Saturday, April 2, 2022

NOLCOM: Philippine Army, Indonesian Army wrap up site survey, planning exercise for TA DOLPHINE XIV-2022

Posted to the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 2, 2022): Philippine Army, Indonesian Army wrap up site survey, planning exercise for TA DOLPHINE XIV-2022











Philippine Army

Philippine Army, Indonesian Army wrap up site survey, planning exercise for TA DOLPHINE XIV-2022

The Philippine Army and the Indonesian Army wrapped up on April 1, 2022 the four-day site survey and planning conference for Training Activity Indonesia-Philippines (TA DOLPHINE XIV-2022) in Jakarta, Indonesia.

TA DOLPHINE XIV-2022, which was approved during the 27th Indonesian Army-Philippine Army Working Group Meeting, will focus on the exchange of information, tactics, technics and procedures in the conduct of counterinsurgency operations.

The 14th iteration of exercise will be conducted physically on June 6 to 17, 2022 at the Taipur Military Camp, CIlodong and Sangga Buana Training Site, Karawang, West Java, Indonesia. It can be recalled that the Philippine Army's First Scout Ranger Regiment and the Indonesian Army's Strategic Command held the TA DOLPHINE XIII-2021 via video teleconferencing in November last year due to pandemic restrictions. Last year's iteration of the combined bilateral exercise between the two armies focused on urban and jungle warfare special operations.

FSRR Chief of Staff Col. Samuel G. Yunque and Indonesian Army’s 17th Para Raider Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Fendri Navyanto Raminta led the site inspection and conference planning activity. The two officers highlighted importance of conducting bilateral combined exercise between the Philippines and Indonesia because the two countries share not just borders but common regional security interests as well.  Photo: AC of S for Training and Education, G8, Philippine Army
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SOLCOM: Former Rebels in Catanduanes Receive E-CLIP Grants

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 30, 2022): Former Rebels in Catanduanes Receive E-CLIP Grants



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SOLCOM: Another NPA Rebel Embraces the Call for Peace

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 30, 2022): Another NPA Rebel Embraces the Call for Peace



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SOLCOM: Army Scores Anew in Bicol against Communist Terrorist Group, Spoils NPA Anniversary

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 30, 2022): Army Scores Anew in Bicol against Communist Terrorist Group, Spoils NPA Anniversary



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SOLCOM: Baril at Pampasabog ng NPA, Nahukay sa Oriental Mindoro

Posted to the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) Facebook Page (Mar 31, 2022): Baril at Pampasabog ng NPA, Nahukay sa Oriental Mindoro (NPA Guns and Explosives, Excavated in Oriental Mindoro)



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EASTMINCOM: The Ultimate Collapse of the Guerilla Front 3

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 2, 2022): The Ultimate Collapse of the Guerilla Front 3















AFP Radio DWDD

The Ultimate Collapse of the Guerilla Front 3

MAWAB, Davao de Oro – Guerilla Front 3 (GF3) Secretary Maximo Catarata alias MC/MAKATINDOG/TINDOGAN surrendered to Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I Jubahib together with 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin, 1001st Brigade Commander BGen Jesus P Durante III, and 60IB Commander Lt Col Merrill C Sumalinog at 60IB headquarters in Asuncion, Davao del Norte on March 31, 2022.

Prior to Catarata’s surrender, on March 29, 2022, three other Guerilla Front 3 members have already surrendered to 60IB. They are Emy Ansag Camilo alias Maika, Logistics Officer; GF3 elements Nilo Oyda Moluhinday alias Bukay, 65 years-old and Reyan Bagubay Moluhinday alias Monsor, 21 years old.
 
It can be recalled that on February 26, 2022, Catarata’s son who is also the Commanding Officer of GF 3, Renard Galos Catarata alias “SM” together with 12 others surrendered to 60IB bringing along with their high-powered firearms.
 
The surrender of its top leadership and members will consequently lead to the dismantling of GF3, SRC4, SMRC operating in the tri-boundaries of Agusan Sur, Davao De Oro and Davao Del Norte.
(Source: 10th INFANTRY (AGILA) DIVISION, PHILIPPINE ARMY )
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EASTMINCOM: Senior NPA rebel surrenders to Army in Kapulong, Davao del Norte

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Apr 2, 2022): Senior NPA rebel surrenders to Army in Kapulong, Davao del Norte











60th Infantry "Mediator" Battalion

SENIOR NPA REBEL SURRENDER TO ARMY IN KAPALONG, DDN

Asuncion, DDN- A long time NPA high-ranking leader surrendered to Lt. Col. Merrill Sumalinog, Acting Commander of 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) thru the facilitation of the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte led by Hon. Edwin Jubahib, Governor. The voluntary surrender is a result of the relentless focused military operations of the said unit together with other supporting units under the 1001st Infantry Brigade (1001 Bde), 10th Infantry Division (10ID), Philippine Army last March 31, Thursday, at Sitio Bagtok, Barangay Gupitan of Kapalong, Davao del Norte.
 
The surrenderee was identified as Alyas Datu Makatindog/MC, 63 years old and a resident of Brgy. Cebolano, Carmen, Davao del Norte. Datu Makatindog/MC is the Secretary of Weakened Guerilla Front 3 (WGF 3), Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC 4), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), and is also a Plenary Member of SMRC. Upon his surrender, he brought with him one (1) M16 rifle with seven (7) magazines loaded with ammunition. He was formally welcomed by Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the Division Commander of 10ID, Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, the Brigade Commander of 1001 Bde at the 60IB Headquarters, Brgy. Doña Andrea, Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

As a result of the initial interview conducted, he revealed that he joined the armed struggle since 1980 accounting for more than 40 years of stay in the said group. He was the former Secretary of the Dismantled Guerilla Front 34 (DGF 34) and was also the Former Political Instructor of the Regional Peasant Bureau (RPB) of SMRC/North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). Datu Makatindog/MC also revealed that he decided to return to the folds of the government due to the hardship he experienced inside the armed group caused by the recent serious debacles that resulted in the surrender of most of his subordinates. He also cited that he was convinced to finally surrender due to the good treatment experienced by his relatives and former comrades who have recently surrendered to 60IB.
 
In a statement, Lt. Col. Merill Sumalinog said, “The surrender of Alyas Makatindog is a symbolic manifestation that, indeed, our counterinsurgency efforts in our Area of Responsibility have reached this far to make a high-ranking personality who has been living in communist ideology for over four (4) decades to surrender and put his trust to the government. I, on behalf of all the Mediator troops, we are giving the assurance to Makatindog and all his subordinates who surrendered to us, that we will stay true to our creed of being kind and forgiving to all those who yield and choose peace. With that, I am encouraging the remaining six (6) members of WGF 3 to lay down their arms and surrender.”

The surrenderee is currently under the custody of 60IB and is undergoing custodial debriefing. He has also undergone a complete physical examination and medical check-up. Later on, he will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program where he will receive livelihood assistance and cash remuneration for surrendered firearms. He will also undergo psychological, social, and economic interventions to ensure that they will be reintegrated into their respective communities efficiently.
#
#AFPyoucanTRUST #ParaSaBayan #TeamMediator #tatak60ib #EO70 #NTFELCAC

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AFP-CRS: 30 high-powered firearms successfully recovered in Samar

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Apr 2, 2022): 30 high-powered firearms successfully recovered in Samar

NEWS BREAK | Troops from 46IB together with one of the Former Rebels (FRs) of Guerilla Front (GF) Damol located several firearms cached in Brgy. Patag, Villareal, Samar by GF Damol, Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) Sesame, Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC). The retrieved firearms were transported safely to Headquarters 46IB.



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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AFP-CRS: Local Peace Engagement Cluster

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Apr 2, 2022): Local Peace Engagement Cluster

NTF-ELCAC CLUSTERS | Localized Peace Engagement Cluster Implement a comprehensive framework on the conduct of localized peace engagement, sectoral dialogues, community consultation sessions, and local peace dialogue.



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=348110340692653&set=a.228486002655088

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

AFP-CRS: 11 Abu Sayyaf in Basilan Surrender to the AFP

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook Page (Apr 2, 2022): 11 Abu Sayyaf in Basilan Surrender to the AFP

NEWS BREAK | Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) sub-leader Abdullah Indanan, a.k.a. Guro and ten other ASG members submitted themselves to Joint Task Force (JTF) Basilan/ 101st Infantry Brigade on March 29, 2022.
 
The surrendered ASG members turned-over 11 high-powered firearms that includes six M16 rifles, one M1 Carbine, two M16A1 rifles, one M16 rifle with M203 attached, and one M4 rifle.



[The Civil Relations Service (CRS) is the unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that engages the public through its public information and community relations programs “to create a favorable atmosphere between the community and the AFP. The CRS is the equivalent of the Psychological Operations and Civil Affairs units of the US Army.]

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https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/

Kalinaw News: Himamaylan local’s tip-off: 2 NPA leaders left dead by comrades in another clash with 94IB

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 2, 2022): Himamaylan local’s tip-off: 2 NPA leaders left dead by comrades in another clash with 94IB



CAMP GERONA, MURCIA, Negros Occidental – Concerned locals of Brgy Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental reported the presence of armed NPA Terrorist in the area which resulted in a clash with the troops of 94IB and members of Communist NPA Terrorist leaving their 2 dead comrades at around 3:30 in the afternoon today April 01, 2022 (Friday) in said city.

Elements of the 94th Infantry Battalion and 79th Infantry Battalion responded to a report from concerned citizens in Sitio Kulihaw regarding the presence of suspicious persons believed to be NPA terrorists in the area. They encountered more or less MOL twenty (20) CNT members at Sitio Kulihaw Brgy Buenavista, Himamaylan City, NOC. Said NPA Terrorists hastily withdrew leading towards the northeast direction of Sitio Alolong of said Brgy leaving behind their dead comrades in the area.

The encounter resulted in the death of two (2) CNTs identified as Elbert Nicolas Quillano @CARDING, Platoon Leader of SDG Platoon, Central Negros 2, and Jessa Luiso Quillano @CLEA, Medical Officer, SDG Pltn, CN2, Komiteng Rehiyun- Negros Cebu Bohol Siquijor (KR-NCBS).

The troops were able to seize the following war materials in the encounter site: One (1) Cal .45 pistol, one (1) Cal.45 magazine loaded with 7 live ammunitions, one Lenovo tablet, 2 cellphones, 1 Baofeng radio, assorted medicines, subversive documents, and some personal belongings.

Himamaylan City PNP retrieved the bodies of the 2 dead CNTs for proper disposition and further investigation.

“With the Himamaylan City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MPTF-ELCAC), we will unify and harmonize our peace and development efforts especially with the different stakeholders to end the local communist armed conflict in the city of Himamaylan, especially now, that election time is just a month ahead.

We thanked the people of Brgy Buenavista in Himamaylan for their vigilance in reporting the presence of armed NPA terrorists and for taking concrete actions to ensure that the NPAs are unwanted in their community. We will ensure that these CNTs’ intimidation and extortion activities are halted. I call on the remaining members of the NPAs especially in Central Negros to return to the folds of the law and abandon the futility of the armed struggle. Take advantage of the E-CLIP being offered by our government which will be of great help for your return to live a normal life,” said Brigadier General Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Brigade Commander.



[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/himamaylan-locals-tip-off-2-npa-leaders-left-dead-by-comrades-in-another-clash-with-94ib/

Kalinaw News: NPA’s 3rd guerilla unit fully collapses as remnants yield to EastMinCom troops

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 2, 2022): NPA’s 3rd guerilla unit fully collapses as remnants yield to EastMinCom troops



NSFA, Panacan, Davao City – Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) under the leadership of LtGen. Greg T. Almerol has announced the total collapse of another Guerilla Front (GF) of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) in his area of responsibility after its top-ranking leader and remaining members surrendered to the troops of 10th Infantry Division’s (10th ID) 1001st Infantry Brigade (Bde), 60th Infantry Battalion (IB), intel units, and local government officials in Asuncion, Davao del Norte on March 31.

The CTG leader identified as Maximo Catarata, the Secretary of Guerilla Front 3 (GF3) of Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC4), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) operating in the tri-boundaries of Agusan del Sur, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Norte.

His surrender came after three of his members namely Emy Ansag Camilo, Nilo Oyda Moluhinday, and Reyan Bagubay Moluhinday also yielded to the troops of 60th IB two days prior.


It can be recalled that on February 26, 13 members of the same guerilla unit led by Renard Galos Catarata, Commanding Officer and son of Maximo Catarata, also laid down their arms to government forces due to hunger and physical exhaustion caused by the intensified military operations of EastMinCom.

LtGen. Almerol said that the total surrender and collapse of GF3 is significant to the current campaign of EastMinCom against the extortion and other illegal activities of the CTG during the election season.

“The GF3 is the second most important unit of the CTG that provides high revenue to their terrorist movement through extortion activities. Its total collapse assures us that there will be peaceful, secure, and fair elections in communities they have previously terrorized,” he said.

On the other hand, a report from concerned citizens on the presence of armed individuals extorting food and money from farmers prompted the 36th IB under the 901st Brigade to launch a security operation in the hinterlands of Brgy. San Vicente, Carmen, Surigao del Sur on March 29.

The troops’ response led to a 15-minute firefight against the CTG, which resulted in the seizure of an M16 rifle, a Carbine rifle, a Cal. 22 rifle, a Cal 45 pistol, four Anti-Personnel Mines (APM) with 6 detonating cords and 6 blasting caps, several ammunition, other war materiel, subversive documents, and some medical supplies.

The said encounter came after LtGen. Almerol directed his ground units to intensify their security operations and strictly monitor any terrorist groups that would conduct extortion activities.

“I have already directed all unit Commanders under the EastMinCom to be extra vigilant in their respective areas. We will be addressing security threats posed by the CTG and LTGs who may disrupt elections through intimidation, harassment, vote-buying, and through their permit-to-win, and permit-to-campaign schemes,” he previously said.

In a separate incident, troops of the 402nd Brigade’s 23rd IB also recovered four AK47 rifles, an M1 Garand rifle, several magazines, and ammunitions after they unearthed an arms cache at Sitio Mahogany, Brgy. Ibuan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte on March 28 through the help of a surrenderee who revealed its location.

The former rebel identified as Mary Joy Gabon surrendered earlier to the troops after she was wounded on her left calf during the series of encounters launched by the troops of 23IB in the area.


Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol said that the series of encounters followed by the seizure of firearms and surrender reveals the degraded morale and condition of the CTG members at the hands of their current leaders who are incapable of leading them.

“The series of neutralization of the CTG’s high-ranking leaders have left them with inexperienced ones. They are no longer experts in military tactics but are only bandits and extortionists,” the EastMinCom Commander said.

He also called out the remaining members of the CTG to “rethink if their stay in the terrorist movement with their incompetent leaders is worth dying.”

“Surrender now and avail the benefits of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) instead of sacrificing your lives while your families are suffering,” he added.

Meanwhile, LtGen. Almerol assured that they will continue intensifying their security operations to secure the elections in May and end the local communist armed conflict in June.

“While we are finalizing our task to finish the remaining strongholds of the CTG in Eastern Mindanao, it is also our priority to ensure a secure, accurate, and free election this year to comply with the marching order of our Commander in Chief, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” he said.




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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/npas-3rd-guerilla-unit-fully-collapses-as-remnants-yield-to-eastmincom-troops/

Kalinaw News: The Ultimate Collapse of the Guerilla Front 3

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 2, 2022): The Ultimate Collapse of the Guerilla Front 3



On March 31, 2022, 10th Infantry “Agila” Division Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin together with 1001st Brigade Commander BGen Jesus P Durante III, and 60IB Commander Lt Col Merrill C Sumalinog welcome the surrender of Guerilla Front 3 (GF3) Secretary Maximo Catarata alias MC/MAKATINDOG/ TINDOGAN at 60IB headquarters in Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

The surrender of Catarata was made possible through the effort of Davao del Norte Governor Edwin I Jubahib.

Meanwhile, prior to Catarata’s surrender, on March 29, 2022, three other Guerilla Front 3 members have already surrendered to 60IB. They are Emy Ansag Camilo alias Maika, Logistics Officer; GF3 elements Nilo Oyda Moluhinday alias Bukay, 65 years-old and Reyan Bagubay Moluhinday alias Monsor, 21 years old.

It can be recalled that on February 26, 2022, Catarata’s son who is also the Commanding Officer of GF 3, Renard Galos Catarata alias “SM” together with 12 others surrendered to 60IB bringing along with their high-powered firearms.

The surrender of its top leadership and members will consequently lead to the dismantling of GF3 operating in the tri-boundaries of Agusan Sur, Davao De Oro and Davao Del Norte.



[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/the-ultimate-collapse-of-the-guerilla-front-3/

Kalinaw News: Senior NPA rebel surrender to Army in Kapalong, Davao del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 2, 2022): Senior NPA rebel surrender to Army in Kapalong, Davao del Norte



Asuncion, DDN- A long time NPA high-ranking leader surrendered to Lt. Col. Merrill Sumalinog, Acting Commander of 60th Infantry Battalion (60IB) thru the facilitation of the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte led by Hon. Edwin Jubahib, Governor. The voluntary surrender is a result of the relentless focused military operations of the said unit together with other supporting units under the 1001st Infantry Brigade (1001 Bde), 10th Infantry Division (10ID), Philippine Army last March 31, Thursday, at Sitio Bagtok, Barangay Gupitan of Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

The surrenderee was identified as Alyas Datu Makatindog/MC, 63 years old and a resident of Brgy. Cebolano, Carmen, Davao del Norte. Datu Makatindog/MC is the Secretary of Weakened Guerilla Front 3 (WGF 3), Sub-Regional Committee 4 (SRC 4), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC), and is also a Plenary Member of SMRC. Upon his surrender, he brought with him one (1) M16 rifle with seven (7) magazines loaded with ammunition. He was formally welcomed by Maj. Gen. Nolasco Mempin, the Division Commander of 10ID, Brig. Gen. Jesus Durante III, the Brigade Commander of 1001 Bde at the 60IB Headquarters, Brgy. Doña Andrea, Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

As a result of the initial interview conducted, he revealed that he joined the armed struggle since 1980 accounting for more than 40 years of stay in the said group. He was the former Secretary of the Dismantled Guerilla Front 34 (DGF 34) and was also the Former Political Instructor of the Regional Peasant Bureau (RPB) of SMRC/North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). Datu Makatindog/MC also revealed that he decided to return to the folds of the government due to the hardship he experienced inside the armed group caused by the recent serious debacles that resulted in the surrender of most of his subordinates. He also cited that he was convinced to finally surrender due to the good treatment experienced by his relatives and former comrades who have recently surrendered to 60IB.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Merill Sumalinog said, “The surrender of Alyas Makatindog is a symbolic manifestation that, indeed, our counterinsurgency efforts in our Area of Responsibility have reached this far to make a high-ranking personality who has been living in communist ideology for over four (4) decades to surrender and put his trust to the government. I, on behalf of all the Mediator troops, we are giving the assurance to Makatindog and all his subordinates who surrendered to us, that we will stay true to our creed of being kind and forgiving to all those who yield and choose peace. With that, I am encouraging the remaining six (6) members of WGF 3 to lay down their arms and surrender.”

The surrenderee is currently under the custody of 60IB and is undergoing custodial debriefing. He has also undergone a complete physical examination and medical check-up. Later on, he will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program where he will receive livelihood assistance and cash remuneration for surrendered firearms. He will also undergo psychological, social, and economic interventions to ensure that they will be reintegrated into their respective communities efficiently.



[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/senior-npa-rebel-surrender-to-army-in-kapalong-davao-del-norte/

NPA leader, wife killed in Negros clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 2, 2022): NPA leader, wife killed in Negros clash (By Glazyl Masculino)

An alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) and his wife were killed in a clash with the Army at Sitio Kulihaw, Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Friday.

Killed were Elbert Nicolas Quillano alias “Carding,” a finance officer and head of Sentro De Gabridad (SDG) Platoon of Central Negros 2 (CN2), and his wife Jessa Luiso Quillano alias “Clean/Js,” a medical officer of the same group, according to the Army.

Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade (IBde), said that military troops recovered from the couple two .45 caliber with magazines and ammunition, a tablet, subversive documents, medicines, and personal belongings.

Pasaporte said these suspected rebels were part of a group that was encountered by the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Barangay Carabalan on March 25 and 26.


“They were part of the Army’s pursuit operation and clearing operation in line with the security preparation for the local and national elections on May 9,” Pasaporte said.

The March 26 clash resulted in the death of two alleged rebels during pursuit operations, following two clashes at Sitio Maliko-liko and Sitio Lonoy in the said village on March 25.

Their trusted masses are fed up and can no longer endure the extortions and threats they receive from the terrorists which triggered them to give information about the location of the NPA terrorists, the Army said.

The remains of the two casualties have yet to be claimed by their families as of this writing, Pasaporte said.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/04/02/npa-leader-wife-killed-in-negros-clash/

Roque hits black ops of org linked to terror groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2022): Roque hits black ops of org linked to terror groups


Courtesy of Peace Philippines Facebook

A senatorial candidate is wondering why a so-called rights organization is relentless in its character assassination of President Rodrigo Duterte and himself when it has close ties with local groups declared as terrorists by western countries.

Duterte had already urged the public to dismiss the party-list group Bayan Muna in the May 9 elections.


It is part of the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), a founding member of the International Coalition for Human Rights in the Philippines (ICHRP).

UniTeam bet Harry Roque, who has litigated human rights cases in Philippine and international courts, said he does not know which is more preposterous, his accusers or the accusation that he violated human rights.

"What alleged crimes against humanity did I exactly commit under domestic and international laws?" Roque asked the ICHRP in a news release on Saturday.

Roque, the first Asian admitted to practice before the International Criminal Court added he is “curious to hear from the legal fronts of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People's Army (CPP-NPA)" and challenged the rights coalition to legally support its imputation of crimes against humanity on him and the President or face the ramifications of their black propaganda.

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.

"They have preposterously accused me as part of the government's infrastructure of terror. On the contrary, they seem to be directly in cahoots with terrorist groups," the former presidential spokesperson said.


President Rodrigo Duterte defends National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict spokesperson, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Lorraine Badoy, on red-tagging accusations.

Roque said his record as a rights advocate in the legal profession, academe, legislature, and parliament of the streets would bear scrutiny.

"I can always defend my innocence in any court across the globe," said Roque, who was admitted to practice before the United Nations War Crimes Tribunal for Rwanda in 2004.

He also secured convictions for the murderers of 19 journalists in the Maguindanao massacre in 2009 and the American soldier killer of transgender woman Jennifer Laude in Olongapo in 2014.

Roque represented the widows of Maguindanao massacre victims (Myrna Reblando et. al. vs. Republic of the Philippines). They filed the first-ever communication with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Inter-Governmental Commission on Human Rights.

The former party-list congressman also brought the Adonis vs. Republic of the Philippines case before the United Nations Human Rights Committee and directly challenged the constitutionality of the Philippine libel law.

The Supreme Court granted the first-ever Petition of Writ of Amparo given to a journalist in the Nilo Baculo Sr. case that Roque represented.

Roque was lead counsel in the Isabelita Vinuya et. al. vs. Executive Secretary, which asked for compensation for Filipina sexual slaves or comfort women during World War II.

In the Niñez Cacho- Olivarez et. al. vs. Juan Miguel Arroyo, Roque represented the class-action suit on behalf of journalists against the First Gentleman's indiscriminate filing of libel cases.

The ICHRP launched a Magnitsky sanctions campaign against Duterte, Roque, and 10 other officials.

The sanctions range from travel bans and financial sanctions in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171258

Mass rally shows support for United Bangsamoro Justice Party in Philippines

Posted to TRT World (Apr 2, 2022): Mass rally shows support for United Bangsamoro Justice Party in Philippines

The United Bangsamoro Justice Party pledged to mobilise all its resources and strength to ensure that its official candidates win in 2022 elections in the Philippines.


UBJP, a Philippine political party founded on May 8, 2015 by Moro Islamic Liberation Front, believes in Islamic democracy and Moro self-determinism. (AA)

Around 300 thousand Maguindanaons have marched in support for United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) in a grand proclamation rally ahead of the Philippines elections.

The marchers stayed for more than 6 hours under sun heat on Thursday in the presence of all UBJP candidates for 2022 elections in Maguindanao province and Cotabato City.


Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro region and UBJP President Ahod Balawag “Murad” Ebrahim described this year’s election as the most historic for the Bangsamoro people after more than four decades of political and armed struggle, and ordered the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to vote straight-ticket for the UBJP.

Murad said that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is a fruit of more than 40 years of struggle, adding, “we need to protect this, we invested our lives, blood, sweat and sufferings, and we will win this time.”

UBJP President Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim believes that Maguindanao 2nd District Representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu is one with the Bangsamoro Government if elected as governor of the province.

Believing in Islamic democracy

UBJP candidates in Maguindanao province and Cotabato City have shown their consistent support both during the enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and in the push for the extension of the Bangsamoro transition period.

The Party pledged to mobilise all its resources and strength to ensure that its official candidates in Maguindanao and Cotabato City will win.

UBJP is a political party of the Philippines. It was founded on May 8, 2015 by Moro Islamic Liberation Front, believing in Islamic democracy and Moro self-determinism. The party's headquarters was in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Largest Philippine Muslim groups

Maguindanao is an ethnolinguistic group living primarily in south-central Mindanao, the largest island in the southern Philippines. With a name meaning “people of the flood plain,” the Maguindanao are most heavily concentrated along the shores and in the flood lands of the Pulangi-Mindanao River basin.

In the second decade of the 21st century, the Maguindanao numbered nearly 1.4 million, making them the largest of the Philippine Muslim groups collectively identified as Moro.

2022 Philippine elections

The UBJP fielded candidates for local positions to be contested in the 2022 Philippine elections. The party selected candidates who supported the Bangsamoro cause and the MILF-led Bangsamoro's government campaign to extend the transitional period of the region.

In April 2021, incumbent elected officials of the province of Tawi-Tawi joined the UBJP. They were joined by 11 Maguindanao mayors the following month marking the first batches of officials joining the UBJP.

The UBJP endorsed Esmael Mangudadatu and Bai Sandra Sema as candidates for governor and vice governor of Maguindanao for the 2022 elections.
 
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/mass-rally-shows-support-for-united-bangsamoro-justice-party-in-philippines-56001

Duterte denounces partylist groups

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 2, 2022): Duterte denounces partylist groups

PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte has publicly denounced several party-list groups, accusing them of being a legal front for the communist rebels and told Filipinos not to vote for their congressional representatives in this May elections.

“I’d like to say something about the government’s effort to end the communist insurgency. Alam mo, they are, totoo ‘yan, nakapasok sila sa Congress. No doubt about it. They have used the party-list. So ito lahat ng mga mayaman, lahat ng may mga gusto ng influence sa kanilang whatever, negosyo o connection, puwede silang lumapit dito sa mga partylist,” Duterte said.

“But in particular, sabihin ko sa inyo na tama si Lorraine Badoy na itong mga party-list na Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Alyansa of Concerned Teachers or ACT, at Gabriela. Makita naman ninyo sa behavior nila and the way they espouse their advocacy for a party - left, left, left ang talagang drift nila. Ang problema, they are supporting or they are really parang legal fronts ng Communist Party of the Philippines, itong ulitin ko Kabataan, Anakpawis, Bayan Muna, Alyansa of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and Gabriela. Para hindi ninyo makalimutan KABAG ng tiyan. Kabataan - K, Anakpawis – A, Bayan Muna - B, Alyansa of Concerned Teachers (ACT) - A, at Gabriela,” he added.

Badoy is the spokeswoman for the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict and Undersecretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office. She is also facing complaints in the Office of the Ombudsman filed by several groups after alleging that Vice President Leni Robredo, who is running for president, supports the Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army.

“I’m sorry to say marami akong kaibigan diyan, respetado ko ‘yung pagkatao nila but alam nila na alam ko na ang sinusuportahan nila through itong backdoor, itong alliance nila sa gobyerno napasok ‘yung mga left. Pati sa labas, sa abroad, in the international bodies na-infiltrate din nila and they are espousing an advocacy that in the end ang gusto nila tapusin itong gobyerno na ito. You know I’d like to say something, this government was not imposed upon the people. This government was created or established through legal means noon pa, noong nag-republic tayo. We have changes sa administrasyon,” Duterte said.

“Pero itong basic na rights and obligations pati ang limit ng power ng gobyerno sa mga tao, makialam is the Bill of Rights, iyan ang pader. Hindi lang para sa mga komunista or mga, pero including the criminals. Ang limit ng government power is found fundamentally nandiyan sa Bill of Rights ng ating Constitution. So ito sila they were able to blossom into something, matagal na ito. Ang problema ginagamit nila ang pera, kinukuha nila ‘yung pera ng gobyerno at binubuhay nila ‘yung mga ano, mga NPAs, (pu)tang-ina. They are supporting a bunch of, wala na silang ideology,” the president added.

Duterte was also a supporter of the communist rebels when he was mayor of Davao, but broke off ties with them after his peace talks failed to convince the communist leaders to sign an accord that would end decades of bloody fighting. The communist demanded to co-equally run the government which Duterte flatly rejected after releasing senior rebel leaders to join the peace negotiations.

The party-list system is a mechanism of proportional representation in the election of representatives to the House of Representatives from national, regional and sectoral parties or organizations or coalitions registered with the Commission on Elections.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/04/duterte-denounces-partylist-groups.html

NegOr cops seize guns, explosives; NPA 'rebel' nabbed

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2022): NegOr cops seize guns, explosives; NPA 'rebel' nabbed (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



GUNS, EXPLOSIVES FOUND. Policemen recover firearms, ammunition, and explosives from two suspected members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental. One suspected NPA member was arrested while another remains at large when search warrants were served against them on Friday (April 1, 2022). (Photos courtesy of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office)

Police operatives seized guns, ammunition, and explosives and arrested a suspected member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) when they served search warrants for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental on Friday.

Negros Oriental provincial police director, Col. Germano Mallari, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday that the two operations carried out on the same day were in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Whole-of-Nation-Approach.

Mallari identified the suspects and subjects of the search warrants as Jerry Montero Montefalcon and Nelfa Sandot Delima, both residents of Sitio Natuling, Barangay Budlasan in Canlaon City.

Both are allegedly Section Guerilla Unit secretaries of the Central Negros Front 1 (CN1) of the NPA.

Delima was apprehended when the warrant was served.

From her residence, the police seized a .38-caliber revolver without a serial number, a rifle grenade, and three rounds of live ammunition, Mallari said.

Meanwhile, recovered during the search at Montefalcon’s residence included a .38-caliber revolver without a serial number, a hand grenade, and three .38-caliber ammunition.

However, the suspect remains at large, the provincial police director said.

Cases for violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and Republic Act 9516 (Illegal/Unlawful Possession, Manufacture, Dealing In, Acquisition Or Disposition Of Firearms, Ammunition Or Explosives) are now being readied against the suspects.

The composite team members in the said operation were from the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, Canlaon City Police Station, the 61st Special Action Company of the Special Action Force, the 704th Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7, Charlie Company of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and intelligence units.

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 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/1171254

2 more NPA fighters killed in clash with soldiers in Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2022): 2 more NPA fighters killed in clash with soldiers in Negros (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



RECOVERED. Items seized by troops of the Philippine Army’s 94th Infantry Battalion after an encounter with Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Friday afternoon (April 1, 2022). The 20-minute firefight resulted in the death of two NPA rebels. (Photo courtesy of 94th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

The Philippine Army’s continuing combat operations against the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in central Negros has neutralized two more rebels in Barangay Buenavista, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental on Friday afternoon.

The latest casualties were identified as Elbert "Carding" Nicolas Quillano, platoon leader, and Jessa "Clea" Luiso Quillano, medical officer, both of Sentro de Grabidad Platoon of Central Negros Front 2. Their deaths were reported a week after two of their comrades also died in a clash with the 94th Infantry Battalion (IB) in the neighboring village.

“They belong to the same group encountered by our troops in Barangay Carabalan on March 25 and 26,” said Lt. Col. Van Donald Almonte, commander of 94IB, in a statement on Saturday.

At 3:30 p.m., soldiers engaged some 20 fighters of the NPA’s Sentro de Grabidad Platoon of Central Negros Front 2 in a 20-minute firefight in Sitio Kulihaw after their presence was reported by the residents.

Troops recovered from the encounter site a caliber .45-caliber pistol with ammunition, a Lenovo computer tablet, a Baofeng hand-held radio, two mobile phones, assorted medicines, and subversive documents.


Almonte said the CPP-NPA’s mass supporters in the area have grown tired of the extortion activities of the rebels, who also threaten them if they refuse to help.

“We are thankful a great number of their masses are now cooperating with the government forces so I’m asking the NPA in central Negros to surrender before it’s too late,” he added.

On March 26, siblings Arnulfo Sabanal, 41; and Jayson Sabanal, 30; both members of the NPA’s Sentro de Grabidad Platoon of Central Negros Front 2, were killed in a clash in Sitio Cunalom, Barangay Carabalan.

A day earlier, troops of the 94IB engaged the rebels twice in the same area, leading to the seizure of the NPA hideout, where they recovered firearms, explosives, mobile phones, rice supply, and suspected shabu with tooter tube, among others.

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/1171257

Teen rebel surrenders, firearms seized in Northern Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2022): Teen rebel surrenders, firearms seized in Northern Mindanao



EX-REBEL. Eighteen-year-old rebel “MJ” has her wounds treated after her surrender to government forces in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte on March 28, 2022. The series of operations by the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division in northern Mindanao last week also resulted in the recovery of firearms, ammunition, and war materiel. (Photo courtesy of 4ID/RMN DXCC 828)

The series of combat operations by troops under the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division this week resulted in the surrender of an 18-year-old female communist terrorist group (CTG) rebel and the recovery of 10 firearms.

On March 30, an encounter occurred between elements of the 8th Infantry Battalion (IB), 403 Brigade (Bde) and five CTG members at Sitio Bendum, Barangay Busdi in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon saw the seizure of one M16 rifle, assorted medicines, and food supplies.

The day before, a 10-minute gun battle occurred between troops of the 36th Infantry Battalion (under the operational control of the 901Bde) and about 15 CTG rebels at Sitio Hubason, Barangay San Vicente Carmen, Surigao del Sur resulted in the capture of an M16 Rifle, one Carbine rifle, one .22-caliber rifle with scope, one .45- caliber pistol, four improvised explosive devices, and other war materiel.

On March 28, a CTG member identified as MJ, 18, surrendered to the 23IB of the 402Bde and revealed to the troops the arms cache at Sitio Mahogany, Barangay Ibuan, Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, where government forces found four AK47 rifles, one M1 Garand rifle, AK47 magazines, and ammunition.


MJ still had wounds on her left calf sustained after figuring in encounters with state forces on February 4 and March 16 in Barangay Tungao, Butuan City.

Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, 4ID Commander, lauded the troops for their unceasing dedication to cleansing communities of CTG infestation.

He said the whole Joint task Force Diamond and various stakeholders will never allow CTGs to disrupt government peace and development endeavors in villages.

“We will not hesitate to use all available assets, if necessary, to address every emerging CTG threat. But what we prefer most is for our misguided brothers to peacefully return to their families to rebuild their lives under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP),” Mamawag stated.

E-CLIP aims to help members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) and its unarmed but indoctrinated supporter, Militia ng Bayan, to restore their allegiance to the government.

Through the program, they can be reintegrated back into the community, be with their families, and start over with financial assistance and other interventions like livelihood training programs and psychosocial assistance.

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 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/1171262

Troopers, ex-Abu Sayyaf rebels build water tank in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2022): Troopers, ex-Abu Sayyaf rebels build water tank in Sulu (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



The Army’s 6th Special Forces Company (6SFC) has initiated the construction of a 10,000-liter concrete water tank to provide a stable water supply to a former bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu.

Capt. Ron Villarosa, 6SFC commander, said Saturday the project, which is set to finish on April 10, is located in Sitio Banglot, Barangay Upper Sinumaan, Talipao, Sulu.

Villarosa said the project was being undertaken jointly by 6SFC personnel, militiamen, including ASG surrenderers.

“This (project) is to tighten our grip in the community and to develop it to be a resilient community to deter violent extremism,” Villarosa said in a phone interview.


He said they were able to take control of the place in November last year after months of mass base operations.

“No project is implemented in Sitio Banglot since the ASG is in control of the place,” he said.

He said that Mary Joy Bustamante of MJB Cares Foundation donated PHP30,000 cash for the project.

Counterpart water hoses were provided by Talipao Municipal Task Force to End Local Armed Conflict (MTF ELAC), while the Sulu office of the Ministry of Social Services and Development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MSSD-BARMM) enrolled the workers under their Food-For-Work Program.

The MTF-ELAC is Sulu’s counterpart to the national government’s Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC).

Villarosa said the project is implemented through the direction of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, which is under the operational control of the 1101st Infantry Brigade.

“This is the change we are looking for. Through this water tank, we can properly cleanse ourselves before praying,” Abu Mawang, who is among the former ASG working on the project, said in a statement.

“We can also plant vegetables since water will now be available", he added.

Before praying, Muslims perform "Wudu", a ceremony that includes the washing of hands, face, and feet, and the availability of water will strengthen this religious practice.

Villarosa said the completion of the project will help expand socio-economic opportunities, such as vegetable farming, due to the availability of sustainable and reliable water supply.

Aside from Sitio Banglot, 11 other sitios of Barangay Upper Sinumaan, Talipao, will benefit from the project once completed.

The last concrete water tank catering to the residents of Barangay Sinumaan was constructed during the 1970s. The tank has only 500 liters capacity.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171267

2 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Basilan clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 2, 2022): 2 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Basilan clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



Sumisip, Basilan (File photo)

Two suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members were killed while nine others were wounded in clashes with government troops in Basilan province on Saturday, a top military official disclosed.

Brig. Gen. Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force-Basilan commander, said in a text message that
the clash broke out around 7:31 a.m. in Barangay Sukaten, Sumisip town, and continued sporadically.

The Western Mindanao Command said in a separate text message that the firefight was ongoing as of this writing.

Gobway said four of the nine wounded are troopers of the 64th Infantry Battalion (IB) while the other five are followers of the slain ASG leader Radzmil Janatul (alias Abu Khubayb).


Three soldiers were wounded in the first clash and another one was injured in the second firefight that occurred several minutes later.

Gobway said the first clash ensued as the followers of Janatul opened fire while government forces were checking the reported presence of a “group of armed men” in Barangay Sukaten, some two kilometers away from the headquarters of the 64IB.

The bandits started gathering Friday afternoon, intelligence reports stated.

“As of this time, there were two killed and five wounded on the side of the enemy,” Gobway confirmed.

The 64IB troopers have been on red alert in anticipation of retaliatory action from the ASG following the death of Janatul on March 25.

Jannatul was killed in a clash with the troops of the 5th Scout Ranger Battalion (5SRB) in Sitio Center, Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip.

The 5SRB troopers were on combat operation when they clashed with Jannatul’s group.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1171275