Key Philippine Military and Insurgency-Related Events: 04/09/22

Saturday, April 9, 2022

4 alleged NPA rebels killed in South Cotabato clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 9, 2022): 4 alleged NPA rebels killed in South Cotabato clash (By: John Eric Mendoza)

Four alleged members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and its People’s Militia were killed in a clash at a checkpoint in South Cotabato on Friday night, the military reported Saturday.

But the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said the incident was an “ambush,” claiming those who were killed were unarmed.

In a statement, the Joint Task Force Central commander, Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, said government troops were conducting a checkpoint operation at Sitio Limite in Barangay Upper Maculan, Lake Sebu town when the clash happened.

The troops were at the area to confirm the presence of the NPA’s Guerrilla Front Musa-Far South Mindanao Region.

Uy said those killed in the clash were identified as Ariel Moca Lasib and Johndel Limosnero, the deputy officer and “supply officer” of the NPA’s guerrilla front, respectively; and two members of the People’s Militia who were identified only by their aliases Rex and Nomer.

“Our intelligence operatives were strictly monitoring the movements of the group. Due to the development of our intel operations, troops organized a checkpoint and successfully intercepted four personalities onboard two motorcycles, however, one of the suspects immediately fired upon the government forces which led to an armed confrontation,” said Uy.

CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena, however, alleged that the encounter was a “massacre” and an “extrajudicial killing.”

“There was no encounter or firefight. This was a clear case of extrajudicial killing, a massacre of unarmed people,” Valbuena said in a statement sent to INQUIRER.net.

“Based on initial reports from the area, we have learned that a group of unarmed civilians riding in a convoy of motorcycle transport were ambushed by soldiers last Friday, and that four people in the convoy, including two habal-habal drivers, were killed. Claims of the AFP that members of the NPA were in the convoy does not justify the ambush and massacre,” Valbuena added.

Uy said, however, that government troops recovered four .45-caliber pistols, three improvised explosive devices, and several pieces of communication equipment from the slain alleged NPA fighters.

Meanwhile, the Western Mindanao Command commander, Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., said that such operations were part of the military’s preparations for the upcoming national and local elections.

“Rest assured that with the support from the local government and the populace, we will be able to sustain the peace and order here in Mindanao,” Rosario added.

RELATED STORY
5 suspected NPA rebels slain in clash with police, Army in South Cotabato

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1580688/4-alleged-npa-rebels-killed-in-south-cotabato-clash

Alleged NPA member killed, soldier injured in Bukidnon clash

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 9, 2022): Alleged NPA member killed, soldier injured in Bukidnon clash (By: John Eric Mendoza)

An alleged member of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed while a soldier was also injured during an encounter in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon on Friday, the military reported on Saturday.

Lt. Col Anthony Bacus, Commanding Officer of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion said the communist armed rebels and government troops figured in a 30-minute gunfight which led to the death of an unidentified rebel.

The government troops also seized the unidentified rebel’s M16 rifle.

“A fierce firefight ensued between our troops and the [rebels] that lasted for about 30 minutes, after which the enemy scampered in different directions leaving behind their dead comrade. Our soldiers also seized the fatality’s M16 rifle,” Bacus said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, one of our soldiers was slightly wounded and brought to the nearest medical facility for treatment,” he added.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1580651/alleged-npa-member-killed-soldier-injured-in-bukidnon-clash

CPP hits Meta on removal of Facebook accounts

From Yahoo! News (Apr 8, 2022): CPP hits Meta on removal of Facebook accounts (By Pola Rubio)

FILE PHOTO: A picture illustration shows a Facebook logo reflected in a person's eye March 13, 2015. On April 6, 2022, Meta suspended a network of over 400 accounts, pages and groups, including those linked to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and the New People's Army (NPA), ahead of general elections in the Philippines as the Facebook parent moves to crack down hate speech and misinformation.

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) has criticized Meta’s move to take down a network of Facebook accounts of the New People’s Army (NPA) saying that it is “hypocritical” on Meta’s part when they allow posts proliferating red-tagging and violence.

“I think Facebook is utterly hypocritical when it took down the accounts related to the NPA, when it recently made a decision to allow calls for violence and death in Ukraine against Russia, even those accounts related to, promoting or ‘liking’ the views of pro-US neo-Nazi groups such as the Azov Battalion which have been involved in the rape and torture of civilians in Ukraine,” CPP spokesperson Marco Valbuena said in an interview with Inquirer.

The CPP said that it censors the people’s freedom of expression, especially those who ‘fight fascism and those who are against the interests of US imperialism.

“It bans the NPA on the pretext of banning ‘hate speech’ but continues to allow the NTF-ELCAC, AFP units and its network of trolls to red-tag and foment hate against the democratic forces,” Valbuena noted.

Meta has earlier suspended a network of over 400 accounts, pages, and groups ahead of the May elections in a move to crack down on hate speech and misinformation.

This includes a network of groups and pages belonging to the NPA, citing that it has violated Meta’s community standards regarding the posting of content encouraging violence.

However, CPP claimed that Meta’s decision means that revolutionary forces waging a guerrilla war in the countryside would have no voice.

“Facebook is shutting down all doors for the revolutionary forces in the Philippines to express their opinion. Even sharing a link to the CPP’s website is banned and people face the possibility of being banned if they do so,” Valbuena said.

The NPA has been waging war against the government for over fifty years. It is the principal organization of the CPP and served the ‘national and democratic interests of the people.’

https://ph.news.yahoo.com/cpp-hits-meta-on-removal-of-facebook-accounts-034609204.html

Kalinaw News: Militiang Bayan member surrenders to 48IB in Davao De Oro

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 9, 2022): Militiang Bayan member surrenders to 48IB in Davao De Oro

MAWAB, DAVAO DE ORO – A member of Militiang Bayan (MB) alias “Andoy/Lado/Doy” surrendered to the troops of the 48th Infantry Battalion of the 701st Infantry Brigade at their headquarters in Barangay Magnaga, Pantukan, Davao De Oro on April 8, 2022.

Alias Andoy is a former MB of Guerilla Front 53, Sub-Regional Committee 3, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the Communist Terrorist Group. According to 48IB, the surrender was made possible through the effort of their Community Support Program (CSP) Team previously deployed in the area of the 1002nd Infantry Brigade in North Cotabato.

During his surrender, Alias Andoy brought along with him one (1) Cal 7.62 mm Homemade Sniper Rifle with bipod, one (1) Cal 7.62 mm M14 rifle, one (1) Homemade KG9 rifle, one (1) Cal .45 pistol and magazines.

MGen Nolasco A Mempin, 10ID Commander commended the accomplishment of 48IB. “Indeed, our Community Support Program wins the hearts and minds of the Filipino people. The surrenderors trust our soldiers in facilitating their return to the folds of the law and live a normal life, MGen Mempin 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/a-militiang-bayan-member-surrenders-to-48ib-in-davao-de-oro/

Kalinaw News: Seven (7) NPAs with three (3) high-powered firearms surrendered in Davao Del Norte

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 9, 2022): Seven (7) NPAs with three (3) high-powered firearms surrendered in Davao Del Norte

MAWAB, Davao De Oro – Troops under the 56th Infantry Battalion of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade facilitated the surrender of seven (7) Communist NPA Terrorists (CNTs) with three (3) high-powered firearms in Talaingod, Davao Del Norte on April 8, 2022.

56IB Commander Lieutenant Colonel Osmalik Tayaban identified the surrenderors namely; alias “Mamiloy”, alias “Onyok/Thor”, alias “Trisha”, alias “Toryo/Dayan”, alias “Mars”, alias “Marvin” and alias “Dante”. They brought along with them two (2) AK47 Rifles and one (1) IMI Israel AR Galil Rifle.

BGen Consolito P Yecla, 1003rd Infantry Brigade Commander said that they attributed the surrender to the Project BOSS which stands for Bugas, Odong, Sardinas, and Sigarilyo. Project BOSS is the local peace engagement undertaken by the 1003rd Brigade to finally encourage a snowball of surrenders by connecting with the family members of the active CNTs.

Meanwhile, 10ID Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin welcomed the new surrenderers and congratulated the efforts of the 56IB and 1003rd Brigade for their relentless push to completely clear their area of operations from the influence of the CPP-NPA. “The snowball of surrenders in Southern Mindanao is a clear manifestation that we are close in ending this 5-decade long insurgency,” MGen Mempin added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/seven-7-npas-with-three-3-high-powered-firearms-surrendered-in-davao-del-norte/

Kalinaw News: WestMinCom participates in 80th Valor Day commemoration in Zamboanga City

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 9, 2022): WestMinCom participates in 80th Valor Day commemoration in Zamboanga City

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City- April 9, 2022

WestMinCom troops participated in the commemoration activity of the 80th Araw ng Kagitingan spearheaded by the City Government of Zamboanga held at the Freedom Fighter Memorial Shrine at Rizal St., Zamboanga City early morning Saturday, April 9, 2022.

Part of the activity was the offering of flowers at the shrine to pay tribute to the brave souls who fought till their last breath for the country’s freedom from foreign invaders.

In attendance were the local government officials, representatives from the differents sectors, and several World War II veterans.

Also present were troops from the different units under the jurisdiction of the Western Mindanao Command.

“On this momentous event, we stand together to commemorate the fortitude and heroism of 64,000 Filipino and 12,000 American soldiers, who stood their ground, fought, and paid the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the Philippine democracy and independence. Let us be reminded of how courage, in the darkest hour of our history, made a great difference,” an excerpt of the message of Western Mindanao Command Chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr. that was read by Deputy Commander for Operations Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas during the activity.

https://www.kalinawnews.com/westmincom-participates-in-80th-valor-day-commemoration-in-zamboanga-city/

Kalinaw News: Agila troopers clash with NPA; recover one(1) R4A3 Rifle and war materiel

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 9, 2022): Agila troopers clash with NPA; recover one(1) R4A3 Rifle and war materiel

MAWAB, Davao De Oro – An armed encounter transpired between the troops of the 1001st Infantry Brigade and members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) at Sitio Pongpong, Barangay Andap, New Bataan on April 8, 2022.

The hour-long firefight resulted in the recovery of one (1) R4A3 rifle, one (1) magazine, rifle grenade, ammunition, and medical paraphernalia. There are no casualties from the government forces while bloodstains were found at the encounter site after the incident.

MGen Nolasco A Mempin, Commander 10ID commended the soldiers’ audacity in pursuing the fleeing members of the CTG. “I once again urged the remaining Communist NPA Terrorists to lay down your arms. Your Army will continue to hunt you down if you still choose to terrorize the communities through violent means,” MGen Mempin added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/agila-troopers-clash-with-npa-recover-one1-r4a3-rifle-and-war-materiel/

Kalinaw News: CTG officers, Yunit Milisya members neutralized in Cotabato clash

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 9, 2022): CTG officers, Yunit Milisya members neutralized in Cotabato clash

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Four communist terrorist group personalities were neutralized during an armed confrontation in South Cotabato, Friday evening, April 8, 2022.

Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, Commander of Joint Task Force Central said troops of the 5th Special Forces Battalion conducted a checkpoint operation at Sitio Limite, Upper Maculan, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato to possibly intercept the tax implementing group of the Guerilla Front Musa, Far South Mindanao Region.

“Our intelligence operatives were strictly monitoring the movements of the group. Due to the development of our intel operations, troops organized a checkpoint and successfully intercepted four CTG personalities onboard two motorcycles, however, one of the suspects immediately fired upon the government forces which led to an armed confrontation,” Maj. Gen. Uy said.

The firefight resulted in the deaths of four CTG personalities later identified as Ariel Moca Lasib, a.k.a. Jenrose/Hadi, 2nd Deputy Secretary of GF Musa; Johndel Limosnero, a.k.a. Butod, Supply Officer of GF Musa; and alias Rex and Nomer, both members of the Yunit Milisya.

Seized from their possession were four cal. 45 pistols, three improvised explosive devices, and several communication equipments.

“Amid the preparations for the upcoming national and local elections, your armed forces continue to conduct focused and civil-military operations to ensure the safety and security of the people,” Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command said.

“Rest assured that with the support from the local government and the populace, we will be able to sustain the peace and order here in Mindanao,” Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/ctg-officers-yunit-milisya-members-neutralized-in-cotabato-clash/

Kalinaw News: Former Rebel reveal Arms Cache; 2 firearms recovered

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 9, 2022): Former Rebel reveal Arms Cache; 2 firearms recovered (By Christian Malabanan)

MAWAB, Davao De Oro – Former NPA member alias “Junrey” pinpointed the arms cache containing one (1) AK47, one (1) M653 rifle, and ammunition to the troops under 66th Infantry Battalion at Purok Rambutan, Brgy Tupaz, Maragusan, Davao De Oro on April 7, 2022.

Alias “Junrey” surrendered to 66IB on April 4. Junrey revealed that said firearms were buried by members of the Communist NPA Terrorists of the Guerilla Front 2.

Agila Division Commander MGen Nolasco A Mempin lauded the effort of 66IB and 701st Brigade for their hard work and excellent performance of their duty. “We urged other members of the Communist Terrorist Group to surrender now and be with your families. We have a government that truly cares for you and for your family,” MGen Mempin added.

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

https://www.kalinawnews.com/former-rebel-reveal-arms-cache-2-firearms-recovered/

Kalinaw News: Army, PNP recover arms cache and IED in Davao de Oro town

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 9, 2022): Army, PNP recover arms cache and IED in Davao de Oro town

New Bataan, Davao de Oro- Joint efforts of the troops of 25th Infantry Battalion, 28th Infantry Battalion and Philippine National Police (PNP) Counterparts of Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office (DDOPPO) have led to the recovery of arms cache that contained seven (7) High-powered firearms and one (1) Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Sitio Mission, Brgy. Andap, New Bataan, Davao de Oro on 08 April 2022.

These seven (7) HPAs composed of (1) M60 Machine gun, (1) K3 Light machine gun, (1) M203 Grenade Launcher, (4) M16 Rifles and (1) Claymore mine (IED) were discovered through the revelation of former rebels named alyas Jack, alyas Mar-Mar and alyas Wenwen who were members of Regional Operations Command (ROC), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) and Weakened Guerilla Front (WGF) 2 who surrendered to Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office. These firearms and IED were believed to be owned by the Regional Headquarters (RHQ) and ROC, WGF 2 and Southern Regional Guerilla Unit (SRGU), all of SMRC.

It can be recalled that since February of this year government forces and the said Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs) figured in heavy armed skirmishes in the area where the CTGs suffered strategic blows causing most of their members to surrender.

Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Michael T Aquino, Battalion Commander of 25th Infantry Battalion lauded the Former Rebels for their confidence and cooperation to the government forces. “These Former Rebels made the right decision to peacefully return to the folds of the law. We are very much grateful for their cooperation which led to the discovery of these firearms and IEDs that may cause harm to the civilians. The government always gives a hand to those remaining members and supporters of the CNTs to abandon the armed struggle.”

These accomplishments were the result of the relentless efforts of the government forces to end the insurgency and the continuous efforts and initiative of the Local Government Units (LGU) of Davao de Oro in Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

[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/army-pnp-recover-arms-cache-and-ied-in-davao-de-oro-town/

Kalinaw News: Army receives new mine/IED search and detection vehicles

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 9, 2022): Army receives new mine/IED search and detection vehicles

FORT BONIFACIO, Metro Manila – The Philippine Army’s has received its new Vehicle Mounted Mine Detector (VMMD) that will be utilized by its 525th Engineer Combat Battalion, the humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) unit of the 51st Engineer Brigade.

The up-armored and modified tractors will be deployed to conduct mine detection and clearing operations. The new assets, which are acquired through a government-to-government deal between the Philippines and the U.K., are part of the Horizon 2 (2018 to 2022) projects under the Revised AFP Modernization Program.

Among the other recently acquired big-ticket projects for the Philippine Army under Horizon 2 are the Armor Division’s armored mortar carriers and the Artillery Regiment’s ATMOS 155mm self-propelled howitzer.

The Philippine Army is set to receive two more VMMD on July 2023.

[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/army-receives-new-mine-ied-search-and-detection-vehicles/

Kalinaw News: Localized peace engagement activity led to withdrawal of support of CPP-NPA-NDF

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 9, 2022): Localized peace engagement activity led to withdrawal of support of CPP-NPA-NDF

Camp Jorge Downes, Ormoc City, Leyte– Sixty-nine mass supporters from Brgy. Kauswagan, Malinao, Libas, Magatas, Hinabian, Bantawon, Himus-onan, Catmon and Sta. Cruz of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte withdrew their support from the communist npa terrorist and pledged their allegiance to the government during a Local Peace Engagement (LPE) with the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) of St Bernard and Community Support Program (CSP) Team of the 14th Infantry Battalion and the 2nd Southern Leyte Police Mobile Force Company (2SLPMFC) conducted at Brgy. Malinao of the same municipality, today, April 8, 2022. Among the 69 mass supporters, one (1) is a CPP candidate member who took oath to the party and have undergone military training. Thirty-one (31) were contacts of the cpp-npa, six (6) were informants tasked for “gawaing paniktik” and the remaining thirty-one (31) were couriers for their food and logistical needs.

The LPE was attended by Mayor Manuel O. Calapre, Chairperson of MTF-ELCAC Saint Bernard, Lieutenant Colonel Ernesto R. Dela Rosa Jr, Commanding Officer of 14IB, Police Lieutenant Colonel Jovie R. Espenido, Force Commander of 2SLPMFC and the BTF-ELCAC Chairpersons of the eight aforementioned barangays. Also present during the activity were the local government agencies of Saint Bernard such as the Municipal Police Station (MPS), Municipal Health Office (MHO), Municipal Social Worker and Development Office (MSWDO), Public Employment Service Office (PESO), and the Office of the Municipal Assessor Office in order to immediately facilitate the distribution of food packs, vitamins, medicines and free health consultation to the said communities as manifestation of their commitment in ending the local communist armed conflict.

During the activity, the 69 supporters burned the CPP-NPA-NDF flag as a symbol of their abandonment and renunciation of the terrorist group. Pacita Correa alyas “Ellen”, Realyn Lombog alyas “Shane” and Emma Lorren, all former members of the communist terrorist group of CPP-NPA-NDF who have surrendered to 14IB, gave testimonies of their bad experiences while being with the terrorist group.

The 69 former mass supporters were organized to support the recovery effort of the cpp-npa-ndf in the area. According to a certain Alyas “Isang”, they were taught with NPA courses such as Introduction to PADEPA (Pambansang Demokratikong Paaralan), AgRev (Agrarian Revolution) and MKLRP (Maikling Kurso sa Lipunan at Rebolusyong Pilipino). Further, the terrorist group organized “Hungos” which translates to “Pagtutulungan” composed of youth, women and farmers. Such meetings were secretly held at different locations including the auditorium, Kalahi facility, farmland, vicinity of the water reservoir and in the outskirts of Brgy. Old Kauswagan.

Another mass supporter identified as Alyas “Roy” revealed that he was promised of a reward in a form of sexual favour to a female NPA member if he join the armed group and undergo military trainings inside the NPA hide-outs. However, he refused after realizing that it was only a bait for him to become a full-time member.

According to Alyas “Jerry”, the terrorist armed group visited their barangay after the onslaught of Typhoon “Odette” where the mass supporters covertly provided foods and their other basic needs. Further, the terrorist went to their farmlands and demanded for a share of their harvest which they obliged to give in due to fear of the terrorist npa.
Ltc Ernesto Dela Rosa, mentioned that the 69 former mass supporters will be incorporated to the Saint Bernard Integrated Peace and Development Workers Association (IPDWA). ” They will become partners of the MTF-ELCAC of Saint Bernard in ending the local communist armed conflict in the area.”

Kalinaw News, [09/04/2022 9:13 AM]
Mayor Calapre said that the Localize LPE activity convinced the former mass supporters to withdraw their support from the cpp-npa-ndf. He further mentioned that he will implement the various programs of MFT-ELCAC since this is an effective way to attain lasting peace and sustainable development in his municipality. “As your mayor, it is my desire to have a peaceful municipality and we could attain this by supporting the programs of the TF-ELCAC. We continue our call for them to surrender and end this insurgency”, Mayor Calapre added.

Col Noel A Vestuir, 802nd Brigade Commander, admired the courage of the 69 former mass supporters who stands against the cpp-npa-ndf.“ Their withdrawal of support from the terrorist group would certainly negate the recovery efforts and denied their exploitation, control and influence in the interior barangays.”

Col Vestuir also expressed his thanks to the Local Government Unit of Saint Bernard through Mayor Manuel O. Calapre, the LPE team composed of 14IB, Southern Leyte PNP, other government agencies and stakeholders for initiating the activity and providing immediate assistance in the conduct of the Community Support Program in the area.

[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/localized-peace-engagement-activity-led-to-withdrawal-of-support-of-cpp-npa-ndf/

Kalinaw News: Newly top army commander in Aurora pays courtesy call to LGUs and security forces

Posted to Kalinaw News (Apr 9, 2022): Newly top army commander in Aurora pays courtesy call to LGUs and security forces

BALER, Aurora-A top Philippine Army in this province who assumed his post recently as acting Battalion Commander of 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion pays courtesy call to local government units (LGUs) in the central towns of this province and other security forces as part of his initial moves to strengthen good relationships in his areas of jurisdictions.

Lt. Col. Julito B. Recto Jr., that the move was also to familiarize with the Local Chief Executives in the Area of Responsibility and look at future engagements and interactions between the Local Government Units (LGUs) as stakeholder’s support.

He added that it is important of reaching out to the communities wherein the 91st IB serves and of obtaining support, cooperation, and eventually their higher level of trust and confidence in the Philippine Army which also underscores excellence and integration (close coordination for maximum effectiveness and efficiency) in the conduct of law enforcement support operations, programs, humanitarian missions and other services needed in the province.

After his appointment as the 91st IB’s new Battalion Commander, Recto conducted courtesy call to Baler Mayor Rhett Ronan T Angara, Dipaculao Mayor Danilo Tolentino, Maria Aurora Mayor Amado M. Geneta and San Luis Mayor Ariel A. De Jesus.

He also met with the chief of police in the said central Aurora towns and discussed some measures to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

Recto also visited 4 Patrol Bases in Baubo, KM36, Patrol Bases and Villa Detachment all of Maria Aurora, Aurora and Labi Patrol Base of Bongabon, Nueva Ecija to check the morale and welfare of CAAs, operational readiness and gave his guidance as the new Acting Commanding Officer of 91IB.

He said that CAAs play a vital role in keeping the people and the community safe from CPP-NPA-NDF atrocities, extortion, and criminal activities.

“We also discuss with the LGUs, PNP and CAAs areas of cooperation to boost security and anti-crime strategies. We will remain committed in protecting the people of Aurora and will not tolerate partisan politics and military adventurism. Courtesy call to remaining towns will continue with the same objectives,” Recto said.

He furthered the unwavering collective commitment of 91st IB in maintaining peace and order in the province.

[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/newly-top-army-commander-in-aurora-pays-courtesy-call-to-lgus-and-security-forces/