‘Makabayan bloc members top CPP officials’

Posted the Manila Standard (Feb 7, 2022): ‘Makabayan bloc members top CPP officials’

FOUR members of the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) said on Monday that the Makabayan Bloc or “KABAG” (Kabataan, Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, ACT, Gabriela) lawmakers are also officials of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

At the weekly virtual press briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), former CPP official Jeffrey Celis alias “Ka Eric” certified that party-list lawmakers Neri Colmenares, Satur Ocampo, Liza Masa, and Teddy Casiño of the Makabayan Bloc are real operatives of the CPP-NPA-NDF, explaining that they all have personal knowledge and frequently met with the KABAG lawmakers during the Regional Committee meetings of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“We can look them directly to their eyes,” Celiz said, referring to the KABAG lawmakers whom they can point as CPP-NPA-NDF officials too.

He also said that there are three levels in the CPP-NPA-NDF meetings.

“We have what we call L1, L2 at L3 meetings. L1, Level 1 means an open meeting, with the public invited.If its L2 o Level 2, that would be an underground meeting, and if its Level 3, it is a (CPP) party meeting,” Celiz said. He also said he met the Makabayan Bloc members during those meetings.

Celiz also claimed that the party-list representations are very important to the CTGs as they will work hand in hand with the armed struggle of the communist movement in the mountains and even urban operations. He said that the scheme is called Urban Operations and Bureaucratic Infiltration or “white area.”

Alma Gabin, the former Education Deputy Secretary of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee and a founding member of the Kabataan Partylist, said her stint at the CPP-NPA-NDF even made her as a nominee of the leftist youth group in 2010, rubbing elbows with top officials like trade union leader Dennis Velasco and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Elago.

Gabin recounted that the same person who recruited her in her college days is the same person who took her to an oath-taking not as a Kabataan Party member but as a CPP-NPA-NDF member.

“This is not red-tagging”, the former rebel insisted, “KABAG is directed to the mission of the CPP-NPA-NDF” which is to topple the government.

Ariane Jane Ramos, who just recently surrendered as a former Secretary of Guerilla Front 55, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), and former Chairperson of Gabriela Youth of University of the Philippines in Mindanao narrated that she has a short-lived ‘urban operations’ experience, as she went and join the armed struggle as NPA fighter.

Ramos named her mentors as Rendell Ryan Edpan Cagula and Eric Jun Casilao, currently the secretary of the SMRC and the brother of former Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Baring Casilao. And that the urban operations are their way to spread propaganda and formed the Partylist as legal fronts while recruiting more militant students.

In both ways, the urban and armed struggles, Ramos said is inter-connected as she confirmed that it both serve the interest of the CPP-NPA-NDF to topple the government and placed it under a communist state.

For her part, Joy Saguino aka “Ka Amihan,” the former Secretary of Guerilla Front 20, Sub-Regional Committee 1, SMRC and a former youth and student organizer of Anakbayan and Kabataan party-lists, said that the Makabayan Bloc or the legislative counterparts of the CPP-NPA-NDF are there to coverup the operations of the communist-linked schools such as the Salugpungan, Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI) and others.

Saguino said that the KABAG Partylists even exploited government’s closing of these so-called Lumad schools of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

She added that these lawmakers have also been exploiting their positions to get funding and support from international organizations.

Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy, NTF-ELCAC Spokesperson on New Media and Sectoral Concerns said the agency will take legal actions against some media companies such as Rappler and Vera Files as well as Facebook and “hold them accountable for allowing their fact-checkers, Rappler and Vera Files, to use the immense powers of this designation to operate with shameless impunity the spread of false information that is inimical to national security and to use their platform to harm the sovereignty of our nation, malign the government of the Republic of the Philippines and shake to its very core, the foundations of our Constitution.”

https://manilastandard.net/news/national/314205547/makabayan-bloc-members-top-cpp-officials.html

Cop slain by suspected rebels in Northern Samar clash

 From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 7, 2022): Cop slain by suspected rebels in Northern Samar clash (By: Joey Gabieta, Robert Dejon)

Suspected rebels killed a policeman in an encounter Monday in Lapinig town, Northern Samar.

Lt. Kenneth Tad-awan and other police officers were on patrol operations at 6:40 a.m. in Look village when they encountered alleged New People’s Army members.

A firefight ensued that led to the recovery of explosive devices of the armed group.

Bloodstains were seen where the suspected rebels were positioned.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1551103/cop-slain-by-suspected-rebels-in-northern-samar-clash

2 ‘terrorists’ slain in Lanao del Sur clash

Posted to the Philippine Star (Feb 8, 2022): 2 ‘terrorists’ slain in Lanao del Sur clash (By Roel Pareño)

Two suspected terrorists were killed while two others were arrested following an encounter in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur over the weekend.

Government security forces recovered improvised explosive devices from the suspects, who were believed out to conduct bombings on Saturday.

The firefight lasted 30 minutes and resulted in the death of Arafat Amino, alias Salama, and a certain alias Gazali, both reportedly members of terror group Dawlah Islamiya.

Aside from the IEDs, the military recovered a rifle and a pistol from the slain suspects.

Troopers of the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion (IB) were responding to reports about the presence of armed men when they chanced upon the suspects in Barangay Palacat, according to Maj. Gen. Generoso Ponio, chief of the Joint Task Force Zampelan and of the Army’s 1st Division.

Pursuing soldiers backed by personnel of the Piagapo police captured two fleeing militants in nearby Barangay Talao.

Lt. Col. Fernando Payapaya, chief of the 51st IB, expressed belief the suspects were planning to plant the IEDs along the routes of the military.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/02/08/2159242/2-terrorists-slain-lanao-del-sur-clash

Sabah's sea curfew extended to Feb 24 in view of cross-border threats

Posted to The Star (Feb 8, 2022): Sabah's sea curfew extended to Feb 24 in view of cross-border threats (By STEPHANIE LEE)

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s dusk-to-dawn sea curfew will be extended for two more weeks until Feb 24.

State Police Commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah said the extension of the 6pm-6am sea curfew was needed due to continuous threats from cross-border criminals, including kidnap-for-ransom groups.

The curfew covers areas up to three nautical miles (5.55km) off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

"There is a need to continue the curfew in these waters to prevent the encroachment of terrorists and criminals who can threaten the safety of locals, international researchers and tourists on islands," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 8).

Comm Idris said according to intelligence sources, kidnap-for-ransom groups and Abu Sayyaf militants are still trying to commit cross-border crimes.

Of late, there were claims that a group of armed Filipino men slipped into Sabah via Tambisan waters in Lahad Datu but security forces found no evidence of this.

Comm Idris said the curfew would allow authorities to ensure the safety of those who ply the state's waters and are staying near the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone).

Idris added that the curfew was also to facilitate enforcement and monitoring of maritime activities in the area and establish a sense of security among nearby chalet owners and fishermen through the presence of security forces.

"I have also given authority to all district police chiefs to issue permits to eligible applicants who meet the criteria to conduct fishery activities in areas affected by the curfew," he said.

The curfew was first implemented on July 19, 2014 following a spate of kidnappings which resulted in the beheading of Sarawakian Bernard Then Ted Fen and the deaths of several others, including a policeman and tourists.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/02/08/sabah039s-sea-curfew-extended-to-feb-24-in-view-of-cross-border-threats

Captor of Ces Drilon, 16 others surrender to the military

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 8, 2022): Captor of Ces Drilon, 16 others surrender to the military (By: Julie S. Alipala)

Seventeen members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, including the captor of broadcast journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon and her team in 2008, surrendered to the military barely two months into the new year, according to Maj. General William Gonzales, commander of the Joint Task Force-Sulu (JTF-Sulu).

Among those who surrendered was Ibrahim Asara, a 52-year-old ASG subleader behind the kidnapping for ransom of ABS-CBN reporter and news anchor Drilon — along with team members Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama — and Octavio Dinampo, a professor at the Mindanao State University (MSU).

The kidnapping took place on June 10, 2008, in Maimbung town in Sulu.

Aside from Asara, the family members of a former high-value target also yielded to the military this month.

Gonzales was referring to the late ASG subleader Talha Jumsah, also known as Abu Talha, whose father Jumsah Sari and brother Aizal Jumsah surrendered to the military.

Gonzales said Sari and Jumsah admitted their involvement in several encounters with government forces since 2003. They also admitted having participated in kidnapping a Norwegian national, two Canadians, and a Filipina in 2015 on Samal Island in Davao del Norte.

According to Gonzales, Talha was a bomb expert trained by Islamic State militants. He also served as the ISIS liaison officer with the Abu Sayyaf and as an instructor in making improvised explosive devices for suicide bombing. He was killed on Nov. 23, 2019, in the jungles of Patikul.

Sari and his son, both residents of Barangay Pansul in Patikul, handed over their M1 Garand rifles.

Gonzales said they never expected quite a number of local terrorists to come out.

“This was beyond imagination,” he said. “Not so long ago, people were saying that Sulu-based ASG would rather die than surrender.”

He explained, though, that the surrender to JTF-Sulu would not mean defeat but a chance to live a new life.

A total of 17 bandits have surrendered since January this year.

In 2020, 184 Abu Sayyaf members and supporters surrendered to the military. Another 248 surrendered last year, bringing to 449 the total number of surrenderers.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1551317/captor-of-ces-drilon-16-others-surrender-to-the-military

Kalinaw News: Influx of CTG members and supporters returning to the folds of the law in Bicol continues

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 7, 2022): Influx of CTG members and supporters returning to the folds of the law in Bicol continues

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur-Thirty Former Rebels (FRs) who recently withdrew their membership and support from the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) were formally welcomed back to the folds of the law in a ceremony at the 2nd Infantry Battalion’s (2IB) headquarters in Barangay Bacolod, Milagros, Masbate on Sunday, February 6.

The FRs are composed of three Militiang Bayan (MB) members, one Ganap na Samahang Masa (GSM) and 26 supporters who brought along with them one AR15 riffle, four caliber .45, 17 caliber .38, five caliber .357, caliber 9mm, shotgun, home made shot gun and caliber 22.

The group expressed their sincere gratitude for the government troops’ assistance in making their dream of going back to their family come into reality.

For BGen. Aldwine Almase, Brigade Commander of 903rd Infantry Brigade, the convergence of efforts of all government agencies to end communist insurgency became an eye-opener to these FRs.

“Ang iba’t ibang programa sa kasalukuyang administrasyon ay nagbigay ng kongkretong halimbawa ng tunay na serbisyong para sa mamamayan kaya hindi na sila nag-atubiling iwanan ang armadong tunggalian. Maliban dito, namulat na rin sila sa totoong motibo at di katangap-tanggap na karahasan ng CTG kung kaya humingi sila ng tulong sa atin upang tuluyan nang yakapin ang kapayapan at makapagbagong buhay,” BGen. Almase said.

LTGEN. BARTOLOME VICENTE M. BACARRO, Commander of Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM), personally visited Masbate today, February 7, to commend the 2IB under Lt. Col. Siegfried Felipe Awichen for its consistent accomplishments and taking to heart the government’s goal of finally liberating the Masbateños from the threat of terrorism.

Accompanying LTGEN BACARRO is Joint Task Force (JTF) Bicolandia’s Commander, MGen. Alex Luna who congratulated the FRs for the new life that awaits them.

“Sa mga natitira pang miyembro ng CTG, mayroon pa kayong ibang pagpipilian. May pag-asa pa kayo kapag inabandona ninyo ang teroristang grupo. Naririto lamang po kami, nakahandang tanggapin kayo anumang oras ninyong nanaising magbalik-loob pero hinihikayat kong ‘wag na ninyong patagalin pa ang pananatili sa isang walang saysay na kilusang magiging ugat lamang ng pagkasira ng inyong buhay at kinabukasan. Ngayon na ang panahon para magbalik-loob,” MGen. Luna said.

It can be recalled that last January 20, a total of 21 CTG members and supporters also withdrew their membership and support from the CPP-NPA-NDF in Albay.

[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/influx-of-ctg-members-and-supporters-returning-to-the-folds-of-the-law-in-bicol-continues/

Kalinaw News: A decomposing NPA cadaver left by his Comrades found in AgNor

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 7, 2022): A decomposing NPA cadaver left by his Comrades found in AgNor



CABADBARAN CITY, Agusan del Norte- The 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion under the 901st Infantry (Fight ‘em) Brigade, 4th Infantry Diamond Division together with 1305th Maneuver Company Regional Mobile Force Batallion 13 and Brgy Local Government Unit of Maraiging in coordination with Philippine National Police Jabonga conducted retrieval operation to recover the human remains of a New People’s Army (NPA) member at Brgy Maraiging, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte on February 7, 2022.

The said cadaver was already in a state of decomposition. It was identified as Elmer Delarmente Maisog alias @Ebok/Tawtaw, Vice Commanding Officer (VCO) of SYP16C2, GF16, NEMRC, Periodic Status Report (PSR) listed, a resident of Brgy Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur, was killed and left behind by NPA members after the attack of the Critical Infrastructure and Investment Protection Security Operations (CIIPSO) security personnel in Brgy Maraiging, Jabonga, ADN last September 29, 2021.

It can be recalled that last 05 February 2022, a former rebel alias @Dondon surrendered into this Headquarters. In his revelation, during the custodial debriefing, he said that he had direct participation during the attack to the security personnel of Brgy Maraiging. He also stated that they buried the dead body of @Ebok/Tataw somewhere in Brgy Maraiging, in a shallow grave that is close enough to be forgotten.

Based on the custodial debriefing report, the revelation of alias @Dondon, the 29th Infantry (Matatag) Battalion came up with a decision to exhume the human remains together with 1305th Maneuver Company Regional Mobile Force Battalion 13.

Lt.Col Jason M Saldua, the Batallion Commander of 29th Infantry (Matatag) Batallion said in a statement, “We were saddened about the gruesome death of @Ebok/Tawtaw, another life was wasted due to the deceitful and wrong belief that poisoned the minds of all NPA members. This act is a clear manifestation that shows how immoral the NPA’s are, for simply leaving the dead bodies of their comrades without giving respect to the families of those personalities whose lives were sacrificed in the wrong ideology of the CPP-NPA-NDF. On the other hand, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to alias @Dondon and the concerned civilians who tipped the troops. Their cooperation had led to a successful recovery of the remains and that we can give alias @Ebok/Tawtaw a decent burial”

“To all others, I plead with you once again to surrender while there is still time. If you want to surrender, our doors are always opened-ready to accept you for the betterment of your future with your families. Waging war is never the solution to obtain peace. The government is waiting for you to return to the folds of law. It is extending its arms to support you in your desire for a better life with your family through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP). Just return to the folds of the law and mainstream society, for we are the same Filipinos hoping for the betterment of our country”, LtCol Saldua added.

As of report date, the unit is finding the next of kin to claim the remain of the latter, rest assured that he will be given a decent burial that was denied by his comrades of wrong ideology.

[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-decomposing-npa-cadaver-left-by-his-comrades-found-in-agnor/

Kalinaw News: 77IB encounters CTGs; recovers firearms and war material in Lal-lo, Cagayan

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 7, 2022): 77IB encounters CTGs; recovers firearms and war material in Lal-lo, Cagayan

CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- The intensive Focused Military Operations of the 77th Infantry Battalion under the 501st Infantry Brigade led to the recovery and confiscation of high-powered firearms, anti-personnel mines, and war materiel after the encounter against the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) on February 07, 2022, in Barangay Dagupan, Lal-lo, Cagayan.

“Residents of the said barangay immediately reported to the deployed troops about the presence of the undetermined number of members of Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon-Cagayan Valley in their community. The troops immediately acted on the said report resulting in the armed encounter between the government troops and the CTGs that lasted for 30 minutes,” said LTC Joeboy D Kindipan, Battalion Commander of 77IB.

He added that after the encounter, the troops recovered two M16 rifles with three magazines, two M14 rifles with two magazines, one M653 rifle, one colt 45 with one magazine, one anti-personnel mine, several ammunitions, short wire, assorted medical supply, and subversive documents.

BGen Steve D Crespillo, Brigade Commander of 501st Infantry Brigade said that additional troops were already augmented in the area to pursue the fleeing terrorist NPA. “It is another big blow for the terrorist CPP-NPA. With the intense campaign against insurgency in Cagayan, the CTGs are desperate to look for their hideouts. With the strong support of the populace, we will spoil their terrorist plans and other atrocities especially in their upcoming NPA anniversary and the 2022 elections.”

Meanwhile, MGen Laurence E Mina, Commander of 5th Infantry Division lauded the gallantry of the troops that led to another recovery of firearms from the CTG and warned the remaining members of the terrorist group. “This is not just our victory but also a victory of the people. I congratulate the Startroopers for their commitment to service, dutifully responding to the report of the residents. To the remaining members of the CTG, it is not yet too late to return to the folds of the law. You choose your fate. Either you come home and be with your family and loved ones, or live your life miserably with the CTGs.”

[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/77ib-encounters-ctgs-recovers-firearms-and-war-material-in-lal-lo-cagayan/

Kalinaw News: Tulunan Peace Zone transformed into Peace and Development Zone

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 7, 2022): Tulunan Peace Zone transformed into Peace and Development Zone



MAKILALA, COTABATO – The former Peace Zone in Tulunan, North Cotabato was transformed into Peace and Development Zone after its former ordinance was amended, approved, and rolled during a people’s assembly at Sitio New Alimodian, Brgy Banayal, Tulunan, North Cotabato on February 6, 2022.

The people’s assembly was attended to by Governor Nancy Catamco of North Cotabato, Congressman Jose Tejada, Mayor Reuel Limbungan, PNP Provincial Director Police Colonel Harold Ramos and Battalion Commander of 39IB, Lieutenant Colonel Ezra Balagtey.

The amendment changes the tenor and viewpoint of the Peace Zone from its former context of conflict into the context of development, adopting the concept of the Whole of Nation (WoN) approach and anchored on Executive Order 70 or the strategy of Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict.

The newly amended Peace Zone Ordinance now referred to as the territorial enclaves and safe haven created to establish a community that is peaceful, conflict resilient and ready for further development.

This came after communities have lobbied for its amendment during the conduct of community support program and community engagement made by the Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict of the Municipality of Tulunan and Province of North Cotabato and assistance from Balai Mindanao and Asia Foundation.

The Peace Zone concept originated during the late 1980s when armed conflict caused by Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) was rampant and communities needed to be secured from the chaos. Eventually, the Peace Zone was proposed and was established thereafter. However, this was exploited by the CTGs to their advantage and utilized the Peace Zones as their safe haven and Guerilla Base.

Mayor Reuel P Limbungan of Tulunan said in an interview that, “Peace Zones must be a stronghold today. With the government’s initiative of neutralizing the rebels, and we are observing that rebel forces have been weakened, it is just timely and relevant to revisit and re-strengthen the peace zone ordinance for us to fully apply what these zones and their ordinances are capable of. This will be the start of a real peace and order development.”

LTC Ezra Balagtey, 39th Infantry Battalion Commander, meanwhile express appreciation to the Task Force ELCAC, Balai Mindanao, Asia Foundation and the communities in the peace zone on this initiative.

We are thankful to the stakeholders of peace for this newly amended ordinance which change the setting of the peace zone from a conflict-based to more peace and development which allows the government and the whole of the nation to address the issues that caused conflict in the past.” Balagtey said

“The military forces especially our battalion accept the challenge for this new beginning. We will be a support system that always assists and guide whenever our services are needed,” he added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/tulunan-peace-zone-transformed-into-peace-and-development-zone/

Kalinaw News: Agila troopers welcome two surrenderees, recover nine high powered firearms

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 7, 2022): Agila troopers welcome two surrenderees, recover nine high powered firearms



MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO – Nine high-powered firearms were recovered by the troops of 73rd, 89th, and 67th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division following a series of combat operations of its ground units from February 3 to 6, 2022 in Agusan Del Sur, Bukidnon, Davao Occidental, and Sarangani Province.

On February 3, 2022, 73rd Infantry Battalion ground troops unearthed the arms cache of the Communist Terrorist Group hidden at Brgy Malalan, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental with one (1) M16 Rifle and one (1) AK47 Rifle. While on Feb 5, 2022, the same group dug another arms cache with three (3) M16 Rifles in it.

On the other hand, 89th Infantry “Makatao” Battalion facilitated the surrender of Sadyao Abay Man-aning, 65 years old, a resident of Brgy. Cayaga, San Fernando, Bukidnon, a member of Milisyang Bayan under SRC5, SRGU along with his US Garand Rifle.

Meanwhile, in Mati City, Davao Oriental, Alias Blood or Kidlat, former Vice Commander of the dismantled Guerilla Front North who recently surrendered to the government, tipped off to the troops of 67IB the location of the arms cache of his former unit.

Alias Blood with troops under 701st Infantry (Kagitingan) Brigade in a joint operation last February 5, 2022, composed of elements of 701st Infantry Brigade, 67th Infantry Battalion, recovered one (1) Cal 7.62 M14 Rifle and two (2) Cal 7.62 AK47 Rifles with four empty magazines at the hinterlands of Sitio Cogonon, Brgy Salvacion, Trento, Agusan Del Sur.

“We are thankful for the continued cooperation of former rebels who provides information to our troops. Because of this, we have been successful in seizing more and more of the firearms that they use in terrorizing the community. This act is one of the several manifestations that the CPP/NPA/NDF is indeed about to collapse.” 701st Infantry Brigade Commander BGen Oliver C Maquiling said in a statement.

Furthermore, the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division under the leadership of Acting Division Commander BGen Allan D Hambala sternly supports the efforts of its ground units to achieve and meet the deadline to end the local communist armed conflict before President Rodrigo Duterte vacates its post as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“The Command will continue to pour its resources to support economic and livelihood opportunities offered by the government not only by the former rebels but also towards the vulnerable Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area residents to finally eradicate insurgents in our area of responsibility.” BGen Hambala 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/agila-troopers-welcome-two-surrenderees-recover-nine-high-powered-firearms/

Kalinaw News: Commander 7ID cites the role of media in the Philippine Army’s campaign

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 7, 2022): Commander 7ID cites the role of media in the Philippine Army’s campaign



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA cited the huge role of media in the Philippine Army’s campaign during the Media Fellowship 2022 and Oath-taking Ceremony of the newly elected officers of Kaugnay Media Defence Corps Incorporated (KMDCI) at 7ID Headquarters, Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on February 05, 2022.

In his message, MGen Costelo cited the role of the media in the campaign of the Philippine Army in ending the local communist armed conflict and for being its partner in information dissemination.

“Sa mga bagong talagang officers ng Kaugnay Media Defense Corps, tanggapin niyo po ang aming malugod na pagbati. Nawa’y maipagpatuloy niyo po ang magagandang hangarin ng organisasyon at patuloy kayong maging katuwang ng kasundaluhan sa pagsusulong ng mga programang pangkaunlaran at pangkapayapaan dito sa ating nasasakupan. Makaaasa po kayo na kami sa 7ID Philippine Army ay patuloy na makikiisa at maghahatid ng ibayong suporta sa ating mga alagad ng media,” said MGen Costelo.

He furthered, “sa pamamagitan ng ating pinag- isang layunin, kooperasyon at responsableng paglilingkod para sa bayan, sama-sama po nating malalagpasan ang mga hamon ng pandemya at mga iba’t ibang hamon ng ating pamumuhay.”

During the Media Fellowship, MGen Costelo presided over the Oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected KMDCI officers led by Mr Jordan Donato Ilustre of SMNI and DWAY as President.

The KMDCI was established in year 2013 and has seven chapters, the Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Aurora, Bulacan, Tarlac, Zambales, and Bataan.

[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/commander-7id-cites-the-role-of-media-in-the-philippine-armys-campaign/

Trike driver in Maguindanao nabbed for machinegun ammo

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2022): Trike driver in Maguindanao nabbed for machinegun ammo (By Edwin Fernandez)

Google map of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao

DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – Police authorities have arrested here a tricycle driver for violation of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban although he did not carry any firearm but found in his possession were some 50 pieces of .50-caliber machinegun ammunition.

In an interview on Monday, Lt. Melvin Laguting, town police chief, said cops manning a checkpoint here arrested Kamarudin Usop Gulo, 32, of Barangay Kitango.

Laguting said Gulo was driving a tricycle, locally known as “payong-payong”, and was flagged down at a Comelec-police checkpoint in Barangay Lower Salbu at past 4 p.m. Sunday

While the inspection was going on, Gulo appeared to be restless and evasive that prompted police personnel to inspect his motorcycle’s u-box.

The u-box had 50 pieces of ammunition for a .50-caliber machinegun and Gulo refused to say where he got the bullets and to whom he shall be bringing them.

Laguting said Gulo has been charged Monday for violation of R.A. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and the election gun ban law.

“He is now detained and has been charged,” Laguting said.

A police officer, asking he remained unidentified, said probers are looking at the possibility that Gulo is supplying bullets for the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

The BIFF’s trademark armament includes .50-caliber Barret sniper rifles.

“He may have acquired the bullets through the black market but police are still investigating,” he said.

Police also impounded the tricycle Gulo was driving.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167188

Troops capture 2 Dawlah Islamiya terrorists

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2022): Troops capture 2 Dawlah Islamiya terrorists (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

CAPTURED TERRORISTS. Government troops foil a bomb attack as they capture two members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) Sunday (Feb. 5, 2022) in a pursuit operation in Barangay Talao, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur. The two were captured four days after two DI-MG members were killed in a clash in Balabagan, Lanao del Sur. (Photo courtesy of 1ID)

A bomb attack against government forces was foiled as two members of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group (DI-MG) were captured in a pursuit operation in the province of Lanao del Sur, the military reported Monday.

The 1st Infantry Division (ID) said in a statement Monday that 51st Infantry Battalion troopers led by Lt. Col. Fernando Payapaya together with policemen captured the two DI-MG members Sunday in Barangay Talao, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.

The 1ID noted that the capture of the two came after two DI-MG members were killed in a clash with government forces on February 2 in Barangay Lumbac, Balabagan, Lanao del Sur.

“After the successful encounter against the two notorious criminal members of the DI-MG, a deliberate joint pursuit operation was launched to destroy the other remnants,” Payapaya said.

“This effort resulted in the capture of two alleged DI-MG members, who were planning to lay anti-personnel mines (APMs) on the possible routes of government forces, purposely to inflict casualties and to delay the movement of the troops,” he added.

He did not release the identities of the two captured DI-MG members citing continuing operations.

The troops recovered from the two a .45 pistol with ammunition, two APMs, two improvised blasting caps, and subversive documents of high intelligence value.

He said his command is determined to eliminate the remaining members of the DI-MG terrorists in their area of operation.

“The only possible way for these DI remnants to attain peaceful life is to surrender and return to the folds of the law, otherwise, they will also perish like their other cohorts,” Payapaya said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167199

Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal transports relief goods to Palawan

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2022): Navy frigate BRP Jose Rizal transports relief goods to Palawan (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Naval Forces West Facebook page

The Philippine Navy's missile frigate BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) transported six tons of relief supplies to communities in Palawan still reeling from the effects of Typhoon Odette last December.

These items were unloaded by the ship's crew at OBD Pier, Barangay Bahile, Puerto Princesa City, the Naval Forces West (NFW) said in a Facebook post Sunday night

"Six tons of cargoes composed of 17 boxes (of) solar lights, two rolls (of) 'lona' (canvas), one piece of tarpaulin, one sack of 'lona' and t-shirt, 30 sacks of rice, 211 bags relief goods, 10 boxes clothes and cookware, one box (of) shoes, two packs women's underwear, 66 boxes (of) diapers, one box of meatloaf, one box beef loaf, two boxes corned beef, one box (of) sardines and three boxes (of) noodles (were transported and unloaded as part of the) Command's HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief)/relief operation activities," it added.

The BRP Jose Rizal is one of the 27-ship flotilla deployed to help communities devastated by "Odette", which made nine landfalls between December 16 and 17 in the provinces of Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Palawan.

Landing dock BRP Tarlac (LD-601) successfully transported and delivered about 370 tons of relief cargoes for her fifth relief sortie operation for the Visayas last February 1.

The ship has already transported a total of 2,202 tons of relief goods and 153 tons of rolling cargo since the start of her HADR mission last December.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167168

Ex-rebels confirm Makabayan bloc CPP-NPA-NDF operatives

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7, 2022): Ex-rebels confirm Makabayan bloc CPP-NPA-NDF operatives

NOT RED-TAGGING. Alma Gabin, former education deputy secretary of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee of the CPP-NPA-NDF, says she is not red-tagging when she and three other former CPP-NPA-NDF cadres confirmed that Makabayan Bloc or “KABAG” (Kabataan, Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, ACT, Gabriela) lawmakers are also officials of the communist group. Gabin guested in the weekly virtual press briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communists Armed Conflictn Monday (Feb. 7, 2022). (Screengrab from PCOO/RTVM)

Four former leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) confirmed on Monday that Makabayan Bloc or “KABAG” (Kabataan, Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, ACT, Gabriela) lawmakers are also officials of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

At the weekly virtual press briefing of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), former CPP official Jeffrey Celis alias “Ka Eric” said party-list lawmakers Neri Colmenares, Satur Ocampo, Liza Masa, and Teddy Casiño of the Makabayan Bloc are real operatives of the CPP-NPA-NDF, claiming they all have personal knowledge and frequently met with the KABAG (Kabataan, Anakbayan, Bayan Muna, ACT, and Gabriela) lawmakers during Regional Committee meetings of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

“We can look them directly to their eyes,” Celiz said, referring to the KABAG lawmakers.

“Kapag may mga kampanya na (national elections), hindi po totoo na ang mga nag-uusap diyan ay mga simpleng members ng mga party-list na ito. Ang mga nakikipag-usap sa kanila ay may basbas ng Regional Party Committee ng CPP (If there are national election campaign, it is not true that those talking are simple members of these party-lists. Those who spoke to them had the blessing of the CPP Regional Party Committee),” the former member of Kabataan Makabayan said.

He added that there are three levels in the CPP-NPA-NDF meetings.

“Kapag nagmeeting na may tinatawag kaming L1, L2 at L3 meetings. Kapag L1, Level 1… open meeting iyon, may mga masa. Kapag L2 o Level 2, underground meeting iyon. Kapag Level 3, (CPP) party meeting iyon (If there are meetings, we have what call L1,L2, and L3 meetings. If L1, Level 1, that’s open meeting of the mass. If Level 2, that’s underground meeting. If Level 3, CPP party meeting),” said Celiz, adding that he met the Makabayan Bloc members during those meetings.

Celiz said the Party-list representations are very important to the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) as they will work hand in hand with the armed struggle of the communist movement in the mountains and even urban operations.

He said the scheme is called Urban Operations and Bureaucratic Infiltration or “white area”.

Alma Gabin, former education deputy secretary of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee and founding member of the Kabataan party-list, said her stint at the CPP-NPA-NDF even made her as a nominee of the leftist youth group in 2010, rubbing elbows with top officials like trade union leader Dennis Velasco and Kabataan Party-list Representative Sarah Elago.

Gabin recalled that the same person who recruited her in her college days is the same person who took her to an oath-taking, not as a Kabataan party-list member, but as a CPP-NPA-NDF member.

“This is not red-tagging”, she said. “KABAG is directed to the mission of the CPP-NPA-NDF” that is to topple the government.

Ariane Jane Ramos alias Ka Marikit, former secretary of Guerilla Front 55, Sub-Regional Committee 5, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), and former chairperson of Gabriela Youth of University of the Philippines in Mindanao, said she had a short-lived ‘urban operations’ experience, as she went and joined the armed struggle as NPA fighter.

Ramos named her mentors as Rendell Ryan Edpan Cagula and Eric Jun Casilao, currently the secretary of the SMRC and brother of former Anakpawis Representative Ariel Baring Casilao. He added that the urban operations are their way of spreading propaganda and forming the party-list as legal fronts while recruiting more militant students.

In both ways, the urban and armed struggles are inter-connected as it both serve the interest of the CPP-NPA-NDF to topple the government and place it under a communist state, she added.

“May representation (ang party-list) sa loob (CPP). Malaki ang sakripisyo namin kung paano sila gumalaw sa (The party-list has representation inside CPP. We have a lot of sacrifices on how they move in the) CPP-NPA-NDF, legal fronts, armed struggle,” she said.

For her part, Joy Saguino alias “Ka Amihan”, former secretary of Guerilla Front 20, Sub-Regional Committee 1, SMRC, and former youth and student organizer of Anakbayan and Kabataan party-list groups, said the Makabayan bloc or the legislative counterparts of the CPP-NPA-NDF are there to cover up for their urban and rural operations, such as the communist-linked schools--Salugpungan, Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation Inc. (MISFI), and others.

Saguino said the KABAG party-list groups even exploited the government's closing of the so-called Salugpongan schools of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

She added that these lawmakers have also been exploiting their positions to get funding and support from international organizations.

Rappler, Vera Files hit for ‘selective’ fact-checking

Meanwhile, Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson on new media and sectoral concerns, slammed Rappler and Vera Files, adding that the task force is bent on taking legal action against them “for all the patent disinformation it spreads that has brought and continues to bring great harm on our people and the Republic.”

“We will also take legal action against Facebook and hold them accountable for allowing their fact-checkers, Rappler and Vera Files, to use the immense powers of this designation to operate with shameless impunity the spread of false information that is inimical to national security and to use their platform to harm the sovereignty of our nation, malign the government of the Republic of the Philippines and shake to its very core, the foundations of our Constitution,” Badoy said speaking on behalf of the NTF-ELCAC.

Undersecretary Joel Sy Egco, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for mass media engagements and fact-checker, said: “I will gladly join anyone or any group that will challenge this moneyed social media mogul before our courts for several possible violations. We can live without Facebook… but Facebook, a multibillion-dollar business, cannot live without us.”

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167245