Thursday, August 4, 2022

Troops clash with NPA in Occidental Mindoro, recover guns, grenades in encounter site

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 4, 2022): Troops clash with NPA in Occidental Mindoro, recover guns, grenades in encounter site (By Danny Estacio)

Troops clashed with the New People’s Army (NPA) in Barangay Iriron, Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro Wednesday, August 3, and recovered guns and grenades following a brief gunfight.

Brig. Gen. Jose Augusto Villareal, commanding general of the Army 203rd Infantry Battalion, said troops were dispatched after residents complained that communist guerrillas have been extorting food from them. Residents also disclosed that communist guerrillas have been threatening them if they do not join or support the armed struggle.

Responding troops encountered a band of NPA rebels at 4:45 a.m. who fled after a two-minute gunbattle.

Recovered during clearing operations were two guns, hand grenades, and other war materials. Troops also found blood in the area and the escape route of the rebels.


Villareal said the NPA is blatantly violating human rights and the International Humanitarian Law with their actions.

The encounter is just one of many successful military operations under the 203rd Infantry Brigade that resulted in casualties and weakening of the NPA in Mindoro, Villareal said.

The military is pursuing the fleeing rebels.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/04/troops-clash-with-npa-in-occidental-mindoro-recover-guns-grenades-in-encounter-site/

NCIP calls for support vs NPA threats in indigenous peoples’ communities

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 4, 2022): NCIP calls for support vs NPA threats in indigenous peoples’ communities (By Luisa K. Cabato)

The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) has called for support against the presence and invasion of terrorist groups in the Ancestral Domains (ADs) and communities of the Indigenous Peoples (IP).



National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (FACEBOOK)

“Our IPs’ ways of life and environment are continuously threatened by invasive conversion of their lands into New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla bases,” NCIP said in a statement.

According to NCIP, the delivery of basic social services and full implementation of the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 (IPRA) to the IP communities were being hindered by armed conflict and terrorism within their own lands.

The IP who are “caught in the crossfire of wars” are also being forced to join the Communist Terrorist Groups or leave behind their homes, lands, and livelihood, the commission added.

The IPRA is an act that recognizes, protects, and promotes the rights of the IP.

“We call everyone to defend individuals and groups who continue to serve and stand with our IP brothers and sisters as they continue their struggle to protect their rights,” NCIP said.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/04/ncip-calls-for-support-vs-npa-threats-in-indigenous-peoples-communities/

Filipinos honoured for rescuing Indonesians kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf

From the New Straits Times (Aug 3, 2022): Filipinos honoured for rescuing Indonesians kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf


Indonesia awarded 52 Filipinos with medals for rescuing three of its citizens, who were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sabah, Malaysia in 2019.- Pic credit www.pna.gov.ph/

Indonesia awarded 52 Filipinos with medals for rescuing three of its citizens, who were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sabah, Malaysia in 2019.

Among the recipients were Former Defense chief Delfin Lorenzana and former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of Staff General (Ret.) Cirilito Sobejana, the Philippine News Agency reported.

Both received the "Medali Perdamaian" or the Medal of Peace, the first from the Philippines ever to be accorded the honour. The ceremony was held in Makati on Wednesday.

The other recipients were 50 members of the Western Mindanao Command who were directly involved in the rescue mission. They were given the Medal of Dharma Defence.

The three Indonesians were kidnapped while fishing in the waters of Tambisan Island in Lahad Datu, Sabah on September 23, 2019.


Two of them were eventually rescued in Sulu, Philippines on December 22 while the remaining one was freed on January 15, 2020.

During the mission, Sergeant Romnick Estacio of the Philippine Navy Marine died and two others sustained gunshot wounds. Estacio was posthumously awarded along with the 49 AFP officers.

Sobejana, at the time of the incident, was the commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

Lorenzana said the trilateral cooperation between the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia had greatly contributed to the progress in curbing the kidnappings in Sulu Sea.

"(The actions taken by the Philippines) and the trilateral cooperation among the three countries proved to be very effective, that for a while, there were no kidnappings in the Sulu Sea. But sometime in 2019, the (Abu Sayyaf) kidnapped three Indonesian nationals and tried to bring them to Sulu," he shared.

"Our theory proved correct that the kidnappers need the islands to successfully bring their hostages to Sulu," he said adding they discovered Abu Sayyaf's "elaborate operations" using the islands in Sulu Sea to initially hide their hostages, moving them from island to island, until they reach Sulu.

Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo said the awards were accorded by Indonesian President Joko Widodo to those who "contributed greatly to advancing peace".

"I have always believed in the capabilities and professionalism of the Philippine soldiers under the leadership of their commanding officers in ensuring favorable results," Widjojo said.

"It is their sense of commitment to uphold the righteous and condemn the lawlessness that made Indonesia decide to grant them two of Indonesia's tokens of honour: the Medal of Peace and the Dharma Medal of Defence," he added.

Widjojo said the award shows the "success of effective defence and security cooperation" between the two nations.

He expressed hoped the two nations could further strengthen this area of cooperation as terrorism and other kinds of transnational crimes remain an ever-present threat.

"It could take the form of joint patrolling, intelligence sharing, enhancing capacity and learning of best practices. It can take many forms but the purpose is so that when we come together to conduct a joint mission, we are already familiar with the other," he said.

https://www.nst.com.my/world/region/2022/08/819165/filipinos-honoured-rescuing-indonesians-kidnapped-abu-sayyaf

WESTMINCOM: Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP)

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 2, 2022): Enhanced-Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP)



4th Civil Relations Group

Program in relation to the turn-over of former bandit member Abu Sayyaf who returned to the government under the Localize Balik Loob Program of the Sulu Provincial Government.

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https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=422108059943957&set=a.226169572871141

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/?ref=page_internal

WESTMINCOM: IN PHOTOS: Personnel from the 4th Civil Relations Group and Philippine National Police Seaborne Battalion joined the U.S. Marines Special Operations Task Force 511.2 in the conduct of a gift-giving activity at an orphanage in Zamboanga City on August 1

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 2, 2022): IN PHOTOS: Personnel from the 4th Civil Relations Group and Philippine National Police Seaborne Battalion joined the U.S. Marines Special Operations Task Force 511.2 in the conduct of a gift-giving activity at an orphanage in Zamboanga City on August 1











4th Civil Relations Group

IN PHOTOS: Personnel from the 4th Civil Relations Group and Philippine National Police Seaborne Battalion joined the U.S. Marines Special Operations Task Force 511.2 in the conduct of a gift-giving activity at an orphanage in Zamboanga City on August 1

28 children at the Holy Trinity Orphanage in Barangay Pasonanca benefited from the donations of the troops. Ten (10) sacks of rice and detergent were donated among other items.
 
This has also became a venue for the introduction of 511.2's new team to be assigned in Mindanao and a farewell activity of their comrades who will travel back to the U.S.

SOTF 511.2 is composed of troops who specialize in Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations and are an active collaborator in AFP's Civil-Military Operations.
 
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#SundaloSalamatsaSerbisyo #AFPyoucanTRUST #SupportOurTroops #TeamWestMinCom #TeamCRSAFP

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=422047286616701&set=pcb.422047703283326

https://www.facebook.com/westmincomafp2021/?ref=page_internal

WESTMINCOM: 57IB Facilitates Skills Training to 21 FRs with TESDA XII

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 2, 2022): 57IB Facilitates Skills Training to 21 FRs with TESDA XII



4th Civil Relations Group

57IB Facilitates Skills Training to 21 FRs with TESDA XII

๐“๐ก๐ž ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ•๐ญ๐ก ๐ˆ๐ง๐Ÿ๐š๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ (๐Œ๐€๐’๐ˆ๐Š๐€๐) ๐๐š๐ญ๐ญ๐š๐ฅ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฎ๐ง๐๐ž๐ซ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฅ๐ž๐š๐๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ๐ก๐ข๐ฉ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐‹๐“๐‚ ๐†๐”๐ˆ๐‹๐‹๐„๐‘๐Œ๐Ž ๐“ ๐Œ๐€๐๐”๐“๐„ ๐‰๐‘ ๐ˆ๐๐… (๐†๐’๐‚) ๐๐€ ๐Ÿ๐š๐œ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐š๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฅ๐š๐ฎ๐ง๐œ๐ก๐ข๐ง๐  ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐“๐ซ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ˆ๐ง๐๐ฎ๐œ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐š๐ฆ ๐จ๐ง ๐‚๐š๐ซ๐ฉ๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐œ๐ญ๐ฐ ๐Œ๐š๐ฌ๐จ๐ง๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐‚๐ˆ๐ˆ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ ๐…๐จ๐ซ๐ฆ๐ž๐ซ ๐‘๐ž๐›๐ž๐ฅ๐ฌ (๐…๐‘๐ฌ) ๐ฐ๐ก๐จ ๐š๐ซ๐ž ๐ง๐จ๐ฐ ๐ง๐š๐ฆ๐ž๐ ๐š๐ฌ “๐…๐ซ๐ข๐ž๐ง๐๐ฌ ๐‘๐ž๐ฌ๐œ๐ฎ๐ž๐ (๐…๐‘๐ฌ)” ๐ญ๐ก๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ ๐ก ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐“๐ž๐œ๐ก๐ง๐ข๐œ๐š๐ฅ ๐„๐๐ฎ๐œ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐š๐ง๐ ๐’๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐ƒ๐ž๐ฏ๐ž๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐€๐ฎ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ (๐“๐„๐’๐ƒ๐€), ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐œ๐ข๐š๐ฅ ๐“๐ซ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐  ๐‚๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ซ (๐๐“๐‚)-๐‹๐š๐ฆ๐›๐š๐ฒ๐จ๐ง๐  ๐ก๐ž๐š๐๐ž๐ ๐›๐ฒ ๐Œ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐› ๐ƒ๐š๐ซ๐ฒ๐ฅ ๐€ ๐€๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ง๐จ๐ซ, ๐‚๐ž๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐€๐๐ฆ๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐จ๐ซ ๐จ๐ง ๐‰๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ—, ๐Ÿ๐ŸŽ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ ๐ก๐ž๐ฅ๐ ๐š๐ญ ๐‡๐ž๐š๐๐ช๐ฎ๐š๐ซ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ, ๐€๐ฅ๐Ÿ๐š ๐‚๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐š๐ง๐ฒ, ๐’๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ ๐Š๐ฎ๐ฆ๐š๐ฅ๐š๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ, ๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฒ. ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ค๐š๐ฒ, ๐‹๐ž๐›๐š๐ค, ๐’๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐š๐ง ๐Š๐ฎ๐๐š๐ซ๐š๐ญ. ๐€๐ฅ๐ฌ๐จ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐ฐ๐ž๐ซ๐ž: ๐Œ๐ซ ๐‰๐ž๐ซ๐ฐ๐ข๐ง ๐•๐ข๐ซ๐ ๐จ, ๐Œ๐ฌ ๐Œ๐š๐ซ๐ข๐œ๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ ๐€๐ง๐ง๐ž ๐Š๐ข๐ง๐š๐ณ๐จ, ๐Œ๐ฌ ๐Œ๐ž๐ฅ๐จ๐๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐œ๐ก๐จ๐ซ๐ง๐จ, ๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐’๐ž๐ง๐ข๐จ๐ซ ๐“๐„๐’๐ƒ๐€ ๐’๐ฉ๐ž๐œ๐ข๐š๐ฅ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐Œ๐ซ ๐‰๐ž๐ฆ๐ž๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ƒ๐ข๐š๐œ๐ฎ๐ง๐š, ๐š๐ง๐ ๐Œ๐ซ ๐€๐ง๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ง๐ฒ ๐‚๐š๐ญ๐š๐ฃ๐š๐ฒ, ๐“๐„๐’๐ƒ๐€ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐š๐Ÿ๐Ÿ.

๐“๐ก๐ž ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ ๐ซ๐š๐ฆ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐š ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿ ๐๐š๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ฉ๐š๐œ๐ค๐š๐ ๐ž ๐ญ๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐ ๐ซ๐š๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐…๐‘๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐š๐ข๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐š๐ฅ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฐ๐š๐ง๐œ๐ž๐ฌ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐จ ๐›๐ž ๐š๐ฐ๐š๐ซ๐๐ž๐ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐š๐ฅ ๐‚๐ž๐ซ๐ญ๐ข๐Ÿ๐ข๐œ๐š๐ญ๐ž ๐‹๐ž๐ฏ๐ž๐ฅ ๐ˆ๐ˆ ๐›๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐“๐„๐’๐ƒ๐€, ๐š๐Ÿ๐ญ๐ž๐ซ ๐œ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ž๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ . ๐“๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐š๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐๐“๐…-๐„๐‹C๐€๐‚ ๐œ๐š๐ฆ๐ฉ๐š๐ข๐ ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐ซ๐ž๐ข๐ง๐ญ๐ž๐ ๐ซ๐š๐ญ๐ž ๐ซ๐ž๐›๐ž๐ฅ ๐ซ๐ž๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง๐ž๐ž๐ฌ ๐›๐š๐œ๐ค ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฆ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ž๐š๐ฆ ๐ฌ๐จ๐œ๐ข๐ž๐ญ๐ฒ ๐›๐ฒ ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐ฏ๐ข๐๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ฆ ๐š๐œ๐œ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ช๐ฎ๐š๐ฅ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ž๐œ๐ก๐ง๐ข๐œ๐š๐ฅ-๐ฏ๐จ๐œ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐š๐ฅ ๐ž๐๐ฎ๐œ๐š๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ข๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ .

๐“๐ก๐ž ๐ ๐จ๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ๐ง๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐œ๐ž๐ซ๐ž ๐ข๐ง ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐œ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ž๐œ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž ๐ž๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ž๐ง๐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐œ๐š๐ฅ ๐œ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐š๐ซ๐ฆ๐ž๐ ๐œ๐จ๐ง๐Ÿ๐ฅ๐ข๐œ๐ญ; ๐ญ๐ก๐ฎ๐ฌ, ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿ•๐ˆ๐ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐š๐ ๐š๐ข๐ง ๐ค๐ง๐จ๐œ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐  ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ก๐ž๐š๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐จ๐ฌ๐ž ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ ๐ฎ๐ข๐๐ž๐ ๐›๐ซ๐จ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ซ๐ž๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง ๐ญ๐จ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ฅ๐š๐ฐ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐œ๐œ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฌ๐Ÿ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐š๐ฏ๐š๐ข๐ฅ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ฌ๐ž ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž๐ฅ๐ข๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ ๐š๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐š๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐ž๐ฏ๐ž๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฆ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ž๐ฌ ๐š๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐š๐ซ๐ญ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ง๐ฌ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ž๐Ÿ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐ฃ๐จ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ข๐ซ ๐Ÿ๐š๐ฆ๐ข๐ฅ๐ข๐ž๐ฌ ๐š๐ง๐ ๐›๐ž ๐ฉ๐ซ๐จ๐๐ฎ๐œ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž ๐œ๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ณ๐ž๐ง๐ฌ ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž๐ข๐ซ ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฉ๐ž๐œ๐ญ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž ๐œ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ง๐ข๐ญ๐ข๐ž๐ฌ. | @57th Infantry Masikap Battalion

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WESTMINCOM: WestMinCom Chief leads donning of rank on US Marine Officer

Posted to the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM) Facebook Page (Aug 4, 2022): WestMinCom Chief leads donning of rank on US Marine Officer

Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – August 3, 2022

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command presided over the donning of rank on newly promoted US Marine Corps Officer Lt. Col. Paul Bailey of the Special Operations Task Force 511.2 (SOTF 511.2).

The simple donning of rank ceremony was held at the WestMinCom Headquarters at Camp Navarro, Calarian, this city at 9 a.m. Wednesday, August 3, 2022.
 
Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. also presented awards to Lt. Col. Bailey and all the members of the SOTF 511.2 for their meritorious achievement during their almost eight months of deployment as WestMinCom-Foreign Liaison Elements. A Military Civic Action Medal was awarded to Lt. Col. Bailey and his teammates namely; Maj. James Salka, Maj. Daniel Grant, Cpt. Michael Nerdahl, Cpt. Edward Robinson, and 1st Sgt. Robert Turek, all of the US Marine Corps.
 
In his message, Lt. Gen. Rosario, Jr. expressed his gratitude to the team for all the knowledge and expertise they shared that supported the mission accomplishment of WestMinCom. He also wished them well as they move to their next assignments.
 
Lt. Col. Bailey also thanked Team WestMinCom for providing them with a safe haven during their deployment in the area. He also assured that their successors will sustain the strong interoperability of the US and Philippine Forces.

WestMinCom’s Deputy Commander for Internal Defense Brig. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete, Chief of Unified Command Staff Col. Elmer Suderio, Assistant Chief of Unified Command for Civil-Military Operations Col. Wendell Basat, and Assistant Chief of Unified Command Staff for Education and Training Col. Emilito Lucero attended the ceremony.









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CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Marcos, naghirang ng sariling mga tauhan sa AFP, PNP, Comelec

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 2, 2022): Marcos, naghirang ng sariling mga tauhan sa AFP, PNP, Comelec (Marcos, appointed his own personnel to the AFP, PNP, Comelec)






May mga bagong hepe na ang Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) at Commission on Elections (Comelec). Inanunsyo nitong Agosto 1 ng Malacaรฑang ang paghirang kina Lt. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro bilang chief of staff ng AFP at Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin bilang hepe ng PNP, at George Garcia bilang Comelec Chairman.

Sa paghirang kay Azurin, tinuldukan ni Marcos ang ambisyon ni Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao na maging hepe ng pambansang pulisya. Bago nito, habang umaaktong officer-in-charge ng PNP todo-todo ang pagpakitang-gilas ni Danao kay Marcos Jr.

Nadestino noon si Azurin sa Ilocos Region, at nitong huli, ay nagsilbing kumander ng Northern Luzon Police Area na may hurisdiksyon sa mga rehiyon ng Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, at Cordillera Administrative Region. Naging kumander din siya ng Southern Luzon Police Area.

Magsisimulang manungkulan si Bacarro bilang hepe ng AFP sa Agosto 8. Nadestino rin siya sa Northern Luzon partikular sa Isabela sa Cagayan Valley Region noong 1991 at nitong huli, naging hepe ng Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM).

Si Bacarro ang pinakaunang hepe ng AFP na may pirming tatlong-taong panunungkulan batay sa Republic Act 11709. Bukod sa chief of staff, saklaw din ng batas na ito ang deputy chief of staff, mga kumander ng mga pangunahing serbisyo ng reaksyunaryong sandatahang lakas, mga kumander ng mga unified command, at ang inspector general. Pero maaaring paagahin ang kanilang serbisyo batay sa personal na kagustuhan ng Pangulo.

Si Garcia naman ay dating abugado ni President Marcos Jr. Itinalaga siya sa Comelec noong kalagitnaan ng Pebrero para pangasiwaan ang maayos umanong automative electoral system na nagresulta sa “landslide victory” ng tambalang Marcos Jr-Sara Duterte.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/marcos-naghirang-ng-sariling-mga-tauhan-sa-afp-pnp-comelec/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Tinang 83 ngayon, Bago 129 noon

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 3, 2022): Tinang 83 ngayon, Bago 129 noon (Tinang 83 now, Before 129 then)






Noong Hulyo 30, 1978, 129 magsasaka ang inaresto ng pasistang diktadurang Marcos nang bungkalin nila ang tiwangwang na lupa ng panginoong maylupa na si Angel Araneta sa Bago, Negros Occidental.

Mua sa Ang Bayan, Tomo X Bilang 17, Setyembre 15, 1978

Manggagawang bukid, ikinulong dahil sa pagtatanim sa lupa ng asendero

Mahigit 100 magsasaka sa tubuhan ang inaresto at ibinilanggo noong Hulyo 30 sa lungsod ng Bago, Negros Occidental, dahil tinamnan nila ng makakain ang isang loteng pag-aari ng malaking asendero.

Dinakip ang 129 tao sa isang pag-uusap na itinakda ng militar sa pagitan ng mga manggagawang-bukid at ni Angel Araneta, ang may-ari ng asyenda sa baryo Ma-ao, lunsod ng Bago. Sa harap ng malawak na protesta ng mamamayan, napilitan ang pasistang militar na palayain ang mga ikinulong nila.

Sa pakikipag-usap sa asendero, tumanggi ang masa na sirain ang itinanim nilang palay, saging, kamote, mais at iba pa sa 12-ektaryang lote ni Araneta.

“Naguguton kami, gusto naming magtrabaho pero wala namang trabaho. Tumigil na sa pag-aaral ang mga anak namin. Bakante naman at hindi ginagamit nag lupa,” ang katwiran ng mga manggagawa.

Anim na buwan sa isang taon na walang trabaho ang mga manggagawa sa tubuhan, habang hinihintay na gapasin ang tubo para dalhin sa asukarera. Sa panahong ito, hindi sumasahod ang mga manggagawang bukid. (Ang minimum sa tubuhan ay ₱7 lamang sa isang araw, kung ibinibigay man ang minimum. Pinakamadalas, nagtatrabaho sila sa sistemang pakyaw, kung saan mababa pang higit ang kanilang kinikita.)

Bago nila tinamnan ang lote, sinabi ng mga manggagawang bukid kay Araneta na nakahanda silang magbayad ng upa sa bakanteng loteng nasa loob ng 299-ektaryang asyenda. Balak nilang upahan ito nang isang taon at tamnan ng makakain. Ayaw pumayag ng asendero.

Nang magharap ang mga manggagawang bukid at si Araneta noong Hulyo 30, biglang pinaligiran ng mga tropang pasista ang pulong at inaresto ang masa. Kinuha rin ng walong opisyal at kasapi ng Pambansang Pederasyon ng mga Manggagawa sa Tubuhan (NFSW), kabilang ang direktor ng NFSW, si P. Edgar Saguinsin.

Maraming organisasyon ng mamamayan ang nagpahayag ng pagtutol sa pagkukulong sa mga manggagawang bukid. Kabilang sa mga ito ang Free Legal Aid Group (FLAG), sa pamumuno nina dating Senador Jose Diokno at Lozenzo M. Tanada, at Atty. Joker P. Arroyo. Sumulat sila kay Juan Ponce Enrile, ministro ni Marcos sa tanggulang pambansa, at sinabing dapat palayain ang lahat ng ibinilanggo.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/tinang-83-ngayon-bago-129-noon/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: 1969: “Small but terrible”

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 4, 2022): 1969: “Small but terrible”




Maliit man ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan nang magsimula ito noong 1969, mapangahas at mapanlikha ang mga mandirigma nito. Noong Hulyo 31 at muli noong Agosto 4, 1969, pinasabugan nito ang isang bahagi ng base militar ng US sa Clark Airbase sa Pampanga. Umabot sa 14 ang kaswalti sa hanay ng mga sundalong Amerikano.

Mula sa Ang Bayan, Vol1 No. 4, September 15, 1969

New People’s Army annihilates more US imperialists

True to its patriotic pledge to the Filipino people that it will continuously avenge the blood-debts of US imperialism, the New People’s Army attacked US airmen with explosives near (the) Balibago gate of Clark Air Base last July 31 and August 4 at 9:30 pm, and 9:00 pm respectively.

The first attack cost the U.S. imperialists four airmen casualties, two dead and two seriously wounded. The second attack was costlier with six air sergeants wiped out, four dead and two seriously wounded. Since the gun attack of July 4, the American casualty has already risen to 14, with 8 dead and 6 seriously wounded.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/1969-small-but-terrible/

Kalinaw News: Army’s 24IB and GMA KAPUSO Foundation Inc step up relief efforts for quake victims in the Province of Abra

From Kalinaw News (Aug 4, 2022): Army’s 24IB and GMA KAPUSO Foundation Inc step up relief efforts for quake victims in the Province of Abra



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 24th Infantry “Wildcat” Battalion and Civil Military Operations Regiment (CMOR) in partnership with GMA Kapuso Foundation deliver basic goods to highly affected families in Abra brought by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the province last July 27, 2022.

The GMA Kapuso Foundation brought ample relief goods to the people of Tayum and Bucay all of Abra with the assistance of 24IB, CMOR, civilian responders and other volunteers in the province.

More than six thousand individuals benefited from relief goods, hygiene kits, vitamins, slippers, and clean drinking water.
Mr. Aron Calma, production staff of GMA Kapuso Foundation Inc. said, “This help comes from those with good hearts who were used as instruments so that it can bring a good start.”

Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo GB Garcia III, Commanding Officer of 24IB added that, “Convergence among partner agencies in extending assistance did not only bring help but also hope and joy to the Abrenians”.

Meanwhile, Major General Andrew D Costelo, Commanding Officer of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division extend his gratefulness to the 24IB, CMOR, GMA Kapuso Foundation and civilian responder to the tireless effort of extending the help to the most affected victims of the recent earthquake that devastated Abra.








[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/armys-24ib-and-gma-kapuso-foundation-inc-step-up-relief-efforts-for-quake-victims-in-the-province-of-abra/

Kalinaw News: WILDCAT TROOPERS sustain relief efforts in the hinterlands of Abra

From Kalinaw News (Aug 4, 2022): WILDCAT TROOPERS sustain relief efforts in the hinterlands of Abra



FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 24th Infantry ‘Wildcat’ Battalion, Philippine Army, in collaboration with its partner agencies Department of Social Works and Development – Abra, Local Government Units, and Philippine National Police once again facilitated the hauling of relief items for the earthquake-affected families on July 30, 2022.

With the aid of Tactical Group Operations 1 and 2 of Philippine Air Force based in Laokan, Baguio City and Cauayan Isabela, the troops successfully transported Four Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty Family Food Packs (FFP) in Daguioman, Boliney, Bucloc, Lacub, Malibcong, Tubo and Luba, all of Abra utilizing the recently 5 acquired Helicopters from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Lieutenant Colonel Ricardo GB Garcia III, Commanding Officer of 24IB, believes that the collaborative effort of all government agencies and instrumentalities will result to the immediate recovery of the Abrenians from the natural disaster.

In his statement, Major General Andrew D Costelo, Commanding General of 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division assures that the troops are always ready to maximize the resources of the division to help the victims of the recent calamity.




[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/wildcat-troopers-sustain-relief-efforts-in-the-hinterlands-of-abra/

Kalinaw News: CTG Leader and his Cohort Killed, Firearms Seized in CamSur Clash

From Kalinaw News (Aug 4, 2022): CTG Leader and his Cohort Killed, Firearms Seized in CamSur Clash



Camp Elias Angeles, San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur – Two members of Communist NPA Terrorist (CTG) were killed in an armed encounter in Barangay San Vicente Norte, Iriga City in Camarines Sur at 12:30 in the afternoon, Tuesday, August 2.

According to the report, joint elements of 49th Infantry Battalion (49IB) and Iriga City Police Office responded to an information given by concerned citizens about the presence of several armed men in their Barangay.

Government forces immediately conducted joint combat operations which resulted in a brief firefight against at least five CTG members.

The new Commanding Officer of 49IB, Lt. Col. Jerome Cabigon, identified one of the two fatalities as Danilo Bodino aka Aryong/Elsie and Billy, commander of platoon BUFF, of Larangan 1, Komiteng Probinsya 5 (L1, KP5), BRPC. One M16 rifle, laptop, cellphones and assorted terroristic propaganda materials were also captured.

Meanwhile, Col. Edmundo Peralta, Commander of 902nd Infantry Brigade, highlighted that the accomplishment of their troops is a result of the continuous cooperation of the community.

On the other hand, PBGen. Mario Reyes, Regional Director of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5), lauded the troops for another successful operation which saved the local populace from possible terrorism brought by the CTG.

Moreover, MGen Alex Luna, Commander of 9th Infantry (SPEAR) Division and Joint Task Force Bicolandia (JTFB), emphasized that the Army together with the PNP will continue to strengthen the campaign against insurgency to facilitate the Bicolanos’ aspiration of genuine peace and development in the Region. He also reiterated the programs being offered by the government to all Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) members who would want to surrender.

“Tayo po ay nalulungkot dahil may buhay na naman na nasayang at pamilyang naiwan. Matagal na po nating inuulit-ulit ang mga programa ng gobyerno na naghihintay at nakalaan sainyo (CTG). Maawa na lang kayo sainyong mga sarili lalong-lalo na sainyong mga pamilya na umaasa at nangangarap din ng tahimik na buhay kasama kayo”, MGen. Luna 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/ctg-leader-and-his-cohort-killed-firearms-seized-in-camsur-clash/

NDF consultant is 27th activist cleared by court in 2022

From Rappler (Aug 4, 2022): NDF consultant is 27th activist cleared by court in 2022 (By LIAN BUAN)



'None of the cases against peace consultants have prospered so far, showing clearly how persecuting them has been a waste of time and public funds,' says the Public Interest Law Center

National Democratic Front (NDF) peace talks consultant Renante Gamara was cleared of a set of charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives, making him the 27th activist to have cases junked by courts this 2022 alone.

The Marikina Regional Trial Court Branch 193 junked one count of illegal possession of firearms and one count of illegal possession of explosives against Gamara in a decision by Judge Alice Gutierrez dated August 3, released by his lawyers at the Public Interest Law Center (PILC) on Thursday, August 4.

Gamara, a labor leader, was arrested in Cavite and detained on different but similar charges on March 20, 2019, or nine days before the search was conducted on his supposed house that yielded the Marikina charges.

Gamara cannot walk free yet because the Cavite case is still on trial.

At the time, Gamara was among the activists rearrested when former president Rodrigo Duterte terminated the peace talks with the communists.


“None of the cases against peace consultants for allegedly possessing unlicensed firearms and explosives have prospered so far, showing clearly and steadily how persecuting them has been a waste of time and public funds,” said the PILC in a statement Thursday.

The search in a house in Marikina on March 29, 2019, after he was already detained, was made on the basis of a warrant by Quezon City Executive Judge Cecilyn Burgos Villavert, notorious for issuing the search warrants that resulted in arrests and detentions.

The Supreme Court, in 2021, scrapped the power of the Quezon City and Manila executive judges to issue search warrants outside of their jurisdictions after pressure from activists and lawyers, who complained that they have enabled abuses by state agents.

For Gamara’s Marikina case, Gutierrez noted that the consultant was not even present in the house that the police officers searched and raided. The judge said an element of illegal possession is the object being under “the dominion and control” of the person.

“Aside from the fact that accused Gamara is in detention at the time the search was conducted, it was not established that he is actually a resident thereat or has been residing therein,” said Gutierrez in her decision.

The police used a testimony from a water delivery boy that a gun was seen in the house, and Gamara was a resident.

“Mere speculations and probabilities cannot substitute for proof required to establish the guilt of an accused beyond reasonable doubt,” said the judge.

Illegal possession of firearms and explosives are the usual charges against activists. In turn, activists have alleged that state agents plant evidence during their raids. It is also the reason why the Supreme Court, also in 2021, required law enforcement to wear body cameras when implementing any kind of warrant.

Gutierrez also junked the charge of illegal possession of explosives, saying that the prosecution was “unsuccessful in establishing an unbroken chain of custody of the allegedly confiscated fragmentation hand grenade, creating serious doubt as to the corpus delicti of the crime charged.”

“The dismissal of the cases proves and highlights the enormous embarrassment upon the law enforcement agencies for fabricating cases and planting evidence. Trumped-up cases do not withstand fair and rigorous trial, and should perforce cease at once,” said the PILC.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/national-democratic-front-consultant-activist-cleared-by-court-august-2022/


Supply mission to BRP Sierra Madre outpost on Ayungin Shoal goes unchallenged this time from Chinese Coast Guard

From Palawan News (Aug 4, 2022): Supply mission to BRP Sierra Madre outpost on Ayungin Shoal goes unchallenged this time from Chinese Coast Guard

Photo from Western Command Armed Forces of the Philippines facebook page

The AFP Western Command announced on Tuesday it had successfully conducted a reprovisioning mission to the BRP Sierra Madre marooned at the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

In a statement, the military command in Palawan said a civilian boat, MV Unaiza May, was able to complete its reprovisioning mission without any incident or harassment from Chinese Coast Guard ships.

“I am very pleased with the smooth conduct of our re-supply run to Ayungin Shoal. We hope that we can sustain this effort aimed at promoting harmonious relations in the West Philippine Sea among claimant countries.”
said Wescom chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos.


Last month, Washington-based think-tank Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) reported an incident of a China Coast Guard (CCG) patrol ship that tailed and blocked a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) ship going to Ayungin Shoal.

The mission was able to deliver food and clothing, as well as maintenance and repair equipment necessary to maintain the safety of the decrepit World War II era naval ship BRP Sierra Madre, which serves as the Philippine outpost in the disputed islands.


“These logistic runs cannot stop. We must ensure our continuing support to the morale and welfare of our troops. Standing watch on distant and isolated islands is one of the most difficult duties a soldier can endure. The least we can do is to ensure sustained support to their requirements,” Carlos added.

https://palawan-news.com/supply-mission-to-brp-sierra-madre-outpost-on-ayungin-shoal-goes-unchallenged-this-time-from-chinese-coast-guard/

‘Bagsik-Diwa’ members lead 2 new batches of AFP paratroopers

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): ‘Bagsik-Diwa’ members lead 2 new batches of AFP paratroopers (By Priam Nepomuceno)


Photo courtesy of Philippine Army

The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday announced that 276 officers and enlisted personnel from different services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have completed their paratrooper training with the Fort Magsaysay-based Special Forces Regiment (Airborne) [SFR(A)].

These new graduates belong to two batches of Basic Airborne Course, Jump Master Course, and Parachute Packing Course, PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement.

The graduation ceremony for the training took place at the SFR(A) headquarters in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on Tuesday.

"The majority of the newly-minted airborne troopers are part of the Philippine Military Academy 'Bagsik Diwa' Class of 2022, while others are organic personnel of SFR(A), Philippine Marine Corps, Philippine Air Force, and the Philippine Navy's Naval Special Operations Command,"
he added.


SFR(A) commander Col. Ferdinand Napuli said 38 more troopers are also set to undergo the Military Free Fall Course and Parachute Packing Skills Enhancement Training.

"The PA leadership has vowed to fully support SFR(A) and its battalions deployed in conflict-affected areas nationwide," Trinidad said. The SFR(A) is considered the most elite counter-terrorism and insurgent force in the PA.

He also added the PA is committed to providing the unit with the necessary equipment and resources to further enhance the skills and capabilities of Special Forces operators.

Meanwhile, Trinidad said the PA's 1st Brigade Combat Team (1BCT) and the Tentara Nasional Indonesia Angkatan Darat (Indonesian Army) commenced the Training Activity Brigade Combat Team 2022 (TA BCT) also on Aug. 2.

The activity took place at the 1BCT's headquarters in Fort Magsaysay.

1BCT commander Col. Leodevic B. Guinid and Col. Made Sandy Agusto of the Indonesian Army led the opening ceremony.

Agusto, commander of the 22nd Infantry Brigade, Indonesian Army and head of the Indonesian delegation, and Col. Wahyu Akhadi, Indonesia's defense attachรฉ, then made a courtesy call on Guinid shortly after.

TA BCT 2022, which is hosted by 1BCT and slated from Aug. 2 to 5, is geared at bolstering both armies’ anti-terrorism capabilities. It also aims to foster greater cooperation and camaraderie between personnel of the combined arms units of both armies.

The 1BCT is the PA's primary combined arms and rapid deployment unit composed of combat, combat support, and combat service support elements.

The PA intends to gradually activate additional BCTs in the medium-term, consistent with the prevailing and emerging threat environment.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180579

BRP Antonio Luna now docked in Pearl Harbor pays tribute to FVR

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): BRP Antonio Luna now docked in Pearl Harbor pays tribute to FVR (By Priam Nepomuceno)



IN MEMORIAM. Philippine Navy troops aboard the BRP Antonio Luna prepare to raise the Philippine flag on Aug. 1, 2022. The flag was flown at half-mast in observance of the national days of mourning from July 31 to Aug. 9, following the passing of former president Fidel V. Ramos. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Navy)

The Philippine Navy's (PN) missile frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), flew the Philippine colors at half-mast to honor former President Fidel V. Ramos who passed away last July 31 at the age of 94.

"The Philippine Flag was flown at half-mast aboard ship in honor of the late former President Fidel V. Ramos while moored at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii," Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said Wednesday night, adding that the rites took place on Aug. 1 (US time).


In Proclamation No. 33 issued on Aug. 1, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has declared July 31 to Aug. 9 as national days of mourning in honor of the former president.

The proclamation also said "the national flag shall be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset, on all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad, for a period of 10 days.”

The BRP Antonio Luna is in Hawaii for the biennial Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise which runs from June 29 to Aug. 4.

Also on Aug. 1, Naval Task Group (NTG) 80.5, the contingent aboard BRP Antonio Luna also conducted the pledge of reaffirmation of commitment and support to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

NTG 80.5 commander and BRP Antonio Luna commanding officer Capt. Charles Merric Villanueva led the Philippine contingent in a flag-raising ceremony followed by the recitation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Soldier’s Pledge.

This was followed by the reading of the message of the AFP chief's message in connection with the commemoration of the IHL with the theme “Upholding IHL as We recover from the Pandemic: Bayanihan to Reduce the Suffering in Armed Conflict Toward Advancing the Gains of Peace and Reconciliation”.

"Said activity manifested the PN's unwavering commitment to upholding the International Humanitarian Law with the RIMPAC Exercise setting an appropriate backdrop given its multilateral nature," Negranza said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180580

Troops seize guns, grenade in Occidental Mindoro clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): Troops seize guns, grenade in Occidental Mindoro clash (By Priam Nepomuceno)


Photo courtesy of 2nd Infantry Jungle Fighter Division

Government forces seized weapons from New People's Army rebels in a clash in Occidental Mindoro early Wednesday.

In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, the Philippine Army's (PA) 203rd Infantry Brigade, the mother unit of the 68th Infantry Battalion, said the encounter took place at around 4:45 a.m. in Barangay Iriron in the town of Calintaan.

After a 10-minute firefight, troops recovered two firearms, a grenade, and other war materiel.

Blood trails were also found at the encounter site, indicating that some of the rebels were wounded in the firefight.


In the same post, 203rd Infantry Brigade commander, Jose Antonio V. Villareal, said the clash stemmed from reports of the residents who suffer from the insurgents' extortion of food and other supplies and fear that they might be caught in the crossfire should an encounter take place in their locality.

He added that the NPA's scare tactics and forced recruitment of indigenous peoples or Mangyans in Mindoro to join their ranks are violations of the International Humanitarian Law.

The Communist Party of the Philippines-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 was 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/1180581

Wescom completes resupply mission for PH troops in Ayungin Shoal

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): Wescom completes resupply mission for PH troops in Ayungin Shoal (By Priam Nepomuceno)


Photo courtesy of Wescom

The Puerto Princesa, Palawan-based Western Command (Wescom) announced the successful completion of its resupply mission for troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre (LS-57) which is serving as the country's outpost at the Ayungin Shoal last Aug. 2.

"Carrying an assortment of food and clothing, as well as maintenance and repair equipment necessary to maintain the safety of the ship, the civilian boat M/V Unaiza May was able to follow its voyage plan, enter the shoal safely, freely unload its cargo, and exit the shoal without any untoward incident," the Wescom said in a Facebook post late Wednesday night.

The civilian vessel M/V Unaiza May carried supplies and materials needed by the troops aboard the BRP Sierra Madre.

“I am very pleased with the smooth conduct of our re-supply run to Ayungin Shoal. We hope that we can sustain this effort aimed at promoting harmonious relations in the West Philippine Sea among claimant countries,” Wescom chief Vice Adm. Alberto Carlos said in the same post.

He also said these resupply missions will continue to uplift the morale and welfare of Filipino troops manning the outpost.

“We must ensure our continuing support to the morale and welfare of our troops. Standing watch on distant and isolated islands is one of the most difficult duties a soldier can endure. The least we can do is to ensure sustained support to their requirements,” Carlos said.

The Wescom has significantly improved its support for the conduct of reprovisioning missions not only to BRP Sierra Madre but to all Philippine-held Islands in the West Philippine Sea.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180594

Basic services seen as tool to deter NPA recovery in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): Basic services seen as tool to deter NPA recovery in Samar (By Sarwell Meniano)



SERVICE DELIVERY. Residents of remote villages of Calbayog City, Samar avail of medical services during a caravan on August 1-2, 2022. The sustained delivery of basic services in remote communities in the city is seen as a tool to prevent the New People’s Army from recovering their previously influenced villages. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army 43rd Infantry Battalion)

The sustained delivery of basic services in remote communities of Calbayog City in Samar is seen as a tool to prevent the New People’s Army (NPA) from getting back their previously influenced villages.

After the conduct of service caravans in the upland villages of Dawo and Bayo, the Philippine Army and government agencies have lined up activities to address issues being exploited by the rebel group, according to 1st Lt. Benigno Lopez, spokesperson of the Army’s 43rd Infantry Battalion.

“The two villages have been declared as cleared but there have been recovery efforts of the NPA. It’s good that residents have been reporting to us about the presence of armed men. This prompted us to conduct service caravans,” Lopez told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday.

About 500 villagers availed of the basic services from the city government on August 1-2, addressing some of the primary and secondary issues raised by rebels in their recruitment activities, such as government negligence.


Among the services provided were free haircuts, financial assistance, free medical and dental services, agriculture services, civil registration, an information drive on land ownership, and training on basic life support and first aid.

“Our retooled community support program team will regularly visit these communities to ensure that issues are properly addressed by the government. These efforts will prevent (the) NPA from coming back to these communities,” Lopez added.

Present during the caravan were key officials and personnel of the city social welfare and development office, city health office, city disaster risk reduction and management office, city agriculture office, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police, and the military.

Dawo and Bayo are near the boundary of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar where the remaining armed NPA members are frequently sighted.

Lopez said only 13 active NPA fighters are roaming the boundaries of Lope de Vega and Calbayog City.

At least 10 platoon members surrendered to the military on July 20, significantly reducing the rebels’ strength.


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

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

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180592

BARMM solons urge Moro leaders to back PBBM call for nat’l unity

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): BARMM solons urge Moro leaders to back PBBM call for nat’l unity (By Edwin Fernandez)



The Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the provisional lawmaking body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of BTA-BARMM)

Lawmakers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) called Thursday on all Moro leaders to uphold the President’s call for national unity amid possible “threats of division” that may undermine the Mindanao peace process.

“We join the call of the new administration under the leadership of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for national unity. In the same vein, we call upon our fellow leaders in the Bangsamoro to heed the same call now,”
BARMM parliament members said in a statement.


The statement was signed by 21 Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) members crossing party lines from varying political persuasions and diverse fields of profession and endeavor.

“Our struggle as public servants is always in solidarity with the people we have been sworn to represent. The governance of the Bangsamoro carries the mandate of the many communities across several generations that have made the existence of BARMM possible,” it said.

The lawmakers' statement came as Secretary Carlito Galvez of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPPRU), urged regional leaders to keep the welfare of the Bangsamoro people in mind to achieve peace and sustainable development.

“We believe that everyone in the Bangsamoro shares the same dreams and aspirations. We, therefore, encourage them to engage in open and peaceful dialogue to resolve pressing issues,” Galvez said.

Recently, a new group called “Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Salamat Wing” has been calling for the appointment of new parliament members as they questioned how the current BARMM leaders, led by MILF chief Ahod “Murad” Ebrahim, are running the regional government.

The group claimed that the term of office of current parliament members lapsed after June 30. They argued that President Marcos should name their replacement since the BTA extension up to 2025 does not follow the extension of the term of office of its current members.

The MILF Salamat Wing has been disowned by both the MILF central committee and the son of MILF founding chair, the late Sheik Salamat Hashim.


Ebrahim said the MILF has already submitted its list of 41 nominees as BTA members and is awaiting approval from President Marcos. The other 39 members, to complete the 80-man parliament, will be recommended by OPAPPRU.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180621

PH Army Inspector General assumes top 6ID post

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): PH Army Inspector General assumes top 6ID post (By Danilo Adorador, III)



Major Gen. Roy Galido, the new Army’s 6th Infantry Division chief in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – President “Bongbong” Ferdinand Marcos Jr. designated a Philippine Army Inspector-General as the new commander for the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) based here.

Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, currently Army’s vice commander, will replace his “mistah” Maj. Gen. Roberto Capulong who will be moving to another assignment after serving as 6ID officer-in-charge for more than two months.

Both Galido and Capulong belonged to the Philippine Military Academy’s “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990.

Capulong assumed an acting capacity as 6ID commander after Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy of PMA Class ‘89 bowed out of military service on May 21.


The President named Galido as the new 6ID commander on July 22, but copies of his appointment were released to reporters on Tuesday.

Before his new assignment, Galido was the Army’s vice commander, acting chief of staff, and concurrent Army Inspector General.

Galido is no stranger to the area of operation of the 6ID, having been assigned here during the early years of his military career.

His previous assignments include being chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Systems Engineering Office; 601st Infantry Brigade (Bde) commander; anti-kidnapping Joint Task Force Tugis commander, and also battalion commander of 40th and 38th Infantry Battalions, among others.


“We are your soldiers, we are your protector, we are your partners in peace,” Galido, then a brigadier-general, said when he was named 601Bde commander under the 6ID.

The 6ID covers Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and parts of Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Sur.

No date has been set for the turnover of command ceremonies.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180623

Army troopers help bury unidentified NPA rebel

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): Army troopers help bury unidentified NPA rebel (By Edwin Fernandez)



DECENT BURIAL. Soldiers of the 37th Infantry Battalion (IB) watch as a Catholic Church lay worker blesses the coffin containing the remains of an unidentified New People’s Army rebel slain in a clash with government forces in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat on July 31, 2022. The 37IB escorted the remains of the rebel to his final resting place. (Photo courtesy of 37IB)

A military unit based in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat, has facilitated the burial of an unidentified communist rebel slain in a clash with elements of the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion (IB).

Lt. Colonel John Paul Baldomar, the 37IB commander, said Thursday that elements of another Army unit, the 57IB, clashed on July 31 with a group of New People’s Army (NPA) combatants in the village of Napnapon in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat province.

The five-minute encounter led to the death of the rebel.

Baldomar, whose unit has jurisdiction over Palimbang, said the slain NPA was abandoned by his comrades. A .30-caliber Garand rifle and ammunition were recovered from the clash site.


On Wednesday, soldiers belonging to the 37IB escorted the coffin of the unidentified NPA guerilla to his final resting place at the public cemetery in Barangay San Roque, Palimbang.

The military tried but failed to locate the slain rebels’ immediate family as nobody claimed nor provided information that could help identify him.

“When the rebels abandoned their fallen comrade, it was clear the NPA do not care for their fellow guerrillas,” Baldomar said.

“We reiterate our call for communist rebels to avail of the government peace program, so they can live peacefully with their families and loved ones,” he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180653

Filipino general dons rank on promoted US troops' head in Zambo

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): Filipino general dons rank on promoted US troops' head in Zambo (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



NEWLY PROMOTED. Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) (right), pins a rank insignia Wednesday (August 3, 2022) on Lt. Col. Paul Bailey, head of the US Special Operations Task Force 511.2 based in Zamboanga City. The US troops had been providing training and technical assistance to Filipino troops in the fight against terrorism in Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom)

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, led the donning of the rank on the newly-promoted commander of the American troops based here.

In a statement Thursday, Westmincom said the rank insignia was pinned on Lt. Col. Paul Bailey of the United States Marine Corp, the head of the US Special Operations Task Force 511.2 (SOTF-511.2) based in Camp Navarro.

The donning of the rank was held closed-door Wednesday inside the camp, which is the Westmincom headquarters, with selected Philippine and US military officials in attendance.


Rosario also awarded the Military Civic Action Medal to Bailey and the SOTF 511.2 members for meritorious achievement during their almost eight months of deployment as Westmincom-Foreign Liaison Elements.

Other awardees were Majors James Salka and Daniel Grant, Captains Michael Nerdahl and Edward Robinson, and 1st Sgt. Robert Turek, all of the U.S. Marine Corps.

The U.S. Armed Forces had been providing training and technical assistance to Filipino troops in combating terrorism in Mindanao.


In his message, Rosario thanked the SOTF 511.2 for the knowledge and expertise they shared that supported Westmincom's mission.

Meanwhile, Bailey thanked Westmincom for providing them with a haven during their deployment.

He assured that their successors will sustain the strong interoperability of the US and Philippine troops.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180617

'Whole of government' framework to continue: DILG exec

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): 'Whole of government' framework to continue: DILG exec (By Nef Luczon)



ANTI-INSURGENCY. Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (second from left) inspects the firearms surrendered by former communist rebels, which were presented at the Police Regional Office-10 headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday (Aug. 3, 2022). Abalos assures the 'whole of government' framework in tackling the communist insurgency will be retained by the current administration. (Photo courtesy of DILG - 10)

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. highlighted on Thursday the success of the “whole of government” framework in the surrender of communist rebels and other armed groups in Mindanao.

During the turnover ceremony Thursday of a water system in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon province, Abalos described as “historic” the surrender of 50 communist rebels in Northern Mindanao on Wednesday afternoon, and 100 Abu Sayyaf Group members in Sulu on July 31.

“You can't win wars by guns, you win it not only by guns but mostly by showing how the government cares,” said Abalos who embarked on a two-day visit to Northern Mindanao that started Wednesday.


He noted that projects like the water systems and bridges will connect far-flung communities to mainstream society which will provide economic prosperity and help reverse the causes of insurgencies.

Other than the surrender of the rebels, Abalos said the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will continue the “war on drugs” of former President Rodrigo Duterte with more focus on the empowerment of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils.

Integration program

On Wednesday, Abalos led the distribution of some PHP13.8-million worth of assistance and firearm remuneration to former New People’s Army rebels.

At least 183 surrendered firearms demilitarized during the ceremony inside the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) headquarters here.

Brigadier Gen. Ronaldo Cabral, PRO-10 deputy director for administration, said they are open to accepting more communist rebels including the NPA's “Milisya ng Bayan.”

“The firearms (that we are destroying) are a symbol of our misunderstanding as Filipinos. This is a symbol of violence and separation, and we will destroy and melt them to revert them to simple iron,” Cabral said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180584

Army trains NegOcc village peacekeepers to ‘monitor’ NPA presence

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 4, 2022): Army trains NegOcc village peacekeepers to ‘monitor’ NPA presence (By Nanette Guadalquiver)



TERRITORIAL DEFENSE. Lt. Col. J-Jay Javines, commander of the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion, speaks to participants of the Integrated Territorial Defense System training program in Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso town in Negros Occidental on Wednesday (Aug. 3, 2022). Some 42 peacekeeping volunteers will serve as force multipliers to prevent the CPP-NPA from re-establishing its presence in the community. (Photo courtesy of 79th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army)

Some 42 peacekeeping volunteers in the remote village of Bug-ang in Toboso, Negros Occidental were trained in Integrated Territorial Defense System (ITDS) by the Philippine Army to prevent the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) from reestablishing its presence in the community.

The trainees, including the members of barangay tanod (village security) brigade, barangay peace action teams, bantay bukid brigade, and Pakigdaet sa Kalambuan (Peace for Progress) Association, will serve as force multipliers of government security forces in the area.

1Lt. Dansan Camua, civil-military operations officer of the 79th Infantry Battalion, on Thursday said Bug-ang has been considered an NPA-affected area after a people’s organization based in the village was once influenced by armed rebels.

They were paying revolutionary taxes before, but they later rejected the presence of the CPP-NPA by declaring them persona non grata, he added.


“We will make sure to pre-empt the recovery efforts of the armed rebels in Barangay Bug-ang,” Camua said.

The ITDS training seeks to integrate the efforts and capacitate the territorial forces and the populace of the village to form an effective and proactive defense system.

It also aims to strengthen the barangay intelligence networks to monitor the presence of armed rebels and other threat groups and to insulate the residents from their influence that may undermine the peace and development of the barangay.

The two-day training held from Aug. 2 to 3, was conducted in partnership with the Barangay Council of Bug-ang and the Toboso Municipal Police Station.


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/1180665