EASTMINCOM: Missile-Equipped MPACs Arrive in Eastern Mindanao

Posted to the Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM) Website (Jun 4, 2022): Missile-Equipped MPACs Arrive in Eastern Mindanao

Armed Forces of the Philippines

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao welcomes the Philippine Navy’s 4th Boat Attack Division comprised of three Mk3 class Multi-Purpose Assault Craft at Naval Station Felix Apolinario, Panacan, Davao City.

 
These assets are part of the Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy of the Philippine Navy which are equipped with Spike-Extended Range missile launch system, mini typhoon machine gun system, light machine guns, automatic rifles, and pistols, with a cruising speed of 30-35 knots and a maximum speed of 45 knots and can be able to pursue fleeing enemies during Hot Pursuit operations.

 
The said naval assets are part of the continuing AFP Modernization Program, fulfilling the armed forces’ mandate to protect the people, and secure the state.

#AFPyoucanTRUST

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=375622741266809&set=a.219815940180824

https://www.facebook.com/eastmincomafp

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP-PNP illegaly arrests 2 farmers

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 21, 2022): AFP-PNP illegaly arrests 2 farmers

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

May 21, 2022

Two farmers were arrested in their residences on planted evidence during the election period. Elements from the 61st IB, Iloilo Provincial Intelligence Unit and PNP-Leon arrested Victoria Tumabiao in Barangay Jimog-Gines, Leon, Iloilo last May 9, election day. Tumbiao is a pollwatcher for the Anakpawis party list and a leader of the Leon United Peasant Association.

Danila Hapa, a resident of Sitio Parad, Barangay Fabrica, Barcelona, Sorsogon was arrested for illegal possession of firearms last May 4 by the PNP-Barcelona and 31st IB. Hapa is the 12th victim of evidence tampering in Sorsogon.
Killing. Elements of the 67th IB shot to death Lolong Magallanes at Sitio Mamparasan, Barangay San Roque, Bislig City, Surigao del Sur last May 6. Magallanes, since April, has been harassed by intelligence elements and was accused to be in contact with and a supporter of the New People’s Army.

Arson. 31st IB troops ransacked and torched Adelfa Quiñones’ house last May 13 in Barangay San Pascual, Casiguran, Sorsogon. Soldiers also threatened Henry Fusana with retaliation if they had been attacked by a unit of the people’s army in the area.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info. Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://cpp.ph/2022/05/21/afp-pnp-illegaly-arrests-2-farmers/

CPP/Ang Bayan: How the AFP cancels democracy

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 21, 2022): How the AFP cancels democracy

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

May 21, 2022

Outright campaigning by personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in favor of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as president were reported in various parts of the country during the recently concluded elections. Military generals are agog over the return to power of the Marcos family which in the past gave them broad powers and the license to attack with impunity.

If the AFP was satiated under Duterte’s tyranny, they are set to be further indulged by Marcos Jr. with monstrous powers over the people’s money and the nation’s politics.
Bursting with funds and position

The AFP, together with the Philippine Constabulary (police) which it led, served as the pillar of Marcos Sr.’s martial law. On Marcos Sr.’s orders, they arbitrarily arrested and detained people who went against the government or were suspected as subversives.

To make the AFP serve as a solid foundation to his rule, Marcos Sr. increased its manpower from 60,000 in 1972 to 250,000 in a short period of three years. The dictator poured funds from ₱880 million in 1972 to ₱4 billion in 1976. Among Southeast Asian countries, military spending under the Marcos dictatorship was the largest from 1971 to 1980 despite the Philippines having the lowest increase rate in the gross national product during the same period.

Despite Marcos Sr.’s ouster, the military maintained its power in the succeeding regimes. Not less than 15 Marcos generals were appointed in the Corazon Aquino government. During his presidency, former PC chief Gen. Fidel V. Ramos enacted the AFP “modernization” providing for allocation of billions of pesos. This was expanded further under the Aquino II regime with funds of more than $40 billion until 2028.

From the outset, the gargantuan military funds serve as generals’ milking cow. This year, the military and police’s combined budget is more than ₱470 billion, constituting 9.4% of the national budget, more than the budget allocation for public health. There are more soldiers than health workers.

It was also under martial law that the AFP gained vast powers in running the government. Beyond their primary task of defending the country’s sovereignty, AFP officials became managers of industries related to the military and public corporations, and even as representatives in foreign relations.

Contrary to the principle of civilian supremacy, generals have been eroding democracy and over the past decades have dominated government. They have been influencing key decisions and policies of the government, holding sensitive positions in the bureaucracy, and playing a role in the change of power from one regime to the next.
Favorite generals

In monopolizing power, Marcos Sr. trusted only his inner circle of generals from Ilocos which included Gen. Fabian Ver and General Ramos.

Every president since have pampered their own favored group of generals who held wide influence despite retirement. Under Rodrigo Duterte, the military and police gained the greatest powers. In 2017, Duterte outrightly declared that he will appoint former officials to his cabinet to “complete his junta” and “become managers” of government in order to appease them and dissuade them from mounting a coup d’etat. These generals control Duterte’s government through the National Task Force-Elcac.

Like Marcos Sr., Duterte appointed a number of military and police officers. More than 70 held positions in national agencies, apart from the hundreds of former soldiers and police assigned in regional or provincial agencies, or elected to local government. Meanwhile, the so-called Davao Generals were assigned to key positions in different parts of the country.

The Duterte regime is the most militarized in the country’s history. It outdid the Marcos Sr. regime, who, despite his dictatorship, maintained a semblance of civilian rule by appointing non-military personnel with experience and expertise in the fields of education, labor, agriculture and others.

Whether during the Marcos Sr. dictatorship or under Duterte, favorite generals were pampered leading to factions of politically ambitious generals. There is deepening distrust among rank-and-file officers and the emerging patriotic and democratic elements.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info. Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://cpp.ph/2022/05/21/how-the-afp-cancels-democracy/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA ambushes soldiers securing destructive logging in Sultan Kudarat

Propaganda article from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 21, 2022): NPA ambushes soldiers securing destructive logging in Sultan Kudarat

 

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

May 21, 2022

The New People’s Army (NPA)-Sultan Kudarat ambushed 57th IB soliders aboard a 6×6 truck in Purok Dulangan, Km 18, Barangay Salangsang, Lebak last May 14. The said military unit serves as guards to the destructive logging operations of the D.M. Consunji Inc.

Three soldiers were killed in action while four others were wounded. The Lumad Dulangan-Manobo ang Moro masses celebrated the successful offensive against the 57th IB. Lumad residents have long endured the threats, harassment and forced surrender campaign of the military.

In Surigao del Sure, a solider of the 3rd Special Forces Battalion was killed in a sniping operatuon of Red fighters last May 3 in Diatagon, Lianga. The said enemy unit was in the middle of combat operations when fired upon by the NPA.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info. Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://cpp.ph/2022/05/21/npa-ambushes-soldiers-securing-destructive-logging-in-sultan-kudarat/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Strive for greater unity to fight the US-Marcos regime II

Propaganda editorial from the English language edition of Ang Bayan posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (May 21, 2022): Strive for greater unity to fight the US-Marcos regime II

This article is available in PilipinoBisaya

Strive for greater unity to fight the US-Marcos regime II

May 21, 2022

The Filipino people’s unity must be further broadened to fight with determination the incoming US-Marcos regime II that will be established on the foundations of a rigged elections, ill-gotten wealth and historical revisionism.

Although not yet in power, the ruling Marcos-Duterte clique is already grossly isolated due to the Filipino people’s extreme hatred of tyranny, corruption and oppression under their dynasties. The broad anti-Marcos-Duterte movement during the last elections must be more firmly united, expanded, strengthened and mobilized.

Marcos Jr.’s regime is set to be weak and unstable amid the worsening socioeconomic crisis, the people’s heightening grievances, and intensifying rivalries among the ruling factions. As a result, it is bound to resort to political repression using the state’s armed forces.

Thus, the Filipino people must strengthen their determination to stand and resist however difficult or long the coming struggle might be. The ranks of the different sectors, especially of the toiling masses who will serve as the unconquerable fort in the likely prolonged resistance.

Marcos Jr. will occupy the seat in Malacañang and lead the US neocolonial state. He will serve as the chief executive and defender of the ruling system and the interests of imperialist banks and companies in the Philippines, and those of the colluding ruling classes of big bourgeois compradors and big landlords, and their bureaucrat capitalist agents.

The ruling reactionary state is set to be ruled by Marcos Jr., son of the former dictator, whose gluttony was boundless under 14-years of plunder and corruption by his father and mother Imelda, is an indication of the ruling semicolonial and semifeudal system is worsening. Marcos Jr. is in partnership with Sara Duterte, daughter and perpetrator of the dynasty of the tyrant Rodrigo Duterte. Together with Gloria Arroyo, their clique represents the most fascist and insatiable of the ruling class factions.

The return of the Marcoses to power will undoubtedly bring greater suffering to the Filipino people. The estimated $10-billion wealth plundered by the Marcoses under martial law will forever be taken away from the people. The Marcoses will bring bureaucrat capitalist corruption to the hilt in their rush to accumulate greater wealth in the form of bribe-taking and pocketing a percentage from government infrastructure projects. The Marcoses seek to perpetuate and expand their dynasty.

Marcos will take over power amid a grave crisis of the ruling system. After six years of rule, Duterte will leave a mountain of debt and a government bankrupted by corruption, military and police overspending and tax cuts for foreign corporations. Even now, there is talk of imposing new taxes to pay the debts that provided no benefit to the people. These plans bring greater burden on the people who already are suffering from rising prices, low wages and lack of income.

Wielding power, Marcos will continue and heighten the campaign to distort history to cover up the crimes and plunder of the Marcoses under martial law and perpetuate the myth that these were “golden years” in the country’s history. On September 21, exactly 50 years since martial law was declared, tens of thousands of people are bound to protest Marcos Jr.’s scheme to completely wipe away from the people’s consciousness all memories of the dark days of fascist dictatorial rule.

Marcos Jr.’s reign is set to be a continuation of Duterte’s tyranny and a return to his father’s dictatorship. Behind the veil of “unity,” Marcos Jr. aims to have absolute control of government and eliminate all forms of resistance to his rule. He also wants oligarchs and rival factions of the ruling classes to bow to him. The senate and congress is expected to be under Marcos Jr.’s supermajority control, and like under Duterte, will serve as rubberstamp to his dictates.

Marcos Jr. authoritarian rule will be established under the signboard of “unity.” Those who will not “unite” will be denounced as “unFilipino” or “enemies of the state” and will be targets of state suppression. Red-tagging by the NTF-Elcac is heightening against those who question the results of the last elections and against those forces who seek to keep the memories of abuses and corruption under the US-Marcos dictatorship I. Being targeted are democratic mass organizations of various sectors, as well as academics, cultural groups, church people, lawyers and others critical of the looming Marcos rule.

The Party is determined to fight the forthcoming rule of Marcos Jr., to defend the people’s interests and advance their struggles for genuine democracy and freedom. The Party is keenly aware how Marcos’ rise to power creates conditions favorable for advancing the revolutionary armed struggle because it exposes the rotten core of the ruling system, and because legal forms of expression and resistance are being curtailed.

Just as under martial law, the Party is resolute in leading the struggles against fascism and corruption under Marcos. There is a broad range of forces which the Party can march along with in this path of struggle, thus it must strive to unite with all positive forces to isolate Marcos Jr. and make him a narrow target of a broad protest movement and other forms of struggle.

The Party will further strengthen itself to serve as the strongest core in the fight against the US-Marcos regime II. It will continue to lead and strengthen the New People’s Army to serve as the principal instrument in fighting the ruling fascist regime and to further advance the people’s democratic revolution for national and social liberation.

[Ang Bayan is the official newspaper of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Ang Bayan is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Hiligaynon, Waray and English. Download Ang Bayan from the Philippine Revolution Web Central at www.philippinerevolution.info. Ang Bayan is published fortnightly by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines.]

https://cpp.ph/2022/05/21/strive-for-greater-unity-to-fight-the-us-marcos-regime-ii/

CA affirms Palparan’s conviction for kidnapping, serious illegal detention

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 5. 2022): CA affirms Palparan’s conviction for kidnapping, serious illegal detention (By Rey Panaligan)

The Court of Appeals (CA) has affirmed the conviction of retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito S. Palparan Jr. and two other military officials for the kidnapping and serious illegal detention in 2006 of two University of the Philippines students Karen E. Empeno and Sherlyn T. Cadapan.

However, instead of only reclusion perpetua (a prison term ranging from 20 years and one day to 40 years) imposed by the Malolos City regional trial court (RTC) in 2018, the CA decision said the imprisonment is “without eligibility for parole.”

The CA, in a decision promulgated last May 31 and written by Associate Justice Angelene Mary W. Quimpo Sale with the concurrence of Presiding Justice Remedios A. Salazar Fernando and Associate Justice Marie Christine Azcarraga Jacob, also imposed a six percent annual interest on the P300,000 civil indemnity and damages ordered paid to the families of Empeno and Cadapan.

Palparan is now detained at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City. It could not be immediately confirmed if Lt. Col. Felipe G. Anotado Jr. and S/Sgt. Edgardo Osorio, whose trial court convictions were also affirmed by the CA, are also detained at the NBP.

Empeno and Cadapan were abducted in Hagonoy, Bulacan on June 26, 2006 and have been detained since then in various places in Luzon.

The two UP students were suspected to be members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and other militant organizations.

With the filing of the criminal charges in court, Anotado and Osorio surrendered. Palparan refused to present himself to the trial court until his arrest in Manila in 2014. The RTC denied their plea to post bail.

Among other allegations, Palparan, Anotado and Osorio presented a defense of alibi in seeking the reversal of the trial court’s decision.

“Accused-appellants’ denial cannot be upheld and accorded greater evidentiary weight in light of the positive testimony of the prosecution witnesses. To repeat, the prosecution evidence is credible, clear and categorical,” the CA said.

“As presented and proved by the prosecution, the facts established the concerted acts of the three accused-appellants aimed at carrying out the unlawful intent of taking and detaining the two victims,” the CA stressed.

The CA said that based on the testimonies of witnsses, it was established that Empeno and Cadapan were taken by accused-appellant Osorio and other armed men on June 26, 2006 at 2:00 a.m. in Barangay San Miguel, Hagonoy, Bulacan and then brought to Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

From Fort Magsaysay, the two women were loaded on to a vehicle. Around August or September 2006, they were taken and seen in Camp Tecson, San Miguel, Bulacan.

In September 2006, Palparan arrived in Camp Tecson on board a white vehicle. He did not alight from the vehicle while his companion in civilian clothes fetched the two women and boarded them on to the white vehicle. They were returned to Camp Tecson after three days and were detained there for around three months.

Then, the victims were taken to the Barangay Hall of Sapang, San Miguel, Bulacan where they were detained there for one week.

In November 2006, the victims were taken to the military camp/detachment in Limay, Bataan.

The witnesses said Anotado visited the two women in the bodega where they stayed on three separate instances.

Then, from May to June 2007, the victims were taken to and placed in a safehouse in Iba, Zambales before they were brought back to Limay, Bataan after a month where they were last seen.

“The testimonies of these witnesses are credible, clear and categorical. These prosecution witnesses were also detainees themselves who saw and got to know the two victims Sherlyn and Karen when they were in various military camps and detachments in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Bataan and Zambales,” the CA pointed out.

“The details in their testimonies prove that they actually saw the victims and that they got acquainted with them. These witnesses, particularly Raymond Manalo testified lengthily on direct and cross examinations. When subjected to rigorous cross examination, their testimonies remained clear and consistent,” it stressed.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/05/ca-affirms-palparans-conviction-for-kidnapping-serious-illegal-detention/

Livelihood for ex-rebels up before end of June

From Panay News (Jun 6, 2022): Livelihood for ex-rebels up before end of June

ILOILO City – A total of 151 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels from Iloilo province are expected to receive their livelihood settlement grant from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) before the end of June.

DSWD annually allocates funds for 164 formers rebels on a first-come, first-served basis under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) as part of its commitment as a member of the livelihood cluster of the Poverty Reduction, Livelihood and Employment Cluster (PRLEC) of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).

This year Iloilo has the biggest endorsement of 151 former rebels.

“They are certified former rebels. We only entertain if they have an endorsement from the E-CLIP (Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program) and a joint AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and PNP (Philippine National Police) intelligence clearance,” SLP Regional Program Management Office head Mary Ann Masculino said.

Masculino said each former rebel is entitled to cash assistance of P20,000 for a proposed project.

The target recipients are coached to help identify a project and ensure income generation.

“Most of the proposals that we received are animal-raising, like hog-fattening, and carabao-raising; corn production; and furniture making. Hopefully, we can serve them before the semester ends since there are already approved proposals,” she added.

Should their chosen project fail to prosper, the cause of their failure would be assessed.

If necessary, the beneficiaries would again be referred to other social services.

After the assessment by the E-CLIP, the former rebels will be referred to the PRLEC if they need livelihood intervention.

“The case manager is the local government unit and we only augment at the DSWD for them to engage in a productive activity,” Masculino said.

https://www.panaynews.net/livelihood-for-ex-rebels-up-before-end-of-june/

Army raids NPA hideout in Misamis Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5, 2022): Army raids NPA hideout in Misamis Oriental (By Franck Dick Rosete)

RAID. Troops from the 58th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army recover backpacks, personal belongings, medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents after they raided a New People’s Army hideout in Barangay Banglay, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental on Friday (June 3, 2022). There were no casualties on the government side. (Photo courtesy of 58IB)

The Army's 58th Infantry Battalion (58IB) raided a hideout of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Banglay, Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental on Friday.

Maj. Francisco Garello, Public Affairs Office chief of the 4th Infantry Division, shared in an interview over the weekend that government troops recovered backpacks, personal belongings, medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents from the hideout of the Guerrilla Front Huawei, Sub-Regional Committee 1 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

The strike operation started at about 10 a.m., following the tracks of five NPA fighters whom the military previously encountered.

The clash lasted only for just about 10 minutes as the rebels immediately withdrew and fled toward the northeast.

There were no casualties on the government side but it cannot be confirmed yet if the NPA side had injuries or death.

Lt. Col. Ricky Canatoy, the 58IB commanding officer, said they need to intensify their operations due to the desperation of the NPA.

"The encounter is a result of the continuous effort and active steps to thwart enemy hostile activities such as extortion and atrocities, especially now that they are becoming more and more desperate with their current situation, not having enough resources and supplies, deprived of food and rest,” Canatoy said in another statement.

Meanwhile, the Lagonglong Municipal Police Station has coordinated with the Army to conduct checkpoints on major roads in Barangay Banglay.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA (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 has 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/1175866

DHSUD, Army eye expanded housing for NorMin IPs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5, 2022): DHSUD, Army eye expanded housing for NorMin IPs (By Nef Luczon)

IP SHELTER. Houses inside the tribal village of the Higaonon indigenous community in Sitio Eva, Barangay Samay in Balingasag, Misamis Oriental. The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Region 10 and the Army's 4th Infantry Division have started discussions on building more houses for indigenous people. (PNA photo by Nef Luczon)

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development in Region 10 (DHSUD-10) has begun preparations for expanding a housing community of Indigenous Peoples (IP) in Northern Mindanao in partnership with the Army's 4th Infantry Division (4ID).

DHSUD-10 Director Ariel Abragan has met with Maj. Gen. Wilbur Mamawag, 4ID commander, on how building more IP villages in the region will become one of the key projects under peace building in the hinterlands.

“This project fills the gap in our long-standing fight against insurgency. By providing basic shelter to our indigenous communities, the government is a step closer to ending the protracted problem," Abragan said in a statement on Saturday.

As part of its community service programs, the 4ID has also engaged in non-combat outreach at the grassroots in partnership with other government agencies, part of the whole-of-government approach as mandated by Executive Order 70 and the creation of the Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

In 2019, the National Housing Authority started the construction of an IP village in Sitio Eva, Balingasag, Misamis Oriental for Higaonon residents.

One-hundred houses worth PHP20 million were completed in 2021.

In March 2022, DHSUD Secretary Eduardo Del Rosario approved the construction of five more IP villages with 250 houses each as a continuation of the NHA project.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175907

US to continue helping PH in maintaining security, peace in Mindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (Jun 5, 2022): US to continue helping PH in maintaining security, peace in Mindanao (By Betheena Unite)

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to help the Philippines maintain security and sustainable peace in Mindanao.

United States Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Heather Variava turns over essential COVID-19 equipment for Zamboanga’s molecular testing center. (Photo courtesy of the US Embassy in Manila)

US Embassy in the Philippines Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) ad interim Heather Variava conveyed this during her recent visit in Zamboanga City to deliver Covid-19 assistance.

Variava reaffirmed her country’s commitment to security cooperation in Zamboanga in a meeting with Zamboanga Mayor Maria Isabelle ‘Beng’ Climaco Salazar as she thanked him for supporting US partnerships.

In handing over Covid-19 aid, Variava stated, “combating the Covid-19 pandemic requires collective action. I am pleased that the enduring partnership between our two nations has fortified Zamboanga City’s pandemic response.”

“In collaboration with national and local governments, the private sector, and other key stakeholders, the United States will continue to implement adaptive solutions to strengthen local communities in the Philippines,” she added.

Variava handed over essential Covid-19 medical equipment from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to Zamboanga City’s molecular testing center in Barangay San Roque.

The US government, through USAID, has supported Zamboanga City’s pandemic response and vaccination rollout since June 2020.

It has deployed mobile vaccination teams, composed of three emergency medical technicians and one information technology (IT) staff to boost the city’s vaccination capabilities. It also deployed six consultants in major vaccination sites to support data encoding and reporting.

During the meeting with Climaco, they were also joined by alumni from the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative and Philippine Youth Leadership Program, who discussed activities undertaken by the US Government Alumni Association in Zamboanga City.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/05/us-to-continue-helping-ph-in-maintaining-security-peace-in-mindanao/

4 hurt in shooting, shootout incidents

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Jun 5, 2022): 4 hurt in shooting, shootout incidents

FOUR people, including two militiamen, were wounded in a shooting incident followed by a shootout in Maluso, Basilan province, the police reported.

Police Major Basiri Hassan, Maluso police chief, said that Sherhan Ansay, 34, and Alvin Amat, 42, were wounded when shot by motorcycle-riding suspects around 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, in Townsite village.

Amat is a member of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), whose function is to help address concerns about peace, order and safety at the grassroots level.

The injured militiamen were identified as Mengyan Glendon, 33, and Villarin Ricky, 34.

Hassan said that Ansay and Amat were seated at the waiting shed of the wet market in Townsite village when repeatedly shot by gunmen aboard two motorcycles that passed by the place.

Hassan said that the two militiamen were injured in a shootout that ensued while the suspects were being pursued by joint police and militia team. The suspects eluded arrest.

“We cannot just easily open fire since there are cluster of houses,” he said.

Police Colonel Pedro Martirez Jr., Basilan police director, said the pursuing team recovered two motorcycles abandoned by the suspects in Townsite and Upper Port Holland villages, respectively.

Martirez said they are looking for the owners of the motorcycles who could help them shed light on the incidents.

He said the identities of the owners were known through the documents recovered from the two motorcycles.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1931111/zamboanga/local-news/4-hurt-in-shooting-shootout-incidents

Roadside bombing foiled

From the Sun Star-Zambaonga (Jun 5, 2022): Roadside bombing foiled

TROOPS have foiled a roadside bomb attack as they safely recovered three improvised bombs in Basilan province, the military reported.

Brigadier General Domingo Gobway, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Basilan commander, said the improvised bombs were recovered around 5 a.m. Saturday, June 4, in Sitio Limbu Urot in Tipo-Tipo proper village, Tipo-Tipo municipality.

Gobway said the troops were on an intelligence-driven operation when they recovered the improvised bombs based on information they received from concerned residents.

Personnel of the 39th Explosive Ordnance Demolition team conducted render safe procedure and detonated the improvised bombs in place, according to Gobway.

He said the main charge of the improvised bombs was ammonium nitrate fuel oil packed in three bottles rigged with two-inch nails as shrapnel, blasting cap as detonator, and two eight-inch steel tubes.

He ordered the troops to intensify security patrols to prevent attacks on troops and civilians through roadside bombing.

He did not say whether the Abu Sayyaf bandits were behind the roadside bombing attempt in Tipo-Tipo.

On May 30, two improvised bombs exploded one after the other that injured two persons in Isabela City, the capital of Basilan, which Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command said was the handiwork of the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Junpikar Sitin, Isabela City police chief, also said that the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf based in Tipo-Tipo were behind the May 30 twin bombings.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1931110/zamboanga/local-news/roadside-bombing-foiled

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: CPP calls out Twitter over censorship of its accounts

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Jun 4, 2022): CPP calls out Twitter over censorship of its accounts

 

June 04, 2022

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today revealed that its affiliate accounts were censored and suspended by Twitter on its social media platform without “warning or advise.” The said accounts served as platforms for the Philippine revolutionary movement to express its views, and share statements and updates on its activities.

CPP Chief Information Officer Marco Valbuena said that the accounts of the @prwc_info, the @cpp_angbayan, and @sineproletaryo, and that of National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) Chief Political Consultant @JoseMariaSison were suspended since yesterday, June 3.

“We see this as part of heightened efforts to silence anti-imperialist voices on social media on the pretext of the sham US ‘war against terror,'” Valbuena said.

The CPP spokesman (@cpp_marco), added his account may be targeted next by Twitter’s “artbitrary suspension,” which he says will “deny me and the CPP the chance to use Twitter as a self-declared platform for free expression.”

The Twitter suspensions came after Facebook and Google, both based in the US, censored and closed the social media and email accounts of the CPP last April. Valbuena further elaborated that these aim to “deny space for anti-imperialist forces to challenge and expose the official lies of the US and its fascist cohorts.”

He also said that these intend to allow US imperialists to “have absolute control over the social media narrative.”

Valbuena said that they “will continue to publish the CPP’s views in all possible ways.”

Official statements and articles of the Philippine revolutionary movement, the CPP, the New People’s Army and the NDFP can be accessed on its website at https://cpp.ph.

Valbuena ended with an appeal to the friends of the CPP and people interested in the Philippine revolutionary movement to help in sharing their views over social media platforms.

“We hope our friends and people interested in the views of the CPP can help by sharing our statements and publications on Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms. Let us continue to stand up to the US imperialists and not allow ourselves to be silenced,” Valbuena said. (CPP Information Bureau)

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/cpp-calls-out-twitter-over-censorship-of-its-accounts/

Kalinaw News: 17IB, 501st Brigade troops recover war materiel, CTG personal belongings after a firefight in Apayao

From Kalinaw News (Jun 5, 2022): 17IB, 501st Brigade troops recover war materiel, CTG personal belongings after a firefight in Apayao



CAMP MELCHOR F DELA CRUZ, Upi, Gamu, Isabela- War materiel and personal belongings believed to be owned by the members of the Communist Terrorist Group were found by the troops of 17th Infantry Battalion, 501st Infantry Brigade on June 04, 2022, after the firefight at Sitio Paco, Barangay Apayao, Pudtol, Apayao.

The said military troops recovered an M16 5.56 rifle with an extended magazine and 17 ammunition, two anti-personnel mines, and two backpacks. The troops are still scouring the encounter site for more possible items left by the enemies.

“We are still searching the area as we alerted the adjacent troops to conduct blocking positions for possible apprehension of the members of the West Front Committee,” LTC Oliver C Logan, Battalion Commander of 17IB said.

Fortunately, no casualties were recorded on the government side while they are still verifying the situation on the enemy side.

Further, BGen Steve Crespillo, Brigade Commander of 501st Infantry Brigade said that the APMs recovered are just proof that the CTGs are violators of the International Humanitarian Law. “Opposite of what they are proclaiming as the defenders of human rights, the terrorist groups don’t care about the rights of any individuals as long as they carried out their atrocities.”

“Recovery of their war materials means saving innocent lives. Your army troops will not hesitate to risk their own life just to protect the people against the inhumane and unlawful acts of the CTGs. So I am warning the remaining members of the CTGs to just lay down your arms or else face the consequences of supporting the enemy of the state,” the general added.

Recall that, early morning of June 03 a firefight ensued between the said military troops and more or less 20 members of WFC of the Komiteng Probinsya Cagayan, Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley where the firefight lasted for 20 minutes.

[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/17ib-501st-brigade-troops-recover-war-materiel-ctg-personal-belongings-after-a-firefight-in-apayao/

Kalinaw News: CNT Patay, Ilang Armas Narekober sa Engkwentro sa Sorsogon

From Kalinaw News (Jun 5, 2022): CNT Patay, Ilang Armas Narekober sa Engkwentro sa Sorsogon (CNT Dead, Some Weapons Recovered in Sorsogon Encounter)



Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur – Patay ang isang miyembro ng Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) habang ilang armas ng grupo ang narekober matapos na maka-engkwentro ang tropa ng mga sundalo’t pulis sa Barangay Olandia, Barcelona, Sorsogon, alas singko ng umaga, araw ng Sabado.

Ayon sa ulat mula sa 31st Infantry (CHARGE) Battalion, dahil sa sumbong ng mga tao sa lugar agad na nagsagawa ng security operation ang kanilang tropa kasama ang PNP nang maka-engkwentro ang nasa labing dalawang (12) miyembro ng CNT.

Ayon kay Lieutenant Colonel Marlon Mojica, Battalion Commander ng 31IB, tumagal ng labing limang minuto (15) ang palitan ng putok sa pagitan ng mga otoridad at komunistang grupo na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng isang miyembro ng CNT na agad na iniwan ng kanyang mga kasamahan habang wala namang naitalang nasugatan sa bahagi ng tropa ng gobyerno.

Narekober naman sa pinangyarihan ng insidente ang dalawang (2) M16 rifle na may kasamang isang M203 at iba pang mga mahahalagang kagamitan ng teroristang grupo.

Sa ngayon, mahigpit na seguridad ang ipinaiiral ni Brigadier General Aldwine Almase, Commander ng 903rd (PATRIOT) Brigade sa lugar upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng mga residente.

“Sa tulong po ng tao sa komunidad mas mapapadali po ang ating pagtugis sa mga kalaban. Dahil dito, mas mahigpit na seguridad ang ating ipapatupad upang maibsan ang takot ng mamamayan sa mga teroristang grupong ito” ani BGen. Almase.

Inalerto naman ni Police Brigadier General Mario Reyes, Regional Director ng Police Regional Office (PRO) 5, ang kapulisan kasunod ng nasabing pangyayari.

Samantala, pinapaalalahanan naman ni MAJOR GENERAL ALEX LUNA, Commander ng Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB) at 9th Infantry (SPEAR) Division, Philippine Army ang mga kasamahan ng mga CNT na napasabak sa labanan na huwag nang mag-aksaya ng pagod at lakas, lalo na’t malaki ang posibilidad na may iba pang nasugatan sa nangyaring engkwentro.

“Sa mga ganitong pagkakataon hindi lamang po ang kaligtasan ng aming tropa ang aming inaalala, gayundin itong mga terorista. Dahil kapag sila’y nasugatan hindi tulad ng mga sundalo na agad nating nadadala sa mga pagamutan upang agad na mabigyang lunas. Sila? Kailangan na itago, at kapag hindi agad magamot ay babawian lang din ng buhay, paano ang kanilang mga pamilya? Nakakalungkot na katotoohanan di po ba? Kaya patuloy po ang aming panawagan na magkaisa na lamang po tayo para sa katiwasayan ng ating komunidad,” ani MGen. Luna.

[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/cnt-patay-ilang-armas-narekober-sa-engkwentro-sa-sorsogon/

Kalinaw News: Two FRs receive more than 100K financial assistance

From Kalinaw News (Jun 4, 2022): Two FRs receive more than 100K financial assistance



A total of P104,000 was awarded to the former armed member and a former supporter of the Communist Terrorist Group on June 03, 2022 in Provincial Capitol, Tabuk City, Kalinga.

Alias Bagyan, former CTG member received P65,000 (P50,000 for hog raising & P15,000 for immediate assistance) while alias Lucia, former member of Militia ng Bayan received P39,000 (P24,000 under firearm renumeration for surrendering cal. 38 & P15,000 for immediate assistance).

The financial assistance was awarded by Kalinga Governor Ferdinand Tubban through the assistance of 50th Infantry Battalion under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

“Through E-CLIP we aim to extend help to the members of terrorist CPP-NPA-NDF and Militia ng Bayan who wants to return to the folds of the law. This is exactly what we are doing now by giving assistance to our former rebels. We will not hesitate to give them what they need for their reintegration to the mainstream society,” LtC Melanio E Somera, Battalion Commander of 50th Infantry Battalion said.

Further, BGen Santiago I Enginco, Brigade Commander of 503rd Infantry Brigade urge the remaining members and supporters of the CTGs to return to the pillars of the government and grab the benefits that the government is offering. “We will never get tired of telling you to abandon now the terrorist group and live with your family and loved ones. Your army troops together with the government agencies will help and back you up towards the right path.”

Meanwhile, the DSWD pledged to give the said FRs additional financial assistance.

[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/two-frs-receive-morethan-100k-financial-assistance/

Kalinaw News: Enemy hideout discovered, Army troops foil extortion activities in Misamis Oriental

From Kalinaw News (Jun 3, 2022): Enemy hideout discovered, Army troops foil extortion activities in Misamis Oriental



CLAVERIA, Misamis Oriental – After an enemy hideout was discovered, troops from the 58th Infantry Dimalulupig Battalion encountered Communist Terrorist Groups in Brgy Banglay, Lagonglong Misamis Oriental, on June 3, 2022.

Following the tracks from the enemy hideout, the troops conducted strike operations, and at around 10 in the morning, the encounter against five communist terrorists of Guerilla Front Huawei, SRC1 transpired.

The firefight lasted about ten minutes, after which the enemy withdrew northeast. On the government side, no casualties have been reported, while the enemy side has yet to be determined. However, heavy bloodstains were discovered in the discovered enemy hideout while scouring the encounter site. Four backpacks, one scope, personal belongings, medical paraphernalia, and subversive documents were then recovered by the troops.

Lt. Col. Ricky L. Canatoy, Commanding Officer of the 58th Infantry Battalion, said that “The encounter is a result of the continuous effort and active steps to thwart enemy hostile activities such as extortion and atrocities, especially now that they are becoming more and more desperate with their current situation, not having enough resources and supplies, deprived of food and rest. These remnants are now hungry and tired as the government troops’ operations are relentless as we really seek to put an end to the insurgency here in Misamis Oriental. “

Lt. Col. Canatoy also extends his gratitude to the residents for their continuous cooperation and for giving vital information. He also urges the public to continue its support for the government by refusing to support the Communist Terrorists in any way since only a few of them are left and are in no position or capability to do damage. They are already on the brink of collapse and are just trying to survive.

[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/enemy-hideout-discovered-army-troops-foil-extortion-activities-in-misamis-oriental/

Kalinaw News: Members of WGF AMPIS continue to Lean to the government

From Kalinaw News (Jun 3, 2022): Members of WGF AMPIS continue to Lean to the government



Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija – With the successive stories of Former Rebels benefiting from the government’s program, two of the remnants of Weakened Guerilla Front AMPIS Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) are encouraged to voluntary surrender to the troops of 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion at Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte on June 02, 2022.

Surrendered personalities are identified as alyas Reden, Vice Team Leader and alyas Erold, a member both of squad dos, WGF AMPIS.

Based on their interview, alyas Reden and alyas Erold, disclosed that they left the terrorist group on the 1st quarter 2022 but were afraid to surrender. However, realizing the sincerity of the government in helping all former rebels and with their family’s encouragement, they were convinced to surrender to 71st IB in close coordination with other units of 7ID and PNP.

The Commander of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division Major General Andrew D Costelo expressed his gratitude to 71st Infantry (Kaibigan) Battalion, 81st Infantry (Spartan) Battalion, 69th Infantry (Cougar) Battalion, 24th Infantry (Wildcat) Battalion, 2nd CMO Company and Municipal Police Provincial Office of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur and also the support of Hon Rafael Ralph Benemerito, Mayor of Pagudpod for the collaborative efforts that paved way to the surrender of the two personalities.

Maj. Gen. Costelo is also grateful for the gained trust from CTG members who wants to go back to the folds of law, “Mananatiling bukas ang gobyerno sa ating mga kapatid na pagod na at gusto na ng panibagong buhay. Buong puso namin kayong tatanggapin ng walang pag-aalinlangan, gagabayan namin kayong umahon mula sa inyong pagkakalubog at tutulungan namin kayo na makapagsimula muli ng mapayapa at masayang pamumuhay kasama ang inyong pamilya.”

[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/members-of-wgf-ampis-continue-to-lean-to-the-government/

BRP Antonio Luna to join US-led Rim of the Pacific exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 5, 2022): BRP Antonio Luna to join US-led Rim of the Pacific exercise (By Priam Nepomuceno)

NAVAL EXERCISE. The Jose Rizal-class frigate, BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), shown here on her recent symbolic docking at Naval Operating Base Subic, will join this year's Rim of the Pacific Exercise from June 29 to Aug. 4. This is the 3rd time that the Philippine Navy will participate in the US Navy-led multinational exercises. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy (PN) on June 8 will be sending one of its two brand-new missile frigates, the BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), to participate in this year's Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise that will be taking place at Honolulu, Hawaii from June 29 to August 4.

Navy spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza, in a statement Sunday, said BRP Antonio Luna is part of the PN's Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5 which will serve as the country's representatives to the US Navy-lead maritime exercise.

"(NTG 80.5 is) composed of Navy personnel aboard the Jose Rizal-class frigate BRP Antonio Luna and an AgustaWestland AW-109 aircraft. The task group, set to sail on June 8 from Naval Operating Base Subic," he added.

Negranza said NTG 80.5 will help develop, maintain, and enhance the Navy’s pursuit of maritime collaboration with its counterparts through the exercise.

"(RIMPAC is) one of the PN’s major International Defense and Security Engagement activities," he added.

The PN's participation in RIMPAC 2022, themed “Capable, Adaptive, Partners,” will be its third in the largest and premier maritime exercise, after its maiden participation in 2018 and its sophomore run in 2020.

"Exercise RIMPAC is held biennially to promote regional stability in the Pacific region. This year’s iteration is scheduled to include 27 naval forces all across the globe," Negranza said.

In the 2018 RIMPAC, the Navy deployed the offshore patrol vessel, BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17) while on the 2020 iteration of the maritime exercise, the PN sent the country's first missile frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150).

Both the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna are capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

The contract for the two ships was PHP16 billion and an additional PHP2 billion for weapon systems and munitions.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1175899

More families evacuate as AFP continues offensive against NPA in Ifugao

From Rappler (Jun 2, 2022): More families evacuate as AFP continues offensive against NPA in Ifugao (By SHERWIN DE VERA)

Locals worry about their gardens in forested areas but the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office tells them to prioritize safety as it provides food supplies and other needs

The number of families displaced by the ongoing government offensive against New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Asipulo town in Ifugao province has risen to 122 from 37 families last May 28, municipal social welfare and development officer (MSWDO) Myla Dulnuan said on Wednesday, June 1.

Dulnuan said Namal Elementary School in Barangay Namal now shelters 85 families, up from from 33 families. Some 37 households also evacuated to the Pula barangay hall compound because it is more accessible to the residents, the social welfare official added.

Dulnuan said locals opted to evacuate because army troops are still operating in the forested area near their villages.

“We cannot assure their safety should they go back. We also asked locals not to go to the forest just yet,” she said.

The MSWDO officer added that some locals have gardens near the forest, and they worry about their untended crops.

“But we told them to give priority to their safety,” she stressed.

Dulnuan added that the local government and the local office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development continue to provide food supplies for the evacuees.
Fresh clashes

Troops from the 54th Infantry Battalion are pursuing NPA rebels they identified as members of the guerrilla front operating in Abra-Mountain Province-Ilocos Sur.

Clashes between the soldiers and the rebels erupted on May 23 in Sitio Likew and Sitio Timmapaya on May 24, all in Barangay Namal. The Northern Luzon Command said the third clash happened on May 29 in Sitio Binangyuyaw.

An NPA died in the last battle, and soldiers recovered an M16A2 rifle. There was no reported casualty from the government side.

On May 26, residents and the local government assisted a wounded rebel entrusted by his comrades to the community for medical attention. The LGU turned over the wounded to the soldiers after the hospital tended to their injuries.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/families-evacuate-afp-offensive-new-peoples-army-ifugao/

Twitter suspends Joma, CPP-linked accounts

 From the Philippine Star (Jun 5, 2022): Twitter suspends Joma, CPP-linked accounts (By Janvic Mateo)

In this file photoThe Twitter logo is seen on a phone in this photo illustration in Washington, DC.
AFP / Alastair Pike

Social media company Twitter has suspended the account of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison.

In a statement, CPP chief information officer Marco Valbuena confirmed that Sison’s account and others linked to the communist organization have been suspended since Friday.

Among those suspended were the accounts with handles @prwc_info, @cpp_angbayan and @sineproletaryo.

“We see this as part of heightened efforts to silence anti-imperialist voices on social media on the pretext of the sham US ‘war against terror’,” said Valbuena, whose account @cpp_marco remains active as of Saturday afternoon.

He said his account may be targeted by what he described as Twitter’s “arbitrary suspension,” saying it would deny him and the CPP “the chance to use Twitter as a self-declared platform for free expression.”

Twitter has yet to issue a statement on the matter.

However, its policy prohibits the users linked to “violent organizations, including terrorist organizations, violent extremist groups or individuals who affiliate with and promote their illicit activities.”

“Our assessments under this policy are informed by national and international terrorism designations, as well as our violent extremist group and violent organizations criteria,” it added.

The Philippine government, through the Anti-Terrorism Council, earlier designated the CPP, NDFP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, as terrorist organizations.

Sison, who has sought refuge in the Netherlands, was also designated as a terrorist individual.

Under Twitter’s policy, among those prohibited were activities engaging in or promoting acts on behalf of a violent organization; recruitment; providing or distributing services to further a prohibited group’s stated goals and using the insignia or symbol of a terrorist organization to promote them or indicate affiliation or support.

“We may make limited exceptions for groups that have reformed or are currently engaging in a peaceful resolution process, as well as groups with representatives who have been elected to public office through democratic elections,” read the policy.

“We may also make exceptions related to the discussion of terrorism or extremism for clearly educational or documentary purposes. This policy also doesn’t apply to state or governmental organizations,” it added.

Last April, technology companies Facebook and Google also closed the accounts linked to the CPP on their respective platforms.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2022/06/05/2186110/twitter-suspends-joma-cpp-linked-accounts

Troops kill suspected bomber, capture another

 From the Sun Star-Manila (Jun3, 2022): Troops kill suspected bomber, capture another

Image from Google Maps

PHILIPPINE troops killed a suspected bandit and captured another in a brief gunbattle with rebels aligned with the Islamic State group who are blamed for recent bombings in Mindanao, military officials said Thursday, June 2.

Army troops and police clashed briefly with fighters of the Daulah Islamiyah group on Wednesday, June 1, in M’lang town in Cotabato province while searching for the people behind recent bombings believed aimed at extorting money from bus companies and other businesses in the south, military officials said.

A suspected bandit, Monir Lintukan, was killed in the clash and another, Randy Saro, was arrested, Army battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Mundala said. Several others escaped.

Lintukan and Saro are among the suspects in bombings last month of a bus in Koronadal City and a bus parking lot in Tacurong city, Army officials said. One person was injured in the Korondal explosion.

“Due to our intensified intelligence gathering, we immediately tracked down those suspects and launched manhunt operations," said Colonel Jovencio Gonzales, a regional Army infantry brigade commander.

Despite a 2014 government peace pact with the largest Muslim separatist group and years of military offensives, pockets of armed insurgents, some aligned with the Islamic State group, still pose a threat in the south, the homeland of minority Muslims in the largely Roman Catholic nation.

 
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1930900/manila/local-news/troops-kill-suspected-bomber-capture-another

Ex-rebels in Muslim Mindanao stake future on recruitment to national police force

 From BenarNews (Jun 1, 2022): Ex-rebels in Muslim Mindanao stake future on recruitment to national police force (By Jeoffrey Maitem)

Former guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front take an entrance test for the Philippine National Police in Cotabato city, southern Philippines, May 29, 2022. [Handout Moro Islamic Liberation Front]

Updated at 9:23 p.m. ET on 2022-06-01

As the muezzin’s call to prayer echoed at dawn in a remote village in this southern Philippine city, former separatist rebel Rashid Kanton was preparing recently for an examination that could change his life.

The 35-year-old ex-member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front hoped to pass the exam to be considered eligible and among the first batch of former MILF insurgents recruited into the ranks of their former enemy, the Philippine National Police.

“I want to become a policeman to protect the people and catch the bad guys,” he told BenarNews.

“And now we have the peace agreement, we want what was promised to us. We can be part of the police if we pass the examination.”

But the odds are against Kanton, who has only finished high school. He has spent nearly all of his life as a member of the front, which was the country’s largest rebel force until it signed a peace deal with Manila in 2014 to end its decades-long separatist insurgency in the south.

Now, the former guerrilla force controls an expanded autonomous region in the southern Philippines, officially known as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Kanton said he had joined the rebel force because he believed in the cause it was fighting for and because he was born into conflict. All his male relatives, at one point or another, were MILF fighters or civilians who helped in the rebellion, he said.

One of the conditions of the peace deal was the integration of select fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front into the country’s police and military forces, subject to a rigid selection process.

Like Kanton, Sahid Lumabao, a 23-year-old high school graduate from Datu Odin Sinsuat, said he was thankful for the opportunity to take the police exam.

“Every night before our examination, I was reading materials related to police duties and functions,” Sahid told BenarNews.

“That’s my focus. I am doing this for my future family.”



A member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s elite Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces is seen inside the group’s Camp Darapanan on the outskirts of Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao province, southern Philippines, June 22, 2019. [Jojo Riñoza/BenarNews]

Not entirely welcome

Murad Ebrahim, the chief of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and head of the transitional government in the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao, said that when they received the go-ahead from the government on the examination for the police force, many ex-rebels wanted to serve, although some were automatically eliminated because they lacked basic qualifications.

“After three years of the transition period, we are happy that we are finally taking the first step into making this provision a reality,” Ebrahim, also known as Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, told BenarNews.

Still, passing the examination is only one of the qualifications required for joining the police force, said Ricardo Bernabe III, who heads the National Police Commission.

“Once they have the eligibility, they can apply now to the Philippine National Police,” he told reporters, adding that candidates would not be appointed for merely passing the examination.

“They have their recruitment process” after the exam, he added.

However, not all members of the national police force have openly embraced the prospect of rebels being integrated into their ranks, especially officers from special units who saw action in the volatile south, sources said.

Seven years ago, 44 police commandos were killed in a fierce gunbattle with Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in January 2015, following a clandestine operation to kill Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir (also known as Marwan), who was one of Southeast Asia’s most wanted militants at the time.

In the botched operation at Mamasapano, Marwan was slain but dozens of the commandos were trapped and died after engaging the guerrillas, who said they thought they were under attack by enemy forces. It was described as the biggest single-day combat loss for the government in recent memory.

The rebel group justified its action, saying government forces had entered its area in the south unannounced in violation of a ceasefire.

The fighting set back the peace process, and it was only after President Rodrigo Duterte succeeded Benigno Aquino III that Congress passed a law giving autonomy to the areas in the south controlled by MILF.

Mark Navales in Cotabato City, Philippines, contributed to this report.

CORRECTION: In an earlier version, a quote about plans by an aspiring police recruit for a future family was wrongly attributed to Rashid Kanton.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/former-philippine-rebels-take-exam-to-join-police- 06012022135737.html