CPP/NPA-South Central Negros: Binalbagan ambush aftermathFailure of intelligence should not be blamed on barangay officials, civilians

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 14, 2022): Binalbagan ambush aftermathFailure of intelligence should not be blamed on barangay officials, civilians



Dionesio Magbuelas

Spokesperson

NPA-South Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

February 14, 2022

The MCC condemned the recent fascist moves of PNP Binalbagan patently directed at pinning the blame for yesterday’s ambush on barangay tanods and other civilians of Barangay Biao.

Few hours after the ambush, PNP personnel ransacked the house of a civilian nearby and wreck a motorcycle parked outside. Nobody’s home at the time since everyone was working at the fields. The owner was later harshly interrogated.

Not contented with subjecting an innocent civilian to a very stressful and traumatic experience, the PNP chief of BInalbagan compulsorily summoned him for another round of investigation and intrerrogation without legal representation.

Also today, the entire barangay tanod force of Biao was summoned for investigation for their alleged connection or collusion with the MCC unit which conducted the ambush.

This is clearly diversionary aimed to deviate from their failure of intelligence to detect an upcoming attack or even discover some of its key indicators. As this will tarnish their “winning” image. This blunder in intelligence is further magnified by the fact that the ambush site was sorrounded by nearby AFP positions or encampments.

MCC complied with all international conventions on the humanitarian conduct of warfare. No civilians were deliberately targeted or put in harm’s way in its actual operations.

By upholding absolute secrecy and mastering guerilla tactics, the concerned MCC unit was able to muster necessary number of armed personnel near the proper of Biao for a surprise offensive action right in the very nose enemy’s intelligence networks and assets.

Blaming the civilians for their own failing is callous and gross violation of people’s civil and political rights. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/failure-of-intelligence-should-not-be-blamed-on-barangay-officials-civilians/

CPP/NPA-SCN: NPA-South Central Negros statement on Brgy. Bi-ao Binalbagan ambush

Propaganda statement posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Feb 13, 2022): NPA-South Central Negros statement on Brgy. Bi-ao Binalbagan ambush

Dionesio Magbuelas

Spokesperson

NPA-South Central Negros (Mt. Cansermon Command)

Negros Island Regional Operational Command (Apolinario Gatmaitan Command)

New People's Army

February 13, 2022

Like a house of cards, 3rd ID’s hackneyed propaganda spin on “collapsing” revolutionary movement shattered to pieces.

As Red fighters from the Mount Cansermon Command (MCC) carried out an ambush past 8:00 AM today against the Binalbagan Police personnel in the provincial road leading to the proper of Barangay Biao in the town of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. This resulted in enemy casualties of 2 wounded-in-action.

The location of the ambush site is less than a kilometer from the AFP forward base in Sitio Elinita and few kilomoters from another Philippine Army troop position in SItio Bulwang.

This action points out to the heightened capacity of the MCC to covertly gather armed units and launch surprise offensive action in exterior lines or near barangay and town centers.

The aforesaid ambush was launched as an appropriate counter-offensive response as Philippine National Police (PNP) are being use in the Duterte regime’s counter-insurgency operations. This is the reason why they are considered as legitimate military target.

Moreover, this is the NPA’s response to the relentless monstrous Joint Enhanced Military and Police Operation (JEMPO) and focused military operation (FMO) that have been wrecking havoc on the rights, peaceful living and livelihood of the peasant masses and indigenous peoples in the countryside of Central Negros. Gross rights abuses and other horrible crimes were committed by state forces conducting joint AFP/PNP operations. One of these is the series of attacks launched by state forces in the so called Oplan Sauron that killed more than 20 innocent farmers in Guihulngan City, Canlaon City, Sta Catalina and Manjuyod, Negros Oriental and many were illegally detained based on trumped up charges.

The 303rd Brigade is set to launch another fresh wave of FMO in the hinterland villages of Binalbagan and Himamaylan this month.

The ambush is also the answer to the resounding cry of the people for justice for all the victims of state-sanctioned murders and extra-judicial killings against unarmed civilians and activists and hors de combat NPA fighters and unarmed and defenseless CPP cadres like what happened to Kerima Lorena “Ka Ella” Tariman, Marilyn “Ka Monet” Badayos, Floreta “Ka Kelly” Ceballos and many other revolutionaries.

Ka Ella was wounded, albeit not fatally, when she was captured by 79th IB soldiers after an encounter in Hacienda Raymunda, Brgy. Kapitan Ramon, Silay City last August 20, 2021. Being wounded and unarmed, she should have been accorded the status of hors de combat and given immediate medical attention. But she was mowed instead by automatic gunfire almost dismembering her fragile body.

Ka Monet was fast asleep, having contacted severe flu earlier, when SAF troops shot her dead without warning or provocation in San Pablo, Manapla on September 30, 2021. They then shamelessly declared to the media that she and her companions were killed in an encounter. Rusty pistols were planted as evidence.

Like what happened to Ka Oriz in Bukidnon, Ka Kelly was abducted by 94th IB in Kabankalan on December 9, 2021. She was then subsequently tortured and killed. Her body along with her driver were relocated several days later to a fake encounter site and presented as NPAs killed in an armed clash.

Contrary to the terroristic and vile practices of the reactionary military and police, the MCC units that conducted the ambush meticulously observed the norms of war as stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, international conventions and other applicable standards.

Inspired by CPP’s call to intensify the people’s war amid deepening global and domestic social crisis, the MCC will launch more frequent tactical offensives against the fascist and bloodthirsty forces of the US-Duterte regime. ###

https://cpp.ph/statements/npa-south-central-negros-statement-on-brgy-bi-ao-binalbagan-ambush/

Kalinaw News: Namatay na NPA sa bakbakan, binigyan ng maayos na libing

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 14, 2022): Namatay na NPA sa bakbakan, binigyan ng maayos na libing (NPA who died in the fighting, given a proper burial)



Gigaquit,Surigao del Norte- Ilang araw pagkatapos ng sagupaan ng kasundaluhan ng 30th Infantry (Fight On) Battalion at mga armadong grupo ng New People’s Army o mga NPA nitong ika-10 ng Pebrero 2022 ay inihimlay na sa libingan ng Brgy Pungtod, Alegria, Surigao del Norte ang namatay na miyembro ng NPA nitong tanghali ng ika-13 ng Pebrero 2022.

Pagkatapos ng sagupaan, iniwan ng mga dati niyang kasamahan si Alyas Kenzo sa pinangyarihan ng bakbakan at kung saan siya natagpuan ng mga tropa ng 30IB. Kung kaya agad din itong kinuha at dinala sa may pinakamalapit na punerarya sa Alegria upang mabigyan ng maayos na burol habang hinihintay ang pamilya o kakilala nito na siya ay maiuwi.

Si Alyas Kenzo ay dating miyembro ng Platoon 16C1 ng Guerilla Front 16, North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee na pinamumunuan ni Roel Neniel o mas kilala bilang Alyas Jacob. Napag alaman din na tubong San Miguel, Surigao del Sur si Alyas Kenzo. Ngunit ilang araw na ang nakalipas mula noong dinala ng 30IB ang kanyang bangkay sa Gades Funeral Home Service sa Brgy Pungtod, Alegria pero wala pang kumuha kaya napagdesisyunan na ihimlay na sa libingan ng nasabing barangay si Alyas Kenzo sa tulong na din ng Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Alegria at kapulisan sa Alegria.

Sa pahayag ni Lt Col Ryan Charles G. Callanta, pinuno ng 30IB, inihayag niya ang kanyang pakikiramay sa pamilya ng nasawing NPA. “Nakakalungkot man isipin na may isang buhay muli ang nasayang dahil sa maling paniniwala ay patuloy pa rin natin gagampanan ang sinumpaang tungkulin na pangalagaan at protektahan ang ating bayan. Kung kaya patuloy nating hinihikayat ang mga natitira pang miyembro ng teroristang grupo na bumalik at sumuko na bago pa mahuli ang lahat.”

[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/namatay-na-npa-sa-bakbakan-binigyan-ng-maayos-na-libing/

Kalinaw News: More NPA Rebels yield to 94IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 14, 2022): More NPA Rebels yield to 94IB



BRGY. TAMBO, Ayungon, Negros Oriental – Another Three members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and one (1) mass supporter voluntarily surrendered to 94IB at Camingawan Patrol Base, in Barangay Camingawan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on February 13, 2022.

The father of the family identified as Dionaldo H Castillo @Godo a Squad Leader of Central Negros Front 2, brought his wife, Michelle S Castillo @Lani, his brother Reymart H Castillo @Ryan, and his mother, Merlyn P Castillo a mass supporter, in his hope of a peaceful life. They have grown tired and hungry of always on the run due to the relentless combat operations of 94IB and the neutralization of CN2 leader @Pane/Kelly in an armed encounter on December 14 2022 caused a huge impact on their morale. This stimulated the family to surrender to the troops of 94IB bringing with them One (1) M16 and One (1) cal.30 Carbine M2 rifle with magazines and ammunition.

According to @Godo, he was encouraged to return to the folds of law upon seeing his former comrades living peaceful and a better life. This made him realize that the government is sincere in giving them a new start.

94IB Commander LTC Angelo S Guzman said that the surrender of the NPA family is a clear manifestation that the support of the NPA from their masses is declining and their organization is on the edge of its downfall.

“Another deceived NPA’s has been rescued from the senseless armed struggle of the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs), I encourage all NPA’s in Central Negros to follow the steps of @Godo and live your life peacefully before it’s too late. Your 94IB will be more persistent in its combat operations this day onwards”. 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/more-npa-rebels-yield-to-94ib/

Brgy. Tinitian, Roxas, nagsagawa ng protesta vs NPA

From Palawan News (Feb 14, 2022): Brgy. Tinitian, Roxas, nagsagawa ng protesta vs NPA (Brgy. Tinitian, Roxas, staged a protest vs NPA) (By Alex Baaco)

Photo courtesy of MBLT-3

Nagsagawa ng protesta laban sa rebeldeng grupo na New People’s Army (NPA) ang nasa may 100 na residente ng Barangay Tinitian sa munisipyo ng Roxas upang ipakita na hindi sila sumasang ayon sa mga ideolohiya nito at hindi sila pumapayag na gawing kuta ng mga miyembro nito ang kanilang lugar.

Isinagawa ang “indignation rally” noong Pebrero 12 at pinanunganahan ng Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) katuwang ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Roxas, Roxas Municipal Police Station (MPS), 2nd Palawan Police Mobile Force Company (2nd PPMFC), Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT) ng Tinitian, at Kapatiran ng mga Dating Rebelde (KADRE) sa natura rin na barangay. Ang MBLT-3 ay pinamumunuan ni Maj. Ryan F. Lacuesta

“Hindi kasi maitatanggi na ang Barangay Tinitian sa bayan ng Roxas ay isa sa mga naging kuta ng mga komunistang teroristang grupo. Nakapag-recruit at nakapag-organisa dito ang nasabing grupo, ngunit hindi sila nagtagumpay dahil nabuwag natin ito,” pahayag ni Cpt. Dennis Sadlay, ang civil military officer ng MBLT-3.

Photo courtesy of MBLT-3

“Ang mga dating nalinlang, naugnayan at naorganisa ng maling ideolohiya o maling turo ng komunistang teroristang grupo dito mismo sa barangay na ito ay kusang nagbalik-loob na sa pamahalaan,” dagdag pahayag niya.

Ang rally ay nagtapos sa pamamagitan ng pagsunog sa watawat ng NPA na pinangunahan ng sumuko nilang miyembro na si Ka Billy at iba pa.

Kinausap din ng mga dating miyembro ang mga residente, lalo na ang mga kabataan hinggil sa diumano ay mga “senseless ideology” ng NPA.

“Handa ba kayong labanan ang gobyerno para sa mga panlilinlang ng CPP-NPA-NDF? Handa ba kayo[ng] mamatay para sa maling idolohiya?” tanong niKa Billy sa mga ito.

Photo courtesy of MBLT-3

Ang Brgy. Tinitian ay naging laman ng mga balita noong mga huling buwan ng taong 2021 matapos magkaroon ng encounter ang mga Marines at ang mga nalalabing bilang ng rebelde ng BVC. Noong Disyembre 10, 2021, isang rebelde ang nasawi dahil sa focused military operation,

Matapos ang kaganapan na ito, nagsunod-sunod na ang pagrekober sa mga arms cache ng mga rebelde sa nasabing barangay, ayon naman sa hiwalay na pahayag ng 3rd Marine Brigade (3MBde).

Ayon sa pahayag ni Brig. Gen. Jimmy Larida, pagod na ang mga residente ng Tinitian na danasin ang mga pahirap mula sa rebeldeng grupo.

“I noticed a large number of youths [who] participated in the rally holding banners and burning the CTG flag together with the former rebels. Just a year ago, this young former CNT political officer was recruiting the youths in this barangay; but now leading them in the condemnation rally against the CTG,” pahayag ni Larida.

https://palawan-news.com/brgy-minara-roxas-nagsagawa-ng-protesta-vs-npa/

Roadside IED injures 2 cops

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 14, 2022): Roadside IED injures 2 cops (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

One of two unexploded landmines recovered by PNP EOD team at the ambush site in Brgy. Bi-ao, Binalabagan.* PNP photo

Two policemen, including a deputy police chief, were injured after being hit by shrapnel from exploded improvised landmines yesterday in Sitio Candida 2, Brgy. Bi-ao, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

Suffering minor injuries were PLt. Charles Richard Casalan, deputy police chief of Binalbagan, and PCpl. Tranquillero, also of the Binalbagan Police Station.

PLt. Col. Arnel Solis, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office 6, yesterday said that a team of Binalbagan policemen led by Casalan, on board a police patrol vehicle, responded to the reported discovery of a dead person at Sitio Nursery in Brgy. Bi-ao, Binalbagan.

A policeman who survived the ambush in Brgy. Bia-ao, Binalbagan, suffers minor injuries in his right hand.*PNP photo

Upon reaching Sitio Candida 2 in the barangay, Solis disclosed that an IED exploded along the roadside, which led to injuries to the two police personnel of Binalbagan.

Casalan and Tranquillero were brought to the Binalbagan Infirmary for treatment of their minor injuries.

Maj. Gary Alan Resuma, PNP Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group chief of Region 6, yesterday said that his team recovered two unexploded IEDs with electrical wirings and five containers filled with water at the scene of incident.

Resuma disclosed that two IEDs placed at the roadside were detonated by NPA rebels when the police patrol vehicle passed by the area

Brig. Gen.Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, disclosed that about 12 suspected NPA rebels were involved in the ambush and detonation of landmines that led to the injuries of two police personnel.

After a five-minute firefight, Pasaporte said the rebels fled towards Sitios of Apitong and Namulo, all in Brgy. Bi-ao, Binalbagan.

Army soldiers and troopers of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company are still pursuing the fleeing rebels as of this time.

https://visayandailystar.com/roadside-ied-injures-2-cops/

Cops priming charges vs. PAG linked to Maguindanao ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2022): Cops priming charges vs. PAG linked to Maguindanao ambush (By Edwin Fernandez)

POST-CRIME SCENARIO. Police and civilians mill around two vehicles, the mute witness to the murder of nine persons and wounding of three others in Guindulungan, Maguindanao on Saturday (Feb. 12, 2022) in what police said was triggered by a long-standing family feud over a land dispute. Police are expected to file charges against the suspects as soon as all pieces of evidence are gathered. (Photo courtesy of Guindulungan MPS)

GUINDULUNGAN, Maguindanao – Police authorities are readying charges of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges against a local armed group leader believed to be behind the weekend ambush here that left nine dead and three others wounded.

“Investigation is being expedited and immediate filing of charges will be filed against perpetrators as long as pieces of evidence surrounding the crime are obtained,” Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, the newly installed police director for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), said on Monday.

Capt. Fayeed Cana, the Maguindanao police spokesperson, said the victims and perpetrators were locked in a long-standing family feud involving land conflict.

Police, backed by military forces, are now hunting down Jordan Mama Lintang alias “Commander Jordan,” his son Morsid and several armed followers for the killing of Peges Lintang Mamasainged alias “Commander Black Magic.”

Lintang is leading a private armed group while the slain Mamasainged belonged to the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the military arm of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“The protagonists were feuding cousins,” Cana said, adding that charges for multiple murder and frustrated murder are being prepared against the suspects for filing before the provincial prosecutor’s office.

Aside from Mamasainged, others killed were his sons Johari, Sadam, Sader, cousins Kamar and Tani, and three other armed followers.

Three others in Mamasainged’s two-vehicle convoy - Anwar Dimasingian, Baunal Lumabad, and Sanjen Mamasainged - were critically injured and are fighting for their lives in a hospital.

Von Al Haq, speaking for the BIAF, said Commander Black Magic was an MILF commander while Commander Jordan was not. He refused to elaborate.

Mamasainged, his sons, and followers were on board a Mitsubishi Montero and Ford Ranger heading to Ampatuan, Maguindanao for a “rido” settlement involving them and cousins, led by Lintang, when they were ambushed in Sitio Dam, Barangay Malumamis here at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

The Guindulungan police said aside from killing the victims, the suspects also carted away their wallets, an undetermined number of pistols and rifles, magazines, mobile phones, and other personal items.

Police investigators found more than 100 empty shells for .45-caliber pistols, M16 and M14 assault rifles at the crime scene.

An MILF official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two families, who are closely related by blood, have been locked in a decades-old clan war over a territorial dispute and land conflict.

Several followers of Commanders Jordan and Black Magic have died in occasional skirmishes in Guindulungan and Datu Saudi Ampatuan towns in Maguindanao.

Cana, meanwhile, assured the public that the police is on top of the situation and that the major highways in Maguindanao linking Cotabato City and Isulan, Sultan Kudarat remain safe for public commuters.

The site of Saturday’s ambush was about 10 kilometers from the national highway.

In a statement, Colonel Jibin Bongcayao, Maguindanao police director, condemned the ambush and called on all residents of Maguindanao to support the police in renouncing unscrupulous activities of lawless individuals by providing them timely information on their presence in communities.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167692

Task force calls on Negrenses to stand up to CPP-NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2022): Task force calls on Negrenses to stand up to CPP-NPA (By Perla Lena)

CONDEMNED. The site of the roadside encounter where suspected CPP-NPA members engaged policemen and detonated an anti-personal mine in Barangay Bi-ao, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental on Sunday (Feb. 13, 2022). The Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict condemned the “senseless violence” calling it a “treacherous attack” for detonating anti-personnel mine aimed at the policemen. (Photo courtesy of Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office)

The people of Negros Island should stand up and cooperate with the government to put an end to the local communist insurgency.

The Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) made the call on Monday following a roadside encounter between Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels and the Binalbagan Municipal Police Station (BMPS) in Barangay Bi-ao on Sunday that injured two policemen and one minor.

A statement released by Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, task force spokesperson, said the incident is a proof of CPP-NPA’s “barbaric and anti-people policy” to sow fear and terror in the communities.

The RTF6-ELCAC condemned the “senseless violence” calling it a “treacherous attack” for detonating an anti-personnel mine aimed at the policemen.

“These acts of violence are proof that the CPP-NPA has lost the support of the people in the countryside and merely shows that they are desperate for attention,” the statement read.

The task force, meanwhile, commended the police officers of the BMPS for standing their ground against the terrorists.

“We commend the bravery of our civilian responders and volunteers who facilitated the immediate medical intervention to the ambush victims,” it added.

On Sunday, Regional Director Brig. Gen. Flynn E Dongbo led the entire Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) in strongly denouncing the “deceitful and cowardly act” of the local communist terrorist group (CTG).

The team of police led by Lt. Charles Richard Casalan, the station's deputy chief of police, was on board a PNP vehicle to respond to a call for police assistance about an alleged dead body found at Sitio Nursery, Barangay Bi-ao of the said municipality when an explosion occurred after which an exchange of gunfire ensued.

Casalan and Cpl. Julius Tranquiller sustained minor injuries and were treated in the nearest hospital.

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 National Democratic Front (CDF) 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/1167690

Army official urges Negrense bets to reject NPA extortion demands

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2022): Army official urges Negrense bets to reject NPA extortion demands (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the Philippine Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade (PNA Bacolod file photo)

A top official of the Philippine Army in Negros Island has urged candidates in the May 9 national and local elections to reject the extortion demands of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) during the campaign period.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental, said on Monday that Sunday's attack on the police officers in Binalbagan town seems to indicate that the communist terrorists want to make their presence felt.

“They want to impress on the public and the candidates that they still exist, that they are still a force to reckon. However, we can see they only have minimal force. They don’t even want to face our troops on the ground,” Pasaporte said in a radio interview.

He added that the NPA apparently wants to pressure candidates in certain areas to give in to their demands through the incident.

Based on their usual practice, the NPA would send extortion letters to candidates to demand cash in exchange for the so-called “permit to campaign”.

On Sunday morning, Lt. Charles Richard Casalan, the station’s deputy chief of police, and Cpl. Julius Tranquillero were injured when the NPA rebels set off an anti-personnel mine along the roadside in Barangay Bi-ao on their way to respond to a call for police assistance.

Shots were fired at the policemen and when they fired back, the explosion came.

Hours after the incident, Brig. Gen. Flynn Dongbo, director of Police Regional Office-Western Visayas, condemned what he calls a “treacherous act” of the CPP-NPA in detonating the land mine aimed at the policemen.

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 National Democratic Front 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/1167700

Troops rehab road in Sulu town, hold civic action program

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2022): Troops rehab road in Sulu town, hold civic action program (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

CIVIC ACTION. A health worker checks the vital signs of a resident as military troops together with municipal government officials and other sectors hold a four-day civic action program in three towns of Sulu. Some 1,800 residents benefited from the program that culminated Saturday (Feb. 12, 2022). (Photo courtesy of the Joint Task Force Sulu)

Military troops are undertaking rehabilitation works to improve the road linking two barangays in Talipao, Sulu, to provide the residents in the area with faster and safer travel.

Brig. Gen. Antonio Bautista Jr., acting commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu, said Monday the rehabilitation works cover a total of 5,789 meters stretch from Barangay Kamuntayan to Barangay Upper Sinumaan.

Bautista said the completion of the road rehabilitation, to include the laying of culverts, will benefit some 500 residents, especially those in Sitios Timpuad and Gulangan, in Upper Sinumaan, in transporting their farm produce to the market with ease and safety.

“The rehabilitation of the road symbolizes the continuous progression of peace in the area that leads to the betterment of the residents' way of life,” Bautista said.

He added that just like the road to be repaired, peace should always be given a chance to be paved for the "road to peace" is dreamt of by everyone.

The project is jointly being undertaken by the troops of the 1101st Infantry Brigade (Bde) under Brig. Gen. Eugenio Boquio; the 2nd Special Forces Battalion (SFB); 545th Engineer Battalion; Sulu First District Engineering Office; and the Talipao municipal government.

The project is expected to be completed in four weeks.

Meanwhile, some 1,800 individuals benefitted from the four-day civic action program in the municipalities of Talipao, Omar, and Panglima Estino.

The beneficiaries of the program, which culminated Saturday, included former members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, Moro National Liberation Front, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front communities and their families.

They availed of free medical and dental services and medicines for various ailments.

The civic action program was a collaborative effort of the JTF-Sulu, 11th Infantry Division, 1101Bdse, 2SFB, and the municipal governments of Talipao, Omar, and Panglima Estino.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167713

Ex-NPA squad leader, 3 family members yield to gov’t troops

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2022): Ex-NPA squad leader, 3 family members yield to gov’t troops (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

SURRENDER. Dionaldo “Godo” Castillo (left) and wife Michelle “Lani” Castillo, along with brother Reymart “Ryan” Castillo, surrender with their firearms to troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday (Feb. 13, 2022). “Godo” said they now want to live a peaceful life after growing tired of being always on the run from government troops conducting relentless combat operations. (Photo courtesy of 94th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

A former squad leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and three of his family members have yielded to the troops of Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Sunday.

In a report on Monday, the 94IB identified the surrenderers as Dionaldo “Godo” Castillo, his wife, Michelle “Lani” Castillo, residents of Sitio Aglahog, Himamaylan City, as well as his brother, Reymart “Ryan” Castillo, and their mother, Merlyn Castillo, of Sitio Balicaocao, Barangay Orong, Kabankalan City.

"Lani" and "Ryan" were also members of the NPA while Merlyn is a mass supporter.

“Godo” was part of the NPA’s Central Negros Front (CNF) 2 for eight years before he finally surrendered, bringing with him his own kin, the report added.

Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, commander of 94IB, said the three former NPA members and their mother turned themselves in to the troops at the patrol base in Barangay Camingawan.

“This is a clear manifestation of the declining support of the masses to the NPA and that their organization is on the edge of downfall,” he added.

Guzman said the four have been rescued from the senseless armed struggle and encouraged the remaining NPA rebels in central Negros to surrender as well.

“Follow the steps of ‘Godo’ and live your life peacefully before it’s too late. The 94IB will be more persistent in its combat operations from this day onwards,” he added.

During their surrender, the brothers presented an M16 rifle and .30-caliber Carbine M2 rifles with ammunition, the report said.

“Godo” told the 94IB they have grown tired of being always on the run from government troops conducting relentless combat operations, adding that the death of Florida “Kelly” Ceballos, secretary of the CNF 2, during an encounter last December also hugely affected their morale.

He said he was also encouraged to return to the fold of the law when he saw his former comrades now living a peaceful life, which made him realize the government is indeed sincere in helping them.

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

The National Democratic Front 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/1167725

Gov’t forces separates warring clans in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2022): Gov’t forces separates warring clans in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)

AID FOR DISPLACED FAMILIES. Police and social welfare workers (left) distributed Monday (Feb. 14, 2022) food aid to families displaced when skirmishes between warring families erupted over the weekend. The right photo shows one of the several houses hit by bullets during the skirmishes. (Photos courtesy of resident Esmael Ula and Sultan Kudarat PNP)

SULTAN KUDARAT, Maguindanao – Police and soldiers have separated warring families in a remote village here after they traded shots when a “rido” (clan war) erupted Sunday.

On Monday, Lt. Col. Sabri Lakibul, Sultan Kudarat municipal police station chief, said the warring families of local “Commander Gringo” and “Commander Barang” have agreed to a cessation of hostilities.

The government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) ceasefire panel are negotiating with both sides for a diplomatic solution to their existing dispute.

This gave the opportunity for the municipal social welfare office and the local police to extend aid to some 100 families displaced by the armed conflict in Barangay Sinditan.

Police said the warring families have traded shots Sunday due to a long-standing land dispute.

Police are determining if followers of both groups all belonged to the MILF or any other groups.

Major Gen. Juvymax Uy, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander, appealed Monday to local officials to help defuse the tension so displaced families can return home.

Police assisted Faudzia Mocsin, Sultan Kudarat municipal social welfare officer, and Kadil Blaim, municipal disaster officer, in the distribution of food aid to the displaced families who were from the villages of Limbo, Calsada, and Mulaog, all in this town.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167763

NPA rebel-couple, comrade yield in northern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2022): NPA rebel-couple, comrade yield in northern Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

REBELS NO MORE. Lt. Col. Ryan Manongdo, commander of the Army's 6th Special Action Battalion, meets former New People’s Army rebels Ka “Nike” and Ka “Aiza”, and their two-year-old son, as the couple surrendered to the 6SAB troops in Sagay City, Negros Occidental on Feb. 10, 2022. “I hope their surrender will inspire the other members of the communist-terrorist group to lay down their arms,” Manongdo said. (Photo courtesy of 6th Special Action Battalion, PNP SAF)

A couple and their comrade in the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) have recently surrendered to the 6th Special Action Battalion (6SAB) of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (PNP SAF) based in Sagay City, Negros Occidental.

On Monday afternoon, the surrenderers were presented to the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (CTF-ELCAC) chaired by Mayor Alfredo Marañon III in rites held at Balay Kauswagan, four days after they turned themselves in on February 10.

Lt. Col. Ryan Manongdo, commander of 6SAB, told the Philippine News Agency the former rebels will remain in their custody while they are completing the requirements to avail of the benefits under the Enhanced Community Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“We assure the three individuals and their families we will do everything in our capacity to help them improve their lives through the programs of the government. I hope their surrender will inspire the other members of the communist-terrorist group to lay down their arms,” he said.

Those who surrendered were Ka “Nike” and his partner Ka “Aiza”, and their comrade Ka “Allan”.

Manongdo said the couple belonged to the NPA’s South West Front (SWF) operating in the southern part of Negros Occidental, who engaged the 6SAB troops in Ilog town last September.

The clash claimed the lives of four rebels and injured two others.

Ka “Nike”, previously a squad leader of the Northern Negros Front (NNF), met Ka “Aiza” when he was deployed to the SWF, where she was assigned as an assistant medic and participated in the NPA’s recruitment activities in the towns of Hinoba an, Ilog, Candoni and Kabankalan City.

Thinking about the future of their two-year-old son, the couple surrendered to pursue a peaceful life, the 6SAB said.

Ka “Allan”, who was under the NNF, was conducting was mass work activities in several towns and cities in the northern portion of the province before his surrender.

According to the 6SAB, he is already tired of fighting for a lost cause and wants to live a normal life.

In Negros Occidental, the 6SAB has been implementing the counter "white area" operations in Barangay Guintubhan, Isabela; Sitio Balik Balik in Barangay Tabu, Ilog; and Sitio Manara, Barangay Puey, Sagay City to reach out to communities currently or formerly influenced by the CPP-NPA.

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 National Democratic Front 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/1167752

Brawner vows to beef up Army anti-terror unit's capabilities

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2022): Brawner vows to beef up Army anti-terror unit's capabilities (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Army

Philippine Army (PA) commander, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., vowed to strengthen and allocate more resources to the Light Reaction Regiment (LRR), the Army's premier counter-terrorist unit, during his first visit to its headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija last February 11.

In a statement Sunday night, the Army chief told LRR officers and enlisted personnel that the PA leadership will provide "ample support to empower the regiment in mission accomplishment."

"Lt. Gen. Brawner likewise committed to strengthening the LRR's counter-terrorism expertise to secure the integrity of the state and to address all forms of threat," PA spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, said.

Support refers to the necessary equipment, aside from the enhancement of skills of the soldiers so that they are prepared for the challenges of fighting and neutralizing these threats.

In the long term, Brawner said the thrust to equip soldiers with the resources, equipment, and skills would help propel the Army towards modernization and achieving its vision to be world-class by 2028.

He also hailed the LRR, known for the moniker "Tiradores de la Muerte" (Marksmen of Death), for their heroism and gallantry in the 2013 Zamboanga Siege and the 2017 battle for the liberation of Marawi City.

He recognized the LRR troops' efforts to ensure operational readiness by conducting regular training and urged them to become 'servant leaders' in the performance of their mandate to serve the people and secure the land.

Brawner reminded LRR troops of the two tasks of soldiers in the May 9 polls -- to exercise the right to vote and to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of polls.

“Stay healthy, stay safe and stay strong,” Brawner said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1167680

Report Reds' harassment, AFP urges poll bets

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2022): Report Reds' harassment, AFP urges poll bets (By Priam Nepomuceno)

File photo

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) urged all candidates in the May 9 polls to immediately report to them threats by members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

"Hindi natin maiwasan na itong communist terorist group ay pwedeng magsamantala, ang appeal natin sa mga kababayan natin lalo na yung mga kandidato kung merong banta sa inyo na mga election-related incident nandito po kami para tulungan kayo (Instances of communist terrorist group taking advantage of the elections (through their various extortion schemes) cannot be avoided. Our appeal to our countrymen, specially our candidates is that if there is threat against them, or any election-related threat, we are here to help them)," said Army Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP spokesperson, in a radio interview late Sunday.

Communist terrorist scams during the election period include the so-called permit-to-campaign and permit-to-win where candidates are being made to pay sums of money for them to be able to carry out their campaign activities in some areas.

To ensure that the May 9 elections will be peaceful, Zagala said all AFP area commands have been tasked to give an assessment on possible trouble or hotspots in their jurisdiction so that appropriate actions can be taken.

Meanwhile, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana condemned the "reckless attack against innocent civilians by the New People's Army (NPA) that resulted in the deaths of two minors and injuring another civilian in Catubig, Northern Samar on February 8.

"This harrowing and unforgivable incident is a testament to the violence of these terrorists who are only hell-bent on causing destruction wherever they are. The NPA operatives, who ambushed soldiers dispatched to the area, indiscriminately open-fired despite knowing of the presence of civilians. The victims had no chance against the bullets from the NPA that rained down on them," Lorenzana said in a statement over the weekend.

He called the incident one of the countless murders committed by the NPA against the youth, the vulnerable, and the defenseless.

"We join the nation and the families of the victims in demanding justice from these terrorists. Now more than ever, we are more determined to finally bring the communist terrorists to the ground, and finally, free our people from the destruction and fear of the NPA. We enjoin all Filipinos to help us win this fight and support our efforts for genuine and long-lasting peace for our communities," Lorenzana added.

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

The National Democratic Front has also 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/1167683

Surrender of more NPA rebels shows ops gaining momentum: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 14, 2022): Surrender of more NPA rebels shows ops gaining momentum: PNP (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

File photo

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said its relentless efforts to encourage members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to return to the government's fold is slowly reaping gains, with the surrender of a high-ranking communist couple to the Caraga police on Feb. 12.

“This is an example that the PNP has always been open for diplomatic communication projecting a peaceful resolution gearing towards ending any form of conflict that may trigger violence,” said PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos, in a statement.

The surrenderers were identified as a certain 'Wendel', 37, a team leader of the Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 3, Guerilla Front (GF) 4A under the communist terrorist group's North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC), and his live-in partner, a certain "An-an", 32, who is a squad medic of the same unit under the NCRMC.

The couple surrendered to the personnel of 1304th Maneuver Company of Regional Mobile Force Batallion (RMFB) 13 and the 1st Agusan del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (ADN-PMFC).

"Wendel" is known to be the brother of Jealan Pinakilid alias “Baking”, the commanding officer of the NPA's GF4A operating in Agusan del Norte and some parts of Misamis Oriental province.

Both surrendered to unite with their families and live a normal life which might turn out to be impossible if they were to remain in the movement.

Carlos said the couple is now in the process of availing of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in the region.

He added that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has laid down the livelihood and reintegration assistance for the returnees so they can jumpstart this new chapter in their lives.

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 National Democratic Front (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/1167708