AFP on New Bataan 5 killing: We are open to any investigation

ABS-CBN (Mar 15, 2022): AFP on New Bataan 5 killing: We are open to any investigation

The Philippine military said Tuesday said it will present former communist rebels who will prove that 5 people killed in New Bataan, Davao de Oro were members of the New People's Army.

Armed Forces spokesperson Col. Ramon Zagala said the military will cooperate should there be an investigation in the clash that led to the deaths of 5 alleged communist rebels, including Lumad volunteer teacher Chad Booc.

"We are open to any investigation. What happened was an encounter between the New People's Army and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. So, we are firm with that," he told ANC's "Rundown".

"Now they want do an investigation. We are open to it so we could see what really happened. So, they could see that Chad Booc was a member of the New People's Army," he added.

READ: Forensic pathologist: Lumad teacher Chad Booc's death a 'homicide'

Booc, a fellow Lumad teacher, health worker and 2 drivers were killed during the alleged clash between members of 1001st Infantry Brigade and alleged NPA fighters on Feb. 24.

The lawyer of Booc family had said the victims were noncombatants.

An autopsy conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Raquel Fortun showed the victims were shot with an intent to kill. "Even if [Booc] had been attended to, he would not survive. It was a homicide," said Fortun.

Booc suffered multiple gunshot wounds and abrasions. His spleen was also lacerated along with other major parts of the body, such as the adrenal gland and spinal cord.

NPA REBEL

In the interview, Zagala reiterated that Booc was an "NPA armed fighter".

"This is a legitimate encounter. Booc is an armed combatant. He is a legitimate target for a military operation. He was killed or he could have killed soldiers himself because he was armed," he said.

Former NPA members who have surrendered to the government also identified Booc as part of the communist armed group, Zagala said.

“We would like to put into light also several other witnesses who have surrendered to the government and identified Chad Booc as a member of the New People’s Army, and he was seen last 2010 with CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) leaders in the area. So, what does that tell you? That he is part of the New People’s Army," he added.

The sighting of Booc, together with NPA member Leo Lacumbo, in December 2021 also solidifies that claim, Zagala said.

Booc also used the nom de guerre Ka Tibay in the NPA, he added.

"In the next few days, the 10th Infantry Division will come out with new surrenderees linking him to the organization," Zagala said.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/03/15/22/afp-to-present-witnesses-saying-lumad-teacher-was-npa-rebel

BDP projects in upland Davao Oro villages open up opportunities

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): BDP projects in upland Davao Oro villages open up opportunities (By Che Palicte)

BDP PROJECT. A school building with three classrooms funded by the Barangay Development Program (BDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is turned over to residents of Barangay Coronobe in Maragusan, Davao de Oro on March 10, 2022. The project forms part of the PHP20 million BDP allocation for the village. (Photo courtesy of Davao de Oro PIO)

The newly constructed development projects under the Barangay Development Program (BDP) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) in two upland villages of Maragusan, Davao de Oro, has provided residents more opportunities for growth, an official said Monday.

In a statement, Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy said the PHP20 million worth of projects allotted each for Barangays Bagong Silang and Coronobe have opened new prospects to the villages that were once influenced by communist rebels.

The projects include the concreting of farm-to-market roads, solar street lights, and the construction of a three-classroom school building.

In 2021, the province received PHP1.3 billion from NTF-ELCAC intended for the BDP, of which PHP20 million was earmarked for each of the 65 barangays that were cleared of communist insurgency.

A hallmark program of the NTF-ELCAC with the end goal of bringing development to former conflict-prone communities, the BDP forms part of the government’s whole-of-nation approach in fighting the rebellion waged by the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army - National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) in the countryside.

The program aims to eradicate the root causes of the insurgency, poverty, disease, lack of education and opportunities, and social injustice in remote communities across the country identified to have been influenced by the communist ideology.

In 2021, the BDP targeted to rehabilitate and develop 822 geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas formerly influenced by the CPP-NPA-NDF in many parts of the country.

This year, 1,406 barangays have been identified to benefit from the program.

Meanwhile, Mayor Maricel Colina-Vendiola thanked the government for bringing the projects to the upland barangays saying ‘it drastically changed the lives of the people in the area.’

“The residents could now safely travel at night because of the solar streetlights and have better access roads in transporting their farm produce to the town proper,” she said.

Vendiola added that the school building in Barangay Coronobe is expected to benefit hundreds of students once face-to-face classes resume.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169689

24 soldiers in NegOcc get merit medals

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): 24 soldiers in NegOcc get merit medals (By Nanette Guadalquiver)

MERIT MEDAL. Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, bestows the Military Merit Medal on a soldier of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, who was among those who engaged CPP-NPA rebels in central Negros on March 9, during the awarding rites held at battalion headquarters in Isabela, Negros Occidental on March 11, 2022. The clash led to the deaths of notorious hitman Virgilio “Kumander Bedam” Tamban and comrade Ben Jack “Ka Yuhan” Rueles. (Photo courtesy of 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

Some 24 troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) were awarded medals for their bravery and heroism during an encounter that led to the death of two Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels in Isabela, Negros Occidental on March 9.

They received the Military Merit Medal from Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of 3rd Infantry Division, in rites at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela on March 11.

As of Monday, two of the recipients, who sustained minor injuries, were already in stable condition.

Aside from receiving the Military Merit Medal, the injured were also bestowed the Wounded Personnel Medal by Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental.

“I congratulate all the awardees for a job well done. Continue your hard work, bravery, and efficiency. We don’t do this to become famous, we do it because it is our mission to secure peace and prosperity in our area of operations,” Arevalo said.

The recipients comprise the Scout Platoon led by 1Lt. Kim Hope Barquilla, who encountered about 10 communist-rebels, during a joint law enforcement operation with the Isabela police early morning on March 9 in Barangay Amin, Isabela.

The clash resulted in the deaths of Virgilio “Kumander Bedam” Tamban, commanding officer of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon Lenovo of the NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command; and Ben Jack “Ka Yuhan” Rueles, a member of the Regional Striking Force of Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor.

Tagged by the military as a “notorious hitman”, Tamban was tagged in the murder of five persons in central Negros last February 16 to March 2.

“The efforts of 62IB are very vital here in central Negros. Continue your efforts to push the CPP-NPA to lay down their arms and come back to the fold of the law. I congratulate your bravery and heroism,” Pasaporte said.

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.

24 soldiers in NegOcc get merit medals


By Nanette Guadalquiver March 14, 2022, 3:25 pm


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MERIT MEDAL. Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, bestows the Military Merit Medal on a soldier of the 62nd Infantry Battalion, who was among those who engaged CPP-NPA rebels in central Negros on March 9, during the awarding rites held at battalion headquarters in Isabela, Negros Occidental on March 11, 2022. The clash led to the deaths of notorious hitman Virgilio “Kumander Bedam” Tamban and comrade Ben Jack “Ka Yuhan” Rueles. (Photo courtesy of 62nd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

BACOLOD CITY – Some 24 troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB) were awarded medals for their bravery and heroism during an encounter that led to the death of two Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) rebels in Isabela, Negros Occidental on March 9.

They received the Military Merit Medal from Maj. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, commander of 3rd Infantry Division, in rites at the battalion headquarters in Barangay Libas, Isabela on March 11.

As of Monday, two of the recipients, who sustained minor injuries, were already in stable condition.

Aside from receiving the Military Merit Medal, the injured were also bestowed the Wounded Personnel Medal by Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia, Negros Occidental.

“I congratulate all the awardees for a job well done. Continue your hard work, bravery, and efficiency. We don’t do this to become famous, we do it because it is our mission to secure peace and prosperity in our area of operations,” Arevalo said.

The recipients comprise the Scout Platoon led by 1Lt. Kim Hope Barquilla, who encountered about 10 communist-rebels, during a joint law enforcement operation with the Isabela police early morning on March 9 in Barangay Amin, Isabela.

The clash resulted in the deaths of Virgilio “Kumander Bedam” Tamban, commanding officer of Sandatahang Yunit Pampropaganda Platoon Lenovo of the NPA’s Leonardo Panaligan Command; and Ben Jack “Ka Yuhan” Rueles, a member of the Regional Striking Force of Komiteng Rehiyon Negros, Cebu, Bohol, and Siquijor.

Tagged by the military as a “notorious hitman”, Tamban was tagged in the murder of five persons in central Negros last February 16 to March 2.

“The efforts of 62IB are very vital here in central Negros. Continue your efforts to push the CPP-NPA to lay down their arms and come back to the fold of the law. I congratulate your bravery and heroism,” Pasaporte said.

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/1169702

Military captures NPA bombmaker, 2 others in DavNor

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): Military captures NPA bombmaker, 2 others in DavNor (By Che Palicte)

BOMB-MAKING EXPERT. Victor Rollon (extreme left), also known as Rico Rollon, bombmaker of Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID) and Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), the most notorious New People’s Army (NPA) bomb-making expert in Southern Mindanao falls on March 9, 2022 along with two others during law enforcement operations in Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City. Rollon has been wanted for murder and serious illegal detention. (Photo courtesy of Eastmincom)

The arrest of the most notorious New People’s Army (NPA) bomb-making expert and two others in Southern Mindanao reflects the success of the Armed Forces' focus operations, combined with the programs of the National Task Force Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

In a statement Monday, the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said the partnership between the military and NTF-ELCAC has "paved for the cooperation of former rebels and the communities who share vital information."

“(This has led) to the continued surrender and recovery of various firearms as well as improvised explosive devices (IEDs)," Lt. Gen. Greg Almerol, Eastmincom commander said.

Victor Rollon, also known as Rico Rollon, an alleged bombmaker of the Komisyong Mindanao (KOMMID) and Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), was arrested by 1001st Brigade, Philippine National Police, and intel units during law enforcement operations in Barangay La Filipina, Tagum City on March 9.

Rollon was collared along with Christine Joy Adorza Dula, finance officer of the NPA Guerrilla Front 3 (GF3), Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC4), SMRC; and Chargelyn Monta Casquejo, political instructor of Pulang Bagani Command (PBC), Regional Operations Command (ROC), SMRC.

Government forces recovered two IEDs, an M16 rifle, a loaded .45-caliber pistol, mobile phones, medical equipment, and subversive documents.

Almerol said Rollon is wanted for murder and serious illegal detention, while Dula for rebellion and insurrection, and Casquejo for homicide.

He also condemned the communist NPA for its continued use of anti-personnel mines (APMs) that have long been banned by the Geneva Convention, the International Humanitarian Law, and Republic Act 9851.

"They never halted using these explosives even though it has cost the lives of innocent civilians like Kieth Absalon who was ambushed and killed by the communist NPA in Masbate last year by detonating an IED," Almerol noted.

As of March 11, the Eastmincom reported that a total of 48 APMs were recovered by the troops, which is almost half of the 97 retrieved in 2021.

The CPP-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 National Democratic Front 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/1169694

Army execs hope next President to sustain progress in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): Army execs hope next President to sustain progress in Mindanao (By Christine Cudis)

SUSTAINED DEVELOPMENT. Ranking officials of the Philippine Army Col. Darren Comia (left) and Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, who are based in Mindanao, express hope that the next Philippine President will be as supportive of the Philippine Army as President Rodrigo Duterte is. They said the modernization program of the Armed Forces and the programs under the National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict should be sustained. (PNA file photo)

Ranking officials based in Mindanao have expressed hope that the next President of the country will continue to nurture the progress initiated by the Philippine Army on the island.

In an interview on Monday with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), the Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID) commander, Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, said whoever gets elected will earn the respect and trust of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Mempin added that the next Philippine leader must also support the AFP and its programs, including its further modernization.

This is crucial, he said, for the AFP to "continue its programs in organizational development which includes modernization to further improve our defense capability against all threats to national security."

Mempin, who formerly led the AFP’s Civil Military Operations (CMO), underscored the importance of the modernization initiatives that gained ground under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration.

Under Duterte’s term, the AFP managed to complete a total of 54 projects under RA 7898 or the AFP Modernization Act and RA 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Act, while 70 other projects were also delivered.

Around PHP125 billion worth of funds was also appropriated for the procurement of these vital and game-changing assets under the present administration.

Col. Darren Comia, chief of the Task Force Davao, echoed the same sentiment, saying better equipment boosts the morale of the Armed Forces.

“We hope that the next President can sustain this kind of attention to our force. We need the items and training of our men,” Comia said in a separate interview.

He also cited the impact of the creation of National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

“We are hoping and praying that the next president can provide support to the Army as we solve the insurgency problems,” he said.

Mempin said "the people on the ground feel the impact" of NTF-ELCAC, which he said "gathers all the government instrumentalities, local government units, private sectors, civil society organizations, and private individuals to join hands in giving solutions to decades-long insurgency."

“It's (NTF-ELCAC) a game-changer...it shows that the military can't solve the insurgency alone," he said.

"The solutions to the issues being raised by the vulnerable communities, which are exploited by the Communist Party of the Philippines- New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), are best handled by other agencies of government in collaboration with other partner stakeholders,” he said.

Since 2010, Davao Region has been declared by the national government as national priority area to clear from the influence of the CPP-NPA.

A recent study released by the 10th ID showed that they used to confront 12 Guerilla Fronts (GFs) and 6 Pulang Bagani Command (PBC) in 2016.

In 2020, there are only three remaining GFs, four Weakened Guerilla Front (WGF), and one PBC in their record.

The 2016-2020 study, conducted every five years, also noted that such degradation also has direct relationship with the increased development and peace in the 10ID’s area of responsibility.

The 10ID's area of responsibility covers the Davao Region, parts of Soccsksargen (Sarangani, South Cotabato, 2nd district of Cotabato and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat), Trento, Agusan del Sur and Lingig, Surigao del Sur.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169712

PNP promotes 5 senior PRO-9 officers

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): PNP promotes 5 senior PRO-9 officers (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

PROMOTION. The Philippine National Police promotes five officers from the rank of major to lieutenant colonel under the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9). Brig. Gen. Franco Simborio, PRO-9 director, (left) led the donning of the rank ceremony of the five promoted officers Monday (March 14, 2022) at Camp Col. Romeo Abendan, the PRO-9 headquarters in Barangay Mercedes, Zamboanga City. (Photo courtesy of PRO-9)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) promoted five senior officers under the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula (PRO-9), an official said Monday.

Three of the five officers promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel are organic personnel of PRO-9 while the remaining two belong to the national support units of the PNP, said Maj. Shellamie Chang, PRO-9 information officer.

Chang said the three PRO-9 promoted officers are Lt. Col. Annalie Francisco, Lt. Col. Raymond Sanson, and Lt. Col. Hingming Ladjaali.

Francisco, Sanson, and Ladjaali are chiefs of the City Police Strategy Management Unit, City Traffic Enforcement Unit, and City Administrative Resource Management Unit, respectively, of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).

Chang said the two other promoted officers are Lt. Col. Eugene Raymundo of the PNP Training Institute, and Lt. Col. Abdulmutalib Tagayan of the PNP Forensic Group.

Brig. Gen. Franco Simborio, PRO-9 director, administered the oath and led the donning of ranks ceremony of the five promoted officers Monday at Camp Col. Romeo Abendan, the PRO-9 headquarters in Barangay Mercedes here.

Simborio encouraged the officers to perform better in their respective assigned tasks.

Col. Alexander Lorenzo, ZCPO director, said the promotion of the three officers is worthy of emulation by the other officers of the ZCPO.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169714

US, PH fighter jets to join air combat maneuver drills

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): US, PH fighter jets to join air combat maneuver drills (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Air Force

Philippine Air Force (PAF) FA-50PH jet fighter pilots will have the opportunity to practice "air combat maneuvering" (ACM) tactics with American F-16 fighter pilots during the "Bilateral Air Contingent Exchange (BACE)-Philippines which will be held March 14 to 25.

PAF spokesperson Col. Maynard Mariano made this remark when asked by the Philippine News Agency Monday whether the two-week maneuvers will feature "ACM" between the Mach 1.5 capable FA-50PHs and the participating F-16s from the United States Air Force 13th Squadron.

"Yes, but this time it's going to be a large force against a large force," he said.

Asked to clarify how many PAF and USAF aircraft will be participating in these ACM drills, Mariano said that it will be four FA-50PHs versus four F-16s.

"Four on four. This is to stimulate a large force and for safety reasons," he added.

Previous iterations of the BACE-P have previously conducted three similar maneuvers but on a smaller scale.

Twelve US F-16s will be participating in this year's BACE-P while 10 FA-50PHs from the PAF's 5th Fighter Wing.

The American aircraft arrived in the country last March 12.

ACM refers to the "tactical art of moving, turning and/or situating one's fighter aircraft in order to attain a position from which an attack can be made on another aircraft."

It relies on offensive and defensive basic fighter maneuvering to gain an advantage over an aerial opponent.

Mariano said that the exercise will also allow or feature "simulated guns and missile kills" among opposing American and Filipino aircraft.

He added that the ACM drills will be conducted over the northwestern part of Central Luzon.

"It will be held in Intensive Military Training Area 1 and 2 (and this is over) northwest of Central Luzon," the PAF spokesperson said.

Also, Mariano said this year's BACE-P will feature Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) on how to use and defend against surface-to-air missiles (SAM) systems.

"This will be a SMEE -- more on a lecture type and procedures on what to do on how to defend against, (and) also to employ (SAM systems)," he added.

Earlier, the PAF said it will be participating in the 10th iteration of the BACE-P which that will be executed at Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga; Clark Air Base, Mabalacat City, Pampanga; Colonel Ernesto Ravina Air Base, Capas, Tarlac; and in Wallace Air Station in San Fernando La Union.

The exercise will focus on a wide range of mission sets such as air-to-air engagement, base defense; air traffic navigations and integration coordination; air battle management, air defense command, and control operations; radar and radio operations; and surface-to air-missile operation and deployment planning.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169675

Unite to end Reds' threat, Lacson urges Pinoys

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): Unite to end Reds' threat, Lacson urges Pinoys (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Partido Reporma standard-bearer Senator Panfilo " Ping" Lacson (Photo courtesy of Lacson-Sotto media bureau)

Partido Reporma standard-bearer Senator Panfilo " Ping" Lacson on Monday called on all Filipinos to unite in ending the more than five decades of communist insurgency in the country.

The presidential aspirant made this appeal as he visited Isabela, where the New People's Army (NPA) was born in Jones town in 1969.

"Dapat talaga, the Philippines deserves a better peace and order and prosperity. Dapat magkaisa-isa na tayo para ang kapayapaan at katahimikan mamayani sa ating bansa at tuloy umasenso na tayong lahat (I believe the Philippines deserves a better peace and order and prosperity. We should unite so there will be peace and prosperity in our country and we can live better lives)," Lacson said at the flag-raising ceremony in Cauayan, Isabela.

He said the country needs a strong leader who has a vision and the ability to implement peace and order.

Lacson said during the five decades of insurgency, more than 2,000 people have been killed while billions of pesos had been lost to the NPAs who collect revolutionary taxes and burn the equipment of businessmen who do not cooperate.

He pointed out President Rodrigo Duterte himself cited intelligence information indicating the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), NPA, and National Democratic Front (NDF) may have "infiltrated" the campaigns of some camps.

Lacson said the Philippines has experienced twice the scenario of those identified with the CPP-NPA getting government posts - with the NPA gaining strength each time.

"Napansin namin, ang lalakas ng armas so pag nasa government ang CPP-NPA lumalakas ang pwersa nila within the government bureaucracy itself (We noticed that when those in the CPP-NPA join the government, the NPA's weapons become more powerful)," he added.

Lacson said the people can no longer allow the CPP-NPA to enter into a "coalition" with the government a third time.

In his speech, Lacson also recalled his stint in Isabela in 1988 as then provincial commander of the Philippine Constabulary.

He said he stopped the NPA's practice of conducting checkpoints there and enforced the Constabulary's checkpoints.

He cited one mission where the NPA ambushed his men, with Lt. Rosauro Toda - a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1986 - among the fatalities.

Lacson noted the ambush had been meant for him, had Toda’s reinforcing group not hit the ambush site ahead of the main force which he was leading. Lacson, who is running for President under Partido Reporma, visited Isabela with his vice presidential bet, Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III.

Sotto, in his speech, noted he had worked for the cityhood of Cauayan.

The call of Lacson is in line with the Lacson-Sotto tandem's platform of giving Filipinos a better life by fixing the ills in government (Aayusin ang gobyerno, aayusin ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino), and going after crooks especially in government (Uubusin ang magnanakaw).

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will look into reports that communists have infiltrated Robredo's campaign.

PNP chief, Gen. Dionardo Carlos said they will investigate and verify the intelligence reports they gathered.

"We will look at it and submit the report to the President. The rallies, statements, you assess it because the intelligence work, we cannot give you intelligence work. If we go to the field and our intelligence operatives are monitoring and then the statements, in cases yan and then we give it to the proper authority," Carlos told reporters.

Carlos said they will submit a report to the President regarding the matter.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169697

Ilocos Region now free from insurgency: NTF-ELCAC

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): Ilocos Region now free from insurgency: NTF-ELCAC (By Lade Jean Kabagani)

National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. (File photo)

The Ilocos Region has been declared insurgency-free after a significant number of New People’s Army (NPA) guerilla fronts have been overpowered by government troops, an official of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) said.

In a video interview posted on NTF-ELCAC's Facebook page on Monday, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said 34 members of the Komiteng Larangan Guerilla (KLG) South Ilocos, including two secretaries, were neutralized.

KLG’s former chairperson and a member of the NPA Ilocos-Cordillera regional committee was also captured by government troops in Samar on February 18.

“Wala na talagang NPA doon sa Ilocos, except kung nagpapanggap na nag-lie low na, but ‘yung apat na natitira pa sa Ilocos Sur ay tumakbo doon sa Abra at hinahabol-habol namin (There are no more NPA members in Ilocos [Region], except for those who are pretending to lie low but there are four members from Ilocos Sur who fled to Abra and we’re chasing them now),” Esperon said.

He expects more opportunities for Ilocos Region communities to develop further.

“Really, development is fast coming in, of course, ever since it was, but what more now, that’s the effect if guerilla fronts will be diminished,” he said.

NTF-ELCAC and Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy said the long-standing atrocities of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, NPA, have been interrupting the tourism industry in the region.

Areas that have been declared as peaceful and secured regions can achieve further progress, such as welcoming big players in the tourism industry as well as bringing other business opportunities, she said in a statement.

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 National Democratic Front 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/1169707

Recorder of PNP chopper in Quezon crash recovered

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): Recorder of PNP chopper in Quezon crash recovered (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)

File photo

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos on Monday confirmed that the "recorder" of the Airbus H-125 helicopter that crashed in Real, Quezon last month has already been recovered.

During his regular briefing in Camp Crame, Carlos said the investigation on the helicopter crash being conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is still ongoing.

“Sila (CAAP) ‘yung nagde-determine niyan. ‘Yung amin pong ginagawang investigation (The investigation we are undertaking) is for policy review. Was there any violation on the policy of the PNP?. After that, ididikit namin kung ano ‘yung naging resulta (we will merge the findings of the investigation),” he said.

Carlos said this will also determine whether there is a violation committed or if there is a need to update or revise existing policies on the use of PNP choppers.

Carlos said the other four H125 Airbus units of the PNP remained grounded pending the investigation on the incident.

He said he can unground it anytime during emergency situations.

In a separate interview, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said Lt. Col. Dexter Vitug, the pilot, and co-pilot Lt. Col. Michael Melloria has been requested by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to provide an additional statement as part of the ongoing investigation.

“Meron na silang na-submit na affidavit sa PNP air units pero minabuti po ng CIDG na kuhanan po sila ng (they have already submitted their affidavit in PNP air units but the CIDG asked for) additional statements to help in the ongoing investigation, pati na rin po yung mekaniko ng PNP aircraft na nag (as well the mechanic) conduct technical maintenance inspection of the chopper,” Fajardo said in a TV interview.

Fajardo also said that during the assessment of the special investigation task group (SITG) composed of CAAP, PNP, and the manufacturer of the chopper who went personally to the crash site last week, they collected pieces of evidence like camera, vehicle and engine, monitoring display, electronic engine control and engine data recorder to be brought and read by the aircraft investigation office in France.

“Ito yung magbibigay linaw kung ano po ba ang dahilan ng pagbagsak ng chopper, magkaroon po ba ng mechanical problem or human error po ba yung nangyari (This will clarify what is the cause of the chopper crash, is there a mechanical problem or is there a human error),” she explained.

On February 21, an H125 Airbus of the PNP with registry number RP-9710 crashed in Real, Quezon.

Carlos made headlines for his Balesin visit after the PNP Airbus H-125 helicopter deployed to fetch him crashed, injuring the two pilots and killing the enlisted crew member, Pat. Allen Noel Ona.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169704

DFA summons China envoy over navy ship's intrusion in PH waters

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): DFA summons China envoy over navy ship's intrusion in PH waters (By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz)

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday summoned China's envoy to Manila after a People’s Liberation Army – Navy (PLAN) vessel was caught in “illegal incursions” in the Sulu Sea in January and February this year.

In a statement, the DFA has summoned Ambassador Huang Xilian through Acting Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro after a PLAN Electronic Reconnaissance Ship (Dongdiao-class) with bow number 792 entered Philippine waters “without permission” and reached the Cuyo Group of Islands in Palawan and Apo Island in Mindoro from January 29 to February 1.

During a confrontation, it said Philippine Navy vessel BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) challenged PLAN 792 which alleged that it was “exercising innocent passage.”

“Its movements, however, did not follow a track that can be considered as continuous and expeditious, lingering in the Sulu Sea for three days,” the DFA said.

It added that PLAN 792 continued its intrusion in Philippine waters despite repeated directions by the BRP Antonio Luna to leave Philippine waters immediately.

“As a country that abides by its international commitments, the Philippines recognizes the right of innocent passage in accordance with Article 52 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). However, the actions of PLAN 792 did not constitute innocent passage and violated Philippine sovereignty,” the DFA said.

In response, Lazaro demanded that China “respect Philippine territory and maritime jurisdiction.”

She also demanded China comply with its obligations under international law, particularly UNCLOS, and direct its vessels to desist from entering Philippine waters “uninvited and without permission.” (

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169750

NTF-ELCAC to Robredo: Stop lying about alliance with CPP

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): NTF-ELCAC to Robredo: Stop lying about alliance with CPP

NTF-ELCAC Spokesperson for Sectoral Concerns and Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy (File photo)

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) on Monday criticized presidential candidate and Vice President Leni Robredo for lying about a deal with members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

NTF-ELCAC Spokesperson for Sectoral Concerns and Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Marie Badoy made this remark after Robredo on Sunday denied rumors linking her and her volunteers to the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Badoy said Robredo’s camp should stop denying the deal, noting that CPP founder, Jose Maria “Joma” Sison even tweeted his official endorsement of her candidacy.

“VP Leni Robredo’s camp should stop insulting the intelligence of the Filipino people by pretending they have not made a pact with the devil, the communist terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF,” she said in a statement.

She said the Makabayan Bloc, which she described as “urban operatives of the CPP-NPA-NDF”, also endorsed Robredo.

“This endorsement of Leni Robredo is an endorsement of the Central Committee of the CPP-NPA-NDF, an organization that has been designated a terrorist organization by the Anti-Terrorism Council and that has also been declared a terrorist organization by the Philippines, US, UK, New Zealand, EU, Australia and Canada,” she added.

Badoy said Robredo has formed a “tactical alliance” with communist terrorists that is “mutually beneficial to the both of them.”

“And anything that benefits this terrorist organization means more pain and suffering for the Filipino people,” she said.

Citing Robredo’s March 4 campaign sortie in Cavite, Badoy said the Vice President even shared the stage with communist “operatives.”

She pointed out that Robredo took back her calls for the abolition of the NTF-ELCAC and repeatedly used the term “redtagging” to “silence” those who speak the truth about communist fronts.

Badoy said Robredo also promised to resume what she described as “bogus” peace talks should she be elected as president.

“We are sorry to tell those who have given their precious trust to the VP that she has betrayed us all,” Badoy said.

She said the only way Robredo could “redeem” herself is to publicly denounce the CPP-NPA-NDF and all the atrocities they have committed and work with the NTF-ELCAC.

She said Robredo should also ask the Makabayan Bloc to do the same.

“We therefore await the Vice President’s public condemnation of the CPP-NPA-NDF and her open invitation for the KABAG to do the same. Otherwise, we will rightfully conclude that she is not worthy of our trust and that she values the few votes the CPP-NPA-NDF claims they can give her far more than our lives and the lives of our children and the destiny of our country,” she said.

In an interview over SMNI on Saturday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said he received an intelligence report about alleged “groupings” of some members of the opposition and communist rebels to disrupt the May 2022 polls.

Robredo's spokesperson, Barry Gutierrez, earlier said the "blatant" and "persistent" red-tagging of their camp is a "new low", noting that rival candidates were trying to dampen the energy of the Vice President's campaign.

CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena also denied talking with Robredo or other presidential candidates about the formation of a coalition government.

The CPP-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 National Democratic Front 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/1169751

DOJ to file rape charges vs. CPP-NPA leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 14, 2022): DOJ to file rape charges vs. CPP-NPA leader (By Benjamin Pulta)

Department of Justice (File photo)

The Department of Justice (DOJ) will file multiple rape charges against Joel Caliliw, a leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

In a statement on Monday, the DOJ said a panel of prosecutors recommended the filing of nine counts of rape against Caliliw in a February 2 resolution.

Complainant “Lady Miranda”, a former CPP-NPA-NDF cadre, accused Caliliw of sexually abusing her thrice in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija in March 2018 and at least six times in April 2018 in Umingan, Pangasinan while he was their platoon’s vice commanding officer.

Caliliw’s alibis, denial of allegations of rape, and imputing blame on “Lady Miranda” are self-serving and deserve no weight in law, the DOJ said.

“Instead, the unequivocal statements of Lady Miranda and the fact that she was able to positively identify respondent Caliliw as the culprit are given more credence,” the DOJ said.

The DOJ previously found probable cause for two counts of rape committed against “Lady Miranda” by another CPP-NPA-NDF squad leader and vice commander, Rey Dela Peña, filed at the Regional Trial Courts of Nueva Vizcaya and Nueva Ecija.

Miranda, 24, was an out-of-school youth when she was recruited by a militant-activist group 10 years ago.

“They used the issues of education and poverty to lure me,” she told the Philippine News Agency in an interview last year.

She admitted she used to be the spokesperson in community rallies where recruitments took place.

“When I turned 18, I formally became part of the CPP-NPA, and that is when the sexual abuses started,” she added.

A year after, she started suffering from mental health issues and was allowed to consult with doctors.

After months of waiting for her former comrades to check on her, she decided to go home.

She credited government agencies, through the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, for helping her restart her life.

She first worked at a golf course and in 2020, she landed a job as a social worker in a non-governmental organization for former rebels.

She found a partner in a former rebel and they now have a child.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169747

1.8K applicants sign up with PH Army in recruitment caravan

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 15, 2022): 1.8K applicants sign up with PH Army in recruitment caravan (By Priam Nepomuceno)

Photo courtesy of Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PA) on Tuesday announced that almost 1,800 aspirants have participated in its two-day recruitment caravan held at Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila last March 12 to 13.

"Some 1,212 aspiring enlisted personnel and 500 aspiring officers registered to take the pre-qualifying Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test (AFPSAT) during the weekend caravan. AFPSAT passers still need to hurdle interviews, physical fitness tests, trade tests, and physical, medical, and neuropsychiatric exams to determine if they are qualified for training," PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

He added that the two-day recruitment caravan, which is headed by the Army Personnel Management Center, is part of the series of month-long activities to celebrate the PA's 125th founding anniversary which is on March 22.

Trinidad also said that nine PA major units -- Aviation Regiment, Armor Division, Signal Regiment, Civil Military Operations Regiment, 51st Engineer Brigade, Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), First Scout Ranger Regiment, Army Support Command, and the Army Artillery Regiment -- joined the caravan and set-up recruitment booths, and static displays to inform Army aspirants about the diverse functions of soldiers in the organization.

"The Philippine Army Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Reservist and Retiree Affairs (OG9, PA) also set-up a booth for ROTC (Reserve Officers Training Corps) cadets and aspiring members of the reserve force," he added.

Trinidad also said that 138 applicants applied for civilian human resource posts at the booth of the Civilian Personnel Management Branch of the Philippine Army Office which is under the Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel (OG1, PA).

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1169788