Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 02/26/22

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Don’t give in to NPA extortion, bets told

From Panay News (Feb 25, 2022): Don’t give in to NPA extortion, bets told

Election candidates running for various posts in Western Visayas were warned not to enter into an alliance, provide economic or financial support or use the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army as their private army.

The warning was made in face-to-face and virtual dialogues with the National Anti-Money Laundering / Combatting Financing Terrorism Coordinating Committee, and during covenant signings for peaceful elections organized by the Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC).

“We campaign to stop extortion activities during election. We are encouraging incumbent officials seeking re-election and political aspirants to sign covenants not to provide material and financial support to the NPA, particularly in their permit to campaign and permit to win extortion activities,” said RTF6 ELCAC spokesperson, Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales.

“Basically we received good feedback from aspirants and local government units. We expect that in this election we can eliminate the participation of the CPP-NPA,” Gonzales said.

The task force will be holding a forum in Negros Occidental, Bacolod City, and Capiz on March 1, 2 and 3, respectively.

Anyone extending support to the communists will be held liable for violating the Anti-Terrorism Financing Act of 2012 and the Anti-Terror Act of 2020, said Gonzales.

These are serious offenses and are non-bailable because they carry a penalty of life imprisonment, he added.

https://www.panaynews.net/dont-give-in-to-npa-extortion-bets-told/

1,531 rebels, supporters in Panay yield in 2021

From Panay News (Feb 26, 2022): 1,531 rebels, supporters in Panay yield in 2021 (By Ruby P. Silubrico)

In 2021, 1,531 New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, supporters, and those belonging to the Militia ng Bayan (MB) surrendered to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade.

Brigadier General Marion Sison, commander, said these rebels were from Panay Island only and publicly withdrew their support and alliance with the rebels.

These 1,531 were composed of 44 regular NPA members, 159 MB militias,143 members of Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad (SPL), and 1,185 Underground Mass Organization (UGMO).

They also turned over 120 high-powered and low-powered firearms.

Sison claimed these accomplishments were an example of strong cooperation manifested by different stakeholders, especially the members of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), and the different units under the 301st Brigade, including the 12th Infantry Battalion, 61st Infantry Battalion, and the 82nd Infantry Battalion.

NTF-ELCAC was formed by the government to raise awareness to the communist rebellion in the Philippines.

“Nevertheless, there was no better way to wrap up 2021 and welcome 2022 by having thousands of awakened NPA rebels and supporters back to the folds of law,” Sison said.

“The increasing number of rebels who surrendered to the government was a result of their realization that they were not fighting for any ideology; instead they were just group of bandits victimizing our communities,” Sison added.

https://www.panaynews.net/1531-rebels-supporters-in-panay-yield-in-2021/

Rebel militia, 37 victims of NPA exploitation get assistance

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 26, 2022): Rebel militia, 37 victims of NPA exploitation get assistance (By GILBERT P. BAYORAN)

A Yunit Militia member of the New People’s Army and 37 victims of New People’s Army exploitation, including eight minors, with ages 14 to 17 years old, in Brgy. Luz, Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, received financial assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development, a press statement from the 62nd Infantry Battalion yesterday said.

The surrender of a rebel militiaman and 37 others was facilitated by the Guihulngan City Task Force ELCAC (Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict), 62IB and the city police force on February 18.

Each of the 37 NPA victims of exploitation received P3,000 and P5,000 for the rebel militiaman, whose identities are being withheld by the 62IB for security reasons.

City Social Welfare and Development Officer 1 Gianne Marie Mijares, assisted by Maridel Gamo of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Maj. Alenel Valles,62IB Executive Officer, and PLt. Jerome Delara, led the distribution of P116,000 financial assistance to the beneficiaries in Guihulngan City.

The distribution of financial assistance, according to the 62IB, was highlighted by the taking of oath of allegiance to the government by the 30 beneficiaries.

Ka Egcel, in behalf of the beneficiaries, thanked the Guihulngan Ciity government, 62IB, DSWD for the financial assistance.

On the other hand, Valles called on them to encourage their friends and family members, who are still fighting against the government, to abandon the armed struggle, as the government is ready to help them.

https://visayandailystar.com/rebel-militia-37-victims-of-npa-exploitation-get-assistance/

Zambo Peninsula NPA remnants urged to surrender

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 26, 2022): Zambo Peninsula NPA remnants urged to surrender (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

FOOD CACHE. Government troops with the support of civilians unearth Friday (Feb. 25, 2022) a food cache of the New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Gasa, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur. The remnants of the NPAs were urged to surrender and avail of the government's program to start a new life. (Photo courtesy of the 53rd Infantry Battalion)

A top military official is calling on remnants of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the Zamboanga Peninsula to surrender and avail of the government’s program to live a new life.

Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, said Saturday that the government will always welcome NPA rebels who will decide to abandon the armed struggle to start a new life.

“They are welcome to return to the mainstream of society,” Nicolas said.

Nicolas said the surrender of five NPA remnants this week in Zamboanga del Sur is a clear manifestation that the downfall of the NPA nears.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, said Saturday that two of the five NPA members belonging to the group's remnants surrendered and voluntarily turned over two high-powered firearms Monday at his headquarters in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

Herrera said one of them was a former commander of the NPA’s Front Committee Kara while the other was a member of the same group.

Herrera said the other three surrendered on Wednesday also at his headquarters.

He said the five NPA surrenderers are being processed to be enrolled with the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to prepare them for their transition to mainstream society.

He disclosed that it is better for the NPA remnants to surrender than to live like a crime group member since all the three NPA’s front committees in Zamboanga del Sur have already been dismantled.

Meanwhile, Herrera said a food cache of the NPA was unearthed by the troops with support from the community Friday in Purok 4, Sitio Lanayan, Barangay Gasa, Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur.

The location of the hidden food cache was revealed to the troops by Alias Ka Marlon, former Front Committee Kara commander who surrendered Monday, according to Herrera.

He said the food caches consist of four containers of 20 liters filled with rice and assorted food supplies.

“Hunger will compel the remnants of communist terrorist groups to abandon their fight and eventually return to the folds of the law,” Herrera said in a statement posted on the 53IB Facebook account.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1168607

Coast Guard multi-role vessel arrives in PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 26, 2022): Coast Guard multi-role vessel arrives in PH

MRRV-9701 (Photo courtesy of PCG)

One of two 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs), the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) biggest acquisitions, arrived at Port Area, Manila on Saturday.

The MRRV-9701 has a maximum speed of not less than 24 knots, an endurance of not less than 4,000 nautical miles, and is capable of conducting sustained maritime patrols, according to a news release.

The MRRVs are modeled after the Japan Coast Guard Kunigami-class vessels and will be deployed to support the ongoing operations of the PCG Task Force Pagsasanay (Exercises) that conducts anti-terrorism and anti-piracy simulation.

The vessels were acquired under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project Phase II, funded by an Official Development Assistance loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Maritime, Vice Admiral Narciso Vingson Jr. and PCG Officer-in-Charge, Vice Admiral Eduardo Fabricante, led officers and personnel in welcoming the ship.

"Lubos po kaming nagagalak dahil nandito na ang pinakamalaking barko ng Philippine Coast Guard. Nagpapasalamat kami sa ating mahal na Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte at kay Department of Transportation Secretary Art Tugade sa kanilang patuloy na pag-agapay at pag-suporta sa modernisasyon ng (We are very happy with the biggest ship of the Philippine Coast Guard. We thank our dear President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Transportation Secretary Art Tugade for their continued support to modernize the) PCG," Fabricante said during the welcome ceremony.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1168603

NOLCOM: Ilocos Region is now insurgent-free

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 25, 2022): Ilocos Region is now insurgent-free

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NOLCOM: NTF ELCAC Statement On The Designation of 16 Underground Mass Organizations of the CPP NPA NDF As ’Terrorist’ By the Anti Terrorism Council

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2022): NTF ELCAC Statement On The Designation of 16 Underground Mass Organizations of the CPP NPA NDF As ’Terrorist’ By the Anti Terrorism Council

Lorraine Marie T. Badoy

NTF ELCAC Statement On The Designation of 16 Underground Mass Organizations of the CPP NPA NDF As ’Terrorist’ By the Anti Terrorism Council

The NTF ELCAC rejoices in the designation of 16 underground mass organizations of the CPP NPA NDF as ‘TERRORIST’ by the Anti Terrorism Council:

1. Kabataang Makabayan;
2. Makabayang Kilusan ng Bagong Kababaihan (MAKIBAKA);
3. Katipunan ng Samahan ng mga Manggagawa (KASAMA);
4. Cordillera People's Democratic Front (CPDF);
5. Revolutionary Council of Trade Unions;
6. Katipunan ng mga Gurong Makabayan (KAGUMA);
7. Christians for National Liberations (CNL);
8. Revolutionary Organization of Lumads;
9. Moro Resistance Liberation Organization;
10. Liga ng Agham para sa Bayan (LAB);
11. Makabayang Samahang Pangkalusugan (MASAPA);
12. Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid (PKM);
13. Lupon ng mga Manananggol para sa Bayan (Lumaban);
14. Artista at Manunulat ng Sambayanan (ARMAS);
15. Makabayang Kawaning Pilipinino (MKP);
16. COMPATRIOTS.

This has been a long time coming and brings us closer to a fuller protection of our people and our country and the complete purge from our beloved country of this violent and toxic ideology that has long fallen by the wayside of history precisely because of its inhumanity and irrelevance and that the Filipino people have long clearly rejected.

For over 5 decades, the terrorist CPP NPA NDF has been able to cause this much grief and destruction on the Filipino nation precisely because of the masks of nobility they wore where they pretended to advocate for noble causes that, in reality, they cared nothing for, pretend-advocates of human rights while at the same time being its worst and most egregious of offenders.

This pretend-nobility was bait they used to lure Filipinos into their above ground organizations like KABATAAN, ALLIANCE OF CONCERNED TEACHERS, BAYAN MUNA, ANAKPAWIS, GABRIELA, CEGP, IBON, KARAPATAN, NUPL, NUJP and many others to teach them the deeply wounding language of hate and mistrust towards government while denying any links to the CPP NPA NDF.

And once in, an unbearable number of our people have been methodically manipulated down the path of allegiance to these illegal underground organizations in which they are radicalized to believe the lie that the only solution to the ills of society is through the violent overthrow of government.

And so this chapter in our country’s history was writ in blood-soaked pages of Filipinos who have died at the hands of fellow Filipinos. A chapter filled with tears of our mothers who have searched the ends of the earth for children they can no longer hold because they now lie in shallow unmarked graves across the land, of our indigenous brothers and sisters being mercilessly massacred and frontlining a war they knew nothing about.

We are no longer taking it.

With the designation of these underground organizations as terrorist, we have effectively paralyzed their operations by the freezing of their bank accounts. And just as importantly, any membership and recruitment to these organizations are considered crimes.

We are one step away from getting the justice we have long raged for. Once the RTC proscribes the CPP NPA NDF as terrorist, their house that is built on deceit and lies by this terrorist organization will crumble —and we will be able to put behind bars those who’ve had the bloody nerve to deny any links to the CPP NPA NDF while at the same time are unable to condemn the million and one atrocities they’ve committed against the Filipino people.

We are ending what should have ended a very long time ago. We are now fiercest in our defense and we are taking back our country, our children, our indigenous peoples, the poorest among us from these communist terrorist fiends.

That chapter in our country’s history is over and we are writing a new one. And it will be filled with our children fulfilling their promise and living long, happy lives in a country free of this communist terrorist scourge.

Magtulungan tayo. Ipagdasal natin na iproscribe ng RTC ang komunistang teroristang CPP-NPA-NDF na “terorista”.

At tuloy tuloy nating ipaglaban ang ating mahal na Pilipinas.

Undersecretary Lorraine Marie T. Badoy
NTF ELCAC Spokesperson for Social Media Affairs and Sectoral Concerns

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NOLCOM: CPP/NPA rebels wave white flag

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2022): CPP/NPA rebels wave white flag

Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines

NEWS BREAK | Joint elements of the Isabela Provincial Police Station and the 95th Infantry Battalion of Joint Task Force Tala facilitated the surrender of three members of the NPA at the 95IB headquarters in San Mariano, Isabela.

LtGen Torres reiterated his call to the remnants of the communist terrorist group and their supporters to ‘heed the call for peace and development of the government’.

#AFPyoucanTRUST #SalamatSundaloSaSerbisyo | www.afpcrs.com

Source: https://tribune.net.ph/.../02/23/npa-rebels-wave-white-flag/

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WESTMINCOM: 29 Former Rebels receive E-CLIP benefits in ZaNorte

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2022): 29 Former Rebels receive E-CLIP benefits in ZaNorte

#SupportOurTroops
#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo
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#TeamWestMinCom …

4th Civil Relations Group

29 Former Rebels receive E-CLIP benefits in ZaNorte

Twenty-nine former rebels received Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program Benifits in Zamboanga del Norte, Tuesday noon, February 22, 2022.

The release of Php65,000.00 to each former rebel was conducted during the 1st Quarter Zamboanga Del Norte Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict meeting held at Top Plaza Hotel, Dipolog City.

The benefits is composed of Php15,000.00 Immediate Cash Assistance and Php50,000.00 Livelihood Assistance that will help our former rebels rebuild their lives in the mainstream society.

"Suwahi sa propaganda sa amo sa una sa sulod sa kalihukan na kung mu-surrender mi kay patyon mi sa kasundaluhan, ang among gi-ilang kaaway sauna kay mao pa diay ang mutabang kanamo makabalik sa among pamilya (Contrary to the propaganda teachings to us inside the armed struggle that soldiers will kill us if we surrender, it seems that the enemy we have known for so long are our most precious allies that will help us return to our families)," said alias Peewee, a former leader of the HQ-KALAW, Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

Some of the former rebels will also be receiving firearm remuneration based on the valuation of the firearms they have surrendered upon the completion of the processing of their documents.

"Gina-awhag pud naku akong mga kaugalingon FRs na atong tabangan atong mga paryente ug kaila na nagpabilin pa sa pakigbisog na mubalik na sa sabakan sa balaod para matagampam na pud nila ang kahapsay ug kalinaw na panginabuhi kauban sa ilang mga pamilya (I am urging my fellow FRs to help our relatives and friends who still remain in the armed struggle to lay down their arms and return to the folds of law so that they too can experience a simple and peaceful living together with their families)," Peewee added.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas stressed that the peaceful surrender of the remaining members of the WMRPC will finally put an end to the decades-long insurgency problem in Zamboanga Peninsula.
"The doors of the 102nd Infantry Brigade together with our partner stakeholders are always open for those who wish to give peace a chance and end this futile armed struggle that have cost the lives of many Filipino soldiers, innocent civilians and vulnerable sectors," Brig. Gen. Nicolas said.

As of posting, the government is currently pursuing the 52 remaining members of the WMRPC mostly monitored in Zamboanga del Norte and Misamis Occidental. | @Team Igsoon

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EASTMINCOM: E-CLIP Awarding Ceremony for former communist rebels

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2022): E-CLIP Awarding Ceremony for former communist rebels

36th Infantry ''VALOR" Battalion, Philippine Army

#𝟯𝟲𝗜𝗕 || 𝗙𝗥 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻-𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆

The 36th Infantry ''VALOR" Battalion, Philippine Army hand in hand with different Agencies culminated the Awarding and Turn-Over Ceremony for 145 Former Rebels (FRs). They received livelihood cash assistance worth Php 65,000 from the E-CLIP Program, Mosquito net, medicine kit, and water container from DOH and Food packs and supplies from DSWD held at Villa Maria Luisa, Tandag City, Surigao del sur.

This is the manifestation of the E.O. 70 whole-of-the nation-approach of the government and the hope to our fellow Filipinos who are still opting for the futile armed struggle. Naa atong Army para natong tanan.

#36IBatongArmy
#36IB

U
#ValorianTroopers
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EASTMINCOM: LOOK! Community Healing, Reconciliation and Transformation (CHR-T) program

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2022): LOOK! Community Healing, Reconciliation and Transformation (CHR-T) program

66th Infantry Kabalikat Battalion

LOOK! Community Healing, Reconciliation and Transformation (CHR-T) was successfuly held and completed at Brgy. Danao, City of Mati this afternoon.

Barangay Officials headed by PB Clemente C. Gubalane, men of PNP and the troops of the 66th Infantry Battalion led by 2LT ROLAND D DIOLATA (SC) PA were present to witness and gave their messages of encouragement and support for those who joined the said activity.

CHR-T aims to provide and instill to the attendee and/or the community the sense of unity and belongingness with the government through Lola Agnes as the speaker/mentor.

#AFPyoucanTRUST
#AgilaTroopers
#TEAMKABALIKAT

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EASTMINCOM: 1001st Infantry Brigade presents the list of the Most Wanted New People's Army rebels

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2022): 1001st Infantry Brigade presents the list of the Most Wanted New People's Army rebels

Philippine News Agency

Philippines state-controlled media · tSt86h3on1ore360m0g573h1 ·

JUST IN: Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante lll, commander of the 1001st Infantry Brigade, presents the list of the Most Wanted New People's Army rebels in a press briefing on Saturday (Feb. 26, 2022) at the 1001IB headquarters in Maco, Davao de Oro. Durante also condoled with the families of the five NPA rebels neutralized by their troops on Thursday (Feb. 24) during an encounter in Brgy. Andap New Bataan town.

In the same briefing, Davao de Oro Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy commends the latest accomplishment of the 1001IB which killed 5 NPA rebels on Feb. 24, 2022. Hecvowed to support the troops in their thrust to attain peace and development in the province.

Brig. Gen. Durante said the NPA’s Southern Mindanao Regional Committee will fall once they neutralize Eric Jun Casilao (alias Wally/Elian), the group’s secretary. He assured their troops are relentless and focused in their operations, including monitoring Casilao. | via Che Palicte

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Booc’s death unmasks NPA’s pattern of lies, deception

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 26, 2022): Booc’s death unmasks NPA’s pattern of lies, deception (By Perla Lena)

TRUTH REVEALED. Assistant Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales, spokesperson for the Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) said the death of Chad Booc in an encounter with government troops in Barangay Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro on Thursday (Feb. 24, 2022) has unmasked the pattern of lies and deception of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front. In a statement released on Saturday (February 26), Gonzales said Booc is a CPP-NPA-NDF cadre masquerading as an activist. (PNA file photo)

The death of Chad Booc following a 15-minute firefight with the 1001st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army in Purok-8, Barangay Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro on Thursday has unmasked the pattern of lies and deception of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

The Western Visayas Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF6-ELCAC) in a statement released on Saturday said the "CPP-NPA-NDF has to swallow once more the bitter pill of truth."

“The propaganda lines and lies that they peddle to the Filipino people blow up in their faces because the truth has a peculiar way of unmasking the CPP-NPA-NDF pattern of lies and deception,” Regional task force spokesperson Assistant Prosecutor Flosemer Chris Gonzales said.

Booc is a CPP-NPA-NDF cadre masquerading as an activist, Gonzales added.

He was among those arrested in Cebu City on Feb.15, 2021 for human trafficking involving several indigenous peoples (IP) children from Talaingod, Davao del Norte but was ordered released by a local court in May of the same year.

“A concerted effort was made to vilify the government and in particular the NTF-ELCAC because the CPP-NPA-NDF propaganda machinery worked overtime to portray the image of Chad as an alleged volunteer teacher, an activist, and someone who purportedly champions the rights of IP children whom the CPP-NPA-NDF collectively (and erroneously) referred to as Lumad children,” the statement added.

The task force spokesperson said that every time CPP-NPA-NDF members are arrested during operations conducted by government forces, their propagandists are quick to label them as activists, likewise maligning the government and the NTF-ELCAC.

“These CPP-NPA-NDF terrorists wearing the masks of activists and human rights defenders eventually expose themselves for what they really are when they end up in the casualty list in armed encounters with government troops in hinterland areas where their hideouts and lairs are located,” he said.

The truth unmasked also vindicated the national task force and set IP communities from the CPP-NPA-NDF reign of terror, Gonzales added.

The Western Visayas task force, meanwhile, commended the 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for their successful anti-terrorism campaign in the Davao region.

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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1168599?fbclid=IwAR3CcQBYAeNC4bqBHBHVKIUpLiDUniDOdBUiwR9IW0JxHQrHVnXSGcu7YV4

EASTMINCOM: LOOK: Former members of CTG Underground Mass Organization receives Livelihood Assistance from TF-ELCAC Bukidnon

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Feb 26, 2022): LOOK: Former members of CTG Underground Mass Organization receives Livelihood Assistance from TF-ELCAC Bukidnon

4th Infantry "Diamond" Division, Philippine Army

LOOK I Former members of CTG Underground Mass Organization receives Livelihood Assistance from TF-ELCAC Bukidnon

The provincial government of Bukidnon through the Provincial Agriculture Office and Department of Interior and Local Government together with the Local Government of Cabanglasan and the 88th Infantry Battalion successfully facilitated the distribution of 59 Cattles to the three (3) People's Organization of farmers in Brgy Canangan-an, Cabanglasan, Bukidnon.

Said assistance is part of the implementation of the Support to Barangay Development Program (SBDP) of the Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC) to the said organizations that were former underground movement organization (UGMO) of the communist terrorist group (CTG) and now supporting the peace and development initiatives of the government after the comprehensive conduct of the Army's Community Support Program.

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Photo Credit: 88IB

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Kalinaw News: Air Force General Visits WestMinCom

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 26, 2022): Air Force General Visits WestMinCom

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Maj. Gen. Simeon Felix, Jr., Commander of Air Mobility Command visited the Western Mindanao Command on Friday afternoon, February 25, 2022. He was accompanied by his wife Dr. Agnes Joanna Felix.

Maj. Gen. Felix, Jr. paid a courtesy call on WestMinCom Chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. at about 2:30 in the afternoon. He was welcomed with modified full military honors during his arrival. The distinguished visitor was then received by Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. at the Laong Laan Hall at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city.

The two-star general expressed his gratitude to the WestMinCom family for the warm welcome. He also extended his admiration to the good performance of the command under the sterling leadership of Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr.

The WestMinCom Commander thanked Maj. Gen. Felix, Jr. for taking the time to visit the command. “We are lucky enough to be visited by one of the well-rounded military generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. stated.

Maj. Gen. Felix, Jr. is a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy “Maringal” Class of 1988. He holds a Master in Management Major in Public Administration at the Philippine Christian University and a Master in Strategic Studies at the Air University, USA.

Air Mobility Command is responsible for the overall airlifts and aerial transport operations of the Philippine Air Force.

[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]

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Kalinaw News: Four Rebels Surrendered, Arms Cache discovered

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 26, 2022): Four Rebels Surrendered, Arms Cache discovered

MAKILALA, COTABATO – Following the surrender of four members of the New People’s Army on February 24, 2022 to the elements of 39th Infantry Battalion, two arms cache was discovered at Sitio Lacobe, Brgy Malabuan, Makilala, North Cotabato the following day, February 25, 2022.

The first arms cache yielded seven improvised anti-personnel landmines, several landmine making paraphernalia and subversive documents while the second arms cache yielded one M16A1 Rifle; a Bushmaster Rifle and an M4 Rifle.

Reportedly, these firearms belonged to the dismantled Guerilla Front ALIP of the New People’s Army that used to be monitored in the quad-border of Davao Sur-North Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.

On the other hand, the four surrenderees were identified as alias Maymay, former Medic, bringing along one Bushmaster Rifle; alias Jerson, member of Local Guerilla Unit, handling one Garand Rifle; alias Ramram, former Team Leader all of the dismantled GF ALIP; and alias Jegjeg, Commanding Officer of Platoon 1 of the Dismantled GF TALA, having the possession of an improvised M79 Rifle. These surrenderees were all originated from Far South Mindanao Region.

In an interview with the surrenderees, the reasons of their surrender included the dismantling of the organization where they belong, the encouragement of the other surrenderee, and for their peace of mind.

Meanwhile, Lt. Colonel Ezra Balagtey, Battalion Commander of 39th Infantry Battalion welcomed the development as it strengthened the peace gains in its area of operation.

“This security development will strengthen the peace gains of the whole community. The recovery of the firearms reduced the NPA’s tool of terror while the surrender of their personnel cut off their contact and reduced the possibility to reestablish mass base.” Balagtey said

The recovered items were brought to the Battalion Headquarters in Brgy. Poblacion, Makilala, North Cotabato for proper disposition while the surrenderees were presently continuously undergoing debriefing.

Kalinaw News: Local Chief exec reservists visit NoLCom, vows support to NoLCom’s peacekeeping ops

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 26, 2022): Local Chief exec reservists visit NoLCom, vows support to NoLCom’s peacekeeping ops

Camp Aquino, Tarlac City – Local Chief Executives of Tarlac and Nueva Ecija visited Northern Luzon Command on Friday, February 25, purposely to synergize efforts with the peacekeeping operations of the command.

Side boys military honors were rendered to Nueva Ecija Vice Governor Emmanuel Antonio Umali and Tarlac Governor Susan Yap- Sulit as they were welcomed by NoLCom Commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr together alongside other NoLCom staff.

After refreshments, the group tackled topics such as the government’s efforts against ending local communist armed conflict and the security operations for the upcoming 2022 national polls.

Gov. Yap expressed her “unyielding support to the military in the performance of their mission of ensuring the peace, security, and development in the beautiful province of Tarlac.”

Likewise, Vice Gov. Umali expressed his gratitude to the military for their selfless service and commitment to sustain the peace and order in the province of Nueva Ecija.

Both government officials vowed to help the military and police ensure that a safe 2022 national election will take place in their areas of responsibility.

“Your genuine support, as shown in your volunteerism as being part of the reserve force is truly commendable. May our thrusts towards making north and central Luzon a place of lasting peace and development continue to flourish” expressed Lt. Gen. Torres.

The two local chief executives, who are also part of the Army Reserve Force extended their salute to the Commander of Army Reserve Command Maj Gen. Fernando Felipe who visited the command on the same day and subsequently donned the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Gov. Yap, and the rank of Major to Vice Gov. Umali.

Kalinaw News: Personality Charged for Human Trafficking of IPs in Cebu Killed in Clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 25, 2022): Personality Charged for Human Trafficking of IPs in Cebu Killed in Clash

MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO – An armed engagement between the troops of 1001st Infantry Brigade against Communist Terrorist Group’s (CTGs) Regional Headquarters, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (RHQ, SMRC) believed to be led by Eric Jun Casilao alias Wally/Ellan and Regional Operations Command, SMRC (ROC, SMRC) led by Leo Lacumbo alias OLE transpired at Purok-8, Barangay Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro, early morning of February 24, 2022.

In a series of armed encounters, five (5) members of the CTG were killed in the clash, while it is believed that there are still several others wounded based on the bloodstains in the encounter site. The fatalities were identified as Jojarain Alce Nguho II alias Rain, Chad Booc alias Chad, a certain alias Daday and two (2) still unidentified males. The CTG scampered and withdrew southwards after a 15-minute firefight leaving one (1) M653 rifle, one (1) caliber 45 pistol, one (1) hand grenade, one (1) anti-personnel mine, assorted food supplies, and personal belongings.

It can be recalled that on February 15, 2021, Chad Booc is one of the personalities arrested in a Bakwit school located in San Carlos University – Talamban Campus in Cebu City for alleged trafficking of Indigenous People from Talaingod, Davao del Norte. Booc was later released together with six (6) others following the decision of the court in Cebu.

Booc graduated Cum Laude from UP Diliman with a degree of Bachelor of Computer Science. He was a known activist and recruiter to the CTG even in his UP days. He was also involved in Manilakbayan, a protest march organized by the CTG involving Indigenous Peoples coming mainly from Mindanao in 2015. After his college days, he volunteered as a Mathematics teacher in the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural Development (ALCADEV) in Lianga, Surigao del Sur, and later on volunteered for the Bakwit School in Cebu. These CPP-NPA affiliated schools including Salugpungan Schools in Davao Region were all closed down by the government.

“The neutralization of Chad Booc, proved that the so-called Lumad Schools like ALCADEV, MISFI, Salugpungan, CTCSM, and others are indeed breeding grounds of the CTG. It is in these institutions where innocent IP children are being radicalized and influenced to take arms against the government,” Brigadier General Jesus P Durante III, Commander 1001st Brigade said.

“We call on to the parents whose children are still with these institutions to take action. Rescue your children immediately before it’s too late. Seek help from the authorities so that we can eventually rescue them,” Durante added.

Meanwhile, Jojarain Alce Nguho II, one of the fatalities was also a CTG scholar who graduated from Liceo de Tagum and also a volunteer teacher in Community Technical College of Southern Mindanao (CTCSM) in Barangay Lapu-lapu, Maco, Davao de Oro.

These recent armed encounters of the 1001st Brigade against the CTG were an offshoot of the relentless focused military operations launched since October last year to track and finish the CTG and eventually free the communities from their terroristic activities. This year alone, 1001st Brigade already figured in six (6) skirmishes against the CTG which led to the neutralization of top NPA personalities to include Menandro Villanueva, Secretary of NPA’s Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID), and the recovery of war materiel.

10th Infantry “Agila” Division Commander MGen Nolasco Mempin extends his sincerest condolences to the families of the slain Communist NPA Terrorists as this would not happen if they opted to lay down their arms and abandon the armed struggle.

“We have warned them multiple times to peacefully surrender to the government, however, they chose to resist to continue the bloodshed that resulted to their demise. Together with their former comrades, we again urge the remaining members of the CTG to return to the folds of the law.” MGen Mempin added.

Kalinaw News: PTF-ELCAC Intensifies Information Drive on CTG’s Infiltration in Aurora

Posted to Kalinaw News (Feb 25, 2022): PTF-ELCAC Intensifies Information Drive on CTG’s Infiltration in Aurora

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija — The Commander of the 7th Infantry (KAUGNAY) Division, Philippine Army, Major General Andrew D. Costelo PA at the same time sitting as Chairperson of the Regional Task Force to End the Local Communist Armed Conflict – Region 3 (RTF-ELCAC 3) Technical Working Group (TWG), lauded the continued efforts of the Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management (SAKM 3) Cluster as they intensify its conduct of Awareness Campaign on CTG’s infiltration in Aurora on February 23, 2022.

The SAKM -3 Cluster led by NICA Regional Director Maria Luisa De Guzman in collaboration with the 91st Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army conducted lectures on CTG Infiltration to all Barangay Captains, Committee Chairman of Peace and Order, and Sangguniang Kabataan Chairpersons at Laang-Sibol Hall, Camp Jaime Bitong, Brgy Calabuanan, Baler, Aurora.

LTC Reandrew P. Rubio, Commanding Officer of 91IB, said that the activity aims to increase the awareness of the Barangay and SK Officials on the importance of NTF-ELCAC and the CTGs infiltration to bureaucracy.

“Aurora has the lowest rate in terms of criminal offenses and so with the Komiteng Larangang Guerrilla Sierra Madre (KLG-SM) of the communist terrorist group, being dismantled since last year. The KLG-SM were out-numbered with 12 members remaining,” said LTC Rubio.

The Commander of the 703rd Infantry (AGILA) Brigade, Colonel Joseph Norwin D. Pasamonte, on the other hand, said that the initiative is vital in the fight of the government against the communist insurgency as the local officials has a huge role also in informing its constituents about the evils of the CTG.

During the activity, two Former Rebels shared their experiences while inside the terrorist organization and how the members deceived the innocent civilians to convince them to join the group.

“The terrorist group agitates the people to destroy the good image of the government. The people should be aware of this group that only sows terror in our community,” the one FR said.