na silang (DepEd has no ROTC program whereas CHED has an existing) ROTC program, albeit not mandatory, under NSTP,” Dela Rosa said.

He reiterated the need to equip Filipinos with the necessary skills in protecting and preserving the country.

During the hearing, CHED and other government agencies presented a "consensus bill" which will institutionalize a two-year mandatory NSTP and four-year optional ROTC training for college students.

CHED Director Spocky Farolan said it would more or less capture the intent of the Marcos administration in reviving ROTC, which will focus on disaster management and civic duty.

The Senate committees have formed a Technical Working Group that will craft the the measure, which Dela Rosa expects to be passed by the first quarter of 2023.

The 2001 death of University of Santo Tomas cadet Mark Chua, who exposed alleged ROTC corruption, prompted Republic Act 9163 or the NSTP law, signed in 2002.

It allowed college students to choose among ROTC, Literacy Training Service, and Civil Welfare Training Service under the required NSTP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189731

Tacurong City bus bombing suspect killed after resisting arrest

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 28, 202): Tacurong City bus bombing suspect killed after resisting arrest (By Edwin Fernandez)

BOMB-MAKING COMPONENTS. A police investigator accounts for the improvised bomb and bomb-making components seized from a slain couple linked to the Daesh-inspired Dawlah Islamiya Group on Sunday (Nov. 28, 2022) in Cotabato City. One of those slain, Aiman Ali Mandi, is a suspect behind the Nov. 6, 2022 bus bombing incident in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat province. (Photo courtesy of Sultan Kudarat PPO)

COTABATO CITY – Law enforcement operatives have neutralized one of the suspects in the Yellow Bus Lines (YBL) bombing in Tacurong City earlier this month, an official said Monday.

Lt. Col. Lino Capellan, speaking for Sultan Kudarat police provincial office, said Aiman Mandi Ali resisted arrest and was killed during Sunday’s law enforcement operation here.

“We were to implement an arrest warrant in connection with the November 6 bus bombing in Tacurong City when the suspect opened fire on lawmen,” Capellan told reporters here in an interview Monday.

Also killed was Ali’s wife Hainurisa, who was in the same house during the 8:30 a.m. operation in Barangay Rosary Heights 6 here.

Capellan said the couple belonged to Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terrorist group under Salahuddin Hassan, a known DI leader operating in Maguindanao.

Capellan said Aiman was also linked to the Dec. 31, 2018 bombing of the South Seas Mall in Cotabato City.

Policemen found two .45-caliber pistols from the suspect’s home, fragmentation grenades, improvised bombs and bomb components, motorbike, multicab vehicle, a drone, and various identification cards.

A passenger was killed and 11 others, including the alleged bomb courier, were injured when an improvised bomb went off inside the Yellow Bus Lines unit near the Tacurong City bus terminal.

In the South Seas mall bombing four years ago, two were killed and nearly 30 were injured.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1189575